Showing papers by "CABI published in 2007"

Ecological and socioeconomic impacts of invasive alien species in island ecosystems.

Abstract: Minimizing the impact of invasive alien species (IAS) on islands and elsewhere requires researchers to provide cogent information on the environmental and socioeconomic consequences of IAS to the public and policy makers. Unfortunately, this information has not been readily available owing to a paucity of scientific research and the failure of the scientific community to make their findings readily available to decision makers. This review explores the vulnerability of islands to biological invasion, reports on environmental and socioeconomic impacts of IAS on islands and provides guidance and information on technical resources that can help minimize the effects of IAS in island ecosystems. This assessment is intended to provide a holistic perspective on island-IAS dynamics, enable biologists and social scientists to identify information gaps that warrant further research and serve as a primer for policy makers seeking to minimize the impact of IAS on island systems. Case studies have been selected to reflect the most scientifically-reliable information on the impacts of IAS on islands. Sufficient evidence has emerged to conclude that IAS are the most significant drivers of population declines and species extinctions in island ecosystems worldwide. Clearly, IAS can also have significant socioeconomic impacts directly (for example human health) and indirectly through their effects on ecosystem goods and services. These impacts are manifest at all ecological levels and affect the poorest, as well as richest, island nations. The measures needed to prevent and minimize the impacts of IAS on island ecosystems are generally known. However, many island nations and territories lack the scientific and technical information, infrastructure and human and financial resources necessary to adequately address the problems caused by IAS. Because every nation is an exporter and importer of goods and services, every nation is also a facilitator and victim of the invasion of alien species. Wealthy nations therefore need to help raise the capacity of island nations and territories to minimize the spread and impact of IAS.

Global diversity and distribution of macrofungi

Abstract: Data on macrofungal diversity and distribution patterns were compiled for major geographical regions of the world. Macrofungi are defined here to include ascomycetes and basidiomycetes with large, easily observed spore-bearing structures that form above or below ground. Each coauthor either provided data on a particular taxonomic group of macrofungi or information on the macrofungi of a specific geographic area. We then employed a meta-analysis to investigate species overlaps between areas, levels of endemism, centers of diversity, and estimated percent of species known for each taxonomic group for each geographic area and for the combined macrofungal data set. Thus, the study provides both a meta-analysis of current data and a gap assessment to help identify research needs. In all, 21,679 names of macrofungi were compiled. The percentage of unique names for each region ranged from 37% for temperate Asia to 72% for Australasia. Approximately 35,000 macrofungal species were estimated to be “unknown” by the contributing authors. This would give an estimated total of 56,679 macrofungi. Our compiled species list does not include data from most of S.E. Europe, Africa, western Asia, or tropical eastern Asia. Even so, combining our list of names with the estimates from contributing authors is in line with our calculated estimate of between 53,000 and 110,000 macrofungal species derived using plant/macrofungal species ratio data. The estimates developed in this study are consistent with a hypothesis of high overall fungal species diversity.

Linking climate change and species invasion: an illustration using insect herbivores

Abstract: Climate change and invasive species are two of the most important ecological issues facing the world today. Yet, to date these two factors have largely been viewed independently. In order to prevent large-scale economic and environmental damage and as a first step towards predicting and preventing invasions, it is important to understand the factors affecting invasions. Here, we focus on insect herbivores and link the climate change and invasive research fields. We illustrate using existing published research that life history traits can be useful indicators of future invasive potential. However, climate change will also affect propagule pressure and the communities into which invaders will arrive. With the aid of a meta-analysis we show that climate-induced community changes are likely to increase niche-availability in the future, further exacerbating the problem of invasive species. It is timely and important that further research linking these two important ecological threats is undertaken.

Parasitoids, predators and PCR : the use of diagnostic molecular markers in biological control of Arthropods

Abstract: The polymerase chain reaction (PCR) revolutionized the field of diagnostics, and today it has routine applications in medical, veterinary, forensic and botanical sciences. The fields of biological control and insect pest management have generally been slow to adopt PCR-based diagnostics in comparison with other fields of science. However, there has been increasing interest in the use of molecular diagnostic tools in arthropod biological control. In applied entomology, molecular techniques have generally been used for insect identification and systematics; however, PCR-based techniques are increasingly becoming recognized as valuable tools in ecological studies. Here, we review research that has used PCR-based techniques for parasitoid and predator/prey identification and detection, and place these studies in the context of their contributions to biological control of arthropods. The status and future directions of diagnostic molecular markers in applied entomology and insect pest management are also discussed.

How can alien species inventories and interception data help us prevent insect invasions

Abstract: Information relevant to invasion processes and invasive alien insect species management in Central Europe was extracted from two databases: a compilation of two inventories of alien insects in Austria and Switzerland, and a list of interceptions of non-indigenous plant pests in Europe gathered by the European and Mediterranean Plant Protection Organisation (EPPO) for the period 1995-2004. For one-third of the insects established in Switzerland and Austria, the region of origin is unclear. Others come mainly from North America, Asia and the Mediterranean region. Among the intercepted insects, 40% were associated with commodities from Asia, 32% from Europe and only 2% from North America. Sternorrhyncha, Coleoptera and Psocoptera were particularly well represented in the alien fauna compared to the native fauna. In the interception database, Sternorrhyncha were also well represented but Diptera accounted for the highest number of records. Sap feeders and detritivores were the dominant feeding niches in the alien insect fauna. In contrast, external defoliators, stem borers, gall makers, root feeders, predators and parasitoids were underrepresented. Nearly 40% of the alien insects in Switzerland and Austria live only indoors. Another 15% live outdoors but exclusively or predominantly on exotic plants. Less than 20% are found mainly in 'natural' environments. The majority of introductions of alien insects in Europe are associated with the international trade in ornamental plants. An economic impact was found for 40% of the alien insects in Switzerland and Austria, whereas none is known to have an ecological impact. The implications of these observations for further studies and the management of alien species in Europe are discussed.

Research on Parasitoids and Predators of Scolytidae – A Review

Abstract: Scolytidae are major forest pests in Europe. For example, Ips typographus (L.) is considered the main pest problem in forestry in many central and northern European countries. Consequently, there is a long tradition of forest entomology studying various aspects of bark beetle ecology, including their natural enemy complexes, with a view to developing control methods. In recent years, the need for the development of sustainable pest management methods, taking into account the whole forest ecosystem, has enhanced the interest in natural mortality factors. Mills (1983) provided an extensive review of the natural enemies of conifer feeding bark beetles in Europe. In contrast, natural enemies of broadleaf-feeding species have never been reviewed. Furthermore, much research has been carried out in the last 20 years, in particular in fields such as host/prey location or tritrophic interactions. Other noteworthy reviews include two books by Hedqvist (1963; 1998) on chalcid and braconid parasitoids of Scolytidae in Sweden, and a publication by Nuorteva (1957) on parasitoids of bark beetles in Finland. Data are also available in general parasitoid and predator catalogues such as Thompson (1943), Herting (1973), and Noyes (2001), although these often repeat errors contained in primary publications. This review will focus primarily on parasitoids and predators of bark beetle species considered to be pests of living trees in Europe, although it may also consider relevant research in other continents. A list of these European species is given in chapter 1. Pathogens of scolytids are reviewed in another chapter (Wegensteiner, chapter 12).

Effects of inoculum potential, shading and soil temperature on root infection of oil palm seedlings by the basal stem rot pathogen Ganoderma boninense

Abstract: Ganoderma boninense causes severe losses to oil palm in South East Asia. The disease typically manifests itself as basal stem rot, but there remains controversy over the route of infection and source of inoculum. Using isolates differing in aggressiveness, infection via roots was confirmed; it was also shown that large inoculum provided as Ganoderma-infested palm- or rubber-wood blocks (12 × 6 × 6 cm) is necessary for soil infection of seedlings after 6–8 months. Smaller blocks (3 × 3 × 3 cm) produced rapid (≤ 3 months) infection of roots and lower stem when physically attached to roots. Therefore fragmentation of infested palm wood from a felled, mature plantation before subsequent replanting may provide inoculum. Failure of G. boninense to grow through non-sterile soil or organic debris from frond bases, suggests it is a poor competitor and that roots must contact inoculum directly. Severe disease occurred after 8 months on inoculated seedlings under shade, but not on seedlings exposed to sun. Soil temperatures in sunlight frequently rose above 40°C and reached 45°C, whereas in shade they never exceeded 32°C. Ganoderma boninense is probably inhibited in exposed soil since optimal growth in vitro was 25–30°C, and there was no recovery from 45°C. Soil temperature may explain why symptoms often first appear in mature plantations when canopy formation creates shade. Infection is not peculiar to senescing palms but can occur throughout the growth cycle.

Discrimination of Eubazus (Hymenoptera, Braconidae) sibling species using geometric morphometrics analysis of wing venation

Abstract: Complexes of sibling and cryptic species are encountered frequently in parasitic Hymenoptera. Geometric morphometrics is a useful tool to detect minimal morphological variations, which often are undetectable by traditional morphological studies and even by classical morphometric approaches. We applied geometric morphometrics to wing venation to assess a complex case of sibling species in the genus Eubazus (Hymenoptera, Braconidae), parasitoids of conifer bark weevils of the genus Pissodes (Coleoptera, Curculionidae). The results and methods were compared with previous taxonomic studies on the same species, involving classical multivariate morphometrics, isoenzyme analyses, cross-mating experiments and biological observations. Geometric morphometrics confirmed the previous division into four distinct species. However, this approach enabled the four species to be separated simultaneously, with a reliability of 98.6% for well-classified females and 93.1% for males. A similar result in previous studies was obtained only by combining isoenzyme analyses and several canonical variate analyses, including many morphometric characters. Furthermore, measurements of wing venation were less time-consuming, more reliable and required less prior knowledge of braconid taxonomy than the measurements needed for the classical morphometrics methods. Geometric morphometrics was used also to test the effect of host species on wing shape. Several female populations of Eubazus semirugosus originating from three different Pissodes spp. were compared. Significant differences were found in wing shape between conspecific Eubazus from different host species. The results are discussed in relation to reproductive isolation and genetic flow between the four species.

Summer drought alters plant-mediated competition between foliar- and root-feeding insects

Abstract: Summer droughts are predicted to increase in severity and frequency in the United Kingdom, due to climate change. Few studies have addressed the impacts of drought on interactions between species, and the majority have focussed on increases in CO2 concentration and changes in temperature. Here, the effect of experimental summer drought on the strength of the plant-mediated interaction between leaf-mining Stephensia brunnichella larvae and root-chewing Agriotes larvae was investigated. Agriotes larvae reduced the abundance and performance of S. brunnichella feeding on a mutual host plant, Clinopodium vulgare, as well as the rate of parasitism of the leaf-miner. The interaction did not, however, occur on plants subjected to a severe drought treatment, which were reduced in size. Changes to summer rainfall, due to climate change, may therefore reduce the occurrence of plant-mediated interactions between insect herbivores.

Characterization of the Xanthomonas sp. causing wilt of enset and banana and its proposed reclassification as a strain of X. vasicola

Abstract: Comparative analyses were undertaken to characterize Xanthomonas campestris pv musacearum, the causal agent of a wilt of enset and banana, and to assess its relatedness to other xanthomonads by fatty acid methyl esters, genomic fingerprinting using rep-PCR and partial nucleotide sequencing of the gyrase B gene The results from all three analyses indicated that strains of X campestris pv musacearum are homogeneous and very similar to X vasicola strains isolated from sugarcane and maize from Africa Pathogenicity studies indicated that strains of X vasicola pv holcicola and X vasicola from sugarcane induced no symptoms on banana, whereas X campestris pv musacearum produced severe disease These data will support a future proposed reclassification of X campestris pv musacearum as X vasicola pv musacearum when more data are available

Roles of stolbur phytoplasma and Reptalus panzeri (Cixiinae, Auchenorrhyncha) in the epidemiology of Maize redness in Serbia

Abstract: Maize redness (MR), a disease causing midrib, leaf and stalk reddening and abnormal ear development in maize, has been reported from Serbia, Romania and Bulgaria for 50 years. Recent epiphytotics reduced yields by 40%–90% in southern Banat, Serbia. MR was recently associated with the presence of the stolbur phytoplasma, although the epidemiology of the disease remained unknown. Diseased fields in southern Banat were surveyed for potential vectors of the phytoplasma during 2005 and 2006, and high populations of Reptalus panzeri were found. In affected fields, 20% of the R. panzeri individuals and 85% of symptomatic maize plants carried the stolbur phytoplasma. When stolbur phytoplasma-infected R. panzeri were introduced into insect-free mesh cages containing healthy maize plants, midrib and leaf reddening developed on 48% of plants and stolbur phytoplasma was detected in 90% of the symptomatic plants. No symptoms or phytoplasma-positive plants were found in cages without insects. These data indicate that MR symptoms are associated with the stolbur phytoplasma. Reptalus panzeri is both abundant in affected fields and can transmit the stolbur phytoplasma, indicating the insect is likely to be a major vector of MR.

Presence of banana bacterial wilt (Xanthomonas campestris pv. musacearum) in Rwanda

Abstract: In September 2005, visits were made to five sites within the Gisenyi province in northern Rwanda to investigate reports of a damaging banana disease affecting brewing, dessert and cooking varieties. Symptoms included progressive yellowing and wilting of leaves, shrivelling of male buds, premature ripening and internal discoloration of fruits plus characteristic yellow ooze from the vascular tissue of cut pseudostems. These symptoms resembled those of banana bacterial wilt (BBW) caused by Xanthomonas campestris pv. musacearum (Xcm). A yellow-pigmented bacterium was consistently isolated on yeast extract dextrose calcium carbonate agar from the internal tissues of flower stalks. Four isolates were identified as Xanthomonas campestris by fatty acid (Microbial ID Inc. [MIDI]) and metabolic (Biolog, Inc) analyses [ID probability score approx. 0·9]. Molecular studies using rep-PCR (Louws et al ., 1994) with ERIC and BOX primers confirmed that isolates had an identical DNA fingerprint to other Xcm isolates from Musa spp. in Ethiopia, Uganda and the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and ensete (Ensete ventricosum) from Ethiopia. Pathogenicity was confirmed by injecting bacterial suspensions of isolate (IMI 393 640) into the stems of six young banana plants. Typical wilt symptoms were observed after three weeks. Bacteria were re-isolated from plants with symptoms and their identity confirmed by rep-PCR analysis. Xcm was first described from Ethiopia in the 1960s, infecting ensete and cultivated banana (Yirgou and Bradbury, 1968) but was only recently confirmed infecting bananas in Uganda and the DRC (Tushemereirwe et al ., 2004; Ndungo et al ., 2006). In Gisenyi province, banana is extensively cultivated in the highland plateaux. The wilt disease has been reported from three districts (Cyanzarwe, Gisenyi, Kanama), though it may have spread more widely. Local farmers report that wilt symptoms were first seen around 2002-2003. The disease may have spread from the DRC when Congolese people fled to Ruhengeri and Gisenyi provinces following the eruption of Mount Nyiragongo in January 2002. There is a regular interchange of people and goods across the Rwanda-DRC border and the first confirmed outbreak of Xcm in the DRC was in Masisi region (Lacs Mokotos), which is close to Gisenyi. This is the first report of BBW in Rwanda and poses a serious threat to banana production, endangering the livelihoods of banana growing households throughout the country. Ethiopian and Ugandan isolates and isolate (IMI 393 640) are held in the CABI Genetic Resource Collection. (Author's abstract).

Natural enemies of cerambycidae and buprestidae infesting living trees

Abstract: Several species of Cerambycidae are known to attack living trees in Europe. Conifers are attacked by Tetropium castaneum L., T. fuscum F., T. gabrieli Weise, Arhopalus rusticus (L.), Monochamus galloprovincialis (Olivier), M. sartor (F.) and M. sutor (L.). Broadleaved trees are damaged by Saperda populnea (L.), S. carcharias (L.), Lamia textor (L.), Cerambyx cerdo L. and C. velutinus Brulle. Among Buprestidae, the following European species are associated with living trees: Agrilus angustulus (Illiger), A. biguttatus (F.) (= pannonicus Piller and Mitterpacher), A. populneus Schaeffer (= suvorovi Obenberger), A. viridis (L.), Coraebus florentinus (Herbst), Coraebus undatus (F.), and Melanophila picta Pallas on broad-leave trees, and Phaenops cyanea (F.) on conifers. Although many studies have investigated various aspects of the biology, ecology, damage and control of these insects, the information on their natural enemies is surprisingly limited. Hardly anything is known of their associated pathogens and nematodes, and knowledge of predators is usually limited to nonquantified observations. Parasitoids have received more attention, particularly in a few target host species, e.g. Tetropium spp., Saperda spp. and A. viridis. However, most of these studies are old, often incomplete, and confined to a limited geographic area. Other species (e.g. Monochamus spp, L. textor, Cerambyx spp., C. undatus, M. picta, A. angustulus), have never been the target of specific studies. In most cases, information on parasitoids is restricted to unreliable host-parasitoid records in catalogues or taxonomic books. Tables 1-3 list most species mentioned as parasitoids in the literature in Europe. A preliminary sorting has been made in the tables to separate dubious records from reliable data, but this list probably still contains numerous errors.

Economic impact of Turnip mosaic virus, Cauliflower mosaic virus and Beet mosaic virus in three Kenyan vegetables

Abstract: Screenhouse experiments conducted in Kenya showed that inoculation of cabbage seedlings with Turnip mosaic virus (TuMV), either alone, or in combination with Cauliflower mosaic virus (CaMV), reduced the number and weight of marketable harvested heads When viruses were inoculated simultaneously, 25% of cabbage heads were non-marketable, representing 20-fold loss compared with control By contrast, inoculation with CaMV alone had insignificant effects on cabbage yield This suggests that TuMV is the more detrimental of these pathogens, and its management should be a priority Early exposure to TuMV produced cabbages that were 50% lighter than non-infected plants, but later infection was less damaging suggesting that controlling virus infection at the seedling stage is more important TuMV was far less damaging to kale than it was to cabbage; although high proportions of TuMV-inoculated kale plants showed symptoms (> 90%), the marketability and quality of leaves were not significantly reduced, and no clear relationship existed between timing of infection and subsequent crop losses Early inoculation of Swiss chard with Beet mosaic virus (BtMV) significantly impaired leaf quality (similar to 50% reduction in marketable leaf production), but the impact of disease was greatest in plants that had been inoculated at maturity, where average leaf losses were two and a half times those recorded in virus-free plants Disease-management of BtMV in Swiss chard is important, therefore, not only at the seedling stage, but particularly when plants are transplanted from nursery to field

No difference in competitive ability between invasive North American and native European Lepidium draba populations

Abstract: The evolution of increased competitive ability (EICA) hypothesis states that plants introduced into a new range experience reduced herbivory, which in turn results in a shift in resource allocation from herbivore defense to growth. If genotypes of an invasive plant species from its native and introduced ranges are grown under common conditions, introduced genotypes are expected to grow more vigorously than conspecific native genotypes. We tested predictions of the EICA hypothesis with the invasive species Lepidium draba by comparing the growth of genotypes from its native European and introduced western US ranges under common conditions. To test potential differences in competitive ability, we grew L. draba from both continents with either Festuca idahoensis, a weak competitor native to North America, or Festuca ovina, a strong competitor native to Europe. Contrary to EICA predictions, there were no differences in the performance of native and introduced L. draba, independent of whether plants were grown with F. idahoensis, F. ovina, or alone. The strong competitor, F. ovina impaired the growth of L. draba more than the weak competitor F. idahoensis and conversely, F. idahoensis was generally more impaired by L. draba than was F. ovina. While the native F. idahoensis was equally affected by L. draba regardless of range, F. ovina was not: US L. draba had a stronger negative effect on F. ovina growth than European L. draba. Our data suggest that the EICA hypothesis is not suitable to explain the invasion success of L. draba in the US. Instead, the greater competitive effect of L. draba on the North American F. idahoensis and the asymmetric competitive effect of L draba from different origins on F. ovina may indicate superior competitive ability for resources, or the presence of allelopathic traits in L. draba, to which plant species in non-native ranges are maladapted.

Assessment of establishment and persistence of entomopathogenic nematodes for biological control of western corn rootworm

Abstract: The use of entomopathogenic nematodes (EPN) is potentially one ecological approach to control the invasive alien western corn rootworm (Diabrotica virgifera virgifera LeConte, Col., Chrysomelidae) in Europe. This study investigated the establishment and the short- and long-term persistence of Heterorhabditis bacteriophora Poinar (Rhabditida: Heterorhabditidae), Heterorhabditis megidis Poinar, Jackson and Klein (Rh., Heterorhabditidae) and Steinernema feltiae Filipjev (Rh., Steinernematidae) in three maize fields in southern Hungary, using the insect-baiting technique. All three EPN species equally established and persisted in maize fields. The timing of application (April or June) did not influence the establishment of EPN species. EPNs persisted for 2-5 months, i.e. they survived up to and throughout D. v. virgifera larval occurrence in the soil. Results demonstrate that D. v. virgifera larvae can potentially be controlled by EPNs during the same year of EPN application but no long-term control effect is expected under intensive maize cultivation practices.

Spatial clustering of Diabrotica virgifera virgifera and Agriotes ustulatus in small‐scale maize fields without topographic relief drift

Abstract: The soil-living larvae of Diabrotica virgifera virgifera LeConte (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae) and Agriotes ustulatus Schaller (Coleoptera: Elateridae) can cause economic damage to maize roots, Zea mays L. (Poaceae). This study investigated the spatial clustering of both pests in four small-scale maize fields in southern Hungary, where clustering had been observed but not expected due to the lack of topographic relief drifts and soil structuring. Between 2000 and 2002, numbers of D. v. virgifera larvae and adults and of A. ustulatus larvae were determined at four randomly chosen georeferenced maize plants in each of 24 plots per field. Soil moisture, soil bulk density, and vegetational characteristics were assessed. Moran’s I test for spatial autocorrelations, semivariogram analyses, and interpolated mapping revealed that D. v. virgifera larvae and adults were spatially clustered in 67 and 50% of cases, respectively. Larvae of A. ustulatus were clustered in 75% of cases. Diabrotica virgifera virgifera larval distributions were mainly determined by increasing weed density (negative correlation), in particular with high densities of Cirsium arvense (L.) (Asteraceae), as well as by increasing soil moisture (negative correlation). Adult distributions of D. v. virgifera were mainly determined by the density distribution of flowering maize. They were moreover correlated with larval distribution and with the adult distribution of the previous year. The density distributions of male adults differed from those of females. Female density was additionally correlated with higher soil moisture and Poaceae density, e.g., with Sorghum halepense (L.) Pers. No relation was found between the larvae of A. ustulatus and D. v. virgifera . Agriotes ustulatus larval distributions were mainly determined by vegetational cover (correlation with less cover). Conclusively, male and female D. v. virgifera adults, larvae of D. v. virgifera , and larvae of A. ustulatus will display different spatial clustering even within ostensibly homogeneous habitats of flat small-scale maize fields.

Interaction of specialist root and shoot herbivores of Alliaria petiolata and their impact on plant performance and reproduction.

Abstract: 1. This study explored interactions of two spatially and temporally separated weevils and their impact on Alliaria petiolata (garlic mustard) survival, growth, and reproduction at different herbivore densities. 2. The root-mining weevil Ceutorhynchus scrobicollis attacks A. petiolata rosettes from October to April, and larvae complete development in May. The shoot-mining weevil Ceutorhynchus alliariae attacks bolting plants in April/May with larvae completing development in June–July. Priority effects were expected, with early attack of C. scrobicollis affecting the later attacking C. alliariae, mediated through changes in plant growth or chemistry. 3. Attack by C. scrobicollis significantly increased plant mortality and changed plant architecture, while C. alliariae only significantly reduced plant height. Attack by C. scrobicollis also increased nitrogen content of stems. 4. Root feeding by C. scrobicollis affected the feeding niche of C. alliariae, but increased stem nitrogen content did not result in increased stem miner survival. While reduced height and stem diameters as a result of C. scrobicollis attack reduced C. alliariae attack at the stem level, attack at plant level and recruitment was unaffected. 5. Weevil density had no effect on plant performance, most likely due to strong intraspecific competition, and there were no synergistic effects between the two herbivores. 6. Overall, attack by C. scrobicollis was more detrimental to A. petiolata growth, seed output, and survival than attack by C. alliariae. Consequently, C. scrobicollis has been prioritised as a potential biocontrol agent for control of A. petiolata in North America.

Streptomyces vietnamensis sp. nov., a streptomycete with violet-blue diffusible pigment isolated from soil in Vietnam

Abstract: An actinomycete, designated strain GIMV4.0001T, was isolated from a forest soil sample in Vietnam. It produced white aerial mycelium and violet–blue diffusible pigment on Gause's synthetic agar. The substrate mycelium colour was not sensitive to pH. Micoscopic observations revealed that strain GIMV4.0001T produced long, straight chains of cylindrical spores, and chemotaxonomic data confirmed that it belongs to the genus Streptomyces. Melanin was produced, but no antibacterial activity was evident against Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Bacillus subtilis, Candida albicans or Penicillium citrinum. Analysis of the 16S rRNA gene sequence of strain GIMV4.0001T revealed that the highest similarity (99.4 %) was to Streptomyces bikiniensis ATCC 11062T. However, the DNA–DNA relatedness between strain GIMV4.0001T and S. bikiniensis ATCC 11062T was found to be 50.3 %. Strain GIMV4.0001T could also be differentiated from S. bikiniensis ATCC 11062T and other Streptomyces species showing high 16S rRNA gene sequence similarity (98–99 %) based on morphological, physiological and biochemical characteristics. On the basis of its physiological and molecular properties, it is evident that strain GIMV4.0001T represents a novel species of the genus Streptomyces, for which the name Streptomyces vietnamensis sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is GIMV4.0001T (=CCTCC M 205143T=IAM 15340T).

A review of the species of Mesopolobus (Chalcidoidea: Pteromalidae) associated with Ceutorhynchus (Coleoptera: Curculionidae) host-species of European origin.

Abstract: Four species of Mesopolobus Westwood were reared as parasitoids of Ceutorhynchinae hosts in Europe during surveys in 2000–2004. An illustrated key is given to differentiate the four species, M. gemellus Baur & Muller sp. n., M. incultus (Walker), M. morys (Walker) and M. trasullus (Walker), plus M. moryoides Gibson, a parasitoid of the cabbage seedpod weevil, Ceutorhynchus obstrictus (Marsham), in North America. Pteromalus clavicornis Walker is recognized as a junior synonym of M. incultus syn. n., and Pteromalus berecynthos Walker (also a junior synonym of M. incultus) is considered a correct original spelling. For

Variations in parasitism in sympatric populations of three invasive leaf miners

Abstract: Parasitism was investigated in sympatric populations of three invasive gracillariid leaf miners in Europe, Cameraria ohridella, Phyllonorycter robiniella and Phyllonorycter platani to test the hypotheses that C. ohridella is less heavily parasitized by native parasitoids and attacked by fewer species than the two other invasive species. In all regions investigated, C. ohridella showed a lower parasitism rate, and its parasitoid complex was poorer in species than those of either Phyllonorycter spp. Comparisons were made between sympatric populations of C. ohridella on its main host tree, Aesculus hippocastanum, and an occasional host, Acer pseudoplatanus. Parasitism rates were similarly low and composed of the same parasitoid species on both trees. In contrast, a sympatric population of Phyllonorycter geniculella, a native species mining A. pseudoplatanus, was heavily parasitized by a totally different parasitoid complex. These results suggest that the low parasitism in C. ohridella by native polyphagous leaf miner parasitoids is due neither to its host tree, nor to a problem of synchronization between the phenology of the pest and that of its parasitoids. Instead, it probably results from the inability of the native parasitoids to locate, attack, or develop on a new host that does not have any native congener in Europe.

Primary coffee processing in Ethiopia: patterns, constraints and determinants.

Abstract: Quality is the most important parameter in the World coffee trade. The quality of coffee is determined by 40% in the field, 40% at post harvest primary processing, and 20% at secondary processing. This underscores the importance of primary processing in enhancing the quality and value of coffee. The purpose of this study was to examine coffee processing methods, evaluate constraints to processing and assess socio-economic factors determining the type of processing method used by small scale farmers. Four hundred farmers were interviewed from the main coffee growing areas. The survey revealed that the methods of coffee processing in Ethiopia are sun-drying of unpulped cherries and wet processing, of which sun-drying is preferred by farmers. Washed coffee accounts for 29% while sundried accounts for 71% of all processed coffee. Education level (p<0.01), area under coffee (p=0.02), distance to the nearest coffee washing station (p=0.01) and age of the farmer (p=0.04) significantly determine the type of processing method used. Farmers with higher education level and large land area under coffee prefer wet processing. Relatively less educated, old and farmers located far away from the coffee washing stations use sun-dried processing. The key constraints to coffee processing are lack of coffee processing facilities, high costs of materials for constructing the raised drying beds, limited technical know-how and long distance to the few processing facilities. Coffee processing can be improved through investment by provision of financial resources to purchase the requisite equipment and training so that the necessary technical, financial and commercial capability would be created for the sustainable management of the coffee processing facilities.