Host influence on germination and reproduction of the facultative hemi ‐parasitic weed Rhamphicarpa fistulosa
Abstract
Rice Vampireweed, Rhamphicarpa fistulosa, was a minor parasitic weed until recently when rice cultivation in sub‐Saharan Africa was expanded into marginal wetlands, that are the parasite's natural habitat. Unlike most of the parasitic weeds, R. fistulosa is facultative, meaning that the parasite is able to complete its life cycle without a host. However, when not connected to a host plant, its biomass and seed production is lower. Because very little is known regarding the germination ecology of the parasite, the main objective of our study was to identify the cues that favour germination. We hypothesised that, ...
Source: Annals of Applied Biology - April 3, 2016 Category: Biology Authors: S. Kabiri, A. van Ast, J. Rodenburg, L. Bastiaans Tags: RESEARCH ARTICLE Source Type: research
A stochastic model for predicting the stage emergence of Plutella xylostella under field conditions
Abstract
The diamondback moth, Plutella xylostella, is a worldwide pest of brassicas, and its biology and ecology have been extensively studied over recent years. Despite the importance of mathematical models to the management of insect pests, no stochastic model has been developed to date for P. xylostella. In this context, the study aimed to develop a stochastic model capable of describing the stage emergence of P. xylostella under field conditions. The stochastic model was developed using simple nonlinear functions based on the laboratory data on development times under constant temperatures. Comparison between estimate...
Source: Annals of Applied Biology - April 3, 2016 Category: Biology Authors: C.A. Marchioro, F.S. Krechemer, C.P. Moraes, L.A. Foerster Tags: RESEARCH ARTICLE Source Type: research
Host influence on germination and reproduction of the facultative hemi‐parasitic weed Rhamphicarpa fistulosa
Abstract
Rice Vampireweed, Rhamphicarpa fistulosa, was a minor parasitic weed until recently when rice cultivation in sub‐Saharan Africa was expanded into marginal wetlands, that are the parasite's natural habitat. Unlike most of the parasitic weeds, R. fistulosa is facultative, meaning that the parasite is able to complete its life cycle without a host. However, when not connected to a host plant, its biomass and seed production is lower. Because very little is known regarding the germination ecology of the parasite, the main objective of our study was to identify the cues that favour germination. We hypothesised that, ...
Source: Annals of Applied Biology - April 3, 2016 Category: Biology Authors: S. Kabiri, A. Ast, J. Rodenburg, L. Bastiaans Tags: RESEARCH ARTICLE Source Type: research
Transmission of ‘Candidatus Phytoplasma solani’ by Reptalus quinquecostatus (Hemiptera: Cixiidae)
Abstract
Transmission trials were carried out using Reptalus quinquecostatus (Cixiidae), a potential vector of ‘Candidatus Phytoplasma solani’ (‘Ca. P. solani’), to assess its ability to inoculate the phytoplasma to periwinkle (Catharanthus roseus), grapevine (Vitis vinifera), lavandin (Lavandula × intermedia) and tobacco (Nicotiana tabacum). Detection, genotyping and comparison of ‘Ca. P. solani’ strains carried by R. quinquecostatus showed that R. quinquecostatus carried a higher diversity of ‘Ca. P. solani’ than Hyalesthes obsoletus, major known vector of ‘Ca. P. solani’ strains. Molecular analy...
Source: Annals of Applied Biology - March 31, 2016 Category: Biology Authors: J. Chuche, J.‐L. Danet, P. Salar, X. Foissac, D. Thiéry Tags: RESEARCH ARTICLE Source Type: research
Cyclone‐based spore trapping, quantitative real‐time polymerase chain reaction and high resolution melting analysis for monitoring airborne inoculum of Magnaporthe oryzae
ABSTRACT
Rice blast, caused by Magnaporthe oryzae, is one of the most devastating diseases in rice worldwide. We aimed to develop an integrated approach for convenient collection, quantification and characterisation of M. oryzae spores (airborne inoculum) in the field. We developed an easy‐to‐use cyclone‐based spore trap (the AirSampler) and a standard procedure for handling a small amount of airborne spores. Using a specific primer pair or a probe designed for the single‐copy gene mif23, SYBR Green and TaqMan assays could quantify 10 and 4 copy numbers, respectively, of M. oryzae DNA. During 2012 and 2013, the Air...
Source: Annals of Applied Biology - March 16, 2016 Category: Biology Authors: C.‐M. Huang, D.‐J. Liao, H.‐S. Wu, W.‐C. Shen, C.‐L. Chung Tags: RESEARCH ARTICLE Source Type: research
