Asian Subspecies Research Articles

A natural intra‐specific hybridization between populations of B. mucronatus with European and East Asian genotypes, in pine forests

AbstractBursaphelenchus mucronatus Mamiya & Enda, 1979 is a wood nematode widely distributed over Palearctic coniferous forests. It has two subspecies, that is, B. mucronatus mucronatus and B. mucronatus kolymensis, which present molecularly different East Asian and European genotypes, respectively. The European subspecies is found mainly in Europe and Siberia, while the East Asian subspecies occupies mostly Eastern regions of Asia. However, local isolates of both subspecies have been occasionally reported from various localities in Europe and Asia. Our field isolation and molecular (DNA ITS‐RFLP) identification of 21 recently collected populations of B. mucronatus revealed only 4 isolates representing clearly East Asian or European genotypes, while the remaining 17 isolates showed intermediate genotypes with electrophoretic band characters of both the above types. Further individual crossbreeding, in vitro, of nematodes representing European, East Asian, and intermediate genotypes provided experimental evidence for the process of intraspecific hybridization between both subspecies, spontaneously taking place in the forest. Such a widening of the B. mucronatus genetic variation may have its effect on a range of reported in the literature direct interactions between this native, nonpathogenic nematode species and the genetically similar, causative agent of the pine wilt disease B. xylophilus which can colonize the same host trees, use the same insect vectors, compete, and crossbreed inter‐specifically.

Museum genomics approach to study the taxonomy and evolution of Woolly-necked storks using historic specimens.

The accessibility of genomic tools in evolutionary biology has allowed for a thorough exploration of various evolutionary processes associated with adaptation and speciation. However, genomic studies in natural systems present numerous challenges, reflecting the inherent complexities of studying organisms in their native habitats. The utilization of museum specimens for genomics research has received increased attention in recent times, facilitated by advancements in ancient DNA techniques. In this study, we have utilized a museum genomics approach to analyze historic specimens of Woolly-necked storks (Ciconia spp.) and examine their genetic composition and taxonomic status and explore the evolutionary and adaptive trajectories of populations over the years. The Woolly-necked storks are distributed in Asia and Africa with a taxonomic classification that has been a matter of ambiguity. Asian and African Woollynecks were recently recognized as different species based on their morphological differences; however, their genomic validation was lacking. In this study, we have used ∼70-year-old museum samples for whole-genome population-scale sequencing. Our study has revealed that Asian and African Woollynecks are genetically distinct, consistent with the current taxonomic classification based on morphological features. However, we also found a high genetic divergence between the Asian subspecies Ciconia episcopus neglecta and Ciconia episcopus episcopus, suggesting this classification requires a detailed examination to explore processes of ongoing speciation. Because taxonomic classification directly impacts conservation efforts, and there is evidence of declining populations of Asian Woollynecks in Southeast Asia, our results highlight that population-scale studies are urgent to determine the genetic, ecological, and phylogenetic diversity of these birds.

Demography as a confounding factor to explain highly diverged loci between cultivated and wild rice

AbstractThe domestication of rice increases the divergence between cultivated rice and its wild progenitor because of artificial selection. However, it remains unknown whether highly diverged loci in rice can be explained by neutral demographic scenarios alone. In this study, we genotyped 45 InDels (insertion/deletion) in two subspecies of Asian cultivated rice (Oryza sativa ssp. japonica and Oryza sativa ssp. indica) and their wild progenitor (O. rufipogon/O. nivara). Among them, 17 loci are highly diverged (FST > 0.4) between rice cultivars and their ancestor. We performed coalescent-based simulations on neutral demographic scenarios and found that neutral demography alone could explain the polymorphic profiles on those highly diverged loci between cultivated and wild rice. Therefore, more signatures of selection should be considered when detecting artificial selection in rice.

Biogeographic history of green alder (Alnus alnobetula (Ehrh.) K. Koch s.l.) in Eurasia and North America: evidence from genetic and morphological analyses

The green alder ( Alnus alnobetula s.l.) is a cold-resistant boreal-arctic shrub species with a complex intraspecific taxonomy and a wide distribution range covering northern Eurasia and North America. In this study, we assess the level and distribution of diversity in five subspecies ( A. alnobetula subsp. fruticosa, kamtschatica, mandschurica, maximowiczii, and sinuata) throughout 34 populations within the native species range by using 7 characters of leaf morphology and 11 nuclear microsatellites (nSSR). The differentiation in both sets of characters that we found has proven to be inconsistent with our previously obtained chloroplast DNA (cpDNA) data. Only three groups were identified using nSSR vs. five cpDNA haplogroups. Both morphological and nSSR analyses support the recognition of A. alnobetula subsp. fruticosa from the western part of the Eurasian distribution range (northwestern Russia, the Urals, and Siberia) and A. alnobetula subsp. maximowiczii from the eastern part (most of Sakhalin Island, the Kuril Islands, and most of Kamchatka). Among other East Asian subspecies such as A. alnobetula subsp. kamtschatica and subsp. mandschurica, as well as in A. subsp. sinuata from North America, considerable genetic and morphological admixture has been recorded. The discordance between the patterns inferred from cpDNA and nSSR data reflects limited gene dispersal via seeds and extensive gene flow via pollen between major glacial refugia.

Two complementary genes in a presence-absence variation contribute to indica-japonica reproductive isolation in rice

Understanding the evolutionary forces in speciation is a central goal in evolutionary biology. Asian cultivated rice has two subspecies, indica and japonica, but the underlying mechanism of the partial reproductive isolation between them remains obscure. Here we show a presence-absence variation (PAV) at the Se locus functions as an indica-japonica reproductive barrier by causing hybrid sterility (HS) in indica-japonica crosses. The locus comprises two adjacent genes: ORF3 encodes a sporophytic pollen killer, whereas ORF4 protects pollen in a gametophytic manner. In F1 of indica-japonica crosses, pollen with the japonica haplotype, which lacks the sequence containing the protective ORF4, is aborted due to the pollen-killing effect of ORF3 from indica. Evolutionary analysis suggests ORF3 is a gene associated with the Asian cultivated rice species complex, and the PAV has contributed to the reproductive isolation between the two subspecies of Asian cultivated rice. Our analyses provide perspectives on rice inter-subspecies post-zygotic isolation, and will promote efforts to overcome reproductive barriers in indica-japonica hybrid rice breeding.

Ischnura elegans malikovae subspecies nova (Odonata, Coenagrionidae) from the Far East of Eurasia, with discussion of other possible subspecies.

Ischnura elegans malikovae ssp. n. is described from the southern Far East of Russia (type locality: Russia, Primorskiy Kray, Pozharskiy District, Luchegorsk Town, the Luchegorsk Reservoir). Reconsideration of literature suggested it to broadly range in East Asia including Korea, Japan (Hokkaido and northernmost Honshu), north and north-east China and to be hitherto mistaken for Ischnura elegans elegans (Vander Linden, 1820) in Japan. The main difference of the new subspecies from I. e. elegans is the male paraprocts that are about 1.5 times shorter and scarcely divaricating in dorsal view and directed obliquely upward in lateral view. Ischnura elegans ebneri Schmidt, 1938 is reconsidered as the presumably Anterior Asian subspecies characterised by scarcely or not diverging male paraprocts in dorsal view, versus strongly diverging in I. e. elegans. Based on scarce information in the literature, I. elegans marquardti Schmidt, 1938 is supposed to be a junior synonym of I. elegans ordosi Bartenev, 1912 stat. rev., which is suggested to be an eastern Central Asian subspecies characterised by an incised prothoracic process in males.

Phylogenetic analyses of Eurasian lynx (Lynx lynx Linnaeus, 1758) including new mitochondrial DNA sequences from Iran

The Eurasian lynx (Lynx lynx) is one of the widespread felids in Eurasia; however, relatively little is known about the Asian subspecies, and especially the Iranian populations, which comprise the most southwestern part of its range. The current study aimed to assess the phylogenetic status of Iranian populations relative to other populations of Eurasia, by sequencing a 613 bp fragment of the mitochondrial control region. In total, 44 haplotypes were recorded from 83 sequences throughout Eurasia, two of which were found in Iran. The haplotype (H1) is dominant in all Iranian lynx populations and identical to specimens from SW Russia and central China. The second haplotype (H2) is unique and was recorded only from Ghazvin Province in the central Alborz Mountains. Both haplotypes occur in Ghazvin Province. The phylogenetic tree and a median-joining network identified four clades (i.e., East, West 1, West 2, and South). These results are congruent with previous studies and suggest that Eurasian lynx was restricted to the southern part of its range during the glacial maxima and expanded from there to East Asia and to Europe during several independent re-colonization events. The Caucasus region most like plays an important role as a refugium during glacial cycles.

Genetic Diversity, Admixture and Analysis of Homozygous-by-Descent (HBD) Segments of Russian Wild Boar.

Simple SummaryThe wild boar is one of the most common wild animals. On the territory of Russia, there are two subspecies of the wild boar—European and Asian. At the beginning of the 20th century, the wild boar in the European part of Russia was practically exterminated. Later the population was restored by importing animals from other regions and by self-repopulation. The aim of our research was to assess the population structure of the Russian wild boar in comparison with the wild boar from other regions of the world and to determine the level of autozygosity, which allows us to determine the state of the population. We found traces of introgression of the Asian wild boar into the European one due to, migration of the wild boar in the population recovery process. Further analysis for genetic influx into Russian wild boar population identified four samples in which more than 10% of the genome belonged to domestic pigs. The Homozygous-by-Descent (HBD) Segments evaluation showed a low level of autozygosity in comparison with the aggregate sample of the European wild boar. Based on our genetic evaluation, we concluded that the population of the Russian wild boar of the European and Asian subspecies are characterized by a sufficient level of genetic diversity.The wild boar is the wild ancestor of the domestic pig and one of the most common species of ungulates. At the beginning of the 20th century, the wild boar was practically exterminated in the European part of Russia. In the period 1935–1988, 7705 boars were caught in various regions of the European part of Russia, the Far East, Ukraine, Belarus, Kyrgyzstan, Kazakhstan, Latvia, Lithuania, Estonia, Tajikistan and resettled in the territory of Russia. Asian and European wild boars dwell the territory of Russia. The aim of our research was to study the genetic diversity and structure of wild boar populations in different regions of Russia using genome-wide genotyping. We have determined the genetic distances, population structure, parameters of genetic diversity and significantly expanded our understanding of the genetic state of the Russian wild boar. For the first time, we calculated autozygosity of the wild boar of the European and Asian subspecies using Homozygous-by-Descent (HBD) Segments analysis, which is important in terms of population recovery. We also found evidence of hybridization between Russian wild boar and domestic pigs. A group of European wild boars showed introgression of the Asian boar into population. The mean level of the inbreeding coefficient in European wild boar was higher than in Asian wild boar, and combined groups of the European boar had higher inbreeding coefficient than Russian wild boars. These results obtained can be used in population management.

Efficiency of disinsection and deratization aimed at reducing epidemiologic risks in gorno-altaiskiy high-mountain natural plague focus

Our research aim was to estimate efficiency of emergency disinsection and deratization that were accomplished to reduce risks of diseases among population in Gorno-Altaiskiy high-mountain natural plague focus. The research was performed in 2016–2021 in Gorno-Altaiskiy high-mountain plague focus which is the northern part of Sailygem cross-border natural focus located both in Russia and Mongolia. Zoological, epizootologic, epidemiological and statistical research procedures as well as GIS-tools were applied to collect and analyze research data. Epidemiologic surveillance over plague in the focus has been accomplished since 1961. Prior to 2011 only rhamnoso-positive strains of the plague microbe with selective virulence were found here, belonging to the Central Asian subspecies Yersinia pestis altaica, circulating mainly in the population of the Ochotona pallassi. Given that, the focus was believed to have low epidemic potential. Since 2012 highly virulent strains of the basic plague microbe Yersinia pestis ssp. pestis started to occur in populations of Marmota baibacina and other carriers. As a result, starting from that period of time, epidemiologic status of the focus changed and it led to 3 cases of bubonic plague among humans in 2014–2016. Disinsection and deratization remained the major components in anti-epidemic activities aimed at non-specific plague prevention. In 2016–2021 fields disinsection covered a total square equal to 162.7 km2; disinsection in settlements, 127.3 thousand m2; deratization in settlements, 461.7 thousand m2. An approach involving disinsection only on land spots that were considered epidemically hazardous was first implemented; such land spots were around livestock breeders’ camps located within boundaries of detected epizooties. Efficiency of fields disinsection amounted to 94.6; disinsection in settlements, 100 %; deratization in settlements, 88.0 %. Population of plague vectors and carriers was controlled bearing in mind environmental aspects in regulating numbers of animals and compliance with environmental protection requirements. Deratization and disinsection, together with other activities aimed at plague prevention, provide epidemiologic welfare in the focus and reduce its epizootic activity.

Эффективность мер дезинcекции и дератизации по снижению эпидемиологического риска в горно-алтайском высокогорном природном очаге чумы

Our research aim was to estimate efficiency of emergency disinsection and deratization that were accomplished to reduce risks of diseases among population in Gorno-Altaiskiy high-mountain natural plague focus. The research was performed in 2016–2021 in Gorno-Altaiskiy high-mountain plague focus which is the northern part of Sailygem cross-border natural focus located both in Russia and Mongolia. Zoological, epizootologic, epidemiological and statistical research procedures as well as GIS-tools were applied to collect and analyze research data. Epidemiologic surveillance over plague in the focus has been accomplished since 1961. Prior to 2011 only rhamnoso-positive strains of the plague microbe with selective virulence were found here, belonging to the Central Asian subspecies Yersinia pestis altaica, circulating mainly in the population of the Ochotona pallassi. Given that, the focus was believed to have low epidemic potential. Since 2012 highly virulent strains of the basic plague microbe Yersinia pestis ssp. pestis started to occur in populations of Marmota baibacina and other carriers. As a result, starting from that period of time, epidemiologic status of the focus changed and it led to 3 cases of bubonic plague among humans in 2014–2016. Disinsection and deratization remained the major components in anti-epidemic activities aimed at non-specific plague prevention. In 2016–2021 fields disinsection covered a total square equal to 162.7 km2; disinsection in settlements, 127.3 thousand m2; deratization in settlements, 461.7 thousand m2. An approach involving disinsection only on land spots that were considered epidemically hazardous was first implemented; such land spots were around livestock breeders’ camps located within boundaries of detected epizooties. Efficiency of fields disinsection amounted to 94.6; disinsection in settlements, 100 %; deratization in settlements, 88.0 %. Population of plague vectors and carriers was controlled bearing in mind environmental aspects in regulating numbers of animals and compliance with environmental protection requirements. Deratization and disinsection, together with other activities aimed at plague prevention, provide epidemiologic welfare in the focus and reduce its epizootic activity.

Phylogeography and demographic history of the black kite Milvus migrans, a widespread raptor in Eurasia, Australia and Africa

The black kite Milvus migrans, one of the most common raptor species, shows great flexibility as regards food resources and breeding sites. While black kite subspecies are found all over Eurasia, Africa and Australia, it has been poorly studied outside of Europe, with virtually nothing known about the phylogeny of populations in Asia, India, Africa or Australia. We analysed 85 published black kite nucleotide sequences and ca 660 new sequences from the ranges of the main black kite subspecies using a non‐invasive method of DNA extraction from moulted feathers. In doing so, we evaluated genetic diversity and population affinities and reconstructed their demographic histories. Populations from Europe, northern Asia and India all had separate haplogroups of the mitochondrial cytochrome b gene. The European and North Asian subspecies were isolated in the Pleistocene and spread across the northern Palearctic following climate amelioration, forming a broad intergradation zone from western Siberia and Kazakhstan to eastern Europe. Representatives of the European, North Asian and Indian haplogroups were found in Pakistan, where they probably breed. The Australasian population separated from the Indian population relatively recently and carries one of the two Indian major haplotypes. We found support for the assumption that the African yellow‐billed kite differs from the black kite at the species level. Further, the yellow‐billed kite contains at least two genetically distant mitochondrial lineages with ranges that do not correspond with its traditional subspecies ranges. Based on these data, we were able to outline the general pattern of black kite phylogeography over its entire range, making it possible to evaluate the evolutionary history of the species as a whole.

Mitogenome Phylogeny Including Data from Additional Subspecies Provides New Insights into the Historical Biogeography of the Eurasian lynx Lynx lynx.

Previous molecular studies of the wide-ranging Eurasian lynx Lynx lynx focused mainly on its northern Palearctic populations, with the consequence that the reconstruction of this species’ evolutionary history did not include genetic variation present in its southern Palearctic distribution. We sampled a previously not considered Asian subspecies (L. l. dinniki), added published data from another Asian subspecies (L. l. isabellinus), and reassessed the Eurasian lynx mtDNA phylogeny along with previously published data from northern Palearctic populations. Our mitogenome-based analyses revealed the existence of three major clades (A: Central Asia, B: SE Europe/SW Asia, C: Europe and Northern Asia) and at least five lineages, with diversification in Lynx lynx commencing at least 28kyr earlier than hitherto estimated. The subspecies L. l. isabellinus harbors the most basal matriline, consistent with the origin of Lynx lynx in this subspecies’ current range. L. l. dinniki harbors the second most basal matriline, which is related to, and may be the source of, the mtDNA diversity of the critically endangered Balkan lynx L. l. balcanicus. Our results suggest that the Anatolian peninsula was a glacial refugium for Eurasian lynx, with previously unconsidered implications for the colonization of Europe by this species.

Cell Type-Specific Differentiation Between Indica and Japonica Rice Root Tip Responses to Different Environments Based on Single-Cell RNA Sequencing.

Background: As Oryza sativa ssp. indica and Oryza sativa ssp. japonica are the two major subspecies of Asian cultivated rice, the adaptative evolution of these varieties in divergent environments is an important topic in both theoretical and practical studies. However, the cell type-specific differentiation between indica and japonica rice varieties in response to divergent habitat environments, which facilitates an understanding of the genetic basis underlying differentiation and environmental adaptation between rice subspecies at the cellular level, is little known.Methods: We analyzed a published single-cell RNA sequencing dataset to explore the differentially expressed genes between indica and japonica rice varieties in each cell type. To estimate the relationship between cell type-specific differentiation and environmental adaptation, we focused on genes in the WRKY, NAC, and BZIP transcription factor families, which are closely related to abiotic stress responses. In addition, we integrated five bulk RNA sequencing datasets obtained under conditions of abiotic stress, including cold, drought and salinity, in this study. Furthermore, we analyzed quiescent center cells in rice root tips based on orthologous markers in Arabidopsis.Results: We found differentially expressed genes between indica and japonica rice varieties with cell type-specific patterns, which were enriched in the pathways related to root development and stress reposes. Some of these genes were members of the WRKY, NAC, and BZIP transcription factor families and were differentially expressed under cold, drought or salinity stress. In addition, LOC_Os01g16810, LOC_Os01g18670, LOC_Os04g52960, and LOC_Os08g09350 may be potential markers of quiescent center cells in rice root tips.Conclusion: These results identified cell type-specific differentially expressed genes between indica-japonica rice varieties that were related to various environmental stresses and provided putative markers of quiescent center cells. This study provides new clues for understanding the development and physiology of plants during the process of adaptative divergence, in addition to identifying potential target genes for the improvement of stress tolerance in rice breeding applications.

Epidemiological Situation on Plague in 2020. Forecast of Episootic Activity of Natural Plague Foci in the Russian Federation and Other CIS Countries for 2021

The aim of the work was to substantiate the forecast of the epidemiological and epizootiological situation in natural foci of plague in the Russian Federation, countries of the near and far abroad for the year of 2021. Characteristics of the distribution of Yersinia pestis strains of the main subspecies (subspecies pestis) of medieval and antique biovars, Caucasian (ssp. caucasica) and central Asian (ssp. central asiatica) subspecies by 45 natural foci of the CIS countries are presented in the paper. The persistence of a multidirectional trend in the dynamics of epizootic activity of natural foci of the CIS countries with the circulation of Y. pestis pestis strains of the medieval biovar of the 2.MED1 phylogenetic branch and the antique biovar of the 0.ANT5, 4.ANT phylogenetic branches in the current decade has been outlined. For the Russian Federation, the development of epizootics is predicted in the Gorno-Altai highland and Tuva mountain natural foci caused by the circulation of Y. pestis pestis strains of the antique biovar 4.ANT and Y. pestis of the Altai biovar of the Central Asian subspecies 0.PE4a in 2021. For the Republic of Kazakhstan, there is a high probability of preserving epizootic activity in the North Aral, Aral-Karakum, Balkhash, Mojynkum, Taukum desert and Ili intermountain natural foci with the circulation of Y. pestis pestis strains of the medieval biovar of the phylogenetic branch 2.MED1. For the Kyrgyz Republic, the forecast for the development of plague epizootics caused by Y. pestis pestis strains of the antique biovar 0.ANT5 phylogenetic branch in the Sarydzhaz and Upper Naryn high-mountain natural foci has been substantiated. A high epidemic risk of epizootic manifestations caused by highly virulent strains of Y. pestis pestis of antique biovars 0.ANT5, 4.ANT and medieval biovar 2.MED1 for the entire territory of the CIS countries is noted. The relevance of implementing forecasts of the epidemiological situation into practice, taking into account the molecular-genetic and epidemiological characteristics of Y. pestis strains circulating in areas of expected epizootic manifestations of plague, is highlighted.

African and Asian leopards are highly differentiated at the genomic level

Leopards are the only big cats still widely distributed across the continents of Africa and Asia. They occur in a wide range of habitats and are often found in close proximity to humans. But despite their ubiquity, leopard phylogeography and population history have not yet been studied with genomic tools. Here, we present population-genomic data from 26 modern and historical samples encompassing the vast geographical distribution of this species. We find that Asian leopards are broadly monophyletic with respect to African leopards across almost their entire nuclear genomes. This profound genetic pattern persists despite the animals' high potential mobility, and despite evidence of transfer of African alleles into Middle Eastern and Central Asian leopard populations within the last 100,000 years. Our results further suggest that Asian leopards originated from a single out-of-Africa dispersal event 500-600 thousand years ago and are characterized by higher population structuring, stronger isolation by distance, and lower heterozygosity than African leopards. Taxonomic categories do not take into account the variability in depth of divergence among subspecies. The deep divergence between the African subspecies and Asian populations contrasts with the much shallower divergence among putative Asian subspecies. Reconciling genomic variation and taxonomy is likely to be a growing challenge in the genomics era.

EARTHWORM COMMUNITIES (OLIGOCHAETA, LUMBRICIDAE) OF PINE FORESTS AND SMALL FOLIAGE FORESTS IN THE FOREST-STEPPE OB’ REGION

Earthworms form an essential group of soil macrofauna that performs a number of ecosystem functions in forests. Studies of the species composition and population density of earthworms were conducted in many regions of Russia; however, the fauna of Lumbricidae of Novosibirsk area remained unexplored for a long time. The objective of this work is to carry out a comparative analysis of earthworm population in coniferous and small foliage forests of the forest-steppe Ob region (Novosibirsk area) and to identify the correlation between the fauna composition and the basic physical and chemical properties of the soil. The study was conducted in pine forests and birch-aspen forests. The main method of registration was layer-by-layer excavation of soil with hand sorting of soil samples and analysis of forest deadwood. Some soil parameters were also measured. Data of the species composition and population density of earthworms for each habitat are given. The studied habitats were classified according to the ratio of the earthworm living forms. It was found that soil humidity is the most significant factor for the group of epigeiс and epi-endogeiс species. The diversity of epigeiс and epi-endogeiс earthworm species in forests is largely supported by deadwood. The Asian subspecies Eisenia nordenskioldi nordenskioldi was subjected to morphometric analysis confirming its characteristic polymorphism.

IUCN captive management guidelines support ex situ conservation of the Bengal florican Houbaropsis bengalensis blandini

AbstractEx situ conservation of species is risky and expensive, but it can prevent extinction when in situ conservation fails. We used the IUCN Guidelines on the Use of Ex Situ Management for Species Conservation to evaluate whether to begin ex situ conservation for the South-east Asian subspecies of Bengal florican Houbaropsis bengalensis blandini, which is predicted to be extinct in the wild within 5 years. To inform our decision, we developed a decision tree, and used a demographic model to evaluate the probability of establishing a captive population under a range of husbandry scenarios and egg harvest regimes, and compared this with the probability of the wild population persisting. The model showed that if ex situ conservation draws on international best practice in bustard husbandry there is a high probability of establishing a captive population, but the wild population is unlikely to persist. We identified and evaluated the practical risks associated with ex situ conservation, and documented our plans to mitigate them. Modelling shows that it is unlikely that birds could be released within 20–30 years, by which time genetic, morphological and behavioural changes in the captive population, combined with habitat loss and extinction of the wild population, make it unlikely that Bengal florican could be released into a situation approximating their current wild state. We considered the philosophical and practical implications through a decision tree so that our decision to begin ex situ management is not held back by our preconceived notions of what it means to be wild.

Potential Differences and Methods of Determining Gypsy Moth Female Flight Capabilities: Implications for the Establishment and Spread in Novel Habitats

The introduction of the Asian gypsy moth into novel environments continues with frequent interceptions in North America. There is a concern that these subspecies will pose a greater threat to the forests and urban environments of North America than the established gypsy moths (Lymantria dispardispar L.), due to their greater capacity for female flight. Asian gypsy moth populations vary in many key traits, including female flight capabilities. The potential impacts of female flight, in combination with the other key traits, on the ecology and spread of this insect are first discussed in this communication. This also provides the first review of most of the current literature on the variations in flight capability and flight distance of gypsy moth populations, as well as variation in other traits of concern and the potential methods of identification, with special attention paid to the Asian subspecies Lymantria dispar japonica Motschulsky and Lymantria dispar asiatica Vinkovskij. There are currently good tools for identifying the general origin of introduced gypsy moth populations, but these do not provide enough information to effectively manage introductions. Gypsy moth key traits differ among populations, even within each subspecies of the gypsy moth, so introduction of gypsy moths from other world areas into locations where the gypsy moth is already present could result in unwanted changes in gypsy moth biology. It also appears that the introduction of flight-capable females could enhance a population’s dispersal capability and require modifications to management protocols used for flightless females. Therefore, rapid tools to assess key traits in introduced populations are needed to adequately plan for, or deal with, new introductions into novel habitats.

Variability in chemical composition of eggplants and sweet peppers

Variability in chemical composition of eggplants and sweet peppers

POLYMORPHISM OF ESTERASE ISOENZYMES OF RIPE SEEDS OF SAMPLES OF RADISH (Raphanus sativus L.)

A biochemical approach was used to assess the genetic variability of the seed radish (Raphanus sativus L.) accessions which are distinguished by a wide variety of morphological characters. It is known that the esterase complex in plants has intraspecific specificity; in addition, these enzymes are characterized by tissue specificity. Earlier, the samples of the collections of the genetic resources of the radish were never evaluated for the presence of isozyme forms of esterases in mature seeds of this culture. The establishment of the general variability of isoenzyme systems and the identification of their genetic control make it possible to reveal the subtle mechanisms of the organism's relationship with the environment and homeostasis, which is especially important for long-term storage of samples in genetic seed collections. The development of effective biochemical markers for the rapid assessment of collection, as well as genetically and breeding significant material is also essential. This work allows us to fill the gap that exists in relation to the samples of genetic resources of the radish. From the collection of the Federal Research Center Vavilov All-Russian Institute of Plant Genetic Resources (VIR), 49 radish accessions were selected, belonging to three subspecies, divided according to geographic principle as Chinese, Japanese and European radish. All esterase isozymes of seeds were separated using native vertical electrophoresis in polyacrylamide gel followed by processing for nonspecific esterase. According to their esterase composition, all accessions were subdivided into 7 zymotypes, differing from each other by the presence or absence of certain zones. In total, in the esterase complex of radish seeds, 5 main isozymes with different molecular weights varying from 45.3 kDa to 35.0 kDa were found. All five zones were characterized by a high level of polymorphism among the samples. Based on the composition of isozymes, all genotypes formed 7 zymotypes. Zymotype No. 1, represented by the maximum number of esterases (5 zones), comprised of 43 % of the total number of genotypes. Zymotype No. 2 constituted 33 % of all samples. The rarest zymotypes No. 5 and No. 7 (4 %) differed in the minimum amount of esterase enzymes (2 zones each). Zymotypes No. 2 and No. 4 were characterized by 4 zones. Representatives of two groups, No. 3 and No. 6 had 3 zones in their esterase complex. The quantitative ratio of all esterase zones varied greatly in the studied samples. The minimum content (4.78 %) was found for the B5 zone, the maximum amount (67.44 %) was found for the B1 zone. The prevalence of each zone among all studied samples ranged from 13 to 23 %. Zones B3 (Mr = 39.7 kDa) and B4 (Mr = 37.1 kDa) were the most common among all esterase isozymes; these zones were observed in 23 % of genotypes. For 22 % of representatives, the B2 zone was characteristic (Mr = 42.9 kD). Zones B1 (Mr = 45.3 kD) and B5 (Mr = 35 kD) were less common, 19 % and 13 %, respectively. The average heterozygosity of isozygous forms of esterases of the studied radish samples was Htotal = 0.212, with variance for the same samples Var(Htotal) = 0.0007. Cluster analysis of esterase enzymes divided the studied set of radish samples into European and Asian subspecies and varieties, and together with phenotypic traits, it allowed constructing a dendrogram corresponding to the botanical, agrobiological and geographical location of the samples. It should be noted that the accessions of the European subspecies radish are located in two clusters, and the accessions of Russian origin form a separate group in the first cluster, and the samples of European origin are grouped in the third cluster which also includes Japanese radishes of European origin. Perhaps this division is associated with the peculiarities of the selection process in creating these samples. Based on the data obtained, esterase enzymes are recommended as biochemical markers in genetic selection experiments.