Geographical Distribution Range Research Articles

Geographical distribution and host range status of Tuta absoluta Meyrick (Lepidoptera: Gelechiidae) in Côte d'Ivoire

Geographical distribution and host range status of Tuta absoluta Meyrick (Lepidoptera: Gelechiidae) in Côte d'Ivoire

Variation in thermal tolerance response associated with geographic location during early development of the neogastropod Ocenebra erinaceus (Linnaeus, 1758)

Environmental temperature plays an important role in shaping the distribution and abundance of marine ectothermic organisms. As a general rule, larvae and juveniles are more sensitive to thermal stress than adults and, as a consequence, represent key life stages that determine in part the geographic range of a species. Identifying critical thermal limits during ontogeny allows for the prediction of the potential impacts of climate warming on the distribution of marine ectotherms. However, thermal tolerance - and therefore the potential to meet the challenge of warming- is known to vary at population scale for many species. In order to fully appreciate a species' future under climate warming, multiple populations studies from different thermal environments are necessary. In this study, we compared the thermal tolerance response during the intracapsular development of the marine gastropod Ocenebra erinaceus between two geographically separated populations: one from the middle (Solent, UK) and another from the south of the species' geographic range (Arcachon, France). The results show that the thermal tolerance response was influenced by geographic origin. Embryos from the relatively warm-water southern population (France) show a warm-eurythermal tolerance window with optimal temperatures between 12 and 18 °C. On the contrary, embryos from the cold-water northern population (UK) exhibit a narrow, warm-stenothermal, thermal tolerance window with optimal temperatures between 14 and 16 °C. In both populations, temperatures outside of the thermal range cause lethal and sub-lethal effects. Importantly, previously observed dispersal polymorphism was not observed at hatching time in either population in our study. Our study demonstrates that during early developmental stages, embryos are adapted to local thermal conditions and that they live very close to their upper thermal limits. Temperatures outside this range cause detrimental and contrasting effects on embryonic development of O. erinaceus, implying that the effects of future warming will depend on the population response to local environmental history. Our results suggest that global warming could shift the geographical distribution range of O. erinaceus poleward.

Visia cylindrocellularis: A new record of freshwater red algae (Rhodophyta) in Singapore and extension of its geographical distribution range

Visia cylindrocellularis: A new record of freshwater red algae (Rhodophyta) in Singapore and extension of its geographical distribution range

Expanding the known geographical distribution range of Kalanchoe waterbergensis (Crassulaceae subfam. Kalanchooideae) in northern South Africa

The natural geographical distribution range of Kalanchoe waterbergensis van Jaarsv. (Crassulaceae subfam. Kalanchooideae), previously documented only from the type locality, is extended by about 80km in a northeasterly direction in the Waterberg in northern South Africa.

The identity of Kalanchoe lubangensis R.Fern. (Crassulaceae subfam. Kalanchooideae), a little-known species endemic to southwestern Angola, with an extension of its distribution range

The identity of the little-known Kalanchoe lubangensis R.Fern. (Crassulaceae subfam. Kalanchooideae) is clarified. An amplified description is provided for this endemic species from southwestern Angola, aspects of its ecology are discussed, and it is illustrated. Kalanchoe lubangensis is compared to K. brachyloba Welw., a likely close relative. The natural geographical distribution range of K. lubangensis is extended to the Namibe province of Angola; previously it was only known from the Huíla province of that country.

Research Note: Detection of Avian metapneumovirus subgroup C specific antibodies in a mallard flock in Italy

Avian metapneumovirus (aMPV) is a viral pathogen that causes respiratory signs and drops in egg production most notably in turkeys but also affects chickens, ducks and other species. Four subgroups (aMPV-A, -B, -C and -D) have been characterized to date, which differ genetically, antigenically and in terms of geographic distribution and host range. Despite the rising awareness towards aMPV, many aspects of its epidemiology are still poorly understood.In this pilot study, a serological survey was carried out to assess the possible circulation of subgroups A, B, and C in intensively raised ducks in Northern Italy. A total of 220 sera from 10 Pekin duck flocks and one mallard flock were collected at slaughter and tested by subgroup-specific aMPV-A, B, and C indirect ELISA assays. None of the tested birds had been vaccinated against aMPV and no symptoms had been reported. No aMPV-A, B or C antibodies were detected in any bird of the Pekin duck flocks, whereas the entire mallard flock tested positive for aMPV-C antibodies. This is the first report of aMPV-C antibodies in ducks in Italy, where only aMPV-B has been reported to circulate in recent years. Further research efforts will be targeted towards the screening of a larger panel of samples, in the hope of obtaining positive samples from which full length genome sequences and infectious viruses can be isolated for virus characterization. Finally, the demonstration of aMPV-C specific antibodies in the serum of all sampled mallards indirectly suggests that this species is readily infected by aMPV-C and supports a possible role of wild anatids as a transmission vector of the virus.

Identification of Phytoplasmas Representing Multiple New Genetic Lineages from Phloem-Feeding Leafhoppers Highlights the Diversity of Phytoplasmas and Their Potential Vectors.

Phytoplasmas are obligate transkingdom bacterial parasites that infect a variety of plant species and replicate in phloem-feeding insects in the order Hemiptera, mainly leafhoppers (Cicadellidae). The insect capacity in acquisition, transmission, survival, and host range directly determines the epidemiology of phytoplasmas. However, due to the difficulty of insect sampling and the lack of follow-up transmission trials, the confirmed phytoplasma insect hosts are still limited compared with the identified plant hosts. Recently, quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR)-based quick screening of 227 leafhoppers collected in natural habitats unveiled the presence of previously unknown phytoplasmas in six samples. In the present study, 76 leafhoppers, including the six prescreened positive samples, were further examined to identify and characterize the phytoplasma strains by semi-nested PCR. A total of ten phytoplasma strains were identified in leafhoppers from four countries including South Africa, Kyrgyzstan, Australia, and China. Based on virtual restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP) analysis, these ten phytoplasma strains were classified into four distinct ribosomal (16Sr) groups (16SrI, 16SrIII, 16SrXIV, and 16SrXV), representing five new subgroups (16SrI-AO, 16SrXIV-D, 16SrXIV-E, 16SrXIV-F, and 16SrXV-C). The results strongly suggest that the newly identified phytoplasma strains not only represent new genetic subgroup lineages, but also extend previously undiscovered geographical distributions. In addition, ten phytoplasma-harboring leafhoppers belonged to seven known leafhopper species, none of which were previously reported insect vectors of phytoplasmas. The findings from this study provide fresh insight into genetic diversity, geographical distribution, and insect host range of phytoplasmas. Further transmission trials and screening of new potential host plants and weed reservoirs in areas adjacent to collection sites of phytoplasma harboring leafhoppers will contribute to a better understanding of phytoplasma transmission and epidemiology.

History and Current Status of Phytoplasma Diseases in the Middle East.

Simple SummaryPhytoplasmas are microorganisms that have been reported to be associated with hundreds of plant diseases in most parts of the world. Several reviews were published regarding diseases associated with phytoplasmas in different countries. However, no comprehensive review is available on the phytoplasma diseases in the Middle East, which is an important region with arid to semi-arid conditions. This review describes the most common phytoplasmas that are associated with diseases in this part of the world. It also describes some of the insect vectors that help to transmit these phytoplasmas. Information is also presented regarding the distribution of the diseases and host ranges.Phytoplasmas that are associated with fruit crops, vegetables, cereal and oilseed crops, trees, ornamental, and weeds are increasing at an alarming rate in the Middle East. Up to now, fourteen 16Sr groups of phytoplasma have been identified in association with more than 164 plant species in this region. Peanut witches’ broom phytoplasma strains (16SrII) are the prevalent group, especially in the south of Iran and Gulf states, and have been found to be associated with 81 host plant species. In addition, phytoplasmas belonging to the 16SrVI, 16SrIX, and 16SrXII groups have been frequently reported from a wide range of crops. On the other hand, phytoplasmas belonging to 16SrIV, 16SrV, 16SrX, 16SrXI, 16SrXIV, and 16SrXXIX groups have limited geographical distribution and host range. Twenty-two insect vectors have been reported as putative phytoplasma vectors in the Middle East, of which Orosius albicinctus can transmit diverse phytoplasma strains. Almond witches’ broom, tomato big bud, lime witches’ broom, and alfalfa witches’ broom are known as the most destructive diseases. The review summarizes phytoplasma diseases in the Middle East, with specific emphasis on the occurrence, host range, and transmission of the most common phytoplasma groups.

Outbreak of gill henneguyosis in pond-cultured Oxyeleotris spp. (Eleotridae, Perciformes) caused by Henneguya shaharini Shariff, 1982 (Myxosporea: Bivalvulida) in south China

Henneguya shaharini Shariff is reported for the first time and found to be the possible cause of high rates of mortality in pond-reared marble goby, Oxyeleotris marmoratus Bleeker and Oxyeleotris lineolata Steindachner and the hybrid species of O. marmoratus (♀) ˟ O. lineolata (♂) in multiple major production areas of south China which expands the geographical distribution and host range of this parasite. This episode of epizootic gill henneguyosis had a distinct seasonal pattern which generally occurred from late December to middle May when water temperature ranged from 13 to 22 °C, but no significantly geographical bias was found. No remarkable clinical symptoms were found in affected fish with the early onset of disease. The severely infected fish, however, swam lonely and listlessly at the water surface and the gill filaments of moribund fish had much smudge attached. Upon necropsy, large amounts of myxosporean plasmodia of variable size could be found in the gill filaments. Histopathological investigations showed that the plasmodia were generally intralamellar, but rarely interlamellar and no distinct inflammatory responses surrounding the intact plasmodia were observed. The high infection intensity causing the displacement of gill filament by plasmodia and respiratory failure was possibly the main cause of fish mortality. Phylogenetic analysis indicated that H. shaharini clustered with two gill-infecting congeners to form an independent Gobioidei-infecting branch in a freshwater Henneguya cluster within a marine Henneguya-Myxobolus clade. The possible source of H. shaharini in China is discussed.

Notes on the Natural Geographical Distribution Range of the Madagascan Kalanchoe dinklagei Rauh (Crassulaceae Subfam. Kalanchooideae)

The genus Kalanchoe Adans. (Crassulaceae subfam. Kalanchooideae) is most diverse in Madagascar where about one third of the known ca. 150 species are known to be endemic and all three of the subgenera currently recognised in the genus are represented. We discuss and provide additional information on the natural geographical distribution range of K. dinklagei Rauh, a little-known arborescent species from southern Madagascar.

Geographical distribution and potential geographical range of the Red Skink Scincella assata (Cope, 1864) (Squamata, Scincidae) in El Salvador

Scincella assata (Cope, 1864) is known from eight departments from El Salvador. Based on recent fieldwork and research in scientific collections and databases, we report 12 new records of S. assata from the country, bringing the total number of verified occurrences to 40. Scincella assata is recorded for first time in the departments of Morazan and Usulatán. Additionally, we conducted potential distribution modeling of S. assata. Results from the distribution modeling suggest the presence of this species in all 14 departments of El Salvador, four of which currently lack verified records.

Magnolia champaca (L.) Baill. ex Pierre (Magnoliaceae): A first report and a new record in the Arabian Peninsula (Yemen)

Magnolia champaca L. (= Michilia champaca L.) (Magnoliaceae) is named fallah tree. It is famous for aromatic flowers, often used in Taiz during festivals (weddings and Eids) as necklaces or hair bands. The species included in IUCN red list species as threatened in its Geographical distribution range. The work was conducted to enhance the previous efforts of recording and documenting the plant species diversity, since Royal Denish e xpedition to Egypt, the Red Sea, and Yemen by Forsskal during the years 1761–1767 and onwards work of other’s scientists. The survey was conducted in Al-Marzoh village (Taiz provenance) during the field trips conducted in 2019. Detailed morphometric description, distribution and habitat of the species are provided in this manuscript, along with photographs and illustrated sketches. The investigation revealed that species is monotypic and reported for the first time as a native and new record to the flora of the Arabian Peninsula from Yemen. The species is of economic importance, highly marketed and, pertinent to chart down strategies for conservation. Against this backdrop, seed germination, reproductive barriers, and habitat adaption need to be deeply studied to chart conservation strategies. In addition, in-situ and ex-situ conservation must be initiated immediately to conserve the species.

Global distribution, host range and prevalence of Trypanosoma vivax: a systematic review and meta-analysis

BackgroundTrypanosomosis caused by Trypanosoma vivax is one of the diseases threatening the health and productivity of livestock in Africa and Latin America. Trypanosoma vivax is mainly transmitted by tsetse flies; however, the parasite has also acquired the ability to be transmitted mechanically by hematophagous dipterans. Understanding its distribution, host range and prevalence is a key step in local and global efforts to control the disease.MethodsThe study was conducted according to the methodological recommendations of the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) checklist. A systematic literature search was conducted on three search engines, namely PubMed, Scopus and CAB Direct, to identify all publications reporting natural infection of T. vivax across the world. All the three search engines were screened using the search term Trypanosoma vivax without time and language restrictions. Publications on T. vivax that met our inclusion criteria were considered for systematic review and meta-analysis.ResultThe study provides a global database of T. vivax, consisting of 899 records from 245 peer-reviewed articles in 41 countries. A total of 232, 6277 tests were performed on 97 different mammalian hosts, including a wide range of wild animals. Natural infections of T. vivax were recorded in 39 different African and Latin American countries and 47 mammalian host species. All the 245 articles were included into the qualitative analysis, while information from 186 cross-sectional studies was used in the quantitative analysis mainly to estimate the pooled prevalence. Pooled prevalence estimates of T. vivax in domestic buffalo, cattle, dog, dromedary camel, equine, pig, small ruminant and wild animals were 30.6%, 6.4%, 2.6%, 8.4%, 3.7%, 5.5%, 3.8% and 12.9%, respectively. Stratified according to the diagnostic method, the highest pooled prevalences were found with serological techniques in domesticated buffalo (57.6%) followed by equine (50.0%) and wild animals (49.3%).ConclusionThe study provides a comprehensive dataset on the geographical distribution and host range of T. vivax and demonstrates the potential of this parasite to invade other countries out of Africa and Latin America.Graphical

Predicted Future Benefits for an Endemic Rodent in the Irano-Turanian Region

Climate change is expected to have an impact on the geographical distribution ranges of species. Endemic species and those with a restricted geographic range may be especially vulnerable. The Persian jird (Meriones persicus) is an endemic rodent inhabiting the mountainous areas of the Irano-Turanian region, where future desertification may form a threat to the species. In this study, the species distribution modelling algorithm MaxEnt was used to assess the impact of future climate change on the geographic distribution range of the Persian jird. Predictions were made under two Representative Concentration Pathways and five different climate models for the years 2050 and 2070. It was found that both bioclimatic variables and land use variables were important in determining potential suitability of the region for the species to occur. In most cases, the future predictions showed an expansion of the geographic range of the Persian jird which indicates that the species is not under immediate threat. There are however uncertainties with regards to its current range. Predictions may therefore be an over or underestimation of the total suitable area. Further research is thus needed to confirm the current geographic range of the Persian jird to be able to improve assessments of the impact of future climate change.

基于MaxEnt优化模型的闽楠潜在适宜分布预测

闽楠是我国二级保护珍稀濒危植物，不仅是珍贵用材树种，还具有重要的生态价值，预测其潜在适生区变化具有重要意义。采用Enmeval优化包调用MaxEnt模型建立最优模型。基于186条分布记录和9个环境变量模拟闽楠现代2050和2090年代的6个气候情景潜在分布区。综合Jackknife检验、置换重要值和贡献率、多元相似度面和最不相似变量，探讨影响闽楠适生分布区的环境因子，并分析空间变换格局。结果表明：（1）最优模型的参数为：FC=PT，RM=0.5，Maxnnt模型的预测准确度极高，AUC=0.9846±0.0037，现代闽楠潜在适生区的面积为54.32×10⁴km²，闽楠现代高度适生区集中分布在湖南南部和广西东北部；（2）在未来6种气候变化情景下，闽楠潜在适生分布区均有向北扩张的趋势，除2050s-SSP585外，其余情景适生区面积均增加较小，特别是情景2090s-SSP126下，高度适生区将减少40.32%；（3）最干月降水量（bio14）、降水季节性变化（bio15）、最冷月最低温（bio6）、最暖季降水量（bio18）和最暖月最高气温（bio5）是制约闽楠分布格局的主要环境因子；（4）闽楠各个时期的地理分布范围差别较大，说明闽楠对气候变化抗逆性较差，滥砍滥伐、生境破坏和自身繁育问题可能是致濒的重要原因，福建、江西、湖南和广西东北部是闽楠的稳定适生区和未来气候避难区，台湾中部、福建、江西、湖南、湖北西南部和浙南为理想的闽楠人工林引种区，随着气候变暖的日益加剧，粤桂黔三省（区）丧失区面积比较大，并建议对粤桂黔群体进行优先保护。;Phoebe bournei is a rare and endangered plant under second-class protected plant in China. It is not only a valuable timber tree species, but also has important ecological value. It is of great significance to predict the changes of its potential suitable areas. In order to establish the optimal model, we use the maximum entropy (MaxEnt) optimized by the Enmeval data packet. Based on 186 distribution records and 9 environmental variables, the potential distribution areas of six climatic scenarios in 2050s (average of 2041-2060) and 2090s (average of 2081-2100) were simulated. Integrating Jackknife test, important value and contribution rate of replacement and the limited environmental factors, the environmental factors affecting the suitable distribution area of P. bournei were discussed. The results show that (1) the parameters of the optimal model are FC=PT, RM=0.5, Maxnnt model has high prediction accuracy, the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC) of 0.9846±0.0037. The total suitable area of the modern potentially geographical distribution of P. bournei 54.32×10⁴km². The modern highly suitable areas of P. bournei are concentrated in northeast Guangxi and southern Hunan. (2) In the prediction of the future suitable growth areas, the potential suitable growth areas under the six climate scenarios all expanded northward, with the exception of 2050s-SSP585; the other scenario suitable areas increased slightly, especially under the scenario 2070s-SSP126, the highly suitable areas will be reduced by 40.32%. (3) The precipitation of the driest month (bio14), precipitation seasonality (coefficient of variation) (bio15), minimum temperature of the coldest month (bio6), precipitation of the warmest quarter (bio18), and maximum temperature of the warmest month (bio5) are important environmental factors restricting the distribution pattern of P. bournei. (4) The geographical distribution range of P. bournei in different periods was quite different, which indicated that P. bournei had poor resistance to climate change. Deforestation, habitat destruction and self breeding problems may be the important reasons for its extinction. Fujian, Jiangxi, Hunan and southern Zhejiang are stably suitable areas and future climate refuge areas for P. bournei. The central Taiwan, Fujian, Jiangxi, Hunan, southwest Hubei, and southern Zhejiang are ideal introduction areas of P. bournei plantation. With the aggravation of climate warming, most areas of Guangdong, Guangxi and Guizhou will no longer be suitable for the growth of P. bournei, and it is suggested that priority should be given to the protection of the population in Guangdong, Guangxi and Guizhou.

Biodiversity of Parasitic Trematode Allocreadium sp. Looss, 1894 (Digenea: Allocreadiidae): A Review

Although there are many heartening studies have been done on the parasitic helminthes of vertebrates but there are serious deficiencies in checklist of trematodes Allocreadium Looss (Digenea: Allocreadiidae). The present study based on the literature survey to tabulate biodiversity of Allocreadium Looss reported from various hosts in the India and worldwide so far. Allocreadium sp. is one of the most important parasitic digenean trematode with wide geographic distribution range across the world. The findings reflected that these trematodes infecting very wide range of hosts from invertebrates to vertebrates. About 104 Allocreadium sp. have been summarized in present review recovered from various hosts including 44 Indian species as well. As the aquaculture playing a key role in the food security and economy of country that is deteriorating due to heavy parasitic load in fishes. Therefore, awareness, knowledge of biodiversity and causes of parasites should be in the society at grassroots level. The authors wish to suppose that current review might be helpful in the strategic management of aquaculture for health, economy and sustainable development.

New geographical and host record of bat ectoparasite Steatonyssus (Steatonyssus) afer Radovsky and Yunker, 1963 (Mesostigmata: Gamasina: Macronyssidae)

Steatonyssus afer is recorded for the first time from Namibia and for the first time from Cistugo seabrae (Chiroptera: Cistugidae). Our finding is the southernmost locality for S. afer, expanding the geographical distribution range of this ectoparasite. We give diagnostic illustrations and measurements of the species.

Haplotype diversity and distribution pattern of Oecophylla smaragdina (Fabricius) (Hymenoptera, Formicidae) in Bangladesh based on mitochondrial COI genes

Abstract Climatic oscillation often have influenced the present distribution and intraspecific genetic diversity Oecophylla smaragdina through its wide range of geographical distribution. Previous phylogeographic study of Asian weaver ant population denotes the evidence of distribution of Indian types in Indian, Sri Lanka and SE Asian types in South Asian countries including Bangladesh. However, recent phylogenetic analysis reveals the overlapping distribution of the Indian and South East Asian clades of O. smaragdina in Bangladesh. The present study aims to identify the haplotypes and it’s networking in Bangladesh based on extensive materials. Sampling was executed according to zonation of 5 areas, demarcated by 3 main rivers during the years 2013 to 2018. Adult O. smaragadina workers were collected from 71 colonies of 67 localities belonging to 47 districts of Bangladesh. A total of 25 haplotypes were identified in Bangladesh comprises 13 and 12 of Indian and SE Asian types, respectively from 93 sequences of Cytochrome c oxidase subunit I (COI) gene of 639 bp. The geographical distribution of this haplotype reveals that the Indian haplotypes are mostly located at the western part of Bangladesh while SE Asian haplotypes were dominated in the Eastern part of the country. Central part of Bangladesh has overlapped with the mixture of both Indian and SE Asian haplotypes. The results of the haplotype network give the evidence of recent expansion of O. smaragdina population in Bangladesh and clarify the evidence of presence of many missing haplotypes in refugee.

Niche differentiation of two congeneric Phlomis species in Egypt

Phlomis aurea Decne. and Phlomis floccosa D. Don. exhibit different ecological and geographical distribution range in Egypt. Phlomis aurea is endemic to Saint Katherine Protectorate (SKP), South Sinai with narrow geographic distribution, but wide ecological range. Phlomis floccosa has wide geographical and ecological range within the coastal western Mediterranean coast of Egypt. Unlike P. floccosa, P. aurea has wide altitudinal range which increases its resistance to climate changes. Here, we assessed the effect of microhabitats on growth parameters and plant vigor of P. aurea and P. floccosa. The maximum EC of the soil in the various microhabitats supporting P. floccosa (950 µS/cm) is substantially higher than that of P. aurea (110 µS/cm). Both Phlomis species had low number of associated species which may be related to habitat aridity. The results indicate that the microhabitats supporting both species are the best environments for future conservation of these species under the impact of climate change.

Тransplastomic tobacco plants producing the hydrophilic domain of the sheep pox virus coat protein L1R

Sheep pox has a wide geographical range of distribution and poses a threat to sheep breeding worldwide, as the disease is highly contagious and is accompanied by large economic losses. Vaccines based on live attenuated virus strains are currently being used for prevention of this disease. Such vaccines are effective, but potentially dangerous because of the possible virus reversion to a pathogenic state. The development of safe recombinant subunit vaccines against sheep pox is very relevant. The high ploidy level of the plant chloroplasts makes it possible to obtain large quantities of foreign proteins. The purpose of this study was to create transplastomic Nicotiana tabacum plants producing one of the candidate vaccine proteins of sheep pox virus L1R. A vector containing a deletion variant of the SPPV_56 gene, which encodes the N-terminal hydrophilic part of the viral coat protein L1R, was constructed to transform tobacco plastids. It provides integration of the transgene into the trnG/trnfM region of the chloroplast tobacco genome by homologous recombination. Spectinomycin-resistant tobacco lines were obtained by biolistic gun-mediated genetic transformation. PCR analysis in the presence of gene-specific primers confirmed integration of the transgene into the plant genome. Subsequent Northern and Western blot analysis showed the gene expression at the transcriptional and translational levels. The recombinant protein yields reached up to 0.9 % of total soluble protein. The transplastomic plants displayed a growth retardation and pale green leaf color compared to the wild type, but they developed normally and produced seeds. Southern blot analysis showed heteroplasmy of the plastids in the obtained plants due to recombination events between native and introduced regulatory plastid DNA elements. The recombinant protein from plant tissue was purified using metal affinity chromatography. Future research will be focused on determining the potential of the chloroplast-produced protein to induce neutralizing antibodies against SPPV strains.