Main Root Research Articles

Reducing maritime accidents in ships by tackling human error: a bibliometric review and research agenda

Over the past decade the number of maritime transportation accidents has fallen. However, as shipping vessels continue to increase in size, one single incident, such as the oil spills from ‘super’ tankers, can have catastrophic and long-term consequences for marine ecosystems, the environment and local economies. Maritime transport accidents are complex and caused by a combination of events or processes that might ultimately result in the loss of human and marine life, and irreversible ecological, environmental and economic damage. Many studies point to direct or indirect human error as a major cause of maritime accidents, which raises many unanswered questions about the best way to prevent catastrophic human error in maritime contexts. This paper takes a first step towards addressing some of these questions by improving our understanding of upstream maritime accidents from an organisation science perspective—an area of research that is currently underdeveloped. This will provide new and relevant insights by both clarifying how ships can be described in terms of organisations and by considering them in a whole ecosystem and industry. A bibliometric review of extant literature of the causes of maritime accidents related to human error was conducted, and the findings revealed three main root causes of human and organisational error, namely, human resources and management, socio-technical Information Systems and Information Technologies, and individual/cognition-related errors. As a result of the bibliometric review, this paper identifies the gaps and limitations in the literature and proposes a research agenda to enhance our current understanding of the role of human error in maritime accidents. This research agenda proposes new organisational theory perspectives—including considering ships as organisations; types of organisations (highly reliable organisations or self-organised); complex systems and socio-technical systems theories for digitalised ships; the role of power; and developing dynamic safety capabilities for learning ships. By adopting different theoretical perspectives and adapting research methods from social and human sciences, scholars can advance human error in maritime transportation, which can ultimately contribute to addressing human errors and improving maritime transport safety for the wider benefit of the environment and societies ecologies and economies.

Study of the Main Roots of Digital Economy: A Bibliometric Analysis

The purpose of this study is to identify the origins of the digital economy and where it is heading, by looking at its main roots and analyzing its trends. As a base for this bibliometric research, the papers within the research environment and the identified related keywords will be considered.

Effect of five Bacillus strains on seed germination of Pisum sativum and plant growth of Origanum vulgare subsp. hirtum (oregano)

This study aims to investigate the effect of PGP-strains from genus Bacillus on seed germination of Pisum sativum and plant growth of Origanum vulgare subsp. hirtum in comparison with two growth plant regulators. Bacterial cell free supernatants (CFS) from five Bacillus strains were used in two different concentrations – 100 and 500 fold dilutions. The growth regulators (gibberellic acid and indole acetic acid) were used to determine optimal concentration to Pisum sativum seeds germination and plant growth, and were compared with the bacterial CFS. PGP-activities of CFS and plant regulators were evaluated by morphometric data of sprouted seeds and plants. Bacterial CFS increase the number of lateral root branching and the average number of leaves compared with the tested growth regulators. The growth regulators had positive effect on plant growth, although their accumulation in the soils has been shown to cause soil erosion and pollution. The treatment of Origanum vulgare subsp. hirtum with bacterial CS from B. subtilis 8VR, B. pumilus 9VR and B. thuringiensis 13VR, resulted in significant increase in the root length compared to the control. The maximum length of the main root was measured after treatment with CS from B. thuringiensis 13VR. Bacterial CS from genus Bacillus had no effect of stem length of Origanum vulgare subsp. hirtum, while CS from B. cereus 7VR and B. subtilis 8VR increased the number of leaf trichomes compared to the control.

Ginsenosides accumulation and related genes expression in different underground parts of Panax notoginseng during maturation stage

Ginsenosides, which mainly exist in rhizomes and roots of Panax notoginseng (Burk) F. H. Chen, exhibit various physiological functions and medicinal values. However, the accumulation process of ginsenosides in the rhizome, epidermis, and xylem of the main root is unknown. Herein, the temporospatial distribution and mechanism of variation of ginsenosides in the underground parts of three-year-old P. notoginseng were investigated. The results showed that the accumulation of ginsenosides in rhizomes accelerated from May. In 12-month growth stages (except May), the content of ginsenosides in the xylem and epidermis were higher than that in the rhizome. However, the ginsenosides in rhizomes increased rapidly, whereas the ginsenosides in the main root decreased from May to July. The expression levels of genes encoding squalene epoxidase, dammarenediol synthase, and uridine diphosphate-dependent glycosyltransferase (UGTPg1) in rhizomes were increased in May, whereas genes encoding squalene synthase, protopanaxadiol synthase, protopanaxatriol synthase, UGTPg45, and UGTPg29 were expressed at considerably increased levels in June. Distinct expression levels of genes related to ginsenoside biosynthesis were the main reasons for the temporospatial fluctuation of ginsenoside accumulation in the two tissues. weighted gene co-expression network analysis demonstrated that many transcripts regulated ginsenoside accumulation in underground tissues. These results provide essential data for farmers and processors participating in P. notoginseng cultivation and utilisation.

Incidence and Characterization of Rice Root Nematodes, Hirschmanniella mucronata, from Rice Fields in Pathum Thani Province, Thailand

The rice root nematodes, Hirschmanniella oryzae and H. mucronata, are serious and widespread threats to global rice production, especially in tropical and subtropical zones. Reliable and efficient identification of these nematodes is vital to nematode control and management. In this current study, 36 soil or rice root samples were collected from rice fields located in Pathum Thani province and used for nematode extraction. The results demonstrated that Hirschmanniella sp. was found in all paddy fields, especially in Muang District, where RD47 rice cultivars were grown at soil pH of 5.9. Molecular identification based on the analysis of 28S rRNA and 18S-ITS1-1.58S genes revealed 98 – 99 % similarity to H. mucronata, and its phylogenetic trees were grouped with H. mucronata from Cambodia and Philippines. Likewise, the morphometric characterization revealed remarkable features of H. mucronata with long body (1,639 - 2,329 µm), long stylet (24 - 27 µm) and an obvious mucron at the end of terminus. Therefore, the main rice root nematode species found in Pathum Thani’s rice fields were H. mucronata.
 HIGHLIGHTS
 
 The rice root nematodes, Hirschmanniella, are presented the predominant plant-parasitic nematodes in rice cultivated areas of Pathum Thani province, Thailand
 Population densities of Hirschmanniella are encountered in rice roots than in soil, especially in RD47 rice cultivars grown in Muang District
 Both of morphological and molecular characterization illustrating the species of rice root nematodes were mucronate
 This is a first description on the molecular characterization of mucronata from rice fields in Thailand
 
 GRAPHICAL ABSTRACT

Gandhi’s Militant Nonviolence in the Light of Girard’s Mimetic Anthropology

Nuclear rivalry, as well as terrorism and the war against terror, exemplify the dangerous escalation of violence that is threatening our world. Gandhi’s militant nonviolence offers a possible alternative that avoids a complacent indifference toward injustice as well as the imitation of violence that leads to its escalation. The French-American cultural anthropologist René Girard discovered mimetic rivalries as one of the main roots of human conflicts, and also highlighted the contagious nature of violence. This article shows that Gandhi shares these basic insights of Girard’s anthropology, which increases the plausibility of his plea for nonviolence. Reading Gandhi with Girard also complements Girard’s mimetic theory by offering an active practice of nonviolence as a response to violent threats, and by broadening the scope of its religious outreach. Gandhi’s reading of the Sermon on Mount not only renounces violence and retaliation like Girard but also underlines the need to actively break with evil. Both Gandhi and Girard also address the religious preconditions of nonviolent action by underlining the need to prefer godly over worldly pursuits, and to overcome the fear of death by God’s grace. This congruence shows that Girard’s anthropology is valid beyond its usual affinity with Judaism and Christianity.

Aerenchyma formation in the root of leaf-vegetable sweet potato: Programmed cell death initiated by ethylene-mediated H2 O2 accumulation.

Sweet potato, commonly planted in Southeast Asia and South America with abundant rainfall, often suffers from waterlogging. The aerenchyma formation in roots is an effective way for plants to facilitate gas exchange. In the present study, tolerant and sensitive varieties, respectively, designated NC1 and C211, were evaluated under water oxygen content at 2.0mg·L-1 (hypoxia treatment) and 8.0mg·L-1 (control). The results showed that NC1 variety has a relatively higher root growth rate under low oxygen condition. In NC1 plants, aerenchyma was observed in the mid-section of the main adventitious root and spread to the proximal and distal ends, forming a complete channel in the cortex. However, in C211 plants, the aerenchyma occurred relatively later and could not turn into a whole channel. Ethylene synthesis-related (ACS1, ACS4, ACS5, etc.) and signal transduction-related (ETR1, ERS1, EIN2, etc.) genes were upregulated in the NC1 plants and led to changes in the reactive oxygen species-related genes (RBOHA, SOD, CAT, etc.) and enzyme activities. It was found that programmed cell death was induced by H2 O2 accumulation. A regulatory model of lysigenous aerenchyma formation in the root of sweet potato was constructed. Our study enriches the understanding of the mechanisms of the aerenchyma formation in plants.

Molecular Cloning and Identification of NADPH Cytochrome P450 Reductase from Panax ginseng

Ginseng (Panax ginseng C.A. Mey.) is a precious Chinese traditional medicine, for which ginsenosides are the most important medicinal ingredients. Cytochrome P450 enzymes (CYP450) and their primary redox molecular companion NADPH cytochrome P450 reductase (CPR) play a key role in ginsenoside biosynthesis pathway. However, systematic studies of CPR genes in ginseng have not been reported. Numerous studies on ginsenoside synthesis biology still use Arabidopsis CPR (AtCPR1) as a reductase. In this study, we isolated two CPR genes (PgCPR1, PgCPR2) from ginseng adventitious roots. Phylogenetic tree analysis showed that both PgCPR1 and PgCPR2 are grouped in classⅡ of dicotyledonous CPR. Enzyme experiments showed that recombinant proteins PgCPR1, PgCPR2 and AtCPR1 can reduce cytochrome c and ferricyanide with NADPH as the electron donor, and PgCPR1 had the highest enzymatic activities. Quantitative real-time PCR analysis showed that PgCPR1 and PgCPR2 transcripts were detected in all examined tissues of Panax ginseng and both showed higher expression in stem and main root. Expression levels of the PgCPR1 and PgCPR2s were both induced after a methyl jasmonate (MeJA) treatment and its pattern matched with ginsenoside accumulation. The present investigation suggested PgCPR1 and PgCPR2 are associated with the biosynthesis of ginsenoside. This report will assist in future CPR family studies and ultimately improving ginsenoside production through transgenic engineering and synthetic biology.

Green approach for low-energy direct synthesis of anhydrite from industrial wastes of lime mud and spent sulfuric acid

Millions of tons of hazardous spent sulfuric acid and lime mud from water treatment facilities are produced per year. A green approach for the synthetic gypsum and anhydrite derived from such industrial wastes was proposed. It was found that direct structural controlled synthesis of anhydrite can be performed at usual conditions for synthesis of gypsum: 55 °C and atmospheric pressure. High-quality gypsum can be obtained at room temperature. The results obtained were confirmed by XRD, SEM, TEM, DTA, thermochemical and thermodynamics calculations. It was shown by a number of indicators that such approach is advantageous from technological, environmental and economic point of view. The filtrate formed during the synthesis contains sulfur, calcium, magnesium, sodium and potassium and can be used as a complex fertilizer. The results of bioindication when growing oil radish showed a double increase in the length of the main root when using a neutralized filtrate.

Comprehensive phytochemical profiling of American ginseng in Jilin province of China based on ultrahigh-performance liquid chromatography quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry.

American ginseng (AG), the underground part of Panax quinquefolium L., is composed of four morphological regions, including main root (MR), lateral root (LR), fibrous root (FR), and rhizome (RH). In the clinical, MR is the main medicinal region, other regions are rarely attention. Aiming at revealing the chemical composition of AG and making better use of AG, screening analysis and metabolomic analysis were both performed to profile MR, LR, FR, and RH. First, in the systematical screening analysis, a total of 134 compounds (including 122 shared components) with various structural patterns were identified and tentatively characterized. The results indicated that the phytochemicals with various structural types were rich in MR, LR, FR, and RH. Second, 6, 4, 8, and 11 chemical markers were identified from MR, LR, FR, and RH, respectively. Seven triterpene saponins (protopanaxatriol, quinquenoside R1 , ginsenoside Rc, Rk1 , Rg1 , Re, and vinaginsenoside R1 ) might be used for rapid differentiation of four morphological regions. This comprehensive profile study of metabolites illustrated the similarities and differences of phytochemicals in four morphological regions of AG. The results could be used for the quality control of AG and furnish a basis for the further development and utilization of AG sources.

Variation in Boron Availability Alters Root Architecture Attributes at the Onset of Storage Root Formation in Three Sweetpotato Cultivars

The primary objective of this work was to generate species-specific information about root architectural adaptation to variation in boron (B) availability at the onset of storage root formation among three sweetpotato [Ipomoea batatas (L.) Lam] cultivars (Beauregard = BX; Murasaki = MU; Okinawa = OK). Three B levels were used: 0B (B was omitted in the nutrient solution, substrate B = 0.1 mg·kg−1), 1XB (sufficient B; 0.5 mg·kg−1), and 2XB (high B; 1 mg·kg−1). The check cultivar BX showed evidence of storage root formation at 15 days in 0B and 1XB, whereas cultivars MU and OK failed to show evidence of root swelling. The 1XB and 2XB levels were associated with 736% and 2269% increase in leaf tissue B in BX, respectively, relative to plants grown in 0B. Similar magnitudes of increase were observed in MU and OK cultivars. There were no differences in adventitious root (AR) count within cultivars but OK showed 25% fewer AR numbers relative to BX across all B levels. 0B was associated with 20% and 48% reduction in main root length in BX and OK, respectively, relative to plants grown in 1XB and 2XB. 2XB was associated with a 10% increase in main root length in MU relative to plants grown in 0B and 1XB. 0B was associated with reduced lateral root length in all cultivars but the magnitude of responses varied with cultivars. These data corroborate findings in model systems and well-studied crop species that B deficiency is associated with reduced root growth. These data can be used to further understand the role of cultivar-specific responses to variation in B availability in sweetpotato.

Method to Identify Accessory Root Canals using a New CBCT Software.

This study describes a methodology to identify accessory root canals using the e-Vol DX software in CBCT scans. Accessory root canals are strategic shelters for microorganisms present in root canal infections. The identification of these small canals in periapical radiographic exams has limitations, besides being markedly limited accessibility to the action of endodontic instruments and to the antimicrobial agents. A significant number of accessory canals have sufficient diameters to be visible on cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) images of high spatial resolution. Therefore, it may go unnoticed or even confused when there is no specific training for this type of diagnosis. The methodology consists in establishing thin slices (0.1mm or smaller) obtained from coronal, sagittal and axial slices. The method consists of the following steps: during navigation along the long axis of a root canal when finding a possible hypodense line of main root canal in a tomographic section (axial, sagittal or coronal), the navigation software lines of the multiplanar reconstruction (MPR) must be adjusted so that they are parallel and perpendicular to the hypodense line (parallax correction). Then, after judiciously adjusted, the accessory canal image will invariably appear as a line on one of the MPR tomographic slices, another line on another slice, and a dot on the third slice. The three sections of the MPR present images with the "line-line-dot" sequence. In this way, it is possible to identify an accessory root canal and also visualize it in volumetric reconstruction in a specific filter. The application of this method is easy to employed and may benefit the diagnosis when you want to visualize accessory root canals and distinguish it from root fracture line.

Text-Based Language Teaching in the New-Normal Era to Achieve Communicative Competence: Challenges for EFL Teachers

Abstract
 Background:
 To live in this communicative era, people need to have communicative competence. The main aim of ELT is to enable the students to communicate or to produce a text. Thus, EFL teaching needs to facilitate them to achieve communicative competence so that they can participate actively in their communities. EFL teachers can utilize text-based teaching to realize this. Text-based teaching involves the use of texts, which are context bases for achieving communicative competence. This paper is a reflection, describing the teachers' common problems in implementing text-based teaching, especially under the COVID-19 pandemic.
 Methodology: 
 This study is qualitative survey research to gain in-depth information about the topic of the study. The goal of this study is to describe the teachers' perception of Text-Based Approach in ELT and to describe their challenges to implement text-based online teaching. Open-ended survey questions were delivered to 15 research participants. To get a comprehensive understanding of the research participants' opinions, the researchers followed up their answers with an interview via a telephone call.
 Findings: 
 The questionnaire, interview, and teachers’ self-written reflection revealed the teachers’ common problems in implementing text-based teaching, i.e. in selecting texts, in adapting or in modifying texts, in designing tasks, in overcoming students’ boredom, besides the problems of online teaching.
 Conclusion: 
 The main root of the problems is the teachers' lack of knowledge of text-based approach. Thus, updating the teachers' knowledge can be one of the solutions to the problems.

“Hope deferred…”: meeting the challenges of stigma toward Ghanaians diagnosed with mental illness

ABSTRACT Despite advances in human rights and treatments, stigma toward individuals diagnosed with mental illness is common across the African continent. This article explores experiences of stigma and social exclusion among individuals diagnosed with mental illness and receiving treatment in a psychiatric facility in Ghana. The study, based on in-depth, semi-structured interviews generated the following themes: beliefs in spiritual causes of mental illness; spirituality as a coping mechanism; mistreatment and abuse. The findings highlight the significance of social exclusion and spirituality as the main roots of stigma; also the importance of awareness-raising as tools for anti-stigma work in the global South.

Polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins and dibenzofurans in lotus from a lake historically polluted by the chlor-alkali industry: Occurrence, organ distribution and health risk from dietary intake

In this study, the organ distribution and exposure risk from dietary intake of polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins and dibenzofurans (PCDD/Fs) were investigated for lotus collected from Ya-er Lake, a lake in Hubei Province, Central China that was historically polluted by the chlor-alkali industry. The highest concentrations of PCDD/Fs were found in the main and fibrous lotus roots, with mean values of 48.9 ± 90.1 pg/g and 94.6 ± 143 pg/g, respectively. In all the investigated samples, Octa-CDD (OCDD) and Octa-CDF (OCDF) were the predominant congeners, at 26% and 17% of Σ17 PCDD/Fs, respectively, followed by 1,2,3,4,6,7,8-HpCDF (9%). The distribution ratios of PCDD/Fs in adjacent lotus organs indicated that PCDD/Fs accumulated easily in edible organs, such as lotus seeds, membrane and leaves. The WHO-TEQ in the edible lotus organs and the probable daily intake (PDI) of lotus products by residents were calculated: the toxic equivalents in the lotus fruit parts reached a mean of 2 pg WHO-TEQ2005/g dw, and the mean weekly intake of lotus products for adolescents living around Ya-er Lake was 2.3 pg WHO-TEQ/kg bw/week. These results suggested that long-term consumption of lotus products from Ya-er Lake presents a health hazard to residents.

Potassium enhances cadmium resistance ability of Panax notoginseng by brassinolide signaling pathway-regulated cell wall pectin metabolism

The mechanism of how potassium (K) attenuates cadmium (Cd)-induced demethylation and anabolism of cell wall (CW) pectin through the brassinolide (BR) signaling pathway was verified in Panax notoginseng (Burk.). The P. notoginseng pectin methylesterase gene (PnPME1) was cloned and functionally verified in tobacco. Pectin and BR metabolism, Cd content and the pectin methylation degree (PMD) were detected in response to K, 2,4-epibrassinolide (EBL), and brassinazole treatments of P. notoginseng and tobacco under Cd stress. Activity of the main root pectin methylesterase enzyme (PME) was promoted by 22.29% under the EBL treatment, and Cd content increased by 29.03% under Cd stress. Potassium reduced PME activity and Cd content in main root pectin by 61.03% and 50.73%, respectively, under the EBL and Cd co-treatment. Potassium inhibited the promoting effects of Cd stress on the expression of PnPME1 by 57.04%. Potassium also inhibited expression of BR synthesis genes PnDET2, PnROT3, PnCYP90A1, and PnBR6OX1 by 65.61%, 52.02%, 47.36%, and 55.16%, respectively, and reduced the accumulation of Cd. The PnPME1 was located in the CW. The activity of transgenic tobacco root PME was higher than that of the wild-type, while the PMD was significantly lower. The regulatory effects of K and EBL on tobacco root pectin metabolism were consistent with those in P. notoginseng. In conclusion, K downregulated the expression of BR synthesis genes in P. notoginseng roots under Cd stress and reduced the production of BRs, which inhibited PnPME1 expression. The reduction in PME activity increased the PMD, which reduced the accumulation of Cd.

Ferrite (Fe3O4) Nanoparticle in Soil Stimulates the Plant Growth in Peas and Bok Choy

Iron oxide nanoparticles have been known to be non-toxic and are among the most widely used nanomaterials in life, from the medical, agricultural to environmental fields. However, so far, the understanding of the interaction of nanoparticles, in general, and iron oxide nanoparticles, in particular, with the environment and the flora and fauna ecosystems is still limited. This study evaluated the effects of ferrite (Fe3O4) nanoparticles in soil on the growth of peas (Pisum sativum) and bok choy (Brassica rapa). The study showed that the nanoparticle concentration of 25 mg/kg of soil had the best positive effect on peas growth in terms of the main root elongation and root water retention. At a concentration of 25 mg/kg of soil, iron oxide nanoparticles did not affect the dry biomass growth of root and plant in peas and bok choy, respectively, even in the presence of potassium sulfate in soil. This suggests that the effect of ferric oxide nanoparticles could be more dominant than that of potassium sulfate fertilizer while maintaining constant biomass with increasing water uptake. Further studies at the cellular and tissue levels are needed to better understand this issue.

Staging of Emerged Lateral Roots in Arabidopsis thaliana.

The root system in plants plays a fundamental role in water and nutrient uptake. Lateral roots emerge from the primary root (PR) and its directional organ growth allows the plant to strategically explore the surrounding area. Compared to the main root, lateral roots initially display a distinct gravitropic set point angle, which is established shortly after emergence. Here, we describe a unifying protocol for the morphological description and classification of emerged, young lateral roots.

Comparative study of Vertucci and Ahmed classifications to evaluate the main root canal configuration of mandibular incisors in a Brazilian population.

This study aimed to compare the main root canal configurations of mandibular incisors (MI) in a Brazilian population using Vertucci and Ahmed etal. classifications. One hundred and sixty-five human permanent MI were scanned using a micro-CT. Two examiners classified the samples according to Vertucci and Ahmed etal. classification. Kappa coefficient was employed. The majority of MI had a single root canal (52.1%). Type III Vertucci and 1 MI1-2-1 Ahmed etal. was the most common 2-canal MI (20%). In the apical third, the presence of one, two and three canals was found in 81.8%, 15.2% and 3% respectively. In the cervical and middle thirds, one, two and three canals were found in 86%, 12.2% and 1.8% respectively. Ahmed etal. classification was able to classify the entire sample studied, whereas 11 teeth (6.66%) did not fit Vertucci's classification.

First Report of Fusarium Root Rot of Tobacco Caused by Fusarium sinensis in Henan Province China.

Tobacco (Nicotiana tabacum L.) is an economically important crop in China, with an estimated production of 2.2 million tons every year. In June 2018, tobacco plants within the municipality of Sanmenxia (Henan, China) showed symptoms of wilting with leaf yellowing and stunting. Diseased plants exhibited severe necrosis that advanced through the main root (Figure 1 A). The symptoms were observed in nineteen surveyed tobacco fields, 60 ha in total, and approximately 25% of the plants were symptomatic. The disease resulted in a severe loss in tobacco leaf production. Five symptomatic tobacco plants were sampled. Diseased tissues from roots were surface sterilized in 75% ethanol and placed on potato dextrose agar (PDA) medium. Eighteen of the 25 diseased tissues had cultures growing from them, and all the cultures were white colonies with abundant aerial mycelium produced scarlet pigmentation on PDA. One pure culture was obtained by single-spore culturing (SL1). A 10-day-old culture grown on CLA (carnation leaf agar) produced macroconidia that were falcate, straight or slightly curved, 3-septate, 25-35×3.5-4.5 μm (average 26.8×3.7 μm) (n=50). Two types of microconidia (napiform and fusiform) were formed on CLA that were hyaline, with one to two cells. Napiform conidia were 4.5-9.3×3.8-5.9 (average 7.3×5.0 μm) (n=50); fusiform conidia were 6.9-15.8×1.8-3.1 (average 9.9×2.5 μm). Spherical chlamydospores (7-12.5 μm) (n=50) were terminal or intercalary and produced in clumps or in chains (Figure1 B-D). Morphological characteristics of the isolate were similar to the features of Fusarium sinensis previously described by Zhao and Lu (2008). Molecular identification was performed using partial sequences of EF1-α gene (primers EF1/EF2, O'Donnell et al. 1998). Maximum parsimony and maximum likelihood-based methods were fitted using MEGA 7 (Moreira et al. 2019，Figure 2). The isolate was also sequenced for β-tubulin (primers T1/Bt-2b, O'Donnell & Cigelnik 1997)，ribosomal RNA gene (LSU, LROR/LR5 primers, Vu et al. 2019) and rDNA-ITS (ITS 1/ ITS 4 primers, White et al. 1990). Sequences were deposited in GenBank under accession numbers MT947797 (EF1-α), MW484999 (β-tubulin), MW486649 (LSU) and MT907471 (ITS). The obtained EF1-α sequence was 98.10% identity with those of F. sinensis (MG670388.1) in the GenBank database, whereas the β-tubulin, LSU and ITS sequences showed 100% identities to the corresponding DNA sequences in F. sinensis (GenBank Acc. Nos. KX880370.1, NG_067454.1 and MH863232.1, respectively). Morphological and molecular results confirmed this species as F. sinensis (Zhao and Lu 2008). Pathogenicity tests were performed on tobacco seedlings grown on an autoclaved matrix (YC/T310-2009). Healthy 6-leaf stage tobacco seedlings were inoculated by pouring a 20 mL conidial suspension (1×106 conidia/mL-1) around the stem base of each plant, 30 plant were inoculated. Thirty control seedlings received sterilized water. All treatments were maintained for 30 days under greenhouse conditions with a 12-h light/dark photoperiod at 25±0.5℃ and 70% relative humidity. The assay was conducted three times. Root rot and foliage chlorosis similar to the ones observed on infected plants in the field were observed on the inoculated tobacco seedlings, whereas the control seedlings remained asymptomatic after 30 days (Figure1 E). The pathogen isolated from the inoculated plant exhibited morphological characteristics identical to F. sinensis and was identified by a partial EF1-α gene sequence. This disease has previously been reported as the causal agent of root and crown rot of wheat in China (Zhao and Lu 2008; Xu et al. 2018). To our knowledge, this is the first report of F. sinensis causing root rot on tobacco in China. Funding: Funding was provided by the Science and Technology Project of Henan Provincial Tobacco Company (2020410000270012), Independent Innovation Project of Hennan Academy of Agricultural Sciences (2020ZC18) and Research and Development project of Henan Academy of Agricultural Sciences (2020CY010).