Non-cultivated Plant Species Research Articles

First Records of Anthomyiidae (Diptera) from Nagorno-karabakh, Armenia

The root maggot flies are important pests of cultivated and non-cultivated plant species. This study on the invertebrate fauna of Nagorno-Karabakh was focused on the new leaf miners belonging to the Anthomyiidae. Pegomya bicolor (Wiedemann, 1817) and P. betae (Curtis, 1847) are documented for the first time in Nagorno-Karabakh, Armenia; P. bicolor was found on the leaves of Rumex confertus (Willd.), while P. betae infested the leaves of Beta vulgaris L., and Chenopodium album (L.). Thus, two species of the genus Pegomya cause serious damage to fodder and agricultural crops, causing 55 to 90% damage. Details of species description, ecology of larva and pupa, as well as the damage are included.

From Metagenomics to Ecogenomics: NGS-Based Approaches for Discovery of New Circular DNA Single-Stranded Viral Species.

Viruses comprise the most abundant genetic material in the biosphere; however, global viral genomic population (virome) has been largely underestimated. Recently, high-throughput sequencing (HTS) has provided a powerful tool for the detection of known viruses and the discovery of novel viral species from environmental and individual samples using metagenomics and ecogenomics approaches, respectively. Viruses with circular DNA single-stranded (ssDNA) genomes belonging to the begomovirus genera (family Geminiviridae) constitute the largest group of emerging plant viruses worldwide. The knowledge of begomoviruses viromes is mostly restricted to crop plant systems; nevertheless, it has been described that noncultivated plants specifically at the interface between wild and cultivated plants are important reservoirs leading to viral evolution and the emergence of new diseases. Here we present a protocol that allows the identification and isolation of known and novel begomoviruses species infecting cultivated and noncultivated plant species. The method consists of circular viral molecules enrichment by rolling circle amplification (RCA) from begomovirus-positive total plant DNA, followed by NGS-based metagenomic sequencing. Subsequently, metagenomic reads are processed for taxonomic classification using Viromescan software and a customized Geminiviridae family database, and begomovirus-related reads are used for contigs assembly and annotation using Spades software and Blastn algorithm, respectively. Then, the obtained begomovirus-related signatures are used as templates for specific primers design and implemented for PCR-based ecogenomic identification of individual samples harboring the corresponding viral species. Lastly, full-length begomovirus genomes are obtained by RCA-based amplification from total plant DNA of selected individual samples, cloning, and viral molecular identity corroborated by Sanger sequencing. Conclusively, the identification and isolation of a novel monopartite begomovirus species native to the New World (NW) named Gallium leaf deformation virus (GLDV) is shown.

Biodiversity of Natural Enemies of Pseudococcidae in the Semiarid Region of Brazil

Pseudococcidae species, also known as mealybugs, comprises a complex of pests in various cultivated and non-cultivated plant species, among which fruit plants are most affected by both direct and indirect damage. The incidence of these pest species has been constant in productive environments, causing significant losses due to sap suction, virus transmission, and damage to fruit quality. Thus, this study aimed to know and investigate the population dynamics of natural enemies of Pseudococcidae in different fruit plants cultivated in the semiarid region of Brazil. For this, mealybugs associated with roots, stems, leaves, and fruits of vine, pear, apple, persimmon, guava, and acerola trees were collected biweekly in 14 properties in the São Francisco Valley region, from July 2016 to June 2017. These mealybugs were properly separated for the removal of their predators and the emergence of parasitoids associated with them (Pseudococcidae). Coccophagus sp., Aenasius sp., Anagyrus kamali, Anagyrus sp. 1, Anagyrus sp. 2, Anagyrus sp. 3, Anagyrus sp. 4, Coccidoxenoides perminutus, Gyranusoidea indica, Leptomastix dactylopii, Prochiloneurus sp., Aprostocetus sp., and Signiphora sp. were identified as parasitoids and Diadiplosis multifila, Cryptolaemus montrouzieri, Tenuisvalvae notata, Cycloneda sanguinea, and Hippodamia convergens were identified as predators, in addition to unidentified species of Coccinellidae and Chrysopidae.

Role of Non-cultivated Flowering Plants in Conservation of Pollinators

A study was conducted to emphasize the importance of non-cultivated plants/weeds in North Bangalore, Karnataka from October 2014 to March 2015 in three locations. The pollinators were collected using sweep net method on cultivated and non-cultivated flowering plants. A total of 22 non-cultivated plant species and 11 cultivated plant species were observed on which 85 and 56 pollinator species were collected respectively belonging to the four families (Apidae, Halictidae, Megachilidae and Scoliidae) of Hymenoptera and two families (Syrphidae and Bombyliidae) of Diptera. It is found that association of pollinators were more towards non-cultivated plants than cultivated plants. Among cultivated flowering plants, Ocimum americanum was highly attractive followed by Field bean and Lavandula angustifolia. Among non-cultivated flowering plants, Alternanthera sessilis was highly attractive on which majority were Dipterans followed by Leucas aspera and Hyptis suaveolens indicating the importance of non-cultivated flowering plants/weeds in conservation of pollinators.

Long-term fertilization rather than plant species shapes rhizosphere and bulk soil prokaryotic communities in agroecosystems

The rhizosphere microbiome plays an important role in disease-suppressive soils and is closely related to plant health. While a key role of plant-related factors in shaping the rhizosphere microbiome is well known for natural ecosystems and similarly fertilized agricultural systems, the interaction between fertilization and plant species effects on rhizosphere microbial communities has less been determined. Here, we assessed the influence of plant- and fertilization-related factors on the abundance, biomass and composition of rhizosphere and bulk soil prokaryotic communities. Soil samples were collected from the bulk soil and the rhizosphere of maize, potato, and white mustard under mineral (N180P150K150 per year) and organic (50 t ha−1 of fresh cattle manure) fertilization treatments within a long-term microplot experiment. Total (DNA) and potentially active (RNA) prokaryotic communities were analyzed using RT-PCR and Illumina MiSeq amplicon sequencing. Both NPK and manure fertilization systems led to the similarity of the prokaryotic community structures in rhizosphere and bulk soil. Long-term application of manure increased significantly prokaryotic abundance and diversity due to development of many underrepresented taxa. NPK significantly reduced prokaryotic diversity and the total number of species. Our findings suggest that fertilization is a more important factor in determining the abundance and diversity of prokaryotic communities in the rhizosphere than plant species. Thus, the traditional concept of the key role of plant species in shaping prokaryotic communities in the rhizosphere which is valid for non-cultivated plant species was not confirmed for the agricultural ecosystems and crops investigated here.

Floristic diversity with particular reference to endemic, rare or endangered flora in forest formations of Saïda (Algeria)

ABSTRACTAn evaluation and inventory study on the natural vegetation cover and its diversity was carried out on the forest vegetation of the district of Saïda. The floristic diversity of our study area revealed the existence of 397 taxa belonging to 64 families and 271 genera. The most important families are Asteraceae (42 genera), Fabaceae (25 genera), Brassicaceae (22 genera) and Poaceae (22 genera). The category of rare taxa represents 13% of the studied flora (52 taxa). In our study area, we have counted 35 endemic regional species of which 19 species are endemic Algerian-Moroccan, and 3 species are strictly endemic to Algeria. Among the taxa analysed, 02 are included in the IUCN Red List, and 12 are on the Algerian list of protected non-cultivated plant species.

Occurrence of putative endornaviruses in non-cultivated plant species in South Louisiana.

Extraction and electrophoretic analysis of viral dsRNA from plants has been used successfully to detect infections by RNA viruses. We used this approach as an initial tool to test non-cultivated plant species for the presence of endornaviruses. Foliar samples were collected from symptomless plants in various locations within East Baton Rouge Parish, Louisiana, USA, and tested for viral dsRNA. After testing 208 plant species belonging to 74 families, five (Geranium carolinianum, Hydrocotyle umbellata, H. prolifera, Sorghum halepense, and Sisyrinchium atlanticum) yielded dsRNAs similar in size to the dsRNAs of members of the family Endornaviridae. The endornavirus nature of the dsRNAs was confirmed by reverse-transcription PCR (RT-PCR) and sequencing the RT-PCR products. Sequence data were used to determine relationships of the putative endornaviruses to members of the family Endornaviridae. The putative endornaviruses were detected in both native and introduced plants species. This is the first survey on the occurrence of endornaviruses in non-cultivated plant species.

A review of Tuta absoluta (Lepidoptera: Gelechiidae) host plants and their impact on management strategies

Introduction. Tuta absoluta is one of the most harmful insect pests of tomato crops worldwide. While its host plants mainly include Solanaceae species, recent studies suggest that it can lay eggs and develop on a wider range of wild and cultivated plants. No complete list of host plants based on available scientific data exists. Such information is important for those who aim at performing integrated management strategies against this pest, especially when it comes to identify host reservoirs where the species can survive between harvests or avoid insecticide exposure. Literature. We identified cultivated and non-cultivated plant species belonging to Solanaceae, Amaranthaceae, Euphorbiaceae, Cucurbitaceae, Geraniaceae, Fabaceae, Asteraceae and Malvaceae that allow partial or complete egg-imago development. Among them, we found out that most non-Solanaceous plants serve as oviposition sites only (with no larval development possible), and a few of them allow partial life cycle (causing late instars to die prematurely). We also identified a strong cultivar-dependence in the most common cultivated plant species including tomato and potato. Conclusions. We discuss the potential of resistant and genetically modified tomato cultivars, plant chemical compounds and fertilization as components of integrated control strategies of T. absoluta.

The potential of host plants for biological control of Tuta absoluta by the predator Dicyphus errans.

Dicyphus errans (Wolff) has been shown to be a suitable biocontrol agent for Tuta absoluta (Meyrick). This generalist predator shares various host plants with the exotic pest, and these interactions could be exploited to enhance pest control. Therefore, host preference, survival rate and development times of the predator and prey were investigated on crop and non-crop plant species. Among the tested plants, the favourite hosts were Solanum species for T. absoluta, and herb Robert, European black nightshade, courgette and tomato for D. errans. Tuta absoluta accepted the same plant species as hosts for oviposition, but it never developed on herb Robert and courgette in all the experiments. Based on our results, we would suggest the use of courgette and herb Robert in consociation with tomato and as a companion plant, respectively, which may keep pest densities below the economic threshold. Moreover, the omnivorous and widespread D. errans could be a key predator of this exotic pest, allowing a high encounter probability on several cultivated and non-cultivated plant species.

Seed Dispersal Potential of Asian Elephants (Elephas maximus) in Kumaragala Forest Reserve, Matale District, Sri Lanka

Elephant foraging directly affects the growth, survival and vegetation dynamics of forests. They consume a variety of plants including trees, vines, shrubs and herbs. Even though elephants are considered as important seed dispersal agents, very few studies have been carried out to study the seed dispersal ability of elephants in Sri Lanka. Hence, this study was conducted in a natural forest and a bordering chena cultivation area in Maragamuwa (70070‟N and 80065‟E), within Kumaragala Forest Reserve, from September 2014 to February 2015 to determine the seed dispersal capability of elephants. Three boli were collected randomly from each dung pile and rest were kept in the field and observed until the decomposition was complete. Collected boli were broken and visible seeds were identified by comparing with a reference seed collection. Unidentified seeds were cultivated in sterilised soil. Broken boli were kept in a greenhouse and watered to identify the plants whose seeds were invisible to the naked eye. The study found a total of 84 dung piles and 252 boli were collected from those piles. Fifty three piles out of 84 (63.09%) contained seeds or seedlings of one or more plant species. A total of 22 plant species belonging to nine families were observed to germinate from boli. Among these 22 species, 12 species were cultivated (representing 54.55% of the plant species germinated from boli) and 10 (45.45%) were non-cultivated plant species. Seventeen plant species from chena cultivation area and six species from natural forest were found. Careya arborea and Megathyrsus maximus were the most frequently found seeds and seedlings. Among the cultivated plants, climbers (41.67%), shrubs (8.33%), and herbs (50%) were found, and among the non-cultivated plants trees (60.00%), herbs (4.55%) and shrubs (13.64%) were found regularly. It is interesting to note that herbs formed 50% of the cultivated plants, while they formed only 4.55% of the non-cultivated plants germinating from elephant dung boli. The results from this study could be used to develop habitat enrichment programs for wild elephants that help in mitigating the human-elephant conflict, which is now becoming a serious conservation issue for the Sri Lankan elephant. Keywords: Mega-herbivores, Foraging, Elephant dung, Human-elephant conflict, Conservation

Effects of surrounding crop and semi-natural vegetation on the plant diversity of paddy fields

The ecosystems around, and plant composition in, paddy fields in Java are varied, owing to differences in climate, altitude, and traditional farming practice. This study examines the effects of different types of surrounding land use and vegetation on the plant diversity in paddy fields. We studied three upland (400–850 m asl) and three lowland areas (10–50 m asl) in the island of Java, Indonesia. Samples of vegetation were taken in fields and bunds (partition between paddy field plots) in two rice cultivation seasons from October 2011 through to June 2012, including the peak of rice cultivation in Java between October and February. We used Analysis of Variance Matrix Unbalanced to analyze the effects of area, complexity, location, and season on plant composition. Tukey’s Honestly Significant Difference (HSD) test was performed to determine significant differences between groups in the sample. We recorded 14 crop species and 221 non-cultivated plant species, of which 171 species occurred in paddy fields and 190 on bunds. Species numbers in upland areas were higher than in lowland areas. In fallows, twice as many species as in cultivated rice fields were found. The presence of semi-natural vegetation within short distance had no significant effect on plant species numbers in paddy fields. Multiple cropping and intercropping around paddy fields and on bunds had a marked effect on plant diversity. Differences in plant species numbers and composition between lowland and upland areas are more pronounced than the effects of local environmental complexity. To enhance high and varied plant diversity on the field and landscape scale, traditional multiple and intercropping systems should be supported.

Synonymous site variation due to recombination explains higher genetic variability in begomovirus populations infecting non-cultivated hosts

Begomoviruses are ssDNA plant viruses that cause serious epidemics in economically important crops worldwide. Non-cultivated plants also harbour many begomoviruses, and it is believed that these hosts may act as reservoirs and as mixing vessels where recombination may occur. Begomoviruses are notoriously recombination-prone, and also display nucleotide substitution rates equivalent to those of RNA viruses. In Brazil, several indigenous begomoviruses have been described infecting tomatoes following the introduction of a novel biotype of the whitefly vector in the mid-1990s. More recently, a number of viruses from non-cultivated hosts have also been described. Previous work has suggested that viruses infecting non-cultivated hosts have a higher degree of genetic variability compared with crop-infecting viruses. We intensively sampled cultivated and non-cultivated plants in similarly sized geographical areas known to harbour either the weed-infecting Macroptilium yellow spot virus (MaYSV) or the crop-infecting Tomato severe rugose virus (ToSRV), and compared the molecular evolution and population genetics of these two distantly related begomoviruses. The results reinforce the assertion that infection of non-cultivated plant species leads to higher levels of standing genetic variability, and indicate that recombination, not adaptive selection, explains the higher begomovirus variability in non-cultivated hosts.

Use of native tree species by an hispanic community in Panama

We investigated the use of plants collected in the wild by a small farming community in Central Panama to document the importance of noncultivated plants by tropical, nonforest-dwelling, nonindigenous people. We visited the community to observe what wood was used to build houses and interviewed local people about medicinal and edible plants collected in the wild state. The community reported use of 119 noncultivated plant species, including 108 tree species, three shrubs, two herbs, four lianas, and two vines. The majority (71) of the species were used for building homes. Other products built with wood collected in the wild were diverse kinds of tools, containers, cages, and fences. The second most important use of wild plants, in terms of number of species, was firewood, for which 40 species were mentioned by the community. Other uses included fruit for human consumption (20 species). Most of the species (82 of 119) were collected in secondary forests near the community, whereas another large group (47 species) were collected in mature forest. Fewer species were harvested in shrubby regrowth or from isolated trees in farm land. Nearly all the species (111 of 119) were native to the area, and never cultivated locally, but 15 species were considered especially valuable, and were often protected when found as juveniles. Only six of the species are commonly used in reforestation programs in Panama. We conclude that even hispanic communities in tropical Latin America, living outside the forest, with no Amerindian inhabitants, make frequent use of the great diversity of trees native to the region.

Root-Associated N 2 Fixation (Acetylene Reduction) by Enterobacteriaceae and Azospirillum Strains in Cold-Climate Spodosols

N(2) fixation by bacteria in associative symbiosis with washed roots of 13 Poaceae and 8 other noncultivated plant species in Finland was demonstrated by the acetylene reduction method. The roots most active in C(2)H(2) reduction were those of Agrostis stolonifera, Calamagrostis lanceolata, Elytrigia repens, and Phalaris arundinacea, which produced 538 to 1,510 nmol of C(2)H(4).g (dry weight). h when incubated at pO(2) 0.04 with sucrose (pH 6.5), and 70 to 269 nmol of C(2)H(4). g (dry weight).h without an added energy source and unbuffered. Azospirillum lipferum, Enterobacter agglomerans, Klebsiella pneumoniae, and a Pseudomonas sp. were the acetylene-reducing organisms isolated. The results demonstrate the presence of N(2)-fixing organisms in associative symbiosis with plant roots found in a northern climatic region in acidic soils ranging down to pH 4.0.