Non-cultivated Plants Research Articles

Diversity of mites (Acari) in vineyard agroecosystems (Vitis vinifera) in two viticultural regions of Rio Grande do Sul state, Brazil

The aim of this work was to study mite diversity in vineyard plots planted with Cabernet Sauvignon and Pinot Noir cultivars and on associated non-cultivated plants in two viticultural regions of Rio Grande do Sul State, Brazil. Monthly assessments of leaves and buds of vines and of non-cultivated plants were undertaken between October 2006 and September 2007. Twelve thousand mites belonging to 17 families and 46 genera and representing 61 mite species were collected. The most abundant phytophagous mites were Calepitrimerus vitis, Colomerus vitis and Panonychus ulmi on grapevines. Among the predatory mites, the most abundant were Neoseiulus californicus and Agistemus floridanus. The non-cultivated plants species that showed the greatest richness of mites were Plantago tomentosa, Plantago lanceolata and Senecio sp. The most abundant phytophagous mites on non-cultivated plants were Tetranychus ludeni and Brevipalpus phoenicis in the viticultural regions of Bento Gonçalves and Candiota, respectively, and Pronematus anconai was generally the most abundant predatory mite. In the region of Bento Gonçalves, species richness and abundance in the agroecosystem were far higher than in the region of Candiota.

Establishment of three new genera in the family Geminiviridae: Becurtovirus, Eragrovirus and Turncurtovirus

The family Geminiviridae includes plant-infecting circular single-stranded DNA viruses that have geminate particle morphology. Members of this family infect both monocotyledonous and dicotyledonous plants and have a nearly global distribution. With the advent of new molecular tools and low-cost sequencing, there has been a significant increase in the discovery of new geminiviruses in various cultivated and non-cultivated plants. In this communication, we highlight the establishment of three new genera (Becurtovirus, Eragrovirus and Turncurtovirus) to accommodate various recently discovered geminiviruses that are highly divergent and, in some cases, have unique genome architectures. The genus Becurtovirus has two viral species, Beet curly top Iran virus (28 isolates; leafhopper vector Circulifer haematoceps) and Spinach curly top Arizona virus (1 isolate; unknown vector), whereas the genera Eragrovirus and Turncurtovirus each have a single assigned species: Eragrostis curvula streak virus (6 isolates; unknown vector) and Turnip curly top virus (20 isolates; leafhopper vector Circulifer haematoceps), respectively. Based on analysis of all of the genome sequences available in public databases for each of the three new genera, we provide guidelines and protocols for species and strain classification within these three new genera.

Host Associations of <I>Diuraphis noxia</I> (Homoptera: Aphididae) Biotypes in South Africa

The incidence and host associations of Russian wheat aphid were investigated in the wheat-growing areas of South Africa from 2009 to 2011. Most Russian wheat aphid samples were collected on dryland wheat, while few samples were collected on irrigation wheat. Volunteer wheat and rescue grass were the preferred alternative host plants to cultivated wheat for all three biotypes. No RWASA1 samples were collected from oats, but RWASA2 seemed to be able to survive successfully on oats, with 12.26% of the total RWASA2 samples collected on oats and 2.83% RWASA2 samples on wild oats. The intrinsic rate of population increase (rm) has often been used as an index of herbivore performance, and alternative host suitability can be quantified using growth rate parameters, such as the intrinsic rate of increase. The rm was determined for the three South African biotypes-RWASA1, RWASA2, and RWASA3--on seven different host plants. Russian wheat aphid biotypes showed a positive intrinsic rate of increase on all host plants tested, indicating that these host plants were all suitable hosts to support populations of all three biotypes. The rm on TugelaDn, which is resistant to RWASA1 but susceptible to RWASA2 and RWASA3, was significantly higher for RWASA3 and lowest for RWASA1. The rm for RWASA2 and RWASA3 was significantly lower on TugelaDn5, which is resistant to these two biotypes. The rm for RWASA2 and RWASA3 was significantly higher than for RWASA1 on both oats and wild oats. Aphid infestation of winter wheat in the spring may be directly influenced by their success and abundance in noncultivated host plants between harvest and emergence of the cultivated wheat. Therefore, it is important to consider the success of different Russian wheat aphid biotypes on host plant alternatives to cultivated cereals when planning a management strategy for Russian wheat aphid in an area.

Identification of a new species of Cercospora causing leaf spot disease in Capsicum assamicum in northeastern India

Northeastern India is one of the most important biodiversity hotspots in the world. However, hot and humid climatic conditions of the region favor growth and development of foliar fungal phytopathogens such as cercosporoid fungi. The genus Cercospora is one of the largest genera of hyphomycetes. Species of Cercospora are known to cause leaf spot disease in several cultivated and non-cultivated plants leading to considerable losses. In this study, we describe a new species of Cercospora which was isolated from the leaves of Naga chilli (Capsicum assamicum Purkayastha & Singh) grown in northeastern India. Comparison of the detailed morphological characteristics along with the DNA sequences for four gene regions, namely actin, calmodulin, histone H3 and translation elongation factor-1α of this isolate, was made with those of some previously reported Cercospora species infecting Capsicum and other similar species of Cercospora from other hosts. The results suggested that our isolate represents an undescribed taxon and warrants the establishment of a new species, Cercospora tezpurensis sp. nov.

Morphogenetic potential of native passion fruit (Passiflora gibertii N. E. Brown.) calli

Some species of non-cultivated passion fruit plant have important contributions to genetic improvement. However, there are few studies concerning about embryogenic and organogenic calli mainly related with structural alterations during their development. The objective of this work was to characterize, structurally the callogenesis on leaf explants of Passiflora gibertii N. E. Brown. The cotyledons were inoculated in MS culture medium, containing half salt concentration, supplemented with sucrose (3 %), and picloram+kinetin for the calli formation. Different calli colors were obtained and used for structural analyses. The calli colors were translucent, white, dark-yellow, white-brown, light-yellow, and white-yellow. After 30 days of cultivation, the calli were fixed in Karnovsky and prepared for the visualization under the scanning and transmission electron microscope and optic microscope. Translucent and light-yellow calli did not present morphogenic characteristics. The cells had different shapes forming non-organized cellular system and the absence or reduced starch content. On the other hand, white and dark-yellow calli manifested embryogenic characteristics such as small isodiametric cells, an organized cellular, dense cytoplasm rich in mitochondria and endoplasmic reticulum, small vacuole and significant starch contend. The culture medium supplemented with 4.14 μM of picloram +0.46 μM of kinetin is the most suitable to induce embryogenic cells.

Brazilian begomovirus populations are highly recombinant, rapidly evolving, and segregated based on geographical location.

The incidence of begomovirus infections in crop plants sharply increased in Brazil during the 1990s following the introduction of the invasive B biotype of the whitefly vector, Bemisia tabaci. It is believed that this biotype transmitted begomoviruses from noncultivated plants to crop species with greater efficiency than indigenous B. tabaci biotypes. Either through rapid host adaptation or selection pressure in genetically diverse populations of noncultivated hosts, over the past 20 years various previously unknown begomovirus species have became progressively more prevalent in cultivated species such as tomato. Here we assess the genetic structure of begomovirus populations infecting tomatoes and noncultivated hosts in southeastern Brazil. Between 2005 and 2010, we sampled and sequenced 126 DNA-A and 58 DNA-B full-length begomovirus components. We detected nine begomovirus species in tomatoes and eight in the noncultivated host samples, with four species common to both tomatoes and noncultivated hosts. Like many begomoviruses, most species are obvious interspecies recombinants. Furthermore, species identified in tomato have probable parental viruses from noncultivated hosts. While the population structures of five well-sampled viral species all displayed geographical subdivision, a noncultivated host-infecting virus was more genetically variable than the four predominantly tomato-infecting viruses.

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.

Land Use and Biodiversity in Unprotected Landscapes: The Case of Noncultivated Plant Use and Management by Rural Communities in Benin and Togo

To contribute to the development of strategies for sustainable agricultural land use and biodiversity conservation in landscapes without formal protection status, we investigated the local use and management of noncultivated plants as important ecosystem functions of inland valleys in south Benin and Togo, and local perceptions on changes in plant biodiversity and causes for these changes. Local users of noncultivated plants perceived agriculture and construction as major factors contributing to the reduction of (noncultivated) plant biodiversity. However, they also collect many useful species from agricultural fields and the village. A small community forest reserve and a 2-ha community garden were the only organized forms of conservation management. Observed ad hoc conservation initiatives were selective harvesting of plant parts, preserving trees during land clearing, and allowing useful weed species in the field. Future development and conservation efforts in unprotected landscapes with multiple ecosystem functions should acknowledge knowledge, interests, and needs of local communities.

Detection of members of the Secoviridae in the Tallgrass Prairie Preserve, Osage County, Oklahoma, USA

Viruses are most frequently discovered because they cause disease. To expand knowledge of plant-associated viruses beyond these narrow constraints, non-cultivated plants of the Tallgrass Prairie of the United States were systematically surveyed for evidence of viruses. This report discusses putative viruses of the family Secoviridae identified by the survey. Sequence analysis suggests the presence of at least six viruses in the study site, including Bean pod mottle virus, Maize chlorotic dwarf virus, three previously undescribed viruses within the subfamily Comovirinae and one unclassifiable virus.

Uptake of nutrients and heavy metals in cultivated and non-cultivated plant under atmospheric air pollution of Al-jubail Industrial City, Saudi Arabia

Uptake of nutrients and heavy metals in cultivated and non-cultivated plant under atmospheric air pollution of Al-jubail Industrial City, Saudi Arabia

Parasitoids of the leafminers (Diptera: Agromyzidae) from Elazığ Province, Turkey

This study was carried out to determine parasitoid species attacking leafminers in the family Agromyzidae (Diptera) in Elazog province during 2009-2010. Infested leaves with leafminer larvae were collected from both cultivated and non-cultivated plants twice a month. Adult parasitoids were obtained by rearing them from infested leaves in the laboratory. Four parasitoid species belonging to the Braconidae (Hymenoptera); Opius (Opiu s) agromyzicola Fischer, Phaedrotoma diversa (Szepligeti), Pseudopezomachus cursitans (Ferriere), and Xynobius (Xynobius ) discoidalis (Fischer) and eight parasitoid species; belonging to the Eulophidae (Hymenoptera); Chrysocharis liriomyzae Delucchi, Cirrospilus lyncus Walker, Closterocerus formosus (Westwood), Diglyphus isaea (Walker, 1838), D. minoeus (Walker), D. pachyneurus Graham, and two of Pteromalidae: Halticoptera circulus (Walker), and H. patellana (Dalman) were found. Among the parasioids reared, C. lyncus , C. formosus , H. circulus , and and H. patellana were recorded for the first time from species of Agromyzidae in Turkey. In this study, the percentage of O. agromyzicola , P. diversa , P. cursitans , and C. was generally low. D. isaea was the predominant parasitoid species found, accounting for 47.66% of parasitism.

Population dynamics of a non-cultivated biennial plant Tragopogon pratensis infected by the autoecious demicyclic rust fungus Puccinia hysterium

Population dynamics of the biennial plant Tragopogon pratensis have been monitored in the Park Grass Experiment at Rothamsted Research, Harpenden, UK, over many years. Observations of diseased T. pratensis, systemically infected by the autoecious demicyclic rust Puccinia hysterium, were made over the period 1995–2008, and confirmed an outbreak pattern of dynamics, characterised by an increase to a relatively high incidence followed by a reduction to low almost indiscernible levels. An epidemiological model was developed taking into account the biennial habit of the host plant, and the systemic nature of infection during the winter period, and the partial sterilisation of infected second year plants. Seedling emergence rate and natural mortality between seasons and within season were key parameters affecting host performance. The transmission rate between infected second year plants and susceptible first year seedlings, and the probability that the fungus would survive the winter systemically as mycelium producing aecia and telia on emerging second year plants, were key parameters associated with pathogenicity. Furthermore the possibility of pathogen-induced additional mortality was modelled. The model predicted that outbreak dynamics of T. pratensis would occur with high pathogenicity and medium or high host performance. In the former case the population dynamics would be cyclical with, in some cases, infected plants going to extinction. In the latter case both host and pathogen would go to extinction. The model predicted that the two pathogenicity parameters were critical in determining whether the pathogen would invade a healthy population; whereas pathogen-induced mortality had little influence, a result also obtained in some limited potted plant experiments. Fitting the model to the field data indicated that there was little or no density-dependence in seedling emergence rate, and again that pathogen-induced mortality played little role in the observed population dynamics.

Population genetic structure and secondary endosymbionts of QBemisia tabaci(Hemiptera: Aleyrodidae) from Greece

We investigated the molecular diversity of the major agricultural pest Bemisia tabaci and of its associated secondary endosymbionts in Greece. Analyzing mitochondrial DNA, we found that the Q1 (=Q west) is predominant. We used eight microsatellite polymorphic markers to study the genetic structure of 37 populations from mainland and insular Greece, collected on different host species from outdoor and protected crops as well as from non-cultivated plants. In some cases, gene flow was found to be low even between populations separated by just a few kilometres. Bayesian analysis identified two main genetic groups, the first encompassing populations from south Crete and the second composed of populations from north Crete, two other Aegean islands and mainland Greece. Genetic differentiation was not correlated with different host plant species or habitat, or greenhouse versus open environment populations. Gene flow significantly decreased with geographic distance, but no isolation by distance existed when only the samples from mainland Greece or only the samples from Crete were considered. The secondary symbionts Wolbachia and Hamiltonella were present at high frequencies while Arsenophonus, Cardinium and Rickettsia were absent from Greek populations. Multilocus sequence typing of Wolbachia identified two Wolbachia strains. These two strains were found together in most of the populations studied but never in the same host individual. Their role on the observed population structure is discussed.

Detection of members of the Tombusviridae in the Tallgrass Prairie Preserve, Osage County, Oklahoma, USA

Viruses are most frequently discovered because they cause disease in organisms of importance to humans. To expand knowledge of plant-associated viruses beyond these narrow constraints, non-cultivated plants of the Tallgrass Prairie Preserve, Osage County, Oklahoma, USA were systematically surveyed for evidence of the presence of viruses. This report discusses viruses of the family Tombusviridae putatively identified by the survey. Evidence of two carmoviruses, a tombusvirus, a panicovirus and an unclassifiable tombusvirid was found. The complete genome sequence was obtained for putative TGP carmovirus 1 from the legume Lespedeza procumbens, and the virus was detected in several other plant species including the fern Pellaea atropurpurea. Phylogenetic analysis of the sequence and partial sequence of a related virus supported strongly the placement of these viruses in the genus Carmovirus. Polymorphisms in the sequences suggested existence of two populations of TGP carmovirus 1 in the study area and year-to-year variations in infection by TGP carmovirus 3.

Parasitoids of the Leafminers (Diptera: Agromyzidae) in Malatya, Turkey

*2 Summary The study was carried out to determine parasitoid species attacking leafminers in the family Agromyzidae (Diptera) in Malatya province during 2007-2008. Infested leaves with leafminer larvae were collected from both cultivated and non-cultivated plants twice a month. Adults parasitoids were obtained by rearing them from infested leaves in the laboratory. Two parasitoid species:, Phaedrotoma diversa (Szepligeti, 1898), Xynobius (Xynobius) discoidalis (Fischer, 1957) belonging to the Braconidae (Hymenoptera) and five parasitoid species: Cirrospilus pictus (Nees, 1834), C. talitzkii Boucek, 1961, Diglyphus isaea (Walker, 1838), Diglyphus pachyneurus Graham, 1963, Pnigalio soemius (Walker, 1839) belonging to the Eulophidae (Hymenoptera) were found. Among the parasioids, X. (Xynobius) discoidalis and C. talitzkii are new records for the Turkish fauna. Moreover, P. diversa, and C. pictus were recorded for the first time from species of Agromyzidae in Turkey. D. isaea was found the predominant parasitoid species, accounting for 48.55% of presence of parasitoid rate.

A Study of Chromium, Cooper, and Lead Distribution from Lignite Fuels Using Cultivated and Non-cultivated Plants as Biological Monitors

Concentrations of chromium, copper, and lead were determined in soil and plant specimens collected from the area of coal power plant (CPP), A. Dimitrios, the largest CPP in Greece located on the eastern part of Ptolemais basin, Macedonia. Two cultivated plants (Brassica oleracea var. capitata L. and Zea mays L.) and two non-cultivated plants (Rumex acetosa L. and Verbascum phlomoides L.) were chosen. The mean heavy metal content in the soil is described in the descending order of Cr>Pb>Cu, while for the plant material, the order was Cr>Cu>Pb. Stations in the vicinity of the CPP showed a distinctly high load of Cr in the soil, whereas for the other metals, no such correlation has been noted. Unexpectedly, high levels of chromium and copper have been found in plant samples of the control station (Grevena) where there is no significant point source of air pollution by particulate matter. In general, roots revealed a higher metal concentration than that of the other plant organs. This is more obvious in B. oleracea var. capitata for all metals studied. Thus, B. oleracea var. capitata possesses the potential for phytoremediation of soils contaminated by metals since this plant is removable together with its roots from the contaminated soil. The most contaminated leaves showed a variation in surface roughness. In V. phlomoides the non-glandular, branched candelabrum-like trichomes on the leaf epidermis effectively trapped and retained a considerable number of particles. In contrast, the waxy cuticle of R. acetosa, which forms a smooth sheet over the epidermal cells, enabled the fast removal of particles by rain or wind. In the case of Z. mays, seeds accumulated the lowest amount of all metals.

Medicinal Plant Use and Health Sovereignty: Findings from the Tajik and Afghan Pamirs.

Medicinal plants are indicators of indigenous knowledge in the context of political volatility and sociocultural and ecological change in the Pamir Mountains of Afghanistan and Tajikistan. Medicinal plants are the primary health care option in this region of Central Asia. The main objective of this paper is to demonstrate that medicinal plants contribute to health security and sovereignty in a time of instability. We illustrate the nutritional as well as medicinal significance of plants in the daily lives of villagers. Based on over a decade and half of research related to resilience and livelihood security, we present plant uses in the context of mountain communities. Villagers identified over 58 cultivated and noncultivated plants and described 310 distinct uses within 63 categories of treatment and prevention. Presence of knowledge about medicinal plants is directly connected to their use.

Eating from the wild: Turumbu, Mbole and Bali traditional knowledge on non-cultivated edible plants, District Tshopo, DRCongo

Wild Edible Plant (WEP) knowledge is very important for the survival of many African communities and may constitute a genetic resource pool for the development of novel food products. Only very limited and general information on WEPs of the Tshopo District, DRCongo, is available in international literature. Ethnobotanical research was carried out in 3 ethnic groups, Turumbu, Mbole and Bali, in 3 different territories of the Tshopo District. In 3 villages per ethnic group, WEPs were inventoried and their properties discussed in focus groups. Via ‘walks-in-the-woods’ with key informants all WEPs were collected to constitute a reference herbarium. Preferences in taste, commercial, nutritional and cultural value, were discussed during participatory ranking exercises. A total of 166 WEPs (165 species and 2 varieties) in 71 families, together with their uses, preparation methods, availability and commercialization possibilities were documented. Comparisons between the 3 ethnic groups showed that the use and knowledge of WEPs is clearly culturally defined with high diversity between ethnic groups. Therefore, we should make a difference between species with regional importance and ethnospecific species when it comes to priority setting for further study and participatory domestication. Based upon the preference ranking exercises, Anonidium mannii, Landolphia owariensis and Megaphrynium macrostachyum are some of the species with regional importance. Participatory domestication aims at ameliorating nutrition security and diversifying and increasing local farmers’ income whilst protecting the tropical rainforest from overexploitation.

Eating from the Wild: Turumbu Indigenous Knowledge on Noncultivated Edible Plants, Tshopo District, DRCongo

Documenting and revalorizing the rapidly disappearing indigenous knowledge on wild edible plants is essential to promote health and preserve diversity. Focus group discussions were organized within three Turumbu villages to document wild foods known, availability, preparation methods, and uses. Preferences in taste and commercial, nutritional, and cultural value were discussed during participatory ranking exercises. Results show 85 species within 70 genera and 44 families. Fruits of Anonidium manni and Landolphia owariensis, and (unfolded) leaves of Megaphrynium macrostachyum and Talinum triangulare are most appreciated. Inventories and preference rankings should be completed with nutritional analyses and market studies to set priorities for participatory domestication.

Quantifying root water extraction by rangeland plants through soil water modeling

We used soil water modeling as a tool to quantify water use of non-cultivated plant communities based on easily measured field data of soil water contents, soil hydraulic properties, and leaf area index. The model was applied in the mixed-grass prairie, considering a dynamic and non-uniform root distribution, the effect of soil water stress on plant water uptake, as well as the compensation effect of root water uptake. The simulation was conducted for the 111 days from mid May to early September of 2009. A good agreement between the model simulated and field measured soil water contents was obtained, with a maximum rooting depth estimated within the depth range of 1.3–1.6 m. The results suggest that a reasonable estimate of soil water retention parameters, and especially the use of the root uptake compensation significantly improved both numerical accuracy in predicted soil water dynamics, and the biological importance in the predicted seasonal root water extraction. In particular, the model gave a reasonable simulation of the seasonal progression of the drying zone in the soil profile in the summer of 2009. The method and analyses used in this paper may be useful in a wider context of soil-plant relationships.