Partial DNA Research Articles

Xoconochcothelphusa, a new genus for Ehecatusa chiapensis (Rodríguez & Smalley, 1972), with notes on Spirothelphusa Pretzmann, 1965 (Crustacea: Decapoda: Pseudothelphusidae)

The species of the genus Ehecatusa Ng & Low, 2010, E. chiapensis (Rodríguez & Smalley, 1972) and E. mixtepensis (Rodríguez & Smalley, in Smalley, 1970), were referred to as incertae sedis in the classification system of the tribe Pseudothelphusini Ortmann, 1897, proposed by Villalobos-Hiriart (2005) and Villalobos & Alvarez(2010) and as members of the subfamily Pseudothelphusinae in the recent phylogenetic proposal by Álvarez et al. (2020), supported with morphology and molecular information. The recent discovery of a new specimen of E. chiapensis, from Chiapas, Mexico, comes to expose again the unresolved taxonomic situation of this species in the genus Ehecatusa. New morphologic evidence from the male first gonopod and a phylogenetic analysis based on partial DNA sequences of mitochondrial and nuclear genes (COI, 16S and H3), support the placement of the two species in different genera. Consequently, Xoconochcothelphusa n. gen. is erected to receive X. chiapensis n. comb. The phylogenetic relationships of X. chiapensis n. gen., n. comb. and E. mixtepensis with other genera of the subfamily Pseudothelphusinae Ortmann, 1893 (Ehecatusa, Smalleyus Alvarez, 1989, and Spirothelphusa Pretzmann, 1965) distributed in Mexico, are examined and a key to the identification of the genera of this subfamily is provided.

Human Schistosomiasis due to Schistosoma bovis in Nigeria.

Schistosomiasis is a global public health challenge, especially in sub-Saharan Africa, where Nigeria has the highest burden of disease. Schistosoma hybrids have been discovered in various countries, including Nigeria, where livestock and human beings share common water resources. This study, carried out in three communities, two of which are endemic for urinary schistosomiasis, aimed to identify the urinary schistosomiasis causative agent by using a species-specific molecular technique and their evolutionary relationship. Polymerase chain reaction using primers specific for a partial DNA sequence of the mitochondrial cox1 gene of Schistosoma haematobium was carried out on pooled urine sediments preserved in 70% ethanol. DNA from the high-intensity pooled samples from Onye-Uku camp amplified, and a BLAST search identified the pooled samples as Schistosoma bovis, whereas S. haematobium DNA did not amplify. The phylogenetic relationship of the sequence showed that it clustered with an S. bovis hybrid obtained from a human host in Côte d'Ivoire and had close ancestry with isolates from cattle in Cameroon. This finding revealed the prevalence of S. bovis among some inhabitants in a zone in Nigeria where schistosomiasis is endemic.

Horse Meat Microbiota: Determination of Biofilm Formation and Antibiotic Resistance of Isolated Staphylococcus Spp.

Domestic horses could be bred for leisure activities and meat production, as is already the case in many countries. Horse meat is consumed in various countries, including Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan, and with the increase in this consumption, horses are registered as livestock by the Food and Agricultural Organization. In this study, horse meat microbiota of horse samples (n = 56; 32 samples from Kazakhstan and 24 samples from Kyrgyzstan) from two countries, Kazakhstan (n = 3) and Kyrgyzstan (n = 1), were investigated for the first time by next-generation sequencing and metabarcoding analysis. The results demonstrated that Firmicutes, Proteobacteria, and Actinobacteria were the dominant bacterial phyla in all samples. In addition, three (5.4%) Staphylococcus strains were isolated from the Uzynagash region, Kazakhstan. Staphylococcus strains were identified as Staphylococcus warneri, S. epidermidis, and S. pasteuri by partial 16S rRNA DNA gene Sanger sequencing. All three Staphylococcus isolates were nonbiofilm formers; only the S. pasteuri was detected as multidrug-resistant (resistant to penicillin, cefoxitin, and oxacillin). In addition, S. pasteuri was found to carry mecA, mecC, and tetK genes. This is the first study to detect potentially pathogenic Staphylococcus spp. in horse meat samples originating from Kazakhstan. In conclusion, it should be carefully considered that undercooked horse meat may pose a risk to consumers in terms of pathogens such as antibiotic-resistant Staphylococcus isolates.

A new species of Neoergasilus Yin 1956 (Copepoda: Cyclopoida: Ergasilidae) parasitic on the catfish Clarias gariepinus (Burchell, 1822) (Siluriformes: Clariidae) from South Africa

Twenty-one specimens of an ergasilid were collected from the gills of the sharptooth catfish, Clarias gariepinus (Burchell), from the Eastern Cape, South Africa. The first leg and antennae morphology conformed to the genus Neoergasilus Yin, 1956. While the invasive Neoergasilus japonicus (Harada, 1930) is the only Neoergasilus species that has been reported from Africa, the combination of several characteristics, separates the Eastern Cape specimens from N. japonicus and the other eight Neoergasilus congeners. These include an inflated cephalothorax; the presence of an oval dorsal ornamentation anterior to the cephalosome; a spine on the posterodistal margin of the first antennal segment; a cone-like process at the proximal margin of the second antennal segment; a knob-like process on the inner distal margin of the first exopodal segment of leg 1 and two forked spines on the third exopodal segment; leg 4 bearing a 2-segmented exopod and 3-segmented endopod; a single-segmented fifth leg with a seta extending from the base of the pedigerous somite and three unequal setae on its free segment; and a median caudal rami seta with an array of spines. Supporting genetic data were generated using two partial ribosomal RNA genes, 18S and 28S, and one partial mitochondrial DNA gene, COI. The Eastern Cape species is here proposed as new to science and described as Neoergasilus africanusn. sp. (Ergasilidae: Cyclopoida). This is the first Neoergasilus species described from the sharptooth catfish and from the southern hemisphere. Additionally, a key to all the species of this genus is provided.

Recent fieldwork and fungarium studies double known diversity of Chlorosplenium and improve understanding of species distributions

ABSTRACT Chlorosplenium is a small genus comprising five species of inoperculate discomycetes in the order Helotiales (Leotiomycetes) often recognizable by their bright yellowish-green colors and gregarious growth on wood. In this study, we describe five new species—C. aotearoa, C. australiense, C. cusucoense, C. epimorsicum, and C. hawaiiense—based on a combination of recent fieldwork and examination of previously collected fungarium specimens. We use an integrative taxonomic approach to support the distinction of new species, incorporating morphology and DNA sequence data with biogeography. Macro- and micromorphological features of apothecia for all species and culture characteristics for four of the five new species are documented. A multilocus phylogeny based on nuc rDNA internal transcribed spacer region ITS1-5.8S-ITS2, partial large subunit nuc ribosomal DNA (28S nuc rDNA), and A–B regions of the largest subunit of RNA polymerase II (RPB1) gene is presented. Additionally, we report Chlorosplenium chlora from Europe for the first time and expand our knowledge of the diversity and distributions of species in this genus in America, Australia, and New Zealand.

Chaotic image encryption based on partial face recognition and DNA diffusion

Chaotic image encryption based on partial face recognition and DNA diffusion

A Novel Mastadenovirus from Nyctalus noctula Which Represents a Distinct Evolutionary Branch of Viruses from Bats in Europe.

Bats are natural hosts of a wide variety of viruses, including adenoviruses. European bats are known to carry mastadenoviruses categorized as species B (widespread in European Vespertilionidae bats) and whose taxonomy has not been clarified. We examined fecal samples from Vespertilionidae bats (five species) captured in central Russia and found that 2/12 (16%) were positive for mastadenoviruses. The partial genome of the mastadenovirus was assembled from Pipistrellus nathusii, representing the bat adenovirus species B. The complete genome (37,915 nt) of a novel mastadenovirus was assembled from Nyctalus noctula and named BatAdV/MOW15-Nn19/Quixote. Comparative studies showed significant divergence of the Quixote genome sequence from European bat mastadenoviruses, while the only known virus showing low similarity was the isolate WA3301 from an Australian bat, and together they formed a subclade that separated from other BatAdVs. Phylogenetic and comparative analysis of the protein-coding genes provided evidence that Quixote is related to a novel species within the genus Mastadenovirus, provisionally named "K" (as the next available letter for the species). Phylogenetic analyses revealed that some earlier viruses from Western European bats, for which only partial DNA polymerase genes are known, are most likely members of the tentatively named species "K". Thus, at least two species of mastadenovirus are circulating in bats throughout Europe, from western to eastern areas.

Prevalence and Sequence Analysis of Equine Rhinitis Viruses among Horses in Poland.

Equine rhinitis A (ERAV) and B (ERBV) viruses are respiratory pathogens with worldwide distribution. The current study aimed to determine the frequency of infection of ERAV and ERBV among horses and foals at Polish national studs, and to determine genetic variability within the viruses obtained. Virus-specific quantitative RT-PCR assays targeting a 5' untranslated region were used to screen nasal swabs collected from 621 horses at 16 national horse studs from throughout Poland, including 553 healthy horses and 68 horses with respiratory disease. A partial DNA polymerase gene was amplified and sequenced from the qRT-PCR-positive samples. The obtained sequences were analysed using phylogeny and genetic network analysis. None of the nasal swabs were positive for ERAV, whereas ERBV was found in 11/621 (1.78%) samples collected from 10 healthy horses and one foal affected by respiratory disease. Partial DNA polymerase gene sequence variability was correlated with individual horses and studs from which samples were collected when only Polish sequences were analysed, but there was no correlation between country of origin and ERBV sequence when Polish and international sequences were included in the network. The report presents the first detection of ERBV in Poland.

DNA-mediated assembly of Au bipyramids into anisotropic light emitting kagome superlattices.

Colloidal crystal engineering with DNA allows one to design diverse superlattices with tunable lattice symmetry, composition, and spacing. Most of these structures follow the complementary contact model, maximizing DNA hybridization on building blocks and producing relatively close-packed lattices. Here, low-symmetry kagome superlattices are assembled from DNA-modified gold bipyramids that can engage only in partial DNA surface matching. The bipyramid dimensions and DNA length can be engineered for two different superlattices with rhombohedral unit cells, including one composed of a periodic stacking of kagome lattices. Enabled by the partial facet alignment, the kagome lattices exhibit lattice distortion, bipyramid twisting, and planar chirality. When conjugated with Cy-5 dyes, the kagome lattices serve as cavities with high-density optical states and large Purcell factors along lateral directions, leading to strong dipole radiation along the z axis and facet-dependent light emission. Such complex optical properties make these materials attractive for lasers, displays, and quantum sensing constructs.

Origins and taxonomic status of Hemidactylus geckos on the Îles Éparses of the Western Indian Ocean

Distinguishing between anthropogenic introductions and natural colonizations can be complex, especially in groups that are evidently both capable natural colonizers and anthropophilic, such as some geckos of the genus Hemidactylus. However, such information is fundamental both for constructing appropriate conservation approaches, as well as to identify biogeographical patterns. Here we assessed the origins and taxonomic status of the Hemidactylus geckos found on the Îles Éparses, disjunct small islands of the western Indian Ocean located around Madagascar, using partial mitochondrial DNA sequences. Hemidactylus platycephalus was confirmed on Juan de Nova, presumed introduced from continental Africa. The H. mabouia-mercatorius complex was identified on Juan de Nova, Europa, Tromelin, and Grande Glorieuse, with H. mabouia (sensu stricto) on Juan de Nova and H. mercatorius on Europa, from where it is likely to have been introduced to Tromelin. An unnamed lineage within H. mercatorius, previously known only from the Aldabra Islands, was identified on Grande Glorieuse, and further demonstrated the unexpectedly high genetic diversity within this lineage.

First record of the rust fungus Uromyces gageae on Yellow Star-of-Bethlehem (Gagea lutea) in the Netherlands.

Yellow Star-of-Bethlehem (Gagea lutea) is a rare and threatened bulbous plant in the Netherlands, with its largest stronghold in the northern province of Drenthe. In 2022, numerous plants within a population of G. lutea were found to be infected by a rust fungus, which was identified as Uromyces gageae based on morphological characteristics. Further examination of collected teliospores revealed differences from Uromyces acutatus, a closely related rust species known to infect Ornithogalum and Gagea species. Rust symptoms on G. lutea plants were observed within the same population in April 2023, suggesting that teliospores surviving winter conditions serve as a viable source for recurrent infection. DNA of U. gageae and U. acutatus extracted from teliospores was used to obtain partial ribosomal DNA (rDNA) gene fragments by PCR. Amplicon sequencing revealed nucleotide variation between both rust species and verified the identity of the rust fungus on G. lutea as U. gageae. This confirmation substantiates the first documentation of U. gageae in the Netherlands. This study raises new avenues for research on the distribution and host range of U. gageae, as well as additional studies on the population dynamics of this potentially rare, wild plant-rust interaction.

Detection and population genetic analysis of Aedes albopictus (Diptera: Culicidae) based on knockdown resistance (kdr) mutations in the Yangtze River basin of China

BackgroundAedes albopictus is an important vector of chikungunya, dengue, yellow fever and Zika viruses. Insecticides are often the most effective tools for rapidly decreasing the density of vector populations, especially during arbovirus disease outbreaks. However, the intense use of insecticides, particularly pyrethroids, has led to the selection of resistant mosquito populations worldwide. Mutations in the voltage-gated sodium channel (VGSC) gene are one of the main drivers of insecticide resistance in Ae. albopictus and are also known as “knockdown resistance” (kdr) mutations. Knowledge about genetic mutations associated with insecticide resistance is a prerequisite for developing techniques for rapid resistance diagnosis. Here, we report studies on the origin and dispersion of kdr haplotypes in samples of Ae. albopictus from the Yangtze River Basin, China; MethodsHere, we report the results of PCR genotyping of kdr mutations in 541 Ae. albopictus specimens from 22 sampling sites in 7 provinces and municipalities in the Yangtze River Basin. Partial DNA sequences of domain II and domain III of the VGSC gene were amplified. These DNA fragments were subsequently sequenced to discover the possible genetic mutations mediating knockdown resistance (kdr) to pyrethroids. The frequency and distribution of kdr mutations were assessed in 22 Ae. albopictus populations. Phylogenetic relationships among the haplotypes were used to infer whether the kdr mutations had a single or multiple origins; ResultsThe kdr mutation at the 1016 locus had 2 alleles with 3 genotypes: V/V (73.38%), V/G (26.43%) and G/G (0.18%). The 1016G homozygous mutation was found in only one case in the CQSL strain in Chongqing, and no 1016G mutations were detected in the SHJD (Shanghai), NJDX (Jiangsu) or HBQN (Hubei) strains. A total of 1532 locus had two alleles and three genotypes, I/I (88.35%), I/T (8.50%) and T/T (3.14%). A total of 1534 locus had four alleles and six genotypes: F/F (49.35%), F/S (19.96%), F/C (1.48%) and F/L (0.18%); S/S (23.66%); and C/C (5.36%). Haplotypes with the F1534C mutation were found only in Ae. albopictus populations in Chongqing and Hubei, and C1534C was found only in three geographic strains in Chongqing. Haplotypes with the 1534S mutation were found only in Ae. albopictus populations in Sichuan and Shanghai. F1534L was found only in HBYC. The Ae. albopictus populations in Shanghai were more genetically differentiated from those in the other regions (except Sichuan), and the genetic differentiation between the populations in Chongqing and those in the middle-lower reaches of the Yangtze River (Huber, Jiangsu, Jiangxi, and Anhui) was lower. Shanghai and Sichuan displayed low haplotype diversity and low nucleotide diversity. Phylogenetic analysis and sequence comparison revealed that the 1016 locus was divided into three branches, with the Clade A and Clade B branches bearing the 1016 mutation occurring mostly in Jiangsu and the Clade C branch bearing the 1016 mutation occurring mostly in Chongqing, suggesting at least two origins for 1016G. IIIS6 phylogenetic analysis and sequence comparison revealed that F1534S, F1534C and I1532T can be divided into two branches, indicating that IIIS6 has two origins; ConclusionsCombined with the distribution of kdr mutations and the analysis of population genetics, we infer that besides the local selection of pyrethroid resistance mutations, dispersal and colonization of Ae. albopictus from other regions may explain why kdr mutations are present in some Ae. albopictus populations in the Yangtze River Basin.

Phylogenetic analysis of Ellipsomyxa species (Myxosporea) and description of Ellipsomyxa gordeyi n. sp. from the gall bladder of mullets (Mugiliformes: Mugilidae) in Nha Trang Bay of the East Sea, Vietnam

The coastal waters of Vietnam are home to a wide diversity of fishes, but the parasite diversity of these potential hosts is much less well characterized. To begin addressing this knowledge gap, we carried out surveys of myxozoan parasites in fishes collected from Nha Trang Bay in Vietnam's East Sea in 2018–2019. Mugilid fishes were collected in March–April 2018, January–February 2019, and November–December 2019, and examined for myxozoans. Myxospores consistent with those of the genus Ellipsomyxa were found in the gall bladder of four mullet species, and we thoroughly characterized those from Planiliza melinoptera. Myxospores were elliptoid and devoid of striation, with a distinct sinuous suture line. Polar capsules were pyriform and oriented toward the poles of the spore. Morphological features were compared to nominal species and this species from Vietnam was distinct. Phylogenetic analysis based on partial small subunit rDNA sequence revealed that broadly, Ellipsomyxa species split into three phylogenetic lineages, and although in some branches there are groupings by host family, habitat or locality, there are no clear phylogenetic patterns. The new species we encountered in P. melinoptera had a close sister relationship with Ellipsomyxa adlardi, with both species part of a larger subclade within the Ellipsomyxa lineage. Despite this phylogenetic similarity, these species were morphologically distinct, and partial large subunit DNA sequences were only 93% similar to each other. A combination of the morphological characteristics and molecular data suggest that this is an undescribed species and we propose the name Ellipsomyxa gordeyi n. sp.

Neurigona susanrocesae, the first Neurigona species from the Philippines

The first species of the genus Neurigona is described from the Philippines. The diagnosis, description and molecular data based on the partial DNA sequence of mitochondrial cytochrome oxidase subunit I gene were documented. The Neurigona species exhibits distinct characteristics, including a sub-apical dorsal stylus resembling an arista, a peduncle on the seventh abdominal segment, a flat dorsal postcranium, elongated legs devoid of prominent setae or bristles, and a distinctive rectangular bend in wing vein M. Based on the DNA sequence analysis, the unknown species is 90.06% similar to Cyrtona sp. and Neurigona zhejiangensis. However, 10% of its DNA sequences are significantly variable making it a totally different species. The specimen was verified by a dipterist as a species belonging to Genus Neurigona under Family Dolichopodidae. These flies are recognized for their lengthy legs and sizable yellow bodies. The species was named as N. susanrocesae as a tribute to the late Susan Roces, the “Queen of Philippine Movies”.

Uncovering further diversity of Ochoterenatrema Caballero, 1943 (Digenea: Lecithodendriidae) in South American bats

Ochoterenatrema Caballero, 1943 is a genus of lecithodendriid digeneans that prior to this study included 8 species parasitic in bats in the Western Hemisphere. Species of Ochoterenatrema possess a unique morphological feature in form of the pseudogonotyl on the sinistral side of the ventral sucker. In this study, we describe 2 new species of Ochoterenatrema from bats in Ecuador. The new species are readily differentiated from their congeners by a combination of morphological characters, including the distribution of vitelline follicles, length of oesophagus, sucker ratio and the body shape, among other features. We have generated partial nuclear 28S rDNA and mitochondrial cox1 gene DNA sequences from both new species. The newly obtained sequences were used to differentiate among species and study the phylogenetic interrelationships among Ochoterenatrema spp. The internal topology of the clade was weakly supported, although the cox1 tree was much better resolved than the 28S tree. Comparison of sequences revealed 0–1.2% interspecific divergence in 28S and 3.3–20.5% interspecific divergence in cox1 among Ochoterenatrema spp. The new findings demonstrate that bats in South America likely harbor multiple additional undescribed species of Ochoterenatrema. More extensive sampling from broader geographic and host ranges, especially in North America, should allow for a better understanding of the evolution of host associations and morphological traits of this lineage of lecithodendriid digeneans.

Myxotrichum persicum sp. nov., and two new combinations in the genus Myxotrichum

We describe Myxotrichum persicum sp. nov. as a seed endophyte of Aegilops triuncialis in Lorestan province of Iran, using morphological traits and sequences of the internal transcribed spacer regions 1 and 2 including the intervening 5.8S nuclear ribosomal DNA (ITS) and partial nuclear 28S ribosomal DNA (LSU) regions. Myxotrichum persicum is differentiated from its closest relative, M. deflexum, by possessing smaller ascomata bearing much shorter, usually unbranched appendages, and smaller, ellipsoidal to fusiform, smooth-walled ascospores. Based on morphology and the multilocus phylogeny of ITS, LSU, MCM7 and RPB1, we herein propose to combine two species of Malbranchea, namely M. circinata and M. flavorosea, into the genus Myxotrichum as Myxotrichum circinatum and M. flavoroseum, respectively.

Plastome analysis elucidates the phylogenetic placement of the mycoheterotrophic genus Yoania (Orchidaceae) and its plastomic degeneration during the evolution of mycoheterotrophy

Abstract Subtribe Calypsoinae (Epidendroideae, Orchidaceae) comprises several fully mycoheterotrophic species. Phylogenetic analysis indicates that full mycoheterotrophy has evolved independently at least four times within this group, including the Yoania clade. The taxonomic classification of Yoania species has been challenging. Therefore, to understand the plastomic degeneration during the evolution of mycoheterotrophy and to uncover the phylogenetic relationship within Yoania, we conducted a phylogenetic analysis using eight specimens representing all six recognized Yoania taxa from the complete plastome and partial ribosomal DNA (rDNA) operon sequence (ETS–18S–ITS1–5.8S–ITS2–26S). Among the Calypsoinae taxa examined, Yoania possessed the shortest plastome, ranging from 43 998 to 44 940 bp. Comparative analysis of the plastomes revealed a relatively conserved gene structure, content, and order, with species-level sequence variation (in the form of indels) primarily observed in the intergenic spacer regions. Plastomic gene-block inversions were observed between Yoania and Danxiaorchis singchiana, but not between Yoania and other related genera. Phylogenetic analyses based on the plastome and rDNA data strongly supported the monophyletic placement of Yoania within Calypsoinae, and indicated substantial molecular divergence between Yoania and other Calypsoinae taxa. Yoania can thus be considered genetically isolated from the other Calypsoinae taxa.

Evaluation of post-PCR purification methods and subsequent optimisation of the MinElute® PCR Purification Kit for low input DNA samples amplified with PowerPlex® 21

Weak and partial DNA profiles are commonly encountered within forensic casework due to amplification of low DNA input samples. One option for increasing allelic detection in such samples is the purification of amplified PCR product using commercially available column-based methods. In this study, four commercially available post-PCR purification methods, QIAGEN MinElute®, Independent Forensics Amplicon™ Rx, Millipore Microcon® and Thermo Fisher Scientific ExoSAP-IT™ were evaluated, comparing the quality of PowerPlex® 21 DNA profiles produced to the standard DNA profile generated prior to purification. An increased detection of alleles above the analytical threshold was observed following purification with the MinElute®, Amplicon™ Rx and Microcon® methods, allowing informative DNA profiles to be recovered using as little as 8 pg DNA. However, post-PCR purification using the ExoSAP-IT™ kit was unsuccessful, with no alleles detected above analytical threshold in samples with ≤16 pg DNA. The MinElute® kit was selected for optimisation on the basis of DNA profile quality, including increased detection of alleles and minimal artefacts. The MinElute® method was optimised by evaluating the number of washes and final elution buffer volume, resulting in a further increase in detection of alleles by reducing the elution buffer volume. Overall, this study showed that PowerPlex® 21 DNA profiles from low input DNA can be successfully enhanced by employing the MinElute® post-PCR purification method.

First report of Puccinia xanthii causing rust disease on Xanthium orientale in Korea.

Puccinia xanthii Schw. is a microcyclic rust fungus, first found on Xanthium strumarium Lour in North Carolina, the United States. This rust fungus is native to the continental United States, Hawaii, Mexico, and the West Indies (Arthur 1934). It has become notoriously invasive and is now distributed in the Europe (Bulgaria, France, Hungary, Italy, Romania, Spain, and the former Yugoslavia), India, Indonesia, Australia, and South Africa (Parmelee 1969; Alcorn 1976; Wahyuno 2012). In East Asia, the fungus has been reported in Japan (Hiratsuka et al. 1992) and China (Zhao et al. 2014) but not in Korea. It has been reported mainly on the invasive weeds Xanthium and Ambrosia species. In addition, it rarely occurs on sunflowers (Helianthus spp.) in Australia (Alcorn 1976), South Africa (Pretorius et al. 2000), and North America (Gulya and Charlet 2002). In Korea, rust disease symptoms caused by a Puccinia fungus were first found on X. orientale L. at the roadside of Okcheon-gun, Chungcheongbuk-do (36 27'95.428"N 127 66'26.378"E) in October 2021 and were repeatedly observed in the same site in 2022. The similar symptom was additionally found on X. orientale in Yesan-gun, Oct. 2022. The symptoms were brown spots on round chlorotic haloes on the adaxial leaf surface and dark brown pustules on the abaxial leaf surface. Telia were brown to dark brown, round, mostly grouped, 0.28-0.61 mm in diameter, and mainly formed on the abaxial leaf surface but sometimes on the adaxial leaf surface. Teliospores were two-celled, pedicellate, and measured 37.6-110 × 12.4-21.5 μm in size; the wall was yellowish or almost colorless, smooth, 1.2-2.6 μm thick at the sides, and up to 7.4 μm thick at the apex. The morphological characteristics of the teliospores were identical to those of P. xanthii described by Arthur (1934) and Parmelee (1969). Based on phylogenetic analyses (e-Xtra 2) of the internal transcribed spacer (ITS) and partial large subunit (LSU) rDNA extracted from the teliospores, they were identified as P. xanthii. BLAST analysis showed that the sequences had high homologies (over 99.82%) with the reference strains of P. xanthii (EF635903 and KX999896). The representative specimens were preserved at the Animal and Plant Quarantine Agency Herbarium (PQK211005 for Okcheon-gun isolate and PQK220913 for Yesan-gun) and the sequences were deposited in GenBank (OR958716 and OR958692). A pathogenicity test was performed by dropping a suspension of germinating teliospores and basidiospores onto the adaxial leaf surfaces of apparently healthy X. orientale plants in Oct. 2022, using the isolate PQK220913 (OR958692). The three inoculated plants were placed together with three controls treated with only distilled water, in the dark at saturated humidity for 24 hours in an isolated greenhouse. After two weeks, typical rust symptoms were observed in the three infected plants, whereas no symptoms appeared in the control plants (e-Xtra 1). The causal fungus was identified as P. xanthii based on host relationships, successful experimental inoculation, morphological characteristics, and sequence similarity of partial DNA fragments. To our knowledge, this is the first report of P. xanthii on X. orientale in Korea. P. xanthii was additionally confirmed on X. orientale in Gumi-si, Boeun-gun, Seongju-gun, Naju-si, and Gunsan-si in 2023, indicating its wide distribution in Korea. It is expected that P. xanthii could be a candidate as a biological agent for controlling the invasive weed, X. orientale.

New records of the genus Hypogastrura (Collembola: Hypogastruridae) from the Greater Caucasus, with the description of a new species from the monticola-group

A new species of the genus Hypogastrura is described from the North Caucasus: H. metegensis sp. nov. The species shares the unusual absence of lateral sensillum S9 on Ant. IV with only four congeners of the monticola-group which it belongs to, but it can be distinguished from all by the relatively long mucro with lower lateral lamellae. Regional records of and taxonomic notes with partial DNA sequences of their mitochondrial cytochrome c oxidase subunit 1 (COI) gene on two other Caucasian species of the same genus are also given.