Phenotype Research Articles

Isoquinoline alkaloids from Thalictrum glandulosissimum and their network analysis of chemotaxonomic value

A phytochemical investigation of Thalictrum glandulosissimum (Finet et Gagnep.) W. T. Wang & S. H. Wang (Ranunculaceae), a species used medicinally in China, led to the isolation and identification of nine isoquinoline alkaloids, including four protoberberines (compounds 1–4), a protopine-type alkaloid (5), a bridge-protoberberine-type alkaloid (6), and three bis-benzylisoquinolines (7–9). Among them, thalictricavine (4) and valachine (6) are reported for the first time in the genus Thalictrum. Furthermore, three alkaloids (7–9) have not previously been isolated from this species. In addition, network analysis was carried out to explore their possible chemotaxonomic values among species in the Thalictrum genus. The results showed that some of these compounds such as thalictricavine (4) and valachine (6) showed limited distribution in the genus, which could help to narrow species identification to T. glandulosissimum where other phenotypic characters are limited.

Colour of heterorhabditis zealandica-infected-Galleria mellonella dependent on the Photorhabdus symbiont, with two new nematode-symbiotic associations reported

Bacterial symbionts associated with entomopathogenic nematodes (EPNs) play an important role in terms of the insecticidal properties of nematodes in pest control. Galleria mellonella larvae, shortly after being infected with three different strains of Heterorhabditis zealandica, which were isolated from South African soil, changed from pale white to steel grey-blue (blue), bright red, and yellow with a green tint (green), respectively. The genetic relatedness of the bacterial symbionts that were isolated from the three strains of H. zealandica was determined by means of comparing the 16S rRNA, recA, gyrB, dnaN, gltX and infB gene sequences. Subsequently, comparing the concatenated sequences revealed the presence of three distinct Photorhabdus species. The H. zealandica strain SF41, associated with Photorhabdus heterorhabditis, produced ‘blue’ G. mellonella larvae. The H. zealandica strain MJ2C, associated with Photorhabdus thracensis, yielded ‘green’ G. mellonella larvae, while the H. zealandica strain LLM associated with Photorhabdus laumondii subsp. laumondii yielded red larvae. The colour changes in G. mellonella larvae were found to have been instigated by a particular Photorhabdus species associated with H. zealandica. The red and ‘green’ phenotypes of G. mellonella larvae were found to represent new combinations of Heterorhabditis and Photorhabdus. In future studies, the colour of infected G. mellonella larvae needs to be reported as a phenotypic character, as it indicates the different bacterial species associated with the same nematode host, as shown in the case of H. zealandica.

Hereditary Spastic Paraplegia: An Update.

Hereditary spastic paraplegia (HSP) is a rare neurodegenerative disorder with the predominant clinical manifestation of spasticity in the lower extremities. HSP is categorised based on inheritance, the phenotypic characters, and the mode of molecular pathophysiology, with frequent degeneration in the axon of cervical and thoracic spinal cord’s lateral region, comprising the corticospinal routes. The prevalence ranges from 0.1 to 9.6 subjects per 100,000 reported around the globe. Though modern medical interventions help recognize and manage the disorder, the symptomatic measures remain below satisfaction. The present review assimilates the available data on HSP and lists down the chromosomes involved in its pathophysiology and the mutations observed in the respective genes on the chromosomes. It also sheds light on the treatment available along with the oral/intrathecal medications, physical therapies, and surgical interventions. Finally, we have discussed the related diagnostic techniques as well as the linked pharmacogenomics studies under future perspectives.

Seeds Phenotypes Characterization of Promising Tungro-Resistant Rice Lines

Breeding activities to produce a new site-specific rice varieties resistant to tungro require of suitable genetic materials as cross-breeding materials. This research aims to determine the seed phenotypic characters of promising tungro resistant rice lines and their similarity. The research was conducted using a completely randomized design with treatment of 42 promising tungro-resistant rice lines, 1 resistant rice variety (Inpari 7) and 1 susceptible rice variety (TN1), that each of which was repeated 3 times. The characters were observed included of quantitative and qualitative characters. Observation of seed characters was carried out based on the standard system of characterization and evaluation of rice plants. The similarity of seed characters was analyzed by using the NTSYS pc version 2.1 program and displayed in the form of a dendrogram. The results showed that most of the tested lines had the same quantitative characters as the Inpari 7 variety. The value of variability of diversity was included in the broad category of >4, with the lowest similarity coefficient of 63% and the highest of 94%. The similarity analysis based on the seed characters resulted in 2 large groups consisting of 41 lines belonging to the Inpari 7 group and 1 line belonging to the TN1 group. The lines that were incorporated in the Inpari 7 group were further divided into two subgroups of 39 and 2 lines, respectively. The results of this research are preliminary data to obtain an information of the relationship between seed characters and tungro resistance properties.

Rapid Isolation of Wild Nematodes by Baermann Funnel

Beyond being robust experimental model organisms, Caenorhabditis elegans and its relatives are also real animals that live in nature. Studies of wild nematodes in their natural environments are valuable for understanding many aspects of biology, including the selective regimes in which distinctive genomic and phenotypic characters evolve, the genetic basis for complex trait variation, and the natural genetic diversity fundamental to all animal populations. This manuscript describes a simple and efficient method for extracting nematodes from their natural substrates, including rotting fruits, flowers, fungi, leaf litter, and soil. The Baermann funnel method, a classical nematology technique, selectively isolates active nematodes from their substrates. Because it recovers nearly all active worms from the sample, the Baermann funnel technique allows for the recovery of rare and slow-growing genotypes that co-occur with abundant and fast-growing genotypes, which might be missed in extraction methods that involve multiple generations of reproduction. The technique is also well suited to addressing metagenetic, population-genetic, and ecological questions. It captures the entire population in a sample simultaneously, allowing an unbiased view of the natural distribution of ages, sexes, and genotypes. The protocol allows for deployment at scale in the field, rapidly converting substrates into worm plates, and the authors have validated it through fieldwork on multiple continents.

Rapid Isolation of Wild Nematodes by Baermann Funnel.

Beyond being robust experimental model organisms, Caenorhabditis elegans and its relatives are also real animals that live in nature. Studies of wild nematodes in their natural environments are valuable for understanding many aspects of biology, including the selective regimes in which distinctive genomic and phenotypic characters evolve, the genetic basis for complex trait variation, and the natural genetic diversity fundamental to all animal populations. This manuscript describes a simple and efficient method for extracting nematodes from their natural substrates, including rotting fruits, flowers, fungi, leaf litter, and soil. The Baermann funnel method, a classical nematology technique, selectively isolates active nematodes from their substrates. Because it recovers nearly all active worms from the sample, the Baermann funnel technique allows for the recovery of rare and slow-growing genotypes that co-occur with abundant and fast-growing genotypes, which might be missed in extraction methods that involve multiple generations of reproduction. The technique is also well suited to addressing metagenetic, population-genetic, and ecological questions. It captures the entire population in a sample simultaneously, allowing an unbiased view of the natural distribution of ages, sexes, and genotypes. The protocol allows for deployment at scale in the field, rapidly converting substrates into worm plates, and the authors have validated it through fieldwork on multiple continents.

Isolation and Characterization of Pediococcus sp. HLV1 from Fermented Idly Batter

The aim of the present study is the isolation and characterization of the lactic acid bacteria from idly batter, a traditional Indian fermented product. To achieve the aim, 10 idly batter samples were selected from different regions of Kadapa district. In the primary isolation and screening process, 50 lactic-acid-producing bacteria were isolated, and from them, six strains were selected based on their lactic acid yielding capacity for further evaluation. The selected cultures were studied for their phenotypic characters, and all cultures were Gram positive, cocci, and catalase negative. All the six strains were tested for their growth and lactic acid production at above 35 °C, and finally, one strain that showed good growth at 50 °C was selected for further characterization. Molecular characterization by 16S rRNA gene analysis and BLAST analysis revealed 99% similarity with Pediococcus pentosaceus Ni1142. The isolated culture was named as Pediococcus sp. HLV1, and the sequence was submitted to the NCBI databank as accession number MH921241. The isolated strain is able to utilize a wide range of carbohydrate substrates including glucose, fructose, sucrose, lactose, maltose, and xylose. The major fermentation product from glucose is lactic acid. Pediococcus sp. HLV1 showed optimum growth and production of lactic acid with glucose as carbon source (10%) and yeast extract as nitrogen source (0.3%) at pH 7.0 and 40 °C. As well-known probiotic bacteria, the isolated Pediococcus spp. also showed antimicrobial activity against both Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria and more specifically inhibited Gram-positive Bacillus. Using the above optimal conditions, lactic acid from a fresh mango peel extract was studied, and at the end of the fermentation, 5.2% (v/v) of lactic acid was produced. In conclusion, the isolated LAB Pediococcus sp. strain HLV1 is able to grow and produce lactic acid at a high temperature (45 °C) and to survive at 50 °C. Mango peel, a by-product of mango pulp industries, can be utilized as one of the economically cheap feedstocks for industrial production of lactic acid by the Pediococcus sp. strain HLV1.

First Glimpse on Spring Starflower Domestication.

The cultivation and domestication of plants are human-driven processes that change the biology and attributes of a plant. Ipheion uniflorum is a bulbous geophyte known as Spring Starflower whose cultivation dates back to the first half of the 19th century. At least seven cultivars have been developed from natural stands. However, comparative analyses of wild and cultivated materials are largely missing. In the present study, we provide a morphological evaluation and analyses of the cytological and genetic variability of I. uniflorum that reveal significant levels of differentiation and evidence of artificial selection in the Spring Starflower. Distinctive phenotypic characters in cultivated materials that are rarely found or lacking in wild plants and natural populations, such as pink or violet flowers, together with its reduced heterozygosity and starting genetic differentiation support the view of early mechanisms of domestication acting upon Spring Starflower plants. The probable geographic origin of the cultivated forms is discussed together with perspectives for plant breeding.

Identifikasi Sifat-Sifat Kualitatif Warna Bulu, Bentuk Tanduk, dan Bentuk Ekor pada Domba Priangan Betina di SP3TDK Tambak Mekar Kabupaten Subang

Qualitative trait is one of indicators of selection that can be used as a phenotypic character of a breed. There are many traits that are usually observed to include hair color, horn shape, and tail shape. The research about “Identification of Qualitative Traits of Hair Color, Horn Shape, and Tail Shape of Priangan Ewes in SP3TDK Tambak Mekar Subang Regency” was conducted to determine the qualitive traits of Priangan Ewes in SP3TDK Tambak Mekar Subang Regency. The research conducted for ten days from January 6 st 2020 to January 17 st 2020. The method used in this research was survey and data collections were conducted by census method to look at the parameters of hair color, horn shape, and tail shape of Priangan Ewe in SP3TDK Tambak Mekar Subang Regency. The results showed that Priangan Ewes in SP3TDK Tambak Mekar Subang Regency were dominated by white hair color (81,82%), combination hair color (13,64%), black hair color (4,54%), and brown Priangan Ewe was not found (0%). The horn shapes of Priangan Ewe in SP3TDK Tambak Mekar Subang Regency were dominated by unhorn (68,18%), muser (27,27%), and small horn (4,54%). The tail shapes of Priangan Ewe in SP3TDK Tambak Mekar Subang Regency were dominated by tail shape ngabuntut beurit (86,36%) and ngabuntut bagong (13,64%). In conclusion, SP3TDK Tambak Mekar Subang Regency has Priangan Ewes with the majority qualitative traits of white hair color, unhorn, and ngabuntut beurit .

Эффективность высокодозовой внутривенной иммуноглобулинотерапии у детей с расстройствами аутистического спектра, ассоциированными с генетическим дефицитом ферментов фолатного цикла

Обоснование. Ранее неоднократно сообщали об эффективности внутривенной иммуноглобулинотерапии у некоторых детей с расстройствами спектра аутизма без уточнения критерия отбора потенциальных ответчиков на иммунотерапию. Цель исследования: оценить эффективность и безопасность высокодозовой иммуноглобулинотерапии при расстройствах аутистического спектра у детей с генетическим дефицитом фолатного цикла. Материалы и методы. Исследуемую группу составили 78 детей в возрасте от 2 до 10 лет, которые принимали в/в иммуноглобулин в дозе 2 г/кг/мес на протяжении 6 месяцев. В контрольную группу вошли дети аналогичного возрастного и гендерного распределения, которые получали лишь немедикаментозную реабилитационную поддержку. Выявляли замены нуклеотидов MTHFR677 С > Т, MTHFR1298 А > С, MTRR A/G и MTR A/G в различных комбинациях методом полимеразной цепной реакции. Динамику психических симптомов оценивали при помощи шкалы Aberrant Behavior Checklist. Результаты и обсуждение. Достигнуто полное устранение фенотипа расстройств аутистического спектра у 21 пациента и выраженная положительная динамика еще у 33 детей исследуемой группы (p < 0,05; Z < Z0,05). Параллельно отмечалась положительная динамика со стороны других клинических проявлений фенотипа дефицита фолатного цикла: PANDAS (у 19 из 21), эпилептического (у 29 из 36) и кишечного (у 49 из 68 детей) синдромов (p < 0,05; Z < Z0,05). Не отмечено положительной динамики со стороны симптомов поражения пирамидных путей (p > 0,05; Z > Z0,05). Отмечено снижение суммарной вирусной нагрузки и повышение количества естественных киллеров в крови (p < 0,05; Z < Z0,05). Почти полное устранение симптомов лейкоэнцефалопатии в исследуемой группе отмечалось у 29 пациентов, а выраженная положительная динамика — еще в 24 случаях (p < 0,05; Z < Z0,05). Выводы. Внутривенный иммуноглобулин оказывает комплексное положительное воздействие на проявления генетического дефицита фолатного цикла, включая расстройства спектра аутизма, экстрапирамидные нарушения, кишечный синдром, эпилептиформную активность мозга, иммунодефицит и лейкоэнцефалопатию.

A classification of the aquatic Podostemaceae subfamily Tristichoideae, with a new genus based on ITS and matK phylogeny and morphological characters

AbstractThe submerged lithophilous Podostemaceae show remarkable variation in phenotypic characters. Taxonomic estimation of the characters alone may not have produced a natural classification of subfamily Tristichoideae. Among the genera, Cussetia and Indotristicha have not been examined by detailed morphological observations and molecular analyses. The present ITS and/or matK phylogenies indicated that Cussetia carinata is close to Terniopsis with high support, and Indotristicha tirunelveliana and Dalzellia form a clade with robust support, while the congeneric I. ramosissima was separated from the clade. Cussetia differs from Terniopsis by having many, alternately 3‐whorled, carinate bracts and heteromorphic shoots, whereas they share the capped root and 3‐stichous leaves. The habitat of C. carinata is the deepest under water in the family. Indotristicha tirunelveliana differs from Dalzellia in the holdfasts, shoots, ramuli, phyllotaxis and cupules. Based on the consistent phylogeny and morphological variation, the genus Cussetia is accepted and a new genus for I. tirunelveliana is proposed. The emended seven genera were characterized primarily by vegetative characters. Tabulated diagnostic characters, a synopsis and a key to genera is presented.

Paenibacillus albicereus sp. nov. and Niallia alba sp. nov., isolated from digestive syrup.

Two aerobic, Gram-stain variable, catalase-positive and oxidase-negative rods named strain UniB2T and UniB3T, were isolated from digestive syrup containing fungal diastase (10mg/ml), pepsin (2mg/ml) and sugar base containing polyethylene glycol. Based on 16S rRNA gene sequence analysis, strain UniB2T has the highest sequence similarity with Paenibacillus humicus NBRC 102415T (98.3%) and strain UniB3T showed the highest sequence similarity with Niallia circulans DSM 11T (98.9%). The DNA G + C content of UniB2T was 63.7mol %. The dDDH and ANI values between the strain UniB2T and its phylogenetically close relative were < 38.3% and < 89.5%, respectively. The major fatty acids of the strain UniB2T were C16:0 (13.9%), C15:0 anteiso (39.7%), C17:0 anteiso (15.5%). The DNA G + C content of UniB3T was 35.6mol %. The dDDH and ANI values between the strain UniB3T and its close relatives were < 29.1% and 84.6%, respectively. The major fatty acids of strain UniB3T were C16:0 (13.5%), C15:0 anteiso (40.1%) and C17:0 anteiso (16.0%). Major polar lipids for both strains were Diphosphatidylglycerol and phosphatidylethanolamine. Both strains showed unique carbon utilization and assimilation pattern that differentiated them from their phylogenetically related neighbours. These phenotypic, genotypic and chemotaxonomic characters indicated the strains UniB2T and UniB3T represent two novel species for which the names Paenibacillus albicereus sp. nov. (Type strain UniB2T = MCC 3997T = KCTC 43095T = JCM34513T) and Niallia alba sp. nov. (Type strain UniB3T = MCC 3998T = KCTC 43235T = JCM 34492T) are proposed.

Variations and heritability of phenotypic characters in the reblooming bearded iris (Iris germanica L.)

• Longer leaves on non-blooming stems and less flowers on a scape may be two phenotypes for the rebloomers to support twice flowering. • FM1 ( Iris germanica ‘Cornhusker’) was the most ideal maternal parent. • FM2 × M2 ( I. germanica ‘Delta Lady’ × I. germanica ‘HD’) was the ideal cross combination with the reblooming rate being 16.67%. • Length of fall and scape height gained the largest broad-sense heritability (88.03%) and narrow-sense heritability (66.63%), respectively. • There were correlations between the vegetative trait plant height and the floral characters. The reblooming bearded iris ( Iris germanica L.) could bloom in not only spring, but also autumn. The additional blooming seasons bring the phenotypic differences between the once-bloomers and the rebloomers. However, the lack of studies on the rebloomers’ phenotypic variations largely hinders the process of breeding. In this study, ten F 1 populations were produced according to the North Carolina Design II, using five maternal and two paternal parents. After the hybridization, the leaves of non-blooming stems were longer than their parents in all of the F 1 populations, the photosynthesis of which may provide more nutrition for the additional blooming. Furthermore, the fewer flowers on a scape in F 1 could be another phenotype to support twice flowering. The six floral characters (height of individual flower (HF), diameter of flower (DF), length of fall (LF), width of fall (WF), length of standard (LS) and width of standard (WS)) were all largely improved in the cross combination of FM2 × M2 ( I. germanica ‘Delta Lady’ × I. germanica ‘HD’) over both parents. FM2 × M2 was considered as the ideal cross combination after the comprehensive analysis of heterobeltiosis, special combining ability and reblooming rate (16.67%). The general combining ability values showed that FM1 ( I. germanica ‘Cornhusker’) tended to be the ideal maternal parent. LF and scape height gained the largest broad-sense and narrow-sense heritability (88.03% and 66.63%), respectively. The correlations between the vegetative trait (plant height) and the six floral characters (HF, DF, LF, WF, LS and WS) enabled the selection of the large-flower individuals at the stage of vegetative growth. All these results presented a preliminary profile of the phenotypic characters inheritance, and may guide the future breeding of the rebloomers.

A review chromosome analysis comparison of swamp buffalo (Bubalus bubalis) with different phenotypic characters in East Java, Indonesia

Chromosomal data on swamp buffalo especially in East Java province, is still lacking. For breeders, chromosomal analysis needs to be done to detect the possibility of hereditary genetic defects. In Malang Area, farmers lack of care and breeding programs for swamp buffalo also caused a decline in the genetic quality and performance. The purpose of this study was to compare the results of the chromosome analysis of swamp buffalo in Malang and another area in East Java province, which were selected based on differences in phenotypic characters. Chromosome analysis is very important for breeders because the results of this study can be used as a consideration for strategies to improve the genetic quality of swamp buffalo. The method used is standard karyotyping using whole blood with G banding staining. Chromosomal preparation using Karyo MAX medium, Colcemic Solution, Giemsa Stain, and KCl solution. Cell culture was performed according to the standard karyotyping method in mammals. The minimum number of 5 spreading chromosomes is the best was chosen, microphotographed, and then chromosome analysis is performed using Cytovision Image Analysis software. The results of this study did not find swamp buffalo with an abnormal number of chromosomes in East Java Province, Indonesia.

Morphobiometric characterization of donkey resources in the extreme west of Algeria

The goal of this study is to characterize the diversity of the Algerian south donkey population, characterize its biometric variability, and determine the evolutionary relationships of this animal with its congeners at various latitudes. A total of sixty-six adult asses, distributed on the level of three wilayas from where eleven body measurements, six body indexes developed in horses and adapted to donkeys were calculated, and seven phenotypical characters were retained for this study. Measurements Lsi, HG, TP, LH, LE, Pc, LT, LO, LQ, LaT, Tm, Pv1, Pv2 are respectively: 98.05±10.46; 105.31±6.59; 188.88 ±8.61; 32.62±4.61; 27,17±4.41; 15.52±2.42; 50.92±3.82; 24.07±3.59; 39.24±14.30; 23.174±3.09; 41.82±3.52; 171.83±32.76; 145.83±27.62. Those information are used to compute 6 body indexes. According to body and profile indexes we deduce that our animals were medial linear and small (PI ≈ 1,08 and BI ≈ 0,82), they could not even bear their own weight loads (CI &gt; 1), their heads were long (HI ≈ 0,45&lt; 1) with a square body shape (LI ≈ 0,93&lt; 1,10). Donkeys’ thoracic development was average according to (CD≈ 1,13). All parameters except the LE, PC, TM for the regions showed a significant difference on examined body measurements (p&gt;0,05). On the phenotypical characteristics, a factorial analysis of the multiple correspondences revealed two main components that account for 48,90 and 44,26 % of total inertia, or 93,2 %. These percentages are related to the dress color, the head, the members, the hairs, the muzzle, and the belly. This research revealed significant phenotypic differences that should be included in the specie’s characterization and conservation efforts.

Spolni dimorfizam smeđe mramoraste stjenice

The brown marmorated stink bug is a relatively new member of the Croatian entomofauna, whose biology and ecology are still being researched. The species is known for its polyphagy and is invasive, as evidenced by damage to field, vegetable, and fruit crops around the world. The aim of this study was to determine the sexual dimorphism of Halyomorpha halys based on phenotypic characters on the dorsal and ventral sides of the body. Sixty individuals of each sex were isolated. Each individual was photographed from the dorsal and ventral sides using a digital camera, then the forewing and hindwing pairs were removed, mounted on microscope slides, and photographed. Photographs of the dorsal side of the body were used to measure the values of body length, pronotum width, body surface area, and the surfaces of the forewing and hindwing pairs. Differences on the ventral side of the body were determined by visual inspection. The results of the study showed that males and females differed statistically in all measurements and that the species exhibited female-biased sexual size dimorphism. These traits (larger and more powerful physique and especially wings) make females the more suitable sex for migratory flight and thus responsible for the rapid expansion of the population into new areas. Differences between the sexes have also been noted in coloration on the ventral side of the body. The red pigmentation of the sternum was much more pronounced in males than in females, further confirming the sexual dimorphism of the species in body coloration.

Systematic Revision of a New Butterfly Genus,CisandinaNakahara &amp; Espeland, n. gen., with Descriptions of Three New Taxa (Lepidoptera: Nymphalidae: Satyrinae)

AbstractWe here establish a new genus in the nymphalid butterfly subtribe Euptychiina, Cisandina Nakahara &amp; Espeland, n. gen. to harbor five species hitherto placed within two polyphyletic genera, namely Magneuptychia Forster, 1964 and Euptychoides Forster, 1964. We compiled data from over 350 specimens in 17 public and private collections, as well as DNA sequence data for all relevant species, to revise the species-level classification of this new genus. According to our multi-locus molecular phylogeny estimated with the maximum likelihood approach, Cisandina lean. comb., Cisandina philippan. comb. &amp; reinst. stat., Cisandina fidan. comb., Cisandina sanmarcosn. comb., and Cisandina trinitensisn. comb. are proposed as new taxonomic combinations, since these species are distantly related to the type species of Magneuptychia and Euptychoides and cannot reasonably be accommodated in any other genus. Lectotypes are designated for Papilio lea Cramer, 1777, Papilio junia Cramer, 1780, Euptychia philippa Butler, 1867, and Eupytchia fida Weymer, 1911. Two new species of Cisandinan. gen. are named and described herein, C. esmeralda Nakahara &amp; Barbosa, n. sp. and C. castanya Lamas &amp; Nakahara, n. sp., increasing the described species diversity of the genus to seven. The immature stages of C. castanyan. sp. and C. philippan. comb. &amp; reinst. stat. are documented along with their natural hostplants, representing the first two species of the genus with known life history information. We describe a new subspecies, Cisandina fida directa Nakahara &amp; Willmott, n. ssp., based on a limited number of specimens from southern Ecuador and central Peru. We were unable to obtain genetic data for the nominate race of C. fidan. comb., and thus, this taxonomic hypothesis is currently based solely on phenotypic characters.

Stability ofMetarhizium anisopliae(Hypocreales: Clavicipitaceae) isolates during repeatedin vitrosubculture and evaluation of an oil-in-water mycoinsecticide

AbstractNineMetarhizium anisopliae(Hypocreales: Clavicipitaceae) isolates were evaluated for efficacy againstMelolontha melolontha(Coleoptera: Scarabaeidae) larvae, stability in culture, and the superior isolate used to produce an oil-in-water mycoinsecticide. The phenotypic and genotypic characters of four isolates with high virulence were evaluated for their stability after repeating 12 cycles ofin vitrosubculture. Repeated subculture did not affect the germination of conidia; however, the morphology of some isolates changed significantly. Three isolates lost their virulence, whereas the KTU-2 isolate remained highly pathogenic. Therefore, KTU-2 was selected as the superior isolate for mycoinsecticide production. After the conidia of KTU-2 were produced by solid-state fermentation using cracked rice as the substrate, the conidia were formulated as an oil-in-water emulsion and its efficacy was assessed. The formulation caused 80% mortality onMe. melolonthalarvae even at the lowest application rate (1 × 105conidia/mL) in pot experiments, and complete mortality was obtained with the concentration of 1 × 107conidia/mL. Lethal concentrations that kill 50% and 95% ofMe. melolonthalarvae present were estimated as 9.29 × 103and 2.1 × 106conidia/mL, respectively. Oil-in-water mycoinsecticide could be a potential candidate for the commercial control ofMe. melolonthaand other white grubs.

Phenotypic diversity and path analysis of seed yield in Bambara groundnut grown in rain forest agroecological zone

Abstract Bambara groundnut is a reliable source of carbohydrates and protein in rainforest agroecology, but limited research had been done and few varieties commercialised. The magnitude of phenotypic variability, character association, and contribution of characters to seed yield were investigated among 50 accessions received from IITA, Nigeria. Field evaluation took place during the 2017 – 18 cropping seasons. The accessions were allocated to experimental plots using a Randomised Complete Block Design with three replicates. Data were collected on phenological, agronomic, and seed yield characters. The main effect showed significant (p ≤ 0.05) differences for phenological, vegetative, and reproductive characters. The year effect influenced agronomic and seed yield characters while accessions by year interaction were insignificant for all characters. The stepwise discriminant analysis identified three redundant characters. The leaflet length and width, canopy spread, leaf/plant, seeds/plant, and seed weight showed high discriminatory ability and are efficient for morphological characterisation and conservation. Hybridisation between accessions dispersed in quadrants 1, 2, and 4 may evolve early and medium maturity types with improved seed yield and biomass. The number of seeds/plant and pods/plant are indices for seed yield. The contribution of pods/plant to seed yield was masked by canopy spread, peduncle length, and pod width indicating competition for photo-assimilates. TVSu 17, TVSu 277, TVSu 271, and TVSu 278 are donor parents for earliness. TVSu 261 performed best for seed yield and yield component characters. Hybridisation among TVSu 261, TVSu 587, TVSu 275, and TVSu 17 will evolve medium maturing and high seed-yielding varieties for further evaluation.

Journey of Natural Killer Cells and their Role in Liver Diseases

Natural Killer (NK) cells are the key lymphocyte subset of the natural immune system that arbitrates antiviral and anticancer responses. In the human body NK cells inhabit in the bone marrow, lymph nodes, tonsils, skin, liver, gut, and lungs. This bibliographic study covers the origins and evolution of these cells. This review of NK cells includes synopsis of their well-known and evolving themes including their development, functions of cytokine production, anticancer cytotoxicity, clearing of viral infections and exhaustion. Within the liver, NK cells are enhanced in lymphocytes and possess distinctive phenotypic characters and useful properties, which contain tumour cytotoxicity and explicit cytokine profiles. NK cells, while providing innate immunity in the liver, play important roles in providing protection versus pathogens and tumours utilising their cytotoxicity and cytokine production. Accruing substantiation from the last few decades proposes that NK cells perform a vital role in regulating viral hepatitis and liver tumours. In addition, they contribute to the pathogenesis of liver damage including its inflammation. Understanding the description of hepatic NK cell functions has aided us in better understanding the pathogenesis of diseases of the liver and consequently divulging novel therapeutic goals for treating these illnesses.