Quarantine Status Research Articles

Assessment of a Hotel-Based COVID-19 Isolation and Quarantine Strategy for Persons Experiencing Homelessness

Several jurisdictions in the United States have secured hotels to temporarily house people experiencing homelessness who require isolation or quarantine for confirmed or suspected coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). To our knowledge, little is known about how these programs serve this vulnerable population outside the hospital setting. To assess the safety of a hotel-based isolation and quarantine (I/Q) care system and its association with inpatient hospital capacity. This retrospective cohort study of a hotel-based I/Q care system for homeless and unstably housed individuals in San Francisco, California, was conducted from March 19 to May 31, 2020. Individuals unable to safely isolate or quarantine at home with mild to moderate COVID-19, persons under investigation, or close contacts were referred from hospitals, outpatient settings, and public health surveillance to 5 I/Q hotels. Of 1009 I/Q hotel guests, 346 were transferred from a large county public hospital serving patients experiencing homelessness. A physician-supervised team of nurses and health workers provided around-the-clock support, including symptom monitoring, wellness checks, meals, harm-reduction services, and medications for opioid use disorder. Characteristics of I/Q hotel guests, program retention, county hospital readmissions, and mean length of stay. Overall, the 1009 I/Q hotel guests had a median age of 44 years (interquartile range, 33-55 years), 756 (75%) were men, 454 (45%) were Latinx, and 501 (50%) were persons experiencing sheltered (n = 295) or unsheltered (n = 206) homelessness. Overall, 463 (46%) received a diagnosis of COVID-19; 303 of 907 (33%) had comorbid medical disorders, 225 of 907 (25%) had comorbid mental health disorders, and 236 of 907 (26%) had comorbid substance use disorders. A total of 776 of 955 guests (81%) completed their I/Q hotel stay; factors most strongly associated with premature discontinuation were unsheltered homelessness (adjusted odds ratio, 4.5; 95% CI, 2.3-8.6; P < .001) and quarantine status (adjusted odds ratio, 2.6; 95% CI, 1.5-4.6; P = .001). In total, 346 of 549 patients (63%) were transferred from the county hospital; of 113 ineligible referrals, 48 patients (42%) had behavioral health needs exceeding I/Q hotel capabilities. Thirteen of the 346 patients transferred from the county hospital (4%) were readmitted for worsening COVID-19. Overall, direct transfers to I/Q hotels from emergency and outpatient departments were associated with averting many hospital admissions. There was a nonsignificant decrease in the mean hospital length of stay for inpatients with confirmed or suspected COVID-19 from 5.5 to 2.7 days from March to May 2020 (P = .11). To support persons experiencing homelessness during the COVID-19 pandemic, San Francisco rapidly and safely scaled a hotel-based model of I/Q that was associated with reduced strain on inpatient capacity. Strategies to improve guest retention and address behavioral health needs not met in hotel settings are intervention priorities.

Screening of chrysanthemum (Dendranthema grandiflora) genotypes for resistance to white rust (Puccinia horiana Henn.)

Puccinia horiana is the causal agent of chrysanthemum white rust. This microcyclic autoecious rust has a quarantine status and cause major damage in the commercial production of Dendranthema grandiflora. The experiment was carried out to identify genetic resources of chrysanthemum that are resistant/susceptible to white rust disease. A total 20 chrysanthemum genotypes were screened for resistance to P. horiana isolates collected from ICAR-IIHR, Bengaluru. By combing the observation methods without and with optical microscope, we established the identification standards for chrysanthemum white rust. The results showed that out of 20 genotypes screened for white rust, eleven genotypes/lines viz., Sweta Singar, Punjab Gold, Garden Beauty, Red Stone, Punjab Anuradha, Lal Pari, White Dolly, White Andaman, IIHR6-32, IIHR9-3 and IIHR6-41 were determined to be resistant. The use of white rust resistant genotypes will be useful for breeding programs in developing varieties with novel flower quality coupled with resistant to white rust for safe cultivation of chrysanthemum.

Mental Health of International Migrant Workers Amidst Large-Scale Dormitory Outbreaks of COVID-19: A Population Survey

Background: In the COVID-19 pandemic, international migrant workers have faced increased vulnerability on account of their status. This study examined the mental health burden of COVID-19 amongst low-waged migrant workers involved in large-scale dormitory outbreaks within Singapore. Methods: Between 22 June to 11 October 2020, questionnaires were distributed in-person and online to 1011 migrant workers undergoing movement restrictions. Mental health symptoms were measured using the 21-item Depression, Anxiety and Stress Scale (DASS-21). As covariates, we assessed participants’ socio-demographics, quarantine status, COVID-19 health concerns, financial stability, and exposure to news and misinformation. Linear regression models were fitted to identify factors associated with each DASS-21 subscale. Findings: Complete movement restrictions were associated with increased depression and stress symptoms, while being diagnosed with COVID-19 was associated with increased anxiety. Participants who harboured fears about their health or job, perceived their health to be poorer, or had greater exposure to COVID-19 rumours reported higher depression, anxiety, and stress levels. Across the cohort, rates of severe or extremely severe depression (3.1%, 95% CI: 2.1-4.3%), anxiety (4.1%, 95% CI: 2.9-5.5%), and stress (1.3%, 95% CI: 0.7-2.2%) were similar to those observed in the general population for the host country (Singapore). Interpretation: The risk factors identified underscore how the ongoing pandemic may impact the mental health of migrant workers. At the same time, we observed resilience within the cohort, with no evidence of increased symptomology (relative to the general population).Trial Registration: NCT04448704: Understanding the mental health of migrant workers during the COVID-19 outbreak (https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/study/NCT04448704)Funding Statement: JY Pillay Global Asia GrantDeclaration of Interests: The authors declare no competing interests.Ethics Approval Statement: The study was approved by the Institutional Review Boards of the National University of Singapore and Singapore Health Services.

Prevalence and Potential Determinants of COVID-19 Vaccine Hesitancy and Resistance in Qatar: Results from a Nationally Representative Survey of Qatari Nationals and Migrants between December 2020 and January 2021

Background: Effective public health measures in tackling the global COVID-19 pandemic necessitate understanding risk of hesitance or resistance to vaccine uptake in different populations. The Middle East and North Africa currently lacks vital representative vaccine hesitancy data.Methods: We conducted the first representative national phone survey using probability sampling among the adult population of Qatar, between December 2020 and January 2021, to identify the prevalence and potential determinants of vaccine willingness. This was categorized into: vaccine acceptance (strongly agree), vaccine resistance (strongly disagree) and vaccine hesitance (somewhat agree, neutral, somewhat disagree). Bivariate and multinomial logistic regression models estimated associations between vaccine willingness and fifteen sociodemographic, work-, and health-related variables.Findings: In the total sample, 42.7% (95%CI: 39.5-46.1) were classified as accepting, 45.2% (95%CI: 41.9-48.4) hesitant, and 12.1% (95%CI: 10.1-14.4) resistant. Those in the vaccine resistance group reported no source of endorsement will increase their confidence in accepting the vaccine (58.9% vs. 5.6% vs. 0.2%, respectively). Hesitancy and resistance were explained by female gender, Arab ethnicity, migrant status/type, and concerns about vaccine side-effects. COVID-19 related bereavement, personal infection, and quarantine status were not significantly associated with any group. Absence of or lack of concern about contracting the virus was solely associated with resistance.Interpretation: COVID-19 vaccine resistance, hesitance, and concern about side-effects is high in Qatar’s population compared with those globally. Urgent public health engagement should focus on women, Qataris (non-migrants) and those of Arab ethnicity.Funding: This study was funded by the Emergency Response Grant at Qatar University (QUERG-CAS-2020-1).Declaration of Interests: P.M.H. reports personal fees from Janssen, Lundbeck, Otsuka, New Bridge Pharmaceuticals and Sunovion, outside the submitted work. All other authors report no conflicts of interest.Ethics Approval Statement: The study was reviewed and approved by the Institutional Review Boards at Qatar University (QU-IRB 1338-EA/20) and Hamad Medical Corporation (MRC-05-089).

Mental health of international migrant workers amidst large-scale dormitory outbreaks of COVID-19: A population survey in Singapore

IntroductionWorldwide, COVID-19 clusters have emerged within communities of international migrant workers operating in high-density work and living environments. Despite their increased vulnerability, no study has documented the mental health burden of COVID-19 amongst these groups. To address this gap, we conducted a survey of migrant workers involved in large-scale dormitory outbreaks within Singapore. MethodsBetween 22 June to 11 October 2020, questionnaires were distributed to 1011 migrant workers undergoing extended movement restrictions. Mental health symptoms were measured using the 21-item Depression, Anxiety and Stress Scale (DASS-21). As covariates, we assessed participants’ socio-demographics, quarantine status, COVID-19 health concerns, financial stability, and exposure to news and misinformation. Linear regression models were fitted to identify factors associated with DASS-21 scores. ResultsComplete movement restrictions were associated with increased depression and stress symptoms, while being diagnosed with COVID-19 was associated with increased anxiety. Participants who harboured fears about their health or job, perceived their health to be poorer, or had greater exposure to COVID-19 rumours reported higher depression, anxiety, and stress levels. Across the cohort, rates of severe or extremely severe depression (3.1%, 95% CI: 2.1-4.3%), anxiety (4.1%, 95% CI: 2.9-5.5%), and stress (1.3%, 95% CI: 0.7-2.2%) were similar to those observed in the general population for the host country (Singapore). ConclusionsAs the first mental health survey of low-waged migrant workers during the pandemic, our findings provide a basis to identify and support at-risk individuals. This is critical as migrant workers often have limited access to healthcare services. At the same time, we documented resilience within the cohort as a whole.

First report of morphological and molecular characterization of Moroccan populations of Globodera pallida.

Potato cyst nematodes (PCNs) are the most important potato pest causing major crop losses across the world with a quarantine status in many countries. In Morocco, several potato crops are infected with PCNs and the monitoring of potato production as well as the control of import and export of potato seeds are currently carried out by morphological methods. The present work was aimed to use molecular and morphometric methods for identifying and differentiating PCN species in Morocco for the first time. The morphological identification of PCN species from collected soil samples were carried out using the shape of the cysts, the length of the stylet, the number of cuticular ridges, and the Granek’s ratio. The J2 had a slightly shorter body length, the number of cuticular ridges was 9 and the Granek’s ratio averaged 2.2. The morphobiometric analysis revealed proximity of the Moroccan population to G. pallida species. PCNs sampled from contaminated fields were analyzed molecularly using PCR. DNA amplification was performed using the multiplex PCR method and PCR-RFLP from the ITS region of the total genomic DNA compared to multiplex PCR-specific DNA sequences. All confirmed the presence G. pallida in all samples of the Moroccan PCN populations.

S3164 Pretesting for COVID-19 in Patients Scheduled for Outpatient Endoscopy

INTRODUCTION: Various measures have been taken by healthcare to limit spread of SARS-Cov-2 during the re-opening phase of endoscopy. Given the risk of transmission due to aerosol generation during upper endoscopy and surface contamination we decided to pretest patients with the COVID-19 nasopharyngeal swab (NPS) prior to their procedures in our endoscopy unit. We report our results of the pretesting approach. METHODS: Patients who were scheduled for endoscopic procedures were instructed to get tested for COVID 19 prior to their procedure so that results would be back by their procedure date. They were also asked to quarantine themselves after the test until their procedure. If positive, the procedure would be cancelled by the physician and rescheduled in 14 days. They were asked additional questions on the day of the procedure and the data was recorded in Excel. The data was analyzed using SPSS version 26. RESULTS: A total of 109 patients were scheduled between 5/18/20 and 6/2/20. Mean age was 52 years (SD 13) and 48.6% were male. Forty-nine (45%) out of 109 patients were scheduled for a colonoscopy, 40 (37%) for an esophagogastroduodenoscopy, 17 (15.6%) for a bidirectional endoscopy, 2 (1.8%) for a flexible sigmoidoscopy and 1 (0.9%) for a video capsule endoscopy. Eighty-two (75%) got tested while 27 (25%) patients did not. Four patients (4.9%) tested positive for COVID 19 while the remaining 78 (95.1%) all tested negative. Of those who did not get tested, 41% cancelled or no showed for their procedure. Reasons for patients not getting NPS included, transportation issues (11.1%), previous COVID infection (11.1%) and fear of coming to the hospital during the pandemic (11.1%). Fifty-three (49%) patients quarantined themselves after the test as instructed, and 14 (13%) did not. Quarantine status was unknown for 42 (38%) patients who got tested. One patient out of the 4 who tested positive had previous exposure to COVID. Of those who tested negative, 6 (8%) cancelled their procedure. CONCLUSION: Considering the number of patients who complied with pretesting and the number of positive cases we were able to detect, pretesting could be beneficial.

Anxiety levels, precautionary behaviours and public perceptions during the early phase of the COVID-19 outbreak in China: a population-based cross-sectional survey

ObjectiveTo investigate psychological and behavioural responses to COVID-19 among the Chinese general population.Design, setting and participantsWe conducted a population-based mobile phone survey between 1 February and 10 February 2020 via...

IMPROVING THE PERFORMANCE OF SMEs IN SEMARANG CITY IN THE PANDEMIC COVID 19

With the announcement of the regional quarantine status by President Jokowi for the increasing outbreak of the corona virus, it will indirectly have an overall impact on the economy, especially for the middle and lower class. In this case the regulation stipulated by the Government in the Health Quarantine Law states that during the area quarantine, the basic necessities of life of people living in the quarantine area are the responsibility of the Government. The social welfare of the community here is related to health, household economic conditions, a sense of security, and a good quality of life. So that people who are faced with the Covid-19 pandemic can still fulfill their basic needs and carry out their social functions. However, under these circumstances, the performance of UKM is very slow and some even collapsed. This is what made researchers investigate more deeply about the performance of SMEs during the Covid 19 pandemic.&#x0D; The purpose of this study was to examine the effect of entrepreneurial orientation and organizational learning on the quality of strategic assets, and also the influence of strategic asset quality on business performance. This research was conducted on SME snacks in Semarang City, the respondents used were 150 respondents. The data are processed using Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) with the help of the Analysis of Moment Structure (AMOS) version 23.0 program.&#x0D; Based on the results of the analysis, it is concluded that the effect of entrepreneurial orientation on the quality of strategic assets shows a CR value of -0.338 and with a probability of 0.735, testing the effect of entrepreneurial orientation on business performance shows a CR value of 2.499 and with a probability of 0.012, testing organizational learning on the quality of strategic assets shows a value CR is 4.881 and with a probability of 0.001., Testing the effect of organizational learning on business performance shows a CR value of 1.351 and with a probability of 0.177, the effect of strategic asset quality on business performance shows a CR value of 2.067 and with a probability of 0.039.&#x0D; &#x0D; &#x0D; Keywords: Entrepreneurship Orientation, Organizational Learning, Strategic Asset Quality, Business Performance, SMEs, SEM

Ficus microcarpa Bonsai "Tiger bark" Parasitized by the Root-Knot Nematode Meloidogyne javanica and the Spiral Nematode Helicotylenchus dihystera, a New Plant Host Record for Both Species.

In December 2017, a Ficus microcarpa “Tiger bark” bonsai tree was acquired in a shopping center in Coimbra, Portugal, without symptoms in the leaves, but showing small atypical galls of infection caused by root-knot nematodes (RKN), Meloidogyne spp. The soil nematode community was assessed and four Tylenchida genera were detected: Helicotylenchus (94.02%), Tylenchus s.l. (4.35%), Tylenchorynchus s.l. (1.09%) and Meloidogyne (0.54%). The RKN M. javanica was identified through analysis of esterase isoenzyme phenotype (J3), PCR-RFLP of mitochondrial DNA region between COII and 16S rRNA genes and SCAR-PCR. The Helicotylenchus species was identified on the basis of female morphology that showed the body being spirally curved, with up to two turns after relation with gentle heat, a key feature of H. dihystera, and molecular characterization, using the D2D3 expansion region of the 28S rDNA, which revealed a similarity of 99.99% with available sequences of the common spiral nematode H. dihystera. To our knowledge, M. javanica and H. dihystera are reported for the first time as parasitizing F. microcarpa. Our findings reveal that more inspections are required to detect these and other plant-parasitic nematodes, mainly with quarantine status, to prevent their spread if found.

Negative cognitive and psychological correlates of mandatory quarantine during the initial COVID-19 outbreak in China.

Quarantine plays a key role in controlling the pandemic of 2019 coronavirus disease (COVID-19). This study investigated (a) the associations between mandatory quarantine status and negative cognitions (perceived discrimination because of COVID-19 and perceived risk of COVID-19 infection)/mental health status (emotional distress because of COVID-19, probable depression, and self-harm/suicidal ideation), (b) the associations between the negative cognitions and mental health status, and (c) potential mediations between quarantined status and probable depression and self-harm/suicidal ideation via COVID-19-related negative cognitions/emotional distress. An online cross-sectional survey was conducted among 24,378 students of 26 universities in 16 Chinese cities (February 1-10, 2020). Correlation coefficients, odds ratios (OR), structural equation modeling, and other statistics were used for data analysis. Mandatory quarantined status was significantly and positively associated with perceived discrimination (Cohen's d = 0.62), perceived high/very high risk of infection (OR = 1.61), emotional distress (Cohen's d = 0.46), probable depression (OR = 2.54), and self-harm/suicidal ideation (OR = 4.98). Perceived discrimination was moderately and positively associated with emotional distress (Spearman correlation = 0.44). Associations between perceived risk of infection and mental health variables were significant but relatively weak. Cross-sectional mediation models showed good model fit, but the overall indirect paths via COVID-19-related negative cognitions/emotional distress only accounted for 12-15% of the total effects between quarantined status and probable depression and self-harm/suicidal ideation. In conclusion, quarantined participants were more likely than others to perceive discrimination and exhibit mental distress. It is important to integrate mental health care into the planning and implementation of quarantine measures. Future longitudinal studies to explore mechanisms underlying the mental health impact of quarantines are warranted. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2020 APA, all rights reserved).

Quarantine and particularly dangerous bacteria, phytoplasmas and viruses that pose a risk to the viticulture in Russian Federation

The Russian Federation imports large quantities of planting and grafting material of grapes, including from countries where dangerous harmful organisms are spread to vineyards. Plant protection specialists in this industry, as well as grape producers, must understand the possible risk associated with the danger of the entry of quarantine disease pathogens into the Russian Federation and the potential damage if infected plant material is imported. Studies have been carried out by the staff of All-Russian Plant Quarantine Center to assess the phytosanitary risk of pests associated with the import of seedlings, stocks and grape cuttings. Based on these studies, the list of pests for the vine that have quarantine status and potentially quarantine status for the Russian Federation, in particular bacterioses, phytoplasmas and viral diseases has been established. This article describes the main diseases that affect grapes and are included in the Unified List of Quarantine Pests of the Eurasian Economic Union, as well as potentially dangerous viral diseases that are not currently included, but planned for inclusion in the Unified List, which pose a serious threat if they penetrate to the territory of the Russian Federation. From quarantine pathogens, grapes are affected by grape bacteriosis (Pierce disease of grapevine) (Xylella fastidiosa Wells et al.), bacterial blight of grapevine (Xylophilus ampelinus (Panagopoulos) Willems et al.), Flavescence dorée of grapevine (Candidatus Phytoplasma vitis), from the planned inclusion grapes are affected by red spotting of grape leaves (Grapevine red blotch-associated virus), marbling of grape leaves (Grapevine vein clearing virus) and discoloration of the leaves of Roditis grape (Grapevine Roditis leaf discoloration-associated virus). The article considers the biological peculiarities of pathogens, ways of their possible penetration and spread on the territory of the cultivation of grape in the Russian Federation, host plants of quarantine and dangerous pests, the main symptoms of diseases on plants, possible vectors, damage caused by quarantine pests in the countries of spreading, diagnostic methods, as well as areas of possible harmfulness for the Russian Federation.

Quarantined

As an emergency medicine physician, I am used to being at work when most people are at home. At the end of February, the first patient in the United States to be diagnosed with COVID-19 without a travel history occurred in Sacramento, CA. Eighty-nine healthcare professionals who had contact with the patient were quarantined. At the beginning of March, I worked in the emergency department and treated a patient with viral symptoms without a travel history who was admitted to the hospital. It was also the first day the hospital implemented an internal laboratory test that was FDA approved to detect novel coronavirus. The next morning, I checked the chart and saw that the patient tested positive for novel coronavirus with the new lab test. It confirmed the growing suspicion that the virus was being transmitted within the community. I immediately started thinking of what I had planned for the day, which included signing closing paperwork on our first house. I spoke with the county health department who said that CDC used a different test and they were not familiar with the hospital test. They said to wait for the official county result for the patient and that I did not need to be quarantined. I let the title company know I had a potential exposure and postponed the signing for the next day. Over the next few hours, occupational health told me to be in a 14-day quarantine and to stay 6 feet away from my family; my family did not need to be quarantined. Then occupational health said my family needed to be quarantined. The CDC physician working with the county health department said I was under quarantine, but my family was not. Hospital infection control said I probably did not need quarantine since I was wearing a procedure mask when I saw the patient. When my kids came home, I asked them to keep 6 feet away from me. My 5-year old daughter thought I was playing a joke and came to me for a hug and I put out my hand and said, “Sorry, no hugs for now.” My family ate dinner at the dining room table, while I ate standing in the kitchen. The second morning after exposure, my 5-year old daughter asked me to play checkers with her. We found a way to play while staying 6 feet away from each other. She would move a piece and step away from the board, then I would move my piece and step away. After breakfast, I spoke with the county health department to clarify my quarantine status who said a physician would call me back. By noon, a CDC physician who specializes in healthcare professionals exposed to COVID-19 told me that the recommendations would be changing again. Given the high rate of community transmission in the area, I no longer needed to be quarantined. The title company also called the county health department and was told I was still under quarantine. After multiple phone calls, we designated power of attorney to my sister to sign the closing paperwork. The title company insisted on mailing the paperwork to my sister rather than have her come into the office to sign. By late afternoon, I received a call from occupational health who confirmed I no longer needed to be quarantined. I did a risk assessment and decided it was probably safe to eat dinner with my family at the same dining table. I am off quarantine and my next shift in the emergency department will be in a few days. As I approach the 14-day mark, I realize that I may have not gotten COVID-19 from this exposure but eventually I probably will.

Eutetranychus orientalis Klein (oriental spider mite). Phytosanitary risk analysis for Ukraine

Goal. To carry out the analysis of phytosanitary risk for Ukraine of a dangerous quarantine pest Eutetranychus orientalis Klein (oriental spider mite).&#x0D; Research Methods. The main method is information-analytical. We conducted analytical research and analysis of reports from the Mediterranean, World Plant Protection Organizations, literary sources of scientific publications and online resources. Phytosanitary risk analysis (PRA) was performed according to the EPPO standards PM 5/3 (5), PM 5/1, PM 5/4 [3, 4, 5]. The possibility of acclimatization of the pest was determined using modern computer programs IDRISI SELVA, MapInfo Pro 15.0 and AgroAtlas.&#x0D; Results. Eutetranychus orientalis Klein (oriental spider mite) absent in Ukraine is a polyphage, it can damage 217 species of plants, preferring citrus, and is widespread in the world. Many species of plants that are host plants of the eastern spider mite grow in Ukraine and are important in the production of fruits, vegetables, and oils. The primary pest habitat was the Middle East, but currently E. orientalis is found in many countries in Asia, Africa, Europe, Oceania and is in a wide climatic range. Thus, in European countries which lie in the pest habitat, the climate is subtropical, Mediterranean and temperate, transitional to continental (Greece, Spain, Cyprus, Turkey). In Asia (China, India, Israel, Iraq, Saudi Arabia), the area of the pest occupies territories dominated by tropical, subtropical and temperate climates. In recent years, several species of tetrachnid mites, including E. orientalis, have expanded their geographical range, mainly due to increased trade and travel around the world, posing a threat to agriculture in many countries. Under optimal conditions, 25 generations per year can occur. The spread of E. orientalis is by air masses or anthropic. Distribution of E. orientalis is carried out by air masses or anthropically. The most likely pathway for spreading the pest is through infected planting material. Given the high reproductive potential of E. Orientalis, the rate of expansion of the habitat, the diversity of the plant’s food supply, its adaptability to a wide range of climatic conditions, there is a need to analyze the phytosanitary risk (AFR) of the eastern spider mite for Ukraine. The end result of the research is the determination of the quarantine status of the pest and the proposal for amendments to the «List of regulated pests» that are quarantined in Ukraine.&#x0D; Conclusions. There is a high likelihood of acclimatization of Eutetranychus orientalis in Ukraine, which is due to the large number of host plants and compliance with the species requirements to the climatic conditions. Potential habitat area in Ukraine may be the southern coast of Crimea. Phytosanitary risk analysis of Eutetranychus orientalis Klein (Eastern spider mite) for Ukraine identified the need for the pest to be granted the status of a quarantine organism absent in Ukraine (list A1) and to amend the «List of regulated pests of Ukraine».

Updating the Quarantine Status of Prunus Infecting Viruses in Australia.

One hundred Prunus trees, including almond (P. dulcis), apricot (P. armeniaca), nectarine (P. persica var. nucipersica), peach (P. persica), plum (P. domestica), purple leaf plum (P. cerasifera) and sweet cherry (P. avium), were selected from growing regions Australia-wide and tested for the presence of 34 viruses and three viroids using species-specific reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) or polymerase chain reaction (PCR) tests. In addition, the samples were tested using some virus family or genus-based RT-PCR tests. The following viruses were detected: Apple chlorotic leaf spot virus (ACLSV) (13/100), Apple mosaic virus (ApMV) (1/100), Cherry green ring mottle virus (CGRMV) (4/100), Cherry necrotic rusty mottle virus (CNRMV) (2/100), Cherry virus A (CVA) (14/100), Little cherry virus 2 (LChV2) (3/100), Plum bark necrosis stem pitting associated virus (PBNSPaV) (4/100), Prune dwarf virus (PDV) (3/100), Prunus necrotic ringspot virus (PNRSV) (52/100), Hop stunt viroid (HSVd) (9/100) and Peach latent mosaic viroid (PLMVd) (6/100). The results showed that PNRSV is widespread in Prunus trees in Australia. Metagenomic high-throughput sequencing (HTS) and bioinformatics analysis were used to characterise the genomes of some viruses that were detected by RT-PCR tests and Apricot latent virus (ApLV), Apricot vein clearing associated virus (AVCaV), Asian Prunus Virus 2 (APV2) and Nectarine stem pitting-associated virus (NSPaV) were also detected. This is the first report of ApLV, APV2, CGRMV, CNRNV, LChV1, LChV2, NSPaV and PBNSPaV occurring in Australia. It is also the first report of ASGV infecting Prunus species in Australia, although it is known to infect other plant species including pome fruit and citrus.

Τhe Complete Mitochondrial Genome of Bactrocera carambolae (Diptera: Tephritidae): Genome Description and Phylogenetic Implications.

Bactrocera carambolae is one of the approximately 100 sibling species of the Bactrocera dorsalis complex and considered to be very closely related to B. dorsalis. Due to their high morphological similarity and overlapping distribution, as well as to their economic impact and quarantine status, the development of reliable markers for species delimitation between the two taxa is of great importance. Here we present the complete mitochondrial genome of B. carambolae sourced from its native range in Malaysia and its invaded territory in Suriname. The mitogenome of B. carambolae presents the typical organization of an insect mitochondrion. Comparisons of the analyzed B. carambolae sequences to all available complete mitochondrial sequences of B. dorsalis revealed several species-specific polymorphic sites. Phylogenetic analysis based on Bactrocera mitogenomes supports that B. carambolae is a differentiated taxon though closely related to B. dorsalis. The present complete mitochondrial sequences of B. carambolae could be used, in the frame of Integrative Taxonomy, for species discrimination and resolution of the phylogenetic relationships within this taxonomically challenging complex, which would facilitate the application of species-specific population suppression strategies, such as the sterile insect technique.

A Predictive Risk Model Analysis of the Potato Cyst Nematode Globodera pallida in Idaho.

Globodera pallida is a major nematode pest of potato (Solanum tuberosum) and is of great economic importance for the potato industry. Assessing potato yield loss caused by the Idaho G. pallida population under field conditions was not performed due to its quarantine status in Idaho, where it is prohibited by regulatory statutes to grow potato in any infested fields. The experimental data came from three trials that were conducted under greenhouse conditions. A predictive risk model analysis was performed to: (i) determine the effect of the Idaho population of G. pallida on potato yield; (ii) estimate reproduction rate from different initial nematode densities; and (iii) simulate potato yield losses in Idaho field conditions by integrating the coefficients of potato yield into the SUBSTOR-DSSAT crop simulation model. Experiments were conducted under greenhouse conditions using five initial G. pallida soil infestation levels (0, 10, 20, 40, and 80 eggs/g soil). The coefficients of potato yield achieved under each initial nematode density were integrated into the SUBSTOR-DSSAT potato growth simulation model. The model showed that tuber weight reached a maximum yield of 96 ton/ha in noninfested soil. Based on the greenhouse trials, the model predicted a minimum yield of 12 and 58 ton/ha in trial 1 and trial 2/3 respectively, when initial nematode density was 80 eggs/g soil. In trial 1, tuber weight was significantly reduced by 44% at 40 eggs/g soil and by 87% at 80 eggs/g soil, and 20% at 40 eggs/g soil and by 39% at 80 eggs/g soil in trial 2/3. The outputs of this study should facilitate common understanding between regulators, policymakers, and potato growers on the challenges and opportunities for controlling this economically important pest in Idaho.

TheSynchytrium endobioticumAvrSen1 Triggers a Hypersensitive Response inSen1Potatoes While Natural Variants Evade Detection

Synchytrium endobioticum is an obligate biotrophic fungus of division Chytridiomycota. It causes potato wart disease, has a worldwide quarantine status and is included on the Health and Human Services and United States Department of Agriculture Select Agent list. S. endobioticum isolates are grouped in pathotypes based on their ability to evade host resistance in a set of differential potato varieties. Thus far, 39 pathotypes are reported. A single dominant gene (Sen1) governs pathotype 1 (D1) resistance and we anticipated that the underlying molecular model would involve a pathogen effector (AvrSen1) that is recognized by the host. The S. endobioticum-specific secretome of 14 isolates representing six different pathotypes was screened for effectors specifically present in pathotype 1 (D1) isolates but absent in others. We identified a single AvrSen1 candidate. Expression of this candidate in potato Sen1 plants showed a specific hypersensitive response (HR), which cosegregated with the Sen1 resistance in potato populations. No HR was obtained with truncated genes found in pathotypes that evaded recognition by Sen1. These findings established that our candidate gene was indeed Avrsen1. The S. endobioticum AvrSen1 is a single-copy gene and encodes a 376-amino-acid protein without predicted function or functional domains, and is the first effector gene identified in Chytridiomycota, an extremely diverse yet underrepresented basal lineage of fungi.

Insect Quarantine Status in Association with Imported Commodities from Timor Leste Passed through Agricultural Quarantine Ware of Mota'ain-District of Belu

Timor Leste is one of the exporting countries of agricultural products to Indonesia via the Mota'ain-Belu Regency cross-border. Imported commodities from the country may constitute those which are possible as Pest Quarantine (PQ) carrier media into Indonesia. The status of insect quarantine associated with imported commodities has been studied. Sampling of imported commodities both as open trucks shipments and toted passenger bags are done based on the Agricultural Quarantine Product Sampling Guidelines using the Non-Statistic method (convenience). Samples of commodities in the form seeds or grains were taken as much as 250 grams, while other forms were taken as much as 500 grams. For this study, 40 sample units were taken from seven commodities. The commodity samples were stored for 30 days at the laboratory of Agricultural Quarantine office in Kupang, as most life cycle of postharvest insects ranges from 3 to 5 weeks. Specimens of the infecting insects were identified and their quarantine status were determined. The results showed that there were eight different insects species found in association with six kinds of commodities, while in one sample of rice no insect was found. In robusta coffee the insects found were Necrobia rufipes, Hypothenemus hampei, Cryptolestes ferrugineus, and Pyralis manihotalis. In arabica coffee we found H. hampei, and C. ferrugineus. In copra, there were N. rufipes, and Carpophilus dimidiatus. In red beans, there were Callosobruchus chinensis. In mixed red beans, peanuts, and soybeans C. chinensis, C. dimidiatus, and Sitophilus oryzae were found, and in the candlenut there were Oryzaephylus surrinamensis, and C. dimidiatus. All of the insects found in the examined commodities had plant pests status. The highest number of insects associated with the examined commodities from 40 sample units were H. hampei insects found in arabica coffee, which were 62.3 individuals. N. rufipes insects in copra commodity samples appeared on the 25th day after sampling, which meant they were the fastest among other insects.

Biology and fertility life table of Bactrocera carambolae on grape and acerola

Bactrocera carambolae Drew & Hancock (Diptera: Tephritidae), native of Southeast Asia, is present in Brazil but restricted to Amapá, Pará and Roraima, where it has quarantine pest status. The possible dispersion to other fruit producing regions of Brazil could cause damages, including for exportation, due to quarantine restrictions imposed by fruit importing countries. The objective of this work was to describe the biological parameters and calculate the fertility life table of B. carambolae on grape (Vitis vinifera L.) and acerola (Malpighia emarginata DC.). The experiment was conducted in the laboratory under controlled conditions. The mean number of punctures and the mean number of eggs per female on grapes were 1.48±0.05 and 9.87±0.36, respectively. The mean number puparia per fruit was 0.1±0.02 (grape) and 0.5±0.10 (acerola). The pupal viability was 82.4% (grape) and 70.6% (acerola). The mean time±SE of one generation, in days, was 25.8±1.10 (grape) and 19.7±0.21 (acerola). The mean fecundity was 1663.8±501.01 (grape) and 206.9±26.21 (acerola) with eggs viability of 5.6% (grape) and 12.5% (acerola). The mean longevity, in days, was 77.3±12.13 on grape and 82.4±4.24 on acerola. The study found that B. carambolae completes its biological cycle on grape and on acerola leaving offspring.