Resistant Genotypes Research Articles

Assessment of Different Cucurbit Genotypes for Resistance to Zucchini Yellow Mosaic Virus (ZYMV)

Members of the Cucurbitaceae family, which includes species with quite different characteristics, have been used for food, medicine, and ornamental purposes for a long time. However, most plant diseases and pests cause yield and quality losses in cucurbits, and one of the most important of these diseases is zucchini yellow mosaic virus (ZYMV), which one of the most common potyviruses worldwide and causes serious yield losses in cucurbit production worldwide. Zucchini Yellow Mosaic Virus shows symptoms such as yellowing, mottling, curling, deformation, mosaic, shortening and thickening of the internodes, and may also cause loss of yield and quality. As widely known, there is no effective chemical control of viral diseases, and the use of resistant or tolerant varieties is the most effective solution. In this study, 92 watermelon genotypes, 14 zucchinis (pumpkin seeds) and 29 ornamental pumpkins collected from different parts of Türkiye were tested against ZYMV. Symptoms of ZYMV in different watermelon genotypes and pumpkins were observed for 21 days. Genotypes showing systemic infection after inoculation were evaluated on a scale of 0-5. Also, RT-PCR studies were carried out on selecting nine symptomless control plants, seven ZYMV-sensitive genotypes showing 5-scale value, one genotype with 1-scale value considered tolerant, and one genotype belongs to C. lanatus var. citroides. According to the results, it was determined that some watermelon and ornamental pumpkin genotypes could be considered as tolerant. Watermelon, which was having accession number PI560016, was found resistant to Turkish local strain of ZYMV. Although different susceptibility levels were detected between watermelon genotypes, all pumpkin genotypes were discovered to be susceptible to the Turkish local strain of ZYMV.

Antimicrobial resistance profiling of bacteria isolated from wastewater and samples of pharmaceutical industries in South India

The study was aimed to determine the phenotypic and genotypic antimicrobial resistance in the isolated bacteria from the influent (25), effluent (15), surface and ground water samples (15) surrounding the pharmaceutical industries located in south India. From 55 samples, 48 isolates of 10 different bacteria were obtained. The identified bacterial isolates were viz. Klebsiella pneumoniae, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Enterobacter aerogenes, Corynebacterium sp., Acinetobacter sp., Aeromonas punctata, Ralstonia picketti, Staphylococcus aureus, Stenotrophomonas maltophillia, and Citrobacter freundii. The phenotypic profile of resistance through antibiotic susceptibility test was carried out against sixteen different antibiotics. Standard PCR technique was used for the detection of 12 resistance genes encoding carbapenems, quinoline, aminoglycoside, β-lactam belonging blaOXA-58,blaOXA-22,qnrA, qnrB, aac(6)-Ib-cr, aac (3)-XI, mec A, qepA, aadB, blaVIM, blaOXA-48 and blaNDM. Pseudomonas aeruginosa (1: TN/I/2020) showed presence of 3 resistance genes. qnrB (489 bp) gene was present in maximum of 7 isolates while blaVIM (196 bp) gene was present in 6 isolates. The resistance genes blaNDM (621 bp) was present in three different isolates; aac (X):6)-lb-cr (482 bp), qepA (495 bp), aadB (500 bp), blaOXA-58 (843 bp) resistant genes were present in two different isolates each among the bacterial isolates obtained in this study. In phenotypic resistance profiling by AST method, out of 16 antibiotics tested, 14 showed resistance. Similarly, in genotypic resistance profiling, among 12 resistance genes tested, a maximum of three resistance genes were noticed in Pseudomonas aeruginosa. There were positive and negative correlations observed between phenotypic and genotypic resistance among different antibiotics and their resistance genes indicating the variations in the resistance gene expression.

Insights on mining the pangenome of Sphingobacterium thalpophilum NMS02 S296 from the resistant banana cultivar Pisang lilin confirms the antifungal action against Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. cubense.

Fusarium wilt, caused by Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. cubense (Foc), poses a significant global threat to banana cultivation. Conventional methods of disease management are increasingly challenged, thus making it necessary to explore alternative strategies. Bacterial endophytes, particularly from resistant genotypes, are gaining attention as potential biocontrol agents. Sphingobacterium thalpophilum, isolated from the resistant banana cultivar Pisang lilin (JALHSB010000001-JALHSB010000029), presents an intriguing prospect for combating Fusarium wilt. However, its underlying biocontrol mechanisms remain poorly understood. This study aimed to elucidate the antifungal efficacy of S. thalpophilum NMS02 S296 against Foc and explore its biocontrol mechanisms at the genomic level. Whole genome sequencing of S. thalpophilum NMS02 S296 was conducted using next-generation sequencing technologies and bioinformatics analyses were performed to identify genes associated with antifungal properties. In vitro assays were used to assess the inhibitory effects of the bacterial isolate on the mycelial growth of Foc. To explore the biomolecules responsible for the observed antagonistic activity, metabolites diffused into the agar at the zone of inhibition between Foc S16 and S. thalpophilum NMS02 S296 were extracted and identified. Whole genome sequencing revealed an array of genes encoding antifungal enzymes and secondary metabolites in S. thalpophilum NMS02 S296. In vitro experiments demonstrated significant inhibition of Foc mycelial growth by the bacterial endophyte. Comparative genomic analysis highlighted unique genomic features in S. thalpophilum linked to its biocontrol potential, setting it apart from other bacterial species. The study underscores the remarkable antifungal efficacy of S. thalpophilum NMS02 S296 against Fusarium wilt. The genetic basis for its biocontrol potential was elucidated through whole genome sequencing, shedding light on the mechanisms behind its antifungal activity. This study advanced our understanding of bacterial endophytes as biocontrol agents and offers a promising avenue for plant growth promotion towards sustainable strategies to mitigate Fusarium wilt in banana cultivation.

Biochemical Defense Arsenal, Genes/QTLs and Transcripts for Imparting Anthracnose Resistance in Common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.)

Anthracnose (ANT), caused by Colletotrichum lindemuthianum, is the most devastating disease affecting common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.), leading to significant yield losses in the Western Himalayas. The study provides a comprehensive understanding of ANT resistance via trait phenotyping, biochemical profiling, genome-wide association studies (GWASs), and RNA sequencing. The assessment of bean association mapping panel in different environments revealed a diverse spectrum of resistance levels. Biochemical analysis revealed distinctive defense responses against ANT infection among different genotypes. GWAS approach identified 24 significant marker‒trait associations (MTAs) distributed across all 11 bean chromosomes. Notably, 03 MTAs (BMr205, BMr269 and BMr244) present on chromosome Pv07 were validated for ANT, and the remaining MTAs were novel MTAs for ANT. Transcriptome sequencing of resistant (PBG-3) and susceptible (PBG-26) genotypes under mock and 120-hour post inoculation conditions revealed key differentially expressed genes, such as leucine-rich repeat domain-containing protein (PHAVU_007G087700g), NB-ARC domain-containing protein (PHAVU_003G002500g) and transcription factors pivotal for disease resistance. The expression patterns of four genes (PHAVU_007G087700g, PHAVU_003G002500g, PHAVU_007G056100g and PHAVU_003G003000g) were validated through quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (qRT‒PCR). Furthermore, the integration of GWAS-identified candidate genes with transcriptomics and cross-referencing with previous studies validated overlapping regions and common candidate genes, enriching our understanding of the genetic basis of ANT resistance. Therefore, the results offer a holistic perspective on ANT resistance in common bean, providing a foundation for targeted breeding efforts. The identified potential candidate genes and associated pathways will contribute valuable insights into the development of ANT resistant common bean varieties.

Prevalence status and detection of benzimidazole resistance using AS-PCR in Haemonchus contortus of goats from Marathwada region, Maharashtra, India

This study examined Haemonchus contortus prevalence and benzimidazole resistance in eight districts of Marathwada, Maharashtra, India. A comprehensive investigation of 264 abomasa of goats collected from abattoirs and goats necropsied at the College of Veterinary Sciences and Animal Husbandry, Parbhani, revealed 21.21 % a prevalence of H. contortus. The incidence of H. contortus did not vary much across seasons and it was highest in summer (23.42 %), followed by monsoon (22.89 %), and lowest in winter (15.71 %). Statistically non-significant (p < 0.05) prevalence was observed in male and female animals. A detailed examination of 168 adult H. contortus worms from eight districts revealed the presence of all conceivable genotypes including homozygous resistant (rr), susceptible (SS), and heterozygous (Sr) BZ susceptible genotypes. The rr was the most frequent at 50 %, followed by SS at 27 % and Sr at 22 %. The presence of the SNP was observed in in all eight randomly selected and sequenced samples.

Early and late responses to Fusarium Head blight in durum wheat: Focus on phenylpropanoid biosynthetic pathway

Durum wheat is among the cereal crops most susceptible to Fusarium Head Blight (FHB), a fungal disease that can lead to significant yield losses. Despite this, only limited research efforts have been directed towards understanding FHB resistance in durum wheat. Wheat grains naturally contain phenolic compounds, and anthocyanins are particularly present in the so-called pigmented wheat genotypes, such as purple pericarp ones. In this study the effects of the biotic stress caused by Fusarium graminearum infection on phenylpropanoid biosynthetic pathway in durum wheat spikes were explored, considering three genotypes with different susceptibility (including a purple pericarp genotype), and two time points (an early stage time point: 2 days post infection, and a late stage time point: 21 days post infection). At early infection stage, the F. graminearum infection triggered upregulation of all the considered genes involved in the phenylpropanoid pathway in the resistant genotype, while, in the purple pericarp genotype, the infection caused an increase in quercetin accumulation in the soluble fraction of spike extract. At late infection stage, the infection caused (in all the genotypes) a degradation of secondary cell wall and the release of the hydroxycinnamic acids esterified with arabinoxylans (ferulic acid and p-coumaric acid) and lignin-derived monomers (vanillic acid). Furthermore, chalcone synthase gene (CHS) and the transcription factor Ppm1 (Purple pericarp MYB 1) were boosted in the pigmented genotype due to infection at late infection stage. These findings contribute to the understanding of host-pathogen interactions for future breeding programs focused on improving FHB resistance in durum wheat varieties, with a particular focus on pigmented genotypes.

A Comparison of Sanger Sequencing and Amplicon-Based Next Generation Sequencing Approaches for the Detection of HIV-1 Drug Resistance Mutations.

Next-generation sequencing (NGS) kits are needed to finalise the transition from Sanger sequencing to NGS in HIV-1 genotypic drug resistance testing. We compared a homemade NGS amplicon-based protocol and the AD4SEQ HIV-1 Solution v2 (AD4SEQ) NGS kit from Arrow Diagnostics for identifying resistance-associated mutations (RAMs) above the 5% threshold in 28 plasma samples where Sanger sequencing previously detected at least one RAM. The samples had a median 4.8 log [IQR 4.4-5.2] HIV-1 RNA copies/mL and were mostly subtype B (61%) and CRF02_AG (14%). Homemade NGS had a lower rate of samples with low-coverage regions (2/28) compared with AD4SEQ (13/28) (p < 0.001). Homemade NGS and AD4SEQ identified additional mutations with respect to Sanger sequencing in 13/28 and 9/28 samples, respectively. However, there were two and eight cases where mutations detected by Sanger sequencing were missed by homemade NGS and AD4SEQ-SmartVir, respectively. The discrepancies between NGS and Sanger sequencing resulted in a few minor differences in drug susceptibility interpretation, mostly for NNRTIs. Both the NGS systems identified additional mutations with respect to Sanger sequencing, and the agreement between them was fair. However, AD4SEQ should benefit from technical adjustments allowing higher sequence coverage.

Genetic basis of macrolide resistance in porcine Pasteurella multocida isolates from the German national resistance monitoring program GERM-Vet 2008-2021.

To analyse porcine Pasteurella multocida isolates obtained from the national resistance monitoring program GERM-Vet 2008-2021 in Germany for phenotypic and genotypic macrolide resistance. The antimicrobial susceptibility of the isolates was determined by broth microdilution according to CLSI standards. Closed genomes were obtained by WGS via Illumina MiSeq and MinION platforms followed by a hybrid assembly. Of 1114 porcine P. multocida isolates, only four isolates (0.36%), one each from 2008, 2010, 2019 and 2021, exhibited resistance to at least one macrolide tested. The isolate from 2010 was only resistant to erythromycin and WGS analysis neither revealed a macrolide resistance gene nor a macrolide resistance-mediating mutation. The isolates from 2008 and 2019 were resistant to erythromycin, tilmicosin, tildipirosin, tulathromycin and gamithromycin and showed either only the A2058G mutation in all six 23S rRNA operons or the chromosomally located macrolide resistance genes msr(E) and mph(E), respectively. The isolate from 2021 was resistant to erythromycin, tulathromycin, gamithromycin and tylosin and carried a novel integrative and conjugative element of 64 966 bp, designated Tn7730, in its chromosomal DNA. It harboured the macrolide resistance genes mef(C), mph(G) and estT, the lincosamide resistance gene lnu(H), and the tetracycline resistance gene tet(Y), the last two were detected for the first time in P. multocida. Macrolide resistance in German porcine P. multocida can be due to resistance-mediating mutations or resistance genes. The presence of the novel Tn7730 carrying three different macrolide resistance genes is alarming and should be monitored.

Genome-wide association mapping reveals novel genes and genomic regions controlling root-lesion nematode resistance in chickpea mini core collection.

Root-lesion nematodes (RLN) pose a significant threat to chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.) by damaging the root system and causing up to 25% economic losses due to reduced yield. Worldwide commercially grown chickpea varieties lack significant genetic resistance to RLN, necessitating the identification of genetic variants contributing to natural resistance. This study identifies genomic loci responsible for resistance to the RLN, Pratylenchus thornei Sher & Allen, in chickpea by utilizing high-quality single nucleotide polymorphisms from whole-genome sequencing data of 202 chickpea accessions. Phenotypic evaluations of the genetically diverse set of chickpea accessions in India and Australia revealed a wide range of responses from resistant to susceptible. Genome-wide association studies (GWAS) employing Fixed and Random Model Circulating Probability Unification (FarmCPU) and Bayesian-Information and Linkage-Disequilibrium Iteratively Nested Keyway (BLINK) models identified 44 marker-trait associations distributed across all chromosomes except Ca1. Crucially, genomic regions on Ca2 and Ca5 consistently display significant associations across locations. Of 25 candidate genes identified, five genes were putatively involved in RLN resistance response (glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase, heat shock proteins, MYB-like DNA-binding protein, zinc finger FYVE protein and pathogenesis-related thaumatin-like protein). One notably identified gene (Ca_10016) presents four haplotypes, where haplotypes 1-3 confer moderate susceptibility, and haplotype 4 contributes to high susceptibility to RLN. This information provides potential targets for marker development to enhance breeding for RLN resistance in chickpea. Additionally, five potential resistant genotypes (ICC3512, ICC8855, ICC5337, ICC8950, and ICC6537) to P. thornei were identified based on their performance at a specific location. The study's significance lies in its comprehensive approach, integrating multiple-location phenotypic evaluations, advanced GWAS models, and functional genomics to unravel the genetic basis of P. thornei resistance. The identified genomic regions, candidate genes, and haplotypes offer valuable insights for breeding strategies, paving the way for developing chickpea varieties resilient to P. thornei attack.

HIV drug resistance: analysis of viral genotypes and mutation loci in people living with HIV in Chongqing, China (2016–2023)

BackgroundLarge-scale HIV genotype drug resistance study has not been conducted in Chongqing.MethodsA retrospective study was conducted on people living with HIV(PLWH) who received HIV-1 genotype resistance testing at Chongqing Public Health Medical Center from May 2016 to June 2023. The HIV-1pol gene was amplified through RT-PCR and analyzed in terms of genotypic drug resistance.ResultsOf the 3015 PLWH tested for HIV-1 drug resistance, 1405 (46.6%) were resistant to at least one antiviral drug. Among non-nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors (NNRTIs), 43.8% were resistant, compared to 29.5% for nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors (NRTIs) and 3.4% for protease inhibitors (PIs). V179D/E and K103N/S were identified as the common mutation sites in the NNRTIs class of drugs, M184V/I and K65R/N were reported as the most common mutation sites in NRTIs, while thymidine analogue mutation (TAM) group was identified in 373 samples. L10FIV was the most common mutation in PIs. The dominant HIV-1 subtype was CRF07_BC.ConclusionsThe high prevalence of HIV-1 drug resistance in Chongqing underscores the imperative for rigorous surveillance of the local HIV epidemic. Furthermore, TAMs are associated with HIV-1 multidrug resistance, and timely detection of drug resistance is helpful to reduce the emergence and spread of such drug-resistant strains.

GENOMIC CHARACTERIZATION AND DRUG RESISTANCE PROFILES OF MYCOBACTERIUM TUBERCULOSIS LINEAGE 2 IN KAZAKHSTAN: PRELIMINARY RESULTS

Tuberculosis remains a highly contagious infection, with an estimated annual transmission of about 10 million people globally, as reported in the latest Global Tuberculosis Report by the World Health Organization (WHO). The primary objective of this research is to determine the geographical distribution and drug resistance profiles of Mycobacterium tuberculosis lineage 2, which is predominant in Kazakhstan. A total of over 200 clinical isolates of M. tuberculosis complex (MTBC) were collected from regional phthisiopulmonology centers across all regions of Kazakhstan between 2012 and 2024. Clinical isolates were genotyped using a PCR assay targeting the dnaA-dnaN:IS6110 region, specific for the modern Beijing genotype. Subsequently, selected samples were sequenced using the Illumina MiSeq platform. The TB-Profiler prediction tool was utilized to identify resistance against anti-tubercular drugs and to genotype the lineages. A total of 102 clinical isolates belonging to the L2 modern Beijing genotype were selected for whole-genome sequencing (WGS). The L2.2.1 genetic cluster was identified as the only sublineage present, according to Coll et al.'s classification. More than half of the specimens were found to be multidrug-resistant (n=60, 59%). Among the analyzed samples, monoresistance to isoniazid (IHN) was detected in 17 (16%) cases, while 14 (14%) cases were drug-susceptible TB. Additionally, 7 (7%) cases were identified as Pre-XDR (resistant to rifampicin, isoniazid, and either fluoroquinolones or second-line injectable drugs), 3 (3%) cases were monoresistant to streptomycin, and 1 (1%) case exhibited resistance to rifampicin only. Regional distribution of samples is as follows: Aktau and Kostanay are 14% (n=13/102), Kyzylorda (n=12/102), Taldykourgan (n=11/102), Pavlodar, Karaganda, and Atyrau are at 6% (6/102); Semey is 10% (n=9/102), Almaty and Taraz at 4%, and Shymkent city is 1% (n=1/102). This ongoing research is focused on resistance patterns, genotypes, and transmission dynamics among different regions of Kazakhstan using next-generation sequencing, followed by bioinformatics analysis and interpretation of the data.

Microbiological Quality of Coconut Water Sold in the Grande Vitória Region, Brazil, and Phenogenotypic Antimicrobial Resistance of Associated Enterobacteria.

This study aimed to evaluate the microbiological quality of coconut water sold from street carts equipped with cooling coils or refrigerated at bakeries in the Grande Vitória Region, Brazil. Additionally, it assessed the phenotypic and genotypic antimicrobial resistance profiles of isolated enterobacteria. The results indicated that coconut water sold at street carts had lower microbiological quality compared to refrigerated samples, as evidenced by significantly higher counts of mesophilic microorganisms. Using MALDI-TOF, the following opportunistic pathogens were identified: Citrobacter freundii, Enterobacter bugandensis, E. kobei, E. roggenkampii, Klebsiella pneumoniae, and Kluyvera ascorbata. Three isolates-E. bugandensis, K. pneumoniae, and K. ascorbata-were classified as multidrug-resistant (MDR). Widespread resistance to β-lactams and cephalosporins was detected, and some isolates were resistant to quinolones, nitrofurans, and phosphonic acids. The gene blaCTX-M-2 was detected in C. freundii, E. bugandensis, E. kobei, and K. ascorbata. However, genes blaNDM, blaKPC, blaCMY-1, and blaCMY-2 were not detected in any isolate. The findings underscore the need to enhance good manufacturing practices in this sector to control the spread of antimicrobial resistance (AMR). To our knowledge, this is the first study documenting the presence of potentially pathogenic enterobacteria in coconut water samples and their associated phenotypic and genotypic AMR profiles.

Analysis of genetic signatures of virulence and resistance in foodborne Staphylococcus aureus isolates from Algeria

Staphylococcus aureus, a frequent commensal of the human microbiota, also frequently associated with various infections. This study aimed to genetically characterize foodborne methicillin resistant S. aureus (MRSA) in Oran, Algeria. From a total of 474 food matrices, 30 MRSA strains were isolated and characterized using whole genome sequencing (WGS) and bioinformatics. The genomes were assessed for antimicrobial resistance and virulence genes, sequence and spa types and single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) to establish their relationship. The prevalence of S. aureus was 34.38% with MRSA accounting for 18.40%. MRSA strains showed high resistance to penicillinG, ampicillin and tetracycline. However, inconsistencies were noted between phenotypic and genotypic resistance for methicillin, aminoglycosides, and phenicolates, with mecA gene identified in three isolates. The isolates revealed eight different sequence types (predominantly ST97 and ST45) and eleven spa types (mainly t230 and t8503), correlating with SNP clusters except for isolates belonging to ST7200.86.66% of isolates harboured at least one enterotoxin gene underscores their potential public health threat. This investigation highlights the genetic heterogeneity among S. aureus regarding virulence and antimicrobial resistance, shedding light into food safety in Algeria and the ease of using WGS approach to rapidly characterize bacterial pathogens in community environments.

Detached leaf assay-based screening of anthracnose resistant wild strawberry genotypes

Detached leaf assay-based screening of anthracnose resistant wild strawberry genotypes

Comparison of targeted next-generation sequencing and traditional microbial culture in the diagnosis of pulmonary infections

This study investigated the diagnostic potential of targeted next-generation sequencing (tNGS) for pulmonary infections. The positivity rate of tNGS was significantly higher than that of traditional microbial culture (92.6 % vs 25.2 %, χ2 = 378.272, P < 0.001). The proportion of two or more species of pathogens detected using tNGS exceeded that detected using microbial culture (χ2 = 337.283, P < 0.001). There were inconsistencies between the results of the tNGS antibiotic resistance gene and the drug susceptibility test resistance phenotype. The tNGS technique demonstrates rapid and effective capabilities in identifying bacteria, fungi, viruses, and specific pathogens, with a detection sensitivity that surpasses that of conventional culture methodologies. Microbial drug resistance genotypes detected by tNGS cannot accurately predict drug resistance phenotypes and require further improvement or integration with traditional microbial culture to establish a foundation for effective clinical treatment.

Comparison of Different HIV-1 Resistance Interpretation Tools for Next-Generation Sequencing in Italy.

Next-generation sequencing (NGS) is gradually replacing Sanger sequencing for HIV genotypic drug resistance testing (GRT). This work evaluated the concordance among different NGS-GRT interpretation tools in a real-life setting. Routine NGS-GRT data were generated from viral RNA at 11 Italian laboratories with the AD4SEQ HIV-1 Solution v2 commercial kit. NGS results were interpreted by the SmartVir system provided by the kit and by two online tools (HyDRA Web and Stanford HIVdb). NGS-GRT was considered valid when the coverage was >100 reads (100×) at each PR/RT/IN resistance-associated position listed in the HIVdb 9.5.1 algorithm. Among 629 NGS-GRT, 75.2%, 74.2%, and 70.9% were valid according to SmartVir, HyDRA Web, and HIVdb. Considering at least two interpretation tools, 463 (73.6%) NGS-GRT had a valid coverage for resistance analyses. The proportion of valid samples was affected by viremia <10,000-1000 copies/mL and non-B subtypes. Mutations at an NGS frequency >10% showed fair concordance among different interpretation tools. This Italian survey on NGS resistance testing suggests that viremia levels and HIV subtype affect NGS-GRT coverage. Within the current routine method for NGS-GRT, only mutations with frequency >10% seem reliably detected across different interpretation tools.

Genetic Diversity of Promising Spring Wheat Accessions from Russia and Kazakhstan for Rust Resistance.

Spring bread wheat (Triticum aestivum) is a major crop in Russia and in Kazakhstan. The rust pathogens, leaf rust caused by the fungus Puccinia triticina, stem rust incited by P. graminis and yellow rust caused by P. striiformis, are the significant biotic factors affecting wheat production. In this study, 40 new promising spring wheat genotypes from the Kazakhstan-Siberia Network for Spring Wheat Improvement (KASIB) were tested for resistance to leaf, stem and yellow rust at the seedling stage, and for identification of rust resistance genes using molecular markers. In addition, the collection was tested for leaf rust resistance and grain yields in the South Urals agroclimatic zone of Russia in 2023. As a result, 16 accessions with seedling resistance to leaf rust, 21 to stem rust and 4 to yellow rust were identified. Three breeding accessions were resistant to all rust species, and nine to P. triticina and P. graminis. Wheat accessions resistant to leaf rust at the seedling stage were also resistant in the field. Molecular analysis showed the presence of cataloged resistance genes, Lr1, Lr3a, Lr9, Lr10, Lr19, Lr20, Lr24, Lr26, Sr15, Sr24, Sr25, Sr31, Sr38, Yr9 and Yr18; uncatalogued genes Lr6Agi1 and Lr6Agi2 from Thinopyrum intermedium and LrAsp from Aegilops speltoides; and 1AL.1RS translocation. The current analysis showed an increase in leaf and stem rust resistance of new KASIB genotypes and their genetic diversity due to the inclusion of alien genetic material in breeding.

Prevalence and dynamics of antimalarial drug resistance mutations among the Plasmodium falciparum isolates in TAK Province, Thailand, during the period of 1998-2001.

Despite the overall decline in malaria cases in Thailand, continuous surveillance in endemic areas remains crucial. This retrospective analysis examined Plasmodium falciparum samples from Tak province, Thailand, collected in 1998, 1999, and 2001, to investigate the prevalence and evolution of antimalarial genotypic drug resistance. The study revealed a high prevalence of drug-resistant P. falciparum, particularly to mefloquine and sulfadoxine/pyrimethamine, with significant mutations in genes associated with resistance. Notably, mutations indicative of artemisinin resistance, such as those in the kelch13 gene, were detected at low frequencies, suggesting an evolving resistance pattern. The underlying cause of these resistance mutations appears to be the historical and widespread use of these antimalarial drugs, which exerted selective pressure on the parasite population. These findings underscore the necessity of ongoing surveillance and adaptive control strategies to manage drug resistance, guide treatment policies, and prevent potential outbreaks, even as malaria cases decrease. Continuous monitoring and research are imperative to sustain malaria elimination efforts and address the dynamic challenges posed by evolving drug-resistant strains.

Gut metagenome in Insects and Its Potential in Agricultural and Industrial Applications

Metagenomics has greatly improved our understanding of microbial ecology by revealing the metagenomes of uncultured bacteria, including those associated with insects. These bacteria play important roles in insect defence, reproduction, and food absorption, which influences pest management tactics. Recent next generation sequencing advances in low-cost nucleotide and user-friendly bioinformatics have improved our ability to investigate microbial diversity in economically significant pests. Meta-omics technologies are now essential for defining microbial ecosystems, bio-surveillance, food safety, and commercial advances. Genome studies on insects and plants provide insights into pest control by discovering resistance genotypes and understanding stress-induced genomic changes. This review is focused on how herbivore specialists, such as the diamondback Plutella xylostella, adapt to host plants using gut microbiota. Metagenomic sequencing has discovered important bacteria-Enterobacter cloacae, Enterobacter asburiae, and Carnobacterium maltaromaticum- that help detoxify plant defences, breakdown cell walls, and synthesise amino acids. These findings indicate novel pest management tactics that target gut microbiota interactions. The paper continues with an overview of metagenomic DNA extraction, library creation and screening methods, especially on their applications in biotechnology and bioprocessing.

Phospholipid production and signaling by a plant defense inducer against Podosphaera xanthii is genotype-dependent.

Biotrophic phytopathogenic fungi such as Podosphaera xanthii have evolved sophisticated mechanisms to adapt to various environments causing powdery mildews leading to substantial yield losses. Today, due to known adverse effects of pesticides, development of alternative control means is crucial and can be achieved by combining plant protection products with resistant genotypes. Using plant defense inducers, natural molecules that stimulate plant immune system mimicking pathogen attack is sustainable, but information about their mode of action in different hosts or host genotypes is extremely limited. Reynoutria sachalinensis extract, a known plant defense inducer, especially through the Salicylic acid pathway in Cucurbitaceae crops against P. xanthii, was employed to analyze the signaling cascade of defense activation. Here, we demonstrate that R. sachalinensis extract enhances phospholipid production and signaling in a Susceptible to P. xanthii courgette genotype, while limited response is observed in an Intermediate Resistance genotype due to genetic resistance. Functional enrichment and cluster analysis of the upregulated expressed genes revealed that inducer application promoted mainly lipid- and membrane-related pathways in the Susceptible genotype. On the contrary, the Intermediate Resistance genotype exhibited elevated broad spectrum defense pathways at control conditions, while inducer application did not promote any significant changes. This outcome was obvious and at the metabolite level. Main factor distinguishing the Intermediate Resistance form the Susceptible genotype was the epigenetic regulated increased expression of a G3P acyltransferase catalyzing phospholipid production. Our study provides evidence on phospholipid-based signaling after plant defense inducer treatment, and the selective role of plant's genetic background.