Russian Thistle Research Articles

Russian thistle (Salsola tragus) ecology in wheat cropping systems of the Pacific Northwest

Abstract Russian thistle (Salsola tragus L.) is a significant summer annual weed in the semi-arid Pacific Northwest (PNW), causing yield losses of up to 50%. Understanding the biology and ecology of S. tragus is vital for developing effective integrated weed management (IWM) strategies. This study focused on 1) S. tragus emergence and seedbank persistence in two cropping systems: fallow–winter wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) and spring wheat–fallow–winter wheat rotations, and 2) S. tragus plant biomass and viable seed production in fallow and spring wheat fields. A four-year experiment (2020-2023) was conducted at the Columbia Basin Agriculture Research Center (CBARC) in Adams, OR, using a randomized block design with four replications. Salsola tragus seeds were sprinkled only at the beginning of the experiment, and seedling numbers were recorded throughout. Most seedlings emerged in the first year, with the highest rates in spring wheat (72%) and fallow (32%), followed by significantly lower rates (0.25-5%) in subsequent years. Seedling emergence began in late March and early April for the first two years but was delayed to May for the third year. Plant biomass and viable seed production were greater in fallow than in spring wheat, with early-season plants having more biomass than later-emerging plants. Plants emerged between early and mid-May produced the most viable seeds. Viable seed production was very low until it peaked in mid-September. Findings indicated that most S. tragus seedlings emerged in the first year after dispersal coinciding with spring precipitation and lasting approximately two months. Additionally, most S. tragus plants produce viable seeds in September, and seeds persist in the soil for more than two years. These results demonstrate the need for growers to control S. tragus emergence to prevent reinfestations and ultimately the need to control S. tragus plants before September to prevent the species from producing viable seed.

Germination ecology of heteromorphic seeds of slender Russian thistle (Salsola collina)

Abstract Slender Russian thistle (Salsola collina Pall.) is a troublesome weed distributed mainly in the cropping regions of northern China that produces heteromorphic seeds in the same plant. However, limited information is available on the germination ecology of heteromorphic seeds in S. collina. Thus, the present study was conducted to verify the effect of alternating temperature conditions, light conditions, winged perianth, salt concentrations, water stress, and burial depths on the seed germination or seedling emergence of S. collina. The results showed that S. collina produced two different types of fruits/seeds that significantly differed in seed size, seed color, external structure, and germination/dormancy behavior. The type A seeds (green seeds) were nondormant, and the germination percentage was >96% at all alternating day/night temperatures and light conditions; whereas type B seeds (yellow seeds) exhibited dormancy characteristics and poor germination (≤1%). Moreover, the winged perianth did not inhibit the germination of S. collina green seeds. The germination of green seeds declined rapidly when NaCl concentration exceeded 100 mM, and only 2.22% germination was observed at 600 mM NaCl. About 62.00% of green seeds germinated at −0.6 MPa, and 8.00% germination was obtained at −1.2 MPa. The seedling emergence declined with an increase of burial depth, and decreased sharply when the burial depth exceeded 1.0 cm. Only 8.33% seedling emergence occurred at a burial depth of 4.0 cm. The results gathered from present study will help to illustrate the ecological adaptation strategy of S. collina and indicate that shallow tillage can effectively minimize the seedling emergence of S. collina.

Russian thistle (Salsola tragus L.) serotiny promotes simultaneous aerial and soil seedbanks

Russian thistle (Salsola tragus L.) serotiny promotes simultaneous aerial and soil seedbanks

Wind-mediated Dispersal of Beet Leafhoppers and Pine Pollen in Southern Idaho

The management of beet leafhoppers (BLHs) is important for disease control since BLHs can vector important plant pathogens such as curly top viruses and phytoplasmas in southern Idaho. Historical data for southern Idaho suggests that BLH need approximately 130 growing degree days (GDDs; 12.8°C base) to initiate dispersal and around 382 GDDs until they reach peak dispersal. A recent study in southern Idaho identified large peak dispersal events of BLHs on May 19, 2020 and June 2, 2021 in Elmore Co. near Mt. Home, ID. Historically, BLH have been thought to originate from local areas. However, based on GDDs and dispersal numbers under optimal conditions for Mt. Home, the BLHs likely did not originate from local areas. Data for wind and pine pollen dispersal combined with GDDs for areas known to contain BLH suggest that the BLH could have originated outside the local area and possibly up to 142 to 515 km away. At least five conditions appear to be necessary for observation of BLH dispersal into southern Idaho: a wind event must occur (35 km/h avg. hourly wind speed), dispersal temperature threshold (16 to 18°C) must be met, >130 GDDs must be accumulated to initiate dispersal, daily peak temperatures should reach 24°C, and attractive BLH vegetation such as Russian thistle must be present. Combining wind event forecasts with temperature parameters in the future may make it possible to provide targeted timely insecticide sprays for BLH control.

Host and Shelter Plants for the Beet Leafhopper, Which Vectors Curly Top Viruses and Phytoplasmas in Southern Idaho

Weeds and crop plants not only serve as reproductive hosts and transitory or shelter plants for the beet leafhopper (BLH; Circulifer tenellus) but also as sources of plant pathogens that can then be vectored by the BLH. Thus, the plants that the BLHs are feeding on and infecting are of interest and may be changing over time. Therefore, BLH samples from a recent survey were investigated through DNA barcoding via the ribulose-1,5-bisphosphate carboxylase/oxygenase large subunit ( rbcL) and maturase K ( matK) chloroplast gene regions to determine what the BLHs had been feeding on prior to capture on yellow sticky cards in southern Idaho during 2020 and 2021. In June of both years, the first generation of BLHs predominately fed on Pinus spp. (59 to 76% of samples), which were likely in mountainous areas, and dispersed approximately 48 to 80 km to crop and sagebrush steppe locations. During July to September, the BLHs predominantly fed on Salsola spp. (Russian thistle; 61 to 66% of samples) and Bassia scoparia (kochia; 15% of samples). In both years, the BLHs that fed on pine had the highest percentage (55 and 75%, respectively) of samples with beet curly top virus based on primers that can detect both the Worland and Colorado strains. In both years, BLHs that had fed on Russian thistle and alfalfa had the highest percentage of samples with Spinach curly top Arizona virus. These data will be utilized in the development of future curly top management plans. [Formula: see text] The author(s) have dedicated the work to the public domain under the Creative Commons CC0 “No Rights Reserved” license by waiving all of his or her rights to the work worldwide under copyright law, including all related and neighboring rights, to the extent allowed by law, 2024.

The cytoskeletal protein profilin is an important allergen in saltwort (Salsola kali).

Pollen from Salsola kali, i.e., saltwort, Russian thistle, is a major allergen source in the coastal regions of southern Europe, in Turkey, Central Asia, and Iran. S. kali-allergic patients mainly suffer from hay-fever (i.e., rhinitis and conjunctivitis), asthma, and allergic skin symptoms. The aim of this study was to investigate the importance of individual S. kali allergen molecules. Sal k 1, Sal k 2, Sal k 3, Sal k 4, Sal k 5, and Sal k 6 were expressed in Escherichia coli as recombinant proteins containing a C-terminal hexahistidine tag and purified by nickel affinity chromatography. The purity of the recombinant allergens was analyzed by SDS-PAGE. Their molecular weight was determined by matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry, and their fold and secondary structure were studied by circular dichroism (CD) spectroscopy. Sera from clinically well-characterized S. kali-allergic patients were used for IgE reactivity and basophil activation experiments. S. kali allergen-specific IgE levels and IgE levels specific for the highly IgE cross-reactive profilin and the calcium-binding allergen from timothy grass pollen, Phl p 12 and Phl p 7, respectively, were measured by ImmunoCAP. The allergenic activity of natural S. kali pollen allergens was studied in basophil activation experiments. Recombinant S. kali allergens were folded when studied by CD analysis. The sum of recombinant allergen-specific IgE levels and allergen-extract-specific IgE levels was highly correlated. Sal k 1 and profilin, reactive with IgE from 64% and 49% of patients, respectively, were the most important allergens, whereas the other S. kali allergens were less frequently recognized. Specific IgE levels were highest for profilin. Of note, 37% of patients who were negative for Sal k 1 showed IgE reactivity to Phl p 12, emphasizing the importance of the ubiquitous cytoskeletal actin-binding protein, profilin, for the diagnosis of IgE sensitization in S. kali-allergic patients. rPhl p 12 and rSal k 4 showed equivalent IgE reactivity, and the clinical importance of profilin was underlined by the fact that profilin-monosensitized patients suffered from symptoms of respiratory allergy to saltwort. Accordingly, profilin should be included in the panel of allergen molecules for diagnosis and in molecular allergy vaccines for the treatment and prevention of S. kali allergy.

Optimizing Identification of Allergic Sensitization to Seasonal Inhalant Allergens in the USA: Implications for Constructing Optimal Panels to Evaluate Patients with Allergy

Introduction: While a specific number and type of antigens are recognized to detect perennial inhalant allergies, the optimal number and combination of allergens to reliably identify seasonal allergic sensitization is unclear due to limited national data. This study analyzed aeroallergen testing data from a large US clinical reference laboratory to provide guidance for optimizing seasonal allergen test selection. Methods: The 2019 serum IgE tests for seasonal inhalant allergens were identified from the Quest Diagnostics database. Patients with results for at least 1 of 31 seasonal allergens across 4 allergen classes (11 trees, 7 weeds, 5 grasses, and 8 molds) were analyzed. A step-by-step conditional approach was employed to determine the minimum number and species of allergens needed to identify at least 98% of sensitized patients for each class. Results: Of 88,042 patients tested for ≥1 seasonal allergen, 1.5%, 1.8%, 1.3%, and 1.6% were tested for all trees, weeds, grasses, and molds, respectively. Of those tested for all allergens within a class, 40.4%, 38.6%, 29.5%, and 21.2% were sensitized to at least one tree, weed, grass, or mold allergen, respectively. Identification of ≥98% of sensitized patients within a class required 8 allergens for trees (mountain cedar, maple box elder, walnut, white ash, elm, birch, cottonwood, and hickory/pecan), 5 for weeds (common ragweed short, rough pigweed, English plantain, lamb's quarters/goosefoot, and Russian thistle), 3 for grasses (June/Kentucky blue grass, Johnson grass, and Bermuda grass), and 7 for molds (Alternaria alternata, Aspergillus fumigatus, Mucor racemosus, Epicoccum purpurascens, Penicillium notatum, Helminthosporium halodes, and Fusarium moniliforme). Conclusion: A minimum of 23 antigens is required to optimally detect sensitization to four classes of seasonal allergens (i.e., ≥98% identification). The addition of these allergens to unique perennial allergens (cat, dog, mouse, cockroach, and 2 dust mite species) results in a comprehensive elucidation of inhalant allergen sensitization. This knowledge provides a pivotal guide for clinical laboratories as they construct allergen panels to optimize diagnostic yield.

Vegetation, fuels, and fire-behavior responses to linear fuel-break treatments in and around burned sagebrush steppe: are we breaking the grass-fire cycle?

BackgroundLinear fuel breaks are being implemented to moderate fire behavior and improve wildfire containment in semiarid landscapes such as the sagebrush steppe of North America, where extensive losses in perennial vegetation and ecosystem functioning are resulting from invasion by exotic annual grasses (EAGs) that foster large and recurrent wildfires. However, fuel-break construction can also pose EAG invasion risks, which must be weighed against the intended fire-moderation benefits of the treatments. We investigated how shrub reductions (mowing, cutting), pre-emergent EAG-herbicides, and/or drill seedings of fire-resistant perennial bunchgrasses (PBGs) recently applied to create a large fuel-break system affected native and exotic plant abundances and their associated fuel loading and predicted fire behavior.ResultsIn heavily EAG-invaded areas, herbicides reduced EAG and total herbaceous cover without affecting PBGs for 2–3 years and reduced predicted fire behavior for 1 year (from the Fuel Characteristic Classification System). However, surviving post-herbicide EAG cover was still > 30%, which was sufficient fuel to exceed the conventional 1.2-m-flame length (FL) threshold for attempting wildfire suppression with hand tools. In less invaded shrubland, shrub reduction treatments largely reduced shrub cover and height by ~ half without increasing EAGs, but then redistributed the wood to ground level and increased total herbaceous cover. Herbicides and/or drill seeding after shrub reductions did not affect EAG cover, although drill seedings increased PBG cover and exotic forbs (e.g., Russian thistle). Fire behavior was predicted to be moderated in only one of the many yearly observations of the various shrub-reduction treatment combinations. Over all treatments and years, FLs were predicted to exceed 1.2 m in 13% of simulations under average (11 km h−1) or high (47 km h−1) wind speed conditions and exceed the 3.4-m threshold for uncontrollable fire in 11% of simulations under high-wind speeds only.ConclusionsPredicted fire-moderation benefits over the first 4 years of fuel break implementation were modest and variable, but, generally, increases in EAGs and their associated fire risks were not observed. Nonetheless, ancillary evidence from shrublands would suggest that treatment-induced shifts from shrub to herbaceous fuel dominance are expected to improve conditions for active fire suppression in ways not readily represented in available fire models.

Designing a T-cell epitope-based vaccine using in silico approaches against the Sal k 1 allergen of Salsola kali plant

Allergens originated from Salsola kali (Russian thistle) pollen grains are one of the most important sources of aeroallergens causing pollinosis in desert and semi-desert regions. T-cell epitope-based vaccines (TEV) are more effective among different therapeutic approaches developed to alleviate allergic diseases. The physicochemical properties, and B as well as T cell epitopes of Sal k 1 (a major allergen of S. kali) were predicted using immunoinformatic tools. A TEV was constructed using the linkers EAAAK, GPGPG and the most suitable CD4+ T cell epitopes. RS04 adjuvant was added as a TLR4 agonist to the amino (N) and carboxyl (C) terminus of the TEV protein. The secondary and tertiary structures, solubility, allergenicity, toxicity, stability, physicochemical properties, docking with immune receptors, BLASTp against the human and microbiota proteomes, and in silico cloning of the designed TEV were assessed using immunoinformatic analyses. Two CD4+ T cell epitopes of Sal k1 that had high affinity with different alleles of MHC-II were selected and used in the TEV. The molecular docking of the TEV with HLADRB1, and TLR4 showed TEV strong interactions and stable binding pose to these receptors. Moreover, the codon optimized TEV sequence was cloned between NcoI and XhoI restriction sites of pET-28a(+) expression plasmid. The designed TEV can be used as a promising candidate in allergen-specific immunotherapy against S. kali. Nonetheless, effectiveness of this vaccine should be validated through immunological bioassays.

Change in Monthly Mineral Content of Russian Thistle

This study was conducted in 2022 to determine the changes in the mineral content of Russian thistle according to its development periods on the land of Iğdır University Şehit Bülent Yurtseven Campus. In the 7-month period from April to October, the plant's N (Nitrogen), K (Potassium), P (Phosphorus), Mg (Magnesium), Na (Sodium), Ca (Calcium), Fe (Iron), Cu (Copper), Mn (Manganese) and Zn (Zinc) contents were determined. While the nitrogen content of the plant was high in April, May and June, there were decreases in nitrogen content in the following months. While the potassium content increased in May and June compared to April, there were decreases in potassium content in July and the following months. As the development of the plant progressed, there was a decrease in the phosphorus content. While magnesium content was highest in April and September, it was low in other months. Calcium content was highest in April and May and lowest in August. While the sodium content increased until June, there were decreases in the following months. While the iron content increased until July, there were decreases in the following months. Copper content reached its highest level in July and October. Manganese content was highest in September and lowest in July. Zinc content decreased with the advancement of plant development.

Increased cover of native and exotic plants on the rims of harvester ant (Hymenoptera: Formicidae) nests under grazing and drought.

Harvester ants create habitats along nest rims, which some plants use as refugia. These refugia can enhance ecosystem stability to disturbances like drought and grazing, but their potential role in invasion ecology is not yet tested. Here we examine the effects of drought and grazing on nest-rim refugia of 2 harvester ant species: Pogonomyrmex occidentals and P. rugosus. We selected 4 rangeland sites with high harvester ant nest densities in northern Arizona, USA, with pre-existing grazing exclosures adjacent to heavily grazed habitat. Our objective was to determine whether nest refugia were used by native or exotic plant species for each site and scenario of drought and grazing. We measured vegetation cover on nest surfaces, on nest rims, and at 3 distances (3, 5, and 10 m) from nests. At each site, we sampled 2 treatments (grazed/excluded) during 2 seasons (drought/monsoon). We found that nest rims increased vegetation cover compared with background levels at all sites and in almost all scenarios of treatment and season, indicating that nest rims provide important refugia for plants from drought and cattle grazing. In some cases, plants enhanced on nest rims were native grasses such as blue gramma (Bouteloua gracilis) or forbs such as sunflowers (Helianthus petiolaris). However, nest rims at all sites enhanced exotic species, particularly Russian thistle (Salsola tragus), purslane (Portulaca oleracea), and bull thistle (Cirsium vulgare). These results suggest that harvester ants play important roles in invasion ecology and restoration. We discuss potential mechanisms for why certain plant species use nest-rim refugia and how harvester ant nests contribute to plant community dynamics.

A hydrothermal model to predict Russian thistle (Salsola tragus) seedling emergence in the dryland of the Pacific Northwest (USA)

AbstractRussian thistle (Salsola tragus L.) is among the most troublesome weeds in cropland and ruderal semiarid areas of the Pacific Northwest (PNW). Predicting S. tragus emergence timing plays a critical role in scheduling weed management measures. The objective of this research was to develop and validate a predictive model of the seedling emergence pattern of S. tragus under field conditions in the PNW to increase the efficacy of control measures targeting this species. The relationship between cumulative seedling emergence and cumulative hydrothermal time under field conditions was modeled using the Weibull function. This model is the first to use hydrothermal time units (HTT) to predict S. tragus emergence and showed a very good fit to the experimental data. According to this model, seedling emergence starts at 5 HTT, and 50% and 90% emergence is completed at 56 HTT and 177 HTT, respectively. For model validation, independent field experiments were carried out. Cumulative seedling emergence was accurately predicted by the model, supporting the idea that this model is robust enough to be used as a predictive tool for S. tragus seedling emergence. Our model can serve as the basis for the development of decision support systems, helping farmers make the best decisions to control S. tragus populations in no-till fallow and spring wheat systems.

Russian thistle (Salsola tragus) postharvest control and plant dispersal

AbstractRussian thistle is one of the most important broadleaf weeds in the semiarid U.S. Pacific Northwest. It consumes soil water after wheat harvest, compromising the yield of the following crop. The objectives of this work were to determine the impact of post–wheat harvest herbicide application timing on Russian thistle control and of stubble height on Russian thistle postharvest control and plant dispersal. For the first objective, experiments were conducted at the Columbia Basin Agricultural Research Center, Adams, OR (CBARC), and the Lind Dryland Research Station, Lind, WA (LDRS), in 2020 and 2021. Herbicides evaluated included paraquat, glyphosate, and either bromoxynil + pyrasulfotole (CBARC) or bromoxynil + metribuzin (LDRS). The different post–wheat harvest application timings were 24 h and 1, 2, and 3 wk after harvest. For the second objective, two stubble heights (short and tall) were compared for their impact on control at CBARC and in a production field near Ione, OR. Paraquat provided the greatest control in all scenarios, with no differences in application timings or stubble height. Impacts of application timings were not clear for glyphosate or bromoxynil mixtures. For glyphosate treatments, control in short stubble was 11% greater than in tall stubble in both years. Control was also greater in short stubble for the bromoxynil + pyrasulfotole application in 2020. However, Russian thistle plant dispersal was greater in short stubble at both locations. At CBARC, plant dispersal in short stubble was 58%, compared to 18% in tall stubble. Near Ione, plant dispersal in flattened stubble was 88%, compared to 43% in nonflattened short stubble. Leaving tall stubble at harvest should be considered to reduce Russian thistle plant dispersal if the infestation is going to be left untreated after harvest; otherwise, short stubble might result in better Russian thistle control when using systemic herbicides, such as glyphosate.

Aeroallergens sensitization pattern in atopic patients in Qatar: A retrospective study.

Allergic respiratory diseases (allergic rhinitis and asthma) are major health problems with high prevalence causing significant patient morbidity as well as an economic burden (1). Sensitization to inhaled allergens is a major factor in the pathogenesis of allergic respiratory diseases (2). This study aims to determine the commonest aeroallergen sensitization in patients with allergic symptoms who attended an Adult Allergy Clinic in Qatar. This retrospective study reviewed the skin prick test results database of 20 aeroallergens performed between January 1st to December 31st, 2022, at an Adult Allergy clinic in Qatar. Based on skin test results, the most prevalent aeroallergens were determined. A total of 554 patients (43% males, 57% females), aged between 12-87 years, 36±13.8 (mean ± SD), underwent skin prick test, of which 378 patients (68%) had positive results. There were no significant sex differences in the frequency of atopy (males: 60% versus females: 65% p= .076). Of the total 554 patients, 62% were diagnosed with Allergic rhinitis, 19% with non-allergic rhinitis, 32% with asthma, 6.7% with chronic urticaria, and 6.5% with atopic dermatitis. The frequency of sensitivity to aeroallergens was Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus 49.5%, Dermatophagoides farina 38.6%, Cat 37.3%, American Cockroach 25.9%, Russian thistle 24%, German cockroach 20%, Rough pigweed 19%, Bermuda grass 11%, and 8% to seven grass mix. 61 % were sensitized to indoor aeroallergens and 31% to different pollens (outdoor). Of the 378 patients who were sensitized, 145 patients (38%) were monosensitized, and 233 (62%) were polysensitized (≥2 allergens). There were no significant differences in the frequency of polysensitization between males and females (M:F: 1:1, p=0.938). Insects (house dust mites and cockroaches) and animal protein (cat hair) were the most prevalent positive aeroallergen by skin tests. However, weed, tree pollens (Russian thistle, Rough pigweed, Mesquite tree), and grass pollens (Bermuda and seven grass mix) were also positive for a minority of patients. 62% of patients were polysensitized to aeroallergens.

Prevalence of Allergy in Patients with Primary Dysphonia.

The purpose of this investigation is to examine the prevalence of allergy in patients with primary dysphonia. The medical records of patients diagnosed with primary dysphonia and who underwent allergy testing during the period extending from June 2018-2020 were reviewed. Patients' demographics, laryngoscopic findings and allergy skin prick testing were analyzed. A total of 22 patients were included. Eleven out of twenty-two patients (50%) tested positive to at least 2 allergens, and eight (36%) tested positive for at least 3 allergens. The most common allergens tested positive were D. Farinae for household inhalants, followed by Chenopodium, Russian thistle and weed mix for weeds. In patients with a positive allergy testing, the most common laryngeal findings included edema in 36%, followed by excess mucus and MTD in 18% of cases each. Allergy is common in patients presenting with primary dysphonia and non-specific laryngeal findings. Allergy testing should be part of the diagnostic work-up of affected patients.

Specific aeroallergen sensitization associated with current rhinitis among adults in southwestern Saudi Arabia.

Data about allergic sensitization to rhinitis among adults are limited. The objectives were to explore the prevalence of current rhinitis (CR) and associated specific allergen sensitizations in southwestern Saudi Arabia. A cross-sectional study was conducted on 969 adults in southwestern regions of Saudi Arabia, namely Aseer, Jazan, and Al Baha. From each region, 5 primary health care centers were chosen. The validated Arabic Version of the International Study of Asthma and Allergies in Childhood questionnaire was used. Total immunoglobulin E (IgE) enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, cytokine enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (interleukin [IL]-4, IL-10, IL-13, and interferon-γ), aeroallergen-specific IgE immunoassay (a panel of 30 common aeroallergens; 9 indoor and 21 outdoors), and eosinophilic count were assessed. A prevalence of CR of 35.8% (95% confidence interval: 32.8%–38.9%) was found. Regarding outdoor aeroallergens, Mesquite-positive IgE antibodies were higher among CR adults (odds ratio = 1.52, 95% confidence interval: 1.02–2.21) compared to those without CR. The same significant pattern was found with Chenopodium, Ragweed, Pigweed, Russian thistle, Bermuda grass, Timothy grass, and Rye. All indoor aeroallergens were not significantly associated with CR. Total IgE and eosinophil count were significantly higher among adults with CR. In conclusion, CR in southwestern regions of Saudi Arabia is common and of significant public health importance. Aeroallergens that associate with adult sensitization to CR tend to be of the outdoor variety particularly the herbaceous grass and their pollens. The magnitude of CR and its association with exposure to outdoor aeroallergens should be taken into account by health policy decision makers, clinicians, and medical practitioners when diagnosing and treating related conditions.

Types of Allergens among Patients Undergoing Skin Allergy Testing in the South Region of Saudi Arabia

Background: Allergy skin testing can help identify the specific causative allergens to confirm the diagnosis and design treatment for Allergic rhinitis. Objective: The study aimed to assess the types of allergens among participants who underwent Skin Allergy Test in the Southern Region of Saudi Arabia. Methods: This retrospective review of hospital records examined the results of the skin prick test from January 2018 to October 2020. Participants who underwent the same panel of allergens were included. Results: Forty-two participants were included. Only one participant (2.4%) showed no response toward any allergen, while the remainder (97.6%) exhibited a positive reaction toward at least one allergen. The highest rates of sensitization were to pollens (83.3%), followed by house dust mites (14.3%), and animal epithelia (28.6%). The most frequent pollens were Bermuda grass (64.3%), followed by Ryegrass (26.2%) and Russian thistle (21.4%). Positive reactions to Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus and Dermatophagoides farinae were observed in 14.3% and 9.5% of participants, respectively. The rates of sensitization to Epithelia of the cats were higher than that to Epithelia of dogs (26.2% vs. 14.3%, respectively). No significant association was detected between the type of aeroallergen and the age or gender of the participants. Conclusions: The most prevalent aeroallergens in the Southern region of Saudi Arabia are pollens, followed by house dust mites and animal epithelia. Sensitization to more than one allergen was common. The use of preventive measures is warranted to reduce sensitization to allergens.

Centrocoris volxemi (Puton) (Hemiptera: Heteroptera: Coreidae), First Records for North America and Second Species of the Genus in the United States

Centrocoris volxemi (Puton) is a Palearctic coreid native to the Irano-Turanian floristic region and is reported here for the first time in North America and the western US (Utah and Idaho). The species was collected during surveys in Utah in 2021. We also discuss online records and images from 2020–2021 in Utah and Idaho that appear consistent with C. volxemi. The number of records, broad distribution, and field observations suggest that the species is firmly established. Field observations indicate that the primary host in the US is prickly Russian thistle, Salsola tragus L. We provide diagnostic characters and illustrations of the species to facilitate its identification and separation from Centrocoris variegatus Kolenati, another Palearctic species established in the US and first reported from central to central-western California in 2009.

Genus Salsola: Chemistry, Biological Activities and Future Prospective-A Review.

The genus Salsola L. (Russian thistle, Saltwort) includes halophyte plants and is considered one of the largest genera in the family Amaranthaceae. The genus involves annual semi-dwarf to dwarf shrubs and woody tree. The genus Salsola is frequently overlooked, and few people are aware of its significance. The majority of studies focus on pollen morphology and species identification. Salsola has had little research on its phytochemical makeup or biological effects. Therefore, we present this review to cover all aspects of genus Salsola, including taxonomy, distribution, differences in the chemical constituents and representative examples of isolated compounds produced by various species of genus Salsola and in relation to their several reported biological activities for use in folk medicine worldwide.

Salsola collina (slender Russian thistle)

This datasheet on Salsola collina covers Identity, Distribution, Further Information.