Pahang State Research Articles

Analysis of genetic and virulence variability of Stemphylium lycopersici associated with leaf spot of vegetable crops

Stemphylium lycopersici (Enjoji) W. Yamam was initially described from tomato and has been reported to infect different hosts worldwide. Sequence analyses of the internal transcribed spacer (ITS) regions 1 and 2, including 5.8S rDNA (ITS-5.8S rDNA) and glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase (gpd) gene, random amplified polymorphic DNA (RAPD) and inter-simple sequence repeat (ISSR), as well as virulence studies were conducted to analyze 46 S. lycopersici isolates. Stemphylium lycopersici isolates used in this study were obtained from diseased tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.), eggplant (Solanum melongena L.), pepper (Capsicum annuum L.) and lettuce (Lactuca sativa L.) from major vegetable growing regions of Malaysia, including the three states of Pahang, Johor and Selangor between 2011 and 2012. Phylogenetic analysis of a combined dataset of the ITS-5.8S rDNA and gpd regions indicated that all isolates were clustered in the sub-cluster that comprised S. lycopersici, and were distinguished from other Stemphylium species. Cluster analyses using the UPGMA method for both RAPD and ISSR markers grouped S. lycopersici isolates into three main clusters with similarity index values of 67 and 68 %. The genetic diversity data confirmed that isolates of S. lycopersici are in concordance to host plants, and not geographical origin of the isolates. All S. lycopersici isolates were pathogenic on their original host plants and showed leaf spot symptoms; however, virulence variability was observed among the isolates. In cross-inoculation assays, the representative isolates were able to cause leaf spot symptoms on eggplant, pepper, lettuce and tomato, but not on cabbage.

Vulnerability Assessment of Existing Low-Rise Reinforced Concrete School Buildings in Low Seismic Region Using Ambient Noise Method

Ground movements triggered by the Bukit Tinggi earthquakes in 2007 to 2009 are believed to be the possible cause of several structural damages on a secondary school building of SMK Bukit Tinggi, in the state of Pahang, Malaysia. This paper describes the ambient noise study conducted on the damaged building (a 4-storey reinforced concrete frame laboratory building) and the adjacent buildings using tri-axial 1 Hz seismometer sensors. Fourier amplitude spectra (FAS) analysis was applied to determine the buildings natural frequencies for vulnerability assessment of the damaged structure in both longitudinal and transverse axes. Significant multiple peaks of FAS curves used for natural frequencies determination of the buildings show values between 4.18 to 4.34 Hz, 5.04 to 5.23 Hz, 6.07 to 6.54 Hz and 8.17 to 8.81 Hz, indicating the existence of translational and torsional vibration modes acting on the buildings. Differences in dynamic behaviour between the laboratory and the adjacent buildings may be responsible for the structural damages due to the independent structural response and excessive torsional effect during the Bukit Tinggi earthquake tremors.

ASSESSMENT OF HEAVY METAL CONTAMINATION AT WEST AND EAST COASTAL AREA OF PENINSULAR MALAYSIA

Five heavy metal elements [Pb (II), Cr (VI), Ni (II), Zn (II) and Cu (II)] in the sediment of the two coastal areas had been analyzed of the Mideast and Midwest of Peninsular Malaysia in the year of 2012. This is to assess and monitor contamination of heavy metal at a mangrove area in the state of Negeri Sembilan, Melaka and Pahang. Overall and individual analyses of the heavy metals showed the concentration of the named heavy metals were not at alarming stage. All analyzed elements were found to be much lower than the international guideline provided by the Chinese (EPA-China), Canadian (CEPA) and American (US-EPA). Quantitative assessment using Enrichment Factor shows that all analyses elements were to found be within the degree of background concentration. Keywords: Enrichment factor, Port Dickson, Kuantan, South China Sea, Strait of Malacca, Mangrove Forest Area

Survival of lung cancer patients in a resource‐limited country

Data on lung cancer survival are lacking in developing countries. Our objectives were to describe the survival of our lung cancer patients and to determine independent prognostic factors affecting survival. All patients diagnosed with lung cancer from August 2007 to August 2010 were recruited from a single referral hospital of the state of Pahang, Malaysia. Detailed demographic data, ECOG (Eastern Cooperation Oncology Group) performance status, stage of disease and treatment were recorded. The date of histology or cytology confirmation was used as the date of entry. Survival time was calculated from the date of entry to the date of death. One hundred forty-nine patients were included for survival analysis. The median age was 62 years and patients were predominantly males (78%) and smokers (78%). The majority had non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) (94%); only six patients (4%) had small cell lung cancer. All patients presented with stage 3 or stage 4 disease. Overall median survival was 18 weeks. "No definitive treatment" and "ECOG 3-4" were the significant independent predictors of death, with the hazard ratios of 2.1 (95% confidence interval [CI] 1.4, 3.0) and 1.6 (95% CI 1.1, 2.3) times, respectively. Among NSCLC patients on treatment, 1- and 2-year survival rates were 27% and 15%, respectively. The majority of lung cancer patients in Pahang presented with advanced disease. No definitive treatment and ECOG 3-4 were independent poor prognostic factors.

Sultan Ahmad: The Dilemma between the Local Rebels and British Colonialists in Pahang at the End of the 19th Century

British colonization over the state of Pahang in the late 19th century resulted in an incident which is known as the Pahang uprising. Introduction of several new systems by the colonialists had caused chaos. The locals, mostly the dignitaries or chieftains who were in close relationship with the Sultan, rebelled against these new enforcements. On the other hand, the Sultan who had to maintain his status quo with the British was in a dilemma. This article looks at the dilemma faced by the ruler and how he maneuvered the crisis; through thorough content analysis of available literature. It is found that Sultan Ahmad was very intelligent, wise and diplomatic in preserving peace and harmony amongst the local people and could still be in the good books of the British. His strategies united the rebels yet he maintained his sovereignty and remained unthreatened by the British.

Terrestrial gamma dose rate in Pahang state Malaysia

Environmental terrestrial gamma radiations (TGR) were measured in Pahang state Malaysia between January and April 2013. The TGR dose rates ranged from 26 to 750 nGy h−1. The measurements were done based on geology and soil types of the area. The mean TGR dose rate was found to be 176 ± 5 nGy h−1. Few areas of relatively enhanced activity were located in Raub, Temerloh, Bentong and Rompin districts. These areas have external gamma dose rates of between 500 and 750 nGy h−1. An Isodose map of the state was produced using ArcGIS9 software version 9.3. To evaluate the radiological hazard due to terrestrial gamma dose, the annual effective dose equivalent and the mean population weighted dose rate were calculated and found to be 0.22 mSv year−1 and 168 nGy h−1 respectively.

Determination of Arsenic Content of Available Traditional Medicines in Malaysia using Hydride Generation Atomic Absorption Spectrometry

Purpose : To determine the content of arsenic (As) in some locally available traditional medicines in the East Coast region of Malaysia. Methods : The determination of As was conducted using hydride generation-atomic absorption spectrometry (HG-AAS). Sample preparation entailed mineral acid digestion using hydrochloric acid and nitric acid mixture in a ratio of 1:3. Sixty samples were collected from different locations including shops and open markets in East Coast region of Malaysia, namely, Pahang, Terengganu and Kelantan states. Most of these preparations were not registered with Malaysian drug authority. Results: Out of sixty traditional medicine samples, twenty six contained As in a concentration range of 0.2150 - 1.3254 ppm. As for the rest, they were below the limit of quantification (LOQ). Conclusion : Traditional medicine samples available in the east coast region of Malaysia contain levels of arsenic that can adversely affect health upon consumption. Keywords: Traditional medicine, Arsenic, Hydride Generation –Atomic Absorption Spectrometer HGAAS.

Mumia flava gen. nov., sp. nov., an actinobacterium of the family Nocardioidaceae

A novel actinobacterial strain, designated MUSC 201T, was isolated from a mangrove soil collected from Kuantan, the capital city of Pahang State in Malaysia. The taxonomic status of this strain was determined using a polyphasic approach. Comparative 16S rRNA gene sequence analysis revealed that strain MUSC 201T represented a novel lineage within the class Actinobacteria. Strain MUSC 201T formed a distinct clade in the family Nocardioidaceae and was most closely related to the members of the genera Nocardioides (16S rRNA gene sequence similarity, 91.9-95.1%), Aeromicrobium (92.7-94.6%), Marmoricola (92.5-93.1%) and Kribbella (91.5-92.4%). The cells of this strain were irregular coccoid to short rod shaped. The peptidoglycan contained ll-diaminopimelic acid as diagnostic diamino acid and the peptidoglycan type was A3γ. The peptidoglycan cell wall contained ll-diaminopimelic acid, glycine, glutamic acid and alanine in a molar ratio of 1.5:0.9:1.0:1.5. The cell-wall sugars were galactose and rhamnose. The predominant menaquinone was MK-9(H4). The polar lipids consisted of diphosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylglycerol, phosphoglycolipid, glycolipid and four unknown phospholipids. The major cellular fatty acids were C18:1ω9c (30.8%), C16:0 (24.1%), and 10-methyl C18:0 (13.9%). The DNA G+C content was 72.0±0.1 mol%. On the basis of phylogenetic and phenotypic differences from members of the genera of the family Nocardioidaceae, a novel genus and species, Mumia flava gen. nov., sp. nov. are proposed. The type strain of Mumia flava is MUSC 201T (=DSM 27763T=MCCC 1A00646T=NBRC 109973T).

Novosphingobium malaysiense sp. nov. isolated from mangrove sediment

A novel bacterium, strain MUSC 273(T), was isolated from mangrove sediments of the Tanjung Lumpur river in the state of Pahang in peninsular Malaysia. The bacterium was yellow-pigmented, Gram-negative, rod-shaped and non-spore-forming. The taxonomy of strain MUSC 273(T) was studied by a polyphasic approach and the organism showed a range of phenotypic and chemotaxonomic properties consistent with those of the genus Novosphingobium. The 16S rRNA gene sequence of strain MUSC 273(T) showed the highest sequence similarity to those of Novosphingobium indicum H25(T) (96.8 %), N. naphthalenivorans TUT562(T) (96.4 %) and N. soli CC-TPE-1(T) (95.9 %) and lower sequence similarity to members of all other species of the genus Novosphingobium. Furthermore, in phylogenetic analyses based on the 16S rRNA gene sequence, strain MUSC 273(T) formed a distinct cluster with members of the genus Novosphingobium. DNA-DNA relatedness of strain MUSC 273(T) to the type strains of the most closely related species, N. indicum MCCC 1A01080(T) and N. naphthalenivorans DSM 18518(T), was 29.2 % (reciprocal 31.0 %) and 17 % (reciprocal 18 %), respectively. The major respiratory quinone was ubiquinone Q-10, the major polyamine was spermidine and the DNA G+C content was 63.3±0.1 mol%. The polar lipids consisted of diphosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylethanolamine, phosphatidylmethylethanolamine, phosphatidyldimethylethanolamine, phosphatidylcholine and sphingoglycolipid. The major fatty acids were C18 : 1ω7c, C17 : 1ω6c, C16 : 0, C15 : 0 2-OH and C16 : 1ω7c. Comparison of BOX-PCR fingerprints indicated that strain MUSC 273(T) represented a unique DNA profile. The combined genotypic and phenotypic data showed that strain MUSC 273(T) represents a novel species of the genus Novosphingobium, for which the name Novosphingobium malaysiense sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is MUSC 273(T) ( = DSM 27798(T) = MCCC 1A00645(T) = NBRC 109947(T)).

Gastrointestinal parasites in rural dogs and cats in Selangor and Pahang states in Peninsular Malaysia.

To estimate the current prevalence of gastrointestinal (GI) parasites in dogs and cats, a total of 105 fresh faecal samples were collected from rural areas in Peninsular Malaysia. Each faecal sample was examined for the presence of GI parasites by microscopic examination after formalin-ether concentration technique and for protozoa, trichrome and Ziehl-Neelsen staining were employed. The overall prevalence of GI parasitic infection was 88.6% (95% CI = 82.5-94.7) in which 88.3% of dogs and 89.3% of cats were infected with at least one parasites species, respectively. There were 14 different GI parasites species (nematodes, cestodes and protozoa) detected, including Ancylostoma spp. (62.9%), Toxocara spp. (32.4%), Trichuris vulpis (21.0%), Spirometra spp. (9.5%), Toxascaris leonina (5.7%), Dipylidium caninum (4.8%), Ascaris spp. (2.9%), Hymenolepis diminuta (1.0%) and others. General prevalence of GI parasites showed a significant difference between helminth (84.4%) and protozoa (34.3%) infections. Monoparasitism (38.1%) was less frequent than polyparasitism (46.7%). As several of these GI parasites are recognized as zoonotic agents, the results of this investigation revealed that local populations may be exposed to a broad spectrum of zoonotic agents by means of environmental contamination with dogs and cats faeces and this information should be used to mitigate public health risks. Prevention and control measures have to be taken in order to reduce the prevalence rates especially in socioeconomically disadvantaged communities where animals live in close proximity to people, poor levels of hygiene and overcrowding together with a lack in veterinary attention and zoonotic awareness.

Emotional disturbances among adult diabetic patients attending diabetic clinic in a Malaysian general hospital

Introduction: Emotional disturbances such as depression, anxiety and stress play an important role in the management of diabetes mellitus since their presence can adversely affect glycemic control, quality of life and compliance with medications. Despite this, emotional disturbances are consistently under-diagnosed and undertreated by physicians in general practice. Objectives: This study aims to determine the prevalence and severity of emotional disturbances among diabetic patients Methodology: This is a cross sectional study conducted on a sample of 200 patients with diabetes mellitus attending the diabetic clinic at the Hospital Tengku Ampuan Afzan, Pahang state, Malaysia. The prevalence and severity of depressive, anxiety and stress symptoms were assessed in those diabetic patients by using the self-rating Bahasa Malaysia version of the Depression, Anxiety and Stress Scales (DASS-42). Results: The prevalence of depression, anxiety, and stress among diabetic patients was 13.5%, 28%, 11% respectively. Most of the patients with emotional disturbances had moderate depression and anxiety symptoms. However, stress symptoms were mild. Although females showed higher prevalence of emotional disturbances, only anxiety was significantly higher than males. Conclusion: Diabetic patients are at risk to develop psychiatric illnesses in the form of depression, anxiety and stress. Anxiety symptoms were more prominent than depression and stress in diabetic patients.

Bovine brucellosis trends in Malaysia between 2000 and 2008

BackgroundBovine brucellosis is an important disease affecting cattle characterised by abortion, still birth, reduced milk production, weak foetus and infertility in both males and females. There is wide distribution of the disease among cattle and several wildlife species. Bovine brucellosis is commonly caused by B. abortus and very occasionally B. melitensis and B. suis. The distribution of bovine brucellosis in cattle has not been described in Malaysia. In this paper we describe the distribution, pattern and trend of bovine brucellosis in Peninsular Malaysia between 2000 and 2008 based on serological data obtained from nationwide B. abortus serosurveillance activities in cattle populations.ResultsBrucella antibodies were detected in 21.8% of sampled herds (95% CI, 21.01–22.59) and 2.5% (95% CI; 2.45–2.55) of sampled cattle. The state of Pahang had the highest animal and herd-level seroprevalence of 5.3 and 43.6%, respectively. The herd-level seroprevalence varied but remained high (18-26%) over the period of study and generally increased from 2000 to 2008. Seropositive herds clustered around the central part of the peninsula within the period of the study. The months of September, October and November illustrated the highest rates with corresponding seroprevalences of 33.2, 38.4 and 33.9%, respectively. A noticeable variation was observed in the cattle-level seroprevalence, but the rate remained relatively low (<5%). The chi-square statistics showed herd size (χ2 = 1206.077, df = 2, p = 0.001), breed (χ2 = 37.429, df = 1, p = 0.001), month of sampling (χ2 = 51.596, df = 11 p = 0.001), year (χ2 = 40.08, df = 8, p = 0.001) and state (χ2 = 541.038, df = 10, p = 0.001) to be associated with increased seropositivity.ConclusionBovine brucellosis is widespread among herds in Peninsular Malaysia at a low within-herd seroprevalence rate.

Piptospatha teijsmannii(Araceae: Schismatoglottideae), a new species from Kepulauan Riau, Indonesia

A collection made in 1872 by Johannes Elias Teijsmann (J.E. Teijsmann 16705) on Pulau Lingga (Kepulauan Riau Province, Lingga Regency, Indonesia) has long been Piptospatha. Recent living collections have now shown that this collection is a taxonomic novelty, endemic to the Lingga Archipelago, and here described as Piptospatha teijsmannii. Piptospatha teijsmannii is morphologically most similar to Piptospatha ridleyi N.E.Br ex Hook.f., a species restricted to the Peninsular Malaysian states of Johor and Pahang, differing by the morphology of its flowers. Both P. teijsmannii and P. ridleyi are illustrated in colour, and differentiated with an identification key to the species of Piptospatha in Peninsular Malaysia and Lingga Regency. Speculation as to the possible evolutionary origin of P. teijsmannii is proffered.

Characterization of Pectobacterium carotovorum subsp. carotovorum as a new disease on Lettuce in Malaysia

Malaysia produces many varieties of vegetables. The Cameron Highland in the state of Pahang is the main area for lettuce (Lactuca sativa var. romana) production. A survey recently identified Pectobacterium spp. was responsible for more than 15 % damage to lettuce both in the field (including greenhouses) and storage. Isolates of Pectobacterium carotovorum were collected from different greenhouses and fields and analysed in the laboratory during 2010. Nine isolates were purified and charcterised by morphological, biochemical and molecular methods. Pathogenicity studies on lettuce using 4 strains showed there was a high susceptibility to the P. carotovorum. PCR amplification with Y1 and Y2 primers (specific for P. carotovorum subspecies) produced the expected band of 434 bp. PCR amplification of the intergenic transcribed spacer region (ITS) using G1 and L1 primers also resulted in the expected two bands (535 and 580 bp). Based on these biochemical and physiological characteristics, PCR based pel gene, characterisation of the ITS region and digestion of the ITS-PCR products with RsaI restriction enzyme, all isolates were identified as P. carotovorum subsp. carotovorum. This is the first record of the bacterial pathogen causing disease on lettuce in Malaysia.

Opportunities and Challenges Faced by Private Higher Education Institution Using the TPACK Model in Malaysia

Abstract In this research study will examines the opportunities and challenges faced by one of the private higher education institution group in Malaysia that implementing the Technological, Pedagogical, and Content Knowledge (TPACK) model in their teaching and learning processes. This private higher education institution group (case study) has branches of college across Malaysia such as Penang, Seremban, Pahang, Kuala Lumpur, Sabah and Sarawak states. In this institution group supported their staff with hardware, software and as well as the online teaching and learning or pedagogical skills training program. The online teaching and learning training modules mainly concentrated in two areas which are pedagogical area and integrate Information and Communication Technology (ICT) in educational (technology) area. The online teaching and learning training modules that categorized in the pedagogical area consist of knowledge regarding the teaching and learning theories such as active learning approach, problem solving approach, collaboration approach and etc. Meanwhile, the technological area will include how to make use of modern technology such as social network feature, Internet, software in teaching and learning environment. The technology used as a tool to help the academic staff to deliver more effective inside and outside the classroom settings. The institution group management has the vision to use the combination of technology knowledge, pedagogical knowledge and content knowledge to enhance students’ learning capability in private higher education level. The ultimate goal of this research study is to make use of TPACK model or framework will beneficial the academic staff in the educational development process. The questionnaire survey designs based on the TPACK model specifications, used to identify the aspects of technology knowledge, pedagogical knowledge and the content knowledge of the respondents of the research. Based on the TPACK model, this study sees the sights of these interrelated questions: to what extent that the modern technologies have been utilized by the education group based on the TPACK model? What are the potential challenges faced by the academic staff in teaching and learning in ICT based? What are the opportunities that academic staff beneficial from the TPACK model? Is there any significant difference between the engineering (technology) and non engineering (non-technology) subjects’ academic staff applying ICT in their teaching and learning processes?

Comprehensive healthy lifestyle programme among management and professional and support group employee in the Pahang State Health Department Headquarters, Malaysia with body mass index > 25

Comprehensive healthy lifestyle programme among management and professional and support group employee in the Pahang State Health Department Headquarters, Malaysia with body mass index > 25

First Report of Anthracnose Caused by Colletotrichum capsici on Bok Choy (Brassica chinensis) in Malaysia.

Bok choy (Brassica chinensis L.) is a temperate vegetable grown in the cool highland areas of Malaysia. In June 2010, vegetable growing areas of the Cameron Highlands, located in Pahang State, Malaysia, were surveyed for the prevalence of anthracnose disease caused by Colletotrichum species. Diseased samples were randomly collected from 12 infested fields. Anthracnose incidence on bok choy varied from 8 to 36% in different nursery fields. Disease symptoms initially appeared as small water-soaked spots scattered on the leaf petioles of young plants. As these spots increased in size, they developed irregular round spots that turned to sunken grayish brown lesions surrounded by brownish borders. When the lesions were numerous, leaves collapsed. Pale buff to salmon conidial mass and acervuli were observed on well-developed lesions. The acervuli diameter varied in size from 198 to 486 μm, averaging 278.5 μm. Morphological and cultural characteristics of the fungus were examined on potato dextrose agar incubated for 7 days at 25 ± 2°C under constant fluorescent light. Vegetative mycelia were hyaline, septate, branched, and 2 to 7 μm in diameter. The color of the fungal colonies was grayish brown. Conidia were hyaline, aseptate, falcate, apices acute, and 21.8 to 28.5 × 2.6 to 3.4 mm. Setae were pale brown to dark brown, 75 to 155 μm long, base cylindrical, and tapering towards the acute tip. Appressoria were solitary or in dense groups, light to dark brown, entire edge to lobed, roundish to clavate, 6.5 to 14 × 5.8 to 8.6 μm, averaging 9.2 × 6.8 μm, and had a L/W ratio of 1.35. Based on the keys outlined by Mordue 1971 (2) and Sutton 1980 (3), the characteristics of this fungus corresponded to Colletotrichum capsici. Sequence analysis of the ITS-rDNA obtained from the Malaysian strain CCM3 (GenBank Accession No. JQ685746) using primers ITS5 and ITS4 (1) when aligned with deposited sequences from GenBank revealed 99 to 100% sequence identity with C. capsici strains (DQ286158, JQ685754, DQ286156, GQ936210, and GQ369594). A representative strain CCM3 was used for pathogenicity testing. Four non-infected detached leaves of 2-week-old B. chinensis were surface-sterilized and inoculated by placing 10 μl of conidial suspension (106 conidia ml-1) using either the wound/drop or non-wound/drop method, and distilled water was used as a control (1). Leaves were incubated at 25°C, 98% RH. The experiment was repeated twice. Five days after inoculation, typical anthracnose symptoms with acervuli formation appeared on the surface of tissues inoculated with the spore suspension, but not on the water controls. A fungus with the characteristics of C. capsici was recovered from the lesions on the inoculated leaves. Anthracnose caused by C. capsici has been reported on different vegetable crops, but not on bok choy (3). To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report of C. capsici causing anthracnose on bok choy in Malaysia.

An Outbreak of Leaf Spot Caused by Stemphylium solani on Eggplant in Malaysia

In 2011, a severe gray leaf spot was observed on eggplant (Solanum melongena) in major eggplant growing areas in Malaysia, including the Pahang, Johor, and Selangor states. Disease incidence was >70% in severely infected areas of about 150 ha of eggplant greenhouses and fields examined. Symptoms initially appeared as small (1 to 5 mm diameter), brownish-black specks with concentric circles on the lower leaves. The specks then coalesced and developed into greyish-brown, necrotic lesions, which also appeared on the upper leaves. Eventually, the leaves senesced and were shed. Tissue cut from the edges of leaf spots were surface-sterilized in 1% NaOCl for 2 min, rinsed in sterilized water, dried, and incubated on potato dextrose agar (PDA). Fungal colonies were greyish green to light brown, and produced a yellow pigment. Single, muriform, brown, oblong conidia formed at the terminal end of each conidiophore, were each 21.6 to 45.6 μm long and 11.5 to 21.6 μm wide, and contained 2 to 7 transverse and 1 to 4 longitudinal septa. The conidiophores were tan to light brown and ≤220 μm long. Based on these morphological criteria, 25 isolates of the fungus were identified as Stemphylium solani (1). To produce conidia in culture, 7-day-old single-conidial cultures were established on potato carrot agar (PCA) and V8 juice agar media under an 8-h/16-h light/dark photoperiod at 25°C (4). Further confirmation of the identification was obtained by molecular characterization in which fungal DNA was extracted and the internal transcribed spacer (ITS) region of ribosomal DNA amplified using primers ITS5 and ITS4 (2), followed by direct sequencing. A BLAST search in the NCBI database revealed that the sequence was 99% identical with published ITS sequences for two isolates of S. solani (Accession Nos. AF203451 and HQ840713). The amplified ITS region was deposited in GenBank (JQ736023). Pathogenicity testing of a representative isolate was performed on detached, 45-day-old eggplant leaves of the cv. 125066-X under laboratory conditions. Four fully expanded leaves (one wounded and two non-wounded leaflets/leaf) were placed on moist filter paper in petri dishes, and each leaflet inoculated with a 20-μl drop of a conidial suspension containing 1 × 105 conidia/ml in sterilized, distilled water (3). The leaves were wounded by applying pressure to leaf blades with the serrated edge of forceps. Four control leaves were inoculated similarly with sterilized, distilled water. Inoculated leaves were incubated in humid chambers at 25°C with 95% RH and a 12-h photoperiod. After 7 days, symptoms similar to those observed in the original fields developed on both wounded and non-wounded inoculated leaves, but not on control leaves, and S. solani was reisolated consistently from the symptoms using the same method as the original isolations. Control leaves remained asymptomatic and the fungus was not isolated from these leaves. The pathogenicity testing was repeated with similar results. To our knowledge, this is the first report of S. solani on eggplant in Malaysia.

Leaf Spot on Lettuce (Lactuca sativa) Caused by Stemphylium solani, a New Disease in Malaysia.

In June 2011, lettuce (Lactuca sativa) plants cultivated in major lettuce growing areas in Malaysia, including the Pahang and Johor states, had extensive leaf spots. In severe cases, disease incidence was recorded more than 80%. Symptoms on 50 observed plants initially were as water soaked spots (1 to 2 mm in diameter) on leaves, and then became circular spots spreading over much of the leaves. In this research, main lettuce growing areas infected by the pathogen in the mentioned states were investigated and the pathogen was isolated onto potato dextrose agar (PDA). Colonies observed were greyish green to light brown. Single conidia were formed at the terminal end of conidiophores that were 28.8 to 40.8 μm long and 11.0 to 19.2 μm wide, and 2 to 7 transverse and 1 to 4 longitudinal septa. To produce conidia, the fungus was grown on potato carrot agar (PCA) and V8 juice agar media under 8-h/16-h light/dark photoperiod. Fourteen isolates were identified Stemphylium solani based on morphological criteria described by Kim et al. (1). To confirm morphological characterization, DNA of the fungus was extracted from mycelium and PCR was done using universal primers ITS5 (5'-GGAAGTAAAAGTCGTAACAAGG-3') and ITS4 (5'-TCCTCCGCTTATTGATATGC-3'), which amplified the internal transcribed spacer (ITS) region of rDNA (2). The sequencing result was subjected to BLAST analysis which was 99% identical to the other published sequences in the GenBank database (GenBank Accession Nos. AF203451 and HQ840713). The nucleotide sequence was deposited in GenBank under Accession No. JQ736022. Pathogenicity testing of representative isolate was done using 20 μl of conidial suspension with a concentration of 1 × 105/ml in droplets (three drops on each leaf) on four detached 45-day-old lettuce leaves cv. BBS012 (3). Fully expended leaves were placed on moist filter paper in petri dishes and were incubated in humid chambers at 25°C. The leaves inoculated with sterile water served as control. After 7 days, disease symptoms were observed, which were similar to those symptoms collected in infected fields and the fungus was reisolated and confirmed as S. solani based on morphological criteria (1) and molecular characterization (2). Control leaves remained healthy. Pathogenicity testing was completed twice. To our knowledge, this is the first report of S. solani on lettuce in Malaysia and it may become a serious problem because of its broad host range, variability in pathogenic isolates, and prolonged active phase of the disease cycle. Previous research has shown that S. solani is a causal agent of gray leaf spot on lettuce in China (4).

Land use changes and soil redistribution estimation using 137Cs in the tropical Bera Lake catchment, Malaysia

The catchment of Bera Lake in Pahang State, Peninsular Malaysia has experienced severe land use changes since 1972 with some 340km2 (out of a total area of ∼600km2) having been converted to oil palm and rubber plantations and in some places, newly cleared for monoculture. The proportional model using the 137Cs radionuclide was recognized as being the most suitable conversion model for estimating soil redistribution in the catchment as the deforested land has been cultivated once in a medium-term range of 30–40 years. Thirty-five bulk core soil samples were taken to a depth of 25cm in areas of different land use and known dates of tillage commencement in the catchment. Ten bulk core samples were also collected in the bottom sediments of wetlands and open waters to estimate accumulation rates in these sink areas. Individual land development districts with known elapsed times from start of tillage allowed determination of soil redistribution rates and preparation of a soil redistribution map. A mean soil erosion rate of 915±345th−1y−1 was determined in areas of cleared land, whereas rates of 117±36, and 70±35th−1y−1, were determined in areas of developing, and developed, oil palm and rubber plantations, respectively. The overall accumulation rate of eroded soils within the wetlands and open waters was determined to be 1.025cmy−1 since 1995. The Bera Lake catchment soil redistribution map is the first attempt in Malaysia to map soil redistribution using the 137Cs technique on a catchment scale. The soil redistribution map will provide good guidelines for future soil conservation practices and sustainable land use programs.