True Fruit Research Articles

Karakteristik Tanaman Hias Pekarangan Rumah di Kelurahan Plaju Ulu Kota Palembang

Research on the morphological characteristics of ornamental plant species in the home garden in Plaju Ulu Village, Palembang City, has been carried out from March to June 2021, aiming to determine the morphological characteristics of ornamental plants in Plaju Ulu Village, Palembang City. This study uses a descriptive survey method by exploring the village area as many as 3 RT. Observations were made by looking directly at the ornamental plants found and then recorded, photographed and then described morphologically. The results obtained 2 classes, 21 orders, 24 families, 36 genera and 36 species of ornamental plants. The species obtained had roots (Radix) with a fibrous root system (Radix adventicia) and tap (Radix primaria). The stem has a wet stem structure and woody shrubs and pseudo stems that are modified into rhizomes. Leaves are heart-shaped, shield, oblong, sword, lanceolate, elongated, triangular, ovoid, round and asymmetrical. Flowers have a single flower structure and compound flowers, cobs, bunches, umbrellas, grains, pots and cups. The fruit structure is a single true fruit dry, box fruit, buni fruit, bracket fruit, kendaga fruit and fleshy pseudo fruit. Accessory organs consist of tubers and spines. Keywords : Ornamental plants, Morphological characteristics.

Signal transduction in non-climacteric fruit ripening.

Fleshy fruit ripening involves changes in numerous cellular processes and metabolic pathways, resulting from the coordinated actions of diverse classes of structural and regulatory proteins. These include enzymes, transporters and complex signal transduction systems. Many aspects of the signaling machinery that orchestrates the ripening of climacteric fruits, such as tomato (Solanum lycopersicum), have been elucidated, but less is known about analogous processes in non-climacteric fruits. The latter include strawberry (Fragaria x ananassa) and grape (Vitis vinifera), both of which are used as non-climacteric fruit experimental model systems, although they originate from different organs: the grape berry is a true fruit derived from the ovary, while strawberry is an accessory fruit that is derived from the floral receptacle. In this article, we summarize insights into the signal transduction events involved in strawberry and grape berry ripening. We highlight the mechanisms underlying non-climacteric fruit ripening, the multiple primary signals and their integrated action, individual signaling components, pathways and their crosstalk, as well as the associated transcription factors and their signaling output.

A loop-mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP) assay for rapid identification of Ceratitis capitata and related species.

True fruit flies (Tephritidae) are among the most destructive agricultural pests in the world, attacking a wide range of fruits and vegetables. The Mediterranean fruit fly Ceratitis capitata is a highly polyphagous species but, being widely established in the Mediterranean region, is not considered as a EU quarantine pest. Hence, it is important to discriminate Ceratitis capitata from non-EU tephritid species, present in imported fruit and vegetables, as non-EU species have a quarantine status. However, morphological identification of tephritid larvae, the most frequently intercepted stage in non-EU produce, is difficult and an easy-to-use molecular diagnostic tool would be helpful for rapid species identification. Therefore, a loop-mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP) method was developed for C. capitata and non-EU tephritids Ceratitis cosyra group1 and Ceratitis species from the FARQ complex, C. fasciventris, C. anonae, C. rosa and C. quilicii. LAMP assays were run with DNA from ILVO collected specimens and DNA samples collected during previous research surveys. LAMP primers were species-specific, with LAMP amplification occurring within 45 minutes for the targeted species. In addition, LAMP assays were successful for all C. capitata life stages or a limited amount of tissue. To conclude, the LAMP assays developed in this study were able to distinguish C. capitata from non-EU Tephritidae species and could be a useful tool for the rapid identification of C. capitata.

Viability and Vigor of Cerrado Cashew Seeds (Anacardium humile) on Different Substrates

The little cashew from the Cerrado (Anacardium humile) is a kind of family anacardiáceaceas, a shrubby plant of great incidence in the Brazilian Cerrado. It is a small pseudofruit, of acidic and juicy flavor, which is known to have colors ranging from yellow to red. It can be consumed naturally or in juices, drinks, sweets. However, its true fruit is the chestnut. Seed germination is influenced by factors such as the substrate, which can be improved in order to improve germination, resulting in the acquisition of more vigorous seedlings. The experiment was conducted in a greenhouse at the Federal Institute of Education, Science and Technology of Tocantins, city of Gurupi/TO, from 26 October 2017 to 15 February 2018. Seeds were collected directly from the pseudofruits. The highest root length value was obtained for seedlings of the following substrates: bs + ws + pb (7.1 cm and 12.5 cm) and ws (6.7 cm and 10.7 cm), intermediate values: or + rs + vl (6.3 cm and 10.0 cm) and hw + vl + sawdust + cp + ws (5.5 cm and 9.5 cm), and lower values on substrates: bs (5.7 cm and 8.0 cm) and bs + rs + sawdust (6,6 cm e 9,0 cm). It was also observed that the highest value referring to the first emergency count and seedling emergence once again stood out the substrates bs + ws + pb (61.0 % and 87.5 %) and ws (56.2% and 86.2 %). Intermediate results were obtained from hw substrates + vl + sawdust + cp + ws(44.0 % and 81.0 %) and or + rs + vl (48.4 % and 81.2 %) and lower for bs substrates (37.5% and 72.0 %) and bs + rs + sawdust (45.3% and 77.0 %). The substrates: bs + ws + pb and washed sand provided the highest values of viability and vigor in cashew seeds.

Distant-Dependent Capture Probabilities of Mediterranean and Oriental Fruit Flies (Diptera: Tephritidae) in a Food-Based Trap in a Hawaiian Mango Orchard

Certain species of true fruit flies (Diptera: Tephritidae) are worldwide pests of fruits and vegetables, and many countries operate trapping programs to detect and monitor invasions. Food-based traps are an important component of detection programs because they are general attractants that are neither sex- nor species-specific. Torula yeast borax solution is a food bait that is used widely, but little is known regarding its attractiveness in terms of distant-dependent capture rates in field settings. The goal of the present study, which was conducted in a Hawaiian mango (Mangifera indica L.; Anacardiaceae) orchard, was to measure capture probabilities of oriental fruit flies, Bactrocera dorsalis (Hendel) (Diptera: Tephritidae), and Mediterranean fruit flies, Ceratitis capitata (Wiedemann) (Diptera: Tephritidae), released at 5, 10, or 20 m from a centrally located trap baited with torula yeast borax solution. For both species, capture probabilities were relatively low and decreased with increasing release distance from the trap. Trap captures were female-biased strongly in B. dorsalis, while the sex ratio of captured C. capitata was more variable and differed among the release distances. Based on data pooled over the sexes, B. dorsalis was captured at significantly higher rates than C. capitata for release distances of 5 and 10 m, and a marginally significantly higher rate (P = 0.053) for the 20 m releases. These findings are compared with other release-recapture studies of tephritids that involved food baits, and the relative attractiveness of torula yeast borax solution and male lures are noted for B. dorsalis and C. capitata.

ETHNOBOTANY STUDY OF Albizia procera IN TAMIANG HILL FOREST OF TANAH LAUT REGENCY AS A POPULAR SCIENTIFIC BOOK

Birik wood (Albizia procera) grows wild in the Tamiang hill forest and is often used by the local community. This study aims to describe the ethnobotany of the Albizia procera plant in the Tamiang hill forest area, Tanah Laut Regency and describe the validity and practicality of the contents of the popular scientific book on the Albizia procera plant. The research method used was descriptive research for ethnobotany studies and continued with the formative evaluation of the Tessmer test for the feasibility of the developed popular sciencetific book. The results showed that the Albizia procera plant had tree species, had white round stems, sympodial branches, double pinnate compound leaves, unlimited compound flowers, dry true fruit with pod and taproot type. Albizia procera plant is used as stomachache medicine, also used for road shade and livestock feed. The Albizia procera plant is believed by local people if it is burned it will cause the goat hair to fall out. Albizia procera plants are widely used as firewood, building materials and food materials. People in the hill forest area of Tamiang call the Albizia procera plant "birik wood" because of its speckled stems. The results of the development of teaching materials in the form of Popular Scientific Books on expert tests by 2 validators had very valid results, and the practicality of the content by 3 students had very good results. This popular scientific book is to support the Ethnobotany subject.

Magnetite nanoparticles as a promising non contaminant method to control populations of fruit flies (DIPTERA: Tephritidae)

“True fruit flies” belong to the family Tephritidae. Among them, the Mediterranean fruit fly (Medfly) Ceratitis capitata (Wiedemann) is the most economically important agricultural pest insect in the world. Anastrepha fraterculus (Wiedemann) is the South American fruit fly and represents a serious problem for countries of America. Both species share hosts fruits. Traditionally the control of fruit flies bases on the use of pesticides with chemical components. Due to their massive use to crops, pesticides are associated to environmental pollution and toxicity in mammals. An emerging technology is the use of nanomaterials with pesticidal activity or for the delivery of pesticides. The present paper reports: a) the synthesis of iron oxide (magnetite) nanoparticles and b) the effects of Fe3O4 nanoparticles during the development of the tephritid flies C. capitata and A. fraterculus. We sampled guava fruits to recover immature stages of fruit flies. Magnetite nanoparticles Fe3O4 were synthesized by co-precipitation of Fe (III) and Fe (II). We suspended doses of 100, 200 and 400 µg/ml of magnetite nanoparticles in water and we added the suspensions to larval medium. NPs are spherical with a medium diameter of 11 ± 2 nm and unimodal size distribution. During larval-pupal development, we checked out difficulties in the capacity to complete the natural biological cycle. Only 40% of larvae feeded in medium 400 μg / ml Fe3O4 NPs were able to continue their life cycle, in contrast to 92% of the control. Application of iron oxide (or magnetite) nanoparticles to larval food resulted in larvae toxicity expressed as dose-dependent lethality

Xylem, phloem and transpiration flows in developing strawberries

The fruit of many species suffer a loss of xylem functionality during development. This reduces Ca import, so lowers fruit Ca concentration and impairs postharvest performance. Even though not a true fruit, this pattern may also apply to strawberry. Our aim was to measure xylem and phloem inflows to a developing strawberry and transpiration outflows. To do this, we used linear variable displacement transducers mounted on still-attached fruit and potometers on detached fruit. In attached fruit, the stalk inflows were partitioned into xylem and phloem components by killing the phloem with steam.Fruit mass increased sigmoidally till the fully-mature. The balance between xylem, phloem and transpiration flows followed a characteristic pattern of change during development. Early on, xylem inflow was 70–80% of total water inflow, towards maturity this decreased to ~36%. In contrast, phloem inflow increased from 20 to 30% of total early on, rising to ~64% at maturity.Aqueous acid fuchsin was used as a marker of xylem sap flow. When fed through the cut surface of the stalk of a detached fruit, staining of the fruit vascular system was uniform in young fruit, but progressively less uniform as the fruit developed. By full maturity no dye penetrated beyond the base of the fruit.Potometric flow rates into the fruit increased from 8 to 27 days after full bloom, then decreased until maturity. The inflow rate of a fruit held at ~0% RH always exceeded that in one held at ~100% RH. Removing the calyx decreased the inflow rate. The calyx accounted for ~50% of total fruit transpiration (i.e. of fruit + calyx).As indexed both by dye penetration and by xylem flow measurements, xylem functionality decreased during fruit development.

Reduced quality parameters in adult Queensland fruit fly (Bactrocera tryoni) after pupal irradiation and transportation

AbstractSterile insect technique is an effective tool to manage a range of pest insects, including the true fruit flies (Diptera: Tephritidae). As part of the process, pupae are dispatched from a mass‐rearing facility for several hundred km to a rearing out centre typically located near the release sites. Transportation of Queensland fruit fly (Qfly), Bactrocera tryoni (Froggatt), pupae from mass production facilities to field release sites is known to negatively affect fly quality. To determine which quality parameters are affected, we assessed adult emergence, flight ability, and rate of fliers between irradiated and non‐irradiated flies that were or were not transported long distance. Pupal weight was not affected by irradiation or transport. We found that transportation and irradiation of pupae resulted in a decrease in percentage fly emergence, flight ability, and fliers. Transportation and irradiation both resulted in 8% reduction in emergence of flies. Additionally, we found that transportation resulted in an increase in the rate of deformity by 65% and irradiation could increase deformity by 75%. Compounding these losses, both transportation and irradiation resulted in the decline of number of fliers by approximately 23% each.

Tephritid Fruit Fly Semiochemicals: Current Knowledge and Future Perspectives.

Simple SummaryTephritid fruit flies comprise pests of high agricultural relevance and species that have emerged as global invaders. Chemical signals play key roles in multiple steps of a fruit fly’s life. The production and detection of chemical cues are critical in many behavioural interactions of tephritids, such as finding mating partners and hosts for oviposition. The characterisation of the molecules involved in these behaviours sheds light on understanding the biology and ecology of fruit flies and in addition provides a solid base for developing novel species-specific pest control tools by exploiting and/or interfering with chemical perception. Here we provide a comprehensive overview of the extensive literature on different types of chemical cues emitted by tephritids, with a focus on the most relevant fruit fly pest species. We describe the chemical identity, production modality and behavioural relevance of volatile pheromones, host-marking pheromones and cuticular hydrocarbons, as well as the technological advances available for their characterisation. The variegate set of approaches integrating the use of the identified chemical signals for the control of wild populations of key pests is also explored. Last but not least, key challenges for future basic to applied research regarding tephritids are outlined.The Dipteran family Tephritidae (true fruit flies) comprises more than 5000 species classified in 500 genera distributed worldwide. Tephritidae include devastating agricultural pests and highly invasive species whose spread is currently facilitated by globalization, international trade and human mobility. The ability to identify and exploit a wide range of host plants for oviposition, as well as effective and diversified reproductive strategies, are among the key features supporting tephritid biological success. Intraspecific communication involves the exchange of a complex set of sensory cues that are species- and sex-specific. Chemical signals, which are standing out in tephritid communication, comprise long-distance pheromones emitted by one or both sexes, cuticular hydrocarbons with limited volatility deposited on the surrounding substrate or on the insect body regulating medium- to short-distance communication, and host-marking compounds deposited on the fruit after oviposition. In this review, the current knowledge on tephritid chemical communication was analysed with a special emphasis on fruit fly pest species belonging to the Anastrepha, Bactrocera, Ceratitis, Rhagoletis and Zeugodacus genera. The multidisciplinary approaches adopted for characterising tephritid semiochemicals, and the real-world applications and challenges for Integrated Pest Management (IPM) and biological control strategies are critically discussed. Future perspectives for targeted research on fruit fly chemical communication are highlighted.

Fruit properties during the harvest period of eleven Indian jujube (Ziziphus mauritiana Lamk.) cultivars.

The geometric attributes and physical, mechanical, and chemical properties were determined for 11 Indian jujube (Ziziphus mauritiana Lamk.) cultivars grown in Saudi Arabia including Zaytoni, Kashmiri, Komethry, Um-Sulaem with spines, Toffahy, Um-Sulaem without spines, Abdel-Sattar, Pu-Yun, Pu-Pineau, seedy ber, and buddling ber. The geometric mean diameter, surface area, sphericity, and shape index of the fruits ranged from 20.61 to 42.48 mm, 1339.58–5666.92 mm2, 71.39–96.80%, and 110.25–275.18%, respectively. The fruit physical properties, i e fruit weight, fruit volume, stone weight, flesh weight, true fruit density, and pulp-stone ratio varied from 4.71 to 39.02 g, 4.78 to 42.75 cm3, 0.11 to 2.35 g, 4.61 to 36.67 g,0.913 to 1.055 g/cm3, and 7.90 to 43.11, respectively. In addition, the mean color value of L*, a* and b* for the fruits ranged from 64.48 to 96.33, 2.65–4.05, and 6.32–84.36, respectively. The mechanical properties, including elastic range, bioyield force, modulus of elasticity, plastic range, and rupture force ranged from 2.31 to 8.86 mm, 21.64–325.77 N, 14.15–124.09 N/s, 0.83–3.45 mm, 56.42–364.21 N, and 107.77–480.91 N/s, respectively. The greatest rupture force belonged to the Pu-Pineau cultivar and the smallest belonged to the Um-Sulaem without spines cultivar at the horizontal orientation of both cultivars. The fruit chemical analysis values for total soluble solids, titratable acidity, total soluble solids/titratable acidity ratio, and vitamin C ranged from 13.43 to 23.55%, 0.48–1.27%, 14.24–39.85%, and 55.27–164.47 mg/100 g, respectively. The relevant data obtained for the 11 varieties of Indian jujube are valuable for developing and designing machines for processing operations, transportation, separating, packing, sorting, and harvesting. Additionally, the findings revealed considerable variation in chemical content, physical and mechanical characteristics among the tested cultivars.

Identification and in situ hybridization to mitotic chromosomes of a molecular marker linked to maleness in Anastrepha fraterculus (Wied.)

The present report shows the molecular identification, isolation and citologically localization of a DNA-sequence from the South American fruit fly Anastrepha fraterculus (DIPTERA: Tephritidae) involved in sex- determination. It belongs to the Tephritidae family, the true fruit flies which are consider a pest of fruit crops. The sex determination system is of vital importance in the genetic control of the fruit fly pest: Sterile Insect Technique which unlike chemical control tactics, is environmentally friendly and does not pose any health concerns. We used in situ hybridization on mitotic chromosomes for localizing the primary sex determination factor in this fruit fly pest. Our results show that in Anastrepha fraterculus the Y chromosome is responsible for sex determination

Field evaluation of three-component solid food-based dispenser versus torula yeast for capturing Mediterranean and oriental fruit flies (Diptera: Tephritidae)

Certain species of true fruit flies (Diptera: Tephritidae) are worldwide pests of fruits and vegetables, and many countries operate trapping programs to detect and monitor invasions. Torula yeast-borax (TYB) solution is a widely used food bait, although its effective field longevity is relatively short (1–2 weeks). This led to the development of a synthetic cone-shaped food dispenser that contains ammonium acetate, putrescine, and trimethylamine. The food cone has received limited testing, and the objective of this study was to compare captures of the Mediterranean fruit fly (Ceratitis capitata (Wiedemann)) and the oriental fruit fly (Bactrocera dorsalis (Hendel)) in traps baited with the fresh TYB solution versus traps baited with fresh or weathered food cones. Captures showed a female bias for both baits and both species. For C. capitata, fresh food cones generally attracted more individuals than fresh TYB. Weathered food cones attracted similar or greater numbers of medflies than TYB for the initial two weeks, but food cones weathered for 4 or 6 weeks attracted fewer flies than TYB. For B. dorsalis, TYB-baited traps captured more females than fresh or weathered food cone-baited traps in each of six weekly sampling periods, and the differences were statistically significant in weeks 1–4. In a release-recapture experiment, both C. capitata and B. dorsalis were captured in higher numbers in traps baited with fresh TYB than those baited with food cones weathered for 0 (fresh) to 6 weeks. The implications of these results for fruit fly surveillance are discussed.

Differential accumulation of tocochromanols in photosynthetic and non-photosynthetic tissues of strawberry plants subjected to reiterated water deficit

Tocochromanols are a group of lipid-soluble antioxidants that include tocopherols, tocotrienols and plastochromanol-8. Here, we examined a putative differential accumulation of tocochromanols in photosynthetic and non-photosynthetic tissues (including leaves and whole fruits) of strawberry (Fragaria x ananassa cv. Albion) plants and evaluated their endogenous variations in response to a reiterated water deficit during a vegetative (non-productive) and a fruiting (productive) period. In addition, we evaluated the concentration of tocochromanols in achenes (true fruits) and flesh of strawberries (whole fruits) at the white and full-red stages both under optimal and stress conditions. Results showed that leaves mainly accumulated α-tocopherol, with plastochromanol-8 and γ-tocopherol being present at low amounts. In contrast, whole fruits did not accumulate plastochromanol-8, γ-tocopherol being the major tocochromanol in the achenes (true fruit) and α-tocopherol in the flesh. While α-tocopherol content in leaves increased up to seven-fold after 12 weeks of stress during the fruiting period, it kept unaltered during the vegetative period. Neither plastochromanol-8 nor γ-tocopherol contents increased in leaves of stressed plants. During the fruiting period, γ-tocopherol content increased in whole fruits of stressed plants (most of it being accumulated in the achenes). Among the compounds examined, the flesh of strawberries accumulated α-tocopherol only, both at the white and full-red stages. It is concluded that (i) α-tocopherol is the major tocochromanol in leaves, while γ-tocopherol is the major tocochromanol in achenes (ii) reiterated water deficit promotes the accumulation of α-tocopherol in leaves and γ-tocopherol in fruits, (iii) α-tocopherol not only accumulates in photosynthetic tissues (leaves and whole fruits at green stages), but also in non-photosynthetic tissues (flesh of whole fruits at the white and full-red stages), and (iv) achenes (true fruits) of strawberry plants are an extraordinary rich source of tocopherols.

Wolbachia pipientis Associated With Tephritid Fruit Fly Pests: From Basic Research to Applications.

Members of the true fruit flies (family Tephritidae) are among the most serious agricultural pests worldwide, whose control and management demands large and costly international efforts. The need for cost-effective and environmentally friendly integrated pest management (IPM) has led to the development and implementation of autocidal control strategies. These approaches include the widely used sterile insect technique and the incompatible insect technique (IIT). IIT relies on maternally transmitted bacteria (namely Wolbachia) to cause a conditional sterility in crosses between released mass-reared Wolbachia-infected males and wild females, which are either uninfected or infected with a different Wolbachia strain (i.e., cytoplasmic incompatibility; CI). Herein, we review the current state of knowledge on Wolbachia-tephritid interactions including infection prevalence in wild populations, phenotypic consequences, and their impact on life history traits. Numerous pest tephritid species are reported to harbor Wolbachia infections, with a subset exhibiting high prevalence. The phenotypic effects of Wolbachia have been assessed in very few tephritid species, due in part to the difficulty of manipulating Wolbachia infection (removal or transinfection). Based on recent methodological advances (high-throughput DNA sequencing) and breakthroughs concerning the mechanistic basis of CI, we suggest research avenues that could accelerate generation of necessary knowledge for the potential use of Wolbachia-based IIT in area-wide integrated pest management (AW-IPM) strategies for the population control of tephritid pests.

Exploring the role of host specialisation and oxidative stress in interspecific lifespan variation in subtropical tephritid flies

In herbivorous insects, the degree of host specialisation may be one ecological factor that shapes lifespan. Because host specialists can only exploit a limited number of plants, their lifecycle should be synchronised with host phenology to allow reproduction when suitable hosts are available. For species not undergoing diapause or dormancy, one strategy to achieve this could be evolving long lifespans. From a physiological perspective, oxidative stress could explain how lifespan is related to degree of host specialisation. Oxidative stress caused by Reactive Oxygen Species (ROS) might help underpin ageing (the Free Radical Theory of Aging (FRTA)) and mediate differences in lifespan. Here, we investigated how lifespan is shaped by the degree of host specialisation, phylogeny, oxidative damage accumulation and antioxidant protection in eight species of true fruit flies (Diptera: Tephritidae). We found that lifespan was not constrained by species relatedness or oxidative damage (arguing against the FRTA); nevertheless, average lifespan was positively associated with antioxidant protection. There was no lifespan difference between generalist and specialist species, but most of the tephritids studied had long lifespans in comparison with other dipterans. Long lifespan may be a trait under selection in fruit-feeding insects that do not use diapause.

The fruit flies of Morocco: new records of the Tephritina (Diptera, Tephritidae)

Based on the samples of true fruit flies belonging to the subfamily Tephritinae collected in Morocco during 2016–2020, the genus Chaetostomella Hendel, 1927 and the species Myopites cypriaca Hering, 1938, M. longirostris (Loew, 1846), Tephritis carmen Hering, 1937 and Urophora jaculata Rondani, 1870 are recorded for the first time in North Africa and Chaetorellia succinea Costa, 1844, Chaetostomella cylindrica Robineau-Desvoidy, 1830, Terellia luteola (Wiedemann, 1830), Terellia oasis (Hering, 1938) and Urophora quadrifasciata algerica (Hering, 1941) are new records for the Moroccan fauna. The occurrence of Capitites ramulosa (Loew, 1844), Tephritis simplex Loew, 1844 and Aciura coryli (Rossi, 1794) are confirmed. Host plants as well as photos of verified species are provided.

Macronutrients and infection in fruit flies

Nutrition and infection are closely linked. While it is now well established that hosts can modulate their nutrition after being infected, the extent to which this change in foraging provides the host with a greater fitness remains to be fully understood. Our study explored the relationships between dietary choice, macronutrients intake [i.e., protein (P) and carbohydrate (C)], infection, survival rate and growth of pathogenic bacterial population in the true fruit fly Bactrocera tryoni. Results showed that flies injected with the bacterium Serratia marcescens decreased their macronutrient intake and shifted their diet choice to carbohydrate-biased diet compared to naïve individuals. Interestingly, flies injected with either PBS (i.e., sham-infected) or heat-killed bacteria also reduced food intake and modulated diet choice but only for a day after injection. When infected flies were restricted to the diet they selected (i.e., PC 1:8), they survived better the infection than those restricted to a protein-biased diet (i.e., PC 1:5). In addition, we did not observe any growth of pathogen load in infected flies fed PC 1:8 for the first 3 days post-infection. Finally, a decrease in lipid body reserves was found in flies injected with live bacteria and, interestingly, this loss of body lipid also occurred in flies injected with heat-killed bacteria, but in a diet-dependent manner. Our results indicated that B. tryoni flies modulated their macronutrient intake and decreased the negative effects of the infection on their survival (“nutritional self-medication”) the first days following the infection.

Micropropagation, in-vitro conservation and genetic stability studies in pummelo (Citrus maxima)

Pummelo (Citrus maxima L.) is a natural, mono-embryonic and a true fruit species of genus Citrus cultivated widely in India. The study aimed at developing in vitro technique for conservation of Citrus maxima germplasm using shoot tip and nodal section as explants. Various concentrations and combination of hormones were used for successful in-vitro conservation. The shoots sprouted within 9-20 days when inoculated on MS medium supplemented with 0.5 mg/l BAP + 0.1 mg/l NAA growth hormones and above 86% germination was obtained with maximum numbers of shoots (8) and nodes (8.67). Highest shoot elongation (82%) was observed in MS medium supplemented with concentration of 0.6 mg/l GA3 in combination with 0.2 mg/l BAP, shoot length ranged between 1.17 to 6.90 cm and the number of nodes was 2.33-8.33 per plantlet. 1/2 MS medium supplemented with 0.5 mg/l BAP +1.0 mg/l NAA along with 2.5 g phytagel showed best result for rooting (78.33%). The regenerated plantlets did not show any detectable morphological variation at genetic level as evidenced by SSR profiles of plantlets. The developed protocol can be successfully employed for large-scale multiplication and conservation of Pummelo germplasm.

Overview of fruit flies important for fruit production on the Montenegro seacoast

Description of the subject. Fruit flies are a large group of pests belonging to the order Diptera. The family Tephritidae is one of two fly families referred to as “fruit flies”. Tephritidae (true fruit flies) represent one of the largest families of flies and are part of a group of the most destructive agricultural pests in the world, attacking a wide range of fruits and fleshy vegetables. The other fruit fly family is the Drosophilidae, often called “vinegar flies”. There are also fly species from other Diptera families that attack the fruits of agricultural crops. Objectives. Due to its favorable geographic position and Mediterranean climate, the Montenegro seacoast is suited to fruit and vegetable production. The aim of this study was to make an inventory of the fruit fly species affecting fruit crops on the Montenegro seacoast. Method. The study area was 300 km along the Montenegro coast. Different types of traps (lure attractants, pheromone, and yellow sticky traps) were used for the monitoring, detection and recording of the spread of fruit flies in the area. Results. From an economic point of view, the most important species of fruit flies recorded were the Bactrocera oleae Gmel. and Ceratitis capitata Wiedem. Rhagoletis cerasi L. and Carpomya vesuviana Costa were also found to be present. Although several specimens of Rhagoletis cingulata Loew were detected in 2013-2014, this species has not, to date, been considered as established in the area of study. After the first detection of Drosophila suzukii Matsumura in 2013, this fruit fly was found to spread rapidly, and its presence is now observed along the whole Montenegro seacoast. One of the fruit fly species recorded, Silba adipata McAlpine, is considered to be one of the most destructive pests for fig production in Montenegro. Conclusions. Of seven species recorded in the study, five belonged to the family Tephritidae, and one each to Drosophilidae and Lonchaeidae.