Annals of Applied Biology最新文献

In European outbreaks, the meadow spittlebug Philaenus spumarius is the primary vector of the xylem-limited bacterium Xylella fastidiosa. The mechanisms underlying host plant location by spittlebugs—critical for the transmission of associated bacterial pathogens—remain poorly understood, particularly with respect to the potential role of visual cues. Here, we investigated the visual system of P. spumarius through an integrated anatomical, optical, physiological, and behavioural approach to explore the potential role of vision in host-seeking behaviour. Using microscopy, 3D reconstructions, and single-cell recordings, we examined the structure and function of the compound eyes. Optical mapping revealed relatively low spatial resolution, with interommatidial angles of 4°–8° and somewhat smaller angles and finer visual sampling in central and anterior-ventral regions. Intracellular recordings showed that photoreceptors are maximally sensitive to ultraviolet (UV), blue (B), and green (G) light, suggesting the potential for trichromatic colour vision. UV and B-sensitive photoreceptors exhibited high polarization sensitivity (PS), with UV and B photoreceptors maximally sensitive to vertically and horizontally or obliquely polarized light, respectively. The physiological evidence indicating that polarized light is detected primarily by UV and B photoreceptors was complemented by the observation of orthogonally arranged microvilli in anatomical cross-sections of the retina, which might belong to polarization-opponent photoreceptor pairs with orthogonal sensitivity maxima to polarized light. Behavioural tests in a Y-maze demonstrated that starved spittlebugs preferred linearly polarized over a diffuse visual stimulus. This preference disappeared when a yellow filter blocked UV and blue light, implicating the necessity of UV and B photoreceptors for the detection of polarized reflections. Our findings demonstrate that P. spumarius uses visual cues, including polarized light, which may aid in the visual detection of reflections from host plants. Understanding these visual mechanisms provides new insight into the ecology of this key vector species and may inform strategies to disrupt its host-finding behaviour.

A field experiment was conducted at ICAR-Indian Sugarcane Research Institute, Lucknow, UP, India located at 26.50° N and 80.53° East at 123 metres above mean sea level. Considering the farming situations, social acceptability, growers' demand and supply, market requirements, compatibility and profitability in a sugarcane-based system, four modules of integrated farming systems (IFS) were designed and laid out in 1 ha area from 2019–2020 to 2022–2023. These systems were evaluated with autumn (autumn sugarcane-based integrated farming system—ASBIFS) and spring seasons (spring sugarcane-based integrated farming system—SSBIFS). On the basis of compatibility and efficiency of various agri-enterprises with the sugarcane production system, it could be concluded that the inclusion of vegetables, backyard poultry, pisciculture, vermicomposting, apiculture, mushroom, and dairy unit (consisting of two cows) was found compatible and remunerative in increasing system productivity. Autumn sugarcane-based IFS involving all these enterprises recorded the highest mean system productivity (123.6 t/ha/year), gross returns (US$ 4901/ha/year), and net returns (US$ 2509/ha/year). However, spring sugarcane-based IFS integrating all these enterprises recorded the highest system production efficiency (348.8 kg/day), marginal returns (US$ 46 × 10⁻³/day), and relative economic efficiency (146.7%). Thus, autumn-based IFS modules were found more profitable compared to spring sugarcane-based IFS. The higher relative economic efficiency with spring sugarcane-based IFS compared to autumn sugarcane-based IFS indicated that for small and marginal farmers, the spring sugarcane-based IFS was more profitable compared to autumn sugarcane-based IFS. Thus, it could be concluded that the integration of vegetables, including horticultural crops throughout the year, backyard poultry, fisheries, apiculture, mushroom, and dairy unit with sugarcane planting resulted in the highest net returns and B:C ratio and could be adopted by the sugarcane growers for higher profitability and sustainability of the farming system.

‘Candidatus Phytoplasma (Ca. P.) solani’ is associated with Bois noir (BN) of grapevine and stolbur of solanaceous plants and is primarily transmitted by Hyalesthes obsoletus Signoret. Four tuf-a and five tuf-b1 ‘Ca. P. solani’ strains were transmitted to tomato plants (cv. Micro-Tom) to set the basis for studying molecular interactions between different strains of the pathogen and host plants. The strains were acquired by using bait-plants and by capturing H. obsoletus adults on bindweed and stinging nettle in vineyards of Friuli Venezia Giulia (northeastern Italy) with a high prevalence of BN. Captured insects were forced to feed on healthy tomato plants to induce infection. All strains obtained from symptomatic plants and confirmed by real-time PCR were maintained on tomato through grafting. Successively, the strains were characterised by macroscopic and microscopic symptoms induced in the host, Multi-Locus Sequence Typing (MLST) based on tuf, secY, stamp, and vmp1 genes, in-planta spread and multiplication patterns. Molecular typing distinguished the strains into five lineages comprised in three clusters: one including strains of tuf-a genotype and two including strains of tuf-b1 genotype. Quite different symptoms were induced on tomatoes by strains belonging to the two tuf genotypes; infection by tuf-a strains resulted in plant decline around 95–100 days after grafting and absence of cauliflower-like inflorescence with symptoms of phyllody and virescence, which were usually associated with tuf-b1 strains. The different symptoms, the outcome of disease, and the ultrastructural observation performed on sieve elements suggested a higher virulence of tuf-a strains in tomato. Overall, our results propose that genomic variability of ‘Ca. P. solani’ strains should be extensively explored to determine possible associations with type of symptoms and strain virulence.

The yellow stem borer (YSB), Scirpophaga incertulas (Walker), is a major rice pest capable of causing severe yield losses. Timely monitoring of its population dynamics is critical for sustainable management. This study assessed YSB spatiotemporal patterns by integrating pheromone trap catches with satellite-derived indicators in the coastal rice ecosystem of Srikakulam, Andhra Pradesh, during the 2021 and 2022 kharif seasons. Thirty-two 1 km² grids were established, each with pheromone traps to monitor male moths. Land surface temperature (LST) and normalised difference vegetation index (NDVI) were extracted from Landsat 8 imagery, and statistical and geostatistical analyses were performed to evaluate pest–environment interactions. YSB incidence peaked in August–September, showing negative correlations with LST (r = −0.431, p < .001) and NDVI (r = −0.147, p = .019). A 55% reduction in trap catches between years coincided with a 2.04°C increase in mean LST. Spatial analysis revealed aggregated YSB distribution with moderate-to-strong dependence at ~240 m, indicating localised hotspots of infestation. The results suggest that YSB outbreaks are favoured under cooler conditions (LST < 25°C) and sparse crop canopy (NDVI < 0.30), particularly during tillering to panicle initiation. The integration of remote sensing with pheromone trap monitoring enhances early-warning capability and supports precision integrated pest management in coastal rice ecosystems.

Eobania vermiculata, a terrestrial gastropod, poses a significant threat to agricultural crops in Egypt. This study investigated the molluscicidal activity of a methanolic extract from Elettaria cardamomum (CAR) against E. vermiculata under both laboratory and field conditions. In laboratory experiments using contact toxicity assays, the LC₅₀ and LC₉₀ values for CAR were determined to be 3.5% (CI: 2.797–4.081) and 6.2% (CI: 5.499–7.441), respectively. To assess sublethal effects, snails were exposed to a concentration of 1.75% CAR (half the LC₅₀) for 7 days. Biochemical analyses revealed significant increases in alkaline phosphatase (ALP), total lipids (TL), urea, creatinine, malondialdehyde (MDA), and catalase (CAT) levels, while acetylcholinesterase (AChE) and total protein (TP) levels were significantly reduced. Histopathological, ultrastructural (using scanning electron microscopy), and immunohistochemical examinations (via antigen–antibody reactions) revealed severe tissue degeneration in kidney, cerebral ganglia, and mucous gland; indicating impaired organ function. Field trials involving spraying demonstrated that CAR's effectiveness in reducing snail populations, although methomyl proved more potent. After 7 days, methomyl (1%) reduced snail populations by 80%, with a 92% reduction after 14 days, whereas CAR achieved reductions of 68% and 76%, respectively. In conclusion, CAR extract significantly impacts the physiological and structural integrity of E. vermiculata, presenting a promising natural molluscicide. Despite its slightly lower efficacy compared to methomyl, CAR's eco-friendly profile and absence of chemical residues make it a viable alternative for sustainable snail control in agricultural practices.

Cadmium (Cd) is a toxic heavy metal and one of the most hazardous environmental pollutants, posing severe risks to ecosystems and human health. In this context, certain phytoremediator species can mitigate their impact by reducing the availability of Cd in the soil. However, as the exposure to heavy metals significantly affects the plant growth and metabolism of these species, the development of strategies to enhance their tolerance while maintaining their remediation potential is essential. The exogenous application of plant growth regulators (PGRs) can be an effective strategy in this context. However, the biological effects of jasmonates on plant metabolism under Cd stress are not fully understood. This study aims to provide a comprehensive review of phytoremediation and heavy metals tolerance, focusing on the effects of jasmonate application on plants grown in Cd-contaminated environments. It examines the role of jasmonates in Cd tolerance and phytoremediation from a biochemical perspective, considering Cd uptake, malondialdehyde (MDA) levels, the activity of antioxidant enzymes—superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), peroxidase (POD), and ascorbate peroxidase (APX)—as well as glutathione (GSH) content. An exhaustive analysis of all relevant articles published between 2012 and 2024 allowed for classifying the most commonly used methodologies and identifying key physiological responses triggered by jasmonates. The findings confirm that, for most analysed species, the protective effect of jasmonates enhances plant growth and reduces Cd uptake, while improving stress tolerance primarily through the activation of antioxidant enzymes such as superoxide dismutase, catalase, peroxidase, and ascorbate reductase, as well as non-enzymatic antioxidants like glutathione. Although jasmonates promote stress tolerance, as evidenced by improved plant growth, increased antioxidant activity, and a decrease in stress markers, their application should be avoided as a strategy for phytoremediation, since they reduce Cd accumulation in plant tissues.

Elephant foot yam (Amorphophallus paeoniifolius (Dennst.) Nicolson) is a tropical tuber crop that is primarily cultivated for its edible corm. This crop has enormous production capacity, making it both a popular food and a lucrative cash crop. However, its phenology has not yet been fully elucidated. This research presents a detailed description of the phenological growth stages of elephant foot yam using the Biologische Bundesanstalt, Bundessortenamt and Chemische Industrie (BBCH) scale. Eight primary growth stages such as germination (stage 0), leaf/pseudo stem development (stage 1), tuber development (stage 4), inflorescence emergence (stage 5), flowering (stage 6), fruit growth (stage 7), fruit maturity (stage 8), and senescence (stage 9) have been specifically identified. The phenological development pattern of various phenophases has been used to characterise the sequential evolution of key growth stages. The BBCH scale has many applications in elephant foot yam cultivation since it encompasses all phenophases associated with the vegetative and reproductive stages. Due to the relative significance of phenophases in crop improvement and management, the BBCH scale will help to provide a standardised method to assist agronomists, breeders, germplasm curators, and researchers in effectively managing, developing, and conserving the genetic resources of this new crop.

The present research work was done to evaluate the anatomical differences among some species of family Sterculiaceae as no detailed anatomical data is available with reference to this family. Various anatomical features such as type and shape of stomata, shape of leaf epidermis, size of epidermal cells and presence and absence of trichomes, oil droplets, hook cells, shape and size of papillae were also observed. A lot of variation was observed in shapes of epidermal cells and length and width of epidermal cells. In both abaxial and adaxial view, irregular shaped epidermal cells were observed in Brachychiton australis and Guazuma ulmifolia. Pentagonal shape of epidermal cells was observed in Dombeya wallichii, Dombeya natalensis and Firmiana pallens. Tetragonal shaped epidermal cells were observed in Helicteres isora, Melhania futteyporensis, Pterospermum acerifolium and Sterculia villosa. Hexagonal shaped epidermal cells were found in Brachychiton populneus. Sinuous shape of epidermal cells was observed in Pterygota alata. In the Abaxial view, anisocytic stomata were observed on the abaxial surface of B. australis and G. ulmifolia. Anomocytic stomata were examined in B. populneus and D. wallichii. Only P. alata possessed amphicyclocytic giant stomata. In Adaxial view, anomocytic stomata were observed in B. populneus. In abaxial and adaxial surface, all the species had kidney shaped guard cells. Glandular, non-glandular or mostly stellate type trichomes were observed in all species. In the transverse section cutting of leaves less variation was found in upper and lower epidermis, parenchyma and collenchyma tissues, palisade and spongy mesophyll, vascular bundles and intercellular spaces. The statistical analysis was done using SPSS version 26, where PCA and hierarchical clustering were applied, that is, mean, descriptive statistics, standard error and standard deviation. This research work provides a comprehensive review on anatomical characteristics of studied taxa of family Sterculiaceae.

Amorphophallus paeoniifolius (elephant foot yam) is a tropical geophytic crop of significant agricultural and ethnobotanical value in Southeast Asia. Despite the relevance of the species, the life cycle and phenology of A. paeoniifolius remain poorly documented. This study presents the first comprehensive characterization of its phenological development using an extended Biologische Bundesanstalt, Bundessortenamt und Chemische Industrie (BBCH) scale. Fieldwork was conducted from June 2024 to May 2025 in Dimiao, Bohol, Philippines. A species-specific BBCH scale coding was developed, capturing key phenological stages: corm dormancy, leaf emergence, inflorescence development, anthesis, fruiting and senescence. A bimodal life cycle synchronized with the Northeast and Southwest Monsoon systems was observed, with a dormancy phase from October to May and an active reproductive–vegetative phase from April to September, primarily regulated by rainfall and rising temperatures. Observations support a resource allocation trade-off, where corms alternate between reproductive and vegetative investment in response to environmental cues, particularly the onset of the Southwest Monsoon with rising precipitation, consistently high relative humidity and increasing temperatures that signal the shift from dormancy to active growth. Within this framework, the BBCH codes developed encompass dormancy (00), leaf development (10–19), pseudostem elongation (31–39), inflorescence and fruit development (51–59, 60–69, 71–79, 81–89) and senescence with return to dormancy (91–97). This baseline phenological model lays the groundwork for future long-term ecological studies for sustainable cultivation and conservation of A. paeoniifolius under changing climatic conditions.