Biochemical Profiling and Physicochemical and Biological Valorization of Iraqi Honey: A Comprehensive Analysis.

Our study aimed to analyze five monovarietal honeys from the Salah Eddine region in Iraq, focusing on physicochemical, antioxidant, and antimicrobial properties and polyphenolic compounds. Our objective was to evaluate the strengths and qualities of Iraqi honeys, ensuring compliance with the Codex Alimentarius standard for honey. The spectrophotometric analysis included assessments of reduced sugar (75.8-77.7%), fructose-to-glucose ratio (0.7-0.9%), sucrose (2.2-2.9%), HMF (17.23-18.87 mg/kg), and melanoidin content (0.25-0.44), which were all determined. The electrical conductivity (0.39-0.46 mS/cm) using a conductivity meter, pH (4.02-4.31), and mineral composition were determined in all samples using atomic absorption spectrometry. Antioxidant activities were spectrophotometrically determined, through DPPH free radical scavenging (7.87-95.62 mg/mL), as was the total antioxidant activity (14.26-22.15 mg AAE/g), with correlations established with biochemical constituents such as the total phenol content, highlighting the significant presence of Coumaric acid (0.38-2.34 µg/mL), Catechin (1.80-2.68 µg/mL), and Quercetin (0.30 µg/mL) using HPLC. The study also observed notable antimicrobial activities using Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, and Candida albicans on Mueller-Hinton agar as well as through diffusion technique. In conclusion, our findings, including the antioxidant and antimicrobial strengths, underscore the substantial potential of Iraqi honeys in mitigating damage and preventing the onset of various diseases, affirming their good quality and adherence to international honey standards.

The genome sequence of the grape phylloxera provides insights into the evolution, adaptation, and invasion routes of an iconic pest.

BACKGROUND: Although native to North America, the invasion of the aphid-like grape phylloxera Daktulosphaira vitifoliae across the globe altered the course of grape cultivation. For the past 150 years, viticulture relied on grafting-resistant North American Vitis species as rootstocks, thereby limiting genetic stocks tolerant to other stressors such as pathogens and climate change. Limited understanding of the insect genetics resulted in successive outbreaks across the globe when rootstocks failed. Here we report the 294-Mb genome of D. vitifoliae as a basic tool to understand host plant manipulation, nutritional endosymbiosis, and enhance global viticulture. RESULTS: Using a combination of genome, RNA, and population resequencing, we found grape phylloxera showed high duplication rates since its common ancestor with aphids, but similarity in most metabolic genes, despite lacking obligate nutritional symbioses and feeding from parenchyma. Similarly, no enrichment occurred in development genes in relation to viviparity. However, phylloxera evolved > 2700 unique genes that resemble putative effectors and are active during feeding. Population sequencing revealed the global invasion began from the upper Mississippi River in North America, spread to Europe and from there to the rest of the world. CONCLUSIONS: The grape phylloxera genome reveals genetic architecture relative to the evolution of nutritional endosymbiosis, viviparity, and herbivory. The extraordinary expansion in effector genes also suggests novel adaptations to plant feeding and how insects induce complex plant phenotypes, for instance galls. Finally, our understanding of the origin of this invasive species and its genome provide genetics resources to alleviate rootstock bottlenecks restricting the advancement of viticulture.

Correction to: The genome sequence of the grape phylloxera provides insights into the evolution, adaptation, and invasion routes of an iconic pest.

An amendment to this paper has been published and can be accessed via the original article.

Assessment of the potential of the multi-enzyme producer Bacillus amyloliquefaciens US573 as alternative feed additive.

BACKGROUND: Recently, probiotics have increasingly been used as feed additives in poultry diets as an alternative to antibiotic growth promoters fostering resistance development. RESULTS: This study was aimed at assessing the potential of Bacillus amyloliquefaciens US573 as a direct-fed microbial. The US573 strain was found to be free of harmful enzymatic activities and sensitive to antibiotics. In addition, it showed a good acid and bovine bile tolerance, high adhesion efficacy to chicken enterocytes, and an ability to form biofilms, which may favor its survival and persistence in the animal gastrointestinal tract. Moreover, besides the previously described extremely salt-tolerant and highly thermostable phytase, the US573 strain secretes xylanase, ß-glucanase and amylase activities useful in neutralizing antinutritional factors and maximizing the absorption of nutrients. The secretion of such enzymes may be responsible for the good performance of the US573 isolate in the digestibility of wheat in vitro. Indeed, using the vegetative cells, a yield of wheat dry matter digestibility of approximately 48% was achieved, which is slightly lower than the commercial feed additive Rovabio used as a reference (56.73% digestibility). CONCLUSION: The obtained results illustrate the potential of US573 strain as a promising direct-fed microbial candidate for application in the poultry industry. © 2017 Society of Chemical Industry.

Diversity and evolution of mariner-like elements in aphid genomes.

BACKGROUND: Although transposons have been identified in almost all organisms, genome-wide information on mariner elements in Aphididae remains unknown. Genomes of Acyrthosiphon pisum, Diuraphis noxia and Myzus persicae belonging to the Macrosiphini tribe, actually available in databases, have been investigated. RESULTS: A total of 22 lineages were identified. Classification and phylogenetic analysis indicated that they were subdivided into three monophyletic groups, each of them containing at least one putative complete sequence, and several non-autonomous sublineages corresponding to Miniature Inverted-Repeat Transposable Elements (MITE), probably generated by internal deletions. A high proportion of truncated and dead copies was also detected. The three clusters can be defined from their catalytic site: (i) mariner DD34D, including three subgroups of the irritans subfamily (Macrosiphinimar, Batmar-like elements and Dnomar-like elements); (ii) rosa DD41D, found in A. pisum and D. noxia; (iii) a new clade which differs from rosa through long TIRs and thus designated LTIR-like elements. Based on its catalytic domain, this new clade is subdivided into DD40D and DD41D subgroups. Compared to other Tc1/mariner superfamily sequences, rosa DD41D and LTIR DD40-41D seem more related to maT DD37D family. CONCLUSION: Overall, our results reveal three clades belonging to the irritans subfamily, rosa and new LTIR-like elements. Data on structure and specific distribution of these transposable elements in the Macrosiphini tribe contribute to the understanding of their evolutionary history and to that of their hosts.

Variation of partial transferrin sequences and phylogenetic relationships among hares (Lepus capensis, Lagomorpha) from Tunisia.

North African hares are currently included in cape hares, Lepus capensis sensu lato, a taxon that may be considered a superspecies or a complex of closely related species. The existing molecular data, however, are not unequivocal, with mtDNA control region sequences suggesting a separate species status and nuclear loci (allozymes, microsatellites) revealing conspecificity of L. capensis and L. europaeus. Here, we study sequence variation in the intron 6 (468 bp) of the transferrin nuclear gene, of 105 hares with different coat colour from different regions in Tunisia with respect to genetic diversity and differentiation, as well as their phylogenetic status. Forty-six haplotypes (alleles) were revealed and compared phylogenetically to all available TF haplotypes of various Lepus species retrieved from GenBank. Maximum Likelihood, neighbor joining and median joining network analyses concordantly grouped all currently obtained haplotypes together with haplotypes belonging to six different Chinese hare species and the African scrub hare L. saxatilis. Moreover, two Tunisian haploypes were shared with L. capensis, L timidus, L. sinensis, L. yarkandensis, and L. hainanus from China. These results indicated the evolutionary complexity of the genus Lepus with the mixing of nuclear gene haplotypes resulting from introgressive hybridization or/and shared ancestral polymorphism. We report the presence of shared ancestral polymorphism between North African and Chinese hares. This has not been detected earlier in the mtDNA sequences of the same individuals. Genetic diversity of the TF sequences from the Tunisian populations was relatively high compared to other hare populations. However, genetic differentiation and gene flow analyses (AMOVA, FST, Nm) indicated little divergence with the absence of geographically meaningful phylogroups and lack of clustering with coat colour types. These results confirm the presence of a single hare species in Tunisia, but a sound inference on its phylogenetic position would require additional nuclear markers and numerous geographically meaningful samples from Africa and Eurasia.

Characterization of irritans mariner-like elements in the olive fruit fly Bactrocera oleae (Diptera: Tephritidae): evolutionary implications.

Genomic variation among species is commonly driven by transposable element (TE) invasion; thus, the pattern of TEs in a genome allows drawing an evolutionary history of the studied species. This paper reports in vitro and in silico detection and characterization of irritans mariner-like elements (MLEs) in the genome and transcriptome of Bactrocera oleae (Rossi) (Diptera: Tephritidae). Eleven irritans MLE sequences have been isolated in vitro using terminal inverted repeats (TIRs) as primers, and 215 have been extracted in silico from the sequenced genome of B. oleae. Additionally, the sequenced genomes of Bactrocera tryoni (Froggatt) and Bactrocera cucurbitae (Diptera: Tephritidae) have been explored to identify irritans MLEs. A total of 129 sequences from B. tryoni have been extracted, while the genome of B. cucurbitae appears probably devoid of irritans MLEs. All detected irritans MLEs are defective due to several mutations and are clustered together in a monophyletic group suggesting a common ancestor. The evolutionary history and dynamics of these TEs are discussed in relation with the phylogenetic distribution of their hosts. The knowledge on the structure, distribution, dynamic, and evolution of irritans MLEs in Bactrocera species contributes to the understanding of both their evolutionary history and the invasion history of their hosts. This could also be the basis for genetic control strategies using transposable elements.

Full-genome identification and characterization of NBS-encoding disease resistance genes in wheat.

Host resistance is the most economical, effective and ecologically sustainable method of controlling diseases in crop plants. In bread wheat, despite the high number of resistance loci that have been cataloged to date, only few have been cloned, underlying the need for genomics-guided investigations capable of providing a prompt and acute knowledge on the identity of effective resistance genes that can be used in breeding programs. Proteins with a nucleotide-binding site (NBS) encoded by the major plant disease resistance (R) genes play an important role in the responses of plants to various pathogens. In this study, a comprehensive analysis of NBS-encoding genes within the whole wheat genome was performed, and the genome scale characterization of this gene family was established. From the recently published wheat genome sequence, we used a data mining and automatic prediction pipeline to identify 580 complete ORF candidate NBS-encoding genes and 1,099 partial-ORF ones. Among complete gene models, 464 were longer than 200 aa, among them 436 had less than 70 % of sequence identity to each other. This gene models set was deeply characterized. (1) First, we have analyzed domain architecture and identified, in addition to typical domain combinations, the presence of particular domains like signal peptides, zinc fingers, kinases, heavy-metal-associated and WRKY DNA-binding domains. (2) Functional and expression annotation via homology searches in protein and transcript databases, based on sufficient criteria, enabled identifying similar proteins for 60 % of the studied gene models and expression evidence for 13 % of them. (3) Shared orthologous groups were defined using NBS-domain proteins of rice and Brachypodium distachyon. (4) Finally, alignment of the 436 NBS-containing gene models to the full set of scaffolds from the IWGSC's wheat chromosome survey sequence enabled high-stringence anchoring to chromosome arms. The distribution of the R genes was found balanced on the three wheat sub-genomes. In contrast, at chromosome scale, 50 % of members of this gene family were localized on 6 of the 21 wheat chromosomes and ~22 % of them were localized on homeologous group 7. The results of this study provide a detailed analysis of the largest family of plant disease resistance genes in allohexaploid wheat. Some structural traits reported had not been previously identified and the genome-derived data were confronted with those stored in databases outlining the functional specialization of members of this family. The large reservoir of NBS-type genes presented and discussed will, firstly, form an important framework for marker-assisted improvement of resistance in wheat, and, secondly, open up new perspectives for a better understanding of the evolution dynamics of this gene family in grass species and in polyploid systems.

Characterization of mariner-like transposons of the mauritiana Subfamily in seven tree aphid species.

Mariner-like elements (MLEs) are Class II transposons present in all eukaryotic genomes in which MLEs have been searched for. This article reports the detection of MLEs in seven of the main fruit tree aphid species out of eight species studied. Deleted MLE sequences of 916-919 bp were characterized, using the terminal-inverted repeats (TIRs) of mariner elements belonging to the mauritiana Subfamily as primers. All the sequences detected were deleted copies of full-length elements that included the 3'- and 5'-TIRs but displayed internal deletions affecting Mos1 activity. Networks based on the mtDNA cytochrome oxidase subunit-I (CO-I) and MLE sequences were incongruent, suggesting that mutations in transposon sequences had accumulated before speciation of tree aphid species occurred, and that they have been maintained in this species via vertical transmissions. This is the first evidence of the widespread occurrence of MLEs in aphids.

Astaxanthin from shrimp by-products ameliorates nephropathy in diabetic rats.

AIM: This study investigated the hypoglycemic and antioxidant effects of shrimp astaxanthin on the kidney of alloxan-induced diabetic rats. METHODS: Animals were distributed into four groups of six rats each: a control group (C), a diabetic group (D), a diabetic group supplemented with Astaxanthin (D+As) dissolved in olive oil and a diabetic group supplemented with olive oil (D+OO). In vitro antidiabetic effect was tested in plasma and kidney tissue. RESULTS: The group D of rats showed significant (P < 0.05) increase of glycemia, creatinine, urea and uric acid levels compared to those of the control group (C). Moreover, plasma and kidney malondialdehyde (MDA) and protein carbonyl (PCO) levels for the rats of the group D were significantly increased compared to the control group. Contrariwise, antioxidant enzyme activities, such as catalase (EC 1.11.1.6), superoxide dismutase (EC 1.15.1.1) and non-enzymatic levels of reduced glutathione, were significantly (P < 0.05) decreased in the plasma and kidney of diabetic rats compared to the control ones. The astaxanthin supplementation in rats diet improved the antioxidant enzyme activities and significantly decreased the MDA and PCO levels compared to diabetic rats. Indeed, no significant (P ≥ 0.05) improvement was observed for the fourth group (D+OO) compared to the control group (C). Histological analysis of kidney showed glomerular hypertrophy and tubular dilatation for the diabetic rats. For D+As rats, these histopathological changes were less prominent. CONCLUSIONS: Our results suggest that shrimp astaxanthin may play an important role in reduction of oxidative damage and could prevent pathological changes in diabetic rats suggesting promising application of shrimp astaxanthin in diabet treatment.

Characterization of novel wheat NBS domain-containing sequences and their utilization, in silico, for genome-scale R-gene mining.

In crop improvement, the isolation, cloning and transfer of disease resistance genes (R-genes) is an ultimate goal usually starting from tentative R-gene analogs (RGAs) that are identified on the basis of their structure. For bread wheat, recent advances in genome sequencing are supporting the efforts of wheat geneticists worldwide. Among wheat R-genes, nucleotide-binding site (NBS)-encoding ones represent a major class. In this study, we have used a polymerase chain reaction-based approach to amplify and clone NBS-type RGAs from a bread wheat cultivar, 'Salambo 80.' Four novel complete ORF sequences showing similarities to previously reported R-genes/RGAs were used for in silico analyses. In a first step, where analyses were focused on the NBS domain, these sequences were phylogenetically assigned to two distinct groups: a first group close to leaf rust Lr21 resistance proteins; and a second one similar to cyst nematode resistance proteins. In a second step, sequences were used as initial seeds to walk up and downstream the NBS domain. This procedure enabled identifying 8 loci ranging in size between 2,115 and 7,653 bp. Ab initio gene prediction identified 8 gene models, among which two had complete ORFs. While GenBank survey confirmed the belonging of sequences to two groups, subsequent characterization using IWGSC genomic and proteomic data showed that the 8 gene models, reported in this study, were unique and their loci matched scaffolds on chromosome arms 1AS, 1BS, 4BS and 1DS. The gene model located on 1DS is a pseudo-Lr21 that was shown to have an NBS-LRR domain structure, while the potential association of the RGAs, here reported, is discussed. This study has produced novel R-gene-like loci and models in the wheat genome and provides the first steps toward further elucidation of their role in wheat disease resistance.

Large-scale analysis of NBS domain-encoding resistance gene analogs in Triticeae.

Proteins containing nucleotide binding sites (NBS) encoded by plant resistance genes play an important role in the response of plants to a wide array of pathogens. In this paper, an in silico search was conducted in order to identify and characterize members of NBS-encoding gene family in the tribe of Triticeae. A final dataset of 199 sequences was obtained by four search methods. Motif analysis confirmed the general structural organization of the NBS domain in cereals, characterized by the presence of the six commonly conserved motifs: P-loop, RNBS-A, Kinase-2, Kinase-3a, RNBS-C and GLPL. We revealed the existence of 11 distinct distribution patterns of these motifs along the NBS domain. Four additional conserved motifs were shown to be significantly present in all 199 sequences. Phylogenetic analyses, based on genetic distance and parsimony, revealed a significant overlap between Triticeae sequences and Coiled coil-Nucleotide binding site-Leucine rich repeat (CNL)-type functional genes from monocotyledons. Furthermore, several Triticeae sequences belonged to clades containing functional homologs from non Triticeae species, which has allowed for these sequences to be functionally assigned. The findings reported, in this study, will provide a strong groundwork for the isolation of candidate R-genes in Triticeae crops and the understanding of their evolution.

Assessment of Histopathological Alterations and Oxidative Stress in the Liver and Kidney of Male Rats following Exposure to Aluminum Chloride.

The study aims to investigate the residual and histopathological effects of chronic aluminum chloride (AlCl3) toxicity in the kidney and liver of male rats. After 30-, 60-, and 90-day exposure period, analyses were conducted to assess the toxicity in the kidney and liver. The results showed that the concentration of AlCl3 in the kidney and liver increased significantly in 30-, 60-, and 90-day periods. The effects of oxidative stress on the kidneys and liver were dose- and time-dependent. Levels of malondialdehyde (MDA) significantly increased when exposed to AlCl3 groups. Conversely, the activity of antioxidant parameters, including reduced glutathione (GSH), catalase (CAT), and superoxide dismutase (SOD), significantly decreased in the AlCl3 exposed groups, indicating compromised oxidant mechanisms. Both the kidney and liver exhibited severe tissue damage, including necrosis, fibrosis, and inflammatory cell infiltration, in rats exposed to AlCl3. Kidney sections showed hyperplasia of the epithelial cells lining the renal tubules, resembling finger-like structures. Liver sections displayed severe lobular hyperplasia and an increase in mitotic figures. Our study suggests that AlCl3 has a detrimental impact on these vital organs and emphasizes the importance of monitoring and mitigating aluminum exposure, particularly where it is present in high concentration.

Protective effect of vanillin against carbon tetrachloride (CCl4)-induced oxidative brain injury in rats.

This study investigated the protective effects of vanillin against acute brain damage induced by carbon tetrachloride (CCl4) in rats. The study was performed on 32 male rats divided into four groups: a control group, vanillin group ([Va] 150 mg/kg/day, intraperitoneally [i.p.]) and CCl4 toxication groups received a single injection of CCl4 (1 ml/kg, i.p.; CCl4 and Va + CCl4 groups). The degree of protection in brain tissue was evaluated by the levels of malondialdehyde (MDA), glutathione (GSH), superoxide dismutase, glutathione transferase, glutathione peroxidase and nitric oxide (NO). Vanillin showed a significant brain-protective effect by decreasing the level of lipid peroxidation and NO2 and elevated the activities of antioxidative enzymes and level of GSH. Consequently vanillin blocked oxidative brain damage induced by CCl4 in rats.

Erythrocyte oxidative damage in rat treated with CCl4: protective role of vanillin.

Owing to the presence of hemoglobin and polyunsaturated fatty acids, erythrocytes are a convenient model to understand membrane oxidative damage induced by various xenobiotic pro-oxidants. This study investigated the antioxidant activity of vanillin, a naturally occurring food-flavoring agent, against carbon tetrachloride (CCl(4))-induced erythrocyte damages in Wistar albino rats. A single injection of CCl(4) (1 ml/kg, intraperitoneally [i.p.]) caused a significant induction of oxidative damage as evidenced by increased thiobarbituric acid reactive substances, protein carbonyl levels and osmotic fragility accompanied with a significant decrease in Na(+)/K(+)-ATPase and Ca(2+)-ATPase activities. Furthermore, catalase and superoxide dismutase activities were significantly elevated, while glutathione levels, glutathione-S-transferase and glutathione peroxidase activities were markedly reduced in the erythrocytes of CCl(4)-treated rats. Pretreatment of rats with vanillin (150 mg/kg/day, i.p.) for 3 consecutive days before CCl(4) injection protected erythrocytes against the increase of lipid peroxidation and degradation of membrane proteins compared to CCl(4)-treated rats and exhibited marked prevention against CCl(4)-induced oxidative stress, alterations of membrane-bound enzymes as well as erythrocyte osmotic fragility. Our results suggest that vanillin plays a protective and curative role against the harmful effects of CCl(4) on erythrocytes, thus ensuring membrane cell integrity.

Development of new polymorphic microsatellite loci for the barley stem gall midge, Mayetiola hordei (Diptera: Cecidomyiidae) from an enriched library.

Using an enriched library method, seven polymorphic microsatellite loci were isolated from the barley stem gall midge, Mayetiola hordei. Polymorphism at loci was surveyed on 57 individual midges collected on barley in Tunisia. Across loci, polymorphism ranged from two to six alleles per locus. The observed heterozygosity varied between 0.070 and 0.877. Based on the number of alleles detected and the associated levels of heterozygosity, we believe that these loci will prove useful for population genetic studies on M. hordei.

Antioxidant activity and protective effect of propolis against carbon tetrachloride-induced liver and kidney injury by modulation of oxidative parameters.

BACKGROUND AND AIM: Propolis has a protective effect against cellular damage caused by toxic agents such as drugs, metals, xenobiotics, and chemicals. The aim of this study was to investigate the antioxidant activity and the effect of ethanolic extract of propolis on carbon tetrachloride (CCl4)-induced oxidative stress on kidney and liver injury in rat. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The study quantified phenol, flavone, and flavonol in propolis and assessed antioxidant activity using 2, 2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl, ferric reducing antioxidant power, and molybdate. The investigators used four groups of rats to study the effect of propolis on CCl4-induced toxicity. Propolis extract was given orally (500 mg/kg) for 12 days, and CCl4 (1 mL/kg) was administered intraperitoneally on day 5 of the experiment. Blood and tissue samples of the liver and kidney were collected on day 13 to measure biochemical and oxidative parameters. The parameters included malondialdehyde (MDA), protein carbonyl formation (PCO), advanced oxidation protein products (AOPP), catalase (CAT), glutathione peroxidase (GPx), reduced glutathione (GSH), and ascorbic acid (AA). Biochemical parameters included liver enzymes, blood urea (BU), creatinine, and uric acid (UA). RESULTS: CCl4 decreased antioxidant agents, including CAT, GPx, GSH, and AA in the liver and kidney tissues. The oxidative agents' levels, including MDA, PCO, and AOPP, increased by CCl4 compared to the control group. CCl4 increased liver enzymes, UA, BU, and creatinine in the blood samples. Propolis significantly alleviated liver and kidney function, improved antioxidant parameters, and decreased levels of oxidative agents. CONCLUSION: The data showed for the 1st time that Moroccan propolis has a protective effect against CCl4-induced kidney and liver toxicity by maintaining the activity of the antioxidant defense system, which was most likely due to its antioxidant activity.

Association of MICA-129 polymorphism with nasopharyngeal cancer risk in a Tunisian population.

Major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class I chain-related A (MICA) molecules mediate natural killer (NK) cell activation and T lymphocyte co-stimulation. A polymorphic methionine (met) to valine (val) variation at amino acid position 129 of the alpha2 heavy chain domain is in linkage disequilibrium with other allelic changes and seems to categorize MICA alleles into strong and weak binder of NKG2D receptor and thereby to influence effector cell function. We investigated here whether MICA-129 dimorphism is associated with susceptibility to/or resistance against developing nasopharyngeal cancer (NPC). DNA from 130 NPC patients and 180 healthy individuals from Tunisia were genotyped for MICA-129 variation. We found a higher frequency of MICA-129 val/val genotype in patients than in controls (corrected p value = 0.02) that could suggest a tumor escape mechanism because of failure to activate NK cells by MICA-129 val allele or absence of NK cell activation because of absence of MICA-129 met allele in individuals otherwise predisposed to viral/environmental factors.

Ceratonia siliqua honeys from Morocco: Physicochemical properties, mineral contents, and antioxidant activities.

Physicochemical properties, main mineral content, and antioxidant activity were determined for eight floral carob honeys collected from different geographical regions of Morocco. Moroccan honeys showed good chemical and nutritional qualities, fulfilling the criteria described in the standard codex for honey. The percentages obtained for ashes were (0.13-0.69%), electrical conductivity (0.36-1.35 mS/cm), water content (17.30-22.80%), pH (4.17-5.05), free acidity (11.0-42.50 meq/kg), lactone acidity (4.0-16.50 meq/kg), and for total acidity (16.50-59.50 meq/kg). In addition, minerals such as K, Na, Mg, Cu, Zn, and Ca of honey samples were determined and potassium was the major mineral in all samples. The antioxidant activities based on the free radical scavenging, reducing power, and total antioxidant activity were investigated, and the antioxidant capacity of the honey samples was correlated with their biochemical constituents such as total phenol and flavonoids content, and the best antioxidant capacity was confirmed by the honey from Taounate.

Occurrence of target-site resistance to neonicotinoids in the aphid Myzus persicae in Tunisia, and its status on different host plants.

BACKGROUND: The R81T mutation conferring target-site resistance to neonicotinoid insecticides in Myzus persicae was first detected in France and has since spread across much of southern Europe. In response to recent claims of control failure with neonicotinoids in Tunisia, we have used a molecular assay to investigate the presence and distribution of this target-site mutation in samples collected from six locations and six crops attacked by M. persicae. RESULTS: The resistance allele containing R81T was present at substantial frequencies (32-55%) in aphids collected between 2014 and 2016 from northern Tunisia but was much rarer further south. It occurred in aphids collected from the aphid's primary host (peach) and four secondary crop hosts (potato, pepper, tomato and melon). Its absence in aphids from tobacco highlights complexities in the systematics of M. persicae that require further investigation. CONCLUSION: This first report of R81T from North Africa reflects a continuing expansion of its range around the Mediterranean Basin, although it remains unrecorded elsewhere in the world. Loss of efficacy of neonicotinoids presents a serious threat to the sustainability of aphid control. © 2017 Society of Chemical Industry.