Reproductive potential of fall armyworm Spodoptera frugiperda (J.E. Smith) and effects of feeding on diverse maize genotypes under artificial infestation.

Fall armyworm (FAW) Spodoptera frugiperda (J.E. Smith) has become a major threat to maize production in Africa. In this study, six maize genotypes were assessed for their resistance to FAW under artificial infestation in both laboratory and net house conditions. These included two FAW-tolerant hybrids (CKHFAW180294 and CKH191221), two commercial hybrids (WE2115 and CKH10717), and two open-pollinated varieties (ZM523 and KDV4). Larval development time and reproductive potential were assessed on maize leaves in the laboratory and a life table for FAW was constructed. The maize genotypes were also artificially infested with three FAW neonates at two phenological stages (V5 and V7) and reproductive stage (R1) in the net house. Leaf and ear damage scores were recorded on a scale of 1-9. Larval development time varied significantly between maize genotypes with the highest on CKH191221 (16.4 days) and the lowest on KDV4 (13.7 days). The intrinsic rate of natural increase for life tables varied from 0.24 on CKH191221 to 0.41 on KDV4. Mean generation time of FAW ranged from 17.6 to 22.8 days on KDV4 and CKH191221, respectively. Foliar damage was the lowest on CKH191221, and the highest on KDV4 at V7 infestation stage in week 1. CKH191221 had the lowest ear damage score, whereas ZM523 had the highest scores at V5 infestation stage. The highest and lowest yield reductions were observed on ZM523 (64%) at V7 infestation stage and CKHFAW180294 (6%) at R1 infestation stage, respectively. The results indicated the potential for developing tropical mid-altitude maize germplasm with native genetic resistance to FAW.

Development of SCAR markers and PCR assays for single or simultaneous species-specific detection of Phytophthora nicotianae and Pythium helicoides in ebb-and-flow irrigated kalanchoe.

Phytophthora nicotianae and Pythium helicoides are important water-borne oomycete pathogens of irrigated ornamentals particularly ebb-and-flow irrigated kalanchoe in Japan. We developed novel PCR-based sequence characterized amplified region markers and assays for rapid identification and species-specific detection of both pathogens in separate PCR reactions or simultaneously in a duplex PCR.

Application of sequence-independent amplification (SIA) for the identification of RNA viruses in bioenergy crops.

Miscanthus x giganteus, energycane, and Panicum virgatum (switchgrass) are three potential biomass crops being evaluated for commercial cellulosic ethanol production. Viral diseases are potentially significant threats to these crops. Therefore, identification of viruses infecting these bioenergy crops is important for quarantine purposes, virus resistance breeding, and production of virus-free planting materials. The application is described of sequence-independent amplification, for the identification of RNA viruses in bioenergy crops. The method involves virus partial purification from a small amount of infected leaf tissue (miniprep), extraction of viral RNA, amplification of randomly primed cDNAs, cloning, sequencing, and BLAST searches for sequence homology in the GenBank. This method has distinct advantage over other virus characterization techniques in that it does not require reagent specific to target viruses. Using this method, a possible new species was identified in the genus Marafivirus in switchgrass related to Maize rayado fino virus, its closest relative currently in GenBank. Sugarcane mosaic virus (SCMV), genus Potyvirus, was identified in M.xgiganteus, energycane, corn (Zea mays), and switchgrass. Other viruses identified were: Maize dwarf mosaic virus (MDMV), genus Potyvirus, in johnsongrass (Sorghum halepense); Soil borne wheat mosaic virus (SBWMV), genus Furovirus, in wheat (Triticum aestivum); and Bean pod mottle virus (BPMV), genus Comovirus, in soybean (Glycine max). The method was as sensitive as conventional RT-PCR. This is the first report of a Marafivirus infecting switchgrass, and SCMV infecting both energycane and M. x giganteus.

Effects of hydrostatic pressure, agitation and CO2 stress on Phytophthora nicotianae zoospore survival.

BACKGROUND: Phytophthora nicotianae Breda de Haan is a common pathogen of ornamental plants in recycled irrigation systems. In a previous study, annual vinca (Catharanthus roseus Don) inoculated with zoospore suspensions using a CO(2)-pressurized sprayer had less foliage blight than plants inoculated using a hand sprayer. Here, the impact of hydrostatic pressure, agitation and aeration with CO(2) on the survival of P. nicotianae zoospores was examined. RESULTS: Exposure of zoospores to 840 kPa hydrostatic pressure for 8 min or agitation at a mixing intensity (G) of 6483 s(-1) for 4 min at 22-23 degrees C did not kill zoospores, but resulted in viable cysts. Motile and forcefully encysted zoospores of P. nicotianae were equally infectious on vinca or lupine (Lupinus polyphylus Lindl.). Bubbling CO(2) into zoospore-infested water at 110.4 mL (0.2 g) min(-1) for 5 min caused 81% reduction in the number of germinated zoospores. Pressure at 630 kPa (16.3 g CO(2)) or 70 kPa (3.85 g CO(2)) facilitated CO(2) injection and shortened the zoospore inactivation time to 30 s. When air was bubbled through the suspension, germination was similar to the control. CONCLUSIONS: Exposure to CO(2) killed P. nicotianae zoospores in water. Neither pressure nor agitation had an effect on zoospore viability or infectivity. Based on results of this study, the authors designed a recycling CO(2) water treatment system that is currently under evaluation.

A simple in-vitro 'wet-plate' method for mass production of Phytophthora nicotianae zoospores and factors influencing zoospore production.

A simple in-vitro 'wet-plate' method for mass-producing Phytophthora nicotianae zoospores at > or =1.0 x 10(6) zoospores/ml is described. Temperature critically affected zoospore production; 22 degrees C was optimum, while 36 degrees C was completely inhibitory. Zoospores being the most important propagule of P. nicotianae, temperature of recycled irrigation water may be manipulated to reduce diseases in irrigated nursery crops.