Procter & Gamble (United Kingdom)
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RIBOFLAVIN AS ERWINIA AMYLOVORA BACTERIOPHAGE PROTECTANT AGAINST UV LIGHT
No full textErwinia amylovora is a Gram-negative bacterium that causes fire blight (FB), a devastating bacterial disease of apple, pear and quince, causing significant economic losses worldwide.
To date, the most effective control of FB is prophylactic application of antibiotics (e.g. streptomycin) during the blooming period. But due to bacterial resistance development, application of antibiotics is prohibited in Serbia and most of the EU countries. An alternative option is use of specific bacteriophages (phages), viruses that kill target bacterium only. However, bacteriophages are biomolecules and are sensitive to a number of environmental factors, such as temperature, relative humidity, rain washing and UV radiation. Various substances can be used to protect phages and minimize the effects of these factors, but more efficient, applicable and sustainable protective formulations are still needed. The aim of this study is to screen and compare the ability of different compounds to extend persistence and promote survival of E. amylovora-specific phage.
Protective effect of riboflavin was studied on phage ФEa10 viability under artificial exposure to UV light (=254 nm) using multiwell plate test. Four concentrations of riboflavin (0.05, 0.5, 5 and 10%) were used in the experiments by mixing bacteriophage suspension and the formulant riboflavin in ratio 1:1. After treating the phages with various concentrations of riboflavin, they were exposed to UV light for 30, 60, 120 and 300s. The remainder of infective phage particles was determined by plaque assay and expressed as plaque forming units (PFU/ml) on NYA medium using E. amylovora strain KBI 52 as a host.
The inactivation of phage ФEa10 by UV radiation could be minimized by addition of riboflavin to the phage suspension. Yet, the UV-protective effects differed depending on the applied concentration and time the phages were exposed to UV source. Unformulated phages rapidly lost their vitality under UV light: two log PFU/ml reduction in 30s and total loss of phage vitality after 60s. On the other hand, formulated phages showed more resistance against UV radiation: phages formulated with 0.05% riboflavin were able to survive 120s with a three log PFU/ml reduction, but lost their vitality after 300s. Bacteriophages mixed with 0.5% riboflavin were able to survive all 300s with one log PFU/ml reduction after 30s and two log PFU/ml reduction after 300s, corresponding to only 2.09% of the initial number of PFU. Bacteriophages formulated with 5 or 10% riboflavin showed most UV-resistance in our experiment and remaining number of infective particles was similar for both riboflavin concentrations during the whole exposure time. After 30s, one log PFU/ml reduction was measured for both concentrations compared to two log PFU/ml reduction in the control group of unformulated phages. After 60s, one log PFU/ml reduction was measured for both 5 and 10% riboflavin formulations while no infective particles were detected in the control group. After 120s of exposure, the titer of formulated phages was still stable with approx. 4.9107 PFU/ml and 6.3107 PFU/ml for 5 and 10% riboflavin formulation, respectively. Finally, after 300s, 5% riboflavin formulation, preserved 40% of the initial number of PFU, while with 10% 51.9% phages remained infective.
These results demonstrate the effectiveness of riboflavin as an auxiliary formulation for E. amylovora bacteriophage against deleterious effect of UV light. Future studies will focus on evaluation of riboflavin against other environmental stress such as desiccation, temperature fluctuation and pH variations
UV tolerant bacteriophages: an efficient tool for a sustainable biocontrol of phytopathogenic bacteria
No full textBacterial pathogens responsible for plant diseases impose significant challenges on crop production, leading to substantial annual global losses. Consistent and effective disease control is often difficult to achieve, partly due to the increasing resistance and tolerance of phytopathogens against commonly used pesticides. A promising and sustainable alternative for bacterial disease management is the application of bacteriophages. Phage-based biopesticides offer numerous advantages over chemical pesticides, including environmental sustainability, adaptability, specificity, and a self-regulating nature.
However, the persistence of bacteriophages in agricultural settings is often compromised by harsh environmental conditions, particularly UV irradiation, which is a major factor in reducing the infectivity of these viruses. UV tolerance levels among bacteriophages vary considerably, with most being UV-sensitive, while some exhibit remarkable resistance.
In our research, we focused on understanding the factors that contribute to UV tolerance in bacteriophages. The bacteriophage KPhi1, which infects Xanthomonas euvesicatoria ? is known for its exceptional UV tolerance, and its complete genome sequence has been previously published. Using bioinformatics tools, we identified potential markers that could be linked to enhanced UV tolerance. A comprehensive database search revealed that several bacteriophages, including the OP2-like phages of Xanthomonas oryzae pv. oryzae (Xoo), share these markers.
Previously, we had isolated and characterized 10 different OP2-like bacteriophages from Vietnamese and Philippines samples. Through whole-genome sequencing using the Illumina MiSeq platform, we found that these bacteriophages also exhibited the traits associated with UV tolerance. We then tested their UV resistance using a novel, standardized, and reproducible method and confirmed that these phages showed a significantly higher level of UV tolerance compared to others.
Our findings, supported by molecular data and bioinformatics analysis, allow for the prediction of UV tolerance in bacteriophages. Further exploration of the underlying factors that confer this feature will be discussed in detail during our presentation. These results have the potential to enhance our understanding of how UV tolerance in bacteriophages can be leveraged for more effective and sustainable disease management in agriculture
Identification and characterization of Penicillium and Talaromyces species from stored fruits and vegetables in Serbia
No full textVoće i povrće predstavlja značajan deo poljoprivrednih proizvoda, i njihovo konzumiranje je deo izbalansirane ljudske ishrane, jer su plodovi bogati vodom, ugljenim hidratima, vlaknima i mikronutrijentima. Gljive iz rodova Penicillium i Talaromyces predstavljaju neke od najznačajnijih skladišnih patogena plodova voća i povrća. Cilj ovog istraživanja bio je izolacija, identifikacija i karakterizacija vrsta iz navedenih rodova sa uskladištenih plodova voća i povrća u našoj zemlji. Primenjen je polifazni pristup, kombinacija tradicionalnih mikrobioloških, molekularnih, filogenetskih i fitopatoloških metoda. Sa 14 biljnih domaćina (plodovi jabuka, krušaka, dunja, nektarina, limuna, mandarina, pomorandže, grejpfruta, kivija, paradajza, lukovica belog i crnog luka, korena šargarepe i krtola krompira) dobijeno je 173 izolata Penicillium i Talaromyces spp. Identifikovano je 9 vrsta gljiva: Penicillium allii, P. crustosum, P. digitatum, P. expansum, P. italicum, P. olsonii, P. polonicum, Talaromyces minioluteus, T. rugulosus. Sve navedene vrste su potvrđene kao fitopatogeni na izvornim domaćinima, osim izolata sa krtola krompira. Rezultati ovog rada su prve detekcije u svetu sledećih vrsta gljiva kao skladišnih fitopatogena: T. minioluteus na plodovima kruške, dunje, paradajza, pomorandže i lukovica crnog luka; T. rugulosus na plodovima kruške i limuna; P. italicum na lukovicama belog luka. Nalaz P. olsonii kao patogena ploda paradajza je prvi za područje čitave Evrope. U prve fitopatogene nalaze u Srbiji spadaju i: P. expansum na plodovima nektarine, grejpfruta, kivija, limuna, paradajza, pomorandže, kruške i korenu šargarepe; P. allii na lukovicama belog i crnog luka; P. digitatum na plodovima limuna; P. polonicum na lukovicama belog luka i plodovima limuna i paradajza.Fruits and vegetables are a significant part of agricultural products, and their consumption is a part of a balanced human diet, considering that they are rich in water, carbohydrates, fiber, and micronutrients. Fungi from the genera Penicillium and Talaromyces are some of the most significant postharvest pathogens of fruits and vegetables. The aim of this research was to isolate, identify, and characterize species from the mentioned genera found on stored fruits and vegetables in our country. A polyphasic approach was applied, combining conventional microbiological, molecular, phylogenetic, and phytopathological methods. One hundred and seventy three isolates of Penicillium and Talaromyces spp. were obtained from 14 plant hosts (apples, pears, quinces, nectarines, lemons, mandarins, oranges, grapefruits, kiwis, tomatoes, bulbs of onion and garlic, carrot roots, and potato tubers). A total of 9 fungal species were identified: Penicillium allii, P. crustosum, P. digitatum, P. expansum, P. italicum, P. olsonii, P. polonicum, Talaromyces minioluteus, T. rugulosus. These species were confirmed as phytopathogens on their originating hosts, except the isolates from potato tubers. The results of this study represent the first detections in the world as postharvest pathogens: T. minioluteus on pear, quince, tomato, orange, and onion bulbs; T. rugulosus on pear and lemon fruits; P. italicum on garlic bulbs. The finding of P. olsonii as a tomato fruit pathogen is the first for the entire Europe. First findings as phytopathogens in Serbia also includes: P. expansum on nectarine, grapefruit, kiwi, lemon, tomato, orange, pear fruits, and carrot roots; P. allii on onion and garlic bulbs; P. digitatum on lemon fruits; P. polonicum on garlic bulbs, and lemon and tomato fruits
OCCURRENCE OF ROOT-KNOT NEMATODES IN THE GREENHOUSES IN SERBIA
No full textThe objective of this study was to determine the incidence of Me/oidogyne spp. commonly known as root-knot nematodes (RKN) in greenhouses in Serbia in the frame of the official survey on the occurrence of quarantine RKN species in protected areas and in the field, which is financially supported by the Serbian Plant Protection Directorate of the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Water Management (MAFWM) during 2021-2023. Two hundred and forty-one (241) samples of plant material and soil were taken from vegetables and ornamental plants by 27 agricultural advisory services in 2S districts of the Republic of Serbia as part of this survey. One hundred and twenty-seven (127) of these samples came from greenhouses, while 114 samples came from fields. In the samples from the greenhouses, Meloidogyne spp. were detected in SO samples (39,37%) from 1 1 districts. RKN species were identifiedby morphological analysis of perinea! patterns and molecular characterization using species-specific primers. Of the SO populations analyzed, Meloidogyne incognita (38) was the most abundant species, followed by M. hap/a (S), M. luci (S) and M. arenaria (1) and a mixed population of M. incognita with M. hap/a. Meloidogyne luci, which is on the A2 quarantine list of the European Plant Protection Organization (EPPO) as of 2023, was reported for the first time in 2 districts (West Backa and Jablanica) in Serbia during survey in 2021. The highest incidence of Me/oidogyne spp. was found in the northern (South Banat, West Backa and Srem) and southern districts (Jablanica and Nisava) on peppers, tomatoes and cucumbers which are most commonly grown vegetables in greenhouses in these regions. This report on the occurrence and distribution of RKN in greenhouses in Serbia contributes to updating information on the status of these pests in Europe and to developing and implementing effective management practices to control RKNs
An update on the identity of Longitarsus (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae) species introduced or relocated in Canada for the biological control of tansy ragwort (Asteraceae)
No full textStarting in the 1960s, the flea beetle Longitarsus jacobaeae (Waterhouse) (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae) has
been imported and relocated to North America for the control of the weed tansy ragwort, Jacobaea vulgaris
(Asteraceae). Some Longitarsus species are morphologically almost indistinguishable, leading to questions
regarding the taxonomic identity of the beetles released. Here, we present the results of a molecular study
that addresses these questions and updates a list of the releases of Longitarsus within Canada. Our findings
confirm the suspected release of the cryptic species L. flavicornis concurrent with releases of L. jacobaeae at
sites in British Columbia, Canada, in the 1970s. However, we find no evidence for the continued presence
of L. flavicornis at historical release sites in British Columbia nor in Nova Scotia, Canada, where it might
potentially have been redistributed. We confirm the presence of L. gracilis Kutschera in Nova Scotia and
British Columbia, the latter population likely established from a 2005 release of Longitarsus from Nova
Scotia. To our knowledge, this study provides the first published confirmation of L. gracilis in Canada.
Finally, we provide evidence that what were recognised in earlier work as three separate taxa (L. succineus
(Foudras), L. near noricus, and Longitarsus sp.) are likely all L. succineus
Predicting competition of Ambrosia trifida against Ambrosia artemisiifolia: is there potential for a bigger troublemaker weed?
No full textAmbrosia trifida and A. aretmisiifolia are noxious weed species that cause great damage to
crop production. Knowledge of the behaviour of this species in different environments with
more precise answers to competition of this species in different conditions are valuable tools
for more precise management. Using a replacement design model this study aimed to
determine the effect of the interaction between ragweed species in density ratios (%) of 100:0;
80:20; 40:60; 60:40; 20:80 and 0:100 in field conditions. A. trifida produces less biomass at
high densities, while A. aretmisiifolia produces its highest biomass in monoculture. At close
to even mixtures, the total biomass of both ragweed was the lowest, indicating that
interspecific competition decreases the biomass of both species. We found the highest
biomass of other weed species in these mixtures, so such mixtures may least damage crop
yield. Despite its larger canopy, A. trifida is not predicted to become a more serious threat to
crops than A. artemisiifolia, as it suffers from intraspecific competition at high density in
monoculture and interspecific competition with A. aretmisiifolia. This research suggests that
the introduction of dense cover crops could control the occurrence of ragweed, which some
further research should confirm
TRENDOVI PROMENA TRŽIŠNIH CENA MESA I PROIZVODA OD MESA: ISPITIVANJE CENE KOŠTANJA ENERGETSKE VREDNOSTI PROIZVODA OD MESA
Get PDFThis study provides an overview of food prices in the Republic of Serbia from 2016 to 2023 amidst the challenges faced by the meat processing industry. Household spending trends reveal a notable shift, marking an increase since 2016. The study explores meat products' affordability and nutrient density, challenging conventional assumptions. Mortadella emerges as the most nutrient-dense despite its lower calorie content due to high protein content, while pâté commands a higher market price despite its lower nutrient quality
UTICAJ ĐUBRIVA NA SADRŽAJ TEŠKIH METALA U POLJOPRIVREDNOM ZEMLJIŠTU
Get PDFThe use of fertilizers is an integral part of agricultural production nowadays, as it has beneficial effects
on the yield of agricultural products and the functioning of the agricultural sector. Nevertheless, their unregulated
use can lead to serious harmful effects on the environment and human health. The aim of this research is to
measure the residual amounts of selected elements in agricultural soils, aggregated due to the use of fertilizers
during the vegetation season and to predict the potential for contamination of agricultural soils. The applied dose
of fertilizers has resulted in the accumulation of heavy metals in the soil, but their quantities were within the
allowed threshold values.Primena đubriva je u današnje vreme sastavni deo proizvodnje jer unapređuje poljoprivredni sektor
i prinos gajenih biljaka. Međutim, njihova nekontrolisana primena može dovesti do ozbiljnih štetnih efekata na
životnu sredinu i zdravlje ljudi. Cilj ovog istraživanja je bio da se izmere zaostale količine pojedinih elemenata
u zemljištu usled primene đubriva tokom vegetacije useva i da se na osnovu toga predvidi mogućnost
zagađenja poljoprivrednog zemljišta. Primenjena doza đubriva je uticala na akumulaciju metala u zemljištu i
njihov sadržaj je bio u graničnim vrednostima