Efficacy of Purpureocillium lilacinum AUMC 10149 as biocontrol agent against root-knot nematode Meloidogyne incognita infecting tomato plant / Eficácia de Purpureocillium lilacinum AUMC 10149 como agente de biocontrole contra o nematoide Meloidogyne incógnita que infecta plantas de tomate

Abstract Root-knot nematode Meloidogyne incognita is among the biotic factors which has greatly affected both the yield and the quality of the tomato crop. The egg parasitic nematode, Purpureocillium lilacinum (Pl) is considered as one of the most promising agents in controlling and overcoming this plant pathogen. The nematicidal effect of the native isolate Pl AUMC 10149 on second stage juvenile's survival and egg hatching of M. incognita at different times of exposure was tested in vitro. The obtained data showed that Pl gave a maximum percentage of J2 mortality (97.6%) and egg hatching inhibition (79.8%) after 72 hours of exposure. The potentiality of Pl as well as Bio-Nematon to control M. incognita infecting tomato was conducted using different times of application in vivo. Nine treatments with five replicates were used for such bioagents compared with the nematicide Oxamyl. Each seedling was inoculated with 1000 J2s of nematode/pot and 10 mL of Pl (1x1010 CFU/mL) or Bio-Nematon spore suspension (1x108 CFU/mL) 10mL/pot. The results indicated that the most effective treatments in reducing nematode population, number of galls and egg masses of M. incognita in plant roots was performed with treatment by Pl pre-planting and post-infection with Pl (Rf 1.9) giving a significant enhancement in plant length (64.9%), fresh weight (72.52%) and shoot dry weight (163.41%) without negatively impacting environment. Therefore, the present study confirmed that using P. lilacinum AUMC 10149 can be used as a practical supplement to environmentally friendly disease management of root-knot nematodes in Egypt.

Resumo O nematoide-das-galhas Meloidogyne incognita está entre os fatores bióticos que afetaram enormemente a produção e a qualidade da cultura do tomate. O nematoide parasita de ovos, Purpureocillium lilacinum (Pl), é considerado um dos mais promissores agentes no controle e superação desse fitopatógeno. O efeito nematicida do isolado nativo Pl AUMC 10149 na sobrevivência de juvenis de segundo estágio e na eclosão dos ovos de M. incognita em diferentes momentos de exposição foi testado in vitro. Os dados obtidos mostraram que o Pl deu um percentual máximo de mortalidade de J2 (97.6%) e inibição da eclosão dos ovos (79.8%) após 72 horas de exposição. A potencialidade de Pl e de Bio-Nematon para controlar M. incognita infectando tomate foi conduzida em diferentes tempos de aplicação in vivo. Nove tratamentos com cinco repetições foram usados ​​para tais bioagentes em comparação com o nematicida Oxamyl. Cada muda foi inoculada com 1.000 J2s de nematoide / vaso e 10 mL de Pl (1×1010 CFU/mL). Ou suspensão de esporos Bio-Nematon (1×108 CFU/mL) 10mL/pot. Os resultados indicaram que os tratamentos mais eficazes na redução da população de nematoides, número de galhas e desovas de M. incognita nas raízes das plantas foram realizados com Pl pré-plantio e pós-infecção com Pl (Rf 1.9), dando um aumento significativo no comprimento da planta (64.9%), massa fresca (72.52%) e massa seca da parte aérea (163.41%) sem impactar negativamente o meio ambiente. Portanto, o presente estudo confirmou que o uso de P. lilacinum AUMC 10149 pode ser usado como um suplemento prático para o manejo ecologicamente correto de nematoides-das-galhas no Egito.

Behavior of alfa-tomatine and tomatidine against several genera of trypanosomatids from insects and plants and Trypanosoma cruzi / Comportamento de alfa-tomatina e tomatidina contra vários gêneros de tripanossomatídeos de insetos e plantas e Trypanosoma cruzi

Glycoalkaloids are important secondary metabolites accumulated by plants as protection against pathogens. One of them, α-tomatine, is found in high concentrations in green tomato fruits, while in the ripe fruits, its aglycone form, tomatidine, does not present a protective effect, and it is usual to find parasites of tomatoes like Phytomonas serpens in these ripe fruits. To investigate the sensitivity of trypanosomatids to the action of α-tomatine, we used logarithmic growth phase culture of 20 trypanosomatids from insects and plants and Trypanosoma cruzi. The lethal dose 50% (LD50) was determined by mixing 107 cells of the different isolates with α-tomatine at concentrations ranging from 10-3 to 10-8 M for 30 min at room temperature. The same tests performed with the tomatidine as a control showed no detectable toxicity against the same trypanosomatid cultures. The tests involved determination of the percentage (%) survival of the protozoan cultures in a Neubauer chamber using optical microscopy. The LD50 values varied from 10-4 to 10-6 M α-tomatine. Slight differences were detected among the LD50 values of the analyzed samples, and none of them showed evidence of resistance to the action of tomatinase, as shown by some pathogenic fungi.

Os glicoalcaloides são metabólitos secundários importantes produzidos pelas plantas e estão envolvidos em sua proteção contra agentes patogênicos. Um deles, α-tomatina, é encontrado em altas concentrações em frutos de tomate verde, enquanto que, nos frutos maduros, sua forma aglicona, tomatidina, não apresenta um efeito protetor, sendo comum encontrar parasitas de tomates como Phytomonas serpens nesses frutos maduros. Para investigar a sensibilidade dos tripanossomatídeos à ação da α-tomatina, utilizamos formas de cultura em fase logarítmica de 20 tripanossomatídeos de plantas e insetos e Trypanosoma cruzi. A dose letal 50% (DL50) foi determinada, misturando 107 células das formas de cultura com concentrações de 10-3 a 10-8 M de α-tomatina durante trinta minutos a temperatura ambiente. Testes realizados com a tomatidina como controle não mostraram toxicidade detectável contra os mesmos tripanossomatídeos. Os testes foram avaliados pela porcentagem (%) de sobrevivência das formas de cultura dos protozoários observados por microscopia óptica em câmara de Neubauer. Os resultados da determinação de DL50 mostraram que esta variou entre 10-4 a 10-6 M de α-tomatina. Pequenas diferenças foram observadas entre os valores de DL50 das amostras analisadas, e nenhuma delas mostrou evidência de resistência pela ação da tomatinidase, como demonstrado em alguns fungos patogênicos.

Neochrysocharis formosa (Westwood) (Hymenoptera: Eulophidae), a newly recorded parasitoid of the tomato moth, Tuta absoluta (Meyrick) (Lepidoptera: Gelechiidae), in Argentina

We report the first record of Neochrysocharis formosa (Westwood) parasitizing larvae of the tomato moth, Tuta absoluta (Meyrick), in tomato crops in Northern Buenos Aires Province, Argentina. Tomato moth larvae were sampled during four consecutive growing cycles, between 2003 and 2005, in 10 sites. Neochrysocharis formosa was present only in organic outdoor and protected crops, and predominantly during the late season. Parasitism rates varied from 1.5 percent to 5 percent. The finding of this species is a new record for Argentina and South America, and T. absoluta is a new host record.

Seleção de isolados de fungos entomopatogênicos para o controle de Tuta absoluta (Meyrick) (Lepidoptera: Gelechiidae) e sua compatibilidade com alguns inseticidas usados na cultura do tomateiro / Selection of isolates of entomopathogenic fungi for controlling Tuta absoluta (Meyrick) (Lepidoptera: Gelechiidae) and their compatibility with insecticides used in tomato crop

The activity of Metarhizium anisopliae and Beauveria bassiana towards eggs and larvae of Tuta absoluta (Meyrick) was evaluated. Our data showed that the isolates were pathogenic to both developmental stages tested and the eggs were more susceptible than the 1st instars. The isolates URPE-6 and URPE-19 of M. anisopliae were more pathogenic to eggs and larvae, respectively. The compatibility of these two isolates with the insecticides chlorfenapyr, spinosad, indoxacarb, abamectin, and neem were evaluated. Spinosad and indoxacarb were compatible with the two M. anisopliae isolates in all tested concentrations. At the average recommended concentration, chlorfenapyr was compatible to URPE-6 and abamectin to UFPE-19. The use of entomopathogenic fungi associated with compatible insecticides may be a useful alternative to control T. absoluta.

Efficiency of Phytoseiulus longipes Evans as a control agent of Tetranychus evansi Baker & Pritchard (Acari: Phytoseiidae: Tetranychidae) on screenhouse tomatoes

The spider mite Tetranychus evansi Baker & Pritchard can cause severe damage to tomato crops. The predatory mite Phytoseiulus longipes Evans was recently reported in association with T. evansi in Uruguaiana, Rio Grande do Sul State, Brazil. The objective of the present study was to evaluate the effects of P. longipes on the population of T. evansi on tomatoes under screenhouse condition. The study consisted on four experiments, in each of which 80 potted plantlets were distributed in two plots of 40 plantlets each. Two weeks later, each plantlet of both plots was infested with eight adult females of T. evansi; one week after, four adult females of P. longipes were released onto each plant of one plot. The population levels of T. evansi and the damage caused by these mites were significantly lower (P < 0.05; linear mixed-effect model) in the plots where P. longipes had been released. The results indicate the potential of this predator as a candidate for classical biological control of T. evansi by inoculative releases on tomato plants.

Influence of trichomes on attractiveness and ovipositional preference of Bemisia tabaci (Genn.) B biotype (Hemiptera: Aleyrodidae) on tomato genotypes

Brazil is one of the world's largest tomato producer, but considerable part of the production is lost due to the attack of Bemisia tabaci (Genn.) B biotype. Resistant germoplasm plants can be an important method for B. tabaci control in integrated pest management approaches. The attractiveness and ovipositional preference of B. tabaci for 17 tomato genotypes were evaluated in a free-choice test. Trials were set up in a randomized block design with ten replicates. Each replicate (one tomato plant per pot) was placed in a cage (80 x 50 x 50 cm) and infested with 1,000 adults during four days. Linear correlation tests were applied between the number of insects and eggs and number of trichomes in each tomato genotype. LA716, LA444-1 and PI134418 genotypes were the least attractive, while the 'Santa Clara' was the most attractive; PI134417 trapped the largest number of adults. LA716 genotype (4.1 eggs/leaflet and 2.1 cm²/eggs per leaflet) was the least preferred for whitefly oviposition; NAV1062, 'Fanny', LA1335, 'Santa Clara' and IAC294 were the most preferred genotypes. The glandular trichomes density was negatively correlated with whitefly's attractiveness and oviposition per leaflet and per leaf, and positively with the number of trapped insects. The non-glandular trichomes density was negatively correlated with the number of trapped insects and positively with whitefly's oviposition per cm²/leaflet andper cm²/leaf. LA716 had high antixenosis level (ovipositional nonpreference) toward B. tabaci B biotype related with type IV glandular trichome.

Resistance of tomato genotypes to the greenhouse whitefly Trialeurodes vaporariorum (West.) (Hemiptera: Aleyrodidae)

The greenhouse whitefly, Trialeurodes vaporariorum Westwood, is the most common and abundant whitefly in Argentine horticultural greenhouse crops, especially in tomato (Solanum lycopersicum). Resistance in some wild tomato relatives, such as S. peruvianum, S. habrochaites and S. pennellii to the greenhouse whitefly has been described. The Mi gene confers effective resistance against several species of insects, among them the sweet potato whitefly, Bemisia tabaci Gennadius. Resistance to T. vaporariorum was found in the prebreeding line FCN 93-6-2, derived from a cross between S. lycopersicum cultivar Uco Plata INTA (MiMi) and the wild line FCN 3-5 S. habrochaites. The purpose of this study was to evaluate resistance to T. vaporariorum in tomato genotypes and to study the relationship between this resistance and the presence of the REX-1 marker, which is linked to the Mi gene. In a free-choice assay, the average number of adults per leaf and the number of immatures on the middle and basal plant parts were analyzed. In a no-choice assay, the oviposition rate and adult survival rate were calculated. For all variables analyzed, FCN 3-5 was the most resistant strain. Variations were found in the F2 progeny between the prebreeding line FCN 13-1-6-1 and cv. Uco Plata INTA. Results from the F2 progeny indicate that resistance to T. vaporariorum may be polygenic with transgressive segregation. Whitefly resistance was found to be independent of the REX-1 marker.

Efeito de extratos orgânicos de Meliaceae sobre Bemisia tabaci (Gennadius) biótipo B em tomateiro / Effect of organic extracts from Meliaceae on Bemisia tabaci (Gennadius) B biotype in tomato plants

Avaliou-se o efeito de extratos orgânicos de Azadirachta indica. Melia azedarach. Toona ciliata e Trichilia pallida (Rutales: Meliaceae) sobre ovos e ninfas de Bemisia tabaci (Hemiptera: Aleyrodidae) biótipo B. Folhas e ramos foram secos, moídos e submetidos à extração (Soxhlet) em diclorometano e em etanol. Visando estabelecer uma concentração adequada para os estudos subsequentes, foram utilizados ovos oriundos de 40 adultos que foram mantidos por 24h em folíolos de tomateiro em gaiolas de voil. Após 9 dias, contou-se o número de ninfas e pulverizou-se o extrato de folhas de .. pallida em diclorometano em diferentes concentrações (0,32; 0,56; 1,0; 1,8 e 3,2%), além de água e acetona (controles). A mortalidade ninfal foi avaliada após sete dias. O experimento foi conduzido em delineamento inteiramente aleatorizado, com sete tratamentos e quatro repetições. Posteriormente, extratos em diclorometano e em etanol foram pulverizados sobre ovos na concentração selecionada (0,56%), em experimentos distintos para cada solvente. Após nove dias, avaliou-se a mortalidade dos ovos e fez-se nova pulverização, avaliando-se, após sete dias, a mortalidade ninfal. Os experimentos foram conduzidos em delineamento com blocos aleatorizados (10 tratamentos e quatro repetições). Os dados foram submetidos à análise de regressão, análise de variância e comparados pelo teste de Tukey. Observou-se maior rendimento dos extratos em etanol em relação aos extratos em diclorometano. Os extratos em diclorometano de folhas e de ramos das meliáceas afetaram significativamente a sobrevivência de ovos e ninfas da mosca-branca. Os extratos em etanol afetaram a fase de ninfa, mas não apresentaram atividade ovicida.

The effect of organic extracts from Azadirachta indica. Melia azedarach. Toona ciliata and Trichilia pallida (Rutales: Meliaceae) on eggs and nymphs of Bemisia tabaci (Hemiptera: Aleyrodidae) B biotype was assessed. Leaves and branches were dried, ground and submitted to extraction (Soxhlet) with dichloromethane and ethanol. To establish an adequate concentration for the subsequent tests, eggs were used originating from 40 adults maintained for 24h on tomato leaves in voile cages. After 9 days, the number of nymphs was determined and the dichloromethane extract from T. pallida leaves was sprayed at different concentrations (0.32, 0.56, 1.0, 1.8 and 3.2%); water and acetone were also used (controls). The nymphal mortality was evaluated after 7 days. An entirely randomized design was used, with 7 treatments and 4 replications. Afterwards, dichloromethane and ethanol extracts were sprayed on eggs at the selected concentration (0.56%), in different experiments. After 9 days, the egg mortality was evaluated and a new spraying was conducted to assess the nymphal mortality after 7 days. These experiments were conducted in a randomized block designed (10 treatments and 4 replications). The data was submitted to regression analysis, analysis of variance and compared by the Tukey test. A higher yield was observed for the ethanol extracts in relation to the dichloromethane extracts. The dichloromethane extracts from leaves and branches from meliaceas significantly affected the survival of the whitefly eggs and nymphs. The ethanol extracts affected the nymphal phase, but did not present ovicidal activity.

Alternative control of Tetranychus evansi Baker & Pritchard (Acari: Tetranychidae) on tomato plants grown in greenhouses

Tetranychus evansi Baker & Pritchard is an important pest of solanaceous plants, including tomatoes. This mite is characterized by a high reproductive rate, which leads to high population growth in a short period of time causing important economic damage. Control of T. evansi is mainly through synthetic acaricides. In searching for environmentally friendly control measures, we evaluated the efficiency of alternative products to control T. evansi on tomato plants under greenhouse conditions. The products tested were lime sulphur and neem based products. We first estimated the lethal concentration (LC) and instantaneous rate of increase (r i) of T. evansi exposed to different product concentrations in laboratory conditions, and later tested the efficacy of LC95 and the concentrations that restrained mite population growth (r i = 0) in greenhouse conditions. The following treatments were repeated three times: NeemPro (81.0 and 71.6 mg a.i./l), Natuneem (31.1 and 20.4 mg ai/l), Organic Neem (39.1 and 30.4 mg a.i./l), lime sulphur (1.0 and 0.6 percent) and water (control). For all products, control provided by LC95 was higher than provided for lower concentrations (r i = 0) one day after spraying. However, after five days, for both concentrations, the percentage of T. evansi population reduction was superior to 95 percent and increased over time. Only plants sprayed with Natuneem (31.1 mg a.i./l) showed symptoms of phytotoxicity. Lime sulphur and neem based products, applied in appropriate concentrations and formulations, bear out as a viable alternative to control T. evansi on tomato plants.

Sera of Chagasic patients react with antigens from the tomato parasite Phytomonas serpens

The genus Phytomonas comprises trypanosomatids that can parasitize a broad range of plant species. These fagellates can cause diseases in some plant families with a wide geographic distribution, which can result in great economic losses. We have demonstrated previously that Phytomonas serpens 15T, a tomato trypanosomatid, shares antigens with Trypanosoma cruzi, the agent of human Chagas disease. Herein, two-dimensional gel electrophoresis (2-DE) and mass spectrometry (MS) were used to identify proteins of P. serpens 15T that are recognized by sera from patients with Chagas disease. After 2D-electrophoresis of whole-cell lysates, 31 peptides were selected and analyzed by tandem mass spectrometry. Twenty-eight polypeptides were identifed, resulting in 22 different putative proteins. The identifed proteins were classifed into 8 groups according to biological process, most of which were clustered into a cellular metabolic process category. These results generated a collection of proteins that can provide a starting point to obtain insights into antigenic cross reactivity among trypanosomatids and to explore P. serpens antigens as candidates for vaccine and immunologic diagnosis studies.

Comportamento de oviposição da mosca-branca Bemisia tabaci (Genn. ) (Hemiptera: Aleyrodidae) biótipo B em tomateiro / Oviposition behavior of the silverleaf whitefly Bemisia tabaci biotype B on tomato

Avaliou-se a influência da face foliar, do comportamento geotrópico do inseto e do tipo de tricoma foliar sobre a oviposição de Bemisia tabaci (Genn.) biótipo B em folhas de tomateiro. Para avaliação desses efeitos foram realizados vários ensaios nos quais as fêmeas foram confinadas em caixas de acrílico. Folíolos de tomateiro foram fixados no topo e na base das caixas, de tal forma a permitir o acesso dos insetos às faces adaxial e abaxial de maneira isolada e concomitante (com e sem chance de escolha). Os insetos sempre depositaram maior número de ovos quando a superfície foliar se encontrava no topo da caixa e, de maneira geral, preferiram depositar seus ovos na face abaxial dos folíolos. Para avaliar o efeito do tipo de tricoma (glandular e não-glandular) sobre a oviposição de B. tabaci, a face abaxial dos folíolos de tomateiro foi oferecida a cerca de 30 fêmeas para oviposição em cada caixa de acrílico. Foram oferecidos folíolos previamente lavados com etanol a 70 por cento (de forma a eliminar os exsudatos glandulares) e sem lavagem prévia. A maior parte da oviposição ocorreu ao lado dos tricomas não-glandulares, demonstrando que o inseto discrimina o tipo de tricoma.

The objective of this work was to evaluate the influence of the leaf surface, the insect geotropic behavior and the type of foliar trichome on Bemisia tabaci (Genn.) biotype B oviposition on tomato leaves. Bemisia tabaci females were confined in acrylic boxes in which tomato leaflets were fixed at the bottom and top part of the boxes to allow insects to access the leaf surface to be tested (adaxial and/or abaxial) in both no-choice and free choice tests. Oviposition was always higher when the leaf was offered at the top of the box and preferably at the abaxial leaf surface. The effects of leaf trichomes (glandular and non glandular) on B. tabaci oviposition was evaluated by offering the abaxial surface of tomato leaflets to females after a 70 percent ethanol wash to remove glandular exsudates against a control treatment (without a ethanol wash). Oviposition was concentrated mostly near to non glandular trichomes, showing whitefly females can discriminate among the trichomes.

Avaliação da contaminação parasitológica de vegetais orgânicos da Região Metropolitana de Curitiba-PR, Brasil / Evaluation of parasitological contamination of organic vegetables in the Metropolitan Region of Curitiba-PR, Brazil

O objetivo deste estudo foi investigar a contaminação parasitológica em alface, cenoura e tomate orgânicos provenientes da Região Metropolitana de Curitiba, Paraná. Foram analisadas 31 amostras de verduras orgânicas pelo método de sedimentação espontânea. Das amostras analisadas 25, 6 por cento apresentavam contaminação por parasitas. Os principais parasitas identificados nas amostras de alface orgânico foram: ovos de ancilostomídeos (26,7 por cento), ovos de ácaro e ácaros (26,7 por cento), cistos de Entamoeba sp e insetos (20 por cento), ovos de nematóides (13, 3 por cento) e larvas de nematóides (6,7 por cento). Nas amostras de cenoura orgânica foram identificados Entamoeba sp (25 por cento), ovos de ancilostomídeos (12,5 por cento), cistos de Entamoeba sp (12,5 por cento) e ovos de Toxocara spp (12,5 por cento). Nenhuma estrutura parasitária foi identificada nas amostras de tomate orgânico. Os resultados obtidos, ainda que preliminares, demonstram que as verduras orgânicas apresentam boa qualidade sanitária, mas devido ao fato de terem sido identificadas formas parasitárias em 8 amostras sugerem-se ações da Vigilância Sanitária que propiciem uma melhoria na qualidade higiênico sanitária destes alimentos.

Effect of two solanaceous plants on developmental and population parameters of the tomato leaf miner, Tuta absoluta (Meyrick) (Lepidoptera: Gelechiidae)

Tuta absoluta (Meyrick) is an important tomato pest that also feeds on other host-plants from the Solanceae family. We studied the effect of two cultivated plants, tomato (Lycopersicum esculentum Mill.) and potato Solanum tuberosum L. on the development and populational parameters of T. absoluta related with host-plant suitability. Larval developmental time, pupal weight, mean fecundity and an index of host-plant quality (IPQ = pupal weight / frass weight) were estimated. Age-specific survivorship and fecundity life tables were constructed in the laboratory to evaluate the following populational parameters: net reproductive rate (Ro), intrinsic rate of increase (r) and generation time (T). Larval developmental time was shorter and pupal weight was higher (P < 0.0001) for larvae reared on tomato (P < 0.0001). Mean fecundity was not significantly different on both plants (P = 0.07) and food quality of host-plant was higher for tomato (P = 0.02). Mean population parameters on tomato were: Ro = 48.92; T = 27.98, r = 0.14; and on potato: Ro = 14.43; T = 32.35, r = 0.08. Although results showed that tomato was a more suitable host-plant and had a better nutritional quality than potato, when T. absoluta fed on potato the potential population increase requires attention. Under appropriate climatic conditions, spatial and temporal coincidence between crop and pest, T. absoluta could become a pest for the potato crop.

Tuta absoluta (Meyrick) es una importante plaga del tomate que puede utilizar también otras solanáceas como plantas huéspedes. Este trabajo evaluó el efecto del tomate, Lycopersicum esculentum Mill. y la papa, Solanum tuberosum L., sobre algunos aspectos del desarrollo y parámetros poblacionales relacionados con la calidad del alimento. Se midieron: duración del estado larval, peso pupal, fecundidad y un índice de la calidad alimentaria de la planta huésped (peso pupal / peso de heces). Por medio de tablas de vida en el laboratorio se obtuvieron datos de supervivencia y fecundidad específicas por edad con los cuales se calcularon: tasa reproductiva neta (Ro), tasa intrínseca de crecimiento (r) y tiempo generacional (T). Los individuos alimentados con tomate tuvieron una menor duración del estado larval (P < 0,0001), y un mayor peso pupal (P < 0,0001) que con papa. La fecundidad promedio fue marginalmente más alta en tomate (P = 0,07) mientras que la calidad nutricional fue mayor para el tomate (P = 0,025). Los parámetros poblacionales promedio fueron: Ro = 48,92; T = 27,98, r = 0,14, en tomate; y Ro = 14,43; T = 32,35, r = 0,08 en papa. Si bien los resultados indicaron que el tomate exhibió una mayor calidad nutricional que la papa, las cohortes de T. absoluta alimentadas con este huésped secundario, mostraron un crecimiento relativamente importante. Bajo condiciones climáticas favorables y una coincidencia espacial y temporal entre la polilla y el cultivo de papa, sus poblaciones podrían convertirse en una plaga para el mismo.

Identification of excreted iron superoxide dismutase for the diagnosis of Phtytomonas

An excreted iron superoxide dismutase (FeSODe) of pI 3.6 with a molecular weight of 28-30 kDa was detected in the in vitro culture of Phytomonas isolated from Euphorbia characias (SODeCHA) and from Lycopersicon esculentum (SODeTOM), in Grace's medium without serum. These FeSODe excreted into the medium had immunogenic capacity: the positivity of the anti-SODeCHA serum persisted to a dilution of 1/30,000, and for the anti-SODeTOM to 1/10,000 by Western blot. In addition, cross reaction was detected between the anti-SODe serum of Phytomonas isolated from E. characias against SODeTOM, and the anti-SODe serum from L. esculentum with SODeCHA. This characteristic offers the possibility of its use to diagnose plant trypanosomatids. The validation of the test was confirmed by experimental inoculation of tomato fruits with Phytomonas isolated from L. esculentum. At 7, 10, 15, and 21 days post infection, it was possible to detect the presence of the parasites with the anti-SODe serum of Phytomonas isolated from L. esculentum at a dilution of 1/250. These serological results were confirmed by visualization of the parasites by optical microscopy. The data of this study confirm that the SOD is sufficient to identify a trypanosomatid isolated from plants as belonging to the genus Phytomonas.

Seleção de isolados de Paecilomyces lilacinus ( Thom. ) Samson para controle de Meloidogyne paranaensis em tomateiro / Selection of isolates of Paecilomyces lilacinus ( Thom. ) Samson to control Meloidogyne paranaensis in tomato

Paecilomyces lilacinus é uma espécie fúngica utilizada no controle biológico de nematóides, sendo uma das mais estudadas a campo. O trabalho teve como objetivo selecionar isolados de Paecilomyces lilacinus quanto à capacidade de controlar Meloidogyne paranaensis em tomateiro cv. "Santa Clara", em de casa-de-vegetação. Plantas cultivadas em vasos foram inoculadas com M. paranaensis. Após 45 dias da inoculação, efetuou-se a substituição dos tomateiros e foram aplicados 50 gramas de arroz autoclavado e colonizado por P. lilacinus. Decorridos 45 dias da inoculação do fungo, foram avaliados: número de galhas, massa de ovos, número de ovos por sistema radicular, peso da massa fresca da parte aérea, do sistema radicular e sobrevivência do P. lilacinus no solo. Todos os tratamentos com incorporação de P. lilacinus reduziram a população de M. paranaensis em raízes de tomateiro. Os isolados UEL pae 05, 08, 09, 13, 20, 21, 38, 41, 44, 54, ESALQ 831 e 832 foram os melhores no controle de M. paranaensis, afetando a reprodução dos nematóides e apresentando elevada sobrevivência no solo.

Efeito translaminar, sistêmico e de contato de extrato aquoso de sementes de nim sobre Bemisia tabaci (Genn) biótipo B em tomateiro / Translaminar, sistemic and topical effect of aqueous extract of neem seed on Bemisia tabaci (Genn) biotype B on tomato plants

A mosca-branca é considerada uma das principais pragas do tomateiro. Em razão da dificuldade de ser controlada com inseticidas sintéticos, têm-se buscado métodos alternativos de controle. Nesse trabalho, avaliou-se o efeito inseticida translaminar, sistêmico e de contato de extrato aquoso de sementes de nim, Azadiracta indica A. Juss, sobre ninfas de Bemisia tabaci (Genn.) biótipo B em tomateiro. Em todos os experimentos, utilizou-se água como testemunha. Para avaliar a ação translaminar, o extrato foi aplicado nas concentrações de 0,5; 1 e 5 por cento na face adaxial de folhas infestadas com ninfas com sete dias de idade. Na avaliação da ação sistêmica, 50 ml do extrato, nas concentrações de 1; 5 e 10 por cento, foram aplicados no solo de vasos com plantas infestadas com ninfas aos sete dias de idade. Como a mortalidade foi de 100 por cento, mesmo na menor concentração, o experimento foi repetido mais duas vezes usando-se as concentrações de 0,5; 1 e 5 por cento e 30 ml e 20 ml de extrato por vaso. A ação de contato foi avaliada aplicando-se 0,2 µl do extrato aquoso nas concentrações de 0,5; 1 e 5 por cento sobre ninfas de terceiro ínstar. O experimento foi repetido com o extrato nas concentrações de 0,1; 0,3 e 0,5 por cento. Conclui-se que o extrato aquoso de sementes de nim apresenta ação translaminar, sistêmica e de contato sobre a mosca-branca.

The whitefly is one of the most important tomato pests. Considering the difficulty for its control with synthetic insecticides, alternative methods have been studied. The objective of this study was to determine the insecticidal action (translaminar, sistemic and topical) of aqueous extract from neem seeds, Azadiracta indica A. Juss, on nymphs of silverleaf whitefly in tomato plants. Water was used as control in all experiments. To evaluate the translaminar action, the extract was applied at the concentrations of 0.5, 1 and 5 percent on the adaxial side of leaves infested with 7-day old nymphs. The sistemic action was evaluated applying 50 ml of extract, at the concentrations of 1, 5 and 10 percent, on soil of pots containing plants infested with nymphs (7 days old). As the mortality was 100 percent even in small concentration, this experiment was repeated twice with concentrations of 0.5, 1 and 5 percent with 30 and 20 ml of extract per pot. The topical effect was evaluated applying 0.2 µl of aqueous extract at the concentrations of 0.5, 1 and 5 percent on nymphs of third instar. This experiment was repeated with the concentrations of 0.1, 0.3 and 0.5 percent. The aqueous extract of neem showed insecticidal action by translaminar, sistemic and topical via on silverleaf whitefly.

Inheritance of acylsugar contents in tomatoes derived from an interspecific cross with the wild tomato Lycopersicon pennellii and their effect on spider mite repellence

Acylsugars present in Lycopersicon pennellii are responsible for the high levels of pest resistance often found in this wild tomato taxon. We investigated the inheritance of acylsugar contents in segregating populations of the interspecific tomato cross L. esculentum x L. pennellii and estimated correlations between leaflet acylsugar contents and the levels of mite repellence. Acylsugar contents were quantified with the Sommogy-Nelson colorimetric method in the acessions L. esculentum 'TOM-584' (P(1), low acylsugars), L. pennellii 'LA-716' (P(2), high acylsugars), in the interspecific F(1) (P(1) x P(2)) and in the F(2 )(P(1) x P(2)) generations. Mite resistance was assessed by a repellence test. Broad-sense heritability of acylsugar contents was moderately high (h(2)(b) = 0.476). Frequency distributions in the P(1), P(2), F(1) and F(2) can be explained by the action of a single major locus, with near-complete dominance of the L. esculentum allele for low-acylsugar content over the L. pennellii allele for high content. Indirect selection for high levels of acylsugars in leaflets led to correlated increases in the levels of mite repellency, indicating that acylsugars may be the main factor involved in mite resistance

Plantas hospederas de Bemisa tabaci (Homoptera: Aleyrodidae) en Cuba / Host plants of Bemisia tabaci (Homoptera: Aleyrodidae)

The sweetpotato whitefly, Bemisia tabaci, is an important pest of tomatoes and beans, among other crops, which transmits viral diseases. Since the second quarter of 1989 a significant population increase of this pest has been noted in several cultivated plants. From 1989 to 1992, a survey was done throughout the country, chiefly in vegetable and bean-producing areas. They occur in 119 species (42 families), a great increase over the previous record of four species. Worldwide, this report represents 50 species and six families which are new records