Bensingtonia thailandica sp. nov., a novel basidiomycetous yeast species isolated from plant leaves in Thailand.

Ten strains which were characterized by the formation of ballistoconidia, the absence of xylose in whole-cell hydrolysates, the presence of Q-9 as the major ubiquinone isoprenologue, the inability to ferment sugars and positive diazonium blue B and urease reactions were isolated from plant samples collected in Thailand. These isolates were closely related to Bensingtonia phyllada based on the analysis of 18S rDNA sequences. On the basis of the morphological, physiological and chemotaxonomic properties, the 10 isolates were assigned to the genus Bensingtonia. DNA complementarity showed that these isolates were genetically distinct from known species of the genus Bensingtonia. The isolates are described as Bensingtonia thailandica sp. nov. The type strain is strain TY-138T (= JCM 10651T).

Pseudomonas (Burkholderia) pseudomallei in Thailand, 1964-1967: geographic distribution of the organism, attempts to identify cases of active infection, and presence of antibody in representative sera.

The purpose of this study, initiated in 1964 and concluded in 1967, was to define the distribution of Pseudomonas (now Burkholderia) pseudomallei in Thailand, to evaluate its importance as an etiologic agent, and to survey the presence of antibody in people that might indicate prior infection and/or contact with the microorganism.

Current biotechnological developments in Thailand.

Thailand is very much aware of the potential and the opportunities in biotechnology and has given the utmost effort into the development of biotechnology. In 1983, the government has set up the National Center for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology (NCGEB). The center operates through a network of research institutes and laboratories in order to maximize and consolidate the limited resources of the country. The center also plays a key role in formulating policies and plans relating to biotechnology as well as in supporting and coordinating biotechnology research and development. A sum of U.S. $8.6 million has been allocated for an initial 5-year program for R D & E activities. The priority consideration is on utilizing various levels of biotechnology for improvement in agriculture, industrial productivity, health, and environment. To facilitate and strengthen the link between research institutions and the private sector, the high-level Science and Technology Development Board (STDB) was established in 1986, with an initial allocation of U.S. $2.9 million between 1986 to 1992 for biotechnology. At present, there are between 400 to 500 scientists and technologists with M.S. or higher degrees actively working in research and development (R & D) in biotechnology and engineering, mostly in universities and government research laboratories. It is expected that approximately 500 graduates with advanced degrees in biotechnology and related fields will be produced during the 5-year plan (1987 to 1991).

Patterns of action of glucoamylase isozymes from Aspergillus species on glycogen.

Glucoamylase isozymes from black Aspergillus species have been freed of all traces of alpha-amylase by chromatography on Bio-Gel P-100, as evidenced by limited hydrolysis of oxidized amylose. Glucoamylase I retains its ability to hydrolyze rabbit-liver glycogen rapidly. By contrast, glucoamylase II hydrolyzes glycogen slowly, and addition of alpha-amylase to glucoamylase II does not enhance its activity toward glycogen. These results indicate that alpha-amylase is not involved in hydrolysis of glycogen by glucoamylase.