Hybridisation, paternal leakage and mitochondrial DNA linearization in three anomalous fish (Scombridae)

Using mitochondrial DNA for species identification and population studies assumes that the genome is maternally inherited, circular, located in the cytoplasm and lacks recombination. This study explores the mitochondrial genomes of three anomalous mackerel. Complete mitochondrial genome sequencing plus nuclear microsatellite genotyping of these fish identified them as Scomberomorus munroi (spotted mackerel). Unlike normal S. munroi, these three fish also contained different linear, mitochondrial genomes of Scomberomorus semifasciatus (grey mackerel). The results are best explained by hybridisation, paternal leakage and mitochondrial DNA linearization. This unusual observation may provide an explanation for mtDNA outliers in animal population studies. © 2013.

Reducing Browning of Fresh-cut ‘Maha’ Carambola with Chemical Additives and Low-oxygen Atmospheres

The greatest attraction to using carambola (Averrhoa carambola L.) in the fresh-cut market is the star shape that the fruit presents after a transverse cut. Carambola is well-suited for minimal processing, but cut surface browning is a main cause of deterioration. This problem is exacerbated as a result of mechanical injuries occurring during processing and is mainly induced by the leakage of phenolic compounds from the vacuole and subsequent oxidation by polyphenol oxidase (PPO) (Augustin et al., 1985). The use of browning inhibitors in processed fruits is restricted to compounds that are non-toxic, ‘wholesome’, and that do not adversely affect taste and flavour (Gil et al., 1998). In the past, browning was mainly controlled by the action of sulphites, but the use of this compound has declined due to allergic reactions in asthmatics (Weller et al., 1995). The shelf life of fresh-cut products may be extended by a combination of oxygen exclusion and the use of enzymatic browning inhibitors. The objectives of this work were to determine the effects of: (1) post-cutting chemical treatments of ascorbic, citric, oxalic acids, and EDTA-Ca; (2) atmospheric modification; and (3) combinations of the above, on the shelf life of carambola slices based on appearance, colour and polyphenol oxidase activity

Pronounced genetic population structure in a potentially vagile fish species (Pristipomoides multidens, Teleostei; Perciformes; Lutjanidae) from the East Indies triangle

The East Indies triangle, bordered by the Phillipines, Malay Peninsula and New Guinea, has a high level of tropical marine species biodiversity. Pristipomoides multidens is a large, long-lived, fecund snapper species that is distributed throughout the East Indies and Indo-Pacific. Samples were analysed from central and eastern Indonesia and northern Australia to test for genetic discontinuities in population structure. Fish (n = 377) were collected from the Indonesian islands of Bali, Sumbawa, Flores, West Timor, Tanimbar and Tual along with 131 fish from two northern Australian locations (Arafura and Timor Seas) from a previous study. Genetic variation in the control region of the mitochondrial genome was assayed using restriction fragment length polymorphism and direct sequencing. Haplotype diversity was high (0.67-0.82), as was intraspecific sequence divergence (range 0-5.8%). FST between pairs of populations ranged from 0 to 0.2753. Genetic subdivision was apparent on a small spatial scale; FST was 0.16 over 191 km (Bali/Sumbawa) and 0.17 over 491 km (Bali/Flores). Constraints to dispersal that contribute to, and maintain, the observed degree of genetic subdivision are experienced presumably by all life history stages of this tropical marine finfish. The constraints may include (1) little or no movement of eggs or larvae, (2) little or no home range or migratory movement of adults and (3) loss of larval cohorts due to transport of larvae away from suitable habitat by prevailing currents

Satellite evidence of harmful algal blooms and related oceanographic features in the Bohai Sea during autumn 1998

Harmful algal blooms (HABs) are truly global marine phenomena of increasing significance. Some HAB occurrences are different to observe because of their high spatial and temporal variability and their advection, once formed, by surface currents. A serious HAB occurred in the Bohai Sea during autumn 1998, causing the largest fisheries economic loss. The present study analyzes the formation, distribution, and advection of HAB using satellite SeaWiFS ocean color data and other oceanographic data. The results show that the bloom originated in the western coastal waters of the Bohai Sea in early September, and developed southeastward when sea surface temperature (SST) increased to 25-26 °C. The bloom with a high Chl-a concentration (6.5 mg m-3) in center portion covered an area of 60 × 65 km2. At the end of September, the bloom decayed when SST decreased to 22-23 °C. The HAB may have been initiated by a combination of the river discharge nutrients in the west coastal waters and the increase of SST; afterwards it may have been transported eastward by the local circulation that was enhanced by northwesterly winds in late September and early October.

Ocean dispersal modelling for propagules of pond apple (Annona glabra L.)

Pond apple invades riparian and coastal environments with water acting as the main vector for dispersal. As seeds float and can reach the ocean, a seed tracking model driven by near surface ocean currents was used to develop maps of potential seed dispersal. Seeds were ‘released’ in the model from sites near the mouths of major North Queensland rivers. Most seeds reach land within three months of release, settling predominately on windward-facing locations. During calm and monsoonal conditions, seeds were generally swept in a southerly direction, however movement turns northward during south easterly trade winds. Seeds released in February from the Johnstone River were capable of being moved anywhere from 100 km north to 150 km south depending on prevailing conditions. Although wind driven currents are the primary mechanism influencing seed dispersal, tidal currents, the East Australian Current, and other factors such as coastline orientation, release location and time also play an important role in determining dispersal patterns. In extreme events such as tropical cyclone Justin in 1997, north east coast rivers could potentially transport seed over 1300 km to the Torres Strait, Papua New Guinea and beyond.

Infection by Alternaria alternata causes discolouration of Backhousia myrtifolia foliage and flowers.

The pathogenicity of three isolates of Alternaria alternata from Backhousia myrtifolia leaves was characterised and compared. Isolate BRIP 52222 was virulent compared to isolates BRIP 52223 and BRIP 52221. A comparison of inoculation methods showed that abrasion was more effective at establishing an infection than puncture wounding. Koch's postulates were assessed to confirm the pathogenicity of A. alternata on B. myrtifolia foliage and floral tissues using a conidial suspension of the most virulent isolate. Sporulation was triggered by incubating A. alternata (BRIP 52222) at 28 degrees C for 10 d under alternating 12 h black-light/12 h dark conditions on half-strength potato dextrose agar (PDA). In contrast, incubation of A. alternata under continuous black-light on either half- or full-strength PDA did not yield conidia. Host symptoms caused by inoculation with the pathogen included a brown-black discolouration of both foliage and floral tissues. Microscopic examination of cellular structures suggested that perturbation of oil glands may contribute to the tissue discolouration in B. myrtifolia caused by A. alternata infection. Oil gland structures can be disrupted during an active A. alternata infection, causing the leakage of essential oil followed by discolouration.

A boat hitchhiker's guide to survival: Cabomba caroliniana desiccation resistance and survival ability

Cabomba caroliniana is a submersed macrophyte that has become a serious invader. Cabomba predominantly spreads by stem fragments, in particular through unintentional transport on boat trailers ('hitch hiking'). Desiccation resistance affects the potential dispersal radius. Therefore, knowledge of maximum survival times allows predicting future dispersal. Experiments were conducted to assess desiccation resistance and survival ability of cabomba fragments under various environmental scenarios. Cabomba fragments were highly tolerant of desiccation. However, even relatively low wind speeds resulted in rapid mass loss, indicating a low survival rate of fragments exposed to air currents, such as fragments transported on a boat trailer. The experiments indicated that cabomba could survive at least 3 h of overland transport if exposed to wind. However, even small clumps of cabomba could potentially survive up to 42 h. Thus, targeting the transport of clumps of macrophytes should receive high priority in management. The high resilience of cabomba to desiccation demonstrates the risk of continuing spread. Because of the high probability of fragment viability on arrival, preventing fragment uptake on boat trailers is paramount to reduce the risk of further spread. These findings will assist improving models that predict the spread of aquatic invasive macrophytes.

Continuous combined microwave and hot air treatment of apples for fruit fly (Bactrocera tryoni and B. jarvisi) disinfestation

Apples at 24 ± 2 °C were heated in a pilot scale hot air assisted (40 °C) continuous pentagonal microwave system, to evaluate the effectiveness of this treatment on insect mortality (variety Mutsu) and fruit quality (variety Granny Smith). An average temperature of 53.4 ± 1.3 °C at core, bottom and flesh of the apple was recorded at the end of the treatment. One hundred percent mortality of the most tolerant stage of Queensland fruit fly (Bactrocera tryoni, Froggatt) and Jarvis's fruit fly (Bactrocera jarvisi, Tryon), were observed when the Mortality value (M52, equivalent time of isothermal treatment at 52 °C) at the slowest heating point applicable for each experiment was ≥ 50 min and ≥ 37 min, respectively. Results showed that microwave heat treatment is effective for insect disinfestation without any adverse impact on total soluble solids, flesh or peel firmness of the treated apples. The treated apples recorded a significantly higher pH and lower ion leakage than the untreated apples after 3 or 4 weeks. Therefore, the microwave heat treatment has the potential to be developed as an alternative chemical free quarantine treatment against economically significant insect pests. Industrial relevance Hot air assisted microwave heating of fruits and vegetables, is more cost effective compared to vapour heat treatment and ionising radiation for disinfestation of insects. Microwave treatment is environmentally friendly compared to fumigation and chemical treatments. Hot air assisted microwave disinfestation can be performed at farms or centralised pack houses since the capital cost would be comparatively lower than vapour heat or ionising radiation treatments.

A boat hitchhiker’s guide to survival: Cabomba caroliniana desiccation resistance and survival ability

Cabomba caroliniana is a submersed macrophyte that has become a serious invader. Cabomba predominantly spreads by stem fragments, in particular through unintentional transport on boat trailers (‘hitch hiking’). Desiccation resistance affects the potential dispersal radius. Therefore, knowledge of maximum survival times allows predicting future dispersal. Experiments were conducted to assess desiccation resistance and survival ability of cabomba fragments under various environmental scenarios. Cabomba fragments were highly tolerant of desiccation. However, even relatively low wind speeds resulted in rapid mass loss, indicating a low survival rate of fragments exposed to air currents, such as fragments transported on a boat trailer. The experiments indicated that cabomba could survive at least 3 h of overland transport if exposed to wind. However, even small clumps of cabomba could potentially survive up to 42 h. Thus, targeting the transport of clumps of macrophytes should receive high priority in management. The high resilience of cabomba to desiccation demonstrates the risk of continuing spread. Because of the high probability of fragment viability on arrival, preventing fragment uptake on boat trailers is paramount to reduce the risk of further spread. These findings will assist improving models that predict the spread of aquatic invasive macrophytes.