A myosin from a higher plant has structural similarities to class V myosins

In plant cells, myosin is believed to be the molecular motor responsible for actin-based motility processes such as cytoplasmic streaming and directed vesicle transport. In an effort to characterize plant myosin, a cDNA encoding a myosin heavy chain was isolated from Arabidopsis thaliana. The predicted product of the MYA1 gene is 173 kDa and is structurally similar to the class V myosins. It is composed of the highly-conserved NH2-terminal "head" domain, a putative calmodulin-binding "neck" domain an alpha-helical coiled-coil domain, and a COOH-terminal domain. Northern blot analysis shows that the Arabidopsis MYA1 gene is expressed in all the major plant tissues (flower, leaf, root, and stem). We suggest that the MYA1 myosin may be involved in a general intracellular transport process in plant cells.

Modelling cell separation during plant organ abscission

A simple mathematical model is presented to describe the cell separation process that plants undertake in order to deliberately shed organs. The focus here is on modelling the production of the enzyme polygalacturonase, which breaks down pectin that provides natural cell-to-cell adhesion in the localised abscission zone. A coupled system of three ordinary differential equations is given for a single cell, and then extended to hold for a layer of cells in the abscission zone. Simple observations are made based on the results of this preliminary model and, furthermore, a number of opportunities for applied mathematicians to make contributions in this subject area are discussed.

Broad Bean Stain Virus: Identification, Detectability with ELISA in Faba Bean Leaves and Seeds, Occurrence in West Asia and North Africa and Possible Wild Hosts

Abstract During a survey of faba bean viruses in West Asia and North Africa a virus was identified as broad bean stain virus (BBSV) based on host reactions, electron microscopy, physical properties and serology. An antiserum to a Syrian isolate was prepared. With this antiserum both the direct double antibody sandwich ELISA (DAS-ELISA) and dot-ELISA were very sensitive in detecting BBSV in leaf extracts, ground whole seeds and germi nated embryos. Sens it i vity was not reduced when the two-day procedure was replaced by a one-day procedure. us i ng ELISA the vi rus was detected in 73 out of 589 faba bean samples with virus-like symptoms collected from Egypt (4 out of 70 samples tested), Lebanon (6/44) , Morocco (017), Sudan (19/254), Syria (36/145) and Tunisia (8/69). This is the first report of BBSV infection of faba bean in Lebanon, Sudan, Syria and Tunisia. speci es i ndi genous to Syri a were Fourteen wild legume susceptible to BBSV infection, with only two producing obvious symptoms. The virus was found to be seed transmitted ~n Vicia palaestina.

Sensitivity of Dot-ELISA on Nitrocellulose Membranes in Comparison with ELISA on Polystyrene Plates for the Detection of Four Plant Viruses

ABSTR.4CT Senitivity of dot-immunobindinding ELf SA on nitrocellulose membrane (DotELISA)was compared with double-antibody sandwich ELISA (DAS-ELlSA) on polystyrene plates for the detection of bean yellow mosaic virus (BYMV), broad bean stain virus (WMV-2). Dot-ELISA was 2 and 1O times more sensitive than DAS-ELISA for the detection of BBSV and WMV-2, respectively, whereas DAS-ELISA was more sensitive than Dot-ELiSA for {he detection of BYMV. Both techniques were equally sensitive for the detection of BYDV. Using one day instead uf the two-day procedure, the four viruses were still detectable and the ralative sensitivity of both techniques remained the same.

Detection of dsRNA from Cleistothecia and Conidia of the Grape Powdery Mildew Pathogen, Uncinula Necator

Double-stranded RNA species ranging in molecular weight from 0.95 to 6.3 × 106 were detected in grapevines in New York. We recently showed that two of the species (Mr = 5.3 and 4.4 × 106) are associated with rupestris stem pitting disease. In this report, we show that the other eight detectable dsRNA species are associated with the powdery mildew fungus, Uncinula necator. These dsRNAs associated with the powdery mildew fungus were previously detected in leaves and epidermal stem tissue of grapevines infected with powdery mildew. The same dsRNA species were also detected from extracts of isolated cleistothecia and conidia of U. necator devoid of plant tissue. Isometric and rigid rodlike particles were observed in single cleistothecia preparations when examined under transmission electron microscopy.

Detection of dsRNA in Grapevines Showing Symptoms of Rupestris Stem Pitting Disease and the Variabilities Encountered

Rupestris stem pitting (rSP), a graft-transmissible grapevine disease, can be identified only by its reaction (pitted wood) on inoculated Vitis rupestris ‘St. George.’ DsRNA was extracted from grapevines from California and Canada that indexed positive for rSP on St. George. Two distinct dsRNA species (B and C) (Mr = 5.3 × 106 and 4.4 × 106, respectively) were detected from the stem tissue of rSP-positive samples. Although similar dsRNA species (B and C) were detected in extracts of grapevines from New York, the association of dsRNA B and C with rSP in New York samples was not consistent. Also, eight different dsRNAs, known to be associated with the powdery mildew fungus, Uncinula necator, were detected in leaves of New York samples. In New York, the dsRNAs were not observed in leaves or stem samples collected from June through late August during the 1988 and 1989 growing seasons, suggesting that dsRNA detection in the grape tissue is variable throughout the season. We suggest that dsRNA species B and C are associated with rSP disease. The inconsistent results with New York samples are discussed.

Differentiation of Rice Tungro Bacilliform Virus Strains by Restriction Analysis and DNA Hybridization

Rice tungro bacilliform virus (RTBV) is one of the two viruses that cause tungro disease. Four RTBV strains maintained in the greenhouse for 4 years, G1, G2, Ic, and L, were differentiated by restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP) analysis of the native viral DNA. Although strains G1 and Ic had identical restriction patterns when cleaved with Pst1, BamHI, EcoRI, and EcoRV, they can be differentiated from strains G2 and L by EcoRI and EcoRV digestion. These same endonucleases also differentiate strain G2 from strain L. When total DNA extracts from infected plants were used instead of viral DNA, and digested with EcoRV, identical restriction patterns for each strain (G2 and L) were obtained from roots, leaves, and leaf sheaths of infected plants. The restriction patterns were consistent from plant to plant, in different varieties, and at different times after inoculation. This technique can be used to differentiate RTBV strains and determine the variability of a large number of field samples.

Hierarchical Bayesian models for estimating the extent of plant pest invasions

Plant biosecurity requires statistical tools to interpret field surveillance data in order to manage pest incursions that threaten crop production and trade. Ultimately, management decisions need to be based on the probability that an area is infested or free of a pest. Current informal approaches to delimiting pest extent rely upon expert ecological interpretation of presence / absence data over space and time. Hierarchical Bayesian models provide a cohesive statistical framework that can formally integrate the available information on both pest ecology and data. The overarching method involves constructing an observation model for the surveillance data, conditional on the hidden extent of the pest and uncertain detection sensitivity. The extent of the pest is then modelled as a dynamic invasion process that includes uncertainty in ecological parameters. Modelling approaches to assimilate this information are explored through case studies on spiralling whitefly, Aleurodicus dispersus and red banded mango caterpillar, Deanolis sublimbalis. Markov chain Monte Carlo simulation is used to estimate the probable extent of pests, given the observation and process model conditioned by surveillance data. Statistical methods, based on time-to-event models, are developed to apply hierarchical Bayesian models to early detection programs and to demonstrate area freedom from pests. The value of early detection surveillance programs is demonstrated through an application to interpret surveillance data for exotic plant pests with uncertain spread rates. The model suggests that typical early detection programs provide a moderate reduction in the probability of an area being infested but a dramatic reduction in the expected area of incursions at a given time. Estimates of spiralling whitefly extent are examined at local, district and state-wide scales. The local model estimates the rate of natural spread and the influence of host architecture, host suitability and inspector efficiency. These parameter estimates can support the development of robust surveillance programs. Hierarchical Bayesian models for the human-mediated spread of spiralling whitefly are developed for the colonisation of discrete cells connected by a modified gravity model. By estimating dispersal parameters, the model can be used to predict the extent of the pest over time. An extended model predicts the climate restricted distribution of the pest in Queensland. These novel human-mediated movement models are well suited to demonstrating area freedom at coarse spatio-temporal scales. At finer scales, and in the presence of ecological complexity, exploratory models are developed to investigate the capacity for surveillance information to estimate the extent of red banded mango caterpillar. It is apparent that excessive uncertainty about observation and ecological parameters can impose limits on inference at the scales required for effective management of response programs. The thesis contributes novel statistical approaches to estimating the extent of pests and develops applications to assist decision-making across a range of plant biosecurity surveillance activities. Hierarchical Bayesian modelling is demonstrated as both a useful analytical tool for estimating pest extent and a natural investigative paradigm for developing and focussing biosecurity programs.

Factors affecting somatic embryogenesis and transformation in modern plant breeding

Somatic embryogenesis and transformation systems are indispensable modern plant breeding components since they provide an alternative platform to develop control strategies against the plethora of pests and diseases affecting many agronomic crops. This review discusses some of the factors affecting somatic embryogenesis and transformation, highlights the advantages and limitations of these systems and explores these systems as breeding tools for the development of crops with improved agronomic traits. The regeneration of non-chimeric transgenic crops through somatic embryogenesis with introduced disease and pest-resistant genes for instance, would be of significant benefit to growers worldwide.