Geochemistry of volcanic glass from Mahanadi offshore region,eastern continental margin of India:Constraints on the contribution of latest Toba super-eruption

The tephra layers in multiple sediment cores from the offshore region of the Mahanadi basin in the northern Bay of Bengal were investigated for possible volcanic sources. The glass shards from those tephra layers were studied for size distribution, texture, and elemental geochemistry to establish chronostratigraphic markers for regional and global Quaternary correlation. The textural features of fine-grained(silty) volcanic glasses suggest the distal source of these tephra deposits. Major element composition with elevated SiO_(2) contents ranging between75%–76% and dominance of K_(2)O(> 4.5%) over CaO(< 0.9%) suggest ashes have originated from siliceous rhyolitic melts, similar to the petrographic composition of tephra from the Toba volcano. The bulk trace element compositions of the same glass shards were comparable with those reported in the youngest Toba tephra reported elsewhere. Likewise, the LREE-dominated chondrite normalized REE profiles of tephra from the Mahanadi basin closely resemble the characteristic REE patterns in Toba ash from other parts of the Indian Ocean and thus confirmed the contribution of the youngest Toba super-eruption for this ash layers.

Petrographical and mineral chemistry evidence to delineate the source/sources of the Central Indian Ocean Basin pumices

We present data pertaining to mineral assemblages and composition of the Central Indian Ocean Basin(CIOB)pumices.Eight groups of pumices were identified considering the presence of phenocrysts of plagioclase,clinopyroxene,orthopyroxene,hornblende and biotite together with the occurrence of quartz and glass.Pigeonite,fayalite and ulvospinelare reported for the first time from these pumices.In the eight groups,the modal percentage of the constituents are phenocrysts 3%to 19%(avg 9.6%),silicic glass 33%to 54%(avg 43%)and the rest is vesicles.Based on the above factors we have identified the possible sources of the CIOB pumices.The mineral compositions of plagioclase,pyroxenes,and biotite of the CIOB pumices were compared with those of Krakatau and Toba.Most of the plagioclase and pyroxene compositions resemble the Haranggoal Dacite Tuff of Toba and Krakatau.Considering the mineral assemblages and compositions,there are pumices which do not correlate to any of the above eruptions and are probably from yet unidentified source/sources.These sources could either be from nearby terrestrial volcanoes or intraplate seamounts present in the CIOB.In a global context,it is viable that petrological characteristics could be used as initial criteria to determine the source of pumices that occur at abyssal depths in the world ocean.

Mineralogy and geochemistry of hydrothermal sulphide from a submarine volcanic high at 18°36.4'S Central Lau Spreading Center, Southwest Pacific

We report the mineralogy and geochemistry of hydrothermal sulphide from the crater of a volcanic high near 18°36.4′S of the Central Lau Spreading Center.During 1990s,that volcanic structure was reported active and sulphide samples were collected by MIR submersible.A section of a chimney-like structure from the crater-floor was studied here.The Fe-depleted sphalerites,and Co-depleted pyrites in that chimney were similar to those commonly found in low to moderate temperature(<300℃)sulphides from sediment-starved hydrothermal systems.Bulk analyses of three parts of that chimney section showed substantial enrichment of Zn(18%–20%)and Fe(14%–27%)but depletion of Cu(0.8%–1.3%).In chondrite-normalized rare earth element-patterns,the significant negative Ce-anomalies(Ce/Ce*=0.27–0.39)and weakly positive Eu-anomalies(Eu/Eu*=1.60–1.68)suggested sulphide mineralisation took place from reduced low-temperature fluid.The depleted concentration of lithophiles in this sulphide indicates restricted contribution of sub-ducting plate in genesis of source fluid as compared to those from other parts of Lau Spreading Centre.Uniform mineralogy and bulk composition of subsamples across the chimney section suggests barely any alteration of fluid composition and/or mode of mineralisation occurred during its growth.

Microtexture and Distribution of Minerals in Hydrothermal Barite-Silica Chimney from the Franklin Seamount, SW Pacific: Constraints on Mode of Formation

An extinct hydrothermal barite-silica chimney from the Franklin Seamount of the Woodlark Basin, in the southwestern Pacific Ocean, was investigated for mineral distribution and geochemical composition. Six layers on either side of the orifice of a chimney show significant disparity in color, mineral assemblage and major element composition. Electron microscope(SEM) images reveal that the peripheral wall of the chimney is composed of colloform silica, suggesting that incipient precipitation of silica-saturated hydrothermal fluid initiated the development of the chimney wall. Intermediate layers, between the exterior wall and the inner fluid-orifice, dominate with barite and sulfides. Low Sr-to-Ba ratios(SrO/BaO = 0.015–0.017) indicate restricted fluid-seawater mixing, which causes relatively high-temperature formation of the intermediate layers. Whereas the innermost layer bordering the chimney orifice is characterized by more silica and a higher Sr-to-Ba ratio(SrO/BaO = 0.023), could have formed due to a paragenetic shift from a high-temperature active phase to a cooler waning stage of formation. A paragenetic shift is also probably responsible for the change in mineral formation mechanism that resulted in the textural variation of barite and colloform silica developed during different growth phases of this barite-silica chimney.

Geochemical cycling during subduction initiation:Evidence from serpentinized mantle wedge peridotite in the south Andaman ophiolite suite

The ophiolite suite from south Andaman Islands forms part of the Tethyan Ophiolite Belt and preserves the remnants of an ideal ophiolite sequence comprising a basal serpentinized and tectonised mantle peridotite followed by ultramafic and mafic cumulate units, basaltic dykes and spilitic pillow basalts interlayered with arkosic wacke. Here, we present new major, trace, rare earth(REE) and platinum group(PGE) element data for serpentinized and metasomatized peridotites(dunites) exposed in south Andaman representing the tectonized mantle section of the ophiolite suite. Geochemical features of the studied rocks, marked by Al_2 O_3/TiO_2 > 23, LILE-LREE enrichment, HFSE depletion, and U-shaped chondrite-normalized REE patterns with(La/Sm)N > 1 and(Gd/Yb)N <1, suggest contributions from boninitic mantle melts. These observations substantiate a subduction initiation process ensued by rapid slab roll-back with extension and seafloor spreading in an intraoceanic fore-arc regime. The boninitic composition of the serpentinized peridotites corroborate fluid and melt interaction with mantle manifested in terms of(i) hydration, metasomatism and serpentinization of depleted, MORB-type, sub-arc wedge mantle residual after repeated melt extraction; and(ii) refertilization of refractory mantle peridotite by boninitic melts derived at the initial stage of intraoceanic subduction. Serpentinized and metasomatized mantle dunites in this study record both MOR and intraoceanic arc signatures collectively suggesting suprasubduction zone affinity. The elevated abundances of Pd(4.4-12.2 ppb) with highΣPPGE/∑IPGE(2-3) and Pd/Ir(2-5.5) ratios are in accordance with extensive melt-rock interaction through percolation of boninitic melts enriched in fluid-fluxed LILE-LREE into the depleted mantle after multiple episodes of melt extraction. The high Pd contents with relatively lower Ir concentrations of the samples are analogous to characteristic PGE signatures of boninitic magmas and might have resulted by the infiltration of boninitic melts into the depleted and residual mantle wedge peridotite during fore-arc extension at the initial stage of intraoceanic subduction. The PGE patterns with high Os + Ir(2-8.6 ppb)and Ru(2.8-8.4 ppb) also suggest mantle rejuvenation by infiltration of melts derived by high degree of mantle melting. The trace, REE and PGE data presented in our study collectively reflect heterogeneous mantle compositions and provide insights into ocean-crust-mantle interaction and associated geochemical cycling within a suprasubduction zone regime.

Bioprospection of marine actinomycetes: recent advances,challenges and future perspectives

In exploring new sources for economically important products, marine environment draws particular attention because of its remarkable diversity and extreme conditions;it is known to produce metabolic products of great value. It represents untapped source for the discovery of novel secondary metabolites with varying potential such as antibiotic, anti-tumor, antifouling and cytotoxic properties. Marine actinomycetes distributed throughout the marine environment from shallow to deep sea sediments have proved to be a finest source for this discovery. Secondary metabolites derived from marine actinomycetes have proved their worth in industries based on the research on their properties and wide range applications. Spotlight of the review is range of marine based actinomycetes products and significant research in this field. This shows the capability of marine actinomycetes as bioactive metabolite producers. Additionally, the present review addresses some effective and novel approaches of procuring marine microbial compounds utilizing the latest screening strategies of drug discovery from which traditional resources such as marine actinobacteria has decreased due to declining yields. The aim is in the context of promoting fruitful and profitable results in the near future. The recent surfacing of new technologies for bioprospection of marine actinomycetes are very promising, resulting in high quality value added products, and will be de?ning a new era for bioactive compounds with medical and biotechnological applications.

Mineralogical and geochemical variation in hydrothermal sulfides from Vienna Woods field,Manus Basin,Papua New Guinea：constraints on their evolution

Polymetallic sulfides from two hydrothermal chimneys and talus deposit from the Vienna Woods field of Manus Basin were studied for mineralogy,elemental composition,and S-isotope ratio to understand their evolution.The factors including the nature of source fluid,mineral paragenesis,and related geochemical processes have been discussed.Mineralogy and elemental concentration of Cu and Fe-rich large chimney at the central part of this hydrothermal field was completely different from the smaller Zn-rich peripheral chimney and Fe-rich talus deposit,suggesting the variable degree of alterations generate physico-chemically different source fluids responsible for these hydrothermal structures.Similarly,S-isotope ratios also indicate chemically diverse fluids and different modes of precipitation were involved in their evolution.Distinct mineral zonings and associated elemental and isotopic compositions within individual deposit confirm paragenetic shifts were involved during their growth process.

Caerulomycin A—An Antifungal Compound Isolated from Marine Actinomycetes

Actinomycetes have been prolific sources of novel secondary metabolites with a range of biological activities that may ultimately find application as therapeutic compounds. Hence several drug discovery companies are engaged in isolation of novel bioactive metabolites from these microbial sources. Antibiotics form the major class of such bioactive metabolites and have been widely used for treating infectious diseases. One of the most critical problems in clinical practice is the increase of prevalence of drug resistant strains, especially azole resistance among fungi. Due to this, there is a constant need for development of new antifungal antibiotics having novel scaffolds and/or mechanism of action. In our in-house screening program in the quest of novel and superior antifungal compounds, an actinomycetes strain PM0525875 was isolated from a marine invertebrate. The extracts of this microbe showed potent in-vitro antifungal activity against drug resistant fungal strains. The antifungal active peak from the extract obtained by shake flask fermentation was identified by chromatographic and other analytical techniques during bioactivity guided isolation. Later the fermentation conditions were optimized in 30 L fermentor for the production of sufficient amount antifungal compound for complete structural characterization. Consequently the fermented broth extract was subjected to bioactivity-guided fractionation, to isolate the active principle using different preparative chromatographic techniques followed by its characterization. The active principle was characterized to be Caerulomycin A. Minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of the compound was found in the range of 0.39 - 1.56 μg/ml against pathogenic fungal test strains. The phylogenetic analysis of producer strain using 16S rRNA sequence showed closest match with Actinoalloateichus cyanogriseus. Herewith we report the isolation of Caerulomycin A from marine invertebrate-associated Actinoalloteichus sp. using optimized medium and fermentation conditions.

Buried channels provide keys to infer Quaternary stratigraphic and paleo-environmental changes:A case study from the west coast of India

High resolution shallow seismic data was acquired from inner continental shelf of Goa,west coast of India to map underlying stratigraphic and buried geomorphic features of shelf strata.Seismic data revealed characteristic channel incisions beneath 4-15 m thick sediment layer and corresponds to multi cycle incisions.Stratigraphic analysis of these incision signatures reveals three prominent subaerial unconformities S6,S7 and S9.These unconformities were exposed during the last glacial,penultimate glacial(MIS-6)and prior to penultimate glacial(MIS-8)periods.On the basis of interpreted age of subaerial unconformities and differences in their morphological features,observed channel incisions have been divided grossly into three phases of incision.Phase-1 incisions are older than^330 kyr BP,whereas,incisions of Phase-2 and Phase-3 correspond to^320-125 kyr BP and^115-10 kyr BP respectively.Plan form of these incisions varied from a straight channel type to ingrown meander and then to anastomosing channel types.These channels meet at the confluence of present-day Mandovi and Zuari rivers.The confluence point has varied in due course of time because of cyclic incision and burial with repeated sea level fluctuations.The preserved main channel width varies from^100 m to 1000 m.and maximum channel depth reaches up to^35 m.Comparison of quantitative and qualitative morphologic results of different phases of incisions suggest that Phase-2 channels had^33%more mean bank full discharge than that of the Phase-3 channels.Phase-2 incisions had been carved in higher hydraulic energy condition as compared to Phase-3 incisions implying that the Indian summer monsoon was better during formative stages of Phase-2 incisions.

Abundance and Ecology of Endemic Asterorotalia trispinosa from the Western Bay of Bengal: Implications for its Application as a Paleomonsoon Proxy

A total of 97 surface sediment samples were collected from the continental shelf and slope of the western Bay of Bengal to assess the potential application of Asterorotalia trispinosa as a paleomonsoon proxy. The relative abundance of living as well as total(living and dead) A. trispinosa ranges from being absent to a maximum of ~31%. The highest abundance of A. trispinosa is close to the outfall region of the Ganga-Brahmaputra Rivers and decreases away from the river mouths. Contrary to that, A. trispinosa is rare in front of both the Cauvery and Pennar river outfall regions, in the central part of the western Bay of Bengal. The living A. trispinosa abundance is the lowest in between two major river systems, viz. Ganga-Brahmaputra-Mahanadi and Krishna-Godavari. The relative abundance of both the total and living A. trispinosa is strongly positively correlated with ambient seawater temperature, and negatively correlated with %C_(org) and salinity. Based on the spatial distribution, we conclude that A. trispinosa is stenohaline in nature, rather than euryhaline, and further that the increased relative abundance of A. trispinosa indicates warmer and only marginally hyposaline environment. Even though the ecological preference of A. trispinosa suggests it as a potential paleomonsoon proxy, the restricted distribution implies limited application.

Biochemical composition of the alligator pipefish, Syngnathoides biaculeatus (Bloch, 1785)

Considering the economic importance in traditional Chinese medicine(TCM) and lack of baseline information, we evaluated the proximate composition, fatty acid and amino acid profiles, trace element content and C:N ratio in the alligator pipefish, Syngnathoides biaculeatus. Amongst proximate principals, a crude protein formed the major biochemical component((58.9±2.2)% dry weight). Mean percent concentrations(dry weight) of other components such as a total lipid(TL), ash and nitrogen-free extract measured were,(1.8±0.2)%,(19.2±2.2)% and(20.1±0.45)%, respectively. The fatty acid profile revealed the presence of 27 saturated fatty acids(SFA) with 13 straight-chained and 14 branched-chained, 28 unsaturated fatty acids(UFA) with 14 monounsaturated and 14 polyunsaturated and nine other minor fatty acids. Mean percent contributions of total SFAs and UFAs to TL were found to be(55.41±0.24)% and(44.05±0.25)%, respectively. Altogether, 16 dif ferent amino acids with an equal number of essential(EAA) and non-essential(NAA) ones were identified. Percent contributions by EAA and NAA to the total amino acid content were 38.11% and 61.89%, respectively. Trace metal concentrations in S. biaculeatus were generally low and their distribution followed the order, Mg>Fe>Zn>Mn>Cu>Cr>Ni>Hg>Co. The C:N ratio was(4.37±0.04)%. The profile of major biochemical constituents in alligator pipefish, S. biaculeatus revealed its potential use in TCM as well as a nutritional diet for human consumption. The results of the study would also form the basis for formulation and optimization of diets for the culture of S. biaculeatus.

The Origin and Tectonic Setting of Precambrian Greywacke of Ribandar-Chimbel, Goa, India： Petrological and Geochemical Evidence

The Precambrian greywacke of Ribandar-Chimbel belonging to the Sanvordem Formation of the Goa Group,India,has been studied for petrography and analyzed for major trace elements. The greywacke is characterized by angular to sub-round grains of quartz,feldspar,biotite,chlorite and clay minerals. The abundance of clay in the matrix seems to have influenced the Al_2O_3 content and the K_2O/Al_2O_3 ratio. The variation diagrams indicate a decreasing trend of TiO_2,Al_2O_3,Fe_2O_3 and Mg O; whereas Na_2O and CaO exhibit a scatter which could be a result of the variable presence of feldspar within the sediments. The immobile elements,vanadium(25 to 144 ppm),nickel(up to 107 ppm) and chromium(up to 184 ppm),reflect abundance of clay minerals. The greywacke shows strongly fractionated REE patterns with LaN/YbN = 8 to 26 and with higher total REE abundances(up to 245 ppm). The low REE enrichment and depletion in heavier REE with prominent negative Eu anomaly(Eu/Eu*= 0.54 to 0.79) suggest a derivation of the greywacke from an old upper continental crust composed chiefly of felsic components. Petrological evidence and geochemical data suggest that the deposition of the greywacke largely took place in a deep to shallow basin that progressively changed from that of a continental island arc to an active continental setting.

Tectono-magmatic evolution of Tethyan oceanic lithosphere in supra subduction zone fore arc regime:Geochemical fingerprints from crust-mantle sections of Naga Hills Ophiolite

The Naga Hills Ophiolite(NHO)belt in the Indo-Myanmar range(IMR)represents a segment of Tethyan oceanic crust and upper mantle that was involved in an eastward convergence and collision of the Indian Plate with the Burmese Plate during the Late Cretaceous-Eocene.Here,we present a detailed petrological and geochemical account for the mantle and crustal sections of NHO,northeastern India to address(i)the mantle processes and tectonic regimes involved in their genesis and(ii)their coherence in terms of the thermo-tectonic evolution of Tethyan oceanic crust and upper mantle.The NHO suite comprises well preserved crustal and mantle sections discretely exposed at Moki,Ziphu,Molen,Washelo and Lacham areas.The ultramafic-mafic lithologies of NHO are mineralogically composed of variable proportions of olivine,orthopyroxene,clinopyroxene and plagioclase.The primary igneous textures for the mantle peridotites have been overprinted by extensive serpentinisation whereas the crustal section rocks reflect crystal cumulation in a magma chamber.Chondrite normalised REE profiles for the cumulate peridotite-olivine gabbro-gabbro assemblage constituting the crustal section of NHO show flat to depleted LREE patterns consistent with their generation from depleted MORB-type precursor melt in an extensional tectonic setting,while the mantle peridotites depict U-shaped REE patterns marked by relative enrichment of LREE and HREE over MREE.These features collectively imply a dual role of depleted MORB-type and enriched arc-type mantle components for their genesis with imprints of melt-rock and fluid-rock interactions.Tectonically,studied lithologies from NHO correspond to a boninitic to slab-proximal Island Arc Tholeiite affinity thereby conforming to an intraoceanic supra subduction zone(SSZ)fore-arc regime coherent with the subduction initiation process.The geochemical attributes for the crustal and mantle sections of NHO as mirrored by Zr/Hf,Zr/Sm,Nb/Ta,Zr/Nb,Nb/U,Ba/Nb,Ba/Th,Ba/La and Nd/Hf ratios propound a two-stage petrogenetic process:(i)a depleted fore arc basalt(FAB)type tholeiitic melt parental to the crustal lithologies was extracted from the upwelling asthenospheric mantle at SSZ fore-arc extensional regime thereby rendering a refractory residual upper mantle;(ii)the crust and upper mantle of the SSZ fore arc were progressively refertilised by boninitic melts generated in response to subduction initiation and slab-dehydration.The vestiges of Tethyan oceanic lithosphere preserved in NHO represent an accreted intra-oceanic fore arc crust and upper mantle section which records a transitional geodynamic evolution in a SSZ regime marked by subduction initiation,fore arc extension and arc-continent accretion.

Implications of REE incorporation and host sediment influence on the origin and growth processes of ferromanganese nodules from Central Indian Ocean Basin

This study presents new major,trace and REE data for thirty-five ferromanganese nodules recovered from areas representing three different sediment types(siliceous,red clay and their transition zone)in the Central Indian Ocean Basin(CIOB)to address their genetic aspects,classification,growth rate,nature of host sediments and influence of REE in the processes of nodule formation.The nodules from CIOB are mostly either hydrogenetic(metals coming from oxygenated bottom water)and diagenetic(metals coming from suboxic sediment pore water)or a combination of both,depending on the source of supply of metal.However,a number of biogeochemical processes mediate this supply of metals which again changes from time to time,making the nodule growth process highly dynamic.This study suggests that at the initial stage of nodule growth,host sediments do not play much role in controlling the growth processes for which REEs can enter both Mn and Fe oxyhydroxide phases equally.Thus,the bottom water signature is imprinted in these early formed nodules irrespective of their host sediment substrate but with gradual growth and burial in the sediment,the main mode of metal enrichment becomes diagenetic through sediment pore water.This tends to increase the concentration of Mn,Ni and Cu over other elements which are retained in the sediment fraction.Among the REEs,Ce concentration of the nodules shows significant positive anomaly due to variation in redox potential and hence its magnitude can be used to get an idea about the metal enrichment procedure and the genetic type of the nodules.However,based on host sediment only,not much difference is found in the magnitude of Ce anomaly in these nodules.On the other hand,discrimination diagram,based on HFSE and REY chemistry,indicates that most of these nodules are of diagenetic origin under oxic condition with a trend towards hydrogenetic field.Further,the genetic type of the ferromanganese nodules from the CIOB are more effectively differentiated by a combination of their major and trace element concentrations rather than solely based on their REE or HFSE chemistry or host sediment substrate.

Fluid-driven Hydrovolcanic Activity along Fracture Zones and near Seamounts:Evidence from Deep-sea Fe-rich Spherules,Central Indian Ocean Basin

An insight on occurrence of Fe-rich spherules from the Central Indian Ocean Basin(CIOB)provides an understanding of their distribution at a water depth of>5,000 m.In the present study,Fe-rich spherules are identified to occur in two different sediment types(i.e.,siliceous and pelagic)and tectonic settings(i.e.near seamounts and fracture zones).These are single spheres or aggregates,of different sizes(63 to 390μm)and show textural variability(smooth/quenched,brickwork,corkscrew,interlocking and dendritic).A comparative study based on physical morphology and chemical composition suggests a common mechanism of formation.The association of spherules with fracture zones(FZ)and seamounts signifies that morpho-tectonic features play an important role in fluid-driven hydrovolcanism.Based on the evidence and geologic conditions existing in the basin,we conclude that molten fuel-coolant interaction(MFCI)coupled with submarine hydrothermal exhalations could be an ideal mechanism for the formation of spherules and Fe-particles.The accretion of the spherules on the surface sediments could be a result of recent volcanic phenomena,while those occurring at different depths(280-355,and 460-475 cm-bsf)within the sediment core indicate two different episodes.The study provides a global implication in understanding fluid-driven magmatism in a deep-sea intraplate environment.

Variations in Swells along Eastern Arabian Sea during the Summer Monsoon

A study was carried out to find the variation in wave characteristics along the eastern Arabian Sea and the influence of swells in the nearshore waves at 3 locations during summer monsoon in 2010. Percentage of swells in the measured waves was 75% to 79% at the locations with higher percentage of swells in the northern portion of Arabian Sea com-pared to that at the southern side. The significant wave height up to 4.7 m and maximum wave height up to 7.4 m was observed. The wave height was increasing from south to north with the average significant wave height at the northern location 20% more than that at the southern location due to the increase in the swell height. Waves having spectral peak period less than 6 s were not present during the summer monsoon period. There was no change in the average value of wave statistical parameters for data collected at 1/2, 3, 6, 12 and 24 h interval.

The ApMat marker can resolve Colletotrichum species: a case study with Mangifera indica

Anthracnose disease caused by the Colletotrichum gloeosporioides species complex is a major problem worldwide.In this study,we investigated the phylogenetic diversity of 207 Indian Colletotrichum isolates,associated with symptomatic and asymptomatic tissues of mango,belonging to this species complex.Phylogenetic analyses were performed based on a 6-gene dataset(act,cal,chs1,gapdh,ITS and tub2),followed by ApMat sequence-analysis.The ApMat-based phylogeny was found to be superior as it provided finer resolution in most of the species-level clades.Importantly,the ApMat marker identified seven lineages within C.siamense sensu lato,including C.jasmini-sambac,C.hymenocallidis,C.melanocaulon,C.siamense sensu stricto and three undesignated,potentially novel lineages.In this study,C.fragariae sensu stricto,C.fructicola,C.jasmini-sambac,C.melanocaulon and five undesignated,potentially novel lineages were found to be associated with mango tissues.There is a need to develop a consensus among mycologists as to which genes should be used to define and delimit a Colletotrichum species and in the mean time mycologists should voluntarily restrain from describing new species based on inadequate datasets.

Resolving the Colletotrichum siamense species complex using ApMat marker

Colletotrichum gloeosporioides sensu lato has been associated with anthracnose in diverse commercial crops.It is now established that C.gloeosporioides sensu lato comprises 33 phylogenetic species and C.gloeosporioides sensu stricto is not a common pathogen of tropical fruits.In this study,we investigated the phylogenetic relationships of 85 Colletotrichum isolates associated with select tropical fruits and flowering plants from India.In the ApMat marker analysis,the 85 isolates clustered with 7 known Colletotrichum species(C.aotearoa,C.dianesei,C.endomangiferae,C.musae,C.siamense,C.theobromicola,Glomerella cingulata f.sp.camelliae)and six novel lineages.One of the novel lineages is described and illustrated in this paper as Colletotrichum communis sp.nov.,while new-host pathogen associations for C.aotearoa,C.endomangiferae,C.dianesei and C.theobromicola are reported from India.Out of the 85 isolates analysed in this paper,73 isolates clustered within the C.siamense species complex,indicating that C.siamense species complex,not C.gloeosporioides sensu stricto,is common on tropical fruits.In comparison with act,cal,gapdh,ITS and tub2 gene markers,we recommend the use of the ApMat marker for accurate identification of cryptic species within the C.siamense species complex.We believe that the ApMat marker,in combination with one or two similar‘phylogenetically superior’gene markers,is a better candidate for specieslevel classification of fungi that were traditionally identified as‘Colletotrichum gloeosporioides’.

Hydrodynamic modeling along the southern tip of India: A special emphasis on Kanyakumari coast

Hydrodynamic models are important to many coastal engineering designs and application,especially addressing sediment and water quality.In this study,MIKE 21 two-dimensional(2D)hydrodynamic model based on the flexible mesh(FM)technique was used to simulate the surface currents forced by tides and winds in Kanyakumari coast.The model results of the tidal level along shore and cross shore currents are agreed well with measured data in Kanyakumari coast.The major components of tides and currents are analyzed by harmonic analysis methods.Root mean square error(RMSE)values for the measured and model tides(0.017 m and 0.079 m)and currents(0.025 m/s and 0.009 m/s)during the northeast(NE)and southwest(SW)monsoon period are calculated.A series of scenario runs for NE and SW monsoon season are used to understand the regional circulation.The model result shows that the Kanyakumari coast is dominated by tides and surface currents flow,which are influenced by the seasonal reversal wind pattern.Flows around this coastal water have been evidenced small scale cyclonic and anti-cyclonic eddies ranged from∼55 to 120 km in diameter.The cyclonic and anti-cyclonic eddies are mostly appeared in near Kanyakumari and SE coast of Kerala due to local/remotely generated forces.

Towards a natural classification and backbone tree for Sordariomycetes

Sordariomycetes is one of the largest classes of Ascomycota and is characterised by perithecial ascomata and inoperculate unitunicate asci.The class includes many important plant pathogens,as well as endophytes,saprobes,epiphytes,and fungicolous,lichenized or lichenicolous taxa.The class includes freshwater,marine and terrestrial taxa and has a worldwide distribution.This paper provides an updated outline of the Sordariomycetes and a backbone tree incorporating asexual and sexual genera in the class.Based on phylogeny and morphology we introduced three subclasses;Diaporthomycetidae,Lulworthiomycetidae and Meliolomycetidae and five orders;Amplistromatales,Annulatascales,Falcocladiales,Jobellisiales and Togniniales.The outline is based on literature to the end of 2014 and the backbone tree published in this paper.Notes for 397 taxa with information,such as new family and genera novelties,novel molecular data published since the Outline of Ascomycota 2009,and new links between sexual and asexual genera and thus synonymies,are provided.The Sordariomycetes now comprises six subclasses,28 orders,90 families and 1344 genera.In addition a list of 829 genera with uncertain placement in Sordariomycetesis also provided.