From Ghana to the dry-hot valleys of China:assessing factors influencing fruit yield in agroforestry species Vitellaria paradoxa after 54 years of cultivation outside Africa

Although distributed across the Sudano-Sahelian region as an agroforestry system tree species,Vitellaria paradoxa has yet to be reported as successfully established outside of Africa,significantly limiting its yield and further exploitation.In this paper,in order to assess a well-established population of V.paradoxa in the Yuanjiang dry-hot valley of China and examine the relationships between morphological-geological factors and fruit yield,we monitored dendrometric traits and fruiting across 844 shea trees located on different aspects,and applied partial least square regression to build a yield model based on dendrometric and geographical variables.Results revealed climatic resemblance of the introduction site in Yuanjiang to the natural habitat in Ghana,and the growth performance and fruit yield were also comparable,but accumulated precipitation of about 600 mm was better for fruit yield when heat accumulation reached about 2,000.Apart from crown diameter(p<0.05),dendrometric parameters(basal diameter,basal area and tree height)had positively weak relationships with fruit yield.On the contrary,aside from north and northeast aspect,other aspects showed a strong negative influence.The findings presented that growth and productivity of V.paradoxa increased with dendrometric parameters and monthly average temperature on shady and semi-shady slope,providing a theoretical basis for the development of shea tree and construction of agroforestry system in dry tropical areas outside Africa.

A new species in the genus Bolivaritettix Günther(Orthoptera: Tetrigoidea: Metrodoridae) from the Karst area of Guizhou, China

During the investigation of species diversity at the Lengshuihe Nature Preserve in Jinsha, Guizhou,China in Aug. 2015, a new species of the genus Bolivaritettix, B. jinshaensis Zha Wen sp. nov. was found.Herein we introduce it with description and illustration. It is similar to but differs from B. yuanbaoshanensis Zheng Jiang by： 1） vertex 1.8（♂） or 2.0（♀） times as wide as one eye; 2） in profile, vertex together with frontal ridge protruding and distinctly visible before eyes; 3） midkeel of pronotum interrupted or obscure between lateral keels of prozona; 4） pronotum and hind femur distinctly longer than those of the latter; 5）upper valvulae of ovipositor only 3.8 times as long as wide.

Fungal diversity on fallen leaves of Ficus in northern Thailand

Fallen leaves of Ficus altissima, F. virens, F. benjamina, F. fistulosa and F. semicordata, were collected in Chiang Mai Province in northern Thailand and examined for fungi. Eighty taxa were identified, comprising 56 anamorphic taxa, 23 ascomycetes and l basidiomycete. Common fungal species occurring on five host species with high frequency of occurrence were Beltraniella nilgirica, Lasiodiplodia theobromae, Ophioceras leptosporum, Periconia byssoides and Septonema harknessi. Colletotrichum and Stachybotrys were also common genera. The leaves of different Ficus species supported diverse fungal taxa, and the fungal assemblages on the different hosts showed varying overlap. The fungal diversity of saprobes at the host species level is discussed.

Free Amino Acid Profiles of Fermented Soybean Products Prepared by Bacillus subtilis and Rhizopus oligosporus

Fermented soybean is one of the traditional foods widely consumed in many Asian countries. Most products（i.e., Natto, Jang, Kinema and Thua nao） are produced mainly by the bacterial activity. This study was performed as a part of the program to improve the soybean fermentation, and a use of the co-culture between the bacterium Bacillus subtilis and the fungus Rhizopus oligosporus was selected. For fermentation, the raw soybeans were washed, sterilized by autoclaving, and inoculated with a mixed microbial starter culture of B. subtilis（102 CFU · g-1） and R. oligosporus（102 conidia · g-1）. The Free Amino Acid（FAA） contents were then investigated by using High Performance Liquid Chromatography（HPLC）. The results showed that the amounts of FAAs and essential amino acids in the fermented soybean samples were found at significantly higher concentration when compared to those of the cooked, non-fermented soybean samples（p〈0.05）. These data indicated that an involvement of microbial fermentation helped to accelerate an increase of FAA. The food compositional data were useful as a reference（and/or guidance） for the nutritional value, when compared to other fermented soybeans and related products.

Phenotypic and Genetic Characterization of Bacillus Species Exhibiting Strong Proteolytic Activity Isolated from Terasi,An Indonesian Fermented Seafood Product

In this study, two bacilli strains namely S2-3 and S4-5, isolated from Terasi, a traditional fermented seafood product of Indonesia, were studied in terms of their phenotypic and genotypic properties. Both strains are of great interests due to their high proteolytic activity. Initially, they were subjected to morphological determination and a series of biochemical tests. These bacteria were Gram-positive, endospore-forming bacilli. Based on 16S rRNA gene sequence analysis, the identities of the strains S2-3 and S4-5 were confirmed as Bacillus thuringiensis and B. subtilis, respectively. Additionally, the two strains were also evaluated for their antibiogram profiles. It was found that they were susceptible to chloramphenicol, erythromycin, kanamycin, tetracycline and vancomycin and resistant to ampicillin and intermediately susceptible to bacitracin.

Screening of Actinomycetes from Medicinal Plant Rhizosphere Soils for Industrial Enzymes and Antimicrobial Activity

This study aimed to investigate the production of some metabolites （i.e., antibiotics, amylases and cellulases） of terrestrial actinomycetes isolated from medicinal plant rhizosphere soils. Initially, the soil samples were collected from Camellia sinensis （L） Okuntze., Peuraria mirifca Airy Shaw Suvatabandhua., Ananus comosus Merr., Elephantopus scaber Linn., Orthosiphon grandiforus Bolding., Jatropha multifda Linn. and Senna siamea. To screen and isolate actinomycetes, the soil samples were pretreated by air-drying and subsequent heat incubation. The bacterial isolates exhibiting actinomycetes features were then randomly screened for their production of amylases, cellulases and antibiotics. It was found that 130 isolates （from 136） could produce amylases; 40 （from 107） produced cellulases; and seven （from 45） exhibited antimicrobial activity. The data of this study were preliminary, and yet demonstrated a rich diversity of rhizo-actinomycetes from medicinal plants. Besides, these organisms could be an untapped source for discovering of biotechnologically useful metabolites.

Antimicrobial activity of crude extracts prepared from fungal mycelia

Objective: To evaluate the in vitro antimicrobial property of three different partitioned extracts(petroleum ether, ethanol and water) prepared from some fungal mycelia.Methods: Seven fungal mycelia were prepared, initially extracted with acidified ethanol(0.2 mol/L HCl in 80% ethanol), yielding the raw crude extracts. The obtained extracts were then further partitioned with petroleum ether(F1), ethanol(F2) and water(F3). All the fractions were tested for antimicrobial activity using the disc diffusion assay.Results: Our data showed that all the fractions could inhibit the testing bacteria.However, the inhibitory activity was found to be dependent on(i) the fungal strains used;(ii) the solvent extracted; and(iii) the testing bacteria assayed. In general, the ethanolic extracts(F2) derived from all fungi displayed highest inhibitory activity against the testing bacteria except for Chaetomium sp.Conclusions: The findings of the present study concluded that the extracts prepared from the fungal mycelia had the bioactive compounds with antibacterial property. This study is a pioneering work and further study should be carried out for development of the new drug leads.

Multi-gene phylogeny of Jattaea bruguierae,a novel asexual morph from Bruguiera cylindrica

During our survey on marine-based ascomycetes of southern Thailand,fallen mangrove twigs were collected from the intertidal zones.Those specimens yielded a novel asexual morph of Jattaea(Calosphaeriaceae,Calosphaeriales),Jattaea bruguierae,which is confirmed as a new species by morphological characteristics such as nature and measurements of conidia and conidiophores,as well as a multigene analysis based on combined LSU,SSU,ITS andβ-tubulin sequence data.Jattaea species are abundantly found from wood in terrestrial environments,while the asexual morphs are mostly reported from axenic cultures.Jattaea bruguierae is the first documentation of an asexual morph species from marine-habitats.

Sexual Morph of Furcasterigmium furcatum (Plectosphaerellaceae) from Magnolia liliifera Collected in Northern Thailand

We isolated an interesting fungus from dead leaves of Magnolia liliifera collected from Chiang Mai,Thailand.The novel strain is related to Plectosphaer-ellaceae based on the morphology of its asexual morph and the analysis of sequence data.Phylogenetic analyses using a combined gene analysis of LSU and ITS sequence data showed that this strain is clustered in the same clade with Furcasterigmium furcatum with high statistical support.The new strains produced the asexual morph in culture which is morphologically similar to F.furcatum.Thus,we identified this strain as the sexual morph of F.furcatum.This is the first record of sexual morph for the monotypic genus Furcasterigmium and the first record of this genus on Magnolia.

First successful domestication of a white strain of Auricularia cornea from Thailand

Intraspecies colour variations in cultivated edible mushrooms present novel and potentially valuable alternatives to the research and cultivation industries.In this study,we collected,identified,and domesticated a white strain of Auricularia cornea from Thailand.The brown strain of A.cornea is one of the top two species of Auricularia cultivated and traded in Asia.Since both white and brown phenotypes of A.cornea belong to a single species,we established their similarities or differences.Both morphological characteristics and phylogenetic analysis of ITS rDNA sequence data were used to confirm the taxonomic placement of the white A.cornea strain in the same clade with the brown A.cornea.Nutritional analysis showed that fat,fiber,protein,and total soluble sugar contents of the white A.cornea were significantly higher than the commercially used brown strain.The melanin content of the white strain of A.cornea(less than 1.5 mg/100g)was not significantly different from that of the brown strain.This discovery may create new opportunities for the mushroom growing industry and for smallholder farmers in Asia.

A review of Entoloma sensu lato(Basidiomycota,Entolomataceae)from Yunnan Province,China

This review succinctly discusses data on morphology,systematics,ecology and biochemical properties of all the Entoloma species from Yunnan Province,China.We also propose directions for future research on Entoloma.Altogether,8 species of Entoloma have been reported in the present study.Entoloma sinuatum and E.mengsongense showed the most contrasting variation in colour and size of the basidiomes while E.mengsongense and E.yunnanense were found to display wide variations in spore morphology.Most species are saprotrophic except E.caeruleoflavum and E.sinuatum which form mycorrhizal associations.Knowledge on biochemical and other chemical attributes of the genus are minimal although such details would help for better utilization of the genus.

New host and geographic records of five pleosporalean hyphomycetes associated with Musa spp.(Banana)

A study was undertaken to collect and identify saprobic fungi associated with Musa spp.(banana)from Taiwan(China),and Thailand.Samples were collected during the dry season and their morpho-molecular relationships were investigated.Five brown pleosporalean hyphomycetous taxa in Periconiaceae and Torulaceae viz.Periconia cortaderiae,P.delonicis,Torula chromolaenae,T.fici,and T.masonii were identified for the first time from Musa spp.(Musaceae).Phylogenetic analyses of a combined SSU,LSU,ITS,RPB2 and TEF DNA sequence dataset further justified the taxonomic placements of these five taxa in the above mentioned families.Periconia delonicis is reported for the first time on a monocotyledonous host and T.masonii is the first geographical record from Taiwan(China).

A review of bambusicolous Ascomycota in China with an emphasis on species richness in southwest China

Bamboos not only provide socio-economic benefits to communities within the region,but also provide ecosystem services such as soil-water conservation,stabilization of sandy soils and restoration of soil nutrients.Bambusicolous ascomycetes refer to ascomycetous fungi living on any substrate of bamboo.As the largest group of fungi on bamboo,they play a significant ecological value in species composition and the structure of the fungal community,circulation of materials and energy flow of nutritional elements.In an effort to document the bambusicolous Ascomycota found in China,we assessed all major sources of academic literature,journal papers,and the USDA database(https://nt.ars-grin.gov/fungaldatabases/fungushost/fungushost.cfm)for reports of these fungi from China.As a result,we produced a systematic and comprehensive checklist of bambusicolous Ascomycota in China.Current names of fungi,bamboo host name,bamboo substrate,details of collected localities,references and latest classification for every bambusicolous ascomycete in China are also provided.In addition,we focused on the species richness of bambusicolous Ascomycota in China with an emphasis on southwest China.

A new species in the genus Hebarditettix(Orthoptera:Tetrigoidea: Scelimenidae) from the Lengshuihe Nature Preserve, Guizhou

In identifying the insect specimens collected from the Lengshuihe Nature Preserve, Guizhou, a new species of the genus Hebarditettix, H. vallis Zha Wen sp. nov. was found. We describe it and provide illustrations. It is similar to H. armatus（Hancock） but differs from the latter by： 1） antennae inserted distinctly below lower margins of eyes, the longest segment only 6 times as long as wide; 2） abbreviated carinae between shoulders inconspicuous; 3） lower margin of fore femur with two small teeth, mid femur as wide as visible part of tegmen; 4） hind process of pronotum short, only reaching two-fifths of hind tibia. An updated key to all species of the genus Hebarditettix is given.

A new species in the genus Coptotettix(Orthoptera: Tetrigidae: Tetriginae) from northern Thailand

Coptotettix acutiangulus Zha sp. nov. from northern Thailand is described and illustrated with photographs. Morphological differences with a similar species C. annandalei are described in detail. C. acutiangulus Zha sp. nov. may be potentially distributed in Nepal. A brief discussion of the ecology and habitat of C. acutiangulus is given.

贵州茂兰自然保护区子囊菌真菌的多样性

为了解茂兰自然保护区的生态系统,丰富自然保护区真菌种类资源,更好地保护该区微生物多样性群落,2012年调查了茂兰自然保护区子囊菌亚门真菌的多样性,采用形态学特征与分子学特征相结合的鉴定方法,对采集的110份真菌标本进行鉴定。结果表明,样品中真菌主要隶属于座囊菌纲与粪壳菌纲,共8科,11属,12种。

Chilli anthracnose disease caused by Colletotrichum species

Anthracnose disease is one of the major economic constraints to chilli production worldwide, especially in tropical and subtropical regions. Accurate taxonomic information is necessary for effective disease control management. In the Colletotrichum patho-system, different Colletotrichum species can be associated with anthracnose of the same host. Little information is known concerning the interactions of the species associated with the chilli anthracnose although several Colletotrichum species have been reported as causal agents of chilli anthracnose disease worldwide. The ambiguous taxonomic status of Colletotrichum species has resulted in inaccurate identification which may cause practical problems in plant breeding and disease management. Although the management and control of anthracnose disease are still being extensively researched, commercial cultivars of Capsicum annuum that are resistant to the pathogens that cause chilli anthracnose have not yet been developed. This paper reviews the causal agents of chilli anthracnose, the disease cycle, conventional methods in identification of the pathogen and molecular approaches that have been used for the identification of Colletotrichum species. Pathogenetic variation and population structure of the causal agents of chilli anthracnose along with the current taxonomic status of Colletotrichum species are discussed. Future developments leading to the disease management strategies are suggested.

Epitypification:should we epitypify?

Epitypification can solve many taxonomic problems and stabilize the understanding of species, genera, families or orders. The aim of this paper is to illustrate how to epitypify. A few examples where taxa have been epitypified are considered and the benefits and disadvantages of epitypification are discussed. We also outline some examples of taxa which need to be epitypifled with reasons.

Saprobic Dothideomycetes in Thailand: Vaginatispora appendiculata sp. nov. (Lophiostomataceae) introduced based on morphological and molecular data

In order to establish the evolutionary relationships and resolve the polyphyletic nature of Dothideomycetes,we are studying their natural classification based on both morphology and multigene phylogeny.In this paper we introduce Vaginatispora appendiculata,a novel species on dead twigs from southern Thailand.Morphological character differences and analyses of combined LSU,TEF,SSU and ITS sequence datasets support the validity of the new species and its placement in Vaginatispora(Lophiostomataceae).

Fungal species consortia on Nypa fruticans at Brunei

Studies on fungal species consortia of manglicolous fungi are very few.Observations of fungal species consortia may provide an idea on the fungal community structures and help in understanding ecosystem dynamics.In this paper,the fungal species consortia recorded on Nypa fruticans at Brunei is presented.Astrosphaeriella striatispora,Linocarpon appendiculatum,L.bipolaris,Neolinocarpon globosicarpa,Oxydothis nypae and Trichocladium nypae,were the frequently recorded fungi in this study.Three distinct fungal assemblages were found.One of these assemblages was typified by Astrosphaeriella striatispora,Linocarpon nypae and Oxydothis nypae in which the fungi occurred both in association with others as well as singly indicating a commensalistic occurrence.The second assemblage,was characterized by Linocarpon appendiculatum and Linocarpon bipolaris,the fungi occurred almost only in association with others,indicating a mutualistic behavior.The third assemblage was characterized by Anthostomella eructans,Anthostomella sp.and Trichocladium sp.which always occurred singly,indicating a possible antagonistic life style but the percentage occurrence of the last group was far low to attribute any antagonistic potential of these fungi in preventing other fungi from colonization.