First record and establishment of Tuberocephalus (Trichosiphoniella) tianmushanensis Zang, (Hemiptera Aphididae) on ornamental cherry trees in Italy

The occurrence of the Asiatic aphid Tuberocephalus (Trichosiphoniella) tianmushanensis Zang, (=Tuberocephalus (Trichosiphoniella) higansakurae hainnevilleae Remaudière and Sorin) (Hemiptera Aphididae) in Italy is reported. The species was first detected inside leaf galls of Prunus subhirtella cv. pendula trees growing outdoors at the University Botanical Garden of Padua (Italy). Further investigations demonstrated that the species is present in plant nurseries in the Veneto region. So far this species was considered eradicated in Europe, after its first incursion in France in 1993

The Human Cytomegalovirus UL116 Glycoprotein Is a Chaperone to Control gH-Based Complexes Levels on Virions

Human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) relies in large part upon the viral membrane fusion glycoprotein B and two alternative gH/gL complexes, gH/gL/gO (Trimer) and gH/gL/UL128/UL130/UL131A (Pentamer) to enter into cells. The relative amounts of Trimer and Pentamer vary among HCMV strains and contribute to differences in cell tropism. Although the viral ER resident protein UL148 has been shown to interact with gH to facilitate gO incorporation, the mechanisms that favor the assembly and maturation of one complex over another remain poorly understood. HCMV virions also contain an alternative non-disulfide bound heterodimer comprised of gH and UL116 whose function remains unknown. Here, we show that disruption of HCMV gene UL116 causes infectivity defects of ∼10-fold relative to wild-type virus and leads to reduced expression of both gH/gL complexes in virions. Furthermore, gH that is not covalently bound to other viral glycoproteins, which are readily detected in wild-type HCMV virions, become undetectable in the absence of UL116 suggesting that the gH/UL116 complex is abundant in virions. We find evidence that UL116 and UL148 interact during infection indicating that the two proteins might cooperate to regulate the abundance of HCMV gH complexes. Altogether, these results are consistent with a role of UL116 as a chaperone for gH during the assembly and maturation of gH complexes in infected cells

THE ASSESSMENT OF THE GENETIC VARIABILITY IN NORTHERN ITALY OF THE INTRODUCED CYPRESS CANKER AGENT (SEIRIDIUM CARDINALE): A MOLECULAR APPROACH

Abstract Over the past half century a destructive blight of Cupressus spp., caused by Seiridium cardinale, has spread worldwide from North America, devastating forests, plantations, and ornamental cypresses. The epidemic has been particularly severe in the Mediterranean region, on C. sempervirens. Three species of Seiridium, S. cardinale, S. cupressi, and S. unicorne, are associated with cypress canker. To test the genetic variability of the Italian population of S. cardinale, a large sample of different isolates was analysed by RAPD (Random amplified polymorphic DNA) markers and compared with a number of other Seiridium spp. isolates from various hosts growing in different parts of the world. The results indicated a high level of homogeneity in the North-Italian population of the fungus, whereas certain variability was recognized in isolates from other hosts and other species. The isolates belonged to the North-Italian population appear to be very similar from the molecular comparison and in the same group was included also the isolate from Greece. The results are discussed in relation to the introduction and spread of the fungus in Europe

Transcriptome Analysis of Neisseria meningitidis in Human Whole Blood and Mutagenesis Studies Identify Virulence Factors Involved in Blood Survival

During infection Neisseria meningitidis (Nm) encounters multiple environments within the host, which makes rapid adaptation a crucial factor for meningococcal survival. Despite the importance of invasion into the bloodstream in the meningococcal disease process, little is known about how Nm adapts to permit survival and growth in blood. To address this, we performed a time-course transcriptome analysis using an ex vivo model of human whole blood infection. We observed that Nm alters the expression of ≈30% of ORFs of the genome and major dynamic changes were observed in the expression of transcriptional regulators, transport and binding proteins, energy metabolism, and surface-exposed virulence factors. In particular, we found that the gene encoding the regulator Fur, as well as all genes encoding iron uptake systems, were significantly up-regulated. Analysis of regulated genes encoding for surface-exposed proteins involved in Nm pathogenesis allowed us to better understand mechanisms used to circumvent host defenses. During blood infection, Nm activates genes encoding for the factor H binding proteins, fHbp and NspA, genes encoding for detoxifying enzymes such as SodC, Kat and AniA, as well as several less characterized surface-exposed proteins that might have a role in blood survival. Through mutagenesis studies of a subset of up-regulated genes we were able to identify new proteins important for survival in human blood and also to identify additional roles of previously known virulence factors in aiding survival in blood. Nm mutant strains lacking the genes encoding the hypothetical protein NMB1483 and the surface-exposed proteins NalP, Mip and NspA, the Fur regulator, the transferrin binding protein TbpB, and the L-lactate permease LctP were sensitive to killing by human blood. This increased knowledge of how Nm responds to adaptation in blood could also be helpful to develop diagnostic and therapeutic strategies to control the devastating disease cause by this microorganism

Il deperimento del frassino

Il fungo Chalara fraxinea anche in Trentin

Pathogenic fungi on Trachycarpus fortunei palmes infested by Paysandisia archon. Journal of Plant Pathology, 94 (4, Supplement):

In 2009 the alien Palm borer Paysandisia archon (Lepidoptera, Castniidae) was first reported in Northern Italy (Veneto Region) on Trachycarpus fortunei. A survey was carried out during 2009-2011 to study the pest phenology and damage in the infested area. Infested palms were cut down to verify the infestation level. Several palms with severe decline symptoms had only a moderate mechanical damage by P. archon whereas expanding necrosis of leaf bases, starting from the larval galleries, occurred. Therefore, a study on the necrosis agents possibly linked to larval damage was carried out. Samples of leaf bases with larval galleries and necrosis were collected from infested palms. Mature and young leaf base samples were removed from both naturally and artificially infested palms. From each leaf, both necrotic and healthy tissue fragments were removed, incubated on Difco PDA agar and then the emerging fungal colonies were isolated. The most frequent fungus isolated from the necrotic tissues was Talaromyces cf. erythromellis. This species had higher occurrence on necrotic tissues rather than on healthy tissues. In a pathogenicity test by inoculation of leaf bases collected from healthy palms, T. cf. erythromellis demonstrated to be able to induce large necrotic areas. Fusarium proliferatum was also frequently isolated but it was not associated with the necrotic areas