Oilseed Rape: Biology, Use, Current Cultivation Issues and Agronomic Management

Oilseed rape is an economically crucial agricultural crop widely grown in many countries. It is an herbaceous plant which belongs to the Brassicaceae family and, according to the nature of vegetation, is present in spring and winter subspecies. Over the years, the area of oilseed rape increased due to its widespread use for producing technical and food oil, fuel and other market needs. Oilseed rape oil is one of the most widely used food oils on the globe. It is valued for its high content of unsaturated fatty acids and odorlessness. The yield of oilseed rape mainly depends on its genetic potential, agronomic management, and environmental conditions. Thus, oilseed rape growers worldwide meet not only common, but also climate zone-specific agronomic issues, e.g., various unfavourable abiotic and biotic factors characteristic to a particular climate zone. Thanks to the efforts of breeders, scientists, and chemical companies, the solutions to the big problems such as disease resistance, lodging, delayed harvest, weed, pest and pod shatter control, are already available and still under search aiming to reveal the full potential of the cultivars

Investigation of the phylogenetic relationships of sarcocystis spp. found in birds using 18s and 28s rrna gene partial sequences

SUMMARY INVESTIGATION OF THE PHYLOGENETIC RELATIONSHIPS OF SARCOCYSTIS SPP. FOUND IN BIRDS USING 18S AND 28S rRNA GENE PARTIAL SEQENCES Petras Prakas Institute of Ecology of Vilnius University, Laboratory of Population Genetics, Vilnius, Lithuania Based on cyst morphology, Sarcocystis cysts type I were found in white-fronted goose (Anser albifrons), cysts type II in mallard (Anas platyrhynchos), cyst type III in one grey-lag goose (Anser anser) and two white-fronted geese, cyst type V in hooded crow (Corvus cornix). The sarcocysts isolated from the infected birds as intermediate host have not been previously described and are unnamed. Type III sarcocysts detected in white-fronted and greylag geese may illustrate the case of polyhostal nature of sarcocysts when the same-species parasites infesting intermediate hosts of different species. The obtained 18S and 28S ribosomal RNA partial gene sequences showed the highest homology for the genera Sarcocystis and Frenkelia. In the tree of phylogenetic relationships, the species involved in this study were grouped with Frenkelia microti, Frenkelia glareoli, Sarcocystis muris and Sarcocystis neurona. Results show co-evolution of Sarcocystis spp. with the final host. Based on data obtained it could be stated that phylogenetic relationships of Sarcocystidae family are influenced by peculiarity of life cycle, hosts spectrum and host specificity. Analysis of the partial sequences of 18S and 28S ribosomal RNA revealed the phylogenetic and taxonomic status of the investigated Sarcocystis spp

Lietuvos medžiojamosios faunos sarkosporidijų (Sarcocystis) įvairovė ir ekologija

Up till now ecology and biodiversity of Sarcocystis species in game fauna in Lithuania has been investigated using traditional morphological methods. In the period of 2005-2011, muscle samples of 384 birds and 177 mammals were examined for Sarcocystis sarcocysts. Cysts of Sarcocystis spp. were investigated using light microscopy, transmission electron microscopy and DNA analysis (18S rDNA, 28S rDNA, ITS–1 region). Statistically significant higher Sarcocystis infection prevalence and intensity rates (p< 0.05) were determined in mammals as compared to the birds. Macrocysts were detected only in the mallard, they were identified as S. rileyi and this is the first evidence of S. rileyi infection in Europe. Based on results of cyst wall ultrastructure and DNA analysis four new bird Sarcocystis species were described: S. albifronsi, S. wobeseri, S. anasi, S. cornixi. Eight Sarcocystis species were identified in the examined mammals using morphological and DNA analysis: S. miescheriana from wild boar; S. gracilis, S. capreolicanis, S. oviformis, S. silva and S. hofmanni-like from roe deer; S. hjorti, S. hofmanni-like and Sarcocystis sp. ex Cervus elaphus from red deer; S. hjorti from moose. S. columbae, S. oviformis, S. hjorti and S. silva were found in Lithuania for the first time. Using molecular investigation it was proved that some analyzed Sarcocystis species (S. wobeseri, S. hjorti, S. silva and S. hofmanni-like) are not rigidly specific to the intermediate host. Sarcocystis species in the phylogenetic trees of 18S rDNA and 28S rDNA were grouped according to the similarity of the morphological characteristics and relatedness of intermediate and definitive hosts

Diversity and ecology of Sarcocystis in Lithuanian game fauna

Up till now ecology and biodiversity of Sarcocystis species in game fauna in Lithuania has been investigated using traditional morphological methods. In the period of 2005-2011, muscle samples of 384 birds and 177 mammals were examined for Sarcocystis sarcocysts. Cysts of Sarcocystis spp. were investigated using light microscopy, transmission electron microscopy and DNA analysis (18S rDNA, 28S rDNA, ITS–1 region). Statistically significant higher Sarcocystis infection prevalence and intensity rates (p< 0.05) were determined in mammals as compared to the birds. Macrocysts were detected only in the mallard, they were identified as S. rileyi and this is the first evidence of S. rileyi infection in Europe. Based on results of cyst wall ultrastructure and DNA analysis four new bird Sarcocystis species were described: S. albifronsi, S. wobeseri, S. anasi, S. cornixi. Eight Sarcocystis species were identified in the examined mammals using morphological and DNA analysis: S. miescheriana from wild boar; S. gracilis, S. capreolicanis, S. oviformis, S. silva and S. hofmanni-like from roe deer; S. hjorti, S. hofmanni-like and Sarcocystis sp. ex Cervus elaphus from red deer; S. hjorti from moose. S. columbae, S. oviformis, S. hjorti and S. silva were found in Lithuania for the first time. Using molecular investigation it was proved that some analyzed Sarcocystis species (S. wobeseri, S. hjorti, S. silva and S. hofmanni-like) are not rigidly specific to the intermediate host. Sarcocystis species in the phylogenetic trees of 18S rDNA and 28S rDNA were grouped according to the similarity of the morphological characteristics and relatedness of intermediate and definitive hosts

The Richness of <i>Sarcocystis</i> Species in the Common Gull (<i>Larus canus</i>) and Black-Headed Gull (<i>Larus ridibundus</i>) from Lithuania

The common gull (Larus canus) and the black-headed gull (Larus ridibundus) are common waterbird species in Lithuania. Until now, the composition of Sarcocystis species in these birds was unknown. The current study aimed to identify Sarcocystis spp. by the morphological examination of sarcocysts found in the muscle tissues and by DNA sequence analysis. Between 2011 and 2019, the leg muscles of 42 common gulls and 63 black-headed gulls were tested for Sarcocystis spp. Based on the methylene blue staining of squashed muscle samples, sarcocysts were detected in six common gulls (14.3%) and in six black-headed gulls (9.5%). Under a light microscope, one type of microcyst was observed. Sarcocysts were thread-like (2860–8250 × 40–180 μm) and had a smooth and thin (0.8–1.4 μm) cyst wall, while bradyzoites were banana-shaped and 5.0–9.2 × 1.3–2.4 μm in size. The sequencing of complete ITS1 showed the presence of S. columbae, S. halieti and S. wobeseri in the common gull and S. columbae and S. halieti in the black-headed gull. The highest intraspecific genetic variability was established for S. halieti, which is characterized by a wide host range. This species is considered to be pathogenic, therefore further histopathological examination of the various organs of gulls is needed

The mallard duck (Anas platyrhynchos) as intermediate host for Sarcocystis wobeseri sp. nov. from the barnacle goose (Branta leucopsis)

Morphometric and DNA investigation results of Sarcocystis wobeseri sp. nov. from the barnacle goose (Branta leucopsis) and Sarcocystis sp. (cyst type IV) from the mallard duck (Anas platyrhynchos) are presented. No significant morphometric differences between the investigated Sarcocystis species were found. ITS-1, 18S rRNA, and 28S rRNA gene sequences of these species showed 100% identity. The conclusion is drawn that it is one and the same Sarcocystis species in different intermediate hostsGamtos mokslų fakultetasGamtos tyrimų centrasVytauto Didžiojo universiteta

Molecular and morphological description of Sarcocystis kutkienae sp. nov. from the common raven (Corvus corax)

Until now, two Sarcocystis species, S. cornixi and S. corvusi, were known to employ members of the family Corvidae as intermediate hosts. Between 2013 and 2019, having examined leg muscles of 23 common ravens in Lithuania, sarcocysts were detected in 18 birds (78.3%). Using light microscopy, transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and molecular analysis (three genetic loci, 18S rDNA, 28S rDNA, and ITS1), sarcocysts found in the common raven were described as a new species S. kutkienae. Under a light microscope, the observed sarcocysts were ribbon-shaped (1500–8147 × 53–79 μm) and had a wavy striated cyst wall that reached up to 1.5 μm. Lancet-shaped bradyzoites were 7.7 × 2.2 μm (6.1–9.0 × 1.2–3.0 μm) in size. Ultrastructurally, the sarcocyst wall was 1.5–1.8 μm in thickness and had conical-like protrusions with minute invaginations of a parasitophorous vacuolar membrane. The cyst wall was type 1e-like. Limited genetic variability was observed between the 18S rDNA and 28S rDNA sequences of S. kutkienae and other Sarcocystis spp. using birds as intermediate hosts. In contrast, S. kutkienae could be clearly identified by comparing sequences. At this locus, sequences of S. kutkienae shared the highest similarity (89.5–89.7%) with those of S. cornixi. Phylogenetic analysis showed that S. kutkienae was most closely related to Sarcocystis spp. that employs birds as intermediate and definitive hosts. The issue relating to which species might serve as definitive hosts of S. kutkienae in Lithuania is addressed

Molecular identification of four Sarcocystis species in the herring gull, Larus argentatus, from Lithuania

Background: Birds of the family Laridae have not been intensively examined for infections with Sarcocystis spp. To date, sarcocysts of two species, S. lari and S. wobeseri, have been identified in the muscles of gulls. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the species richness of Sarcocystis in the herring gull, Larus argentatus, from Lithuania. Methods: In the period between 2013 and 2019, leg muscles of 35 herring gulls were examined for sarcocysts of Sarcocystis spp. Sarcocystis spp. were characterised morphologically based on a light microscopy study. Four sarcocysts isolated from the muscles of each infected bird were subjected to further molecular examination. Sarcocystis species were identified by means of ITS1 sequence analysis. Results: Sarcocysts were detected in 9/35 herring gulls (25.7%). Using light microscopy, one morphological type of sarcocysts was observed. Sarcocysts were microscopic, thread-like, had a smooth and thin (about 1 μm) cyst wall and were filled with banana-shaped bradyzoites. On the basis of ITS1 sequences, four Sarcocystis species, S. columbae, S. halieti, S. lari and S. wobeseri, were identified. Furthermore, it was demonstrated that a single infected herring gull could host two Sarcocystis species indistinguishable under light microscopy. Conclusions: Larus argentatus is the first bird species found to act as intermediate host of four Sarcocystis spp. According to current knowledge, five species, S. falcatula, S. calchasi, S. wobeseri, S. columbae and S. halieti can use birds belonging to different orders as intermediate hosts

A novel RFLP method for identification of morphologically similar avian Sarcocystis species

Protozoans of genus Sarcocystis are widespread parasites infecting mammals, birds, and reptiles. Morphology of their sarcocysts is an important criterion for species identification. However, as more and more morphologically similar Sarcocystis species are being found and described, additional methods for their routine diagnostics are needed. We investigated restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP) as potential alternative to sequencing data analysis for the identification of Sarcocystis species using birds as an intermediate host. The internal transcribed spacer 1 (ITS1) region sequences of seventeen Sarcocystis species (S. albifronsi, S. anasi, S. calchasi, S. columbae, S. cornixi, S. corvusi, S. cristata, S. halieti, S. falcatula, S. fulicae, S. kutkienae, S. lari, S. lindsayi, S. rileyi, S. turdusi, S.wenzeli, and S. wobeseri) of interest were analysed and five best-fitting endonucleases generating most informative restriction fragments were selected for routine testing. In general, RFLP analyses are always inconclusive as they target very short DNA sequences. However, it can be an irreplaceable technique when fast and cheap identification and discrimination of known species are required, which was our main goal and preliminary results indicate that RFLP could be successfully used when identifying closely related avian Sarcocystis species with just two nucleases