The Chickpea, Summer Cropping, and a New Model for Pulse Domestication in the Ancient Near East

The widely accepted models describing the emergence of domesticated grain crops from their wild type ancestors are mostly based upon selection (conscious or unconscious) of major features related either to seed dispersal (nonbrittle ear, indehiscent pod) or free germination (nondormant seeds, soft seed coat). Based on the breeding systems (self-pollination) and dominance relations between the allelomorphs of seed dispersal mode and seed dormancy, it was postulated that establishment of the domesticated forms and replacement of the wild ancestral populations occurred in the Near East within a relatively short time. Chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.), however, appears as an exception among all other “founder crops” of Old World agriculture because of its ancient conversion into a summer crop. The chickpea is also exceptional because its major domestication trait appears to be vernalization insensitivity rather than pod indehiscence or free germination. Moreover, the genetic basis of vernalization response in wild chickpea (Cicer reticulatum Ladiz.) is polygenic, suggesting that a long domestication process was imperative due to the elusive phenotype of vernalization nonresponsiveness. There is also a gap in chickpea remains in the archaeological record between the Late Prepottery Neolithic and the Early Bronze Age. Contrary to the common view that Levantine summer cropping was introduced relatively late (Early Bronze Age), we argue for an earlier (Neolithic) Levantine origin of summer cropping because chickpea, when grown as a common winter crop, was vulnerable to the devastating pathogen Didymella rabiei, the causal agent of Ascochyta blight. The ancient (Neolithic) conversion of chickpea into a summer crop required seasonal differentiation of agronomic operation from the early phases of the Neolithic revolution. This topic is difficult to deal with, as direct data on seasonality in prehistoric Old World field crop husbandry are practically nonexistent. Consequently, this issue was hardly dealt with in the literature. Information on the seasonality of ancient (Neolithic, Chalcolithic, and Early Bronze Age, calibrated 11,500 to 4,500 years before present) Near Eastern agriculture may improve our understanding of the proficiency of early farmers. This in turn may provide a better insight into Neolithic agrotechniques and scheduling. It is difficult to fully understand chickpea domestication without a Neolithic seasonal differentiation of agronomic practice because the rapid establishment of the successful Near Eastern crop package which included wheats, barley, pea, lentil, vetches, and flax, would have preempted the later domestication of this rare wild legume

Towards the first linkage map of the Didymella rabiei genome.

A genetic map was developed for the ascomycete Didymella rabiei (Kovachevski) v. Arx (anamorph: Ascochyta rabiei Pass. Labr.), the causal agent of Ascochyta blight in chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.). The map was generated with 77 F1 progeny derived from crossing an isolate from the U.S.A. and an isolate from Syria. A total of 232 DAF (DNA AmplificationFingerprinting) primers and 37 STMS (Sequence-Tagged Microsatellite Site) primer pairs were tested for polymorphism between the parental isolates; 50 markers were mapped, 36 DAFs and 14 STMSs. These markers cover 261.4cM in ten linkage groups. Nineteen markers remained unlinked. Significant deviation from the expected 1:1 segregation ratios was observed for only two markers (Prob. of x2 <0.05). The implications of our results on ploidy level of the asexual spores are discussed

Carbohydrate-active enzymes from the zygomycete fungus Rhizopus oryzae: a highly specialized approach to carbohydrate degradation depicted at genome level

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p><it>Rhizopus oryzae </it>is a zygomycete filamentous fungus, well-known as a saprobe ubiquitous in soil and as a pathogenic/spoilage fungus, causing Rhizopus rot and mucomycoses.</p> <p>Results</p> <p>Carbohydrate Active enzyme (CAZy) annotation of the <it>R. oryzae </it>identified, in contrast to other filamentous fungi, a low number of glycoside hydrolases (GHs) and a high number of glycosyl transferases (GTs) and carbohydrate esterases (CEs). A detailed analysis of CAZy families, supported by growth data, demonstrates highly specialized plant and fungal cell wall degrading abilities distinct from ascomycetes and basidiomycetes. The specific genomic and growth features for degradation of easily digestible plant cell wall mono- and polysaccharides (starch, galactomannan, unbranched pectin, hexose sugars), chitin, chitosan, β-1,3-glucan and fungal cell wall fractions suggest specific adaptations of <it>R. oryzae </it>to its environment.</p> <p>Conclusions</p> <p>CAZy analyses of the genome of the zygomycete fungus <it>R. oryzae </it>and comparison to ascomycetes and basidiomycete species revealed how evolution has shaped its genetic content with respect to carbohydrate degradation, after divergence from the Ascomycota and Basidiomycota.</p

Manejo da podridão-de-Sclerotium em pimentão em um argisolo no Amazonas

A podridão-de-Sclerotium é uma doença comum em plantas da família Solanaceae na Amazônia. Visando avaliar estratégias de manejo para esta doença em pimentão (Capsicum annuum, L. Solanaceae), foi conduzido experimento em campo em blocos casualizados com parcelas subdivididas e seis repetições, em Argissolo Vermelho-Amarelo artificialmente infestado com Sclerotium rolfsii. O tratamento principal foi a cobertura do solo (cobertura do solo com serragem ou solo nu). Os tratamentos secundários consistiram na adição ao solo de: 1) composto vegetal (3 L por cova), 2) arroz colonizado com Trichoderma harzianum (90 g por cova contendo &#8776; 1,4 x 10(9) conídios g-1), 3) composto vegetal e T. harzianum nas mesmas proporções descritas anteriormente e 4) testemunha. Todas as plantas receberam apenas adubação orgânica com composto vegetal na proporção de 1,5 L por cova, exceto as dos tratamentos com 3 L de composto por cova. A parcela principal foi constituída de três fileiras com dez plantas de pimentão (0,50 x 1,0 m) e cada subparcela continha três fileiras com cinco plantas. A incidência da podridão-de-Sclerotium foi avaliada duas vezes por semana. A cobertura morta favoreceu significativamente a ocorrência da doença. Nas parcelas com esse tratamento o aumento da intensidade da doença, expressa em área abaixo da curva de progresso da doença (AACPD), foi 35,5% maior, em comparação com as parcelas sem cobertura morta. A aplicação de T. harzianum ou o incremento na quantidade de composto (de 1,5 para 3 L por cova) reduziu a AACPD em 38,1% e 37,5%, respectivamente. A aplicação de T. harzianum ou o incremento na quantidade de composto, mesmo nos tratamentos com cobertura morta, reduziu significativamente a AACPD em 52,8% e em 55,1%, respectivamente, em comparação com o tratamento apenas com cobertura morta. Esses resultados sugerem que a utilização de T. harzianum e o aumento na quantidade de composto por cova são estratégias eficientes de manejo da podridão-de-Sclerotium em pimentão. A cobertura morta com serragem não deve ser utilizada em áreas infestadas com S. rolfsii

Development and validation of a weather-based model for predicting infection of loquat fruit by Fusicladium eriobotryae

A mechanistic, dynamic model was developed to predict infection of loquat fruit by conidia of Fusicladium eriobotryae, the causal agent of loquat scab. The model simulates scab infection periods and their severity through the sub-processes of spore dispersal, infection, and latency (i.e., the state variables); change from one state to the following one depends on environmental conditions and on processes described by mathematical equations. Equations were developed using published data on F. eriobotryae mycelium growth, conidial germination, infection, and conidial dispersion pattern. The model was then validated by comparing model output with three independent data sets. The model accurately predicts the occurrence and severity of infection periods as well as the progress of loquat scab incidence on fruit (with concordance correlation coefficients .0.95). Model output agreed with expert assessment of the disease severity in seven loquatgrowing seasons. Use of the model for scheduling fungicide applications in loquat orchards may help optimise scab management and reduce fungicide applications.This work was funded by Cooperativa Agricola de Callosa d'En Sarria (Alicante, Spain). Three months' stay of E. Gonzalez-Dominguez at the Universita Cattolica del Sacro Cuore (Piacenza, Italy) was supported by the Programa de Apoyo a la Investigacion y Desarrollo (PAID-00-12) de la Universidad Politecnica de Valencia. The funders had no role in study design, data collection and analysis, decision to publish, or preparation of the manuscript.González Domínguez, E.; Armengol Fortí, J.; Rossi, V. (2014). Development and validation of a weather-based model for predicting infection of loquat fruit by Fusicladium eriobotryae. PLoS ONE. 9(9):1-12. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0107547S11299Sánchez-Torres, P., Hinarejos, R., & Tuset, J. J. (2009). 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M. (1994). Discontinuous Wetting and Survival of Conidia ofVenturia inaequalison Apple Leaves. Phytopathology, 84(4), 372. doi:10.1094/phyto-84-372Hartman, J. R., Parisi, L., & Bautrais, P. (1999). Effect of Leaf Wetness Duration, Temperature, and Conidial Inoculum Dose on Apple Scab Infections. Plant Disease, 83(6), 531-534. doi:10.1094/pdis.1999.83.6.531Holb, I. J., Heijne, B., Withagen, J. C. M., & Jeger, M. J. (2004). Dispersal of Venturia inaequalis Ascospores and Disease Gradients from a Defined Inoculum Source. Journal of Phytopathology, 152(11-12), 639-646. doi:10.1111/j.1439-0434.2004.00910.xRossi, V., Giosue, S., & Bugiani, R. (2003). Influence of Air Temperature on the Release of Ascospores of Venturia inaequalis. Journal of Phytopathology, 151(1), 50-58. doi:10.1046/j.1439-0434.2003.00680.xStensvand, A., Gadoury, D. M., Amundsen, T., Semb, L., & Seem, R. C. (1997). Ascospore Release and Infection of Apple Leaves by Conidia and Ascospores ofVenturia inaequalisat Low Temperatures. Phytopathology, 87(10), 1046-1053. doi:10.1094/phyto.1997.87.10.1046Machardy WE (1996) Apple scab. Biology, epidemiology and management. St. Paul: APS Press. 545.James, J. R. (1982). Environmental Factors Influencing Pseudothecial Development and Ascospore Maturation ofVenturia inaequalis. Phytopathology, 72(8), 1073. doi:10.1094/phyto-72-1073Li, B., Zhao, H., Li, B., & Xu, X.-M. (2003). Effects of temperature, relative humidity and duration of wetness period on germination and infection by conidia of the pear scab pathogen (Venturia nashicola). Plant Pathology, 52(5), 546-552. doi:10.1046/j.1365-3059.2003.00887.xLi, B.-H., Xu, X.-M., Li, J.-T., & Li, B.-D. (2005). Effects of temperature and continuous and interrupted wetness on the infection of pear leaves by conidia of Venturia nashicola. Plant Pathology, 54(3), 357-363. doi:10.1111/j.1365-3059.2005.01207.xUMEMOTO, S. 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(2000). Effects of temperature and leaf wetness duration on infection of pear leaves by Venturia pirina. Australian Journal of Agricultural Research, 51(1), 97. doi:10.1071/ar99068Lan, Z., & Scherm, H. (2003). Moisture Sources in Relation to Conidial Dissemination and Infection byCladosporium carpophilumWithin Peach Canopies. Phytopathology, 93(12), 1581-1586. doi:10.1094/phyto.2003.93.12.1581Lawrence, Jr., E. G. (1982). Environmental Effects on the Development and Dissemination ofCladosporium carpophilumon Peach. Phytopathology, 72(7), 773. doi:10.1094/phyto-72-773Gottwald, T. R. (1985). Influence of Temperature, Leaf Wetness Period, Leaf Age, and Spore Concentration on Infection of Pecan Leaves by Conidia ofCladosporium caryigenum. Phytopathology, 75(2), 190. doi:10.1094/phyto-75-190Latham, A. J. (1982). Effects of Some Weather Factors andFusicladium effusumConidium Dispersal on Pecan Scab Occurrence. Phytopathology, 72(10), 1339. doi:10.1094/phyto-72-1339MARZO, L., FRISULLO, S., LOPS, F., & ROSSI, V. (1993). Possible dissemination of Spilocaea oleagina conidia by insects (Ectopsocus briggsi). EPPO Bulletin, 23(3), 389-391. doi:10.1111/j.1365-2338.1993.tb01341.xLOPS, F., FRISULLO, S., & ROSSI, V. (1993). Studies on the spread of the olive scab pathogen, Spilocaea oleagina. EPPO Bulletin, 23(3), 385-387. doi:10.1111/j.1365-2338.1993.tb01340.xObanor, F. O., Walter, M., Jones, E. E., & Jaspers, M. V. (2007). Effect of temperature, relative humidity, leaf wetness and leaf age on Spilocaea oleagina conidium germination on olive leaves. European Journal of Plant Pathology, 120(3), 211-222. doi:10.1007/s10658-007-9209-6Obanor, F. O., Walter, M., Jones, E. E., & Jaspers, M. V. (2010). Effects of temperature, inoculum concentration, leaf age, and continuous and interrupted wetness on infection of olive plants by Spilocaea oleagina. Plant Pathology, 60(2), 190-199. doi:10.1111/j.1365-3059.2010.02370.xViruega, J. R., Moral, J., Roca, L. F., Navarro, N., & Trapero, A. (2013). Spilocaea oleaginain Olive Groves of Southern Spain: Survival, Inoculum Production, and Dispersal. Plant Disease, 97(12), 1549-1556. doi:10.1094/pdis-12-12-1206-reViruega, J. R., Roca, L. F., Moral, J., & Trapero, A. (2011). Factors Affecting Infection and Disease Development on Olive Leaves Inoculated withFusicladium oleagineum. Plant Disease, 95(9), 1139-1146. doi:10.1094/pdis-02-11-0126Eikemo, H., Gadoury, D. M., Spotts, R. A., Villalta, O., Creemers, P., Seem, R. C., & Stensvand, A. (2011). Evaluation of Six Models to Estimate Ascospore Maturation in Venturia pyrina. Plant Disease, 95(3), 279-284. doi:10.1094/pdis-02-10-0125Li, B.-H., Yang, J.-R., Dong, X.-L., Li, B.-D., & Xu, X.-M. (2007). A dynamic model forecasting infection of pear leaves by conidia of Venturia nashicola and its evaluation in unsprayed orchards. European Journal of Plant Pathology, 118(3), 227-238. doi:10.1007/s10658-007-9138-4Rossi, V., Giosuè, S., & Bugiani, R. (2007). A-scab (Apple-scab), a simulation model for estimating risk of Venturia inaequalis primary infections. EPPO Bulletin, 37(2), 300-308. doi:10.1111/j.1365-2338.2007.01125.xXU, X.-M., BUTT, D. J., & SANTEN, G. (1995). A dynamic model simulating infection of apple leaves by Venturia inaequalis. Plant Pathology, 44(5), 865-876. doi:10.1111/j.1365-3059.1995.tb02746.xRoubal, C., Regis, S., & Nicot, P. C. (2012). Field models for the prediction of leaf infection and latent period ofFusicladium oleagineumon olive based on rain, temperature and relative humidity. Plant Pathology, 62(3), 657-666. doi:10.1111/j.1365-3059.2012.02666.xPayne, A. F., & Smith, D. L. (2012). Development and Evaluation of Two Pecan Scab Prediction Models. Plant Disease, 96(9), 1358-1364. doi:10.1094/pdis-03-11-0202-reTrapman M, Jansonius PJ (2008) Disease management in organic apple orchards is more than applying the right product at the correct time. Ecofruit-13th International Conference on Cultivation Technique and Phytopathological Problems in Organic Fruit-Growing: Proceedings to the Conference from 18th February to 20th February 2008 at Weinsberg/Germany. 16–22.HOLB, I. J., JONG, P. F., & HEIJNE, B. (2003). Efficacy and phytotoxicity of lime sulphur in organic apple production. Annals of Applied Biology, 142(2), 225-233. doi:10.1111/j.1744-7348.2003.tb00245.xGent, D. H., Mahaffee, W. F., McRoberts, N., & Pfender, W. F. (2013). The Use and Role of Predictive Systems in Disease Management. Annual Review of Phytopathology, 51(1), 267-289. doi:10.1146/annurev-phyto-082712-102356Alavanja, M. C. R., Hoppin, J. A., & Kamel, F. (2004). Health Effects of Chronic Pesticide Exposure: Cancer and Neurotoxicity. 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Late Quaternary sea-level change and early human societies in the central and eastern Mediterranean Basin : an interdisciplinary review

This article reviews key data and debates focused on relative sea-level changes since the Last Interglacial (approximately the last 132,000 years) in the Mediterranean Basin, and their implications for past human populations. Geological and geomorphological landscape studies are critical to archaeology. Coastal regions provide a wide range of resources to the populations that inhabit them. Coastal landscapes are increasingly the focus of scholarly discussions from the earliest exploitation of littoral resources and early hominin cognition, to the inundation of the earliest permanently settled fishing villages and eventually, formative centres of urbanisation. In the Mediterranean, these would become hubs of maritime transportation that gave rise to the roots of modern seaborne trade. As such, this article represents an original review of both the geo-scientific and archaeological data that specifically relate to sea-level changes and resulting impacts on both physical and cultural landscapes from the Palaeolithic until the emergence of the Classical periods. Our review highlights that the interdisciplinary links between coastal archaeology, geomorphology and sea-level changes are important to explain environmental impacts on coastal human societies and human migration. We review geological indicators of sea level and outline how archaeological features are commonly used as proxies for measuring past sea levels, both gradual changes and catastrophic events. We argue that coastal archaeologists should, as a part of their analyses, incorporate important sea-level concepts, such as indicative meaning. The interpretation of the indicative meaning of Roman fishtanks, for example, plays a critical role in reconstructions of late Holocene Mediterranean sea levels. We identify avenues for future work, which include the consideration of glacial isostatic adjustment (GIA) in addition to coastal tectonics to explain vertical movements of coastlines, more research on Palaeolithic island colonisation, broadening of Palaeolithic studies to include materials from the entire coastal landscape and not just coastal resources, a focus on rescue of archaeological sites under threat by coastal change, and expansion of underwater archaeological explorations in combination with submarine geomorphology. This article presents a collaborative synthesis of data, some of which have been collected and analysed by the authors, as the MEDFLOOD (MEDiterranean sea-level change and projection for future FLOODing) community, and highlights key sites, data, concepts and ongoing debates

Integrated management of early and late blights of potatoes in Israel

Potatoes are grown in Israel in two growing seasons, autumn and spring. Two foliar diseases, early blight (Alternaria solani) and late blight (Phytophthora infestans) threaten the crop and if not managed properly, may induce substantial yield losses. Concepts for the integration of genotype resistance, age-related resistance and fungicide type for the suppression of both pathogens were developed based on the epidemiology of the pathogens and in relation to their interactions with the host. Yield in the integrated management treatment did not differ, or was significantly higher, than yield in the other treatments. Key Words: Alternaria solani, integrated disease management, Israel, Phytophthora infestans, Solanum tuberosum (African Crop Science Journal 2001 9(1): 203-208

Sampling and monitoring pests and diseases

International audienc