L’étude des modifications phénotypiques et génomiques associées à l’adaptation des pathogènes aux résistances est une étape fondamentale pour mieux comprendre et anticiper le phénomène de contournement des résistances. Le nématode à kyste Globodera pallida est un important pathogène de la pomme de terre, vis-à-vis duquel un QTL majeur de résistance, GpaVvrn, a été identifié chez Solanum vernei. Cependant, la capacité des populations de G. pallida à s’adapter à cette résistance en quelques générations seulement a été mise en évidence par évolution expérimentale. Dans ce contexte, ce travail de thèse avait pour objectifs (1) d’étudier les traits d’histoire de vie du nématode impactés par l’adaptation, afin de tester l’existence éventuelle d’un coût de virulence, et (2) d’identifier les régions génomiques impliquées dans l’adaptation, par une approche originale combinant évolution expérimentale et scans génomiques sur des lignées virulentes et avirulentes. Contre toute attente, nous avons montré que l’adaptation à la résistance issue de S. vernei entraînait une augmentation de la fitness des individus virulents sur hôte sensible. Nous avons également pu identifier des régions génomiques candidates à l’adaptation à la résistance de la plante hôte, contenant des gènes codant pour des effecteurs, et notamment des SPRYSECs, connus chez les nématodes à kyste pour être impliqués dans la suppression des défenses des plantes mais aussi dans la virulence du nématode. À terme, ces résultats s’avéreront utiles pour la conception de stratégies durables de déploiement de variétés de pommes de terre résistantes. / Studying phenotypic and genomic modifications associated with pathogen adaptation to resistance is a crucial step to better understand and anticipate resistance breakdown. The cyst nematode Globodera pallida is an important pest of potato crops, for which a major resistance QTL, GpaVvrn, has been identified in Solanum vernei. However, the capability of G. pallida populations to adapt to this resistance in only few generations has been highlighted through experimental evolution. In this context, the purposes of this work were (1) to study the nematode life-history traits impacted by adaptation, in order to test for potential existence of a virulence cost, and (2) to identify genomic regions involved in adaptation, through an original approach combining experimental evolution and genome scans on virulent and avirulent lineages. Unexpectedly, we highlighted that adaptation to resistance from S. vernei leads to an increase of virulent individual’s fitness on susceptible host. We were also able to pinpoint candidate genomic regions to adaptation to host plant resistance, containing genes encoding effectors, and especially SPRYSECs, known in cyst nematodes to be involved in suppression of host defense but also in nematode virulence. These results will ultimately be useful in order to conceive sustainable strategies of use of potato resistant cultivars

Germ cells are a pool of cells that serve as a link between generations. These cells are separated from the somatic cells by specialized type of cytoplasm, called the germ plasm. Germ plasm contains, membraneless, electron dense subcellular structures, termed germplasm granules that contain numerous components of mRNA metabolism pathway. One of the most prominent protein families, commonly found in germplasm granules are DEAD-box helicases. While this protein family is currently heavily investigated, surprisingly little is known about their functions in germ plasm granules and the mechanisms of their association with the granules. This work identified novel biological and molecular roles of C. elegans’ LAF-1 in both somatic and germ cells. It reveals strong dependency of animal’s somatic, embryonic and post-embryonic development on LAF-1 activity, resulting in high penetrance developmental arrest phenotype. Moreover, this work documents requirement of LAF-1 for the fertility of the animal. Analysis of germ cells in the absence of LAF-1 activity reveals multilayered defects occurring at all stages of germ cell development and maturation. LAF-1 appears to be involved in the maintenance of proliferating potential of the germline stem cell pool and loss of LAF-1 significantly expands the region occupied by mitotic cells. Furthermore, loss of LAF-1 significantly affects expression of GLD-1, REC-8 and H3-S10P, implying that mitosis-to-meiosis boundary cannot be established correctly in the absence of LAF-1. This work solidifies previous conclusions that LAF-1 is a component of P granules, both in the adult germ cells and embryonic germ cell precursors and reveals that LAF-1 is required for correct assembly and dynamic behavior of P granules. Intrinsically disordered regions present in LAF-1 are indispensable for LAF-1’s association with P granules and its role in recruiting granule components. Lastly, LAF-1 associates with RNPs containing cytoplasmic polyA polymerases, indicating that LAF-1 might be involved in translational regulation. Altogether, the collected data describes biological functions of LAF-1 and elucidates the molecular mechanisms underlying these functions.

A soja, o milho e o algodão são as culturas de enorme importância econômica no Brasil, pois juntas ocupam grande parte da área agrícola no país. Além disso, essas culturas são essenciais no fornecimento de alimento e fibras para uma crescente população mundial. Vários fatores podem afetar a produção das mesmas, sendo que os nematoides anualmente causam bilhões de dólares de perdas. As principais técnicas disponíveis para o manejo dos nematoides são rotação de culturas, cultivares resistentes e nematicidas químicos. Apesar de o controle químico ser uma ferramenta viável, há poucos nematicidas disponíveis no Brasil. Como inovação entre os nematicidas, o tioxazafen é uma nova molécula de amplo espectro, desenvolvida para aplicação via tratamento de sementes, para o controle de nematoides nas culturas do milho, da soja e do algodão. Portanto, seu desenvolvimento e posterior registro poderão fornecer uma nova alternativa ao manejo integrado de nematoides aos produtores brasileiros. Assim, esse trabalho teve como objetivos avaliar a eficácia do nematicida tioxazafen, por meio do tratamento de sementes, no controle de Heterodera glycines, Meloidogyne javanica e Pratylenchus brachyurus na soja; M. incognita e P. zeae no milho; e M. incognita no algodão. Além disso, foram avaliados possíveis efeitos fitotóxicos do tratamento de sementes com tioxazafen nas mesmas culturas. Ensaios de casa de vegetação foram conduzidos para avaliação do efeito do tratamento de sementes na população de nematoides, em plantas artificialmente infestadas, bem como na massa de raízes e parte aérea das plantas. O tioxazafen demonstrou supressão substancial na população de nematoides em todas as espécies testadas nas três culturas, com atividade igual ou maior que à referência comercial (imidacloprido + tiodicarbe). As melhores doses observadas foram de 0,250 mg de tioxazafen por semente no controle de M. javanica e de P. brachyurus em soja, 0,500 mg por semente no controle de H. glycines na soja e de M. incognita no milho, 0,750 mg por semente no controle de M. incognita no algodão e 1,000 mg por semente no controle de P. zeae no milho. As plantas tratadas com tioxazafen não exibiram sintomas de fitotoxidez e desenvolveram biomassa similar às plantas não tratadas. Esses resultados mostram o potencial do tioxazafen em se tornar um efetivo tratamento de sementes para controle dos principais nematoides da soja, do milho e do algodão no Brasil,com baixos riscos de fitotoxidez. / Corn, soybean and cotton crops are of great economic importance in Brazil. They together account for the greatest amount of planted area in country. These crops are essential for keeping and providing enough food and fiber for a growing world population. Many factors can affect the production of these crops, and the nematodes are among the most relevant, causing crop losses that reach into billions of dollars. The main techniques available for managing nematodes are crop rotation, resistant cultivars and chemical nematicides. Chemical control is one of the key tools, but there are only a few nematicides available in the Brazilian market. Tioxazafen is a novel nematicide for seed treatment designed to provide consistent broad-spectrum control of nematodes in corn, soy, and cotton. Therefore, the registration of this molecule will provide an important tool to Brazilian farmers that suffer losses due to nematodes. Thereby, the current trials aimed to evaluate the efficacy of tioxazafen through seed treatment to control Heterodera glycines, Meloidogyne javanica and Pratylenchus brachyurus in soybean; M. incognita and P. zeae in corn, and M. incognita in cotton. Furthermore, were evaluated if tioxazafen may cause phytotoxicity in these crops. Greenhouse experiments were carried out to evaluate the effects of seed treatments on nematode population densities, and plant shoot and root weight. Tioxazafen demonstrated substantial suppression of nematode population to all species tested in three crops, with activity equaled or exceeded commercial standard nematode seed treatments (imidacloprid + thiodicarb). The best rates observed were 0.250 mg of tioxazafen per seed to control de M. javanica and P. brachyurus in soybean, 0.500 mg per seed to control H. glycines in soybean and M. incognita in corn, 0.750 mg per seed to control M. incognita in cotton and 1.000 mg per seed to control lesion P. zeae in corn. Tioxazafen treated plants also did not exhibit phytotoxicity and grow equally to untreated plants. These results demonstrated the potential of tioxazafen for the control of the main nematodes in soybean, corn and cotton, without the risk of phytotoxicity.

A soja, o milho e o algodão são as culturas de enorme importância econômica no Brasil, pois juntas ocupam grande parte da área agrícola no país. Além disso, essas culturas são essenciais no fornecimento de alimento e fibras para uma crescente população mundial. Vários fatores podem afetar a produção das mesmas, sendo que os nematoides anualmente causam bilhões de dólares de perdas. As principais técnicas disponíveis para o manejo dos nematoides são rotação de culturas, cultivares resistentes e nematicidas químicos. Apesar de o controle químico ser uma ferramenta viável, há poucos nematicidas disponíveis no Brasil. Como inovação entre os nematicidas, o tioxazafen é uma nova molécula de amplo espectro, desenvolvida para aplicação via tratamento de sementes, para o controle de nematoides nas culturas do milho, da soja e do algodão. Portanto, seu desenvolvimento e posterior registro poderão fornecer uma nova alternativa ao manejo integrado de nematoides aos produtores brasileiros. Assim, esse trabalho teve como objetivos avaliar a eficácia do nematicida tioxazafen, por meio do tratamento de sementes, no controle de Heterodera glycines, Meloidogyne javanica e Pratylenchus brachyurus na soja; M. incognita e P. zeae no milho; e M. incognita no algodão. Além disso, foram avaliados possíveis efeitos fitotóxicos do tratamento de sementes com tioxazafen nas mesmas culturas. Ensaios de casa de vegetação foram conduzidos para avaliação do efeito do tratamento de sementes na população de nematoides, em plantas artificialmente infestadas, bem como na massa de raízes e parte aérea das plantas. O tioxazafen demonstrou supressão substancial na população de nematoides em todas as espécies testadas nas três culturas, com atividade igual ou maior que à referência comercial (imidacloprido + tiodicarbe). As melhores doses observadas foram de 0,250 mg de tioxazafen por semente no controle de M. javanica e de P. brachyurus em soja, 0,500 mg por semente no controle de H. glycines na soja e de M. incognita no milho, 0,750 mg por semente no controle de M. incognita no algodão e 1,000 mg por semente no controle de P. zeae no milho. As plantas tratadas com tioxazafen não exibiram sintomas de fitotoxidez e desenvolveram biomassa similar às plantas não tratadas. Esses resultados mostram o potencial do tioxazafen em se tornar um efetivo tratamento de sementes para controle dos principais nematoides da soja, do milho e do algodão no Brasil,com baixos riscos de fitotoxidez. / Corn, soybean and cotton crops are of great economic importance in Brazil. They together account for the greatest amount of planted area in country. These crops are essential for keeping and providing enough food and fiber for a growing world population. Many factors can affect the production of these crops, and the nematodes are among the most relevant, causing crop losses that reach into billions of dollars. The main techniques available for managing nematodes are crop rotation, resistant cultivars and chemical nematicides. Chemical control is one of the key tools, but there are only a few nematicides available in the Brazilian market. Tioxazafen is a novel nematicide for seed treatment designed to provide consistent broad-spectrum control of nematodes in corn, soy, and cotton. Therefore, the registration of this molecule will provide an important tool to Brazilian farmers that suffer losses due to nematodes. Thereby, the current trials aimed to evaluate the efficacy of tioxazafen through seed treatment to control Heterodera glycines, Meloidogyne javanica and Pratylenchus brachyurus in soybean; M. incognita and P. zeae in corn, and M. incognita in cotton. Furthermore, were evaluated if tioxazafen may cause phytotoxicity in these crops. Greenhouse experiments were carried out to evaluate the effects of seed treatments on nematode population densities, and plant shoot and root weight. Tioxazafen demonstrated substantial suppression of nematode population to all species tested in three crops, with activity equaled or exceeded commercial standard nematode seed treatments (imidacloprid + thiodicarb). The best rates observed were 0.250 mg of tioxazafen per seed to control de M. javanica and P. brachyurus in soybean, 0.500 mg per seed to control H. glycines in soybean and M. incognita in corn, 0.750 mg per seed to control M. incognita in cotton and 1.000 mg per seed to control lesion P. zeae in corn. Tioxazafen treated plants also did not exhibit phytotoxicity and grow equally to untreated plants. These results demonstrated the potential of tioxazafen for the control of the main nematodes in soybean, corn and cotton, without the risk of phytotoxicity.

Thesis (PhD (Agric))--University of Stellenbosch, 2003. / ENGLISH ABSTRACT: During a survey in the greater Cape Flats Heterodera schachtii was found to be widespread on cauliflower, Brussels sprouts, beetroot and cabbage. The numbers present were above two eggs and juveniles per gram of soil, generally regarded as the economic threshhold level of infestation and requiring control. The damage potential of H schachtii on vegetables, as well as the ability of certain weeds to serve as a source of infection on subsequent crop plantings was studied under greenhouse conditions and resulted in a reduction of yield and root weight of crops. Population densities of H schachtii increased significantly under favourable hosts like cabbage where densities of 198 eggs and juveniles per gram of soil were reached. The most commonly occurring weeds maintained nematode development and increased their population densities. They can thus serve as alternative hosts in the absence of susceptible hosts and should be routinely controlled. The life cycle and biology of H schachtii was also studied. Penetration of plant tissue and subsequent development on vegetables, weeds and trap crops were observed. Penetration was successful on all crops tested reaching 37% and 52% at inoculum levels of 22 and 11 juveniles per gram of soil, respectively. Subsequent development of H schachtii on weeds and vegetables was similar, but in the case of cauliflower and black nightshade as hosts, their life cycle was shorter in comparison to other crops. The possible existence of varying susceptibility of crops to different populations of H schachtii was examined by comparing the rates of penetration in crops and reproduction of geographically isolated populations of H schachtii in the greater Cape Flats. When root penetration, virulence and juvenile emergence were examined, populations from Lynedoch and Philippi were distinct from the other populations. Subsequently, representative individuals of these populations were subjected to PCR-RFLP, but with these techniques real differences between the various populations could not be adequately detected. The environmental parameters such as soil texture, temperature and pH on H schachtii were investigated as to their influence on the root weight and yield of crops. Reductions in the yield of beetroot and cabbage were observed with soil temperatures ranging between 15 to 30°C. Migration and penetration of H schachtii juveniles declined with an increase in clay and silt content of the soil. Above a 34% silt and clay content of soil, no migration and penetration took place. Root penetration levels of 30% and higher were reached with pH varying between 4.5 and 7.4. This resulted in a significant reduction in yield of crops. Crop rotation is an essential component of non-chemical control. In the case of H schachtii, it required one host crop in four non-host rotational cycles to maintain the population of the nematode in the soilless than three eggs and juveniles per gram of soil. The inclusion of a trap crop reduced the population densities to below two eggs and juveniles per gram of soil. It therefore also forms an integral part of a control strategy. Solarization proved successful as a physical control method. Best results were obtained in summer with clear polyethylene which led to a 97% reduction of infective juveniles. This method can be applied during the late summer in the greater Cape Flats, just before the onset of winter. This may safeguard future spring plantings. The need for effective control strategies in order to reduce the numbers of H schachtii is of the utmost importance to ensure vegetable production in the future. Small-scale farmers should therefore be educated in this respect. / AFRIKAANSE OPSOMMING: Heterodera schachtii het wydverspreid in 'n opname in die groter Kaapse Vlakte voorgekom op beet, blomkool, Brusselse spruite en kopkool. Die nematode getalle by alle lokaliteite was bo die algemeen aanvaarbare ekonomiese drempelwaarde van twee eiers en larwes per gram grond wat beheer regverdig. Die skadepotensiaal van H schachtii op groente, sowel as die vermoë van sekere onkruide om as infeksie bronne te dien vir opvolgende gewasse, is in glashuise ondersoek en het tot 'n verlaging in opbrengs en wortelmassa by gashere gelei. Die populasie digthede van H schachtii het met die aanplant van geskikte gashere tot vlakke van 198 eiers en larvae per gram grond gestyg. Die mees algemeen voorkomende gasheeronkruide het nematode ontwikkeling in stand gehou en selfs tot 'n populasie verhoging gelei. Hierdie onkruide is 'n beperkende faktor vir die verbouing van groente aangesien die onkruide as alternatiewe gasheer kan dien in die afwesigheid van gashere en onkruidbeheer moet dus op 'n gereelde basis toegepas word. Die lewenssiklus en biologie van H schachtii is ondersoek deurdat die penetrasie van gasheer wortels en die daaropvolgende ontwikkeling op groente, onkruide en vanggewasse vergelyk is. Penetrasie, vyf dae na inokulasie, is met alle gashere verkry met 37% en 52% penetrasie met inokulum vlakke van 22 en 11 larwes per gram grond onderskeidelik. Daaropvolgende ontwikkeling van H schachtii was soortgelyk op groente en onkruide, maar blomkool en nastergal het as gashere 'n verkorte lewenssiklus tot gevolg gehad. Die moontlikheid van verskille in die virulensie van H schachtii is ondersoek deur die penetrasie van gewasse en reproduksie vlakke van nematodes van nege verskillende geografies geskeide populasies in the groter Kaapse Vlakte te vergelyk. Die Lynedoch en Philippi populasies het onderskeibare resultate gelewer ten opsigte van die populasies uit die ander lokaliteite, maar geen verskille kon met PKR-RFLP aangetoon word nie. Die invloed van omgewings parameters, grondtekstuur, temperatuur en pH, is op H schachtii ondersoek ten opsigte van opbrengste en wortelmassa van gewasse. Grondtemperature tussen 15°C - 30°C het tot die grootste daling in opbrengs gelei op kopkool en beet. Migrasie en penetrasie het afgeneem met 'n toename in klei en slik inhoud tot en met 'n klei en slik inhoud van 34%, waarna geen penetrasie en migrasie voorgekom het nie. Wortelpenetrasie van 30% en hoër het voorgekom by pH vlakke van tussen 4.5 - 7.4 met die gepaardgaande verlaging in opbrengs van gewasse. Afwisseling van gewasse is 'n essensiële metode van nie-chemiese beheer van nematode getalle in die grond. Die mees optimale rotasie ten opsigte van H schachtii beheer is met die aanplanting van een gasheer gewas in vier gewas aanplantings verkry. Die insluiting van 'n vanggewas in die gewas rotasie siklus het die nematode populasievlakke tot onder twee per gram grond laat daal. Solarisasie is suksesvol uitgevoer met deurskynende poli-etileen in die groter Kaapse Vlakte gedurende die somer met gevolglik 'n 97% vermindering van die getalle infektiewe nematodes. Effektiewe beheermaatreëls ten opsigte van H schachtii moet in die groter Kaapse Vlakte ingestel word om groente-produksie in hierdie gebied te verseker. Kleinboere moet in hierdie tegnieke opgelei word.

published_or_final_version / Biological Sciences / Doctoral / Doctor of Philosophy

Parasitische Nematoden beeinflussen gezielt die Abwehrreaktionen ihres Wirtes. Dies wird besonders während der chronischen Infektionsphase durch eine herabregulierte T-Zell-Antwort auf Parasitenantigene und andere Stimuli ersichtlich. In dieser Arbeit wurde die T-Zell-Antwort gegen einen intestinalen Nematoden untersucht. Mäuse wurden mit dem Trichostrongyliden Heligmosomoides polygyrus infiziert und in der Folge Effektor- sowie regulatorische T-Zellen (Tregs) untersucht. Subpopulationen von CD4+ T-Zellen wurden aus chronisch infizierten Mäusen isoliert und in naive Empfänger transferiert, welche nachfolgend infiziert wurden. Dabei zeigte sich, dass der Transfer von CD4+ Effektor-T-Zellen zu einer verminderten Wurmlast in den Empfängertieren führte, diese Zellen also einen partiellen Schutz gegen die Primärinfektion vermitteln. Der gleichzeitige Transfer von Tregs beeinflusste diesen Effekt nicht. Tregs allein zeigten keinerlei Einfluss auf die Wurmlast der Empfänger. Die Protektion durch Transfer von Effektor-T-Zellen kann vermutlich auf eine kleine Antigen-spezifische Population von CD4+ Zellen zurückgeführt werden. Diese Zellen wurden durch die Expression von CD40-L (CD154) nach Restimulation mit Parasitenantigen in vitro charakterisiert und enthielten einen Großteil der Zytokinproduzenten unter den CD4+ Zellen. Während diese Effektorzellen ein deutliches Th2-Zytokinprofil durch Produktion von Interleukin-4 (IL-4) und IL-13 zeigten, reagierte eine Treg-Subpopulation mit der Sekretion hoher Mengen von IL-10 auf Antigenstimulation. Diese Tregs waren durch Expression des Integrins AlphaE (CD103)Beta7 sowie CD25 und Foxp3 charakterisiert und vermittelten in vitro die stärkste Suppression anderer T-Zellen, wenn sie aus chronisch infizierten Mäusen isoliert wurden. Durch Untersuchung der zellulären Zusammensetzung von mesenterialen Lymphknoten und Milz konnte gezeigt werden, dass die Frequenz solcher regulatorischer Zellen im Verlauf der Infektion dauerhaft und überproportional zunimmt. Im Gegensatz dazu wurde am Infektionsort nur eine vorübergehende Akkumulation von Tregs (Foxp3+) während der akuten Phase der Infektion nachgewiesen. Diese Ergebnisse zeigen den Einfluss einer intestinalen Nematodeninfektion auf die Aktivität von Tregs und das Potential parasitenspezifischer CD4+ Effektor-Zellen zur Vermittlung von Schutz gegen die Infektion. Ein weiteres Projekt dieser Arbeit wahr die Verabreichung eines immunmodulatorischen Parasitenproteins, des Filariencystatins Av17, in einem Mausmodell entzündlicher Darmerkrankungen. In Mäusen wurde eine kolitisartige Entzündung durch eine Chemikalie im Trinkwasser induziert. Die regelmäßige Verabreichung von rekombinant exprimiertem Cystatin verminderte die Entzündungsreaktion signifikant. Damit konnte in dieser Arbeit gezeigt werden. dass Entzündungsreaktionen, die nicht durch den Parasiten selbst hervorgerufen werden, durch die Applikation einer einzelnen Parasitenkomponente unterdrückt werden können. / Parasitic nematodes specifically modulate the immune response of their hosts. A cellular hyperreactivity, especially during the chronic phase of infection, is a distinct finding of such infections. The T cell response against an intestinal nematode was analyzed in this work. Mice were infected with the trichostrongylid Heligmosomoides polygyrus and surveyed for changes concerning effector and regulatory T cells (Tregs). Subpopulations of CD4+ T cells were isolated from chronically infected mice and adoptively transferred to naive recipients, which were subsequently infected. The Transfer of CD4+ effector cells conferred partial protection, seen as decreased worm burdens in recipients. This effect was unimpaired by simultaneous transfer of Tregs. The transfer of purified Tregs alone showed no effect on worm burdens. The protection by transfer of effector T cells was probably due to a small parasite-specific population, which was characterized by the expression of CD40-L (CD154) after antigen-restimulation. The CD154+ population contained high frequencies of cells reacting with production of the Th2 key cytokines interleukin-4 (IL-4) and IL-13. On the other hand, a subpopulation of Tregs secreted high amounts of IL-10 in response to the antigen. These Tregs were characterized by the expression of the integrin AlphaE (CD103)Beta7, as well as CD25 and Foxp3. They showed a peculiar strong suppressive efficacy on the proliferation of other T cells, especially when derived from chronically infected donors. Analyzing the cellular composition of mesenteric lymph nodes and spleens in response revealed a lasting and over-proportional increase in frequencies of these Tregs. In clear contrast, only a transient increase of Foxp3-expressing Tregs was detected at the site of infection during the acute phase. These results point out the changes Treg activity during an intestinal nematode infection and show the potential of CD4+ effector cells in mediating protection against infection. A second project of this work was the application of an immunomodulatory parasite protein, the filarial cystatin Av17, in a mouse model of inflammatory bowel disease. Mice developed an inflammatory response to a chemical applied in the drinking water. The repeated application of recombinantly expressed cystatin significantly diminished the inflammatory response. Hence, this work showed the potential of a single parasite component in suppressing inflammatory processes not caused by the parasite itself.

A região da península Antártica possui uma plataforma profunda com características similares ao mar profundo e é uma região muito afetada pela variabilidade climática. Abaixo dos 60 m de profundidade, a meiofauna da baía do Almirantado e do talude adjacente no estreito de Bransfield é desconhecida. Este trabalho visa caracterizar a comunidade da meiofauna, gerando um conhecimento de base sobre sua biodiversidade e estrutura, relacionando com as variáveis ambientais (tipo de sedimento e quantidade/qualidade do alimento). Foi avaliado como a composição e a densidade da meiofauna variaram com a profundidade (100 e 1100 m), verticalmente no sedimento (0-6 cm) e entre dois anos com características climáticas contrastantes (dez/2008 e dez/2009). Também foi analisada a biomassa e diversidade dos Nematoda em nível específico em dez/2008. A densidade da meiofauna e a biomassa de Nematoda foram altas em comparação com outros locais. Houve grande variação na densidade da meiofauna entre os anos. Em dez/2008, ano mais quente, com pouca influência da cobertura de gelo e maior produtividade primária, a densidade variou com a profundidade, sendo alta dentro da baía, com maior concentração de fitodetritos, e baixa no estreito de Bransfield, onde o sedimento foi mais grosso indicando maior hidrodinamismo. Já em dez/2009, ano muito frio, com cobertura de gelo extensa e prolongada, com baixa produtividade primária não houve variação batimétrica da densidade ou das variáveis ambientais. A densidade e diversidade foram mais altas no estrato superficial do sedimento. Foram identificados 83 gêneros de Nematoda, que foram distinguidos em 185 morfoespécies, sendo que a maioria é espécie nova. A diversidade de espécies de Nematoda foi alta, como tem sido reportado para outras regiões antárticas e de mar profundo. A biomassa total de Nematoda foi cinco vezes mais alta que a média mundial, e variou entre as profundidades da mesma forma que a densidade. A biomassa individual, no estrato 0-2 cm, foi baixa na baía e alta no estreito. A morfometria mostrou que os indivíduos são mais longos e finos nas maiores profundidades, tanto batimétrica quanto vertical. A distribuição da meiofauna e da biomassa de Nematoda na área pareceu ser mais afetada por processos físicos (correntes, ressuspensão, topografia íngreme) do que pela quantidade de alimento disponível. / The Antarctic Peninsula has a deep shelf featuring similar conditions to the deep sea and it is highly affected by climatic variations. At Admiralty Bay and the adjacent slope in the Bransfield Strait, the meiofauna below 60 m depth is unknown. The present study aims to characterize the meiofauna community, and so generate a database on biodiversity and structure through the linkage to environmental variables (sediment type and quantity/quality of food). Composition and density of meiofauna have been evaluated across depth gradient (100 and 1100 m), sediment column (0-6 cm) and two years of contrasting climatic conditions (dec/2008 and dec/2009). Nematode biomass and diversity in specific level have been analyzed exclusively in the dec/2008 samples. Meiofauna density and nematode biomass were higher than in other localities. There was great variation of meiofauna density between the years. In dec/2008, density varied along the depth gradient: higher at the Admiralty Bay and lower at the Bransfield Strait, where the sediment was coarser (indicating high hydrodynamics). This year was the warmest, with weak influence of ice cover, high primary productivity and high phytodetritus concentration. Distinctively, in dec/2009, no bathymetric variation in meiofauna density or environmental variables was observed. This year was the coldest, with an extensive and enduring ice cover and low primary productivity. Density and diversity were higher in the superficial layer of the sediment. In total 83 nematode genera were found, comprising 185 morphospecies, mostly of new species. Species diversity of nematodes was elevated as reported in other Antarctic regions and in the deep sea. Nematode total biomass was five times higher than the global mean values, showing variation along the depth gradient. Individual biomass of layer 0-2 cm was low at the bay and high at the strait. Individuals were longer and thinner in deeper depths and sediment layers. Meiofauna and nematode biomass distributions seem to be more influenced by physical processes (currents, sediment ressuspension, steep topography) than by food availability.

Thesis (M. Agricultural Management (Animal Production)) -- University of Limpopo, 2016 / Cultivated potato (Solanum tuberosum L.) cultigens do not have resistant genotypes to root-knot (Meloidogyne species) nematodes. Currently, efforts are underway to introgress nematode resistance in potato breeding programmes, whereas other environment-friendly nematode management strategies are being assessed in various cultigens. Nemafric-BL and Nemarioc-AL phytonematicides have being researched and developed for managing the root-knot nematode whereas Biocult Mycorrhizae are intended to enhance crop productivity through improved absorption of P, which is inherently low in most South African soils. The objectives of the study, therefore, were: (1) to determine the interactive effects of Nemacur (N), Biocult Mycorrhizae (B) and Nemarioc-AL or Nemafric-BL phytonematicide (P) on population densities of M. javanica and growth of potato plants, (2) to investigate the effects of Nemacur (N), Velum (V), Biocult Mycorhizae (B) and Nemarioc-AL or Nemafric-BL phytonematicide (P) on population densities of M. javanica and growth of potato plants. For the microplot experiment, potato cv. ‘Mondial G3’ seeds were sown in 25 cm-diameter plastic pots with 5 000 ml steam-pasteurised river sand and Hygromix-T at 3:1 (v/v) growing mixture in autumn (March-May) 2015. Pots were buried 80% deep into the soil in with 0.5 m inter-row and 0.5 m intra-row spacing. Potato cv. ‘Mondial G3’ seeds were dipped in a mixture of Mancozeb with a wettener for disease management prior to sowing. Appropriate treatments were applied soon after emergence of leaves. Each plant was inoculated by dispensing a mixture of 5 000 eggs and M. javanica J2. Eight treatments, control (N0B0P0), Nemacur (N1B0P0), Biocult (N0B1P0), phytonematicide (N0B0P1), Nemacur × Biocult (N1B1P0), Nemacur × phytonematicide (N1B0P1), Biocult × phytonematicide (N0B1P1) and Nemacur × Biocult × phytonematicide (N1B1P1), were arranged in a randomised complete block xxvi design (RCBD) with 8 replications (n= 64). Under field conditions the study was conducted in summer (October 2015 - January 2016), with 30-cm furrows dug and potato seeds placed in the soil with 30 cm inter-row and 40 cm intra-row spacing. The four treatments, namely, (1) untreated control, (2) Nemacur or Velum (3) Biocult Mycorrhizae and (4) Nemarioc-AL or Nemafric-BL phytonematicide, were arranged in RCBD, replicated three times for the Velum experiment and five times for the Nemacur experiment. At 56 days after inoculation, the second order interaction (N1B1P1) was highly significant (P ≤ 0.01) for eggs in root and total nematodes, contributing 13 and 12% to total treatment variation (TTV) of the two variables, respectively, in the Nemarioc-AL phytonematicide study. Relative to untreated control, the second order interaction (N1B1P1) reduced eggs in root and total nematodes by 42 and 36%, respectively. In both Nemarioc-AL and Nemafric-BL phytonematicide experiments, the combination of phytonematicide and Biocult Mycorrhizae reduced gall rating. Nemacur, Biocult and Nemarioc-AL phytonematicide, the treatment effects were highly significant on eggs, J2 in root and total nematodes, contributing 53, 68 and 57% to TTV of the three variables, respectively. Nemacur, Biocult and Nemafric-BL phytonematicide treatments each was not significant (P ≤ 0.05) for nematodes variables. Both treatments for Nemacur, Biocult and Nemarioc-AL or Nemafric-BL phytonematicides were significant for gall rating, contributing 92 and 70% to TTV of the variable, respectively. In Nemarioc-AL phytonematicide, relative to the untreated control, gall rating was reduced by 48 to 56%, whereas in Nemafric-BL phytonematicide the variable was reduced by 33 to 56%. In the Velum study, Biocult and Nemarioc-AL or Nemafric-BL phytonematicide, the treatment effects in both experiments were highly significant (P ≤ 0.01) on eggs in root, contributing 88% to TTV of the variable. Both treatments from Nemarioc-AL xxvii and Nemafric-BL phytonematicides had no significant effects on all plant variables measured. In microplot, the second order interaction (Nemacur × Biocult × Nemarioc-AL phytonematicide) was highly significant for nematode eggs in root and total nematode. In a three-way matrix, the N1B1P1 interaction had the highest effects on eggs, followed by Biocult alone, then Nemacur alone and then the phytonematicide. The same trend was observed in the three-way matrix for total nematodes. However, in two-way matrix for eggs, Biocult outperformed Nemacur, as was the phytonematicide on J2. In another microplot study, the second order interaction (Nemacur × Biocult × Nemafric-BL phytonematicide) was significant for J2 in soil and roots, with the three-way matrix showing, that Biocult alone had higher effects than the N1B1P1 interaction on J2 in root. A three-way matrix also showed that Nemacur was outperformed by the phytonematicide alone, Biocult alone and the interactions on J2 in soil. In conclusion, Nemarioc-AL and Nemafric-BL phytonematicides could each be used with Biocult Mycorrhizae in the management of population densities of M. javanica in potato production since the impact from Nemacur which is a synthetic nematicide does not have that much difference from that of phytonematicides interacted with Biocult Mycorrhizae. / Agricultural Research Council

Made available in DSpace on 2014-06-11T19:32:05Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 0 Previous issue date: 2007-05-31Bitstream added on 2014-06-13T20:02:59Z : No. of bitstreams: 1 campos_as_dr_jabo.pdf: 498974 bytes, checksum: dae48689919324588323831a05899897 (MD5) / Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior (CAPES) / Bayer Crop Science / Esta pesquisa foi conduzida com os objetivos de estudar a dinâmica populacional dos nematóides dos citros em duas áreas edafoclimáticas distintas de São Paulo, conhecer a distribuição dessas pragas no perfil do solo e avaliar o efeito da aplicação de aldicarb no período mais quente do ano. Os testes foram conduzidos em pomares dos Municípios de Monte Alto e de Palestina. Amostras de solo e raízes foram coletadas mensalmente por um período superior a um ano, em ambos os locais, e foram processadas no Laboratório de Nematologia da UNESP/FCAV. As curvas de tendência da flutuação de Tylenchulus semipenetrans e Pratylenchus jaehni foram traçadas. Para o estudo da distribuição vertical, foram abertas trincheiras de até 2 m de profundidade ao lado de plantas adultas e coletadas amostras em faixas de 20 cm de profundidade nos perfis. A aplicação de aldicarb no período mais quente e chuvoso do ano também foi avaliada. Os dados evidenciaram que a temperatura e a pluviosidade são os dois fatores do ambiente que regulam as populações dos nematóides dos citros em São Paulo, sendo que as curvas de tendência da flutuação de ambos os nematóides se ajustam a um modelo quadrático com os níveis de população mais baixos, nos meses mais quentes e chuvosos do ano, enquanto os picos ocorrem nos meses mais frios e secos. A maior densidade dos nematóides dos citros ocorre nos primeiros 60 cm, com maior concentração entre 20 e 40 cm. Em pomares não irrigados, a aplicação de nematicidas no final do período das chuvas é mais adequada para o controle dos nematóides que as outras épocas do ano. Aldicarb aplicado no período de janeiro a março não reduz a população dos nematóides nos pomares paulistas. / This research was carried out with the objectives of studying the population dynamics of the citrus nematodes in two distinct crop environmental conditions in São Paulo State, the distribution of these pests in the soil profile and to evaluate the effect of the application of aldicarb in the hottest period of the year. The tests were carried out in orange orchards of Monte Alto and Palestina Counties. Samples of soil and roots were monthly collected during a period of more than one year in both places and were processed in the Laboratório de Nematologia of the UNESP/FCAV. The curves of fluctuation of Tylenchulus semipenetrans and Pratylenchus jaehni were draw prepared. For the study of vertical distribution trenches of up to 2 m deep in the soil were opened at the side of plants adults and samples were collected at the profile in 20 cm bands. The application of aldicarb in the hottest and rainy period of the year was also evaluated. The data evidenced that temperature and rainfall are the two environmental factors that regulate nematode populations on citrus in São Paulo. The fluctuation curves of both nematodes adjust to a quadratic model with the lower levels of the populations in hottest and rainy months, while the peaks occur during the coldest and driest months. The highest density of the citrus nematodes occurs in the first 60 cm of the soil profile, with higher concentration between 20 and 40 cm deep. In mom irrigated orchards, nematicide application at the end of the rainfall period is more suited for nematode control than the other months of times during) the year. Aldicarb applied in the period from January to March does not reduce the nematode populations in São Paulo orchards.