PRESS-NEWS.org - Press Release Distribution
PRESS RELEASES DISTRIBUTION

Study reveals root-lesion nematodes in maize crops - and one potential new species

Study reveals root-lesion nematodes in maize crops - and one potential new species
2025-01-14
(Press-News.org) A new study has lifted the lid on five species of root-lesion nematodes living in maize crops across New Zealand - and suggested the existence of a hitherto-unsuspected cryptic species.

The article, ‘Molecular characterization of root-lesion nematode, (Pratylenchus spp.) and their prevalence in New Zealand maize fields’, is published in Letters in Applied Microbiology, an Applied Microbiology International publication.

Identifying these nematodes and understanding their distribution will enable targeted pest management strategies, helping to protect crop yields and maintain agricultural productivity, said corresponding author Dr Nagarathnam Thiruchchelvan. 

Significant diversity The study identified and molecularly characterized five species of root-lesion nematodes (Pratylenchus spp.) prevalent in New Zealand maize fields, revealing significant diversity and regional distribution patterns that could impact maize production.

“Root-lesion nematodes - Pratylenchus spp - are polyphagous pests affecting many crops, including maize. They are known to cause considerable yield losses in cereals worldwide,” Dr Thiruchchelvan said.

“However, their diversity, prevalence, and distribution in New Zealand maize fields were not well understood, making it challenging to implement targeted management strategies. Our research aimed to bridge this gap by identifying the Pratylenchus species present and assessing their distribution across maize-growing regions.”

Nemotode populations The team conducted molecular and morphological analyses on nematode populations collected from maize fields across New Zealand. Using DNA sequencing with ITS, LSU (D2/D3) and COX1 regions, they identified five species: Pratylenchus neglectus, P. crenatus, P. thornei, P. penetrans, and P. pratensis. 

Sequence similarities ranged from 98% to 100%, confirming their identities. Phylogenetic analyses further supported these findings, with all species forming distinct clades.

The results showed that P. neglectus and P. crenatus are the most widespread, while P. thornei, P. pratensis, and P. penetrans were regionally localized. Soil type and cropping history appeared to influence their distribution. For instance, P. penetrans was confined to the Waikato region, while P. thornei and P. pratensis were found primarily in the Canterbury region.

Potential cryptic species Morphological analysis revealed minor variations in traits like stylet length and tail morphology, potentially due to environmental factors or local adaptation. One surprising discovery was that the P. pratensis population exhibited morphological traits suggesting it might belong to a cryptic species within the P. pratensis complex.

“The discovery of P. pratensis populations with distinct morphological features in New Zealand maize fields was unexpected. These variations, including larger stylet lengths, suggest the possibility of a cryptic species within the P. pratensis complex, highlighting the need for further taxonomic studies,” Dr Thiruchchelvan said.

“Our findings have critical implications for maize production in New Zealand. Pratylenchus species, particularly P. neglectus and P. crenatus, are known to reduce cereal yields significantly. Identifying these nematodes and understanding their distribution will enable targeted pest management strategies, helping to protect crop yields and maintain agricultural productivity. 

“Additionally, recognizing the potential for cryptic species within the P. pratensis complex emphasizes the importance of continual monitoring to prevent further spread or emergence of new pest challenges.

The way forward “Future studies should investigate the impact of these nematodes on maize yield and explore sustainable management strategies, including crop rotation and soil health practices. Morphological and molecular analyses should be expanded to confirm the taxonomic status of P. pratensis populations and determine whether they represent a new species. Integrating root sampling into nematode surveys will provide a more comprehensive understanding of their ecology and behavior in maize fields.”

The study was conducted by Dr Nagarathnam Thiruchchelvan at Lincoln University, New Zealand under the supervision of Dr Manjula Kularathna along with the Co-supervisory team of Dr Romy Moukarzel, Dr Seona Casonato and Prof Leo M Condron. Funding was provided by the PhD scholarship under the AHEAD operation (Round 03-2020, grant number AHEAD/Ph.D./R3/Agri/463) and research funds from Lincoln University, New Zealand (grant number 3601/AGLS/45401/1145841], and the team acknowledge the technical assistance provided by Sandy Hammond with sample collection and Merrick Norma for the sequencing work. 

“We also thank the New Zealand maize growers who generously allowed sampling on their land and the team at Pioneer Agricultural Company for their support during the process and perceptions from our colleagues at Lincoln University, New Zealand,” Dr Thiruchchelvan said.

‘Molecular characterization of root-lesion nematode, (Pratylenchus) and their prevalence in New Zealand maize fields’ appears in Letters in Applied Microbiology.

END

[Attachments] See images for this press release:
Study reveals root-lesion nematodes in maize crops - and one potential new species Study reveals root-lesion nematodes in maize crops - and one potential new species 2 Study reveals root-lesion nematodes in maize crops - and one potential new species 3

ELSE PRESS RELEASES FROM THIS DATE:

Bioinspired weather-responsive adaptive shading

Bioinspired weather-responsive adaptive shading
2025-01-14
Pine cones as a model: Researchers at the universities of Stuttgart and Freiburg have developed a new, energy-autonomous facade system that adapts passively to the weather. The journal Nature Communications has published the research results. "Most attempts at weather responsiveness in architectural facades rely heavily on elaborate technical devices. Our research explores how we can harness the responsiveness of the material itself through advanced computational design and additive manufacturing," says Professor Achim Menges, head of the Institute for Computational Design and Construction ...

Researchers uncover what drives aggressive bone cancer

Researchers uncover what drives aggressive bone cancer
2025-01-14
Researchers uncover what drives aggressive bone cancer Large-scale analysis of patient cohorts reveals a novel mechanism driving osteosarcoma, an aggressive paediatric bone cancer. The researchers show that this mechanism occurs in approximately 50% of high-grade osteosarcoma cases. This research also provides insights to help predict osteosarcoma patient outcomes which can help improve the management of this disease. Osteosarcoma is a type of aggressive bone cancer that most commonly affects children and young adults between the ages of 10 and 20, during times ...

Just as Gouda: Improving the quality of cheese alternatives

Just as Gouda: Improving the quality of cheese alternatives
2025-01-14
WASHINGTON, Jan. 14, 2025 – Plant-based dairy products are a great alternative for people who avoid animal products, but manufacturers have a hard time replicating the creamy, cheesy qualities that make dairy so indulgent. Scientists from the University of Guelph in Ontario and Canadian Light Source Inc. in Saskatchewan are working to produce plant-based cheese with all the characteristics of real cheese, but with better health benefits. In Physics of Fluids, by AIP Publishing, researchers studied multiple types of plant-based proteins and how they interact with ...

Digital meditation to target employee stress

2025-01-14
About The Study: The findings of this study suggest that a brief, digital mindfulness-based program is an easily accessible and scalable method for reducing perceptions of stress. Future work should seek to clarify mechanisms by which such interventions contribute to improvements in work-specific well-being.  Corresponding Author: To contact the corresponding author, Aric A. Prather, PhD, email aric.prather@ucsf.edu. To access the embargoed study: Visit our For The Media website at this link https://media.jamanetwork.com/ (doi:10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2024.54435) Editor’s Note: Please see ...

Electronic patient-reported outcome system implementation in outpatient cardiovascular care

2025-01-14
About The Study: In this randomized clinical trial, implementation of the electronic patient-reported outcome (ePRO) monitoring system significantly enhanced patient-physician communication and the clarity of physicians’ explanations about treatment. These findings suggest that the ePRO monitoring system is capable of supporting patient-centered cardiovascular care.  Corresponding Author: To contact the corresponding author, Yoshinori Katsumata, MD, PhD, email goodcentury21@keio.jp. To ...

Knowledge and use of menthol-mimicking cigarettes among adults in the US

2025-01-14
About The Study: In this survey study of U.S. adults, a substantial proportion were aware of and had already experimented with synthetic cooling agent menthol-mimicking cigarettes. These products may serve as a substitute for menthol cigarettes and reduce the public health benefits of a menthol cigarette ban in promoting smoking cessation.  Corresponding Author: To contact the corresponding author, Kelvin Choi, PhD, email kelvin.choi@nih.gov. To access the embargoed study: Visit our For The Media website at this link https://media.jamanetwork.com/ (doi:10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2024.54608) Editor’s ...

Uncurling a single DNA molecule and gluing it down helps sharpen images

Uncurling a single DNA molecule and gluing it down helps sharpen images
2025-01-14
WASHINGTON, Jan. 14, 2025 – Most microscopes can only illuminate objects down to a certain size before tiny features blur together. This blurring is known as the diffraction limit of light. Super-resolution imaging techniques, however, can distinguish between tiny biomolecular features, especially when thermal fluctuations are minimized. Using advanced imaging techniques and precise microfluidics control to stretch out curly DNA into a straight line, research published this week in AIP Advances, from AIP Publishing, demonstrates ...

Medicare Advantage beneficiaries did not receive more dental, vision or hearing care

2025-01-14
As the privatized form of Medicare, Medicare Advantage plans advertise dental, vision, and hearing benefits not covered by traditional Medicare, but a recent analysis found that Medicare Advantage beneficiaries do not typically receive more of these supplemental services than traditional Medicare beneficiaries. Additionally, out-of-pocket spending was similar for most supplemental services. The research led by a team from Mass General Brigham is published in JAMA Network Open.   “Medicare Advantage plans receive more money per beneficiary than traditional Medicare plans, but our findings add to the evidence that this increased cost is not justified,” said first author Christopher ...

Green hydrogen: Big gaps between ambition and implementation

2025-01-14
"Over the past three years, global project announcements for green hydrogen have almost tripled," says PIK researcher and lead author Adrian Odenweller. "However, only seven percent of the production capacity originally announced for 2023 has been completed on time during this period." According to the study, the recent problems with the market ramp-up of green hydrogen can be attributed to increased costs, a lack of willingness to pay on the demand side and uncertainties about future subsidies and regulation. "Enormous additional subsidies of around one trillion US dollars would be required to realise all announced hydrogen projects by 2030," explains Falko ...

Global study pinpoints genes for depression across ethnicities

2025-01-14
New genetic risk factors for depression have been identified across all major global populations for the first time, allowing scientists to predict risk of depression regardless of ethnicity. The world’s largest and most diverse genetic study ever into major depression has revealed nearly 300 previously unknown genetic links to the condition, experts say. 100 of the newly discovered genetic variations – small differences in the DNA sequence that makes up a gene – were identified due to the inclusion of people of African, East Asian, Hispanic and South Asian descent, the study found. Previous research into the genetics ...

LAST 30 PRESS RELEASES:

A third of licensed GPs in England not working in NHS general practice

ChatGPT “thought on the fly” when put through Ancient Greek maths puzzle

Engineers uncover why tiny particles form clusters in turbulent air

GLP-1RA drugs dramatically reduce death and cardiovascular risk in psoriasis patients

Psoriasis linked to increased risk of vision-threatening eye disease, study finds

Reprogramming obesity: New drug from Italian biotech aims to treat the underlying causes of obesity

Type 2 diabetes may accelerate development of multiple chronic diseases, particularly in the early stages, UK Biobank study suggests

Resistance training may improve nerve health, slow aging process, study shows

Common and inexpensive medicine halves the risk of recurrence in patients with colorectal cancer

SwRI-built instruments to monitor, provide advanced warning of space weather events

Breakthrough advances sodium-based battery design

New targeted radiation therapy shows near-complete response in rare sarcoma patients

Does physical frailty contribute to dementia?

Soccer headers and brain health: Study finds changes within folds of the brain

Decoding plants’ language of light

UNC Greensboro study finds ticks carrying Lyme disease moving into western NC

New implant restores blood pressure balance after spinal cord injury

New York City's medical specialist advantage may be an illusion, new NYU Tandon research shows

Could a local anesthetic that doesn’t impair motor function be within reach?

1 in 8 Italian cetacean strandings show evidence of fishery interactions, with bottlenose and striped dolphins most commonly affected, according to analysis across four decades of data and more than 5

In the wild, chimpanzees likely ingest the equivalent of several alcoholic drinks every day

Warming of 2°C intensifies Arctic carbon sink but weakens Alpine sink, study finds

Bronze and Iron Age cultures in the Middle East were committed to wine production

Indian adolescents are mostly starting their periods at an earlier age than 25 years ago

Temporary medical centers in Gaza known as "Medical Points" (MPs) treat an average of 117 people daily with only about 7 staff per MP

Rates of alcohol-induced deaths among the general population nearly doubled from 1999 to 2024

PLOS One study: In adolescent lab animals exposed to cocaine, High-Intensity Interval Training boosts aversion to the drug

Scientists identify four ways our bodies respond to COVID-19 vaccines

Stronger together: A new fusion protein boosts cancer immunotherapy

Hidden brain waves as triggers for post-seizure wandering

[Press-News.org] Study reveals root-lesion nematodes in maize crops - and one potential new species