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Scientific Reports Feb 2021Root lesion nematode (RLN; Pratylenchus thornei) causes extensive yield losses in wheat worldwide and thus pose serious threat to global food security. Reliance on...
Root lesion nematode (RLN; Pratylenchus thornei) causes extensive yield losses in wheat worldwide and thus pose serious threat to global food security. Reliance on fumigants (such as methyl bromide) and nematicides for crop protection has been discouraged due to environmental concerns. Hence, alternative environment friendly control measures like finding and deployment of resistance genes against Pratylenchus thornei are of significant importance. In the present study, genome-wide association study (GWAS) was performed using single-locus and multi-locus methods. In total, 143 wheat genotypes collected from pan-Indian wheat cultivation states were used for nematode screening. Genotypic data consisted of > 7K SNPs with known genetic positions on the high-density consensus map was used for association analysis. Principal component analysis indicated the existence of sub-populations with no major structuring of populations due to the origin. Altogether, 25 significant marker trait associations were detected with - log10 (p value) > 4.0. Three large linkage disequilibrium blocks and the corresponding haplotypes were found to be associated with significant SNPs. In total, 37 candidate genes with nine genes having a putative role in disease resistance (F-box-like domain superfamily, Leucine-rich repeat, cysteine-containing subtype, Cytochrome P450 superfamily, Zinc finger C2H2-type, RING/FYVE/PHD-type, etc.) were identified. Genomic selection was conducted to investigate how well one could predict the phenotype of the nematode count without performing the screening experiments. Prediction value of r = 0.40 to 0.44 was observed when 56 to 70% of the population was used as a training set. This is the first report where GWAS has been conducted to find resistance against root lesion nematode (P. thornei) in Indian wheat germplasm.
Topics: Animals; Genome, Plant; Genome-Wide Association Study; Nematoda; Plant Diseases; Plant Roots; Triticum
PubMed: 33574377
DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-80996-0 -
Insects Feb 2021This paper reports beetle pests common to flourmills targeted during a series of trapping studies over a two-year period in flourmill 1 and a one year period in...
This paper reports beetle pests common to flourmills targeted during a series of trapping studies over a two-year period in flourmill 1 and a one year period in flourmill 2. Objectives were (1) use pheromone-baited traps to detect (Herbst) and other pest species present for their distribution over space and time, (2) monitor activity before and after fumigations to assess efficacy of the treatment, and (3) correlate counts of via trap capture against direct counts from samples of the milled flour to assess the value of trap data to estimate relative size of the pest population. Traps were deployed in two different flourmills over two consecutive years. was the most commonly trapped beetle during both years in mill 1. In mill 2, (L.) and (Stephens) were both captured in higher numbers than . In mill 1, trap capture was higher overall during Year 2 for most of the species compared with capture during Year 1, likely due to a dust cover modification made for the pitfall trap used in Year 2. Trap capture was also evaluated by location within the mills and a significant difference was found in the capture of during both years in mill 1. captures were significantly reduced following most fumigations, which used methyl bromide in milling areas and phosphine in bulk-stored finished flour. However, in most cases trap catches showed that beetle populations were not eliminated. Trap captures after fumigation suggest either that the fumigations were not entirely effective, or that full grown adult beetles were entering the mill soon after fumigation. When captures of from traps in two spaces of mill 1 during Year 2 were compared with counts of beetles from samples of siftings collected in the finished flour, the correlation coefficients were nearly significant for both sets of traps.
PubMed: 33562327
DOI: 10.3390/insects12020144 -
EFSA Journal. European Food Safety... Dec 2020The European Commission submitted to the EFSA Panel on Plant Health a Dossier by USDA proposing a systems approach to mitigate the risk of entry of to the EU when...
The European Commission submitted to the EFSA Panel on Plant Health a Dossier by USDA proposing a systems approach to mitigate the risk of entry of to the EU when trading oak logs with bark from the USA. Due to the forthcoming ban of methyl bromide (MB), the Dossier indicates sulfuryl fluoride (SF) as the substitute fumigant for this commodity. After collecting additional evidence from USDA,EU NPPOs, external experts and the published literature, the Panel performed a quantitative assessment on the likelihood of pest freedom for at the point of entry in the EU, comparing the proposed systems approach with those already implemented by Commission Decision 2005/359/EC. The Panel provided also a non-quantitative assessment for all risk reduction options (RROs) proposed to be undertaken in the EU, from the point of entry to processing at the sawmill. The quantitative assessment until the EU point of entry, based on experts' judgement, indicated that: i) the most effective import option remains the current one with MB (95% certainty that between 9,573 and 10,000 containers per 10,000 would be free of ), followed by that with SF (95% certainty that between 8,639 and 10,000 containers per 10,000 would be free of ) and, last, by the other existing option based on delivering white oak logs in certain periods of the year to certain regions of the EU without fumigation (95% certainty, between 7,803 and 10,000 containers per 10,000). RROs proposed to be undertaken in the EU are expected to further reduce the risk of establishment of , should these RROs be regulated, correctly implemented and checked by NPPOs. A wood pathway analysis is needed to quantitatively assess the importance of each measure and to optimise regulatory actions and risk management efforts.
PubMed: 33363644
DOI: 10.2903/j.efsa.2020.6352 -
Insects Nov 2020At a time when there is much talk of reducing pesticide use and the implementation of integrated pest management, mainly in fields and glass-houses, it is appropriate to... (Review)
Review
At a time when there is much talk of reducing pesticide use and the implementation of integrated pest management, mainly in fields and glass-houses, it is appropriate to consider how cereals in storage are handled and what measures are taken to protect them against insects and other pests. For decades, the use of various synthetic pesticides has been the basis for the proper and long-term storage of cereals, primarily free of insects and mites, but also fungi and their mycotoxins and rodents. However, due to the registered negative effects of synthetic pesticides, such as dichloro-diphenyl-trihloroethane (DDT) or methyl bromide, on human health and the environment, and the appearance of resistance to, e.g., malathion, researchers have been looking for new acceptable control measures. Due to the proven and published non-acceptable data regarding synthetic pesticide effects, a combination of physical, mechanical, and biological measures with the minimal use of synthetic pesticides, under the name of integrated pest management, have been promoted. These combinations include high and low temperatures; the removal of dockages; and the application of pheromones, diatomaceous earth, and natural compounds from various plants, as well as inert gases, predators, and parasites. A ban of any synthetic pesticide usage is currently being considered, which emphasizes the fact that protection should only be performed by measures that do not leave harmful residues. However, the facts show that the application of physical, mechanical, and/or biological measures, besides the fact that they are not necessarily efficient, is very demanding because more knowledge and experience is required, as well as better equipment, greater financial investment, and awareness raising not only for agricultural producers and storage keepers, but also for consumers. In order to use these measures, which are less hazardous to humans and the environment, it is necessary to adapt regulations not only to speed up the registration protocols of low-risk pesticides, but also to prescribe criteria for placing agricultural products on the market, as well as quality standards, i.e., the permitted number of present insects, in addition to their parts in certain types of food. Additionally, we should be aware of control measures for protecting novel food and other non-traditional foods. It is important to continue to combine different protection measures, namely integrated pest management, until all of the other new procedures that must be carried out during the period of storing cereals and other products are clear, in order to ensure the best quality of final products for consumers.
PubMed: 33260599
DOI: 10.3390/insects11120846 -
Journal of Occupational and... Jan 2021To determine whether methyl bromide (MB) fumigation work for plants imported in Korea affects workers' health by assessing heart rate variability (HRV).
OBJECTIVE
To determine whether methyl bromide (MB) fumigation work for plants imported in Korea affects workers' health by assessing heart rate variability (HRV).
METHODS
We measured HRV indices (TP, VLF, LF, HF, HR, SDNN, pNN50 and HRV-index) and urinary bromide ion (Br-) in 62 fumigators (study group) and 34 inspectors (the control group) before and after fumigation work. In addition, the relationship between Br- concentration and HRV indices was analysed.
RESULTS
The fumigators' post-work HRV indices and Br- level were changed compared with their pre-work values (P < 0.001). Conversely, inspectors' values were not shown a difference before and after work. The HRV indices in all subjects were negatively correlated with the Br- levels (P < 0.05).
CONCLUSIONS
Fumigators with high Br- concentrations and low post-work HRV indices following MB fumigation work experienced adverse effects on their autonomic nervous systems.
Topics: Autonomic Nervous System; Heart Rate; Humans; Hydrocarbons, Brominated; Quarantine
PubMed: 33177473
DOI: 10.1097/JOM.0000000000002083 -
International Maritime Health 2020During ship transport of organic cargo e.g. soybeans in bulk or textiles in containers, there is a risk of pests damaging the cargo during transport as well as of...
BACKGROUND
During ship transport of organic cargo e.g. soybeans in bulk or textiles in containers, there is a risk of pests damaging the cargo during transport as well as of unwanted global spread of organisms. Consequently, fumigation of the shipped goods is recommended. While aiming to protect the cargo from being damaged by pests during the transport time, fumigation constitutes a risk to the health of seafarers and port workers and even fatal cases are seen. Phosphine gas is increasingly applied for fumigation. Based on former experiences this article aims to describe the risk and to provide recommendations for prevention.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
All reports of acute occupational exposures to phosphine in the maritime shipping industry to the Belgian Poison Centre were analysed and compared to reports in a study by ANSES (Agence nationale de sécurité sanitaire de l'alimentation, de l'environnement et du travail), which collected data from the French Poison Centres. Data were registered and analysed between the 1st of January 1999 and the 31 of December 2018.
RESULTS
The reported incidents have so far been rather few but seem to have increased over the last years. Symptoms are gastro-intestinal, neurologic and respiratory and often seem "vague" and non-specific and are often difficult to recognise for first responders. In the cases where the aetiology of the incident is known, there often seems to be a lack of clear information about the risk and options for mitigation in workplaces and among the workers. Twelve publications of case reports were included from the literature review that showed the same patterns as found in the registered incident reports.
CONCLUSIONS
There seems to be an increase in incidents of acute poisoning from phosphine worldwide. This increase could be linked to the phasing out of methyl bromide in the Montreal Protocol but may also have other explanations. Strict precautions are needed when using phosphine for fumigation of ship cargoes and containers. Since symptoms are often vague, first-responders need to pay attention to the possible occurrence of acute phosphine intoxication as it may be life threatening. Phosphine intoxication remains a diagnosis nor to underestimate not to miss. Further monitoring and research is needed. Preventive actions are mandatory. It is essential to implement in a strict way the existing legislation of an in-transit fumigation with phosphine. Training of the crew and good communication between the different actors during an in-transit fumigation (ship-owner, captain, fumigator, crew, longshoremen) is the key of a good prevention of accidents.
Topics: Adult; Belgium; France; Humans; Male; Occupational Diseases; Occupational Exposure; Phosphines; Ships
PubMed: 33001425
DOI: 10.5603/IMH.2020.0028 -
Environmental Research Nov 2020Ambient environmental pollutants have been shown to adversely affect respiratory health in susceptible populations. However, the role of simultaneous exposure to...
BACKGROUND
Ambient environmental pollutants have been shown to adversely affect respiratory health in susceptible populations. However, the role of simultaneous exposure to multiple diverse environmental pollutants is poorly understood.
OBJECTIVE
We applied a multidomain, multipollutant approach to assess the association between pediatric lung function measures and selected ambient air pollutants and pesticides.
METHODS
Using data from the US EPA and California Pesticide Use Registry, we reconstructed three months prior exposure to ambient air pollutants ((ozone (O), nitrogen dioxide (NO), particulate matter with a median aerodynamic diameter < 2.5 μm (PM) and <10 μm (PM)) and pesticides (organophosphates (OP), carbamates (C) and methyl bromide (MeBr)) for 153 children with mild intermittent or mild persistent asthma from the San Joaquin Valley of California, USA. We implemented Bayesian kernel machine regression (BKMR) to estimate the association between simultaneous exposures to air pollutants and pesticides and lung function measures (forced expiratory volume in 1 s (FEV), forced vital capacity (FVC), and forced expiratory flow between 25% and 75% of vital capacity (FEF)).
RESULTS
In BKMR analysis, the overall effect of mixtures (pollutants and pesticides) was associated with reduced FEV and FVC, particularly when all the environmental exposures were above their 60th percentile. For example, the effect of the overall mixture at the 70th percentile (compared to the median) was a -0.12SD (-50 mL, 95% CI: -180 mL, 90 mL) change in the FEV and a -0.18SD (-90 mL, 95% CI: -240 mL, 60 mL) change in the FVC. However, 95% credible intervals around all of the joint effect estimates contained the null value.
CONCLUSION
At this agricultural-urban interface, we observed results from multipollutant analyses, suggestive of adverse effects on some pediatric lung function measures following a cumulative increase in ambient air pollutants and agricultural pesticides. Given the uncertainty in effect estimates, this approach should be explored in larger studies.
Topics: Air Pollutants; Air Pollution; Asthma; Bayes Theorem; Child; Environmental Exposure; Humans; Lung; Nitrogen Dioxide; Ozone; Particulate Matter; Pesticides
PubMed: 32750551
DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2020.109903 -
PloS One 2020Methyl bromide (MB) is a fumigant that has been widely used for killing pests on plants in trade, soils, and structures worldwide due to its excellent permeability and...
Methyl bromide (MB) is a fumigant that has been widely used for killing pests on plants in trade, soils, and structures worldwide due to its excellent permeability and insecticidal effect; however, MB should be replaced because it is an ozone-depleting substance. It is well-known that MB is highly toxic and hazardous to workers, but the effects of exposure in asymptomatic workers have not been explored. The purpose of this study is to investigate the impact of MB fumigation on the health of fumigators at a sensitive level. The electroencephalogram (EEG) and urinary bromide ion levels of 44 fumigators (the study group) and 20 inspectors (the control) were measured before and after fumigation work from February to August 2019 in Busan, Korea. The mean post-work concentration of bromide ion (18.311 μg/mg CRE) in the fumigators was significantly increased from the pre-work level (7.390 μg/mg CRE) (P<0.001). The fumigator post-work median frequencies (MDF) and alpha-to-theta ratios (ATR) of EEG index were significantly decreased compared to the pre-work values (P<0.05 for all indices). In contrast, there were no significant differences in inspector EEG indices and urinary bromide ion. The urinary bromide ion levels in all the subjects were negatively correlated with MDF (P = 0.032). In conclusion, fumigators' EEG indices and urinary bromide ion suggested that occupational exposure to MB negatively affected the health of workers, although the workers were asymptomatic.
Topics: Adult; Bromides; Electrocardiography; Female; Fumigation; Humans; Hydrocarbons, Brominated; Insecticides; Male; Middle Aged; Occupational Exposure
PubMed: 32745138
DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0236694 -
International Journal of Environmental... Mar 2020Methyl bromide (CHBr) is one of the largest natural sources of bromine in the stratosphere, where it leads to ozone depletion. This paper reported the photochemical...
Methyl bromide (CHBr) is one of the largest natural sources of bromine in the stratosphere, where it leads to ozone depletion. This paper reported the photochemical production of CHBr from syringic acid (SA) that has been used as an environmentally relevant model compound for terrestrially-derived dissolved organic matter. The formation of CHBr increased with the increase of bromide ion concentration ranging from 0.8 to 80 mmol L. Ferric ions (Fe(III)) enhanced CHBr production, while chloride inhibited it, with or without Fe(III). Meanwhile, methyl chloride (CHCl) was generated in the presence of chloride and was inhibited by Fe(III). The different effects of Fe(III) on the formation of CHCl and CHBr indicate their diverse formation paths. Based on the intermediates identified by liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry and the confirmation of the formation of Fe(III)-SA complexes, it was proposed that there were two formation paths of CHBr from SA in the bromide-enriched water under simulated sunlight irradiation. One path was via nucleophilic attack of Br on the excited state protonation of SA; the other was via the combination of methyl radical and bromine radical when Fe(III) was present. This work suggests that the photochemical formation of CHBr may act as a potential natural source of CHBr in the bromide-enriched environmental matrix, and helps in better understanding the formation mechanism of CHBr.
Topics: Bromides; Ferric Compounds; Gallic Acid; Hydrocarbons, Brominated; Photochemical Processes; Sunlight
PubMed: 32245114
DOI: 10.3390/ijerph17062081 -
Molecules (Basel, Switzerland) Feb 2020Proton exchange membrane fuel cells (PEMFCs) with 0.1 and 0.4 mg Pt cm cathode catalyst loadings were separately contaminated with seven organic species: Acetonitrile,...
Proton exchange membrane fuel cells (PEMFCs) with 0.1 and 0.4 mg Pt cm cathode catalyst loadings were separately contaminated with seven organic species: Acetonitrile, acetylene, bromomethane, iso-propanol, methyl methacrylate, naphthalene, and propene. The lower catalyst loading led to larger cell voltage losses at the steady state. Three closely related electrical equivalent circuits were used to fit impedance spectra obtained before, during, and after contamination, which revealed that the cell voltage loss was due to higher kinetic and mass transfer resistances. A significant correlation was not found between the steady-state cell voltage loss and the sum of the kinetic and mass transfer resistance changes. Major increases in research program costs and efforts would be required to find a predictive correlation, which suggests a focus on contamination prevention and recovery measures rather than contamination mechanisms.
Topics: 2-Propanol; Acetonitriles; Acetylene; Alkenes; Bioelectric Energy Sources; Carbon; Catalysis; Electric Impedance; Electricity; Electrodes; Equipment Contamination; Hydrocarbons, Brominated; Membranes, Artificial; Methylmethacrylate; Naphthalenes; Platinum; Protons
PubMed: 32120973
DOI: 10.3390/molecules25051060