Bemisia tabaci (MED) (silverleaf whitefly).

The exact origin of the MED species of Bemisia tabaci, and the reasons why it became such an important pest are still not fully known. MED species has been identified as a distinct member within the B. tabaci species complex (Tay et al., 2012). MED species is also an effective vector of many different plant viruses which, in conjunction with its high level of polyphagy, make it extremely problematic within agricultural regions where crops may be susceptible to viruses acquired from indigenous plants. Despite Bemisia in general being a tropical/sub-tropical whitefly species, MED species can easily be transported on plant species to temperate regions of the world (Cuthbertson and Vänninen, 2015). Within these cooler regions, MED species can survive within a protected environment and could feasibly spread virus diseases to new locations. It is for this reason that B. tabaci and members of its species complex, including MED species are on EPPO A2 Alert list.

Discovery of Lanama Virus, a Distinct Member of Species Kunsagivirus C (Picornavirales: Picornaviridae), in Wild Vervet Monkeys (Chlorocebus pygerythrus)

We report the discovery and sequence-based molecular characterization of a novel virus, lanama virus (LNMV), in blood samples obtained from two wild vervet monkeys (Chlorocebus pygerythrus), sampled near Lake Nabugabo, Masaka District, Uganda. Sequencing of the complete viral genomes and subsequent phylogenetic analysis identified LNMV as a distinct member of species Kunsagivirus C, in the undercharacterized picornavirid genus Kunsagivirus.

A newly isolated roseophage represents a distinct member of Siphoviridae family

Background Members of the Roseobacter lineage are a major group of marine heterotrophic bacteria because of their wide distribution, versatile lifestyles and important biogeochemical roles. Bacteriophages, the most abundant biological entities in the ocean, play important roles in shaping their hosts’ population structures and mediating genetic exchange between hosts. However, our knowledge of roseophages (bacteriophages that infect Roseobacter) is far behind that of their host counterparts, partly reflecting the need to isolate and analyze the phages associated with this ecologically important bacterial clade. Methods vB_DshS-R4C (R4C), a novel virulent roseophage that infects Dinoroseobacter shibae DFL12T, was isolated with the double-layer agar method. The phage morphology was visualized with transmission electron microscopy. We characterized R4C in-depth with a genomic analysis and investigated the distribution of the R4C genome in different environments with a metagenomic recruitment analysis. Results The double-stranded DNA genome of R4C consists of 36,291 bp with a high GC content of 66.75%. It has 49 genes with low DNA and protein homologies to those of other known phages. Morphological and phylogenetic analyses suggested that R4C is a novel member of the family Siphoviridae and is most closely related to phages in the genus Cronusvirus. However, unlike the Cronusvirus phages, R4C encodes an integrase, implying its ability to establish a lysogenic life cycle. A terminal analysis shows that, like that of λ phage, the R4C genome utilize the ‘cohesive ends’ DNA-packaging mechanism. Significantly, homologues of the R4C genes are more prevalent in coastal areas than in the open ocean. Conclusions Information about this newly discovered phage extends our understanding of bacteriophage diversity, evolution, and their roles in different environments.

A new species of Heimioporus (Boletaceae) from southern China

Heimioporus sinensis, collected from tropical and subtropical areas of China, is introduced as a new species based on both morphological characters and molecular data. The species is characterized by the purplish red to deep magenta pileus, the reticulated stipe, the irregularly reticulate to reticulate-alveolate basidiospores 11.5–13.5 × 8–9.5 μm, and a trichodermal to intricately trichodermal pileipellis. Phylogenetic analyses based on the nuc 28S rDNA D1-D2 domains (28S) and the translation elongation factor 1-α gene (tef1-α) showed that H. sinensis is a distinct member of the genus Heimioporus in the subfamily Xerocomoideae.

Remarks on Oriental species of Allophrys Förster described by A. Reshchikov (Hymenoptera: Ichneumonidae: Tersilochinae)

Two species of the genus Allophrys Förster were recently described from Oriental region by A. Reshchikov with co-authors (Yue et al. 2017). According to its original description and photographs, A. falcatus Reshchikov from the Philippines actually is a distinct member of the family Braconidae, and we transfer this species preliminarily to the genus Microctonus Wesmael (comb. nov.) of the subfamily Euphorinae. Another species, A. cantonensis Reshchikov & Yue from South China, was described on basis of a single male, and its further identification is expected to be problematic until its female discovered and described.