Fungal endophytes were isolated from 4 species of the carnivorous pitcher plant genus
Sarracenia
:
S. minor
,
S. oreophila
,
S. purpurea
, and
S. psittacina
. Twelve taxa of fungi, 8 within the Ascomycota and 4 within the Basidiomycota, were identified based on PCR amplification and sequencing of the internal transcribed spacer sequences of nuclear ribosomal DNA (ITS rDNA) with taxonomic identity assigned using the NCBI nucleotide megablast search tool. Endophytes are known to produce a large number of metabolites, some of which may contribute to the protection and survival of the host. We speculate that endophyte-infected
Sarracenia
may benefit from their fungal associates by their influence on nutrient availability from within pitchers and, possibly, by directly influencing the biota within pitchers.
Retained yolk sacs are common in the domestic chicken and account for considerable morbidity and mortality during late embryonic development and within the first 10 days of life. What is believed to be the first recorded instance of a retained caseous yolk sac and its successful surgical removal from a Burmese python (Python molurus bivittatus) is reported. The snake experienced no post-operative complications and continues to be well 16 mo following surgery.
Protoplasts were isolated from the lamina of greenhouse grown Nepenthes ampullaria and the hybrid N. 'Rokko' Exotica in order to develop a protocol for protoplast isolation suitable for wild species of Nepenthes. Various molarities utilizing mannitol or sorbitol and different enzyme mixtures and concentrations as well as incubation times were evaluated to maximize protoplast yield and viability. The most effective treatment, a 4 hrs incubation at 40 rpm and 25°C in a solution consisting of 0.5 M sorbitol, 5% cellulase 'Onozuka' R-10, 0.5% macerozyme R-10, and 0.3% pectolyase Y-23, generated 4.35 × 10 6 protoplasts/ gfw of which 62.1% were viable. Culture was attempted in respect of regeneration of the cell wall, however, no cell division was observed.
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