Abstract The aptly named microcormorants (currently placed in the genus Microcarbo) form a morphologically diminutive and distinct clade sister to all other living cormorants shags. However, relationships within Microcarbo are largely speculative. Sequence data resolve these unambiguously, with our phylogeny suggesting that separated from ~16 Mya showing two African species [the reed (or long-t...

The management of Lyctus africanus, one the major dry wood pests in tropical region is difficult due to its secluded habits and long lifecycle therefore, control measures are limited usage insecticides. insecticides particularly metal salts effective, but some cases their leaching leads concerns about environmental pollution. Nanometal particles found be more effective than salts. Presently ava...

Symptoms of huanglongbing (HLB) were reported in São Paulo State (SPS), Brazil, in March 2004. In Asia, HLB is caused by 'Candidatus Liberibacter asiaticus' and in Africa by 'Candidatus Liberibacter africanus'. Detection of the liberibacters is based on PCR amplification of their 16S rRNA gene with specific primers. Leaves with blotchy mottle symptoms characteristic of HLB were sampled in sever...

A detailed account is given of the history, aetiology, biology, epidemiology, detection, geographical distribution, and control of huanglongbing (HLB), a destructive disease of citrus that represents a major threat to the world citrus industry, and is slowly invading new citrusgrowing areas. HLB, whose name in Chinese means “yellow dragon disease”, was first reported from southern China in 1919...

The larvae of Didimus africanus (Percheron), D. haroldi Kuwert, D. alvarodoi (?) Corella, D. parastictus (Imhoff), D. nachtigali Kuwert, Erionomus planiceps (Esch.), E. pilosus Arrow, Taeniocerus pygmaeus (Kaup) and Comacupes basalis (Smith) are described for the first time. Larvae of Leptaulax bicolor (F.), L. dentatus (F.) and Aceraius grandis (Burm.) are redescribed and compared with previou...

"Candidatus Endobugula sertula," the uncultured microbial symbiont of the bryozoan Bugula neritina, produces ecologically and biomedically important polyketide metabolites called bryostatins. We isolated two gene fragments from B. neritina larvae that have high levels of similarity to polyketide synthase genes. These gene fragments are clearly associated with the symbiont and not with the host.

Vultures in the Gyps genus are declining globally. Multiple threats related to human activity have caused widespread declines of vulture populations in Africa, especially outside protected areas. Addressing such threats requires the estimation of foraging ranges yet such estimates are lacking, even for widespread (but declining) species such as the African white-backed vulture (Gyps africanus)....