Genetic diversity of different Tunisian fig (Ficuscarica L.) collections revealed by RAPD fingerprints.

The genetic diversity in Tunisian fig (Ficus carica L.) was studied using RAPD markers. Thirty-five fig cultivars originating from diverse geographical areas and belonging to three collections were analysed.

Increasing the molecular contacts between maurotoxin and Kv1.2 channel augments ligand affinity.

Scorpion toxins interact with their target ion channels through multiple molecular contacts. Because a "gain of function" approach has never been described to evaluate the importance of the molecular contacts in defining toxin affinity, we experimentally examined whether increasing the molecular contacts between a toxin and an ion channel directly impacts toxin affinity. For this purpose, we focused on two scorpion peptides, the well-characterized maurotoxin with its variant Pi1-like disulfide bridging (MTX(Pi1)), used as a molecular template, and butantoxin (BuTX), used as an N-terminal domain provider.

RT-PCR-RFLP for genetic diversity analysis of Tunisian Grapevine fanleaf virus isolates in their natural host plants.

Genetic diversity was characterized in 20 isolates of Grapevine fanleaf virus (GFLV) recovered from naturally infected grapevine plants (Vitis vinifera) in the North of Tunisia. Viral RNAs were isolated by oligoprobe capture, and a 605 bp fragment containing a part of the viral coat protein gene was amplified by RT-PCR. Sequence variation among isolates was characterized by restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP) analysis and confirmed by sequencing.

Genetic diversity of Tunisian date palms (Phoenixdactylifera L.) revealed by nuclear microsatellite polymprohism.

Fourteen microsatellite loci of Phoenix dactylifera were targeted to examine the genetic diversity in Tunisian date-palms germplasm. They showed a high level of polymorphism in 49 accessions from three main oases with little geographic structure within Tunisia. The microsatellite data agrees with previous analyses of Tunisian germplasm using other molecular markers.

Polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism of ribosomal internal transcribed spacer region analysis on polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis reveals two haplotypes coexisting in Myzus persicae.

Aphids are geographically and economically the most important group of phytophagous insects. They are responsible for various damage on cultivated plants. In our laboratory, we are interested in their ability to transmit phytoviruses such as Rhabdovirus, Cucumovirus, Potyvirus, and Caulimavirus which cause many crop diseases.