Draft genome sequence of strain Ech2A causing soft rot on sweet pepper ().

We report the draft genome sequence of strain Ech2A causing soft rot on pepper. To verify pathogenicity, Koch's postulates were performed on sweet pepper. Genes encoding pectinolytic enzymes were found in the genome.

Draft genomes of two phylotype I and II species complex (RSSC) isolates causing bacterial wilt in tomato plants from Costa Rica.

Bacteria from RSSC hold agricultural significance as they are the causal agents of bacterial wilt. Here, we report the draft genomes of two bacteria extracted from vascular tissues of infected tomato plants. Isolate RALF-MA was classified as (phylotype I) and RALSA-MA as (phylotype II).

First insights into the prokaryotic community structure of Lake Cote, Costa Rica: Influence on nutrient cycling.

Prokaryotic diversity in lakes has been studied for many years mainly focusing on community structure and how the bacterial assemblages are driven by physicochemical conditions such as temperature, oxygen, and nutrients. However, little is known about how the composition and function of the prokaryotic community changes upon lake stratification. To elucidate this, we studied Lake Cote in Costa Rica determining prokaryotic diversity and community structure in conjunction with physicochemistry along vertical gradients during stratification and mixing periods.

Draft Genome Sequences of Two Cyanobacteria spp. Isolated from Microbial Mats in Miravalles Thermal Spring, Costa Rica.

We report the draft genome sequences of sp. strain 7M and sp. strain 15MV, isolated from Miravalles Thermal Spring, Costa Rica.

Novel Cyanobacterial Diversity Found in Costa Rican Thermal Springs Associated with Rincon de la Vieja and Miravalles Volcanoes: A Polyphasic Approach.

Central America is one of the most important biodiversity hot spots in the world, and Costa Rican microbial communities from thermal springs are the best characterized in the isthmus. Miravalles is an inactive quaternary stratovolcano, and the Rincón de la Vieja is a unique active volcano, in whose slopes diverse hydrothermal springs, such as Las Lilas, are located. These springs harbor extensive microbial mats, whose diversity has been studied.

Tolerance and sorption of Bromacil and Paraquat by thermophilic cyanobacteria Leptolyngbya 7M from Costa Rican thermal springs.

We studied the adsorption ability and tolerance of the thermophilic filamentous cyanobacteria Letolyngbya 7M towards Paraquat and Bromacil. Adsorption isotherms at pH = 7.0 showed an adsorption capacity of 24.

The influence of temperature and pH on bacterial community composition of microbial mats in hot springs from Costa Rica.

We used the 16S rRNA gene pyrosequencing approach to investigate the microbial diversity and community composition in several Costa Rican hot springs alongside the latitudinal axis of the country, with a range of temperatures (37-63°C), pH (6-7.5) and other geochemical conditions. A principal component analyses of the physicochemical parameters showed the samples were separated into three geochemically distinct habitats associated with the location (North, Central, and South).

Effects of coffee processing residues on anaerobic microorganisms and corresponding digestion performance.

The objective of this study was to delineate the effects of different coffee processing residues on the anaerobic microbes and corresponding digestion performance. The results elucidated that mucilage-rich feed enhanced the accumulation of methanogens, which consequently led to better digestion performance of biogas production. Fifty percent more methane and up to 3 times more net energy (heat and electricity) output were achieved by the digestion of the mucilage-rich feed (M3).

Tropical nematode diversity: vertical stratification of nematode communities in a Costa Rican humid lowland rainforest.

Comparisons of nematode communities among ecosystems have indicated that, unlike many organisms, nematode communities have less diversity in the tropics than in temperate ecosystems. There are, however, few studies of tropical nematode diversity on which to base conclusions of global patterns of diversity. This study reports an attempt to estimate nematode diversity in the lowland tropical rainforest of La Selva Biological Research Station in Costa Rica.

Characterization of true-branching cyanobacteria from geothermal sites and hot springs of Costa Rica.

Costa Rica is at the centre of the Mesoamerican biodiversity hotspot. Little is known about cyanobacteria from this region so far. Here, four isolates of the order Stigonematales (section V) were characterized in a polyphasic approach.

Steinernema costaricense n. sp. and S. puntauvense n. sp. (Rhabditida: Steinernematidae), two new entomopathogenic nematodes from Costa Rica.

Steinernema costaricense n. sp. and S.

[Enzymatic activities of bacteria isolated from the digestive tract of caterpillars and the pupal content of Automeris zugana and Rothschildia lebeau (Lepidoptera: Saturniidae)].

The enzymatic activities of bacteria isolated from the digestive tracts of caterpillars and the pupal contents of Automeris zugana and Rothschildia lebeau was studied. This digestive tract represents an extreme microenvironment due to its high pH and presence of antimicrobial substances secreted by the insect or derived from ingested plant tissue. At the same time, it contains large amounts of nutrient-rich food, for which microbes may compete among themselves and with the caterpillar.

First record of entomopathogenic nematodes (Steinernematidae and Heterorhabditidae) in Costa Rica.

A survey of entomopathogenic nematodes was conducted in the north Pacific (Guanacaste Conservation Area) and southeast Caribbean (Gandoca-Manzanillo Natural Refuge) regions of Costa Rica. Out of a total of 41 soil samples, 5 were positive for entomopathogenic nematodes (20.5%), with 3 (12.

Does a polyphagous caterpillar have the same gut microbiota when feeding on different species of food plants?

We used classical culture techniques to explore gut bacteria and changes associated with dietary change in the highly polyphagous, tropical caterpillar Automeris zugana (Saturniidae). Fifty-five third instar wild-caught sibs feeding on Annona purpurea (Annonaceae) in the Area de Conservación Guanacaste (ACG) in northwestern Costa Rica were divided into eight groups. Each of seven groups was reared to the ultimate instar on another species of food plant normally used by A.