bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Laboratory and field evaluations of extracts from Rhododendron molle flowers as insect growth regulator to imported cabbage worm, Pieris rapae L. (Lepidoptera:Pieridae)
Authors: Zhong G. H. , Hu M. Y. , Weng Q. F. , Ma A. Q. , Xu W. S.
Published: March 2003

The insect growth regulating properties of rhodojaponin‐III (Abbr. R‐III) and ethyl acetate (EtOAc) extract from Rhododendron molle G. Don flowers against imported cabbage worm, Pieris rapae L., were determined under laboratory and field conditions. The values of IC50 (the median of concentration for inhibiting weight increase) for R‐III and EtOAc extract were 6.78 p.p.m. and 70.29 p.p.m. against 3rd instar larvae and 13.72 p.p.m. and 346.00 p.p.m. against 5th instar larvae, respectively. R‐III and EtOAc extract also could reduce pupating rate, pupal weight, emergence rate and extend the duration of development. Thus development of insects was inhibited significantly and development index decreased. R‐III would be superior to toosendanin as insect growth regulator. EtOAc extract 1000 p.p.m. mixture with molosultap 500 p.p.m. could achieve an effective control rate of 87.34% against P. rapae in field trials when adjusted cumulative insect‐days were used as index.
An effective strategy for trapping Douglas‐fir beetle, Dendroctonus pseudotsugae (Col., Scolytidae) using combinations of unbaited and pheromone baited funnel traps
Authors: Laidlaw W. G. , Wieser H.
Published: March 2003

Experiments were conducted to confirm and quantify earlier observations that unbaited funnel traps in conjunction with pheromone baited funnel traps may substantially increase trap catches of Douglas‐fir beetles, Dendroctonus pseudotsugae. In 12 replicates of one of these experiments during 1998 and 1999, the catches of a single baited control trap were compared to those of a set of four traps where the central trap was baited and a ring of three traps, 1 m from the central trap arranged in a star configuration, were unbaited. In the second experiment conducted during 1999, a ring of three unbaited traps was placed at 2 m and a second at 5 m from the central baited trap. Statistically robust results demonstrated clearly that the configuration of one central baited trap plus three unbaited satellite traps collected twice as many beetles on average over the season compared to the baited control trap. Addition of a second ring of unbaited traps increased collections by only about 20%, but this experiment indicated that trap catches dropped off exponentially with distance from the centre. The number of beetles caught in the baited traps was essentially the same in all 3 arrangements, suggesting that the additional unbaited traps captured beetles that otherwise may not have been captured.
Sexing adults of the strawberry blossom weevil, Anthonomus rubi (Col., Curculionidae)
Authors: Innocenzi P. J. , Hall D. R. , Cross J. V. , Green S. V.
Published: March 2003

Of several previously reported methods for sexing the strawberry blossom weevil, the presence of thorns on the intermediary coxae of males is the most convenient and unambiguous. Uniform pitting on the dorsal elytra of females provides the possible selective pressure for male thorn development.
Age‐related fecundity and sex ratio variation in Apanteles galleriae (Hym., Braconidae) and host effect on fecundity and sex ratio of its hyperparasitoid Dibrachys boarmiae (Hym., Pteromalidae)
Authors: Uçkan F. , Gülel A.
Published: March 2003

Abstract:  Age‐related progeny production and sex ratio of Apanteles galleriae Wilkinson, a koinobiont, solitary, larval endoparasitoid of two lepidopteran species, Galleria mellonella (L.) and Achoria grisella Fabr., were studied at 25± 1°C, 60 ± 5% relative humidity, and a photoperiod of 12 : 12 h (L : D). The effect of host type on fecundity and sex ratio of the hyperparasitoid Dibrachys boarmiae (Walker), an idiobiont, gregarious pre‐pupae or pupae ectoparasitoid on A. galleriae was also investigated. Total progeny produced by A. galleriae showed very little host‐dependent variation. The mean total number of offspring produced by a female was 232.6 and 239.7 on G. mellonella and A. grisella, respectively. Progeny production and proportion of females per host by A. galleriae decreased directly with parental age. Fecundity of D. boarmiae on A. galleriae pupae reared on G. mellonella and A. grisella was 3.3 and 2.9 respectively. Host type had no significant influence on progeny production and sex ratio of D. boarmiae.
Comparative effects of some botanicals for the control of the seed weevil Caryedon serratus Olivier (Col., Bruchidae)
Authors: El Atta H. A. , Ahmed A.
Published: March 2003

Abstract:  Comparative efficacy of eco‐friendly botanicals extracted from leaves and seed kernel of Azadirachta indica A. Juss (neem) and Eucalyptus camaldulensis Dehn was tested against the noxious weevil Caryedon serratus Olivier. Leaf powder, seed kernel powder and oil extracted from the seeds of A. indica and leaf powder and oil extracted from the leaves of E. camaldulensis and benzene hexachloride (BHC) were tested at 1, 3 and 5% (w/w or v/w) against C. serratus. Eucalyptus leaf oil (ELO) and neem oil (NO) at 3 and 5% were as efficient as BHC and significantly (P=0.0001) reduced egg laying by C. serratus, whereas Eucalyptus leaf powder (ELP) had no significant effect. Neem seed kernel powder (NSKP) at 5%, ELO (3 and 5%) and NO (3 and 5%) significantly (P=0.0001) reduced egg hatching more than BHC at all doses. NO (3 and 5%) and ELO (3 and 5%) significantly (P=0.0001) reduced larval development more than BHC, whereas ELP and Neam Leaf Powder had no significant effect. Adult emergence and mortality were also significantly (P=0.0001) affected by some botanicals tested, especially oils. Oils were more effective as compared with powder. The study indicated that the botanicals tested have a good potential in replacing conventional pesticides because of their high efficacy and environmental safety.
Olfactory responses of the leafminer Liriomyza sativae (Dipt., Agromyzidae) to the odours of host and non‐host plants
Authors: Zhao Y. X. , Kang L.
Published: March 2003

Abstract: Electroantennogram (EAG) responses of male and female leafminer Liriomyza sativae Blanchard to 15 species of host and non‐host plant odours were recorded. The most distinct EAG responses of both sexes were obtained in the host plants bean and tomato. EAG responses to other host plants, such as cucumber, celery, chrysanthemum, towel gourd and cotton were reduced. Odours of non‐host plants, such as Chinese rose, tobacco and morning glory elicited minimal EAG responses. In a behavioural study, both sexes of L. sativae were more attracted by the odours of host plants than of non‐host plants. Thus, olfactory cues are important for host plant location by L. sativae. In addition, the combination of strong EAG and behavioural responses for both males and females to specific plant odours suggests that host plant volatiles can be important as aggregation cues for both sexes.
Accumulation and utilization of triacylglycerol and polysaccharides in Liposcelis bostrychophila (Psocoptera, Liposcelididae) selected for resistance to carbon dioxide
Authors: Wang J.‐J. , Zhao Z.‐M.
Published: March 2003

Abstract: Two populations of the psocid, Liposcelis bostrychophila Badonnel, were exposed to two CO2‐enriched atmospheres (35% CO2 + 21% O2, and 55% CO2 + 21% O2, balance N2) for 30 generations. Controls were reared in normal atmospheres. The reserves of triacylglycerol and polysaccharides were evaluated in adults of the two experimental and the control populations in generations F15 and F30. The utilization rate of triacylglycerol and polysaccharides in the CO2‐enriched atmospheres were also determined in generation F30. The results indicated that the reserves of triacylglycerol and polysaccharides increased significantly during selection for CO2 resistance; the higher the resistance level, the greater the reserves. Exposure of these populations to controlled atmosphere was associated with a steady utilization of the reserves. By contrast, the unselected population responded to controlled atmospheres by accelerated utilization of triacylglycerol and polysaccharides. Comparison of the utilization rates during CO2 exposure showed that triacylglycerol is the main energy source, and polysaccharides contribute to metabolic energy supply only to a small extent.
A technique for continuous rearing of Neodiprion sertifer (Geoffroy) (Hym., Diprionidae) in the laboratory
Authors: Baldassari N. , Martini A. , Baronio P.
Published: March 2003

The laboratory rearing of Neodiprion sertifer (Geoffroy) on Pinus sylvestris L. plants grown in vases was successfully achieved on a continuous basis. Larvae were seen to emerge on average after 106 days from egg clusters being kept on plants held at a temperature of 15 ± 1°C and with a 10‐h photophase until emergence. These larvae were then transferred to plastic containers and kept at a temperature of 20 ± 1°C with a 12‐h photophase where, under optimum hygiene conditions and being fed fresh pine branches, they completed their development on average in 30.6 days. Adults began emerging from the cocoons after about 30 days, continuing to do so for at least 7 months. Under these conditions the insect completes its life cycle in 179 days, thus permitting to obtain two generations a year in the laboratory. This staggered adult emergence pattern makes specimens available at all stages of development for experimental purposes throughout most of the year.
Characterization of Isolates of Fusarium oxysporum Schlecht. f. sp. vasinfectum (Atk.) Snyd. & Hans., Races 1‐6, by Cellular Fatty Acid Analysis
Authors: Hering O. , Nirenberg H. I. , Köhn S. , Deml G.
Published: March 2003

Fatty acid analysis, a common method for the identification of bacteria, was modified and applied to characterize isolates of Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. vasinfectum. After evaluating the fatty acid profiles by means of cluster analysis and three‐dimensional plotting of the main fatty acids, the isolates were classified into five groups. Identical patterns were obtained for isolates of races 3 and 5 and for isolates of races 2 and 6. Isolates with so far unknown race determinations were arranged into their corresponding fatty acid groups.
Field Evaluation of Some Models Estimating the Seasonal Pattern of Airborne Ascospores of Venturia inaequalis
Authors: Rossi V. , Ponti I. , Marinelli M. , Giosue S. , Bugiani R.
Published: March 2003

A 6‐year study was carried out to evaluate the accuracy of some models in estimating airborne ascospores of Venturia inaequalis. The proportion of the season’s ascospores trapped on each discharge event was compared with the proportion of mature ascospores, estimated by the New Hampshire model or by some related models. The models differed from each other in the degree‐day cumulation, accounting or not for the leaf litter wetness caused by rainfall or by deposition of atmospheric humidity. The New Hampshire model did not fit spore trappings well: 59% of the actual values fell outside the range of the estimates, and 83% of them were overestimates. The wide discrepancy between reality and estimates resulted from the effect of dryness: when many consecutive rainless days occurred, the proportion of ascospores trapped was constantly lower than the model estimates, due to a slowed spore maturation. The effect of dryness was evident during the greater part of the ascospore maturity season, irrespective of the proportion of the season’s ascospores that had just matured when the dry period began. Models accounting for leaf litter wetness significantly improved estimates. Therefore, in the Po Valley, the accuracy of the New Hampshire model can be improved by accumulating degree‐days only when leaf litter is wet.
Escuela Técnica Superior de Ingenieros Agrónomos (ETSIA). Universidad Politécnica de Valencia, Spain
Authors: Armengol J. , Sales R. , García‐Jiménez J.
Published: March 2003

The survival of conidia of Acremonium cucurbitacearum in autoclaved soil at six moisture levels and in water was compared during a 3‐year period. Although the survival was not clearly influenced by soil moisture levels, A. cucurbitacearum survived better at 50–75% water‐holding capacity in soil, but the number of viable propagules per gram of soil remained at a low level at the end of the study. The greater recovery occurred at water conservation. This study reveals that chlamydospores are the specialized resting structures of this fungus in soil. Water conservation is recommended for the storage and maintenance of A. cucurbitacearum.
Comparison and Characterization of Tomato Big Bud‐ and Sweet Potato Little Leaf‐Group Phytoplasmas
Authors: Schneider B. , Gibb K. S. , Padovan A. , Davis R. I. , De La Rue S.
Published: March 2003

EcoRI or HindIII‐restricted DNA from phytoplasmas associated with tomato big bud (TBB) and sweet potato little leaf (SPLL‐V4) was cloned into pBluescript and the recombinant plasmids were screened by reciprocal DNA hybridization with TBB‐ and SPLL‐V4 DNA. Most of the recombinant plasmids hybridized to DNA of both phytoplasmas. Southern hybridization analysis of EcoRI‐ or HindIII‐restricted TBB‐ and SPLL‐V4 DNA with two TBB probes (pTBB32 and pTBB87) gave identical restriction patterns. Southern hybridizations of HindIII‐ or EcoRI digested DNA from 10 phytoplasma‐positive field samples revealed a different restriction fragment pattern in two phytoplasmas from sweet potato. Three TBB probes which did not hybridize to SPLL‐V4 were selected for Southern blot analysis of samples. The pTBB42 and pTBB78 hybridized to nine of the 10 TBB‐symptomatic field samples producing identical patterns. pTBB88 contained extrachromosomal DNA and hybridized with two phytoplasmas from diseased sweet potato and perennial phlox. The SPLL‐V4‐specific probe pH 21 hybridized to five field samples generating different restriction patterns. About 80 field samples were subjected to the polymerase chain reaction using primers deduced from pH 21, pTBB42 and pTBB88. These phytoplasmas had been previously characterized and grouped by their 16S/23S spacer region restriction fragment pattern but this classification was in most cases different to the results obtained with these primers.
Models of Plant Disease Epidemics. II: Gradients of Bean Rust
Authors: Maffia L. A. , Berger R. D.
Published: March 2003

The spread of bean rust from three types of inoculum sources (area, line, and point) was studied under field conditions in two seasons. Disease intensity (y) over time was quantified as incidence of diseased plants, incidence of diseased leaves, and disease severity at distances (d) of 0.3, 0.7, 1.5, 2.7, 4.3, 6.5, and 8.7 m from the inoculum sources. Seven curvilinear models were compared and the models that best explained the gradients of bean rust were y = ad−b exp(cd), y = a exp(–bdc) and y = a exp(–bd); where a was proportion of disease near the source, d was distance in metres, b was the slope, and c was a shape parameter. For general analysis to compare the slopes of the gradients, the gradient curves were linearized by ln(y) versus d and the parameters ln(a) (intercept) and b (slope) were estimated. The three measures of disease intensity and the three types of inoculum sources had estimated gradient parameters that were statistically different. The incidence of diseased plants rapidly approached y = 1.0 and the gradient slopes were near zero. Also with the ln(y) linearization, the gradients of the incidence of diseased leaves had slopes flatter than the gradients of disease severity. The gradient slopes from area sources of inoculum were flatter than from line sources, which in turn were flatter than from point sources. Late in the epidemics, the b‐values became similar for all combinations of inoculum sources × assessment types. The interpretation of flattening of the gradients was confounded because aberrations in transformations occurred with most models. That is, when the intensity of disease (incidence or severity) approached the maximum, the increases in the intercepts were restricted and this restriction was responsible for most of the flattening. No flattening of gradients occurred over time when the gompit gradient model [–ln(–ln(y/ymax)) = –ln(–ln(a))−b ln(d)] was used for these same disease values. The fitting of models to the gradients served little purpose except to classify the curves in a general way. A new statistic, the area under the disease gradient curve (AUDGC), is proposed to compare epidemics.
Investigation and a New Evaluation Method of the Resistance of Maize Hybrids grown in Hungary to Fusarium moulds
Authors: Bata Á. , Rafai P. , Kovács G.
Published: March 2003

Thirty maize hybrids grown in Hungary representing groups FAO 200–299, FAO 400–499 and FAO 500‐were studied in order to obtain information about genotypic resistance to Fusarium moulds. The plants were grown on an experimental farm and were inoculated using the toothpick method with Fusarium graminearum and Fusarium culmorum. In addition maize grain meals were also inoculated with isolates of moulds. Measurements were made of the mould‐covered surface area of the ears 9 weeks after inoculation and of the zearalenone and T2‐toxin content of the inoculated maize meals. Large differences among hybrids were observed for the mould‐covered area of the ear surface (2.00–38.88%), the zearalenone content (4.20–71.20 mg/kg) and the T2‐toxin content (1.60–122.50 mg/kg). Relatively poor correlation (r=0.489) was found between the area of mould covering the ear surface and mycotoxin content of maize. Bearing in mind that the user of feed grain is interested in obtaining a feed with the lowest mycotoxin content, a new method of evaluation of hybrids which uses a toxin–mould index (TMI) was introduced. This index is calculated on the basis of both growth rate of moulds and their toxin‐producing activity. Although a decreasing tendency in resistance of hybrids with a longer growing vegetation period could be observed, resistant genotypes were found in every FAO group, confirming the views that in addition to the influence of duration of the vegetation period on the resistance, genetic factors may also play a significant role.
Comparison of Suppressiveness of Vermicomposts Produced from Animal Manures and Sewage Sludge against Phytophthora nicotianae Breda de Haan var. nicotianae
Authors: Szczech M. , Smolińska U.
Published: March 2003

The degrees of suppression produced by vermicomposts produced from cattle manure, sheep manure or horse manure and by vermicomposts produced from sewage sludge were compared in greenhouse experiments. The effect of these vermicomposts on the growth and infection of tomato seedlings by Phytophthora nicotianae var. nicotianae was studied. The density of the pathogen and the number of micro‐organisms in container media amended with vermicomposts were also analysed. The vermicomposts produced from animal manure significantly reduced the infection of tomato seedlings by the pathogen. The density of P. nicotianae in media which included these vermicomposts was similar to that in infested peat substrate (control treatment). The vermicomposts from sewage sludge did not protect tomato seedlings against P. nicotianae. They also significantly inhibited growth of the plants as well as decreasing the density of the pathogen in container media. In general the vermicomposts had no effect on total number of micro‐organisms in potting media compared with control. They only had higher levels of actinomycetes but this did not appear to correspond with their ability to suppress the pathogen.
Identification of hrp Genes, Encoding Harpin Protein, in Pseudomonas avellanae (Psallidas) Janse et al.
Authors: Loreti  , Sarrocco  , Gallelli
Published: March 2003

We have identified hrp genes, encoding harpin proteins, of two strains of Pseudomonas avellanae originating, from the Latium and Piedmont regions, respectively. These strains belong to two populations differing in phenotypic, molecular and pathogenic characteristics. For this purpose, hrpZ primers of Pseudomonas syringae pv. syringae strain 61 (hrpZPss) and hrpW primers of Pseudomonas syringae pv. tomato strain DC3000 (hrpWPst) were used for amplification, by polymerase chain reaction, of presumptive hrpZ and hrpW genes in P. avellanae strains. The hrpW primers were able to amplify, in both P. avellanae strains, a 1.2 kb fragment corresponding in size to the hrpW gene, whereas hrpZ primers did not give amplification products. To obtain information about this gene, a hrpZ fragment of about 500 nucleotides was amplified, using sequence‐degenerate oligonucleotides. The nucleotide sequences of these amplified hrp genes of P. avellanae are reported and compared with the known sequences of these genes reported in the GenBank‐EMBL Data Bank.
Genotypic Analysis of Russian Isolates of Phytophthora infestans from the Moscow Region, Siberia and Far East
Authors: Elansky S. , Smirnov A. , Dyakov Y. , Dolgova A. , Filippov A. , Kozlovsky B. , Kozlovskaya I. , Russo P. , Smart C. , Fry W.
Published: March 2003

Phytophthora infestans samples were collected during 1997 and 1998 at multiple sites in Russia from Sakhalin Island in the Far East across Siberia (nine sites, 160 isolates) to the Moscow region (four sites, 325 isolates). In addition, 12 isolates that were obtained previously were included. All isolates were analysed for mating type, and sensitivity to metalaxyl. Isolates from within any of the nine sites outside of the Moscow region were monomorphic for mating type and nearly monomorphic for metalaxyl resistance. In contrast, both A1 and A2 isolates were detected in the Moscow region, and these isolates were also polymorphic for metalaxyl resistance. In two sites in Siberia only A2 mating type strains were detected, in the other six sites in Siberia and in Sakahlin Island, only A1 mating types were detected. A subset of isolates (n=191) was also analysed for pathotype (virulence to 10 R‐genes, each in a distinct differential genotype). All isolates were highly complex (mean number of virulences approximately 8.4 of a maximum number of 10). All isolates (n=43) from Sakahlin Island were virulent to all 10 of the R‐genes tested. A further subset of isolates (n=70, including 12 isolates collected before 1997) was analysed for genotype at the Glucose‐ 6‐phosphate isomerase and Peptidase loci, mtDNA haplotypes, and RFLP pattern using the RG57 probe. The US‐1 clonal lineage (previously dominant) was not detected in the 1997–98 sample. The populations of P. infestans near Moscow in 1997 and 1998 was highly diverse with 15 unique genotypes (including both mating types) among a sample of 18 isolates. In contrast, the populations of P. infestans in Siberia had limited diversity, with only three multilocus genotypes detected and most populations were dominated by the SIB‐1 clonal lineage. This lineage accounted for 31 of the 39 strains collected in Siberia that were assayed for multilocus genotype.
A Simple Technique for Purifying Fungal Cultures Contaminated with Bacteria and Mites
Authors: Ko S. S. , Kunimoto R. K. , Ko W. H.
Published: March 2003

A simple technique was developed for purifying fungal cultures contaminated with bacteria and mites. It was based on the observation that the growth of bacteria and movement of mites were confined to the upper surface of the agar. A culture contaminated with bacteria and mites was transferred to a piece of clean paper with the upper surface facing down. Small thin pieces (approximately 3 mm × 3 mm × 0.5 mm) of agar were removed from the exposed surface and transferred to a V‐8 agar plate. Colonies that developed from these agar pieces were free from bacteria and mites.
Evaluation of Argemone mexicana for Control of Root‐Infecting Fungi in Tomato
Authors: SIDDIQUI IMRAN A. , SHAUKAT S. SHAHID , KHAN GHAZALA H. , ZAKI M. J.
Published: March 2003

Argemone mexicana L. (Papaveraceae), a tropical annual weed, is known to be phytotoxic to many crop species. This study was designed to examine the possible impact of A. mexicana on root‐infecting fungi, changes in fungal community structure and the growth of tomato. A. mexicana decaying shoots in soil provided a marked decrease in the infectivity of Fusarium solani and Rhizoctonia solani but Macrophomina phaseolina remained unaffected. Plant height and shoot growth of tomato plants increased markedly though high concentration of A. mexicana (5% w/w) was deleterious to tomato plants. General species diversity of soil fungal communities increased in the amended soils over the controls and greater increase in diversity occurred at higher concentrations of decaying A. mexicana. Likewise, equitability and richness components of diversity increased in treatments compared to controls but declined with increasing sampling period. Aspergillus nidulans, Cephaliophora irregularis, Drechslera halodes, Paecilomyces lilacinus and Trichoderma viride were isolated exclusively from the amended soils. Aqueous extract of A. mexicana when applied in soil greatly suppressed all three of the above root‐infecting fungi, and at lower concentration actually enhanced plant growth. The influence of different levels of N‐fertilization with NH4NO3 on the modification of the effect of decaying A. mexicana on root‐infecting fungi was also investigated. N‐fertilization to some extent alleviated the phytotoxicity to tomato plants while suppressing the root‐infecting fungi. A. mexicana in conjunction with Pseudomonas aeruginosa, a plant growth‐promoting rhizobacterium, significantly suppressed root‐infecting fungi with concomitant increase in plant growth. Whereas P. aeruginosa was reisolated from the rhizosphere and inner root tissues of tomato, its population slightly declined in the amended soil but not to an extent that could reduce the biocontrol and growth promoting potential of the bacterium.
Characterization of Kenyan Isolates of Fusarium udum from Pigeonpea [Cajanus cajan (L.) Millsp.] by Cultural Characteristics, Aggressiveness and AFLP Analysis
Authors: Kiprop E. K. , Baudoin J. P. , Mwang'ombe A. W. , Kimani P. M. , Mergeai G. , Maquet A.
Published: March 2003

Isolates of Fusarium udum from pigeonpea (Cajanus cajan) plants with wilt symptoms were collected from various districts in Kenya and were characterized using cultural characteristics, aggressiveness and amplified fragment length polymorphism (AFLP). The 56 isolates of F. udum showed a high level of variability in aerial mycelia growth, pigmentation and radial mycelia growth (colony diameter) on potato dextrose agar. The aggressiveness of 17 isolates of F. udum on seven pigeonpea varieties varied and five aggressive groups were observed in the present study. There were no relationships among cultural characteristics and aggressiveness. AFLP analysis of the 56 isolates was tested for genetic variability using seven primer combinations. A total of 326 fragments was generated of which 121 were polymorphic. Ten AFLP groups were identified among the Kenyan isolates and, although they were not genetically distinct, six AFLP subgroups were genetically distinct. AFLP had no relationship with cultural characteristics, aggressiveness and geographical origin of the isolates. This is the first report on the study of genetic variability of F. udum using DNA analysis.
Biological Control of the Potato Tubers Dry Rot Caused by Fusarium roseum var. sambucinum under Greenhouse, Field and Storage Conditions using Bacillus spp. Isolates
Authors: Sadfi N. , Chérif M. , Hajlaoui M. R. , Boudabbous A.
Published: March 2003

Selected isolates of Bacillus spp. from salty soils were evaluated for their ability to suppress a dry rot disease on potato tubers caused by Fusarium roseum var. sambucinum. Greenhouse trials undertaken in pots demonstrated that bacterial antagonists stimulated the emergence of potato tubers. Evaluation of yield parameters showed the efficiency of isolates I32 of B. licheniformis and X16 of B. cereus to reduce disease severity. Field experiments showed that the isolate X16 of B. cereus seems to be the most effective to control Fusarium rot on seed tubers and increase yield parameters. The seed tuber colonization by bacteria increased until 61 days after planting with a rate significantly higher for B. cereus X16 (2 ×103 CFU/cm2). After 75 days, it decreased for all the treatments applied. Moreover, traditional and cold storage assays run during 6 and 8 months respectively, showed that dry rot incidence was significantly lower in potato boxes treated with each antagonist alone or by the mixture (X16 + B. thuringiensis var. galleriae 55T and Trichoderma viride + 55T) as compared with pathogen inoculated control boxes and to those treated with the fungicide carbendazim.
Immunodetection and Characterization of Antigens Expressed by Uncinula necator
Authors: Markovic V. L. , Stummer B. E. , Hill A. S.
Published: March 2003

Conidia from four genetically distinct isolates of Uncinula necator (Schw.) Burr. were used to raise a polyclonal antiserum. Immunofluorescent detection of the fungus on Vitis vinifera (cv. Chardonnay) indicated that the antiserum bound specifically to fungal antigens present on both conidia and hyphae, with no detection of underlying berry tissues. The antibody reacted with three antigens present on the conidia (Mr 21, 29 and > 250 kDa). Immunoreactivity with the 21 kDa antigen was dependent upon the preservation of at least one disulphide bond linkage. Evidence from immunoblot staining and enzyme immunoassay indicated that only a small proportion of the recognized epitopes contained carbohydrate moieties. The antibody detected homologous U. necator conidial antigens in a plate trapped antigen‐enzyme‐linked immunoabsorbent assay (PTA‐ELISA), with a linear range of detection extending from 1000 to 9000 conidia/ml at a 1/5000 dilution of serum. Under these conditions the immunoassay also detected antigens from pooled heterologous U. necator isolates. The antiserum exhibited cross‐reactivity with antigens present on Aspergillus, Pithomyces and Sporobolomyces species co‐isolated from powdery mildew‐infected grapes, which could not be removed by fractionation of the antiserum on antigen affinity columns. Monoclonal antibodies were subsequently produced to avoid the problems of cross‐reactivity associated with the polyclonal antibody. Antibodies produced from two clonal lines exhibited specificity for U. necator and were shown to detect a 21 kDa conidial antigen. Use of either of these antibodies enabled the differentiation of grapes grouped on the basis of powdery mildew disease levels.
Correlation between α1‐Acid Glycoprotein and Total Sialic Acid in Serum from Dogs with Tumours
Authors: Thougaard A. V. , Hellmén E. , Pedersen H. D. , Jensen A. L.
Published: March 2003

The influence of the acute phase protein α1‐acid glycoprotein (AGP) on the concentration of total sialic acid (TSA) in serum was investigated by assessing their degree of correlation in 115 clinically healthy dogs, 29 dogs with malignant mammary tumours, 12 dogs with various other malignant tumours, 12 dogs with benign mammary tumours and 10 dogs with various other benign tumours. Serum from dogs with malignant mammary tumours and other malignant tumours had a statistically significant correlation between AGP and TSA concentrations (Spearman correlation coefficient (rS) = 0.52, P = 0.0005, n = 41). The correlation was also statistically significant in dogs with benign mammary tumours and other benign tumours (rS = 0.48, P = 0.02, n = 22). The Spearman correlation coefficient was 0.51 (P = 0.0001, n = 63) in all dogs with tumours. This was also the case if only those dogs with levels of AGP comparable to healthy dogs (< 750 mg/l) were included in the analysis (rS = 0.42, P = 0.01, n = 56). In clinically healthy dogs, the correlation was not statistically significant (rS = 0.17, P = 0.07, n = 115). None of the four groups of dogs with tumours had changed serum AGP concentrations compared to clinically healthy dogs (all t‐tests gave P values above 0.05). The serum concentrations of AGP did not correlate with the clinical stage of dogs with mammary tumours. In conclusion, AGP and TSA concentrations in serum are positively correlated in dogs with tumours, partially explaining the increase in serum TSA in these dogs. Increased sialylation of the AGP molecule in dogs with tumours might contribute to the increased serum TSA levels.
Effects of Permanent Tracheostomy on Respiratory Reflexes to Lung Inflation and Capsaicin in Sevoflurane‐Anaesthetized Dogs
Authors: Mutoh T. , Kanamaru A. , Suzuki H. , Nishimura R. , Sasaki N. , Tsubone H.
Published: March 2003

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of permanent tracheostomy on baseline breathing, reflex responses to lung hyperinflation (1.5 kPa) and right atrial capsaicin injection (5 μg/kg) before and at 3 and 5 weeks after tracheostomy in sevoflurane‐anaesthetized spontaneously breathing dogs (n = 6). In all observation periods, apnoeic responses, represented by an increase in expiration time after lung inflation and right atrial capsaicin injection, were consistently observed to be a result of the Hering‐Breuer inflation reflex and the pulmonary C‐fibre chemoreflex. Investigation at 3 and 5 weeks after tracheostomy revealed no significant evidence of changing baseline breathing pattern or reflex responses to lung inflation and capsaicin in any ventilatory variable (inspiration time, expiration time, tidal volume, expired ventilation, and end‐tidal PCO2) from levels recorded before surgery. These results indicate that permanent tracheostomy, at least up to 5 weeks, does not affect the baseline breathing pattern, the Hering‐Breuer inflation reflex or the pulmonary C‐fibre chemoreflex. Further, our investigation provides a useful canine model in respiratory physiology.
Pharmacokinetics of Indomethacin after Intraruminal Administration to Sheep
Authors: Vinagre E. , Encinas T. , Ballesteros C. , Rodríguez C. , ázaro R. L. , Ros J. M. , Andrés Md San
Published: March 2003

The pharmacokinetics of indomethacin (7 mg/kg) was determined in six adult sheep after intraruminal administration. The plasma concentration–time curves showed different patterns for each sheep, depending on the physiological state of the gastrointestinal tract, where absorption took place, and possible enterohepatic and saliva recycling.

Indomethacin was irregularly and poorly absorbed from the rumen after intraruminal administration to sheep. Plasma concentrations barely rose to the lower therapeutic margin and mean bioavailability was 38.25 ± 15.98 %. The elimination phase was slow (β = 0.015 ± 0.010 h–1) and the half‐life was long (t1/2β = 56.52 ± 31.21 h). The mean residence time was 20.01 ± 6.92 h.
Effects of Catecholamines In Vitro on Lipogenesis in Cultured Adipose Tissue from Young Goats
Authors: Škarda J.
Published: March 2003

Freshly prepared and cultured perirenal and omental adipose tissue explants were used to investigate the effect of age and hormones on lipogenesis in young goats. Perinatal (1–2 days of age) and older (24–32 days of age) male goats were used. Adipose explants were cultured (24 h) in the presence of insulin, cortisol and recombinant bovine growth hormone (bST) and subsequently incubated (2 h) in a glucose‐free buffer containing (14C)‐acetate in the presence or absence of noradrenaline (Ne) and isoprenaline (Iso) to measure tissue lipogenic responses to hormones added to the culture medium and to measure the responsiveness to catecholamines. Inclusion of hormones in the culture medium did not change lipogenesis during subsequent acute incubation in glucose‐free buffer in both perirenal and omental adipose tissue from perinatal goats. On the other hand, in perirenal explants from older animals, insulin alone or insulin plus cortisol increased (P < 0.05) and cortisol alone decreased (P < 0.05) the rate of fatty acid synthesis. When perirenal explants were cultured in the presence of insulin plus cortisol plus bST, the rates of lipogeneses were lower (P < 0.05) than those in cultures with insulin plus cortisol. A similar pattern of the effects of hormones on the rates of fatty acid synthesis was also seen in omental explants; however, these effects were not significant. In vitro rates of lipogeneses were decreased (P < 0.05) by Ne but not Iso in freshly prepared omental explants of both perinatal and older animals and in freshly prepared perirenal explants of older animals. In cultured perirenal explants of both perinatal and older animals the mean values of lipogenesis were decreased (P < 0.05) by both Ne and Iso. However, in cultured omental explants both catecholamines were effective (P < 0.05) in older but not in perinatal animals.
Clinical Signs and Hormonal Changes in Dairy Heifers after Induction of Parturition with Prostaglandin F2α
Authors: Kornmatitsuk B. , Önigsson K. K. , Kindahl H. , Gustafsson H. , Forsberg M. , Madej A.
Published: March 2003

Parturition was induced in 12 dairy heifers with prostaglandin (PG) F2αabout 2 weeks before the expected time of calving. Eight animals gave birth after two injections (group 1), three animals needed more than two injections (group 2) and one animal (cow no. 740) required one injection. All animals in groups 1 and 2 had retained foetal membranes and the time needed to induce parturition was 59 ± 7 and 149 ± 10 h, respectively. As cow no. 740 did not have retained foetal membranes and calved 24 h after one PGF2αinjection, it was excluded from the results. Udder distension and relaxation of the pelvic ligaments could predict the calving to within 12 h. Furthermore, the pre‐calving drop of body temperature could predict the time of parturition to within 16 h. The total white blood cells and polymorphonuclear cells were at their highest values on the day preceding parturition whereas mononuclear cells had a tendency to increase 3 days after calving. Increased levels of haemoglobin were found at the time of parturition, whereas, plasma‐calcium levels significantly decreased after parturition (P< 0.001). Progesterone levels markedly decreased after the first PGF2αinjection and reached 2 nmol/l at the time of parturition. Plasma levels of oestradiol‐17β reached the peak at the time of parturition, whereas, the highest levels of the PGF2αmetabolite and cortisol were recorded 16 h after calving.
Glucose and Galactose Absorption after Ingestion of Milk Containing Hydrolysed Lactose in Calves with Diarrhoea
Authors: Gutzwiller A.
Published: March 2003

Ten calves which had contracted acute diarrhoea caused by rotavirus, coronavirus and Cryptosporidium were used to test the hypothesis that feeding lactose‐hydrolysed cow's milk instead of unprocessed cow's milk improves sugar absorption in diarrhoeic calves. The animals were rehydrated with an orally administered solution containing electrolytes and glucose. Thereafter the calves received one test meal of whole fresh cow's milk whose lactose had been hydrolysed by added lactase and one test meal of unprocessed cow's milk at an interval of 24 h in a cross‐over design trial. In comparison with unprocessed milk, the intake of milk containing hydrolysed lactose resulted in a slight decrease of mean breath hydrogen concentration (P= 0.18), but also a slight decrease of mean blood galactose concentration (P= 0.14). There was no treatment effect on mean plasma glucose concentration. Peak plasma glucose and blood galactose concentration tended to be delayed after the intake of lactose‐hydrolysed milk, which implies that gastric emptying was probably delayed. The results show that feeding milk which contains hydrolysed lactose does not significantly improve lactose utilization in calves that are suffering from benign infectious diarrhoea.
Ultrastructural and Molecular Changes in the Left and Right Ventricular Myocardium Associated with Ascites Syndrome in Broiler Chickens Raised at Low Altitude
Authors: Olkowski A. A. , Rathgeber B. M. , Sawicki G. , Classen H. L.
Published: March 2003

The present study examines ultastructural and molecular changes in ventricular myocardium associated with ascites cases in fast‐growing broilers raised at low altitude. Extensive ultrastructural lesions were seen in the left and right ventricular myocardium of broilers with fulminant heart failure and ascites. Significant changes included lesions in the myofibril contractile apparatus, altered mitochondria, marked reduction in the myofibril component, and changes in the extracellular matrix (ECM) architecture. No lesions were observed in hearts of slow growing broilers, but mild to moderate changes (predominantly in the left ventriculum) were apparent in the hearts from some clinically normal, fast‐growing broilers.

SDS‐PAGE profiles of washed myofibrils showed several distinctly different bands in preparations from left ventricular myocardium of ascitic birds. Western blot analysis of these samples revealed several fragments of myosin heavy chain, M‐protein, and titin. Based on gelatinolytic activity, matrix metalloproteinases (MMP) in the cytosolic fraction of ventricular myocardium homogenates were identified as MMP‐2. The relative activity of this enzyme appears to be considerably higher in preparations from broilers, particularly in the preparations from the left ventriculum of fast‐growing broilers, in comparison to leghorns or slow growing broilers. The nature and distribution of the changes in the heart indicate that chronic cardiomyopathic process in the left ventricular myocardium occurs during the development of ascites. It is postulated that progressive deterioration of the left heart pump function caused by initial lesions in the left ventricular myocardium is a significant factor in the development of pulmonary hypertension and the pathogenesis of ascites in broilers raised at low altitude.
Effects of Fat Feeding and Energy Level on Plasma Metabolites and Hormones in Shetland Ponies
Authors: Schmidt O. , Deegen E. , Fuhrmann H. , Dühlmeier R. , Sallmann H.‐P.
Published: March 2003

The aim of this study was to investigate the influence of a fat‐supplemented diet compared with a carbohydrate diet on the lipid metabolism and the enteroinsular axis of Shetland ponies. The ‘crossover’ experiment was divided into two parts: in the first 10 weeks the diets comprised the correct number of calories according to requirements and in the following 10 weeks they were hypercaloric, in order to check the effect of a different energy content of the diets. Feeding the fat‐enriched diet, independently of its energy content, led to a significant decrease in plasma triglycerides, associated with a mean 50% increase of plasma lipoprotein lipase activity. After oral glucose load the ponies on fat‐enriched diets showed higher plasma glucose concentrations. Oral glucose administration after feeding the hypercaloric fat‐enriched diet led to a 25‐fold increase of plasma insulin levels. Glucose‐dependent insulinotropic polypeptide plasma levels were increased in the animals on the fat‐enriched diets. The results of this study suggest that fat feeding improves triglyceride clearance. However, the fat supplementation of the diet also led to impaired glucose tolerance. These results are important for a better understanding of the function of the enteroinsular axis. To investigate the influences of fat on lipid metabolism in relation to the aetiopathogenesis of equine hyperlipaemia further studies involving diseased animals are needed.
Efficacy of a Herd‐Specific Vaccine AgainstStaphylococcus aureusto Prevent Post‐Partum Mastitis in Dairy Heifers
Authors: Tenhagen B.‐A. , Edinger D. , Baumgärtner B. , Kalbe P. , Klünder G. , Heuwieser W.
Published: March 2003

A placebo‐controlled field study was performed to evaluate the effect of a herd‐specific vaccine againstStaphylococcus aureuson intramammary infection (IMI), somatic cell count (SCC) and clinical mastitis. Three hundred and twenty‐one heifers were assigned to two groups. Heifers in the vaccination group (n=164) were vaccinated twice, i.e. 5 and 2 weeks before their expected calving date. Animals of the control group (n=157) received the same treatment with a placebo containing no bacterial antigen. Quarter milk samples were collected immediately after parturition prior to the first machine milking, 3–4 weeks after calving and before the onset of treatment in animals with signs of clinical mastitis during the first 3 months after calving. For comparison of SCC the data from the monthly milk test records were evaluated. The prevalence ofS. aureusin quarter milk samples taken at calving and 3–4 weeks post‐partum did not differ significantly between the vaccine and control group. Incidence of clinical mastitis during the first 3 months after calving and the prevalence ofS. aureusin quarter milk samples taken before the onset of treatment did not differ significantly between the groups. The SCC was lower in vaccinated than in control heifers. However, the difference was only significant on the third milk test day. Regarding prevalence of IMI withS. aureusand incidence of clinical mastitis the use of a herd‐specific vaccine againstS. aureusdid not prove to be efficient on this farm.
Reverse 3,3′,5′‐Triiodothyronine Suppresses Increase in Free Fatty Acids in Chickens Elicited by Dexamethasone or Adrenaline
Authors: Bobek S. , Sechman A. , Niezgoda J. , Jacek T.
Published: March 2003

Reverse triiodothyronine (rT3) displays hypometabolic properties and antagonizes the hypermetabolic effect of 3,5,3′‐triiodothyronine (T3). Previous experiments revealed that exogenous rT3 enhanced free fatty acids (FFA) in heat‐stressed pullets and in chickens infected with lipopolysaccharide from Escherichia coli. To gain more data concerning the action of rT3, its effect on lipaemia produced by two main stress hormones: glucocorticoids and catecholamines, has been investigated. Synthetic glucocorticoid [dexamethasone (Dex)] and adrenaline (Adr) were used in two experiments. The experiments differed in duration, i.e. 24 h (Dex) or 150 min (Adr), and frequency of rT3 injections, i.e. two (Dex) or single (Adr) injections. The doses of hormones were as follows: rT3: 14 μg/100 g body weight/injection (subcutaneously); Dex: 5 mg/animal (subcutaneously) and Adr: 1 mg/animal (intramuscularly). Maximal increases in FFA of 230.5 and 227.5% were noted after 1.5 and 3 h, respectively, in birds treated with Dex. Reverse T3 almost completely suppressed the rise of plasma FFA elicited by Dex. The increase in Dex + rT3‐treated fowl was only 30.4% (not significant in comparison to control). Adr increased FFA by a maximum of 89.1% and treatment with rT3 (Adr + rT3 group) suppressed this FFA increase to 42.5%. The data obtained demonstrate that rT3 suppresses lipaemia induced by an exogenous glucocorticoid and adrenaline. This suppression was more pronounced in glucocorticoid‐treated birds, where Dex produced a higher lipolytic response than Adr.