Distribution and activity of spray deposits in an oak canopy following aerial application of diluted and undiluted formulations of Bacillus thuringiensis Berliner against the gypsy moth,Lymantria dispar L. (Lepidoptera: Lymantriidae)

The distribution and biological activity of spray deposits resulting from aerial applications of diluted and undiluted Bacillus thuringiensis, ‘Dipel 64AF’ against the gypsy moth, Lymantria dispar L., were examined in oak stands in south-eastern Ontario, Canada. The sprays were applied by fixed-wing aircraft equipped with four ‘Micronair AU4000’ atomizers. Application of diluted formulation at 30 BIU ha^?1 in 6.0–6.4 litre generally resulted in a higher droplet density (10–28 cm ^?2 leaf) than application of undiluted product at the same dosage rate in 1.8 litre ha^?1 (4–10 cm ^?2). However, spray deposits of undiluted product with a volume median diameter (D_v.5) of 90–130 μm caused as much mortality of gypsy moth larvae in bioassays of sprayed foliage as deposits of diluted product with a D_v.5 of 150–350 μm despite a two- to three-fold reduction in droplet density. Our data suggest that by using fine spray atomization, undiluted application of these formulations can offer the same efficacy against gypsy moth as coarsely atomized sprays of diluted product.     

Radiographic and clinical changes of the tibial tuberosity after tibial plateau leveling osteotomy

OBJECTIVE: To investigate radiographic changes of the tibial tuberosity after tibial plateau leveling osteotomy (TPLO) surgery and identify clinical findings and risk factors associated with such changes. STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective study. SAMPLE POPULATION: Hundred and eighty-six client-owned dogs (219 stifles) that had TPLO surgery. METHODS: Patient data retrieved included radiographic changes of the tibial tuberosity during re-examination, age, body weight, whether unilateral or single-session bilateral surgery had been performed, location of the anti-rotational pin, approximate tibial tuberosity area, and approximate average tibial tuberosity width. RESULTS: Fracture with resulting caudal displacement of the proximal tibial tuberosity (1.4%; 3 of 219) occurred less frequently than non-displaced tibial tuberosity fractures (7.3%; 16 of 219). Age, weight, average tibial tuberosity width, location of the anti-rotational pin, and single session bilateral surgery were identified as risks factors for non-displaced fracture. Weight divided by the square of the average tibial tuberosity width may be a stronger risk factor than either weight or average tibial tuberosity width alone. CONCLUSIONS: Dogs undergoing single session bilateral TPLO surgery are at greater risk for developing non-displaced tibial tuberosity fractures. The non-displaced tibial tuberosity fracture does not appear to adversely affect outcome or lead to tibial tuberosity avulsion. Significant risk factors for fracture of the proximal tibial tuberosity with caudal displacement were not identified. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Factors including age, weight, tibial tuberosity thickness, and conditions that may enhance strain on the tibial tuberosity, such as single-session bilateral procedures, may increase risk of fracture.     

Effects of environmental stress on forest crown condition in Europe. Part II: Estimation of stress induced by meteorology and air pollutants

In order to assess the relationship betweenenvironmental stress and crown condition of foresttrees monitored since 1986 in Europe, estimates ofstress factors, including temperature stress, droughtstress and air pollution stress, were derived with thebest data, methods and models currently available.This paper presents information on the methods used toderive such stress factors, and on the overall ranges,the temporal trends, the spatial distribution and thereliability of the calculated stress factors. Thetemperature stress indices did not show much temporalvariation between 1985 to 1995. As expected spatialpatterns were north-south orientated, going fromcolder northern regions to warmer southern regions.The calculated relative transpiration showed a morecomplex pattern, coinciding to a large extend withpatterns of rainfall and temperature. Potential aciddeposition decreased between 1986 and 1992, butremained fairly constant after 1992. The strongdecrease was mainly the result of the decrease inSO_x deposition, and to a small decrease inNO_y deposition. Highest levels of the S and Ndeposition were calculated in Central and WesternEurope. Base cation deposition was largest in coastalareas and in southern Europe. This is mainly due tosoil dust, Sahara dust and sea salt. Base cationdeposition can compensate almost entirely for thepotential inputs in the south of Europe, whereas incentral Europe it equalled about 25% of thepotential acid input. A comparison between sitespecific modelled deposition and deposition derivedfrom throughfall data showed that the total aciddeposition is usually overestimated by the model,whereas the total nitrogen deposition isunderestimated, especially at plots with high nitrogenloads. There is, however, a significant correlationbetween measured and modelled data for all S and Ndeposition, thus allowing their use in a statistical analyses.