Application of aldicarb in a drip-irrigated cotton field for the control of the Tobacco Whitefly(Bemisia Tabaci)

Cotton was grown in loess soil, in rows 1 m apart, and drip-lines were placed in the center of every second space between rows at a distance of 50 cm from the plants. Aldicarb was applied as granules (containing 15% a.i.) to the field on two dates (mid-June and mid-July) and incorporated into the soil(a) 25 cm from the plants,i.e., equidistant from the plants and the drip-lines, on both sides of the drip-lines; and(b) 50 cm from the plants,i.e., in the center of the spaçe between the rows, near the drip-line. Measurements of mortality ofBemisia tabaci larvae, and of the accumulation of aldicarb from the late (mid-July) treatment showed that best control of the pest and the highest aldicarb residues were obtained with the late treatment. The pest control effectiveness was found to depend on both date and location of aldicarb application. Early treatment (mid-June) was more effective if applied close (25 cm distance) to the plant stems, whereas late treatment (mid-July) was more effective if applied at a distance of 50 cm from the plant stems.     

The effect of dialkylamine compounds and related derivatives of 1-methylcyclopropene in counteracting ethylene responses in banana fruit

Compounds that can block the ethylene receptor and be applied either as a gas or as a salt by spray or dip have been prepared and tested. Cyclopropenes with a methyl group in the 1-position, on which was attached a substituted amine, were allowed to evaporate in the presence of bananas that were treated with the gas. The minimum amount of a given compound required to inhibit chlorophyll degradation in the banana peel (an indicator of protective effect of the compound against ethylene action) that was subsequently exposed to ethylene, varied considerably depending on the compound, but N,N-dipropyl-(1-cyclopropenylmethyl)amine and N,N-di-(1-cyclopropenylmethyl)amine were the most effective. The degree of response to the ethylene inhibitory effect was similar for all of the compounds tested (32–34 d). The amount of cyclopropene compound required for inhibiting ethylene action following a 24 h exposure of bananas to the salt followed by a 15 h exposure to ethylene was higher than that required by the gas form used under the same conditions for the same effect. However, time of exposure could be much longer than 24 h with the salt than with the gas. The bananas treated with the salt do not need to be in an air-tight container, but could be used in open spaces. Only the banana peel appeared to be protected against ethylene during the 24 h interval when the salt was used. The pulp ripened upon exposure to ethylene.     

The bioactivity of gonadotropin releasing hormones and its regulation in the gilthead seabream,Sparus aurata: in vivo andin vitro studies

Thein vivo andin vitro potency of native and modified forms of gonadotropin releasing hormone (GnRH) to release gonadotropin (GtH) was studied inSparus aurata and correlated with their relative susceptibility to degradation by cytosolic-bound enzymes of the pituitary, kidney, and liver. Salmon (s) GnRH and luteinizing hormone-releasing hormone (LHRH) are equipotent whereas analogs of these peptides ((D-Arg⁶-Pro⁹NET)-sGnRH, (D-Ala⁶-Pro⁹NET)-LHRH, (D-Trp⁶)-LHRH) are superactive in inducingin vivo GtH release (at 10 μg/kg body weight). In anin vitro superfusion system of pituitary fragments all analogs are equipotent to the native peptides (at 10⁻¹⁰ to 2.5 × 10⁻⁷M). sGnRH and LHRH are rapidly degraded by cytosolic peptidases of the pituitary, liver, and kidney. The preferred site of cleavage is the Tyr⁵-Gly⁶ bond. Substitution of the position 6 glycine by D-amino acids renders the 5–6 bond resistant to degradation and shifts the main site of cleavage to the Pro⁹-Gly¹⁰NH₂ bond. Substitution at position 6 (as above) and at position 10 with Pro⁹NET results in analogs that are resistant to degradation. We propose that enzymatic cleavage terminates GnRH bioactivityin vivo and thus increased resistance to degradation is a major determinant of GnRH analog superactivity.     

Therapeutic efficacy of doxycycline hyclate in experimental Escherichia coli infection in broilers

Treatment of experimentally induced colibacillosis in broilers with doxycycline hyclate through the drinking water was just effective at a dose of 200 mg/kg body weight (1000 ppm). The achieved therapeutic effects were similar to those of tetracycline at the same dose and of flumequine at a dose of 19 mg/kg body weight (100 ppm).     

Reducing preharvest drop of ‘Temple’ orange fruits by 2,4-D — Role of cellulase in the calyx abscission zone

One or two treatments of 2,4-D (18 p.p.m.) applied to ‘Temple’ orange trees during the last 6 weeks before the regular picking-period in late January, successfully reduced natural preharvest fruit abscission, allowing picking to be delayed by at least one month, and thus producing better external and internal fruit quality. It has been demonstrated for the first time that the delaying effect of auxin treatment on preharvest abscission was directly related to the decrease in the activity of endo- and exo-cellular cellulase. Most of the increase in cellulase activity during the abscission process was, however, due mainly to the activity of exo-cellular cellulase. When frost occurred a few days after application of 2,4-D, the auxin treatment significantly decreased total cellulase activity, thus reducing fruit abscission.The data proved that, except for the difference in the length of time between application and the onset of the hormone effect, the control mechanism of 2,4-D on abscission and on cellulase activity in intact fruit is similar to that previously reported for fruit explants.     

Domestication of plants for sustainable agriculture in drylands: Experience from the Negev Desert

With globalization in the last century, introduction of exotic plant species for commercial use has become more accessible. Such attempts may involve extreme land changes. We stress that domestication of native species should be preferred to the introduction of exotic species. We took the initial steps in domesticating several species by examining commercial uses and studying aspects of plant physiology. The following desert plants were considered: Bassia indica, for salt phytoremediation and for livestock feed; Commiphora gileadensis, as an agent against cancer cells; Artemisia sieberi and A. judaica, as plants with allopathic traits; Ficus palmate, as a stand for fig plantation; Balanites aegyptiaca, as a medicinal plant and for other uses; Portulaca oleracea and Scorzonera judaica, as food crops with added values; and Pistacia atlantica, as rootstock for P. vera.     

Inter-Relations of Hesperidin,Some other Natural Components and Certain Enzyme Systems in Developing Shamouti Orange Fruits

The relationships of a large number of components and enzyme systems of the Shamouti orange fruit have been studied during the growth period extending from April to December. Data have been evaluated with the help of an electronic computer.

Early in July, towards the end of the first period of growth, peel thickness attains its maximum, cell divisions almost cease, growth of internal fruit parts (endocarp) begins and many fruit components (as ascorbic and dehydroascorbic acids and the bioflavanoid hesperidin) and many enzymic systems (as peroxidase, catalase, indole acetic acid oxidase and ascorbic acid oxidase) attain their maximum values and activities when expressed on a total nitrogen basis. This points to higher metabolic activity of tissues during the first period of growth.

During the second period (July to December) concentrations and activities of components decrease, relative to fresh and dry weight and to total nitrogen, partly because of dilution by inert cellular components and partly through decreasing metabolic activity. Only by expressing results on a per fruit basis (because of the large increase in volume of individual fruits) do the values of some components, especially reducing sugars and catalase activity, continue to increase.

The ascorbic acid system, hesperidin, and enzymes effective in oxidation of ascorbic acid, in degradation of the growth hormone indole-3-acetic acid and otherwise active in oxido-reduction reactions are interrelated' both when the curves are compared and after the time effect has been removed. This suggests that these systems are interrelated irrespective of the age of the fruit.     

Hormonal Balance in Bark and Leaves of Shamouti Orange Trees (Citrus Sinensis (L.) Osbeck) in Relation to Ringing

Seasonal changes in native auxins, gibberellins and inhibitors in leaves and bark of Shamouti orange trees were studied. In December and February some auxin activity was found in the pH 6.0 ether fraction of leaves. Gibberellins were found mostly in the pH 7.0 water residue, with a peak in December. Large amounts of abscisic acid-like inhibitors were found in the pH 6.0 ether fraction of leaves, and the pH 7.0 water residue contained other inhibitors. Auxin activity in the bark was higher than in leaves, and the amount of inhibiting substances detected in the bark was much lower. Auxins were found in both fractions, whereas gibberellins were found in the pH 7.0 water residue as well as in the pH 3.0 ether fraction.

Ringing the trunks of trees in March promoted the accumulation of growth regulators in the bark near the ring and in the leaves. The main effect of ringing in August was an accumulation of acidic gibberellins above the ring during the first three weeks after ringing.     

Reduction of salmonella infection of broilers by spray application of intestinal microflora: a longitudinal study

The Nurmi concept for diminishing salmonella infection of poultry by application of gastrointestinal microflora from adult birds into newly hatched chicks was tested in a field study in which 8 million broilers were involved. Half of the 284 flocks was treated in the hatchery by spray application of an undefined microflora propagated in SPF chicks. A significant reduction in salmonella-contaminated flocks, as well as in the number of infected broilers in these flocks was demonstrated. No undesirable side effects were detected. It was concluded that hygienic improvements in transportation and slaughtering of broilers are needed in order to maintain the reduced salmonella contamination rate.