The use of entomopathogenic fungi for the control of stored-grain insects

The present contribution discusses the recent advances in the biological control of stored-grain insects with entomopathogenic fungi (EF). Thus, the effect of formulated vs. unformulated strains of EF and the effect of combinations of EF with other components, i.e. diatomaceous earths (DEs), chemical insecticides, natural products and natural enemies against stored-product insects are reviewed. Very few formulations of EF strains have been developed and used, of which invert emulsion formulation (water-in-oil type) is considered the most important. A synergistic effect of EF is produced by combining them with DEs, chemical insecticides and natural products but not with natural enemies belonging to arthropods. Moreover, since the action of EF against insect pests in general, and stored-grain insects in particular, is compatible with the food safety and environmental regulations, a good perspective for these biocontrol agents is expected as alternatives to synthetic insecticides. The potential areas of future research on the effective use of EF as biocontrol agents of stored-grain insects and the constraints that are associated with the registration and commercialization of EF as biopesticides under storage conditions are also discussed. Suggestions for the possible ways for implementation of this technology in storage systems are also provided in the present study.     

Development of an opiate-based anaesthetic technique for use in dogs with cardiomyopathy.

An opiate-based anaesthetic technique has been developed for use in dogs with end-stage heart failure due to dilated cardiomyopathy. It has been used in dogs undergoing translocation of the left latissimus dorsi around the descending thoracic aorta to create an autologous counterpulsation system. Anaesthesia was induced with barbiturate (10 mg/kg thiopentone) and fentanyl (500 micrograms) and maintained by an infusion of fentanyl (0.5 micrograms/kg/minute) [corrected] in addition to halothane (0.1 to 0.5 per cent) and nitrous oxide (20 to 60 per cent). This technique provided safe anaesthesia for major intrathoracic surgery.     

New findings on infestation and phenology of Dasineura oleae Angelini (Diptera,Cecidomyiidae): an emerging pest on olive trees in the Palestinian Territories

Journal of Plant Diseases and Protection - Dasineura oleae is a gall midge on leaves and branches of olive trees. Due to the scarcity of information regarding to the infestation and phenology of D....     

Control methods of the olive leaf gall midge (Dasineura oleae Angelini,Cecidomyiidae, Diptera) and potential implementation of integrated control programs in olive orchards

Journal of Plant Diseases and Protection - The olive leaf gall midge (Dasineura oleae) is a gall-inducing insect on leaves, branches and stems of flowers of olive trees. Heavy infestation with the...     

Skeletal muscle extra-aortic counterpulsation in dogs with dilated cardiomyopathy

Skeletal muscle extra-aortic counterpulsation was performed in seven dogs with dilated cardiomyopathy. A left latisslmus dorsi dynamic descending thoracic aortomyoplasty was used as the autologous counterpulsator. Pulse train stimulation In diastole was used to initiate contraction and fibre type transformation. Two of the dogs died within 48 hours of surgery. The device was successfully activated in the five remaining dogs, but in one individual it failed within 48 hours of activation. Serial echocardiographic examinations of dogs in which the device functioned successfully (n=4) showed trends towards the decrease In the left ventricular systolic Internal dimension, left ventricular diastolic internal dimension, E-point to septal separation and left atrial diameter in systole seven to 14 days following the procedure, although these changes failed to persist in the long term. The results suggest that skeletal muscle for cardiac assistances such as extra-aortic muscle counterpulsation, might be a therapeutic option for dogs with cardiac failure due to dilated cardiomyopathy.