Diversity of the coat protein-coding region among Ilarvirus isolates infecting hop in Australia

Coat protein (CP) sequences of 17 Ilarvirus isolates were obtained from hops at three farms in Tasmania, Australia. Phylogenetic analysis of these sequences and additional database sequences indicated several Apple mosaic virus (ApMV) isolate clusters distinct from Prunus necrotic ringspot virus (PNRSV): one containing isolates from apple; one containing a single isolate from almond; a third containing Australian hop isolates of the 'apple' serotype and a German isolate of unknown origin; and a fourth containing Australian hop isolates of the 'intermediate' serotype. Isolates from hop, pear and prune from the Czech Republic either formed a fifth grouping, or were divergent members of the 'intermediate' serotype group. Deduced amino acid (aa) residue differences between the coat proteins of the two hop isolate serotype groups were highlighted as possible regions of serological differentiation. No evidence for coinfection of plants with both serotypes was found. Tests of ApMV-infected hop buds using the Shirofugen flowering cherry assay revealed a possible differentiation of the two strains based on hypersensitivity. Because of serological similarities to PNRSV, these viruses have commonly been reported as strains of PNRSV. However, this study shows ilarviruses from Australian hops are strains of ApMV, but distinct from those infecting Malus spp.     

Pollutant loadings from solvay waste beds to lower Ninemile Creek,New York

Concentrations of Cl, total ammonia (TNH₃), NO₃ plus NO₂, total P (TP), and soluble reactive P (SRP) were measured at two sites, located 5 km apart, on Ninemile Creek, New York, for a period of more than 8 mo. The sites bound the most recently formed Solvay waste beds, associated with the production of soda ash, that adjoin the creek. Concentrations of Cl and T-NH₃ increased on average by factors of 16.1 and 7.6, respectively, over the monitored stream reach. The estimated average loadings of these materials to the stream over this reach were 2.3 × 10⁵ and 1.2 × 102 kg d^?1, respectively. These inputs are attributable to the Solvay waste beds. The loading of Cl from this source has not changed significantly over a 4 yr period since the closure of the soda ash manufacturing facility. This is the single largest source of Cl, and the second largest source of T-NH₃, to polluted Onondaga Lake. Profiles of Cl in the lake indicated that at times the creek inflow plunges to subsurface layers as a result of its elevated density. This is at least in part a result of the creek's ionic enrichment. The concentration of SRP decreased by a factor of 2.0 on average over the study reach, probably due to adsorption to the CaCO₃ deposits that cover the stream bed in this area. However, the TP load from the creek to the lake is not significantly affected by this phenomenon.     

氮肥运筹对桂两优2号干物质生产及氮肥利用率的影响

【目的】以广西超级稻品种桂两优2号为材料,研究不同氮肥运筹方式对其干物质生产及氮肥利用率的影响。【方法】进行田间试验,设置3个施氮水平,分别为0（N0）、210（N1）和255（N3）kg/ha,两种施氮比例分别为基肥∶蘖肥∶穗肥=5∶3∶2（F1）和4：3：3（F2）,共计5个处理（N0、F1N1、F1N2、F2N1和F2N2）,测定不同处理下桂优2号干物质积累及氮肥利用率。【结果】施氮显著增加了桂两优2号不同生育期干物质积累量,且F2N1和F2N1处理在穗后干物质增加量及其对产量贡献率上均显著高于其他处理;桂两优2号各生育期吸氮量随施氮量的增加而提高,施肥方式F2更有利于桂两优2号对氮素的吸收;相同施肥条件下,F2处理的产量和氮肥偏生产力（NPFP）、氮肥农学利用率（NAE）和氮肥吸收利用率（NRE）均较F1处理有所增加,F2N2处理产量最高,但与F2N1处理差异不显著,而F2N1处理的NPFP、NAE和NRE均达到最高水平。【结论】施氮量210kg/ha（N1）、施氮比例为基肥∶蘖肥∶穗肥=4∶3∶3（F2）处理,可在晚稻实现桂两优2号高产高效,其产量达8170.2kg/ha,NPFP、NAE和NRE分别为38.9kg/kg、12.6kg/kg和41.5%。     

Pathogenesis of Eutypa lata in grapevine: identification of virulence factors and biochemical characterization of cordon dieback

Eutypa lata is a vascular pathogen of woody plants. In the present study we (i) determined which component(s) of the cell wall polymers were degraded in naturally infected grapevines and in artificially inoculated grape wood blocks; (ii) compared the pattern of wood decay in the tolerant grape cv. Merlot versus the susceptible cv. Cabernet Sauvignon; and (iii) identified secondary metabolites and hydrolytic enzymes expressed by E. lata during wood degradation. Biochemical analyses and a cytochemical study indicated that glucose-rich polymers were primary targets of E. lata. Structural glucose and xylose of the hemicellulose fraction of the plant cell wall and starch were depleted in infected woods identically in both cultivars. Moreover, the more tolerant cv. Merlot always had more lignin in the wood than the susceptible cv. Cabernet Sauvignon, indicating that this polymer may play a role in disease resistance. In vitro assays demonstrated the production by E. lata of oxidases, glycosidases and starch degrading enzymes. Phytotoxic secondary metabolites were also produced but our data suggest that they may bind to the wood. Finally, we demonstrated that free glucose in liquid cultures repressed primary but not secondary metabolism.     

Detection and quantification of Anaplasma marginale DNA in blood samples of cattle by real-time PCR

A TaqMan-based real-time PCR assay was developed for the diagnosis of Anaplasma marginale infection of cattle. The established assay was proven to be highly specific, since no cross-reactions were observed with other Anaplasma species of ruminants, including the closely related Anaplasma centrale, or other haemoparasites of ruminants (Anaplasma bovis, Anaplasma ovis, Anaplasma phagocytophilum, Babesia bovis, Babesia bigemina, Theileria annulata and Theileria buffeli). The detection limit was equal to that of nested (n)PCR (10(1) copies of standard DNA and 3 x 10(1) infected erythrocytes ml(-1) of blood). The assay was also reproducible, as shown by satisfactory low intra-assay and inter-assay coefficients of variation. Fifty-four blood samples of ruminants (cattle, n = 51; sheep, n = 2; goats, n = 1), that had been tested previously by reverse line blot (RLB) hybridisation, were subjected to an nPCR assay and the newly established real-time PCR assay. By using real-time PCR, A. marginale DNA was detected in 39/51 bovine samples, with DNA titres ranging from 3.60 x 10(3) to 5.70 x 10(8) copies ml(-1) of blood, whereas sheep and goat samples tested negative. The concordance with nPCR was 100%, whereas a unique sample that had tested negative by RLB gave positive results by nPCR and real-time PCR. The established assay could overcome the limitations of existing diagnostic methods, allowing for simultaneous detection and quantification of the A. marginale DNA in bovine blood, that is essential to support the clinical diagnosis, to assess the carrier status of the animals and to evaluate the efficacy of vaccines and antirickettsial drugs.     

Osteomyelitis secondary to trauma involving the proximal end of the radius in horses: five cases (1987-2001)

OBJECTIVE: To determine clinical, radiographic, and scintigraphic abnormalities in and treatment and outcome of horses with trauma-induced osteomyelitis of the proximal aspect of the radius. DESIGN: Retrospective study. ANIMALS: 5 horses. PROCEDURE: Data collected from the medical records included signalment; history; horse use; degree of lameness; radiographic, ultrasonographic, and scintigraphic findings; treatment; and outcome. RESULTS: Duration of lameness prior to referral ranged from 14 to 60 days. Mean severity of lameness was grade 3 of 5, and all horses had a single limb affected. All horses had signs of pain during elbow joint manipulation and digital palpation over the lateral aspect of the proximal end of the radius. Radiographic lesions consisted of periosteal proliferation, osteolysis, and subchondral bone lysis. Scintigraphy in 3 horses revealed intense pharmaceutical uptake diffusely involving the proximal end of the radius. Two horses had sepsis of the elbow joint. All horses were treated with antimicrobials long-term; 1 horse was also treated by local perfusion of the radial medullary cavity through an indwelling cannulated screw. At follow-up, all horses had returned to their previous function. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Results suggest that osteomyelitis of the proximal end of the radius can result from a traumatic injury to the antebrachium. Because lesions may be an extension of septic arthritis, a thorough examination of the wound area and elbow joint is recommended. Prolonged systemic antimicrobial treatment can result in a successful outcome.     

盐碱胁迫和干旱胁迫对紫苏种子萌发及幼苗生长的影响

通过研究盐碱胁迫和干旱胁迫对紫苏种子萌发及幼苗生长的影响,以期为抗性品种选育提供理论依据.采用培养皿滤纸培养法通过不同配比的NaCl、Na2SO4、NaHCO3和Na2CO3对紫苏种子进行盐碱胁迫模拟,不同浓度聚乙二醇和甘露醇进行干旱胁迫模拟,结果表明:紫苏种子的发芽率和发芽势均随盐胁迫和干旱胁迫程度增加而降低;3种盐...     

Capillary gas chromatographic determination of some chlorobiphenyls in eel fat: interlaboratory study

A method for determination of 6 individual chlorobiphenyls in eel fat, based on saponification of the sample and determination with capillary gas chromatography, was studied collaboratively. Eleven laboratories submitted analytical results in duplicate for 6 individual chlorobiphenyls on 2 naturally contaminated eel fat samples. The reproducibility coefficient of variation was about 14% at the 1 mg/kg level for each chlorobiphenyl compound and about 23% at the 0.1 mg/kg level. For each compound, the mean recovery was about 90% with a standard deviation varying from 7 to 9%.