Physiological actions of dinoterb,a phenol derivative: 2. Effects on isolated plant mitochondria and chloroplasts

Dinoterb, a contact herbicide, affects respiration and photosynthesis of mitochondria and chloroplasts. On mitochondria, at low concentrations, it acts as an uncoupler of oxidative phosphorylation; at higher concentrations, it inhibits the electron transport chains, probably before cytochrome c. On chloroplasts, dinoterb has a stimulatory effect on oxygen uptake in the reduced dichlorophenol-indophenol→methyl viologen couple; however, it is also an inhibitor of the Hill reaction and its site of inhibition is located before plastoquinone, near photosystem II.     

Precocene II metabolism: Comparative in vivo studies among several species of insects,and structure elucidation of two major metabolites

Several species of insects, exhibiting varying responsiveness to the juvenile hormone antagonist precocene II (6,7-dimethoxy-2,2-dimethylchromene), were challenged topically with a tritiated preparation of the title compound. Metabolism of [³H]precocene II was subsequently examined by withdrawing hemolymph samples from treated animals at appropriate time intervals and characterizing the extractable radiolabel chromatographically. Quantitative (or qualitative) differences observed between the respective metabolic profiles were found not correlative with specimen sensitivity to precocene. Production of two heretofore unreported metabolites, identified by spectral and chemical means as O-β-glucosides of 6- and 7-monodemethylated precocene II, was demonstrated in both sensitive and insensitive species. No evidence for the presence of a hemolymphborne, biologically effective “activated metabolite” produced in vivo by precocene-susceptible insects could be found. The latter finding may well argue for in situ bioactivation of precocene at the target tissue(s) by these sensitive insects.     

The effect of some Frescon analogs on the aquatic snail,Lymnaea stagnalis: II. Correlation of neurotoxicity to Molluscicidal effectiveness

Although the molluscicide Frescon is a strong neurotoxin to the Lymnaea stagnalis central nervous system in vitro, it is probable that the exposure of the whole animal to this molluscicide fails to result in central nervous system abnormalities: Frescon does not appear to reach the brain in sufficient quantity to disrupt its normal activity. However, only those Frescon analogs found to be neurotoxic were molluscicidal, suggesting some related mode, if not site, of action. Frescon and its analogs may act by affecting excitable tissues other than the nervous system (e.g., the snail musculature) by altering certain functional and/or structural membrane properties.     

An Approach to Forecasting the Incidence of Potato and Cereal Aphids in Scotland1

Many potato and cereal infesting aphids in Scotland are either completely cr partially anholocyclic. This makes forecasting their first appearance and abundance on crops difficult, when compared with holocyclic species such as Aphis fabae Scopoli. This paper describes an analysis of the early movement of nine aphid species, commonly found on potatoes and cereals in Scotland, in relation to winter and early spring climate. Data on their early movement have been extracted from the catches in three of the sjx.12–2.rn suction traps now operating in Scotland in cooperation with the Rothamsted Insect Survey. The particular importance of early spring temperature has been established. The extension of this work to develop a predictive forecast of summer activity of anholocyclic aphid species is discussed. En Ecosse, une forte proportion de pucerons des pommes de terre et des céréales est entièrement ou partiellement anholocyclique. Ceci complique la prévision sur le moment de leur première apparition et sur leur abondance par rapport aux espéces holocycliques telles qu'Aphis, fabae. Cette étude concerne les déplacements précoces de neuf espéces de pucerons retrouveés fréquemment sur les pommes de terre et les céSreales. Les données sur les deplacements ont été obtenues à partir de trois des six piegès à succion de I2,2 m installes en Ecosse en cooperation avec le « Rothamsted Insect Survey », Il est apparu que la température printanière revêt une importance particuliere. Les recherches se poursuivent dam le but d'établir des prévisions sur le développement estival des espèces anholocycliyues de pucerons.     

Contribution to the morphology and biochemistry of mustelide blood. 1. Blood specimen collection in various mustelides with special reference to the use of the tissue adhesive "Fimomed"]

An account is given of various techniques of blood sampling in the context of certain mustelids, including cardiopuncture, amputation of tail tip, talon cutting, incision of the ear vein, puncture of the jugular or femoral vein, and catheterisation of the abdominal aorta. Reference is made to details of use of all techniques, characteristics, advantages and potential setbacks, and preferable use of some of the tested methods to collect blood from mustela and martes species. Blood collection from the abdominal aorta may be helpful in obtaining no-haemolysis and no-additive plasma for biochemical multi-screening. Biochemical, pharmacological, and toxicological follow-up checks may be feasible under certain conditions following surgical exposure of the external jugular vein. The use of "Fimomed" (n-butylcyano-acrylate), a tissue adhesive, may help to reduce effort in terms of time and material and consequently, rationalise veterinary hygiene action as a whole, provided that the conditions for its application are observed. The skin adhesive is properly applicable to skin lesions of mustelids. A combination of suturing with adhesive should be used to close laparotomy wounds for better mechanical strength of the abdominal wall. Possible applications of "Fimomed" should be tested with other species as well.