Construction of a genetic linkage map with SSR,AFLP and morphological markers to locate QTLs controlling pathotype-specific powdery mildew resistance in diploid roses

Disease resistance is a sought-after trait in plant breeding programmes. One strategy to make resistance more durable is to increase the number of resistance genes, thereby increasing the number of pathotypes withstood. One of the most important diseases on roses is powdery mildew (PM) (Podosphaera pannosa). Recent studies show that pathotypes of PM and different types of resistances in roses exist. The results of this study aim to contribute to PM resistance in roses by the development of pathotype-specific markers on a genetic map. A diploid rose population (90 genotypes) derived from a cross between Rosa wichurana and Rosa ‘Yesterday’ was used to construct a genetic linkage map encompassing 20 AFLP primer combinations, 43 SSR, and 2 morphological markers. By applying the F1 pseudo test cross population strategy, two parental linkage maps were constructed (parent ‘Yesterday’ 536 cM; parent R. wichurana 526 cM). Both parental maps consisted of seven linkage groups with an average length of 70 cM (Kosambi) corresponding to the seven haploid rose chromosomes. These new maps were used to identify QTLs controlling disease resistance. The offspring population was screened for resistance to two PM pathotypes, R–E and R–P. QTLs for controlling pathotype-specific disease resistance were mapped by applying Kruskal–Wallis rank-sum tests and simple interval mapping. With two pathotypes analysed, nine QTL loci were detected on linkage groups 2, 3, 5 and 6, explaining 15–73% of the phenotypic variance for pathotype-specific disease response. The genetic maps developed here will be useful for future rose breeding, pathotype-specific resistance research and development of a consensus map for roses.     

Effects of a constant rate infusion of magnesium sulphate in healthy dogs anaesthetized with isoflurane and undergoing ovariohysterectomy

ObjectiveTo determine the effects of intravenous (IV) magnesium sulphate (MgSO₄) as a bolus followed by a constant rate infusion (CRI) on anaesthetic requirements, neuroendocrine stress response to surgery, haemostasis and postoperative analgesia in healthy dogs undergoing ovariohysterectomy.Study designBlinded randomized clinical trial.AnimalsSixteen female dogs.MethodsAfter intramuscular premedication with acepromazine (0.05 mg kg^?1) and morphine (0.3 mg kg^?1), anaesthesia was induced with diazepam (0.2 mg kg^?1) and propofol (2 mg kg^?1) intravenously and maintained with isoflurane in oxygen in all dogs. Dogs were randomly assigned to two groups, M and C. Group M received MgSO₄ (50 mg kg^?1 over 15 minutes, followed by a 15 mg kg^?1 hour^?1 CRI). Group C received an equivalent bolus and CRI of lactated Ringer's solution. In addition, all dogs received lactated Ringer's solution (10 mL kg^?1 over 15 minutes followed by 10 mL kg^?1 hour^?1). End-tidal isoflurane and carbon dioxide tensions, cardio-respiratory variables, arterial blood gases, electrolytes, ACTH and cortisol concentrations were measured at different time points. Thromboelastography (TEG) was performed pre- and post-anaesthesia. Postoperative pain was evaluated using the short form of the Glasgow Composite Pain Scale. Data were analysed with repeated measures anova and Mann–Whitney U tests (p< 0.05).ResultsNo statistically significant differences between groups were found in any of the measured variables. However, the alpha angle and maximal amplitude recorded by TEG in group M were significantly increased post-anaesthesia, but remained within the reference interval. One dog in Group M and two in Group C received rescue analgesia during recovery.Conclusions and clinical relevanceAs used in this study, MgSO₄ failed to decrease isoflurane requirements, postoperative pain and stress hormone concentrations; however, it did not produce any cardio-respiratory or major haemostatic side effects. Administration of intravenous MgSO₄ together with an opioid during ovariohysterectomy in dogs does not seem to provide any clinical advantage.     

Time‐related changes in nutrient digestibility and faecal bile acid loss of rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) as affected by dietary fat level and non‐starch polysaccharide level

Time‐related changes in apparent digestibility coefficients (ADC) and faecal bile acid loss as affected by dietary fat level and non‐starch polysaccharide (NSP) level were studied in rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss). Low‐Fat versus High‐Fat and Low‐NSP versus High‐NSP diets were formulated. Fish were fed for 6 weeks to apparent satiation and faeces were sampled in week 2, 4 and 6. Most nutrient ADC increased with time and increases were consistently larger for the High‐Fat and High‐NSP diets. Nevertheless, time of adaptation was equal between diets/nutrients and steady‐state digestion was reached at week 3. Although faecal bile acid loss was affected by diet, the observed time‐related decrease in faecal bile acid loss was mainly driven by a decrease in feed intake and faeces production. Fat ADC improved over time regardless of NSP level, which does not support the hypothesis that enhanced faecal bile acid loss (related to satiation feeding of high‐NSP diets) causes a depletion of the total body bile acid pool size that is critical for proper fat digestion. The high‐fat diets consistently resulted in the lowest Fat ADC, which might have been related to a lower availability of bile acids relative to the level of dietary fat.     

Usability of normal force distribution measurements to evaluate asymmetrical loading of the back of the horse and different rider positions on a standing horse

Pressure measurement devices in equine sports have primarily focused on tack (saddle pads and saddle fitting methods). However, saddle pressure devices may also be useful in evaluating the interaction and distribution of normal forces between the horse and rider, including rider position and riding technique. This study examined the validity, reliability, repeatability and possibilities of using a saddle pressure device to evaluate rider position. All measurements were performed using a standing horse. Validity was tested by calculating the correlation coefficient between measured normal force and the weight of the rider. Repeatability was tested by calculating intra-class correlation coefficients. The use of normal force measurements to evaluate horse–rider interaction was tested by adding a known weight to saddle or rider and collecting measurements with the rider sitting in four different positions.The device was found to be valid and reliable for force measurements when the measurement device was not replaced. The system could be used to determine the expected differences with added weight and in different rider positions. The normal force distribution measurement device proved to be a valid and reliable tool for studying the interaction between a rider and a static horse provided it is positioned carefully and consistently relative to both the horse and the saddle.     

Movement and biological activity of drip-applied 1,3-dichloropropene and chloropicrin in raised mulched beds in the southeastern USA

Movement and biological activity of 1,3-dichloropropene (1,3-D) and chloropicrin applied through drip irrigation in raised beds was investigated at three locations in the southeastern USA. Tests were conducted in fields with dense populations of nutsedge (Cyperus spp), with one location also having a high level of soil nematodes, both of which served as biological indicators of the distribution of effective concentrations of 1,3-D and chloropicrin. Objectives were (1) to gain a better understanding of 1,3-D and chloropicrin movement and the extent of biological activity outside of the wetted bed area, and (2) to examine the effect of application rate, application concentration and subsequent irrigation events on movement and activity of 1,3-D and chloropicrin. InLine, an emulsifiable concentrate containing 60.8% w/w 1,3-D and 33.3% w/w chloropicrin, was injected into polyethylene mulched beds through the drip tubes and water movement in the beds was visualized by adding a blue dye to the injection system. Gas concentrations of 1,3-D and chloropicrin in soil were measured using Gastec detection tubes at different positions relative to the drip tube at 1-4 days after InLine application. After one week, mulch was removed and nutsedge survival evaluated at different positions in the bed. High concentrations of 1,3-D and chloropicrin were measured at the bed center and midway between the bed center and the shoulder, but concentrations were low at the bed shoulder. Width of nutsedge control was significantly greater than width of water movement. Plant-parasitic nematodes were controlled over the entire bed width, but nutsedge re-emerged at the bed shoulders regardless of treatment. Higher application rates and concentrations of 1,3-D + chloropicrin resulted in higher fumigant concentrations in soil air. Irrigations subsequent to application reduced soil air concentrations of 1,3-D and chloropicrin and increased water movement, as did the use of two drip tubes instead of one. The data show that the pesticidal activity of 1,3-D + chloropicrin extends beyond the waterfront and indicate a significant degree of fumigant activity of emulsifiable 1,3-D + chloropicrin. However, unlike plant-parasitic nematodes, nutsedge could not be controlled over the entire bed width, regardless of rate, concentration and volume of water applied.     

Harvest and post-harvest apple fruit quality following applications of kaolin particle film in South African orchards

Sunburn on apples in the Western Cape region of South Africa can result in yield losses of up to 50%. Application of kaolin-based particle film (Surround^® WP) increases leaf and fruit surface reflectivity, thus potentially reducing heat load and sunburn. Trials were performed during 2002/2003 and 2003/2004 to assess the effectiveness of kaolin particle film in controlling sunburn on ‘Granny Smith’, ‘Braeburn’, ‘Fuji’, ‘Royal Gala’ and ‘Cripps’ Pink’ apples. Fruit quality and ripening were monitored following 1–4 months in regular atmosphere cold storage at −0.5 °C. Sunburn on exposed fruit was significantly reduced in ‘Granny Smith’ and ‘Fuji’. Kaolin treatment improved fruit colour of ‘Granny Smith’ and ‘Royal Gala’, and delayed starch conversion in ‘Granny Smith’ at harvest and during the early storage period but not thereafter. Incidence of watercore at harvest was significantly reduced by kaolin treatment, but this disorder disappeared during cold storage in both treatments. There were no effects on skin anthocyanin or phenolic concentrations in any cultivar compared to unsprayed fruit.     

A severe outbreak of contagious ecthyma (orf) in a free-ranging musk ox (Ovibos moschatus) population in Norway

During July-October 2004, 19 (18 calves, 1 yearling) free-ranging musk oxen (Ovibos moschatus) at Dovre, Norway, were observed with contagious echtyma-like lesions, and 16 of them were euthanized. Six musk oxen were subjected to necropsy, histopathological and microbiological examinations. All euthanized animals had lesions consistent with contagious ecthyma presenting as wart-like, scabby lesions on the muzzle, lips, oral mucosa and limbs to a variable extent. The histopathological examination showed pustular dermatitis characterized by epidermal proliferation, reticular degeneration, degenerating keratinocytes with intracytoplasmic eosinophilic inclusion bodies, vesicopustules, microabscesses and multifocal ulcerations in the epidermis which was covered by a serocellular crust. Pathology and bacteriology showed evidence of secondary infections in the skin and draining lymph nodes. Electron microscopy (negative staining) of lesions from four animals detected parapoxvirus with the typical arrangement of the outer protein filaments. Parapoxvirus DNA was detected in tissue samples from two examined animals by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) with primers from the B2L-gene. A DNA sequence of 326 nucleotides from the amplicon was compared with similar DNA sequences from parapoxvirus isolated from sheep, reindeer, musk ox and cattle. The outbreak was caused by a virus similar to other circulating orf virus variants in Norway. Antibodies against parapoxvirus were detected with a virus neutralization test in 3 of 35 musk oxen (8.6%) sampled at Dovre between 2004 and 2006. This is the first report of a severe outbreak of contagious ecthyma in free-ranging musk oxen.