Fast molecular detection of Pseudomonas syringae pv. aesculi in diseased horse chestnut trees

A molecular technique was used to detect the bacterium Pseudomonas syringae pv. aesculi in horse chestnut trees (Aesculus hippocastanum), affected by the recently recognized European ‘Pseudomonas horse chestnut bark disease’. The technique helped identify the pathogen within 6 h of sample preparation including DNA extraction, polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and electrophoresis until gel documentation. PCR primer pairs derived from the gyrase B gene sequence were used. Because of the great similarity in the gyrase B gene sequences of the numerous closely related P. syringae pathovars, the primers were not only totally specific to the pathovar aesculi, but also detected a few other pathovars. The assumption that other bacteria should not occur at least near to a necrotic lesion of a horse chestnut tree was corroborated by sequence identity of the PCR products obtained with the gyrase B gene sequence of P. syringae pv. aesculi. Koch’s postulates were fulfilled for an isolate of P. syringae pv. aesculi obtained from a diseased horse chestnut tree sampled in Hamburg in 2007.     

竹类对真菌的感受性

本文对来自几个不同国家竹类茎秆的霉菌和担子菌进行分离和DNA测序鉴定。对蓝变真菌的纯培养的样品的实验室染色试验表明,正如发生在木材细胞组织中的一样,密集的褐变菌丝、厚垣孢子对组织的侵染和木质化细胞壁的渗透压扭作用。利用不同的测试安排的纯培养的白变、褐变和软腐真菌的退化实验表明,相当大的质量损失是由于白化菌和软腐菌引起的。本研究通过透射电镜证实了真菌攻击的微观形态学表现。研究结果改变了真菌破坏竹子的基本看法,需要改进竹资源更好利用和更适当保护的措施。     

Improving in-season nitrogen recommendations for maize using an active sensor

An active crop canopy reflectance sensor could be used to increase N-use efficiency in maize (Zea mays L.), if temporal and spatial variability in soil N availability and plant demand are adequately accounted for with an in-season N application. Our objective was to evaluate the success of using an active canopy sensor for developing maize N recommendations. This study was conducted in 21 farmers’ fields from 2007 to 2009, representing the maize production regions of east central and southeastern Pennsylvania, USA. Four blocks at each site included seven sidedress N rates (0–280 kg N ha⁻¹) and one at-planting N rate of 280 kg N ha⁻¹. Canopy reflectance in the 590 nm and 880 nm wavelengths, soil samples, chlorophyll meter (SPAD) measurements and above-ground biomass were collected at the 6th–7th-leaf growth stage (V6–V7). Relative amber normalized difference vegetative index (ANDVI_relative) and relative SPAD (SPAD_relative) were determined based on the relative measurements from the zero sidedress treatment to the 280 kg N ha⁻¹ at-planting treatment. Observations from the current study were compared to relationships between economic optimum N rate (EONR) and ANDVI_relative, presidedress NO₃ test (PSNT), or SPAD_relative that were developed from a previous study. These comparisons were based on an absolute mean difference (AMD) between observed EONR and the previously determined predicted relationships. The AMD for the relationship between EONR and ANDVI_relative in the current study was 46 kg N ha⁻¹. Neither the PSNT (AMD = 66 kg N ha⁻¹) nor the SPAD_relative (AMD = 72 kg N ha⁻¹) provided as good an indicator of EONR. When using all the observations from the two studies for the relationships between EONR and the various measurements, ANDVI_relative (R² = 0.65) provided a better estimate of EONR than PSNT (R² = 0.49) or SPAD_relative (not significant). Crop reflectance captured similar information as the PSNT and SPAD_relative, as reflected in strong relationships (R² > 0.60) among these variables. Crop canopy reflectance using an active sensor (i.e. ANDVI_relative) provided as good or better an indicator of EONR than PSNT or SPAD_relative, and provides an opportunity to easily adjust in-season N applications spatially.     

Early development and allometric growth patterns in burbot Lota lota L.

This study analyzed the morphological development and allometric growth patterns of Lota lota L. (burbot) larvae reared under controlled laboratory conditions. From hatching to day 50, twenty larvae were sampled each [between 1 and 14 days post-hatch (DPH)] or every second day (between 14 and 50 DPH) and measured under a stereoscopic microscope using analytic software. Based on the external morphology, the different stages during early development of burbot were identified: yolk sac larva 0–8 DPH [3.92–4.37 mm total length (TL)]; preflexion larva 9–26 DPH (4.57–12.06 mm TL); flexion larva (between notochord degradation and its replacement with rays) 28–34 DPH (14.00–16.34 mm TL) and postflexion larva/juvenile 36–50 DPH (18.20–29.27 mm TL). Allometric growth patterns of some parameters (e.g., total length, head length, body length, tail length, head depth, body depth, eye diameter) were modeled by a power function and described by the growth coefficient. Organogenesis and changes of body proportions in burbot larvae were more rapid and complex during the yolk sac and preflexion phase of development as larvae developed most of their sensorial, feeding, respiratory and swimming systems and after notochord flexion, when most morphological changes were related to the progressive transformation from pelagic larva to demersal larva/juvenile.     

Physiological Responses of <Emphasis Type="Italic">Rosa rubiginosa</Emphasis> to Saline Environment

The aim of this work was to analyse the response of Rosa rubiginosa to salinity induced by different concentrations of sodium chloride and calcium chloride (0, 25, 50, 100, 150 and 200 mM). Besides salt accumulation and pH changes, other parameters were investigated including photosynthetic activity, leaf water content, the dynamics of necrosis and chlorosis appearance and leaf drying. The study was complemented with microscopic analysis of changes in leaf anatomy. R. rubiginosa was more sensitive to the salinity induced by calcium chloride than by sodium chloride. Plant response to salinity differed depending of the salt concentration. These differences were manifested by higher dynamics of necrosis and chlorosis appearance and leaf drying. CaCl₂ showed greater inhibition of the photosynthetic apparatus and photosynthetic activity. Treatment with CaCl₂ caused more visible deformation of palisade cells, reduction in their density and overall reduction in leaf thickness. The study demonstrated higher accumulation of CaCl₂ in the soil, and thus greater limitations in water availability resulting in reduced leaf water content and quicker drying of leaves as compared with NaCl-treated plants.     

Effect of different dietary ratios of sunflower and linseed oils on growth and carcass traits of rabbits

As part of an experiment aiming to modify the meat fatty acid profile, this work studied the growth and carcass traits as affected by various dietary ratios of sunflower oil and linseed oil. A diet without added oil served as a control (C). Four other diets were equally 4% oil-enriched but they differed in the incorporation ratios of sunflower oil (S) to linseed oil (L), i.e. 4% S to 0% L (diet 4%S), 3% S to 1% L (diet 3:1%SL), 2% S to 2% L (diet 2:2%SL) and 0% S to 4% L (diet 4%L). The oil-rich diets had slightly higher digestible energy contents (11.4 vs 10.6 MJ/kg) than the C feed. In each group 10 litters of 7 to 9 Pannon White kits per litter were studied in the pre-weaning period from 21 to 35 days old. Growth and slaughter traits were assessed with 50 and 30 rabbits per group, respectively. No significant effects of diets were found on litter and doe performances. The only significant differences in growth performance of the C, 4%S, 3:1%SL, 2:2%SL and 4%L rabbits were for the 35–49 day feed intake (88, 86, 84, 84 and 83 g per day, respectively, P = 0.046), the 35–84 day growth rate (36, 38, 37, 35 and 37 g/day, P = 0.034) and the 84-day body weight (2608, 2703, 2664, 2565 and 2628 g, respectively, P = 0.022). There were several significant differences in carcass traits including the weight of reference carcass (1357, 1391, 1388, 1380 and 1369 g, respectively, P = 0.004) and left longisimus dorsi meat (78, 79, 81, 81 and 76 g, respectively, P = 0.046) of rabbits. The diets had major effects on the L*, a* and b* colour values (lightness, redness and yellowness) of meat and fat. Carcass colour of the C and 4%S rabbits was closer and the 4%L rabbits was further from the European consumer's preference of light coloured, less red and slightly yellow rabbit meat. Our result reveals the importance of age and body weight at slaughter. Taking the growth and slaughter performances and, the recent belief of human health benefits from lower n− 6/n− 3 FAs dietary ratios into account, the 2:2%SL diet seems most appropriate if the interests of the raisers, meat processors and buyers are considered equally.     

Seroprevalence of Anaplasma marginale in 2 Iowa feedlots and its association with morbidity, mortality, production parameters, and carcass traits

A prospective cohort observational study was conducted to investigate the seroprevalence of Anaplasma marginale in Iowa feedlots and its association with morbidity, mortality, and treatment costs. Blood samples were taken from 659 calves from 31 consigners at processing and classified as seropositive to A. marginale using a competitive enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (cELISA) with a 30% cutoff. Health and production parameters were modeled by A. marginale serostatus with mixed model regression analysis. The apparent prevalence of seropositive cattle was 15.17% (100/659). When the cELISA positive cutoff was at 42% inhibition, the apparent prevalence was 5.00% (33/659). There was no significant association between A. marginale serostatus and production parameters; however, seropositive status had a weak positive association with undifferentiated fever (P = 0.17). Although prevalence of anaplasmosis in Iowa feedlots is higher than reported in Montana-sourced calves arriving in Canadian feedlots, this was not associated with increased production costs.     

The glucocorticoid sparing efficacy of PhytopicaTM in the management of canine atopic dermatitis

This double-blind randomized placebo-controlled trial indicates that Phytopica™ can be an effective glucocorticoid sparing agent in canine atopic dermatitis (AD). Twenty-two dogs with perennial AD [Canine Atopic Dermatitis with Severity Index (CADESI-03) ≥ 60] were given 200 mg/kg Phytopica™ or an identical placebo in food once daily for 56 days. All dogs were initially given 0.4 mg/kg methyl-prednisolone once daily, which was then adjusted according to the daily pruritus score (0–100 mm visual analogue scale). The cumulative dose and pruritus score were lower in the Phytopica™ than the placebo group. There were statistically significant time and treatment effects for the methyl-prednisolone dose and pruritus score, but there were no significant differences between the Phytopica™ and placebo groups in the proportion of dogs that achieved a > 50% reduction in dose or pruritus scores at day 56; the mean CADESI-03 scores at days 0, 28 and 56; the numbers achieving >50% reduction in CADESI-03 at days 28 and 56; or in the owners' global efficacy score at days 28 and 56. Adverse events included diarrhoea (three Phytopica™ and one placebo treated dog), polyuria/polydipsia (three dogs in each group), and polyphagia, intermittent anorexia and panting (one dog each in the placebo group). None of these by themselves required withdrawal of treatment.     

Evaluation of PCR assays for the detection of Campylobacter fetus in bovine preputial scrapings and the identification of subspecies in South African field isolates

As a result of the high lability and slow growth of Campylobacter fetus subspecies, the laboratory diagnosis of bovine genital campylobacteriosis has always been difficult. This is especially true under South African conditions, where farms are far apart, laboratories are only present in major centres and there are high ambient temperatures. In order to overcome the shortcomings associated with traditional diagnostic methods, the implementation of a molecular assay was sought. This work describes how a previously published PCR assay (MG3F/ MG4R primers) was adapted, optimised and applied in the diagnostic laboratory to test preputial samples directly for the presence of Campylobacter fetus. Field evaluation of the assay revealed an analytical sensitivity and specificity of 85.7% and 99%, respectively. Subsequent genotyping and phenotyping of a diverse collection of South African field isolates revealed that South Africa has an unexpected and previously unreported high incidence of Campylobacter fetus subsp. venerealis biovar intermedius strains. These strains were not identified correctly by the subspecies-specific primer set evaluated. Until such time that cost- effective genotyping methods are available to diagnostic laboratories in South Africa, and other countries with these atypical Campylobacter fetus subsp. venerealis strains, the need for bacterial culture will persist. Identification to subspecies level of isolates at present remains dependent upon a single phenotypic criterion, namely tolerance to 1% glycine.