Diseases of chelonians: (1) Necropsy survey of tortoises.

The results of necropsies of 144 tortoises of 17 species that died in captivity are presented. Intestinal and nutritional disorders (27.0 and 22.2 per cent respectively) were the most common causes of death. Nematode infestations were found in 43.8 per cent, but with exception of a few species the parasites were seldom pathogenic. Infestations with other helminths appear to be very unusual. Protozoan infections were relatively common (at least 22.9 per cent) but protozoa are probably seldom pathogenic. Bacterial infections occurred in 7.6 per cent and no fungal infections were diagnosed. It was tentatively concluded that infections with Salmonella spp are less important in tortoises than in other reptiles in this country. In 34.7 per cent of cases no diagnosis was made.     

Verminous (Strongylus vulgaris) myelitis in a donkey

A fifth stage Strongylus vulgaris migrated through the spinal cord of a 2-year-old, male donkey resulting in progressive paraparesis and then tetraplegia. A profound neutrophilic pleocytosis was detected on analysis of cerebrospinal fluid. The parasite appeared to have entered the mid-lumbar spinal cord, migrated to the cranial thoracic segments, exited, then re-entered the spinal cord a few segments craniad. It then traveled further cranially and was found in the third cervical spinal cord segment. Some parts of the lesion were remarkably free from tissue necrosis, hemorrhage and inflammation. Severe granulomatous myelitis with hemorrhage and necrosis were seen at other sites. The latter were quite similar to lesions seen in equine protozoal myeloencephalitis.     

Studies on the chemical control of blackgrass (Alopecurus myosuroides Huds.) in winter wheat in the West Midlands

In trials carried out in 1978–80, blackgrass populations in winter wheat growing on heavy soil were substantially reduced by all chemical treatments tested, the least effective being methabenzthiazuron. Wild oat populations were also reduced by all treatments except chlofop-isobutyl and methabenzthiazuron. On average of the 3 years only metoxuron treatment gave wheat yields significantly higher than the unsprayed crop.     

Two Hungarian isolates of cucumber mosaic virus from sweet pepper (Capsicum annuum) and melon (Cucumis melo): Identification and antiserum preparation

Two Hungarian virus isolates from sweet pepper (K8) and melon (S4) were identified as cucumber mosaic virus (CMV) on the basis of host plant reactions and serology. The isolates were purified and antisera prepared. Homologous antiserum titers in double-diffusion tests were 256 (K8) and 512 (S4). They were serologically closely related to each other and to other CMV isolates. On the basis of symptoms they belong to different symptomatological groups of CMV; this was supported by serological properties. Sedimentation coefficients were c. 93 S, at 2 mg ml^–1. Purified preparations, stained with 2% uranyl acetate, showed spherical particles. In ELISA purified preparations reacted with each other's antisera.Samenvatting Twee hongaarse virusisolaten uit paprika (K8) en meloen (S4) werden geïdentificeerd als komkommermozaïekvirus (CMV) met behulp van toetsplanten en serologie. Beide isolaten werden gezuiverd en er werden antisera tegen bereid. De homologe titers van de antisera in de agar-geldiffusietoets bedroegen 256 (K8) en 512 (S4). K8 en S4 waren serologisch nauw verwant aan elkaar, evenals aan andere CMV-isolaten. Op grond van hun symptomen op toetsplanten behoren ze tot verschillende symptomatologische groepen van CMV. Dit laatste werd gesteund door de serologische eigenschappen. Beide isolaten hebben een sedimentatiecoëfficiënt van ca 93 S, bij een concentratie van 2 mg ml^–1. Gezuiverde preparaten, gekleurd met 2% uranylacetaat, bleken bolvormige deeltjes te bevatten. In ELISA reageerden gezuiverde preparaten van K8 en S4 met elkaars antisera.