The reproductive biology of okra. 2. Self-fertilization kinetics in the cultivated okra (Abelmoschus esculentus), and consequences for breeding

Summary The use of Cruden's index (1977), for studying okra sexual reproductive allocations, indicates a facultative autogamy mode. The purpose of the research described is to obtain more accurate information on the self-fertilization process. For this, self-pollen grain germination was stopped at different times of the day. Twelve varieties of Abelmoschus esculentus were used. Self-fertilization kinetics—expressed by the setting rate—displayed an increase between 7.00 to 16.00 hr. Study of obtained progenies, by stimulated allogamy, confirmed the process and showed that allo-pollen grains deposited on a stigma after midday had only a very little chance of contributing to fertilization. As a result, the polymorphism of the flower structure and particularly the distance between anther and stigmas, insect types and movement habits play major roles in governing okra allogamy. We also show that self-fertilization kinetics can be used to improve controlled hybrid production.     

Rejuvenating indigenous trees in agroforestry parkland systems for better fruit production using crown pruning

The effects of crown pruning of mature indigenous fruit trees of Vitellaria paradoxa C. F Gaertn (commonly known as karité) and Parkia biglobosa (Jacq.) R. Br. ex G. Don (commonly known as néré) on recovery of crown size and fruit yield were assessed during 6 years in an agroforestry parkland system in Burkina Faso. Three treatments of crown pruning (total-pruning, half-pruning and a control of no-pruning) were applied to karité and néré. Each treatment comprised ten individuals of each species or a total of 60 trees of both species. Six years after pruning, higher recovery (81%) of crown diameter was achieved in total-pruned trees of néré as opposed to karité which recovered by only 73%. On the contrary, fruit production in total-pruned trees of karité recovered by 83% 5 years after pruning and fully (100%) 6 years after pruning as opposed to néré which recovered by only 57% 5 years after pruning but declined to 16% on the sixth year probably due to interannual variability. Fruit yields did not differ significantly between unpruned and half-pruned trees of both species throughout the experiment period. Total pruning may, therefore, be recommended to farmers to rejuvenate old trees of karité in parklands on the basis of fast recovery of fruit and slow recovery of crown in the species. Slow recovery of crown in pruned trees is the most desirable characteristic in parklands in order to avoid the negative effect of tree shade on adjacent crop.     

Diagnosis and successful treatment of Cryptococcus neoformans variety grubii in a domestic ferret

A domestic ferret was presented for episodic regurgitation. Cytologic examination and culture of an enlarged submandibular lymph node revealed Cryptococcus neoformans variety grubii (serotype A). The ferret was successfully treated with itraconazole. This is the first documented case of Cryptococcus neoformans variety grubii in a ferret in the United States.     

AAHA senior care guidelines for dogs and cats

This paper provides a working framework for enhancing the well-being of senior pet dogs and cats. Approaches to screening the medical status of senior pets are described in detail, with particular emphasis on establishing baseline data in healthy animals, the testing of clinically ill animals, and assessing senior pets prior to anesthesia and surgery. The management of pain and distress and the application of hospice and palliative care are addressed. Advice on ways to approach euthanasia and dealing with end-of-life issues is also provided.     

Detection of virulent feline herpesvirus-1 in the corneas of clinically normal cats

To evaluate the clinically normal feline cornea for the presence of virulent feline herpesvirus-1 (FHV-1), corneas from 31 cats (25 with normal eyes and six with active disease or corneal scarring) euthanased at a shelter were collected. Corneas from two specific pathogen-free cats were included as negative controls. Virus isolation (VI), fluorescent antibody (FA) staining and real-time polymerase chain reaction (rt-PCR) were performed on all samples. The presence or absence of dexamethasone in the media was evaluated for its effect on VI. VI was positive for FHV-1 in six corneas from five cats, all with clinically normal eyes. One cornea was positive for feline calicivirus (FCV) in addition to FHV-1, but only in media that included dexamethasone. Eight corneas were positive on rt-PCR for FHV-1, all from cats with clinically normal eyes. All positive VI samples were confirmed with FA staining. VI and rt-PCR were negative for FHV-1 and FCV in cats with active disease or corneal scarring. Data from this study indicate that virulent FHV-1 and FCV can be present in feline corneas that are clinically normal. Dexamethasone may enhance viral spread through a cell receptor mechanism.     

URETERAL FIBROEPITHELIAL POLYPS IN FOUR DOGS

Four dogs with ureteral fibroepithelial polyps, ranging from 9-12 years of age, are presented in this report. The patients presented with urinary incontinence, urinary tract infection, and/or polydypsia and pollakiuria. All dogs were intact at the time of diagnosis or for the majority of their lives and three were male. Various diagnostic procedures were performed including ultrasonography, contrast radiography, and nuclear scintigraphy. Not all procedures were performed in all patients. Findings included ureteral dilation proximal to the level of an intraluminal mass and ipsilateral hydronephrosis. Unilateral ureteronephrectomy was performed in three dogs with masses in the proximal ureter; ureteral resection and anastamosis was performed in the remaining patient with a mass located in the distal ureter. The same pathologist (RAP) reviewed all four lesions. The lesions appeared polypoid and were attached to the ureteral wall by a thin stalk. Histopathologically, they contained a superficial layer of well-differentiated transitional epithelial cells overlying a prominent fibrovascular stroma with a mild (three dogs) or marked (one dog) degree of lymphoplasmacytic inflammation. This disease may represent a benign neoplasm or a chronic inflammatory reaction and has a good prognosis with surgical removal. Its histopathological characteristics, higher incidence in males, and location more commonly within the upper third of the ureter is remarkably similar to the disease in humans.     

Thoracic trauma in newborn foals

In a report describing life ending fractures (255 horses) from the Livestock Disease Diagnostic Center, Kentucky (1993 and 1994), 32 foals had rib fractures. The purpose of our study was to examine the incidence of rib fractures in newborn foals on a Thoroughbred studfarm by physical and radiographic examination, to determine factors which may contribute to the problem and to document any clinical consequences. All foals (263) included were examined within 3 days of birth. The thoracic cage was palpated externally for abnormalities and all foals were placed in dorsal recumbency to evaluate thoracic cage symmetry. Radiographs were used to diagnose foals with thoracic cage asymmetry (TCA) and rib fracture (RF). A diagnosis of costochondral dislocation (CD) was made when no radiographic evidence of fracture was present but there was severe TCA. Fifty-five foals (20.1%) had TCA (9 RF). One to 5 ribs were fractured on 9 of 40 radiographic studies. No consequences of the thoracic trauma was detected clinically, radiographically or ultrasonographically in this group of foals or at a 2- and 4-week follow-up examination. The percentage of foals with a history of abnormal parturition was higher in the TCA foals (15%) compared to the normal foals (6.8%). There were more primiparous dams in the TCA group than in the normal foal group. Fillies (56.6%) had a higher incidence of birth trauma than colts (43.4%). This study demonstrates that thoracic trauma is often present in newborn foals and may not always be of clinical significance. Dystocia foals and foals from primiparous mares should be considered high risk for thoracic trauma.     

Mermithid nematode infection in a colony of blue-winged grasshoppers (Tropidacris collaris)

A die-off occurred in a captive colony of blue-winged grasshoppers (Tropidacris collaris) at the Toronto Zoo. One fourth of the colony died within a year due to infection with worms initially mistaken for nematomorphs but later identified as nematodes belonging to the Mermithidae, genus Mermis. Mortality persisted and the grasshopper population dwindled over the following years. Mermithid larvae developed in the hemocoel of the insects until they eventually emerged from a hollowed-out exoskeleton. Circumstantial evidence suggests that the parasites were introduced with raspberry browse that was grown on site and contaminated with mermithid eggs.