Dorid nudibranch elaborates its own chemical defense

A biosynthetic experiment with mevalonic acid labeled with carbon-14 showed that the nudibranch Dendrodoris limbata elaborates polygodial, a sesquiterpenoid dialdehyde stored in the mantle, which constitutes its chemical defense against predators. Previously described nudibranchs drew defensive chemicals from their preys.     

Differences between tight and loose cultures: a 33-nation study

With data from 33 nations, we illustrate the differences between cultures that are tight (have many strong norms and a low tolerance of deviant behavior) versus loose (have weak social norms and a high tolerance of deviant behavior). Tightness-looseness is part of a complex, loosely integrated multilevel system that comprises distal ecological and historical threats (e.g., high population density, resource scarcity, a history of territorial conflict, and disease and environmental threats), broad versus narrow socialization in societal institutions (e.g., autocracy, media regulations), the strength of everyday recurring situations, and micro-level psychological affordances (e.g., prevention self-guides, high regulatory strength, need for structure). This research advances knowledge that can foster cross-cultural understanding in a world of increasing global interdependence and has implications for modeling cultural change.     

Susceptibility of the Mexican bean beetle <Emphasis Type="Italic">Epilachna varivestis</Emphasis> Mulsant (Coleoptera: Coccinellidae) to endemic isolates of <Emphasis Type="Italic">Beauveria bassiana</Emphasis> (Balsamo) Vuillemin (Hypocreales: Clavicipitaceae)

Entomopathogenic fungi represent excellent candidates for biological insecticides. Among the many entomopathogenic fungi, Beauveria bassiana (Balsamo) Vuillemin (Hypocreales: Clavicipitaceae) is one of the most promising species. Here, we report the results of infection studies performed using four B. bassiana native isolates (Bb37, Bb38, Bb40, and Bb45) compared with the commercial product Mycotrol^® (strain GHA) on adult Mexican bean beetle Epilachna varivestis Mulsant (Coleoptera: Coccinellidae), one of the most important pests of bean production in Mexico. First, single concentration (1 × 10⁸ conidia mL^?1) assays were carried out using all isolates applied using an immersion method. Examinations at 10 days after inoculation indicated that isolates Bb37, Bb38, and Bb40 significantly reduced adult survival, causing 60–75% mortality compared to the commercial strain GHA (33%) and control (29%). Second, using two selected isolates (Bb37 and Bb40), the mean lethal concentration values (LC₅₀) were estimated for third instar larvae and adult E. varivestis. The LC₅₀ values for Bb37 and Bb40 isolates decreased 5.26-fold and 3.19-fold, respectively, in third instars compared with adults. However, such difference for Bb40 isolate was not significant. Finally, an experiment, to compare the median survival time (MST) values between third instar and adult E. varivestis, was conducted using Bb37 and Bb40 at 1 × 10⁹ conidia mL^?1. MST values were significantly reduced against larvae (87 and 100 h) compared with adults (130 and 134 h) by Bb37 and Bb40, respectively. We conclude that native isolates of B. bassiana represent an important alternative for the control of E. varivestis. However, to demonstrate its effectiveness under field conditions, detailed studies are needed.     

A clinical comparison of remifentanil or alfentanil in propofol-anesthetized cats undergoing ovariohysterectomy

Sixteen cats were used to compare the cardiovascular and anesthetic effects of remifentanil (REMI) or alfentanil (ALF) in propofol-anesthetized cats undergoing ovariohysterectomy. After premedication with acepromazine, anesthesia was induced and maintained with a constant rate infusion of propofol (0.3 mg/kg/min). REMI or ALF infusions were administered simultaneously with propofol. Heart rate (HR), systolic arterial pressure (SAP), pulse oximetry (SpO(2)), rectal temperature (RT), and response to surgical stimulation were recorded at predefined time points during anesthesia. Data [mean±standard deviation (SD)] were analyzed by analysis of variance (ANOVA) for repeated measures followed by a Dunnett's test and Student t-test (P<0.05). SAP was significantly lower in ALF group than in REMI group. Extubation time was significantly shorter in REMI than in ALF group. Overall infusion rate of REMI and ALF was 0.24±0.05 μg/kg/min and 0.97±0.22 μg/kg/min, respectively. The combination of propofol and REMI or ALF provided satisfactory anesthesia in cats undergoing ovariohysterectomy.     

Improving sooty blotch and flyspeck severity estimation on apple fruit with the aid of standard area diagrams

Sooty blotch and flyspeck is caused by numerous species of fungi that colonize the surface of apple fruit and thereby lower its market value. Although this disease poses a substantial threat to apple growers’ profitability in some regions, reliable and cost-effective methods for epidemiological and disease control studies have not been validated, nor are they widely available. We modified a standard area diagram to aid sooty blotch and flyspeck severity assessments and quantified its impact on accuracy and precision of visual estimates. Samples of ‘Fuji’ and ‘Mutsu’ fruit were photographed both from the top and laterally. Severity was assessed from a sub-sample of 160 images using image analysis software. Validation of the diagram was performed by eight raters who independently assessed severity in two series of selected images representing the lateral view and the top view, initially unaided and subsequently with the aid of the scale. Severity estimates ranged from 0.4% to 98% (most fruit had <10% severity). Accuracy and precision of the estimates were significantly improved when using the diagrammatic scale; concordance correlation coefficient values increased from 0.81 to 0.95. A strong tendency to underestimate severity for the mid-range to high levels was minimized when using the aid, which also improved reproducibility of the estimates among raters. In addition to strengthening evidence that a standard area diagram can be used reliably in sooty blotch and flyspeck studies, we expanded its application to disease assessment in the peduncle region, which enhances the usefulness of the method for evaluating efficacy of management practices.     

Field trial measuring the compatibility of methoxyfenozide and flonicamid with Orius laevigatus Fieber (Hemiptera: Anthocoridae) and Amblyseius swirskii (Athias-Henriot) (Acari: Phytoseiidae) in a commercial pepper greenhouse

BACKGROUND: Frankliniella occidentalis (Pergande) (Thysanoptera: Thripidae) and Bemisia tabaci (Gennadius) (Hemiptera: Aleyrodidae) are among the most serious pests of sweet peppers in greenhouses. Chemical control is difficult because of their high reproductive rates and insecticide resistance, and seasonal inoculative releases of Orius laevigatus (Fieber) and Amblyseius swirskii (Athias‐Henriot) are commonly used to reduce their populations. As chemical treatments are often needed in the crop against other pests, the side effects of methoxyfenozide (an insect growth regulator against lepidopteran pests) and flonicamid (a selective feeding inhibitor against sucking insects) were studied in both beneficial organisms in a commercial greenhouse. RESULTS: Orius laevigatus and A. swirskii were released at commercial rates (4–5 and 100 m^?2), and a strong establishment and a very homogeneous distribution were reached. One pesticide treatment with the maximum field recommended concentration of methoxyfenozide and flonicamid (96 and 100 mg AI L^?1) was done when they were well established, and their population levels were not affected either immediately or up to 30 days after treatment. CONCLUSION: The results are indicative of no impact of methoxyfenozide and flonicamid on the two natural enemies in the field, and both can be considered as potential alternatives to be included in IPM programmes in sweet pepper. Copyright © 2011 Society of Chemical Industry