Restoring the Sagebrush Component in Crested Wheatgrass–Dominated Communities

Monotypic stands of crested wheatgrass (Agropyron cristatum [L] Gaertm. and Agropyron desertorum [Fisch.] Schult.), an introduced grass, occupy vast expanses of the sagebrush steppe. Efforts to improve habitat for sagebrush-associated wildlife by establishing a diverse community of native vegetation in crested wheatgrass stands have largely failed. Instead of concentrating on a diversity of species, we evaluated the potential to restore the foundation species, Wyoming big sagebrush (Artemisia tridentata spp. wyomingensis [Beetle & A. Young] S. L. Welsh), to these communities. We investigated the establishment of Wyoming big sagebrush into six crested wheatgrass stands (sites) by broadcast seeding and planting seedling sagebrush across varying levels of crested wheatgrass control with glyphosate. Planted sagebrush seedlings survived at high rates (～ 70% planted sagebrush survival 3 yr postplanting), even without crested wheatgrass control. However, most attempts to establish sagebrush by broadcast seeding failed. Only at high levels of crested wheatgrass control did a few sagebrush plants establish from broadcasted seed. Sagebrush density and cover were greater with planting seedlings than broadcast seeding. Sagebrush cover, height, and canopy area were greater at higher levels of crested wheatgrass control. High levels of crested wheatgrass control also created an opportunity for exotic annuals to increase. Crested wheatgrass rapidly recovered after glyphosate control treatments, which suggests multiple treatments may be needed to effectively control crested wheatgrass. Our results suggest that planting sagebrush seedlings can structurally diversify monotypic crested wheatgrass stands to provide habitat for sagebrush-associated wildlife. Though this is not the full diversity of native functional groups representative of the sagebrush steppe, it is a substantial improvement over other efforts that have largely failed to alter these plant communities. We also hypothesize that planting sagebrush seedlings in patches or strips may provide a relatively inexpensive method to facilitate sagebrush recovery across vast landscapes where sagebrush has been lost.     

A retrospective study of non-suppurative encephalitis in beef cattle from western Canada

Non-suppurative encephalitis occurs sporadically in beef cattle in western Canada, leading to loss of animals. This retrospective study investigated the presence of viral, bacterial, and protozoal antigens or DNA in 37 western Canadian feedlot cattle with non-suppurative encephalitis for which a cause had not been identified. Cases were selected based on the age of the animal (> 7 months), and clinical history of recumbency and depression. The identification of rabies in 1 case stresses the importance of including this viral disease in the list of differential diagnoses. Because there was variation in the severity, distribution, and type of lesions, it is possible that there may be more than 1 cause, but failure to identify an infectious agent might also suggest that non-infectious agents could play a role.     

Antibody-mediated response of pigeons to Argas polonicus larval feeding and characterization of larval antigen

Circulating antibodies to larval Argas polonicus antigen detected in the blood of pigeons by means of ELISA reach their highest level 3-6 days post-tick attachment. During 6-8 days post infestation when most larvae detach from their host, there is an abrupt drop of the antibody level in blood followed by second peak at day 10-15. During the secondary and subsequent infestations the dynamics of the antibody production is analogous, but the maximum absorbance values found are higher with each following infestation. This is in direct correlation with the growth of immune resistance of hosts. The transfer of immunoglobulins of resistant pigeons produces in naive hosts a partial resistance in a statistically significant (P less than 0.01) reduction of the number of engorged larvae, in the shortening of larval feeding period and in the decrease of their mean weight after feeding. However this resistance was significantly (P less than 0.01) less expressed than in naturally resistant pigeons during secondary infestation. The protracted effect on the duration of premoulting period and the percentage of moulted larvae manifested in larvae after secondary infestation was not apparent in molecular weight of approximately 19, 21, 23, 27, 45 and 165 kilodaltons, were recognized by serum of resistant pigeons.     

The lipid compositions of two isolates of Cladosporium cucumerinum do not explain their differences in sensitivity to fungicides which inhibit sterol biosynthesis

Isolate 840905 of Cladosporium cucumerinum, when grown on agar or in liqiud medium, was sensitive to triadimenol, HWG 1608 (tebuconazole), fenpropimorph and pimaricin but relatively resistant to terbinafine. Conversely, isolate 49628 was sensitive to terbinafine but relatively resistant to the other fungicides. Changes in sterol composition following treatment with the fungicides reflected the known modes of action of each fungicide. When individual enantiomers of triadimenol were tested against isolate 840905 the order of activity in reducing mycelial growth was 1 S, 2R > 1R, 2R > 1R, 2S ≈? 1S, 2S, and this was paralleled by the depletion of ergosterol and the appearance of 14α-methyl sterols. Isolate 49628 had a greater saturated:unsaturated fatty acid ratio than did isolate 840905 but no major changes in fatty acid composition of either isolate were induced by fungicide treatment. There appears to be no obvious explanation for the differences in fungicide sensitivity of the isolates in terms of their lipid compositions.     

Note on the Control of Olive Fly (Dacus oleae [Gmel.]) by Means of Low and Ultra-low Volume Bait-spraying

In 1967, 1968 and 1969 the efficacy of aerial low volume and ultra-low volume bait-spraying against Dacus oleae (Gmel.) was compared in Greece. Results were mainly assessed by periodical trapping and by post-treatment countings of the percentage of attack in sampled olives. No difference between the effect of the two methods became apparent. It is deemed necessary, however, to repeat the experiments under conditions of heavier infestation.     

Degradation of [14C]methoprene in the imported fire ant,Solenopsis invicta

The insect growth regulator, methoprene, is active against the imported fire ant, Solenopsis invicta Buren. This report presents data on the degradation of [¹⁴C]methoprene in the imported fire ant. The relative rates of absorption, metabolism, and excretion of methoprene in imported fire ant stages were found in the following order: adults>larvae>pupae>pharate pupae. Metabolism of methoprene by adults and pupae was primarily by O-demethylation to yield the alcohol-ester. Larvae and pharate pupae metabolized methoprene principally by esterase cleavage of the isopropyl ester which yielded the ether-acid. In larvae and pharate pupae there was a rapid increase in methoprene metabolism prior to the pharate pupal transformation and pupal molt. During the molt from pharate pupae to pupae, metabolism of methoprene appeared to occur in the cuticle, resulting in the accumulation of metabolites within and on the cuticle. The retention of these more polar compounds in the cuticle may contribute to the effectiveness of the insect growth regulator. The adults have a direct role in distributing the insect growth regulator and its metabolites, whereas the immatures may serve as a reservoir for maintenance of effective levels of insect growth regulator and active metabolites in the colony.     

Response ofSpodoptera littoralis (Boisd.) andEarias insulana (Boisd.) larvae to azadirachtin and salannin

The effect of azadirachtin and salannin, two triterpenoids isolated from seeds of neem (Azadirachta indica A. Juss), on the feeding response ofSpodoptera littoralis (Boisd.) andEarias insulana (Boisd.) larvae, was investigated. Styropor (foamed polystyrene) lamellae were painted on both sides with a mixture of 5% sucrose with different concentrations of either azadirachtin or salannin dissoled in methanol-water (3∶7). Azadirachtin strongly suppressed feeding inS. littoralis larvae even at 0.001%, whereas salannin showed some antifeedant activity at 0.005% and above. Larvae ofE. insulana were deterred from feeding on azadirachtin-treated lamellae even at 0.005%, whereas salannin was effective only at 0.01% and above. Azadirachtin applied on cotton leaves deterred larvae ofS. littoralis from feeding at all concentrations ranging between 0.001 and 0.02%.     

Captures ofEarias insulana males in water traps and dry funnel traps baited with synthetic pheromone or virgin females

(E, E)-10,12-hexadecadienal (HDD) effectively attracted males ofEarias insulana (Boisduval) when released from polyethylene vials but not from rubber dispensers. Traps baited with 3 mg HDD/trap were as effective in luring males as traps baited with four virgin females. Funnel traps baited with either HDD or virgin females captured significantly more males than water traps baited with the same lures.