Effects of temperature, wetness duration and leaf age on incubation and latent periods of black leaf mold (Pseudocercospora fuligena) on fresh market tomatoes

Black leaf mold (BLM), caused by Pseudocercospora fuligena is a serious threat to tomato production in the humid tropics. Accurate information about the incubation (IP) and latent period (LP) under various host susceptibility and weather favourability circumstances will help to formulate holistic approaches to manage this disease. In this study, effects of temperature, wetness duration, and leaf age on the monocyclic components (IP and LP) of BLM were studied from growth chamber (GC) and greenhouse (GH) experiments as well as detached leaf assays in growth cabins. Linear interpolation and inflection point (of logistic regression model) methods were used to determine IP and LP. These two methods were highly correlated in GC (r ²?=?0.89; P?<?0.0001) and GH experiments (r ²?=?0.90; P?<?0.0001) except when the epidemics were not asymptotic. Thus, IP and LP were estimated according to inflection point method. There was a delay of at least 5 days of IP and LP when plants were left in non-humid open environment than when exposed to wetness durations of 1, 2 or 3 days after inoculation. In general, IP and LP became shorter as the temperature increased from 20–24 and then to 28 °C. In growth chambers, there was more disease and consequently shorter IP and LP on young and unfolded tomato leaves that were 1-, 3-, or 5-week old at the time of inoculation than 7-week old leaves. In the greenhouse, there was about 50 % more disease incidence and sporulation on 1-week than 3-week old leaves. The shortest IP (8–11 days) and LP (12–13 days) were recorded from two out of three GH experiments on 1-week old leaves at an ambient mean temperature of 28.5 °C. This study implicated that fresh market tomatoes planted during warm temperatures in 50-mesh greenhouses and exposed to extended periods of wetness are highly prone to BLM infection at their young stages of growth.     

Interactions of ferricyanide with humic soils and charred straw

The iron‐cyanide complexes ferricyanide, [Fe^III(CN)₆]^3?, and ferrocyanide, [Fe^II(CN)₆]^4?, are anthropogenic contaminants in soil. We studied the interactions of ferricyanide with humic soils and charred straw (maize and rye, both charred at 300, 400 and 500°C) by batch experiments and Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy. All soil samples sorbed ferricyanide (up to 8.4 g kg^?1). Precipitation of a manganese ferrocyanide after reduction of ferricyanide in the moderately acidic to neutral soils was deduced from both FTIR spectroscopy (CN absorption bands at 2069–2065 cm^?1) and geochemical modelling. Ferricyanide was also adsorbed onto the charred straw. The amounts of iron‐cyanide complexes adsorbed increased with increasing charring temperature, with a maximum of 1.71 g kg^?1. An absorption band at 2083 cm^?1 indicated weakly adsorbed intermediates of the reduction of ferricyanide to ferrocyanide. This band disappeared in the samples charred at higher temperature, whereas a band at 2026 cm^?1 was present in all spectra and became intensified in the high‐temperature straw. We attribute this band to ferrocyanide forming inner‐sphere complexes, presumably with quinone species of the organic matter. The band at 2026 cm^?1 was also present in the spectra of the soils, indicating that soil organic matter also adsorbs ferrocyanide. However, in humic soils the main processes of ferricyanide interaction include reduction to ferrocyanide and precipitation as manganese ferrocyanide. Quantitatively, adsorption on highly aromatic substances plays only a less important role as compared with precipitation.     

Evaluation of a rebound tonometer (Tonovet®) in clinically normal cat eyes

Objective  To determine the accuracy of and to establish reference values for a rebound tonometer (Tonovet^®) in normal feline eyes, to compare it with an applanation tonometer (Tonopen Vet^®) and to evaluate the effect of topical anesthesia on rebound tonometry.
Procedures  Six enucleated eyes were used to compare both tonometers with direct manometry. Intraocular pressure (IOP) was measured in 100 cats to establish reference values for rebound tonometry. Of these, 22 cats were used to compare rebound tonometry with and without topical anesthesia and 33 cats to compare the rebound and applanation tonometers. All evaluated eyes were free of ocular disease.
Results  Both tonometers correlated well with direct manometry. The best agreement with the rebound tonometer was achieved between 25–50 mmHg. The applanation tonometer was accurate at pressures between 0 and 30 mmHg. The mean IOP in clinically normal cats was 20.74 mmHg with the rebound tonometer and 18.4 mmHg with the applanation tonometer. Topical anesthesia did not significantly affect rebound tonometry.
Conclusions  As the rebound tonometer correlated well with direct manometry in the clinically important pressure range and was well tolerated by cats, it appears suitable for glaucoma diagnosis. The mean IOP obtained with the rebound tonometer was 2–3 mmHg higher than that measured with the applanation tonometer. This difference is within clinically acceptable limits, but indicates that the same type of tonometer should be used in follow-up examinations in a given cat.     

Metropolitan farmers markets in Minneapolis and Vienna: a values-based comparison

Farmers markets (FMs) have traditionally served as a space for farmers to sell directly to consumers. Recently, many FMs in the US and other regions have experienced a renaissance. This article compares the different value sets embedded in the rules and norms of two metropolitan FM regions—Minneapolis, Minnesota and in Vienna, Austria. It uses a values-based framework that reflects the relationships among FM operating structures (OS) and their values reflected by the key FM participants—i.e., farmer/vendors, consumers and market managers. The framework allows us to focus on two very contrasting value sets of metropolitan FM regions in (1) presenting and discussing the values found and embedded in the two metropolitan market regions; (2) illustrating how the values found are embodied as rules and norms in each FM region; (3) considering the alignment or not of FM participant values with their corresponding FM values; and (4) the differences and commonalities as well as the benefits and challenges of the two market regions. In contrasting metropolitan FMs we explain that FM value sets are complex and differ among and within FM participant groups and are dependent on their respective OS. We show that contrasting two metropolitan FM regions can be useful in understanding beneficial and disadvantageous relationships between the values and structures of, and in FMs, and specifically in examining institutional impediments such as governance. Thus we illustrate the possibilities and limitations of values for and within metropolitan FMs.     

Complement C3 in Bernese Mountain dogs

Background: Previous research suggests that low serum concentrations of the third component of complement (C3) are associated with both the susceptibility to infectious agents such as Borrelia burgdorferi and the development of glomerular disease. We hypothesized that low levels of C3 are associated with the coincident occurrence of B. burgdorferi infection and glomerulonephritis in Bernese Mountain dogs. Objectives: The aims of this study were to evaluate the serum concentration of C3 in Bernese Mountain dogs with and without antibodies against B. burgdorferi and to compare this concentration with that of healthy control dogs. Methods: Eighty‐three clinically healthy Bernese Mountain dogs and 46 control dogs were included. Antibodies against B. burgdorferi were determined using an ELISA with a whole cell sonicate as antigen. Results were confirmed using Western blot. C3 was measured using a single radial immunodiffusion test. Results were reported as the percentage concentration of C3 compared with that in pooled preserved canine serum (100% C3 concentration). Results: Median C3 concentration was 128.5% in Bernese Mountain dogs with antibodies against B. burgdorferi, 133.5% in B. burgdorferi‐negative Bernese Mountain dogs, 87.8% in positive control dogs, and 102.2% in negative control dogs. Within Bernese Mountain and control groups, C3 was lower in dogs with antibodies against B. burgdorferi compared with those without. Percentage concentration of C3 was higher in healthy Bernese Mountain dogs compared with control dogs. Conclusion: Low C3 concentration is not an explanation for the high prevalence of B. burgdorferi infections and glomerular disease in Bernese Mountain dogs.     

Pretreatment with feline interferon omega and the course of subsequent infection with feline herpesvirus in cats

OBJECTIVE: Recombinant feline interferon omega (rFeIFN-omega), a type I IFN, may have the potential to limit virus replication and associated clinical signs when administered early on in the course of feline herpesvirus type 1 (FHV-1) infection and reactivation, respectively. The effect of rFeIFN-omega pretreatment on the course of subsequent FHV-1 infection in cats was investigated. ANIMALS STUDIED: Nine SPF cats were divided into an IFN group (n = 5) and a control-group (n = 4). PROCEDURES: The IFN group was pretreated for 2 days with 10 000 units rFeIFN-omega twice a day topically into both eyes and 20 000 units rFeIFN-omega once a day orally, whereas the control group was mock-treated. Subsequently all cats were infected with FHV-1. Samples for FHV-1 DNA detection and quantitation, virus isolation, and titration of FHV-1 antibodies were collected. Clinical and ocular signs were recorded and scored. RESULTS: Courses of median individual clinical and ocular scores and virus load did not differ significantly between both groups using anova for repeated measurements. Analysis (anova) of each individual ocular parameter revealed significantly high scores for epithelial keratitis (P = 0.016) in the IFN group compared to the control group. Periods of virus shedding did not differ significantly between both groups using the Wilcoxon rank sum test. CONCLUSIONS: Results indicated a lack of beneficial effects of rFeIFN-omega pretreatment in the course of primary FHV-1 infection in cats.     

Effects of zilpaterol hydrochloride and days on the finishing diet on feedlot performance, carcass characteristics, and tenderness in beef heifers

British × Continental heifers (n = 3,382; initial BW = 307 kg) were serially slaughtered to determine if increasing days on the finishing diet (DOF) mitigates negative consequences of zilpaterol HCl (ZH) on quality grade and tenderness of beef. A 2 × 3 factorial arrangement of treatments in a completely randomized block design (36 pens; 6 pens/treatment) was used. Zilpaterol HCl (8.33 mg/kg DM) was fed 0 and 20 to 22 d before slaughter plus a 3 to 5 d withdrawal to heifers spending 127, 148, and 167 DOF. Feedlot and carcass performance data were analyzed with pen as the experimental unit. Three hundred sixty carcasses (60 carcasses/treatment) were randomly subsampled, and strip loin steaks were aged for 7, 14, and 21 d for assessment of Warner-Bratzler shear force (WBSF) and slice shear force (SSF) with carcass serving as the experimental unit for analysis. No relevant ZH × DOF interactions were detected (P > 0.05). Feeding ZH during the treatment period increased ADG by 9.5%, G:F by 12.5%, carcass ADG by 33.6%, carcass G:F by 35.9%, carcass ADG:live ADG by 15.6%, HCW by 3.2% (345 vs. 356 kg), dressing percent by 1.5%, and LM area by 6.5% and decreased 12th-rib fat by 5.2% and yield grade (YG) by 0.27 units (P < 0.01). Feeding ZH tended to decrease marbling score (437 vs. 442 units; P = 0.10) and increased WBSF at 7 (4.25 vs. 3.47 kg; P < 0.01), 14 (3.57 vs. 3.05 kg; P < 0.01), and 21 d (3.50 vs. 3.03 kg; P < 0.01). Feeding ZH decreased empty body fat percentage (EBF; 29.7% vs. 30.3%; P < 0.01) and increased 28% EBF adjusted final BW (473.4 vs. 449.8 kg; P < 0.01). Analysis of interactive means indicated that the ZH × 148 DOF group had a similar percentage of USDA Prime, Premium Choice, Low Choice, and YG 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5 carcasses (P > 0.10) and decreased percentage of Select (30.4 vs. 36.6%; P = 0.03) and Standard (0.2 vs. 0.9%; P = 0.05) carcasses compared with the control × 127 DOF group. As a result of ZH shifting body composition, extending the DOF of beef heifers is an effective feeding strategy to equalize carcass grade distributions. This can be accomplished along with sustaining the ZH mediated advantages in feedlot and carcass weight gain.