Field control of strawberry fruit rot (Botrytis cinerea Fr.,) by fungicides (II)

Fungicide trials against strawberry fruit rot (Botrytis cinerea Fr.) were conducted in 1968, 1969 and 1970 on cv. Cambridge Favourite. Dichlofluanid was applied at 6 lb a.i./acre/year (6.72 kg/ha), tetrachloroisophthalonitrile at 7.5 lb a.i./acre/ year (8.41 kg/ha) and benomyl at 1.5 lb a.i./acre/year (1.68 kg/ha). The first spray was applied when two or three flowers per plant had opened, and one, two or three subsequent applications were made at approximately 10-day intervals. Three or four applications gave better control than two.

Application of any of the three fungicides reduced fruit rot and resulted in improved yield. Benomyl and tetrachloroisophthalonitrile caused malformation of fewer fruits than dichlofluanid.     

Investigating Wild Berries as a Dietary Approach to Reducing the Formation of Advanced Glycation Endproducts: Chemical Correlates of In Vitro Antiglycation Activity

Evidence supports the health promoting benefits of berries, particularly with regard to the prevention and management of chronic diseases such cardio- and cerebrovascular disease, diabetes and Alzheimer’s disease. Two related pathophysiological features common to many of these conditions are oxidative stress and the accumulation of advanced glycation endproducts (AGEs). Whereas antioxidant properties are well-established in several species of berries and are believed central to their protective mechanisms, few studies have investigated the effects of berries on AGE formation. Here, employing a series of complementary in vitro assays, we evaluated a collection of wild berry extracts for 1) inhibitory effects on fluorescent-AGE and Nε- (carboxymethyl)lysine-albumin adduct formation, 2) radical scavenging activity and 3) total phenolic and anthocyanin content. All samples reduced AGE formation in a concentration-dependent manner that correlated positively with each extract’s total phenolic content and, to a lesser degree, total anthocyanin content. Inhibition of AGE formation was similarly related to radical scavenging activities. Adding antiglycation activity to the list of established functional properties ascribed to berries and their phenolic metabolites, our data provide further insight into the active compounds and protective mechanisms through which berry consumption may aid in the prevention and treatment of chronic diseases associated with AGE accumulation and toxicity. As widely available, safe and nutritious foods, berries represent a promising dietary intervention worthy of further investigation.     

Kornerupine: its crystal structure

Three-dimensional analysis of the crystal structure of kornerupine reveals the crystallochemical formula Mg(VI)(2)Mg(VI)AlVI(6)[Si(2)O(7)] [(Al,Si)(2) SiO(10)]O(4)(OH), with four formula units in the structure cell of a = 16.100 (2) A, b = 13.767(2) A, c = 6.735(2) A; space group, Cmcm. The unusual crystal structure includes walls of Al-O edge and corner-sharing octahedra, and chains of alternating Mg-O and Al-O octahedra fused to the walls by further edge-sharing to form dense slabs. These slabs are held together by [Si(2)O(7)] corner-sharing tetrahedral pairs and [(Al,Si)(2)SiO(10)] corner-sharing tetrahedral triplets.     

Discovery of a new gravitational lens system

A new gravitational lens system, the triple radio source MG2016+112, has been discovered. Five emission lines at a redshift of 3.2733+/-0.0014 have been identified in the spectra of two stellar objects of magnitude 22.5 coincident with radio components 3.4 arc seconds apart. The lines are the narrowest ever observed in objects at such a large redshift. The redshift of a 23rd-magnitude extended optical object coincident with the third radio component has not been determined spectroscopically, but its known optical properties are consistent with those of a giant elliptical galaxy with a redshift of about 0.8.     

Phylogeography and host range of Armillaria gallica in riparian forests of the northern Great Plains,USA

Root disease pathogens, including Armillaria, are a leading cause of growth loss and tree mortality in forest ecosystems of North America. Armillaria spp. have a wide host range and can cause significant reductions in tree growth that may lead to mortality. DNA sequence comparisons and phylogenetic studies have allowed a better understanding of Armillaria spp. taxonomic diversity. Genetic sequencing has facilitated the mapping of species distributions and host associations, providing insights into Armillaria ecology. These studies can help to inform forest management and are essential in the development of disease risk maps, leading to more effective management strategies for Armillaria root disease. Armillaria surveys were conducted on publicly owned lands in North Dakota, South Dakota, and Nebraska, U.S.A. Surveyed stands consisted of riparian forests ≥0.4 hectares in area. Armillaria was found at 78 of 101 sites. A total of 57 Armillaria isolates—associated with 12 host tree species—were used for DNA sequencing of the translation elongation factor‐1 alpha (tef1) gene. Armillaria gallica was the only species identified within the study sites. Results suggest that A. gallica is a common root pathogen of hardwood trees in riparian forests of the northern Great Plains with a wider host range and geographic distribution than previously recognized.     

Physalia nematocysts: utilized by mollusks for defense

Nudibranchs Glaucus and Glaucilla store and utilize for their own defense the nematocysts of the venomous siphonophore Physalia.