Multiple virus infections of lablab [<Emphasis Type="Italic">Lablab purpureus</Emphasis> (L.) Sweet] in Nigeria

Leaf samples of Lablab purpureus collected from two agroecological zones of Nigeria—the northern guinea savanna zone (NGSZ) and the derived savanna zone (DSZ)—were infected with viruses when serologically indexed against available antisera. Approximately 31.1 and 81.1% of the leaf samples collected from the NGSZ and DSZ, respectively, were infected. Seven viruses were found: Bean common mosaic virus (BCMV), Cowpea aphid-borne mosaic virus (CABMV), Cucumber mosaic virus (CMV), Cowpea mottle virus (CPMoV), Cowpea severe mosaic virus (CPSMV), Southern bean mosaic virus (SBMV) and Tobacco mosaic virus (TMV) were detected from samples collected from NGSZ, while CMV, CPMoV, Cowpea mosaic virus (CPMV) and CPSMV were detected from samples from DSZ.     

Application of an electronic nose to predict total volatile bases in capelin (Mallotus villosus) for fishmeal production

An electronic nose was used as a rapid technique to monitor changes in the headspace gas above capelin (Mallotus villosus) during storage at 0 and 5 degrees C. At both temperatures, refrigeration was compared with an ice/seawater cooling system. At 5 degrees C, the effect of added 0.2% acetic acid was also tested. Electronic nose measurements were compared to measurements of total volatile bases (TVB), gas chromatography of volatile compounds, and sensory analysis. TVB analysis indicated less spoilage in seawater/ice systems than in refrigeration, but the other measurements indicated more spoilage in the seawater system compared to refrigeration. The possibility of using only a few sensors in the electronic nose to predict TVB was studied using partial least squares regression and a saturated generalized linear model. The results reported herein indicate that rapid electronic nose measurements, which require no sample preparation, can be used to predict the TVB value of the raw material stored under different conditions.     

Analysis of a site x year experiment with timothy polycross progeny

Summary Results from a cooperative breeding programme with timothy for the northern areas of Scandinavia are presented. The main aim of the programme was to identify genotypes for synthetic populations that are high yielding, adapted over the whole area and stable over years. A polycross comprising 12 genotypes from each of five sites within the region was formed. The subsequent 60 half-sib families and four reference varieties were then compared under sward conditions at the same sites. The trials lasted for three years and results for total dry matter yields are presented.Significant differences in yield between lines were found. There were also significant two and three factor interactions between lines, sites and years. A new two-step procedure is presented to select the genotypes to make up a synthetic variety. Firstly, a superiority measure (Q-value) is used to select a group of genotypes that are high yielding and stable over sites and years. Secondly, the GxE part of the Q-value is split into two terms. One measures adaptation to predictable environmental conditions. The other one measures stability to unpredictable changes in the environment. A plot of these two measures provides a tool for discarding unstable or poorly adapted genotypes. The statistical properties of the selection parameters are discussed.     

Hydraulic Retention Time Influence on Improving Flocculation in the Activated Sludge Processes Through Polyelectrolytes

Hydraulic retention time (HRT) influence improving sludge flocculation with adding the polyelectrolytes (non-ionic, anionic, and cationic) was studied on an activated sludge (AS) system fed with synthetic domestic wastewater (SDW), dairy industry wastewater (DIW), and caramel industry wastewater (CIW). The sludge volumetric index, food/microorganism ratio (F/M), and mixed liquor volatile suspended solids at different HRTs (6, 8 and 10 h) were monitored on an experimental model. Results showed that both SDW and IW had the best sludge flocculation conditions at 8 h and 100 mL of non-ionic polyelectrolyte (0.2 mg L^?1). In addition, this phenomenon reached the organic matter removal efficiencies of 95.9, 95.7, and 94.2% for SDW, DIW, and CIW, respectively. Therefore, optimum HRT increased the organic matter removal efficiencies by 10%, sludge concentration by 37% (22–55%), and F/M ratio by 70%. Moreover, the polyelectrolytes used in AS improved the sludge flocculation by 2.9 times.     

Review of morphological and behavioural differences between reared and wild individuals: Implications for sea-ranching of Atlantic salmon, Salmo salar L., Atlantic cod, Gadus morhua L., and European lobster, Homarus gammarus L.

Abstract The main question which must be raised when planning to enhance natural populations through sea ranching is whether reared organisms are fit for a life in the wild, or more specifically, whether there are differences between reared and naturally resident individuals. The causes and effects of these differences are reviewed, and results from the Norwegian enhancement programme, which compared reared and wild individuals of Atlantic salmon, Salmo salar L., Atlantic cod, Gadus morhua L., and European lobster, Homarus gammarus L., are discussed with emphasis on morphological and behavioural differences. It was concluded that exposure to an artificial rearing environment during ontogeny can affect both the phenotype and the behaviour of the reared individuals, and thereby, their potential for survival after release into the wild as well. Suggestions are made as to how to diminish observed differences, and thereby, improve the survival potential.     

Effect of salicylic acid treatment on tomato plant physiology and tolerance to potato virus X infection

Salicylic acid (SA) is an inducer of systemic acquired resistance (SAR) and could be a potential candidate in the control of plant virus diseases. In this study we assayed under controlled conditions the potential effect of three doses of exogenous SA treatment on tomato plants infected with Potato virus X (PVX) and measured their effects on: different physiological parameters (gas exchange, stable isotopes, chlorophyll content), the activation of secondary metabolism, viral accumulation and induction of the expression of pathogenesis-related proteins (PRs) such as ß-1, 3-glucanase (PR2) and chitinase (PR3). SA treatment increased the expression of PR2, the activity of phenylalanine ammonia lyase (PAL) and the concentration of antioxidant compounds at 7 days post-treatment. Earlier expression of PR3 compared to PR2 was observed. SA treatment delayed the detection of PVX by ELISA in uninoculated leaves of mechanically infected tomato plants. Although the effect of PVX infection on physiological parameters was weak, moderate SA treatments showed enhanced photosynthesis, particularly for infected plants. The results obtained confirm that SA promotes major changes in the induction of resistance in tomato plants and suggest that treatment with exogenous SA could be considered to reduce the infections caused by PVX.     

Variations in dark respiration and mitochondrial numbers within needles of Pinus radiata grown in ambient or elevated CO2 partial pressure

Within-leaf variations in cell size, mitochondrial numbers and dark respiration rates were compared in the most recently expanded tip, the mid-section and base of needles of Pinus radiata D. Don trees grown for 4 years in open-top chambers at ambient (36 Pa) or elevated (65 Pa) carbon dioxide partial pressure (p(CO2)a). Mitochondrial numbers and respiratory activity varied along the length of the needle, with the highest number of mitochondria per unit cytoplasm and the highest rate of respiration per unit leaf area at the base of the needle. Regardless of the location of the cells (tip, middle or basal sections), needles collected from trees grown in elevated p(CO2)a had nearly twice the number of mitochondria per unit cytoplasm as those grown in ambient p(CO2)a. This stimulation of mitochondrial density by growth at elevated p(CO2)a was greater at the tip of the needle (2.7 times more mitochondria than in needles grown in ambient CO2) than at the base of the needle (1.7 times). The mean size of individual mitochondria was unaffected either by growth at elevated p(CO2)a or by position along the needle. Tree growth at elevated p(CO2)a had a variable effect on respiration per unit leaf area, significantly increasing respiration in the tip of the needles (+25%) and decreasing respiration at the mid-section and base of the needles (-14% and -25%, respectively). Although a simple relationship between respiration per unit leaf area and mitochondrial number per unit cytoplasm was found within each CO2 treatment, the variable effect of growth at elevated p(CO2)a on respiration along the length of the needles indicates that a more complex relationship must determine the association between structure and function in these needles.     

Abscisin II, an Abscission-Accelerating Substance from Young Cotton Fruit

Crystalline abscisin II, with a tentative molecular formula of C(15)H(20)O(4), has been isolated from young cotton fruit. It accelerates abscission when applied in amounts as low as 0.01 microg per abscission zone. It inhibits indoleacetic acid-induced straight growth of Avena coleoptiles but has no gibberellin activity on dwarf maize.     

Two Hungarian isolates of cucumber mosaic virus from sweet pepper (Capsicum annuum) and melon (Cucumis melo): Identification and antiserum preparation

Two Hungarian virus isolates from sweet pepper (K8) and melon (S4) were identified as cucumber mosaic virus (CMV) on the basis of host plant reactions and serology. The isolates were purified and antisera prepared. Homologous antiserum titers in double-diffusion tests were 256 (K8) and 512 (S4). They were serologically closely related to each other and to other CMV isolates. On the basis of symptoms they belong to different symptomatological groups of CMV; this was supported by serological properties. Sedimentation coefficients were c. 93 S, at 2 mg ml^–1. Purified preparations, stained with 2% uranyl acetate, showed spherical particles. In ELISA purified preparations reacted with each other's antisera.Samenvatting Twee hongaarse virusisolaten uit paprika (K8) en meloen (S4) werden geïdentificeerd als komkommermozaïekvirus (CMV) met behulp van toetsplanten en serologie. Beide isolaten werden gezuiverd en er werden antisera tegen bereid. De homologe titers van de antisera in de agar-geldiffusietoets bedroegen 256 (K8) en 512 (S4). K8 en S4 waren serologisch nauw verwant aan elkaar, evenals aan andere CMV-isolaten. Op grond van hun symptomen op toetsplanten behoren ze tot verschillende symptomatologische groepen van CMV. Dit laatste werd gesteund door de serologische eigenschappen. Beide isolaten hebben een sedimentatiecoëfficiënt van ca 93 S, bij een concentratie van 2 mg ml^–1. Gezuiverde preparaten, gekleurd met 2% uranylacetaat, bleken bolvormige deeltjes te bevatten. In ELISA reageerden gezuiverde preparaten van K8 en S4 met elkaars antisera.