Estimation of the effect of <Emphasis Type="Italic">Tomato spotted wilt virus</Emphasis> (TSWV) infection on some yield components of tomato

The effects of Tomato spotted wilt virus (TSWV) on yield and quality of tomato fruits were studied from May through November of 2004 at the Experimental Field of the Agricultural Faculty of Ondokuz Mayis University, in Samsun province, Turkey. TSWV caused 42.1% and 95.5% reduction in yield and marketable value of tomato, respectively. TSWV infection in tomato crop caused significant (P < 0.05) reductions in weight, total number, width and length of the fruits in infected plants. Reductions in yield-contributing parameters were 26.61% in weight, 20.18% in number, 10.94% in width and 11.93% in length of fruits. It is difficult to estimate the actual yield loss and influence levels of TSWV in the field. Economic data are scarce, but in the present study it was estimated that the yield loss due to TSWV in tomatoes was approximately $0.9 million in Samsun, Turkey.     

Localization profiles of natriuretic peptides in hearts of pre-hibernating and hibernating Anatolian ground squirrels (Spermophilus xanthoprymnus)

The Anatolian ground squirrel (Spermophilus xanthoprymnus) is a typical example of true mammalian hibernators. In order to adapt to extreme external and internal environments during hibernation, they lower their body temperatures, heart rates and oxygen consumption; however, pathological events such as ischemia and ventricular fibrillation do not occur in their cardiovascular systems. During the hibernation, maintenance of cardiac function is very important for survival of ground squirrels. Natriuretic peptides (NPs) are key factors in the regulation of cardiovascular hemostasis. Since NPs’ role on the protection of heart during hibernation are less clear, the aim of this study was to investigate dynamic changes in NPs content in the cardiac chambers and to reveal the possible role of NPs on establishing cardiac function in ground squirrel during hibernation using immunohistochemistry. The immunohistochemical results indicate that cardiac NP expressions in atrial and ventricular cardiomyocytes were different from each other and were sex-independent. ANP and BNP were expressed in a chamber-dependent manner in female and male squirrel hearts. Furthermore, cardiac NPs expression levels in hibernation period were lower than those at the pre-hibernation period. During prehibernation period, ANP, BNP and CNP were expressed in the white and beige adipocytes of epicardial adipose tissue (EAT); while during hibernation period, the brown adipocytes of EAT were positive for BNP and CNP. These data suggest that the hibernation-dependent reduction in levels of NPs, particularly ANP, in cardiac chambers and EAT may be associated with low heart rate and oxygen consumption during hibernation. However, further studies are needed to better delineate the roles of NPs during the hibernation.

     

The first serological evidence for Rift Valley fever infection in the camel,goitered gazelle and Anatolian water buffaloes in Turkey

Tropical Animal Health and Production - Rift valley fever (RVF), a vector-borne zoonotic disease, is caused by a phlebovirus (family Bunyaviridae). The virus was initially characterized...     

Estimation of green bean yield, water deficiency and productivity using spectral indexes during the growing season

Field experiments were carried out in the 2004 and 2005 growing seasons on drip irrigated dwarf green beans (Phaseolus vulgaris, humilis). Soil water content (SWC), spectral reflectance and yield were monitored. Based on these data crop evapotranspiration (ETc), soil water deficit index (SWDI), water use efficiency (WUE) and four separate spectral indexes were calculated. In order to determine use opportunities of spectral indexes for estimation of yield, SWDI and WUE, some statistical analyzes were made. Results showed that spectral indexes could be used for monitoring of yield, SWDI and WUE. Especially, Soil Adjusted Vegetation Index (SAVI) had the highest correlations with all three of the parameters. The estimation procedure which was given in this study has a potential use either during, or at the end of the growing season. Estimated values of WUE and SWDI were 3.2 (kg m^?3) and 0.12, respectively, through SAVI and the given procedure, indicates the optimal water use and yield conditions for dwarf green beans. At this situation, probably ETc was 580 mm and yield was 25.5 t ha^?1.     

Insecticidal effects of essential oils from various plants against larvae of pine processionary moth (Thaumetopoea pityocampa Schiff) (Lepidoptera: Thaumetopoeidae)

Along with sulfate turpentine, the essential oils obtained by steam distillation from nine plant species naturally grown in Turkish forests were tested at three different concentrations to evaluate their effectiveness against the larvae of pine processionary moth (Thaumetopoea pityocampa Schiff). The results indicated that the essential oils from the nine species and sulfate turpentine were effective against the larvae of T pityocampa. The most effective essential oil in the control of the larvae was steam-distilled wood turpentine, followed by thyme herb oil, juniper berry oil, laurel leaf oil, lavender flower oil, eucalyptus leaf oil, lavender leaf oil, cypress berry oil, essential oil of styrax and sulfate turpentine, respectively, in terms of mean mortality time. It is therefore feasible to use these essential oils as environment-friendly insecticides in the control of T pityocampa.     

A case of aspergillosis in a broiler breeder flock

A case of aspergillosis in a broiler breeder flock having respiratory and nervous system problems caused by Aspergillus fumigatus and Aspergillus niger is documented. Dyspnea, hyperpnea, blindness, torticollis, lack of equilibrium, and stunting were observed clinically. On postmortem examination of the affected birds, white to yellow caseous nodules were observed on lungs, thoracic air sacs, eyes, and cerebellum. Histopathologic examination of lungs and cerebellum revealed classic granulomatous inflammation and cerebellar lesions, necrotic meningoencephalitis, respectively. No lesions were noted in the cerebrum histopathologically. Aspergillus hyphae were observed in stained sections prepared from lesioned organs. Fungal spores and branched septate hyphae were observed in direct microscopy. Aspergillus fumigatus and A. niger were isolated from the inoculations prepared from the suspensions of organs showing lesions.     

Degradation of chlorophenoxyacid herbicides in aqueous media,using a novel electrochemical method†

The degradation of five chlorophenoxyacid herbicides has been studied using an electrochemical method based on the Fenton reaction (simultaneous reduction of dioxygen and ferric ions). The method consists of electrosynthesizing OH^· radicals, which react rapidly with chlorophenoxyacids in aqueous media. HPLC and GC-MS analysis show the formation of polyhydroxyphenols and quinones in a first step, and the complete destruction of the aromatic nucleus upon exhaustive electrolysis. This offers a possible way for the depollution of natural waters containing chlorophenoxyacid pesticide residues. © 1999 Society of Chemical Industry.     

Titres of alloantibodies against A and B blood types in non-pedigree domestic cats in Turkey: assessing the transfusion reaction risk

The severity of a transfusion reaction depends on alloantibody titres within the recipients' blood. Determination of an agglutination titre of naturally occurring alloantibody may help to assess the risk of transfusion reactions following an unmatched transfusion in a cat population. In this group of 312 cats 227 had blood type A, 78 had blood type B, and seven had type AB blood. All type B cats tested showed gross evidence of agglutinating anti-A antibody with plasma titres ranging from 2 to 256. Among the 227 type A domestic cats tested for plasma anti-B alloantibody titres, 70% had gross agglutination with titres ranging from 2 to 16, while 17.6% had microscopic agglutination. The remaining 12.4% of the type A cats were negative for both gross and microscopic agglutination. Based on agglutinating titres, the relative risk of a transfusion reaction when type A or AB blood was given to a type B cat was 6.4% with acute severe reaction, acute mild reactions in 85.9% and premature red cell destruction in 7.7%. On the other hand, transfusion of type AB blood or type B blood to type A cats carries a potential risk of acute mild transfusion reaction in 4.4% and premature red cell destruction in 83.3%. Transfusion of type A or B blood to type AB cats results in no apparent clinical transfusion reactions.     

Epigenetic transgenerational actions of endocrine disruptors and male fertility

Transgenerational effects of environmental toxins require either a chromosomal or epigenetic alteration in the germ line. Transient exposure of a gestating female rat during the period of gonadal sex determination to the endocrine disruptors vinclozolin (an antiandrogenic compound) or methoxychlor (an estrogenic compound) induced an adult phenotype in the F1 generation of decreased spermatogenic capacity (cell number and viability) and increased incidence of male infertility. These effects were transferred through the male germ line to nearly all males of all subsequent generations examined (that is, F1 to F4). The effects on reproduction correlate with altered DNA methylation patterns in the germ line. The ability of an environmental factor (for example, endocrine disruptor) to reprogram the germ line and to promote a transgenerational disease state has significant implications for evolutionary biology and disease etiology.