Analytical models integrated with satellite images for optimized pest management

The global field protection (GFP) was developed to protect and optimize pest management resources integrating satellite images for precise field demarcation with physical models of controlled release devices of pesticides to protect large fields. The GFP was implemented using a graphical user interface to aid the end-user to select location and define an arbitrary perimeter for protection. The system provides coordinates of drop points for the controlled release devices which can be delivered using drone technology, e.g. unmanned air vehicles. In this work, we present the first proof of concept of this technology. A vast number of pest management applications can benefit from this work, including prevention against vector-borne diseases as well as protection of large agriculture fields.     

Pharmacopuncture Versus Acepromazine in Stress Responses of Horses During Road Transport

Acupuncture has been shown to have the beneficial effect of reducing stress responses in animals and humans. Pharmacopuncture is the injection of subclinical doses of drugs into acupoints to give therapeutic results without side effects. This study compared the effects of injecting the usual dose of acepromazine (ACP; 0.1 mg/kg, intramuscularly [I.M.]) with those of pharmacopuncture (1/10 ACP dose at the governing vessel 1 [GV 1] acupoint) on the stress responses of healthy horses undergoing road transport for 2.5 hours. Four different treatments were applied immediately before loading, with 8 animals/treatment: injection of saline or ACP (0.1 mg/kg, I.M.) at the base of the neck; and injection of saline or 1/10 ACP (0.01 mg/kg) at the GV 1 acupoint. The road transport increased heart rate (HR), respiratory rate, body temperature, and serum cortisol of the untreated horses (injected with saline at the base of the neck). Pharmacopuncture at GV 1 reduced the average HR and transport-induced increase in HR at unloading, without changing the other variables. On the other hand, ACP (0.1 mg/kg) produced significant sedation and reduced the transport-induced increase in respiratory rate but without preventing the stress-induced increase of cortisol. Other acupuncture points and drugs should be tested to verify the beneficial effect of this therapy to reduce stress in horses during road transport.     

Molecular and cytogenetic characterization of a collection of bahiagrass (Paspalum notatum Flügge) native to Uruguay

Paspalum notatum is a subtropical grass present throughout America, and one of the main constituents of the natural grasslands in Uruguay. An apomictic autotetraploid (2n?=?4x?=?40) is the most frequent cytotype. The occurrence of sexual diploids (2n?=?2x?=?20) has also been reported as well as the occasional presence of apomictic triploids and pentaploids in Argentina. In this study, ISSR (inter simple sequence repeats) molecular markers were used to analyze the genetic variability of 210 P. notatum individuals from a collection from Uruguay. Cytometric analyses and chromosome counts were used to assess the ploidy level of the individuals. All plants from Uruguay analyzed were tetraploid. Intra- and inter-population variability was found both in genomic DNA content and at the genotypic level. Several multilocus genotypes were shared among individuals within populations and among populations over moderate geographical ranges, at the same time, very dissimilar genotypes were found within the same population. Part of the genetic variance among populations can be explained by a broader scale geographic structure which is partly coincident with the traditionally recognized grassland management regions. In spite of the apparently high degree of genetic admixture within populations, groups of related genotypes seem to follow a broader geographical structure in the area under study. These results suggest that an efficient collection strategy for this apomictically reproducing species should include carefully planned intra- and inter-population sampling. A broader scale regional sampling strategy should also be considered although further studies will be required to define genetic structure at this level.     

Normalization of the crop water stress index to assess the within-field spatial variability of water stress sensitivity

Precision Agriculture - This paper presents a novel methodology for identifying homogeneous areas within high-frequency drip-irrigated orchards and for defining the most sensitive and resistant...     

Investigation of T-cell responses and viral mRNA persistence in lymph nodes of pigs infected with porcine rubulavirus

Selected lymphocyte subpopulations were studied and the distribution of viral mRNA were investigated during acute and persistent porcine rubulavirus (PoRV-LPMV) infection in Vietnamese pot-bellied pigs. Six pigs infected with PoRV-LPMV at 17 days of age exhibited clinical signs 7-10 days post-inoculation (pi). One infected piglet died 11 days pi while the other five recovered around day 13 pi and survived until euthanasia on day 277 pi. Increased numbers of CD8+, CD4+ and CD2+ T cells were detected during the acute phase of infection while CD8+ cells were elevated throughout the infection, including during the persistent stage. Specific antibodies against the haemagglutinin-neuraminidase protein of PoRV-LPMV were detected during persistent infection. Although infectious virus could not be recovered from tissues from any of the infected pigs at necropsy 277 days pi, PoRV-LPMV mRNA was detected in lymph nodes, pancreas and central nervous system using a nested polymerase chain reaction technique. Continued lymphocyte interaction with viral RNA may be an important factor in promoting cellular and humoral responses during persistent PoRV-LPMV infection.     

Recent progress in bovine in vitro-derived embryo cryotolerance: Impact of in vitro culture systems,advances in cryopreservation and future considerations

Cryopreservation of in vitro-derived bovine embryos is a crucial step for the widespread reproduction and conservation of valuable high-merit animals. Given the current popularity of bovine in vitro embryo production (IVP), there is a demand for a highly efficient ultra-low temperature storage method in order to maximize donor ovum pickup (OPU) turn-over, recipient availability/utilization and domestic/overseas commercial trading opportunities. However, IVP bovine embryos are still very sensitive to chilling and cryopreservation, and despite recent progress, a convenient (simple and robust) protocol has not yet been developed. At the moment, there are two methods for bovine IVP embryo cryopreservation: slow programmable freezing and vitrification. Both of the aforementioned techniques have pros and cons. While controlled-rate slow cooling can easily be adapted for direct transfer (DT), ice crystal formation remains an issue. On the other hand, vitrification solved this problem but the possibility of successful DT commercial incorporation remains to be determined. Moreover, simplification of the vitrification protocol (including warming) through the use of an in-straw dilution without the use of a microscope is a prerequisite for its use under farm conditions. This review summarizes the bovine IVP embryo cryopreservation achievements, strengths and limitations of both freezing systems and prospective improvements to enhance cryosurvival, as well as perspectives on future directions of this assisted reproductive technology.     

不同栽培环境下有机与常规蔬菜土壤的细菌群落多样性差异

土壤细菌群落在蔬菜栽培中发挥着重要作用。基于DNA和RNA水平,利用PCR-DGGE技术研究了不同栽培环境下有机与常规蔬菜土壤细菌群落多样性差异,以及土壤理化性质与细菌群落多样性的关系。结果表明：不同栽培方式下土壤细菌多样性存在明显差异,土壤微生物的优势种群和数量受有机、常规栽培和季节影响,有机栽培较之常规栽培能够显著增加土壤细菌群落多样性;聚类分析表明,16S rDNA细菌群落多样性与季节相关,而16S rRNA细菌群落多样性与栽培方式相关;差异条带测序显示,大多细菌与不可培养细菌种属有较高同源性,其余9种推测属于假单胞菌属;CCA分析说明pH是影响土壤细菌群落多样性的主要因素,有机栽培土壤中微生物生物量C、N以及有机质含量显著高于常规栽培土壤。综上,有机栽培能够丰富活性细菌群落多样性,具有土壤优化效应。     

Hematology of free-living marsh deer (Blastocerus dichotomus) from southeast Brazil.

This work reports basic hematologic values of a sample of a population of free-living marsh deer (Blastocerus dichotomus) living by the Paraná River in Southeast Brazil. Hematologic values are presented separately for male, female, and young animals as well as for anesthetized and nonanesthetized cervids. Nonanesthetized deer restrained by physical means had significantly higher erythrocyte indices and total leukocyte counts. Comparisons of blood parameters of anesthetized animals of different ages and gender differed slightly, with only two significant differences observed: young animals had significantly higher red blood cell counts than adult males and a lower blood total protein content when compared to adult females. Results indicate that two main reference ranges for blood values should be considered for marsh deer, for blood obtained from anesthetized or physically restrained individuals.