Storage of Non-structural Carbohydrates in Sweet Sorghum [Sorghum bicolor (L.) Moench.]: Comparison of Sterile and Fertile Lines

The accumulation of soluble carbohydrates in vegetative parts of sweet sorghum ( Sorghum bicolor (L.) Moench.) represents an intermediate reserve pool for grain filling as well as an irreversible storage up to maturity. In order to study the effect of Sterility on soluble sugar accumulation in vegetative parts, two cytoplasmic male sterile (CMS) lines of sweet sorghum were compared with their corresponding fertile mamtainers for non-structural carbohydrate concentrations in shoots. Plants were harvested at four different physiological stages. The lines showed significant differences in the yield of non-structural carbohydrates. At maturity, the yields of soluble carbohydrates from vegetative parts of the two sterile lines were 93 % and 43 % higher than the yield of the two corresponding fertile lines. At that stage, sucrose represented about 80 % of total soluble carbohydrates and the higher yield of soluble carbohydrates of sterile lines was mainly due to the higher yield of sucrose. This indicates that the yield of extractable carbohydrates, especially sucrose, in vegetative parts of sweet sorghum could be considerably improved by using sterile lines which are utilized in hybrid production.     

Salinity Tolerance of Rice (Oryza sativa L.) with Reference to Endogenous and Exogenous Abscisic Acid

Experiments conducted m a phytotron on three rice varieties of different salinity tolerance revealed an increase in the content of endogenous abscisic acid (ABA) with increasing NaCl salinity in IR20 (semi salt-tolerant), but in Pokkali (salt-tolerant) and IR28 (salt-sensitive) the increase in ABA content was marginal. Under sahnity stress, in general, 5 weekly sprayings of ABA (10^-4 mol L^-1) decreased Na and K concentrations in the shoot to the extent of 29.5 % and 3.3 %, respectively. However, ABA application significantly improved the K/Na ratio as well as the chlorophyll fluorescence decrease ratio (Rfd, indicator for potential photosynthetic activity), the number of green leaves per plant and the shoot dry weight. The response of IR20 and IR28 to ABA application was significantly better than that of Pokkali. Increasing salinity caused marked nutrient imbalances, decreased Rfd values and shoot dry weight. The results are discussed in relation to possible mechanism of salinity tolerance.     

Physiopathologie et thérapeutique de l'utérus en période puerpérale chez la vache laitière: revue

Accurate diagnosis and effective therapeutics of uterine pathologies in cattle represent some of the daily preoccupations for the veterinarians involved in herd health medicine. A rational approach requires a competence based on fundamental and clinical knowledge.

The physiological aspects of the uterine involution in cattle are reviewed with emphasis about the in utero bacteriological dynamic and the endocrinological evolution during this period. The pathogenesis of uterine pathologies is discussed following new research results and new knowledge on the mechanisms of uterine defense. The value and limitations of the clinical diagnosis is briefly reviewed. The therapeutics of uterine pathologies is debated in relation with the pathophysiology of the uterine involution and with the rational of the traditional and new concepts of the treatment of the postpartum uterine pathologies.

     

The ability of biochemical and haematological tests to predict recovery in periparturient recumbent cows

Blood samples from 433 periparturient recumbent cows submitted by veterinary practitioners to Ruakura Animal Health Laboratory during 1983 and 1984 were analysed and results related to whether cows recovered, died or were euthanased. Generally cows were sampled only once and the time varied from 15 minutes to 20 days after becoming recumbent. During 1983 serum calcium, magnesium, phosphorus, creatine phosphokinase (CK), aspartate amino transferase (AST), glutamate dehydrogenase (GDH), gamma glutamyl transferase (GGT) were analysed. In 1984 serum urea, creatinine, fibrinogen and haematological examination (haemoglobin, haematocrit, total and differential white cell counts) were added to the panel. Overall 39% of cows recovered, 30% died and 32% were destroyed. Precalving cows had 111% more deaths and 7% less survivors than postcalving recumbent cows (P<0.1). There was little difference (3%) in euthanasia prevalence. Tests that were most useful in predicting a lack of recovery were serum urea and muscle enzymes. Using these tests and duration of recumbency when sampled a model was produced to predict the probability of recovery from 254 cases.