Bewertung der Pflanzenschutzintensit?t landwirtschaftlicher Betriebe im Rahmen des Umweltsicherungssystems Landwirtschaft

Der Verband Deutscher Landwirtschaftlicher Untersuchungs- und Forschungsanstalten (VDLUFA) Bonn bietet unter der Bezeichnung USL bundesweit eine Umweltverträglichkeitsbewertung landwirtschaftlicher Betriebe an und vergibt das Zertifikat Betrieb der umweltverträglichen Landbewirtschaftung, sofern die dafür geltenden Bedingungen erfüllt sind. Zu den 17 Prüfkriterien gehört auch die Bewertung der betrieblichen Pflanzenschutzintensität. Diese wird seit ca. zwei Jahren über den so genannten Behandlungsindex ermittelt, der in den letzten Jahren auf die spezifischen Bedürfnisse von USL (belegbare Datenbasis zur Absicherung der Justiziabilität) zugeschnitten worden ist. Das Verfahren ist von 2001 bis 2003 in zahlreichen Landwirtschaftsbetrieben getestet worden, darunter auch im Umwelttestbetriebsnetz Thüringen (25 Betriebe, 31 Bewertungen). Die Ergebnisse zeigen, dass mit dieser Methode aussagefähige sowie reproduzierbare und justiziable Ergebnisse gewonnen werden können.     

Effet de la densité et de la proportion des plantes lors de renvahissement de la luzerne par Taraxacum officinale Weber

Des expériences ont été conduites en salle climatisée pour mesurer l'influence de la densité et de la proportion des plantes sur l'envahisse-ment de la luzerne (Medicago sativa L.) établie par le pissenlit (Taraxacum officinale Weber). La durée de l'interférence et la densité de la luzerne ont permis d'expliquer la variation de la biomasse aérienne chez la luzerne cultivée en mélange avec le pissenlit. La densité du pissenlit a été toutefois un facteur important permettant d'expliquer la variation de la biomasse racinaire de la luzerne. La biomasse aérienne et racinaire du pissenlit a varié en fonction de la durée de la compétition, de la densité du pissenlit, de la densité de la luzerne et de la photopériode. Les équations de surface de réponse et hyper-boliques Iinéarisées ont permis de déterminer que la compétition dépendait de la densité plutôt que des proportions de chaque espèce dans le mélange. Effect of plant density and proportion on invasion of lucerne by Taraxacum officinale Weber Experiments were conducted in a growth chamber to establish the effect of plant density and proportion on invasion by dandelion (Taraxacum officinale Weber) of established lucerne (Medicago sativa). Duration of competition and lucerne density accounted for the variation in shoot biomass of lucerne growth in mixture with dandelion. The dandelion density explained a large proportion of the variation in lucerne root biomass. Dandelion root and shoot biomass varied according to duration of competition, dandelion density, lucerne density and photoperiod. Response surface and linearized hyperbolic equations suggested that competition was related more to density than to the proportion of each species in the mixture. Einfluβ der Pflanzendichte und-verteilung auf die Verunkrautung von Lucerne durch Taraxacum officinale Weber In Klimakammerversuchen zum Einfluß der Pflanzendichte und-verteilung auf die Verunkrautung von Luzerne (Medicago sativa L.) durch Löwenzahn (Taraxacum officinale Weber) erwiesen sich die Konkurrenzdauer und die Luzernendichte als wichtige Faktoren für die Bildung der Sproßbiomasse der Luzerne in Mischbeständen mit Löwenzahn, dessen Dichte für die Wurzelbiomasse der Luzerne ausschlaggebend war. Sproß- und Wurzelbiomasse der Löwenzahns variierten mit der Konkurrenzdauer, der Unkraut- sowie der Luzernendichte und der Photoperiode. Die Pflanzendichte erwies sich für die Konkurrenz wichtiger als das Mischungsverhältnis der Arten.     

Evaluation of intraperitoneal and subcutaneous lidocaine and bupivacaine for analgesia following ovariohysterectomy in the dog

The role of ketamine (K) in pain management is controversial. It is reported to provide visceral analgesia in cats. This study aimed to assess its somatic actions using a thermal threshold (TT) model. Six cats (four spayed females, two castrated males, 4.3–7.2 kg) participated in the study. The day before each study, the thorax of each of the cats was shaved and a cephalic catheter was placed. TT was measured using a device specifically developed for cats. A heater element and temperature sensor housed in a small probe were held against the thorax of the cats with an elastic band and pressure bladder to assure consistent contact. The skin temperature was recorded before each test, then the heater was activated. When the cat responded by flinching, turning, or jumping, the stimulus was terminated and the threshold temperature was recorded. Treatments were 2 mg kg^?1 of K (10 mg mL^?1), or 0.2 mL kg^?1 of saline (S) IV, given in a randomized cross‐over design with at least 1 week between treatments. The investigator was blinded to the treatment. TT was measured thrice before treatment (baseline threshold) at 15 minutes, then every 30 minutes for 8 hours and once at 24 hours after injection. Data were analyzed using a four‐factor anova . Cats were sedated for 45 minutes following K treatment. There was no difference in baseline TT between treatments (K = 41.9 ± 1.7 °C, S = 41.0 ± 1.45 °C), and no change in TT at any time in the S group. TT increased significantly at 15 and 30 minutes after K, then decreased below baseline values between 210 and 390 minutes, with a nadir of 38.8 ± ± 1.05 °C at 390 minutes. During this time period, cats exhibited normal activity, but responses to thermal stimuli were exaggerated. This study suggested that K caused a delayed onset hyperalgesia in cats.     

The effect of four anesthetic protocols on the spleen in dogs

Splenic enlargement following administration of barbiturates has been well described in dogs; other agents have not been investigated. This study aimed to compare the effects of four anesthetic protocols on splenic size.
Twenty-four fasted Beagle dogs scheduled for laparotomy were allocated to one of the four groups. Group 1: acepromazine and butorphanol followed by induction with thiopental; Group 2: acepromazine and butorphanol followed by induction with propofol; Group 3: medetomidine and butorphanol followed by induction with propofol; Group 4: medetomidine and butorphanol followed by induction with ketamine and diazepam. Anesthesia was maintained with halothane in oxygen, intravenous fluids were administered. Splenic length, width and height were measured once when the abdomen was opened and again just prior to closure. Spleens were also traced, the image was digitized, and the area was calculated. PCV and total solids were measured before and after pre-medication, after induction, and each time the spleen was measured. Data were analyzed using a Repeated Measures anova with splenic variables indexed by body surface area and dose of induction agent as a covariate.
Area and width of the spleens were less in the dogs of Groups 2 and 3 than in those of the other groups. Splenic area and length did not change significantly during surgery. Dosage of propofol was not significantly different between Groups 2 and 3. Baseline PCV was not significantly different among groups and decreased significantly in all dogs, but at different times. In Groups 1 and 2, the decrease occurred after pre-medication, in Group 3 at induction, and in Group 4 during surgery. A significant decrease in TS occurred in all groups during surgery.
We concluded that the use of propofol resulted in smaller spleen size during surgery than that following the use of thiopental. Multiple factors influenced the PCV.     

Diameter-Selective Raman Scattering from Vibrational Modes in Carbon Nanotubes

Single wall carbon nanotubes (SWNTs) that are found as close-packed arrays in crystalline ropes have been studied by using Raman scattering techniques with laser excitation wavelengths in the range from 514.5 to 1320 nanometers. Numerous Raman peaks were observed and identified with vibrational modes of armchair symmetry (n, n) SWNTs. The Raman spectra are in good agreement with lattice dynamics calculations based on C-C force constants used to fit the two-dimensional, experimental phonon dispersion of a single graphene sheet. Calculated intensities from a nonresonant, bond polarizability model optimized for sp2 carbon are also in qualitative agreement with the Raman data, although a resonant Raman scattering process is also taking place. This resonance results from the one-dimensional quantum confinement of the electrons in the nanotube.