Microbiology of normal and seborrheic canine skin.

Quantitative and qualitative bacterial assays were performed on the skin of 15 normal and 32 seborrheic dogs. Nonionic detergent scrubs were made on areas demarcated by glass sidearm cylinders. Quantitative analysis was accomplished by the serial dilution technique, and the bacteria were identified by individual and colonial morphology and by enzyme production. Areas measured on control dogs had a markedly lower total bacterial count than similar areas measured on seborrheic animals. Control dogs had a flora consisting primarily of coagulase-negative cocci, whereas seborrheic dogs usually had a cutaneous flora composed primarily of Stahylococcus aureus, coagulase-positive.     

Development of a powder formulation of Pseudomonas fluorescens for control of rice blast

Pseudomonas fluorescens strain Pf1, inhibitory to the growth of the rice blast pathogen Pyricularia oryzae in vitro , was developed as a talc-based powder formulation. When rice seeds were treated with this formulation, the bacteria spread to roots, stems and leaves of the plants and protected against leaf infection by P. oryzae . When applied as a foliar spray, the bacteria survived on the leaves. The powder formulation controlled leaf blast under greenhouse conditions. In tests as a seed treatment and foliar spray in four field trials it effectively controlled the disease and increased grain yield.     

Role of ovary-inhibiting hormone from eyestalks of marine penaeid prawns (Parapenaeopsis hardwickii) during ovarian developmental cycle

The activity of the ovary-inhibiting hormone in the eyestalks of female prawns, Parapenaeopsis hardwickii, was determined during its ovarian developmental cycle. In the inactive (stage I) and post-spawned phases of ovarian development, the ovary-inhibiting hormone activity was found to be very high. During the phase of full vitellogenesis (stage IV), the inhibiting activity is almost negligible. After spawning (stage V) it is present, but at a lower level than during inactive and post-spawned phases. Hence it is inferred that ovary-inhibiting hormone appears to be responsible for the phase of ovarian quiescence and to control the rate of vitellogenesis.