Response of Acacia senegal (L.) Willd. to inoculation with arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi isolates in sterilized and unsterilized soils in Senegal

The benefits of inoculation with six arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) isolates (Glomus aggregatum, G. fasciculatum, G. intraradices, G. manihotis, G. mosseae, and G. verriculosum) were investigated on seedlings of Acacia senegal (L.) Willd., a multipurpose tree legume highly valued for arabic gum production. Mycorrhizal root colonization, plant growth and relative mycorrhizal dependency (RMD) were measured in A. senegal seedlings growing in soils from three geographical sites in Senegal (Dahra, Bambey and Goudiry) and two soil conditions (sterilized vs unsterilized) in the glasshouse. The impact of inoculation on mycorrhizal root colonization and plant growth depended on AMF isolates, soil origins and soil conditions. Mycorrhizal root colonization and plant growth were increased in sterilized soils regardless of soil origin and AMF isolates. The degree of RMD of A. senegal seedlings varied with soil origin, soil condition and AMF isolates. A. senegal showed the highest RMD values, reaching a maximum of 45 %, when inoculated with G. manihotis. However, in unsterilized soils, no significant effect of AMF inoculation on plant growth was observed despite significant root colonization with certain AMF isolates in Dahra and Goudiry soils. This indicates that the most infective AMF isolates were not the most effective and unsterilized soils may contain effective mycorrhizal propagules. In conclusion, it is important to consider the native mycorrhizal component of the soils before harnessing mycorrhizal inoculation programs for sustainable agroforestry systems.     

土壤对磷的吸附与解吸及需磷量探讨

本文探讨了不同质地土壤对磷的吸附与解吸。根据Langmuir方程式求出不同土壤对磷的最大吸附量。影响磷吸附的土壤理化性质主要为粘粒含量、碳酸盐含量和有效磷含量。以Freundhich方程式X=ac^b中的c值为每克土中含P0.2μg时而计算出的X量可做为施磷量的依据。     

An investigation of the disease status of village poultry in Mauritania

Three contagious poultry diseases in Mauritania were studied. Serum samples and tracheal swabs were taken from 80 chickens in village poultry flocks in each of three different regions. Antibodies against Newcastle disease virus (NDV) were detected in 4.8% of chickens, antibodies against Gumboro disease virus in 15.8% of chickens and antibodies against Salmonella pullorum in 6.2% of chickens. Six isolates of NDV were made, of which four formed plaques on chicken embryo fibroblast monolayers. Seropositivity was highest in the Trarza region, bordering the River Senegal, and four out of six of the NDV isolates were made from chickens in this region.     

Arbuscular Mycorrhizal Fungi Alleviate the Negative Effect of Temperature Stress in Millet Lines with Contrasting Soil Aggregation Potential

Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) establish a mutualistic symbiosis with several plants and play a key role in improving plant growth, tolerance to abiotic and biotic stresses as well as the soil structure. This work aimed at elucidating the AMF temperature stress modulating impact on four pearl millet lines plant growth and soil aggregation. Experimental trials were carried out in both greenhouse and growth chamber to determine the response of the four millet lines to inoculation with two AMF strains (Rhizophagus aggregatus and Funneliformis mosseae) under heat and non-stress conditions. We first investigated the mycorrhizal colonization (MC) and the mycorrhizal growth response (MGR) of millet lines in relation with their soil aggregation potential (root adhering soil/root biomass, MAS/RB) in the greenhouse. Secondly, the four millet lines were grown in two separated growth chambers and subjected to a day/night temperature of 32/28?°C as the control treatment and 37/32?°C as the temperature stress treatment. Plant growth, mycorrhization rate and several physiological, mycorrhizal and soil parameters were measured. Results showed that the mycorrhization rates of millet lines were low and not significantly different. Funneliformis mosseae (31.39%) showed higher root colonization than Rhizophagus aggregatus (22.79%) and control (9.79%). The temperature stress reduced the mycorrhizal colonization rate, shoot and root biomass, and the soil aggregation for all tested lines. L220 and L132 showed more MC rate and MGR than the other lines under control and high-temperature treatment. The MGR was significantly better under temperature stress conditions than in the control. Under the temperature stress conditions, inoculation with R. aggregatus and F. mosseae increased chlorophyll concentration, root dry weight and shoot dry weight as compared to non-inoculated plants. AMF inoculation, particularly with F. mosseae had a positive influence on the tolerance of millet lines to temperature stress. This study demonstrates that AMF play an important role in the response of these four millet lines to temperature stress. AMF is therefore an important component in the adaptation of crops to climatic variations in Sub-Saharan Africa.

     

Caecal disease in equids

Objective To review the breed, age, gender, clinical and laboratory findings, treatment and outcome of horses with caecal disease presented to a referral centre. Design Retrospective study of 96 cases. Procedure The breed, age, and gender of the study population were compared with the corresponding hospital population for the same period. The means (± SD) for clinical and laboratory findings were recorded for each caecal disorder. Treatment was categorised as medical or surgical, and outcome was recorded. Results Caecal diseases included impaction (40% of total cases), rupture associated with concurrent unrelated disease (13%), rupture with parturition (9%), rupture with no associated disease (5%), infarction (11%), torsion (9%), abscess or adhesion (7%), tumour (3%), and miscellaneous conditions (3%). The breed or gender of affected horses did not differ from the hospital population, although horses > 15 years were more frequently represented (P < 0.05). This age group was specifically more predisposed to caecal impaction (P < 0.05), as were Arabian, Morgan, and Appaloosa breeds (P < 0.05). In horses with caecal impaction transrectal examination was the most useful diagnostic procedure; 90% of affected horses treated medically were discharged while horses treated by typhlotomy alone, or typhlotomy and blind end ileocolostomy, had survival rates to discharge of 71% and 86%, respectively. Horses with caecal rupture associated with concurrent un-related disease showed no signs of impending rupture; all were receiving phenylbutazone, all were euthanased, and 50% had caecal ulceration at necropsy. Of horses with caecal rupture with parturition 56% had prior dystocia; in two-thirds the site of rupture was the ileocaecal junction and all were euthanased. Horses with caecal rupture with no associated disease died or were euthanased; rupture was idiopathic. Horses with caecal infarction usually had signs of abdominal pain and abdominal fluid changes consistent with peritonitis; transrectal examination was nonspecific, and typhlectomy was successful in seven of eight horses. Horses with caecal torsion had signs of severe, acute abdominal pain and typhlectomy was successful in three of five horses. Diagnosis of caecal adhesion or abscess was assisted by transrectal palpation in two of seven horses and surgical treatment was successful in two of five horses. A caecal tumour was diagnosed in three horses aged 20 years or older that presented with chronic weight loss. Other caecal diseases were uncommon. Conclusion Caecal disease is uncommon in equids but some specific features of the history and physical findings can alert the veterinarian to the possibility of caecal involvement in horses with gastrointestinal dysfunction. Medical or surgical therapy can be effective in horses where caecal rupture has not occurred.     

The occurrence of equine arteritis virus in Australia

This paper reports the first isolation of equine arteritis virus (EAV) in Australia and serological evidence of exposure to EAV in Australian horses. Twelve Standardbred stallions imported from North America were found to shed EAV in semen. One hundred and seven stallions were tested for serum antibodies to EAV and 73% of Standardbred stallions tested were seropositive as compared to 8% of Thoroughbred stallions. Serum antibody was detected in 71% of Standardbred mares, 6% of Standardbred racehorses and 1% of Thoroughbred mares and racehorses. Examination of stored serums demonstrated that EAV had been present in Australia since at least 1975.