Development of single-dispenser pheromone suppression of Epiphyas postvittana, Planotortrix octo and Ctenopseustis obliquana in New Zealand stone fruit orchards

BACKGROUND: Pheromones of two native leafrollers of economic importance to the New Zealand horticulture industry, Planotortrix octo [(Z)‐8‐tetradecenyl acetate and tetradecyl acetate] and Ctenopseustis obliquana [(Z)‐5‐tetradecenyl acetate and (Z)‐8‐tetradecenyl acetate], were reinvestigated and combined with pheromone of Epiphyas postvittana [light‐brown apple moth, (E)‐11‐tetradecenyl actetate and (E, E)‐9,11‐tetradecen‐1‐yl acetate] to develop a single dispenser for mating disruption of three pest species for integrated pest management. RESULTS: Additional compounds identified from pheromone gland extracts were characterised as repellents for P. octo. However, for C. obliquana from Central Otago, a change in ratio of (Z)‐5‐tetradecenyl acetate and (Z)‐8‐tetradecenyl acetate and the addition of three compounds found in the gland (dodecyl acetate, tetradecyl acetate and hexadecanal) led to a significant improvement in catch over previous lures. Males from Central Otago showed antennal electrophysiological responses to hexadecanal, unlike C. obliquana from Auckland, which did not. Three multiple‐species disruption blends were devised in a single dispenser to target E. postvittana, P. octo and C. obliquana. Disruption of traps was recorded in single‐tree replicates with all three blends, but the five‐component blend was overall most effective at disruption and was deployed area wide in commercial orchard plots. CONCLUSIONS: Deployment of single dispensers into commercial stone fruit orchards led to disruption of trapping for the three species and measurable reductions in insecticide use in cherries, peaches and nectarines without increased fruit damage (assessed in apricots). Copyright © 2011 Society of Chemical Industry     

Mycobacterium avium subspecies paratuberculosis: a review of current knowledge.

Although Mycobacterium avium subsp. paratuberculosis infection has had its greatest effect on domestic agricultural animal species, it can also have a significant impact on wildlife species. More cases of infection are being reported, and because of its ability to elude immunologic control and to persist in the environment, M. paratuberculosis may spread within and among captive and free-ranging wildlife populations in the absence of organized control programs. Studies to improve our ability to detect the organism in biologic samples such as milk, blood, and manure through immunomagnetic separation, automated culture methods, and improved polymerase chain reaction procedures are underway in several countries. Studies of the organism's genetic components, virulence factors, and antigens support the development of new diagnostic tools and vaccines.     

Evaluating inputs of heavy metal contaminants and phosphorus to lake ontario from Hamilton Harbour

The presence and the extent of the plume of Hamilton Harbour water extending into Lake Ontario was determined in order to assess the importance of metal contaminant transport from Hamilton Harbour into Lake Ontario. Industrially derived Fe compounds, wustite and hematite, were used as plume tracking parameters. Wustite, particularly, proved to be a good tracer of the plume. Annual loadings of particulate heavy metals to Lake Ontario were calculated using the concentrations of heavy metals in suspended solids from the connecting Burlington Canal, Hamilton Harbour and western Lake Ontario. Annual loadings of heavy metals to lake Ontario are ～266 × 10³ kg Fe, 9.33 × 10³ kg Zn, 1356 kg Pb, 273 kg Cu, 8.7 kg Cd. The relative contribution of the total metal load from Hamilton Harbour to Lake Ontario is negligible when compared to the load from the Niagara River. Lake-harbour water exchange and the high Fe concentrations in benthic sediments of Hamilton Harbour increase P retention in the harbour sediments, thus are beneficial to water quality in Hamilton Harbour.     

THE NORMAL UPPER GASTROINTESTINAL EXAMINATION IN THE FERRET

Upper gastrointestinal examinations were performed in 11 unsedated ferrets and 4 ferrets sedated with ketamine and diazepam. Each animal received a 8-13 mL/kg body weight dosage of barium liquid (30% weight:volume). Radiographs were made immediately and at 5, 10, 20, 40, 60, 90, 120 and 150 min (mins) after the barium was administered. Gastric emptying began immediately. Mean total gastric emptying was longer in sedated ferrets (130 +/- 40 min versus 75 +/- 54 min); however, this difference was not statistically significant (p = 0.18). Small intestinal transit time was less than 2 h in all ferrets. The barium-filled small bowel was best visualized on the 20- and 40-min radiographs and did not exceed 5-7 mm in width. Flocculation of barium in the small intestine and adherence of barium to the stomach mucosa was seen in almost all animals. The longitudinal colonic mucosal folds in the colon were well visualized in the normal upper gastrointestinal study and aided in distinguishing small intestine from large intestine. The use of ketamine and diazepam sedation did not significantly affect the parameters evaluated in the upper gastrointestinal study series.     

Skin pustules and nodules caused by Actinomyces viscosus in a horse

A 12-year-old Arabian stallion was evaluated for a refractory skin problem of 2 years' duration. Skin nodules and pustules, which would rupture, had developed over the right lumbar muscles. Anaerobic culturing from the pustules yielded Actinomyces viscosus, and histologic examination of biopsy specimens revealed globular eosinophilic structures. Concomitant treatment with isoniazid (8 mg/kg of body weight, q 24 h for 8 weeks), trimethoprim-sulfadiazine (30 mg/kg, q 24 h for 8 weeks), and sodium iodide solution (66 mg/kg, every 1, 2, or 4 weeks, for 32 weeks) resolved the condition.