Infection of citrus pollen grains by Colletotrichum acutatum

Postbloom fruit drop (PFD), an important disease caused by Colletotrichum spp., affects citrus yields in Brazil. PFD is characterised by the presence of necrotic lesions on the petals and stigmas of citrus flowers and by the subsequent abscission of young fruit. PFD epidemics have high disease progress rates, which is unusual for a pathogen that produces acervuli and is dispersed by rain. It is possible that other dispersal agents, such as insects and pollen, are involved in the spread of this disease. The objective of this work was to test whether citrus pollen grains can be colonised by Colletotrichum acutatum. Studies using light and electron microscopy showed that the pollen of Citrus sinensis can be infected by C. acutatum. This pathogen can penetrate and colonise citrus pollen grains 24 h after inoculation with the pathogen. The germ tube of conidia either penetrates the pollen sporodermis directly or passes through pollen germ pores. A single hypha can colonise more than one pollen grain. On the surface of the stigma, conidium formation can be observed. This study shows that Citrus sinensis pollen may, in fact, play a role in the spread of C. acutatum in citrus orchards.     

Multispectral radiometric monitoring of bacterial blight of coffee

Precision Agriculture - Bacterial blight of coffee caused by Pseudomonas syringae pv. garcae shows great destructive potential in the main coffee producing regions in Brazil and worldwide. Remote...     

Evaluation of Natural Zeolite as a Material for Permeable Reactive Barrier for Remediation of Zinc-Contaminated Groundwater Based on Column Study

The permeable reactive barrier (PRB) filled with natural zeolite plays the role of a reactive treatment zone for remediation of contaminated groundwater. Based on column lab experiments, the volume of remediated solution, the distribution (K_d) and retardation (R_d) coefficients were evaluated, confirming successful removal and retention of zinc from contaminated groundwater. The effect of hydrodynamic dispersion on zinc capturing by zeolite in PRB was evaluated by the hydrodynamic dispersion coefficient (D_L) and retarded hydrodynamic dispersion coefficient (D_LR) using the Brigham method. For different assumed distances of the barrier, the simulation of one-dimensional zinc concentration profile from the point source through the barrier has been modeled by a simple analytical pulse model. The results show that the flow rate has the most significant effect on the concentration profile, peaks, and broadening of curves. The residence contact time (τ) corresponding to higher K_d and R_d as well as lower D_L and D_LR values outcomes the optimal range of 6.2–9.4 min. This interval corresponds to the experimental performance at the bed length of 8 and 12 cm and flow rate in the range of 6.38–9.57 PV/h. The calculated minimum thickness and longevity confirm the successful application of zeolite as a material in PRB for remediation of zinc contaminated groundwater.     

Cellular and extracellular vesicular origins of miRNAs within the bovine ovarian follicle

The ovarian follicle components must provide an ideal environment to ensure the success of reproductive processes, and communication between follicular cells is crucial to support proper oocyte growth. Recently, it has been demonstrated that the presence of extracellular vesicles (EVs) carrying microRNAs (miRNAs) in follicular fluid represents an important autocrine and paracrine communication mechanism inside the ovarian follicle. In this study, we tested the hypothesis that the miRNA content of EVs isolated from ovarian follicular (granulosa and cumulus–oocyte complexes) cell‐conditioned culture media is dependent upon cell type. We initially screened bovine granulosa cells (GCs) and cumulus–oocyte complexes (COCs), as well as their derived EVs for 348 miRNAs using real‐time PCR, and detected 326 miRNAs in GCs and COCs cells and 62 miRNAs in GCs and COCs EVs. A bioinformatics analysis of the identified cell‐specific and differentially expressed miRNAs predicted that they likely modulate important cellular processes, including signalling pathways such as the PI3K‐Akt, MAPK and Wnt pathways. By investigating the origins of miRNAs within the follicular fluid, the results of this study provide novel insights into follicular miRNA content and intercellular communication that may be of invaluable use in the context of reproductive technologies, diagnostic of ovarian‐related diseases and/or the identification of biomarkers for oocyte and embryo quality.     

Prevalence of dog erythrocyte antigens in retired racing Greyhounds

Background: Blood groups in dogs are designated as dog erythrocyte antigen (DEA) 1.1, 1.2, 3, 4, 5, 7, and Dal. There is limited information about the frequency of different antigens in Greyhound dogs, despite their frequent use as blood donors. Objectives: The aims of this study were to determine the frequencies of DEA 1.1, 1.2, 3, 4, 5, and 7 in Greyhounds, to compare the frequencies with those of non‐Greyhound dogs, and to evaluate the presence of naturally occurring anti‐DEA antibodies. Methods: Blood was collected from 206 Greyhound and 66 non‐Greyhound dogs being screened as potential blood donors. Blood‐typing was performed at Animal Blood Resources International by tube agglutination utilizing polyclonal anti‐DEA antibodies. Results: Of the Greyhound dogs, 27/206 (13.1%) were positive for DEA 1.1, and this frequency was significantly lower (P<.0001) than for non‐Greyhound dogs of which 40/66 (60.6%) were DEA 1.1‐positive. The frequency of positivity for both DEA 1.1 and 1.2 was also lower in Greyhounds (P<.0001). There were no significant differences between Greyhounds and non‐Greyhounds for DEA 1.2, 3, 4, 5, or 7. All 137 dogs (113 Greyhounds and 24 non‐Greyhounds) that were evaluated for naturally occurring anti‐DEA antibodies in serum were negative. A higher percentage of Greyhound dogs (57.3%, 118/206) were considered “universal donors” (negative for all DEAs except DEA 4) compared with non‐Greyhound dogs (28%, 13/46). Conclusion: The frequency of positivity for DEA 1.1 in our population of Greyhounds was significantly lower than previously reported for dogs. Furthermore, a large majority of Greyhounds met the criteria for universal donors.     

Effect of hCG on Early Luteal Serum Progesterone Concentrations in PG600‐Treated Gilts

Gilt oestrus and ovulation responses to injection of a combination of equine chorionic gonadotrophin (eCG) and human chorionic gonadotrophin (hCG) (PG600) can be unpredictable, possibly reflecting inadequate circulating LH activity. The objective of this study was to determine the effect of PG600 followed by supplemental hCG on gilt ovarian responses. In experiment 1, 212 Hypor gilts (160 day of age) housed on two farms in Spain received intramuscular (i.m.) injections of PG600 (n = 47), or PG600 with an additional 200 IU hCG injected either concurrently (hCG‐0; n = 39), or at 24 h (hCG‐24; n = 41) or 48 h (hCG‐48; n = 45) after PG600. A further 40 gilts served as non‐injected controls. Ovulation responses were determined on the basis of initial blood progesterone concentrations being <1 ng/ml and achieving >5 ng / ml 10 d after the PG600 injection. The incidence of ovulating gilts having progesterone concentrations >30 ng/ml were recorded. During the study period, 10% of control gilts ovulated whereas 85–100% of hormone‐treated gilts ovulated. There were no significant differences among hormone groups for proportions of gilts ovulating. The proportions of gilts having circulating progesterone concentrations >30 ng/ml were increased (p ≤ 0.02) in all hCG treated groups compared with the PG600 group. In experiment 2, a total of 76 Hypor gilts at either 150 or 200 days of age were injected with PG600 (n = 18), 400 IU eCG followed by 200 IU hCG 24 h later (n = 20), PG600 followed by 100 IU hCG 24 h later (n = 17), or 400 IU eCG followed by 300 IU hCG 24 h later (n = 21). Blood samples were obtained 10 days later for progesterone assay. There were no effects of treatment or age on incidence of ovulation, but fewer 150‐day‐old gilts treated with PG600 or 400 IU eCG followed by 200 IU hCG had progesterone concentrations >30 ng / ml. We conclude that hCG treatment subsequent to PG600 treatment will generate a higher circulating progesterone concentration, although the effect is not evident in older, presumably peripubertal, gilts. The mechanism involved and implications for fertility remain to be determined.     

Simulating tropical forage growth and biomass accumulation: an overview of model development and application

Crop models can aid the synthesis and application of knowledge, planning of experiments and forecasting in agricultural systems. Few studies have reviewed the uses and applications of these models for tropical forages. The purpose of this study was to review the information available in this scientific area, highlighting the main models, their applications and limitations. Several empirical models have been developed to predict the growth and biomass accumulation of tropical forages, especially for the genera Cynodon, Paspalum, Panicum and Brachiaria. Their application, however, is often location or region specific. The adaptation of mechanistic models to accurately predict biomass accumulation in tropical grasses is still limited. Recent advances have been made on the plot‐scale and farm‐scale process‐based models ALMANAC, CROPGRO Perennial Forage and agricultural production systems simulator (APSIM), with promising results. In addition, global‐scale process‐based models, such as the Century Agroecosystem Model and the Orchidee Grassland Management Model, have been tested for tropical grassland areas. A greater number of region‐specific calibrations of empirical models can enhance their use, and improved databases and model parameterizations for a wide range of tropical grasses will enable the continuous improvement of mechanistic models.     

Penny ice cap cores, baffin island, canada, and the wisconsinan foxe dome connection: two states of hudson bay ice cover

Ice cores from Penny Ice Cap, Baffin Island, Canada, provide continuous Holocene records of oxygen isotopic composition (delta18O, proxy for temperature) and atmospheric impurities. A time scale was established with the use of altered seasonal variations, some volcanic horizons, and the age for the end of the Wisconsin ice age determined from the GRIP and GISP2 ice cores. There is pre-Holocene ice near the bed. The change in delta18O since the last glacial maximum (LGM) is at least 12.5 per mil, compared with an expected value of 7 per mil, suggesting that LGM ice originated at the much higher elevations of the then existing Foxe Dome and Foxe Ridge of the Laurentide Ice Sheet. The LGM delta18O values suggest thick ice frozen to the bed of Hudson Bay.     

The structure of the upper atmosphere of mars: In situ accelerometer measurements from mars global surveyor

The Mars Global Surveyor (MGS) z-axis accelerometer has obtained over 200 vertical structures of thermospheric density, temperature, and pressure, ranging from 110 to 170 kilometers, compared to only three previous such vertical structures. In November 1997, a regional dust storm in the Southern Hemisphere triggered an unexpectedly large thermospheric response at mid-northern latitudes, increasing the altitude of thermospheric pressure surfaces there by as much as 8 kilometers and indicating a strong global thermospheric response to a regional dust storm. Throughout the MGS mission, thermospheric density bulges have been detected on opposite sides of the planet near 90 degreesE and 90 degreesW, in the vicinity of maximum terrain heights. This wave 2 pattern may be caused by topographically-forced planetary waves propagating up from the lower atmosphere.     

Cloacal gland,endocrine testicular,and adrenocortical photoresponsiveness in male Japanese quail exposed to short days

Photoperiod is the most important “noise-free” seasonal environmental cue for synchronizing physiological states (such as reproductive activity) in birds. However, in photoperiodic birds such as Japanese quail, the effect of photoperiod on adrenocortical activity remains unclear, particularly in males with differences in cloacal gland photoresponsiveness. At 8 wk of age, birds (n = 55) were either assigned to a short photoperiod (8L:16D; SD) or maintained under long photoperiod (16L:8D; LD; control). After 5 wk of SD exposure, males were classified as nonresponsive (SD-NR; with foam production) or responsive (SD-R; with no foam production) to short days, depending on the cloacal gland volume was above or below 1,000 mm³. At 14 wk of age, droppings were collected during 3 consecutive days to determine corticosterone (CMs) and androgen metabolites (AMs) by enzyme immunoassays. Male Japanese quail under LD showed significantly higher concentrations of CMs (300 ± 10 ng/g) and AMs (1,257 ± 115 ng/g) than birds kept under SD. Under short days, SD-NR and SD-R showed differences (P < 0.0001), both in CM (153 ± 8 ng/g and 98 ± 6 ng/g, respectively) and AM concentrations (1,294 ± 309 ng/g and 275 ± 53 ng/g, respectively). Interestingly, although SD-NR males exhibited no cloacal gland arrest (according to cloacal gland volume and foam production) and similar testicular activity (AM values) to LD males, they showed lower concentrations of CMs compared with males that remained on LD (P < 0.05). Our findings suggest length of photoperiod affected hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal activity; however, that was not the only factor involved, because birds subjected to shorter days but whose hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis failed to respond had intermediate CM values. Further research is required to elucidate the underlying mechanisms of this interesting finding.