Mitotic instability in Aspergillus nidulans caused by the fungicides iprodione,procymidone and vinclozolin

The fungicides iprodione, procymidone and vinclozolin were found to increase greatly the frequency of mitotic recombination in diploid colonies of Aspergillus niduluns. Although generally more potent, these fungicides do not appear to differ in their activity from members of a previously suggested ?aromatic hydrocarbon group’? with which they should be classified in this context.     

Effect of growth inhibitors on three ornamental species

Foliar sprays of the growth inhibitors sodium 2, 3:4, 6-di-O-isopropylidine-α L-xylo-2-hexulofuranosonate (dikegulac-sodium), N-[2,4-dimethyl-5-] [tri-fluromethyl) sulfonyl] amino] phenyl] acetamide (mefluidide); methyl-2-chloro-9-hydroxyfluorene-9-carboxylate (chlorflurenol) and 2,3 dihydro-5-6-diphenyl-1,4-oxathiin (UBI-P293) were applied to Ligustrum japonicum, Pyracantha coccinea and Osmanthus heterophylla. Results indicate that growth inhibitors differ in their capacity to inhibit vegetative growth, and the level of inhibition and plant phytotoxicity depend on both the chemical and the rate of concentration.     

Technique for Handling Cover Slips Used in Cell Culture Systems

A stainless steel, grooved rack was designed to handle large numbers of coverslips used in cell cultures. The rack separated and held the coverslips through the washing process and subsequent manipulations. Slips washed by this method allowed consistently good cell sheets to grow with no signs of cytotoxicity to the cultures.     

A survey of sheep dip usage in Scotland in 1978

A survey of sheep dipping in Scotland in 1978 showed that about 42 tonnes of organophosphorus and 17 tonnes of organochlorine insecticides were used to control ectoparasites. Information is presented about their pattern of use and about the disposal of surplus sheep dip and the empty containers. Six river pollution incidents involving sheep dips in 1978 are recorded. The main geographical areas affected by headfly (Hydrotaea irritans Fall.) and the measures taken against them are noted.     

Photodynamic therapy for the treatment of intranasal tumors in 3 dogs and 1 cat

Three dogs and 1 cat with intranasal tumors were treated with pyropheophorbide-a-hexyl ether-based photodynamic therapy (PDT). PDT was well tolerated by all the animals, and no adverse effects from photosensitizer injection, such as cutaneous photosensitization, were observed. Facial swelling was observed in all animals after each PDT treatment but resolved spontaneously within 72 hours after treatment. All animals had a decrease in severity of epistaxis, frequency of sneezing, and amount of nasal discharge after PDT. Clinical signs were controlled for variable time, although long-term responses were comparable with radiation therapy in 2 animals. This small case series demonstrates another application for PDT in veterinary medicine. On the basis of these findings. further studies are warranted to define the role of PDT in the management of intranasal tumors in dogs and cats.     

Contribution of contact toxicity and wheat condition to mortality of stored-product insects exposed to spinosad

Spinosad, a reduced-risk commercial insecticide derived from a bacterial fermentation product, possesses both contact and oral toxicities against insects. Contact toxicity of spinosad to adults of Rhyzopertha dominica (F), Sitophilus oryzae (L), and Tribolium castaneum (Herbst) was evaluated by exposure for 24 or 48 h to treated glass Petri dishes. Adults were exposed to different deposits (0.001-0.79 mg cm(-2)) of spinosad in 24-h tests and to deposits of 0, 0.0016 and 0.016mg cm(-2) in 48-h tests. Rhyzopertha dominica was most susceptible to spinosad in 24- and 48-h tests, followed by S. oryzae, and T. castaneum. The 24-h LD50 values were 0.0004, 0.077 and 0.189mg cm(-2) for R. dominica, S. oryzae, and T. castaneum, respectively. All R. dominica adults were dead following 48 h exposure to both spinosad deposits, whereas mortality of S. oryzae and T. castaneum ranged from 10 to 85% and 12 to 48%, respectively. Rhyzopertha dominica, T. castaneum, and O. surinamensis adults were exposed for 14 days to whole wheat, cracked wheat and wheat flour treated with 0, 0.1 and 1.0 mg kg(-1) of spinosad. Rhyzopertha dominica adults were highly susceptible to spinosad, followed by O. surinamensis and T. castaneum. Immatures (eggs and larvae) of T. castaneum and O. surinamensis exposed for 14 days were more susceptible on spinosad-treated whole wheat than on treated cracked wheat and wheat flour. This is the first report documenting contact activity of spinosad, and the effect of grain condition on spinosad toxicity, to stored-product insects.