Genauigkeit von Bodenfeuchtemessungen mit „Time Domain-Reflektometrie” und., Frequency Domain-Sensoren”︁ in heterogenen Waldböden

Precision of soil moisture measurements done with “Time Domain Reflectometry” and “Frequency Domain Probes” in heterogeneous forest soils Using “Time Domain Reflectometry” (TDR) and “Frequency Domain” (FD) technique soil moisture of a homogenized soil- substrate of silty loam was measured in the lab as well as soil moisture of the same silty loam and of two soils with coarser texture and more heterogeneous structure in situ. These measurements were compared with gravimetric soil moisture measurements done at the same measuring sites. Thus the measuring errors caused by soil heterogeneities should be assessed. The standard error of both, the TDR- and the FD- probes amounted to less than 1 Vol%, at the in situ measurements as well as in the homogenized substrate. In the homogenized substrate under relatively dry conditions soil moisture was overestimated to about 2 Vol% by both electronical methods, which is most likely the result of compactions in the contact zone between rods and the soil caused by the insertion of the rods. In the field both electronical methods, however, underestimated the soil moisture up to 14 Vol%. This applied especially to the surface of the mineral soil and under the influence of high stone contents. This deviation is interpreted as an effect of gaps along the rods, caused by the insertion. In loosely packed and stony upper soils we propose therefore to install the rods in homogenized autochtoneous soil material having settled to its natural bulk density instead of inserting them into the natural layered soil.     

Biphasic mesothelioma in a Swiss Braunvieh cow: clinical, histological, immunohistochemical and electron microscopical findings

A 10-year-old Swiss Braunvieh cow near term was referred to our clinic because of severe abdominal distension, which caused loss of demarcation between the udder and ventral abdominal wall. Ultrasonographic examination revealed marked ascites and multiple echogenic nodules in the greater omentum. Based on the findings, non-inflammatory ascites attributable to neoplasia was diagnosed. Rupture of the prepubic tendon from the pubic symphysis was also suspected. Because of a grave prognosis, parturition was induced and a live calf was delivered. The cow was euthanized and a postmortem examination was carried out. The abdominal cavity contained 248.5 litres of clear fluid. The greater omentum was thickened and oedematous and regionally contained fluid-filled cystic structures, which varied in size with a maximum diameter of 10 centimetres. Based on the histological, immunohistochemical and electron microscopical findings, biphasic mesothelioma with cyst formation affecting the entire abdominal cavity was diagnosed.     

Polychondritis: a new disease in Swiss Braunvieh?

Over the last 10 years Swiss Braunvieh cattle with malformations of the pinnae have repeatedly been reported. Endoscopy revealed a shortened and thickened epiglottis and malformations of the arytenoid cartilage in some of these animals. In most cases the elastic cartilage was replaced by fibrocartilage and hyaline cartilage. The direct cause and pathogenesis of the malformations could not be determined.     

Quinoxyfen--resistance management and sensitivity monitoring in wheat: 1995-2000

Wheat powdery mildew, Blumeria (= Erysiphe) graminis DC f sp tritici Marschal is one of the most important foliar diseases of cereals in Europe, and has shown a high potential for adaptability in sensitivity towards modern fungicides during the last 20 years. Quinoxyfen is a surface-mobile fungicide from a new chemical class that has been commercially used for the control of B graminis in Europe since 1997. When the compound was launched, a Resistance Management Strategy was implemented which included: no seed treatments, no autumn use, a specified window of application and recommendations for appropriate tank-mixing. To assess the success of this Management Strategy, a European-wide resistance monitoring programme was carried out between 1995 and 2000 using spore trap sampling, and a whole plant assay. The mean EC50 values found by year were 0.060 mg litre-1 in 1995, 0.052 mg litre-1 in 1996, 0.071 ml litre-1 in 1997, 0.039 mg litre-1 in 1998, 0.039 mg litre-1 in 1999 and 0.063 mg litre-1 in 2000. No new sensitivity classes were found. The slight shift to lower sensitivity in 1998 and 1999 was correlated with similar shifts in three wildtype isolates, and was ascribed to experimental variation. The monitoring programme will continue to assess the long-term impact of the management recommendations on the resistance status of quinoxyfen.     

Comparison of sodium bicarbonate and carbicarb for the treatment of metabolic acidosis in newborn calves

Carbicarb (an equimolar mixture of sodium bicarbonate and sodium carbonate) was compared with sodium bicarbonate alone for the treatment of acidosis in newborn calves: 25 of 49 calves with a blood pH at birth of less than 7-2 and a base deficit of less than -3 mmol/litre were treated intravenously with sodium bicarbonate and 24 were treated with carbicarb. The doses were calculated on the basis of the base deficit in a blood sample taken 10 minutes after birth, and further blood samples were taken immediately after the treatment and 30 and 60 minutes after the treatment for the determination of acid-base status, blood gases and haematological and biochemical variables. Both treatments resulted in a significant increase in blood pH, but there was no difference between them. The mean (sd) blood pH before treatment was 7.09 (0.02) and after treatment it was 7.28 (0.01). There was no increase in the partial pressure of carbon dioxide after treatment with either sodium bicarbonate or carbicarb. Both treatments were associated with an increase in sodium concentration and decreases in the total erythrocyte count, haematocrit and haemoglobin concentration.