Outbreak of Arvicola terrestris in rice fields in Yugoslavia1

Macedonia is the southern boundary for the distribution of Arvicola terrestris (water vole) in the Balkan peninsula. Until recently, these voles were found in the region only sporadically, showing none of the cyclic population fluctuations characteristic of microtines in the continental part of Europe. An investigation was started in 1984 when the first visible signs of damage to rice in Ko?ansko Valley, caused by numbers of voles, were noted. Since then, population numbers have increased, reaching a density of 1000 individuals per ha on one locality. The causes of such an unexpected outbreak and the methods for determining role abundance are discussed. The construction of a dam and the extension of rice cultivation have reduced the natural habitats of both vole predators and their competitors. Increased pesticide and fertilizer usage have also affected the fauna unfavourably. Efficient control was attained by means of zinc phosphide baits, specially before the rice growing season (i. e. in winter and early spring).     

Ultrastructure of the excretory system of Brachylaimus aequans (Trematoda: Brachylaimoidea)

The ultrastructure of the flame cell, excretory capillaries, ducts, collecting ducts, excretory bladder, and excretory pore of Brachylaimus aequans was studied 6-8 days p.i. The excretory ducts, collecting ducts and excretory bladder are provided with numerous lamellae on the luminal side. The cilia of lateral flames in the excretory ducts have a triated rootlet. The excretory pore is covered by a tegument identical with the body tegument. The syncytium of the excretory bladder is connected with the tegument of the excretory pore by means of a septate desmosome. No lipid or excretory corpuscles have been demonstrated in the excretory system.     

Effects of growth stage, leaf position and temperature on adult-plant resistance of wheat infected by Puccinia recondita f.sp. tritici

Growth stage, leaf position and temperature effects on components of resistance to Puccinia recondita f.sp. tritici in wheat ( Triticum aestivum ) were studied. Inoculation of Era, Glenlea, Sinton and RL6044 plants at five growth stages showed that latent period increased and uredinium numbers decreased as each adult-plant-resistant wheat matured. Growth stage had little effect on latent period in the susceptible cultivar Morocco. No significant differences in latent period determined on the flag, flag -1 and flag -2 leaves of the same plant were observed for Era, Glenlea and RL6044. However, leaf age should be considered in assessing adult-plant resistance because the latent period of P. recondita f.sp. tritici in flag leaves of Sinton was shorter than that determined for the flag-1 and flag -2 leaves. Fewer uredinia developed on the flag -2 leaf of Glenlea than on the flag leaf. The latent period of leaf rust in Era, Glenlea, RL6044 and Morocco was significantly longer at 15°C than at 21°C, but temperature did not affect Sinton to the same degree. Uredinium size was a sensitive criterion of adult-plant resistance. Uredinium development in line RL6044 was significantly restricted at 15°C, but uredinia on Era, Glenlea and Sinton at 15°C were as large as those at 21°C. On the susceptible Morocco uredinia were larger at 15°C than at 21°C.     

Host selection by the pine processionary caterpillarthaumetopoea wilkinsoni

The occurrence of nests of the pine processionary caterpillar (PPC),Thaumetopoea wilkinsoni Tarns (Lepidoptera: Thaumetopoeidae), was recorded in two 9-year-old plots planted withPinus halepensis, P. brutia andP. eldarica in a randomized block design. Nest density was highest inP. eldarica and lowest inP. halepensis. The mean number of nests per tree and their frequency distribution indicate that the preference of the PPC is in the order P.eldarica >P brutia >P. halepensis;it is believed to be related to shape of the tree. Planting ofP. eldarica in camping sites is not recommended, due to its high susceptibility to colonization by the PPC.     

Trifluralin effects on the development of cotton in arid zone soils

The effect of trifluralin on the growth and development of cotton plants in low-organic-matter soils from the northern Negev of Israel was studied. Trifluralin exhibited linear sorp tion isotherms on these soils, Trifluralin and dinitramine losses from soils under varying moisture regimes and application practices were determined in open systems. The data were fitted to both first-order and biexponential kinetic equations. In about 50% of cases the biexponential kinetic model provided a better fit to the data, but no relationship could be found between the model parameters and environmental or soil properties. Losses were generally greater at field capacity than at 50% field capacity, and at 27°C than at 15°C, and in soils with a lower organic matter content. The trifluralin application rate was negatively correlated with vegetative growth parameters of cotton, but the correlation became weaker with increasing soil organic carbon content. Trifluralin delayed boll production in coarse textured soils, the longest delay occurring at higher application rates. It is concluded that in light soils that contain very little organic matter, trifluralin rates must be maintained at the minimum level required for adequate weed control to prevent damage to crops.     

Investigation of sandflies (Diptera, Phlebotomidae) in an endemic focus of visceral leishmaniasis in Yugoslavia

The paper presents the results of faunistic, ecological and viral investigations concerning phlebotomine sandflies in an endemic focus of visceral leishmaniasis in Yugoslavia. These investigations were carried out in the period from 1969 to 1981.