A dynamic simulation model for powdery mildew epidemics on winter wheat*

A system dynamic model for epidemics of Blumeria graminis (powdery mildew) on wheat was elaborated, based on the interaction between stages of the disease cycle, weather conditions and host characteristics. The model simulates the progress of disease severity, expressed as a percentage of powdered leaf area, on individual leaves, with a time step of one day, as a result of two processes: the growth of fungal colonies already present on the leaves and the appearance of new colonies. By means of mathematical equations, air temperature, vapour pressure deficit, rainfall and wind are used to calculate incubation, latency and sporulation periods, the growth of pathogen colonies, infection and spore survival. Effects of host susceptibility to infection, and of leaf position within the plant canopy, are also included. Model validation was carried out by comparing model outputs with the dynamics of epidemics observed on winter wheat grown at several locations in northern Italy (1991–98). Simulations were performed using meteorological data measured in standard meteorological stations. As there was good agreement between model outputs and actual disease severity, the model can be considered a satisfactory simulator of the effect of environmental conditions on the progress of powdery mildew epidemics.     

A model estimating the risk of Fusarium head blight on wheat*

A dynamic simulation model for the risk of Fusarium head blight on wheat was elaborated based on systems analysis. The model calculates a daily infection risk based on sporulation, spore dispersal and infection of host tissue of the four main species causing the disease (Gibberella zeae, Fusarium culmorum, Gibberella avenacea, Monographella nivalis). Spore yield and dispersal are calculated as functions of temperature, rainfall and relative humidity, while the main factors affecting the infection rate are temperature, wetness and the host growth stage. The model also calculates a risk for mycotoxin production by G. zeae and F. culmorum in the infected head tissue. First validations against field data, collected in some wheat‐growing areas in northern Italy and not used in model elaboration, produced satisfactory results.     

Estimating the potential development of Diaporthe helianthi epidemics in Italy*

Diaporthe helianthi is the causal agent of a severe sunflower disease but, in Italy, disease outbreaks are sporadic with no significant losses. The present work investigates the role of meteorological conditions on the potential development of D. helianthi epidemics in Italy, using the French model Asphodel, which simulates the effect of air temperature, relative humidity and rainfall on ascospore maturation and dispersal, infection establishment, disease onset and severity during the period of host susceptibility. Meteorological data measured in eight stations distributed from north to south Italy, over a 5‐year period (1995–99), was used as model input. Results showed that meteorological conditions in Italy are frequently favourable for D. helianthi infections on sunflower, and severe epidemics are possible. Therefore, climatic conditions are not a limiting factor for disease development in the Italian sunflower‐growing areas. The lack of disease epidemics in Italy may be related to differences in the pathogen populations compared with the French ones.     

Production and characterization of a monoclonal antibody specific to the M serotype of plum pox potyvirus

A monoclonal antibody to an Albanian isolate of plum pox potyvirus (PPV) was obtained (MAbAL), that specifically recognized strain M of this virus. The specificity of MAbAL, assessed by comparative ELISA on 130 PPV isolates of different geographical origin, 22 of which were also tested by comparative IC-PCR, gave consistent and highly reproducible results. MAbAL seems to be elicited by a stable surface determinant that makes it particularly suitable for successful use under a wide range of conditions. MAbAL is an useful addition to the panel of PPV-specific MAbs available to date.     

Further observations of almond stem pitting 1

Two disorders of almond, know as 'stem pitting’and‘graft union necrosis (black line)', were described years ago from Puglia (southern Italy). The etiology of these diseases was uncertain, the causal agent unknown and reliable diagnostic methods were not available. Investigations were therefore carried out to identify Prunus species and/or cultivars as possible indicators for a quick and reliable diagnosis. In 1990, two different almond sources (cv. Filippo Ceo) affected by black line and stem pitting were budded onto seedlings of P. persica, P. cerasifera, P. amygdalus cv. Don Carlo, GF305, self-rooted cuttings of GF677 (P. persica×P. amygdalus) and onto Don Carlo and GF305 seedlings that had been already grafted with almond cvs Genco, Tuono and Filippo Ceo. At least two inoculated plants were inspected each year for the presence of symptoms on the woody cylinder after removal of the cortex. Stem pitting developed on P. persica and P. cerasifera seedlings during the first year after graft inoculation. On the grafted plants that had been inoculated, pitting and grooving of the wood were much more pronounced in cvs Filippo Ceo and Genco, with a higher incidence when GF305 was used as rootstock. Clear symptoms were observed (from the first year in cvs Tuono and Genco), regardless of the rootstock, all along the junction line and often not associated with pitting of the rootstock and scion.     

Ascorbic acid level of Belgian apple genetic resources

With the help of the public, a wide collection of old apple cultivars (cvs) was established progressively at our Department from 1975 onwards. Currently, more than 1400 apple accessions are being maintained and three quarters of them are subjected to field evaluation for disease resistance and agronomic characters. This paper presents results of the ascorbic acid (Vitamin C) contents of old cvs combining interesting disease resistance and agronomic features in order to promote them as cvs adapted to production systems which are more environmentally friendly or to be used as parents in breeding programmes. First, a methodological study shows the importance of the variability of ascorbic acid content depending on fruit position in the trees, fruit size, fruit skin colour and maturity stage. Statistical analyses show that the sample size of six fruits per cv is sufficient to detect a difference of 20% between cvs. Old apple cvs such as Grenadier^RGF, Transparente de Croncels, Bramley’s Seedling, Reinette des Capucins, Reinette Libotte and Reinette de Waleffe contain three and seven times more ascorbic acid than the commercial cvs Gala and Elstar, respectively. The paper highlights the need to evaluate the rich potential in our genetic resources.     

Computed tomography dacryocystography evaluation of the nasolacrimal apparatus

Computed tomography-dacryocystography (CT-DCG) was used to evaluate the nasolacrimal system in four patients (three dogs and one horse) that were admitted for evaluation of chronic epiphora, facial swelling, or facial trauma. The four patients are reviewed and the technique for performing CT-DCG is described. Additionally, the indications for this procedure are discussed. CT-DCG is advantageous because cross-sectional imaging provides superior resolution of the nasolacrimal apparatus and the relatively long, small-diameter, bony nasolacrimal canal in most veterinary patients.     

Diagnosis of skeletal injuries in Chelonians using computed tomography.

Computed tomography (CT) was used to diagnose the cause of lameness in a radiated tortoise (Geochelone radiata) and to determine the extent of shell and skeletal trauma in two snapping turtles (Chelydra serpentina). The radiated tortoise's lameness was ultimately attributed to luxation of the right-shoulder joint that was not detected during plain film radiography. Axial and appendicular fractures were identified in one of the snapping turtles that were not detected during plain film radiography. In each patient, the information obtained during CT provided important diagnostic, therapeutic, or prognostic information.