Control of seed-borne Sclerotinia sclerotiorum by fungicidal treatment of sunflower seed

Treatment of sunflower seeds with benomyl, vinclozolin, iprodione or procymidone virtually eliminated seed-borne Sclerotinia sclerotiorum. Applications of fungicides increased the number of surviving seedlings when seeds were sown in vermiculite or in steam-sterilized soil. With the exception of benomyl, fungicides were significantly more effective when applied in acetone solutions than when 100 g a.i./100 kg of seed was applied as conventional dry dressings. There was no difference in effectiveness between the two application methods when the dry dressings were applied at 200 g a.i/100 kg of seed. The acetone infusion method had no deleterious effects on germination of disease-free seed nor on seedling vigour. For a comparable level of control, less fungicide was needed in the infusion treatment than in the dust treatment. If fungicidal treatment of sunflower seeds is used routinely then the introduction of S. sclerotiorum into uninfested land could be controlled.     

Progressive dysphagia in a dog caused by a scirrhous, poorly differentiated perioesophageal carcinoma

Investigation of canine dysphagia is performed by a combination of diagnostic imaging, direct visualisation of the upper gastrointestinal tract, and ancillary diagnostic testing to differentiate between structural and functional causes. Video fluoroscopy may be especially helpful. The case of a seven-year-old Border collie that presented with a history of progressive pharyngeal dysphagia is described. Fluoroscopic investigation was initially suggestive of functional pharyngeal disease, but magnetic resonance imaging and surgical exploration demonstrated the presence of a diffuse, scirrhous, poorly differentiated carcinoma with extensive oesophageal involvement. This case highlights that, in some circumstances, fluoroscopy may occasionally be of limited use in the investigation of dysphagia in the dog.     

Surveillance for whiteflies on greenhouse roses and chrysanthemums in northern Tanzania

A specific monitoring survey for whiteflies was conducted in greenhouse-grown roses and chrysanthemums in northern Tanzania from October to December 2005. The survey objectives were to appraise the suitability of yellow traps made from locally available materials, to suggest action threshold levels, and to see if the area could be considered an Area of Low Pest Prevalence. Three farms, one growing roses and two growing chrysanthemums, were sampled in the major growing areas and Pest Management Units (PMUs) of 700 m² were formed from maps of the farmland. Twelve yellow traps were placed at intervals of 1.5 traps per PMU in the sampled farms and monitored weekly. Insects trapped included whiteflies, aphids, and occasionally fungus gnats and shore flies. The traps held insects during the period of exposure. Exposure of longer than five days in the field resulted in changes in the texture of the trap. Based on the results of these surveys, farmers are advised to take action when 1.5 whiteflies per trap in each PMU are recorded. The results show that Post Entry Plant Quarantine Inspectors could consider and recommend the area to be an Area of Low Pest Prevalence due to its tight pest management measures and routine inspections.     

PET/CT FOLLOWING INTENSITY-MODULATED RADIATION THERAPY FOR PRIMARY LUNG TUMOR IN A DOG

A primary lung tumor in a dog treated with intensity-modulated radiation therapy was imaged approximately 6 weeks and 1-year posttreatment with combined positron emission tomography (PET) and computed tomography, utilizing the radiotracers 18F-fluorodeoxyglucose and 18F-fluorothymidine. These two tracers allowed discrimination of tumor from inflammation, and demonstrated spread of tumor along airways over time after treatment. Fusion of functional imaging with anatomic imaging is a useful tool, particularly in the field of oncology, with the potential for PET markers that delineate tumor from normal or reactive tissue, and potential or actual response to therapy.