Evaluation of PCR,IEF and ELISA techniques for the detection and identification of potato cyst nematodes from field soil samples in England and Wales

Effective management of potato cyst nematodes (PCNs) requires simple, rapid and accurate identification and quantification of field populations. Soil samples from a survey of 484 fields in potato rotations in England and Wales were used to compare the identification and quantification of PCNs using IEF, PCR, ELISA and bait plant tests. The cyst counts and bait plant test revealed that 64.3% of field samples contained PCNs. Bait plant tests increased the detection rate of PCNs in field samples by 4–6.4%. This means that some infestations are cryptic and would not normally be detected by standard counts. IEF, PCR and ELISA methods distinguished between Globodera rostochiensis and G pallida and were able to register mixed populations; however they were not in full agreement. All methods suggested that G pallida is the dominant species in the field samples tested. The PCR results indicated that 66% of field samples contained pure G pallida, 8% contained pure G rostochiensis and 26% contained mixtures of the two species. Estimates of the relative process times taken per sample in the PCR, IEF and ELISA techniques are given. © 2001 Society of Chemical Industry     

Biochemical identification of putative GABA/benzodiazepine receptors in house fly thorax muscles

[³H]Flunitrazepam ([³H]Flu) was used to identify benzodiazepine binding sites in house fly thorax muscle membranes using a filter assay. [³H]Flu bound to a finite number of sites in a concentration- and time-dependent manner, reaching equilibrium in 10 min. Scatchard plots of the binding indicated a high-affinity site at 0.2 pmol/mg protein (K_d 24.3 nM) and a low-affinity site at 8.2 pmol/mg protein (K_d994nM). Binding of [³H]Flu to the high-affinity binding site was inhibited by several benzodiazepine analogs, with Flu, diazepam, and Ro 5-4864 being more potent than β-CCE, Ro 5-3027, and Ro 5-2180. Clonazepam was least potent in inhibiting [³H]Flu binding. Thus, the drug specificity of these insect muscle benzodiazepine binding sites was quite different from both the mammalian central and peripheral benzodiazepine receptor sites, though closer to the peripheral ones. GABA (γ-aminobutyric acid) and its agonists enhanced the specific binding of [³H]Flu in a dose-dependent manner, and this effect was inhibited with the GABA antagonist bicuculline. The effect was biphasic since at high GABA concentrations this stimulation was reduced. The data suggest that house fly muscles have benzodiazepine receptors, which are coupled allosterically to GABA receptors, analogous to the GABA/benzodiazepine receptors of vertebrates, but with some differences in their drug specificities.     

Effect of temperature and photoperiod on development and fecundity of an acarophagous ladybird beetle,Stethorus gilvifrons

The development, fecundity and survival ofStethorus gilvifrons Mulsant (Coleoptera: Coccinellidae) fed onTetranychus cinnabarinus Boisduval (Acari: Tetranychidae) were recorded at three constant temperatures (20, 25 and 30±1°C) and 50±10% relative humidity, under two photoperiods (16:8 L:D and 8:16 L:D) produced using artificial light (4000 lux). The development rate for the egg stage (r_[Te]) increased linearly with increasing temperature (r_[Te]=0.0132*T ? 0.0955; R²=0.95). The theoretical egg-development threshold was estimated to be 7.24°C; 75.75 degree-days (DD) were required for hatching. The total development time (r_[Tt]) also decreased linearly with increasing temperature (r_[Tt]=0.0039*T ? 0.0325; R²=0.98). The development threshold was estimated to be 8.33°C and full development from egg to adult required 256.41 DD. Higher temperatures resulted in a shorter generation time (T ₀) and decreased net reproductive rate (R ₀). The length of the previposition and postoviposition period, as well as longevity, decreased significantly with increasing temperature under both photoperiods. The oviposition and postoviposition periods, longevity, and total fecundity were not significantly affected by photoperiod. The values of both the intrinsic rate of increase (r _m ) andR ₀ were highest under the long-day photoperiod at 25°C. The mortality rate was lowest at 20°C under the short-day photoperiod. Of the conditions tested, the optimum temperature for rearingS. gilvifrons was 25°C and the optimum photoperiod was 16:8 L:D.     

Chemical and biological evaluation of proteins and mucilages from roots and seeds ofGlossostemon bruguieri Desf. (Moghat)

The powdered roots of moghat (Glossostemon bruguieri) have been traditionally used in Eastern countries for their nutritive and therapeutic value. However, the biological effects of the plant constituents have not been proved on the basis of scientific research. The present study aimed to evaluate the content and composition of proteins and mucilages of the roots and seeds of moghat, as well as the hypoglycemic effect of the mucilages. The crude protein constituted 19.5% of the seeds, while it made up 4.5% of the peeled dried roots ofGlossostemon bruguieri (Moghat). Glutamic acid, proline, leucine, phenylalanine, histidine and arginine were abundant in the protein of both plant parts; 72 and 83%, respectively. Valine, cysteine, methionine and lysine were detected only in seed protein. Molecular weights of the seed proteins were 50 000, 45 000 and 22 000. Moghat seeds contained 5.0% mucilage, while 15.75% and 29.60% were recorded in roots of one- and two-year-old plants, respectively. GLC investigation showed that both these plant parts contained rhamnose, xylose, mannose and galacturonic acid. Arabinose (1.8%) and glucuronic acid (14.6%) were present only in the seeds, while galactose constituted 33.7 to 34.5% of the root mucilage. Age of the roots was reflected in quantitative differences rather than qualitative ones. The root mucilages had remarkable hypoglycemic activity, decreasing the blood glucose level in diabetic rats by 54.5% within 15 days. Accordingly, moghat roots should be investigated as potential medical and nutritive food.     

Towards community-based in situ conservation strategies: a typological analysis of Borgou cattle herding systems in northeastern Benin

A thorough knowledge of cattle herding systems is very important for planning sustainable genetic improvement and conservation strategies. This paper is initiated to characterize Benin native Borgou cattle farming systems in its department of origin by mean of survey including 180 cattle farmers owning at least one phenotype of that breed. Using multiple correspondence analysis and hierarchical ascending classification, four groups of Borgou cattle farms have been identified. The first group qualified as “semi-intensive purebred Borgou cattle farming” own high numbers (87.2 ± 3.95 heads) purchased and reared with the view to promote its genetic improvement, its production, and its conservation as Benin animal genetic resource. The second group (sedentary purebred Borgou cattle farming) is represented by Bariba ethnic group with small numbers (22.18 ± 0.71 heads) of purebred Borgou cattle used mainly for draught. Cattle farmers of the third group are “large transhumant of Zebu and Borgou crossbred cattle farmers” represented by Fulani and Gando ethnic groups whose herds are generally composed of high numbers (75.20 ± 3.43 heads) of cattle acquired by purchasing, inheriting, and fostering. The last one is the “small transhumant of Zebu and Borgou crossbred cattle farming” with an average herd size of 31.98 ± 0.72 heads. Cattle farming is their main activity and animals are used for the production of milk and cheese. These distinctions between Borgou cattle farmers can be an anchorage point for designing sustainable community-based in situ conservation strategies for safeguarding this local breed in its original cradle.

     

Differential allelopathic potential of sunflower (Helianthus annuus L.) genotypes on weeds and wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) crop

Studies were conducted to screen eight sunflower (Helianthus annuus L.) genotypes for their allelopathic potential against weeds and wheat crop, which customarily follows sunflower in Iraq. All sunflower genotypes significantly inhibited the total number and biomass of companion weeds and the magnitude of inhibition was genotype dependent. Among the eight genotypes tested, Sin-Altheeb and Coupon were the most weed-suppressing cultivars, and Euroflor and Shumoos were the least. A subsequent field experiment indicated that sunflower residues incorporated into the field soil significantly inhibited the total number and biomass of weeds growing in the wheat field. Sunflower genotypes Sin-Altheeb and Coupon appeared to inhibit total weed number and biomass more and significantly increased wheat yield compared with the least-suppressive genotypes (Euroflor and Shumoos). Chromatographic analyses by HPLC revealed the presence of 13 secondary metabolites in residues of the tested sunflower genotypes. All the isolated compounds appeared to be phenolic, with the exception of terpinol, which is a terpenoid derivative. The total concentration of Phytotoxins (phenolic compounds) was found to be higher in the most-suppressive potential genotypes compared with the least-suppressive genotypes.     

Ameliorative effects of sodium bentonite on phagocytosis and Newcastle disease antibody formation in broiler chickens during aflatoxicosis

The ameliorative effect of graded levels of dietary sodium bentonite (0.2, 0.4 and 0.6 per cent wt/wt of feed) on in vitro-impaired phagocytosis and suppressed immune response to Newcastle disease vaccine during aflatoxicosis (AF) in broiler chicks was investigated. Both percentage and mean of phagocytic activities were decreased significantly (P < 0.05) in chicks fed 2.5 mg aflatoxin per kg feed. The addition of sodium bentonite was significantly effective in ameliorating the negative effect of AF on the percentage and mean of phagocytosis. The presence of AF alone in the diet depressed the immune response of chicks as measured by haemagglutination inhibition (HI) test. Sodium bentonite was also effective in ameliorating the suppressive effect of AF on the HI -titre in chicks vaccinated against Newcastle disease. The best results obtained when sodium bentonite was added at the rate of 0.4 per cent wt/wt of feed to the AF-containing diets.     

Potassium distribution in root and non‐root zones of two cotton genotypes and its accumulation in their organs as affected by drought and potassium stress conditions

A rhizobox experiment was conducted to compare the differences of soil potassium (K) distribution and absorption between two cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.) genotypes under drought and K‐deficit conditions. Treatments included two levels of water (drought and optimum soil moisture: 25% and 35% volumetric water content) and K fertilizer rates (0 and 0.48 g potash kg^?1 soil) applied to two cotton genotypes (namely HEG and LEG). Both the genotypes showed significant differences in total K accumulation without exogenous K addition. After absorption, soil content of the readily available potassium (RAK) decreased rapidly. This promoted the conversion of the mineral K into slowly available potassium (SAK). Drought significantly decreased the cotton growth and K use efficiency, and thereby reduced the effect of K fertilizer. Consequantly, the contents of RAK and SAK were greatly increased. However, K bioavailability was decreased under water stress conditions. Differences in root parameters and soil microorganisms between two cotton genotypes were significantly increased and had marked relations with available soil K contents. This study provides important information for understanding the mechanism of K use efficiency, especially under water and K stress.     

Changes in chemical composition of Phoenix canariensis Hort. Ex Chabaud palm seed oil during the ripening process

The aim of this investigation is to compare the physicochemical properties and chemical composition of Phoenix canariensis seed oil at different stages of seed date ripening. It was demonstrated that the saponification number of the oil increases during the maturation from 179.24 to 191.28 (mg KOH/g of oil), whereas the seed oil yield, the iodine number, the p-anisidine value, the peroxide value, the acidity and the unsaponifiable matter decrease from 14.73% to 10.36%, from 89.37 to 76.66 (g/100 g of oil), from 5.51 to 3.67, from 17.66 to 3.62 (mequiv. O₂/kg of oil), from 1.49% to 0.59% and from 2.72% to 1.77%, respectively. The tocol content increases as the maturity advanced. The percentages of sterols show continuous changes during ripening. The saturated fatty acid content increases throughout the ripening process. The oleic fatty acid content decreases during the seeds maturation, but increases at the end, whereas linoleic acid content initially shows an increase, and then a decrease. The total phosphorus content decreases during the period of ripening. The three samples of the seed oil show a high kinetic stability during the heating and cooling, as characterised by the differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). The DSC curves reveal an increase in the melting point from −7.73 °C to 3.71 °C but the melting enthalpy remains the same, 62.06 J/g, during the ripening of the dates.     

A Comparison Investigation on Antioxidant Activities,Physicochemical Properties and Phytochemical Contents of Kiwifruit Genotypes and Cultivars

The present work was conducted to find the physicochemical properties, chemical components and antioxidant capacity of kiwifruit hydroalcoholic extracts (B-31, HO-1-14, J-242, Bruno, Greenlight, Hayward, Monty, Topstar) grown Yalova, Turkey. Phytochemical tests were performed to determine total phenolic, flavonoid and ascorbic acid. Moreover, the kiwifruit extracts were subjected to evaluate their antioxidant potential using different in vitro assays such as total antioxidant, inhibition of lipid peroxidation, reducing power, metal chelating, free radical, H₂O₂ and superoxide anion scavenging activities at 50–500 μg mL^?1, and also found EC₅₀ and IC₅₀ values. The soluble solid content (SSC), titratable acidity (TA) and pH were analyzed in all the genotypes and cultivars. The highest total phenolic, flavonoid and ascorbic acid content were found in J-242 (89.53 mg GAE/100 g), J-242 (109.13 mg QE/100 g) and HO-1-14 (64.15 mg/100 g), respectively. The linoleic, palmitic, stearic and oleic acid methyl esters were detected in all kiwifruit extracts by GC/MS. Significant differences were found between genotypes and cultivars in the antioxidant tests. The extracts showed high inhibition of lipid peroxidation and compared to standards, significantly (p < 0.05). The GC/MS analyses confirmed quantitative variability in the antioxidant profiles. The SSC, TA and pH of kiwifruit genotypes and cultivars showed a moderate level. The key parameters for the most active kiwifruit included the following: total antioxidant activity for B-31, H₂O₂ scavenging activity for J-242 and metal chelating activity for Topstar. In conclusion, this study exhibited the important role played by the genotypes and cultivars background on the chemical content and antioxidant profiles.