Effect of interstock (M.9 and M.27) on vegetative growth and yield of apple trees (cv “Annurca”)

With the purpose of obtaining apple plants with reduced vigour but deep and expanded root apparatus, more adapted for establishment of apple orchards in dry, windy areas and higher altitudes, different interstem/rootstock combinations were compared, using seedling as rootstock and, alternatively, two weak interstocks (M.9 and M.27). For all treatments the plants were grafted at two height from soil (10 and 20 cm), interposing interstock 10 or 20 cm long. Plants with interstock showed lower vegetative growth in comparison with control plants with a reduction of 80% (M.27) and of 50% (M.9) of canopy growth. Moreover, use of interstock determined, as compared with the control plants, an increase of fruit production and average fruit weight. It was noted that increasing the interstock length, caused reduction of plants vigour and fruit production. The results showed that, the combination “Annurca Rossa del Sud”/M.9 (10 cm long)/seedling rootstock (20 cm high) was the most efficient for productivity, early maturing and plant vigour control.     

Fruit Branding: Exploring Factors Affecting Adoption of the New Pear Cultivar ‘Angelys’ in Italian Large Retail

‘Angelys’ is a new brand of pear cultivar, produced and marketed under the trademark license model called “Club variety.” The main aim of this article was to evaluate factors triggering a potential interest in Italian large-scale retail regarding the marketing of ‘Angelys’ and how large-scale retailers would exploit it to enhance their market potential. An explorative analysis approach was applied via in-depth, semi-structured qualitative interviews with major Italian large-scale retail fruit purchase managers. The results show that although sensory properties, handling features, and Italian origin are highly appreciated by professional customers, the need to sell at a premium price might limit the interest of retailers for this new variety. Finally, implications and recommendations for academics and operators are discussed.     

Medetomidine–ketamine–sevoflurane anaesthesia in juvenile Nile crocodiles (Crocodylus niloticus) undergoing experimental surgery

Objective

To describe the anaesthetic, physiological and side effects of intramuscular (IM) medetomidine and ketamine, followed by inhalational anaesthesia with sevoflurane, in Nile crocodiles (Crocodylus niloticus).

Treatment of canine Old World visceral leishmaniasis: a systematic review

Canine visceral leishmaniasis is a systemic disease caused by Leishmania infantum. The aim of this systematic review was to identify and evaluate the evidence of efficacy of interventions for treatment or prevention of canine visceral leishmaniasis, and to propose recommendations for or against their use. Forty-seven articles describing clinical trials published between 1980 and 2004 fulfilled selection criteria. The evaluation of clinical trials provided good evidence for recommending the use of meglumine antimoniate at a minimum dosage of 100 mg kg(-1) daily for at least 3-4 weeks, combined with allopurinol in order to obtain a good clinical efficacy and a reduced relapse rate. The evaluation of the articles also provided fair evidence for recommending the use of pentamidine (4 mg kg(-1) twice weekly) and aminosidine (5 mg kg(-1) twice daily) for 3-4 weeks. There was insufficient evidence for recommending the use of allopurinol alone, amphotericin B, buparvaquone, ketoconazole, enrofloxacin, and the combinations of metronidazole with spiramicyn or metronidazole with enrofloxacin. Fair evidence against the use of aminosidine at high dosages (20-80 mg kg(-1) per day) was proposed due to its side effects. Evaluation of articles on repellent measures against sand fly vectors of leishmaniasis provided good evidence for recommending deltamethrin collars and fair evidence for recommending spot-on permethrin.     

Pathology of the testicle and sex accessory glands following the administration of boldenone and boldione as growth promoters in veal calves

Boldenone and its precursor Boldione are illegally used for anabolic purposes in humans, horses and cattle. To develop more effective policies and programs to maximize food security, Italian Public Health Services investigate all indicators capable of assisting the recognition of treated animals, and prioritize research and the formulation of action strategies for the promotion of healthy eating. Thus, an experimental administration of boldenone and boldione at anabolic dosages in veal calves was carried out to evaluate the changes in target organs by qualitative and semi-quantitative morphological analysis. The lesions resembled the effects already observed after the administration of androgen hormones to cattle. Main findings were represented by prostate hypersecretion, increased rate of apoptotic cells and decreased rate of Ki67 positive cells in the germ cell line of treated animals, particularly in boldione group and finally some new features like hypertrophy of the prostate urothelial cells.