Wind Damage to the Leaves of Sycamore (Acer pseudoplatanus L.) in Coastal and Non-coastal Stands

Wind damage to the leaves of sycamore (Acer pseudoplatanus L.)trees was examined at five sites in Northern Ireland duringJune and September, 1986 by estimating the percentage of leafarea showing lesions, discoloration or actual loss of laminasurface. Levels of damage on individual leaves ranged up to 46.6 percent of the leaf area but few leaves had damage greater than10 percent. Two sites showed relatively low levels of damage(about 2 per cent of lamina damaged); one site was inland, andthe other, although coastal, was well sheltered. The three othersites had damage in excess of 3.5 per cent of the lamina area—thesite with the highest levels of damage being the most exposedsite and the one probably experiencing the greatest amount ofturbulence. Most damage had occurred by June and there was littleincrease in damage levels between the June and September samples;there was however evidence of the premature loss of the mosthighly damaged leaves. Regression analysis indicated that at sites showing the highestlevels of damage, the most highly damaged leaves were the smallest.It is argued that in these cases the damage to the leaves issufficiently high to prevent full leaf expansion. At sites wherethe overall damage levels were lower, there was either a non-significantrelationship between percentage leaf damage and leaf area ora significant positive relationship. It is suggested here thatthe damage levels are not great enough to inhibit the expandingleaves reaching full size.     

Ophthalmological findings in a closed herd of Lipizzaners

Reasons for performing the study: There are no studies on the ophthalmic health status in the Lipizzaner breed. Objective: To perform an ophthalmological survey in a closed herd in 3 housing systems. Materials: All horses at the Federal Stud Piber, Heldenberg and the Spanish Riding School Vienna were subjected to ophthalmological examination. Findings were documented and correlated with factors such as age, gender, location and housing situation. The interrelation of abnormalities of different regions was determined by calculating accuracy. Pedigree analysis of horses affected by cataract was performed. Results: A total of 267 horses met the inclusion criteria of this study. Of these, 172 horses were stabled in Piber, 72 in Vienna and 23 in Heldenberg. Ophthalmological examination revealed 203 cases with ocular findings, predominantly involving the conjunctiva (44.6%), cornea (21.7%) and fundus (37.5%). In 24 (8.9%) horses a diagnosis of cataract was made. There was no interrelation between different eye diseases. Horses stabled at Piber were significantly more affected by conjunctival and fundic abnormalities. Fewer abnormalities were found in horses stabled in open boxes. Access to free stalls resulted in more cases of conjunctivitis. Pedigree analysis showed no evidence of inbreeding as a cause of cataract formation. Conclusion and potential relevance: Acquired corneal abnormalities were over‐represented in this study. This survey may serve as a basis for further research on the pathogenesis of ophthalmic diseases in Lipizzaners.