Application of nox-restriction fragment length polymorphism for the differentiation of Brachyspira intestinal spirochetes isolated from pigs and poultry in Australia.

Sixty-nine intestinal spirochetes isolated from pigs and poultry in eastern Australia were selected to evaluate the effectiveness of a species-specific PCR-based restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP) analysis of the Brachyspira nox gene. For comparative purposes, all isolates were subjected to species-specific PCRs for the pathogenic species Brachyspira hyodysenteriae and Brachyspira pilosicoli, and selected isolates were examined further by sequence analysis of the nox and 16S ribosomal RNA genes. Modifications to the original nox-RFLP method included direct inoculation of bacterial cells into the amplification mixture and purification of the PCR product, which further optimized the nox-RFLP for use in a veterinary diagnostic laboratory, producing sufficient product for both species identification and future comparisons. Although some novel profiles that prevented definitive identification were observed, the nox-RFLP method successfully classified 45 of 51 (88%) porcine and 15 of 18 (83%) avian isolates into 5 of the 6 recognized species of Brachyspira. This protocol represents a significant improvement over conventional methods currently used in veterinary diagnostic laboratories for rapid specific identification of Brachyspira spp. isolated from both pigs and poultry.     

越南对抗角斑病棉花品种的选育（英）

I Introduction Bacterial Blight (Xanthomonas malvacearum ,BB) was probably originated in India, although the disease was first reported in the USA by Atkinson (1891), who gave the names angular leaf spot, blackarm and bacterial boll rot to the various stages in the syndrome of the disease. The first programme to breed for cultivar resistance to the disease was initiated in Sudan by research officers with the Cotton Research Corporation. Methods adopted there were soon implemented in Uganda and most of the early resistant varieties grown in many African countries were derived from the Uganda programme.     

Operation of the Ba Lai irrigation system in the Mekong Delta, Vietnam

Ba Lai Irrigation Project is located at coastal area in the Mekong Delta. In dry season when the flow rate decreases and the strong east wind blows into the delta, the salinity intrusion increases and seriously affects agricultural and domestic water use. Intakes of Ba Lai system have to be closed for 1–3 months depending on their locations, and no water supply during this period often causes water pollution in the project area. In order to solve such problems, this study aims to seek gate operation procedures for salinity control and water environment improvement. A numerical model is developed to simulate water movement, salinity concentration and duration of remaining water (water age) within the system under three scenarios: (1) without control structures, (2) with available control structures, (3) with the full control structures. Through the numerical simulations, control structures are confirmed to be an effective measure for the salinity control and suitable gate operation schedules are proposed to improve the water environment in the project.     

RNA‐based biocontrol compounds: current status and perspectives to reach the market

Facing current climate challenges and drastically reduced chemical options for plant protection, the exploitation of RNA interference (RNAi) as an agricultural biotechnology tool has unveiled possible new solutions to the global problems of agricultural losses caused by pests and other biotic and abiotic stresses. While the use of RNAi as a tool in agriculture is still limited to a few transgenic crops, and only adopted in restricted parts of the world, scientists and industry are already seeking innovations in leveraging and exploiting the potential of RNAi in the form of RNA‐based biocontrol compounds for external applications. Here, we highlight the expanding research and development pipeline, commercial landscape and regulatory environment surrounding the pursuit of RNA‐based biocontrol compounds with improved environmental profiles. The commitments of well‐established agrochemical companies to invest in research endeavours and the role of start‐up companies are crucial for the successful development of practical applications for these compounds. Additionally, the availability of standardized guidelines to tackle regulatory ambiguities surrounding RNA‐based biocontrol compounds will help to facilitate the entire commercialization process. Finally, communication to create awareness and public acceptance will be key to the deployment of these compounds. © 2019 Society of Chemical Industry     

Brittle tail syndrome is an emerging infection in horses caused by a keratinolytic fungus Equicapillimyces hongkongensis gen. nov., sp. nov

The newly described brittle tail syndrome causes weakening and breakage of the tail hair of horses. Extensive mycological and molecular studies showed that a novel fungus Equicapillimyces hongkongensis gen. nov., sp. nov. is the most likely cause of this syndrome. It is a septate branching hyaline mould which grows optimally at 30°C, requires nicotinic acid but is inhibited by cycloheximide, and specifically infects horse hair. Hyphae fill the core of infected hair shafts with short-necked structures resembling ascomata containing banana-shaped septate ascospore-like structures perforating the hair cortex from within. Compared to asymptomatic horses (n=31), horses with clinical signs of the syndrome (n=22) are significantly more likely to have positive E. hongkongensis gen. nov., sp. nov. smear (6.5% vs. 100%), culture (6.5% vs. 72.7%), and PCR (32.3% vs. 100%, P<0.001 for all). No other potential pathogens were found on bacteriological and mycological culture or PCR (for Trichophyton, Microsporum and Epidermophyton). Genotyping of pure E. hongkongensis gen. nov., sp. nov. isolates and their corresponding direct specimens by PCR and sequencing of the 18S rRNA, ITS1-5.8S-ITS2, 28S rRNA, beta-actin, beta-tubulin, and elongation factor 1 alpha showed that they are all identical but unique, and related distantly to fungi mostly in the class Sordariomycetes and the family Ophiostomataceae. Its geographical distribution, environmental or animal reservoirs are still unknown. Besides the ugly appearance of infected horse tails, this fungus may emerge as another equine pathogen if it affects the skin and hoof of horses.