Comparative Genomics for Gene Isolation in Legumes

The similarity in gene order between closely related taxa suggests that genomic information from model systems should facilitate gene isolation and characterization in target crops. If this is the case, a great deal of effort and investment can be saved by focusing attention on a few model systems that have appropriate applicability. Pea （Pisura sativum） provides a good test case： its genome is large and the insertion sites for repetitive elements, which comprise the bulk of its genome, are highly polymorphic （Jing et al., 2005; Vershinin et al., 2003）, so we expect a great deal of structural polymorphism between the genomes of Pisum lines. Yet the genetic map of Pisum is essentially coUinear with Medicago （Choi et al., 2004; Kalo et al., 2004）.     

Analysis of archive samples of spring and winter barley support an increase in individual Fusarium species in Bavarian barley grain over the last decades

Journal of Plant Diseases and Protection - A broad range of different Fusarium (F.) species is associated with Fusarium head blight (FHB) on barley and the corresponding negative effects in...     

Efficacy of avermectin B1 given orally against equine intestinal strongyles and Onchocera microfilaria

Three groups of horses and ponies (N = 13, 13 and 12) were treated with ivermectin paste (0.2 mg/kg p.o.), avermectin B1 solution (0.2 mg/kg p.o.), or fenbendazole suspension (10 mg/kg via nasogastric tube). The avermectin B1 was a 1% solution in a propylene glycolglycerol formal base. Faecal strongyle egg counts were performed before, and 14, 28, 42, 56 and 70 d, after treatment. Full-thickness skin biopsies from the neck, pectoral and umbilical regions were examined for Onchocera microfilaria before treatment, and again 14 and 70 d later. Ivermectin therapy produced a significant (P less than 0.01) decrease in mean strongyle egg counts 14, 28, 42 and 56 d after treatment. Avermectin B1 therapy resulted in significant (P less than 0.01) decreases in mean strongyle egg counts 14, 28 and 42 d after treatment. All horses given ivermectin or avermectin B1 had zero strongyle egg counts 14 and 28 d after treatment. Fenbendazole failed to significantly decrease strongyle egg counts. Both ivermectin and avermectin B1 resulted in zero microfilaria counts in all horses 14 d after treatment. On day 70 the percentage decrease in microfilaria counts were 100% and 99.6% respectively. Fenbendazole failed to significantly decrease microfilaria counts. The oral administration of this formulation of avermectin B1 appeared to be highly efficacious against intestinal strongyles and Onchocera microfilaria. The duration of anti-strongyle activity was, however, significantly (P less than 0.01) shorter than that of ivermectin paste.     

Proteolytic enzymes in fish development and the importance of dietary enzymes

The development of proteolytic enzymes (trypsin, chymotrypsin and aminopeptidase) was studied in three species of fish: Coregonus sp. (hybrids of C. wartmanni and C. lavaretus from Lake Constance), Salmo gairdneri and Rutilus rutilus. Enzyme activity increased more or less with increasing age, particularly in R. rutilus. In this species (a stomachless cyprinid), the level of proteolytic activity was considerably higher than that of S. gairdneri and Coregonus. However, in trout, the low activity of pancreatic enzymes may be compensated by the action of the stomach whereas in coregonids the stomach is not developed until 50 days (body weight without gut content: 65 mg; temperature: 10°C) after hatching. In coregonids this may lead to insufficient digestion of proteins which nevertheless can be compensated by the use of exogenous (dietary) enzymes ingested together with the natural diet. In coregonid larvae fed with Moina sp., exogenous trypsin represents a very high portion of the total tryptic activity. In juveniles older than 60 days (> 150 mg) and in the other two species, the exogenous portion of tryptic activity is less important. Furthermore, a change in the pattern of tryptic isozymes has been found during development of coregonids. It is concluded that low enzyme production as well as the absence of a stomach in the first few weeks after hatching are two important reasons for difficulties in rearing coregonids on an artificial diet.