Effects of Coconut Husk and Sphagnum Moss-Based Media on Growth and Yield of Romaine and Buttercrunch Lettuce (Lactuca Sativa) in a Non-Circulating Hydroponics System

A comparison was made to investigate the effects of two potting methods: coconut husk/ sphagnum moss and a plastic forestry tube with a peat-based medium (Sunshine® mix #1, Sungro Horticulture, Agawam, MA, USA), on the growth and yield of Romaine ‘Ridgeline’ and Buttercrunch ‘UH Manoa’ lettuce (Lactuca sativa) using a non-circulating hydroponics system. Two-week old lettuce seedlings were transplanted into 5 cm holes, 20 × 30 cm apart on polystyrene bead boards fitted on top of a 0.6 m wide, 1.2 m long and 25 cm deep hydroponics tanks. A standard hydroponics nutrient solution was prepared using Chem Gro® (Hydro-Gardens, Colorado Springs, CO) (8-15-36 + micronutrients), calcium nitrate [Ca(NO₃)₂] and magnesium sulfate (MgSO₄). Each tank contained either one lettuce variety, replicated 12 times in completely randomized design. Growth and yields significantly increased in both lettuce varieties grown in coconut husk/sphagnum moss plugs which were attributed by their relatively greater water holding capacities and a more favorable media that allowed better root growth.     

Glyphosate injury on Cyperus esculent us leaves and basal bulbs: histological study

The effect of glyphosate on leaves and basal bulbs of yellow nutsedge (Cyperus esculentus L.) plants was studied. Treatment with glyphosate did not affect leaf anatomy, although light necrotic spots were seen on the veins. In contrast, basal bulb organization was greatly affected with large necrotic zones and disorganization in the vascular cylinder due to herbicide accumulation. Depletion or disappearance of vacuolar phenols was observed in bulbs of plants treated with the highest doses of glyphosate. The most remarkable effect of glyphosate was the appearance of one layer of sclerenchymatic cells between root and rhizome primordia and the cortical tissues which could play an important role in the inhibition of rhizome and root emergence by the herbicide.     

Experimental Infections of Bluegill with the Trematode Ribeiroia ondatrae (Digenea: Cathaemasiidae): Histopathology and Hematological Response

Infections by the digenetic trematode, Ribeiroia ondatrae, cause severe limb malformations in many North American amphibians. Ribeiroia ondatrae also infects fishes as second intermediate hosts, but less is known about the pathology and immune responses initiated in infected fish, even though reports of infected fish date back to early 1900s. To this end, we experimentally exposed juvenile Bluegills Lepomis macrochirus to three doses of R. ondatrae cercariae and monitored the pathology, parasite infection success, and humoral responses over 648 h. All exposed fish became infected with metacercariae, and the average infection load increased with exposure dose. Histologically, infection was associated with acute hemorrhages in the lateral line and local dermis at 36 h, followed by progressive granulomatous inflammation that led to the destruction of encysted metacercariae. Correspondingly, over the course of 648 h we observed an 85% decline in average infection load among hosts, reflecting the host's clearance of the parasite. Infection was not associated with changes in fish growth or survival, but did correlate with leukocytosis and neutrophilia in circulating host blood. Understanding the physiological responses of R. ondatrae in Bluegill will help to clarify the ecological effects of this parasite and provide a foundation for subsequent comparisons into its effects on behavior, individual health, and population dynamics of Bluegill.

Received March 4, 2015; accepted August 9, 2015     

Effect of Breeding Activity on the Microflora of the External Genitalia and in the Semen of Stallions,and the Relationship Between Micro‐organisms on the Skin and on the External Genitalia

A possible role of breeding activities in the composition of the microbial population in stallions' external genitalia (EG) and the relationship between micro‐organisms colonizing the skin of the abdomen and the ones colonizing the EG have not been studied. In experiment 1, EG microbiological samples were collected from 41 stallions used for both natural cover and semen collection (BST) and from 18 non‐breeding stallions (NBST). A higher (p < 0.05) frequency of isolation of potentially pathogenic species was found for BST. Age did not influence number of micro‐organism species isolated both in BST and NBST. In experiment 2, the microbial content of the EG and semen was compared in 23 BST. Most micro‐organisms isolated from the EG were present in semen, albeit with a numerically lower prevalence. In 7 stallions, six microbial species isolated from semen were absent from the EG cultures, suggesting contamination by the operator. In experiment 3, a numerically higher number of micro‐organism species was isolated from the EG of 31 stallions, than from their skin of the ventral abdomen in contact with the penis or from the skin of the thorax. With the sole exception of Escherichia coli, potentially pathogenic bacteria were only isolated from the EG but not from the skin. Results suggest that breeding activity increased the number of species colonizing the EG; most species isolated from the EG were also found in semen even if with a lower frequency, and additional semen contamination seemed to occur during its manipulation. Many micro‐organism species of the skin were also isolated from the penis, but independently of being or not in contact with the penis, skin did not seem to provide an adequate environment for the growth of potentially pathogenic bacteria that were isolated from EG, with the sole exception for E. coli.     

Changes in productivity and profitability of wool-growing farms that follow recommendations from agricultural and veterinary studies

Objective To estimate the changes in productivity and profitability in a group of wool-growing farms as they adopted major recommendations from agricultural and veterinary studies.
Farms Four wool-growing farms in south western Victoria were selected from the clients of the Mackinnon Project, a farm consultancy service run from the University of Melbourne. Each farm had closely followed recommended procedures, kept comprehensive financial and physical records and had been clients for at least 5 years. The comparison group was the South Western Victoria Monitor Farm Project (SWVMFP), about 45 farms in the same region as the study farms that were monitored annually by Agriculture Victoria.
Procedure For a 7-year period, the financial and physical performance of both groups of farms was estimated. Stocking rate, wool production, gross farm income, farm operating costs, net farm income and return on assets were compared.
Results Mean gross farm income of the four study farms steadily rose from 86% of the average SWVMFP farm before the adoption of recommendations to an average of 155%. During the same period, net farm income rose from 70% to 207% of the average of the SWVMFP. Return on asset of the four farms rose irregularly from 26% to 145% of the average of the SWVMFP. Farm operating costs on the four farms were higher than for the SWVMFP group, but the ratio of costs remained relatively constant.
Conclusion The adoption of proven research results was associated with large increases in net farm income. An increase in gross income, rather than a reduction in costs was the main reason for this. Research results offer a way to increase the financial viability of wool-growing farmers, many of whom are currently unable to maintain their lifestyle, resources and infrastructure.     

Effect of ensiled hop (Humulus lupulus L.) residues on plasma acetate turnover rate in sheep

An isotope dilution method using [1‐¹³C]sodium acetate was applied to determine the effect of feeding ensiled hop (Humulus lupulus L.) residues on plasma acetate turnover rate in six adult crossbred sheep. The sheep were fed 63 g/kg body weight (BW)^0.75/day of either mixed hay of orchardgrass (Dactylis glomerata L.) and reed canarygrass (Phalaris arundinacea L.) and round bale silage at 3:1 ratio (Hay‐diet), or another where round bale silage was replaced by ensiled hop residues (Hop‐diet) with a crossover design each of a 3‐week period. The isotope dilution method was performed on day 21 of each dietary treatment. Dry matter digestibility was similar between diets, and nitrogen (N) digestibility was lower (P = 0.001) for Hop‐diet than Hay‐diet. However, N retention did not differ between diets. Plasma acetate concentration was lower (P = 0.04) for Hop‐diet than Hay‐diet, and the turnover rate of plasma acetate did not differ between diets. Plasma concentration of lactate and non‐esterified fatty acids were similar between diets. Hop‐diet was found almost comparable to Hay‐diet on plasma acetate turnover rate in the present experimental conditions. Therefore, it could be concluded that hop residues partially could be used as an alternative to traditionally used round bale silage for rearing sheep.     

Determination by near-infrared spectroscopy of perseitol used as a marker for the botanical origin of avocado (Persea americana Mill.) honey

This paper reports the application of near-infrared (NIR) reflectance spectroscopy to determine the concentration in honey of perseitol, a sugar that is specific to avocado honey. Reference values for perseitol were obtained by high-performance liquid chromatography analysis in 109 honey samples. Although the average concentration of perseitol in honey samples was only 0.48%, accurate prediction equations were successfully developed. The regression model of modified partial least squares was superior to that of principal component regressions. Calibrations based on the first or second derivative of Log(1/R) were equally good (R(2) > 0.95). Using half of the samples for calibration and the second half for validation, the correlation between actual and predicted values of the second half was satisfactory (R(2) = 0.87), the slope did not differ from 1, bias was low (0.005%), and the standard error of prediction was relatively low (0.13%). It was concluded that NIRS analysis may be used to detect to what extent honeybees have harvested avocado nectar but not to authenticate avocado honey as unifloral.     

The dispersal of Culicoides brevitarsis in eastern New South Wales and associations with the occurrences of arbovirus infections in cattle

Distributions of the vector Culicoides brevitarsis Kieffer (Diptera: Ceratopogonidae) (determined from light trap data) and 2 arboviruses (determined from seroconversions in sentinel cattle) were studied in eastern New South Wales in 1993–94. C brevitarsis was recorded progressively from endemic areas on the north coast, to Nowra on the south coast, and westward to Scone, in the Hunter Valley. C brevitarsis also survived through winter at Paterson, in the Hunter Valley. Its apparently focal reappearance in this marginal area had no obvious effect on the broad pattern of its progression or the dispersal of Akabane and bluetongue viruses. These viruses were first recorded from foci near Coffs Harbour, on the mid-north coast. Their first occurrences at different locations were associated with those of C brevitarsis, but not with each other. The viruses were found only within the recorded limits of the vector's distribution. Delays between the initial occurrence of C brevitarsis and first evidence of virus transmissions at locations ranged from 2 to 7 months. The delays decreased away from the points of focus and were negatively associated with the time of initial occurrence of the vector. Seroconversions to the viruses were related to the presence of C brevitarsis. However, the densities of C brevitarsis had no apparent effect on the initial numbers of cattle seroconverting to either virus. The results support the conclusion that the progressions of C brevitarsis and Akabane and bluetongue viruses were the result of gradual movements by the vector.     

Effects of tolazoline and yohimbine on xylazine-induced central nervous system depression, bradycardia, and tachypnea in sheep

We compared the ability of tolazoline and yohimbine to antagonize xylazine-induced central nervous system depression, bradycardia, and tachypnea in 9 ewes and 5 rams. Once a week for 3 weeks, each sheep received one IV treatment of 0.4 mg xylazine/kg, 0.4 mg xylazine/kg followed in 10 minutes by 2 mg tolazoline/kg, or 0.4 mg xylazine/kg followed in 10 minutes by 0.2 mg yohimbine/kg. The order of the 3 treatments in each sheep was randomized. Xylazine alone caused recumbency for 41.0 +/- 3.7 minutes (mean +/- SEM). Tolazoline and yohimbine shortened the xylazine-induced recumbency to 12.1 +/- 0.9 minutes and 18.1 +/- 1.5 minutes, respectively. Sheep given xylazine alone had head droop for 34.0 +/- 5.4 minutes after rising. Head drooping of sheep given tolazoline or yohimbine was reduced to 10.1 +/- 1.7 minutes and 14.2 +/- 1.7 minutes, respectively. Both tolazoline and yohimbine reversed the bradycardia and tachypnea that followed xylazine administration. No statistical differences in the rate and magnitude of the reversal were observed between the 2 drugs.