Factors affecting the development of disease symptoms in potatoes infected by <Emphasis Type="Italic">Tobacco rattle virus</Emphasis>

Infection of potato plants with Tobacco rattle virus by its nematode vector can have different outcomes, including the development of spraing symptoms in progeny tubers. A novel syndrome described here comprises a generalized mottle in leaves on all stems, together with virtually total failure to produce daughter tubers. The outcome of infection depends partly on the potato genotype, but field trials with 15 varieties showed that the incidence and severity of spraing symptoms at three sites differed. There was no evidence that this was due to differences in virulence among the virus isolates at the sites, but it was probably the result of environmental differences that influenced the numbers and activity of the vector nematodes. At the most severely affected site, spraing symptoms were found in all varieties tested, except Record, including several that were not affected at the other two sites. Taking both severity and incidence of symptoms into account, the ranking of varieties was similar at each site. The incidence of spraing symptoms was greater in larger than in smaller tubers, and increased with later harvest dates, but did not increase when early harvested tubers were stored. Tobacco rattle viruswas detected in the roots of many of the weeds growing at one of the sites and in the roots of a few plants of the subsequent barley crop.     

猪伪狂犬病基因缺失疫苗的制备、安全性、免疫原性、保存期测定及区域试验

为了提供有效的伪狂犬病疫苗，用鸡胚成纤维细胞扩大培养了PrV HB-98突变株（TK^-/gG^-/LacZ^＋），研制了伪狂犬病基因缺失疫苗，并对该疫苗经肌肉接种、经口等免疫途径的最小免疫剂量进行了测定，同时也对4批疫苗的安全性、效力、免疫期和保存期进行了检测；同时将4批疫苗用于免疫23个猪场的母猪、新生仔猪和育肥猪进行区域试验。测定结果表明，疫苗经上述两种途径接种对不同阶段猪的最小免疫剂量均为10^5.0 TCID50；10倍免疫剂量的疫苗对初生仔猪、15日龄仔猪和妊娠母猪是安全的，免疫猪能抵抗强毒的攻击；疫苗在4℃和-20℃下分别可保存6个月和12个月。对伪狂犬病毒抗体阴性的70日龄商品猪和种猪的免疫期为6个月。田间试验表明，4批猪伪狂犬病基因缺失疫苗安全有效，并可用于仔猪发病时的紧急接种。为猪伪狂犬病基因工程疫苗的制备与应用提供了有力的依据。     

Nanostructured liquid crystalline particle assisted delivery of 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid to weeds,crops and model plants

Routine agricultural practices are heavily dependent on the use of surfactants, many of which are toxic to humans and detrimental to the environment. In proof of concept work we have previously shown the potential of nanostructured liquid crystalline particles (NLCP) to safely interact with plant leaf cuticular surfaces with minimal impact on epicuticular waxes. Here we demonstrate the use of NLCP to effectively deliver the auxin herbicide 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid (2,4-D) to plant leaves in laboratory and field studies. In the laboratory, the physiological stress responses of lupin, Lupinus angustifolius (L.) (Fabaceae) towards NLCP spray applications were shown to be much reduced in comparison with application of two common surfactants. Phytotoxicity assays of 2,4-D loaded NLCP were used to validate the herbicidal effects on Arabidopsis thaliana (L.) Heynth. (Brassicaceae) and established a similarity with that of surfactant assisted 2,4-D delivery when tested at a concentration of 0.1%. Field trials were conducted to test the efficacy of NLCP-assisted delivery of 2,4-D in comparison with commercial surfactants for the control of the invasive weed wild radish, Raphanus raphanistrum (L.) (Brassicaceae), in wheat, Triticum aestivum (L.) (Poaceae) crop fields. Compared against Estercide 800, a commercially available 2,4-D formulation, NLCP assisted delivery of 2,4-D was effective at low concentrations of 0.03% and 0.06%. The crop yield remained similar for all the tested concentrations and formulations of 2,4-D loaded NLCP and Estercide 800. This is the first report to directly show that, as an alternative to conventional methods, NLCP can be used under both laboratory and field conditions to successfully delivery an agrochemical.     

The optimal nutrition of maize in the hungarian national long‐term field experimental network

In Hungary, maize is grown on 1 million ha and occupies more than 20% of the arable land. The rich assortment of maize cultivars of different vegetation periods and different responses to nutritional effects, water supply etc. gives the growers the possibility to choose the cultivars suiting best the site characteristics (Jolânkai et al. 1999). Among the cereals maize has the highest genetical potential. To utilize its yield and quality potential, soil types of high nutrient content and regular nutrient supply are required (Gyõrffy, 1979). Both over‐ and under‐fertilization have an unfavourable effect on the yield and quality of maize (Debreczeni, 1985). Crops can be supplied with the appropriate nutrient amounts only with the knowledge of soil characteristics in the different agro‐ecological regions (nutrient content, water supply, soil compactness, pH, nutrient supplying capacity etc.). In Hungary, a network of long‐term field fertilization trials with uniform fertilizer treatments has been maintained at nine experimental sites representing different agro‐ecological regions of the country. This experimental network gives a basis to test the nutrient responses of our main crops and calibrate their optimal nutrient supply (Kismányoky, 1991).     

Genomewide association study reveals novel quantitative trait loci associated with resistance towards Septoria tritici blotch in North European winter wheat

Fungal diseases are a major constraint for wheat production. Effective disease resistance is essential for ensuring a high production quality and yield. One of the most severe fungal diseases of wheat is Septoria tritici blotch (STB), which influences wheat production across the world. In this study, genomewide association mapping was used to identify new chromosomal regions on the wheat genome conferring effective resistance towards STB. A winter wheat population of 164 North European varieties and breeding lines was genotyped with 15K single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) wheat array. The varieties were evaluated for STB in field trials at three locations in Denmark and across 3 years. The association analysis revealed four quantitative trait loci, on chromosomes 1B, 2A, 5D and 7A, highly associated with STB resistance. By comparing varieties containing several quantitative trait loci (QTL) with varieties containing none of the found QTL, a significant difference was found in the mean disease score. This indicates that an effective resistance can be obtained by pyramiding several QTL.     

两种底拖网渔业资源调查船捕捞效率标准化分析

渔业资源科学调查是开展渔业资源状况评价、物种保护和管理等分析的重要数据来源，当调查方式发生变化时，维持数据的时间一致性至关重要。因此，原位试验获取不同调查方式的捕捞效率校正因子（fishing power correction，FPC）成为资源状况评价的先决条件。本研究通过平行拖网对比试验分析了科学调查船“中渔科211”（试验船）和生产性渔船“浙嵊渔10201-10243”（标准船）在开展渔业资源调查时对不同种类或类群的渔获率差异。结果表明，标准船和试验船平均渔获率分别为（47.27~1836.72）kg/nmile²和（12.28~311.85）kg/nmile²。标准船主要种类为小黄鱼（），渔获率范围分别为（1.17~1113.26）kg/nmile²和（0~565.39）kg/nmile²；试验船主要种类为鳀（），渔获率范围分别为（0~277.59）kg/nmile²和（0~125.24）kg/nmile²。2种调查方式对不同种类/组的渔获率随深度变化趋势出现分化，其中总渔获率、鱼类、银鲳（Apogonichthys lineatus）、绿鳍鱼（）8个种类/组表现为相似的变化趋势；甲壳类、细点圆趾蟹（Erisphex pottii）5个种类/组变化趋势相反；头足类、小黄鱼、龙头鱼在各深度变化具有异质性特征。这种变化与网口垂直扩张和所在水层位置有关。均值比和Kappenman方法估计的总渔获率FPC分别为0.35（95%置信区间为0.24~0.61）和0.43（95%置信区间为0.27~0.70），各种类渔获率均值比结果显示，FPC变化范围在0.03~2.61，其中总渔获率、鱼类、头足类、小黄鱼和绿鳍鱼达到显著水平，建议对上述种类的资源丰度指标年际变化趋势分析时进行数据校正。标准船以近底层种类为调查对象，尤其在捕获经济种类方面表现出优良性能，但对完整生态系统代表性较弱。试验船适合浅水区调查，在深水区由于网口垂直扩张不足，且网位存在上浮现象，难以反映近底层生态系统。     

Reinvestigating adjuvants for the wild oat herbicide,flamprop-M-isopropyl. II: Field performance

A field trials programme was conducted in which the performance of a new emulsifiable concentrate formulation (ECI) of flamprop-M-isopropyl containing the adjuvant, ‘Dobanol’ 25-7, in a ratio of 2:1 (by weight) with the AI, was compared with the current commercial formulation of ‘Commando’, in combination with its recommended adjuvant, ‘Swirl’, for the control of wild oat (Avena fatua L.) in wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) and barley (Hordeum vulgare L.). A further treatment, in which the ‘Dobanol’ 25-7: AI ratio was increased to 4:1 by the spray tank addition of the former, was also included. The mean results from six trials (five wheat, one barley) showed that the addition of ‘Swirl’ to ‘Commando’ was beneficial, increasing wild oat floret control from a mean value of 80% to 92% at current recommended rates (flamprop-M-isopropyl, 600 g ha^?1; ‘Swirl’, 2.5 litre ha^?1). However, combinations of flamprop-M-isopropyl and ‘Dobanol’ 25-7 gave superior levels of control even at lower AI application rates. For example, a mean level of 96% control of Avena spp. was obtained at 300 g AI ha^?1 with 1200 g ha^?1 ‘Dobanol’ 25–7; with even better control at higher rates of application of both components. This improvement in performance was accompanied by a higher risk of crop phytotoxicity than observed with the ‘Commando’/‘Swirl’ mixtures. Symptoms initially were scorch and subsequently growth depression, particularly of tillers. None of the mean values in the six ‘efficacy’ trials reached commercially unacceptable levels, but in a further six ‘crop effects’ trials (three wheat, three barley), in which double rates were applied, the levels of phytotoxicity did become unacceptable and subsequently reduced grain yields. In contrast, two barley ‘crop effects’ trials gave yields higher than the control plots, possibly through the effects of reducing stem length and lodging thereby enabling more efficient harvesting. Nevertheless, there were rates of application of flamprop-M-isopropyl in the range 300–400 g ha^?1 with ratios of ‘Dobanol’ 25-7 in the range 2:1 to 4:1 that would achieve high levels of control of Avena spp. without undue risk of crop phytotoxicity and further trials are planned to support this new adjuvant system.     

Clinical trials in spontaneous disease in dogs: a new paradigm for investigations of sepsis

Objective: To provide evidence that naturally occurring sepsis in dogs provides a unique opportunity to test new therapies in clinically relevant settings. Data sources: Human and veterinary literature. Human data synthesis: Sepsis is a devastating condition responsible for most intensive care unit deaths. Most clinical trials targeting inflammatory mediators of sepsis have failed to improve outcome in clinical patients despite promising results in laboratory animal models. Animal models of sepsis fail to reproduce the clinical syndrome and therefore lead to conclusions that may not be relevant to clinical care. Veterinary data synthesis: Sepsis is recognized but not well‐characterized in companion animal species. Despite some species variability, the cardiopulmonary response to sepsis in dogs is similar to humans. Additionally, inflammatory and coagulation changes that accompany canine sepsis are consistent with those documented in humans. Sepsis secondary to canine parvoviral infection offers the advantages of relative population homogeneity, predictable course, and easy early diagnosis. The disadvantages of canine parvovirus are that it affects a predominantly young and healthy population and results in low mortality with aggressive supportive care. Septic peritonitis and pneumonia have high mortality but can be challenging to diagnose, have a variable course, and affect a heterogeneous population, which can be an advantage or a disadvantage. Conclusions: Similar to trials currently being performed in canine cancer patients, veterinary clinical trials of new sepsis therapeutics may provide a unique opportunity to advance the treatment of sepsis in dogs, humans, and other species. Spontaneous sepsis from canine parvovirus, peritonitis, and pneumonia are common clinical conditions in which therapeutics can be tested.     

Climatology of Acacia mearnsii. 1. Characteristics of natural sites and exotic plantations

Climatic variation in the natural distribution of Acacia mearnsii in Australia was analysed. Data from sites where the species has been successfully grown in plantations and trials in Africa, Asia and South America were used to determine the species' climatic adaptability. Annual mean temperatures at these plantations and trial sites ranged from 13.9 to 23.9°C, whilst annual mean precipitation ranged from 693 to 2263 mm. The coldest month minimum temperature at these sites was –0.6°C. This information, along with other details of climatic requirements presented in the paper, will assist in selecting sites for future trials at new locations.     

From alley cropping to rotational fallow: Farmers' involvement in the development of fallow management techniques in the humid forest zone of Cameroon

Alley cropping was introduced in the humid forest zone of Cameroon to increase soil fertility in 1987, but until 1992 the adoption rate had remained low. To better understand the reasons behind this, three types of on farm trials were established from fully researcher controlled to fully farmer controlled. During the evaluation of the technology with farmers a number of modifications were registered (1) Pruning height and frequency: Because of the difficulties to consistently cut back at 30 cm, farmers decided to slash at ground level as they normally do while slashing the natural fallow vegetation. This equally allowed for more flexibility in time of pruning. (2) Cropping intensity and pattern: Initially, alleys were cropped each year. This however had several shortcomings. Having observed the positive impact of incidental fallow period in a farmer's field, it was decided to introduce a fallow phase of at least one year. During the fallow period the plot can be used for fodder production, bee farming and production of stakes. (3) Residue management: Fire went incidentally in a farmer's tree plot after slashing, and the trees were not affected. This gave farmers an alternative way to manage the residue, by controlling the fire, before bringing in other crops such as groundnut and cassava. (4) Agroforestry species: Because Leucaena leucocephala, in spite of it soil fertility restoration potential, rapidly became a noxious weed, farmers have asked for a less invasive species. Calliandra calothyrsus was introduced for this purpose and became a good bee forage. With these modifications, the original alley cropping system has evolved into a rotational tree fallow with higher adoption potential. From about 15 farmers who were testing the technology in 1992, the number increased to 52 in 1996, 120 in 1997 and 236 in 1998. This revised version was published online in June 2006 with corrections to the Cover Date.