MICROBIOLOGICAL AND TREATMENT STUDIES OF OVINE FOOTROT INFECTION IN MOSUL AREA

It emerges from bacteriological study that it is possible to isolate many bacterial types and yeasts from the lesions of footrot infection in sheep. Anaerobic cultivation came out with the isolation of Spherophorus spp. (24%), Bacteroides spp. (60%), Corynebacterium spp. (64%), Enterobacteracae (76%), Streptococcus spp. (76%), Staphylococcus spp. (36%), Clostridum sordellii (46%) and Irichosporon cutaneum (4%). On the other hand aerobic cultivation rendered the isolation of Corynebacterium spp. (100%), Entrobacteracae (100%), Staphylococcus spp. (15%), Penicillium spp., Aspergillus fumigatus and Trichosporon cutaneum. Five different drug combinations were studied for their efficacy in the treatment of ovine footrot. Their healing rates were as follows : oxytetracycline (59%), oxytetracyclin with formaline (70.9%), Procaine penicillin and streptomycin (72.5%), Procaine penicillin and streptomycin with formaline dipping (80.76%), Formaline alone (63.8%). All kinds of treatment indicated statistically significant differences to exit between the treated (experimental) and untreated (control) groups

Assessment of the optimal frequency of insecticide sprays required to manage fall armyworm (Spodoptera frugiperda J.E Smith) in maize (Zea mays L.) in northern Ghana

Background Insecticide use is an important component of integrated pest management strategies developed for fall armyworm (FAW), Spodoptera frugiperda J.E Smith, control in maize in many African countries. Here, the optimum number of synthetic insecticide and biopesticide applications needed to effectively manage FAW at a minimal cost in maize was studied. Materials and methods A 3 × 4 factorial experiment arranged in a split plot design was used. Insecticides [Neem seed oil (NSO), 3% Azadirachtin); Emastar 112 EC (emamectin benzoate 48 g/L + acetamiprid 64 g/L); Eradicoat (282 g/L Maltodextrin)] were on the main plots, while insecticide spraying regimes [untreated control, spraying once (at VE–V5 maize develoment stage), twice (at VE–V5 and V6–V12 stages), thrice (at VE–V5, V6–V12 and V12–VT stages), four times (at VE–V5, V6–V12, V12–VT and R1–R3 stages)] were on the sub-plots. Results The results showed that larval infestations were generally lower in Emastar 112 EC treated maize than in those sprayed with Eradicoat or NSO. Infestations were higher in the untreated control (no spray) but decreased with increases in number of spray applications in insecticide treated plots. Again, crop damage was low in Emastar 112 EC treated maize. This variable also decreased with an increase in the number of spray applications. Grain yield was significantly affected by the spraying regime only, with this variable being lowest in the untreated control. In both years, yields were at least 1.5-fold higher in maize sprayed twice, thrice or four times compared to the untreated control. Emastar 112 EC had the highest net economic benefits. A single spray of Emastar 112 EC at the VE–V5 maize development stage resulted in maximum profits, while two sprays (i.e., at VE–V5 and V6–V12 stages) were needed for Eradicoat and NSO. Conclusion Hence, synthetic insecticides and biopesticides require different frequency of spray applications for cost effective management of FAW in northern Ghana. These findings are potentially applicable in other sub-Saharan African countries where this pest is present.

New application of microbial l-glutaminase as a flavor enhancing agent in beef burgers

L‑glutaminase (L‑glutamine amidohydrolase EC3.5.1.2) is the key enzyme in enhancing the taste and aroma of oriental fermented foods by increasing their glutamic acid content and as a result imparting a palatable taste. Beef burgers were prepared using different levels of the partially purified L- glutaminase (2.0 to10.0 U/100 g) prepared from Aspergillus oryzae NRRL 32567. Beef burgers treated with 6.0 U/100g and the others treated with monosodium glutamate (5000 ppm) were chemically, sensory and microbiologically evaluated and compared to untreated control during frozen storage at –18 ºC for 3 months. Treatment with L‑glutaminase (6 U/100g) resulted in an increase of 443% in glutamic acid and a reduction of 63% in glutamine contents resulting in an enhanced preferable taste and odor of the prepared beef burgers. Burgers treated with 6.0 U/100g exhibited the best odor, texture, taste and overall quality scores when compared to the untreated control and samples treated with monosodium glutamate (5000 ppm). During the frozen storage of all samples, an expected slight, but significant (p≤0.05), increase in the total mesophilic bacterial count was evident and such increase was quite acceptable since numbers did not exceed the limit of 5.7x103 cfu/g. Similarly, the total psychrotrophs did not exceed 3.7x102 cfu/g.

Field Bio-efficacy and Residue Dynamics of the Fungicide Polyoxin D Zinc Salt 5% SC in Grape (Vitis vinifera)

The field experiments were carried out to evaluate the bio-efficacy and residue dynamics of Polyoxin D Zinc salt 5% SC in grape during 2014–2015 and 2015–2016 at ICAR-National Research Centre for Grapes, Pune. Polyoxin D Zinc salt 5% SC @ 600 ml ha-1 gave the best control of the disease, both in the leaves and bunches with a percent disease control of 56.4 and 75.7 respectively, as compared to untreated control. The percent disease control of the test fungicide Polyoxin D Zinc salt 5% SC @ 600 ml ha-1 was superior to all the triazoles viz. Flusilazole 40 EC, Hexaconazole 5 EC and Myclobutanil 10 WP, used in the study. The yield data reflected a similar trend wherein the maximum percent increase in yield was observed in case of Polyoxin D Zinc salt 5% SC @ 600 ml ha-1 i.e. 57.47 as compared to untreated control. However, all the triazoles manifested a higher percent increase in yield as compared to the lowest dose of the test fungicide i.e. 200 ml ha-1. For the detection and quantification of polyoxin D residue in grape, we have developed an efficient and effective analytical method, using liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS), in field treated samples. The residue data had excellent fit to 1st+1st order models giving r2 value of >0.99 with a half-life (t1/2) 8.0 days for recommended dose and 14.5 days for double dose. These findings are useful for effective disease management in grape crop amalgamated with food safety and consumer satisfaction.

Efficacy of Fluralaner (Exzolt®) for the Treatment of Natural Allopsoroptoides Galli Infestations in Laying Hens

BackgroundMite infestations in laying hens can cause losses to producers due to stress, reduced egg production and even death of birds. A new species of mite, Allopsoroptoides galli (A. galli), Analgoidea: Psoroptoididae, was recently identified in commercial laying farms in Brazil, causing damage due to its highly aggressive infestation that results in a sharp drop in egg production and culling. The present study evaluated the acaricidal action of a formulation containing fluralaner (Exzolt®) against A. galli.Methods The study was carried out from November 2019 to January 2020. Thirty-four laying hens naturally infested with A. galli were equally divided into a fluralaner-treated group and an untreated control group. The fluralaner-treated group received Exzolt® in drinking water at a dose of 0.05 mL/kg body weight (equivalent to 0.5 mg fluralaner/kg body weight), twice, seven days apart. Both groups were followed for 70 days evaluating the level of infestation by counting mites in skin scrapings and assessment of skin lesions.Results The average mite count of the treated group decreased significantly, dropping from 61.6 to 3.8 mites (D+7 to D+70). The efficacy progressively increased on subsequent days, reaching 98.8% on day +56 post-treatment and 96.9% on day +70. Recovery of skin lesions was observed after administration of Exzolt®, showing a marked remission in the degree of lesions (2.5 on day -14 to 0.2 on day +70). The mean number of mites in the untreated control group ranged from 79.3 to 124.1 and the lesion score from 2.6 to 2.9, thus remaining stable throughout the study.Conclusion The results obtained in the present study demonstrated that Exzolt® administered at a dose of 0.05 mL of product/kg body weight (equivalent to 0.5 mg of fluralaner/kg body weight), twice at a seven-day interval, in drinking water was effective in the treatment of the mite Allopsoroptoides galli in naturally infested laying hens.

ANTAGONISTIC ACTIVITY AND PLANT GROWTH PROMOTING RHIZOBACTERIA ISOLATED FROM FOREST PLANT RHIZOSPHERE AGAINST FUSARIUM SOLANI ON THUJA SEEDLINGS

Root diseases are one of the main forest nursery problems that have a significant impact on forest production which are caused by Fusarium solani. Rhizobacteria from healthy forest soils were isolated and screened in streak method to select antagonistic strains against F. solani. Two isolates showed high antagonistic activity and molecularly identified as Paenibacillus sp. and Pseudomonas sp. The capability of the Paenibacillus sp. and Pseudomonas sp. were tested in greenhouse plastic containers experiments against F. solani. Soil bacterization with Paenibacillus sp. and Pseudomonas sp. significantly protected thuja seedlings from F. solani compared to the untreated control seedlings. The containers added by Paenibacillus sp. and pseudomonas sp. are also showed plant growth promotion including shoot length, root length, dry and wet weights of the seedlings as well as the chlorophyll contents of the thuja seedlings compared to the untreated control plants. In this research it has been showing that the rhizobacterial treatments have potential to decrease the effect of fungal disease severity, promoting the plant growth and also helps plants to maintain a good health.

Preliminary study into the effects of tobacco smoke on Candida albicans

Background: Denture-stomatitis (DS) is the most common form of oral candidosis with increased prevalence in cigarette smokers (Akram et al. 2018). Interestingly, tobacco condensate (TC) increases Candida albicans adhesion, growth, biofilm-formation, virulence gene expression (Semlali et al. 2014)and hyphal production (Awad and Karuppayil 2018). We hypothesised that TC-treated denture acrylic would therefore affect C. albicans within acrylic biofilms. Methods: Acrylic discs (pre-conditioned with TC, artificial saliva (AS) or water) were incubated at 37°C with C. albicans (n=6) for 90 min or 24 h. Adherent Candida were stained with calcofluor white and confocal laser scanning microscopy (CLSM) used to assess levels of adherence, biofilm and hyphal numbers. Expressed virulence genes (n=7) were measured by qPCR. Results: CLSM showed that effects of TC-treatment were strain dependent. Adherence of C. albicans PTR/94 to TC-treated surfaces was significantly (P<0.002) lower than on the untreated control. Biofilm levels of PTR/94 after 24 h were found to be significantly higher on AS-treated acrylic than the TC-treated and untreated control. Five strains had significantly fewer filamentous forms after 90 min on TC-treated surfaces. TC-treatment promoted hyphal levels for strain 705/93 after 24h. Conclusion: TC pre-conditioning altered adherence and biofilm coverage of C. albicans to acrylic surfaces and influenced hyphal development. Work is ongoing to ascertain the significance of these effects on C. albicans pathogenicity. Akram et al. (2018). Journal of Oral Science 60(1):115–120. Awad and Karuppayil (2018). American Journal of Clinical Microbiology and Antimicrobials1(3):1–6. Semlali et al. (2014). BMC Microbiology. 14:61

Effect of packaging material and postharvest calcium treatment on weight loss, decay and biochemical quality of strawberry fruits during storage

Strawberry (Fragaria x ananassa Duch.) fruits are highly perishable which lose their marketability within a short period of time, resulting in considerable loss of fruits after harvest. In present study, the packaging materials treatment i.e. polypropylene terephthalate (PET) Punnet and High density polythene (HDPE) crates and calcium compounds (CaCl2 and Ca(No3)2) were examined for the storability and biochemical quality of strawberry (cv. Winter Down) fruits in cold condition (3±1 °C) in comparison to the untreated control fruit in ambient storage for 3, 6 and 8 days storage period. Results revealed that physiological loss in weight (PLW) and fruit decay increased with the advancement of the storage period irrespective of the treatments. Fruits treated with CaCl2 (2%), packed in PET Punnets and stored in cold condition (3±1 °C) showed significantly minimum PLW (6.55, 11.12 and 15 34 %) and fruit decay (7.29, 17.71 and 34.38 %) at 3, 6 and 8 days storage, respectively. Non-treated control fruits at ambient conditions could not maintain their marketability even 3 days of storage and showed relatively high decay losses (25.00, 62.21 and 91.67 % at 3, 6 and 8 days of storage, respectively). Packaging and calcium treatment did not affect the fruit total soluble solids (TSS) and total sugars but was found effective to slow down the decrease of ascorbic acid and acidity contents of the fruit during storage. PET Punnets packaged fruits treated with CaCl2 (2%) under cold conditions retained better shelf-life with better biochemical quality of fruits during storage while untreated control fruits deteriorated rapidly.

Early phase of pupil dilation is mediated by the peripheral parasympathetic pathway

Pupil diameter fluctuates in association with changes in brain states induced by the neuromodulator systems. However, it remains unclear how the neuromodulator systems control the activity of the iris sphincter (constrictor) and dilator muscles to change the pupil size. The present study compared temporal patterns of pupil dilation during movement when each muscle was pharmacologically manipulated in the human eye. When the iris sphincter muscle was blocked with tropicamide, the latency of pupil dilation was delayed and the magnitude of pupil dilation was reduced during movement. In contrast, when the iris dilator muscle was continuously stimulated with phenylephrine, the latency and magnitude of rapid pupil dilation did not differ from the untreated control eye, but sustained pupil dilation was reduced until the end of movement. These results suggest that the iris sphincter muscle, which is under the control of the parasympathetic pathway, is quickly modulated by the neuromodulator system and plays a major role in rapid pupil dilation. However, the iris dilator muscle receives signals from the neuromodulator system with a slow latency and is involved in maintaining sustained pupil dilation.

Tree Mortality following Thinning and Prescribed Burning in Eastern Oregon, U.S.

We examined causes and levels of tree mortality one year after thinning and prescribed burning was completed in ponderosa pine (Pinus ponderosa Dougl. ex Laws.) forests at Pringle Falls Experimental Forest, Oregon, U.S. Four blocks of five experimental units (N = 20) were established. One of each of five treatments was assigned to each experimental unit in each block. Treatments included thinning from below to the upper management zone (UMZ) for the dominant plant association based on stand density index values for ponderosa pine followed by mastication and prescribed burning: (1) 50% UMZ (low density stand), (2) 75% UMZ (medium density stand), (3) 75% UMZ Gap, which involved a regeneration cut, (4) 100% UMZ (high density stand), and (5) an untreated control (high density stand). Experimental units were thinned in 2011 (block 4), 2012 (block 2), and 2013 (blocks 1 and 3); masticated within one year; and prescribed burned two years after thinning (2013–2015). A total of 395,053 trees was inventoried, of which 1.1% (4436) died. Significantly higher levels of tree mortality occurred on 100 UMZ (3.1%) than the untreated control (0.05%). Mortality was attributed to prescribed fire (2706), several species of bark beetles (Coleoptera: Curculionidae) (1592), unknown factors (136), windfall (1 tree), and western gall rust (1 tree). Among bark beetles, tree mortality was attributed to western pine beetle (Dendroctonus brevicomis LeConte) (881 trees), pine engraver (Ips pini (Say)) (385 trees), fir engraver (Scolytus ventralis LeConte) (304 trees), mountain pine beetle (D. ponderosae Hopkins) (20 trees), Ips emarginatus (LeConte) (1 tree), and Pityogenes spp. (1 tree).