Abacá mosaic virus: a distinct strain of Sugarcane mosaic virus

Abacá mosaic virus (AbaMV) is related to members of the sugarcane mosaic virus subgroup of the genus Potyvirus. The ~2 kb 3′ terminal region of the viral genome was sequenced and, in all areas analysed, found to be most similar to Sugarcane mosaic virus (SCMV) and distinct from Johnsongrass mosaic virus (JGMV), Maize dwarf mosaic virus (MDMV) and Sorghum mosaic virus (SrMV). Cladograms of the 3′ terminal region of the NIb protein, the coat protein core and the 3′ untranslated region showed that AbaMV clustered with SCMV, which was a distinct clade and separate from JGMV, MDMV and SrMV. The N-terminal region of the AbaMV coat protein had a unique amino acid repeat motif different from those previously published for other strains of SCMV. The first experimental transmission of AbaMV from abacá (Musa textilis) to banana (Musa sp.), using the aphid vectors Rhopalosiphum maidis and Aphis gossypii, is reported. Polyclonal antisera for the detection of AbaMV in western blot assays and ELISA were prepared from recombinant coat protein expressed in E. coli. A reverse transcriptase PCR diagnostic assay, with microtitre plate colourimetric detection, was developed to discriminate between AbaMV and Banana bract mosaic virus, another Musa-infecting potyvirus. Sequence data, host reactions and serological relationships indicate that AbaMV should be considered a distinct strain of SCMV, and the strain designation SCMV-Ab is suggested.

First records of the papaya strain of Papaya ringspot virus (PRSV-P) in French Polynesia and the Cook Islands

The papaya strain of Papaya ringspot virus (PRSV-P), the cause of papaya ringspot disease, was confirmed in French Polynesia and the Cook Islands by double antibody sandwich enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (DAS-ELISA). In French Polynesia, the virus has probably been on the islands of Tahiti and Moorea for several years, but appears not to have spread to eight other islands. In contrast, PRSV-P has only recently appeared in the Cook Islands and is now the subject of an eradication campaign.

Sperm production rates in Bos indicus strain bulls

Materials and Methods. Testes were collected a t castration or a t slaughter from purebred Brahman (B); Brahman cross (BX - half and three quarter); Sahiwal cross (SX – three quarter and seven eighths); and purebred and three quarter Santa Gertrudis (SG) bulls of known ages between 19 and 27 months and drawn from herds in northern coastal Queensland. 13th Biennial Conference. August 1980, Perth Western Australia.

Antibody response against endogenous stages of an attenuated strain of Eimeria tenella

The application of attenuated vaccines for the prevention of chicken coccidiosis has increased exponentially in recent years. In Eimeria infections, protective immunity is thought to rely on a strong cell mediated response with antibodies supposedly playing a minor role. However, under certain conditions antibodies seem to be significant in protection. Furthermore, antibodies could be useful for monitoring natural exposure of flocks to Eimeria spp. and for monitoring the infectivity of live vaccines. Our objective was to investigate the chicken antibody response to the different parasite lifecycle stages following infection with an attenuated strain of Eimeria tenella. Western blotting analysis of parasite antigens prepared from the lining of caeca infected with the attenuated strain of E. tenella revealed two dominant antigens of 32 and 34 kDa, apparently associated with trophozoites and merozoites that were present at high concentrations between 84 and 132 h post-infection. When cryosections of caeca infected with E. tenella were probed with IgY purified from immune birds the most intense reaction was observed with the asexual stages. Western blotting analysis of proteins of purified sporozoites and third generation merozoites and absorption of stage-specific antibodies from sera suggested that a large proportion of antigens is shared by the two stages. The time-courses of the antibody response to sporozoite and merozoite antigens were similar but varied depending on the inoculation regime and the degree of oocyst recirculation.

Increase water use efficiency and productivity, and reduce energy and water usage and costs, of dairy and fodder enterprises, to reduce costs of milk production

Increase water use efficiency and productivity, and reduce energy and water usage and costs, of dairy and fodder enterprises, to reduce costs of milk production.

Increasing energy efficiency in Australian protected cropping

Management of environmental emissions is a significant challenge and opportunity for all of horticulture, including the protected cropping sector. Energy is a significant input in controlled environment horticulture and an important source of environmental emissions. Energy underlies this industry’s capacity to provide a consistent supply of fresh, quality, safe food in a changing global climate.

Verticillium dahliae (defoliating strain) - cotton, vegetables

DAFF scholarship to train in the recognition and identification of defoliating strains of Verticillium dahliae in cotton and vegetable crops.

Australian Timber Pole Resources for Energy Networks. A review

More than 5 million timber utility poles are currently in-service throughout Australia’s energy networks. Most were produced from select native forest-grown hardwood species having the required structural characteristics and naturally-durable heartwood. Anecdotal evidence suggests that up to 70% of the timber poles that are currently in-service were installed over the 20 years following the end of World War Two, and these poles are likely to require replacement or remedial maintenance over the next decade. The purposes of this review were to clarify the supply and demand situation for traditional timber poles, and to investigate alternatives in terms of their potential availability and suitability.