Cucumber volatile blend, a promising female-biased lure for Bactrocera cucumis (French 1907) (Diptera: Tephritidae: Dacinae), a pest fruit fly that does not respond to male attractants

Bactrocera cucumis (French 1907), the ‘cucumber fruit fly’, is a horticultural pest in Australia that primarily infests cucurbits and has also been recorded from tomatoes, papaw and several other hosts. It does not respond to known male lures, cue-lure and methyl eugenol, making monitoring and control difficult. A cucumber volatile blend lure was recently developed in Hawaii and found to be an effective female-biased attractant for the melon fly B. cucurbitae. This lure was field tested in north Queensland, Australia in McPhail traps in comparison with orange ammonia, Cera Trap® and a control, and was found to more consistently trap B. cucumis than the other lures. B. cucumis were caught at 41% of the cucumber volatile lure trap clearances, compared with 27% of the orange ammonia, 18% of the Cera Trap and 16% of the control trap clearances. The cucumber volatile lure was more attractive to B. cucumis in low population densities and also trapped B. cucumis earlier on average than the other lures. Data analysed from the site with highest trap catches (Spring Creek) showed that the cucumber volatile lure caught significantly more B. cucumis than the other traps in four of the 11 trap clearance periods, and for the remaining clearances, no other trap type caught significantly more flies than the cucumber volatile lure. The cucumber volatile lure had a strong female-biased attraction but it was not significantly more female-biased than orange ammonia or Cera Trap. Cucumber volatile lure traps were cleaner to service resulting in better quality specimens than the orange ammonia trap or Cera Trap. These findings have potential implications for market access monitoring for determining pest freedom, and for biosecurity monitoring programmes in other countries that wish to detect B. cucumis early.

An evaluation of the components of a proposed perimeter baiting system for cucumber fly, Bactrocera cucumis

Management of cucumber fly (Bactrocera cucumis) has relied heavily on cover sprays of broad spectrum insecticides such as dimethoate and fenthion. Long term access to these insecticides is uncertain, and their use can disrupt integrated pest management programs for other pests such as whitefly, aphids and mites. Application of a protein bait spray for fruit fly control is common practice in tree crops. However, vegetable crops present different challenges as fruit flies are thought to enter these crops only to oviposit, spending the majority of their time in roosting sites outside of the cropping area. Perimeter baiting of non-crop vegetation was developed overseas as a technique for control of melon fly (B. cucurbitae) in cucurbits in Hawaii. More recent work has refined the technique further, with certain types of perimeter vegetation proving more attractive to melon fly than the sorghum or corn crops which are commonly utilised. Trials were performed to investigate the potential of developing a similar system for cucumber fly. Commercially available fruit fly baits were compared for attractiveness to cucumber fly. Eight plant species were evaluated for their relative attractiveness to cucumber flies as roosting sites. Differences were observed in the number of flies feeding at protein bait applied to each of the plants. Results are discussed in the context of the development of a perimeter baiting system for cucumber fly in cucurbit crops.

Report on Marine Mammal Unusual Mortality Event UMESE0501Sp: Multispecies Mass Stranding of Pilot Whales (Globicephala macrorhynchus), Minke Whale (Balaenoptera acutorostrata), and Dwarf Sperm Whales (Kogia sima) in North Carolina on 15-16 January 2005

On 15-16 January 2005, three offshore species of cetaceans (33 short-finned pilot whales, Globicephala macrorhynchus, one minke whale, Balaenoptera acutorostrata, and two dwarf sperm whales, Kogia sima) stranded alive on the beaches of North Carolina. The pilot whales stranded near Oregon Inlet, the minke whale in northern North Carolina, and the dwarf sperm whales near Cape Hatteras. Live strandings of three species in one weekend was unique in North Carolina and qualified as an Unusual Mortality Event. Gross necropsies were conducted on 16-17 January 2005 on 27 pilot whales, two dwarf sperm whales, and the minke whale. Samples were collected for clinical pathology, parasitology, gross pathology, histopathology, microbiology and serology. There was variation in the number of animals sampled for each collection type, however, due to carcasses washing off the beach or degradation in carcass condition during the course of the response. Comprehensive histologic examination was conducted on 16 pilot whales, both dwarf sperm whales, and the minke whale. Limited organ or only head tissue suites were obtained from nine pilot whales. Histologic examination of tissues began in February 2005 and concluded in December 2005 when final sampling was concluded. Neither the pilot whales nor dwarf sperm whales were emaciated although none had recently ingested prey in their stomachs. The minke whale was emaciated; it was likely a dependent calf that became separated from the female. Most serum biochemistry abnormalities appear to have resulted from the stranding and indicated deteriorating condition from being on land for an extended period. Three pilot whales had clinical evidence of pre-existing systemic inflammation, which was supported by histopathologic findings. Although gross and histologic lesions involving all organ systems were noted, consistent lesions were not observed across species. Verminous pterygoid sinusitis and healed fishery interactions were seen in pilot whales but neither of these changes were causes of debilitation or death. In three pilot whales and one dwarf sperm whale there was evidence of clinically significant disease in postcranial tissues which led to chronic debilitation. Cardiovascular disease was present in one pilot whale and one dwarf sperm whale; musculoskeletal disease and intra-abdominal granulomas were present in two pilot whales. These lesions were possible, but not definitive, causal factors in the stranding. Remaining lesions were incidental or post-stranding. The minke whale and three of five tested pilot whales had positive morbillivirus titers (≥1:8 with one at >1:256), but there was no histologic evidence of active viral infection. Parasites (nematodes, cestodes, and trematodes) were collected from 26 pilot whales and two dwarf sperm whales. Sites of collection included stomach, nasal/pterygoid, peribullar sinuses, blubber, and abdominal cavity. Parasite species, locations and loads were within normal limits for free-ranging cetaceans and were not considered causative for the stranding event. Gas emboli lesions which were considered consistent with or diagnostic of sonarassociated strandings of beaked whales or small cetaceans were not found in the whales stranded as part of UMESE0501Sp. Twenty-five heads were examined with nine specific anatomic locations of interest: extramandibular fat, intramandibular fat, auditory meatus, peribullar acoustic fat, peribullar soft tissue, peribullar sinus, pterygoid sinus, melon, and brain. The common finding in all examined heads was verminous pterygoid sinusitis. Intramandibular adipose tissue reddening, typically adjacent to the vascular plexus, was observed in some individuals and could represent localized hemorrhage resulting from vascular rete rupture, hypostatic congestion, or erythrocyte rupture during the freeze/thaw cycle. One cetacean had peracute to acute subdural hemorrhage that likely occurred from thrashing on the beach post-stranding, although its occurrence prior to stranding cannot be excluded. Information provided to NMFS by the U.S. Navy indicated routine tactical mid-frequency sonar operations from individual surface vessels over relatively short durations and small spatial scales within the area and time period investigated. No marine mammals were detected by marine mammal observers on operational vessels; standard operating procedure for surface naval vessels operating mid-frequency sonar is the use of trained visual lookouts using high-powered binoculars. Sound propagation modeling using information provided to NMFS indicated that acoustic conditions in the vicinity likely depended heavily on position of the receivers (e.g., range, bearing, depth) relative to that of the sources. Absent explicit information on the location of animals meant that it was not possible to estimate received acoustic exposures from active sonar transmissions. Nonetheless, the event was associated in time and space with naval activity using mid-frequency active sonar. It also had a number of features in common (e.g., the “atypical” distribution of strandings involving multiple offshore species, all stranding alive, and without evidence of common infectious or other disease process) with other sonar-related cetacean mass stranding events. Given that this event was the only stranding of offshore species to occur within a 2-3 day period in the region on record (i.e., a very rare event), and given the occurrence of the event simultaneously in time and space with a naval exercise using active sonar, the association between the naval sonar activity and the location and timing of the event could be a causal rather than a coincidental relationship. However, evidence supporting a definitive association is lacking, and, in particular, there are differences in operational/environmental characteristics between this event and previous events where sonar has apparently played a role in marine mammal strandings. This does not preclude behavorial avoidance of noise exposure. No harmful algal blooms were present along the Atlantic coast south of the Chesapeake Bay during the months prior to the event. Environmental conditions, including strong winds, changes in upwelling- to downwelling-favorable conditions, and gently sloping bathymetry, were consistent with conditions which have been correlated with other mass strandings. In summary, we did not find commonality in gross and histologic lesions that would indicate a single cause for this stranding event. Three pilot whales and one dwarf sperm whale had debilitating conditions identified that could have contributed to stranding, one pilot whale had a debilitating condition (subdural hemorrhage) that could have been present prior to or resulting from stranding. While the pilot and dwarf sperm whale strandings may have had a common cause, the minke whale stranding was probably just coincidental. On the basis of examination of physical evidence in the affected whales, however, we cannot definitively conclude that there was or was not a causal link between anthropogenic sonar activity or environmental conditions (or a combination of these factors) and the strandings. Overall, the cause of UMESE0501Sp in North Carolina is not and likely will not be definitively known. (PDF contains 240 pages)

Abundance and distribution patters of Hawaiian odontocetes: focus on O'ahu

This dissertation is an assessment of the status of odontocetes in Hawaiian waters focussing on O´ahu. The work builds on available literature, and on data collected by the author and by others in Hawaiian waters. Abundance and distribution patterns of odontocetes were derived from stranding and aerial survey data. A stranding network operated by the National Marine Fisheries Service, Pacific Area Office collected 187 stranding reports throughout the main Hawaiian Islands between 1937 and 2002. These reports included 16 odontocete species. Number of stranding reports increased over time and was highest on O´ahu. Strandings occurred throughout the year. The difference in number of strandings per month was not significant. Fifteen of the 16 species reported in the stranding record for the main Hawaiian Islands were also reported by aerial survey studies of the area between 1993 and 1998. Only 7 of the species reported were detected during aerial transects around O′ahu between 1998 and 2000. Based on the stranding record, Kogia sp., melon-headed whales, striped dolphins and dwarf killer whale appear to be more common than suggested by aerial surveys. Conversely, pilot whales and bottlenose dolphins were more common, according to aerial surveys, than predicted by the stranding data. Aerial surveys of waters between 0 and 500m around the Island of O′ahu showed that the most abundant species by frequency of occurrence was the pilot whale (30% of sightings), followed by the spinner (16%) and bottlenose dolphin (14%). Because of small sample size, abundance estimates for odontocetes have a high level of uncertainty. The unavailability of a correction factor for g(0)<1, and the reduced visibility below the aircraft further reduced accuracy and increased the inherent underestimation in the data. The most abundant species according to distance sampling estimates were spotted dolphins, pilot whales, false killer whales and spinner dolphins. A natural factor shaping the ecology of odontocete populations is predation pressure both by other odontocetes and, more frequently, by sharks. An account of predation by a tiger shark on a spotted dolphin near Penguin Banks is used as an example of the potential mechanisms of predation by sharks on odontocetes.

The use of locally available materials in fish feed production

In Nigeria, the culture of fish is gaining importance, but local fish farmers face a set back because of the stoppage on importation of fish feed. Locally available raw materials such as yam, plantain, banana, cowpeas, macuna, maize, cassava, millet, sorghum, groundnut, sunnhemp seed and brewery wastes are considered as potential materials for fish feed. These have been examined on their minimum protein contributions since this is the most expensive part of the fish feed. Alternative sources to animal proteins are also examined. Plant protein from groundnut, melon, mucuna and others compare favourably with bloodmeal mixture and thus can be used to replace the more expensive animal proteins. Pellet feed can be produced on a small scale or commercial basis from the locally available raw materials and the fish farmer is advised to seek assistance from qualified fisheries personnel

Evaluation of the nutrient composition of some unconventional feedstuffs

A trial was carried out to evaluate the nutrient composition of some unconventional feedstuffs to ascertain their suitability for incorporation into fish feed. Pawpaw seed, mudskipper meal, water melon seed, almond kernel and groundnut husk were processed and analyzed for their proximate and mineral composition using internationally established procedure. The results obtained showed that the experimental feed stuffs had percentage crude protein that ranged from 7.38% to 55.85%. The highest level (55.85%) was found in mudskipper meal while the lowest (7.38%) was found in groundnut husk. The experimental feed stuffs had appreciable levels of calcium, potassium and phosphorus ranging from 0.29% to 1.87%, 0.17 to 1.26 and 0.06 to 0.97 respectively. Almond kernel can be used to replace soybean meal in aqua feed. Also, mudskipper meal can be used to replace fish meal in order to produce a cheaper fish feed; but it was recommended that feeding trials should be conducted to ascertain the inclusion level at which they can be effectively incorporated. The potentials of some of these feedstuffs in fish feed formulation seem high.

大功率微波与臭氧等复合因子对大棚蔬菜根结线虫及土壤的作

虫（nematodes）是世界农业生产的一大障碍，每年给世界农业生产造成约1000亿美元的巨额损失，是世界各国一直关注的重点病害之一。线虫可以危害各种大田作物和各种温室植物，几乎所有的栽培植物都有线虫危害发生。随着人们环保意识的增强以及健康意识的觉醒，传统防治根结线虫的药物如溴甲烷等因对环境的破坏作用，或者由于高毒、使用不便、抗药性等原因而迅速退出历史舞台，研究环保高效防治线虫成为世界各国竞相发展的技术之一。本研究尝试通过物理方式防治蔬菜根结线虫，并调查了对土壤质量的影响，主要内容包括： 1. 设计制造了功率20 Kw，频率为915 MHz的大功率土壤微波处理机，并通过了田间试验; 2. 设计制造了每小时120 g臭氧产量的便携式臭氧土壤处理机，并通过了田间试验; 3. 采用4因素3水平正交法L9(34)在山东寿光蔬菜大棚进行了蔬菜根结线虫的防治试验，综合考察微波、臭氧、微波吸收剂、EM菌等不同处理水平对根结线虫和对土壤质量的影响，结果表明： 1) 大棚土壤经微波60 s照射能够显著降低甜瓜根结线虫数和根结指数（p < 0.05），盆栽试验只需处理10 s即可显著防治甜瓜根结线虫（p < 0.01）;以120 g/h臭氧浓度处理5 s也能显著降低甜瓜根结线虫的数量（p < 0.05）;田间施入5 g/m2的EM菌，能够显著降低甜瓜根结线虫的数量（p < 0.05）;盆栽试验中微波吸收剂具有降低根结线虫数量的趋势，但是不同处理水平之间差异不显著，田间试验则具有增加根结线虫的趋势，不同处理水平之间也没有显著差异。 2) 微波不同处理水平之间对甜瓜单瓜重的影响没有显著差异;以120 g/h臭氧浓度处理甜瓜能够显著增加甜瓜单瓜重（p < 0.05）;200 g/m2微波吸收剂能够显著提高甜瓜单瓜重（p < 0.05）;以5 g/m2EM菌处理土壤则显著降低甜瓜单瓜重（p < 0.05）。 3) 微波、臭氧、微波吸收剂不同处理水平对甜瓜糖度的影响没有显著差异;以3 g/m2的EM菌处理甜瓜能够显著降低甜瓜的糖度。 4) 不同因素对甜瓜硬度的影响没有显著差异。 5) 微波处理60 s能够显著提高甜瓜的果型指数（p < 0.1），臭氧、微波吸收剂、EM菌等因素不同处理水平之间对果型指数影响差异不显著。 6) EM菌5 g/m2处理浓度能够显著降低甜瓜株高（p < 0.1），微波、臭氧、微波吸收剂不同处理水平之间对株高的影响没有显著差异。 7) EM菌5 g/m2处理浓度能够显著降低甜瓜根径（p < 0.1），微波、臭氧、微波吸收剂不同处理水平之间对根径的影响没有显著差异。 8) 微波处理60 s能够显著降低表层土壤（0-5 cm）的有机质含量（p < 0.01）;以120 g/h的臭氧浓度处理，则可以显著提高10-15 cm土壤的有机质含量（p < 0.05），其它处理因素的不同水平对有机质的影响差异不显著。 9) 微波不同处理水平对土壤全氮的影响没有显著差异（p < 0.05）;120 g/h臭氧处理浓度能够显著降低表层土壤（0-5 cm）的土壤全氮量（p < 0.1）;100 g/m2微波吸收剂处理水平能够显著提高10-15 cm土壤全氮量（p < 0.05）;EM菌3 g/m2的处理水平则显著降低5-10 cm土壤全氮量（p < 0.05）。 10) 微波、微波吸收剂、EM菌不同处理水平之间对土壤全磷没有显著影响;240 g/h臭氧浓度处理5 s能够显著降低10-15 cm土层的土壤全磷含量(p < 0.05)。 11) 微波、微波吸收剂对土壤全磷没有显著影响;臭氧处理具有降低土壤有效磷的趋势，EM菌处理则有提高土壤有效磷的趋势，但是 不同处理水平之间差异不显著（p > 0.05）。 12) 微波处理对土壤EC值没有显著影响;臭氧、微波吸收剂、EM菌处理具有降低土壤EC值的趋势，但是不同处理水平之间差异不显著（p > 0.05）。 13) 微波处理30 s能够显著降低表层土壤的pH值（p < 0.05），臭氧、微波吸收剂、EM菌处理具有提高土壤pH值的趋势，但是不同处理水平之间差异不显著。

Lifetime determination of excited states in106Cd

Two separate experiments using the Differential Decay Curve Method have been performed to extract mean lifetimes of excited states in 106Cd. The medium-spin states of interest were populated by the 98Mo( 12C, 4n) 106Cd reaction performed at the Wright Nuclear Structure Lab., Yale University. From this experiment, two isomeric state mean lifetimes have been deduced. The low-lying states were populated by the 96Mo(13C, 3n)106Cd reaction performed at the Institut für Kernphysik, Universität zu Köln. The mean lifetime of the Iπ = 21 + state was deduced, tentatively, as 16.4(9) ps. This value differs from the previously accepted literature value from Coulomb excitation of 10.43(9) ps.

Surto da mancha-aquosa em frutos de melão nos Estados do Ceará e do Rio Grande do Norte: recomendações preliminares de controle.

2000

Viroses de cucurbitáceas.

O objetivo desta Circular Técnica é descrever as principais viroses que afetam espécies de cucrbitáceas no Brasil, quanto aos sintomas, etiologia, epidemiologia e medidas de controle.

Piscicultores e demais agentes da cadeia produtiva discutem os custos de produção de peixes redondos em viveiro escavado em Pimenta Bueno, Rondônia.

Visa levantar dados de custo de produção da aquicultura, a fim de subsidiar a criação de políticas públicas para o setor e auxiliar os produtores no gerenciamento de seus empreendimentos aquícolas.

O mercado da tilápia - 4º trimestre de 2015.

Comportamento do mercado de varejo nacional. Evolução dos preços. A abertura do mercado brasileiro à tilápia chinesa. O setor externo.

Evaluación de parámetros de calidad en dos cultivares de melón aplicando distintos niveles de potasio mediante fertirrigación en cultivo bajo cubierta

El estudio sobre las condiciones de fertilidad y variables de calidad del melón resultan de suma importancia para el mejoramiento de la aptitud y competitividad del producto. El objetivo de esta tesis fue determinar la influencia del contenido de potasio y su efecto sobre relaciones nitrógeno/potasio de la solución de fertilizante sobre la producción, calidad y sanidad de los frutos en dos cultivares de melén (tipo Honey Dew y Cantaloupe) bajo invernáculo y sobre propiedades físico químicas del suelo. Se determinaron propiedades de calidad, sanitarias y se analizaron propiedades relacionadas a la fertilidad de los suelos. El rendimiento y las variables de calidad como: diámetro ecuatorial y polar, sólidos totales y azúcares presentaron en ambos cultivares mayor valor en el tratamiento con mayor contenido de potasio. El grosor de la cáscara no mostró diferencias significativas, al igual que en la resistencia a la presión, como tampoco el color superficial, la longitud de la cavidad central ni el contenido de nitratos en los frutos. Ambos cultivares fueron susceptibles a la inoculación con el Fusarium semitectum, aunque Honey Dew presentó una mayor resistencia a la infección, pero sin diferencias significativas. La mayoría de las variables relacionadas al suelo no se modificaron con los tratamientos de fertilización con excepción del contenido de potasio en cosecha y poscosecha. Este hecho sumado a las relaciones significativas y positivas entre los contenidos de potasio del suelo y variables relacionadas a la calidad y producción del cultivo de melón, sugiere que el efecto de la fertilización se dio fundamentalmente a través de cambios en la disponibilidad de potasio.

Evaluación de parámetros de calidad en dos cultivares de melón aplicando distintos niveles de potasio mediante fertirrigación en cultivo bajo cubierta

El estudio sobre las condiciones de fertilidad y variables de calidad del melón resultan de suma importancia para el mejoramiento de la aptitud y competitividad del producto. El objetivo de esta tesis fue determinar la influencia del contenido de potasio y su efecto sobre relaciones nitrógeno/potasio de la solución de fertilizante sobre la producción, calidad y sanidad de los frutos en dos cultivares de melén (tipo Honey Dew y Cantaloupe)bajo invernáculo y sobre propiedades físico químicas del suelo. Se determinaron propiedades de calidad, sanitarias y se analizaron propiedades relacionadas a la fertilidad de los suelos. El rendimiento y las variables de calidad como: diámetro ecuatorial y polar, sólidos totales y azúcares presentaron en ambos cultivares mayor valor en el tratamiento con mayor contenido de potasio. El grosor de la cáscara no mostró diferencias significativas, al igual que en la resistencia a la presión, como tampoco el color superficial, la longitud de la cavidad central ni el contenido de nitratos en los frutos. Ambos cultivares fueron susceptibles a la inoculación con el Fusarium semitectum, aunque Honey Dew presentó una mayor resistencia a la infección, pero sin diferencias significativas. La mayoría de las variables relacionadas al suelo no se modificaron con los tratamientos de fertilización con excepción del contenido de potasio en cosecha y poscosecha. Este hecho sumado a las relaciones significativas y positivas entre los contenidos de potasio del suelo y variables relacionadas a la calidad y producción del cultivo de melón, sugiere que el efecto de la fertilización se dio fundamentalmente a través de cambios en la disponibilidad de potasio.

Multiplex Detection of Plant Pathogens Using a Microsphere Immunoassay Technology

Plant pathogens are a serious problem for seed export, plant disease control and plant quarantine. Rapid and accurate screening tests are urgently required to protect and prevent plant diseases spreading worldwide. A novel multiplex detection method was developed based on microsphere immunoassays to simultaneously detect four important plant pathogens: a fruit blotch bacterium Acidovorax avenae subsp. citrulli (Aac), chilli vein-banding mottle virus (CVbMV, potyvirus), watermelon silver mottle virus (WSMoV, tospovirus serogroup IV) and melon yellow spot virus (MYSV, tospovirus). An antibody for each plant pathogen was linked on a fluorescence-coded magnetic microsphere set which was used to capture corresponding pathogen. The presence of pathogens was detected by R-phycoerythrin (RPE)-labeled antibodies specific to the pathogens. The assay conditions were optimized by identifying appropriate antibody pairs, blocking buffer, concentration of RPE-labeled antibodies and assay time. Once conditions were optimized, the assay was able to detect all four plant pathogens precisely and accurately with substantially higher sensitivity than enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) when spiked in buffer and in healthy watermelon leaf extract. The assay time of the microsphere immunoassay (1 hour) was much shorter than that of ELISA (4 hours). This system was also shown to be capable of detecting the pathogens in naturally infected plant samples and is a major advancement in plant pathogen detection. © 2013 Charlermroj et al.