Effect of dithane M-45 on cellulose-decomposing fungi in Egyptian soil

The fungicide Dithane M-45 when applied to the soil was regularly and significantly toxic to the total count of fungi at all doses used (4·48, 22·4 and 44·8 mg active ingredient per kg dry soil). The toxicity was regularly increased with dose and persisted till the end of the experiment (15 weeks). When Dithane M-45 was incorporated into the agar medium all test fungi were eliminated by the high dose (24·0 ppm). The low and medium doses were tolerated by some fungi. The decay of filter paper buried in the fungicide-treated soil was significantly reduced by the high dose after 1 and 3 weeks of incubation, while the decay of filter paper treated with this fungicide and buried in untreated soil was significantly retarded by the high dose only after all experimental periods of incubation (up to 15 weeks). The growth and sporulation of nine test fungi were eliminated by the three doses of Dithane M-45 except Chaetomium globosum, Fusarium moniliforme and Trichoderma viride which could grow restrictedly at the low dose only. Production of endo-1,4β-d-glucanase and mycelial dry weight were not significantly affected by the three doses in the case of Aspergillus niger, and by the low dose in the case of Alternaria alternata, Fusarium solani and Myrothecium verrucaria. In the case of other test fungi and other doses, endo-1,4β-glucanase production and mecelial dry weight were significantly inhibited.     

Evaluation of some fungicides for seed treatment and foliar application in management of damping-off of seedlings and blight of rapeseed caused by Alternaria brassicae

Eighteen fungicides were first evaluated for their effects on growth of Alternaria brassicae and for ascertaining their fungicidal and fungistatic natures in artificial cultures. The chemicals emerging fungicidal in action, were later evaluated for their efficacy as seed treatment and foliar application in the management of damping-off of seedlings and blight of rapeseed separately. Of 18 fungicides tested, six fungicides, viz., Dithane M-45, Dithane Z-78, Ziram, Difolatan-80, Blitox-50 and Benlate completely inhibited the growth of the pathogen and were fungicidal in action. Thiram and Brestan-60, which also caused total growth inhibition, were, however, fungistatic. Benlate (0.1 %) followed by Dithane M-45 was best seed-dressing fungicide for controlling damping-off of seedlings. Dithane M-45 (0.2%) followed by Dithane Z-78 as foliar spray was most effective for controlling the blight and increasing the yield in field trials.     

The effect of eight fungicides on germination of Conidiobolus obscurus resting spores

Conidiobolus obscurus resting spore germination was greater than 60% after 21 days incubation in 700 ppm concentrations of Rhodiasoufre, Pelt 44, Dithane M-45, Plantvax, and Saprol. No germ tubes were produced under the same treatment with Bavistine, Quin 20, or Benlate at the same dosage. Germination in distilled water was 85%. After only 24 hr contact with Quin 20 (700 ppm) followed by a distilled water wash, germination was not reduced. A higher ability to penetrate the spore wall may account for greater fungicide activity. Resting spores were found to be more resistant to certain fungicides than conidia; however, no general rule could be applied.     

Integration of trichoderma pseudokoningii with agrochemicals for disease management and plant development in mulberry

Vegetative propagation of mulberry (Morus spp.) is greatly afflicted by soilborne diseases. Stem canker (Botryodiplodia theobromae) and cutting rot (Fusarium solani) are the major diseases which cause high rate of mortality of stem‐cuttings (vegetative clones), thus affecting the initial establishment of mulberry. Apart from diseases, the poor rooting ability of stem‐cuttings of many promising mulberry varieties also leads to unproductive propagation. An effective biocontrol agent (Trichoderma pseudokoningii), chemical fungicide (Dithane M‐45) and phytohormones (Indole‐3‐acetic acid, IAA and 1‐Naphthalene acetic acid, NAA) were evaluated individually and in combination for their effects on disease control and plant development. In plates, T. pseudokoningii was found to be compatible with Dithane M‐45 at 0.1%, and IAA and NAA at 20 ppm concentrations. Under field conditions, the integration of soil application of T. pseudokoningii (in the form of its formulated product, ‘NURSERY‐GUARD') and dipping of stem‐cuttings in 0.1% solution of Dithane M‐45, or 20 ppm solution of IAA showed better results than their individual application. NURSERY‐GUARD with Dithane M‐45 (0.1%) or IAA (20 ppm) provided 47.6 to 52.4% disease control to stem‐cuttings which resulted in significant increase (over check) in sprouting of stem‐cuttings (53.1–63.3%) and plant survival (52.6–57.8%).     

Influence of selenium on the efficiency of fungicide action against certain fungi

Aspergillus funiculosus was isolated from rotted banana fruits, whereas Alternaria tenuis and Fusarium sp. were isolated from rotted tomato fruits. The isolated fungi tolerated relatively high levels of the fungicide, Dithane, up to 2560 ppm on solid medium, but grew well at 40 ppm when supplemented with liquid medium. They are able to tolerate selenite up to 2% (w/v) sodium selenite. A. funiculosus showed no growth in the presence of mixture of 2.5 ppm selenium and 20 ppm Dithane, whereas Fusarium sp. failed to grow at 2.5 ppm selenium and 10 ppm Dithane, or at 10 ppm of each. Nevertheless, Alternaria tenuis is more tolerant; it showed growth in the presence of relatively high levels of selenium and Dithane; up to 10 ppm selenium and 40 ppm Dithane, however, its growth was inhibited by the presence of a mixture of both. The results suggested new form of highly active fungicides. Selenium as an essential nutrient at such very low concentrations, as well as the application of very low concentrations of the fungicide, would certainly reduce the hazardous effect of such pollutant in the environment.     

Effects of kepone on growth and respiration of several estuarine bacteria

The toxicity of Kepone to mixed populations of estuarine microorganisms was determined by standard plate assays on Zobell marine medium containing 0.02, 0.20, and 2.0 mg of Kepone per liter. Under aerobic conditions, Kepone reduced the number of colony-forming units at all concentrations tested, but had no effect on the number of anaerobic microorganisms. Gram-positive organisms were more sensitive to Kepone than were gram-negative organisms. Growth of gram-negative isolates was not inhibited in nutrient broth, but was significantly inhibited in a minimal salts broth. Oxygen uptake by most isolates was reduced 25 to 100% by 20 ppm (20 mg/ml) of Kepone. Oxygen evolution was observed when several gram-positive isolates were exposed to Kepone concentrations of 20 ppm. Pentachlorophenol at concentrations above 28 ppm produced effects similar to those produced by Kepone. Inhibition of electron transport by Kepone was demonstrated by a significant reduction in the specific activities of NADH oxidases and succinooxidase.     

Effects of kepone on growth and respiration of several estuarine bacteria.

The toxicity of Kepone to mixed populations of estuarine microorganisms was determined by standard plate assays on Zobell marine medium containing 0.02, 0.20, and 2.0 mg of Kepone per liter. Under aerobic conditions, Kepone reduced the number of colony-forming units at all concentrations tested, but had no effect on the number of anaerobic microorganisms. Gram-positive organisms were more sensitive to Kepone than were gram-negative organisms. Growth of gram-negative isolates was not inhibited in nutrient broth, but was significantly inhibited in a minimal salts broth. Oxygen uptake by most isolates was reduced 25 to 100% by 20 ppm (20 mg/ml) of Kepone. Oxygen evolution was observed when several gram-positive isolates were exposed to Kepone concentrations of 20 ppm. Pentachlorophenol at concentrations above 28 ppm produced effects similar to those produced by Kepone. Inhibition of electron transport by Kepone was demonstrated by a significant reduction in the specific activities of NADH oxidases and succinooxidase.     

Effect of pesticides on ectomycorrhizae ofPinus sylvestris seedlings

Summary Knowledge of the effect of pesticides on the formation of forest tree mycorrhizae is important as pesticides are nowadays used in forestry. The effect of the fungicide Dithane M-45 and the herbicide Gramoxone on the growth ofPinus sylvestris L. seedlings and on the development of their mycorrhizae was studied. Investigations involved seedlings inoculated with pure cultures of mycorrhizal fungi in flasks with perlite under aseptic conditions, in Mitscherlich pots filled with perlite under semi-aseptic conditions, and on peat substrate in outdoor beds. No change in seedling growth and the mycorrhiza formation occurred when water suspension of the fungicide Dithane M-45 was used at the recommended dose. The highest rates of this fungicide had no phytotoxic effect although the growth of treated seedlings was reduced due to complete or partial inhibition of mycorrhizal formation. In contrast, even low doses of Gramoxone reduced the growth of the inoculated and non-inoculated seedlings which were more sensitive than their mycorrhizal fungi. The soil sterilization of outdoor beds with an application of a water suspension of Dithane M-45 at recommended doses reduced mycorrhizal development and seedling growth. Seedlings inoculated simultaneously with pure cultures ofSuillus granulatus showed a slightly better growth than untreated controls.     

Selenium and cancer: effects of selenium and of the diet on the genesis of spontaneous mammary tumors in virgin inbred female C3H/St mice

Inbred female C3H/St mice exhibit the normal incidence of spontaneous mammary adenocarcinoma of 80--100% if they are maintained on a standard commercial laboratory diet containing 0.15 ppm of selenium with meat and dried skimmed milk as major sources of protein. The tumor incidence drops to 42% if animals of the same strain are kept on a diet containing 0.45 ppm of selenium, with fishmeal as the main source of protein. The tumor incidence declines further to 25, 19 and 10% if the animals in addition receive 0.1, 0.5, and 1.0 ppm of selenium in the drinking water. Selenium supplementation at these levels has no noticable adverse effects on weight-grains and survival of the mice. Selenium supplmented groups of animals also remained tumor-free for longer periods than the unsupplemented controls. The results of this study indicate that a diet rich in seafoods and cereals provides more selenium and may in turn lower the probability of cancer development. Reference is made to the average human diet in the U.S.A., which only contains 0.07--0.15 ppm of selenium due to the comparatively low consumption of cereals and seafoods. An equivalent mouse diet would not have any cancer-protecting effect in the C3H/St mice of our study. Australian workers have reported significantly lower tumor incidence in a different strain of C3H mice if it was kept in Australia rather than in the U.S.A. We have found that the Australian feed contained three times more selenium than that employed in the U.S.A. and propose that this difference in selenium content was primarily responsible for these previous observations.     

Effect of dietary phosphate intake on phosphate transport by isolated rat renal brush-border vesicles

Renal brush-border membrane vesicles isolated from rats kept for 6-8 weeks on a low-phosphate diet (0.15% of dry matter) showed a markedly faster Na(+)-dependent phosphate uptake than did membrane vesicles isolated from animals kept on a high-phosphate diet (2% of dry matter). Phosphate-uptake rate by brush-border membrane vesicles isolated from animals on a low-phosphate diet remained significantly increased after acute parathyroidectomy. Dietary adaptation was also observed in animals that had been parathyroidectomized before exposure to the different diets. In animals on the low-phosphate diet parathyrin administration inhibited phosphate uptake by brush-border vesicles only if the animals were repleted with P(i) (5ml of 20mm-NaH(2)PO(4)) 1h before being killed. After acute phosphate loading and parathyrin administration the difference in the transport rate between the two dietary groups remained statistically significant. The results suggest that the adaptation of proximal-tubule phosphate transport to dietary intake of phosphate is reflected in the Na(+)/phosphate co-transport system located in the luminal membrane of the proximal-tubule cell. Since the dietary effects on phosphate transport by brush-border membranes are only partially reversed by acute changes in parathyrin concentration and are also observed in chronically parathyroidectomized animals, the adaptation of the Na(+)/phosphate co-transport system to dietary phosphate intake seems to involve an additional mechanism independent of parathyrin.     

The effect of various dietary zinc concentrations on the biological interactions of zinc,copper, and iron in rats

Three groups (14 rats each) were fed one of the following diets for 8 wks: a control purified basal diet containing 12 ppm zinc, 5 ppm copper, and 35 ppm iron; the basal diet with less than 2 ppm zinc; or the basal diet supplemented with 1000 ppm zinc. Rats fed the zinc-deficient diet had decreased weight gain, moderate polydipsia, and intermittent mild diarrhea. The zinc-supplemented rats had a cyclical pattern of food intake and weight loss from weeks 5 to 8. Tissue concentrations suggest that zinc and copper were not mutually antagonistic with chronic dietary imbalances. If tissue element concentrations reflected intestinal uptake, then competition and/or inhibition of intestinal uptake occurred between zinc and iron. The fluctuations in tissue element concentrations that occurred with increased duration of the study were at variance with previous studies of shorter time periods. The dietary proportions of zinc, copper, and iron appear to influence zinc, copper, and iron metabolism at the intestinal and cellular transport levels over a given period of time.     

Dietary influence on the biology and metabolism of Isotoma viridis (Collembola)

(1) Two groups of individually cultured Isotoma viridis were studied. They were given a diet of Tetramin fishfood and Pleurococcus algae respectively, in order to monitor individual changes in oxygen uptake during culture. (2) Growth rate, moulting frequency and the maximal live weight reached were higher when fed on Tetramin. (3) Egg production in the culture fed Pleurococcus was twice that fed on Tetramin, due to the more fertile intermoult periods without oviposition in animals fed Tetramin. The egg quality seemed to be lowered in the algae-fed animals rather less than in those fed with fishfood. (4) In both cultures, an increase of 35–40% of the metabolic rate at the start of the experiment was observed. This increase was maintained with a Tetramin diet, whilst it disappeared in cultures fed Pleurococcus. The F₁ generation of both groups showed an increased metabolic rate, that from Tetramin-fed being significantly higher than that from Pleurococcus-fed animals. (5) It is suggested that the initial increase in metabolism is a result of excess food, and the increased level of oxygen uptake in animals on a Tetramin diet the result of inadequacy of the composition of the fishfood for egg production, thus channelling the energy uptake mainly into growth and metabolism. (6) Neither Tetramin nor Pleurococcus are considered to provide an adequate diet for I. viridis, as reproductive success differed considerably from field conditions.     

The influences of fungitoxicants on growth and aflatoxin production by Aspergillus flavus

The influence of six fungitoxicants on growth and aflatoxin production by Aspergillus flavus was tested in liquid SMKY medium at two concentrations, viz . 0.1 and 0.5%. Thiram completely inhibited the aflatoxin production at 0.5% concentration. Other fungitoxicants showing more than 60% inhibition were bavistin and daconil. Vitavax (0.1%) and agrosan GN (0.1 and 0.5%) stimulated the growth of fungus and aflatoxin elaboration after 7 d of incubation. Dithane M-45 moderately inhibited aflatoxin synthesis. Treatment with fungitoxicants also alters the ratio of B₁ and G₁.     

Metabolic Differences in Response to a High-Fat vs. a High-Carbohydrate Diet

Energy expenditure was measured in a group of 7 subjects who received two isocaloric isonitrogenous diets for a period of 9–21 days with a 4–10-day break between diets. Diet 1 was a high-fat diet (83.5 ± 3.6% of total energy). Diet 2 was a high carbohydrate diet (83.1 ± 3.7% of total energy). Resting and postprandial resting metabolic rate were measured by open circuit indirect calorimetry 2–4 times during each metabolic period. Total energy expenditure (TEE) was measured by the doubly labeled water method over an 8–13-day period. The respiratory quotient was measured 2–4 hours after a meal during each metabolic period for the calculation of total energy expenditure by the doubly labeled water method. Levels of total T₃ (TT₃), T₃ uptake, free thyroid index and T₄ were measured at the end of each metabolic period. No significant changes in resting metabolic rate (RMR) were apparent on the two diets (1567 ± 426 kcal/d high-fat diet and 1503 ± 412 kcal/d high-carbohydrate diet n=7, p<0.15). Total energy expenditure measured in 5 subjects was significantly higher during the high-carbohydrate phase of the diet (2443 ± 422 vs. 2078 ± 482 kcal/d p<0.05). Activity estimated from TEE/RMR was greater on the high-carbohydrate diet but only approached statistical significance (p<0.06). Total T₃ was significantly lower and free thyroid index and T₃ uptake were significantly higher at the end of the high fat diet in comparison to the high-carbohydrate diet. These data suggest that individual tolerance to a high-fat diet varies considerably and may significantly lower TEE by changing levels of physical activity. The explanation for changes in thyroid hormone levels independent of changes in metabolic rate remains unclear.     

Protection by clinoptilolite or zeolite NaA against cadmium-induced anemia in growing swine

Weanling Landrace X Yorkshire swine were fed a basal diet or a diet containing 3% clinoptilolite (a natural zeolite) with or without 150 ppm CdCl2 or 3% zeolite NaA (a synthetic zeolite) with or without 150 ppm CdCl2 for 31 days. Hematocrit and hemoglobin were depressed significantly in animals fed Cd in the absence of zeolites, but not in their presence. Liver Cd concentration was increased dramatically by added dietary Cd but was significantly lower in animals fed clinoptilolite with Cd than in those fed Cd alone (11.4 vs 16.5 ppm). Liver Fe and Zn were decreased by dietary Cd; liver Fe was not affected significantly by clinoptilolite or zeolite NaA, but liver Zn was increased by zeolite NaA. Kidney dry matter, Zn, and Cd concentrations were increased by dietary Cd; neither clinoptilolite nor zeolite NaA affected kidney Cd concentration. Zeolite NaA increased kidney dry matter both in the presence and in the absence of dietary Cd. Plasma urea-N, K, Na, and Mg were unaffected by Cd or by either zeolite. The data illustrate the different effects of dietary clinoptilolite compared with zeolite NaA on blood plasma, liver, and kidney concentrations of minerals and provide evidence that both zeolites offer some protection against Cd-induced Fe-deficiency anemia; the magnitude of this protection and the effects of each zeolite on tissue concentrations of Cd and other materials need further quantification.     

THE EFFECT OF A LOW PROTEIN DIET AND EXOGENOUS INSULIN ON BRAIN TRYPTOPHAN AND ITS METABOLITES IN THE WEANLING RAT

—Male Wistar rats aged 24 days were divided into three groups. Two groups were given a high protein (250 g/kg casein) and a low protein (30 g/kg casein) diet respectively. The third group was given an amount of the high protein diet containing the same amount of energy as that consumed by the low protein diet rats. The plasma of the animals on low protein contained 20% of the concentration of tryptophan of animals on the other two diets. In these animals the concentration of tryptophan was reduced in the forebrain, cerebellum and brain stem, and the concentrations of 5-HT and 5-hydroxyindoleacetic acid were reduced in the forebrain and brain stem. The low protein diet decreased the total uptake of l -[G-³H]tryptophan into the brain and its incorporation into brain protein. Plasma insulin concentrations were reduced in the low protein and ‘restricted high protein’ animals and the plasma corticosterone concentration was raised in the low protein animals. Exogenous insulin did not raise the plasma tryptophan concentration in the low protein animals but it increased the uptake of l -[G-³H]tryptophan into the brain and its incorporation into protein. Rehabilitation for 7 days restored the plasma and brain tryptophan concentrations and those of brain 5-HT and 5-hydroxyindoleacetic acid to control values.     

Potential use of the essential oil ofTrachyspermum ammi against seed-borne fungi of Guar (Cyamopsis tetragonoloba L. (Taub.))

Essential oils isolated from leaves and seeds of seven umbelliferous plants were tested against the growth ofAspergillus flavus. Those from seeds ofTrachyspermum ammi, Cuminum cyminum, Carum carvi, Daucus carota and from leaves ofAnethum graveolens exhibited antifungal activity against the test fungus. Amongst these, oil from seeds ofTrachyspermum ammi was most toxic. Its minimum inhibitory concentration was 300 ppm, at which it exhibited fungistatic but not phytotoxic properties, when tested at 200, 300 and 400 ppm. The fungitoxic potency ofTrachyspermum seed oil remained unchanged after a long storage period and at high inoculum density of the test fungus. The oil was thermostable and was more efficaceous than the fungicides Agrosan G.N., Benlate, Ceresan, Dithane M-45 and Thiovit commonly used for the control of plant diseases.     

Fructose Consumption and Moderate Zinc Deficiency Influence Growth and Adipocyte Metabolism in Young Rats Prone to Adult-Onset Obesity

The effects of low zinc, high fructose diet on growth and adipocyte metabolism were examined in rats. At 28 days of age, animals were assigned to diets either adequate in zinc (30 ppm) with water (AZW) or fructose solution (AZF), or low in zinc (5 ppm) with water (LZW) or fructose solution (LZF). Body weight and food and fructose solution intake were measured three times a week. Blood samples were collected at baseline, 4 weeks, and 8 weeks, and energy expenditure was measured. The rats were killed at 12 weeks. Adipocytes were cultured in medium containing C¹⁴-glucose and physiological insulin concentrations. The animals in the LZF group consumed less energy and gained less weight than the other groups. Serum zinc concentrations were lower in the LZF than the AZF group. Energy expenditure over a 24-h period did not differ between groups; however, the respiratory quotient in the fed state was higher in the groups consuming fructose solution than in those consuming water. The mesenteric adipocytes from the animals in the LZF group utilized more glucose. Thus, the addition of fructose to a LZ diet reduced energy intake and growth and altered adipocyte fuel metabolism in young growing rats. Dr. Havel’s research program receives support from NIH Grants: HL-075675, AT-002599, AT-002993, AT-003645 and the American Diabetes Association.     

A study of some factors affecting rates of oxygen consumption of plaice, Pleuronectes platessa L.

Oxygen uptake by plaice, Pleuronectes platessa L ., was measured using both 'closed' and 'flow-through' respirometers. Oxygen consumption was found to be influenced by oxygen concentrations below a critical level of 45–60 mmHg. Rates of oxygen uptake were also affected by fish size, temperature and nutritional status. The problems involved in using values of oxygen consumption, determined in the laboratory, for estimating energy requirements of wild fish are discussed.     

Effect of residue-rich food on postprandial energy output in rats

Using the respiration method the values of postprandial energy output were determined in rats kept on four diets, one of which was a no-residue diet and three diets contained pectins, lignin and cellulose respectively as sources of residues. It was found that the postprandial energy output of these animals was at the lowest and practically identical level when they were given the non-residue diet or the diet with pectins. On the other hand, after administration of diets containing lignin or cellulose the energy output of the animals increased in relation to the no-residue diet by 16.0% and 12.8% respectively (p less than 0.05).