Efficacy of neem pesticides on whorl larva,stem-borer and panicle insect pests of sorghum in Nigeria

Two field trials were conducted from 2003 to 2005 on the effects of neem pesticides on whorl larva, stem-borer and panicle pests of sorghum. In the first trial (2003–2004) the effect of neem seed granules (NSG) and carbofuran (furadan 3G®) inserted into the sorghum whorl at 30, 40 and 50 days after sowing (DAS) were tested on whorl larva, stem borer and grain yield. Results showed that NSG and carbofuran significantly (P ≤ 0.01) reduced whorl larva feeding, leaf puncturing and chaffy panicle, and significantly (P ≤ 0.01) increased grain yield compared with untreated check. In the second trial, (2004–2005), aqueous neem seed extract (ANSE), neem seed oil (NSO) and deltamethrin (Decis 12 EC®) were sprayed at anthesis and grain filling stages. Results also showed that the three pesticides significantly (P ≤ 0.01) reduced insect damage and also significantly (P ≤ 0.01) increased grain yield by 28.3% (deltamethrin), 19.4% (NSO) and 17.9% (ANSE) above the yield of check. It is suggested that neem pesticides may be suitable as alternatives to synthetic pesticides for the management of sorghum whorl larva, stem borers and panicle insect pests in the Nigerian Sudan savannah.     

高粱蚜发生程度的预测研究

通过１８年的田间调查和研究,得知高粱蚜的发生程度与麦蚜的发生程度呈负相关（ｒ＝－０．８９９８）,因此即可用麦蚜发生程度预测后期高粱蚜的发生程度,预测回归式为ｙ＝５．９０１１－０．９８７４ｘ。该预报方法较常规测报法在时间上提早了１个月。经多年检验,预报准确率颇高。     

Occurrence of Fusarium andiyazi associated with sorghum in Nigeria

Investigations into fungi associated with sorghum grain in Nigeria indicate the occurrence of a newly described fungus, Fusarium andiyazi alongside F. nygamai. These fungi have earlier been reported as F. moniliforme. Our results highlight the need to re-evaluate Fusarium species associated with sorghum in Nigeria.     

Occurrence and distribution of viruses infecting potato in Russia

Potato viral disease has been a major problem in potato production worldwide including Russia. Here, we detected Potato Virus M (PVM), P (PVP), S (PVS), Y (PVY), and X (PVX) and Potato Leaf Roll Virus (PLRV) by RT-PCR on potato leaves and tubers from the Northwestern (NW), Volga (VF), and Far Eastern (FE) federal districts of Russia. Each sample was co-infected with up to five viruses. RT-PCR disclosed all six viruses in NW, three in VF, and five in FE. Phylogenetic analyses of PVM and PVS strains resolved all PVM isolates in Group O (ordinary) and all PVS isolates in Group O. Seven PVY strains were detected, and they included only recombinants. PVY recombinants were thus the dominant potato virus strains in Russia, although they widely varied among the regions. Our research provides insights into the geographical distribution and genetic variability of potato viruses in Russia.     

Identification and distribution of viruses infecting sweet potato in Kenya

Four hundred and forty-eight symptomatic and 638 asymptomatic samples were collected from sweet potato fields throughout Kenya and analysed serologically using antibodies to Sweet potato feathery mottle virus (SPFMV), Sweet potato chlorotic stunt virus (SPCSV), Sweet potato mild mottle virus (SPMMV), Cucumber mosaic virus (CMV), Sweet potato chlorotic fleck virus (SPCFV), Sweet potato latent virus (SwPLV), Sweet potato caulimo-like virus (SPCaLV), Sweet potato mild speckling virus (SPMSV) and C-6 virus in enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISA). Only SPFMV, SPMMV, SPCSV, and SPCFV were detected. Ninety-two percent and 25% of the symptomatic and asymptomatic plants respectively tested positive for at least one of these viruses. Virus-infected plants were collected from 89% of the fields. SPFMV was the most common and the most widespread, detected in 74% of the symptomatic plants and 86% of fields surveyed. SPCSV was also very common, being detected in 38% of the symptomatic plants and in 50% of the fields surveyed. SPMMV and SPCFV were detected in only 11% and 3% of the symptomatic plant samples respectively. Eight different combinations of these four viruses were found in individual plants. The combination SPFMV and SPCSV was the most common, observed in 22% of symptomatic plants. Virus combinations were rare in the asymptomatic plants tested. Incidence of virus infection was highest (18%) in Kisii district of Nyanza province and lowest (1%) in Kilifi and Malindi districts of Coast province.     

Occurrence and distribution of entomophthoralean fungi infecting aphids in mainland China

Seventeen species of entomophthoralean fungi infecting 15 species of aphids have been reported from mainland China. They belong to seven genera: Batkoa, Conidiobolus, Entomophthora, Neozygites, Pandora, Tarichium and Zoophthora. C. thromboides, E. planchoniana, N. fresenii and P. neoaphidis have the widest distributions covering five regions with the exception of the south-west. Tarichium atrospermum and Z. canadensis were only reported in the eastern region and P. echinospora only in the mid-southern region. Pandora neoaphidis, the most common species, occurred in many aphid populations. Species belonging to the genus Conidiobolus frequently appeared in the warm summer season, however, disease incidence was lower compared to the genus Pandora.     

Occurrence,distribution and seasonal changes of viruses infecting common bean in northwestern Iran

Many surveys were conducted during 2003–2005 to study the identity, prevalence and fluctuation of bean infecting viruses in northwestern Iran. In total, 649 bean samples with virus- like symptoms were collected and analysed by double antibody sandwich enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (DAS-ELISA) and tissue-print immunoassay to detect infectious viruses. Serological tests revealed the presence of Bean common mosaic virus (BCMV), Bean common mosaic necrosis virus (BCMNV), Bean yellow mosaic virus (BYMV), Cucumber mosaic virus (CMV), Alfalfa mosaic virus (AMV), Bean leaf roll virus (BLRV), Bean pod mottle virus (BPMV) and Southern bean mosaic virus (SBMV), with some co-infection occurred, with prevalence of BCMV, BCMNV and BYMV (17–29% infection rate). The incidence of viruses showed variation in over 3 years of research including more than double increase in CMV from 2004 to 2005 and obvious one-third decrease in AMV from 2003 to 2005. SBMV and BPMV were detected sporadically in the fields and the response of some differential test plants was analysed by mechanical inoculation. Western immunoblotting analysis of SBMV infected bean leaf total proteins using SBMV-specific polyclonal antibody revealed viral CP with molecular mass of 28.5 kDa which confirmed the presence of SBMV as a new threat for bean production.     

Mass administration of medicines in changing contexts: Acceptability,adaptability and community directed approaches in Kaduna and Ogun States,Nigeria

Nigeria has the highest burden of NTDs in sub-Saharan Africa. Commitments to reach the control and elimination of many Neglected Tropical Diseases (NTDs), particularly those amenable to preventive chemotherapy (onchocerciasis, schistosomiasis, soil transmitted helminths, lymphatic filariasis and trachoma) by 2020 are detailed in the London declaration. Strategies to reach targets build on existing approaches, one of which is the use of community directed intervention (CDI) methods to deliver the mass administration of medicines (MAM). However, treatment using this approach has been inconsistent and there are questions about the acceptability and adaptability of these interventions during periods of programmatic, social, and political change. This paper explores the current strengths and weaknesses of CDI approaches in MAM delivery. We consider the acceptability and adaptability of existing MAM approaches to ensure equity in access to essential treatments. Using qualitative methods, we explore implementer perspectives of MAM delivery. We purposively selected programme implementers to ensure good programmatic knowledge and representation from the different levels of health governance in Nigeria. Data collection took place across two States (Kaduna and Ogun). Our results indicate that CDI approaches have underpinned many historic successes in NTD programme acceptance in Nigeria, specifically in Kaduna and Ogun State. However, our results also show that in some contexts, factors that underpin the success of CDI have become disrupted presenting new challenges for programme implementers. Capturing the tacit knowledge of health implementers at varying levels of the health system, we present the current and changing context of MAM delivery in Kaduna and Ogun States and consolidate a platform of evidence to guide future programme delivery and research studies. We situate our findings within the broader NTD literature, specifically, in identifying how our findings align to existing reviews focused on factors that shape individual acceptance of MAM.     

Occurrence of an isolate of maize stripe virus on sorghum in India*

A disease characterised by chlorotic stripes and bands, named sorghum stripe disease (SStD), was observed on sorghum in India with an incidence of less than 0.5% to nearly 10%. The affected plants were dwarfed and had poor or no panicle formation. This disease could be transmitted by the delphacid planthopper Peregrinus maidis to sorghum but not to Brachiaria eruciformis; Cenchrus ciliaris; Chloris barbata; Dichantium annulatum; Dichantium aristatum; Digitaria ciliaris: Dinebra retroflexa; Echinocloa colona; Eleusine coracana; Pennisetum glaucum; Pennisetum violaceum; Setaria pallida Fusca; Triticum aestivum and Zea mays. Sorghum stripe disease was shown to be caused by a tenuivirus serologically related to maize stripe virus (MStV). Virus particles were filamentous, less than 10 nm in width. The purified virus preparation contained only one polypeptide of 34 500 D. Eight species of nucleic acids, four ssRNA of 1.21, 0.87, 0.73, 0.47 ± 10⁶D and four dsRNA of 2.43, 1.69, 1.40, 0.71 ± 10⁶D, were extracted from purified virus preparations. When the four dsRNA were denatured, they migrated along with the four ssRNA species indicating that dsRNA contained duplex RNA of same molecular weight as the four ssRN A. In enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay and in electro-blot immunoassay it was evident that MStV-Sorg was serologically more closely related to the MStV isolates from Florida, Reunion and Venezuela than to a RStV isolate from Japan. The virus was named MStV-Sorg to distinguish it from MStV which readily infects maize. This is the first report of occurrence of a tenuivirus in the Indian subcontinent.     

Studies on the hydrochemistry of Kangimi reservoir, Kaduna State, Nigeria

The physicochemical characteristics of Kangimi reservoir were investigated monthly at two stations of the reservoir between July 1998 and September 1999. This was done to determine if acceptable water quality standards are being maintained in the reservoir and to assess if the water could maintain a thriving fishery. All the physicochemical parameters investigated fell within the range of allowable standards for potable waters according to the World Health Organization ( WHO, 1993 ). Alkalinity, conductivity, nitrate‐nitrogen and phosphate phosphorus showed significantly higher (P < 0.05) values during the rains, which was associated with surface runoff, whereas dissolved oxygen, hardness, transparency and chlorophyll‐a showed significantly higher values (P < 0.05) during the dry season. The reservoir was indicated to be oligotrophic. The biological significance of these findings are discussed.     

Molecular characterizations of Cryptosporidium, Giardia, and Enterocytozoon in humans in Kaduna State, Nigeria

The use of molecular diagnostic tools in epidemiological investigations of Cryptosporidium, Giardia, and Enterocytozoon has provided new insights into their diversity and transmission pathways. In this study, 157 stool specimens from 2-month to 70-year-old patients were collected, a polymerase chain reaction (PCR)-restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP) analysis of the small subunit (SSU) rRNA gene was used to detect and differentiate Cryptosporidium species, and DNA sequence analysis of the 60 kDa glycoprotein (gp60) gene was used to subtype Cryptosporidium hominis and Cryptosporidium parvum. Giardia duodenalis, and Enterocytozoon bieneusi in the specimens were detected using PCR and sequence analysis of the triosephosphate isomerase (tpi) gene and internal transcribed spacer (ITS), respectively. C. hominis and C. parvum were found in two (1.3%) and one (0.6%) specimen respectively, comprising of Ia and IIe (with 8 nucleotide substitutions) subtype families. The G. duodenalis A2 subtype was detected in five (3.2%) specimens, while four genotypes of E. bieneusi, namely A, type IV, D and WL7 were found in 10 (6.4%) specimens. Children aged two years or younger had the highest occurrence of Cryptosporidium (4.4%) and Enterocytozoon (13.0%) while children of 6 to 17 years had the highest Giardia infection rate (40.0%). No Cryptosporidium, Giardia, and Enterocytozoon were detected in patients older than 60 years. Enterocytozoon had high infection rates in both HIV-positive (3.3%) and HIV-negative (8.3%) patients. Results of the study suggest that anthroponotic transmission may be important in the transmission of Cryptosporidium spp. and G. duodenalis while zoonotic transmissions may also play a role in the transmission of E. bieneusi in humans in Kaduna State, Nigeria.     

Occurrence, distribution and relative incidence of mosaic viruses infecting field--grown squash in Tehran province, Iran

Squash (Cucurbita pepo) belongs to Cucurbitaceae family. Every year Cucurbitaceae are planted world wide. They are one of the most important economic crops. Cucurbitaceae are threatened by viruses. Many viruses damage the plants of this family. Since nine viruses have been reported on squash from Iran. In this survey, during 2002--2003, to determine the distribution of Cucumber mosaic virus (CMV), Zucchini yellow mosaic virus (ZYMV) and Watermelon mosaic virus (WMV), 466 samples were collected from squash field in Tehran province. Infected plants showing symptoms such as: mosaic, yellowing, deformation, shoestring of leaves and fruit deformation and yield reduction. Distribution of CMV, ZYMV and WMV were determined by DAS-ELISA. Thepercentage of ZYMV, WMV and CMV were 35.6, 26.1 and 25.1% respectively. Triple infection (CMV+ZYMV+WMV) were found in 6.4% of samples. ZYMV were found the most frequently the viruses. This is the first report of WMV on squash in Tehran province.     

在甜高粱上利用杂种优势的探讨

从1978年起,配制了甜×甜、甜×不甜、不甜×甜的三种类型百余个杂交组合,观察高粱杂交种糖分含量的变化,以了解杂种优势在该性状上的表现。试验表明应用三系培育甜高粱杂交种,同粒用高梁一样具有明显的杂种优势,主要表现在生活力及生产力的提高。在与糖产量有关的三因素中,以单(株)秆重的优势最为显著;杂交种的含糖量,一般表现为介于双亲之间;茎秆汁液的多少,关键是选择实心、多汁、高糖的亲本及其组配方式。提高单位面积产糖量,主要是通过增加茎秆总收获量来实现。     

Prevalence of and risk factors for trachoma in Kano state, Nigeria

Background

In northern Nigeria, trachoma is an important public health problem, but there are currently few population-based data on prevalence of disease and no formal trachoma control programs.

Methodology / Principal Findings

In Kano state, Nigeria, we conducted a population-based cross-sectional survey using multistage cluster random sampling, combining examination for clinical signs of trachoma and application of questionnaires assessing potential household-level risk factors. A total of 4491 people were examined in 40 clusters, of whom 1572 were aged 1–9 years, and 2407 (53.6%) were female. In 1–9 year-olds, the prevalence of trachomatous inflammation–follicular (TF) was 17.5% (95% CI: 15.7–19.5%). In a multivariate model, independent risk factors for active trachoma were the presence of flies on the face (OR 1.98, 95% CI 1.30–3.02); a dirty face (OR 2.45, 95% CI 1.85–3.25) and presence of animal dung within the compound of residence (OR 3.46, 95% CI 1.62–7.41). The prevalence of trachomatous trichiasis in persons aged ≥15years was 10.9% (95% CI: 9.7–12.2%). Trichiasis was significantly more common in adult females than in adult males.

Conclusion/Significance

There is an urgent need for a trachoma control program in Kano state, with emphasis given to provision of good quality trichiasis surgery. Particular effort will need to be made to identify women with trichiasis and engage them with appropriate services while also taking steps to secure azithromycin for mass treatment and ensuring personal and environmental hygiene.     

Inheritance of resistance to potyviruses in Phaseolus vulgaris L. III. Cosegregation of phenotypically similar dominant responses to nine potyviruses

We have identified monogenic dominant resistance to azuki bean mosaic poty virus (AzMV), passionfruit woodiness potyvirus-K (PWV-K), zucchini yellow mosaic potyvirus (ZYMV), and a dominant factor that conditioned lethal necrosis to Thailand Passiflora potyvirus (ThPV), in Phaseolus vulgaris Black Turtle Soup 1. Resistance to AzMV, PWV-K, ZYMV, watermelon mosaic potyvirus, cowpea aphid-borne mosaic potyvirus, blackeye cowpea mosaic potyvirus, and lethal necrosis to soybean mosaic potyvirus and ThPV cosegregated as a unit with the I gene for resistance to bean common mosaic potyvirus.     

Yield and morpho-agronomical evaluation of food-grade white sorghum hybrids grown in Southern Italy

Abstract

Grain sorghum [Sorghum bicolor (L.) Moench] is a gluten-free grain that is gaining attention as a food crop that can be used in the management of celiac disease. At present, sorghum is widely grown in many semiarid regions of the world. New food-grade sorghum cultivars are of particular interest in Mediterranean countries due to improved quality characteristics and gluten-free status of the grains. Until now very few studies have examined the grain yield (GYLD) and agronomic performance characteristics of food-grade sorghum hybrids in Italy. A 2 year study was conducted to evaluate the agronomic performance of eight food-grade sorghum hybrids representing different maturity classes in trials conducted in Southern Italy. The results showed wide variation in adaptation of these hybrids as measured by differences in GYLD (2.35–8.50 t ha^?1) and other pheno-morphological characteristics. Of particular interest was the fact that many of the early-flowering hybrids (e.g. SP-X303) performed better than the later-flowering hybrids (e.g. ArchX-02). These results demonstrated that flowering time of hybrid and crop cycle length are important factors to consider in selecting cultivars for production in the Mediterranean region.     

The distribution ofFusarium species in soils planted to millet and sorghum in Lesotho,Nigeria and Zimbabwe

Samples from soils planted to millet and sorghum from Lesotho, Nigeria, and Zimbabwe were processed and a total of 3,291Fusarium cultures were recovered. Of these 1,296 cultures were isolated from plant debris and 1,995 cultures were recovered from soil dilutions. The most prevalent species recovered wereF. oxysporum (37%),F. equiset (30%),F. solani (14%),F. moniliforme (6%),F. compactum (5%),F. nygamai (4%), andF. chlamydosporum (2%). OtherFusarium species isolated wereF. merismoides, F. polyphialidicum, F. graminearum, F. subglutinans, F. sambucinum, F. longipes, F. semitectum, F. dimerum, F. lateritium, and a group of cultures designated as population A which resembleF. camptoceras. Fusarium equiseti was the predominant species in soil samples from Nigeria and Zimbabwe, whileF. oxysporum was the predominant species recovered from soil from Lesotho.Contribution No. 1881, Fusarium Research Center, Department of Plant Pathology, The Pennsylvania State University.     

Natural Occurrence of Mycotoxins in Staple Cereals from Ethiopia

The occurrence of mycotoxins in barley, sorghum, teff (Eragrostis tef) and wheat from Ethiopia has been studied. Samples were analyzed for aflatoxin B₁ (AFB1), ochratoxin A (OTA), deoxynivalenol (DON), nivalenol (NIV) and zearalenone (ZEN) using high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) and for fumonisins (FUM) using enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). AFB1 and OTA were detected in samples of all the four crops. AFB1 was detected in 8.8% of the 352 samples analyzed at concentrations ranging from trace to 26 μg kg⁻¹. OTA occurred in 24.3% of 321 samples at a mean concentration of 54.1 μg kg⁻¹ and a maximum of 2106 μg kg⁻¹. DON occurred in barley, sorghum and wheat at 40–2340 μg kg⁻¹ with an overall incidence of 48.8% among the 84 mainly ‘suspect’ samples analyzed; NIV was co-analyzed with DON and was detected at 40 μg kg⁻¹ in a wheat sample and at 50, 380, and 490 μg kg⁻¹ in three sorghum samples. FUM and ZEN occurred only in sorghum samples with low frequencies at concentrations reaching 2117 and 32 μg kg⁻¹, respectively. The analytical results indicate higher mycotoxin contamination in sorghum, which could be related to the widespread storage of sorghum grain in underground pits leading to elevated seed moisture contents. This is the first report on the occurrence of OTA in teff.     

Occurrence and distribution of cassava begomoviruses in Kenya

A survey for cassava mosaic disease (CMD) was conducted in Kenya, to investigate the factors contributing to the generally increased incidence and severity of CMD in the cassava growing regions and to study the distribution of the disease's causal begomoviruses, African cassava mosaic virus (ACMV) and East African cassava mosaic virus (EACMV) and their strains. Special emphasis was given to the occurrence of the destructive recombinant Uganda variant strain of EACMV (EACMV-UG2). Samples from 91 farmers' fields in the main cassava-growing areas of coastal and western Kenya were collected and subjected to ELISA and PCR for detection and typing of the begomoviruses present. CMD incidence was highest in western Kenya (80–100%) and lowest in the Coast province (25–50%). In Western and Nyanza provinces, 52% of the samples tested contained EACMV-UG2, 22% ACMV and 17% contained both ACMV and EACMV-UG2. EACMV was found in four cases at different sites. In cassava samples from the coast province, only EACMV with DNA-A sequences similar to EACMV strains present in Kenya and Tanzania was found. East African cassava mosaic Zanzibar virus (EACMZV) was present in several farms in the Kilifi district. In 15% of all cassava samples with CMD symptoms, flexuous, filamentous virus-like particles were also found, providing evidence for a more complex virus situation in cassava grown at the Kenyan coast. In western Kenya, where intense cassava cultivation takes place, CMD is rampant and EACMV-UG2 was found in mixed virus infections with ACMV driving the epidemics. In coastal areas, where farms are scattered and in isolation, EACMV is endemic, however, with a lower disease incidence and with a limited impact to cassava production.