Phenolic and lipophilic compounds of wheat grain as factors affecting susceptibility to infestation by granary weevil (Sitophilus granarius L.)

The impact of certain groups of polyphenolic (phenolic acids and alkylresorcinols) and lipophilic compounds (total lipids, fatty acids, sterols, tocols and carotenoids) on susceptibility of bread wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) kernels to Sitophilus granarius infestation was studied. In the experiments, six cultivars of spring wheat with comparable protein content, endosperm hardness and overall technological quality were used. Twenty grams of grain were infested by 10 pairs of beetles and stored for one week or eight weeks at 28±2°C and relative humidity of 60%. The intensity of growth and feeding of S. granarius varied significantly in the used cultivars. The antixenosis effect of the studied grain chemicals, observed after one week of infestation, was the lowest for Łagwa cv., which was characterized by the highest total lipid and sterol contents. Other cultivars showed a similar antixenosis effect. For antibiosis effect, the most attractive for S. granarius infestation was Ostka Smolicka cv., which was characterized by the lowest content of total phenolic acids. In contrast, the highest antibiosis effect was found for Arabella and Izera cvs. with the lowest values of sterol content and average values of other determined phytochemicals

Prevalence of antibodies against Neospora caninum in dogs from urban areas in Central Poland

Neospora caninum is a protozoan parasite which causes abortion in cattle as well as reproduction problems and neurological disorders in dogs. To assess the prevalence of the parasite in urban dogs in the Mazovian Voivodeship, Central Poland, serum samples from 257 dogs were analyzed for the presence of specific IgG antibodies. The examined dogs visited three private veterinary clinics located in Warsaw due to control tests, vaccinations, or other reasons not directly connected with neosporosis. Using ELISA and Western blot, antibodies against the parasite were detected in 56 out of 257 dogs, giving a prevalence of 21.7%. A greater prevalence was observed in female dogs than in males, 28% and 17.3%, respectively, and the differences were statistically significant (p < 0.05). There were no significant differences in seroprevalence of Neospora infection within the age groups (p > 0.05). This study indicates the presence of N. caninum in the Mazovian Voivodeship, in dogs which live in urban areas and exposure of these dogs to the parasite. The fact that seropositive dogs had no contact with cattle confirms the important role of dogs in the parasite’s epidemiology

Zużycie środków ochrony roślin w rolnictwie w latach 2000-2012

Stosowanie środków ochrony roślin przyczynia się nie tylko do zabezpieczenia roślin uprawnych przed szkodliwymi czynnikami środowiska ale również do zwiększenia jakości i ilości zebranych plonów. Wstąpienie Polski do Unii Europejskiej przyczyniło się nie tylko do stosunkowo dynamicznego rozwoju obszarów wiejskich, ale również do wzrostu sprzedaży środków ochrony roślin. Od 2000 do 2012 roku nastąpił największy wzrost sprzedaży środków chwastobójczych, grzybobójczych i zapraw nasiennych, najmniejszy zaś regulatorów wzrostu oraz środków gryzoniobójczych. Dane z roku 2012 świadczą, że wiodącą grupą środków ochrony roślin, stosowaną w praktyce rolniczej są herbicydy, środki hamujące wzrost pędów oraz środki mchobójcze. Celem pracy jest przedstawienie tendencji zużycia środków ochrony roślin w latach 2000-2012. Materiał badawczy w niniejszej pracy stanowiły głównie dane pochodzące z Rocznika Statystycznego Rolnictwa 2013. Praca ma charakter przeglądowy

Effects of Subchronic Exposure to Cadmium and Diazinon on Testis and Epididymis in Rats

The present study aimed to elucidate the structural changes in testis and epididymis of adult rats following subchronic peroral administration of cadmium at 30 mg/L, diazinon at 40 mg/L, cadmium at 30 mg/L, and diazinon at 40 mg/L, respectively. At the end of 90-day experiment, the samples of the testes and epididymis were assayed by qualitative and quantitative histological methods. The testis and epididymis weights increased following exposure to cadmium and simultaneous exposure to cadmium and diazinon. Testicular damage following cadmium and diazinon coexposure was significantly less expressive than in groups with individual administration of these compounds. Cadmium caused a significant thickening of seminiferous epithelium, cellular degeneration, and necrosis. Desquamation of immature germ cells resulted in a significant increase of intraepithelial spaces and reduced tubule volume in all experimental groups. Vascular dilation and congestion were detected in the interstitial tissue. The changes in epididymal histology in the group exposed to cadmium and group exposed simultaneously included a reduction of epithelium, necrotic epithelial cells, vasoconstriction, and interstitial edema together with mononuclear cell infiltration. Results did not indicate a synergistic or any additional effect from the simultaneous administration of both toxicants. Further research is needed to determine the significance and the mechanism of the adverse effects