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Comparison of electrophysiological and behavioral responses of tephritid (Diptera: Tephritidae) pests to cucurbit host odors
Get PDFDeveloping species-specific lures for female tephritid fruit flies is crucial for sustainable pest management, yet remains a significant challenge. This study aimed to identify potential attractants for Zeugodacus cucurbitae, a major pest on cucurbit crops, by comparing the olfactory responses of females to host plant volatiles with those of two related fruit-infesting species, Bactrocera dorsalis and Ceratitis capitata. Using gas chromatography coupled electroantennogram detection (GC-EAD) and GC-mass spectrometry (GC-MS), we identified 28 antenna-active compounds from flowers and fruits of Cucumis sativus L., Cucurbita pepo L., and Cucurbita mixta L. While eight compounds elicited responses in all three tephritid species, indicating shared olfactory sensitivity, B. dorsalis and C. capitata detected a broader range of volatiles than Z. cucurbitae. Behavioral assays in a six-choice olfactometer demonstrated that synthetic blends based on cucurbit host odors attracted females of all three species. These findings suggest that, while there is some overlap in host odor perception, subtle differences exist that could be exploited for species-specific lure development. Further optimization and field testing of these promising blends are recommended to enhance targeted pest management strategies for Z. cucurbitae
Natural preservation strategies: The potential of bioactive compounds from fruit and vegetable waste to reduce postharvest losses
Get PDFThe fruit and vegetable (F&V) waste generated postharvest has the potential of being used for the recovery of bioactive compounds that can be reintroduced into the supply chain to extend the postharvest quality of fresh produce. This review provides in-depth insights into the potential use of natural extracts derived from F&V waste to maintain the commercial and nutritional quality of fresh F&V. The mechanisms of action are comprehensively discussed. Application methods such as edible coatings, dipping solutions, and active packaging films are the main techniques used for the application of natural extracts. Future research integrating advanced -omics technologies is encouraged to unravel the molecular interactions of these bioactive compounds, facilitating the development of environmentally friendly, scalable postharvest treatments. Addressing regulatory challenges and ensuring industry adoption will be crucial in transitioning toward natural alternatives for food preservation, ultimately reducing postharvest losses and promoting sustainability in the fresh produce supply chain
Fostering unsustainability? An analysis of 4-year-olds' dietary impacts in Sweden
Get PDFThe dietary impacts of 746 young Swedish children were assessed across ten indicators: carbon footprint, cropland use, new nitrogen and phosphorus inputs, blue water use, ammonia emissions, pesticide use, biodiversity loss, antibiotic use, and animal welfare. This analysis utilized caretaker-reported food intake data from the Riksmaten Young Children study (2021-24). It employed the Sustainability Assessment of Foods And Diets tool to quantify these impacts against per capita 1000 kcal planetary boundaries and variations in dietary impacts based on factors such as gender, municipal area, parental education level, and consumption setting (home or preschool). We found that the mean dietary impacts fell within or exceeded the uncertainty zone per capita planetary boundaries for five out of six indicators, with only blue water use remaining within the 'safe space'; notably, zero children had eaten below the uncertainty levels for all indicators. Boys exhibited higher dietary impacts than girls in absolute terms and when adjusted for energy intake. Children from rural areas and those with lower parental education levels also demonstrated higher impacts than their peers. Carbon footprint analysis revealed no substantial differences between home and preschool settings, with lower meat consumption in preschools offset by higher dairy intake. The primary drivers of dietary impacts were red meat, dairy products, and fruit and vegetable consumption. These results highlight substantial challenges in achieving sustainable food production and diets in Sweden while providing essential insights for informing policy and governance frameworks to promote healthier dietary patterns among young children
What information counts when detecting mastitis in automatic milking systems?—A mixed methods approach from a Swedish perspective
Get PDFThe increasing adoption of automatic milking systems (AMS) in modern dairy farming has shifted mastitis detection from traditional human-animal interactions to technologically mediated processes. This study used a mixed methods design, combining a quantitative survey of Swedish dairy farmers (n = 246) with in-depth qualitative interviews (n = 9). The survey explored the use of AMS data for mastitis detection across herds varying in size, AMS brand, and technological features. The interviews provided rich insights into farmers' practices, challenges, and decision-making processes regarding udder health management. Our findings revealed that AMS brands and tools create distinct working environments, influencing farmers' behaviors around mastitis detection. A common practice used to detect cows with udder health problems was to monitor the behavior of animals, for example, examine cows that are late for milking, rather than following the more direct udder health parameters, such as SCC or electrical conductivity. Farmers emphasized SCC as the key indicator of udder health. Integration of AMS data into broader herd health strategies, including collaboration with veterinarians, remains underused. Enhanced training in AMS customization and closer integration with advisory systems could optimize the use of available data. These insights offer a foundation for refining mastitis management and improving udder health in AMS-managed herds
Remote antemortem inspection at slaughter in Sweden
Get PDFDomesticated and farmed animals that are slaughtered commercially for human consumption undergo antemortem inspections (AMIs) by official veterinarians to comply with the legislation of the European Union. Small-capacity abattoirs and game-handling establishments are often located in remote areas and have high resource demand for onsite control. This study aimed to study the feasibility of remote AMIs performed by veterinarian raters with limited prior experience in AMI and to evaluate the user experiences assessed by raters having lifelong experience with digital devices in their daily lives. The present study was performed over 4 d (18 sessions) at a large-capacity abattoir slaughtering pigs and another 4 d (four sessions) at a small-capacity abattoir slaughtering cattle and sheep. The interrater variability between two raters (one technical support person conducting onsite AMI and one remote rater conducting remote AMI over a live video feed) was assessed, and the raters scored their user experiences for each session. A total of 4,032 pigs, 39 cattle, and 10 sheep were inspected over the 22 sessions. We observed high levels of overall agreement (99.4%), Cohen's kappa (0.920; 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.888-0.953), and prevalence- and bias-adjusted kappa (0.989; 95% CI: 0.983-0.993) between the onsite and remote AMIs for the large-capacity abattoir. These results were also supported by the McNemar test (chi(2) = 0.375; df = 1; p = 0.54). The sample size at the small-capacity abattoir was low (N = 49), and marginal rating frequencies were different, for which the Fisher's exact test showed statistical differences (p < 0.001) between the onsite and remote AMI results. The average user experience scores for all categories were rated as satisfactory or better. Consequently, remote AMI is a feasible and flexible option for official meat inspections in slaughter, provided the inspectors are trained and aligned in their assessments of AMI findings
Comprehensive identification of the PEBP gene family in Vicia faba highlighting VfTFL1a variation and phenotypic insights into determinate growth
Get PDFThe phosphatidylethanolamine binding protein (PEBP) family regulates key plant processes including growth, development, flowering, seed germination, formation, and dormancy. Despite their importance for these processes that determine agronomical important characters, PEBP genes in faba bean (Vicia faba L.) and closely related legumes remain underexplored. This study identified 11 VfPEBP genes for the first time in Vicia faba, classifying them into MFT-like, TFL-like, and FT-like subfamilies, and examining their relationships to PEBP-genes of the legumes Pisum sativum and Vicia sativa. TFL1 homologs, crucial for growth determinacy, are an important focus for breeding to achieve a more confined flowering and maturation time. Cis-element analysis suggested VfTFL1-genes are regulated by light, hormones, and abiotic stress. Amplicon sequencing of VfTFL1a, a gene linked to shoot apical meristem fate, identified novel allelic variation but none of these could discriminate determinate from indeterminate varieties, invalidating a previously reported marker. Field trials revealed that determinate varieties of faba bean flowered later but had more uniform agronomic traits compared to indeterminate ones. These findings provide new insights into the PEBP gene family, highlighting its critical role in regulating flowering time and plant architecture in Vicia faba and underscoring its potential as a target for crop improvement
Wide-scope screening of micropollutants in stormwater ponds within Swedish urban catchments
Get PDFStormwater refers to the resulting water from precipitation events. In urbanized areas, impervious surfaces result in an increased runoff and, consequently, mobilize pollutants occurring in urban environments to freshwater bodies. Stormwater ponds function as a treatment step of the water before it enters the recipient water body. However, their efficiency to remediate organic micropollutants remains largely unknown. Hence, there is a need to explore the ability of these man-made barriers to remediate organic micropollutants. In this work, we have investigated both influent and effluent water streams from two stormwater ponds during distinct hydrological events to assess their contribution to pollution transport by means of wide-scope screening of organic micropollutants. Several chemicals have been detected. The observed differences in the chemical profile in samples from different ponds highlighted that the activities in the catchment area heavily impacted the composition of the stormwater. Unexpectedly, the chemical profiles of the stormwater during dry and rainy periods were found to be comparable. Additionally, increased contamination was detected in effluent stormwater, indicating poor treatment and the potential redissolution of previously retained chemicals, highlighting the need for better treatment and remediation strategies in man-made stormwater ponds to ensure sustainability of recipient water bodies
Intercropping and pollination mediate faba bean (Vicia faba) yield and nodulation
Get PDFLegume productivity depends on biotic interactions above and below ground, such as pollination and Rhizobia symbiosis. Yet, these interactions remain unexplored, particularly in the context of different cropping systems. This study investigated the interactive effects of intercropping and pollination on faba bean nodulation and yield in an organic system, where faba bean and pumpkin were alternated in 3 m-wide strips and compared to faba bean plants grown as a monocrop. Faba bean nodulation and yield were evaluated in open (insect-pollinated) and bagged (self-pollinated) plants. Results showed that faba bean yield and nodulation were enhanced at strip edges. Nodule mass increased by 45 %, the number of active nodules increased by 33 %, and seed weight per plant was 61 % higher compared to monocrops. Insect pollination treatment also increased nodule mass by 19 % and seed weight by 37 %. We found that pollination treatment influenced the relationship between active nodules and yield parameters with insect-pollinated plants being less dependent on active nodules for productivity. In addition, we found complex interactions between cropping system, pollination treatments and nodulation, whereby, in intercropping systems, both yield and nodulation benefit from pollination but not in monocropping systems. Our findings confirm that intercropping positively affects faba bean yield and nodulation, likely driven by nutrient competition and resource use complementarity between crops. Importantly, we provide the first evidence of pollination affecting faba bean-Rhizobia symbiosis, likely through shifts in plant resource allocation. These findings underscore the need to better understand interactions between above-and belowground symbioses for the transition towards sustainable agriculture
Yorkshire Terriers under primary veterinary care in the UK – demography and disorders
Get PDFBackgroundThe Yorkshire Terrier is a long-established and commonly owned dog breed. This study aimed to explore anonymised primary-care veterinary clinical data from the VetCompass Programme to characterise the demography, common disorders and longevity of the general population of Yorkshire Terriers in the UK in 2016.ResultsYorkshire Terriers composed 28,032 (3.10%) of the study population of 905,542 dogs under veterinary care in 2016. Annual proportional birth rates decreased in popularity between 2005 and 2016, from 3.54% of all dogs born in 2005 to 2.15% in 2016. The median adult bodyweight was 5.06 kg (IQR 3.81–6.49, range 1.01-15.00). Clinical records from a random sample of 3,308/28,032 (11.80%) Yorkshire Terriers were manually reviewed to extract information on all disorders diagnosed during 2016. The most commonly diagnosed disorders were periodontal disease (21.10%, 95% CI: 19.71–22.49), overgrown nail(s) (6.47%, 95% CI: 5.63–7.31), anal sac impaction (3.99%, 95% CI: 3.32–4.66), overweight/obesity (3.72%, 95% CI: 3.07–4.36) and persistent deciduous teeth (3.57%, 95% CI: 2.94–4.20). Among the 464/3,308 (14.03%) Yorkshire Terriers that died during the study period, the median age at death was 13.56 years (IQR 11.30–15.15, range 0.06–19.08). The most common disorder groups causing death were brain disorders (9.79%, 95% CI: 6.79–12.78) and kidney disorders (8.73%, 95% CI: 5.88–11.58).ConclusionsThe current study identifies a reducing ownership trend for Yorkshire Terriers in the UK. Disorders that are common and appear predisposed in Yorkshire Terriers include periodontal disease, persistent deciduous teeth and patellar luxation. Overall, the Yorkshire Terrier has high longevity, which is suggestive of robust overall health
Beagles kept as companion animals in the UK – demography, disorders and mortality
Get PDFBackground Beagles are a popular companion animal dog breed and are generally stated to be a healthy breed. This VetCompass study aimed to report the demography, common disorders and mortality of Beagles under primary veterinary care in the UK. Anonymised clinical records within VetCompass were followed over time to extract disorder and mortality data during 2019 on Beagles under primary veterinary care in the UK. Results Beagles comprised 19,906 (0.88%) of the 2,250,417 dogs in the study population. Annual proportional birth rates showed an increasing breed popularity from 0.41% of all dogs born in 2005 and peaking at 1.06% in 2012, followed by a decrease to 0.90% in 2019. The median adult bodyweight was 18.19 kg (IQR 15.68–21.07). From a random sample of Beagles (3,729/19,906, 18.73%), the most diagnosed disorders were obesity (24.27%, 95% CI: 22.89–25.65), periodontal disease (17.78%, 95% CI: 16.55–19.01), overgrown nail(s) (11.61%, 95% CI: 10.58–12.64), otitis externa (11.18%, 95% CI: 10.17–12.19) and anal sac impaction (10.59%, 95% CI 9.60-11.58). Once disorders were grouped by pathology, the most common group-level disorders were obesity (24.27%, 95% CI: 22.89–25.65), dental disorders (21.48%, 95% CI: 20.16–22.80), ear disorders (13.62%, 95% CI: 12.52–14.72), claw/nail disorders (13.14%, 95% CI: 12.06–14.22) and anal sac disorders (11.10%, 95% CI: 10.09–12.11). The median age at death was 11.28 years (IQR 9.32–13.08) for 322 deaths recorded during the study period. The most common causes of death at group level were neoplasia (19.26%, 95% CI: 14.76–23.75), mass (13.18%, 95% CI: 9.32–17.03), poor quality of life (12.84%, 95% CI: 9.03–16.65), and brain disorders (6.76%, 95% CI: 3.90–9.62). Conclusions Their disorder profile suggests the Beagle breed should not be considered to have an extreme conformation. Owners and veterinary teams should put special emphasis on care related to bodyweight control and dental hygiene in Beagles. Their median age at death of 11.70 years suggests reasonable overall health but neoplasia is a common biomedical cause of death in Beagles