No abstract

In a 2 × 2 × 2 factorial experiment, plants of one genotype of tall fescue (Festuca arundinacea) were grown in soil in pots in a glasshouse on two occasions. The treatments were either with (E+) or without (E–) infection by the fungal endophyte Neotyphodium coenophialum; with (N+) or without (N–) inoculation by the root‐knot nematode Meloidogyne marylandi; and with or without water deficit stress. In the first experiment, nematode numbers after 5 weeks had increased 10 times in the E–/N– watered pots and 22 times in the E–/N+ stressed plants. Root dry weight was decreased in all E–/N+ pots, compared with E–/N–. In contrast, nematode numbers in all E+/N+ pots decreased to nearly zero and root dry weight was unaffected. Osmotic adjustment in the growing zone of stressed plants was –0·35 MPa in E–/N– pots, but only –0·10 MPa in E–/N+ pots. Osmotic adjustment was greatest (–0·64 MPa) in E+ pots of both nematode treatments and almost no nematodes survived in the N+ pots. In the second experiment, there was complete nematode mortality in the E+ pots. Plant water relations were unaffected by treatments, however. It is concluded that endophyte‐enhanced persistence of tall fescue in M. marylandi‐infested soils that are prone to drought may be explained at least partly by endophyte protection of roots from nematode damage. Nematode inhibition by the endophyte may operate in addition to direct influences of the endophyte on enhancing drought tolerance of the host.

Isolates of Phytophthora sojae were collected during 1995 to 1998 from soil samples collected in 23 Arkansas soybean fields in 14 counties, and characterized by race. A total of seven races (races 2, 10, 14, 15, 24, 26, and 38) were found. Races 10, 24, and 15 were the most common and comprised 47, 22, and 9% of the 32 isolates, respectively. A single isolate each of races 2, 14, 26, and 38 also was found. Three of the isolates collected could not be characterized to race due to inconsistent results. In 1997 and 1998, a portion of a single soybean field at the University of Arkansas Southeast Research and Experiment Center near Rohwer, AR was surveyed intensively for P. sojae. The area was planted each year to the P. sojae-susceptible cv. Williams and both plants and soil were collected to assay for P. sojae from 16 and 28 plots (4.9 by 7.6 m) in 1997 and 1998, respectively. A total of 83 isolates were collected (11 from plants and 72 from soil), and found to represent 13 pathotypes, including 6 with virulence formulae that have not been described previously. Nine commercial soybean cultivars representing a range of reported resistance and tolerance to Phytophthora root and stem rot were screened for resistance to races 10, 15, and 26 of P. sojae using both hypocotyl injection and inoculum layer techniques. Cvs. Manokin, Hartz Variety 5545, and Riverside 499 were consistently resistant to all of the races using both inoculation methods. These results indicate that, although considerable pathogenic variability in P. sojae exists in soybean fields in Arkansas, cultivars with effective resistance are available to help growers manage Phytophthora root and stem rot.

Rothrock, C. S., Winters, S. A., Miller, P K., Gbur, E., Verhalen, L. M.,

Background. To date the efficacy and acceptability of internet-delivered cognitive behavioural treatments (iCBT) has been examined in clinical trials and specialist facilities. The present study reports the acceptability, feasibility and preliminary efficacy of an established iCBT treatment course (the Wellbeing Course) administered by a not-for-profit non-governmental organisation, the Mental Health Association (MHA) of New South Wales, to consumers with symptoms of anxiety.Methods. Ten individuals who contacted the MHA’s telephone support line or visited the MHA’s website and reported at least mild symptoms of anxiety (GAD-7 total scores ≥5) were admitted to the study. Participants were provided access to the Wellbeing Course, which comprises five online lessons and homework assignments, and brief weekly support from an MHA staff member via telephone and email. The MHA staff member was an experienced mental health professional and received minimal training in administering the intervention.Results. All 10 participants completed the course within the 8 weeks. Post-treatment and two month follow-up questionnaires were completed by all participants. Mean within-group effect sizes (Cohen’s d) for the Generalized Anxiety Disorder 7 Item (GAD-7) and Patient Health Questionnaire 9 Item (PHQ-9) were large (i.e., > .80) and consistent with previous controlled research. The Course was also rated as highly acceptable with all 10 participants reporting it was worth their time and they would recommend it to a friend.Conclusions. These results provide support for the potential clinical utility of iCBT interventions and the acceptability and feasibility of employing non-governmental mental health organisations to deliver these treatments. However, further research is needed to examine the clinical efficacy and cost-effectiveness of delivering iCBT via such organisations.