What is the impact of snails on tomato plant growth and yield?4 answersSnails can have both detrimental and beneficial effects on tomato plants. Research shows that snail mucus induces defenses in tomatoes, leading to slower growth but reduced herbivory by insects. Plant defense activators like menadione sodium bisulphite (MSB) can make plants less attractive to snails, affecting their feeding behavior. However, the impact of snails on tomato yield depends on the density of infestation. Higher snail densities can lead to increased fruit abortion rates, but compartments with the highest abortion rates may have heavier and bigger fruit, potentially compensating for the losses. While zoophytophagous predators like snails may cause plant damage, studies often neglect to quantify the direct consequences on plant growth and yield. Overall, snails can influence tomato growth through induced defenses, altered feeding behavior, and varying impacts on yield based on infestation levels.
How does the cost of synthetic molluscicides compare to alternative methods of controlling mollusks in aquaculture?4 answersThe cost of synthetic molluscicides compared to alternative methods of controlling mollusks in aquaculture varies. Some studies suggest that biocontrol agents can be costlier and less effective than synthetic molluscicides. However, there are alternative methods that can be considered. These include the use of natural biologically active substances such as thyroxine and cortisol, bark extract Drimys winteri, chitosan, and marine algae containing sulfated polysaccharides. Various isolates of microorganisms, including bacteria of the genus Pseudomonas, Aeromonas, Bacillus subtilis, and Pantoea agglomerans, have also been used as biological methods of mollusk control. Additionally, the use of essential oils and their components as novel mollusc control agents is gaining interest. These alternative methods may provide safer and more environmentally friendly options for controlling mollusks in aquaculture.
What are interesting about photosymbiosis in mollusc?5 answersPhotosymbiosis in molluscs is interesting because it allows them to directly benefit from photosynthesis. Sea slugs belonging to the Cladobranchia have evolved two different strategies to acquire their symbiont: either from cnidarian prey or directly from the water column. The mechanisms for photobiont uptake and maintenance in these sea slugs are still unknown, but they might be similar to those of cnidarians. The marine bivalve subfamily Fraginae contains both non-symbiotic and photosymbiotic lineages, making it an ideal system to study the origin and evolutionary adaptations of photosymbiosis. The symbiotic fragines exhibit varying morphologies, habitats, and utilization of symbiont photosynthesis, making them an ideal model system to study differential adaptations to photosymbiosis. The occurrence and functional relevance of photosymbiosis in modern planktonic foraminifera have been investigated using active chlorophyll fluorescence, providing unequivocal evidence for the presence of photosynthetic capacity in individual foraminifera. These objectively quantified photosymbiotic characteristics can be used to classify species along a gradient of photosynthetic activity, providing a framework for future ecological and physiological investigations of planktonic foraminifera.
What is the most effective treatment for molluscum contagiosum virus?5 answersThe most effective treatment for molluscum contagiosum virus remains unclear, as stated in the abstracts. A network meta-analysis was performed to assess the comparative efficacy and safety of interventions for molluscum contagiosum, but the benefits and efficacy of these interventions are still uncertain. Cidofovir, administered intravenously, topically, or intralesionally, has been found to be efficacious in the treatment of molluscum contagiosum, particularly in immunosuppressed patients. Homoeopathy has also shown effectiveness in treating viral infections such as molluscum contagiosum, with complete disappearance of eruptions observed in a case study. Over-the-counter products marketed for treating molluscum contagiosum vary widely in cost, packaging size, and ingredients, with insufficient information provided on their plant-based ingredients or appropriate dosing. In a retrospective audit, topical podophyllotoxin and cryotherapy were the most preferred first-line management options for molluscum contagiosum.
Are carbonized rice hull and madre de cacao leaf extract effective molluscicides against golden apple snails?5 answersCarbonized rice hull and madre de cacao leaf extract have been studied for their molluscicidal activity against golden apple snails. A study by ###A Noorshilawati et al.### investigated the molluscicidal activity of different Ipomoea batatas leaf extracts and found that all extracts, including the aqueous extract, showed molluscicidal properties against Pomacea canaliculata. Another study by ###Erick John F. Aromin et al.### compared the molluscicidal performance of black pepper, garlic, and madre de cacao against golden apple snails and found that black pepper showed no significant difference compared to the positive control, metaldehyde. However, there is no specific mention of carbonized rice hull or madre de cacao leaf extract in this study. Therefore, it is unclear whether these substances are effective molluscicides against golden apple snails based on the available abstracts. Further research is needed to determine their efficacy.
Can zinc help with molluscum contagiosum?4 answersZinc has been shown to improve intestinal barrier function against Salmonella enterica serovar Typhimurium (S typhimurium) infection. However, there is no direct evidence in the provided abstracts to suggest that zinc can help with molluscum contagiosum. The abstracts mention that molluscum contagiosum is a viral infection that affects young children. It is characterized by smooth, dome-shaped discrete papules. The abstracts also highlight the importance of expertise in managing this infection, as it is highly contagious and commonly consulted in primary care settings. While there is no specific mention of zinc's role in treating molluscum contagiosum in the provided abstracts, further research may be needed to explore its potential benefits in this context.