Biomedical subjects

J Romeis

Publications and source records attributed to J Romeis.

3 recordsLinked to original sources

PubMed2000

Biology and field performance of gryon clavigrallae (Hymenoptera: Scelionidae), an egg parasitoid of Clavigralla spp. (Hemiptera: Coreidae) in India.

The biology and impact of Gryon clavigrallae Mineo, an egg parasitoid of Clavigralla scutellaris Spinola and C. gibbosa (Westwood), was investigated. The calculated developmental threshold temperatures for females and males were 15.6 degrees C and 15.8 degrees C, respectively. Emergence exceeded 94% at temperatures between 22 and 30 degrees C. Adult females lived on average 28-96 days when fed with honey. Without food, adults lived < 6 days. Mean fecundity was 56.4 eggs per female. A significant trend of lower fecundity after longer periods of host deprivation was observed. Gryon clavigrallae females successfully oviposited in host eggs of all ages though eggs < 4 days old were preferred. Total host handling times were significantly longer on C. gibbosa eggs (23.5 min) than on C. scutellaris eggs (12.0 min). Females readily distinguished parasitized from non-parasitized host eggs. Superparasitism was observed when few or no unparasitized eggs were available. Eggs of the two Clavigralla species can be separated by surface structure and condition after eclosion. Clavigralla scutellaris laid significantly larger egg clusters than C. gibbosa (19.9 versus 10.5 eggs per cluster). Gryon clavigrallae was present as soon as the first Clavigralla spp. egg clusters were found on pigeonpea. The percentage of egg clusters parasitized increased early in the season with egg cluster density and remained high (up to 83%) despite fluctuations in host density. Overall, G. clavigrallae parasitized 40 and 58% of C. gibbosa and C. scutellaris eggs. The percentage of egg clusters parasitized and the number of eggs parasitized per cluster increased significantly with egg cluster size. The overall parasitoid sex ratio was highly female biased but varied with the number of eggs parasitized per cluster.

Animals↗

PubMed1999

Insect pests of pigeonpea and their management.

Pigeonpea (Cajanus cajan) is an important crop in semi-arid tropical and subtropical farming systems, providing high quality vegetable protein, animal feed, and firewood. Insect pests feeding on flowers, pods, and seeds are the most important biotic constraint affecting pigeonpea yields. This review summarizes the biology and ecology of the three most important groups of pests: flower- and pod-feeding Lepidoptera, pod-sucking Hemiptera, and seed-feeding Diptera and Hymenoptera. Recent research investigating the complex interactions among pigeonpea, its key pests, and their natural enemies is also reviewed. These relationships have implications on the pest status of individual species and on possible control strategies. Pigeonpea pest management research has focused until recently on the identification and development of resistant cultivars and on chemical control. Future research must focus on environmentally sound pest management strategies that are compatible with the needs and limitations of pigeonpea farmers. Several priority areas for research are suggested.

Journal Article↗

PubMed1979

An epilepsy workshop for professionals.

This experimental study evaluated the impact of an epilepsy workshop format designed for community professionals who may be involved in the treatment plan and follow-up of patients. The goals of the workshop were to increase the professional's knowledge and comfort in the presence of epilepsy and to effect better delivery of services to patients. To achieve this, a didactic approach to learning was modified to include patient contact and participant involvement in the learning process. A pre- and posttest experimental design was utilized. Those who attended the workshop improved significantly more than the two control groups in their knowledge of and comfort with epilepsy. Following the workshop, there was a marked increase in the referral of school children for possible neurological problems by teachers who had attended. There was a subsequent improvement in the delivery of health care services to such children in this county.

Adolescent↗