Morphological, serological, molecular detection, and phylogenetic analysis of Trypanosoma evansi in horses of different regions in Iran

Trypanosoma evansi, the causative agent of "surra" is enzootic in Iran. The current study aimed to detect T. evansi in horses from different regions of Iran using morphological, serological, and molecular methods. In 2021, 400 blood samples were collected from horses in eight regions. Eighty horses showed clinical signs such as cachexia (n = 64), fever (n = 36), foot edema (n = 40), and abdominal edema (n = 32), and 320 horses appeared healthy. All samples from the studied regions were evaluated for the presence of trypanosomes using direct analysis of blood smears, mercuric chloride, and PCR-based tests. In total, 12% (95% CI: ± 3.1%), 21% (95% CI: ± 3.9%), and 21% (84) of animals were positive for Trypanosoma in microscopic, serologic, and molecular analyses, respectively. All animals positive for SSU rDNA PCR were from Qom, Semnan, and Golestan regions. Further molecular analyses on 84 PCR-positive horses revealed that 29 horses scored positive in PCR using primers of trypanozoon species and 5 scored positive in PCR using primers of Trypanosoma evansi type A. All samples (n = 5) were from Qom region. The 205-bp fragments of T. evansi RoTat 1.2VSG (accession numbers: ON017789-93) analyzed and compared to other isolates sequence from GenBank BLAST search. It has close similarities with isolates from Pakistan, Egypt, Malaysia, Kenya, and India. Data herein demonstrated that horses from Iran were at high risk of T. evansi infection. Comprehensive control programs, such as those based on the application of repellants and traps, and also, compliance with quarantine standards are recommended for minimizing the risk of the infection.

EFFECTS OF WATER SUPPLY AND SOWING DATE ON PERFORMANCE AND ESSENTIAL OIL PRODUCTION OF ANISE (PIMPINELLA ANISUM L.)

Field and greenhouse experiments were carried out in order to determine the effects of water supply and sowing date on the performance and essential oil production of anise (Pimpinella anisum L.). The results indicated that mean leaf area (LA), specific leaf area (SLA), relative growth rate (RGR), relative water content (RWC), grain yield and essential oil decreased, while the root/shoot ratio and the oil percentage of the seeds increased when the available soil water decreased to below 80% in the greenhouse. It was concluded that for higher grain and essential oil production, anise must be sown early in the spring (April 4 to 16) in Tabriz. Water deficit during stem elongation and umbel appearance reduced anise growth, grain yield and oil production. Seeds harvested at the waxy stage had higher oil content than those harvested at earlier or later stages.