Particulate matter and airborne endotoxin concentration in calf barns and their association with lung consolidation, inflammation, and infection.

Agricultural operations are important sources of organic dust containing particulate matter (PM) and endotoxins, which have possible negative health consequences for both humans and animals. Dust concentrations and composition in calf barns, as well as the potential health effects for these animals, are scarcely documented. The objective of this study was to measure PM fractions and endotoxin concentrations in calf barns and study their associations with lung consolidation, respiratory tract inflammation, and infection in group-housed calves.

Uncovering the biofumigant capacity of allyl isothiocyanate from several Brassicaceae crops against Fusarium pathogens in maize.

Background: Driven by environmental concerns, chemical fumigants are no longer allowed in many countries. Therefore, other strategies for reducing fungal inoculum in soils and on crop debris are being explored. In the present study, several Brassicaceae crops were screened for their potential to control Fusarium gramineaum and Fusarium poae mycelial growth in an in vitro inverted Petri dish experiment.