Aphid Transmission of the Ontario Isolate of Plum Pox Virus.

Utilization of timed virus acquisition access probes in studies of plum pox virus (PPV) transmission by aphids demonstrated that endemic species transmitted the virus readily from plum, Prunus domestica (L.) Batsch; peach, P. persica (L.); or dwarf flowering almond, P. glandulosa Thunberg., to peach seedlings. The green peach aphid, Myzus persicae (Sulzer), was shown to be the most efficient vector. Acquisition of virus by green peach aphids from infected peach leaves resulted in 18-28% infected peach seedlings, while aphids previously fed on infected leaves of plum transferred virus to 36% of peach seedlings. Although the spirea aphid, Aphis spiraecola (Patch), was a less efficient vector than M. persicae it is perhaps more important for the spread of PPV due to its greater abundance and occurrence earlier in the season when peach trees are thought to be more susceptible to infection. Virus transmission rates varied depending on the virus source and healthy test plant species. In contrast to many previous studies, aphid inoculation of the experimental host Nicotiana benthamiana Domin occurred at a low rate, never exceeding 4%. Acquisition of PPV by M. persicae from infected peach fruit was greatly reduced compared with acquisition from leaves. The results of this research indicate that the Ontario isolate of PPV-D is readily transmissible by aphids to peach and natural spread of the virus needs to be considered in future management or eradication programs.

Planning and implementing an interdisciplinary diabetes workshop for healthcare professionals.

A diabetes education program for healthcare professionals evolved out of a series of discussions among healthcare providers. This group realized the importance and the necessity of developing a current knowledge base for themselves, their clients, and their clients' families. The target audiences for this program were physicians, nurses, pharmacists, and dietitians who could be eligible to work toward becoming a certified diabetes educator. This article discusses the process used to develop and conduct these workshops. The lessons learned during this project are provided for consideration by others seeking to address common concerns and challenges in other areas of clinical practice.

The need for a community diabetes education curriculum for healthcare professionals.

Healthcare professionals need valuable up-to-date information on diabetes management and skills to treat and educate patients with diabetes mellitus. The Diabetes Education for Healthcare Professionals program was developed to provide healthcare professionals with current diabetes management skills. It was also designed to increase the number of certified diabetes educators in the area in which it was delivered. The program enrolled 147 participants and was delivered on four different occasions. Fifty-five of those participants stated a strong interest in pursuing certified diabetes educator certification, which may significantly increase the number of certified diabetes educators in both rural and urban areas of West Texas.