Field experiments conducted over three years at Stoneville, MS evaluated invert emulsion and oil diluents on the efficiacy of glyphosate and MSMA on purple nutsedge. The herbicides were applied at 0.6 and 1.1 kg ai/ha in an invert emulsion (oil-in-water) and a paraffinic oil at 19 L/ha (low-volume) and in water with a non-ionic surfactant (0.25% v/v) at 187 L/ha (high-volume). Purple nutsedge control with both herbicides was greater with the low-volume, invert emulsion and oil diluent applications than with high-volume, water diluent applications. Glyphosate and MSMA at 1.1 kg/ha in the oil diluent controlled purple nutsedge at least 88% when compared with the invert emulsion (≥ 75 and ≥ 76%, respectively) and water (≥ 42 and ≥ 44%, respectively) diluents. Cotton injury and seed cotton yields were unaffected by any treatment with MSMA but glyphosate with each diluent caused unacceptable cotton injury and seed cotton yield reduction.

In this study an attempt was made to develop a suitable diluent based on the characteristics ofgood quality ovarian fluid of Oncorhynchus mykiss. The resulting simulated ovarian fluid (SOF) was compared with Borax-borie acid buffer diluent and adjusted versions thereof. The composition of al1 these diluents are given in this paper. Maximum fertilization success (81.76%) was achieved when ovarian lluid was employed as a sperm diluent. Spermatozoa showed maximum (34 seconds) forward motility after dilution with Borax 3. The use of diluents in artificial fertilization techniques by trout farmers can help them to increase the fertilization success and also facilitates hatchery procedures and broodslock management.

Semen diluents are presently being used both for short- and long-term storage of domestic fowl semen. They are being developed to improve the reproductive efficiency of males and to lower the cost of artificial insemination. The development of semen diluents began with the use of simple NaCl solutions. Now, more complex diluents containing different osmotic regulators, energy sources, buffers and chelating agents are on the market. The discovery of cryoprotectants, such as glycerol and dimethylsulphoxide, has facilitated the preservation of chicken semen indefinitely at −196°C. The diluents which have been developed for short-term storage of semen are currently being used commercially wherever the technique of artificial insemination is being used seriously, especially in the turkey industry. Even though diluents for long-term semen storage are now available, their commercial application is not yet feasible.

This paper reviews the development of the various diluents which has resulted in the ability to preserve domestic fowl semen for short and long periods. Also discussed are some of the research data that have been collected on the viscosity of semen and semen diluents and what effects this has on semen quality.