Differences in the effectiveness of reproduction among ten breeding strains of the common carp Cyprinus carpio L. after stimulation of ovulation with carp pituitary homogenate or [(D‐Ala6, Pro9NEt) mGnRH‐a + metoclopramide] (Ovopel)

This study focused on the reproduction effectiveness of 10 breeding strains of common carp (Polish strains 2, 3, 6; Hungarian strains 0, W, 7; Lithuanian strain B; French strain F; Israeli strain D and Yugoslavian strain J) after stimulation of ovulation with carp pituitary homogenate or Ovopel. The percentage of females with recorded ovulation became higher after Ovopel treatment in as many as eight breeding strains (2, 3, 6, 0, W, B, F, D). The interaction between the spawning agent and the breeding strain was statistically significant (P ≤ 0.05) for the mass of spawn and non‐significant for traits determining the quality of eggs. Among the 10 breeding strains, in 4 (3, 7, B, J) the least‐squares means (LSM) for the weight of egg (g) were higher for fish stimulated with Ovopel. Among the strains tested, in seven (3, W, F, J, 2, 7, B), the LSM for the percentage of living embryos after 36 h incubation were higher for fish treated with Ovopel. The evaluation of reproduction effects based on the values of such parameters as the percentage of ovulating females, weight of eggs (g) and the percentage of live embryos (36 h) showed that after Ovopel treatment the poorer effects were obtained only for strains 6, 0 and D.     

Diversity of root-knot nematodes in Moroccan olive nurseries and orchards: does <Emphasis Type="Italic">Meloidogyne javanica</Emphasis> disperse according to invasion processes?

Background

Root-knot nematodes (RKN) are major pest of olive tree (Olea europaea ssp. europaea), especially in nurseries and high-density orchards. Soil samples were collected from main olive growing areas of Morocco, to characterize Meloidogyne species and to discuss the contribution of biotic and abiotic factors in their spatial distribution.

Results

RKN were found in 159 soil samples out of 305 from nurseries (52.1% occurrence) and in 11 out of 49 soil samples from orchards (23.2% occurrence). Biochemical and molecular characterisation (PAGE esterase and SCAR) revealed the dominance of M. javanica both in nurseries and orchards with minor presence of M. incognita only in nurseries, and M. arenaria in only one nursery. RKN were distributed on aggregated basis. Frequent presence of M. javanica in orchards might have come from nurseries. In contrast, the detection of M. incognita in nurseries alone suggests that this species could not reproduce in orchards because of either the competition with other plant-parasitic nematodes or unfit local habitats. The impact of environmental variables (climate, habitat origin and physicochemical characteristics of the substrates) on the distribution of Meloidogyne species is also discussed.

Conclusion

Olive nurseries in Morocco are not able to guarantee the safety of rooted plants. As a result, olive production systems are exposed to strong RKN invasion risks. Consequently, the use of healthy substrates in nurseries may prevent plant-parasitic nematode induction in orchards.

     

The importance of dietary HUFA for meagre larvae (Argyrosomus regius; Asso, 1801) and its relation with antioxidant vitamins E and C

Despite the interest of meagre (Argyrosomus regius) as a fast‐growing candidate for Mediterranean aquaculture diversification, there is a lack of information on nutrition along larval development. Importance of highly unsaturated fatty acids (HUFA) and the antioxidant vitamins E and vitamin C has not been investigated yet in this species. Six diets with two levels of HUFA (0.4% and 3% dw), two of vitamin E (1500 and 3000 mg kg^?1) and two of vitamin C (1800 and 3600 mg kg^?1) were fed to 15 dah meagre larvae. Larval growth in total length and dry body weight was significantly lowest in larvae fed diet 0.4/150/180 and showed few lipid droplets in enterocytes and hepatocytes and lower HUFA contents than the initial larvae. Increase in dietary HUFA up to 3%, significantly improved larval growth and lipid absorption and deposition. Besides, among fish fed 3% HUFA, increase in vitamin E and vitamin C significantly improved body weight, as well as total lipid, 22:6n‐3 and n‐3 fatty acids contents in the larvae. Thus, the results showed that 0.4% dietary HUFA is not enough to cover the essential fatty acid requirements of larval meagre and a high HUFA requirement in weaning diets is foreseen for this species. Besides, the results also pointed out the importance of dietary vitamin E and C to protect these essential fatty acids from oxidation, increase their contents in the larvae and promote growth, suggesting high vitamin E and C requirements in meagre larvae (higher than 1500 and 1800 mg kg^?1 for vitamin E and vitamin C respectively).     

Investigation of mechanical properties of developed antimicrobial PPsuture/Ag nanocomposite

In order to prevent surgical complications due to microbial infections, we have developed polypropylene suture grafted with silver nanoparticles (PPsuture/Ag nanocomposite) by a simple immersion procedure. Physical and mechanical properties of developed suture are investigated. Suture surface characteristics are examined by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) imaging and atomic force microscopy (AFM). Silver content on suture surface was determined by Inductively coupled plasma atomic emission spectroscopy (ICP-AES). The mechanical properties of developed antibacterial PP suture/Ag were studied. We note that proposed silver coating method has not affected mechanical performances of suture. Antimicrobial performances of PP suture/Ag nanocomposites against S. aureus and E. coli colonies were also investigated.     

Dietary supplementation with low molecular weight sodium alginate improves growth,haematology, immune reactions and resistance against Aeromonas hydrophila in Clarias gariepinus

A few studies have illustrated the effects of sodium salt derived from alginic acid on different fish species. However, little is known about the effect of sodium alginate on catfish (Clarias gariepinus). Therefore, this study was performed to assess the use of low molecular weight sodium alginate ( LMWSA) in C. gariepinus. A total of 180 apparently healthy C. gariepinus with a mean body weight of 45 g were randomly divided into three equal groups (D1, D2 and D3). D1 the control group received a control diet, while D2 and D3 received 1% and 3% LMWSA, respectively, for 8 weeks. A challenge test against Aeromonas hydrophila was performed on 15 randomly selected catfish for 15 days. At the end of the experiment, catfish in D3 that received a diet of 3% LMWSA showed significant increases in the final body weight, weight gain and thermal‐unit growth coefficient compared with those in D2 and D1. There was a significant decrease in the erythrogram in D1 after the 4‐day pathogen challenge. A leucogram revealed leucocytosis, heterophilia and lymphocytosis in catfish in D2 and D3 compared with those in D1. After the 4‐day challenge, the following changes took place: lysozyme, nitric oxide, phagocytic activity and the respiratory burst were significantly elevated in catfish that received LMWSA and were more pronounced in D3 than in D1. The mortalities of catfish have been stopped after pathogen challenge from 8‐day in D1 and D2 where at 6‐day in D3. Thus, administration of 1% and 3% LMWSA enhances the growth, immune response and resistance of C. gariepinus against A. hydrophila.     

Dietary nucleotides enhance growth performance,feed efficiency and intestinal functional topography in European Seabass (Dicentrarchus labrax)

Nucleotides, nucleosides and nucleic acids (NU) have many critical functions in supporting life and increasing evidence suggests that exogenous supply can benefit the health of mammals and fish. For these reasons, a 6‐week feeding trial was conducted on juvenile European seabass (Dicentrarchus labrax) with diets containing 0%, 0.15% and 0.3% inclusion of a NU mixture (Laltide^®) derived from the yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae. At the end of the study no significant differences were found in fish performance, although a tendency towards better performance was indicated in fish fed the Nu0.3 diet. In relation to histological assessment, a significantly greater perimeter ratio; internal to outer (IP/OP) was observed in the posterior intestine of fish fed supplemental NU. Microvilli heights in the posterior intestine were also shown to be significantly promoted in fish fed NU diets (p < 0.05). Goblet cell abundance was shown to be unaffected by the inclusion of NU in the diet (p > 0.05). Overall, this study indicates that orally administered NU may be effective promoters of gut functional topography with marginal associated improvements to fish performance. Nonetheless, longer exposure and/or commercial scale application, and in diets that were challenging in use of high inclusion levels of plant by‐products would potentially amplify improvements in production characteristics, in turn benefiting fish culturists.     

Effect of Mediterranean saltbush (Atriplex halimus) ensilaging with two developed enzyme cocktails on feed intake,nutrient digestibility and ruminal fermentation in sheep

The aim of this study was to assess the effects of feeding Atriplex halimus (AH) silage treated with two developed enzyme cocktails to sheep on feed intake, nutrient digestibility and ruminal fermentation. The AH silage was treated without or with 2 L of ZAD1^® or ZAD2^®/1000 kg with 5% molasses and ensiled for 30 days. Barley grain (300 g/head/day) was fed as an energy supplement once daily at 10.00 hours and AH silage with or without enzyme treatment was offered ad libitum to animals twice daily at 09.00 and 16.00 hours. Sheep were fed on four experimental forage diets comprised of AH silage and barley (D1), AH silage treated with ZAD1^® and barley (D2), AH silage treated with ZAD2^® and barley (D3) and AH silage treated with a combination of ZAD1^® and ZAD2^® (1:1) and barley (D4). Ensiling AH with enzymes reduced its contents of neutral detergent fiber and acid detergent fiber. The dry matter intake of AH of D2, D3 and D4 decreased (P < 0.001) as compared to D1. However, enzyme‐treated diets had greater total digestible nutrients intake (P < 0.001) as compared to D1. The nutrients digestibility for D2, D3 and D4 were higher than those for D1 (P < 0.001), and were higher for D3 as compared to both D2 and D4. Sheep fed on D3 had highest (P < 0.001) ruminal total volatile fatty acids concentration, ammonia nitrogen concentration and microbial protein yield. It could be concluded that AH silage treated with ZAD1^® or ZAD2^® improved digestibility and rumen fermentation in sheep.     

Analysis of genomic mutation and immunohistochemistry of platelet‐derived growth factor receptors in canine vascular tumours

We examined whether mutation of the platelet‐derived growth factor receptor protein tyrosine kinase (PDGFR)‐α and PDGFR‐β genes contributes to their overexpression in canine vascular tumours. Genomic sequences of trans‐ or juxtamembrane regions of PDGFR‐α and PDGFR‐β were analysed with immunohistochemical staining and polymerase chain reaction‐direct sequencing using DNA from paraffin‐embedded neoplastic tissues of 27 hemangiosarcomas (HSAs) and 20 hemangiomas (HAs). Immunohistochemically, 75% of the HA cases were positive for PDGFR‐α and almost most of the HA cases were negative for PDGFR‐β. Of the HSA cases, 55.6% were negative for PDGFR‐α and 63% were strongly positive for PDGFR‐β. Among the HA cases, 1 missense mutation was detected in PDGFR‐α exon 18 and 1 in PDGFR‐β exon 17. Two HSA cases had missense mutations in exon 14 and 1 in exon 17 of PDGFR‐β. Thus, genomic mutation of trans‐ or juxtamembrane regions of PDGFRs was not the main mechanism driving the activation of receptors in HSA and HA.     

Die Verjüngung gemischter Bergwälder—Praktische Konsequenzen aus 10jähriger Untersuchungsarbeit

Zusammenfassung Seit zehn Jahren betreibt der Lel-irstuhl für Waldbau and Forsternrichtung der Universit?t M?nchen intensive Verjüngungsstudien auf 25 Dauerversuchsfl?chen im Bergmischwald der ostbayerischen Kalkalpen. Am Bei-spiel der Aufnahmedaten yon fünf ausgew?hlten Versuchsfl?chen werden grundlegende Prinzipien des Ver-jüngungsprozesses im Bergmischwald aufgezeigt and daraus praktische Konsequznzen abgeleitet. Alle am Autbau der Altbest?nde des Bergmischwaldes beteiligten Baumarten bilden bislang trotz d utli-cher Waldschadenssvmptome reichlich Samen von hochwertiger Qualit?t aus. Damit aus diesem Verjüngungspotential Naturverjüngung entstchen kann, müssen die en tsprechenden überschirmungsverh?ltnisse lurch den Altbestand gegeben sein. Für die Dichte, Baumartenztusammenset zung and H?henentwicklung der Naturverjüngungspflanzen ist n?mlich die Uberschirrnung von ganz ent-scheidender Bedeutung. In einem sehr dichten Altbestand, in derv der überschirmungsgrad fiber 75% liegt , haben Verjüngungspflanzen Schwierigkeiten, sick zu etablieren. Eine Ieichte Auflichtung auf einen über-schirmungsgrad von 60 (der dann gegeben ist, wenn die rich unter dem Schirm entwickelnde Bodenvege cation Bedeckungsgrade zwischen 20 and 3C einstellt) erm?glicht den Naturverjüngungsflanzen ein überleben. Diese Uberschirmung kann durch einen schwachen Schirmhieb (Entnahme von etwa einem Vier-tel der Grundtl?che eines geschlossenen Bestandes) erreicht werden. Diese Eingriffsst?rke dürfte auch unter den Gesichtspunkten der Stabilit?it and des Zuwachsverlustes dill Altbestand zu vertreten sein. Vor einer st?rkeren Auflichtung des Altbestandes müsses genügend Naturverjüingungspflanztn ant Bo den vorhanden sein. Nur so is[ gew?hrleistet, daβ these einen Vorsprung vor der Bodenvegatation bekom Men. Die Pflanzung ist immer dann, wenn sich Schwierrigkeiten mit der Naturverjüngung ergeben, ein geeigne-tes Mittel, um einen neuen Bergmischwald zu begründen. Derzeit ist für das Entstehen tines neuen Bergmischwaldes - sei es durch Naturverjüngung odor lurch Pflanzung - Zaunschutz erforderlich. Summary In 1976, a research project entitled ’Natural Regeneration of Mixed Mountain Forests ’ was etablished in the Calcareous Alps of eastern Bavaria, by the Chair of Silviculture and Forest Management of the University Of Munich. Over the past ten years, the multi-variate aspects of regenaration have bean intensively investigated on 25 permanent research plots. The data from 5 selected plats were extracted and processed. from these data, it will be possible to present some fundamental principles of natural regenaration processes. From these prin-ciples, it is hoped that some practical applications can be derived. The mature stands of mixed mountain forests are still able to produce high quantities and good quality of seed, although distinct symptoms of forest decline are present. In order to utilize this potential for natural regeneration, an adequate canopy density is necessary. Canopy density is the crucial factor which regulates the density, species composition and height development of regeneration. In a very heavily, stocked mature stand with a canopy density of over 75 establishment of regenerations is difficult. When canopy density is reduced to, for example, 60% (this percentage can be estimated from a ground vegetation covering approximately 20–30 of the soil), the naturally regenerated, plants have a better opportunity to survive. A 60% canopy density can be achieved by light shelterwood cutting (removal of approximately 25% of basal area of a closed stand). This type of cutting can maintain the stability and prevent increment loss of forest stands. It is important that regeneration is established before opening up the stand, only, then these plants are capable to compete with the other ground vegetation. Planting is always appropriate when natural regeneration fails. Fencing is necessary for undisturbed development of natural and artificial regeneration.

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Dieses Heft enth?lt waldbauliche Beitr?g zu den Forschungsschwerpunkten Bergwald, Waldschaden und Kiefer. Sie sind überwiegen als Vortr?ge auf der Hochschulwoche der Forstwissenschaftlichen Fakult?t München im Oktober 1987 gehalten worden. Ihre Autoren widmen sie Herrn Professor Dr. Peter Burschel zum 60. Geburtstag.

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Auf der Forstlichen Hochschulwoche 1987 in München gehaltener Vortrag.     

Modeling the process of absorption and desorption of water above and below the fiber saturation point

Summary The process of absorption of water along the tangential direction of the wood is studied by immersing the sample in water. The transport of water is then obtained below the fiber saturation point at the beginning of the absorption and above this fiber saturation point during the process. The potential which drives the transport of the bound-water and free-water through the wood has been considered by testing a diffusional transport model. The transient diffusion with a constant diffusivity has been found to describe not only the process of absorption but also the process of desorption with diffusion of water through the solid and evaporation from the surface. Analytical solutions have been successfully used to describe the stage of absorption during a time of four hours at the end of which an equilibrium of absorption is attained, as well as the following stage of desorption. A model based on a numerical method with finite differences has been found to describe the process of absorption and desorption in various cases, and especially when the equilibrium of absorption has not been attained.This work was carried out with the help and support of the M. R. T. and the French CTB (Wood Technical Center)