Effects of cortisol on growth and development in tilapia larvae,Oreochromis mossambicus

Treatment of one-day-old yolksac larvae of tilapia (Oreochromis mossambicus), by immersion in cortisol solution for two weeks, significantly enhanced growth. The standard length, tail length, head width and wet weight showed dose-dependent increases at concentrations of cortisol (hydrocortisone) from 0.05 ppm to 0.5 ppm, with no further increase at 1.0 ppm. However, cortisol at 5.0 ppm retarded the growth of the larvae without causing any morphological abnormality. Yolk absorption and the onset of free-swimming activity in the larvae were also accelerated by cortisol treatment.     

Neuroimmunological regulation of α-MSH release in tilapia (Oreochromis mossambicus)

This study describes the effects of IL-1 (interleukin 1) and LPS (bacterial endotoxin lipopolysaccharide) on the release of α-MSH (alpha melanocyte stimulating hormone) from the neurointermediate lobe (NIL) of the teleost Oreochromis mossambicus (tilapia). In vivo treatment of tilapia with IL-1 for 8 days led to a 49% inhibition of basal α-MSH release, measured by means of an in vitro micro-superfusion technique. The treatment did not affect the sensitivity of the tissue to TRH. In vitro, the release of α-MSH was inhibited by LPS in a dose dependent manner. In addition to its effects on the unstimulated release of the hormone, LPS also blunted the response to a TRH stimulation. Together with recent results obtained by others demonstrating the effects of (neuro-)peptides on immune parameters and the presence of cytokines in fish, the present data establish the bidirectional character of the communication between the immune and the (neuro-)endocrine systems in teleosts.

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Résumé Cette étude décrit les effets de l'IL-1 (interleukin 1) et du LPS (bacterial endotoxin lipopolysaccharide) sur la libération de α-MSH (alpha melanocyte stimulating hormone) par le lobe neurointermédiaire (NIL) d'un téléosteen Oreochromis mossambicus (tilapia). Le traitement in vivo du tilapia avec l'IL-1 pendent 8 jours conduit à une inhibition de 49% de la libération basale d'α-MSH mesurée à l'aide d'une technique in vitro de micro-superfusion. Ce traitement ne modifie pas la sensibilité du tissue au TRH. In vitro, la libération de α-MSH est inhibée par le LPS de manière dose-dépendante. En plus de ses effets sur la libération basale de α-MSH, le LPS bloque aussi la réponse à une stimulation par le TRH. Confrontés à des donnés récemment publiés montrant les effets de (neuro-)peptides sur les paramêtres immunitaires et la présence de cytokines chez les poissons, nos résultats établissent le caractère bidirectionnel de la communication entre le système immunitaire et les systèmes (neuro-)endocriniens.

     

Modulation of calcium uptake in cadmium-pretreated tilapia (Oreochromis mossambicus) larvae

Tilapia larvae were exposed to 0 (control), 50 (50-Cd) or 100 (100-Cd) μg l^-1 cadmium for 4 days and then transferred to cadmium-free fresh water for 3 days of detoxification. Total length and weight, calcium influx and total body calcium and cadmium content were examined at various times during detoxification. All the groups grew normally with regards to total length and body weight. Within the first 12h of detoxification the 50- and 100-Cd exposed groups released cadmium at the similar rate of about 24 ng mg^-1 h^-1 (or 140 ng larva^-1 h^-1). Later, however, this rate declined to only 4–16% of the initial level. Calcium influx in the control group showed a 10–26% increase during the detoxification period. Calcium influx in the 50-Cd group increased by about 280% and reached it peak at 12h. Calcium influx in the 100-Cd group increased by 440% and did not peak until 24h after transfer. After peaking, the influxes in both 50- and 100-Cd groups declined to the level of control at the end of the experiment. Calcium contents in 50- and 100-Cd groups increased more rapidly than that in control group within first 24h of the detoxification period. However the rate of increase in calcium content in three groups was the same after 24h. The changes in calcium influx appeared to be correlated with those in calcium content, and these suggested that tilapia larvae regulate the mechanism of calcium balance to compensate for the reduced calcium level in the body. This revised version was published online in July 2006 with corrections to the Cover Date.     

Experimental evaluation of mass selection to improve red body colour in Fijian hybrid tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus × Oreochromis mossambicus)

Mass selection was trialed on Fijian hybrid tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus × Oreochromis mossambicus) to reduce the amount of black spots on otherwise red phenotypes. The responses of two selection intensities (low‐selection line, top 50% – L) and (high‐selection line, top 30% – H) were compared with that of a control line (no selection – C) across three generations. The relative growth performance of treatments (C, L and H) was examined in parallel in each generation to assess whether mass selection had a correlated negative effect on growth performance. The results show clearly that red phenotype can be improved significantly by applying mass selection, without affecting growth performance. We propose that black spots on an otherwise red phenotype could represent the allelic products of a second genetic locus influencing skin colour, which can be expressed in red individuals (genotype Rr) but which may be masked in black individuals (genotype rr).     

Lysozyme in the ovary of tilapia (Oreochromis mossambicus): its purification and some biological properties

Lysozyme was purified from the ovary of tilapia, Oreochromis mossambicus, with two steps, chitin coated-cellulose and Sephadex G-100, and its biological properties were investigated. Purified lysozyme had a molecular mass of 15kDa on SDS-PAGE under reducing condition. Analyses with antibody (a-EL) against the purified lysozyme revealed that serum and egg extract reacted with a-EL and the precipitin lines fused completely. The enzyme activities in serum and egg extract were inhibited by adding serially diluted a-EL. Therefore, egg extract and serum lysozyme was immunologically identical. Immunohistochemically, lysozyme was observed in the ooplasm of the oocytes laden with yolk but not in the follicle layers, egg envelope or immature oocytes (the peri-nucleolus stage). In addition, the enzyme activity in the large oocytes was higher than that in the small ones. These results suggest that lysozyme detected in the oocytes is derived from extra-ovarian tissue and transfers from the maternal circulation. Lysozyme activity in the serum of female tilapia increased with oocyte development, suggesting that the change in the enzyme level may be partially related to the reproductive events (especially vitellogenesis) of the female fish.     

Comparative digestion efficiencies in conventional, genetically improved and genetically male Nile tilapia, Oreochromis niloticus (L.)

Apparent digestibility of dry matter, protein, lipid and energy of a fishmeal‐based feed (41% crude protein, 9% crude lipid and 19 kJ g⁻¹ gross energy) was compared in genetically improved farmed tilapia (GIFT), genetically male Nile tilapia (GMNT) and conventional Nile tilapia (CNT) (Oreochromis niloticus). The experimental fish were reared individually under standardized conditions in a recirculation system at 27±0.1°C for 10 weeks. Titanium dioxide (TiO₂) was used as a marker. Faeces of individual fish were collected daily by siphoning and stored at −18°C before analysis. No significant differences (P<0.05) were observed in the digestibility coefficients of feed dry matter (78.2±3.4%, 77.7±4.4% and 76.4±3.7%), protein (87.9±3.0%, 88.4±2.8% and 88.0±3.3%), lipid (90.0±2.5%, 91.0±2.1% and 89.4±3.0%) and energy (90.4±1.9%, 90.7±2.0% and 89.4±2.3%) in GIFT, GMNT and CNT respectively. At the end of the experiment, there were no significant differences (P<0.05) in average percentage growth (82.2±7.2, 87.3±7.7 and 74.7±4.1 respectively for GIFT, GMNT and CNT), growth rates or feed utilization efficiencies between the three tilapia groups. We conclude that the higher growth claimed for improved GIFT and GMNT as compared with CNT, if ever existing, cannot be attributed to higher nutrients or energy digestibility.     

Utilization of torula yeast (Candida utilis) as a protein source in diets for tilapia (Oreochromis mossambicus Peters) fry

A 63  day^–1 feeding trial was conducted under laboratory conditions to evaluate the effects of substituting animal protein with a mixture of plant feedstuffs including 25, 30, 35, 40 and 45% of the protein with torula yeast ( Candida utilis ), 20% with soybean meal and 15% with Alfalfa Leaf Protein Concentrate (ALC), in diets for tilapia ( Oreochromis mossambicus Peters) fry. Feeding efficiency was compared against a diet with fish meal as the sole protein source. Diet nutritional quality was very similar independent of composition, with no differences in growth parameters, but fish fed with 30% yeast diet showed the best growth performance. Diet composition did not affect feed or protein utilization, with the best feed conversion ratio, protein efficiency ratio and apparent nitrogen utilization in the 25% yeast diet. Protein digestibility was above 80% for all diets, and no differences in carcass composition were observed. The best incidence cost was obtained with 25% yeast and the highest profit index with 30% yeast, but no statistical differences were observed with the other treatments. The results suggest that it is possible to replace up to 65% of animal protein with a mixture of plant proteins, including 30% from torula yeast, in tilapia fry diets without adverse effects on fish performance and culture profit.     

Fermentability of carbohydrates in an in vitro batch culture method using inocula from Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) and European sea bass (Dicentrarchus labrax)

This study investigated in vitro fermentability of wheat‐derived carbohydrates using inocula of Nile tilapia and European sea bass. Distal intestinal contents were incubated in bottles containing one of four fermentable substrates, i.e. glucose (GL), native wheat starch (WS), arabinoxylan (ABX) and whole wheat (WHT). Cumulative gas production was measured for 168 h. At the end of incubation, fermentation end‐products were measured. A monophasic model was fitted to the gas production profiles of each bottle, thereby allowing calculation of gas kinetic parameters. Total gas production (mL g^?1 organic matter) differed significantly between substrates for tilapia (GL: 268.9; WS: 388.0; ABX: 411.9; WHT: 413.2) and sea bass (GL: 338.6; WS: 189.3; ABX: 296.3; WHT: 264.0). Fermentation rates were highest for GL and lowest for WS, both for tilapia and sea bass. Fermentation of ABX and WHT yielded predominantly acetic and butyric acid, whereas GL and WS yielded also significant amounts of lactic acid. Ammonia (mL g^?1 organic matter) was highest for WHT (tilapia: 80.36; sea bass: 70.39) and lowest for GL (tilapia: 46.01; sea bass: 32.83). In conclusion, intestinal microbes from Nile tilapia and European sea bass have the potential to ferment carbohydrates. Large differences exist in fermentability and composition of fermentation end‐products between carbohydrates.     

Vitellogenin in tilapia (Oreochromis mossambicus): Induction of two forms by estradiol,quantification in plasma and characterization in oocyte extract

Two forms of vitellogenin were isolated by DEAE agarose ion-exchange chromatography from plasma of the tilapia, Oreochromis mossambicus. The monomers have apparent molecular masses of 200 and 130 kDa, as indicated by SDS-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE), and a total amount of phosphorus of 1.7 and 0.1%, respectively. Antibodies specific to the two forms, designated tVTG-200 and tVTG-130, were generated in rabbits and used to develop enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISAs) and in Western blot analyses of plasma and oocyte extract. SDS-PAGE of the oocyte extract showed a major protein band at 106.6, minor bands at 26.6, 24.2, and 23.7 kDa, and very faint bands at 83.4 and 17.5 kDa. Western blots of the oocyte extract revealed that the antiserum to tVTG-200 recognized strongly the protein bands at 24.2 and 23.7 kDa, and less strongly the bands at 25.1 and 22.6 kDa, whereas the antiserum to tVTG-130 recognized mainly the protein band at 106.6 kDa. The presence of both VTGs in untreated male tilapia was detected with the ELISAs using relatively high plasma volumes. Their presence in males was confirmed by VTG-like immunoreactive materials eluting from the ion-exchange column at the same positions as tVTG-200 and tVTG-130. The concentrations of the VTGs in males were several orders of magnitude lower than in vitellogenic females. Treatment of male tilapia with estradiol-17β (E₂) induced both VTGs within 24h. After 7 days, tVTG-130 reached a maximum concentration in plasma, whereas tVTG-200 continued to increase. Our findings demonstrate that the two vitellogenins are biochemically distinct, possibly differentially regulated, and made by both sexes.     

Faecal coliforms in pond water, sediments and hybrid tilapia Oreochromis niloticus×Oreochromis aureus in Saudi Arabia

Total bacterial load, total coliforms faecal coliforms in pond water, sediment, intestine of hybrid tilapia Oreochromis niloticus×Oreochromis aureus and pigeon Columba livia faeces were investigated monthly over a period of 1 year from July 1999 to June 2000. Fish were collected randomly by a cast net. Samples were analysed for coliforms using the multiple‐tube fermentation technique. Results showed total viable bacterial counts in the pond water, sediment, intestine of tilapia and pigeon faeces ranging from 1.8±0.9×10² to 6.0±1.2×10⁴ cfu mL^?1, 3.2±1.2×10⁵ to 2.8±1.5×10⁷ cfu g^?1, 8.2±1.6×10⁵ to 9.9±1.5×10⁷ cfu g^?11.0±0.4×10⁷to9.7±0.2×10⁹ cfu g^?1respectively. The most probable number (MPN) of coliforms and faecal coliforms ranged from 287±12 to ≥1600±0 100 mL^?1 in pond water; the MPN ranges for sediment, tilapia intestine and pigeon faeces were 257±29 to ≥1100±0 g^?1, 237±46 to ≥1100±0 g^?1 and 403±98 to ≥1100±0 g^?1 respectively. The abundance of normal bacteria coliforms was greater in the warm months than in the cold months. Ground water was free from any sort of coliform organisms, and there were no sources of human faecal matter in the pond. So, it is clear that faecal coliforms from pigeon faeces significantly contaminated (P<0.05) the ponds and tilapia intestines. Escherichia coli was the only coliform organism found in pond water, sediment, intestine of tilapia and pigeon faeces.     

Structure and function of the small intestine of the tilapia Oreochromis niloticus×Oreochromis aureus (Teleostei, Cichlidae)

This study examined the microscopic structure of the small intestine and digestion and absorption in the hybrid tilapia, Oreochromis niloticus×Oreochromis aureus. The small intestine was lined on the luminal face with villi, which were narrower and more dense in the proximal small intestine and became wider and sparser distally. The columnar epithelial cells lining the villi were predominantly enterocytes containing a brush border, interspersed with mucus containing goblet cells approximately every 4–6 cells. These mucus‐secreting cells contained both acid and basic mucins and increased in density in the distal and the terminal sections of the intestine. Proliferation of enterocytes was observed in the intervillus areas and lower third of the villus. Fish were fed diets of either fish meal or fish meal–wheat to which chromic oxide had been added as a non‐absorbed reference standard. Activity of the pancreatic enzymes, lipase, trypsin and amylase were determined along the small intestine relative to the non‐absorbed marker. Activity of these pancreatic enzymes was maximal in the proximal segments and decreased distally. Changes in the activity patterns of trypsin and amylase were observed with the different diets in the proximal small intestine. Net secretion of both N and fatty acids was found in the hepatic loop and absorption commenced distally decreasing in rate with distance from the pylorus. The pattern of N absorption in the proximal small intestine changed with the different diets. The structure and function of the small intestine of the tilapian omnivore thus are generally similar to mammals and digestion and absorption adapt with diet.     

Osmoregulatory actions of growth hormone in juvenile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus)

Growth hormone (GH) effectively promotes seawater (SW) adaptation in salmonids, but little is known of its effect in tilapias. Experiments were performed to investigate the effects of recombinant eel GH (reGH) on osmoregulatory actions and ultrastructural features of gill chloride cells in juvenile tilapia, Oreochromis niloticus. Tilapia showed a markedly improved SW survival, when directly transferred from freshwater (FW) to 62.5% SW 24h after a single reGH injection (0.25 or 2.5 µg g^-1) or 3 reGH injections (0.25 µg g^-1 every other day). Plasma Na+ and Mg²⁺ levels were significantly reduced by reGH (0.25 and 2.5 µg g^-1) compared with saline injections; Ca²⁺ concentrations were reduced significantly by high dose of reGH (2.5 µg g^-1) after SW transfer. However, fish failed to survive more than 24h when directly transferred to 70% SW, although the fish treated with reGH could survive longer than the controls. When examined by electron microscopy, the chloride cells were identified as mitochondrion-rich and an extensive tubular system was induced by GH treatment. The results of the present study suggest that, similar to its effect on salmonids, GH also exerts acute osmoregulatory actions and enhances SW adaptation in juvenile tilapia. GH also stimulates the differentiation of chloride cells toward SW adaptation.     

罗非鱼不同组织脂肪酸含量的分析

分别取罗非鱼(Oreochromis niloticus)的肉、脂肪、肝、眼和皮等组织,用氯仿-甲醇(2∶1,v/v)提取,以C17∶0为内标物,利用气相色谱-质谱法(GC/MS)分析了各组织脂肪酸种类及含量。结果显示:罗非鱼各种组织中含有16种脂肪酸,富含多不饱和脂肪酸。脂肪组织中的脂肪酸含量最高,其次是眼睛、肝脏、鱼肉和鱼皮;各组织中饱和脂肪酸(SFA)含量为202~8869 mg/kg,主要为棕榈酸(C16∶0)和硬脂酸(C18∶0);单不饱和脂肪酸(MUFA)含量为293~11219 mg/kg,主要为棕榈油酸(C16∶1)和油酸(C18∶1);多不饱和脂肪酸(PUFA)含量为362~8293 mg/kg,主要是亚油酸(C18∶2)、亚麻酸(C18∶3)和二十二碳六烯酸(DHA,C22∶6);n-6/n-3为1.20~2.46。     

Effect of temperature and phytoplankton concentration on Nile tilapia Oreochromis niloticus (L.) filtration rate

Nile tilapia Oreochromis niloticus (L.) held in timed‐pulse feeding chambers, were provided with algal‐rich water dominated by either green algae (Scenedesmus, Ankistrodesmus, Chlorella and Tetraedron) or cyanobacteria (Microcystis) to determine the effect of temperature and phytoplankton concentration on filtration rates. Green algae and cyanobacteria filtration rates were measured as suspended particulate organic carbon (POC) kg^?1 wet fish weight h^?1. Ivlev's filter‐feeding model described the relationships between filtration rates and suspended POC concentration of green algae and cyanobacteria. Filtration rates of both green algae and cyanobacteria increased linearly as water temperature increased from 17 °C to 32 °C and were significantly higher in the warm‐water regime (26–32 °C) than in the cool‐water regime (17–23 °C). Filtration rates at 95% saturation POC (FR₉₅) in green algal and cyanobacterial waters were 700 mg C kg^?1 h^?1 and 851 mg C kg^?1 h^?1 in the warm‐water regime and 369 mg C kg^?1 h^?1 and 439 mg C kg^?1 h^?1 in the cool‐water regime respectively. The FR₉₅ in warm water were achieved at lower POC concentrations than in cool water.     

Effects of stocking density on production and economics of Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) and freshwater prawn (Macrobrachium rosenbergii) polyculture in periphyton-based systems

The present research investigated the effect of stocking density on pond (75 m², depth 1.2 m) production of Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) and freshwater prawn (Macrobrachium rosenbergii) stocked at a fixed 3:1 tilapia:prawn ratio. Three stocking densities were tried in triplicate: 20 000 ha⁻¹ (treatment TP‐20), 30 000 ha⁻¹ (TP‐30) and 40 000 ha⁻¹ (TP‐40). The ponds were provided with bamboo as substrate for periphyton development. Bamboo poles (mean diameter 5.5 cm and 5.0 poles m⁻²) were posted vertically into pond bottoms, resulting in 60% additional substrate area in each pond. On average, 43 genera of algae and 17 genera of zooplankton were identified from pond water, whereas 42 genera of algae and six genera of microfauna were attached to bamboo substrates. No differences were observed between treatments in the ash‐free dry matter (AFDM), chlorophyll a and phaeophytin a content of periphyton (P>0.05). Survival of tilapia and prawn and individual weight gain of tilapia were lower (P<0.05) in treatment TP‐40. The net yields were higher (P<0.05) in treatments TP‐30 (2209 and 163 kg ha⁻¹ 105 day⁻¹ of tilapia and prawn respectively) and TP‐40 (2162 and 141 kg ha⁻¹ of tilapia and prawn respectively) than in treatment TP‐20 (1505 and 136 kg ha⁻¹ of tilapia and prawn respectively). The net tilapia yields were quadratic correlated (R²=0.92) with fish stocking density. The cost–benefit analysis shows that the net profit margin was highest in treatment TP‐30 (69%), followed by TP‐20 (50%) and TP‐40 (44%).     

猪油对罗非鱼生长及餐后脂质代谢的影响

在实用饲料配方的基础上分别添加0%、5%、10%猪油组成试验饲料饲喂罗非鱼(Oreochromis niloticus)(初重43 g)8周,比较研究猪油不同添加水平对罗非鱼生长及餐后脂质代谢的影响。结果表明,罗非鱼的末重(FBW)、特定生长率(SGR)、增重率(WGR)和饲料效率(FE)随着饲料中猪油水平的增加而显著升高。而摄食量(FI)表现出相反的变化趋势,即高水平猪油组显著低于对照组。随猪油添加水平增加,罗非鱼肝胰脏超氧化物歧化酶(SOD)、谷丙转氨酶(ALT)和谷草转氨酶(AST)活力显著降低,而肝脏丙二醛(MDA)含量显著增加。血清中甘油三酯(TG)、胆固醇(CHO)、高密度脂蛋白胆固醇(HDL-C)、低密度脂蛋白胆固醇(LDL-C)和极低密度脂蛋白胆固醇(VLDL-C)含量均随饲料中猪油水平增加而显著升高。各试验组罗非鱼血清中CHO、TG、LDL-C和VLDL-C含量随时间推移均表现出先升高后降低的变化趋势,TG和VLDL-C的峰值出现在餐后6h,而CHO和LDL-C峰值在餐后9 h。但HDL-C表现出相反的变化趋势,即先降低后升高,在餐后6 h达到最低值。总之,饲料中添加不同水平猪油会促进罗非鱼生长,但会影响罗非鱼的肝功能以及餐后脂质代谢,罗非鱼抗氧化能力也相应受到影响。     

Confinement stress and starvation modulate the induction of EROD activity after dietary exposure to PCB 126 in the Mozambique tilapia (Oreochromis mossambicus)

Polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) are environmental pollutants, accumulating in the food chain and inducing cytochrome P450 1A (CYP P450 1A) monooxygenase enzymes. This study aimed to investigate the influence of dietary PCB 126 exposure on cytochrome P4501A-associated enzyme activities in head kidney, liver, gill and intestine of unstressed and stressed tilapia (Oreochromis mossambicus) before and after starvation. Fish were fed diets containing 0 μg (control), 0.5 μg (low) or 50 μg (high) PCB126 per kg body weight per day for 7 days. After the PCB-exposure each treatment group was sampled directly, or was subsequently exposed to confinement stress. Replicate groups remained undisturbed, starved for 3 weeks and were thereafter sampled directly or after confinement. Catalytic activity of CYP P4501A was determined as 7-ethoxyresorufin-O-deethylase (EROD) activity. Directly after PCB exposure and after starvation, EROD activities in liver, gill and head kidney increased with higher PCB dose. Intestinal EROD activities were not detectable at any sampling point. Confinement, known to evoke a stress response increased EROD activities in livers (only directly after PCB exposure) and in head kidneys (directly after PCB exposure and after starvation) but only in fish fed the low PCB-diet. We suggest that stressing tilapia induces EROD activities at non-saturating PCB concentrations and that this effect is more pronounced in nourished than in starved fish. These data show that the cytochrome P450 1A response to toxicants in fish is also influenced by non-chemical factors. This should be considered when EROD activities are used as a biomarker for environmental monitoring studies. This revised version was published online in August 2006 with corrections to the Cover Date.     

Genetic effects influencing salinity tolerance in six varieties of tilapia (Oreochromis) and their reciprocal crosses

Six tilapia varieties were used in two 6 × 6 diallel crosses. Salinity was increased in daily increments of 7 g L^?1 in five replicate trials to estimate the salinity tolerances of 2205 F₁ juveniles from parental varieties and their reciprocal crosses. Genetic effects potentially influencing salinity tolerance were estimated, including line effects, maternal effects, reciprocal and specific reciprocal effects, direct heterosis, specific combining abilities (SCAs) and general combining abilities (GCAs). The mean heterosis, , for salinity tolerance was 4.46 g L^?1 (P<0.01). The average mean salinity tolerance (MST) of the parental varieties was 35.2 g L^?1, and yet, MSTs above 36 g L^?1 were found in 21 of 34 variety crosses produced. In some instances, maternal effects offset line effects, while in others, these influences were complementary. Ten variety combinations exhibited significant (P<0.05) or highly significant (P<0.01) direct heterosis, and SCAs were significant (P<0.05) or highly significant (P<0.01) in five combinations. Reciprocal and specific reciprocal effects also influenced the salinity tolerance in some variety combinations. Direct line effects generally reflected MST rankings. The variance of cross means was 30.1% due to variety GCAs (primarily additive effects) and 69.9% due to SCAs (primarily dominance effects).