Parent genome contribution and its relationship with grain yield in backcross-derived lines of soybean (Glycine max)

Introgression of yellow mosaic disease (YMD) resistance and effect of recurrent parent genome (RPG) on grain yield was studied in 84 soybean genotypes from four populations namely, F_2:7, BC₁F₆, BC₂F₅ and BC₃F₄ derived from cross JS335 x SL525. It was observed that in F_2:7, BC₁F₆, BC₂F₅ and BC₃F₄ derived lines, RPG contribution was 42.5%, 54.9%, 66.4% and 77.6%, respectively, which is significantly less than expected values. Linkage drag from donor parent with YMD resistance gene may be a possible reason for such deviations. Average grain yield per plant in F_2:7, BC₁F₆, BC₂F₅ and BC₃F₄ generations was observed as 13.0, 14.3, 14.9 and 16.1 g, respectively. It was observed that genotypes with more than 80% RPG observed to have both YMD resistance and good yield potential. Graphical genotyping (GGT) analysis revealed that maximum RPG was recovered in chromosomes 8 and 10 and maximum introgression occurred in chromosomes 6 and 19. Our results demonstrated that RPG was positively associated with yield as evident from yield increase with increase in RPG.     

Enhanced growth and immuno‐physiological response of Genetically Improved Farmed Tilapia in indoor biofloc units at different stocking densities

An experimental trial was conducted for 90 days to evaluate the growth performance, immunophysiological response of GIFT strain of Tilapia in biofloc‐based rearing system and to assess the relative percentage survival in 3 days after challenging with the virulent strain of Aeromonas hydrophila. Fingerlings with an average body weight 0.98 ± 0.06 g were stocked in triplicate at different stocking densities of 200 (SD1), 250 (SD2), 300 (SD3) and 350 (SD4) m^?3 in biofloc‐based treatments and 150 (C) m^?3 in control (clear water). Biofloc‐based units (SD1 and SD2) obtained significantly better (P < 0.05) growth performances at the end of the experimental period. Mean body weight of fish in biofloc‐based units showed a decreasing trend with increase in stocking density with 100% survival in all units including control. The stress parameters were significantly lower in biofloc‐based rearing units especially in treatments SD1 and SD2 as compared to the control. The fish from the biofloc‐based units (SD1 and SD2) possessed significantly (P < 0.05) higher immune status as compared to control and other biofloc treatments in terms of respiratory burst, serum lysozyme and myeloperoxidase activity. Relative survival percentages were significantly better in biofloc treatments with highest in SD1 and SD2 (83.33%) after challenge study. GIFT strain of Tilapia at higher stocking densities 200–250 nos m^?3 can be taken as optimum stocking density whereas higher stocking densities up to 350 nos m^?3 can be reared in the biofloc systems without compromising the growth and immunity.     

Effect of Ca Ionophore On Blastocyst Production Following Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection in Caprine Oocytes

The aim of the present investigation was to study the effect of calcium ionophore activation on blastocyst production following intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) in in vitro‐matured Caprine oocytes. A total of 470 in vitro‐matured oocytes were selected and randomly divided in to three groups. Cumulus oocyte complexes (COCs) recovered by slicing the Caprine ovaries were matured in TCM199 supplemented with 10% foetal bovine serum (FBS) + 10% follicular fluid + FSH (5 μg/ml) + LH (10 μg/ml) + estradiol (1 μg/ml) + EGF (10 ng/ml) + BSA (3 mg/ml) for 27 h in humidified atmosphere at 38.5°C with 5% CO₂ in CO₂ incubator. After 27 h of culture, selected COCs (n = 470) were separated from cumulus cells by treating with 0.1% hyaluronidase enzyme and passing repeatedly through a fine pipette and randomly divided into three groups. In group 1, (n = 168) matured oocytes were injected with injection micropipette without sperm as control. In group 2, (n = 152) capacitated spermatozoa were injected into cytoplasm of in vitro‐matured oocytes through injection micropipette. In group 3, (n = 150) capacitated spermatozoa were injected into cytoplasm of in vitro‐matured oocytes through injection micropipette and then activated with 5 μm Ca ionophore for 5 min. The oocytes of all groups were then culture in RVCL media for embryo development. The cleavage rate was observed after 48–72 h of injection. The cleavage rate and blastocyst production in group 1, 2 and 3 were 0.00 and 0.00, 18.42 and 3.57 and 61.33% and 16.30%, respectively. The result indicated that mechanical activation failed to induce cleavage in in vitro‐matured Caprine oocytes, whereas chemical activation of intracytoplasmic sperm‐injected in vitro‐matured Caprine oocytes showed significantly higher cleavage rate and blastocyst production as compare to non‐activated oocytes.