Apparent Protein and Energy Digestibility and Amino Acid Availability of Corn and Co‐products in Extruded Diets for Nile Tilapia,Oreochromis niloticus

We assessed the nutritional value of corn in extruded diets for Nile tilapia, Oreochromis niloticus, by determining the apparent digestibility coefficients of dry matter, crude protein, and gross energy, and by measuring the apparent availability coefficients (AACs) of essential and non‐essential amino acids (AAs) in several corn‐based diets. We fed 180 juvenile Nile tilapia a reference diet containing 325.8 g/kg crude protein and 4613 kcal/kg gross energy or a test diet containing a 70:30 mixture of the reference diet and a test ingredient (whole corn, corn germ, corn germ meal, corn gluten feed, or corn gluten meal). The apparent digestibility coefficients ranged from 56.3 to 96.6% (dry matter), 89.4 to 96.8% (crude protein), and 59.0 to 95.4% (gross energy). The AACs of all AAs exceeded 80% for all diets and were >90% for corn gluten meal. All ingredients showed high levels of apparent digestibility for crude protein and high AACs of AAs. Diets based on whole corn or corn gluten meal showed higher digestibility values for dry matter and gross energy, suggesting that they are preferable choices for Nile tilapia.     

Activities of antioxidant enzymes and photosynthetic responses in tomato pre-treated by plant activators and inoculated by Xanthomonas vesicatoria

The activities of antioxidant enzymes and photosynthetic responses were investigated in tomato (Lycopersicon esculentum L. var.) pre-treated by plant activators and inoculated by Xanthomonas vesicatoria. Plants were sprayed with acibenzolar-S-methyl, ASM [Bion^® 50 WG (0.2 g l⁻¹)] and aqueous extract from dry necrotic tissue flour (VLA) of ‘Lobeira’ (Solanum lycocarpum) bush. Four days later, the plants were challenged with a virulent strain of X. vesicatoria, under greenhouse conditions. Tomato leaves were then assessed to determine the activities of the main antioxidant enzymes: superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), peroxidase (POX), and ascorbate peroxidase (APX). A reduction of bacterial leaf spot severity was observed in plants treated by ASM (49.3%) and VLA (31.4%), without any in vitro inhibitory activity over the pathogen. Controls showed decreases in CO₂ assimilation, transpiration, photosynthetic rates, and stomatal conductance. Water use efficiency and carboxylation efficiency were strongly affected in ASM- and VLA-treated, in comparison to controls and healthy plants. The tested substances induced increases in SOD and CAT activities in a delayed enzymatic response typical in compatible plant–pathogen interactions. Measured at daily intervals, activities of APX and POX were significantly (ρ0.05) higher in treated plants than in controls, except for APX in ASM-treated plants where no difference was found when compared to controls. Only POX was clearly induced at the earlier stages after spraying the tomato plants with ASM or VLA. Our results suggest that late increases in antioxidant enzyme activities may play a role in mitigating oxidative damage in restoring the photosynthetic imbalance imposed by the expansion of bacterial lesions.     

Cytopathic effects of Tritrichomonas foetus on bovine oviduct cells

Tritrichomonas foetus is an extracellular parasite of the reproductive tract in cattle. To investigate the cytopathic effects of T. foetus in deeper parts of the reproductive tract, a bovine primary oviduct epithelial cell system (BOECs) was developed. Reproductive tracts were obtained from cows and the effect of co-incubating T. foetus with BOECs was analyzed by scanning electron, transmission electron and fluorescence microscopy. Viability tests were performed using colorimetric methods, TUNEL (Terminal deoxynucleotidyltransferase-mediated dUTP nick-end labeling), fluorescein diacetate, propidium iodide, JC-1 and annexin-V. The results demonstrate that: (1) the in vitro oviduct epithelium is useful for interaction experiments with T. foetus; (2) T. foetus adheres to the BOECs as single separate cells, and later on the cells aggregate as large clusters; (3) the posterior region of the cell initiates the process of adhesion and forms filopodia and digitopodia; (4) T. foetus severely damages BOECs leaving imprints in the epithelial cells, wide intercellular spaces, and large lesions in the epithelium; and (5) T. foetus provokes bovine oviduct cell death by apoptosis and secondary necrosis. Our observations indicate the possibility that T. foetus can move through the reproductive tract to the oviduct and that infertility in cows can be mediated by an attack on the oviduct cells by T. foetus.     

Genome-wide selection in cassava

The main objective of this study was to estimate the selection accuracy and to predict the genetic gain in cassava breeding using genomic selection methodologies. We evaluated 358 cassava genotypes for the following traits: shoot weight (SW), fresh root yield (FRY), starch fraction amylose content (AC), dry matter content (DMC), and starch yield (S-Y). Genotyping was performed using 390 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs), which were used as covariates in the random regression-best linear unbiased prediction model for genomic selection. The heritability values detected by markers for the SW, FRY, AC, DMC, and S-Y traits were 0.25, 0.25, 0.03, 0.20, and 0.26, respectively. Because the low heritability detected for AC, this trait was eliminated from further analysis. Using only the most informative SNPs (118, 92, 56, and 97 SNPs for SW, FRY, DMC, and S-Y, respectively) we observed higher selection accuracy which were 0.83, 0.76, 0.67, and 0.77, respectively to SW, FRY, DMC, and S-Y. With these levels of accuracy and considering a selection cycle reduced by half the time, the theoretical gains with genomic selection compared to phenotypic selection for DMC, FRY, and SW would be 39.42 %, 56.90 %, and 73.96 %, respectively. These results indicate that in the cassava, genomic selection can substantially speed up selection cycles, thereby increasing gains per unit time. Although there are high expectations for incorporating this strategy into breeding programs, we still need to validate the model for other traits and evaluate whether the selection accuracy can be improved using more SNPs.     

QTL mapping for the cooking time of common beans

The decrease in the per capita consumption of beans has been partially attributed to their lengthy cooking time and the aggregated capital costs of their preparation. The aim of this study was to map microsatellite (SSR) markers linked to quantitative trait loci (QTLs) that govern the cooking time of common beans. An F₂ generation consisting of 140 families was generated from a cross between lines CNFM7875 and Laranja. The cooking time of the F_2:4 and F_2:5 generations was then evaluated, and the latter generation was tested in two environments. The analysis of variance found a significant effect for the interactions between the families (P < 0.01) in both the F_2:4 and F_2:5 generations, as well as for the group analyses performed in the two environments. The experimental coefficient of variation varied from 9.42 to 17.94%. The Pearson’s correlation test indicated no significant association between water absorption and cooking time. The heritability coefficients had values of 0.532 and 0.739 for the F_2:5 families evaluated at the two different locations, and the group analysis of the F_2:5 generation indicated that there was a significant genotype × environment interaction. Of the 105 polymorphic SSRs evaluated, 91 mapped to 12 linkage groups with an estimated map size of 1,303.7 cM. Six significant QTLs were detected in both environments, and the percentage of the phenotypic variation that was explained by these loci ranged from 11.54 to 21.63%. As the genetic control was oligogenic, the identification of QTLs should serve as an optimal starting point for the implementation of a selection program.     

Phenotypic and pathogenic traits of two species of the Fusarium graminearum complex possessing either 15-ADON or NIV genotype

Fusarium head blight (FHB) in Brazil is caused mainly by two members of the Fusarium graminearum species complex, each possessing either a DON/15-ADON chemotype (F. graminearum sensu stricto, Fgss) or a NIV chemotype (F. meridionale, Fmer). In this work, we aimed to characterize and compare isolates belonging to each species, obtained either from wheat or barley, in relation to phenotypic traits (mycelial growth, sporulation and germination) and pathogenicity (in vitro glume infection and in vivo central floret inoculation) to two Brazilian wheat cultivars, Guamirim (moderate susceptible) and BRS 194 (susceptible). Results showed significantly higher growth rates, greater spore production and quicker germination for the Fgss isolates compared to the Fmer isolates, which were also more sensitivity to tebuconazole than the Fgss isolates. All isolates were capable of infecting glume tissues of both varieties, with an overall higher infection frequency for Fgss than Fmer isolates when inoculated in cv. Guamirim than in cv. BRS194, which showed similar infection frequency between the species. Accordingly, in the central-floret inoculation assay, Fgss isolates were also more aggressive than Fmer isolates towards cv. Guamirim, but not towards BRS194, based on the mean area under disease progress curves. It is hypothesized that phenotypic traits and host resistance may play a role in the selection of more aggressive populations under field conditions, thus partially explaining the dominance of Fgss populations associated with FHB of wheat in Brazil.     

Influence of type of starch and feeding management on glycaemic control in diabetic dogs

The present study evaluated the effects of two diets with different starch sources and two feeding methods on the glycaemic control in dogs with diabetes mellitus. The diets had similar nutrient contents (40% starch and 16% dietary fibre), one formulated with 46% of broken rice and the other with 42% sorghum and 10% lentils (as-fed). Ten client-owned diabetic dogs were fed with each diet for 2 months, in a crossover design. Five dogs received NPH human insulin and food every 12 h (feeding method 1), and the other five received insulin every 12 h but were fed three times a day (feeding method 2). In feeding method 2, morning insulin was higher than the evening dose and dogs received the second meal after 4 to 5 h of the morning insulin and meal. Parameters evaluated included insulin dosage, 12- and 8-h glycaemic curves, complete blood count, biochemical profile and urinalysis. Glycaemic curves were analysed by ANOVA with repeated measures. Glycaemic control parameters (fasting, mean, minimum and maximum glycaemia and serum fructosamine) and glucose area under the curve (AUC) were calculated and analysed by paired t test (p < 0.05). In feeding method 1, dogs fed the sorghum-based diet presented lower mean (p = 0.04) and minimum blood glucose concentrations (p = 0.03), and a tendency to lower maximum blood glucose (p = 0.06) and glucose AUC (p = 0.08) than when fed the rice-based diet. When food was provided twice a day, the ingestion of the rice-based diet resulted in higher post-prandial glucose response than the diet with sorghum and lentil. In feeding method 2, there was no effect of diet on the assessed parameters (p > 0.05). No differences in insulin dosage were observed between groups or feeding methods (p > 0.05). Providing two meals a day followed by insulin administration associated with the sorghum- and lentil-based diet improved glycaemic control in diabetic dogs.     

Quantitative trait loci analysis of citrus leprosis resistance in an interspecific backcross family of (<Emphasis Type="Italic">Citrus reticulata</Emphasis> Blanco × <Emphasis Type="Italic">C. sinensis</Emphasis> L. Osbeck) × <Emphasis Type="Italic">C. sinensis</Emphasis> L. Osb

Leprosis, caused by citrus leprosis virus (CiLV) and transmitted by the tenuipalpid mite Brevipalpus phoenicis, is one of the most important viruses of citrus in the Americas. Sweet oranges (Citrus sinensis L. Osb.) are highly susceptible to CiLV, while mandarins (C. reticulata Blanco) and some of their hybrids have higher tolerance or resistance to this disease. The mechanisms involved in the resistance and its inheritance are still largely unknown. To study the quantitative trait loci (QTL; quantitative trait loci) associated with the resistance to CiLV, progeny analyses were established with 143 hybrid individuals of ‘Pêra’ sweet orange (C. sinensis L. Osb.) and ‘Murcott’ tangor (C. reticulata Blanco × C. sinensis L. Osb.) from controlled crossings. Disease assessment of the hybrid individuals was conducted by infesting the plants with viruliferous mites in the field. The experiment consisted of a randomized completely block design with ten replicates. The evaluated phenotypic traits were incidence and severity of the disease on leaves and branches, for a period of 3 years. The MapQTL™ v.4.0 software was used for the identification and location of possible QTL associated with resistance to CiLV on a genetic map obtained from 260 AFLP and 5 RAPD markers. Only consistent QTLs from different phenotypic traits and years of evaluation, with the critical LOD scores to determine the presence or absence of each QTL calculated through the random permutation test, were considered. A QTL was observed and had a significant effect on the phenotypic variation, ranging from 79.4 to 84% depending on which trait (incidence or severity) was assessed. This suggests that few genes are involved in the genetic resistance of citrus to CiLV.     

Operational oceanography applied to skipjack tuna (Katsuwonus pelamis) habitat monitoring and fishing in south‐western Atlantic

Skipjack tuna (Katsuwonus pelamis) ranks third among marine resources that sustain global fisheries. This study delimits the spatiotemporal habitat of the species in the south‐western Atlantic Ocean, based on operational oceanography. We used generalized additive models (GAMs) and catch data from six pole‐and‐line fishing vessels operating during 2014 and 2015 fishing seasons to assess the effect of environmental variables on catch. We also analysed Modis sensor images of sea surface temperature (SST) and surface chlorophyll‐α concentration (SCC) to describe fishing ground characteristics in time and space. Catch was positively related to thermocline depth (24–45 m), SST (22–24.5°C), SCC (0.08–0.14 mg/m³) and salinity (34.9–35.8). Through SST images, we identified that thermal fronts were the main surface feature associated with a higher probability to find skipjack. Also, we state that skipjack fishery is tightly related to shelf break because bottom topography drives the position of fronts in this area. Ocean colour fronts and plankton enrichment were important proxies, accessible through SCC, used to delineate skipjack fishing grounds. Catch per unit effort (CPUE) was higher towards summer (median 14 t/fishing day) due to the oceanographic characteristics of the southern region. High productivity in this sector of the Brazilian coast defines the main skipjack feeding areas and, as a consequence, the greatest abundance and availability for fishing.     

Hybridization of AA genome rice species from Asia and Australia II. Meiotic analysis of Oryza meridionalis and its hybrids

To determine the genomic constitution of Oryza meridionalis Ng (2n=2x=24) and to estimate genomic affinity between Asian and Australian wild species of rice containing the AA genomes, chromosome pairing was analyzed at metaphase I in O. meridionalis, O. rufipogon Griff. (2n=2x=24), O. nivara Sharma et Shastry (2n=2x=24), O. sativa f. spontanea Rosch, and their artifical hybrids. The Oryza parental species and their F1 hybrids showed normal meiosis, but slightly reduced chiasma fequency was observed in the hybrids. It is concluded from the cytological analysis that (i) the Australian O. meridionalis contains the AA genome which has very high affinity to that in the Asian AA genome wild species of rice; (ii) chromosome structual changes, such as inversions and reciprocal translocations, have occurred in the genomes of the different species studied.