Emergence timing affects root-collar diameter and mortality in loblolly pine seedbeds

Eight half-sib families of loblolly pine (Pinus taeda L.) were sown in a nursery. Total germination, speed and uniformity of germination, root-collar diameters, mortality, and percent cull were recorded by family. Families which germinated quickest attained the greatest average diameters at the end of the growing season. Low variability in date of emergence led to correspondingly low variability in seedling diameter. When data for all families were combined, seedlings which emerged earliest experienced the lowest mortality, had the largest diameters, and produced the fewest culls.     

Comparison of image and rapid field assessments of riparian zone condition in Australian tropical savannas

Suitable methods for measuring and monitoring the condition of riparian environments are being investigated by government agencies responsible for maintaining these environments in Australia. The objective of this work was to compare two riparian condition assessment approaches, the Tropical Rapid Appraisal of Riparian Condition (TRARC) method developed for rapid on-ground assessment of the environmental condition of savanna riparian zones and an image based riparian condition monitoring scheme. Measurements derived from these two approaches were compared and correlated. The sample representativeness of the TRARC method was evaluated and the cost-effectiveness and suitability for multi-temporal analysis of the two approaches were assessed. Two high spatial resolution multi-spectral QuickBird satellite images captured in 2004 and 2005 and coincident field data covering sections of the Daly River in the Northern Territory, Australia were used in this work. Both field and image data were processed to map indicators of riparian zone condition including percentage canopy cover, organic litter on the ground, canopy continuity, tree clearing, bank stability, and flood damage. Spectral vegetation indices, image segmentation, and supervised classification were used to produce riparian health indicator maps. QuickBird image data were used to examine if the spatial distribution of TRARC transects provided a representative sample of ground based estimates of riparian health indicators. Covering approximately 3% of the study area, the sample mean of the TRARC estimates of individual indicators of riparian zone condition were in most cases within 20% of the global mean derived from the whole imaged riparian area. The cost-effectiveness of the image based approach was compared to that of the ground based TRARC method. Results showed that the TRARC method was more cost-effective at spatial scales from 1 km to 200 km of river in relatively homogeneous riparian zones along rivers with only one channel, while image based assessment becomes more feasible at regional scales (200–2000 km of river). A change detection analysis demonstrated that image data can provide detailed information on gradual change, while the TRARC method is less suited for multi-temporal analysis due to the ranked data format, which inhibits precise detection of change. However, results from both methods were considered to complement each other for single date assessment of riparian zones if used at appropriate spatial scales.     

Hatchery production of diploid and triploid clams, Tapes dorsatus (Lamarck 1818): a potential new species for aquaculture

To assess the potential for hatchery production of the venerid clam, Tapes dorsatus, diploid and triploid clams were produced and ongrown until the spat reached 5–8 mm in size. Triploidy percentages at metamorphosis that ranged from 56 to 85% were induced using a 15-min exposure to 1 mg/l cytochalasin B. No differences were observed in the growth rate of sibling diploid and triploid T. dorsatus larvae. Survival of diploid clams to pediveliger stage was however higher. Post-metamorphic growth and survival of diploid and triploid clams remained the same until the clams were removed from the hatchery to outdoor nurseries. Throughout the larval and early spat phases of production, T. dorsatus growth was similar to that reported for the Manila clam, Tapes philippinarum. Based upon its ease of culture, rapid growth and marketability, T. dorsatus are thought to have considerable aquaculture potential.     

Histological examination of final oocyte maturation and atresia in wild and domesticated Penaeus monodon (Fabricius) broodstock

Oocyte maturation and gonadosomatic index (GSI) of eyestalk ablated Penaeus monodon females collected from the wild and from two first‐generation domesticated lines were assessed. Frequency and diameter of the different oocytes, and the intensity of oocyte atresia, were compared among groups through histological assessments of the sections of the middle ovarian lobe. Digitized images from ovary sections were used to record the frequency and diameter of different oocyte types. Spawning performance of the three groups were expressed in terms of the percentage of females that spawned at least once (productive females), time from eyestalk ablation to first spawning (latency period) and the number of spawnings per female stocked. Final ovarian maturation was attained in all groups, as indicated by the presence of mature oocytes with cortical rods (cortical oocytes), dark‐green ovarian colour and high GSI values (5.83–6.86%). However, domesticated groups presented significant larger immature oocyte types (previtellogenic and yolky oocytes) and smaller cortical oocytes compared with wild females, indicating a reduced vitellogenic activity during final oocyte maturation. Additionally, the frequency of atresia was comparatively higher for both domesticated groups, which could be related to their inferior spawning performance. The implications of these results on the reproductive potential and development of domesticated P. monodon are discussed.     

Contribution of the natural biota associated with substrates to the nutritional requirements of the post-larval shrimp, Penaeus esculentus (Haswell), inhigh-density rearing systems

The contribution of epiphytes associated with physical substrates to the nutritional requirements of post‐larval shrimp, Penaeus esculentus Haswell, was determined in high‐density rearing systems (3000, 6000 and 11 000 m^?3). Stable isotope signatures of epiphytes on polyethylene mesh substrate, AquaMats? and tank walls were compared with shrimp signatures. Two methods were used: the determination of carbon and nitrogen natural abundance ratios; and ¹⁵N‐nitrogen enrichment ratios after the addition of ¹⁵N‐ammonium to tanks. Using the natural abundance technique and a simple mixing model, epiphytes were found to contribute substantially to the carbon requirements of post‐larval shrimp (39–53%). This was despite the addition of formulated feed at satiation levels. There was no indication of a reduced contribution of carbon from epiphytes to shrimp nutrition at higher shrimp densities. The lack of a difference in the ¹⁵N/¹⁴N ratios of the two food sources meant that mixing models could not be used to calculate the contribution of nitrogen from epiphytes vs. artificial feed to shrimp nutrition. Using the ¹⁵N‐nitrogenenrichment method, the amount of nitrogen contributed by epiphytes to shrimp nutrition over 24 h could be determined. This method showed that nitrogen from epiphytes was assimilated by shrimp. ¹⁵N‐enrichment methods provided a more accurate alternative to natural abundance techniques, particularly when the stable isotope signals ofthe food sources are similar. This experiment hasshown the benefits in providing substrates for P.esculentus in high‐density rearing systems to provide an additional food source for shrimp.     

Growth, Survival and Reproductive Performance of Domesticated Australian Stocks of the Giant Tiger Prawn, Penaeus monodon, Reared in Tanks and Raceways

The growth, survival and reproductive performance of domesticated Australian stocks of the giant tiger shrimp Penaeus monodon were evaluated in trials conducted in 1997 and 2003. The 1997 trials assessed the performance of first generation progeny of wild broodstock from the northeast coast of Australia and fourth generation progeny of pond‐reared broodstock, which also originated from northeast coast wild stocks. In these trials, growth and survival of the shrimp were assessed when reared for 17 mo in tanks. Reproductive performance of the shrimp was assessed at 14.5 mo and 17 mo. The 2003 trials assessed the performance of first generation progeny of wild broodstock from the Gulf of Carpentaria (north coast of Australia). In these trials, growth and survival of shrimp were assessed when reared for 14 mo in tanks and raceways. Reproductive performance of the shrimp was assessed at 11 mo, 12 mo, and 15 mo. Growth and reproductive performance of the stocks varied between trials, families, ages and rearing systems. The most pronounced differences in growth and reproductive performance were between the 1997 and 2003 trials. At 11 mo of age, the average wet weight of the shrimp in the 2003 trials (females 117.1 ± 5.8 g; males 87.9 ± 7.6 g) was 200% greater than the average wet weight of shrimp in the 1997 trials (females 55.2 ± 6.8 g; males 41.2 ± 3.4 g). The reproductive performance of the shrimp was also higher in the 2003 trials in terms of the percentage of spawnings hatching (52.0% in 1997; 77.1% in 2003) and mean hatch rate (21.5% in 1997; 31.6% in 2003). Differences in the growth and reproductive performance of the tank‐reared stocks between years were indicative of significant improvements in the rearing environment, diet and husbandry techniques. Variation in the reproductive performance between families was consistent across rearing environments and at different ages and suggests the potential to improve reproductive performance through genetic selection. Notably, this study identified hatch rates of nauplii from the spawned eggs as a key area for future improvement of domesticated stocks reared in tanks and raceways. Future efforts to improve the growth and reproductive performance of domesticated P. monodon could benefit from integrating incremental improvements to husbandry with genetic selection.     

Factors influencing recruitment patterns of Golden Perch (Macquaria ambigua oriens) within a hydrologically variable and regulated Australian tropical river system

Abstract – The links between river flows, water temperature, river regulation and recruitment variability of Golden Perch, Macquaria ambigua oriens, were investigated from the Fitzroy Basin, Queensland. The dominant age classes determined by interpreting growth marks observed in otoliths were variable among rivers. Positive correlations between the age frequency and monthly river flow volumes were greatest in summer (December–March) conversely, autumn, winter and spring river flows correlated poorly for most rivers. Water temperature exhibits strong seasonality across the basin with mean monthly temperatures >23 °C generally occurring between October and April. These data indicate the combination of water temperature and increased river flows are important factors for recruitment. The degree of river regulation is also suspected of contributing to increased variability in dominant age classes within rivers. This assessment highlights the importance of timing of river flows in mitigating the negative effects of river regulation on golden perch populations.     

Volitional Spawning of Black Sea Bass Centropristis striata Induced with Pelleted Luteinizing Hormone Releasing Hormone-Analogue

The black sea bass is a high‐value marine serranid and is a prime candidate for intensive cultivation. Reliable methods for controlled spawning are needed to accelerate the development of hatchery technologies that result in mass production of healthy juveniles. During 1998–2001, spawning studies were conducted at The University of North Carolina at Wilmington (UNCW) and at the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources (SCDNR), Charleston, using pelleted luteinizing hormone releasing hormone analogue (LHRH‐a). From April through July 2001, 28 vitellogenic‐stage females, with mean oocyte diameters (MOD) ranging from 277–448 μm, were implanted with a 95% cholesterol‐5% cellulose pellet containing LHRH‐a (‐50 μg/kg body wt) at UNCW. In 10 individual spawning trials, females with MOD of 305–448 μm and maximum oocyte diameter × 475 μm spawned volitionally beginning 2–3 d post‐implantation (PI) and continued spawning over an average of 1.9 d (range = 1–4 d). Individual females released a mean total of 149,000 eggs (117,000 eggs/kg) with a mean buoyancy rate of 40.5% (floaters). Fertilization and hatching rates were 98% and 27.2% of floaters, respectively, yielding 14,600 yolksac larvae/female (12,600 yolksac larvae/kg body wt), and overall egg viability averaged 8.9%. In eight group spawning trials (2–3 females/group), average performance of females, including fecundity (103,800 eggs/female; 105,500 eggs/kg body wt), buoyancy rate (42.5%), fertilization and hatching rates (97.7% and 24.3% of floaters), numbers of yolksac larvae produced (10,900 yolksac larvae/female; 10,100 yolksac larvae/kg body wt), and overall egg viability (10.6%) was comparable to what was seen in individual spawning trials. From 1998–2000, a total of 58 vitellogenic stage (70% of oocytes 500 pm) females were implanted with pelleted LHRH‐a (‐50 μg/kg body wt) in nine group spawning trials (2–19 females/group) at SCDNR. Volitional spawning typically began 18–42 h PI and recurred every 1–3 d for an average duration of 9 d. Female groups released a mean of 560,000 eggs (84,000/female; 132,000/kg body wt) over the spawning period, with mean buoyancy rate of 25.7% floaters. Fertilization and hatching rates were 17.7% and 11.6 % of floaters, respectively, yielding 4,300 yolksac larvae/female (4,600 yolksac larvae/kg body wt). Overall egg viability was 2.9%. Captive wild‐caught black sea bass were induced to undergo repetitive volitional spawning by implantation of pelleted‐LHRH‐a, consistent with a multiple clutch group synchronous pattern of ovarian development. Group spawning appears to be a practical way to compensate for variable fecundity and egg viability of individual females. Research is needed to identify optimum hormone treatments and eligibility requirements.