Wood age and leaf area influence fruit size and mineral composition of apple fruit

Summary

The influence of wood age, fruiting position and leaf area within the tree canopy on fruit mineral content and quality for several apple (Malus domestica Borkh.) cultivars was investigated. Size and Ca, Mg and K content of individual fruit on one-year (lateral and terminal positions), two-year and older than three-year wood were compared for cvs Royal Gala, Braeburn, Granny Smith and Fuji. Fruit on two-year spurs and one-year terminals was generally larger at commercial harvest than that on one-year laterals and spurs older than three years. Flower receptacles at full bloom were larger and fruit growth rates were greater from 60 to 100 d after full bloom on two-year spurs than on one-year laterals. Fruit Ca and Mg concentrations and contents at commercial harvest were highest for terminal fruit, but there was no consistent difference between fruit from other positions. One-year terminals had the greatest primary and bourse leaf areas, two-year spurs were intermediate and one-year laterals had the lowest areas of both leaf types. Removal of 50% of primary leaves and/or removal of bourse shoots from clusters at bloom reduced fruit Ca content at commercial harvest for two-year spurs, one-year laterals and one-year terminals. Bourse shoot removal also reduced Mg content for all positions. However there was no effect of leaf removal on fruit size or K content. Ca content of individual fruit increased curvilinearly with increasing total spur leaf area for fruit on two-year spurs and one-year terminals but not for fruit on one-year lateral clusters. Terminal fruit with total spur leaf areas and fruit size similar to those on two-year spur fruit had higher Ca content.     

Development of a recurrent apple breeding programme in New Zealand: a synthesis of results,and a proposed revised breeding strategy

This paper describes an apple breeding population that has been developed in New Zealand since 1990 to broaden the genetic base for cultivar breeding. The population is now in its third generation, with recurrent selection for general combining ability being the underlying approach. During the 20 years of the programme, nearly 1,000 trees have been progeny tested. An early focus on selection within open-pollinated tests has been replaced by selection within control-pollinated tests. Genetic evaluation methods along with estimates of genetic parameters (e.g. heritability, genetic correlations, and genotype-by-environment interactions), genetic gain, and genetic diversity are summarised in this paper. The third-generation crossing programme involving nearly 350 parents is almost completed and seedlings from these crosses are in the nursery. In the revised breeding strategy, three hierarchal populations are envisioned to better integrate this broad-based population with the more commercially focused cultivar breeding programme: main breeding population (MBP), elite breeding populations (EBP) and cultivar development populations (CDP). A two-subline structure and a minimum of two crosses per parent will be implemented in the MBP. EBP will focus on developing parents for breeding goals of the CDP. Forward-selected (based on estimated breeding values) candidates from the main- and elite populations will be used as parents of the CDP. Cloning of seedlings in elite populations and also in the first-stage of cultivar development, will be investigated as a tool for enhancing predictability and shortening the cycle for delivering genetic gain.     

Forest Damages by the Storm ‘Lothar’ in Permanent Observation Plots in Switzerland: The Significance of Soil Acidification and Nitrogen Deposition

In a network of permanent observation plots in Switzerland,the storm ‘Lothar’ uprooted 18.7% of Fagussylvaticaand 14.8% of Picea abies. The percentage of uprootingwas significantly inversely correlated with actual soil basesaturation (NH₄Cl-extract). At a base saturation of≤40% (calculated as an average over 0–40cm depth) uprootingwas increased by a factor of 4.8 in beech and by a factor of3.6 in Norway spruce compared to less acidic soils. In beech,the percentage of uprooted trees was also significantlycorrelated with nitrogen concentration in the leaves(positively) and with coarse pore volume in the soil(negatively). There was neither a relation with seasonalozone dose nor a relation with crown transparency, stemdiameter, crown size, slenderness, social position andposition within the stand. The results suggest thatanthropogenic stress factors play an important role in theextent of the ‘Lothar’ damages in Switzerland.     

The first reported outbreak of equine herpesvirus myeloencephalopathy in New Zealand

CASE HISTORY AND CLINICAL FINDINGS: On 9 January 2014 (Day 0) a mare from a stud farm in the Waikato region presented with urinary incontinence without pyrexia. Over the following 33 days 15 mares were clinically affected with neurological signs. All but one mare had a foal at foot. The most commonly observed clinical signs were hind limb paresis and ataxia. In some cases recumbency occurred very early in the course of disease and seven mares were subject to euthanasia for humane reasons.

LABORATORY FINDINGS: Equid herpesvirus (EHV) type 1 was detected using PCR in various tissues collected post mortem from two mares with neurological signs. DNA sequencing data from the DNA polymerase gene of the virus showed a nucleotide transition at position 2254, a mutation encoding amino acid D₇₅₂ that is highly associated with the neuropathogenic genotype of EHV-1. In total 12/15 mares were confirmed positive for EHV-1 on PCR. Results from a virus neutralisation test and ELISA on paired serum samples, and PCR on whole blood and nasal swabs, indicated that of four paddocks in a high-risk area where a cluster of cases had occurred, 20/21 (95%) horses were likely to have been exposed or were confirmed infected with EHV-1. Subsequent to the outbreak two mares aborted, one at 9 months and one at 10 months of gestation. The cause of abortion was confirmed as EHV-1 with the same genotype as that involved in the outbreak.

DIAGNOSIS: Equine herpesvirus myeloencephalopathy.

CLINICAL RELEVANCE: The outbreak described shows the considerable impact that can occur in outbreaks of equine herpesvirus myeloencephalopathy in New Zealand. Early biosecurity controls not only reduced the effect on the farm but mitigated the potential for the virus to spread to other horse enterprises.     

Production of Oocytes of Nile Tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) for In Vitro Fertilization via Hormonal Treatments

Only a few studies have described hormonal treatments for induction of synchronicity and gamete collection in Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus), both important for assortative matings in breeding programmes and essential for polyploidy technologies. In this study, we compared the effectiveness of carp pituitary extract (CPE), Nile tilapia pituitary extract (TPE), human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) and gonadotropin‐releasing hormone (GnRH) protocols on the induction of spawning and egg production in Nile tilapia. Among the hormonal treatments analysed, only hCG was effective for producing viable gametes for in vitro fertilization. To verify the viability of this hormonal treatment, hCG was tested using different doses (1000, 2000, 3000, 4000 and 5000 IU/kg) in a large number of females (208 animals) from two Nile tilapia lines. The results indicated that hCG doses between 1000 and 5000 IU/kg could be used to induce final oocyte maturation in Nile tilapia with collection of stripped oocytes. This is the first study to report differential reproductive responses to hormonal treatment between tilapia lines: line 1 was more efficient at producing eggs and post‐hatching larvae after hCG induction than line 2. In conclusion, we demonstrated that the hCG protocol may be applied on a large scale to induce final oocyte maturation in Nile tilapia. The development of a protocol for in vitro fertilization in Nile tilapia may aid in breeding programmes and biotechnological assays for the development of genetically modified lines of Nile tilapia.     

An evaluation of calf castration by intra-testicular injection of a lactic acid solution

This experiment evaluated intra-testicular injection of a sclerosing drug, lactic acid, for castration of bulls. Its use was compared in 58 Brahman cross calves (50 to 128kg) with the general practice of open surgical castration. Chemical castration appeared to be more painful than surgical castration, though post-operative swelling and pain appeared similar for both methods. Chemical castration took 3 times longer than surgical castration (58 sec v 20 sec; P less than 0.01). Scrotal necrosis occurred in 25% of chemically-castrated calves and appeared due to drug leakage from the testes under the high pressure of injection. Healing time for chemical castrates was approximately twice that for surgical castrates. Five chemically-castrated calves (18%) retained one testis. Though all 5 were rendered sterile, each maintained androgenesis. This led to secondary male behaviour which caused management problems. Castration method did not influence post-operative growth. It is concluded that lactic acid administration is not a suitable alternative to the open surgical technique for castration of Brahman cross calves.     

Fertility of Angus cross beef heifers after GnRH treatment on day 23 and timing of insemination in 14‐day CIDR protocol

This study compared artificial insemination pregnancy rate (AI‐PR) between 14‐day CIDR‐GnRH‐PGF2α‐GnRH and CIDR‐PGF2α‐GnRH synchronization protocol with two fixed AI times (56 or 72 hr after PGF2α). On day 0, heifers (n = 1311) from nine locations assigned body condition score (BCS: 1, emaciated; 9, obese), reproductive tract score (RTS: 1, immature, acyclic; 5, mature, cyclic) and temperament score (0, calm; and 1, excited) and fitted with a controlled internal drug release (CIDR, 1.38 g of progesterone) insert for 14 days. Within herd, heifers were randomly assigned either to no‐GnRH group (n = 635) or to GnRH group (n = 676), and heifers in GnRH group received 100 μg of GnRH (gonadorelin hydrochloride, IM) on day 23. All heifers received 25 mg of PGF2α (dinoprost, IM) on day 30 and oestrous detection aids at the same time. Heifers were observed for oestrus thrice daily until AI. Within GnRH groups, heifers were randomly assigned to either AI‐56 or AI‐72 groups. Heifers in AI‐56 group (n = 667) were inseminated at 56 hr (day 32 PM), and heifers in AI‐72 group (n = 644) were inseminated at 72 hr (day 33 AM) after PGF2α administration. All heifers were given 100 μg of GnRH concurrently at the time AI. Controlling for BCS (p < .05), RTS (p < .05), oestrous expression (p < .001), temperament (p < .001) and GnRH treatment by time of insemination (p < .001), the AI‐PR differed between GnRH treatment [GnRH (Yes – 60.9% (412/676) vs. No – 55.1% (350/635); p < .05)] and insemination time [AI‐56 – 54.6% (364/667) vs. AI‐72 – 61.8% (398/644); (p < .01)] groups. The GnRH treatment by AI time interaction influenced AI‐PR (GnRH56 – 61.0% (208/341); GnRH72 – 60.9% (204/335); No‐GnRH56 – 47.9% (156/326); No‐GnRH72 – 62.8% (194/309); p < .001). In conclusion, 14‐day CIDR synchronization protocol for FTAI required inclusion of GnRH on day 23 if inseminations were to be performed at 56 hr after PGF2α in order to achieve greater AI‐PR.     

Antioxidants protect proteins' anchorage to the bilayer by improving plasma membrane integrity of ram spermatozoa during liquid preservation in a soya lecithin‐based diluent

Antioxidants are known to prevent the reactive oxygen species (ROS)‐mediated peroxidative damage to the membrane lipids during hypothermic storage of mammalian spermatozoa. We hypothesized here that ROS also affect the lipid–protein interactions, thereby diminishing the membrane's integrity and proteins' anchorage to the bilayer. Antioxidants prevent these damages by scavenging the ROS. Ejaculates from Patanwadi rams were pooled after subjective evaluation and centrifuged using Percoll^®. Sperm pellet was resuspended in soya lecithin–Tris–fructose diluent (400 × 10⁶ cells/ml) containing either antioxidants (100 IU/ml catalase + 10 mM reduced glutathione) or no antioxidant. Aliquots were chilled to 5°C in a cabinet and stored in a refrigerator at 3–5°C for 72 hr. Sperm motility, viability, lipid peroxidation (LPO) and hypo‐osmotic swelling test (HOST) were performed at 0, 24, 48 and 72 hr. Sperm proteins extracted with 0.5% Triton X‐100 were resolved by SDS‐PAGE and quantified using Quantity One software (Bio‐Rad, USA). The rapid motility, linearity and straight‐line velocity (VSL) were found significantly (p < .05) higher in the antioxidant‐treated group compared to the control at 48 hr of storage. Sperm viability was found comparable between the groups. Higher HOST response and lower LPO were found in the antioxidant‐treated sample compared to the control both at 48 and at 72 hr. Overall, the proteins P1 (106.09 kDa), P2 (87.00 kDa) and P4 (51.14 kDa) were lower (p < .05) in the sperm extract of antioxidant‐treated group compared to the control. The content of P4 (51.14 kDa) in sperm extract was found to increase (p < .05) earlier (48 vs. 72 hr) in the control group compared to the antioxidant‐treated group. Altogether, the results suggested that antioxidants reduced LPO in spermatozoa, resulting in higher sperm motility, plasma membrane integrity and protection of proteins' anchorage to the plasma membrane at 48 and 72 hr of storage.     

Detection of hypoglycin A in the seeds of sycamore (Acer pseudoplatanus) and box elder (A. negundo) in New Zealand; the toxin associated with cases of equine atypical myopathy

CASE HISTORY AND CLINICAL FINDINGS: During April and May 2014 four horses aged between 5 months and 9 years, located in the Canterbury, Marlborough and Southland regions, presented with a variety of clinical signs including recumbency, stiffness, lethargy, dehydration, depression, and myoglobinuria suggestive of acute muscle damage. Two horses were subjected to euthanasia and two recovered. In all cases seeds of sycamore maple (Acer pseudoplatanus) or box elder (A. negundo) were present in the area where the horse had been grazing.

LABORATORY INVESTIGATION: The samaras (seeds) of some Acer spp. may contain hypoglycin A, that has been associated with cases of atypical myopathy in Europe and North America. To determine if hypoglycin A is present in the samaras of Acer spp. in New Zealand, samples were collected from trees throughout the country that were associated with historical and/or current cases of atypical myopathy, and analysed for hypoglycin A. Serum samples from the four cases and four unaffected horses were analysed for the presence of hypoglycin A, profiles of acylcarnitines (the definitive diagnosis for atypical myopathy) and activities of creatine kinase and aspartate aminotransferase.Markedly elevated serum activities of creatine kinase and aspartate aminotransferase, and increased concentrations of selected acylcarnitines were found in the case horses. Hypoglycin A was detected in the serum of those horses but not in the healthy controls. Hypoglycin A was detected in 10/15 samples of samaras from sycamore maple and box elder from throughout New Zealand.

DIAGNOSIS: Cases of atypical myopathy were diagnosed on properties where samaras containing hypoglycin A were also found.

CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Sycamore and box elder trees in New Zealand are a source of hypoglycin A associated with the development of atypical myopathy. If pastured horses present with clinical and biochemical signs of severe muscle damage then the environment should be checked for the presence of these trees. Horses should be prevented from grazing samaras from Acer spp. in the autumn.