Biochemical side effects of the herbicide FINALE<Superscript>®</Superscript> on <Emphasis Type="Italic">bar</Emphasis> gene-containing transgenic pineapple plantlets

Pineapple is one of the most important tropical fruits and therefore intensive genetic improvement programs are being carried out in many countries, including Cuba. Our research team has previously introduced the bar gene, along with chitinase and AP24 genes, into the pineapple genome. Herein, we report on the biochemical side effects of the herbicide FINALE^® on these transgenic plantlets during hardening. Levels of aldehydes and chlorophylls, and peroxidase activity were recorded. The transformed clone studied here, not sprayed with FINALE^®, showed the following side effects because of transgenesis only. Levels of malondialdehyde, other aldehydes, chlorophyll b, and total chlorophyll pigments decreased. The most remarkable biochemical differences between transgenic and non-transgenic plantlets after application of FINALE^® follow. Levels of malondialdehyde and other aldehydes in transgenic material were not decreased by FINALE^®, perhaps because these levels were already low as a result of transformation. FINALE^® increased peroxidase activity in transgenic plantlets but such increase was higher in non-transgenic material. The herbicide increased contents of chlorophyll pigments (a, b, total) in transformed plantlets. However, as expected, non-transgenic plantlets decreased levels of chlorophylls (a, b, total) after application of FINALE^®. The genetic transformation of pineapple with the bar gene not only conferred resistance to the herbicide FINALE^®, but also promoted other biochemical changes.     

Linking forest dynamics to richness and assemblage of soil zoological groups and to soil mineralization processes

We conducted a study in a spruce forest, grown on a sub-acidic bedrock, in the Italian Alps in order to assess whether (1) forest dynamics influences animal communities, and in particular whether the richness of zoological groups peaks during the regeneration phase, (2) the diversity of zoological groups is correlated to C mineralization, considered as a measurement of soil functioning, (3) aspect influences the above relationships. We compared soil animal communities, soil physico-chemical features and nutrient mineralization in three developmental phases of spruce, with increasing tree cover (clearing, regeneration and mature trees) and two sun exposures (North, South). Animal communities changed with spruce dynamics. Mature spruce stands were characterized by higher densities of Acari, while regeneration stands and clearings were mainly characterized by higher densities of Collembola and most groups of macrofauna. As hypothesized, the richness of zoological groups was highest in regeneration stands, especially in the south facing site, probably because of the simultaneous occurrence of a dense herbaceous cover and spruce litter, leading to higher local soil heterogeneity. However, zoological group diversity (Shannon index), which was lowest in mature stands, was better explained by the herbaceous cover, i.e., by the quality of food resources, in both south and north facing sites. Variations of soil characteristics with the developmental phase of trees, reflecting a higher litter input and slower litter decomposition rate beneath mature trees, are in line with the distribution of zoological groups. As expected, the diversity of zoological groups was positively correlated to C mineralization. Changes in animal communities with phases of the forest cycle were much more pronounced in the south compared to the north facing site. In light of previously published results, we discuss how the diversity and composition of soil animal communities are plant driven.     

Effects of increased tank bottom areas on cuttlefish (Sepia officinalis,L.) reproduction performance

The objective of this research was to determine the effects of using tanks with different bottom areas/volumes on the growth and reproduction of the European cuttlefish, Sepia officinalis. One hundred and eighty‐four juvenile cuttlefish (46.1 ± 20.9 g) were used to test replicates of 9000 L (6.67 m²), 750 L (1.54 m²) and 250 L (0.79 m² – control). Growth and reproduction data were registered. In addition, egg proximate composition differences were assessed by collecting egg samples from each tank. Regarding growth, no statistical differences between tank types were found (P > 0.05), but total absolute mortality was lower in 9000 L tanks. As for reproduction, differences were found (P < 0.05) between individual tanks for mean egg (MEW), male (MW ♂ ) and hatchling (MHW) weights; and egg batch number. One of the 9000 L tanks displayed the highest overall and individual fecundity (16 593 and 1383 eggs respectively) and egg viability (~72%) ever obtained in our facilities. Differences (P < 0.05) regarding egg proximate composition of different tanks were noted. Significant (P < 0.05) correlations were established between the duration of reproduction stage and batch, MEW and MW♀, egg viability and MHW, and MHW and egg ash content. The present results might be related to sex ratios, differences in weight between ♀ and ♂, and/or derived from breeders condition.     

Efficacy of dietary methyl esters of n−3 HUFA vs. triacylglycerols of n−3 HUFA by gilthead seabream (Sparus aurata L.) juveniles

A feeding experiment was carried out on gilthead seabream juveniles to investigate the utilization of dietary n−3 highly unsaturated fatty acids (n−3 HUFA), when presented as methyl esters or as triacylglycerols. Three groups of gilthead seabream juveniles, of an initial mean weight of 62 g, were fed diets containing the same level of n−3 HUFA (about 2% dry weight basis, DWB) but where these essential fatty acids (EFA) were supplied in the form of methyl esters, triacylglycerols or as a mixture of these two chemical forms (diets 1, 2 and 3, respectively). A fourth group of 62-g individuals was fed a diet containing a particularly high level of triacylglycerols of n−3 HUFA (about 5% DWB). After 8 weeks of feeding, the results showed that fish growth, hepatosomatic index, total lipid content, and fatty acid composition of neutral and polar lipids of brain, liver, gills and muscle were not affected by the chemical form of the lipids given in the diet. However, individuals fed the very high level of EFA (diet 4) showed a lower growth rate than the other three groups of fish. In addition, eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA; 20:5n−3) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA; 22:6n−3) levels in both neutral and polar lipids from liver, gills and muscle were higher in this group of fish, with the brain fatty acid composition being less affected by dietary regime.     

Essential oils from Cymbopogon citratus and Lippia sidoides in the anesthetic induction and transport of ornamental fish Pterophyllum scalare

Fish Physiology and Biochemistry - This study verified the effects of essential oils from Lippia sidoides (EOLS) and Cymbopogon citratus (EOCC) on the anesthesia of freshwater angelfish...     

Effect of different rearing conditions on body lipid composition of greater amberjack broodstock (Seriola dumerili)

The aim of this study was to assess the effect of two rearing conditions: outdoor environment with great volume tanks (500 m³) and low stocking density (~0.4 kg m^?3); and indoor environment with smaller volume tanks (10 m³) and higher stocking density (~5 kg m^?3), on muscle, liver and ovary lipid composition of Seriola dumerili broodstock born in captivity. The rearing conditions tested seem to affect the pattern of lipid body deposition in broodstock fish of S. dumerili, increasing the muscle and liver triacylglycerides (TG) accumulation of fish kept under indoor conditions, probably due to reduced energy expenditure in swimming, with some variations in the fatty acid profile that may respond to the differences in the culture conditions tested. No significant differences were found for Gonadosomatic Index (GSI) or ovary lipid deposition between groups in this study, which may suggest that the conditions tested do not have a major effect on ovary development. However, one season later the females kept under outdoor conditions released eggs spontaneously, whereas those kept under indoor conditions did not spawn, suggesting that the conditions tested actually have an effect on the broodstock's reproductive fitness. More studies are needed in order to evaluate whether the conditions tested have or not any influence on ovary development.