Effects of chronic high stocking density on liver proteome of rainbow trout (<Emphasis Type="Italic">Oncorhynchus mykiss</Emphasis>)

The main aim of the present study was to assess the effects of chronic high stocking density on liver proteome of rainbow trout. Rainbow trout juveniles (42.6 ± 2.3 g average body weight) were randomly distributed into six tanks at two stocking densities (low stocking density (LD) = 20 kg m^?3 and high stocking density (HD) = 80 kg m^?3). Both treatments were performed in triplicate tanks for a period of 60 days. High stocking density caused a reduction in the growth performance compared with LD fish. Lysozyme activity increased with stocking density, while serum complement activity presented the opposite pattern. Serum cortisol and total protein levels did not show significant differences (P > 0.05) between experimental groups. The fish reared at high stocking density showed significantly lower osmolality and globulin values but higher albumin level. The HD group had significantly higher activities of catalase, glutathione peroxidase and superoxide dismutase, and malondialdehyde content in the liver when compared to the LD group. Comparative proteomics was used to determine the proteomic responses in livers of rainbow trout reared at high stocking density for 60 days. Out of nine protein spots showing altered abundance (>1.5-folds, P < 0.05), eight spots were successfully identified. Two proteins including apolipoprotein A-I-2 precursor and mitochondrial stress-70 protein were found to increase in HD group. The spots found to decrease in the HD group were identified as follows: 2-peptidylprolyl isomerase A, two isoforms of glyceraldehydes-3-phosphate dehydrogenase, an unnamed protein product similar to fructose-bisphosphate aldolase, 78 kDa glucose-regulated protein, and serum albumin 1 protein.     

Growth,hematological and biochemical indices of common carp <Emphasis Type="Italic">Cyprinus carpio</Emphasis> fed diets containing corn gluten meal

The effects of replacing fish meal (FM) with corn gluten meal (CGM) on growth and physiological performance were evaluated in common carp (Cyprinus carpio). Six experimental diets were formulated by substituting 0 (control), 20, 40, 60, 80, and 100% CGM protein for FM protein. The concentrations of dietary protein in the experimental diets were 27.8–29% and the P:E ratios were 14.7–15.46 mg/kJ. Eighteen fish with an initial weight of 13.5?±?0.1 g were allocated to each of 18 circular tanks (450 L) to give triplicate groups for each dietary treatment. The fish were fed to satiation for 8 weeks. At the end of the feeding trial, growth indices, body proximate composition, and hematological and biochemical parameters were measured. Blood samples were taken from six fish in each tank. Final weight and total length were significantly higher in fish fed 100% CGM (27.8?±?1.2 g and 11.9?±?0.3 cm) than for those fed the control (22.7?±?1.4 g and 10.9?±?0.5 cm) or 20% CGM (22.3?±?1.2 g and 11?±?0.4 cm) diets. No effect of FM replacement by CGM was observed for condition factor or hepatosomatic index (P?>?0.05). The highest value of protein productive value (14.31?±?0.65) was observed in fish fed 20% CGM (P?<?0.05). There were no significant differences in percentage body moisture and fat, but percentages of protein and ash were significantly different among experimental groups; the highest values of protein (15.6?±?0.24%) and ash (3.01?±?0.26%) were recorded in fish fed 40% CGM. For hematological parameters, the highest number of white blood cells (4.1?±?0.1?×?10³ mm^?3) was observed in fish fed 100% CGM (P?<?0.05). In addition, the highest hematocrit (42.1?±?0.7%) and triglyceride (294.11?±?23.82 mg dl^?1) were seen in fish fed the diet containing 40% CGM, while 80% CGM gave the highest cholesterol level (204.44?±?9.0 mg dl^?1; P?<?0.05). Replacement of FM with CGM had no negative effects on growth and physiological parameters of common carp fingerlings in this short (8 weeks) trial, suggesting that it may be feasible to replace FM with CGM in diets formulated for juvenile common carp.     

Induction of superoxide dismutase,malate dehydrogenase and phenylalanine ammonia-lyase during enhancing resistance of common bean against Xanthomonas axonopodis pv. phaseoli by exogenous salicylic acid

Journal of Plant Diseases and Protection - Bacterial blight of common bean caused by Xanthomonas axonopodis pv. phaseoli (Xap) is one of the most devastating diseases and causes serious yield...     

Simulating long-term effect of Hyrcanian forest loss on phosphorus loading at the sub-watershed level

Conversion of forest land to farmland in the Hyrcanian forest of northern Iran increases the nutrient input, especially the phosphorus(P) nutrient, thus impacting the water quality. Modeling the effect of forest loss on surface water quality provides valuable information for forest management. This study predicts the future impacts of forest loss between 2010 and 2040 on P loading in the Tajan River watershed at the sub-watershed level. To understand drivers of the land cover, we used Land Change Modeler(LCM) combining with the Soil Water Assessment Tool(SWAT) model to simulate the impacts of land use change on P loading. We characterized priority management areas for locating comprehensive and cost-effective management practices at the sub-watershed level. Results show that agricultural expansion has led to an intense deforestation. During the future period 2010–2040, forest area is expected to decrease by 34,739 hm~2. And the areas of pasture and agriculture are expected to increase by 7668 and 27,071 hm~2, respectively. In most sub-watersheds, P pollution will be intensified with the increase in deforestation by the year 2040. And the P concentration is expected to increase from 0.08 to 2.30 mg/L in all of sub-watersheds by the year 2040. It should be noted that the phosphorous concentration exceeds the American Public Health Association′s water quality standard of 0.2 mg/L for P in drinking water in both current and future scenarios in the Tajan River watershed. Only 30% of sub-watersheds will comply with the water quality standards by the year 2040. The finding of the present study highlights the importance of conserving forest area to maintain a stable water quality.     

Maternal age influence on diapause induction in sexual and asexual Trichogramma brassicae

In this study, the effect of maternal age on prepupae diapause of progeny in sexual (Wolbachia free) and asexual (Wolbachia infected) Trichogramma brassicae was studied at two temperatures. Maternal generation (G₁) of both populations was reared at 10L:14D photoperiod, 14 and 20 °C, separately. Mated females from G₁ were supplied with eggs of Ephestia kuehniella, each 48 h from one day after emergence to death. The tendency to diapause in progeny (G₂) was determined by rearing at 10 °C. According to the results, reproductive modes, maternal temperature and age have significant effect on the mean number of eggs laid by G₁ and the diapause percentage of G₂. Offspring whose maternal generation was reared at 20 °C had higher diapause percentage than those reared at 14 °C. Diapause percentage in sexual population was higher than the asexual, which demonstrates a negative effect of Wolbachia on this process. Wolbachia infection modifies the effect of maternal age on the diapause percentage in the offspring at 20 °C but not at 14 °C. The result can be due to lower Wolbachia density at 14 °C and greater Wolbachia density at 20 °C.     

Effects of Thiobacillus and Different Levels of Sulfur Fertilizer on Growth and Physiological Indices in Intercropping of Sesame (Sesamum Indicum L.) and Mung Bean (Vigna Radiata L.)

The two-location field experiment was conducted to investigate the effect of Thiobacillus and different levels of sulfur fertilizer on growth and physiological indices in the replacement intercropping of sesame and mung bean. A factorial experiment was performed based on a randomized complete block design in 3 replications in 2018. The experimental factors consisted of cropping ratio at five levels: 1. sesame sole cropping, 2. mung bean sole cropping, 3. 75% sesame +25% mung bean (3:1), 4. 50% sesame +50% mung bean (1:1), 5. 25% sesame +75% mung bean (1:3). Sulfur fertilizer was used at three levels: control level (S₀), 50% of recommended amount (S₁), 100% of recommended amount (S₂). Thiobacillus bacteria was used at two levels: T₀ and T₁. The results showed that growth indices chlorophyll a, chlorophyll b, total chlorophyll, biological yield, and grain yield of sesame and mung bean were significantly affected by the studied treatments. The highest growth indices, chlorophyll a, chlorophyll b, total chlorophyll, biological yield and grain yield of sesame were obtained by the 3:1 ratio. For the mung bean, the highest growth indices, chlorophyll a, biological yield, grain yield were obtained by mung bean sole cropping and the highest chlorophyll b and total chlorophyll were obtained by the 1:1 ratio. Also, sulfur fertilizer, 100% of the recommended amount, increased all studied indices in both plants except for chlorophyll a in sesame. Interaction effects of cropping ratio and location on growth indices, grain biological yield, chlorophyll a of sesame and mung bean were significant.

     

Yield Components and Fatty Acids Variation of Canola Cultivars Under Different Irrigation Regimes and Planting Dates

To investigate the effect of different planting dates and irrigation regimes on six canola cultivars, a 2-year (2014–2016) experiment was conducted at the Seed and Plant Improvement Institute of Karaj. The experiments were conducted as the factorial split-plot in a randomized complete block design including six canola cultivars (Gabriella, Brutus, Triangle, Marathon, Danube, and Natali), two irrigation regimes (fully irrigated and irrigation termination at the flowering stage) and two planting dates (October 1 and November 1). The results showed that irrigation termination from the flowering stage prevented the supply of required material for filling the seeds and the metabolism of the seed compounds and reduced the growth period of the seed. Therefore, a reduction was observed in the content of oleic and linoleic acids and proline. Also, water deficit stress caused an increase in the glucosinolate content of the seed. The response of canola cultivars was different in terms of fatty acids, so that the Natali cultivar had higher palmitic, oleic acids, and proline content compared to the other cultivars at both planting dates. Fully irrigated treatment and planting date of October 1 produced the highest amount of seed and oil yield (4659 and 2073?kg ha^?1), palmitic acid (5.5%), and proline (22.7?μmol/g) content, and the lowest glucosinolate content (13.2?mg/g). Generally, the Natali cultivar and planting date of October 1 and the fully irrigated regime are highly recommended in the studied area regarding qualitative traits and yield of canola.

     

Karyotype study on 15 populations of Eremostachys laciniata Bunge in Iran

A karyotype study was performed on 15 populations of Eremostachys laciniata Bunge from Iran in order to quantify the extent of cytological variation for use in breeding programmes. Ten mitotic root tip cells at the metaphase stage were prepared from each population by the squash method. The chromosomes of suitable mitotic cells were counted and various parameters, including long and short arm lengths, chromosome lengths, total length of the haploid chromosome complement, arm ratios, and the centromeric index, were measured. All 15 populations were diploid with 2n = 2x = 22 and were differentiated by their karyotypic parameters. All 15 E. laciniata populations occupied Class 1A of Stebbins’ karyotype classification, indicating the presence of a primitive symmetrical karyotype. The size of the mitotic chromosomes was medium, and mean chromosome lengths ranged from 3.84 to 4.77 μm. The shortest chromosome lengths were observed in the Ajabshir population and the longest in the Heydarabad population. The Heydarabad population also had the longest total chromosome length and the Ajabshir population had the shortest total chromosome length. The centromeric indices of the chromosome complements varied from 39.3% to 43.7%. Metacentric chromosomes were the most common in all populations, whereas submetacentric chromosomes were rare. The A₁ index varied from 0.215 (Areshtanab) to 0.337 (Til). The A₂ index ranged from 0.116 (Til) to 0.143 (Kaleybar), and the karyotype asymmetry index varied between 0.051 and 0.097. The results of a principal component analysis (PCA) showed that the main elements of the first three main principal components accounted for 97% of the total variance. Cluster analysis by Ward’s method indicated that all 15 populations could be classified into three clusters. Finally, the results of the karyotypic parameters showed that the Til, Heydarabad, and Marand populations had higher levels of karyotypic heterogeneity and may be useful when developing breeding programmes.     

Analysis of the Phenylpropanoid Enzyme Activities and Products in the Soft- and Hard-Seeded Pomegranate Genotypes During Fruit Development

To find out more about the biochemical aspects of seed-softness trait in pomegranate (Punica granatum L.), some of the phenylpropanoid pathway enzymes as well as their products were evaluated in the various soft- and hard-seeded genotypes during fruit development. Results showed that peroxidase (POD) activity decreased in all studied genotypes during fruit growth, while increasing at the last stages only in the hard-seeded genotypes. Although laccase (LAC) activity did not show high differences during fruit ripening and in different genotypes, but its general trend was increasing. Phenylalanine ammonia-lyase (PAL) activity decreased during the fruit development and approximately diminished for the hard-seeded genotypes. All genotypes had lignin components in their seeds and amount of lignin increased during the growth season. Total phenolic decreased drastically and antioxidant capacity increased gradually showing an opposite trend and probable competitive effect for the same substrate during fruit development. Considerable differences that were observed in the POD activity at the last sampling stage, and higher activity that was observed in POD than LAC, may indicate that POD is more important for polymerization of lignin in the pomegranate seed and this enzyme might have some role in the development of seed softness trait in pomegranate. Also, this is the first report about lignin detection in the seeds of soft-seeded pomegranate genotypes, and represents a different mechanism (such as monolignol conformation in the final polymer) from lignin content for development of the soft-seeded pomegranate genotype.