Identification of proteins related to microspore embryogenesis responsiveness in anther cultures of winter triticale (×<Emphasis Type="Italic">Triticosecale</Emphasis> Wittm.)

For a better understanding of the physiological background of microspore embryogenesis (ME), the protein profile was analyzed in four winter triticale DH lines, which show extremely different embryogenic potential. The analysis were conducted with anthers at the phase of development optimal for ME induction and then after low temperature (LT, 3 weeks at 4 °C) ME-inducing tillers treatment. The sub-proteome of anthers was mapped by two-dimensional gel electrophoresis (2-DE). The protein species significantly more abundant (at least 2-fold) in responsive DH lines after LT treatment were chosen for identification by MALDI-TOF/TOF analysis. In total, 31 protein species were successfully identified as involved in the determination of microspore competence, stress response and in the regulation of ME induction. Microspore competence required sufficient energy supply and efficient system of cell protection that determine survival under prolonged LT stress treatment. LT stress was associated with increased accumulation of proteins typical for cell defence against oxidative stress (e.g., l-ascorbate peroxidase), chaperons (e.g., HSP70) and other enzymes/factors ensuring protein biosynthesis, stability and active cell divisions. Also here, effective cell defence required undisturbed energy supply. Among proteins that accumulated differentially in accordance with microspore embryogenic potential again the most important role seems to be played by the enzymes ensuring energy production and determining ability of plant stress adaptation. Two protein species (enolase, 12S storage protein), proposed earlier as candidates for markers of embryogenesis in other in vitro plant culture systems confirmed their utility for triticale anther cultures.     

LAND-USE INTENSIFICATION TRENDS IN THE RIO DE LA PLATA REGION OF SOUTH AMERICA: TOWARD SPECIALIZATION OR RECOUPLING CROP AND LIVESTOCK PRODUCTION

• Current intensification trends in the Rio de la Plata need urgent re-direction.•Integrated crop-livestock systems reconcile food production with ecosystem services.•Case studies validate recoupling as a sustainable way to ecological intensification.The Rio de la Plata region comprises central Argentina, Uruguay, and southern Brazil. Modern agriculture developed around 1900 with recent decades being characterized by the advance of cropping areas over native grasslands. Highly specialized agriculture has decoupled crop and livestock production but has succeeded in intensifying yields. However, significant losses of ecosystem services have been reported. Thus, questions have been raised on the sustainability of this pathway. A glance at world regions that have experienced similar trends suggests that an urgent course correction is needed. A major concern has been the lack of diversity in regions with highly specialized agriculture, promoting renewed interest in integrated crop-livestock systems (ICLS), not only because ICLS are more diverse than specialized systems, but also because they are rare examples of reconciliation between agroecosystem intensification and environmental quality. Consequently, this paper discusses alternatives to redesign multifunctional landscapes based on ICLS. Recent data provide evidence that recoupling crop and animal production increases the resilience of nutrient cycling functions and economic indicators to external stressors, enabling these systems to face climate-market uncertainty and reconcile food production with the provision of diverse ecosystem services. Finally, these concepts are exemplified in case studies where this perspective has been successfully applied.     

Autochthonous probiotic Lactobacillus sp. in the diet of bullfrog tadpoles Lithobates catesbeianus improves weight gain,feed conversion and gut microbiota

Dietary supplementation with probiotics in animal production is an alternative to antibiotics. In frog culture, studies involving native strains of probiotic bacteria and their effects on the performance and intestinal histology of farmed animals are scarce. Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate a diet supplemented with Lactobacillus sp. in tadpoles of Lithobates catesbeianus. This randomized test was performed with two dietary treatments: non‐supplemented control diet and diet supplemented with Lactobacillus sp., with nine replications. The growth performance of Lactobacillus sp., including its bacterial enzymatic activity and stability in feed, as well as colonization and histology of the intestinal tract, was evaluated after 42 days of experimentation. Animals fed with a supplemented diet showed higher weight gain and concentration of lactic acid bacteria in the gut and lower feed conversion. No significant difference was observed in survival, total heterotrophic bacterial count or histological change in the gut between the two treatments. The Lactobacillus sp. strain was able to colonize the intestinal tract and feed and remain at a high concentration of 10⁷ and 10⁶ CFU g^?1, respectively. It produced several enzymes, which might have contributed to the greater weight gain and lower feed conversion in the supplemented animals, thus demonstrating its probiotic potential for use as a dietary supplement in bullfrog tadpoles.     

Pan‐continental invasion of Pseudorasbora parva: towards a better understanding of freshwater fish invasions

In recent years, policy‐makers have sought the development of appropriate tools to prevent and manage introductions of invasive species. However, these tools are not well suited for introductions of non‐target species that are unknowingly released alongside intentionally‐introduced species. The most compelling example of such invasion is arguably the topmouth gudgeon Pseudorasbora parva, a small cyprinid species originating from East Asia. A combination of sociological, economical and biological factors has fuelled their rapid invasion since the 1960s; 32 countries (from Central Asia to North Africa) have been invaded in less than 50 years. Based on a combination of monitoring surveys (2535 populations sampled) and literature reviews, this paper aims to quantify and characterise important invasion parameters, such as pathways of introduction, time between introduction and detection, lag phase and plasticity of life history traits. Every decade, five new countries have reported P. parva introduction, mainly resulting from the movement of Chinese carps for fish farming. The mean detection period after first introduction was 4 years, a duration insufficient to prevent their pan‐continental invasion. High phenotypic plasticity in fitness related traits such as growth, early maturity, fecundity, reproductive behaviour and the ability to cope with novel pathogens has predisposed P. parva to being a strong invader. The Pseudorasbora parva invasion has provided quantitative data for the development of 1) early warning systems across different spatial scales; 2) rapid eradication programmes prior to natural spread in open systems and 3) sound risk assessments with emphasis on plasticity of life history traits.     

Effect of Water Temperature on Reproductive Tract Condition of Penaeus setiferus Adult Males

Abstract— This study was conducted to determine the effect of water temperature on male reproductive tract degenerative syndrome (MRTDS) and male reproductive system melanization (MRSM) in Penaeus setiferus , and to evaluate the effect of water temperature on spermatophore regeneration time and sperm quality in electrically ejaculated adult males. Variation in sperm quality, gonadosomatic index, and histological changes in the reproductive system were used to assess reproductive tract changes in the first experiment. Sperm quality and regeneration time were measured before and after successive regenerations in the second experiment. Sperm quality was stable when shrimp were held at 26 C for 30 d but was reduced when shrimp were held at 30 C. Reproductive tissues of 20% of the shrimp held at 30 C were melanized to some degree but tissue melanization was found in only 2.5% of the shrimp held at 26 C. Spennatophore regeneration time was also affected by temperature. Average times for first spermatophore regeneration were 192 h at 25 C, 152 h at 30 C, and 144 h at 33 C. Sperm quality of regenerated shrimp was not affected at 25 C but was reduced for regenerated animals held at 33 C. Based on these results, we recommend a water temperature between 25 and 27 C to obtain adequate spermatophore regeneration and to maintain healthy male P. setiferus broodstock for at least 30 d.     

Growth,mortality and reproductive traits of diploid and triploid Pacific oysters (Crassostrea gigas,THUNBERG, 1793) in Southern Brazil

This work aimed to evaluate the whole weight (g), shell height (mm), mortality (%) and reproductive aspects (condition index and histology) of triploid (3N) Pacific oysters (Crassostrea gigas) cultivated in southern Brazil. To accomplish this, a comparative experiment was performed with a diploid (2N) control group in two cultivation sites on Santa Catarina Island: North Bay (NB) and South Bay (SB). Whole weight, height and cumulative mortality were evaluated monthly for eight months and condition index (CI) for six months. Histological analysis was performed every two weeks for four months to investigate reproductive aspects. At the end of the experiment, whole weight and height were similar for 3N and 2N oysters. However, while more growth in whole weight and height was observed in the initial phase of cultivation in NB, such growth was not detected in SB until intermediate and final grow‐out phase. At harvest, cumulative mortality in 3N oysters was similar that in 2N oysters. The results suggest that diploid and triploid oysters grown in southern Brazil have similar developmental patterns based on whole weight and height, as well as reproductive cycle. In addition, cultivation sites have more influence on growth and mortality than ploidy levels.     

Effect of diets on carotenoid content,body coloration,biochemical composition and spermatophore quality in the “red cherry” shrimp Neocaridina davidi (Caridea,Atyidae)

In aquarium industry trade markets, Neocaridina davidi, the “red cherry” shrimp, is one of the most attractive ornamental shrimps due to the striking reddish coloration of females. Five commercial diets formulated for ornamental species were evaluated over a 90‐day period in N. davidi males and females, based on survival, biochemical composition, body weight, carotenoid content and body coloration. Furthermore, histological and histochemical analyses of the male reproductive system were performed to evaluate the spermatophore quality. In all treatments, survival was >80%, and protein content was similar in both female and male shrimps. Lipid content was higher in females and males fed on a diet having the highest lipid level. Carotenoid content was higher and body coloration was brighter in females and males fed on a diet containing the highest carotenoid level. Histological and histochemical analyses of the spermatophore structure and composition showed no differences among diets, suggesting that the five commercial diets are adequate for satisfactory growth and spermatophore quality of N. davidi. The diverse sources and quantities of carotenoids in the highest carotenoid level diet render it more suitable for colour enhancement of this species.     

Breeding and life cycle of the ornamental freshwater shrimp Neocaridina davidi in a biofilm‐based culture system

Neocaridina davidi is a popular shrimp in the aquarium industry; however, information regarding its husbandry is scarce. In this study, we investigated the contribution of biofilm to its life cycle, comprising three successive phases: (1) the evaluation of biofilm growth on plastic nets (PN), plastic sheets (PS) and agrovelo (AV); (2) the reproduction of adult shrimp to get juveniles (JI); and (3) the effects of biofilm on the survival and growth performance of JI. Trials were performed in aquaria with zero water exchange and natural environmental conditions. Biofilm was composed mainly of microalgae, diatoms, cyanobacteria and ciliates and used as the sole diet. Survival, biomass and biochemical reserves of JI reared in this culture system were significantly higher in the presence of PN and AV substrates. The occurrence of ovarian maturation and egg incubation of female shrimp in these treatments indicate that biofilm supplied the energy required for somatic growth and fecundity. Harvested females also displayed the size and the red pigmentation associated with premium pricing. Based on these results, it is concluded that N. davidi can complete the life cycle and display characteristic life history traits in a low‐cost biofilm technology system without losing economic value as ornamental species.     

In vivo and in vitro protein digestibility and growth performance of animal and no‐conventional plant ingredients for river prawn Macrobrachium americanum (Caridea: Palaemonidae)

The objectives of this study were to evaluate the effects of non‐traditional plant and animal protein for river prawn M. americanum on in vivo versus in vitro digestibility in addition to growth performance. In this study, ten ingredients were used: coconut meal, jackfruit meal, soybean meal, poultry by‐product meal, squid meal and fish meal. In vivo studies were conducted using the zeolite marker method, whereas in vitro digestibility was determined by the pH‐stat method using river prawn hepatopancreas enzymes. According to the findings, river prawns digest animals more efficiently than plant ingredients, with squid and fish meal showing a tendency of higher values. Fish meal (53.66%), squid meal (48.52%) and jackfruit meal (42.21%) were found to have a digestibility greater than 40% in in vivo and in vitro methods, thus suggesting that they are the best ingredients used in this study. This also validates their inclusion in practical diets. The correlation of digestibility of in vivo and in vitro was low (R² = .6749). The highest daily weight gain was recorded in the diets containing jackfruit, coconut and squid. Given that the potential of no‐conventional plant ingredients available regionally was significantly higher, this underscores the need to conduct further research to validate their inclusion in practical diets.