In ovo injection of flavanone on bone quality characteristics,biochemical parameters and antioxidant enzyme status of blood in daily chicks

In ovo injection (IOI) of Naringin (N), flavanone was examined on post‐hatch blood biochemical parameters, antioxidant status and bone characteristics. Fertile eggs (n = 700) were distributed in seven groups with 100 eggs. On 14th and 17.5th days of incubation, four groups were injected using 15 or 30 mg active ingredient levels of naringin/0.5 ml saline/egg, low and high level, into amnion sac. Controls include sham (injected normal saline, 0.5 ml/egg on day 14 and 17.5th) and un‐injected group. IOI of high naringin and saline on 14th day of incubation resulted in lower hatchability and then higher mortality in last week of embryonic life. On day hatch, high levels of injected groups more body weight compared to the control. Chick length was increased at high levels of naringin on day 17.5th compared to control and saline injected. Quality traits of bones were improved in naringin‐injected groups compared to control. IOI of naringin influenced thyroid hormones on 14th day of incubation. Naringin groups influenced the Alkaline phosphatase (ALP), Calcium (Ca), superoxide dismutase (SOD), blood biochemical and lipids. Totally, amniotic IOI of naringin in last days of developing embryo may be useful for hatched chick, development of leg long bone or effect on biochemical metabolites by levels of flavanone that it needs more research.     

Effect of dietary oxidized oil and vitamin E on growth performance,lipid peroxidation and fatty acid profile of Labeo rohita fingerlings

A 3 × 3 factorial experiment was conducted on Labeo rohita fingerlings to evaluate the effect of dietary oxidized oil and vitamin E. Nine experimental diets were made, based on three degrees of oil oxidation (fresh oil, low oil oxidation and high oil oxidation), and each level of oxidation was further supplemented with three levels of vitamin E (0, 100 and 1,000 mg/kg). Weight gain% and specific growth rate (SGR) of fish fed fresh fish oil and low oil oxidation level were significantly higher than highly oxidized oil. Moreover, vitamin E supplemented fish also showed better growth performance. Oil oxidation caused a significant reduction in the concentrations of α‐tocopherol and increase in TBARS level and antioxidant enzyme activities in fish liver and muscles. However, increasing the dietary vitamin E abrogated these effects. Dietary vitamin E supplementation improved the fatty acid, more specifically polyunsaturated fatty acids profile of oxidized oil fed fish. In conclusion, dietary oxidized fish oil increased the oxidative stress condition of fish but supplementation of high dose of vitamin E prevented lipid oxidation, improved growth performance and fatty acid profile of L. rohita.     

Variation in seed morphometric characters,oil content and azadirachtin content of seeds,in vitro shoot cultures and callus cultures among different populations of Azadirachta indica

We studied seed morphometric characters, oil content and azadirachtin content in a medicinally important and insect repellent tree species Azadirachta indica A.Juss. Ten populations were selected from two central Indian states of Madhya Pradesh and Chhattisgarh and twenty candidate plus trees were selected from each population based on tree attributes. Azadirachtin content was estimated in seeds, in vitro shoots and callus cultures through HPLC. Significant variation(p \ 0.05) was observed in seed morphometric characters, oil content and azadirachtin content among the ten populations. Maximum value for 100 seed weight was obtained in seeds of Raigarh(30.51 g) which was on par with seeds of Bargi(28.37 g)and Chhatarpur(26.36 g). The ratio of highest kernel to seed was also obtained in seeds of Raigarh(60.11%).Kernels from Chhatarpur population recorded the highest oil content(24.20%), which was equal to that in Sihore(23.75%) and Katni(21.75%). We recorded highly significant variation in azadirachtin content in seed samples,in vitro shoot samples and callus cultures. Maximum azadirachtin was present in the seeds of Gwalior(0.882%)which was on par with azadirachtin content in seeds of Chhatarpur, Katni, Sihore, Shahdol and Chhindwara.Maximum azadirachtin in the in vitro shoots was present in the cultures of Gwalior(0.218%) which was statistically on par with Sihore(0.176%). Similarly, in callus cultures of nodal segments maximum azadirachtin was recorded in the Gwalior population(0.033%) which was statistically on par with Sihore(0.028%). The trees of Gwalior and Sihore populations can be produced in large numbers through vegetative propagation to obtain seeds with higher azadirachtin content.     

Structural Characterization of New Peptide Variants Produced by Cyanobacteria from the Brazilian Atlantic Coastal Forest Using Liquid Chromatography Coupled to Quadrupole Time-of-Flight Tandem Mass Spectrometry

Cyanobacteria from underexplored and extreme habitats are attracting increasing attention in the search for new bioactive substances. However, cyanobacterial communities from tropical and subtropical regions are still largely unknown, especially with respect to metabolite production. Among the structurally diverse secondary metabolites produced by these organisms, peptides are by far the most frequently described structures. In this work, liquid chromatography/electrospray ionization coupled to high resolution quadrupole time-of-flight tandem mass spectrometry with positive ion detection was applied to study the peptide profile of a group of cyanobacteria isolated from the Southeastern Brazilian coastal forest. A total of 38 peptides belonging to three different families (anabaenopeptins, aeruginosins, and cyanopeptolins) were detected in the extracts. Of the 38 peptides, 37 were detected here for the first time. New structural features were proposed based on mass accuracy data and isotopic patterns derived from full scan and MS/MS spectra. Interestingly, of the 40 surveyed strains only nine were confirmed to be peptide producers; all of these strains belonged to the order Nostocales (three Nostoc sp., two Desmonostoc sp. and four Brasilonema sp.).     

Impact of some alternative methods to chemical control in controlling aphids (Hemiptera: Sternorrhyncha) and their side effects on natural enemies on young Moroccan citrus groves

Aphid control in Moroccan citrus orchards is based mainly on carbamate and neonicotinoid sprays, especially methomyl and imidacloprid. The extensive use of these insecticides may have side effects on natural enemies and environment quality and raises human health concerns. This research aimed to assess the control of aphids with insecticidal soap, kaolin and augmentative biological control using the indigenous predator Adalia decempunctata L. (Coleoptera: Coccinellidae). The insecticides were applied and the predators were released in April 2009 and 2010. Under field experimentation, the methomyl and imidacloprid foliar pulverization were very effective against aphids. In contrast, the insecticidal soap and kaolin application were less efficient while A. decempunctata adults were effective only in the first week after release. The side effects on beneficial insects were also assessed and discussed. The possibility of employing A. decempunctata in an integrated pest management package in citrus groves is discussed in relation to effectiveness and side effects on beneficial arthropods.     

Occurrence of Neospora caninum in dogs and its correlation with visceral leishmaniasis in the urban area of Campo Grande, Mato Grosso do Sul, Brazil

Neospora caninum is an obligate intracellular protozoan that can infect domestic and wild canids, as well as ruminants and equines, and is described as causing neuromuscular alteration and death in dogs. Visceral leishmaniasis (VL) is an infectious disease that affects both humans and animals, being caused by protozoan parasites of the genus Leishmania, of which Leishmania (Leishmania) chagasi is found in Brazil -- transmitted by sand flies, such as Lutzomyia longipalpis, in most of the American continent. The immunosuppression caused by VL can promote the occurrence of co-infections with other agents. In order to determine the frequency of N. caninum and its relationship to VL in Campo Grande, MS, Brazil, 345 blood sera were collected from dogs. The sera were submitted to an indirect fluorescent antibody test (IFAT) for detection of anti-N. caninum antibodies and VL antibodies. N. caninum was found in 26.5% of VL-negative dogs and in 29% of VL-positive ones. Among males, it was found in 30.7% of VL-negative animals and in 30.4% of VL-positive ones; among females, in 21% of VL-negative animals and in 27.7% of VL-positive ones. Among juvenile dogs (under 1 year), N. caninum was detected in 10.5% of VL-negative animals and in 11.2% of VL-positive ones. For adult dogs (1 year and older) the results were 31.4% for VL-negative animals and 28.8% of VL-positive ones. The study revealed a statistically significant association with age (chi(2)=9.76, P<0.05) in the N. caninum results for VL-negative animals. No significant correlation in N. caninum seroprevalence was found when VL-positive or VL-negative dogs were compared (chi(2)=0.21, P=0.64). The findings suggest that in Campo Grande N. caninum and VL co-infection is common in dogs, though VL does not appear to enhance susceptibility to N. caninum.     

A comparison of the effect of organic acids and dicalcium phosphate supplementation on phosphorus bioavailability,growth performance and digestive enzyme activities of Labeo rohita fingerlings

The effect of organic acids (OA) and dicalcium phosphate (P_i) supplementation in the feed of Labeo rohita fingerlings was studied by formulating seven practical diets, designed as D1 with no feed additives {dicalcium phosphorus (P_i) and organic acid (OA) blend} while, D2, D3, D4 and D5 were supplemented with P_i at the graded levels of 5, 10, 15 and 20 g/kg, respectively, whereas D6 and D7 contained blend of OA at 15 and 30 g/kg, respectively. The diet supplemented with OA blend exhibited increase (p < .05) in growth of L. rohita fingerlings compared with the diet supplemented with P_i. The OA supplementation at both levels showed significant improvement in nutrients digestibility and minerals absorption in fingerlings. Moreover, in case of muscle proximate composition, crude fat (CF) and crude protein (CP) were increased (p < .05) with the inclusion of OA blend in the diet while crude ash (CA) was improved by P_i supplementation. Additionally, digestive enzyme activities were not affected (p ? .05) by OA blend supplementation while increased activities were observed in the fingerlings fed with P_i diet. Consequently, supplementation of OA blend in the diet improved the growth performance and nutrient status while P_i enhanced digestive enzyme activities of L. rohita fingerlings.     

Path analysis for selection of drought tolerant sugarcane genotypes through physiological components

Water deficit is among the main environmental factors limiting agricultural productivity of sugarcane in Northeast Brazil by affecting virtually every aspect of plant growth, with consequent reduction of the agro-industrial productivity of this crop. This study aimed to use path analysis to evaluate the physiological components of sugarcane under two water conditions, with photosynthesis as the basic variable, in order to obtain subsidies that can help the genetic breeding of this crop by selection of superior clones with drought tolerance. The experiment was carried out in a greenhouse with a completely randomized experimental design, 4 × 2 factorial arrangements (four sugarcane genotypes × two soil moisture regimes: control, with 80-100% available water and stressed, with 0-20% water available) and with four replications. Each plot consisted of one pot with 12 kg of substrate containing one plant. Treatments were maintained at a humidity close to field capacity with daily replacement of the evapotranspired water with a water supply for 66 days of cultivation for treatments under stress. Evaluations were conducted on the fourth day after severe water stress at 70 days of cultivation. Data from nine physiological variables were considered, with six of these being used in the model after exclusion of those that were contributing to multicollinearity. Variables used in path analysis were enough to explain the variation found in photosynthesis under both water conditions. Stomatal conductance, transpiration and the SPAD index should be considered as a priority in breeding programs for sugarcane aiming to get more productive and tolerant genotypes to water stress, and selection indexes should be used with due consideration of these variables to promote gains in photosynthesis.     

10年生府竹丛生竹的离体无性繁殖

用10年生丛生竹的节片通过离体腋笋增殖和生根产生出府竹小苗。不同季节对无菌培养物的建立、腋芽发萌和初代培养的影响很大。3片丛生林中,无菌培养物的建立有差别,但腋芽发萌没有差别。用加有31.06uM BA和2.85um IAA的MS液体介质,最大的增值率为3.18;用加有20~25um IBA MS液体介质,离体生根率为66.7~77.8%。用不同的植物生长素,生根所用的天数也不同,而IBA液能在短期促进生根,仅仅为2-3周。成功炼苗后,在装有土壤、沙子和农家肥塑料袋里,离体繁殖的小苗成活率为90%,大约有2000株小苗用于野外栽植。     

Effect of ginger- and garlic-supplemented diet on growth performance,some hematological parameters and immune responses in juvenile Huso huso

Physiological parameters and growth performance of Huso huso fingerlings fed with diet supplemented with herbal plants were studied in this study. Dietary treatments were 0 g (= control), 1.0 g (garlic) and 1.0 g (ginger) of 100 g^?1 feed for 60 days. Specific growth rate, body weight gain and condition factor were significantly increased in ginger treatment at the end of the trial. Highest levels of erythrocyte and hematocrit were observed in fingerlings ginger group after 60 days. Globulin increased significantly in ginger group, and the highest level of albumin was observed in garlic group. To sum up, it seems that herbal diet can improve some growth and physiological parameters in this species.