Fertilization Medium Research Articles

Concentration of sheep urine solution as watering media and organic fertilizer to production of corn fodder (Zea mays) by Hydroponic system

The purpose of this study was to determine the concentration of urine solution as a watering medium and organic fertilizer on the productivity of hydroponic corn fodder. The research materials were corn, sheep urine, and water, while the method used was field experiments. The treatments, namely T0 (0% urine), T1 (5% urine), T2, (10% urine), T3 (15% urine), T4 (20% urine). The variables were the percentage of germination, percentage of normal sprouts, number of leaves, plant height, fresh production and dry matter production. The data obtained were analyzed using analysis of variance, if there is an effect, then continue with the LSD test. The results showed that the treatments had a very significant effect (P <0.01) on the percentage of germination, percentage of normal germination, number of leaves, plant height, fresh production, and dry matter production. The highest germination percentage was found in T1 (91.60%), normal germination percentage T1 (86.78%), number of leaves T1 (3.0), plant height T0 (31.6 cm), forage production T1 (646.6 grams), dry matter production T1 (568.41 grams). Based on the results, it was concluded that watering with 5% concentration of sheep urine solution gave the best value for the productivity of hydroponic corn fodder.

PENGGUNAAN JENIS MEDIA DAN PERLAKUAN PUPUK UNTUK PERTUMBUHAN ANGGREK DENDROBIUM

ABSTACT&#x0D; Reseach on dendrobium orchids was planted in the media of wood charcoal and coconut fibers and it is needed with Gandasil B fertilizer wood charcoal and coconut fiber media and is needed with Gandasil B and Multitonik fertilizer. This study aims to determine the effect of media and fertilizer on orchid growth and to determine pests and diseases in Dendrobium orchid plants. This reseach was conducted in May until July 2019 in the Plant Physiology Laboratory Biologi Prodi Studi Biologi Fakultas Matematika dan Ilmu Pengetahuan Alam Universitas Udayana. Qualitative and quantitative data are used that combine the Gandasil B fertilizer and fibers and wood charcoal media Fertilizer Gandasil B fertilizer with concetration G0 (0 g L-1), G2 (20 g L-1), G3 (30 g L-1), G4 (40 g L-1), G5 (50 g L-1). Fertilizer Multitonik M0 (0 g L-1), M1 (1,1 g L-1), M2 (1,2 g L-1), M3 (1,3 g L-1), M4 (1,4 g L-1), M5 (1,5 g L-1). Each fertilizer concentration was repeated 6 times. The results showed the best orchid growth was found in the use of Multitonik fertilizer and the best orchid growth was found in the use of Multitonik number of leavers and root growth were found in the use of coconut fibers media

Manure and inorganic fertilization impacts on soil nutrients, aggregate stability, and organic carbon and nitrogen in different aggregate fractions

ABSTRACT Manure application can enhance soil fertility and crop yield; however, knowledge of optimum application rates of manure is needed to prevent negative impacts on soils and environment. This study was aimed to compare the long-term effects of manure and inorganic fertilizer application at different rates on soil nutrients, aggregate stability, organic carbon, and nitrogen in different aggregate size fractions. The experiment was conducted on a long-term manure site under a randomized complete block design with six treatments: three manure [low manure (LM; application based on phosphorous requirement), medium manure (MM; application based on nitrogen requirement), high manure (HM; two times prescribed nitrogen rate)], two chemical fertilizer [medium fertilizer (MF; suggested inorganic fertilizer rate), high rate of fertilizer (HF)], and control (CK; no manure nor fertilizer). Manure application maintained soil pH, improved nutrient availability and aggregate stability compared to the CK. The HM treatment increased aggregate-associated soil organic carbon (SOC) and total nitrogen (TN) concentration by 40 to 50% in all size fractions as compared to the CK. Further, HM increased particulate organic matter (POM) by 1.2 times as compared to the CK, while inorganic fertilizer application did not alter these parameters compared to the CK.

Evaluation of pig oocyte in vitro maturation and fertilization using three gonadotropin-based hormonal compounds

Objective: To evaluate the effect of human chorionic gonadotropins (hCG) and equine chorionic gonadotropins (eCG) on in vitro gilt oocyte maturation and embryonic development, using frozen semen for fertilization. Methods: Two independent experiments (6 replicates each) were carried out to evaluate gilt oocyte maturation, and fertilization and embryonic development by using ovaries from a local abattoir. Totally, 712 oocytes were randomly distributed in four-well dishes to receive Novormon (eCG 5.0 IU), PG600 (eCG 5.0 IU and hCG 2.5 IU), Chorulon (hCG 5.0 IU), or no hormones. Oocytes were incubated with 5% CO2, 95% air and saturation humidity at 39 °C for 44 h. Maturation of the oocytes to metaphase II was assessed by using the aceto-orcein technique. In addition, 741 oocytes were used and randomly distributed in four-well dishes, and then oocyte maturation was carried out as mentioned, but matured oocytes were washed and placed in fertilization medium with frozen-thawed sperm. Gametes were co-incubated for 7 h, and then washed and placed in development medium, and incubated for further 7 days, at which time embryonic development was evaluated. Fertilization and embryo development media were not supplemented with the studied hormones. Results: Novormon (eCG) and PG600 (eCG+hCG) treatments significantly improved the percentages of metaphase II oocytes compared to the control group (P&lt;0.05). Furthermore, a significant increase was also observed in the young blastocyst stage between the control group and the PG600 treatment group (P&lt;0.05). Conclusions: Hormonal products Novormon (eCG) and PG600 (eCG+hCG) can obtain the highest percentages of in vitro maturation in gilt oocytes; however, this effect is not transferred to fertilization rates.

Effect of Foliar Copper-Containing Superabsorbent Polymers on Nutritional Characteristics and Mycotoxin Contamination of Wheat Kernel

Novel use of superabsorbent polymers to deliver copper-based foliar fertilization was tested as a means against fungal mycotoxin production and monitor its effect on nutritional characteristics of wheat. Experiment was located in Žabcice, South Moravia region of the Czech Republic, tested wheat variety was 'Julie'. Differences in fertilization medium (water or superabsorbent polymers) and copper treatments (control, CuO, CuSO4, Cu-EDTA, CuO-nano) were tested. Effect of different variants on percentage of ash, crude protein, crude fat and crude fiber, acid detergent fiber, ash-free neutral detergent fiber, lignin, cellulose and starch were determined. Moreover, concentration of deoxynivalenol and T-2 toxin depending on the variant was measured. The highest amounts of crude fat and crude fiber were observed in variant of Cu-nano with superabsorbent polymers, the lowest in CuO respectively. Higher amount of cellulose was found in SAP control, lowest in water control. There were no significant differences in other nutritional parameters. Of the evaluated mycotoxins, we did not detect the deoxynivalenol in any of our samples. For the second evaluated mycotoxin, there was also no difference observed in T-2 toxin production.

Life history trade-offs of thrips reared on fertilized and unfertilized Brazilian peppertree with respect to changes in plant terpenoid profiles

Mass rearing is a critical component of a successful biological control program and is strongly dependent on the diet agents consume. We investigated the impact of fertilizing the target Brazilian peppertree, Schinus terebinthifolia, on plant terpenoids and the phenology, fecundity, and morphometrics of the thrips agent, Pseudophilothrips ichini. Plants in 3.8 L pots were fertilized (24N-8P-16K) at one of three concentrations every two weeks: Low (0 g/L), Medium (1.8 g/L), or High (3.6 g/L). To examine fertilizer impacts on life history, cohorts of 20 thrips eggs were reared in containers on stem cuttings from the potted plants. Terpenoid profiles were characterized using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry from potted plants grown at each fertilizer level, half of which experienced 72 h of thrips feeding. The fewest thrips reached the pre-pupa on Low fertilizer plants, but those thrips developed the fastest, lived longer as adults, and laid more eggs. Thrips on plants at either Medium or High fertilizer levels took longer to develop, had shorter adult lifespans, laid fewer eggs, but adults were larger, and they produced potentially higher quality eggs. Differences in terpenoid profiles between damaged and undamaged Low fertilizer plants and life history trade-offs suggest fertilizing may have minimal impacts on thrips; however, fertilized plants grow faster and larger, thereby ensuring a reliable supply of host material for mass rearing. Moreover, these results suggest that although thrips may have reduced survival, they will perform well following field releases when fed wild, unfertilized Brazilian peppertrees.

Microbial inoculants modulate growth traits, nutrients acquisition and bioactive compounds accumulation of Cyclocarya paliurus (Batal.) Iljinskaja under degraded field condition

Cyclocarya paliurus (Batal.) Iljinsk is an important medicinal plant for treating chronic diseases, but it is difficult to obtain high yields when growing on low-fertility soil. Inoculation with soil beneficial microorganism has suggested an effective means of stimulating plant growth and secondary metabolite production, but effect on plant performance when competing degraded field condition remains unclear. We combined controlled laboratory experiments with field trials to investigate the effects of co-inoculation with phyto-stimulatory strains (Azospirillum brasilense and Pseudomonas fluorescens) and nutrient-enhancing strains (Bacillus megaterium and Azotobacter chroococcum). Bacteria were applied with organic fertilizer at different fertilizer levels, and we tracked effects on soil nutrient availability as well as C. paliurus morphological traits, photosynthesis, growth and bioactive compounds during cultivation on barren land. Amendment of beneficial microbes with organic fertilizer enhanced the soil nutrient availability with high fertilizer showing greatest stimulation under controlled conditions, with the medium fertilizer giving best results in improving plant performance in the field. All fertilization regimes expanded the 3D root architecture, and bacterial additions increased the proportion of lateral roots compared to a single organic fertilizer treatment, which led to higher nutrient uptake. Inoculations at medium fertilizing level modified the root system and increased the photosynthesis rate, nutrient acquisition and plant growth. The co-inoculation with B. megaterium and P. fluorescens at medium fertilizer level stimulated the accumulation of flavonoids and polysaccharides, while co-inoculation with A. chroococcum and A. brasilense at low fertilizing level facilitated the production of flavonoids and triterpenoids. The biosynthesis of secondary metabolites exhibited strong correlations with leaf C/N and C/P ratios. Thus, manipulation of bioactive compounds in C. paliurus leaves can be affected by internal nutrient balance, which is associated with reformed root system morphology that modulated by bacterial inoculation.

Addition of peroxiredoxin 6 (PRDX6) to IVF fertilization medium maintains motility and longevity of human spermatozoa

This study aims to investigate the protective effects of peroxiredoxin 6 on the total motility and progressive motility of human spermatozoa. Semen samples with normal parameters were collected from 23 males and supplemente... | Find, read and cite all the research you need on Tech Science Press

Biomass Production of Indonesian Indigenous Leptolyngbya Strain on NPK Fertilizer Medium and its Potential as a Source of Biofuel

Biomass Production of Indonesian Indigenous Leptolyngbya Strain on NPK Fertilizer Medium and its Potential as a Source of Biofuel

Response of green gram (Vigna radiata L.) to potassium fertilization in coarse textured soils of Southern Haryana, India

Aim: To evaluate the optimum dose and potassium application on K uptake by green gram and its buildup/depletion in soil to overcome the production of pulses in South West part of Haryana. Methodology: A series of field experiments and on farm trials were conducted during 2012 to 2016 at the Regional Research Station, CCS HAU, Bawal and at the farmers field to study the response of green gram to potassium fertilization in coarse textured medium K status soils of southern Haryana, India. Five levels of potassium (0, 10, 20, 30 and 40 kg K2O ha-1) were evaluated in randomized block design with three replications. Results: The results of study revealed that green gram seed yield increased significantly with application of potassium at 20 kg K2O ha-1. Potassium fertilization also significantly increased total K uptake by green gram at each level of potassium application and helped in preventing the depletion of available soil K and enhanced its content in the soil. The mean K use efficiency varied from 38.30 to 54.15 per cent, being maximum with application of 20 kg K2O ha-1 (54.15 %). The mean economic data analysis revealed that benefit cost ratio also increased with potassium fertilization. Interpretation: On farm trials conducted on farmers field revealed that application of 20 kg K2O ha-1 in coarse textured low to medium potash status soils is optimum for higher yield, returns and maintenance of available K status in soil.

In vitro maturation of Mus musculus mice oocytes after hyperosmotic shock induced by vitrification solutions.

Objective:To evaluate in vitro oocyte maturation rates in embryonic culture medium after induction by hyperosmotic shock caused by exposure to vitrification solutions.Methods:Bilateral oophorectomy was performed on 20 prepubescent female mice (Swiss). Immature (Prophase I) oocytes (N = 400) were obtained by ovarian dissection, divided into 4 groups, and transferred to culture dishes containing fertilization medium (Sydney IVF Fertilization Medium, Cook® Medical). The control group (CG) did not receive treatment, the test groups (G1, G2, G3) were treated with vitrification solution - 2 (VI-2: 14 M sucrose + ethylene glycol and dimethyl sulfoxide) for 30 seconds and subsequently: G1: 30 seconds in devitrification solution - 2 (DV-2: 0.5M sucrose); G2: 60 seconds DV-2; G3: 60 seconds DV-1(1M sucrose) and 180 seconds DV-2. All groups were cultivated for 24 hours in an incubator at 37ºC and 5% CO2 (Thermo model 3110). After this period, we checked their maturation status.Results:Oocytes exposed to VI-2, DV-1 and DV-2 (G3) showed the highest rate of competence in resuming meiosis and reaching the MII stage; however, there was no statistically significant difference (G3 = 50.5% - 49/97; CG = 27.8% - 10/30).Conclusions:Oocyte exposure to vitrification solutions, in order to cause osmotic shock, did not interfere with the resumption of meiosis in mice oocytes.

The potential of ryegrass as cover crop to reduce soil N2O emissions and increase the population size of denitrifying bacteria

AbstractNitrogen (N) fertilization is the major contributor to nitrous oxide (N2O) emissions from agricultural soil, especially in post‐harvest seasons. This study was carried out to investigate whether ryegrass serving as cover crop affects soil N2O emissions and denitrifier community size. A microcosm experiment was conducted with soil planted with perennial ryegrass (Lolium perenne L.) and bare soil, each with four levels of N fertilizer (0, 5, 10 and 20 g N m−2; applied as calcium ammonium nitrate). The closed‐chamber approach was used to measure soil N2O fluxes. Real‐time PCR was used to estimate the biomass of bacteria and fungi and the abundance of genes involved in denitrification in soil. The results showed that the presence of ryegrass decreased the nitrate content in soil. Cumulative N2O emissions of soil with grass were lower than in bare soil at 5 and 10 g N m−2. Fertilization levels did not affect the abundance of soil bacteria and fungi. Soil with grass showed greater abundances of bacteria and fungi, as well as microorganisms carrying narG, napA, nirK, nirS and nosZ clade I genes. It is concluded that ryegrass serving as a cover crop holds the potential to mitigate soil N2O emissions in soils with moderate or high NO3− concentrations. This highlights the importance of cover crops for the reduction of N2O emissions from soil, particularly following N fertilization. Future research should explore the full potential of ryegrass to reduce soil N2O emissions under field conditions as well as in different soils.Highlights This study was to investigate whether ryegrass serving as cover crop affects soil N2O emissions and denitrifier community size; Plant reduced soil N substrates on one side, but their root exudates stimulated denitrification on the other side; N2O emissions were lower in soil with grass than bare soil at medium fertilizer levels, and growing grass stimulated the proliferation of almost all the denitrifying bacteria except nosZ clade II; Ryegrass serving as a cover crop holds the potential to mitigate soil N2O emissions.

Predicting potential impacts of climate change on the geographical distribution of mountainous selaginellas in Java, Indonesia

Abstract. Setyawan AD, Supriatna J, Nisyawati, Nursamsi I, Sutarno, Sugiyarto, Sunarto, Pradan P, Budiharta S, Pitoyo A, Suhardono S, Setyono P, Indrawan M. 2020. Predicting potential impacts of climate change on the geographical distribution of mountainous selaginellas in Java, Indonesia. Biodiversitas 21: 4866-4877. Selaginella is a genus of non-flowering plant that requires water as a medium for fertilization, as such, it prefers mountainous areas with high level of humidity. Such unique ecosystem of Selaginella is available in some parts of Java Island, Indonesia, especially in highland areas with altitude of more than 1,000 meters above sea level. However, most mountainous areas in Java are likely to be affected by climate change due to global warming, threatening the habitat and sustainability of Selaginella. This study aimed to investigate the impacts of climate change on the geographical distribution of Selaginella opaca Warb. and Selaginella remotifolia Spring. In doing so, we predicted the suitable habitats of both species using Species Distribution Model (SDM) tool of MaxEnt under present climate conditions and future conditions under four climate change scenarios. Species occurrence data were obtained from fieldworks conducted in 2007-2014 across Java Island (283 points: 144 and 139 points for S. opaca and S. remotifolia, respectively) and combined with secondary data from Global Biodiversity Information Facility (GBIF) (52 points: 35 and 17 points for S. opaca and S. remotifolia, respectively), and this dataset was used to model present geographical distribution using environmental and bioclimatic variables. Then, future distribution was predicted under four climate change scenarios: i.e. RCP (Representative Carbon Pathways) 2.6, RCP 4.5, RCP 6.0, and RCP 8.5 in three different time periods (2030, 2050, and 2080). The results of the models showed that the extent of suitable habitats of S. opaca and S. remotifolia will be reduced between 1.8-11.4% due to changes in climatic condition, and in the areas with high level of habitat suitability, including Mount Sumbing, Mount Sindoro and Mount Dieng (Dieng Plateau), the reduction can reach up to 60%. This study adds another context of evidence to understand the potential impacts of climate change on biodiversity, especially on climate-sensitive species, such as Selaginella, in climate-risk regions like mountainous areas of Java Island.

Zinc supplementation within the reference ranges for zinc status in cattle improves sperm quality without modifying in vitro fertilization performance

Zinc (Zn) has important functions in mammalian reproductive processes. In cattle, Zn status can be classified as deficient, marginal, and adequate, depending on the plasma Zn concentration. In addition, Zn deficiency can lead to reproductive failure. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of maternal Zn status at the beginning of a fixed-time artificial insemination (FTAI) treatment regimen on pregnancy rate in cattle, and evaluate the effect of supplementing in vitro fertilization (IVF) medium with Zn concentrations within the reference range for Zn status on sperm quality and IVF performance. Pregnancy rates of animals with marginal and adequate Zn status did not differ, and there were no Zn-deficient animals detected. Supplementation of 0.8 μg/mL Zn to IVF medium enhanced progressive motility, sperm viability, functional sperm membrane integrity (HOST), acrosomal integrity and sperm-zona binding, without modifying pronuclear formation, or development of embryos to the cleavage or blastocyst stage after IVF. In conclusion, the present results indicate pregnancy rates are not associated with maternal Zn status at the beginning of the FTAI treatment regimen if Zn status is marginal or adequate. Furthermore, supplementation of IVF medium with Zn at concentrations which is considered adequate for Zn status in cattle led to improved sperm quality, without having effects on embryo development in cattle.

Effect of nicotinamide supplementation in in vitro fertilization medium on bovine embryo development.

Increased oxidative stress is one of the main causes of poorly developed embryos in assisted reproductive technologies. Nicotinamide (NAM) has been shown to suppress reactive oxygen species (ROS) production through its potent antioxidative and anti-senescent effects. In the present study, we explored the effects of short-term NAM-treatment (3 and 5 h) during in vitro fertilization (IVF) on the development of bovine embryos. Treatment with 10 mM NAM for 3 hsignificantly increased the blastocyst formation but extending the treatment to 5 hdid not enhance the benefits any further. Immunofluorescence analysis demonstrated that treatment with 10 mM NAM for 3 hdecreased the expression of intracellular ROS, 8-oxo-7,8-dihydroguanine, caspase-3, and increased the expression of Sirt1, and incorporation of bromodeoxyuridine in one-cell stage embryos. Similarly, the level of H3K56ac significantly increased in the NAM-treated (3 and 5 h) one-cell stage embryos. Contrastingly, the treatment with 10 mM NAM for 5 hincreased the caspase-9 level in blastocysts. Collectively, these findings suggest that NAM possesses antioxidant activity and supplementation of IVF medium with 10 mM NAM for 3 himprovesthe in vitro developmental competence of bovine embryos.

Effect of the supplementation of two capacitive agents in the fertilization medium for the in vitro production of embryos in alpacas (Vicugna pacos)

Effect of the supplementation of two capacitive agents in the fertilization medium for the in vitro production of embryos in alpacas (Vicugna pacos)

Ameliorative effects of silicon fertilizer on soil bacterial community and pakchoi (Brassica chinensis L.) grown on soil contaminated with multiple heavy metals

Contamination of soil with heavy metals seriously harms the growth of crops. Silicon fertilizer is known to promote growth of crops and alleviate heavy metals stresses in vegetables. However, little is known about the effects of silicon fertilizer on pakchoi vegetable growth and soil microbial community in soil contaminated with multiple heavy metals. In order to elucidate this question, current study was designed to analyze the impact of different silicon fertilizer doses on the growth of pakchoi, heavy metals accumulation in pakchoi, and diversity and composition of bacterial community in heavy metals contaminated soil. Results of the study showed that, silicon fertilizer application significantly improved the yield of pakchoi and reduced the content of heavy metals in pakchoi. Moreover, the silicon fertilizer led to the heterogeneity of bacterial community structure in soil. Linear discriminant analysis (LDA) effect size (LEfSe) test showed the change of soil bacterial community structures under the higher silicon fertilizer doses (0.8–3.2%). Similarly, soil bacteria associated with heavy metal resistance and carbon/nitrogen metabolism showed a more active response to medium fertilizer dose (0.8% w/w). In addition, Mantel test and Redundancy analysis (RDA) showed that both the soil bacterial community structures and pakchoi growth were significantly correlated with soil EC, available K and pH. Study suggested that the application of silicon fertilizer provided richer bacteria associated with heavy metal resistance and plant growth, and more favorable soil physicochemical environment for the growth of pakchoi under multiple heavy metal contamination, and the impact was dependent on fertilizing dose.

Changes in fertilization medium viscosity using hyaluronic acid impact bull sperm motility and acrosome status.

The female reproductive tract, in particular the composition of the uterine and oviduct fluids, is responsible, at least in part, for triggering sperm cell modifications, essential for the acquisition of fertilization ability. Hyaluronic acid (HA) is a glycosaminoglycan present in these fluids, and its role in the fertilization process and sperm functionality is still barely understood. This work was designed to (a) determine the rheological characteristics of the fertilization medium by the addition of HA and (b) determine the HA influence on sperm motility and functional status. To that end, the in vitro fertilization medium was supplemented with 4 doses of HA (6, 60, 600 and 6,000µg/ml) and analysed for viscosity and adhesion strength characteristics. Then, thawed semen from 6 bulls were incubated in these media and assessed at 4 different moments for morphological and functional parameters (plasma and acrosomal membrane integrities, mitochondrial membrane potential, capacitation, acrosomal reaction, and motility). The rheological evaluation showed that the addition of HA was able to increase both the viscosity and the adhesion strength of the fertilization medium, especially in the 6,000µg/ml group in which the effect was more pronounced. No influence of HA could be observed on mitochondrial potential, and acrosomal and plasma membrane integrities. However, HA supplementation, at lower doses, led to an increase in the number of reacted sperm, as well as changes in motility parameters, with increase in the number of motile, rapid and progressive spermatozoa. In conclusion, the addition of HA alters the rheological properties of the fertilization medium and leads to the improvement of the properties related to sperm motility and capacitation, without compromising other functional aspects of the cell.

Secondary Traits for Maize (Zea mays L.) Tolerance to Drought Combined with Reduced N Fertilization Rate

The secondary trait for a given abiotic stress tolerance, should be of strong correlation (r) with grain yield, high heritability (h2b) and high genetic advance (GA) under stressed conditions. The main objective of the present investigation was to identify secondary trait(s) for drought and/or low-N tolerance in maize genotypes. A two-year experiment was conducted, using a split-split-plot design. Main plots were allotted to two irrigation regimes, i.e. well watering (WW) and water stress at flowering (WS), sub-plots to three N fertilizer rates, i.e. low (LN), medium (MN) and high (HN) and sub-sub-plots to nineteen maize genotypes. Analysis of variance of randomized complete blocks design (RCBD) was also performed under each of the six environments (WW-HM, WW-MN, WW-LN, WS-HN, WS-MN and WS-LN). Tolerance to drought and/or low-N was strongly correlated with grain yield/plant (GYPP) under stressed environments. GYPP had high (h2b) and (GA); thus it is considered the best indicator of drought, low N or both stresses tolerance. The best secondary traits are high 100-kernel weight (100-KW), ears/plant (EPP), kernels/row (KPR), and short anthesis-silking interval (ASI) for low-N tolerance, high EPP, 100-KW, plant height (PH) and short ASI for drought tolerance, high 100-KW, EPP, KPR, PH and short ASI, for tolerance to drought combined with low N, and high 100-KW, rows/ear (RPE) and KPR under optimum conditions (WW-HN), since they show high (r), high (h2b) and high (GA) estimates under the respective environments. Under low-N and/or drought, future research should focus on the incorporation of secondary traits such as EPP, KPR, 100-KW, PH, ASI in the selection programs along with the grain yield trait.

Protective effect of vitamin C and lycopene on the in vitro fertilization capacity of sex-sorted bull sperm by inhibiting the oxidative stress.

The fertilization capacity of sex-sorted sperms is seriously decreased, which inhibits its wide application. However, little information is still available about the effect of vitamin C (VC) and lycopene (Lyc) on the fertilization capacity of sex-sorted bull sperm. In this study, the washing medium and fertilization medium of sex-sorted sperm from three bull individuals were supplemented with different concentrations of VC (0, 1×10-3 , 1×10-4 , 1×10-5 , 1×10-6 M) or Lyc (0, 1×10-4 , 1×10-5 , 1×10-6 , 1×10-7 ). After washing twice and incubation for 1.5hr, the malondialdehyde (MDA) level, phosphatidylserine (PS) translocation, membrane potential (Δψm) and IVF (in vitro fertilization) ability of sex-sorted sperm were investigated. For the sex-sorted sperm of bulls A, B and C, 1×10-3 M VC or 1×10-4 M Lyc treatment significantly decreased their MDA levels and PS translocation and increased their Δψm levels and cleavage rates after IVF. When blastocysts were concerned, 1×10-4 M Lyc significantly improved the blastocyst rates and their IFN-tau expression of bulls A and C. In conclusion, supplementation of 1×10-3 M VC or 1×10-4 M Lyc in washing and fertilization medium contributed greatly to improving the fertilization capacity of sex-sorted bull sperm during IVF procedure.