Highest Number Of Eggs Research Articles

Feeding behavior and development response of the perilla seed bugs (Nysius sp.) (Heteroptera: Lygaeidae) on multiple crop seeds combinations

• Effects of oilseed and cereal crops were studied on Nysius sp. • Multiple (MC)-and double (DC) seed combinations affected oviposition. • Higher number of eggs were laid on MC, with minimal nymph mortality. • The MC was ideal for normal development and positive adult performance. • Field distance maintain among crop fields is crucial for minimizing damages of Nysius sp. The perilla seed bugs, Nysius plebeius Distant and Nysius hidakai Nakatani, are emerging pests of several field crop species including perilla crop in Korea. Here, we investigated the oviposition, nymphal mortality, development, adult emergence, adult longevity, adult weight and female ratio of N. plebeius and N. hidakai on multiple (MC) and double (DC) combinations of five crop seed species: perilla [ Perilla frutescens (L.) Britton.], sesame ( Sesamum indicum L.), sorghum [ Sorghum bicolor (L.)], proso millet ( Panicum miliaceum L.), and foxtail millet ( Setaria italic L.) in no-choice test. The life-history variables of N. plebeius and N. hidakai were significantly influenced by the crop seed combinations. The most preferred crop seed combinations for oviposition were MC (perilla + sorghum + sesame + proso millet + foxtail millet), followed by DC (perilla + foxtail millet and perilla + sorghum), whereas the least preferred seed combination was DC (proso millet + foxtail millet). Both Nysius sp. were developed faster in MC (perilla + sorghum + sesame + proso millet + foxtail millet), with minimal nymphal mortality, higher adult emergence, longer adult longevity and heavier adult weight. The positive adult bug’s performance on the MC (perilla + sorghum + sesame + proso millet + foxtail millet) may be due to the nutrient contents and physicochemical components associated with the crop seeds. Further, the findings of this study are discussed in terms of bug's behavioral response to crop seed species combinations and management strategies of Nysius sp. as an alternative to chemical management.

Polimorphic Explore of Esr1, Esr2 and Foxl2 Genes and Interaction Effect of Esri and Foxl2 with Productive Traits of Brown Local Iraqi Chickens

The estrogen receptor 1(ESR1) and estrogen receptor 2 (ESR2) plays a crucial role in the growth and development of follicles and ovulation in chickens. Fork-head box L2 (FOX L2) gene and its protein is active in several tissues, such as the ovaries, it has a pivotal role in ovarian development and function, like regulation of egg formation in poultry. This study aimed to detect the polymorphism of ESR1, ESR2 and, FOXL2 genes and investigate interaction between ESR1 and FOXL2 in the productive performance of brown local Iraqi chickens (BLIC). A total of 104 BLIC, at 17 weeks of age. Four novel single nucleotide polymorphism (SNPs). Every polymorphism a number had been given according to its location within gene, one of them in ESR1 (T57198C) intron 3 with three genotypes: Wild(TT), Heterozygous(TC),and Homozygous(CC), and two SNPs within ESR2 were assessed, one of the identified SNPsT39565C transition located within intron 7 with two alleles(T and C)and three genotypes were found: Wild(TT), Heterozygous(TC),and Homozygous(CC), another SNPG40100A transition within (3 prime UTR), with two alleles (G and A)and three genotypes were found: Wild(GG), Heterozygous(GA)and Homozygous(AA) and the SNP in FOXL2 (C919T) gene with two genotypes: Wild(CC) and Heterozygous(CT) within encoding region were identified through PCR-DNA sequencing. An interaction between the ESR1 and FOXL2 genes has been proposed, and six haplotypes (H1=TTCC, H2=TTCT, H3=TCCC, H4=TCCT, H5=CCCC, H6=CCCT) were obtained due to interaction between these two SNPs. Chi-square analysis showed no significant in genotypic and allelic frequencies for each SNP which revealed those genes were agreement with Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium. Association analysis of haplotypes with production traits revealed that individuals have H4 genotype achieved higher body weight at sexual maturity, at 60 weeks of age and egg weight at 45 and 60 weeks of age, whereas, the higher number of eggs were exhibited to individual with H6 from onset egg till 60 weeks of age. The two genotypes; TCCT and CCCT showed better combination than others with respect to production performance. In conclusion, our findings provided new evidence that the two SNPs (ESR1 and FOXLl2) with special interaction may have potential effects on productive traits of chickens and beneficial effects in laying breeding programs.

Oviposition of Culicoides insignis (Diptera: Ceratopogonidae) under laboratory conditions with notes on the developmental life history traits of its immature stages

BackgroundCulicoides insignis is a confirmed vector of bluetongue virus (BTV) throughout the American tropics and a possible vector of epizootic hemorrhagic disease virus (EHDV) in Florida. Despite its importance, fundamental information on the biology and ecology of this vector species is lacking. In this study, we examined the oviposition of C. insignis under laboratory conditions, monitored the development of immature stages and attempted colonization of this species.MethodsLive C. insignis females were collected from the field using CDC-UV-LED traps, allowed to blood-feed on live chicken and given various natural substrates for oviposition in two-choice assays. The eggs deposited were transferred to 0.3% agar slants, and the hatched larvae were provided a diet of Panagrellus redivivus Linnaeus nematodes and the development of all immature stages was monitored.ResultsCulicoides insignis females exhibited an overall oviposition preference for dishes containing mud from their larval habitat as gravid females deposited a significantly higher number of eggs on these dishes (35.3 eggs/female) than on controls (17.7 eggs/female). The ovipositing females also deposited a higher percentage of eggs on substrates with habitat mud and other organically enriched muds (≥ 75.2%) compared to controls (31.0%). The larvae developed successfully to adulthood on the nematode diet, exhibiting high overall larval survival rates (85.0%). Sex ratios of the F1 generation were male biased, approximately 3:1 (male:female). Captive mating could not be induced in the F1 adults.ConclusionsMud from the larval habitat and other organically enriched muds provide strong oviposition cues to C. insignis under laboratory conditions. Further studies will be needed to identify the key biotic/abiotic factors influencing midge oviposition in the field. The agar/nematode method is effective for the rearing of C. insignis larvae. However, further studies will be needed to address the issue of male-biased sex ratios in the progeny and to examine the mating habits/cues of C. insignis in nature, which may provide clues towards inducing captive mating in the F1 adults.Graphical abstract

Residual toxicity and sublethal effects of fenvalerate on the development and physiology of Spodoptera exigua reared on different hosts

Beet armyworm Spodoptera exigua (Hübner) (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) is one of the most devastating pests of different key crops. The present study deals with the toxic effect of fenvalerate insecticide on the development, reproduction and the detoxification enzyme’s activity of S. exigua feeding on tomato, cabbage, and artificial diet. The developmental period of the second instar to adult emergence was prolonged (16.74 days) reared on tomato followed by cabbage (15.97 days) and artificial diet (15.62 days). The fecundity of S. exigua was lowest on the tomato plant (279 eggs), followed by an artificial diet (347 eggs), while the highest number of eggs was observed on cabbage after the control diet (421eggs). Moreover, the lowest survival rate of the second to the third instar, fourth to the fifth instar, and hatchability were recorded in insects reared on tomato (70.89%) compared to that reared on cabbage (77.08%) and artificial diet (79.66%). S. exigua reared on tomato had the lowest intrinsic rate of increase (r: 0.133) and the highest mean generation time (T: 31.36). Furthermore, detoxifying enzyme activity in S. exigua was much lower on tomato than on cabbage and diet. Moreover, the fenvalerate toxicity was synergized by either piperonyl butoxide (PBO) or S,S,S tributylphosphorotrithioate (DEF) due to the likely participation of monooxygenases or esterase; this suggests a general metabolic resistance. This research provides a solid base for devising an applicable and successful strategy for the controlling the resistance development in beet armyworms.

Automatic identification of bird females using egg phenotype

Abstract Individual identification is crucial for studying animal ecology and evolution. In birds this is often achieved by capturing and tagging. However, these methods are insufficient for identifying individuals/species that are secretive or difficult to catch. Here, we employ an automatic analytical approach to predict the identity of bird females based on the appearance of their eggs, using the common cuckoo (Cuculus canorus) as a model species. We analysed 192 cuckoo eggs using digital photography and spectrometry. Cuckoo females were identified from genetic sampling of nestlings, allowing us to determine the accuracy of automatic (unsupervised and supervised) and human assignment. Finally, we used a novel analytical approach to identify eggs that were not genetically analysed. Our results show that individual cuckoo females lay eggs with a relatively constant appearance and that eggs laid by more genetically distant females differ more in colour. Unsupervised clustering had similar cluster accuracy to experienced human observers, but supervised methods were able to outperform humans. Our novel method reliably assigned a relatively high number of eggs without genetic data to their mothers. Therefore, this is a cost-effective and minimally invasive method for increasing sample sizes, which may facilitate research on brood parasites and other avian species.

Effect of Moisture Stress on the Development of False Codling Moth Thaumatotibia leucotreta (Lepidoptera: Tortricidae) on Two Tomato Varieties.

False codling moth Thaumatotibia leucotreta (Meyrick) is a pest native to sub-Saharan Africa infesting over 100 plant species including tomato. Its survival and performance are influenced by changes in precipitation and stress-related biochemical changes in the host plant. Water availability for agricultural production continues to decline due to climate change affecting drought-sensitive crops like tomatoes. Little is known on host plant-insect interactions of T. leucotreta and tomato as influenced by moisture stress. Hence, our study tested the impact of different water holding capacities (WHC) (40%, 50%, 60%, 70%, and 90%) of plant growing media on the growth of Anna F1 and Yaye tomato varieties and the infestation rate and development of T. leucotreta on the two varieties. WHC significantly influenced the growth of Anna F1 and Yaye tomato varieties. WHC significantly affected stem girth of Anna F1 variety and leaf length, leaf width, stem girth, and plant height of the Yaye variety. For Yaye variety, T. leucotreta laid a significantly high number of eggs when grown at 70% WHC and had the highest pupation when grown at 60% WHC. The development of T. leucotreta as observed on wing growth was highest at 40% and 50% WHC for both Anna F1 variety and Yaye variety. Our study shows that the infestation of tomato by T. leucotreta is likely to be high when grown in water-scarce media. The results are useful for predicting possible future T. leucotreta trends with increasing water scarcity due to climate change and in designing pest management programmes.

Reproductive biology, abundance and control potential of Paramecops farinosus (Wiedemann) (Coleoptera: Curculionidae): a prospective biological control agent for Calotropis procera (Apocynaceae)

ABSTRACT Reproductive biology, abundance and control potential of Paramecops farinosus Wiedemann, (Aak weevil) a prospective biological control agent for Calotropis procera (Aiton) W.T. Aiton, (Calotrope) were studied under field conditions in Lahore, Pakistan, from spring to winter season. Newly emerged adult pairs were introduced inside insect-proof pouches with calotrope fruits, and the life cycle and reproductive biology of P. farinosus were studied. Pre-oviposition period was 4.8 ± 0.17 days and there were 6.1 ± 0.09 eggs per clutch. A female, laid eggs about 5.4 ± 0.32 times, producing 24 offspring during its lifespan. The mortality from egg to adult was 27% and the progeny sex ratio was 3:2 (female to male ratio). The developmental period of P. farinosus (egg to adult) was 59.9 ± 0.82 days and at least two generations were produced per year. The longevity of males and females recorded was 97 ± 1.98 and 69 ± 1.41 days, respectively and the pupae overwinter inside the infested fruits. The number of eggs and larvae inside fruits increased from March to July and declined in subsequent months. The highest number of eggs and larvae per fruit were recorded in July i.e. 8.27 ± 0.65 and 6.31 ± 1.77, respectively. The developing larvae destroyed 100% seeds and internal tissue of infested fruit pods of C. procera, resulting in significant reductions in fruit size (−12%) and biomass (−26%) compared to un-infested (healthy) fruits. The high reproductive capacity and control potential of P. farinosus indicate that this insect holds promise as a biological control agent of C. procera in its invaded ranges, including Australia, the Pacific, and South America.

Spatial Heterogeneity and Seasonal Distribution of Aedes (Stegomyia) aegypti (L) in Abidjan, Côte d'Ivoire

Although the urban areas of Abidjan, Côte d'Ivoire have faced recurrent outbreaks of Aedes-borne arboviruses, the seasonal dynamics of local populations of the key vector Aedes aegypti remained still underexplored for an effective vector control. The current study thus assessed the seasonal dynamics and the spatial distribution of Ae. aegypti in three neighborhoods of Abidjan city. Aedes eggs were collected using ovitraps in three different neighborhoods (Anoumambo, Bromakoté, and Petit-Bassam) during the four climatic seasons of Abidjan. Aedes egg samples were immersed into distilled water, and emerged larvae were reared until the adult stage for species morphological identification. Spatial autocorrelation was measured with the Moran's Index, and areas with high egg abundance were identified. In total, 3837 eggs were collected providing 1882 adult mosquitoes in the 3 neighborhoods. All the specimens belonged to only one Aedes species, Ae. aegypti. The average of 15.89 eggs per ovitrap, 13.67 eggs per ovitrap, and 19.87 eggs per ovitrap were obtained in Anoumambo, Bromakoté, and Petit-Bassam, respectively, with no statistical difference between the three sites. A higher abundance of Ae. aegypti was observed during the long rainy season and the short dry season. The Moran analysis showed a clustered distribution of Ae. aegypti eggs during the long rainy season in the three sites and a random spatial distribution during the short dry season. Ovitraps with high number of eggs were aggregated in the peripheral part (near to the lagoon) of Anoumambo and Petit-Bassam in central Bromakoté and extending along the railway during the long rainy season. This study revealed a heterogeneous potential risk of transmission of arbovirus according to neighborhood. It provided data to better understand Ae. aegypti ecology to select appropriate periods and places for Aedes vector control actions and surveillance of arboviruses in Abidjan.

Standardization of sperm management for laboratory assessment of sperm quality and in vitro fertilization in Eurasian perch (Perca fluviatilis)

Sperm handling procedures and its usage for in vitro fertilization are crucial for standardized experimental operations on evaluation of reproductive performance, gamete quality, and optimization of fertilization protocols. In our study, the changes in perch sperm motility parameters within 6-h chilled storage and using 4 different activating solutions were compared. Eight different sperm-to-egg ratio was also compared during fertilization. Sperm activated with modified activating solution for cyprinids (78±11%), common perch activating solution (68±16%), modified Lahnsteiner activating solution (75±16%), and Woynárovich solution (76±13%) showed similar progressive motility at 10 s after activation. At 30 s after activation, progressive motility decreased below 5%, regardless the activating solution used. Progressive motility decreased significantly already after 2 h of storage (51±19%) in comparison with 0 h (78±5%). The highest average fertilization rate (using common perch activating solution) was observed with a sperm-to-egg ratio 2.5×105:1 (80±9%), where the smallest variability in the values was also recorded (coefficient of variation: 11%). However, no significant difference was detected among the 8 sperm-to-egg ratio groups. According to our findings, undiluted fresh perch sperm is recommended to use in 1 h post-stripping. Modified Lahnsteiner’s activating solution can be applied efficiently for quality assessment where common perch activating solution is applicable for fertilization in Eurasian perch. A sperm-to-egg ratio 2.5×105:1 already allows to achieve a high fertilization rate; however, the finding is needed to be tested also at hatchery level (higher number of eggs).

Unmanned aerial vehicle, and GIS tools, to monitor the reproduction of the flamingo Phoenicopterus chilensis (Aves: Phoenicopteridae)

Introduction: High Andean flamingos also known as parihuanas, are species of recurrent presence in the high Andean areas which find this area as an important resting, feeding and in some cases breeding area The species recorded here correspond to Phoenicoparrus jamesi, Phoenicoparrus andinus and Phoenicopterus chilensis, the latter being the most abundant and common. During the censuses performed during 2018 and 2019, in the high Andean lake of Salinas, Ramsar site, located within the Reserva Nacional Salinas y Aguada Blanca in Southern Peru, atypical behaviors of these birds were recorded in a sector of the lake, observing reproductive courtship and the settlement of colonies of P. chilensis. Objective: The study aimed to confirm and evaluate reproductive events of P. chilenesis (Chilean flamingo) through the use of an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) and image processing tools using geographic information systems. Methodology: Monitoring was conducted during 2018 and 2019 to breeding colonies of P. chilensis, we used a UAV Phantom 4 testing different flight altitudes to avoid disturbing the birds and performed records of aerial photographs and GIS post-processing with the creation of panchromatic images for the identification and counting of individuals and eggs automated, and manual verification. Results: During 2018 were identified nests and presence of six eggs, this occurred between March and June where the event was interrupted not observing chicks or juveniles during this period, for 2019 the breeding was more successful, where a higher number of eggs were counted (40-66) and with the formation of three reproductive colonies with 4 185 adult individuals, also verified the presence of chicks and juveniles that reached a maximum of 1 491 individuals. Conclusions: We confirmed two continuous reproductive events of P. chilensis in the Salinas lake, where during 2019 was the most successful incorporating several new individuals to the initial population, likewise the methodology applied in the image processing allowed differentiating between adult individuals and eggs but did not allow differentiating juveniles, however, the images directly acquired by the UAV allow distinguishing the types of individuals to perform a manual count.

How does feeding on different diets affect the life history traits of Neoseiulus californicus?

ABSTRACT We examined how feeding on different diets affects the life-history traits of Neoseiulus californicus using seven pollen grains (pistachio, walnut, date palm, wild almond, pomegranate, oak, and peach) as well as a natural prey (two-spotted spider mites (TSSM)). The pre-adult duration of individuals reared on TSSM was significantly longer, whereas duration on oak and peach pollen was shorter than all the others. Females fed on peach, wild almond, and walnut pollen showed low fecundity. The highest number of eggs was laid by the females reared on TSSM. When the mites were reared on pistachio pollen, the fecundity was higher compared with other pollen grains. The net reproductive rate (R 0) varied from 1.77 (on peach pollen) to 26.28 offspring (on TSSM). The cohort reared on pistachio pollen had the highest intrinsic rate of increase (r) as well as the finite rate of increase (λ); however they were insignificant to the values obtained for the cohort reared on the date palm, oak, and pomegranate pollen. Pistachio and date palm pollen provide commensurate nutritional effects on survivorship, development, and fecundity of N. californicus. Knowledge about the profitability of different pollens can be used to optimize rearing systems for phytoseiid predators.

Neonatal biometry and characterization of Amazonian Turtle nests (Podocnemis expansa)

The present study aimed to study the reproduction of the Amazon turtle (Podocnemis expansa) through the evaluation of the reproductive parameters of adult females. This study was carried out in the Crixás-Açu River, municipality of Mundo Novo, state of Goiás, Brazil. In September, the biometrics of 20 females were evaluated during the spawning period. Their nests were marked for subsequent evaluation of hatchlings, measuring the distances of each nest to the river and vegetation. The second stage consisted of the evaluation of hatchlings and characterization of nests after egg hatching. The data were tested using the Pearson Correlation to measure the degree of linear correlation between the variables analyzed, such as the parameters of females, hatchlings, nests, and eggs. Nest depth was positively correlated with the number of eggshells found. We also found a correlation between the number of eggsshells and the distance of nests to the vegetation. Although moderate, this result indicates that as the distance to the vegetation increases, the number of eggshells found in nests decreases. The spawning site for Amazon turtle breeding is crucial to determine a higher number of eggs hatching and better development of hatchlings. However, the literature is still very scarce regarding the choice of spawning grounds and the influence that vegetation may have on the development of freshwater turtle hatchlings in Brazil.

Foraging behaviour of Scymnus coccivora Ayyar against cotton mealybug Phenacoccus solenopsis Tinsley.

Predation is one of the significant biotic mortality factors reducing the insect pest population as functional response and the numerical response of the predator are the key factor regulating the population dynamics of predator prey species. This study is aimed to evaluate the functional response of all the developmental stages of Scymnus coccivora Ayyar (Coleoptera: Coccinellidae) against the different densities of cotton mealybug, Phenacoccus solenopsis (Tinsley) (Hemiptera: Pseudococcidae) and the numerical response of female predator. Experiments were carried out in controlled environment laboratory conditions at 25 ± 1 °C temperature, 60 ± 5% relative humidity and photoperiod of 16 h. Number of eggs consumed, number of eggs laid and the Efficiency of Conversion of Ingested food (ECI) were recorded daily. Results from the study revealed that all the developmental stages of S. coccivora exhibited a Type II response. Different parameters such as attack rate (a’), handling time (Th) and the maximum rate of predation were estimated using Roger’s random attack equation and Holling Disc equation in which Rogers random attack equation was found best fit. Female has shown the highest attack rate (a’) followed by IVth instar grub, male, IIIrd, IInd and Ist instar grub. With low handling time, IVth instar grub has shown maximum predation rate of 76.40 per day followed by female (75.86), male (58.79), IIIrd (22.84), IInd (19.65) and Ist instar grub (15.39). The numerical response increase was curvilinearly related to different prey densities with the highest number of eggs (11.8 ± 3.44) produced at highest prey density (160). The Efficiency of Conversion of Ingested food (ECI) was highest (64.49 ± 8.03) at prey density of 10. Understanding the factors that lead to variation in functional response of predator in natural population will advance our understanding of the effects of predation on individual and the effectiveness of coccinellid predators as biocontrol agent against cotton mealybug.

Intraspecific Hybridization Of Normal Pigmented And Albino Clarias Gariepinus From Yola And Katsina under Hatchery Condition

The study examined the reproductive indices of albino and normal pigmented Clarias gariepinus fish from Katsina (KT) and Yola (YY), carried out under hatchery condition. The experiment compared the fecundity, testes, milt volume, percentage fertilization and hatchability of albino (AA) and normal pigmented (NN) Clarias gariepinus from Katsina (KT) and Yola (YY). Normal pigmented C. gariepinus from Katsina (KT) had the highest number of eggs (229,240), followed by YY (127,250) and the least was recorded in the Albino (AA) (124,750). The weights and lengths of the left and right lobes as well as the volumes of the milt were quantified . However, KT had the highest weight and length of the right testis (18g and 5.7cm respectively) while AA had the highest weight, length of the left testis and milt volume (30g, 11cm and 8.4ml respectively). The least length and weight of the testes was observed in YY. Meanwhile, KT and YY had milt volumes of 4.0ml and 4.7ml, respectively. The highest percentage fertilization and hatchability were recorded in KT × KT (98.7% and 98.5% respectively) among the purebred, while KT × AA had the highest percentage fertilization and hatchability (98.4% and 97.3% respectively) in the reciprocal hybrids. The percentage fertilization and hatchability among the genetic crosses showed significant differences (p<0.05). The results deduced the essentiality of fish hybridization. Furthermore, crossing of broodstocks from different regions have showcased the contingency of acquiring fish seed of improved reproductive potentials in the reciprocal hybrids in the aspects of fecundity, fertilization, hatchability rate, testis quality and faster growth.
 Keywords: Albino, Fecundity, Intra-specific Hybridization, Normal pigmented, Testis

Effects of mating on reproductive\u2002performance of Coccophagus japonicus Compere (Hymenoptera: Aphelinidae)

Coccophagus japonicus Compere, an endoparasitoid of Parasaissetia nigra Nietner, has great potential for biological control. To assess the influence of mating on the reproductive performance of this parasitoid, we examined the effects of mating on ovarian development, female longevity and number of eggs laid. The results showed that the egg volume in the ovary of C. japonicus first increased and then decreased with increases in the age of female adults. The peak egg volume in the ovary of mated females occurred 2 days earlier than that of virgin females. Within the female age range of 0–15 days, the numbers of eggs at stages I, II, and III first increased and then decreased with increases in the age of female C. japonicus, whereas the number of eggs at stage IV increased. The duration of the coexistence of females and males significantly influenced the length and width of the female ovaries, and the longest ovary tube and the highest number of eggs were obtained with a coexistence duration of 0 days. C. japonicus female longevity decreased with increases in the number of matings, and the number of eggs laid by females within 15 days decreased with increasing delays in mating. In conclusion, mating can shorten the longevity of C. japonicus females, and selecting newly emerged virgin females for mating can significantly improve the number of eggs laid and the breeding efficiency of the parasitoid.

Response to nematicide by cotton genotypes varying in reniform nematode resistance

AbstractReniform nematode (RN, Rotylenchulus reniformis Linford & Oliveria) is a parasite that reduces and limits cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.) yields. At present, nematicides and crop rotations are the most effective management tool for producers. Our study investigated the use of six composite breeding lines that have quantitative trait loci (QTLs) for RN resistance and the interaction effect of a nematicide under high RN pressure. The study compared these genotypes in both a non‐RN field and a RN‐infected field under a Velum Total (active ingredients fluopyram and imidacloprid) treatment at Tennessee Valley Research and Extension Center near Belle Mina, AL. In both years, the breeding lines outyielded commercial controls and the parental lines in RN infested field with and without Velum Total. Five out of the six breeding lines contained both chromosome 21 (Renbarb1 and Renbarb2) resistant QTLs, which reduced RN egg numbers (P < .05) and produced higher yields than the commercial checks. These lines can be considered moderately resistant to RN. The remaining line contained one QTL Renbarb1, produced good yield, and is considered tolerant, despite the fact that it had high RN egg numbers. However, adding a nematicide treatment did increase yields in all material tested. Therefore, further work at increasing resistance from other genetic sources is needed to completely eliminate nematicide use.

English

A study was conducted in different agro-ecologies of Ethiopia with the objective of understanding the farmers’ preferences towards breeding objectives in indigenous chickens. For the interview, 245 households (60 from lowland, 100 from midland and 85 from highland) were randomly selected. Farmers in lowland had significantly (p<0.05) lower chicken populations while comparing with the remaining agro-ecologies. The average age of village pullets at first egg was 6.54±0.063 months. There was significantly (p<0.05) higher egg production in midland. There was significant difference (p<0.05) in clutch number among the three agro-ecologies. Among the three agro-ecologies; midland showed significantly (p<0.05) higher number of eggs set/hen. Effective population size of village chickens per household was calculated as 4.43, 7.8 and 7.18 in lowland, midland and highland respectively. Most of the farmers (91%) were practicing culling their chickens for getting old, sickness, brooding frequency and low production for hens and getting old, sickness and fighting each other for cocks. Comparing the preferences of traits, female farmers preferred egg production, unlike the male farmers who gave equal emphasis both for egg and meat. Egg production for sale was prioritized by the farmers, especially for women, followed by live chicken sale. Body weight is the most considered trait to select male chickens for breeding, followed by plumage color, across thee agro-ecologies. For female chickens, brooding frequency is most considered in lowland (48.3%) and midland (37%) unlike in highland where age at first egg (47.1%) is prioritized. This study can be the base to design the breeding strategy of the chicken population in the study sites and beyond. Key words: Agro-ecology, breeding objectives, effective population, farmer preference, inbreeding coefficient, local chickens.

Measuring IGF-1 and IGFBP-3 profiles in women seeking assisted reproduction; relevance to clinical outcomes from in vitro fertilization (Study 5).

In this fifth study examining the relevance of the insulin-like growth factor (IGF) profiles, namely serum IGF-1 levels, its main binding protein, serum IGFBP-3 levels and the IGF ratio (IGFBP-3/IGF-1), we have examined clinical outcomes with respect to the quartile ranges of each parameter measured in 1633 IVF-naïve women. The outcomes were derived from 1035 of these women who initiated 1747 IVF cycles. Of the three parameters, only IGF-1 levels proved relevant to the clinical outcomes. In particular, this study confirmed our earlier report that IGF-1 levels decline across the quartiles with the woman’s advancing age and the proportion of women with IGF-1 levels in the highest quartile comprised the younger, whilst those women ≥40 years were mostly in the lowest quartile (p<0.0001). IVF cycle cancellations were not different across the quartiles but at oocyte pick-up (OPU) there were significantly more oocytes from the highest IGF-1 quartile (10.4 oocytes) compared to the lowest (8.9 oocytes; p<0.01). Furthermore, the proportion of oocytes shown to be at the mature MII stage were also significantly higher (p=0.01). Consequently, the oocyte utilization rate was significantly greater from those women with the highest IGF-1 levels generating 5.3 embryos vs 4.3 embryos for the lowest quartile. However, the utilization rate of those embryos generated were similar across the IGF-1 quartiles and there were similar rates of “freeze-all embryos”, albeit more women had increased monitoring for ovarian hyperstimulation risk, related to the higher egg numbers in the highest IGF-1 quartile. The most striking clinical outcomes were that of the pregnancy productivity rate (including fresh and frozen embryo transfers from a single OPU) which was greatest in the highest IGF-1 quartile (61.5% vs 48.2% per OPU across all ages p<0.0002). Miscarriage rates were not different but live birth productivity rates were significantly greatest for the highest IGF-1 quartile (49% vs 33% per OPU across all ages; p<0.0002). We conclude that a preliminary measurement of the IGF-1 level can help to define the poor-prognosis female prior to IVF treatment and on whom adjuvant studies can be focused.

Evaluation of the host preference and life history of Callosobruchus maculatus (F.) (Cowpea weevil) (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae) on stored pulses

Callosobruchus maculatus (F.) is a major store grain pest of economically important pulses in tropical and sub-tropical countries of the World. Successful survival of different geographical strains of cowpea weevil may variable on different host pulses. In present investigation, life stages of Hyderabad strain of Callosobruchus maculatus were observed on four types of stored pulses namely green gram, cowpea, chickpea and black gram at different laboratory conditions for the assessment of host preference and better management of storage. The result indicated that the Callosobruchus maculatus (F.) prefers cowpea for its oviposition, because the highest number of eggs was found on cowpea followed by green gram & chickpea and the lowest number of eggs was observed on black gram. The highest population was recorded on cowpea followed by green gram, black gram & chickpea. The short developmental period of cowpea weevil was observed on cowpea, green gram & chickpea while longest was on the black gram. The longevity of C. maculatus was longer on black gram while shortest longevity was observed on cowpea and green gram. From this study it was concluded that the cowpea and green gram was most preferable host pulses for C. maculatus, they were also susceptible and vulnerable among all four studied stored seeds while chickpea and black gram were less preferable host and have moderate susceptibility to the Hyderabad strain of Callosobruchus maculatus (F.). Keywords: Adaptation; Biological parameters; Damage; Infestation; Pulse beetle; Stored products protection http://dx.doi.org/10.19045/bspab.2020.90231

Abundances and breeding phenology of three sympatric grebes (little grebe Tachybaptus ruficollis, great crested grebe Podiceps cristatus and black-necked grebe Podiceps nigricollis) in Dayet El Ferd, Algeria

In this current study, we examine the abundances and breeding phenology of three sympatric grebes (little, great crested and black-necked grebes) in Dayet El Ferd. These grebes were observed during all the period (2011-2018) in this wetland, except in September when the great crested grebe leaves the region. The abundances of these three grebes show a significant difference. In 2017, the total number of 71 nests was measured. The mean clutch size was 5.23 ± 1.49 eggs per nest. The highest number of eggs per nest was ten eggs, and most nests contained three eggs (N=18).