Higher Relative Growth Rate Research Articles

Integrating GWAS and transcriptomics to identify candidate genes conferring relative growth rate trait in white-feathered broiler

Broilers are a globally significant resource for food production, and their relative growth rate (RGR) has attracted increasing attention for improving broiler monitoring, feed management and feed conversion. The main objectives of this study were to identify key candidate genes affecting the RGR in white-feathered broiler by integrating genomic and transcriptomic datasets. This study reports a meta-analysis of genome-wide association studies (GWASs) using three purebred lines (n = 3,727) and 5,841,467 input SNPs to understand the genetic control of the RGR. A total of 101 associated SNPs located on 6 chromosomes were identified, 16 of which were common in the GWASs and meta cohorts. Fine mapping of a significant peak with 7 linked SNPs (r2>0.94) located within the coding region of RAP2C revealed that chr4:3474286 (C>G) among these SNPs was a highly putative causal variant (PIP=19%) and explained 2.26% of the RGR variation. Further analyses indicated that the surface expression level of the RAP2C gene in the blood, macrophage, lung tissue, and cecum tissue of commercial broiler breed (Ross) was higher than in the corresponding tissues of other egg-laying hens and local breeds. In addition, there was a significant difference in the expression of the RAP2C gene between the high (H, n =5) and low (L, n = 4) RGR groups. A total of 301 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) related to the RGR in white-feathered broiler were identified by transcriptome differential analysis between the H and L populations, among which NFKBIA, CSF1R and TLR2A were important hub genes. Furthermore, the candidate genes identified based on GWASs, meta-analysis and DEGs analysis were significantly enriched for gene ontology (GO) annotation and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathways involved in the growth cone, integrated-mediated signaling pathway, and MAPK signalling pathway. Overall, the RAP2C, NFKBIA, CSF1R and TLR2A genes are considered the most important candidate genes influencing RGR trait in white-feathered broiler. These findings provide valuable insights into the complex system that regulates broiler growth.

Assessment of Suitable Growth Condition of Salvinia spp. for Sustainability of Floating Agriculture to Mitigate Climate Change Challenges on Crop Cultivation

Floating agriculture is an indigenous cultivation practice in the southern waterlogged areas of Bangladesh. Water hyacinth and other macrophytes were utilized in this agricultural method to prepare the floating bed. Among the numerous macrophytes used as mulch in floating beds, Salvinia spp. is a common species. To meet the local farmer's demand, it is necessary to improve the growth rates of these macrophytes so that they can be available year-round for preparing floating beds. For this purpose, an experiment was conducted to assess the growth conditions of Salvinia spp. under various nutritional media. Salvinia molesta and Salvinia cucullata were cultivated in four healthy media to carry out the experiment. The experimental design used in the present investigation was a split-plot arrangement in a Randomized Block Design (RBD), where four nutrients (NO3-; PO43-; NH4+ and Urea) were assigned to the main plots, while five different concentrations of nutrient (0, 1, 5, 10 and 15 mM) were given to the sub-plots. Salvinia spp. growth was examined in terms of morphological and physiological responses and the distribution of nutrients. The highest relative growth rate (RGR) and biomass production (g DW) were found in the medium with one mM and five mM PO43- in the case of S. molesta and one mM NH4+ in the case of S. cucullata. It was also observed that the plant growth rate became suppressed when this macrophyte grew above the 5mM of nutrient concentration, and this suppressed condition turned into a toxic state when the organic nutrient concentration reached a concentration of 15 mM or above. In the case of Urea, this harmful condition starts with a concentration of 5 mM or more for S. molesta and any concentration for S. cucullata.Nonetheless, very few variations were found in how various plant tissues and species absorbed mineral concentrations. The overall findings from this experiment indicate that both PO43- and NH4+ concentrations of 1 mM and 5 mM are comparatively more suitable than NO3- and Urea for the growth and multiplication of Salvinia spp. However, more research is required in addition to varying the quantities of phosphate and ammonium to make a definitive choice. J. of Sci. and Tech. Res. 5(1): 53-62, 2023

The influence of temperature on germination and seedling growth of sorghum

The extensification of agricultural activities to suboptimal areas, including dryland, is being considered. Sorghum as a drought-tolerant crop is usually cultivated in dryland areas in Indonesia. However local farmers are having difficulty in choosing quality seeds suitable for the specific area temperature condition. This study evaluated the physical quality of commonly used sorghum cultivars in Indonesia and their responses to several germination temperatures. The three sorghum cultivars used were Strong Brown (SB) Sorghum known as the local cultivar, Pale yellow (PY), and Light Brown (LB). The result revealed that each sorghum cultivar has specific seed characteristics, especially in the color, shape, and size of the seeds. The seeds of the Light Brown sorghum had the highest quality, followed by Strong Brown sorghum and PaleYellow sorghum cultivars based on both the tetrazolium test and the direct germination test. The optimum temperature for sorghum seed germination ranged from 25 to 35oC. Each sorghum cultivar has its specific temperature requirement for germination. Low temperature (20°C) potentially reduces the percentage of germination and delays the seed germination time of these three cultivars. LB cultivar has the highest relative growth rate (RGR) from the first week to the second week (R1), while the RGR from the first week to the third week (R2), LB sorghum cultivar is in the second position after the PY cultivar. Cultivar LB is suggested for cultivating in elevations 300-500 m asl, moreover cultivar SB elevations 50-250 m asl.

The space occupation and use by tree crowns explain variations of individual growth rates in an old-growth temperate forest in Japan

Relative growth rates (RGR), i.e., growth rates per unit biomass (ΔM/M, where M is plant mass and ΔM is the change in M over a period of time), reflect growth strategies of plant species. Partitioning of RGR to net assimilation rate (ΔM/leaf area) and leaf area ratio (leaf area/M) provides further insights into allocation strategies. To apply this analytical approach to large canopy tree species, we used crown area (Ac) as a proxy for leaf area to understand variations of RGR partitioned to space use efficiency (SUE, ΔM/Ac) and space occupation efficiency (SOE, Ac/M). With UAV imagery, we measured Ac of 226 co-occurring individuals of 14 canopy tree species in a 1-ha stand in a temperate old-growth mixed-forest in Japan, and analyzed how RGR was related to SUE and SOE. The results show that deciduous species exhibited higher SOE and lower SUE compared to evergreen species, even though their RGR values largely overlapped. Late successional species tended to have higher RGR through higher SUE than early-to-middle successional species. We also analyzed the relationship of absolute growth rates (AGR) with several functional traits including DBH (diameter at breast height), Ac, leaf- and stem traits. Both Ac and DBH were strong determinants of AGR across species. Low specific leaf area (SLA, leaf area per unit leaf mass) and high wood density positively contributed to AGR across species, offering long-term growth advantages for old-growth natural forest. The analytical framework introduced in this study may be useful to elucidate the variation of tree growth strategies of canopy trees in natural forest stands.

The use of Pisolithus albus found in saline areas to improve the growth of Eucalyptus seedlings under high salinity conditions

ABSTRACT Salinity is an abiotic factor limiting plant fitness and therefore forest crop productivity, and salt-affected areas have been expanding throughout the world. Ectomycorrhizal (ECM) fungi can improve the salt tolerance of woody plants, including Eucalyptus species To screen for salt-resistant Pisolithus albus (PA) isolates, 16 PA isolates were cultivated on modified Melin-Norkrans agar containing NaCl at concentrations of 0, 10, 20, and 30 dS m−1. The P. albus isolate PA33 had the greatest salt resistance under 10 and 20 dS m−1 NaCl, which are soil salinity levels in salt-affected areas of Thailand. We studied the effect of PA33 on Eucalyptus camaldulensis × E. pellita cuttings under salt stress (0 and 16 dS m−1) for 1 month. PA enhanced the growth of the Eucalyptus seedlings, as indicated by higher relative growth rates in height and root collar diameter of inoculated seedlings compared with non-inoculated seedlings. Moreover, the inoculated seedlings had less cell damage from NaCl, as indicated by significantly lesser leaf thickness and electrolyte leakage than the controls. These findings could lead to practices conferring socioeconomic and environmental benefits, as abandoned salt-affected areas could be reclaimed using such Eucalyptus seedlings inoculated with salt-tolerant ECM fungi.

Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi increase the tolerance to excess zinc of a tropical legume grown in iron-ore mining waste

Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) might amend the toxicity of trace elements and improve the nutritional status of plants, but little is known about these responses in tropical native plants in iron-ore-impacted sites with excess zinc (Zn). We evaluated how the association with AMF contributes to the resistance capacity of Stryphnodendron adstringens to high Zn concentrations in mining waste. Seeds were sown in pots containing iron-ore mining waste with different concentrations of Zn (0, 100, 200, 400 and 600 mg L−1) and two conditions (inoculated or not with AMF). The biomass accumulation and physiological processes were severely impacted in the mining waste with Zn concentration above 100 mg L−1. The relative growth rate (RGR) and the concentration of phosphorus (P) in the shoot were higher in the AMF-inoculated plants, mainly when cultivated without Zn excess. Non-inoculated plants presented the lowest net photosynthetic rate (An) mainly due to impairment in light use efficiency, especially under Zn excess. The treatments did not change stomatal conductance, transpiration, Rubisco carboxylation rate, triose-phosphate utilization and respiration rate. The AMF improved the plant resistance capacity in mining waste substrate by promoting decreased oxidative damage, ameliorated P nutrition, higher RGR, root biomass and An.

Growth Dynamics and Nutrient Removal from Biogas Slurry Using Water Hyacinth

Aquatic macrophytes, notably the invasive water hyacinth, exhibit proficiency in nutrient removal from polluted water bodies, rendering them appealing for water remediation applications. This study investigates the potential of water hyacinth in phytoremediation, focusing on the effect of using nutrient-rich biogas slurry mixed with water in varying concentrations, i.e., 16.6, 33, 66.6, 100, and 133 mg/L for the investigation. The physiochemical properties of the liquid biogas slurry were evaluated before and after treatment with water hyacinth over eight weeks, with continuous monitoring of nutrient reduction rates. Results showcased substantial average reductions of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium, with a relative growth rate of 5.55%. The treatment also decreased pH, total dissolved solids, hardness, and chemical oxygen demand. The theoretical BMP of water hyacinth was determined using Buswell’s equation. Water hyacinth grown in the concentration of the biogas slurry exhibited the highest methane yield at 199 mL CH4/gm VS, along with the highest relative growth rate. This study used experimental data to create a mathematical model that describes how the relative growth of water hyacinth depends on the number of days and biogas slurry concentration (C). The model’s quality and effectiveness were evaluated using the goodness of fit (R2) and observable approaches. The polynomial model, referred to as Poly model 1, 2, is the best fit for describing the relationship between the growth percentage of water hyacinth, days, and nutrient solution concentration. In this model, C has a polynomial degree of one (normalized mean of 69.84 ± 43.54), while D has a degree of two (normalized mean of 30 ± 21.65).

The performance and physiological responses of Rhyzopertha dominica (F.) (Coleoptera: Bostrichidae) to different sorghum cultivars

Utilizing pest-resistant cultivars is a highly effective and environmentally-friendly approach for managing crop infestations by pests. In the present study, the differences in the resistance of eight cultivars of Sorghum bicolor (L.) Moench (Kimia, Payam, Pegah, Sepideh, Spidfid, KGS23, KFS2, and KFS18) against Rhyzopertha dominica (F.) (Coleoptera: Bostrichidae), a polyphagous pest of stored products, were evaluated based on demographic parameters, nutritional indices, and digestive enzymatic activities within the pest. The results revealed that the development time of R. dominica was the shortest when reared on Kimia, Spidfid, and KFS2, while the longest was recorded in those fed on Payam and Pegah. The fecundity of R. dominica was the lowest on Pegah. Furthermore, Kimia and Sepideh showed the highest intrinsic rate of increase (r) and finite rate of increase (λ), whereas the lowest values for these parameters were observed on Pegah and KGS23. The highest relative growth rate (RGR) of R. dominica was achieved on Sepideh, whereas the lowest RGR was observed on KGS23. The highest level of digestive proteolytic activity in R. dominica was observed on Sepideh, whereas the lowest level was found on KGS23. The amylolytic activity in R. dominica was the highest on Sepideh, and the lowest on Pegah and KGS23. The findings showed significant negative correlations between fecundity, intrinsic rate of increase, and amylolytic activity of the pest with the total phenolic content of the studied sorghum cultivars. Furthermore, the results obtained from cluster analysis revealed that Sepideh, Kimia, and KFS2 were the susceptible cultivars for population growth of R. dominica, while Payam, Pegah, and KGS23 were the partially resistant hosts for this pest. The pest-resistant sorghum cultivars identified in this study can potentially be utilized in combination with other pest control strategies for sustainable management of R. dominica, which may help reduce the excessive use of chemical insecticides.

Analysing the Cost of Concentrated Feed and Income from Meat in Relation to Relative Growth Rate and Kleiber’s Ratio in Intensive Fattening of Latvian Dark-Headed Lambs

One of the goals of the breeding program of the Latvian national sheep breed Latvian dark-head (LT; Latvijas tumšgalve) is the improvement of meat productivity, in parallel with good reproduction characteristics. The main part of the costs is the cost of feeding, which can be reduced by raising sheep with high feed efficiency. This goal can be achieved by selecting sheep based on feed efficiency indicators. The fattening data of 100 LT lambs were analysed using the relative growth rate (RGR) and Kleiber’s ratio (KR) indicators. The statistical difference was determined between low- and high-efficiency groups by calculating the cost of concentrate feed and income from meat realisation. The difference in the cost of concentrate feed was found after 60-days of intensive fattening and on the day needed for fattening up to 50 kg of live weight of lambs. When calculating the income of lamb meat, the differences between low and high RGR and/or KR efficiency groups were established. Thus, selecting high-ranking RGR and KR sheep can improve the cost and/or income of LT sheep breeders in Latvia.

Effect of Monosodium Glutamate in Artificial Food on Feed Utilization Efficiency, Growth, and Survival of Fingerling Tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus)

Tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) is one of the leading freshwater fish commodities in Indonesia. The problem often faced by tilapia farmers is the low level of feed utilization, especially protein, which is still low, resulting in suboptimal growth. The glutamate content in monosodium glutamate (MSG) can act as a precursor for the formation of arginine and glutamine, which can increase the production of protease and lipase enzymes that are excreted into the intestines during the feed hydrolysis process, which is useful in increasing the absorption of nutrients in the form of protein and fat. This research was conducted using fingerling tilapia as a test fish with an average individual length of 6.59 ± 0.21 cm/fish and an average individual weight of 5.33 ± 0.27 g/fish. This research was carried out in an aquarium container measuring 40x30x30 cm with a water volume of 27 l and a density of 15 fish/aquarium. The aim of this research was to determine the effect of MSG in fish feed on total feed consumption (TKP), feed utilization efficiency (FUE), protein efficiency ratio (PER), protein retention, relative growth rate (RGR), and survival (SR) in fingerling tilapia. This research used an experimental method with a completely randomized design (CRD) of 4 treatments with 3 replications. Treatments A, B, C, and D are fed with the addition of 0 MSG in commercial feed; 0.75; 1.5; and 2.25 g/kg. Variables observed included TKP, FUE, PER, protein retention, RGR, and SR. The research results showed that MSG in feed had a significant effect (P < 0.05) on the FUE, PER, protein retention, and RGR values but had no effect (P < 0.05) on the TKP and SR values. FUE value; PER, protein retention; The highest RGR was obtained in treatment D (2.25 g/kg); FUE (87.21±2.28); PER(1.83±0.05); protein retention (50.47±0.76); The RGR (3.06 ± 0.03) and survival value for all treatments were found to be 100%. The water quality during the research was in optimal condition.

Characterization of indigenous populations of cannabis in Iran: a morphological and phenological study

BackgroundCannabis is a historically, culturally, and economically significant crop in human societies, owing to its versatile applications in both industry and medicine. Over many years, native cannabis populations have acclimated to the various environments found throughout Iran, resulting in rich genetic and phenotypic diversity. Examining phenotypic diversity within and between indigenous populations is crucial for effective plant breeding programs. This study aimed to classify indigenous cannabis populations in Iran to meet the needs of breeders and breeding programs in developing new cultivars.ResultsHere, we assessed phenotypic diversity in 25 indigenous populations based on 12 phenological and 14 morphological traits in male and female plants. The extent of heritability for each parameter was estimated in both genders, and relationships between quantitative and time-based traits were explored. Principal component analysis (PCA) identified traits influencing population distinctions. Overall, populations were broadly classified into early, medium, and late flowering groups. The highest extent of heritability of phenological traits was found in Start Flower Formation Time in Individuals (SFFI) for females (0.91) Flowering Time 50% in Individuals (50% of bracts formed) (FT50I) for males (0.98). Populations IR7385 and IR2845 exhibited the highest commercial index (60%). Among male plants, the highest extent of Relative Growth Rate (RGR) was observed in the IR2845 population (0.122 g.g− 1.day− 1). Finally, populations were clustered into seven groups according to the morphological traits in female and male plants.ConclusionsOverall, significant phenotypic diversity was observed among indigenous populations, emphasizing the potential for various applications. Early-flowering populations, with their high RGR and Harvest Index (HI), were found as promising options for inclusion in breeding programs. The findings provide valuable insights into harnessing the genetic diversity of indigenous cannabis for diverse purposes.

Seed Germination and Seedling Growth Influenced by Genetic Features and Drought Tolerance in a Critically Endangered Maple.

Understanding the adaptation of plant species will help us develop effective breeding programs, guide the collection of germplasm, and improve the success of population restoration projects for threatened species. Genetic features correlate with species adaptation. Acer yangbiense is a critically endangered plant species with extremely small populations (PSESP). However, no information was available on its seed germination and seedling growth in populations with different genetic characteristics. In this study, we investigated seed germination and compared the performance of 566 seedlings in 10 maternal half-sib families cultivated in Kunming Botanical Garden. The results showed that A. yangbiense seeds required an average of 44 days to start germinating, with a 50% germination rate estimated to take about 47-76 days, indicating slow and irregular germination. There is a trade-off between the growth and survival in A. yangbiense seedlings, with fast growth coming at the cost of low survival. Groups that were able to recover from a recent bottleneck consistently had higher relative growth rates. High genetic diversity and low levels of inbreeding are likely to be responsible for their improved survival during drought conditions and rapid growth under optimal environmental conditions. Our results suggest that maternal genetic traits might be used as indicators for conservation and population restoration. These findings provide us with new information that could be applied to support ex situ conservation and reintroduction of threatened species.

Comparative constraint-based modelling of fruit development across species highlights nitrogen metabolism in the growth-defence trade-off.

Although primary metabolism is well conserved across species, it is useful to explore the specificity of its network to assess the extent to which some pathways may contribute to particular outcomes. Constraint-based metabolic modelling is an established framework for predicting metabolic fluxes and phenotypes and helps to explore how the plant metabolic network delivers specific outcomes from temporal series. After describing the main physiological traits during fruit development, we confirmed the correlations between fruit relative growth rate (RGR), protein content and time to maturity. Then a constraint-based method is applied to a panel of eight fruit species with a knowledge-based metabolic model of heterotrophic cells describing a generic metabolic network of primary metabolism. The metabolic fluxes are estimated by constraining the model using a large set of metabolites and compounds quantified throughout fruit development. Multivariate analyses showed a clear common pattern of flux distribution during fruit development with differences between fast- and slow-growing fruits. Only the latter fruits mobilise the tricarboxylic acid cycle in addition to glycolysis, leading to a higher rate of respiration. More surprisingly, to balance nitrogen, the model suggests, on the one hand, nitrogen uptake by nitrate reductase to support a high RGR at early stages of cucumber and, on the other hand, the accumulation of alkaloids during ripening of pepper and eggplant. Finally, building virtual fruits by combining 12 biomass compounds shows that the growth-defence trade-off is supported mainly by cell wall synthesis for fast-growing fruits and by total polyphenols accumulation for slow-growing fruits.

The Effects of Different Growing Media and Humic Acid Applications on the Growth of Tomato Plants

This study was carried out to determine the effects of different growing media (peat + perlite, cocopeat, hazelnut husk, rock wool) and different humic acid doses (2, 4, and 8 ml L-1) on tomato plant growth. The performance of the seedlings from planting to fruit set was evaluated to determine the growth of the tomato plant. For this purpose; stem diameter (mm), plant height (cm), leaf number, first flowering, first fruit set, total plant dry weight (g), root volume (m3), and relative growth rate (g cm-2 days-1) parameters were examined. According to the results, the highest stem diameter of 15 mm was obtained in the hazelnut husk media at a dose of 4 ml L-1 of humic acid. As a result, while the best root growth was obtained at 2 ml L-1 humic acid doses in peat-perlite media, the fastest growth and N (3.33%), P (0.58%) and K (3.91%) content were obtained at 8 ml L-1 humic acid doses in cocopeat media. The best leafing, flowering and fruit set were obtained in hazelnut husk media with 2 ml L-1 humic acid doses. As a result, the highest relative growth rate (0.064 g cm-2 days-1) was determined at 8 ml L-1 doses of humic acid applied in the cocopeat media.

Dietary enrichment with Highly Unsaturated Fatty Acid (HUFA) during rearing phase of Nereis virens: growth performance, fatty and amino acid

Abstract. Herawati VE, Windarto S, Arfan M. 2023. Dietary enrichment with Highly Unsaturated Fatty Acid (HUFA) during the rearing phase of marine worms (Nereis virens) in growth performance, fatty acid profiles, and amino acid profiles. Biodiversitas 24: 3828-3834. Nereis virens is a species of marine worm that belongs to Polychaeta. Nereis virens is often utilized as a natural feed for shrimp broodstock related to its main content of fatty acids to accelerate gonad maturity. The enrichment of Highly Unsaturated Fatty Acid (HUFA) is thought to stimulate diet protein and support growth, survival, and nutritional content. This study aimed to discover and examine the growth performance, amino acid profile, and fatty acid profile of N. virens in the rearing stage with a HUFA-enriched diet. The research was conducted from May to September 2022 at MSTP (Marine Science Techno Park ) Jepara. The experimental animals used were 45 marine worms per rearing container, weighing 14-16g/container. The research method is experimental, with a completely randomized design (CRD) of 4 treatments and 3 replicates. The treatments in this study consisted of a commercial diet without the HUFA (A), with the enrichment of 0.50 ml HUFA (B), 1 ml HUFA (C), and 1.50 ml HUFA (D). The results showed that diets with the enrichment with HUFA had a significant effect (P<0.05) on Absolute Growth (Ag); Relative Growth Rate (RGR); Efficiency of Feed Utilization (EFU), Protein Efficiency Ratio (PER) and no significant effect (P>0.05) on SR. The highest RGR, EFU, PER, and SR values were in the treatment with the enrichment with 1.50 ml HUFA (D) with the following values of 5.77 ± 0.20g/day, 85.20 ± 2.75g, 2.05 ± 0.08%, and 100 ± 0.00%. Nutritional quality based on proximate protein and fatty acid fat results were highest in the enrichment treatment with 1.50 ml HUFA (D), 53.80% protein and 19.67% fat. The highest amino acid and fatty acid profiles in the same treatment were 41.15 ppm and 6.60% EPA.

Extremely high relative growth rate makes the cabbage white, Pieris rapae, a global pest with highly abundant and migratory nature

The small cabbage white butterfly, Pieris rapae, is an extraordinarily abundant migratory pest of cabbage that causes severe damage worldwide without known reasons. I here show that the average relative growth rate (RGR: the ratio of the daily increase of biomass to total biomass) of herbivore (Gh; an indicator of the growth speed of herbivore) of P. rapae on cabbage during the larval period is larger by far than those of all other insect–plant pairs tested. It exceeds 1.15 (/day),—meaning that the biomass more than doubles each day—compared to 0.1–0.7 for most insect–plant pairs, including that of Pieris melete, a sibling of P. rapae which never becomes a pest of cabbage. My data further showed the RGR in the larval stage (larval Gh), positively correlates with abundance and/or migratoriness of insect herbivores. These results together with my mathematical food web model suggest that the extraordinarily high larval Gh of P. rapae is the primary reason for its ubiquitously severe pest status accompanied with its abundance and migratoriness, and that the RGR of herbivores, Gh, characterizing the plant–herbivore interface at the bottom of the food webs is an important factor affecting whole ecosystems, including animal abundance, fauna size, plant damage levels, competitiveness among herbivorous species, determination of hostplant, invasiveness, and the evolution of animal traits involved in the so-called r/K strategy, such as migratoriness. Knowledge about Gh will be crucial to controlling pests and improving the negative effects of human activity on ecosystems including faunal decline (or defaunation).

Transcriptome analysis reveals the molecular mechanisms of adaptation to high temperatures in Gracilaria bailinae.

Global warming causes great thermal stress to macroalgae and those species that can adapt to it are thought to be better able to cope with warmer oceans. Gracilaria bailinae, a macroalgae with high economic and ecological values, can survive through the hot summer in the South China Sea, but the molecular mechanisms underlying its adaptation to high temperatures are unclear. To address this issue, the present study analyzed the growth and transcriptome of G. bailinae after a 7-day exposure to 15°C (LT: low temperature), 25°C (MT: middle temperature), and 35°C (HT: high temperature). Growth analysis showed that the HT group had the highest relative growth rate (RGR = 2.1%) with the maximum photochemical quantum yield of PSII (F v/F m = 0.62) remaining within the normal range. Transcriptome analysis showed more differentially expressed genes (DEGs) in the comparison between MT and HT groups than in that between MT and LT, and most of these DEGs tended to be downregulated at higher temperatures. The KEGG pathway enrichment analysis showed that the DEGs were mainly enriched in the carbohydrate, energy, and lipid metabolisms. In addition, the genes involved in NADPH and ATP synthesis, which are associated with photosynthesis, the Calvin cycle, pyruvate metabolism, and the citrate cycle, were downregulated. Downregulation was also observed in genes that encode enzymes involved in fatty acid desaturation and alpha-linolenic acid metabolism. In summary, G. bailinae regulated the synthesis of NADPH and ATP, which are involved in the above-mentioned processes, to reduce unnecessary energy consumption, and limited the synthesis of enzymes in the metabolism of unsaturated fatty acids and alpha-linolenic acid to adapt to high environmental temperatures. The results of this study improve our understanding of the molecular mechanisms underlying the adaptation of G. bailinae to high temperatures.

Effects of adding Moringa oleifera seeds on the performance and production of common carp (Cyprinus carpio L.)

The objective of this study was to assess the effects of utilizing Moringa oleifera at various inclusion levels in fish meal-based diets for common carp fish. In this study, we employed seeds at various concentrations, such as 2% Moringa oleifera seeds (MOS) for T2, 4% MOS for T3, and 6% MOS for T4, in comparison to control treatment T1 without it (0% MOS). The treatment T4 substantially (P> 0.05) reached the highest specific growth rate, which was recorded at (0.781%), before dropping to records of (0.689%, 0.610%, and 0.229%) for treatments T3, T2, and the control group T1. Additionally, Treatment (T4) had the highest relative growth rate (13.25%), which then decreased to records of (11.21%, 9.567%, and 3.033%) for Treatments (T3), T2, and Control Treatment (T1), respectively. The treatment T4 reached the maximum value of the daily growth rate, which was recorded at (0.283%), before dropping to records of (0.238), (0.2203), and (0.063%) for the treatments T3, T2, and the control treatmentT1, respectively. Treatment (T4) had the highest reported value of the ultimate body weight, coming in at 49.44g. After then, it started to fall, and records of 45.49g for Treatments (T3), 42.43g for Treatments (T2), and 30.51g for Control Treatment were made (T1). The total recorded feed intake for treatment (T4) was 7.54g, which was the highest value. Following that, it began to decrease, and measurements of 7.07g for Treatments (T3), 6.77g for Treatments (T2), and 5.83g for Control Treatment were made (T1). The body gained weight to its highest ever recorded level of 92.74g as a result of treatment (T4). It then began to decline, with records of 78.43g for Treatments (T3), 66.96g for Treatments (T2), and 22.21g for Control Treatment (T1). Significantly, Treatment (T4) contributed to the feed conversion ratio increasing to 3.16%, the highest level ever recorded. After that, it started to go down, with records of 2.83% for Treatments (T3), 2.51% for Treatments (T2), and 0.92% for Control Treatment (T1). Contrarily, partly as a result of the Control Treatment, the Feed Efficiency Ratio improved to 1.09%, the highest level ever recorded (T1). After that, it began to decline, with records of 0.39 percent for Treatments (T2), 0.35 percent for Treatments (T3), and 0.32 percent for Treatment (T4). The effect of the treatment caused the Protein Efficiency Ratio to rise sharply to its highest recorded value of 0.81%. (T4). After then, it started to fall, with records for Treatments (T3) of 0.68 percent, Treatments (T2) of 0.59 percent, and Control Treatment of 0.19 percent (T1). The greatest level of Protein Productive Value was likewise attained by Treatment (T4), which was 3.65%; thereafter, Treatments (T3), T2, and Control Treatment (T1) each achieved records of 3.32%, 2.98%, and 3.33 %. The maximum Fat Efficiency Ratio was attained by Treatment (T3) (10.49%), but it thereafter dropped to records for Treatments (T4), (T2), and Control Treatment (T1) of 8.43%, 7.75%, and 1.70%, respectively. The aim of this study is for the purpose of providing healthy nutrition requirements for fish. It concludes that T4 treatment which contains 6% moringa seeds was the best ratio to obtain best growth performance for common carp.

Genotypic variation in water relations and gas exchange of urban trees in Detroit, Michigan, USA

Increasing tree species diversity has become a key underpinning for communities to improve resilience of urban and community forests. Increasingly, urban forestry researchers are examining physiological traits to aid in selecting trees for urban sites. Knowledge of physiological responses also has implications for understanding species’ resilience to increased stresses associated with climate change. Here, we compare growth, leaf SPAD chlorophyll index, water relations, and gas exchange of seven genotypes of shade trees planted in two locations in downtown Detroit, MI, USA. Genotypes included Redpointe® maple (Acer rubrum ‘Frank Jr.’), Flashfire® maple (Acer saccharum ‘JFS-Caddo2′), Pacific Sunset® maple (Acer truncatum x platanoides ‘Warrenred’), Emerald City® tulip tree (Liriodendron tulipifera ‘JFS-Oz’), Chanticleer® pear (Pyrus calleryana ‘Glen’s Form’), swamp white oak (Quercus bicolor), and Emerald Sunshine® elm (Ulmus propinqua ‘JFS-Bieberich’). Trees were planted in either Lafayette Plaisance Park (Park), a large urban greenspace, or on the median of St. Aubin Avenue (Median), a nearby major thoroughfare. Tree height growth and leaf SPAD index were higher for trees planted in the Park location than on the Median. However, genotypic variation was larger than the effects of location or the interaction of Genotype × Location for most traits. Across measurement dates, midday leaf water potential was lowest for Pyrus trees and highest for Ulmus and Liriodendron trees. Pyrus and Quercus trees had relatively high rates of net photosynthesis (A) and stomatal conductance (gs) while Liriodendron, Acer saccharum, and Ulmus trees had low rates of A and gs. Liriodendron trees closed their stomata rapidly as leaf water potential (Ψw) declined (isohydric response), while Pyrus and Quercus trees maintained gs across a range of leaf Ψw (anisohydric response). Liriodendron trees also had the highest relative growth rates, suggesting that drought stress avoidance through isohydry is a viable drought tolerance mechanism in urban trees.

Improving productivity of Sesbania pea in saline soils by enhancing antioxidant capacity with optimum application of nitrogen and phosphate combination.

Salinity stress is one of the major constraints to plant growth and crop production. Optimum fertilizer management is essential for promoting crop growth and productivity in saline soils. A field experiment was conducted to study the effects of nitrogen and phosphate combination on sesbania pea (Sesbania cannabina (Retz.) Poir.) growth and associated physiology in saline soils. Three N rates (N1: 240 kg·ha-1, N2: 360 kg·ha-1, N3: 480 kg·ha-1) and two P rates (P1: 120 kg·ha-1, P2:180 kg·ha-1) were arranged in this study using a RCBD with 3 replicates. The application of N and P fertilizers significantly improved plant growth and associated physiological traits of sesbania pea. Plant height (P=0.0001), fresh biomass weight (P=0.0006), dry biomass weight (P=0.0006), relative growth rate (RGR) (P=0.005), chlorophyll (P=0.002), peroxidase (POD) (P=0.0003), catalase (CAT) (P=0.0001), superoxide dismutase (SOD) (P=0.0001) and soluble protein (P=0.0053) were significantly increased, and the maximum values were consistently produced under N2P2 combination at each growth stage. On the contrary, malondialdehyde (MDA) was prominently decreased by N and P fertilizer application (P=0.0029), and the lowest values were all produced under N2P2 combination. The highest values of plant height, fresh biomass weight and dry biomass weight were recorded on the 163rd day after seeding (DAS). The highest RGR and MDA content were determined on the 141st DAS. The highest chlorophyll content, CAT and SOD activity, and soluble protein content were recorded on the 110th DAS, and the highest POD activity was at 47 DAS. This study suggested that the optimum N and P fertilizer combination was N2P2 (360 kg·hm-2 N + 180 kg·hm-2 P), which was superior in promoting growth and biomass yield with enhanced antioxidant capacity of sesbania pea in saline soils.