Hrs Light Research Articles

Plantlet Regeneration from Callus Cultures of Kappaphycus alvarezii for Cultivation in Coastal Waters at Myeik Archipelago, Myanmar.

<b>Background and Objective:</b> The cultivation of <i>Kappaphycus alvarezii</i>, the most economically valuable rhodophyte seaweed species, began in Myanmar in 2004, primarily on islands in the Myeik Archipelago. Since <i>K. alvarezii</i> is not native to Myanmar, it was initially imported from the Philippines and Indonesia. This study aimed to develop a tissue culture procedure for the generation of <i>K. alvarezii</i> plantlets to ensure a continuous supply of seaweed for commercial farming in the coastal waters of Myanmar. <b>Materials and Methods:</b> Specimens of <i>K. alvarezii</i>, two-month-old, were procured in the Myeik Archipelago, Myanmar. After being cleared epiphytes and clinging materials, the specimens were placed in glass aquarium tanks with circulating seawater. Axenic explant culture was established using 1% povidone-iodine for 1 min and a 1% antibiotic mixture for 24 hrs. Plant growth regulators, 6-benzyl aminopurine (BAP) and indole 3 acetic acid (IAA) were supplemented in solid Provasoli's enriched seawater (PES) media to induce callus formation and somatic embryogenesis. <b>Results:</b> The optimal culture conditions were incubation at 22-25°C under cool-white fluorescent-light (15-20 μmol photons/m<sup>2</sup>/sec) with a 12:12 hrs light and dark cycle. Water quality during the culturing process was maintained at a pH of 8 and salinity of 30 PSU. The tissue-cultured <i>K. alvarezii</i> plantlets exhibited an average daily growth rate of 9.70±0.25% over the growth period. <b>Conclusion:</b> Therefore, plantlet regeneration from <i>K. alvarezii</i> callus cultures can be utilized as seedlings for revenue-generating cultivation along the Myanmar coastline.

Studies on Nutrition, Utilization and Hosts Preference of Feeding Fall Armyworm Larvae, Spodoptera frugiperda on Some Vegetable Crops Leaves

Ouda, M.I. 2024. Studies on Nutrition, Utilization and Hosts Preference of Feeding Fall Armyworm Larvae, Spodoptera frugiperda on Some Vegetable Crops Leaves. Arab Journal of Plant Protection, 42(3): 269-274. https://doi.org/10.22268/AJPP-001259 The fall armyworm (FAW), Spodoptera frugiperda (J. E. Smith, 1797) (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae), appeared in 2016 on maize crop in the Americas. Thereafter, it was recorded as an invasive pest in Africa during 2017. In Egypt, this study was conducted during 2022 to investigate the nutritional indices and host preference of the 3rd and 5th instars of FAW larval stage on fifteen vegetable crops under laboratory conditions. Experiments were conducted under constant temperature in an incubator at 27±1°C, relative humidity of 65±5% and a photoperiod of 14:10 hrs (light: dark). The results obtained showed that the hosts Beta vulgaris L., Cichorium intybus L., Fragaria x ananassa L., Brassica rapa L. and Zea mays L. var. everta were significantly favoured as primary hosts for FAW development. These hosts had higher larval and pupal weight and feeding indices: consumption index (CI), approximate digestibility (AD), efficiency of conversion of ingested food into body matter (ECI), efficiency of conversion of digested food into body matter (ECD) and relative growth rate (RGR). Whereas the hosts Vigna unguiculata, Lactuca sativa, Brassica oleracea var. capitata, Brassica oleracear var. botrytis, Eruca vesicaria subsp. sativa, Pisum sativum and Vicia faba were favored as secondary hosts for FAW development, with lower values for larvae and pupae weight and feeding indices. However, the larvae did not prefer and did not complete feeding on the hosts Cucumis sativus, Solanum lycopersicum and Phaseolus vulgaris. Keywords: Spodoptera frugiperda, biology, nutritional indices, host preference.

Investigation the Spread of Natural Enemies Associated with The Tomato Leaf Miner, Tuta absoluta in Al-Hasakeh Governorate, Syria

Darwish, A., A. Besheer and K. Al-Asas. 2024. Investigation the Spread of Natural Enemies Associated with The Tomato Leaf Miner, Tuta absoluta in Al-Hasakeh Governorate, Syria. Arab Journal of Plant Protection, 42(3): 355-360. https://doi.org/10.22268/AJPP-001253 The tomato leafminer, Tuta absoluta (Meyrick) (Lepidoptera: Gelechiidae) is one of the most important pests attacking all parts of the tomato plant, especially leaves, was first recorded in Syria in 2010. Since then, it has become the most important pest affecting tomatoes and causing economic losses to tomato farmers, ranged from 50-100%. Field applied research was conducted in tomato fields at Amuda and Derbasiyah sub-district of Al-Hasake Governorate, Syria, during the seasons 2016 to 2018. Laboratory research under laboratory conditions (25±2ºС, RH 65±5%) and under long daylight (16 hrs light:8 hrs darkness) in the biological control research center, Faculty of Agriculture, University of Damascus, Syria. Five parasitoids and predators were identified on T. absoluta, namely: Hemiptera (Homoptera) predators: Nesidiocoris tenuis (Miridae), Orius sp. (Anthocoridae) and Neuroptera predator Chrysopa sp. (Chrysopidae), Hymenoptera parasitoids; Bracon (Habrobracon) sp. (Braconidae) and Ratzeburgiola sp. (Eulophidae). Keywords: Tomato leafminer, parasitoids, predators, Al-Hasake, Syria

Some consumption characteristics of Nephus includens Kirsch (Coleoptera: Coccinellidae) on the vine mealybug Planococcus ficus (Signoret) (Hemiptera: Pseudococcidae)

Çalışmada, en önemli unlubit avcılarından biri olan Nephus includens Kirsch (Coleoptera: Coccinellidae)’in, bağların önemli zararlılarından biri olan Planococcus ficus (Signoret) (Hemiptera: Pseudococcidae)’un farklı dönemleri üzerindeki tüketim kapasitesi ve unlubit dönem tercihi araştırılmıştır. Denemeler 25 ± 1 ºC sıcaklık, %60 ± 10 nem ve 16:8 (aydınlık/karanlık) koşullarındaki iklim kabinlerinde yürütülmüştür. N. includens’in tüm dönemlerinin en fazla P. ficus’un yumurta dönemini tükettiği ve unlubitin dönemleri ilerledikçe tüketim oranının azaldığı belirlenmiştir. Avcının dönemleri ilerledikçe tüketim kapasitesinin arttığı ve en fazla tüketimin unlubitin yumurta dönemi hariç ergin döneminde olduğu tespit edilmiştir. Avcının 1., 2., 3. larva ve ergin dönemlerinin unlubitin 1. nimf dönemini daha çok tercih ettiği, 4. larva döneminin ise en çok yumurta dönemini tercih ettiği belirlenmiştir.

Effect of Photoperiod with Sunlight at Thermal Stress and Sperm Parameters in Guinea Pigs.

<b>Background and Objective:</b> Photoperiod can regulate reproductive physiological processes in mammals, in which improvements in testosterone concentration, testicular volume and seminal quality have been reported. The aim was to evaluate the influence of photoperiod treatments on guinea pigs' spermatic parameters. <b>Materials and Methods:</b> Thirty guinea pigs, between males and females, were distributed in two rooms with the photoperiodic treatment of 10 hrs light and 14 hrs dark (PT<sub>1</sub> with artificial photoperiod and PT<sub>2</sub> photoperiod with sunlight by opening windows from 08:00-18:00) and one without any direct light stimulus (PT<sub>0</sub>) for 78 days. The temperature and humidity were recorded and the TH index was calculated for each room. The sperms were recovered in Tris base medium from the epididymis of 16 males to determine sperm concentration, motility, kinetic parameters, vitality, HOST, acrosomal integrity and DNA fragmentation. <b>Results:</b> Sperm values in PT<sub>1</sub> and PT<sub>0</sub> were similar but PT<sub>2</sub> obtained values lower in sperm concentration, non-progressive motility, total motility, VCL, ALH, vitality, HOST+, acrosomal integrity, sperm with non-fragmented DNA and no pregnancies were reported (0/5). A 100% pregnancy was observed in PT<sub>0</sub> (4/4) and 50% in PT<sub>1</sub> (2/4). However, precocity was evidenced in PT<sub>1</sub> compared to PT<sub>0</sub>. PT<sub>2</sub> recorded higher peaks in temperature (33.8°C, THI 81, considered as thermal stress) compared to PT<sub>0</sub> (32.65°C, THI 81.8) and PT<sub>1</sub> (32.75°C, THI 81.6). <b>Conclusion:</b> An artificial photoperiod can improve sperm characteristics and reproductive precociousness of guinea pigs, unlike the photoperiod with sunlight, which generated low spermiogram values and absence of pregnancy due to thermal stress.

​Effect of Probiotic Enterococcus gallinarum N3 Supplemented Feed on Growth Performance of Freshwater Fish Cyprinus carpio

Background: Probiotic is the best solution (Produce antimicrobial compounds, inhibit colonization of pathogenic microorganism, increase digestive ability and confer better health to the host) as an alternative to antibiotics against various microbial infection in freshwater and marine water. The freshwater fish Cyprinus carpio was selected for this research work (due to high growth rate, high protein content, ability to survive under different climatic conditions and its availability throughout the year) to observe the effect of probiotic Enterococcus gallinarum N3 supplemented feed on its growth. Methods: In this present research work Prepared three different concentration of probiotic Enterococcus gallinarum N3 (0.1%. 0.5% and 1.0%) along with basal diet containing other ingredients (fish meal, groundnut oil cake, wheat bran, starch and Vitamin mineral premix). Initially 14 days acclimatized freshwater fish Cyprinus carpio to laboratory condition selected randomly for four treatment groups as Control (C) and probiotic feed treated T1, T2 and T3 group. The experiment was carried out for 42 days with continuous aeration, natural photoperiod of 16 hrs light and 8 hrs dark, maintain temperature constant and fishes fed diet twice daily. The feed ingredients and experimental diets analysed for proximate composition and measured Weight gain, Specific growth rate (SGR), and Feed conversion efficiency (FCE). Result: The proximate composition of the feed was determined as percentage dry matter in which 36.21% protein, 6.8% moisture and 7.8% of lipid. The probiotic feed experiment was conducted for 42 days and entire group of fishes was survived. The effect of probiotic feed on growth performance of Cyprinus carpio was measured as initial weight, final weight, weight gain, specific growth rate and feed conversion efficiency. The growth changes were observed before and after treatment with 0.1%, 0.5% and 1.0% of probiotic E. gallinarum N3 fed to Cyprinus carpio. The final weight (g) and final length (cm) was measured in treatment T1 (3.107 g; 3.32 cm), T2 (3.258 g; 3.40 cm) and T3 (3.413 g; 3.52 cm) respectively as compared with Control group C (2.255 g; 2.98 cm). The percentage weight gain obtained in group T1 (37.78%), T2 (44.45%) and (51.55%) respectively as compared with Control group C (29.54%). Maximum specific growth rate was observed in treatments T1 (0.94 % day-1), T2 (0.99% day-1) and T3 (1.02% day-1) as compared with control group C (0.56% day-1). The results showed better growth performance and feed utilization in all the three treated groups T1, T2 and T3. The best growth performance (final weight, final length, weight gain, specific growth rate and feed conversion efficiency) and feed utilization (moisture, protein and lipid) was observed best in T3 (1 g kg-1) group of fishes as compared to control C group. There was significant difference (P greater than 0.05) in final weight, final length, weight gain, specific growth rate and feed conversion efficiency.

Photoperiod Alters Visceral Adiposity and Molecular Circadian Rhythms in White‐footed Mice at Thermoneutrality

The length of daylight (photoperiod) and environmental temperature fluctuate seasonally and act as cues for physiology. How photoperiod per se impacts adipose physiology is essential to consider as misalignment of circadian rhythms is suggested to promote obesity. Photoperiod alters fat deposition when temperature simultaneously acts as a cue. However, whether photoperiod regulates adipose physiology independent of temperature is unknown, as ambient temperatures below thermoneutrality are typically used. We compared the effects of 4 weeks of long (LD - 16hrs light:8hrs dark) and short (SD – 8hrs light:16hrs dark) photoperiod exposure at thermoneutrality (27°C) to isolate photoperiod from temperature cues in photosensitive F1 generation, male white-footed mice (Peromyscus leucopus). Short photoperiod selectively lowered visceral white adipose tissue (WAT) (vWAT) mass (p<0.05 vs LD), with no effect on subcutaneous WAT or interscapular brown adipose tissue mass or bodyweight. Calorie consumption and 24-hour feeding behaviour were not affected by photoperiod, although short photoperiod mice ate almost exclusively in the dark (SD ate 8.5% of daily intake in 8hr light phase vs. LD ate 26% of intake in 16hr light phase (p<0.0001)). In vWAT, short photoperiod increased Adrβ3, Lpl and Nr1d1 mRNA expression (p<0.05 vs LD), with no change in Ucp1, Pgc1a or Hsl. Circadian Per1 and Per2 gene expression aligned with the onset of dark and thus were misaligned between photoperiods (p<0.05), while Bmal1 and Clock were also misaligned. Thus, photoperiod alone is a strong enough cue to alter visceral fat accumulation and alter clock gene misalignment, without temperature-induced thermogenesis. These findings have important implications for understanding obesity in humans in whom day light is artificially extended while environmental temperatures are kept consistent.

Application of Date Seeds Powder as Growth Additive for Callus Induction in vitro Using Vigna radiata Hypocotyl Seedling Explant

Date seeds (Phoenix dectylifera) are one of the seeds that is not usable and always end to be disposed. The present study describes date seeds as an additive on callus induction in vitro from hypocotyl explants of Vigna radiata. The objective is to explore the usage of date seed powder as growth additive to promote in plant tissue culture media thereby it can be utilized as fertilizer in vivo for sustainable agriculture. 1% concentrations of date seed powder under controlled conditions highly influenced the callus induction. MS media supplied with different auxins is prepared for callus induction. The highest degree of callus weight was observed in MS media supplemented with (5mg/L) 2, 4-D + (0.5 mg/L) Kn (0.437±0.1). MS media supplied with different concentrations of date seed powder + (5mg/L) 2,4-D + (0.5 mg/L) Kn are prepared for callus induction under controlled conditions (16hrs light and 8hrs dark, 3000 lux light intensity,60% humidity and 25±20c) in a plant growth chamber. MS media supplied with 1% date seed + 3% sucrose + 0.5 mg/l of Kn +5 mg/l of 2,4D gave the highest stimulation of callus growth. Results show that date seed is not replacing sucrose as a carbon source, but it acts as a good additive to promote induction callus. Quantitative nutritional analysis of date seed powder was carried out. The results show date seed powder contains a high amount of elements like: Ca (2994.33), k (1712.33), Si (456.33), Mg (687.33), which plays a major role in callus formation.

The functional response of two aquatic predatory insects and its implications for the biological control of Coptodon rendalli fry

Precocious breeding is a major challenge in the culturing of Coptodon rendalli. Laboratory experiments were undertaken to evaluate the biological control potential of two predatory aquatic insects, Anisops debilis and Gerris swakopensis against tilapia fry. The functional response of these insects was determined at different prey densities during a 24 hr experiment. A. debilis and G. swakopensis exhibited type III and type II functional responses, respectively. The attack rate (2.2046) was higher in A. debilis than G. swakopensis (0.00239). Handling time was lower in A. debilis (0.5420) than G. swakopensis (1.6153). Another experiment was done at different prey densities under light and dark conditions. Anisops debilis exhibited a type II functional response under light conditions and a type III functional response under dark conditions. The attack rate of A. debilis declined from 2.5950 under light conditions to 1.2372 under dark conditions. The handling time for A. debilis was lower under dark conditions than under light conditions. G. swakopensis maintained a type II functional response under light and dark conditions. The attack rate for G. swakopensis increased under dark conditions while the handling time declined. The relative control potential (RCP) was also calculated. The RCPs for the 24 hrs experiment, light and dark conditions were 4.7941, 5.4431 and 3.5622, respectively. This probably indicates that A. debilis may be effective in controlling tilapia fry.

Oxidative stress and antioxidant status in rotenone induced rat models of Parkinson’s disease

Parkinson disease (PD) is involved in the damage of neurons of the brain that secretes dopamine. Understanding the mechanisms involved in Parkinson's disease helps to develop effective management methods. Hence, the present work aimed to unravel to observe the variations, if any, in the parameters of oxidative stress and antioxidant markers between oral and ip rotenone-induced rat model of Parkinson’s disease. Male Wistar rats weighing between 250-300g were housed in solid bottomed polypropylene cages under strict veterinary supervision and maintained in rooms with 12hrs light / dark cycle. The randomly selected male Wistar rats were equally divided into four groups, with six rats in each group. The study results provide scientific evidence for marked changes in both the oxidative and anti-oxidant parameters, followed by the ip and po rotenone administration. It is the need of the time to consider the neuroprotective and antioxidant properties while developing the newer treatment modalities for the management of PD.

Effect of high-intensity light on the retinal pigment epithelium of zebrafish - An induced retinal damage study model

Background: Natural light sources emit light with two physical properties namely, spectrum and intensity. However, the electronic light sources these days were adjusted in their parameters of color and the intensity without the consumer being aware of these. These lights become potential harm to its users both in household and handheld digital devices. Aims and Objectives: In this study, we have tried to estimate the changes in the morphology of the retinal pigment epithelium of zebrafish when exposed to high-intensity light. Materials and Methods: Institutional Animal Ethics Committee clearance was obtained. Two groups of zebrafish with an average bodyweight (690 ± 50 mg) and length (26.75 ± 1.39 mm) were taken for the study. Group I (n = 6) control group: Housing was in a glass tank in the common working area exposed to the sunlight for the light source. Group II (n = 6) study group: Housing was done in a dark room with the custom-built electrical light source with an adjustable setting for a uniform light intensity of 15,000 lux. Experimental study period was for 15 days with maintained 12 hrs light and 12 hrs dark cycle. Fishes were euthanized by exposing them to cold water with ice and the eyeballs removed and stored in 4% formalin. Whole eye histological staining was done with hematoxylin and eosin stain. The histological slides were photographed in a digital microscope and the distribution of neurons in the selected layer of the retinal epithelium was estimated and compared among the groups using a software. Results: The study results are conclusive with zebrafish animal models and further suggest that even under the water when exposed to high intensity of light there is a potential risk of damaging the retinal epithelium. Conclusion: An experimental damage of the retinal epithelium of zebrafish was established to be used for further research.

Impact of waterlogging and temperature on autumn growth, hardening and freezing tolerance of timothy (Phleum pratense)

AbstractPrecipitation has generally increased in Norway during the last century, and climate projections indicate a further increase. The growing season has also become longer with higher temperatures, particularly in autumn. Previous studies have shown negative effects of high temperatures and, depending upon temperature conditions, contrasting effects of waterlogging on hardening capacity of timothy. We studied effects of waterlogging on seedlings of timothy (Phleum pratense, cv. Noreng) under three pre‐acclimation temperatures: 3°C, 7°C, 12°C, and in autumn natural light in a phytotron at Holt, Tromsø (69°N). After temperature treatments, all plants were cold acclimated at 2°C for three weeks under continued waterlogging treatments. Freezing tolerance was determined by intact plants being frozen in pots at incremental temperature decreases in a programmable freezer. Waterlogging resulted in a higher probability of death after freezing, and a significantly reduced regrowth after three weeks at 18°C, 24 hrs light in a greenhouse. Increasing pre‐acclimation temperatures also had a clear negative effect on freezing tolerance, but there was no interaction between temperatures and waterlogging. The results indicate that waterlogging may have negative implications for hardening of timothy and may contribute to reduced winter survival under the projected increase in autumn temperatures and precipitation.

Diel periodicity and visual cues guide oviposition behavior in Phlebotomus papatasi, vector of old-world cutaneous leishmaniasis.

BackgroundPhlebotomine sand flies are vectors of human leishmaniases, important neglected tropical diseases. In this study, we investigated diel patterns of oviposition behavior, effects of visual cues on oviposition-site selection, and whether these affect the attraction of gravid Phlebotomus papatasi (Scopoli), the vector of old-world cutaneous leishmaniasis, to olfactory cues from oviposition sites.Methodology/principal findingsTo evaluate these questions, we conducted a series of experiments using attraction and oviposition assays within free-flight test chambers containing gravid females entrained under a 14:10 hrs light:dark photoperiod. By replacing sticky-screens or moist filter papers every three hours, we showed that oviposition site search occurs mainly in the latest part of the night whereas peak oviposition occurs during the early part of the night. Behavioral responses to olfactory oviposition cues are regulated by time-of-day and can be disrupted by transient exposure to a constant darkness photoperiod. Gravid females, but not any other stage, age, or sex, were attracted to dark, round oviposition jars, possibly resembling rodent burrow openings. This visual attraction disappeared in the absence of an illumination source. Egg deposition rate was not affected by jar color. Olfactory cues had the strongest effect when the visual cues were minimal.Conclusion and significanceOur study showed, for the first time, that visual cues in the form of oviposition-site color, lighting level, and photoperiod are important in guiding the oviposition behavior of phlebotomine sand flies. Furthermore, such visual cues could modify the flies’ sensitivity to olfactory oviposition cues. Our results suggest that chemosensory and visual cues are complementary, with visual cues used to orient gravid females towards oviposition sites, possibly at long- to medium-ranges during crepuscular periods, while olfactory cues are used to approach the burrow in darkness and assess its suitability at close-range. Implications to sand fly control are discussed.

Mesenchymal stem cells as a possible therapy in experimentally induced retinal damage in Albino rat: Histological study

ABSTRACTIntroduction: Retinal degeneration had been increased as a common cause of blindness nowadays. Stem cells could be apromising therapy for treating retinal degeneration.Aim of the work: To investigate the possible role of BMSCs on the damaged retina resulting from continuous fluorescentlight exposure.Materials and Methods: Twenty- five albino rats (80- 100) gm were used in this study. Of which, 5 rats were used forpreparation of the BMSCs. The other twenty adult rats were divided into three groups. Rats of the control group were kept in12 hrs light/ 12 hrs dark. Rats of group II (fluorescent light exposure group) were exposed to two 20W white fluorescent lamps60 cm length continuously for 2 weeks at an illumination of 500 Lux. Group II rats were examined 8 weeks after fluorescentlight exposure. Group III animals were injected once by PKH 26–labeled BMSCs into the vitreous cavity of the eye at the endof the second week of fluorescent light exposure and kept for 8 weeks. Retinal specimens were prepared for light (LM) andelectron microscopic (EM) examination. Morphometric and statistical study was performed.Results: Sections of group II showed thinning and disorganization of outer segments. There were spaces and disorganizationof the cells of the outer and inner nuclear layers. Most ganglion cells had vacuolated cytoplasm and some appeared with densenuclei. Most of retinal cells had distorted organelles. Immunohistochemical reaction revealed significant increase in GFAPimmune reaction. Statistical analysis revealed a significant decrease in the thickness of most retinal layers. Meanwhile, groupIII retinas showed restoration of most of the histological structure.Conclusion: BMSCs could ameliorate retinal degeneration resulted from continuous fluorescent light exposure.

Biology of Helicoverpa armigera (Hübner) on Chick peabased artificial diet under laboratory conditions

The present investigation on biology of Helicoverpa armigera reared on chick pea based semi-synthetic diet revealed that its life cycle consisted of four distinct stages i.e., egg, larva, pupa and adult. A single female produced 1135.20±162.58 eggs throughout her entire life span. The incubation period was 3.62±0.15 days with 91.60±4.51% egg viability. The larval stage was completed in 18.30±0.54 days by passing through six instars under laboratory conditions of 25±1°C temperature, 65±5% RH and 12 hrs light. The average stadial periods for first, second, third, fourth, fifth and sixth instar larvae were 2.28±0.18, 2.46±0.11, 2.72±0.17, 3.18±0.23, 3.86±0.18 and 3.80±0.14 days, respectively. The last larval instar did not moult and it contracted into a grub like pre-pupal stage which lasted for 2.12±0.08 days. The average pupal period was 10.24±0.46 days for females and 12.52±0.34 days for males. Female moths had a pre-oviposition period of 2.54±0.21 days that included sexual maturity period. The oviposition and post-oviposition period recorded were 6.60±0.53 and 1.42±0.15 days, respectively. The total life period ranged from 39 to 51 days with females having longer mean life than the males. The sex ratio of male: female was 1: 1.28.

Egg Development Time (EDT) in &amp;lt;i&amp;gt;Mesocyclops ogunnus&amp;lt;/i&amp;gt;

A study was carried out on the impacts of temperature and light/dark regime on the Egg Development Time (EDT) of the cyclopoida copepod, Mesocyclops ogunnus in Lake Kinneret. It was found that EDT was 148, 33 and 20 hours under 15°C, 22°C, and 27°C respectively. EDT was different between the two regimes of 12/12 hrs light/dark and 24 hrs light. Egg hatching and survival were higher under 24 hrs light regime. The results of temperature and light regime impacts on EDT indicate ecological implication on cyclopoida copepod population dynamics in lakes. The implication of the results to the global warming trend is also suggested.

Notes on life history and field efficiency of Cybocephαlus fodori predator of Quαdrαspidiotus perniciosus in Northern Greece

Sampling results during 1978-1979 and 1981-1982 in two heavily-infested almond orchards in Northern Greece showed a high mortality of the San Jose scale. A considerable part of this mortality was attributable to indigenous entomophagous insects, especially predators. Among them, Cybocephalus fodori Endrody-Younga (Coleoptera: Nitidulidae) appeared to be the key species. Field observations showed that C. fodori hibernates as an adult, forming aggregations. C. fodori reared in outdoor cages showed full adult activity by end March. Given an abundant supply of prey, the insect develops two complete and a third partial generations per year. Under constant conditions (25±2° C, 65±5% R.H. and 16 hrs light per day), the development of its three larval instars was completed in about 19 days and the pupal stage lasted about 10 days. On average, 68 Quadraspidiotus perniciosus Comstock (Homoptera: Diaspididae) adult females were partly consumed per larva of C. fodori. Individually deposited eggs and young larvae were found under the covers of the San Jose scales.

RITUXIMAB DELAYS WOUND HEALING AND DECREASES WHITE BLOOD CELL COUNT IN MALE MICE

ABSTRACTObjective: The aims of this research are to evaluate the effect of rituximab on wound healing, some hematological parameters, histological changes inwound healing, and histopathological changes in some organs in male mice.Methods: Totally, 15 adult male mice (25-30 g) were enrolled in this study. Animals were kept in the animal house College of Medicine/Universityof Babylon, and the temperature was controlled on 25°C and 14 hrs light and 10 hrs dark cycles. The animals were provided with standard diet andwater ad libitum. The animals were divided randomly into 3 groups, five mice in each group, Group 1 (control group) received no treatment, Group 2received rituximab 1 m/kg, IP, at days 0, 5, and 10 after wounding, in Group 3, rituximab was topically applied to the wound at days 0, 5, and 10 afterwounding.Results: The results yield that the wound healing significantly decreased (p&lt;0.05) in Groups 2 and 3 as compared to control group. While the resultsregarding white blood cells (WBCs) count, there is a significant decrease in WBC count in Group 2 (p&gt;0.05). Platelets and red blood cell count insignificantly increased in Group 3 as compared to control group (p&lt;0.05). There were no histopathological changes in the skin, kidneys, and spleen.In liver, nonsignificant histopathological changes (p&gt;0.05) found in Group 2 and 3 as compared to control group.Conclusion: Rituximab delays wound healing and reduces WBC count in male mice.Keywords: Rituximab, Wound healing, Lymphocyte, CD20, White blood cells, Mice.

Impact of Salt Stress on Different Varieties of Palmarosa During Seed Germination

Palmarosa (Cymbopogon martinii (Roxb.) Wats.) is an essential oil bearing perennial crop having geraniol and geranyl acetate in its oil, widely used in cosmetic and perfumery industries. An experiment was conducted to determine germination percentage and seedling vigor index in PRC-1, Trishna and Tripta varieties of Palmarosa at KCl salt concentrations of 0 mM, 50 mM, 100 mM and 150 mM in Petri-dishes coupled with 16 hrs light and 8 hrs dark photoperiod placed at 25°C temperature. The highest percentage of germination and seedling vigor index I and II was observed in control followed by 50 mM, 100 mM and 150 mM. Germination percentage, seedling vigor index I and II decreased as KCl concentration increased. Highest KCl salt tolerance potential was showed by variety Trishna followed by PRC-1 and Tripta. Varieties PRC-1 and Tripta have salt tolerance potential up to 50 mM while Trishna have up to 150 mM KCl concentration. The result of our study suggests that farmers can raise Palmarosa nursery in normal soil condition and transplant it in soil salinity upto 50 mM KCl concentration. Hence, we suggest that in the nursery more than 50 mM salinity soils should be avoided except variety Trishna which can be grown up to 100 mM KCl concentration at 25°C.

Varietal Difference for Salt Tolerance During Seed Germination in Palmarosa (Cymbopogon martinii)

Palmarosa (Cymbopogon martinii var. Motia) is a major essential oil bearing perennial crop. Due to presence of geraniol and geranyl acetate, it is used worldwide in the cosmetic and perfumery industries. The objective of this study was to determine the salt tolerance relative to seed germination potential and seedling vigor index of three palmarosa varieties PRC-1, Trishna and Tripta under four levels of NaCl concentrations i.e. 0 mM, 50 mM, 100 mM and 150 mM NaCl at 25°C temperature coupled with 16 hrs light and 8 hrs dark photoperiod. The highest percentage of germination and seedling vigor index I and II was observed in control followed by 50 mM, 100 mM and 150 mM. Germination percentage decreased as NaCl concentration increased. Variety Trishna showed highest salt tolerance potential followed by PRC-1 and Tripta. Variety PRC-1 and Tripta have salt tolerance potential up to 50 mM NaCl concentration but Trishna have up to 150 mM NaCl concentration. The findings of this study be helpful in the study of germination behavior and selection of varieties and new suitable areas for commercial cultivation of palmarosa especially under saline conditions. The result of our study suggests that in the nursery more than 50 mM salinity soils should be avoided and variety Trishna can be grown up to 100 mM NaCl concentration at 25°C.