Number Of Ova Research Articles

Phenology, floral organs ultra-structure, traits correlation, stigma receptiveness, pollen viability and germinability in horsegram (Macrotyloma uniflorum Lam.) Verdc.

The absence of information on the reproductive biology of some nutritive legumes has been an obstacle to their genetic improvement. Gathering information on reproductive biology contributes significantly to the interest of breeders to have adequate tools for initiating the improvement program through crosses among high performing genotypes. To contribute to this, we examined the flowering phenology, pollen biology, stigma receptiveness at bud dehiscence and anthesis phases, and the in-vitro germination of the pollens in horsegram (Macrotyloma uniflorum). Pollens of horsegram were found to be either tricolporate or triporate, echinates in all accessions except in the collections from Benin. Ovaries in horsegram showed great variation in the number of ovules and activities of peroxidase indicated the receptiveness of stigma at bud dehiscence phase and during anthesis. A high number of ovules per ovary was found in accessions from Australia (Leichardt 1 and 2), Mali (LeichardtMali) and India (CPI22679). Pollen viability analysis implies the possibility of better results when pollinating during the day and immediately after the flower opens. The study provides information on the reproductive biology of horsegram for future hybridization program in order to enhance the performance of the crop and increase production. It also reveals differences in accessions from Benin compared with all other accessions from Mali, India or Australia.

Laterality in roe deer embryos implantation.

Female reproductive success is one of the most important life-history traits to be monitored when determining population dynamics in free-ranging ungulates. Several studies have described how phenotypic characteristics of the mother, climatic conditions, population status, and habitat can impact on potential reproductive output in wild ungulates. However, little is known regarding the internal, physiological factors, that may account for differences in implantation rates. The present study investigated the differences in implantation rates and site on the basis of site and number of ovulations through the examination of about 3000 intact uteri collected from pregnant roe deer does (Capreolus capreolus). Although ovulation occurs with the same frequency in the left and right ovary, we revealed a higher frequency of embryos implantation in the left uterine horn in odd litter size, demonstrating that embryos can migrate between the uterine horns. In our study, a greater proportion of reproductive wastage was associated to females with three and four corpora lutea and interestingly, in relation to the site of ovulation, the percentage of corpora lutea that did not correspond to a fetus was higher in the right ovary than in the left one (73.2% vs. 26.8%). Our research described for the first time the absence of laterality in ovulation and the presence of laterality in implantation in roe deer, thus laying the foundations for in-depth studies about the functionality of this uterine side and for comparisons with populations located in other geographical areas to understand whether it is a widespread phenomenon or a local adaptation.

Differences in reproductive function between terminal and lateral flowers in the capitulum of Albizia julibrissin (Fabaceae) based on female fertility, ovule number, and pistil and polyad size

AbstractThe division of labor between florets responsible for reproduction and special functions occurs widely in condensed inflorescences. The capitulum of Albizia julibrissin consists of approximately 10–20 lateral flowers and usually one nectar‐secreting terminal flower; the two flower types are morphologically distinct, but the differences in reproductive function have not been revealed. To determine the differences in reproductive function between terminal and lateral flowers, we compared the ratio of terminal and lateral flowers at the flowering and young pod stages. Additionally, ovule number, stigma size, polyad size, and the ratio of flower abscission were compared between the two flower types. Significant differences were detected only in female fertility between the two flower types. At the flowering stage, 6.8% of flowers were terminal flowers, whereas at the young pod stage, all young fruits were obtained from lateral flowers. At the final stage of blooming, based on the generalized linear model analysis, the ratio of surviving terminal flowers was lower than that of the lateral flowers in a capitulum. These results suggest that the terminal flowers of A. julibrissin had female sterility or, at least, female fertility was lower than in lateral flowers. Therefore, it is necessary to reexamine some previous studies that assumed A. julibrissin to be andromonoecious with hermaphroditic terminal flowers and male lateral flowers. Further comparisons of the quality of ovules and polyads are necessary to clarify whether there is a division of labor between the terminal and lateral flowers in A. julibrissin.

Ovarian function and pregnancy rates in dairy goats that received 300 IU of human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) intravaginally at the time of artificial insemination

Two experiments were carried out to evaluate the effects of administering 300 IU hCG intravaginally (i.vag.) at the time of artificial insemination (AI) on ovulatory response, luteal function and pregnancy rates in cyclic Alpine (A) and Saanen (S) goats. All animals received two i.m. injections of 37.5 μg of d-cloprostenol (Prolise®; Tecnopec, São Paulo, SP, Brazil) at 11.5-day (Experiments 1 and 2) or 7.5-day intervals (Experiment 2). One day after the onset of estrus (day of AI=D0), the goats were randomly allocated to one of the two groups that received: 300 IU hCG (Vetecor®; Hertape-Calier, São Paulo, SP, Brazil) i.vag. (G-hCG; Experiment 1: n = 12 A; Experiment 2: n = 80 A + 63 S) or 0.3 mL or saline solution i.vag. (G-Control; Experiment 1: n = 12 A; Experiment 2: n = 82 A + 65 S). Blood samples for measurements of circulating progesterone concentrations were drawn on both days of d-cloprostenol injections and on D3, D7, D10, D13 and D21 (Experiment 1). Transrectal ovarian ultrasonography was done on D7, D10, D13, D17 and D21 (Experiment 1), and pregnancy detection was performed on D60 (Experiment 2). In Experiment 1, there were no differences (P > 0.05) in the mean diameter of ovulatory follicles, timing and number of ovulations, and incidence of early luteal regression between the two groups of goats. However, the total luteal area on D17 and D21 and luteal vascularization on D10 and D13 were higher (P < 0.05) in G-hCG compared with G-Control does. In Experiment 2, the pregnancy rate was higher (P < 0.05) in G-hCG compared with G-Control goats (80.4% compared with 67.3%, respectively). Human chorionic gonadotropin (300 IU) given i.vag. at the time of AI did not alter ovulatory response or progesterone secretory ability of resultant corpora lutea nor did it completely prevent premature luteal regression, but it increased the luteal area and luteal vascularization as well as the conception rate in dairy goats (the latter by 13.1%).

Use of deslorelin acetate to advance ovulation in goats for timed artificial insemination

The objective of this study was to determine the efficacy of deslorelin in advancing ovulation for timed artificial insemination (AI) protocols in goats. We hypothesized that deslorelin treatment advances the onset of ovulation and improves AI pregnancy rates. Does were synchronized using a 5-day CIDR (controlled internal drug releasing insert) protocol with prostaglandin treatment at CIDR insertion. For Experiment 1, does received 0.2 mg of intramuscular deslorelin (n = 9) or saline (control, n = 10) at CIDR removal. Serial blood collections and transrectal ultrasonography were performed to assess ovarian dynamics and identify ovulation. For Experiment 2, does received 0.2 mg of intramuscular deslorelin (n = 42), 5 ml of PMSG (pregnant mare serum gonadotropin)/hCG (human chorionic gonadotropin) (n = 42), or were left untreated (control, n = 42) at CIDR removal, and were subsequently bred by transcervical AI with fresh semen after 48 to 56 hours. Pregnancy diagnosis was performed at 50 and 90 days after AI. In Experiment 1, compared to control does, deslorelin-treated does had an increased (p &lt; 0.01) number of ovulations and increased (p &lt; 0.01) serum estradiol concentrations from 48 to 72 hours after CIDR removal. Serum progesterone concentrations did not differ between treatments. In Experiment 2, there was a main effect (p = 0.02) of treatment on pregnancy rates, with control does tending (p = 0.06) to have greater pregnancy rates than those treated with deslorelin or PMSG/hCG. Deslorelin treatment also resulted in decreased (p = 0.04) breeding season pregnancy rates and increased (p = 0.05) number of cycles to achieve pregnancy compared to control does. These results demonstrated that deslorelin not only has a super-ovulatory effect but also, at the dose given, can negatively impact does’ subsequent ovarian function and ability to achieve pregnancy.

Notes on the Taxonomy of Salix vitellina (Salicaceae).

Salix vitellina L., or golden willow, was described by C. Linnaeus in 1753. It was later considered to be affiliated with S. alba, and its taxonomic rank has been changed to variety, subspecies, and form. A recent proposal designated it as a form of S. alba × S. fragilis. The goal of this study was to verify the taxonomic designation of S. vitellina using morphological characteristics including ovule number. A few specimens of S. vitellina from Europe and North America, including the lectotype LINN1158.13, were analyzed. It was recorded that S. vitellina has an ovule index of 6-10, with most valves with four and five ovules and less than 50% of valves with five ovules. These ovule parameters were similar to those of S. alba. The other floral characteristics also indicated that S. vitellina is associated with S. alba. No signs of androgyny or flower aberrations, commonly occurring in willow hybrids, were found in the specimens of S. vitellina. Thus, the analyses did not corroborate the hybrid origin of S. vitellina. The ovule analysis also confirmed that f. chermesina with orange-red stems is also a taxon of S. alba, which differs from f. vitellina by a greater ovule index of 12-16.

Effect of hCG administration on ovulation and estrus in Saanen goats subjected to short-term estrus synchronization protocol during the breeding season

This study aimed to compare the effect of hCG administered at 24 or 36 h following a short-term estrus synchronization treatment on the ovulation time and estrus parameters in non-lactating Saanen goats during the breeding season. The estrous cycles of does were synchronized with an intravaginal sponge containing 60 mg of medroxyprogesterone acetate (MAP) for six days, and an injection of 125 µg of d-cloprostenol at the time of sponge insertion in addition to an injection of 300 IU of eCG 24h before sponge removal. After removal of the sponges, does were injected intramuscularly either 1 ml physiological saline (0.9% NaCl) solution after 12 h (Group1/Control; n=10), 100 IU hCG after 24 h (Group2; n=9) or 100 IU hCG after 36 h (Group3; n=9). Estrus behavior after sponge removal was observed twice daily for 84 h using teaser bucks and transrectal ovarian ultrasonography was performed twice a day for seven days to determine small, medium and large follicle numbers, luteal development and the time of ovulation. Blood samples were collected on the same days to determine serum progesterone (P4) and estradiol (E2) concentrations. No significant differences were observed in terms of estrus parameters, ovarian structure and serum P4 and E2 concentrations between the hCG-treated groups and the control group. Average values observed for all groups: estrous response (53.57%), the interval from sponge removal to estrus and ovulation (35.2 h and 67.86 h, respectively), duration of estrus (18.4 h), the interval from estrus onset to ovulation (50.37 h), ovulation rate (96.43%), number of ovulations (1.36), ovulatory follicle diameter (6.86 mm), corpus luteum diameter (8.22 mm), follicle and luteal growth rate (1.17 and 0.68 mm/day, respectively). In conclusion, administration of hCG at 24 or 36 h following a short-term estrous synchronization protocol does not affect ovulation time, estrus parameters, and serum P4 and E2 concentrations in goats during the breeding season.

Optimasi Konsentrasi Paklobutrazol untuk Respons Pembungaan Tanaman Jambu Biji 'Kristal'

The advantages of 'Crystal' guava in Indonesia provide opportunities for farmers to cultivate and increase their production. Various methods of cultivation have been developed to increase the production of 'Crystal' guava, one of which is the use of Growth Regulators. Paclobutrazol is a plant PGR that regulates flowering outside the harvest season so that the production of 'Crystal' guava fruit can be maintained. The purpose of this study was to determine the best concentration of the effect of Paclobutrazol treatment in increasing the flowering of 'Crystal' guava plants. The research was conducted from August 2021 to March 2022 in Rajabasa Lama 1 Village, Labuhan Ratu District, East Lampung Regency. The treatment was carried out in a factorial manner using a single factor randomized block design with three replications so that 36 experimental units were obtained. The first factor was Paclobutrazol (A) which consisted of 6 treatment levels, there are A1 (0 ppm), A2 (4000 ppm), A3 (6000 ppm), A4 (8000 ppm), A5 (10,000 ppm), A6 (12,000 ppm). Paclobutrazol treatment with a concentration of 10,000 ppm gave the best results on the variables of flower number, number of ovules, number of harvested fruit and weight of harvested fruit. Keywords : Paclobutrazol, Concentration, ‘Crystal’ Guava Plants

Drought and temperature stresses impact pollen production and autonomous selfing in a California wildflower, Collinsia heterophylla

AbstractOngoing climatic changes have altered growing conditions for plants by limiting water availability and inducing unprecedented temperature increases, eliciting plant functional responses that compromise floral trait expression, reduce pollen production and promote early self‐pollination. In a controlled greenhouse study, plants of Collinsia heterophylla, an annual mixed‐mated hermaphrodite, were grown under temperature and water stresses. Floral trait responses and related effects on plant reproductive success were recorded. Plants grown under temperature and water stresses were shorter and had fewer leaves at flowering than control plants. Temperature‐stressed plants flowered earlier and had smaller flowers that produced fewer per capita pollen grains than control and water‐stressed plants. While lifetime flower production in plants experiencing temperature stress alone or water stress alone was similar to control plants, those receiving combined temperature and water stresses had significantly lower lifetime flower production. Abiotic stress did not affect investment in female traits such as ovule number per flower, but impacted male traits seen as fewer pollen grains per flower. In plants experiencing abiotic stress, an increase in autonomous self‐pollination was facilitated through a compromise in herkogamy, a sexual interference mechanism that promotes cross‐pollination. Spatial separation between stigma and anther, a measure of herkogamy was zero or negative in stressed plants. Thus, abiotic stress responses in plants did not compromise plant reproductive success as autonomous selfing was augmented. In nature, such responses will likely reduce available nutrition for pollinators through decreased flower and pollen production.

Identifikasi Keragaman Plasma Nutfah Bunga Telang (Clitoria ternatea L.) Di Provinsi Maluku Utara

The Clitoria ternatea plant which has the common name flower telang is a perennial shrub that has deep and woody roots, slightly upward or upright and climbing stems with a height between 20 - 90 cm, downy hair, three to five leaves, oval leaflets the upper surface is hairless and the lower surface is scattered with hairs, flowering bunches in the armpits with 1-2 flowers, the length of the petiole is up to 4 cm, the petals are purple to almost white, the pods are spun oval, hairless, seeds 3-7 , convex valve, seeds round to ovate, brownish in color. The research objective was to determine the diversity of clitoria ternatea flower plants in North Maluku province and as a breeding material for the development of telang flower plants. This research uses descriptive method with direct observation techniques on the object being observed. Morphological and agronomic character data were obtained through surveys and direct observation of sample plants in the field based on modified telang plant descriptor guidelines (IBPGR, 1983 and e-Floras, 2010). From the research found 14 accessions of Clitoria ternatea in North Maluku Province and showed diversity in leaf color, leaf length, leaf length, leaf width, leaf blade size, leaf shape, leaf stalk length, protective crown size, pod length, pod width. pod color, degree of pod curvature, shape of pod beak curvature, seed color, seed coat glossy, number of seeds / pods, maximum number of ovules / pods, weight of seeds / seeds, weight of seeds / pods. The kinship relationship of 14 accessions, cluster I level of similarity 50.55%, cluster II 60.75% and cluster III 42.31%.Keywords: Telang Flower, Germplasm, Diversity

Flower morphology of Allium (Amaryllidaceae) and its systematic significance

Allium is a complicated genus that includes approximately 1000 species. Although its morphology is well studied, the taxonomic importance of many morphological traits, including floral traits, are poorly understood. Here, we examined and measured the floral characteristics of 87 accessions of 74 Allium taxa (belonging to 30 sections and nine subgenera) from Central to Eastern Asian countries. We then examined the taxonomic relationships between select flower characteristics and a phylogenetic tree based on ITS sequences. Our results confirm that floral morphology provides key taxonomic information to assess species delimitation in Allium. We found that perianth color is an important characteristic within the subg. Melanocrommyum, Polyprason, and Reticulatobulbosa. In subg. Allium, Cepa, and Rhizirideum, significant characteristics include ovary shape, perianth shape, and inner tepal apex. For species in subg. Angunium, the key taxonomic character is ovule number (only one ovule in per locule). In the subg. Allium, Cepa, Polyprason, and Reticulatobulbosa, which belong to the third evolutionary line of Allium, hood-like appendages occur in the ovary, although these do not occur in subg. Rhizirideum. Our results also indicated that the flower morphology of several species in some sections are not clearly distinguished, e.g., sect. Sacculiferum (subg. Cepa) and sect. Tenuissima (subg. Rhizirideum). This study provides detailed photographs and descriptions of floral characteristics and information on general distributions, habitats, and phenology of the studied taxa.

Spathiphyllum mixtecorum (Araceae), a new species from Oaxaca, Mexico

During fieldwork conducted in 2022 in Llano de San Vicente, Putla Villa de Guerrero, and San Isidro Paz y Progreso, Santa María Yucuhiti, Oaxaca, Mexico, we discovered a previously undescribed species of Spathiphyllum. In the present paper, we describe and illustrate S. mixtecorum Díaz Jim. and Perez‐Farr. a new species from Oaxaca, Mexico. The proposed new species is morphologically similar to S. uxpanapense Matuda, but differs from that species in having petioles sheathed to the geniculum, a longer geniculum (up to 4 cm long), usually green spathes at anthesis, longer spadix (up to 5 cm), greater number of ovules per locule (up to four) and up to twice as many seeds per berry.

Desmopsisterriflora, an extraordinary new species of Annonaceae with flagelliflory.

Flagelliflory refers to the production of inflorescences exclusively on long, whip-like branches which emerge from the main trunk and extend along the ground or below it. It is the rarest type of cauliflory and only a few cases have been reported in the world. Here, a new species of Annonaceae with flagelliflory is described and illustrated. The phylogenetic relationships of the new species were inferred using a hybrid-capture phylogenomic approach and we present some notes on its reproductive ecology and pollen characteristics. The new species, namely Desmopsisterriflorasp. nov., is part of a clade composed of Mexican species of Stenanona with long, awned petals. Desmopsisterriflora is distinguished by its flageliflorous inflorescences, basely fused sepals, thick red petals, reduced number of ovules per carpel, pollen grains with a weakly rugulate to fossulate exine ornamentation, and its globose, apiculate fruits with a woody testa. The morphological characteristics of the flagella suggest that these are specialized branches rather than inflorescences, and the absence of ramiflory implies an exclusively reproductive function. The flowers are infrequently visited by insects, their potential pollinators being flies and ants.

P-686 Long photoperiod exposure results in glycometabolism disorder in the cumulus-oocyte complex in SD rats

Abstract Study question Does long photoperiod exposure cause glycometabolism changes in the cumulus-oocyte complex? Summary answer The levels of key enzymes and substrates involved in glycometabolism have changed in the cumulus-oocyte complex in SD rats due to circadian rhythm changes. What is known already Circadian rhythm is essential for maintaining the required reproductive activities in mammalians. In our previous research, long photoperiod exposure results in the reduction of ovulation number and the increase of ROS level in oocytes. In the process of oocyte maturation, the tricarboxylic acid cycle and energy metabolism gradually increase, while the ability of the oocyte to absorb glucose is low. It is mainly metabolized by cumulus granulosa cells into pyruvate and then transported to oocytes for subsequent metabolism. Metabolomics is a comprehensive analysis of small molecules, which provides key information about cellular metabolic states. Study design, size, duration Female SD rats, 6-8 weeks old, were randomized into two groups. The rats (n = 20) were exposed to the control photoperiod (12 hours light/12 hours dark) or long photoperiod (16 hours light/8 hours dark) for 12 weeks. Participants/materials, setting, methods Cumulus-oocyte complexes were collected after ovarian stimulation and numbers were counted. The parameters compared include MII rate, fertilization rate, and ovarian follicle number. We used mass spectrometry-based metabolomics to directly measure metabolite abundance. The glycometabolism pathway and its regulatory signaling molecules were analyzed by qPCR and/or Western blots. Main results and the role of chance Long photoperiod exposure significantly reduced the ovulation rate, MII rate and fertilization rate. Interestingly, we find secondary follicle and antral follicle were decreased (p &amp;lt; 0.01), while primordial follicle and primary follicle were increased (p &amp;lt; 0.01). We identified a total of 318 metabolites in COC. Among them, 59 metabolite levels have significant differences between the two groups (FDR &amp;lt; 0.05). The metabolical function analysis suggested that the phosphatidylinositol phosphate metabolism, pyruvate metabolism, phosphatidylcholine biosynthesis, and glycolysis pathways were influenced by circadian interference. In addition, hexokinase, glucose-6-phosphate isomerase, phosphofructokinase glyceraldehyde 3-phosphate expression level were down regulated. Limitations, reasons for caution More studies are required to address how clock gene regulating glycometabolism process. And Translating results in rat model to the human setting is a limitation of this study. Wider implications of the findings Our study findings are first to demonstrate that glycolmetabolism is regulated by long photoperiod exposure in follicle development. This knowledge could help to develop strategies to modulate specific recovery strategies based on metabolic regulator to improve human IVF. Trial registration number Not applicable

Number of Ovulation Observed in Black Bengal Goats by Ultrasound Imaging and its Subsequent Confirmation through Exploratory Laparotomy

Number of Ovulation Observed in Black Bengal Goats by Ultrasound Imaging and its Subsequent Confirmation through Exploratory Laparotomy

Prolonged glucocorticoid administration affects oocyte morphology in cats (Felis catus) undergoing an ovarian stimulation protocol

While captivity-related stress and the associated rise in baseline glucocorticoid (GC) concentrations have been linked to ovarian quiescence in some felid species, no study has examined the effects of elevated GC on oocyte quality. This study examined the effects of exogenous GC administration on the ovarian response and oocyte quality of domestic cats after an ovarian stimulation protocol. Entire mature female cats were divided into treatment (n = 6) and control (n = 6) groups. Cats in the GC treatment (GCT) group were given 1 mg kg−1 oral prednisolone daily from Day 0–45. All cats (n = 12) were given 0.088 mg kg−1 day−1 progesterone orally from Day 0–37, before treatment with 75 IU eCG im to induce follicular growth on Day 40, followed by 50 IU hCG im 80 h later to induce ovulation. Cats were ovariohysterectomised 30 h after the hCG treatment. Blood samples were collected on Days 0, 10, 30 and 40 (prior to eCG treatment), 80 h after eCG treatment, and on Day 45 for cortisol, glucose, prednisolone, oestradiol, and progesterone analysis. Cortisol concentrations did not differ between treatment groups throughout the study. Mean glucose concentrations were higher in the GCT cats (P = 0.004). Prednisolone was undetectable in all samples. Oestradiol and progesterone concentrations confirmed that the eCG treatment stimulated follicular activity and ovulation in all cats. Following ovariohysterectomy, the ovarian responses were graded (1 = excellent, 4 = poor) and oocytes retrieved from the oviducts. Each oocyte was given a total oocyte score (TOS: using an 9-point scale, 8 = best) based on four parameters: oocyte morphology, size, ooplasm uniformity and granularity, and zona pellucida (ZP) thickness and variation. Ovulation was confirmed in all cats, with a mean of 10.5 ± 1.1 ovulations per cat. Ovarian mass, ovarian response, number of ovulations, and oocyte recovery did not differ between groups. Oocyte diameter did not differ between the groups, but the ZP was thinner in the GCT group (3.1 ± 0.3 μm vs. 4.1 ± 0.3 μm, P = 0.03). The TOS was similar between treatment and control cats, but the ooplasm grade was lower (1.5 ± 0.1 vs. 1.9 ± 0.1, P = 0.01) and there was a tendency for ZP grade to be poorer (0.8 ± 0.1 vs. 1.2 ± 0.2; P = 0.08) in the treatment group. In conclusion, the GC treatment resulted in morphological changes to oocytes collected following ovarian stimulation. Whether these changes would affect fertility warrants further investigation.

Expression Characterization of ABCDE Class MADS-Box Genes in Brassica rapa with Different Pistil Types.

MADS-box is a vital transcription factor family that functions in plant growth and development. Apart from APETALA2, all genes in the ABCDE model that explain the molecular mechanism of floral organ development belong to the MADS-box family. Carpel and ovule numbers in plants are essential agronomic traits that determine seed yield, and multilocular siliques have great potential for the development of high-yield varieties of Brassica. In this study, ABCDE genes in the MADS-box family from Brassica rapa were identified and characterized. Their tissue-specific expression patterns in floral organs and their differential expression in different pistil types of B. rapa were revealed by qRT-PCR. A total of 26 ABCDE genes were found to belong to the MADS-box family. Our proposed ABCDE model of B. rapa is consistent with that of Arabidopsis thaliana, indicating that ABCDE genes are functionally conserved. These results of qRT-PCR showed that the expression levels of class C and D genes were significantly different between the wild-type (wt) and tetracarpel (tetrac) mutant of B. rapa. Interestingly, the expression of the homologs of class E genes was imbalanced. Therefore, it is speculated that class C, D, and E genes are involved in developing the carpel and ovule of B. rapa. Our findings reveal the potential for the selection of candidate genes to improve yield traits in Brassica crops.

Cycas micronesica Megastrobilus Traits Respond to Chronic Herbivory by Aulacaspis yasumatsui

Aulacaspis yasumatsui Takagi invaded Guam in 2003 and caused the widespread mortality of the indigenous Cycas micronesica K.D. Hill population. The regeneration of the surviving tree population continues to be constrained 20 years later, and a look at the changes in megastrobili traits may inform future conservation management decisions concerning regeneration. We quantified megastrobilus reproductive effort and output from 2001 to 2022 to address this need. The reproductive effort of each megastrobilus was immediately reduced by the invasion, as the number of megasporophylls declined by 29%, and the number of ovules declined by 73% in 2006. Reproductive output was also damaged, as the percent seed set declined by 56% and the number of seeds per strobilus declined by 88%. These fecundity metrics have shown few signs of recovery through 2022. Our results reveal that chronic A. yasumatsui infestations, combined with other invasive herbivore threats, have damaged the host C. micronesica population through a sustained reduction in ovule production and the percent seed set for each megastrobilus, thereby impairing regeneration. This plant response to the biotic threats is distinct from the ongoing mortality of mature trees and emerging seedlings. Conservation interventions may be required to foster a return to adequate regeneration during future attempts to aid C. micronesica recovery.

Morphogenetic peculiarities of reproductive biology in sugar beet (Beta vulgaris L.) breeding.

This review considers the processes of morphogenesis used in the development of propagation methods and the creation of a new starting material for sugar beet. It has been demonstrated that methods of particulation, in vitro microcloning and cell breeding that reflect non-sexual forms of plant reproduction increase the effectiveness of breeding experiments. The review describes the in vitro culture methods maintaing a tendency in plants for vegetative propagation and stimulating increase in genetic variability of properties when mutagens such as ethyl methanesulfonate, alien genetic structures with mf2 and mf3 bacterial genes in Agrobacterium tumefaciens strains, and selective agents (Сd++ ions and abscisic acid) are incorporated into plant cells. It presents the results of using fluorescent microscopy, cytophotometry, biochemical analysis and determining the level of phytohormones and content of nucleic acids in nuclei for forecasting the seed setting ability. It has demonstrated that long self-pollination of plants causes decrease in fertility of pollen grains, resulting in the sterilization of male gametes and the appearance of pistillody flowers. Self-fertile plants isolated from these lines serve as sterility fixers, while the apomixis elements increased the ovule number, additional embryo sacs and embryos. A role of apomixis in contributing to variability in the onto- and phylogenetic development of plants have been substantiated. The review reflects the morphological features of the in vitro development of sexual and somatic cells in embryos during the formation of seedlings based on floral and vegetative embryoidogeny. Use of the SNP and SSR (Unigenes) molecular-genetic markers having a high polymorphism level has appeared effective to characterize the developed breeding material and hybrid components when carrying out crossings. The study of sugar beet starting materials for the presence of TRs mini-satellite loci making it possible to reveal O-type plants-pollinators (sterility fixing agent) and MS-form plants are of interest for breeding as well. The selected material can be widely used in breeding to produce hybrids, allowing for a 2-3- fold reduction of the development period. The review also discusses the prospects for the development and implementation of new methods and original schemes in sugar beet genetics, biotechnology and breeding.

Preovulatory LH and FSH profiles of aluteal cycles

Interovulatory intervals are significantly shortened in aluteal cycles (Coffman et al, Theriogenology. 2014;82:1241-45). We hypothesized that the early return to estrus and ovulation would result from a marked elevation in gonadotropins. Therefore, the aim of this study was to characterize the LH and FSH blood profiles and follicle development of cycling mares during the preovulatory period of aluteal cycles. Eight cycling mares were studied during one control (luteal) cycle (CTRL) and one aluteal cycle (AL), arranged in a crossover design. With the aid of serial ultrasound exams, mares detected in estrus and with ≥ 35 mm follicles were treated with deslorelin acetate (1.8 mg intramuscularly). At detected ovulation (Day 0), mares were randomly allotted to a CTRL or an AL cycle as previously described: administration of 500 mcg of cloprostenol twice daily on Days 0, 1, and 2 and once daily on Days 3 and 4. Blood samples for RIA determination of plasma LH and FSH concentrations were collected daily. Areas under the curve (AUC) for concentrations of plasma LH and FSH from samples collected starting six days preceding ovulation (Day 0) were calculated with the linear interpolation trapezoidal method and compared between groups using a t-test. Interovulatory intervals (IOI) were compared using a paired t-test and a Sign test was used to compare the number of dominant follicles (≥ 28 mm), ovulations and ovulationfailures. The significance level was set as p ≤ 0.05 and a trend as 0.05 < p ≤ 0.1. Total AUC concentrations (± SEM) of LH for AL and CTRL groups were 41.57 ± 8.72 ng·day·mL-1 and 16.69 ± 4.17 ng·day·mL-1, respectively (p = 0.012) and FSH for AL and CTRL groups were 68.35 ± 11.44 ng·day·mL-1 and 45.60 ± 5.69 ng·day·mL-1, respectively (p = 0.079). Mean (± SD) IOI of AL cycles was significantly shorter than that of CTRL cycles (12.88 ± 1.35 days vs. 21.38 ± 1.30 days, p < 0.0001). A significant number of mares (5/8, 62.5%) presented an increase in the number (median ± IQR) of dominant follicles during AL cycles (2.5 ± 1.75 vs. 1.5 ± 1; p = 0.025). In contrast, no significant difference in the median (± IQR) number of ovulations was observed between AL and CTRL groups (1 ± 0 vs. 1 ± 0.75, respectively; p = 0.563). While all AL and CTRL cycles were ovulatory, there was a trend for AL mares to have remaining presumptive preovulatory follicles failing to ovulate (3/8 versus 0/8, respectively; p = 0.083). In conclusion, aluteal cycles were characterized by elevated concentrations of blood LH and FSH during the preovulatory period. These elevated gonadotropins were likely associated with the increase in the number of dominant follicles that became presumptive preovulatory follicles in aluteal cycles.