Relative Growth Rate Values Research Articles

Effects of the extrusion process on the physical properties of micro pellets and the growth performance of juvenile Nile tilapia

The present study aimed to evaluate the effect of different extrusion processes on the physical properties of micro pellets and how the alterations affect the growth performance of juvenile Nile tilapia. Four experimental diets were produced with the same formulation, but with different extrusion processes: CE: cold extrusion (18 ºC); HE: hot extrusion (100 ºC); D1: double extrusion, first a hot extrusion (100 ºC) of all the ingredients followed by cold extrusion (18 ºC); D2: double extrusion, first a hot extrusion (100 ºC) of the plant-based ingredients followed by mixing with the animal-based ingredients and milling, then cold extrusion (18 ºC). Juvenile tilapia (0.83 ± 0.01 g; 3.68 ± 0.19 cm) were distributed in 20 experimental units (60 L; n=5; 20 fish per unit) in a completely randomized design for four weeks. The micro pellets of the experimental HE diet presented a positive expansion rate (2.86 ± 0.45 %) and a lower bulk density (465.9 ± 3.45 g/L). The D1 and D2 micro pellets presented higher bulk density (671.0 ± 2.98 and 612.8 ± 4.99 g/L, respectively). All the micro pellets showed high durability (>95 %). The D2 micro pellets showed low water resistance (24.4 ± 3.51 %), resulting in a high leaching rate of nutrients (>68 %). The HE and D1 micro pellets showed a higher absorption rate in water (3.65 ± 0.29 and 3.66 ± 0.21 g water/g, respectively). The water solubility index of the micro pellets was not influenced by the different extrusion processes (P > 0.05), nor were survival and feed consumption. The fish fed with the HE diet showed greater weight gain (3.84 ± 0.44 g), and the lowest weight gain was in the fish fed with the CE diet (3.05 ± 0.39 g) (P < 0.05). Feed conversion was lower in fish fed the HE (1.06) and D1 (1.11) diets (P < 0.05). Fish fed the HE diet had the highest values for relative growth rate (9.08 ± 0.62 %/d), protein retention (30.6 ± 2.61 %) and protein efficiency (2.26 ± 0.22 %) (P < 0.05). Fish fed the CE diet had the lowest values for relative growth rate (7.82 ± 0.51 %/d), protein retention (21.4 ± 2.72 %) and protein efficiency (1.55 ± 0.23 %) (P < 0.05), though the values are in line with those in the literature. In conclusion, hot extrusion resulted in micro pellets with better physical properties and fish with higher growth performance. Double extrusion, first a hot extrusion of the plant-based ingredients followed by mixing with the animal-based ingredients and milling, then cold extrusion is not recommended due to high levels of nutrient leaching. Cold extrusion and double extrusion, first a hot extrusion of all the ingredients followed by cold extrusion processing can be considered for producing micro diets for juvenile tilapia, especially when less investment in the extrusion process is desired.

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.

Tall wheatgrass response toward phosphorus deficiency: a constraint to its use as a forage resource in marginal soils

Tall wheatgrass is cultivated for pasture in marginal areas around the world due to its tolerance to abiotic stress including seasonal droughts and floods, as well as saline and alkaline soils. However, there is concern about its biomass productivity, which often does not exceed that of natural pastures. In this work we hypothesize that tall wheatgrass is a plant more sensitive to low P availability than commonly assumed. A glasshouse sand culture experiment was conducted to analyze morpho-physiological responses of tall wheatgrass to different P availability levels: 1 µmol L−1 phosphorus (severe deficiency, P1), 10 µmol L−1 phosphorus (representative value of soil solution in the region, P10) and 500 µmol L−1 phosphorus (full P supply, P500). Our results show that both limiting P conditions strongly decreased plant development and biomass accumulation, and altered above- and below-ground morphology, in comparison with P500 plants. The latter, in turn, had relative growth rate values comparable to those of other cultivated grasses under non-limiting conditions. In both P-deficient treatments, plant development was severely delayed starting from leaf number 3, even when P concentration in the pseudostem at early stages was similar or even higher than that of P500 plants. Our results suggest that developmental inhibition of tall wheatgrass at low P supply may be the consequence of a specific plant response to P concentration in soil solution, rather than to direct P starvation in plant tissues, and underlines the need of improvement of this species to enhance productivity in this environment.

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 &lt; 0.05) on the FUE, PER, protein retention, and RGR values but had no effect (P &lt; 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.

Influence of Bradyrhizobium japonicum on the growth parameters and formation of the assimilation apparatus in E-gene isogenic lines of soybean

The study investigated the impact of the interaction between soybean and rhizobia on the assimilation apparatus functioning and biomass accumulation in different soybean lines with varying photoperiod sensitivity. Nearly isogenic lines (NILs) of soybean were used, with genes E1, E2, and E3 in different allelic states: Clark (e1E2E3), L80-5879 (E1e2e3), L63-3117 (e1e2E3), and L71-920 (e1e2e3). The experimental group for each line was treated with Bradyrhizobium japonicum 634b. Plants were grown under natural long-day conditions (16 hours). Growth indicators of the studied lines, such as relative growth rate (RGR), net assimilation rate (NAR), leaf area ratio (LAR), and specific leaf area (SLA), were analyzed, as well as the content of chlorophylls A and B in the V3 and V5 developmental stages. The results demonstrate that the influence of rhizobia on the functioning of the assimilation apparatus and biomass accumulation depends on the soybean line genotype. In the study, RGR, which characterizes the biomass accumulation rate, has similar trends to those observed with NAR, characterizing the assimilation apparatus's functioning. However, each line showed its own tendencies. For instance, in the short-day variety Clark, under bacterial influence, the value of RGR and NAR decreased. Additionally, LAR and SLA values indicated a reduction in the total photosynthetic surface area and leaf dry matter. Bacterial inoculation did not significantly affect the content of photosynthetic pigments in Clark leaves. Another short-day line, L80-5879, showed no significant impact of bacterial inoculation on biomass accumulation. However, soybean interaction with Bradyrhizobium japonicum 634b led to a decrease in leaf surface area and dry matter content. Probably, bacterial inoculation supported assimilation processes by increasing auxiliary chlorophyll b in photosystem I. A general trend of significant RGR reduction in neutral-day soybean lines, L63-3117 and L71-920, was identified under bacterial influence. The interaction with rhizobia differently affected LAR and SLA values, indicating distinct adaptive mechanisms to the interactions. In conditions of almost zero plant biomass accumulation, Bradyrhizobium japonicum 634b caused a decrease in the total photosynthetic surface area and chlorophyll a and b content in the L63-3117 line. In L71-920, bacterial inoculation had no effect on the total photosynthetic surface area, while leaf dry matter and photosynthetic pigment content decreased. The obtained results demonstrate that interaction with rhizobia can influence the functioning of the assimilation apparatus in soybeans with varying photoperiod sensitivity that is determined by genotype. It is important in improving soybean productivity and its application in agricultural practices.

Trade-offs among leaf toughness, constitutive chemical defense, and growth rates in oaks are influenced by the level of leaf mass per area

Key messageAmong the variety of leaf defensive strategies to counteract herbivory attacks, the oak species analyzed in this study maximize investment in no more than one, with high-LMA oaks developing very tough leaves and low-LMA oaks favoring between high concentrations of condensed tannins or high growth rates.ContextPlants develop a variety of defense strategies to counteract herbivory attacks, from physical and chemical defenses to tolerance strategies. Tradeoffs between strategies have been widely assessed from a resource allocation perspective, but there is a need to consider eventual interactions among them.AimWe evaluate the among-species tradeoff between three main constitutive plant defense traits, while considering the leaf mass per area ratio (LMA) as a proxy of leaf construction investment on area basis.MethodsLeaf toughness measured as work of fracture, condensed tannins, and relative growth rate (RGR) were analyzed in a set of 19 Quercus L. species with contrasting LMA.ResultsMost species had low values either in two or in the three traits analyzed. Moreover, the highest values of work of fracture appeared in the species with high LMA; the highest values of condensed tannins were found in the species with the lowest LMA; and high values of RGR were measured in species with intermediate or lower values of LMA.ConclusionOaks showed a trade-off among leaf defensive strategies influenced by LMA. Oaks with high LMA developed very tough leaves while oaks with low LMA presented lower values of toughness but favored between one of the two other strategies.

Assessing the effect of heavy metals on maize (Zea maysL.) growth and soil characteristics: plants-implications for phytoremediation

BackgroundHeavy metal pollution has become a global environmental issue. Heavy metals are contaminating the agro-soils, growing crops, and vegetables through different agricultural practices. In this study, besides the phytoremediation potential of maize, the role of chromium (Cr) and lead (Pb) on crop and soil health has been investigated.MethodsTwo maize varieties, Pak-Afgoi and Neelem, were grown under varying concentrations of Cr (50–300 ppm) and Pb (30–300 ppm) and different growth parametersi.e., seed germination, leaf size/number, stem girth, plant height, biomass, chlorophyll content, relative growth rate (RGR), and net assimilation rate (NAR) were studied under Cr and Pb stress. Likewise, the effect of metals was also assessed on different soil characteristics including soil texture, pH, EC, soil organic matter, urease activity and nutrients.ResultsStudied plant attributes were adversely affected by heavy metals toxicity. Affected values of RGR and NAR showed a linear correlation with affected growth and dry matter yield of maize. Heavy metals impacted different soil parameters including soil microbial performance and revealed a declining trend as compared to control soil. Maize varieties showed a significant phytoremediation potentiali.e., uptake of Cr and Pb was 33% and 22% in Pak-Afgoi, while Neelem showed 38% and 24% at 300 ppm, respectively. Data regarding metal translocation factor (TF), bioaccumulation factor (ACF), and biomagnification ratio (BMR) significantly revealed the potential of maize varieties in the removal of Cr and Pb metals from affected soils. However, Cr-accumulation was higher in shoots, and Pb accumulated in plant roots showed a differential behavior of metal translocation and affinity with the varieties. These maize varieties may be recommended for general cultivation in the Cr and Pb-contaminated areas.

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&lt;0.05) on Absolute Growth (Ag); Relative Growth Rate (RGR); Efficiency of Feed Utilization (EFU), Protein Efficiency Ratio (PER) and no significant effect (P&gt;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.

Growth indices, photosynthetic parameters and productivity of barley (Hordeum vulgare) as influenced by sowing dates and cutting management

A field experiment was conducted during the winter (rabi) seasons of 2015–16 and 2016–17 at the Punjab Agricultural University, Ludhiana, to study the effect of staggered sowing on growth indices, photosynthetic parameters and productivity of barley (Hordeum vulgare L.) in relation to different cutting management. The experiment was laid out in a split-plot design with 3 sowing dates, viz. 15 October, 30 October and 15 November in main plots and 5 cutting management, viz. un-cut (control), cut at 50 days after sowing (DAS), cut at 60 DAS, cut at 50 DAS + additional 15 kg N/ha after cut (N15) and cut at 60 DAS + additional 15 kg N/ha after cut (N15)] in subplots, replicated 4 times. The results indicated that, the crop sown on 15 October registered the highest values of absolute growth rate (AGR) and crop growth rate (CGR) up to 120 days of crop-growth. Thereafter, crop sown on 15 November showed higher AGR and CGR values than that sown on 15 October and 30 October. Relative growth rate (RGR) was the highest in the crop sown on 15 October up to 30 days; 30 October up to 120 days and 15 November thereafter. Fodder cut at 50 DAS and cut at 50 DAS + N15 treatments resulted in the negative values of AGR, CGR and RGR during 30–60 DAS. Transpiration rate and stomatal conductance decreased significantly and progressively with each delay in sowing. Uncut crop recorded the highest transpiration rate (0.53 m mol/m2 /sec), whereas the crop cut at 60 DAS resulted in the lowest transpiration rate (0.26 m mol/m2 /sec). Crop sown on 15 October resulted in 11.9 and 47.9% more grain yield and 18.3 and 25.2% more fodder yield than that sown on 30 October and 15 November, respectively. Control and cutting for fodder at 50 DAS gave similar grain yields, but were significantly higher than the other cutting-management treatments.

Phytase Enzyme Improves Growth Performance and Body Chemical Composition of Sangkuriang Catfish (Clarias gariepinus var. Sangkuriang) Juvenile

Due to their nutritional value, alternative vegetable materials such as soybean are needed to promote sustainable aquaculture development. However, phytate in soybean could interfere with the protein digestion of the fish body. This study examines the effectiveness of phytate enzymes in enhancing protein digestibility, growth performance, mineral digestion, and body chemical composition of Sangkuriang catfish (Clarias gariepinus var. Sangkuriang) juveniles. The study was completely randomized design with 4 treatments and 3 repetitions. One hundred thirteen Sangkuriang catfish juveniles (7.65 ± 0.14 g) were used for each repetition. The fish were fed with an experimental diet supplemented with various doses of phytase enzyme: 0 (A), 500 (B), 1,000 (C), and 1,500 (D) FTU/kg of feed. The mineral digestibility, protein digestibility, protein efficiency ratio (PER), feed conversion ratio (FCR), the efficiency of feed utilization (EFU), apparent digestibility coefficients (ADCp), relative growth rate (RGR), and survival rate (SR) were observed. Data were analyzed using analysis of variance followed by Duncan’s multiple range test. The results showed that adding 1,000 FTU/kg of phytase enzyme (C) exhibited the highest PER, FCR, EFU, ADCp, and RGR value of Sangkuriang catfish juveniles compared to other treatments. All treatment groups (B-C) had the same SR value (100%) and had the highest crude protein and ash content compared to the A group. All group treatments also exhibited a higher phosphorus, calcium, potassium, magnesium, iron, zinc, manganese, copper, and cobalt. Therefore, phytase enzyme supplementation could improve protein digestibility, mineral digestibility, growth performance, and body chemical composition of Sangkuriang catfish juveniles.

Primary and secondary plant metabolites determining the suitability of pistachio kernels for the carob moth

AbstractThe carob moth, Ectomyelois ceratoniae (Zeller) (Lepidoptera: Pyralidae) is a serious pest of fruit and nut crops worldwide that causes significant losses in Iranian pistachio orchards. In order to assess variation among cultivars is susceptibility to carob moth and biochemical correlates, the present study evaluated the suitability of kernels of 10 pistachio cultivars for E. ceratoniae development and reproductive performance under laboratory conditions: 25 ± 1°C, 65 ± 5% RH and a 16:8 (L:D) photoperiod. The primary and secondary metabolites of nuts were quantified and correlated with life history traits and various metrics of biological performance and indices of relative suitability were calculated. Nut protein content averaged 18.4 ± 0.1% and did not vary significantly among cultivars. Two cultivars yielded significantly slower larval development and lower values for relative growth rate, female longevity and fecundity, relative to all others. Suitability indices calculated from moth life history parameters varied by a factor of 4.66 across cultivars, with values &lt;1 for the two most resistant varieties. The latter cultivars were less consumed by larvae and were lowest in carbohydrate content and efficiency of food conversion, but ranked highest in total phenolics, tannins and flavonoids. Linear regressions indicated that carbohydrate content was positively correlated with kernel suitability for larval development and adult reproduction, whereas total phenolics, tannins, flavonoids and anthocyanins were all negatively correlated. The implications of these findings for integrated management of E. ceratoniae in pistachio orchards, and the possibility of improving pistachio resistance to carob moth, are discussed.

Short Communication: Comparison of the water environment aspects and production of Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) between biofloc and conventional aquaculture systems in tropical dryland region

Abstract. Halla PTHB, Lalel, H, Santoso P. 2023. Short Communication: Comparison of the water environment aspects and production of Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) between biofloc and conventional aquaculture systems in tropical dryland region. Intl J Trop Drylands 7: 12-15. The study aimed to compare the water quality of two aquaculture systems (i.e., conventional system and biofloc technology system) used to cultivate Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus Linnaeus, 1758) in tropical dry land areas. This study used a survey method using seven samples for each aquaculture system. The results of the Kruskal-Wallis test showed that there was a significant difference (P&lt;0.05) in the content of ammonia (NH3) between the two aquaculture systems, while the content of nitrate (NO3), phosphate (PO4), dissolved oxygen (DO) and pH was not significantly different (P&gt;0.05). Although the value of ammonia (NH3) in the biofloc aquaculture system is higher than in the conventional aquaculture system, it is still below the quality standard of the aquatic environment. Conversely, the specific growth rate (SGR), relative growth rate (RGR), survival rate (SR), and production of fish between the two aquaculture systems showed significant differences (P&lt;0.05). Where the value of SGR, RGR, and survival rate in conventional ponds is higher than that of biofloc ponds, on the contrary, the value of fish production in biofloc ponds is higher than in conventional ponds.

Growth indices, photosynthetic parameters and productivity of barley (Hordeum vulgare) as influenced by sowing dates and cutting management

A field experiment was conducted during the winter (rabi) seasons of 2015–16 and 2016–17 at the Punjab Agricultural University, Ludhiana, to study the effect of staggered sowing on growth indices, photosynthetic parameters and productivity of barley (Hordeum vulgare L.) in relation to different cutting management. The experiment was laid out in a split-plot design with 3 sowing dates, viz. 15 October, 30 October and 15 November in main plots and 5 cutting management, viz. un-cut (control), cut at 50 days after sowing (DAS), cut at 60 DAS, cut at 50 DAS + additional 15 kg N/ha after cut (N15) and cut at 60 DAS + additional 15 kg N/ha after cut (N15)] in subplots, replicated 4 times. The results indicated that, the crop sown on 15 October registered the highest values of absolute growth rate (AGR) and crop growth rate (CGR) up to 120 days of crop-growth. Thereafter, crop sown on 15 November showed higher AGR and CGR values than that sown on 15 October and 30 October. Relative growth rate (RGR) was the highest in the crop sown on 15 October up to 30 days; 30 October up to 120 days and 15 November thereafter. Fodder cut at 50 DAS and cut at 50 DAS + N15 treatments resulted in the negative values of AGR, CGR and RGR during 30–60 DAS. Transpiration rate and stomatal conductance decreased significantly and progressively with each delay in sowing. Uncut crop recorded the highest transpiration rate (0.53 m mol/m2/sec), whereas the crop cut at 60 DAS resulted in the lowest transpiration rate (0.26 m mol/m2 /sec). Crop sown on 15 October resulted in 11.9 and 47.9% more grain yield and 18.3 and 25.2% more fodder yield than that sown on 30 October and 15 November, respectively. Control and cutting for fodder at 50 DAS gave similar grain yields, but were significantly higher than the other cutting-management treatments.

Effect of varieties and nitrogen levels on growth indices of malt barley (Hordeum vulgare) under saline water irrigation

A field experiment was conducted during the winter (rabi)season of 2017–18 and 2018–19 at the Chaudhary Charan Singh Haryana Agricultural University, Hisar, to study the effect of saline water irrigation on growth indices in 4 varieties (‘BH 902’, ‘BH 946’, ‘BH 885’ and ‘DWRB 101’) of barley (Hordeum vulgare L.) at different nitrogen levels (0, 30, 60 and 90 kg/ha). The results showed that, during early growth period both 6-row barley varieties ‘BH 902’ and ‘BH 946’ recorded significantly higher crop-growth rate (CGR), relative growth rate (RGR), net assimilation rate (NAR), specific leaf weigth (SLW) and leaf-area duration (LAD) than both 2-row barley varieties ‘BH 885’ and ‘DWRB 101’, whereas ‘BH 885’ and ‘DWRB 101’ varieties attained higher values of RGR and NAR after 90 days after sowing (DAS). The CGR and LAD recorded maximum values between 61 and 90 DAS, while RGR and NAR showed the highest values up to 30 DAS irrespective of varieties and nitrogen levels. Application of 90 kg N/ ha significantly enhanced the CGR up to 90 DAS, RGR up to 30 DAS and LAD up to 120 DAS, while NAR values were significantly increased up to 60 DAS with 30 kg N/ha and SLW up to 90 DAS with 60 kg N/ha. The RGR, NAR and SLW were significantly decreased with the application of different nitrogen levels between 91 and 120 DAS as compared to the control. The variety ‘BH 946’ gave the highest grain yield of 5.15 t/ha, being 5.1, 7.3 and 14.7% higher than ‘DWRB 101’, ‘BH 902’ and ‘BH 885’, respectively. Different varieties responded to N application only up to 60 kg/ha. Grain yield of barley was positively correlated with CGR, SLW and LAD but negatively with RGR.

Dry matter partitioning in Bt and non Bt cotton (Gossypium hirsutum) cultivars under different sowing environments of Punjab

A field experiment was conducted at Punjab Agricultural University (PAU), Regional Research Station (RRS), Faridkot and Bathinda during rainy (kharif) season 2017 to evaluate the performance of Bt and non Bt cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.) cultivars under different sowing environments. The experiment was laid out in split plot design with 3 sowing dates (April 20, May 10 and May 30) in main plots and 4 American cotton cultivars [2 Bt cultivars (NCS 855 BGII and RCH 650 BGII) and 2 non Bt cultivars (F 2228 and F 1861)] in sub-plots. Results of the pooled data indicated that early sown (April 20) crop accumulated more dry matter production, higher crop growth rate (CGR) as well as relative growth rate (RGR) followed by crop sown on May 10 and May 30. Maximum CGR (14.35–15.48 g/m2/day) was obtained during 90–120 DAS (days after sowing) while RGR was highest during 60–90 DAS. Among tested cultivars, F 1861 exhibited better CGR and RGR values and hence, accumulated higher dry matter (1303.0 g/m2) followed by F 2228 (1276.9 g/m2), NCS 855 BGII (1261.1 g/m2) and RCH 650 BGII (1206.7 g/m2). Dry matter accumulation in fruiting bodies has started around 90 DAS and accounted for 30–35% of total above ground biomass. Bt cultivar NCS 855 BGII, accumulated higher dry matter in fruiting bodies (458.1 g/m2), though at par with RCH 650 BGII (432.2 g/m2) but, significantly higher than F 1861 (403.3 g/m2) and F 2228 (401.9 g/m2). Dry matter accumulation towards fruiting bodies in Bt cultivars was ~9% higher than non Bt cultivars which may be prime reason for better yield performance of Bt cotton.

Evaluation of artificial diets based on different legume seeds on the nutritional physiology and digestive function of Helicoverpa armigera (Hübner).

Helicoverpa armigera (Hübner) is considered a serious agricultural pest worldwide. We explored the effects of artificial diets containing ten legumes, including broad beans (Shadan, Feyz, Saraziri, Barekat, and Mahta cultivars), white kidney beans (Dehghan cultivar), red kidney beans (Goli cultivar), common beans (Khomein cultivar), cowpeas (Mashhad and Arabi cultivars) on the feeding responses of H. armigera by quantifying specific primary and secondary metabolites in the studied legumes and determining larval nutritional indices and digestive enzyme activities. The results showed that the highest efficiency of conversion of digested food (ECD) and relative growth rate values (RGR) of whole larval instars were obtained in the Dehghan and Goli cultivars. However, the lowest values of ECD and RGR were observed in the larvae fed on the Khomein and Mahta cultivars. The highest proteolytic and amylolytic activities of larvae were found on the Dehghan and Mashhad cultivars. The highest and lowest values of standardized insect-growth index and index of plant quality were observed in larvae feeding on the Dehghan and Khomein cultivars, respectively. Additionally, significant variations in phytochemical metabolites were recorded among the studied legume cultivars. Significant negative or positive correlations were also found between feeding characteristics and enzymatic activities of H. armigera with the biochemical composition of the studied legumes. The cluster analysis results revealed that artificial diets containing Mahta and Khomein cultivars were unsuitable for H. armigera, and can be used as candidates for integrated pest management programs or for screening insect inhibitors to produce genetically modified pest-resistant plants.

Pontederia sagittata and Cyperus papyrus contribution to carbon storage in floating treatment wetlands established in subtropical urban ponds

Carbon sequestration is considered an ecosystem service of regulation provided by diverse ecosystems, including wetlands. It has been widely evaluated in the soil of natural wetlands while in constructed wetlands, there is scanty information. In Floating Treatment Wetlands (FTW) there is none. Previously, our research group reported the efficient performance of FTW in an urban polluted pond for two years. As a follow up, the aim of this work was to investigate the contribution of Cyperus papyrus and Pontederia sagittata to carbon storage (CS) in four FTW established in eutrophic urban ponds in a subtropical region. Plant growth, productivity, and CS were assessed in the aboveground biomass of C. papyrus and P. sagittata and the belowground biomass (root mix from C. papyrus and P. sagittata), throughout 26 months in 2 FTW with an area of 17.5 m2 (FTW1) and 33 m2 (FTW2) and throughout 19 months in 2 FTW with an area of 25 m2 (FTW3) and 33 m2 (FTW4), respectively. The macrophyte growth depended on various factors, such as the season, the plant species, and the location of the FTW. High relative growth rate values were found for both species (0.125 and 0.142 d−1 for P. sagittata and C. papyrus, respectively), especially during summer and early autumn. The highest values of productivity were 337 ± 125 gdw m−2d−1 for the aboveground biomass of C. papyrus in FTW2, 311 ± 96.90 gdwm−2d−1 for the aboveground of P. sagittata in FTW1, and 270 ± 107 gdw m−2d−1 for the belowground biomass in FTW2. The mean values of CS for P. sagittata found in FTW1 were 1.90 ± 0.94 kg m−2, while for C. papyrus in FTW2 they were 4.09 ± 0.73 kg m−2. The contribution of the belowground biomass to CS was also significant in FTW2 (4.58 ± 0.59 kg m−2).

Using vitamin C and sodium bentonite as food additives in the diets of common carp Cyprinus carpio L.

An experiments were conducted in open culture system to study the effect of food additives i.e. vitamin C and sodium bentonite to improve the diets characteristics of common carp Cyprinus carpio in concentrations 100, 250 and 500 mg vitamin C/ kg diet and 10, 20 and 30 gm S.B./ kg diet. The results indicate that there was a significant differences (P&lt;0.01) between diets contain additives superior than diets without it (control) the weight increase in fish were 49.03 gm(500 mg vitamin C), 50.79 gm ( S.B. 30 gm) while it was 40 gm in control diets. Also the values of relative growth rates increased (38.35, 40.23 and 31.33 % respectively) and specific growth rats (0.46, 0.48 and 0.39 % wt/day respectively). A distinct effect was noticed of these additives on the food conversion ratio (FCR), protein efficiency ratio (PER) and productive protein value (PPV).While no significant differences (P&gt;0.01) were noticed between diets in food in take which ranged between 2.62 to 3.43 % from body weight .The body protein levels were increased (16.36 – 21.00 %) compared to it level before experiments (15.59) .The diets contain all levels of vit.C and 20 gm of sodium bentonite showed high protein digestibility. The feces weight increased with vit.C level but decreased with sodium bentonite level. It was concluded from the present study that food additives are economically important to increase growth and food efficiency which in turn lowering fish production cost.

Preliminary Studies of Methylene Blue Remotion from Aqueous Solutions by Ocimum basilicum

The continuous expansion in the textile industry results in high loads of coloured wastewaters that heavily pollute the limited freshwater sources. Therefore, a wide array of treatment methods has been used to remediate water/wastewater from dyes. One common practice is the use of plants to degrade, absorb, metabolise, and detoxify different types of pollutants, including dyes. This study employs sweet basil (Ocimum basilicum) as a phytoremediation model herb to remove different concentrations (5–25 mg/L) of methylene blue (MB) dye from synthetic water, taking into account the effects of the MB dye concentration (5–25 mg/L) and contact time (up to 10 days). The results showed that the ability of Ocimum basilicum to absorb MB dye decreased with the increase of the MB dye concentration and increased with the increase of the contact time. The best removal of the MB dye was 93% when the concentration of the MB dye was 25 mg/L and the contact time was 10 days. Additionally, it was noticed that the relative growth rate (RGR) of the herbs was adversely influenced by increasing MB dye concentrations and that the best RGR value was 2.2 g/day when the MB dye concentration was 5 mg/L.

GROWTH PERFORMANCE OF THE NILOTIC CATTLE UNDER TRADITIONAL HUSBANDRY SYSTEM

The Nilotic cattle of South Sudan support the socio-economic livelihoods of many rural and suburban communities, but their productive/reproductive characteristics are still poorly understood. This study investigated the growth performance of the Nilotic cattle under traditional husbandry system, by determining their live-body weight (BW), degree of maturity of weight (DM), absolute growth rate (AGR), relative growth rate (RGR), absolute maturing rate (AMR), and Kleiber ratio (KR), and how these traits change during postnatal development. The experimental procedure involved the measurement of heart girth (HG) and body length (BL) of 125 male and 136 female calves from birth up to the age of 16 months. Subsequently, the BW, DM, AGR, RGR, AMR, and KR of each calf were calculated. The results showed that on average, male calves weighed 4.68 kg, 7.98 kg, 2.23 kg, 10.23 kg, 2.21 kg, 2.24 kg, 3.97 kg, 10.38 kg, and 15.79 kg heavier (p&lt;0.05) than females at birth, 2, 4, 6, 8, 10, 12, 14 and 16 months of age, respectively; and had the highest AGR (♂; 0.163 kg/day vs ♀; 0.139 kg/day) and KR (♂; 0.674 vs ♀; 0.591), while female calves had the highest (p&lt;0.05) RGR (♀; 0.070%/day vs ♂; 0.065%/day), AMR (♀; 0.095% vs ♂; 0.056%), and DM (♀; 0.111~0.567 vs ♂; 0.072~0.340). Nevertheless, in both sexes, AGR, RGR, AMR, and KR values were higher (p&lt;0.05) during the pre-weaning period than during the post-weaning period, though their respective declining rate was greater (p&lt;0.05) in females (69.11%, 83.41%, 72.78%, and 75.09%) than in males (14.08%, 54.01%, 39.87%, and 41.94%). These results provide the first evidence for a fast growing and maturing pattern during the pre-weaning period in Nilotic cattle.