Ovary Width Research Articles

GROSS MORPHOLOGY AND MORPHOMETRICAL STUDY OF FEMALE REPRODUCTIVE TRACT IN SIRUVIDAI CHICKEN DURING LAYING AND BROODINESS PHASE

Avian species reproduce sexually by the fusion of male and female gamete spermatogonia and oogonia-produced by differentiated testes and ovaries. Fertilization is internal and all birds are oviparous. Reproduction in birds entirely varies from other animals. The two essential reproductive organs ere the ovary and oviduct which were involved in the synthesis of egg in adult laying hen. Gross and morphometrical studies were carried out on the female reproductive tract in twelve Siruvidai chicken of which six at laying phase and six at broodiness phase. The birds were reared in Poultry Research Station, Madhavaram, Chennai-51. In laying phase, the left ovary showed mature ovarian follicles whereas the ovary during broodiness phase was in the form of a bunch of grapes with no hierarchical follicles. There was no significant difference in the body weight of the bird during laying and broodiness. The mean length, weight and width of ovary and oviduct had a highly significant difference during laying and broodiness phase. Gross morphology revealed that only the left female reproductive tract was well-developed both during laying and broodiness phase and the morphometric data analyzed will provide a baseline for subsequent studies and also for comparison with other avian species.

A Functional 67-bp Duplication Locating at the Core Promoter Region within the Bovine ADIPOQ Gene Is Associated with Ovarian Traits and mRNA Expression.

ADIPOQ plays a crucial role in regulating the reproductive system, but there are few reports on the effects of ADIPOQ on ovarian in dairy cows. Previous studies have verified the presence of a 67-bp mutation in the promoter region of the ADIPOQ gene. Hence, we employed ovarian tissues (n = 2111) and blood samples (n = 108) from Chinese Holstein cows as experimental samples to examine the association between ADIPOQ promoter variants and ovarian traits. We extracted DNA from these samples and conducted genetic typing identification on each sample using advanced techniques like PCR and agarose gel electrophoresis. Consequently, the DD, ID, and II genotypes were discovered. and it has been observed that the mutation frequency of this locus is low in the Chinese Holstein cow. Importantly, the correlational analysis unveiled a significant relationship (p < 0.05) between the weight of ovaries in late estrus and the width of ovaries during the estrus interval with the mutation. Result of the RT-PCR revealed that the ID genotype partially diminished the expression of the ADIPOQ gene. The results of this study suggest that the identified variable duplication could serve as a potential genetic marker for enhancing the ovarian traits of Chinese Holstein cows.

Echinoagave nievesiorum (Agavaceae, Asparagales): A new species from the Sierra Madre Occidental, Jalisco, Mexico

Echinoagave nievesiorum (Agavaceae, Asparagales), a new species endemic to the Sierra Wixárika (Huichola), part of the Sierra Madre Occidental, Jalisco, Mexico, is described. This species shares morphological characteristics with Echinoagave rzedowskiana but it differs from the latter by having narrower and striate leaves; leaf sheaths shorter, triangular and wider at the base; narrower ovary width; shorter tube length; tepal lobes at anthesis converging and tightening the filaments; larger filament length to flower length ratio; fruiting spikes thicker and denser with the peduncle covered by the capsules and the bracts usually deciduous; capsules broadly ellipsoid with dorsally blackish valves. A distribution map with biogeographic provinces is provided to place the species in an ecological and evolutionary context.

Comparative analysis of the linear dimensions of the ovary, determined using sonography, in an age aspect

Aim of the study was to carry out a comparative analysis of the linear size of the right and left ovaries, determined using sonography in women in adolescence, the elderly, and old age.Material and methods. The study was based on the results of ultrasound examination of 84 women with normal pelvic dimensions who were examined at the gynecology department of the Perm Krai Clinical Hospital during the period 2021–2022 in order to exclude probable pathology of the reproductive system. Measurement of longitudinal (length), transverse (width), and anteroposterior (thickness) dimensions of the ovary was performed using transvaginal access. Women were divided into three groups: the first consisted of 28 adolescents (16 to 20 years old), the second – 29 elderly persons (56 to 74 years old), the third – 27 seniors (75 to 85 years old).Results. When comparing the indicators of ovarian size, their statistically significant decrease by old age was revealed. Right ovary length from adolescence to the old age decreased by 20.56 % (p &lt; 0.01), left – by 28.62 % (p &lt; 0.01). Right ovarian width becomes smaller by 20.87 % (p &lt; 0.01) in elderly age and by 26 % (p &lt; 0.01) in senile age, left – by 20.8 % (p &lt; 0.01) and by 28.32 % (p &lt; 0.01), respectively, the anteroposterior dimension of the right ovary – by 23.2 % (p &lt; 0.01) and by 38.8 % (p &lt; 0.01), of the left ovary – by 31.19 % (p &lt; 0.01) and by 39 % (p &lt; 0.01), respectively.Conclusions. The results obtained allow us to expand our understanding of the features of the age-related structure of the ovaries and further continue their detailed study, since new knowledge is needed to develop modern methods for the prevention of pathology of the female reproductive system and the timely provision of quality medical care.

Reproduction system development of Ceracris kiangsu Tsai female adults and its relationship with fitness characteristics.

Research on the ovarian development of insect pests helps provide key information for predicting pest occurrences, and currently, there is very limited information about the reproductive system of Ceracris kiangsu Tsai. This study aimed to assess the reproductive fitness of 321 adult female insects by using traditional methods to dissect female adults, measure female ovaries, and assess the process of egg formation. The phenotypic traits including body weight and body length were also measured and used to estimate the model of ovarian developmental stages. Four ovarian developmental stages before the oviposition were identified, and the fundamental ovarian structure of C. kiangsu displayed red dots on the matured eggs inside the calyx at ovarian developmental stage V. The accessory glands of C. kiangsu had the deepest folds at stage Ⅲ. Redundancy analysis (RDA) was used to explore the correlation between ovarian development, body weight, and body length. A significant positive correlation was observed for body weight (p = 0.001) and body length (p = 0.009), which varied with the grade of ovarian development evaluated by the ovarian developmental stage, ovarian length, ovarian width, and ovarian cross-sectional area. A partial least square (PLS) regression was used to model the ovarian developmental stage, with a stage-based PLS being identified as the more effective method, which was y = 1.509x 1 + 0.114x 2. The model provides a potentially rapid way to identify the population source as either "native" or "immigrant" from the phenotypic traits without dissection. The aforementioned model may be used to estimate adult emergence periods and identify migratory populations from their ovarian development, potentially aiding in implementing proper prevention measures.

Floral Characterization of Pomegranate Genotypes to Improve Hybridization Efficiency.

Pomegranate (Punica granatum) has staminate (male), androgynous (hermaphrodite), and intermediate flower types. Floral characterization is difficult for breeding efficiency across many pomegranate genotypes in Pakistan, which is essential for pomegranate cultivar enhancements. The present research focused on the floral characterization and breeding efficiency of fifteen pomegranate genotypes. Flower sex ratio, floral morphological parameters, i.e., flower length, ovary width, flower notch, flower tip and stigma with style length, and fruit set percentage were examined during the experiment. In terms of sex ratio, male flowers were found to be higher among all genotypes. Due to clear differences in flower length, width, and heterostyly facilitating visual identification of the hermaphrodite flowers, genotype Ternab-2, Kandhari White, and Kandhari Red had higher fruit set (≥70%) among all cross combinations attempted. Genotype Sava had higher flower length and heterostyly of hermaphrodite flower type, but ovary width was not very distinct, leading to average crossing success (85-34%). In conclusion, single or combination of morphological characters can be used for accurate identification of hermaphrodite flowers, which can improve hybrid efficiency and fruit set after artificial cross-pollination.

Relationship Between Ovary Size and Anti-Müllerian Hormone Levels in Holstein-Friesian Cows.

The aim of this study was to verify the association between ovarian size and blood AMH levels in HF cows. Sixty multiparous HF cows from three herds were included in this study. The data required for calculating the ovarian volume included the “major axis (length),” “minor axis (width),” and “thickness” of the ovary. All ultrasonography (US) images were acquired at the outermost ends/poles of both the ovaries and of the follicles (>8 mm) and corpus luteum (CL); concomitantly, the blood was sampled from the jugular or coccygeal vein. Based on the ovarian images of each cow, the following ovarian size patterns were calculated using an image analysis software: (1) total area of both the left and right ovaries, (2) individual size of the large ovary, and (3) individual size of the small ovary. For each ovary area pattern, two properties were assessed: (A) presence of follicles (>8 mm) and CL, which may not secret AMH, in the ovaries and (B) absence of follicles (>8 mm) and CL in the ovaries. Serum AMH levels were measured using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. The correlation between ovary size and serum AMH levels was measured in terms of the aforementioned patterns and was evaluated statistically. The results of our preliminary study with ovaries from slaughter-house cows (n = 22) revealed that the “thickness” of the ovary was not necessary for estimating ovarian volume and that length and width were sufficient. A strong correlation was observed among ovarian length, width, and thickness (r > 0.96). No significant difference was observed (p > 0.05) in the mean ages or parities among the three herds. Among the ovary sizes measured in this study, the highest correlation was found between the total size of an individual large ovary (including follicular and luteal size) and AMH levels (r = 0.387, p = 0.002). This is the first study to demonstrate the correlation between total size of individual large ovaries and serum AMH levels in HF cows. US observations of the ovaries will allow for estimation of differences in AMH levels and help predict ovarian activity and superovulation performance of cows.

Ultrasonographic biometry of the ovaries and follicles in cyclic and non-cyclic Kundhi buffaloe

Ultrasonographic and morpho-biometry of the ovaries and follicles of cyclic and non-cyclic Kundhi buffaloes was studied. The buffalos were measured for their left and right ovaries using ultrasonographic and morpho-biometry of the ovaries. The age of non-cyclic buffaloes was 10 ± 2.0 years, and cyclic buffaloes was 8.33 ± 1.87 years; body weight of non-cyclic Kundhi Buffaloes was 377.14 ± 52.19 kg and cyclic buffaloes was 380.77 ± 89.69 kg; the body condition score of non-cyclic buffaloes was 3.78 ± 0.395 and cyclic buffaloes was 4.25 ± 0.43. Statistically, the differences for age and body condition score were significant (P&lt;0.05) and non-significant (P&gt;0.05) for body weight. The ultrasonographical biometry in the length of the left and right ovaries in Kundhi buffalo was 28.68 ± 4.80 and 31.44 ± 6.29 mm, 12.62 ± 2.20 and 12.61±2.51 mm in width, 5.81 ± 1.11 and 5.94 ± 1.66 mm in thickness, 64.28 ± 10.40 and 71.73 ± 11.33 mm in circumference, and 2.61 ± 0.76 and 3.08 ± 0.75 cm2 in volume, respectively. The differences in the length of the left and right ovaries, circumference, and volume were significant (P&lt;0.05) and non-significant (P&gt;0.05) for width and thickness. The morpho-biometry results indicated that the length of the left and right ovaries was 28.88 ± 5.30 and 30.31 ± 6.61 mm, 14.00 ± 1.83 and 14.00 ± 2.10 mm in width, 6.94 ± 1.12 and 7.06 ± 1.65 mm in thickness, 65.00 ± 7.75 and 68.44 ± 9.44 mm in circumference, and 5.88 ± 2.00 and 5.44 ± 1.63 gm in weight, respectively. The differences in the length, circumference, and weight of left and right ovaries were significant (P&lt;0.05) and non-significant (P&gt;0.05) for width and thickness of ovaries. The number of primary follicles on left and right ovaries was 1.00 ± 0.97 and 1.31 ± 1.08, secondary was 3.31 ± 2.85 and 3.63 ± 3.01, tertiary was 6.38 ± 1.59 and 6.81 ± 2.34, circumference of follicle on the left and right ovaries was 17.58 ± 5.52 and 16.69 ± 4.20 mm, and volume of the follicle 0.24 ± 0.14 and 0.21 ± 0.10 cm2. The differences in primary follicles, circumference of the follicle on the right and left ovaries were significant (P&lt;0.05) and non-significant (P&gt;0.05) for secondary, tertiary, and volume of follicles on left and right ovaries. The length ovaries in cyclic and non-cyclic Kundhi buffalo was 30.22 ± 6.85 and 29.89 ± 4.43 mm, ovaries 12.65 ± 1.68 and 12.57 ± 2.57 mm in width, 6.58 ± 1.61 and 5.58 ± 1.11 mm in thickness, 70.63 ± 13.06 and 65.38 ± 8.97 mm in circumference, 2.96 ± 0.79 and 2.72 ± 0.76 cm2 in volume, 6.00 ± 2.06 and 5.31 ± 1.49 gm in weight, respectively. The number of primary follicles on ovaries of cyclic and non-cyclic Kundhi buffaloes was 2.31 ± 1.08 and 0, number of secondary was 5.25 ± 1.77 and 0, number of tertiary was 7.31 ± 1.69 and 3.06 ± 1.30, 17.88 ± 4.93 and 12.30 ± 3.46 mm in circumference, and 0.25 ± 0.13 and 0.10 ± 0.08 cm2 in volume, respectively. The differences in thickness, circumference (O), weight, number of primary, secondary, tertiary, circumference (F). and volume (F) of follicles of cyclic and non-cyclic Kundhi buffaloes were significant (P&lt;0.05) and non-significant (P&gt;0.05) for length and width of follicles of cyclic and non-cyclic buffaloes.

Genetic variations of bovine PCOS-related DENND1A gene identified in GWAS significantly affect female reproductive traits.

Genome-wide association studies (GWAS) have identified DENND1A as a potential candidate gene linked to the fertility-related phenotypes in dairy cows. However, to date, no studies have examined the association of the DENND1A insertion/deletions (indels) to bovine fertility on a large scale. Herein, two indel sites, including P4-del-26-bp and P8-ins-15-bp were identified in 1064 Holstein cows. The values of the minor allelic frequency (MAF) ranged between 0.471 (deletion) and 0.230 (deletion), respectively, and combined four different haplotypes by analyzing the haplotype combination. It is noteworthy that P4-del-26-bp is associated with the ovarian width (P=0.0004) and corpus luteum diameter (P=0.004). Meanwhile, P8-ins-15-bp was found to have a significant association with the ovarian width (P=0.020), ovarian weight (P=0.004), the number of mature follicles (P=0.020), and diameter of the mature follicles (P=0.016). Furthermore, the combinatorial analysis showed that the two indel combined-genotypes were significantly related to several reproductive traits (ovarian width, ovarian weight, etc.). Collectively, our findings indicated that these two novel indels and their combinations are correlated with the reproductive traits, and hence, they can serve in the marker-assisted selection (MAS) in cattle breeding. Nevertheless, further functional experiments are needed for understanding the mechanisms of these indels in cattle reproduction in a better way.

ИНФОРМАТИВНОСТЬ УЛЬТРАЗВУКОВОГО ИССЛЕДОВАНИЯ ОРГАНОВ МАЛОГО ТАЗА ПРИ РЕЦИДИВИРУЮЩЕМ НАРУЖНОМ ГЕНИТАЛЬНОМ ЭНДОМЕТРИОЗЕ

Background. In the structure of gynecological diseases, endometriosis ranks II after inflammatory diseases of the genitals and uterine myoma. The incidence of genital endometriosis is 92–94%, with an annual incidence ranging from 0,1% to 0,3%. The disease is characterized by tumor-like type of growth, affection of adjacent organs, and severe complications that lead to disability in patients. Aim. To study the informative value of ultrasound examination of the reproductive system organs in recurrent external genital endometriosis. Material and methods. Forty-eight patients with recurrent external genital endometriosis were examined. The mean age of the patients was (34,96±1,1) years. The history of endometriosis was in the range of (10,0±1,41) years (9–11). Recurrence rate averaged (2,02±0,44) years (1–4). The duration of remission averaged (6,1±0,84) years (1–15). All the patients underwent ultrasound examination with a transvaginal transducer. The length, width, anteroposterior uterine size, M-echo, and length and width of both ovaries were determined. Echographic features of endometrioid ovarian cysts and retrocervical endometrioid infiltrate were evaluated during ultrasound examination. The findings were compared with the echographic findings in women (n=20) with no history of endometriosis (comparison group). Results and discussion. Transvaginal ultrasonography in recurrent external genital endometriosis showed a significant increase in the echographic dimensions of uterine length (54,3±0,41) mm, width (47,9±0,13) mm, anteroposterior dimension (56,1±0,18) mm, endometrial thickness (6,6±0,09) mm, and increased echographic dimensions of both ovaries (p&lt;0,05). Transvaginal ultrasound examination is informative in the diagnosis of endometrioid ovarian cysts. In 75,6% of patients, it manifests as a fluid mass with a heterogeneous suspension. In 75% of patients, retrocervical endometrioid infiltrate manifests as a heterogeneous, hypoechogenic, painful mass located behind the uterus. Conclusion. Transvaginal ultrasound is informative in the diagnosis of endometrioid ovarian cysts. Echographic diagnosis of endometrioid infiltrates of the vesicoureteral peritoneal fold, sacroiliac, broad uterine ligaments, and pelvic peritoneum presents difficulties, which justifies the necessity of laparoscopic diagnosis.

Fertility-Associated Polymorphism within Bovine ITGβ5 and Its Significant Correlations with Ovarian and Luteal Traits

Simple SummaryThe fertility of bovines is essential for cattle husbandry. ITGβ5, which is suggested to be closely related to fertility, is known to mediate cell adhesion and affect a variety of cellular activities. To investigate the relationship between the ITGβ5 gene and the fertility of bovines, 696 ovarian samples were collected and six potential indel (insertion/deletion) within ITGβ5 were analysed, from which a deletion mutation was found to be polymorphic. The genotype frequency and allele frequency of this locus in the investigated population were calculated and the population genetic parameters analyzed. In addition, this locus was found to be significantly correlated with ovarian width and corpus luteum diameter. Considering the importance of ovary and corpus luteum in reproduction, it is tempting to speculate the crucial effects of ITGβ5 on bovine fertility, which still need further validation. The results of our study might provide a theoretical basis for future breeding to enhance bovine reproduction.There is an urgent need to improve bovine fertility, and molecular marker-assisted selection (MAS) can accelerate this process. Genome-wide association studies suggest that Integrin β5 (ITGβ5) might affect fertility in bovines. As a member of the integrins family, ITGβ5 can bind to the extracellular matrix and mediate various cellular processes. In our study, primers spanning six potential insertion/deletion (indel) polymorphisms within the ITGβ5 gene were designed and 696 ovary samples from different individuals, the vast majority not in oestrum were collected for genetic variation detection. A deletion locus, rs522759246, namely P1-D13-bp, was found to be polymorphic. The allele D frequency was 0.152 and the polymorphism information content (PIC) value was 0.224, indicating a low-degree PIC. This locus did not follow the Hardy–Weinberg equilibrium (p = 1.200E-23). Importantly, associations between P1-D13-bp and ovarian morphological traits were established. Polymorphisms of this locus had significant correlations with ovarian width (p = 0.015). The corpus luteum is also linked to fertility and P1-D13-bp was significantly correlated with corpus luteum diameter (p = 0.005). In conclusion, an indel mutation within the bovine ITGβ5 gene was identified, which was significantly associated with several ovarian and luteal traits.

Histomorphology and gene expression profiles during early ovarian folliculogenesis in duck and goose

In contrast to the later stages of follicle development, little is known about the characteristics and mechanisms associated with early folliculogenesis in avian species. The objectives of the present study were to examine and compare the histomorphological and molecular changes of primordial, primary, and secondary follicles from duck and goose ovaries during the first 6 post-hatching week. Morphological analysis showed that the length and width of both duck and goose ovaries increased steadily during weeks 1 to 5 but increased acutely at week 6, whereas a greater increment was observed in the ovarian length of ducks than that of geese during weeks 4 to 5. Furthermore, smaller diameters of the 3 categories of follicles were observed in ducks than those in geese at the first appearance, but they reached a similar size at week 6. More importantly, secondary follicles were found in the ovaries of ducks 1 wk earlier than in those of geese. These results indicated a more rapid growth rate for ovarian follicles in ducks than in geese during early post-hatching development. At the molecular level, it was found that the mRNAs encoding follicle stimulating hormone receptor (FSHR), anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH), B-cell leukemia/lymphoma 2, and cysteine-dependent aspartate specific protease 3 (CASPASE3) were ubiquitously expressed in all ovarian follicles of ducks and geese with different expression profiles in each follicular category during the first 6 post-hatching week. Notably, transcript levels of FSHR, AMH, and CASPASE3 changed differently between ducks and geese during weeks 5 to 6, which was postulated to be one of the mechanisms inducing more rapid growth of ovarian follicles in ducks rather than in geese. In conclusion, our results revealed, for the first time, differences in early folliculogenesis, including the rate of growth of each follicular category and the timing of transition of primary to secondary follicles, between ducks and geese, and these differences could result from different expression profiles of FSHR, AMH, and CASPASE3 during early post-hatching development.

Assessment of Infertility Factors and Their Relative Impact in Pregnancy using Ultrasonography &amp; Hormonal Checkup

Infertility as a social and psychological problem among middle east natives. Among them, Transvaginal ultrasound (TVU) and hormonal tests have been selected to evaluate infertility in this study. The objective was to assess the infertility factors and their relative impact in pregnancy and to deduce the equation to predict infertility. Methods: a retrospective data (morphometric pathologies of uterus and ovaries using TVU and laboratory hormones (FSH, LH)) have been collected from clinics for 180 women of reproductive age (15-49 years) in Sudan. The data analyzed by SPSS. The results showed that there were 120 (66.7%) infertile and 60 (33.3%) fertile ladies based on the marriage date. The common ovarian causes of infertility were the polycystic ovary (PCOs) 23.3%, simple cyst 6.1%, hemorrhagic cyst, 4.4%, and uterus causes: 6.7% intramural fibroma, 6.1% retroverted uterus, 2.8% submural fibroma, 2.2 polyps. The general accuracy of Stepwise Linear Discriminant Analysis (SLDA) was 78.9%, for infertile was 70.8% and for fertile 95%. Larger ovarian width indicates significance (p smaller than 0.05) infertility and FSH level low among infertile ladies, but LH is less dependent on discrimination

Ovarian volume ratio is a reliable predictor of ovarian torsion in girls without an adnexal mass

PurposeThe aims of this study were to identify ultrasound-based predictors of ovarian torsion in girls without an adnexal mass and establish a set of normal values for ovarian volume ratio (OVR). MethodsA retrospective review was performed of all premenarchal patients ≥3 years of age with a normal pelvic ultrasound between January 2016 and January 2019. A comparison group of premenarchal girls presenting between 2011 and 2019 with torsion in the absence of an adnexal mass was utilized. ResultsFive-hundred and four premenarchal girls underwent pelvic ultrasound evaluation with a normal examination. The mean OVR was 1.6 ± 0.7 (range 1.0–6.5). OVR did not vary with age (r = −0.06) as compared to ovarian width which increased steadily with age (r = 0.53, p < 0.001). OVR was increased in girls with torsion (7.6 vs 1.4, p < 0.0001), and by receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis a cutoff value of >2.5 demonstrated the best diagnostic accuracy of any predictive variable (sensitivity 100%, specificity 94%, AUC 0.991, p < 0.001). ConclusionsOVR is an excellent predictor of ovarian torsion in premenarchal girls without an adnexal mass. Unlike ovarian width, OVR does not increase with age, and a cutoff OVR > 2.5 demonstrates high sensitivity and specificity for identifying ovarian torsion in this population. Type of studyStudy of diagnostic test. Level of evidenceLevel III.

Polymorphic variants of bovine ADCY5 gene identified in GWAS analysis were significantly associated with ovarian morphological related traits

The reproductive performance (e.g. fertility) of dairy cows, which declined over past few decades due to the intense and intensive selection, needs to be improved. Previous genome-wide association study (GWAS) of female Holstein screened the Adenylate cyclase 5 (ADCY5) as the candidate gene for cow fertility. As a member of the adenylyl cyclases family, adenylate cyclase 5 (ADCY5) is famous for regulating extrapyramidal motor system related various neuropsychiatric diseases, and its genetic variant is reported to associate with lower birth and placenta weight which leads to asymmetric fetal growth restriction. It was hypothesized that ADCY5 may affect the fertility of cows by regulating the processes of ovarian development. Herein, genomic DNA from 768 ovaries samples of healthy unrelated Holstein cow were used to screen potential insertion/deletion (indel) mutations using eight pairs of primers, and we found three novel polymorphic indel variants, namely, rs385624978 (P3-D11-bp), rs433028962 (P5-I19-bp) and rs382393457 (P8-D19-bp). The minor allelic frequencies (MAF) of P3-D11-bp, P5-I19-bp and P8-D19-bp loci were 0.188, 0.365 and 0.06, respectively, and there were 7 different haplotypes. Additionally, linkage disequilibrium analysis demonstrated no linkage among them. Importantly, P3-D11-bp locus was significantly related to both ovarian width (P = 1.0E-6) and corpus luteum diameter (P = 0.015); P5-I19-bp locus had a significant relation with corpus albicans diameter (P = 0.030) and ovaries with mutational homozygous genotype produced a superior corpus albicans diameter than those with other genotypes. Briefly, three novel indel mutations of bovine ADCY5 gene were identified and two of them were uncovered to be significantly correlated with ovarian phenotypic traits or corpus luteum or albicans traits. These findings contributed to the application of molecular marker-assisted selection (MAS) in improving female fertility in cattle, which could accelerate the development of the cattle industry.

Genetic variability, heritability and genetic advance of melons from different botanical groups (Cucumis melo L.)

Genetic variability, broad sense heritability and genetic advance was determined in 41 melons accessions of different botanical groups including one wild relative anguria. The analysis of variance was done for 19 quantitative traits such as cotyledon length, cotyledon width, days to 1st pistillate flowering, ovary length, ovary width, days to first fruit harvest, fruit length, average fruit weight, flesh thickness, seed cavity, fruit diameter, blossom end scar, seed length, seed width, total soluble solids (TSS), pH and titratable acidity. All the traits showed highly significant difference at 5% level of significance. The phenotypic and genotypic co-efficient of variation were high for the quantitative traits such as cotyledon length, cotyledon width, ovary length, ovary width, number of fruits per vine, fruit length, average fruit weight, fruit yield per plant, flesh thickness, seed cavity, fruit diameter, blossom end scar, seed length, seed width, TSS and titratable acidity. Moderate GCV and PCV were observed for traits such as days to first female flowering, days to first fruit maturity and pH. The high broad sense heritability was coupled with high genetic advance as percent mean for cotyledon length, cotyledon width, days to first female flowering, ovary length, ovary width, number of fruits per vine,days to first fruit maturity, fruit length, average fruit weight, fruit yield per plant, flesh thickness, seed cavity, fruit diameter, blossom end scar, seed length, seed width, TSS, pH and titratable acidity.

Reproductive Traits of an Invasive Alien Population of Grey Squirrel (Sciurus carolinensis) in Central Italy.

The reproductive cycle of an invasive alien Italian grey squirrel population was studied to understand its adaptation and limit its spread, in order to conserve the autochthonous red squirrel. Female and male genital traits were evaluated throughout the reproductive cycle, including the ovary, uterus, testicle, epididymis, seminiferous tubule morphometry, and germinative epithelium histology. Moreover, individual female fecundity was determined by counting uterine scars. Ovary width and uterus weight, length, and width reached their highest values in the luteal and pregnancy phases. On conducting a histological evaluation of the testicular germinal epithelium, four morphotypes related to the different reproductive phases of the male squirrels were identified: immature, pubertal, spermatogenesis, and regressive. Testicle and epididymis weights and seminiferous tubule diameters reached their largest values during spermatogenesis. Uterine scar analysis showed that 69% of the females had given birth to one or two litters, while 31% had no uterine scars. Litters were larger in the first breeding period than in the second; annual fecundity was 4.52 ± 1.88 uterine scars/female. Umbrian grey squirrels have adapted to their non-native range, showing two annual mating periods at times similar to those in their native range, and high reproductive success.

Effects of polyploidization on petal characteristics and optical properties of Impatiens walleriana (Hook.)

Impatiens walleriana (Hook.) (2n = 2x = 16) is a popular flowering species in the Balsaminaceae family. In order to investigate the effects of polyploidy induction in this species, shoot tip explants measuring 1.5 cm in length were treated with 0, 15, 30, and 60 μM oryzalin for 6, 12, 24, and 48 h in vitro. After conducting the flow cytometric analysis of the plantlets, it was revealed that 68.75% of the explants treated with 60 μM oryzalin for 24 h became tetraploid (2n = 4x = 32), indicating that this treatment is the most effective for tetraploidy induction. The tetraploid plants exhibited increased leaf area, leaf thickness, ovary width, pollen cell length, and stomatal size, as well as a greater number of chloroplasts within stomatal guard cells. Furthermore, tetraploid plants showed decreases in plant height, stomatal guard cell density, and number of flowers. Epidermal conical cells were enlarged by about 1.7 times in tetraploid flowers. Optical examination of petals revealed that reflection of light from the tetraploid petals was reduced among almost all spectra. Reflection was reduced in the spectral region between 350 and 400 nm, which may have occurred as a result of changes in size of the epidermal conical cells. Furthermore, the petals in the tetraploid flowers had more total anthocyanin content. The latter two observations may explain the deepening of color in tetraploid petals. The new features observed in tetraploid flowers may be useful for generating new traits in classical breeding programs. It is also possible that these changes may be caused by alterations in gene expression and protein activity and can thus be examined to identify the genetic factors associated with flowering time and flower morphology in tetraploid I. walleriana. Further investigations are needed to study the interactions between tetraploid I. walleriana and pollinators. The latter can be important for understanding the evolutionary relationship between pollinators and the polyploidy process in this plants. Treating I. walleriana with oryzalin can produce tetraploid plants. Compared to their diploid counterparts, the tetraploid plants have significant differences in their vegetative and reproductive characteristics. Changes in the form and color of the flowers can be attributed to the changes in the size of the conical cells on the surface of the epidermis, along with the increase in the total anthocyanin content in petals.

Gibberellic acid induced parthenocarpic \u2018Honeycrisp\u2019 apples (Malus domestica) exhibit reduced ovary width and lower acidity

Fruit set and development are dependent on auxin, gibberellin, and cytokinin, which cause parthenocarpic development in many species when applied ectopically. Commercial sprays containing these hormones are used to improve apple fruit set, size, and shape, but have been implicated negatively in other aspects of fruit quality. We applied gibberellic acid (GA3), synthetic auxin (NAA), and the auxin-transport inhibitor NPA to ‘Honeycrisp’ apple flowers. Fruit retention and size were quantified throughout development, and seed number and fruit quality parameters were measured at maturity. GA3 alone caused the development of seedless parthenocarpic apples. At maturity, GA3-treated apples were narrower due to reduced ovary width, indicating that GA3 induced normal growth of the hypanthium, but not the ovary. GA3-treated fruits were also less acidic than hand-pollinated controls, but had similar firmness, starch, and sugar content. To further understand the regulation of parthenocarpy, we performed tissue-specific transcriptome analysis on GA3-treated, NAA-treated, and control fruits, at 18 days after treatment and again at maturity. Overall, transcriptome analysis showed GA3-treated and hand-pollinated fruits were highly similar in RNA expression profiles. Early expression differences in putative cell division, cytokinin degradation, and cell wall modification genes in GA3-treated ovaries correlated with the observed shape differences, while early expression differences in the acidity gene Ma1 may be responsible for the changes in pH. Taken together, our results indicate that GA3 triggers the development of parthenocarpic apple fruit with morphological deviations that correlate with a number of candidate gene expression differences.

Determination of floral development stages in ‘Cabernet Sauvignon’ (Vitis viniferaL. cv.): highlighting the manifestation of stamens and pistil primordia with new intermediate stages linking the phenological stages

Despite relatively intensive work on the development of inflorescence primordia during grapevine growth in season one, some informational gaps are present in the flower and floral organ development in the season two. In addition, concurrents events of phenology and formation of flowers and floral parts has not been dealt with. With the aid of digital imaging, this research had three objectives; a) describe the developmental events that take place during and after bud break in the buds and in the individual flowers in terms of differentiation, b) match these events with phenological stages, and c) determine size-related growth of the floral organs. After careful dissecting and examination of the samples under microscopy, taken ever 5-10 days between March 20 and May 10 in 2016, the results indicated that highly esteemed works regarding the reproductive anatomy of grapevines needed some additional stages to fully describe events in the stamen and pistil primordia after the appearance of petal primordia. Five intermediate stages were added to the stages of “formation of flowers”. Differentiation of inflorescence and individual flowers occurred in the second season as the buds swelled in the spring. Stamens and pistil could be seen about 3 weeks later and completed their initial growth in another 3 weeks. Flower primordia was visible on April 1 and showed a more than 9-fold increase over the course of 5 to 6 weeks. flowers increased their width and their length more than 9- and 15-fold, respectively, between stage 8.1 (April 1) and 10.3 (May 10). At first, they were wider than they were longer, but at later stages they grew longitudinally. Reproductive organ primordia were visualized around the time of 2-4 leaves separated on the shoots. Signs of generative parts become apparent in late April. Anthers were the smallest in the flower. Filaments, on the other hand, elongated almost 7-fold in a period of 20 days. Gynoecium growth was the most impressive and total pistil length increased from 52.8 to 162 μm, ovary width from 40.4 to 99.8 μm, and stigma diameter from 9.96 to 44.9 μm in twenty days. By the time the pistil took its final shape, 6-8 leaves grew on the shoot during which inflorescence could also be seen.