Reproduction of Hypoptopoma inexspectatum (Holmberg, 1893) (Siluriformes, Loricariidae) in the Southern Pantanal floodplain, upper Paraguay River basin, Brazil / Reprodução de Hypoptopoma inexspectatum (Holmberg, 1893) (Siluriformes, Loricariidae) na planície de inundação do Pantanal Sul, bacia do alto rio Paraguai, Brasil

This work aimed to describe the reproductive biology of Hypoptopoma inexspectatum in southern Pantanal. A total of 538 individuals were sampled and analyzed from February 2009 through January 2011 in southern Pantanal. We did not observe differences in sex-ratio, and both sexes presented positive allometric length/weight relationship (LWR). Reproduction occurs mainly from January to February. Females reached first maturation (L50) with 37.80 mm and males with 45.80 mm. Absolute fecundity is estimated in mean=177.43 (sd±127.06) oocytes and relative fecundity in 3.12 (sd±2.23) oocytes/mg. Fecundity is positively correlated with standard length (Spearman r= 0.43; p=0.013), and total spawning is a used spawning strategy for H. inexspectatum.

Este trabalho teve como objetivo descrever a biologia reprodutiva de Hypoptopoma inexspectatum na região do Pantanal Sul. Foram amostrados e analisados entre fevereiro de 2009 a janeiro de 2011 um total de 538 indivíduos. Não foi observada diferença na proporção sexual e ambos os sexos apresentam relação alométrica de peso/comprimento positiva. A reprodução ocorreu principalmente entre os meses de janeiro e fevereiro. Fêmeas atingiram o tamanho de primeira maturação (L50) com 37,80 mm e machos com 45,80 mm. A fecundidade absoluta média foi 177,43 (dp±127,06) ovócitos e a fecundidade relativa foi de 3,12 (dp±2,23) ovócitos/mg. A fecundidade foi positivamente correlacionada com o comprimento padrão (Spearman r= 0,43; p=0,013) e a desova parcelada foi a estratégia de desova utilizada por H. inexspectatum.

Long-term monitoring of marine turtle nests in northeastern Brazil / Monitoramento de longo prazo de ninhos de tartarugas marinhas no nordeste do Brasil

Abstract: This study monitored marine turtle nests in a region known as the Potiguar Basin, which stretches from the northern region of Rio Grande do Norte State (5°4'1.15" S, 36°4'36.41" W) to eastern Ceará State (4°38'48.28" S, 37°32'52.08" W) in Brazil. We collected data from January 2011 to December 2019 to identify species of sea turtles that spawn in the basin, to analyze the nesting spatial-temporal pattern and nests characteristics, and to record effects of environmental and anthropic factors on nests. A field team examined sea turtle tracks and nests signs. Turtle clutches were monitored daily until hatchings emerged from the nests. We monitored nests of hawksbill (Eretmochelys imbricata; n = 238) and olive Ridley turtles (Lepidochelys olivacea; n = 103). The nesting season for E. imbricata occurred between December and May and for L. olivacea from March to August. Hawksbills had clutch size, incubation time, number of unhatched eggs, and dead hatchlings higher than olive Ridley turtles; nevertheless, they presented lower hatching success. Precipitation between 0 and 22 mm and relative humidity (RH) higher than 69% increased the hatching success rate for E. imbricata; however, rainfall above 11 mm and RH 64% had the same effect for L. olivacea. Signs of egg theft and human presence (e.g. vehicle traffic and plastic residues on the beach) were recorded and are considered threats to nests. The results of our long-term monitoring study in the Potiguar Basin provide basis for the implementation of mitigation measures and adoption of management policies at nesting beaches in this Brazilian region.

Resumo: Este estudo permitiu o monitoramento de ninhos de tartarugas marinhas em uma região conhecida como Bacia Potiguar, que se estende da região norte do Estado do Rio Grande do Norte (5 ° 4'1,15 "S, 36 ° 4'36,41" W) até o leste do Estado do Ceará (4 ° 38'48,28 "S, 37 ° 32'52,08" W), no Brasil. Coletamos dados de janeiro de 2011 a dezembro de 2019 com o objetivo de identificar as espécies de tartarugas marinhas que desovam na bacia, analisar o padrão espaço-temporal de nidificação, as características dos ninhos, e registrar os efeitos de fatores ambientais e antrópicos. Uma equipe de campo examinou rastros de tartarugas marinhas e sinais de ninhos. As ninhadas das tartarugas foram monitoradas diariamente até que os filhotes emergissem dos ninhos. Monitoramos ninhos de tartarugas-de-pente (Eretmochelys imbricata; n = 238) e tartarugas-oliva (Lepidochelys olivacea; n = 103). A época de nidificação para E. imbricata ocorreu entre dezembro e maio e para L. olivacea de março a agosto. Tartarugas-de-pente apresentaram maior tamanho das ninhadas, tempo de incubação, número de ovos não eclodidos e número de filhotes mortos quando comparado com tartarugas-oliva; no entanto, apresentaram menor sucesso de eclosão. Precipitação entre 0 e 22 mm e umidade relativa (UR) maior que 69% aumentaram a taxa de sucesso de eclosão para E. imbricata; entretanto, chuvas acima de 11 mm e UR 64% tiveram o mesmo efeito para L. olivacea. Sinais de roubo de ovos e presença humana (por exemplo, tráfego de veículos e resíduos de plástico na praia) foram registrados e são considerados ameaças aos ninhos. Os resultados do nosso estudo de monitoramento de longo prazo na Bacia Potiguar fornecem base para a implementação de medidas de mitigação e adoção de políticas públicas em praias de desova nesta região brasileira.

Induced breeding of Catla catla carried out at low temperature in FRP carp hatchery of Arunachal Pradesh, India

Aim: The present study was undertaken to find out the possibilities of induced breeding of Catla catla, at low water temperature using fibre reinforced (FRP) tanks in a carp hatchery. Methodology: Brood fish of C. catla was maintained in 0.1 ha pond with proper feeding and pond management. Six induced breeding programmes: 3 in April (pre-monsoon) and 3 in June (monsoon) of 2017 were conducted with C. catla using synthetic hormone, Ovasis intra-peritoneally. The relationship between temperature variation and latency period, effective spawning period, fecundity, hatching start time, hatching duration and spawn production with its recovery was observed. Results: The latency period (time gap between injection and first egg release) was very high and ranged between 653.3 and 721.6 min for breeding in the pre-monsoon and ranged between 446.6 and 480 min for monsoon period. In pre-monsoon, the effective spawning period between 86.6 and 116.6 min and in monsoon between 53.3 and 73.3 min; both varied significantly (p˂0.05). In pre-monsoon period, the average water temperature during larval incubation in hatching pool ranged between 21.58 and 22.58ºC, whereas during monsoon period it ranged between 30.1 and 30.4ºC. The spawn production was 0.13 to 0.22; and 0.47 to 0.65 (lakh kg-1 b. wt. of female) in pre-monsoon and monsoon period, respectively, and showed a significant difference (p˂0.05). Interpretation: This report on breeding of C. catla in the temperature range of 18.6-24.7oC indicates the possibility of spawn production of Indian Major Carp in the north east hilly region states of India

Development of a Novel Spawn (Block Spawn) of an Edible Mushroom, Pleurotus ostreatus, in Liquid Culture and its Cultivation Evaluation

Mushroom cultivation has gained increased attention in recent years. Currently, only four types of spawn, including sawdust spawn, grain spawn, liquid spawn, and stick spawn, are commonly available for mushroom cultivation. This limited spawn diversity has led to difficulty in selecting suitable inoculum materials in some cultivation. In this study, three small blocks of lignocellulosic agro-wastes and one block of a synthetic matrix were prepared as support for growing Pleurotus ostreatus in liquid medium. Mycelium-adsorbed blocks were then evaluated for their potential as block spawn for fructification. Our results indicated that the edible fungus was adsorbed and abundantly grew internally and externally on loofah sponge and synthetic polyurethane foam (PUF) supports and also has the ability to attach and grow on the surface of sugarcane bagasse and corncob supports. The mycelia of P. ostreatus adhered on corncob exhibited the highest metabolic activity, while those on the PUF showed the least activity. Mycelial extension rates of block spawns made of agro-waste materials were comparable to that of sawdust spawn, but the block spawn of PUF showed a significantly lower rate. No significant differences in cropping time and yield were observed among cultivations between experimental block spawns and sawdust spawns. Moreover, the corncob block spawn maintained its fruiting potential during an examined period of 6-month storage. The developed block spawn could be practically applied in mushroom cultivation.

Reproduction of Hypoptopoma inexspectatum (Holmberg, 1893) (Siluriformes, Loricariidae) in the Southern Pantanal Floodplain, Upper Paraguay River Basin, Brazil

Abstract This work aimed to describe the reproductive biology of Hypoptopoma inexspectatum in southern Pantanal. A total of 538 individuals were sampled and analyzed from February 2009 through January 2011 in southern Pantanal. We did not observe differences in sex-ratio, and both sexes presented positive allometric length/weight relationship (LWR). Reproduction occurs mainly from January to February. Females reached first maturation (L50) with 37.80 mm and males with 45.80 mm. Absolute fecundity is estimated in mean=177.43 (sd±127.06) oocytes and relative fecundity in 3.12 (sd±2.23) oocytes/mg. Fecundity is positively correlated with standard length (Spearman r= 0.43; p=0.013), and total spawning is a used spawning strategy for H. inexspectatum.

Resumo Este trabalho teve como objetivo descrever a biologia reprodutiva de Hypoptopoma inexspectatum na região do Pantanal Sul. Foram amostrados e analisados entre fevereiro de 2009 a janeiro de 2011 um total de 538 indivíduos. Não foi observada diferença na proporção sexual e ambos os sexos apresentam relação alométrica de peso/comprimento positiva. A reprodução ocorreu principalmente entre os meses de janeiro e fevereiro. Fêmeas atingiram o tamanho de primeira maturação (L50) com 37,80 mm e machos com 45,80 mm. A fecundidade absoluta média foi 177,43 (dp±127,06) ovócitos e a fecundidade relativa foi de 3,12 (dp±2,23) ovócitos/mg. A fecundidade foi positivamente correlacionada com o comprimento padrão (Spearman r= 0,43; p=0,013) e a desova parcelada foi a estratégia de desova utilizada por H. inexspectatum.

Life-history features of a rapids-dwelling loricariid catfish from Atlantic forest streams, Brazil / Atributos da história de vida de um cascudo de corredeiras de riachos de Mata Atlântica, Brasil

Spatial distribution, suitable spawning sites, and sexual dimorphism were investigated in armored catfish Neoplecostomus microps in the Macaé River from March 2004 to March 2005. Individuals of N. microps (n=290) were limited to fast-flowing stretches, and the distribution was related to ontogenetic development. Larvae in post-flexion occurred in the marginal vegetation, and adults only in gaps between boulders and stones in the river channel. Juveniles occurred in both environments. Spawns were found in the natural habitat in rapid stretches, with the eggs attached to the lower surface of stones in openings formed in the riverbed. The number of eggs per stone ranged from 62 to 375, with significant differences among the mean sizes of the eggs. Sexual dimorphism was noticed to N. microps. The anal and urogenital papillae are separated in males and merged in females and there is an epidermal growth along the pectoral-fin spine of males.

Distribuição espacial, locais favoráveis è desova e dimorfismo sexual foram estudados no cascudo Neoplecostomus microps no rio Macaé de março 2004 a março 2005. Espécimes de N. microps estiveram restritos a trechos de águas rápidas, e sua distribuição foi relacionada ao desenvolvimento ontogenético. Larvas em pós-flexão ocorreram somente na vegetação marginal e adultos somente em frestas entre rochas e pedras no canal do rio. Juvenis ocorreram em ambos ambientes. Desovas foram encontradas no ambiente natural em trechos de corredeira, com os ovos aderidos a superfície ventral de rochas em aberturas formadas com o leito do rio. O número de ovos/pedra variou de 62 a 375, com diferenças significativas entre os valores médios dos ovos. Dimorfismo sexual foi verificado em N. microps. As papilas anal e urogenital são separadas em machos e colabadas em fêmeas, e há uma projeção epidérmica na nadadeira peitoral de machos.

Improvement of yield of the edible and medicinal mushroom Lentinula edodes on wheat straw by use of supplemented spawn

The research evaluated the interactions of two main factors (strain / types of spawn) on various parameters with the purpose to assess its effect on yield and biochemical composition of Lentinula edodes fruiting bodies cultivated on pasteurized wheat straw. The evaluation was made with four strains (IE-40, IE-105, IE-124 and IE-256). Different types of spawns were prepared: Control (C) (millet seed, 100%), F1 (millet seed, 88.5%; wheat bran, 8.8%; peat moss, 1.3%; and CaS0(4), 1.3%) and F2 (the same formula as F1, but substituting the wheat bran with powdered wheat straw). Wheat straw was pasteurized by soaking it for 1 h in water heated to 65 °C. After this the substrate (2 kg wet weight) was placed in polypropylene bags. The bags were inoculated with each spawn (5% w/w) and incubated in a dark room at 25 °C. A proximate analysis of mature fruiting bodies was conducted. The mean Biological Efficiency (BE) varied between 66.0% (C-IE-256) and 320.1% (F1-IE-124), with an average per strain of 125.6%. The highest mean BE was observed on spawn F1 (188.3%), significantly different from C and F2. The protein content of fruiting bodies was high, particularly in strain IE-40-F1 (17.7%). The amount of fat varied from 1.1 (F1-IE-40) to 2.1% (F2-IE-105) on dry matter. Carbohydrates ranged from 58.8% (F1-IE-40) to 66.1% (F1-IE-256). The energy value determined ranged from 302.9 kcal (F1-IE-40) to 332.0 kcal (F1-IE-256). The variability on BE observed in this study was significantly influenced by the spawn's formulation and genetic factors of the different strains.

Effect of Different Substrates and Casing Materials on the Growth and Yield of Calocybe indica

Calocybe indica, a tropical edible mushroom, is popular because it has good nutritive value and it can be cultivated commercially. The current investigation was undertaken to determine a suitable substrate and the appropriate thickness of casing materials for the cultivation of C. indica. Optimum mycelial growth was observed in coconut coir substrate. Primordia initiation with the different substrates and casing materials was observed between the 13th and 19th day. The maximum length of stalk was recorded from sugarcane leaf, while diameter of stalk and pileus, and thickness of pileus were found in rice straw substrate. The highest biological and economic yield, and biological efficiency were also obtained in the rice straw substrate. Cow dung and loamy soil, farm-yard manure, loamy soil and sand, and spent oyster mushroom substrates were used as casing materials to evaluate the yield and yield-contributing characteristics of C. indica. The results indicate that the number of effective fruiting bodies, the biological and economic yield, and the biological efficiency were statistically similar all of the casing materials used. The maximum biological efficiency was found in the cow dung and loamy soil casing material. The cow dung and loamy soil (3 cm thick) was the best casing material and the rice straw was the best substrate for the commercial cultivation of C. indica.

Influence of light and spawn quantity on the growth of Nigerian mushroom Pleurotus tuber-regium.

The effects of light and quantity of spawn on the sporophore and sclerotial yields of Pleurotus tuber-regium, cultivated on cotton wastes, rice straw, cocoyam peel, corncob, groundnut shell and sawdusts of Mansonia altissima, Khaya ivorensis and Boscia angustifolia were observed.The organism had sporophore and sclerotial yield values of 36.8 and 27.6 g kg-1 waste, respectively, in cotton waste, at light quantum of 695 lux. There was a highly significant increase in yield of sclerotia (188.0 g kg-1 waste), in total darkness , while malformed fruitbodies (sporophores) were produced in all the substrates under the same condition. Increasing the quantity of spawn from 5 to 30% reduced the period of spawn run from 13 to 6, 15 to 8 and 24 to 17 days, respectively, in P. tuber-regium fruitbodies grown in cotton waste, rice straw and sawdust of B. angustifolia, with yield values of 38.0 and 20.0 g kg-1 waste in cotton waste and rice straw. The optimal spawn levels for sclerotia formation in the two wastes were 10 and 5%, respectively. .The mushroom did not produce sclerotia in corn cob and groundnut shell when exposed to light. However, maximal yield values of 286.8 and 288.4 g kg-1 waste were obtained in both substrates in total darkness.

Optimization on Oil Suspension Formulation of Cordyceps sinensis Spawn / 微生物学通报

The particularities of oil suspension formulation can raise the invasive rate of Hirsutella sinensis to host of Hepialidae for the commercialization of artificial cultivation of Cordyceps sinensis. So it is important to develop a high cell viability oil suspension formulation of C. sinensis spawn. According to the characteristics of the oil suspension formulation, MTT assay is adapted and optimized. The result is as follows: reaction time 120 min, reaction temperature 37?C, methylbenzene as extracting agent, and a positive linear correlation established between active cell weights and cell viability. Varieties and concentrations of assistance agents in oil suspension formulation have been selected with the refined MTT assay, and further optimized together with cell concentrations through orthogonal experiment. The optimal combination project was obtained, namely, cell concentration 0.15 g/mL, aluminium stearate 60 mg/mL, and SPAN-80 50 ?L/mL. Results of stability test on the oil suspension formulation indicate that cell viability can maintain above 90% at 4?C after one month.

Effect of Fermented Sawdust on Pleurotus Spawn

A method of spawn making procedures through the application of fermented sawdust for the purpose of avoiding contamination by undesirable fungi in the course of Pleurotus ostreatus mycelial growth was evaluated. Of three kinds of supplements, rice bran was the most effective to raise temperature up to 70degrees C. Mycelial activity and density was more considerably improved in the case of using fermented sawdust supplemented with rice bran than the case of non-fermented sawdust. Primordia of Pleurotus ostreatus were formed on fermented sawdust. The substrate of fermented sawdust showed potential to prevent the growth of Trichoderma sp. which caused a symptom on mushroom mycelium, whereas there was nothing to inhibit the growth of Trichoderma sp. during 30 days after inoculation in non-fermented sawdust.