Multi-trait index: selection and recommendation of superior black bean genotypes as new improved varieties.

Common bean provides diet rich in vitamins, fiber, minerals, and protein, which could contribute into food security of needy populations in many countries. Developing genotypes that associate favorable agronomic and grain quality traits in the common bean crop could increase the chances of adopting new cultivars black bean. In this context, the present study aimed at selection of superior black bean lines using multi-variate indexes, Smith-Hazel-index, and genotype by yield*trait biplot analysis. These trials were conducted in Campos dos Goytacazes - RJ, in 2020 and 2021. The experimental design used was randomized blocks, with 28 treatments and three replications. The experimental unit consisted of four rows 4.0 m long, spaced at 0.50 m apart, with a sowing density of 15 seeds per meter. The two central rows were used for the evaluations. The selection of superior genotypes was conducted using the multiple trait stability index (MTSI), multi-trait genotype-ideotype distance index (MGIDI), multi-trait index based on factor analysis and genotype-ideotype distance (FAI-BLUP), Smith-Hazel index, and Genotype by Yield*Trait Biplot (GYT). The multivariate indexes efficiently selected the best black bean genotypes, presenting desirable selection gains for most traits. The use of multivariate indexes and GYT enable the selection of early genotypes with higher grain yields. These lines G9, G13, G17, G23, and G27 were selected based on their performance for multiple traits closest to the ideotype and could be recommended as new varieties.

Detection of Pathogenic Leptospira in Captive Chelonians (Kinosternon scorpioides-Linnaeus, 1766) in the Brazilian Amazon.

Leptospirosis is a zoonosis of great importance for One Health. In this context, the Amazonian biome may harbor numerous hosts for Leptospira spp. that contribute to the maintenance of the pathogen in the environment. Some reptiles, such as chelonians, have been little studied in terms of their involvement with leptospires. The objective of this study was to detect Leptospira spp. DNA in Kinosternon scorpioides turtles kept in captivity in a region of the Brazilian Amazon. A total of 147 samples of blood (n = 40), cloacal fluid (n = 27), cloacal lavage (n = 40), and stomach (n = 40) were collected from 40 chelonians. After DNA extraction, the samples were subjected to amplification of a 331 base pair product of the 16S rRNA gene using the Lep1 and Lep2 primers. PCR products were Sanger sequenced, assembled, and subjected to online blast search and phylogenetic analysis. Of the animals tested, 40% (16/40, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 25-55) had at least one or two samples positive for Leptospira spp. Considering the total number of samples collected, 12.93% (19/147) were positive, being blood clots (27.5%; 11/40), followed by cloacal washings (10%; 4/40), cloacal fluid (11.11%; 3/27) and gastric washings (2.5%; 1/40). Of these, 11 samples were sequenced and showed 99% to 100% identity with Leptospira interrogans sequences, which was confirmed by phylogenetic analysis. This is the first study to detect pathogenic Leptospira DNA in chelonians in a region of the Brazilian Amazon. It has been concluded that K. scorpioides turtles in captivity have been exposed to pathogenic Leptospira.

Climatic seasons and time of the day influence thermoregulation and testicular hemodynamics in Santa Inês rams raised under humid tropical conditions.

This study evaluated the possible association between the diurnal variations of climatic factors during the rainy (RS) or less rainy (LS) seasons on the testicular hemodynamics and thermoregulatory responses of hair sheep rams raised in a humid tropical climate. Santa Inês rams (n = 6) underwent evaluation of general and testicular physiological parameters (heart and respiratory rates, internal and scrotal temperatures, internal-scrotal temperature gradient, scrotal distention, and color Doppler ultrasound evaluation of the spermatic cords and spectral analyses of testicular arteries) over six consecutive weeks per season at three separate times daily (morning = 8:00 a.m., noon = 12:00 p.m., and afternoon = 5:00 p.m.) during the RS and LS. Climatic air temperature and relative humidity data were recorded, and the temperature and humidity index (THI) was calculated. Higher thermal challenge was observed in LS relative to RS (air temperature = 28.0 vs. 30.9 °C; relative humidity = 84.1 vs. 69.9%; THI = 80.0 vs. 82.5; P < 0.05). In both seasons, respiratory rate and internal temperature were normal, demonstrating the animals' adaptability. In RS, however, a higher scrotal temperature was recorded in relation to LS (35.0 vs. 34.7 °C; P < 0.05), with a gradual increase from morning to afternoon. Lower resistivity (0.40 vs. 0.64; P < 0.05) and pulsatility (0.55 vs. 1.14; P < 0.05) indices, and a higher rate of high-velocity blood flow of testicular arteries (71.1 vs. 60.6%; P < 0.05) were observed in RS compared to LS. The lowest correlations between testicular hemodynamic, physiological variables, and environmental parameters (P < 0.05) were observed in the morning. In conclusion, testicular thermoregulation and testicular hemodynamics were influenced by the climatic seasons and time of the day, being more efficient in the LS season and with less interference from environmental factors in the morning.