Features of the use of desiccation at different sowing periods of spring wheat in the technology of obtaining oilseeds

The article offers studies to identify the effectiveness of chemical preparations for desiccation in spring wheat crops. The research was conducted in 2017-2020 in the conditions of the Ryazan region. It was revealed that in the phase of the yellow-green pod, the organs of the surepitsa plants were characterized by different humidity. The stems (up to 75%), the leaves of the pods (about 55%) and the seeds (40%) had the maximum humidity. On average, according to the experience, a high increase in seeds was observed on the variant with sowing in the first decade of May, Dikoshans, BP, 3 l/ha – 20.0 c/ha (+11.7% to the control or +2.1 c/ha). The average maximum yield in the second sowing period was noted on the Glyphoshans, BP, 3 l/ha variant-18.4 c / ha (+1.5 c/ha or +8.8% to the control) and on the Dikoshans, BP, 3 l/ha variant-18.3 c/ha (+1.4 c / ha or + 8.2% to the control), which proves the high efficiency of using the desiccation method in the production technology of spring surepitsa oilseeds. Keywords: SPRING SUREPITSA, SEED MOISTURE, DESICCATION, YIELD, YIELD, OIL CONTENT

Features of the use of desiccation at different sowing periods of spring wheat in the technology of obtaining oilseeds

The article offers studies to identify the effectiveness of chemical preparations for desiccation in spring wheat crops. The research was conducted in 2017-2020 in the conditions of the Ryazan region. It was revealed that in the phase of the yellow-green pod, the organs of the surepitsa plants were characterized by different humidity. The stems (up to 75%), the leaves of the pods (about 55%) and the seeds (40%) had the maximum humidity. On average, according to the experience, a high increase in seeds was observed on the variant with sowing in the first decade of May, Dikoshans, BP, 3 l/ha – 20.0 c/ha (+11.7% to the control or +2.1 c/ha). The average maximum yield in the second sowing period was noted on the Glyphoshans, BP, 3 l/ha variant-18.4 c / ha (+1.5 c/ha or +8.8% to the control) and on the Dikoshans, BP, 3 l/ha variant-18.3 c/ha (+1.4 c / ha or + 8.2% to the control), which proves the high efficiency of using the desiccation method in the production technology of spring surepitsa oilseeds. Keywords: SPRING SUREPITSA, SEED MOISTURE, DESICCATION, YIELD, YIELD, OIL CONTENT

Variation in Ectosymbiont Assemblages Associated with Rock Pigeons (Columba livia) from Coast to Coast in Canada

When a species colonizes a new area, it has the potential to bring with it an array of smaller-bodied symbionts. Rock Pigeons (Columba livia Gmelin) have colonized most of Canada and are found in almost every urban center. In its native range, C. livia hosts more than a dozen species of ectosymbiotic arthropods, and some of these lice and mites have been reported from Rock Pigeons in the United States. Despite being so abundant and widely distributed, there are only scattered host-symbiont records for rock pigeons in Canada. Here we sample Rock Pigeons from seven locations across Canada from the west to east (a distance of > 4000 km) to increase our knowledge of the distribution of their ectosymbionts. Additionally, because ectosymbiont abundance can be affected by temperature and humidity, we looked at meteorological variables for each location to assess whether they were correlated with ectosymbiont assemblage structure. We found eight species of mites associated with different parts of the host’s integument: the feather dwelling mites Falculifer rostratus (Buchholz), Pterophagus columbae (Sugimoto) and Diplaegidia columbae (Buchholz); the skin mites: Harpyrhynchoides gallowayi Bochkov, OConnor and Klompen, H. columbae (Fain), and Ornithocheyletia hallae Smiley; and the nasal mites Tinaminyssus melloi (Castro) and T. columbae (Crossley). We also found five species of lice: Columbicola columbae (Linnaeus), Campanulotes compar (Burmeister), Coloceras tovornikae Tendeiro, Hohorstiella lata Piaget, and Bonomiella columbae Emerson. All 13 ectosymbiont species were found in the two coastal locations of Vancouver (British Columbia) and Halifax (Nova Scotia). The symbiont species found in all sampling locations were the mites O. hallae, H. gallowayi, T. melloi and T. columbae, and the lice Colu. columbae and Camp. compar. Three local meteorological variables were significantly correlated with mite assemblage structure: annual minimum and maximum temperatures and maximum humidity in the month the pigeon was collected. Two local meteorological variables, annual maximum and average temperatures, were significantly correlated with louse assemblages. Our results suggest that milder climatic conditions may affect richness and assemblage structure of ectosymbiont assemblages associated with Rock Pigeons in Canada.

95 Successful Ovum Pick-Up-In Vitro Embryo Production in Lidia Cattle in France

Lidia cattle are a breed of Bos taurus that has been selected specially to produce bulls with the temperament and aggressiveness necessary to face a bullfighter in a ring. The genetic wealth of this fighting breed is divided into small lineages, traditionally called encastes, which has resulted in the risk of a loss of genetic variability (Ministerio de Medio Ambiente y Medio Rural y Marino, 2011; http://www.toroslidia.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/Programa-de-mejora-de-la-Raza-Bovina-de-Lidia.pdf). The technique to produce embryos in vitro may be a useful tool in the conservation of genetic material from this breed in a selection program. The aims of the study were to demonstrate the effectiveness of in vitro production of Lidia cattle embryos, and to evaluate variation in embryo production among males of the breed. Lidia cows, 7 to 13 years of age (n = 12), were used in an ovum pick-up (OPU)-in vitro production (IVP) program in the south of France. Ovarian superstimulation was induced with decreasing doses of pFSH (Stimufol; Reprobiol, Liège, Belgium) twice daily over 3 days (total dose: 350 µg). Transvaginal ultrasound-guided collection of cumulus–oocyte complexes (COC) was done 12 to 24 h after the last FSH injection. The COC were evaluated immediately after OPU and placed into 2.0-mL tubes (Corning Inc., Corning, NY, USA) containing 500 µL of maturation medium. A gas mix (5% CO2 in air) was injected into each tube and the tube was sealed tightly and placed in a portable incubator (Minitub, Tiefenbach, Germany) at 38.0°C for 12 h. On arrival in the Auriva IVP laboratory, tubes were opened and placed into an incubator with 5% CO2 at 38.5°C at maximum humidity to complete a 24-h maturation period. Semen was collected by electro-ejaculation previously from 5 different Lidia bulls (A, B, C, D, and E) and had been frozen by the same technique. The COC were fertilized with the frozen–thawed semen in TALP medium. Presumed zygotes were cultured in SOF medium (Minitub) to Day 7 (Day 0 = fertilization day) at 38.5°C in a 5% CO2, 5% O2, and 90% N2 atmosphere with maximum humidity. A total of 19 OPU/IVP sessions were performed, 5 cows were collected once, and 7 cows collected twice, and 143 COC were processed for in vitro embryo production. Blastocyst and expanded blastocyst numbers were recorded on Day 7. Oocyte recovery and embryo production by bull were analysed by ANOVA and blastocyst yield by Chi-square. The number (mean ± SEM) of oocytes allocated to each bull per IVP session was (P > 0.05): bull A (4.5 ± 1.9), bull B (5.8 ± 2.1), bull C (9.3 ± 2.5), bull D (6.5 ± 2.1), and bull E (7.0 ± 4.4). The cleavage rate differed among bulls (P < 0.05): bull A (4%), B (80%), C (89%), D (81%), and E (76%). The number (mean ± SEM) of blastocysts was lowest (P < 0.05) for bull A and highest (P < 0.05) for bull C (0, 3.7 ± 1.8, 7.0 ± 1.0, 4.3 ± 1.3, 4.7 ± 2.3 for bulls A to E, respectively). The blastocyst development rate (number of blastocysts/number of oocytes entering the IVF process) was also different among bulls (0, 63, 75, 65, and 67%, respectively; P < 0.05). Although there was a male effect on blastocyst production, our data demonstrate that successful in vitro embryo production in Lidia cattle is possible and suggests that this tool would be useful in a genetic program for the multiplication and the conservation of this breed.

159 IN VITRO DEVELOPMENT OF CAPRINE EMBRYO USING CRYOPRESERVED BLACK BENGAL BUCK SEMEN

The purpose of this study was to check the competence of cryopreserved black Bengal buck semen to produce goat embryo through IVF. So far, cryopreserved black Bengal buck semen has not been used to produce goat embryos by IVF. For the study, fresh goat oviducts and ovaries were collected from slaughterhouse in a thermo flask containing 0.9% saline solution supplemented with antibiotic (400 IU mL−1 penicillin and 500 mg mL−1 streptomycin) at 30–35°C and transported to laboratory within 2–3 h of slaughter. Cumulus-oocyte complexes were collected from slaughterhouse ovaries, washed 5–6 times, and cultured in maturation media (TCM-199 + 10% FBS + 10 mg mL−1 FSH-P + 0.81 mM sodium pyruvate + 5% follicular fluid + 50 mg mL−1 gentamicin sulfate + 1 μg mL−1 oestradiol + 100 μM cysteamine) for 27 h in a 5% CO2 incubator at 38.5°C with maximum humidity. After 27 h of culture, cumulus cells were separated from matured oocytes by repeated pipetting using a fine pipette in fertilization Bracket and Oliphant’s (BO) medium. After removal of cumulus cells, the oocytes were transferred to acidified Tyrode’s medium for zona thinning for 52 s and were co-incubated with capacitated sperms for fertilization in fertilization BO medium at 38.5°C in 5% CO2 in air with maximum humidity. In the experiment I, freshly collected buck semen was used for IVF after processing for capacitation. In experiment II, cryopreserved buck semen straws were thawed and sperm were capacitated in vitro and used for fertilization. After 5 h of co-incubation, presumptive zygotes were washed thoroughly and cultured in embryo development medium for cleavage. Three different in vitro development media (RVCL, mSOF + 2.5% BSA, and KSOM + 0.5% BSA) were used. After 40 to 42 h, cleavage was observed and embryos were co-incubated with oviducal cells in replacement media for further development. In the fresh group, overall cleavage rates (%) were 37.76 ± 2.98, 39.60 ± 1.75, 29.01 ± 1.74 and morula formation rates (%) were 7.72 ± 3.38, 6.03 ± 1.29, 3.00 ± 3.00 in RVCL, mSOF, and KSOM media, respectively. However, in the cryopreserved group the overall cleavage rates (%) were 29.17 ± 2.56, 27.70 ± 2.31, and 24.17 ± 1.44 in RVCL, mSOF, and KSOM media, respectively, and morula formation (%) was achieved 2.93 ± 0.97 in RVCL media. These results indicate that cryopreserved black Bengal buck semen have competence to produce embryos and could be used for embryo development through IVF.

Effect of Fetal Calf Serum and Mid Estrus Cow Serum on In Vitro Maturation and Fertilization of Oocytes from Crossbred Cattle in the Tropics

The objective of the study was to examine the effect of fetal calf serum (FCS) and mid estrus cow serum (ECS) in culture media on in vitro maturation (IVM) and in vitro fertilization (IVF) of oocytes from crossbred cattle in the tropics. Oocytes from abattoir ovaries were cultured in three different maturation media at 39oC temperature, 5% CO2 tension with maximum humidity for 24 h. TCM-199 containing 25mM HEPES, 1mM glutamine L, 2.2mg/mL sodium bicarbonate, antibiotics, 22 µg/mL pyruvate, 1µg/mL estradiol-17β, 0.5µg/mL FSH and 0.06 IU hCG without serum supplement used as treatment-1 and the above media were further supplemented with 10% FCS as treatment-2. In treatment-3, instead of 10% FCS, 20% heat inactivated ECS (serum collected in mid estrum) was used as serum supplement. Oocytes with maximum degree of cumulus expansion were selected as matured and used for further IVF studies using frozen semen. The IVF medium consisted of Fert-TALP medium supplemented with 1µM epinephrine, 10µM hypotaurine, 20µM pencillamine and 0.56µg/ml heparin. Culture conditions set for IVF were 39oC temperature, 5% CO2 tension with maximum humidity. Oocytes showing sperm penetration evidence like presence of enlarged sperm head, male pronuclei with its accompanying sperm tail in the cytoplasm, oocytes with two pronuclei and a clear second polar body but without a sperm tail were considered as fertilized. Significantly higher result of cumulus expansion percentage (p< 0.05) was observed when oocytes matured in media supplemented with FCS as compared to other two treatments. There was no influence of source of serum in maturation media on further IVF of matured oocytes in this study. Int J Appl Sci Biotechnol, Vol 4(3): 308-310

In Vitro Fertilizability of Oocytes Using Fresh, Frozen and Epididymal Spermatozoa from Crossbred Bulls in the Tropics

The objective of the study was to examine the fertilizability of bovine follicular oocytes from abattoir ovaries using fresh, frozen and epididymal spermatozoa from crossbred bulls in the tropics. Oocytes were cultured in maturation media TCM-199 containing 25mM HEPES, 1mM glutamine L, 2.2mg/mL sodium bicarbonate, antibiotics, 22 µg/mL pyruvate, 1µg/mL estradiol-17β, 0.5µg/mL FSH and 0.06 IU hCG and supplemented with 20% heat inactivated estrus cow serum (serum collected in early estrum) at 39oC temperature, 5% CO2 tension with maximum humidity for 24 hours. Oocytes with maximum cumulus expansion were used for in vitro fertilization. Fresh, frozen and epididymal semen from crossbred bulls was used for in vitro fertilization as treatment 1(n =1690), treatment 2(n = 1620) and treatment 3(n = 1710) respectively. Control group of oocytes (1680) were treated in the same protocol along with each treatment group of oocytes in separate in vitro fertilization drop without sperm injection. The in vitro fertilization medium consisted of Fert-TALP medium supplemented with 1µM epinephrine, 10µM hypotaurine, 20µM pencillamine and 0.56µg/ml heparin. Culture conditions set for IVF were 39oC temperature, 5% CO2 tension with maximum humidity. Oocytes showing sperm penetration evidence like presence of enlarged sperm head, male pronuclei with its accompanying sperm tail in the cytoplasm, oocytes with two pronuclei and a clear second polar body but without a sperm tail were considered as fertilized. None of the oocytes in control group showed cleavage due to parthenogenetic activation. Significantly higher results of fertilization rate (p<0.05) were observed when oocytes inseminated with epididymal spermatozoa than fresh ejaculated semen followed by frozen semen.Int J Appl Sci Biotechnol, Vol 4(2): 166-171

Distribuição da Oviposição e Dinâmica Temporal do Aedes aegypti (Linnaeus) por Meio de Ovitrampas

O presente estudo teve como objetivo monitorar a dispersão do Aedes aegypti (Linnaeus) por meio de ovitrampas e correlacionar com as variáveis ambientais durante período aproximado de um ano na cidade de Macapá, AP, Brasil. Foram instaladas um total de 66 ovitrampas em 4 zonas da cidade: oeste, sul norte e central, trocando semanalmente as armadilhas. A contagem de ovos permitiu calcular o índice de positividade de ovo (IPO) e índice de densidade de ovo (IDO). Comparou-se o IPO e o IDO entre zonas, e correlacionou-se com os dados climáticos. Durante o estudo, o IPO foi de 50,44% e o IDO 103,79. Não houve diferença do IPO entre as zonas, apenas o IDO da zona central fora maior que as demais. O IPO e o IDO estiveram correlacionados positivamente com a pluviosidade e umidade do ar mínima e, negativamente com a umidade máxima do ar e temperatura máxima e mínima. O monitoramento do A. aegypti por meio de ovitrampa direciona complementarmente a equipe de combate ao vetor, permitindo atuar de maneira mais eficaz na área de maior positividade. Nossos resultados indicam que Macapá está similarmente infestada pelo A. aegypti e que estes elevados índices são influenciados fortemente pelas variáveis ambientais, sendo o período mais chuvoso com os maiores índices entomológicos. Distribution of Oviposition and Temporal Dynamics of Aedes aegypti (Linnaeus) by Ovitraps Abstract. This study aimed to monitor the spread of Aedes aegypti (Linnaeus) using ovitraps and correlate the results with the climate data over a period of approximately one year in the city of Macapá, AP, Brazil. A total of 66 ovitraps were installed in four areas of the city (west, south, north and central), and replaced weekly. The eggs were counted to calculate the egg positivity index (EPI) and egg density index (EDI). The EPI and EDI were compared across zones and correlated with climate data. For the period of the study, the EPI was 50.44% and the EDI was 103.79. There was no difference in EPI across different areas, and only the EDI in the central area was greater than that in the other areas. The EPI and EDI were correlated positively with rainfall and humidity minimum and negatively with maximum humidity of air and maximum and minimum temperature. The monitoring of A. aegypti using ovitraps helps the team to combat the vector, enabling them to act more effectively in areas of higher positivity. Our results indicate that Macapa is similarly infested with A. aegypti and these high levels are strongly influenced by environmental variables, being the rainiest period with the largest entomological indices.

Humidity Sensitive Properties of Graphene Oxide Investigated by Quartz Crystal Microbalance

Graphene oxide has been studied as sensing material for the humidity detection in this paper. At room temperature, graphene oxide was dissolved in water to prepare graphene oxide aqueous solution. This aqueous solution was distributed on the electrode surface of quartz crystal microbalance to form a thin film for humidity detection. The results of the experiment showed that the quartz crystal microbalance sensors with graphene oxide film have good response to the change of humidity. The maximum humidity sensitivity, during the humidity ranging from 10% to 90%RH (relative humidity), has achieved ~54Hz/%RH (relative humidity). The quartz crystal microbalance sensors with graphene oxide thin film have good stability and reproducibility properties. All results implied that the graphene oxide was a potential humidity sensing material for practical use.

Development of La3+Doped CeO2Thick Film Humidity Sensors

The humidity sensitive characteristics of the sensor fabricated from 10 mol% La2O3doped CeO2nanopowders with particle size 17.26 nm synthesized via hydrothermal method were investigated at different frequencies. It was found that the sensor shows high humidity sensitivity, rapid response-recovery characteristics, and narrow hysteresis loop at 100 Hz in the relative humidity range from 11% to 95%. The impedance of the sensor decreases by about five orders of magnitude as relative humidity increases. The maximum humidity hysteresis is about 6% RH, and the response and recovery time is 12 and 13 s, respectively. These results indicate that the nanosized La2O3doped CeO2powder has potential application as high-performance humidity sensor.