023970   Loganathan K;Velmurugan B;Howrelia J H; Selvanayagam M;Patnaik B B (Envir Sci and Biotechnol Res Unit, P.G. and Res Dep of Zool, Loyola College, Chennai-600 034) : Zinc induced histological changes in brain and liver of Labeo rohita (Ham.). J envir Biol 2006, 27(1), 107-10.

Labeo rohita fingerlings were exposed to zinc metal toxicity (5 and 10 ppm) for duration of 5 and 15 days. The histological changes were studied in brain and liver of the treate fish. The brain tissues showed enlarged pyramidal cells with extensive vacoulation while severe necrosis, haemorrhage and degeneration of hepatocytes were witnessed in the liver tissues.

10 illus, 13 ref

023969   Lily D;Vanitharani J (Bat Res Lab, Dep of Zool, Sarah Tucker College, Tirunelveli-627 007) : Olfactory communication through scent marking behaviour during breeding in Hipposideros speoris (Schneider's leaf nosed bat 1800). J theor expl Biol 2005, 1(3), 121-28.

Bats use a combination of visual, acoustic and olfactory signals to communicate. Hipposideros speoris (Schneider's leaf nosed bat 1800) possess specific modified skin glands in the frontal region of the head and in the anal region to secrete odoriferous compounds. These chemical signals aid the bats to communicate and mediate sexual behaviour during breeding season.

3 illus, 1 table, 38 ref

023968   Kushwaha R V;Singh N R;Mathur S K; Suryanarayana N (NO, Regional Tasar Res Stn, Opposite Sai Mandir, Bhandara- 441 904) : Life table study of Bhandara ecorace of tropical tasar silkworm, Antheraea mylitta D.. J expl Zool 2006, 9(1), 131-40.

Bhandara ecorace is one of the commercially important natural tasar ecoraces of Antlieraea mytitta Drury endowed with superior economic traits. Over exploitation for trade caused drastic dwindling of this Saturniid silkmoth and it is necessary to save it from extinction. First step in this direction is to study the life table of this ecorace. It is therefore, study was carried out at Field Khapa of Regional Tasar Research Station, Bhandara. In prevailing conditions of Maharashtra State, Bhandara ecorace behaves as trivoltine and completes its life cycle in three generations. It completes its life cycle in 61.7 days during I generation, 73.7 days during II generation and 230.1 days during III generation. Each generation undergoes complete metamorphosis and passes through four stages viz., egg, larva, pupa and adult (moth) during its life cycle. Incubation period was 9.33 in I generation, 10.33 days in II generation and 14.91 days in III generation. Percent hatching was lower in case of I generation (57.75%) whereas in better hatching % was recorded during II generation (64.64%) and HI generation (66.52%). Laval stage of this insect completes in five instars viz. I, II, III, IV and V instar and four moults viz., I, II, III and IV moult Larval span completes in 28.08 days during I generation while ft completes in 34.16 days and 41 days during II and III generation respectively. There exists close relationship between duration of larval growth and temperature. Spinning and pupation period was 10.95,12.95,19.13 days during generation I, II and III respectively. Results indicate that best rearing season for the Bhandara ecorace is during November to January where maximum survivability and least larval losses and thereby higher cocoon yields were recorded. Third generation pupae of this ecorace undergo pupal diapause for a period of 155 days. The third generation harvested cocoons of ecorace Bhandara faces problems of pupal mortality and erratic emergence during its summer preservation. The pupal mortality during preservation stands at 16.42% and unseasonal emergence was recorded to 36.29%.

1 illus, 4 tables, 13 ref

023967   Kumaraswamy A;Palavesam A (Dep of Zool, S. T. Hindu Coll, Nagercoil-629 002) : Seasonal fluctuation in faecal coliforms in Thengapattinam estuary in the south west coast of India. J theor expl Biol 2005, 1(3), 147-55.

Seasonal variation in faecal coliforms was studied at four different sampling stations (SI to SIV) in Thengapattinam estuary along southwest coast of India. During the study period the total and faecal coliforms varied much during sampling months and seasons. Amoung the sampling stations it was maximum (1100 MPN/100 ml) in November 2002 at SH against the minimum value (4.0 MPN/100 ml) in January, March and July 2002 in SIV. Similarly the faecal coliforms were maximum (240 MPN/100 ml) in November 2002 at SII and it was minimum (3.0 MPN/100 ml) in January, February, August 2002 at SI and January, February, March and July 2002 at SIV. Season-wise pooled data indicated that both the total coliforms and faecal coliforms were maximum during northeast monsoon season in all the four sampled stations. The total and faecal coliforms showed a non-significant (P <62>0.05) negative linear relationship with pH and salinity.

8 illus, 30 ref

023966   Kumar Y;Malik M;Anjum A;Panwar A;Singh H S (Zool Dep, D.A.V. Coll, Muzaffarnagar-251 001) : Haematology of freshwater fish Clarias batrachus. J expl Zool 2006, 9(1), 141-8.

Test fish Clarias batrachus procured from different localities of Meerut (29.01N, 77.45 E) and Muzaffarnagar (29.28 N, 77.44 E), reared in the laboratory, prior to the blood sampling, through cardiac puncture, were anaesthetized using standardized clove oil concentration. Subsequently, the values of the haematological parameters were measured using modified standard methods for human beings. Basic haematological observations were made with respect to the indices viz. haemoglobin, total erythrocyte and leucocyte numbers together with a differential enumeration of various leucocytes. The basic haematological indices were then used to derive the Packed Cell Volume (PCV), Mean Cell Haemoglobin (MCH), Mean Cell Haemoglobin Concentration MCHC and Mean Cell Volume (MCV). The data thus obtained were then correlated with the length and weight of test fish and used to graphically represent the different parameters.

14 illus, 1 table, 24 ref

023965   Kumar A;Yadav P R (Dep of Zool, D.A.V. Coll, Muzaffarnagar-251 001) : Studies on biomass of sugarcane pest, Pyrilla perpusilla Walker under western U.P. conditions. J expl Zool 2006, 9(1), 173-80.

Pyrilla perpusilla Walker is a serious pest of sugarcane throughout India. Pyrilla perpusilla affects the production of sugarcane in the country extensively. P. perpusilla also has several secondary host plants. Both nymphs and adults feeds on the sugarcane and on secondary lost plants by sucking the cell sap. Its bionomics have been discussed.

2 illus, 1 table, 29 ref

023964   Kerenhap W;Balasingh J;Thiyagarajan V;Kumar V (Dep of Zool, St. John's Coll, Palayamkottai-627 002) : Rearing performance of silkworm hybrid on artificial diet containing mulberry leaf powder. J expl Zool 2006, 9(1), 217-20.

The silkworm hybrid (L x NB₄D₂) of Bombyx mori were reared on artificial diet containing mulberry leaf powder. The larvae reared on mulberry leaf (control) showed maximum larva! weight, ERR%, single cocoon weight, single cocoon shell weight and SR%. The prolongation of larval duration and the segregation of cocoon colour were observed in the larvae reared on artificial diet.

2 tables, 8 ref

023963   Jeanjose J;Chandran A (Mar Biotechnol Lab, Cent Mar Fish Res Inst, Vizhinjam-695 521) : Histological changes in gill and liver of Etroplus suratensis (Bloch, 1785) due to oil pollution in Ashtamudi estuary, Kerala, India. J theor expl Biol 2005, 1(3), 129-35.

Level of oil and grease in the selected areas of Ashtamudi estuary in Kerala State, India varied between 8.6 mg/l and 13 mg/l. Histological changes in the gills of Etroplus suratensis included excessive proliferation of mucous cells, fusion of the adjacent secondary gill lamellae, formation of blood blister, and separation of the respiratory epithelium from the basement membrane. In liver tissue, vacuolization of hepatic cells, karyorhexis, formation of pycnotic nuclei, enlargement of nuclei and necrosis and disintegration of hepatic cells were noted.

2 illus, 32 ref

023962   Jayakumari L (Dep of Zool, Sree Ayyappa Coll for Women, Chunkankadai-629 807) : Reproductive biology of Palaemon (Palaemon) concinnus from Veli lake, Kerala, India. J theor expl Biol 2005, 1(3), 137-40.

Palaemon (Palaemon) concinnus is a commercially important brackish water prawn of the Veli lake, Kerala, India. Investigation on the reproductive biology reveals that P. (P.) concinnus is a perennial breeder. Female prawns with mature ovaries occurred throughout the year showing that they spawn continuously. The Gonado somatic index indicates that February and October are the peak breeding seasons of the species. The minimum size at first maturity was 46 to 50mm. The sex ratio reveals that females out numbered the males in the total population. The fecundity ranged between 495 and 5696. The relationship between fecundity and total length of prawn, length of brood, weight of prawn, and weight of brood were all observed to be linear in logarithmic form. A high degree of correlation was observed between weight of prawn and weight of brood with fecundity.

4 illus, 11 ref

023961   Gunamalai V;Kirubagaran R;Subramoniam T (Unit of Invertebrate Reproduction Dep of Zool, Univ of Madras, Guindy Campus, Chennai-601 025, Email: thanusub@yahoo.com) : Vertebrate steroids and the control of female reproduction in two decapod crustaceans, Emerita asiatica and Macrobrachium rosenbergii. Curr Sci 2006, 90(1), 119-23.

Vertebrate steroids, estradiol-17β (E₂) and progesterone (P), have been estimated in the hemolymph, ovary and hepatopancreas of mole crab Emerita asiatica and freshwater prawn Macrobrachium rosenbergii during the reproductive and molt cycle stages by radioimmunoassay. The maximum level of E₂ in hemolymph, ovary and hepatopancreas was detected only during the intermolt stage, whereas the level gradually decreased during premolt and postmolt stages in E. asiatica. The E₂ level in the hemolymph was high in crabs with mature ovaries, while those with quiescent ovaries were low or undetectable. The trend in P level in all tissues during different molt and reproductive stages was remarkably similar to that of E₂. However, in M. rosenbergii, with two types of molt cycles, viz. reproductive and common (non-reproductive) molt, E₂ and P levels in hemolymph, ovary and hepatopancreas showed wide variation between them. During the reproductive molt cycle, the level of E₂ and P in all tissues peaked during inter-molt, but declined drastically at premolt and postmolt stages. On the contrary, the level of E₂ in hemolymph was not detectable in any molt stage during the non-reproductive molt with the ovary containing undeveloped oocytes. However, the inactive ovary and hepatopancreas showed basal level of E₂ during non-reproductive molt cycle, whereas P was totally undetectable in the above tissues. Cumulatively, these studies suggest that the ovary may synthesize E₂ and release them into the hemolymph from where it may reach the hepatopancreas to stimulate vitellogenin synthesis in the two decaopds. P may have a role in the post-vitellogenic meiotic maturation of the oocytes, as in vertebrates.

1 illus, 2 tables, 24 ref

023960   Govindarajan M;Jebanesan A;Reetha D (Dep of Zool, Annamalai Univ, Annamalainagar-608 002) : Larvicidal efficacy of secondary metabolites of fungi against the mosquito Aedes aegypti (Linn.) (Diptera :Culicidae). J expl Zool 2006, 9(1), 73-6.

Investigation was carried out to find out the larvicidal efficacy of extracellular secondary metabolites of about 240 fungal isolates against the larvae of mosquito, Aedes aegypti. In the study about 240 fungal isolates were isolated from soil and designated as F 1 to F 240. On testing larvicidal activity of secondary metabolites of the fungal isolates, 95 isolates of them showed positive larvicidal against Ae. aegypti. Further on screening the 95 isolates, four isolates of Aspergillus (F 91, F 42, F 52, F 27), two isolates of Penicillium (F 189, F 28) and one isolate of each Trichoderma (F 102), Fusarium (F 65) and Paecilomyces (F 74) were found to be active against mosquito larvae and the LC₅₀ values of the metabolites ranged from 16.09 to 59.38 ml/ml. Among them, an isolates of Aspergillus (F 91) exerted a very low LC₅₀ value of 16.09 ml/ml.

11 ref

023959   Gopesh A;Yadav L (Dep of Zool, Univ of Allahabad, Allahabad-211 002) : Paraneuronic cells of pseudobranchial neurosecretory system in catfish. Indian J Fish 2005, 52(4), 477-81.

The pseudobranchial neurosecretory system is a paracrine system reported in four species of catfish viz. Mystus seenghqla, M. aor, M. vittatus and M. cauassius. It is located in the gill region close to the carotid labyrinth. The cells belonging to this system share features with paraneurons and are hypothesized to play role in stress physiology of fishes, especially hypoxia. Present study shows the presence of these cells in the four species of Mystus using specific stains for neurosecretion, viz. acid-violet stain and their probable role in the biology of fishes.

2 tables, 11 ref

023958   Ghosh A R;Chakraborti P;Pal S (Dep of Envir Sci, The Univ of Burdwan, Burdwan-713 104) : Impact of diesel oil effluent in the mucosal surface of the alimentary canal of Oreochromis nilotica (Linnaeus): A scanning electron microscopic study. J envir Biol 2006, 27(1), 129-34.

Adverse effects of diesel oil on microanatomical structure of the alimentary canal of 0. nilotica were studied using SEM observations. The study revealed irregular arrangement of the stratified epithelial cells along with fragmentation of the normal concentric pattern of microridges of the same cells in buccopharynx and oesophagus. The excessive secretion of mucus of buccopharynx and oesophagus were the salient changes caused by diesel oil pollution. The destruction and degeneration of the mucosal folds of stomach and intestine along with their epithelial cells exhibited a concrete hyperactivity resulting in abundant secretion of mucus over the microridges of the epithelial cells. In the intestinal region the columnar epithelial cells showed tumefaction and microvilli of the plasma membrane of epithelial cells get heavily damaged. Disarray of the microridges of epithelial cells excessive secretions of mucus formation of even cell sheet were the most conspicuous changes in rectum. It was concluded that chronic exposure of diesel oil may hamper the absorption of the nutrients through alimentary canal resulting into ill growth and production fish.

17 ref

023957   Ganeshwade R M;Rokade P B;Sonwane S R (NO, R.B. Attai Coll, Georai, Beed-431 127) : Behavioral responses of Cyprinus carpio to industrial effluents. J envir Biol 2006, 27(1), 159-60.

Fish were collected from Nath Sagar, Paithan 50 kms away from Aurangabad and were brought to the laboratory and exposed to industrial effluent (tannery effluent). Behavioral changes and responses of the fish to the tannery effluent were observed. Control fish showed normal behaviour and swimming in contrast the effluent exposed fish showed abnormal swimming, loss of equilibrium, fading of colour, coughing and opercular movements.

^ssc2 tables, 13 ref

023956   Dhembare A J (Dep of Zool, P.V.P. Coll, Pravaranagar-413 713, Email: anantdhembare04@yahoo.co.in) : Uroleucon compositae (Homoptera) - a serious pest of safflower and its control. J expl Zool 2006, 9(1), 49-55.

A review of safflower aphid, Uroleucon compositae infesting several crops in India has been dealt herewith. The life history, infestation and their control is discussed here under in the light of present literature.

^iia54 ref

023955   Dhande R R;Suryawanshi S A;Pandey A K (Dep of Zool, Amravati Univ, Amravati-444 602) : Seasonal changes in plasma calcium and inorganic phosphate levels in relation to parathyroid structure of the grey quail, Couturnix coturnix coturnix Linnaeus. J envir Biol 2006, 27(1), 123-8.

Plasma Ca concentration (annual mean) in males Coturnix coturnix coturnix was 10.27 ± 0.14 mg/100 ml while it was slightly higher (11.85 ± 0.15 mg/100 ml) among females. Plasma Pi levels (annual mean) in males and females were 5.62 ± 0.12 mg/100 ml and 6.52 ± 0.20 mg/100 ml, respectively. While the males did not exhibit marked fluctuation in plasma Ca and Pi levels either in winter or summer, the females did record significant elevation in the levels of both these electrolytes during breeding season. The peak values of plasma Ca (17. 66 ± 0.38 mg/100 ml) and Pi (8.64 ± 0.22 mg/100 ml) in females were observed durinq June. Parathyroid gland of the grey quail exhibited hyperactivity (hypertrophy and hyperplasia) during breeding season however, the activity was more conspicuous among females than in males. The maximum increase in cell and nuclear diameters were observed in females during May - July. The follicles were also filled with AF- and PAS-positive materials during these months The glands depicted signs of hypoactivity and degeneration during peak winter season (November-December) as evident by decrease in cell and nuclear diameters as well as vacuolation in the chief cells.

10 illus, 2 tables, 31 ref

023954   Devkar R V;Khanpara P S;Bhimani H;Katara R D (Avian Biol Div, Biol Dep, Bahauddin Science College, Junagadh-362 001, Email: rvdevkar@rediffmail.com) : Breeding success of oriental white ibis (Threskiornis melanocephaus Latham) in captivity. Curr Sci 2006, 90(1), 28-31.

1 illus, 1 table, 25 ref

023953   Dev V;Dash A P;Khound K (NO, Malaria Res Cent (Field Station), Sonapur-782 402, Email: mrcassam@hotmail.com) : High-risk areas of malaria and prioritizing interventions in Assam. Curr Sci 2006, 90(1), 32-6.

Malaria is a major public health illness in Assam that contributes <62>5% of the reported cases in the country annually. Both Plasmodium falciparum and P. vivax occur in abundance, but P. falciparum (the killer parasite) accounts for <62>60% of the cases. Transmission of the malaria pathogen is persistent, and is maintained mostly by Anopheles minimus; other vectors are An. dirus and An. fluviatilis. There is an imperative need for better reporting system for evidence-based targetting of interventions, and to save operational costs. Proposed that control programmes targetted at the population groups at high-risk (estimated to be <126> 40% of the total population of the state that accounts for <62>60% of cases) can be potentially highly effective in reducing transmission of the causative parasite. Concerted efforts should be made for strengthening the health infrastructure at the periphery for better case management to avert and possibly delay the emergence of drug resistant malaria, and help ensure equitable growth and development of communities at stake. Attempted to stratify malaria endemic districts, and delimit the borders for prioritizing intervention strategies for effective control of the disease in the northeastern region of India.

3 illus, 1 table, 23 ref

023952   Biswas I;Ghosh S;Ray N (Muga Res Lab Dep of Zool, A.B.N.Seal Coll, Coochbehar-736 101) : Effect of low temperature preservation on delayed hatching of egg of muga-silkworm, Antheraea assama westwood. J expl Zool 2006, 9(1), 249-54.

Among most successful animal groups in terms of species, insects are predominant one and estimates of total number of living species ranges from 10 to 30 million. Many factors must contribute to the profusion of insect species, but one key element is probably the developmental pian. Particular set of environmental stimuli such as temperature, photoperiod, humidity and nutrients play important roles for success of insect development. Developmental plan of insects can be manipulated purposefully by altering temperature. Insect eggs are one of the suitable stages for the study of the effect of environmental stimuli on the development of insect embryo. Keeping this in view under consideration, an attempt has been made to delay the hatching of eggs of muga silkworm (Antlieraea assam Westwood), by cold temperature preservation with an objective to find out the maximum delay of hatching so that eggs can be supplied to the farmers as and when required. In investigation eggs were collected after 24, 48, 72 and 96 hours after laying and preserved at 4, 6, 8, 10°C for 3, 7, 12, 15 and 21 days. Results show that when eggs are collected after different hours after laying and are preserved for 12 days at 6±1°C shows 100% hatching. Eggs collected 24 hours after laying and preserved at 10±1°C for 21 days shows delay of hatching for 19 days with satisfactory hatching percentage. From overall result it can be said that it is possible to induce delay of hatching without affecting hatching percentage using low temperature preservation as stress.

4 illus, 3 tables, 22 ref

023951   Bharadwaj S;Mathur R (Dep of Envir Toxicol, Dr. B. R. Ambedkar Univ, Agra-282 002) : Toxic effects of vanadyl sulphate-a haematological approach. J expl Zool 2006, 9(1), 89-91.

Vanadyl sulphate was administered (i.p.) once at a dose of 7.5 mg/kg to adult male albino rats. Various haematological variables were measured after 30 min., 2hr, 4 hr, 12 hr, 48 hr, 7 days and 14 days of exposure. Significant decrease in blood sugar was noted. Decrease in R B C count, Hb%, Ht level after 30 min, 2 hr, 4 hr and 12 hr of treatment were also noted. Increase in SCOT and SGPT levels were observed.

1 table, 5 ref

023950   Bhakta J N;Jana B B (Aquacult and Appl Limnology Res Unit Dep of Zool, Univ of Kalyani, Kalyani-741 235, Email: lsnjbhakta@rediffmail.com) : Cost-benefit approach for assessment of optimum stocking density of carps for rearing stage production. J expl Zool 2006, 9(1), 57-66.

Experiment was carried out in tank using the stocking densities 8,13,16 and 32 fry/tank (equivalent to 17,775, 28,880,35,550 and 71,100 fry/ha) and fertilizer dose 23,000 kg/ ha/year in order to determine the optimum stocking density of carps for rearing stage production under polyculture. Advanced fry of catla (Catla catla, 1.2 ± 0.05 g), bata (Labeo bata, 1.8± 0.23 g) and common carp (Cyprinus carpio, 2.15 ± 0.2 g) were introduced at the ratio of catla-2: bata-3: common car -3 and reared for 150 days. Growth and survival of fish were recorded at regular intervals. Water samples were collected and monitored for primary productivity and water quality parameters (temperature, pH, dissolved oxygen, ammonium-N, nitrite-N, nitrate-N, and orthophosphate) at weekly and biweekly intervals. Data were analyzed statistically by ANOVA and LSD for separation of mean (P <60>0.05). The yield of fish tended to rise with increase in stocking density showing maximum yield at 16 fry/tank (SD16: 35,550 fry/ha) and decline thereafter. The cost-benefit analysis of fish yield data showed that total revenue and net revenue were maximum at SD16. Considering ecological sustainability and using the cost-benefit analysis, it can be concluded that 16 fry/tank (SD16: 35,550 fry/ha) was optimum stocking density for rearing stage production of carp.

5 illus, 2 tables, 26 ref

023949   Bhakta J N;Jana B B (Aquacult and Appl Limnology Res Unit Dep of Zool, Univ of Kalyani, Kalyani-741 235, Email: lsnjbhakta@rediffrnail.com) : Determination of optimal dilution ratio of anaerobic pond effluent of domestic sewage for sewage-fed culture of common carp fry. J expl Zool 2006, 9(1), 39-48.

Raw domestic sewage contains full of nutrients, which is harmful to aquatic life and hence should not be directly used in aquaculture. Experiment was performed for determining the dilution ratio required for sewage-fed culture of common carp fry. Anaerobic pond effluent (pH 7.22, DO 1.05 mg/l1, COD 290 mg/l, NH₄-N 7.106 mg/l, NO₂-N 0.386 mg/l, NO₃-N 0.274 mg/l, PO₄-P 0.598 mg/l) was collected from a domestic sewage treatment plant of Kalyani Municipality and diluted with ground water in different ratios (1:0, 3:1, 2:1, 1:1, 1:2, 1:3 and 0:1). Twenty-one circular earthen cisterns (120 L) placed in the outdoor were grouped into seven batches in triplicate. Advanced fry (2.0±0.5 g) of common carp (Cyprinus carpio) were introduced @ 12 fishes in each cistern and reared for 30 days. Survival and growth of fish, primary productivity, plankton, water quality and bacterial population were monitored at regular intervals. Among all the treatments, maximum fish growth (6.5±0.3 g) was observed in 2:1 diluted treatment though the maximum net primary productivity was observed in 1:0 diluted treatment. The results implied that favourable and congenial conditions of water for the growth of common carp fry were appeared in treatment diluted with 2:1 ratio. Further, it is concluded that the dilution technique is an effective management tool to maintain nutrient load and to reduce the pathogenic bacterial load of anaerobic pond effluent for sustainable aquaculture.

4 illus, 1 table, 20 ref

023948   Baskaran S;Eswaran R (Post-Graduate and Res Dep of Zool, Ayya Nadar Janki Ammal Coll, Sivakasi-626 124) : Status and distribution of butterfly species in Sivakasi taluk, Tamil Nadu. J Insect Sci 2005, 18(1), 134-6.

The butterflies of Sivakasi Taluk were studied. A total of 31 species of butterflies belonging to 7 families were observed in the study area. In the first wet season, only one species belonging to the family Danaidae (Danaus chrysippus Linnaeus) was recorded in abundance and most of the species were rarely observed. In the second wet season, 4 species belonging to family PapHionidae, 2 species each belonging to the families Pieridae, Nymphalidae and Danaidae were found in abundance. Most of the flower monging butterflies were rarely recorded. During the post-monsoon as well as dry season, no species were seen in abundance.

^ssc1 tables, 5 ref

023947   Bar M S (Zool Dep, Dr. H.S. Gour Univ, Sagar-470 003) : Role of thyroxine and prolactin in the testicular status of spotted munia Lonchura punctulata. J envir Biol 2006, 27(1), 141-5.

Investigation was made on the importance of thyroxine and prolactin in the reproduction of a tropical wild bird, spotted munia, Lonchura punctulata. Different doses of thyroxine i.m. (0.5, 1.0 and 2.0 μg; 0.56, 1.12 and 2.24 n mol Sodium salt, Sigma) per day/bird were administered in 0.1ml of 0.9% alkaline NaCI per day per bird. Similarly various doses of prolacan (1.0, 2.0,. and 4.0 i.u.) were given per day/bird in 0.1 ml of 0.9% alkaline NaCI Almost normal testicular cycle was observed in vehicle treated birds. All three doses of thyroxine suppressed the cycle almost completely indicating a gonado-inhibitory nature of the hormone. Testicular development in all three prolactin treated groups was also inhibited in peak breeding time which indicates the antigonadal nature of this hormone in the reproduction of this bird.

2 illus, 49 ref

023946   Balakrishnan N;Subbaratnam G V;Madhumathi T; Krishnayya P V (Dep or Ent, Agric Coll, Bapatla-522 101) : Relative toxicity of certain insecticides to cotton white fly Bemisia tabaci gennadius at three levels of lethal concentration. J expl Zool 2006, 9(1), 103-7.

Study was undertaken to find out the relative toxicity of some selected insecticides viz, acephate, dimethoate, monocrotophos, triazophos, endosulfan and cypermethrin against cotton whitefly Bemisia tabaci Gennadius of Guntur strain. At LC₅₀, dimethoate, triazophos, acephate, cypermethrin and endosulfan were respectively 6.046, 4.970, 2.512, 2.404 and 1.452 times more toxic than monocrotophos. At LC₉₀ endosulfan, dimethoate, triazophos and cypermethrin were 2.105, 1.360, 1.238 and 1.012 times more toxic and acephate was 0.979 time less toxic to monocrotophos. On the basis of LC_99.9 endosulfan only was more toxic (3.553 times) and cypermethrin (0.298 times), acephate (0.258 times), triazophos (0.174 times) and dimethoate (0.166 times) were less toxic compared to monocrotophos. The relative susceptibility of B. tabaci to these insecticides at LC₅₀ was also worked out.

103 illus, 2 ref

023945   Balakrishnan N;Murali Baskaran R K;Mahadevan N R (NO, Cott Res Stn, Srivilliputhur-626 125) : Influence of different cotton varieties/hybrid on the ovipositional preference and predation of Chrysoperla carnea Stephens and parasitization of Trichogramma chilonis Ishii. J expl Zool 2006, 9(1), 93-6.

An experiment was conducted to study the influence of cotton varieties viz., LRA 5166, SVPR 2, KC 2, K11 and a hybrid RCH 2 on the ovipositional preference and predation of Chrysoperla cornea Stephens on Helicoverpa armigera (Hubner) eggs and parasitization of Trichogramma chilonis Ishii on H. armigera eggs. The number of eggs laid by female, C. carnea ranged from 10.20 (K 11) to 20.80 (SVPR 2). LRA 5166, RCH 2 and KC 2 recorded 18.20, 15.20 and 13.20 eggs, respectively. The ovipositional preference ranged from 14.94 to 26.33 percent in K 11 and SVPR 2, respectively. The predation was maximum on RCH 2 (20.68 eggs/grub/day) followed by SVPR 2 (15.22 eggs/grub/day) and LRA 5166 (13.30 eggs/grub/day) and minimum on K11 (12.04 eggs/grub/day). There was a negative relationship observed between trichome density and predation of C carnea. The' r' values obtained were highly significant for both abaxial (r = -0.834**) and adaxial (r = -0.825**) surfaces. The parasitization by T. chilonis ranged from 38.60 in K 11 to 57.20 per cent in RCH 2 and it was 50.60 per cent in SVPR 2, 47.20 per cent in LRA 5166 and 43.20 per cent in KC 2. Correlation studies between trichome density of varieties / hybrid and T. chilonis parasitization exhibited a strong negative relationship. The 'r' values obtained were highly significant for abaxial (r = -0.772**) and adaxial (r = -0.697**) surfaces.

1 table, 10 ref

023944   Avadich P C (Dep of Geol, Mohanlal Sukhadia Univ, Udaipur-313 002, Email: pcavadich@yahoo.co.in) : Epigenetic barytes mineralization at Babarmal, district Udaipur, Rajasthan. Curr Sci 2006, 90(1), 27-8.

2 illus, 7 ref

023943   Ashwani Kumar;Gupta A K (Dep of Aquaculture. Coll of Fish, Maharana Pratap Univ of Agric & Technol, Udaipur-313 001) : Acute toxicity of mercury to the fingerlings of Indian major carps (catla, rohu and mrigal) in relation to water hardness and temperature. J envir Biol 2006, 27(1), 89-92.

Short-term (96 hr) toxicity of mercury in relation to water hardness (270 and 560 mg/l) and temperature (16°C and 35°C) to the fingerlings of Indian major carps, i.e. catla, rohu and mrigal has been evaluated using static bioassay. The LC₅₀ indicates that both water hardness and temperature played significant role in mercury toxicity. The test fishes were found most resistant with water hardness of 560 mg/l at 16°C as compared to that of water hardness of 560 mg/l at 35 °C and water hardness of 270 mg/l at both the temperatures, i.e. 35 and 16 °C. Whereas the order of relative sensitivities of these fishes for mercury ions were recorded as catla>rohu>mrigal. The safe concentrations of mercury were ranged in between 12.133 to 19.689 μg/1 for catla; 64.039 to 82.555 μg/l for rohu and 73.510 to 89.585 μg/l for mrigal for both the water hardness and temperature.

4 tables, 19 ref

023942   Anwar T;Tahir S;Ahmad I;Kriknel E K (NO, Southern-Zone Agric Res Cent, PARC, Karachi, Pakistan) : Comparative efficiency of solid phase extraction and liquid-liquid extraction techniques for pesticide residues determination in drinking water using gas chromatograph. J expl Zool 2006, 9(1), 233-8.

Solid Phase Extraction (SPE) and Liquid-Liquid extraction (LLE) techniques were validated for organophosphate insecticide residues in fortified drinking water sample at different spiking levels. The gas chromatograph equipped with Nitrogen Phosphorous Detector (NPD) was used for analysis. The methyl parathion at the spiking level of 1.6 mg/1 was recovered to be 74 by LLE and 80 by SPE. Moreover the recoveries of different pesticides were compared with the literature and discussed in detail with special reference to dimethoate recovery with SPE. The same Empore® 3m disk was found efficient for extractions up to 12 times thus ensuring the analyst for its economic feasibility and convenience.

1 illus, 1 table, 16 ref

023941   Anushi;Bhardwaj S K (Dep of Zool, Chaudhary Charan Singh Univ, Meerut-250 004, Email: drskumar7@yahoo.com) : Response to complete and skeleton photoperiods in subtropical male house sparrow, Passer domesticus (Linnaeus). Indian J expl Biol 2006, 44(4), 325-9.

Examined the importance of the inductive light period of a skeleton photoperiod in relation to the endogenous circadian rhythm of photoinducibility mediating photoperiodic induction, P. domesticus were exposed for 28 weeks to a series of skeleton photoperiods, viz. 6L:4D:1L:13D, 6L:6D:1L:11D, 6L:8D:1L:9D and 6L:14D:1L:3D. The inductive effects of 1 hr light pulse at night varied depending on the time of its placement. To compare the inductive effects of complete and its corresponding skeleton photoperiods, birds in the second experiment were subjected for 20 weeks to 12L, 12D and 6L:5D:1L:12D given daily or interposed on alternate days with constant darkness (12L,12D/DD and 6L5D,1L,12D/DD). There was a difference in the rate and magnitude of response between the complete and skeleton photoperiods. It appears that the subtropical house sparrow uses photoperiodic strategy in regulation of its seasonal testicular responses similar to that is reported for its temperate population.

2 illus, 27 ref

023940   Ananthan G;Sampathkumar P;Soundarapandian P; Kannan L (NO, Cent of Advd Study in Mar Biol, Annamalai University, Parangipettai-608 502) : Heavy metal concentrations in Ariyankuppam estuary and Verampattinam coast of Pondicherry. Indian J Fish 2005, 52(4), 501-06.

Present investigation on the distribution of heavy metals (Cu, Zn, Pb, Cd and Hg) in water was carried out in the Ariyankuppam estuary (station 1) and the Verampattinam coast (station 2) of Pondicherry. Metal concentration in water showed pronounced seasonal variation and it was high during the monsoon season. The following order of abundance of metals - Zn <62> Cu <62> Cd <62> Pb <62> Hg was observed during the present investigation at both the stations. Station 2 recorded more concentration of the metals than station 1 and their concentrations remained well within the ranges reported for these metals from other nearshore and estuarine waters of the southeast coast of India.

2 tables, 21 ref

022771   Yap C K;Ismail A;Tan S G;Rahim Ismail A (Dep of Biol Fac of Sci, Univ Putra Malaysia 43400 UPM Serdang Selangor, Malaysia, Email: yapckong1973@yahoo.com.sg) : Is gender a factor contributing to the variations in the concentrations of heavy metals (Cd, Cu, Pb and Zn) by the green-lipped mussel Perna viridis ?. Indian J Mar Sci 2006, 35(1), 29-35.

Concentrations of Cd, Cu, Pb and Zn were determined in mantles plus gills, gonads and the remaining soft tissues of males and females from a single population of the green-lipped mussel Perna viridis, In addition, the metal concentrations were determined in the total soft tissues of male and female mussels collected from 15 sampling sites in Malaysia. Females generally accumulated higher concentrations of metals than the males but the difference was not significant (P <62> 0.05). The correlation coefficients showed higher R-values in the females than in the males. Although the differences in the metal concentrations of the tissues were not significant (P<62> 0.05), gender was still an important factor in contributing to the variations of concentrations of Cu, Pb and Zn in the soft tissues of P. viridis as was shown by multiple stepwise regression analysis.

4 illus, 3 tables, 20 ref

022770   Vasantharaj David B (NO, Sun Agro Biotech Res Cent, 3/340 Main Road, Madanandapuram, Porur, Chennai-600 116, Email: drdavid@md4.vsnl.net.in) : Editaaleyrodes indicus, a new genus and species of whitefly (Hemiptera :Aleyrodidae), from India. Entomon 2005, 30(4), 317-20.

New genus and species of whitefly (Aleyrodidae) viz., Editaaleyrodes indicus, collected from the plant Dichrostachys cinereae (Daphniphyllaceae) in Vandalur (near Chennai), Tamil Nadu, India has been described and illustrated.

1 illus, 3 ref

022769   Upreti R K (Biomembrane Lab, Industrial Toxicol Res Cent, Lucknow, U.P.) : Effect of lindane during fasting-feeding on rat intestinal epithelial cell membrane. Bhartiya Vaigyanik Evam Audyogik Anusandhan Patrika 2006, 14(1), 9-13.

Use of lindane pesticide is well known in agriculture and for other purposes. Oral route is one of the major routes of pesticides exposure in man and animals. Lindane generally enters the gastrointestinal tract with food and water. Intestinal epithelial cells are the primary targets of its interaction. Exposures of Lindane under short-term starvation and fasting-feeding conditions have been studied in rat intestinal epithelial cell membrane enzymes and constituents. It is evident from the findings that starvation and fasting-feeding schedule upsets the normal functioning of intestinal epithelial cells. Ingestion of lindane further elevates the digestion and absorption functions.

4 tables, 23 ref

022768   Tembhare D B;Indurkar U S (Dep of Zool, Nagpur Univ Campus, Amravati Road, Nagpur-440 033) : Immunocytochemical localization of vertebrate gastro-intestinal hormone-like substances and their role in the midgut digestive enzyme activity in Cybister tripunctatus Ol. (Coleoptera: Dytiscidae). Entomon 2005, 30(4), 279-88.

In the aquatic beetle, Cybister tripunctatus, the Gastrin, CCK and VIP-like immuno-reactive substances were localized in both the cerebral neurosecretory cells and midgut endocrine cells. Glucagon-like substance also was observed in the midgut endocrine cells suggesting secretion of the vertebrate gastro-intestinal hormone-like substances by both the brain neurosecretory and midgut endocrine cells in C. tripunctatus. Extracts of brain and midgut elevated midgut digestive enzyme level, mostly due to the presence of the vertebrate gastro-intestinal hormone- or sulfakinin-like substances.

9 illus, 2 tables, 35 ref

022767   Suthar S (Zool Dep, Maharshi Dayanand Postgrad Coll, Sriganganagar-335 001) : Management of solid household waste by vermiculture. Bhartiya Vaigyanik Evam Audyogik Anusandhan Patrika 2006, 14(1), 25-9.

Carbon, nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium content, and C : N ratio of house hold waste showed statistically significant changes after vermicomposting. The amount of nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium increased about 95.2, 104.8 and 61.5%, respectively after 150 days. Carbon, C : N and C : P ratio showed about 37.0, 67.7, 69.2% decrease in the end product. At the end of the experiment earthworm showed about 458.1% increase in mean indivisual biomass. Earthworm produced 59 cocoons with the rate of 3.18 cocoon per earthworm. Vermicomposting appeared as an efficient technology to convert household organic waste resources in to plant nutrient rich organic manure (vermicompost). The growth patterns of earthworm in household waste indicate the suitability of this waste for earthworm production. Efforts have been made to manage the houshold waste by earthworm species Perionyx sansibaricus.

4 illus, 3 tables, 10 ref

022766   Sudheer K;Narendran T C (Systematic Ent Lab, Dep of Zool Univ of Calicut, Kerala-673 635, Email: sudheer_kt03@yahoo.co.in) : New genus and a new species of Baryceratine Ichneumonidae (Hymenoptera: Ichneumonoidea) from India. Entomon 2005, 30(4), 309-15.

New genus, viz., Virendrania gen. nov. with its type species V. orancistroceri sp. nov. has been described from India. This new genus closely resembles Ceratomansa Cushman and Buysmania Cheesman but it can be distinguished by the combination of the following characters: first abdominal tergite without dorso-lateral, median dorsal and ventro-lateral carinae, spiracle of first abdominal tergite behind its midlength, ovipositor distinctly longer than the body, ovipositor tip having teeth on the upper valve and frons without median horn. A key to the Baryceratine genera of the Indo-Australian Region has also provided.

6 illus, 9 tables

022765   Sooravan T;Sankarperumal G;Baskaran S (Postgrad and Res Dep of Zool Dep of Biotechnol, Ayya Nadar Janaki Ammal Coll (Autonomous), Sivakasi-626 124, Email: sooravant@yahoo.com) : Life-table of Spodoptera litura (Fabricus) (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) reared on three different hosts. Entomon 2005, 30(4), 337-41.

Life-table of Spodoptera litura (Fabricius) reared on fresh leaves of Ricinus communis (Linnaeus), Helianthus annuus (Linnaeus) and Arachis hypogea (Linnaeus) in the laboratory at 30 ± 1 °C has been constructed. The net reproductive rate (Ro), intrinsic rate of natural increase (r_m), finite rate (λ) and weekly multiplication rate (WMR) were highest on Ricinus communis followed by Helianthus annuus and Arachis hypogea. The intrinsic rate of natural increase (r_m) of the population on the host plant ranges from 0.153 to 0.195 female/female/day and net reproductive rate (Ro) from 457.99 to 963.95. The shorter generation time and higher intrinsic rate of increase shortened the population time of Spodoptera litura to 3.56 days on Ricinus communis compared with 4.17 or 4.54 days on Helianthus annuus or Arachis hypogea.

^ssc2 tables, 10 ref

022764   Singh S (Systematic Lab Natn For Insect Collection For Ent Div, For Res Inst, New Forest, Dehradun-248 006, Email: sudhirs@icfre.org) : Description of a new species of Euderus (Hymenoptera: Chalcidoidea : Eulophidae), an egg parasitoid of Alcidodes ludificator (Coleoptera: Curculionidae) a pest of Gmelina arborea. Entomon 2005, 30(4), 321-6.

New eulophid species Euderus alcidodes sp. nov. bred from eggs of Alcidodes ludificator (Col. Curculionidae), a pest of Gmelina arborea has been described from Assam, India. The species is very distinctive from all the known species in the Orient (except torymoides) by presence of long ovipositor. It has been compared with E. torymoides in detail. Key to the females of Oriental species is also given.

8 illus, 15 ref

022763   Rajani kanth P;Sriramulu M;Sreenivasa Rao C (Dep of Ent, Coll of Agric Acharya N.G. Ranga Agric Univ, Rajendranagar, Hyderabad-500 030) : Juvenile hormone III induced changes in protein and carbohydrate contents of Haemolymph of fifth instar Bombyx mori Linneaus. Entomon 2005, 30(4), 333-6.

Laboratory experiment was conducted to study the effect of juvenile hormone III ([±]-10, 11-Epoxy-3,7,11 trimethyl-trans, trans-2,6 dodecadienoic acid methyl ester) on total haemolymph protein and carbohydrate content of 5th instar Bombyx mori at two different dosages of 1 μg/larva and 10 μg/larva. The results of the investigation revealed that the 1 μg treated larvae had significantly higher protein content while 10 μg treatment recorded a significantly lower protein content at different time intervals when compared to control. The haemolymph carbohydrates content of 1 and 10 μg treated larvae were found to be significantly lower compared to their control and the carbohydrate content due to JH-III treatment decreased with increase in concentration.

^ssc1 table, 11 ref

022762   Purohit A;Vyas S K (Dep of Zool Reproduction Physiol Sect, JNV Univ, Jodhpur-342 005) : Antiestrogenic property of Lindenbergia indica in female albino rats with special reference to tissue biochemistry. Aryavaidyan 2005, 19(1), 25-8.

Lindenbergia indica, belongs to the Scrophulariaceae family, is a small genus of annual or perennial herb distributed throughout tropical Asia and Africa. The contraceptive efficacy of the extract of Lindenbergia indica in female rats has been evaluated.

2 tables, 22 ref

022761   Pandey S;Joshi B D;Tiwari L D (NO, Inst of Life Sci, Bhubaneswar-751 023, Email: sachindra_phd@hotmail.com) : New record of Eocanthecona furcellata (Wolff.), [Heteroptera: Pentatomidae] as a predator of the introduced Parthenium bio-control agent, Zygogramma bichlorata (Pallister) and its cannibalistic feeding behaviour. Entomon 2005, 30(4), 347-9.

Lifecycle of E. furcellata was studied on the larvae of Zygogramma bichlorata under laboratory conditions and found to complete in 19-20 days and was almost same as that reported earlier. The phenomenon of cannibalism was observed in these predators and the elder nymphal stages were seen feeding on the younger ones. The report on cannibalism in E. furcellata in laboratory conditions will be of great help in devising a suitable strategy for their commercial production.

^ssc4 illus, 4 ref

022760   Pal T K (NO, Zool Surv of India, M-Block, New Alipore-700 053) : Discolomidae of Nagaland, India with description of a New Species (Coleoptera:Cucujoidea). Entomon 2005, 30(4), 297-301.

Three species of Discolomidae viz., Aphanocephalus johni Pal, A. superbus Pal and A. angulus sp. nov. are recorded and described from Nagaland. A key to the Indian species of Aphanocephalus Wollaston is appended.

3 illus, 3 ref

022759   Nautiyal P (Dep of Zool, H.N.B. Garhwal Univ, Srinagar-246 174, Email: drpnallduniv@rediffmail.com) : Taxonomic richness in the fish fauna of the Himalaya, Central Highlands and Western Ghats (Indian subcontinent). Int J Ecol envir Sci 2005, 31(2), 73-92.

Survey of published literature on fish distribution in India reveals the occurrence on 363 native species from 122 genera, 36 families and 11 orders in the highlands of India, Nepal and Bhutan. The Himalayan region harbours the largest number of species (266), genera (107), families (32) and orders (11). In Western Ghats (WG), 155 species, 62 genera, 24 families and 10 orders occur compared with 95 species from 55 genera, 22 families and 8 orders in the Central Highlands (CH). Species:family ratio is lower in CH (4.3) than in WG (6.5) and the Himalaya (8.3) indicating greater diversity at family rather than species level. Further, a sizeable number of species occur within one family, the Cyprinidae, suggesting recent richness with respect to species, especially in the Himalaya. Only 41 species were common to the three highlands. A large number of species are restricted in distribution (164 in Himalaya, 77 in WG and 8 in CH).

2 illus, 3 tables, 49 ref

022758   Nagrare V S (NO, Natn Res Cent for Orchids, Pakyong-737 106, Email: vishlesh2003@yahoo.co.in) : New record of shoot borer Peridaedala sp. (Lepidoptera: Tortricidae) and its host range of orchids. Entomon 2005, 30(4), 359-60.

Shoot borer, Peridaedala sp. (Lepidoptera: Tortricidae) was observed to cause damage to orchids by boring into shoot during rainy season. It damaged 16 species of Dendrobium and 22 other species of orchids under 14 genera. This is the first report Peridaedala sp. infesting orchids.

^ssc1 illus

022757   Mukherjee D;Bhupathy S;Nixon A M A (NO, Salim Ali Cent for Ornithology and Nat Hist, Anaikatti (PO), Coimbatore-641 108, Email: sb62in@yahoo.co.uk) : A new species of day gecko (Squamata, Gekkonidae, Cnemaspis) from the Anaikatti hills, Western Ghats, Tamil Nadu, India. Curr Sci 2005, 89(8), 1326-8.

1 illus, 1 table, 12 ref

022756   Mondal S K (NO, , , Email: smondal281@rediffmail.com) : Effect of temperature and body size on food utilisation in the marine pearl oyster Pinctada fucata (Bivalvia:Pteridae). Indian J Mar Sci 2006, 35(1), 43-9.

Physiological parameters such as clearance rates, absorption efficiency, oxygen consumption and ammonia excretion were estimated for four size groups ranging from 16 to 60 mm in Dorso Ventral Measurements (DVM) of the marine pearl oyster Pinctada fucata at different water temperatures and the results were integrated by means of two physiological indices, namely Scope For Growth (SFG) and Net Growth Efficiency (K_<2>). The rates of clearance, oxygen consumption and ammonia excretion were found strongly correlated (p ≤ 0.01) with size groups (as tissue dry weight) at water temperature from 18° to 31°C. Absorption efficiency ranged from 43.2 to 56.9 % and was not related to body size in the tested temperature range. Oxygen consumption and ammonia excretion increased with temperature within the same size group from 18° to 31°C. Clearance rate increased with temperature from 18° to 28°C. but declined with further increase of temperature to 31°C. Excreted energy contributed 2.4 to 4.0% to the total absorbed energy for different size groups and water temperatures. The SFG and K_<2> were higher at 26° and 28°C and were minimum at 18°C for all the size groups. The result showed that the optimum physiological conditions for survival and growth of P. fucata were in the temperature range of 26° to 28°C.

1 illus, 2 tables, 24 ref

022755   Mathew G;Rugmini P (For Prot Div, Kerala For Res Inst, Peechi-680 653, Email: mathew@kfri.org) : Impact of human interference on insect species diversity-a study in the Sholayar forest, Kerala, India. Entomon 2005, 30(4), 289-96.

Impact of human interference such as cattle grazing and cutting of trees for fire wood and fodder on insect diversity, was studied in Sholayar forests in Kerala, India. The experimental plots were laid out in such a way that all possible levels of forest degradation were covered. The flora of the undisturbed areas had good representation of primary species. In the disturbed areas, although the primary species were present, their numbers were low and there was invasion by secondary tree species and weeds. The fauna of the undisturbed area contained more of arboreal insects belonging to Geometridae, Saturnidae and Cossidae while the disturbed area contained more of herbaceous feeding insects of the families Pyralidae, Noctuidae and Chrysomelidae. The diversity indices for plants and insects calculated separately for the two habitats showed marked difference and were seen significantly correlated indicating the negative impact of forest disturbance on insect species diversity.

6 tables, 13 ref

022754   Marcus A;Veera Raghavan V (Dep of Zool, Holy Cross Coll, Tiruchirapalli-620 002, Email: alice_marcus@rediffmail.com) : Immunocytochemical evidence for the occurrence of somatomedin-C like peptide in the median neurosecretory cells of the house fly Musca domestica L. Entomon 2005, 30(4), 327-31.

Insulin like peptide was localized in the pars intercerebralis region of brain of Musca domesica using immunocytochemical methods. Subsequent to the isolation and characterization of a hypoglycemic factor in the brain of 3 to 5 day old flies, a maximum of two pairs of cells that occupy a middorsal position were immunoreactive with anti-Somatomedin C. Of the four different antisera for insulin like peptides and a non-related anti-metenkephalin serum used, immunopositivity was obtained only against anti-Somatomedin C. It is suggested that the brain neurosecretory material of housefly and Somatomedin C share certain homologous sequence.

^ssc1 table, 11 ref

022753   Liu X;Zhang S;Zhang Y;Xu Y (NO, Yellow Sea Fish Res Inst Chin Acad of Fish Sci, Qingdao 266071, China 1, Email: sczhang@ouc.edu.cn) : Cryopreservation of the sperm of spotted halibut Verasper variegates (Pleuronectiformes, Pleuronectidae). Indian J Mar Sci 2006, 35(1), 24-8.

Sperm of spotted halibut Verasper variegates was cryopreserved by a simple and convenient protocol. The cryoprotectants used were dimethyl sulfoxide (Me_<2>SO), glycerol (Gly), methanol (MeOH), Me_<2>SO + egg yolk. Gly + egg yolk and MeOH + egg yolk. The percentage of forward motile sperm in semen cryopreserved in the different extenders with Me_<2>SO, Gly, MeOH, Me_<2>SO + egg yolk, Gly + egg yolk and MeOH + egg yolk was 40.5 i 4.2%, 49.5 ± 4.2%, 38.3 ± 2.4%. 65.0 ± 4.0%, 67.5 ± 2.9% and 49.5 ± 8.4%, respectively. The fertilization and hatching rates of cryopreserved sperm were from 59 ± 2.4% to 70 ± 3.0%, and from 11 ± 3.0%. to 18 ± 2.6%, respectively. These tended to be highest when Gly + egg yolk or Me₂SO + egg yolk were used as cryoprotectants. Under SEM, it could be seen that while the majority of the freeze-thawed sperm remained morphologically normal, some exhibited damaged or lost mitochondria, which possibly caused the decrease in motility and fertility of the freeze-thawed sperm.

2 illus, 15 ref