RECERCAT - Centres i instituts de recerca

VIII Jornada Tècnica de l’Arròs

Tue, 07 Feb 2012 00:00:00 GMT

VIII Jornada Tècnica de l’Arròs Jornada Tècnica de l'Arròs (8ena : 2012 : Deltebre)

Evaluación del crecimiento y de la producción de madera en plantaciones españolas de nogal realizadas con progenies híbridas. Resultados en fase semiadulta

Sat, 01 Jan 2011 00:00:00 GMT

Evaluación del crecimiento y de la producción de madera en plantaciones españolas de nogal realizadas con progenies híbridas. Resultados en fase semiadulta Vilanova Subirats, Antoni; García i Turu, Ma. Dolors; Aletà i Soler, Neus El silvicultor debería ante todo conocer cuál es el producto que la industria valora y cuáles las características que se le exigen y dirigir sus esfuerzos de gestión a conseguirlas. Actualmente, la madera destinada a la producción de chapa a la plana es la más apreciada.

Teleost fish larvae adapt to dietary arachidonic acid supply through modulation of the expression of lipid metabolism and stress response genes

Sat, 01 Jan 2011 00:00:00 GMT

Teleost fish larvae adapt to dietary arachidonic acid supply through modulation of the expression of lipid metabolism and stress response genes Alves Martins, Dulce; Rocha, Filipa; Martínez Rodríguez, Gonzalo; Bell, Gordon; Jacinto Morais, Sofia; Castanheira, Filipa; Bandarra, Narcisa; Coutinho, Joana; Yúfera, Manuel; Conceição, Luís E. C. Dietary fatty acid supply can affect stress response in fish during early development. Although knowledge on the mechanisms involved in fatty acid regulation of stress tolerance is scarce, it has often been hypothesised that eicosanoid profiles can influence cortisol production. Genomic cortisol actions are mediated by cytosolic receptors which may respond to cellular fatty acid signalling. An experiment was designed to test the effects of feeding gilthead sea-bream larvae with four microdiets, containing graded arachidonic acid (ARA) levels (0·4, 0·8, 1·5 and 3·0 %), on the expression of genes involved in stress response (steroidogenic acute regulatory protein, glucocorticoid receptor and phosphoenolpyruvate carboxykinase), lipid and, particularly, eicosanoid metabolism (hormone-sensitive lipase, PPARα, phospholipase A2, cyclo-oxygenase-2 and 5-lipoxygenase), as determined by real-time quantitative PCR. Fish fatty acid phenotypes reflected dietary fatty acid profiles. Growth performance, survival after acute stress and similar whole-body basal cortisol levels suggested that sea-bream larvae could tolerate a wide range of dietary ARA levels. Transcription of all genes analysed was significantly reduced at dietary ARA levels above 0·4 %. Nonetheless, despite practical suppression of phospholipase A2 transcription, higher leukotriene B4 levels were detected in larvae fed 3·0 % ARA, whereas a similar trend was observed regarding PGE2 production. The present study demonstrates that adaptation to a wide range of dietary ARA levels in gilthead sea-bream larvae involves the modulation of the expression of genes related to eicosanoid synthesis, lipid metabolism and stress response. The roles of ARA, other polyunsaturates and eicosanoids as signals in this process are discussed.

Jornada de camp a la Unitat Experimental de la Terra Alta (UETA)

Fri, 01 Jan 2010 00:00:00 GMT

Jornada de camp a la Unitat Experimental de la Terra Alta (UETA) Vargas García, Francisco J.; Tous Martí, Joan La Unitat Experimental de la Terra Alta (IRTA – INCAVI) acull diverses parcel·les experimentals basades en els tres conreus més importants de la Terra Alta: vinya, ametller i olivera. La jornada que us proposem enguany fa un èmfasi especial en els dos conreus típics de la fructicultura mediterrània (olivera i ametller), comptant amb la presència dels investigadors de l’IRTA: Joan Tous (nous models de producció en olivera) i Francisco Vargas (varietats d’ametller IRTA). Finalment, els assistents que així ho desitgin podran visitar, com cada any, els diferents assajos que tenim establerts en els tres conreus assenyalats.

Jornada de Camp d'Arròs 2010

Fri, 01 Jan 2010 00:00:00 GMT

Jornada de Camp d'Arròs 2010 Català, Mar; Martínez Eixarch, Maite; Tomás, Núria; Pla Mayor, Eva; Torró, Isabel; Defeng, Zhu

Mesophyll conductance to CO2 and leaf morphological characteristics under drought stress during Quercus ilex L resprouting

Thu, 01 Jan 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Mesophyll conductance to CO2 and leaf morphological characteristics under drought stress during Quercus ilex L resprouting Fleck, Isabel; Peña-Rojas, Karen; Aranda Frattarola, Xavier • Quercus ilex L., the dominant species in Mediterranean forests and one with a great capacity for resprouting after disturbances, is threatened by the expected increase in fire frequency and drought associated with climate change. • The aim of this study was to determine the contribution of photosynthesis limitants, especially mesophyll conductance (gmes ) during this species’ resprouting and under summer drought. • Resprouts showed 5.3-fold increased gmes and 3.8-fold increased stomatal conductance (gs) atmidday with respect to leaves of undisturbed individuals. With increased drought, structural changes (decreased density and increased thickness) in resprouts contributed to the observed higher photosynthesis and increased gmes. However, gmes only partially depended on leaf structure, and was also under physiological control. Resprouts also showed lower non-stomatal limitations (around 50% higher carboxylation velocity (Vc,max) and capacity for ribulose-1,5-bisphosphate regeneration (Jmax)). A significant contribution of gmes to leaf carbon isotope discrimination values was observed. • gmes exhibits a dominant role in photosynthesis limitation in Q. ilex and is regulated by factors other than morphology. During resprouting after disturbances, greater capacity to withstand drought, as evidenced by higher gmes , gs and lower non-stomatal limitants, enables increased photosynthesis and rapid growth.

Probiotic microorganisms: 100 years of innovation and efficacy. Modes of action

Thu, 01 Jan 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Probiotic microorganisms: 100 years of innovation and efficacy. Modes of action Vilà i Miquel, Borja; Esteve Garcia, Enric; Brufau de Barberà, Joaquim AbstractArticle StructureFigures and TablesReferences Benefits from probiotic micro-organisms have been recognised for over 100 years, and as being useful in poultry for 50 years. Fuller (1989) redefined probiotics as ‘a live microbial feed supplement which beneficially affects the host animal by improving its intestinal microbial balance’. Benefits derived from this improved intestinal microbial balance could be reflected in performance or prevention of pathogen colonisation. Probiotic micro-organisms use in poultry production has been widely accepted and new opportunities arose from the 2006 EU ban on antimicrobial growth promoters. The majority of microbial products for compound feeds are made up from a relatively small number of micro-organisms that are normally present in the GI tract. They include non-sporulated bacteria, sporulated bacteria, fungi or yeasts; and presented from single to multi-strain products. A review on the proposed modes of action is presented including recent approaches to quorum sensing interference

Strategies of use of a specific immunoglobulin-rich egg yolk powder in weaning piglets

Fri, 01 Jan 2010 00:00:00 GMT

Strategies of use of a specific immunoglobulin-rich egg yolk powder in weaning piglets Vilà i Miquel, Borja; Peris, S.; Calafat, F.; Fontgibell i Seritjol, Anna; Esteve Garcia, Enric; Brufau de Barberà, Joaquim Two experiments were performed to determine the best strategy of use of the product TRACTcare® 4P (ITPSA) (TC, specific immunoglobulin-rich egg yolk powder within an energetic fatty acid matrix) in piglets from weaning and for 6 weeks, in diets without or with inclusion of antibiotics. Each trial was performed with 144 piglets in 24 pens, in a completely randomized design blocked by initial body weight. Feeds were formulated according to animal requirements in two periods. In the first trial no antibiotics were included in the feeds and no room disinfection from previous trial was performed; treatments were: 1) Negative control (NC); 2) NC+TC on top of the feed within the hopper for the first 3 days on trial (30 g/pig×day), and eventually if diarrhea appeared (TCOT); 3) NC+TC ad libitum provided in an extra hopper within the pen (TCAL); and 4) NC+TC at 5 g/kg added to the feed in the mixer (TC5). In the second trial, treatments were: 1) Positive control: basal diet that included 250 mg/kg amoxiciline (BD)+100 mg/kg colistine (AC); 2) BD+2 g/kg TC (TC2A); 3) BD+5 g/kg TC (TC5A); and 4) BD+8 g/kg TC (TC8A). In diets without antibiotics, the product TC at 5 g/kg in the feed numerically improved BW by 8% compared to Control animals, while G:F was almost identical between both groups. When antibiotics were used in the feed, replacement of colistin at 100 mg/kg for TC at 2 g/kg in feed numerically improved the performance compared to Positive control animals (for the whole trial period ADG 8% better: 390 g vs. 361 g; G:F 1% better: 0.748 kg/kg vs. 0.742 kg/kg), possibly due to the stimulation of feed consumption at weaning. In both trials, the lower number of dead and culled animals from TC5 and TC2A together with higher BW represented an advantage over Control treatments of 6% to 10% animals more and 15% to 17% total BW more at the end of the trial.

Application of ZnO-Functionalised-Sepiolite in weaning piglet diets

Fri, 01 Jan 2010 00:00:00 GMT

Application of ZnO-Functionalised-Sepiolite in weaning piglet diets Vilà i Miquel, Borja; Escribano, F.; Esteban, A.; Fontgibell Seritjol, Anna; Esteve Garcia, Enric; Brufau de Barberà, Joaquim The objective was to evaluate the effect of ZnO-Functionalised-Sepiolite (ZnO-Sepiolite) to fulfil Zn requirements and health status of weaning piglets. Pre-starter Basal Diet (BD, corn– soybean based, from weaning till 14 days on trial) was calculated to provide 27 mg Zn/kg feed from raw materials and had no added ZnO and no antibiotics or organic acids. Treatments during pre-starter period were: 1) BD+90% of NRC Zn requirements completed with ZnO (ZnO90); 2) BD+90% of NRC Zn requirements completed with ZnO-Sepiolite (ZnOS90); 3) BD+3000 mg ZnO/kg of diet (ZnO3000); 4) BD+150 mg added Zn/kg diet from ZnO-Sepiolite (ZnOS150). The starter feed (corn–soybean based, from 14 till 31 days on trial) was common for all piglets, and met 90% NRC Zn requirements by adding ZnO. Diarrhea affected more than 50% of the animals of ZnO90, ZnOS90 and ZnOS150, and 33% of the ZnO3000 animals. Animals from ZnOS90 tended (Pb0.10) to improve Gain to Feed ratio (G:F) compared to animals from ZnO90 (0.830 kg/kg vs. 0.811 kg/kg for G:F). Performance of animals from ZnO3000 was not significantly different from the other treatments, and was numerically similar to animals from ZnOS90. The inclusion of ZnO at 3000 mg/kg of feed in the pre-starter period numerically decreased P in serum at the end of this period, with no effect on Ca level; normal levels were restored after 2 weeks of feeding the same levels of Zn than other animals. Animals fed ZnOSepiolite diets had numerically higher serum Ca than ZnO90 and ZnO3000 at 12 days and higher than ZnO90 at 28 days. Serum Zn levels were significantly higher for ZnO3000 than the other treatments.

Full informatiu. Pla per la millora de la fertilització agrària. Comarques gironines. Octubre de 2010. Núm. 4. Cultius extensius

Fri, 01 Jan 2010 00:00:00 GMT

Full informatiu. Pla per la millora de la fertilització agrària. Comarques gironines. Octubre de 2010. Núm. 4. Cultius extensius IRTA. Mas Badia La fertilització dels cultius es basa en aportar al sòl els nutrients (dosi i moment adequat) que permetin obtenir la màxima producció, minimitzant les afeccions al medi i complint la legislació vigent. En cultius extensius es poden aportar nutrients en fons (pre-sembra) i/o cobertora ( cultiu en creixement). En cobertora, l’eficiència és major en estar proper el moment de màximes necessitats.

Clons de cirerer per a l’obtenció de fusta. Exemple d’una plantació en terrenys agraris

Sat, 01 Jan 2011 00:00:00 GMT

Clons de cirerer per a l’obtenció de fusta. Exemple d’una plantació en terrenys agraris Vilanova Subirats, Antoni; Aletà Soler, Neus El cirerer (Prunus avium L.) és una espècie ben coneguda per la seva producció fruitera i pel valor de la seva fusta. Per al primer objectiu, l’obtenció de cirera, la selecció genètica de varietats ha estat des de l’antiguitat ben activa i aquesta producció s’ha localitzat sempre dins d’un context agrícola, sobre terres agràries. En canvi, per a l’obtenció de fusta s’ha recorregut tradicionalment als ambients forestals amb l’extracció d’arbres no sotmesos ni a selecció ni a una silvicultura específiques, derivant actualment en una escassetat de peus amb bones característiques fustaneres.

Relación entre los hongos de la semilla de arroz y el establecimiento de planta

Sat, 01 Jan 2011 00:00:00 GMT

Relación entre los hongos de la semilla de arroz y el establecimiento de planta Català, Mar; Tomás, Núria; Marín, Juan Pedro; Almacellas, Jaume; Reigada, Susanna; Martínez Eixarch, Maite; Torró, Isabel; Pla Mayor, Eva En los últimos años la dosis de semilla de arroz utilizada en el delta del Ebro ha ido aumentando de forma continuada; pero lo más significativo es que alrededor del 75% de las semillas sembradas no llegan a planta adulta. Existen varios factores que afectan al establecimiento del cultivo del arroz, entre ellos la presencia de hongos fitopatógenos en la semilla. Trabajos previos demostraron que el tratamiento fungicida de la semilla de arroz es necesario solamente cuando el nivel de patógenos es muy elevado. El presente trabajo se centra en el estudio del efecto de la presencia de hongos en la semilla de arroz sobre el desarrollo de las plantas en campo durante la fase de nascencia y establecimiento del cultivo. Los resultados han indicado que, antes de la siembra la presencia de hongos en la semilla tratada ha sido muy baja e inferior al de la semilla no tratada, sin embargo, a los pocos días después de la siembra el nivel de hongos en los dos tipos de semillas (tratada y no tratada) ha sido el mismo. Por lo tanto, según las condiciones del ensayo, la presencia de hongos en la semilla antes de la siembra no ha afectado al establecimiento de las plantas durante la fase de nascencia.

Effect of vaccination against gonadotrophin-releasing hormone, using Improvac®, on growth performance, body composition, behaviour and acute phase proteins

Thu, 01 Jan 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Effect of vaccination against gonadotrophin-releasing hormone, using Improvac®, on growth performance, body composition, behaviour and acute phase proteins Fàbrega Romans, Emma; Velarde Calvo, Antonio; Cros Jordana, J.; Gispert Martinell, Marina; Suárez, P. ; Tibau i Font, Joan ; Soler Soler, Joaquim The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of vaccination against GnRH on performance traits, pig behaviour and acute phase proteins. A total of 120 pigs (36 non-castrated males, NCM; 36 males to be vaccinated, IM; 24 castratedmales, CM; and 24 females, FE)were controlled in groups of 12 in pens with feeding stations allowing the recording of individual feed intake. The two vaccinations (Improvac®) were applied at a mean age of 77 and 146 days. All pigswere individually weighed every 3 weeks from the mean ages of 74 to 176 days and backfat thickness (BT) and loinmuscle depth (LD) were also recorded ultrasonically. Twelve group-housed pigs for each treatment were video recorded during 2 consecutive days at weeks 9, 11, 20, 21, 23 and 25 of age to score the number of inactive or active pigs in each treatment group by scan sampling. Aggressive behaviour by the feeder and away from the feeder, and mounting behaviour was also scored by focal sampling. Blood samples from 12 NCM, 12 CM and 12 IM were taken to determine the concentration of circulating acute phase protein Pig-MAP atweeks 1, 2, 4, 11, 13, 21 and 25 of age. After slaughter, the number of skin lesions on the left half carcasswas scored. IMpresented overall a higher growth rate and daily feed intake compared to NCM (Pb0.05),whereas their feed conversion ratios did not differ significantly. In comparison with CM, IM presented a better feed conversion ratio (Pb0.05), since their overall dailyweight gaindid not differ significantly, butIM ate less. Final leanmeat percentage of IM and CM was lower compared to that of NCM (Pb0.05). Activity, mounting and aggressive behaviour of NCM was higher than in IM, CM and FE after the second vaccination. Pig-MAP concentrationswere significantly elevated just after surgical castrationand after bothadministrations of the vaccine (Pb0.05), but concentrations subsequently decreased throughout time. Skin lesions of NCM were significantly higher compared to that of IM and FE (Pb0.05). The effects of vaccination were especially remarkable after the second dose, when the higher feed intake and lower activity of IM compared to NCMmight result in higher final body weight and more fat. Results from this study indicate that some welfare aspects such as a reduced aggression and mounting behaviour may be improved by vaccination against GnRH, together with productive benefits like adequate feed conversion ratio and daily weight gain.

Avaluació Ambiental/ L'évaluation environnementale

Sat, 01 Jan 2011 00:00:00 GMT

Avaluació Ambiental/ L'évaluation environnementale Antón Vallejo, Ma. Asunción; Seda Tatjé, Marta; Muñoz Odina, Pere; Dorais, Martine L'objectiu d’aquesta fitxa tècnica és la difusió de la metodologia Anàlisi de Cicle de Vida, ACV, com a mètode per avaluar ambientalment l’agricultura ecològica, detectar els punts febles i aportar alternatives. Els estudis d’ACV utilitzen la metodologia proposada per les normatives ISO (ISO-14040, 2006; ISO-14044, 2006). Els estudis previs que l’han aplicat avalen la metodologia, mostrant que l’eina ACV reuneix les característiques d’objectivitat i transparència per a l’estudi de l’impacte ambiental de la producció agrària ecològica. Existeixen, però, aspectes metodològics poc desenvolupats que requeriran de futura recerca i que resumim en aquesta fitxa. Aspectes principalment relacionats amb la necessitat de bases de dades locals per una correcta realització dels inventaris i consens en les metodologies per anàlisis d’impactes relacionats principalment amb l’ús del sòl, biodiversitat i toxicitat.; Le but de cette fiche technique consiste dans un premier temps en la diffusion de la méthodologie utilisée pour l’Analyse de Cycle de Vie (ACV) comme outil d'évaluation de l’impact environnemental de l'agriculture respectueuse de l'environnement dont l’agriculture biologique, puis dans un second temps dans la détection des points faibles et finalement la proposition d’alternatives durables. Les études ACV utilisent la méthodologie proposée par les normes ISO (ISO 14040, 2006, ISO 14044, 2006). Des travaux antérieurs ont démontré que la méthodologie de l’ACV possède les caractéristiques d'objectivité et de transparence essentielles à l’étude de l'impact environnemental des systèmes de production biologique. Ce document résume également les aspects qui nécessitent des recherches futures. Principalement les aspects liés à la nécessité de bases de données locales pour une réalisation adéquate de l'inventaire, c'est-à-dire de tous les flux impliqués dans le système à l’étude, ainsi que le consensus sur les méthodologies d'analyse des impacts liés principalement à l'utilisation du territoire, la biodiversité et la toxicité.

L'évaluation environnementale

Sat, 01 Jan 2011 00:00:00 GMT

L'évaluation environnementale Antón Vallejo, Ma. Asunción; Dorais, Martine

Simplified methodologies for Agriculture

Sat, 01 Jan 2011 00:00:00 GMT

Simplified methodologies for Agriculture Antón Vallejo, Ma. Asunción

A Dynamic Multicrop Model to evaluate Pesticides Residues in Food

Sat, 01 Jan 2011 00:00:00 GMT

A Dynamic Multicrop Model to evaluate Pesticides Residues in Food Fantke, P.; Juraske, Ronnie; Antón Vallejo, Ma. Asunción; Charles, R.; Jolliet, Olivier

Cultivo de la Lluenta (Callista chione)

Fri, 01 Jan 2010 00:00:00 GMT

Cultivo de la Lluenta (Callista chione) Perez, Josu; Delgado Fernández, Marina La lluenta, C. chione, es un bivalvo suspensívoro perteneciente a la familia Veneridae. Habita zonas de arena fina entre los 0 y 180 m de profundidad y presenta una amplia distribución geográfica a lo largo del Mediterráneo y de las Costas atlánticas europeas. Los bancos naturales de C. Chione en el litoral catalán se concentran en la zona del Maresme, a profundidades entre 5-25 m.

Evaluation of detection methods for Virus, Viroids and Phytoplasmas affecting pear and apple

Fri, 01 Jan 2010 00:00:00 GMT

Evaluation of detection methods for Virus, Viroids and Phytoplasmas affecting pear and apple Laviña Gomila, Amparo; Sabaté, J.; Batlle i Durany, Assumpció The RT-PCR technique for the detection of apple stem grooving virus (ASGV), apple stem pitting virus (ASPV), apple chlorotic leaf spot virus (ACLSV), apple mosaic virus (ApMV) and pear blister canker viroid (PBCV) was evaluated for health control of fruit plants from nurseries. The technique was evaluated in purified RNA and crude extracts and also in phloem collected in autumn and from young spring shoots. The results obtained for phytoplasma detection with ribosomal and non-ribosomal primers are also presented.

Evaluation of susceptibility of pear and plum varieties and rootstocks to Ca. P. pyri and Ca. P. prunorum using Real-Time PCR

Fri, 01 Jan 2010 00:00:00 GMT

Evaluation of susceptibility of pear and plum varieties and rootstocks to Ca. P. pyri and Ca. P. prunorum using Real-Time PCR Torres, E.; Laviña Gomila, Amparo; Sabaté, J.; Bech, J.; Batlle i Durany, Assumpció Real-time PCR was used to quantify phytoplasma concentration in fifty inoculated trees from five Prunus rootstocks and in forty-eight symptomatic pear and Japanese plum trees from orchards. Seasonal fluctuation of Ca. P. prunorum in different Prunus rootstocks, over three years, showed that the highest percentage detected by nested-PCR was in the ‘Garnem’ rootstock on nearly all sampling dates. Intra-varietal differences were also observed. Phytoplasma titer could be estimated by real time PCR in some trees of the rootstocks ‘Garnem’, ‘Barrier’, ‘GF-677’ and ‘Marianna’, and ranged from 4.7x105 to 3.18x109 phytoplasmas per gram of tissue. Quantification by real-time PCR was not possible in the ‘Cadaman’ trees analyzed, probably due to a lower phytoplasma titer in this variety. Samples from infected trees from commercial plots had different phytoplasma concentration and detection percentage depending on the variety, both being lower in ‘Fortune’ and ‘606’ Japanese plum and in ‘Blanquilla’ pear trees.

Multilocus sequence analysis reveals the genetic diversity of European fruit tree phytoplasmas and supports the existence of inter-species recombination

Fri, 01 Jan 2010 00:00:00 GMT

Multilocus sequence analysis reveals the genetic diversity of European fruit tree phytoplasmas and supports the existence of inter-species recombination Danet, Jean Luc; Balakishiyeva, Gulnara; Cimerman, Agnès; Sauvion, Nicolas; Marie-Jeanne, Véronique; Labonne, Gérard; Laviña Gomila, Amparo; Batlle i Durany, Assumpció; Krizanac, Ivana; Skoric, Dijana; Ermacora, Paolo; Serçe, C.U.; Caglayan, Kadriye; Jarausch, Wolfgang; Foissac, X. The genetic diversity of three temperate fruit tree phytoplasmas ‘Candidatus Phytoplasma prunorum’, ‘Ca. P. mali’ and ‘Ca. P. pyri’ has been established by multilocus sequence analysis. Among the four genetic loci used, the genes imp and aceF distinguished 30 and 24 genotypes, respectively, and showed the highest variability. Percentage of substitution for imp ranged from 50 to 68% according to species. Percentage of substitution varied between 9 and 12% for aceF, whereas it was between 5 and 6% for pnp and secY. In the case of ‘Ca P. prunorum’ the three most prevalent aceF genotypes were detected in both plants and insect vectors, confirming that the prevalent isolates are propagated by insects. The four isolates known to be hypo-virulent had the same aceF sequence, indicating a possible monophyletic origin. Haplotype network reconstructed by eBURST revealed that among the 34 haplotypes of ‘Ca. P. prunorum’, the four hypo-virulent isolates also grouped together in the same clade. Genotyping of some Spanish and Azerbaijanese ‘Ca. P. pyri’ isolates showed that they shared some alleles with ‘Ca. P. prunorum’, supporting for the first time to our knowledge, the existence of inter-species recombination between these two species.

Annual variation in the biochemical composition of newly hatched larvae of Maja brachydactyla in captivity

Fri, 01 Jan 2010 00:00:00 GMT

Annual variation in the biochemical composition of newly hatched larvae of Maja brachydactyla in captivity Estévez García, Alicia; Simeó, Carles G.; Rotllant Estelrich, Guiomar; Andrés Roig, Mireia Quality of newly hatched larvae (NHL) of Maja brachydactyla in captivity has been characterized throughout the year to evaluate their availability for mass production. Spawning took place every month and NHL were collected and analyzed to estimate individual dry weight (DW) and proximate biochemical composition (protein, carbohydrate and lipids). Lipid class, fatty acid composition, amino acid profile, mineral and vitamins A, E and C contents were analyzed seasonally. NHL obtained throughout the year are a potential source for aquaculture purposes, since the increment in the relative protein and lipid (especially phospholipids and n-3 PUFA) content might compensate the decrease in DW of larvae hatched from broodstock kept during one year in captivity. However, the decrease in vitamins A and E as well as in certain essential amino acids (Lys, Val, and His) and trace elements (Cu and Fe) of NHL at the end of the year might be indicative of a nutritional deficiency in broodstock diets.

Toxic phytoplankton response to warming in two Mediterranean bays of the Ebro Delta

Fri, 01 Jan 2010 00:00:00 GMT

Toxic phytoplankton response to warming in two Mediterranean bays of the Ebro Delta Fernández, Margarita; Delgado, Maximino; Garcés, E.; Camp, Jordi; Diogène Fadini, Jorge The analysis of the phytoplankton and environmental parameters of the time series in Alfacs and Fangar bays (north western Mediterranean) from 1990 to 2009 shows some trends. There is an increase in the average water column temperature, 0.11, 0.01, 0.80 and 0.23 ºC for spring, summer, fall and winter respectively in Alfacs Bay and 1.76, 0.71, 1.33, 0.89 ºC for spring, summer, fall and winter in Fangar Bay. The trends in phytoplankton populations show a shift in the timing of occurrence of Karlodinium spp. blooms and an increase of the Pseudo-nitzschia spp. abundances. There is a lack of correlation between the average seasonal temperatures and the toxic phytoplankton abundances.

XIII Congreso Nacional de Acuicultura. En Equilibrio con el Medio Ambiente. 21-24 noviembre, 2011.

Sat, 01 Jan 2011 00:00:00 GMT

XIII Congreso Nacional de Acuicultura. En Equilibrio con el Medio Ambiente. 21-24 noviembre, 2011. Andrée, Karl; Boglino, Anais; Carazo, I.; Carbó, R.; Carnicer, O.; Carrasco, N.; Chauvigné, F.; Celades, J.L.; Cerdà Luque, Joan; Damaso Cid, Esther; Darias, M.J.; De la Iglesia, Pablo; Diogène Fadini, Jorge; Duncan, N.J.; Estévez García, Alicia; Fernandez, I.; Fernández, Margarita; Fernández Tejedor, M.; Furones, Dolors; Gairin Deulofeu, Joan Ignasi; Gimenez, G.; Gisbert Casas, Enric; Guerao Serra, Guillermo; Lacuesta, B.; Lopez-Joven, C.; Macià, G.; Rodgers, C.; Roque, A.; Rotllant Estelrich, Guiomar; Sagristà, N.; Sastre, M.; Simeó, C.; Skalli, A.; Vallés, R.; Verdura, S.

Characterization of larval moulting cycles in Maja brachydactyla (Brachyura, Majidae) reared in the laboratory

Thu, 01 Jan 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Characterization of larval moulting cycles in Maja brachydactyla (Brachyura, Majidae) reared in the laboratory Guerao Serra, Guillermo; Rotllant Estelrich, Guiomar; Anger, Klaus The moulting cycles of all larval instars (zoea I, zoea II, and megalopa) of the spider crab Maja brachydactyla Balss 1922 were studied in laboratory rearing experiments. Morphological changes in the epidermis and cuticle were photographically documented in daily intervals and assigned to successive stages of the moulting cycle (based on Drach's classification system). Our moult-stage characterizations are based on microscopical examination of integumental modifications mainly in the telson, using epidermal condensation, the degree of epidermal retraction (apolysis), and morphogenesis (mainly setagenesis) as criteria. In the zoea II and megalopa, the formation of new setae was also observed in larval appendages including the antenna, maxillule, maxilla, second maxilliped, pleopods, and uropods. As principal stages within the zoea I moulting cycle, we describe postmoult (Drach's stages A–B combined), intermoult (C), and premoult (D), the latter with three substages (D0, D1, and D2). In the zoea II and megalopa, D0 and D1 had to be combined, because morphogenesis (the main characteristic of D1) was unclear in the telson and did not occur synchronically in different appendices. The knowledge of the course and time scale of successive moult-cycle events can be used as a tool for the evaluation of the developmental state within individual larval instars, providing a morphological reference system for physiological and biochemical studies related to crab aquaculture.

Diversity of Vibrionaceae bacteria isolated from the haemolymph of the spider crab Maja brachydactyla

Fri, 01 Jan 2010 00:00:00 GMT

Diversity of Vibrionaceae bacteria isolated from the haemolymph of the spider crab Maja brachydactyla Gomez-Gil, Bruno; Roque, A.; Lacuesta, B.; Rotllant Estelrich, Guiomar Aims: The aim of this study was to characterise and identify vibrios isolated from the haemolymph of apparently healthy adult spider crabs (Maja brachydactyla) wild-caught in the Spanish localities of Galician coast and in the Canary Islands and also from captive animals held at IRTA’s facilities in the Ebro Delta of Catalonia, north-west Spanish Mediterranean coast. Methods and Results: A total of 277 bacterial isolates were obtained, and of these, 171 were characterised with rep-PCR, resulting electrophoretic bands were analysed and clusters formed. Identification of representative strains of each cluster was made by sequencing the 16S rRNA. Samples from animals caught in Galicia and captive at IRTA (around 15–18 C) rendered mostly species belonging to the Splendidus clade (72Æ2 and 76Æ6% respectively), commonly found in cold waters (below 20 C). Higher species diversity was found in the haemolymph of the captive animals. In the warmer Canary Islands waters (around 21 C), the diversity of vibrios is dominated by three clades, Harveyi (Vibrio core group, 39Æ3%), Orientalis (23Æ2%) and Splendidus (21Æ4%) with a species diversity that equals that of the colder captive animals. Conclusions: Differences in the vibrios populations were found in the haemolymph extracted from animals collected from the three localities. Potential new species were found, and their description is under way. Significance and Impact of Study: As with other invertebrates, spider crabs also contain a diverse population of vibrios. These findings should help researchers to diagnose when a crab is infected.

Development and growth of the early juveniles of the spider crab Maja squinado (Brachyura: Majoidea) in an individual culture system

Fri, 01 Jan 2010 00:00:00 GMT

Development and growth of the early juveniles of the spider crab Maja squinado (Brachyura: Majoidea) in an individual culture system Guerao Serra, Guillermo; Rotllant Estelrich, Guiomar The spider crab Maja squinado is an endangered Mediterranean species; therefore, culturing it successfully is essential for developing restocking programs. The survival, growth and development of post-larval stages (juvenile crabs, C1-C8) were studied using larvae obtained from adult individuals collected in the Catalan Sea. The juvenile crab stages were cultured individually from a megalopal stage using a semi-open recirculation system to obtain the precise growth data of each juvenile crab stage until C8. Development up to C8 at 20ºC lasted 154±10 days. Survival from C1 to C8 was 5.8 %. Moult increment values in cephothoracic length were similar in all the crab stages (21-35 %). Intermoult duration (9±1 in C1-C2 to 51±8 days in C7-C8) increased sharply from juvenile stage 5. Males and females can be distinguished from C4 based on sexual dimorphism in the pleopods and the presence of gonopores. The allometric growth of the pleon is sex-dependent from C4, with females showing positive allometry and males isometric growth. The juvenile growth rate was lower compared with that of the previously studied Atlantic species Maja brachydactyla.

Spatio-temporal variations in reproductive patterns and population structure of Pasiphaea multidentata (Decapoda: Caridea) in the Blanes canyon and adjacent margin, North-western Mediterranean Sea

Mon, 01 Jan 2007 00:00:00 GMT

Spatio-temporal variations in reproductive patterns and population structure of Pasiphaea multidentata (Decapoda: Caridea) in the Blanes canyon and adjacent margin, North-western Mediterranean Sea Ramirez-Llodra, Eva; Company, Joan B.; Camps, Mercedes; Rotllant Estelrich, Guiomar The bathyal faunal communities of the NW Mediterranean slopes have been studied consistently in the last two decades, with a special focus on population structure, trophic dynamics and benthopelagic coupling of commercial deep-sea decapod crustaceans and fishes (reviewed in Sardà et al. 2004) and associated species (Cartes and Sardà, 1993; Company and Sardà, 1997, 2000; Cartes et al., 2001; Company et al., 2001, 2003, 2004). One of the major topographic features in the North-western Mediterranean slope is the presence of submarine canyons. Canyons play a major role in funnelling energy and organic matter from the shelf to bathyal and abyssal depths (Puig et al., 2000), but the implications of this enhanced organic supply in the deep-sea benthic communities is still mostly unknown. Trophic supply can follow two major pathways – vertical deposition in the water column (Billett et al., 1983; Baldwin et al., 1998; Lampitt et al., 2001) or down-slope advection on the margins (Puig et al., 2001; Bethoux et al., 2002; Canals et al., 2006) – and can be a limiting factor in the deep-sea, being especially important in the oligotrophic Mediterranean Sea (Sardà et al., 2004). Differences in the quantity, quality and timing of organic matter input to the deep seafloor have been used to explain patterns of biomass and abundance in benthic communities (Levin et al., 1994; Gooday & Turley, 1990; Billett et al., 2001; Galéron et al., 2001; Puig et al., 2001; Gage, 2003) as well as other biological process and in particular the existence of seasonal reproduction (Tyler et al., 1994; Company et al., 2004 (MEPS). Reproduction is a highly energetic process tightly linked to food availability and quality.

Ontogenetic changes in digestive enzymatic capacities of the spider crab, Maja brachydactyla (Decapoda: Majidae)

Fri, 01 Jan 2010 00:00:00 GMT

Ontogenetic changes in digestive enzymatic capacities of the spider crab, Maja brachydactyla (Decapoda: Majidae) Andrés Roig, Mireia; Gisbert Casas, Enric; Díaz, Manuel; Moyano, Francisco J.; Estévez García, Alicia; Rotllant Estelrich, Guiomar; Ontogenetic changes in digestive capabilities were analyzed in larvae and first juveniles of the spider crab Maja brachydactyla. Activities of five proteinases (total proteases, trypsin, chymotrypsin, pepsin-like and aminopeptidase), three carbohydrases (amylase, maltase and chitinase), an esterase and an alkaline phosphatase were studied to evaluate digestive enzyme profiles of the species. Both quantitative (spectrophotometry and fluorometry) and qualitative (SDS-PAGE) approaches were used. All assayed enzymes were active from hatching (zoea I-ZI) throughout larval development and in first juveniles. Significant variations during ontogeny were found only in total activities likely as a consequence of digestive system development. Specific activity varied little over ontogeny, being significant only for chitinase. Total proteases, trypsin and pepsin-like activities showed a similar pattern of increase as larval ontogeny advanced, decreasing significantly in juveniles. Chymotrypsin continued to increase, showing maximum activity after metamorphosis. Proteinase zymograms confirmed strong proteolytic activity in first zoeas, with increasing bands over the course of ontogeny, decreasing after metamorphosis. A group of bands with high molecular mass was specific to larval stages. Amylase and maltase showed a parallel pattern of continuous increase of total activity as development advanced. Gel-SDS-PAGE showed unchanged patterns of amylase activity in first zoeas of different ages and the most complex set of bands during larval ontogeny in second zoea. Esterase total activity increased significantly as ZI's aged likely reflecting introduction of a lipid-enriched diet. The importance of lipid accumulation at the beginning of ontogeny was also confirmed by the protease/esterase and amylase/esterase activity ratios, which decreased from hatch to late ZI and might be explained as an adaptation, ensuring the next molt. The results suggest that larvae of M. brachydactyla are capable of digesting a variety of dietary substrates as soon as they hatch.

Survival, development and growth of larvae of the blue swimmer crab, Portunus pelagicus, cultured under different photoperiod conditions

Fri, 01 Jan 2010 00:00:00 GMT

Survival, development and growth of larvae of the blue swimmer crab, Portunus pelagicus, cultured under different photoperiod conditions Andrés Roig, Mireia; Rotllant Estelrich, Guiomar; Zeng, Chaoshu The blue swimmer crab is a commercially important species of the tropical Indo-Pacific regions that shows substantial potential as a candidate species for aquaculture. Optimization of larval rearing conditions, including photoperiod, is therefore important to establish a method for the intensive hatchery culture of this species. Newly hatched larvae of Portunuspelagicus in first zoeal stage (ZI) were reared under five photoperiod regimes 0L: 24D, 6L: 18D, 12L: 12D, 18L: 6D, and 24L: 0D (5 replicates per treatment) till they metamorphosed to megalopae (ranged from 8.5 ± 0.3 days (18L: 6D) to 10.8 ± 1.8 days (0L: 24D) at 29 ± 1 °C). Daily, larvae of each treatment were fed an identical diet of mixed rotifer and Artemia nauplii, and the survival and molt to successive stages was monitored. Newly hatched ZI larvae of P. pelagicus could successfully develop to the megalopal stage under all tested photoperiod conditions, but we detected significant differences in survival among treatments (p < 0.05). The constant darkness treatment (0L: 24D) had the lowest (19.2 ± 7.2%, mean ± S.E.) cumulative survival from ZI to the megalopal stage, while the 18L: 6D treatment achieved the highest survival (51.2 ± 23.6%). Similarly, the photoperiod significantly affected zoeal development. Constant darkness led to the longest cumulative zoeal duration (10.8 ± 1.8 days), whereas the 18L: 6D treatment rendered the shortest larval development (8.5 ± 0.3 days). In addition, larvae reared under constant darkness resulted in the smallest megalopae (carapace length = 1.44 ± 0.09 mm) and the lowest dry weight (0.536 ± 0.188 mg). In conclusion, photoperiod significantly affected the survival, development, and growth of P. pelagicus zoeal larvae. Constant darkness led to the lowest larval survival and developmental rate, while a photoperiod regime of 18L: 6D appeared to be the most suitable condition for the rearing of zoeal larvae of P. pelagicus.