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Researchers have developed a new bio-inspired approach to building complex 3D microfluidic networks by utilizing plant roots and fungal hyphae as molds. The team grew plants and fungi in nanoparticles of silica, then baked out the plants and solidified the glass. What remains is glass with micrometer-sized networks where the roots used to be.

A few years back, a group of weed scientists showed that soil-applied herbicides are less effective against agricultural weeds in the context of our changing climate. Now, the same research group has shown the same is true of post-emergence (POST) herbicides.

Birds visiting garden feeders doesn’t stop them from pollinating wild plants, say South African scientists.

The post Can Feeding Birds Harm Plants? appeared first on Botany One.

Abstract

In aquaculture, accurately counting fish fries is a prerequisite for fish population management and marketing. However, due to the fry overlapping and occlusion issues, the manual counting method is time-consuming, and the counting result might be inaccurate. Therefore, we utilized the computer vision technique to develop a lightweight fish fry counting model to address this issue. First, we constructed a diverse dataset containing images of largemouth bass in varying numbers, captured under different lighting conditions and water depths. Then, we optimized the YOLOv5s model by channel pruning to reduce the model size, while maintaining the detection accuracy. Through extensive experiments, we examined the effect of different pruning rates on the model performance and compared the pruned YOLOv5s model with state-of-the-art detection models through the evaluation criteria like precision, recall, mean average precision (mAP), model size, GFLOPs, and detection speed. In addition, we investigated the impact of environmental factors, such as lighting conditions and water depths, on the detection performance of the pruned YOLOv5s model. The experimental results demonstrated that the YOLOv5s model with a pruning rate of 15% achieved over 90% accuracy and 13 FPS in the dense and complex scenes, which met the practical requirement for the fry counting task. In addition, we also identified that the pruned YOLOv5s model would achieve the optimal performance under the white illumination and shallow water depth setting. In conclusion, this study provided an efficient solution for fish fry counting, and the proposed model was expected to be applied in the real-world application.

Abstract

Nitrite constitutes a significant pollutant that impedes the growth of P. vannamei. Conventional treatments are primarily geared toward decreasing nitrite concentrations from an environmental standpoint. Nevertheless, investigating methodologies to enhance the ability of Pacific white shrimp to withstand nitrite-induced stresses on an individual basis remains an unexplored topic. The present study examines the impact of autophagy on Pacific white shrimp’s response to high nitrite environments through rapamycin injection. The research findings indicate that activating autophagy can effectively enhance the survival rate of Pacific white shrimp under high nitrite conditions. Additionally, total hemocyte count (THC) results in the hemolymph demonstrate that autophagy can alleviate the reduction in blood cell count caused by nitrite stress. The transcriptome results show that upregulation of 718 genes and downregulation of 1071 genes after nitrite stress. The majority of these differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were related to physiological processes, including oxidative stress, energy metabolism, and lysosomes. In addition, there were 911 upregulated genes and 713 downregulated genes upon activation of autophagy. These DEGs are associated with immune responses, specifically involving glutathione metabolism, drug metabolism-cytochrome P450, and metabolism of xenobiotics by cytochrome P450, lysosomes, autophagy, phagosomes, melanization, and MAPK signaling pathways. These pathways can reduce oxidative stress and promote the metabolism of harmful substances in the body, in shrimp, thereby improving their survival rates. These findings provide new insights for research aimed at enhancing nitrite tolerance in Pacific white shrimp.

Abstract

This study explored the effects of β-1,3/1,6-glucan derived from Saccharomyces cerevisiae cell walls on the growth, survival, and physiological responses of post-larvae (PL) of M. rosenbergii. Over a 3-week period, larvae were fed a formulated egg custard diet containing varying amounts of β-glucan. The findings revealed that incorporating β-glucan into the diet had a substantial positive impact. The inclusion of β-glucans significantly enhanced survival (59.14% for the PL fed 0.2% β-glucan versus 46.58% for the control; p < 0.05), promoted growth (13.58 mg wet weight for the PL fed 0.2% β-glucan versus 9.53 mg for the PL fed the control diet; p < 0.05), and accelerated the time to metamorphosis (26.67 days for the PL fed 0.2% β-glucan versus 28.0 days for the PL fed the control diet). As the amount of β-glucan in the diet increased, larval growth performance consistently improved. The group receiving 0.2% β-glucan exhibited the highest performance in terms of wet and dry weight, total length, and mean production of PL. Furthermore, the study assessed the influence of β-glucan supplementation on larval tolerance to hypersaline stress. Although the differences were not statistically significant, the addition of β-glucan resulted in incremental improvements in the ability of larvae to withstand hypersaline conditions. In conclusion, the dietary supplement containing 0.2% β-glucan exhibited the highest performance among the inclusion levels tested. Further investigation is recommended to determine the nutritional and physiological effects of β-glucan supplementation under salinity stress conditions.

Abstract

To popularize Kuruma shrimp, Penaeus (Marsupenaeus) japonicus Form II, as a part of the diversification of shrimp farming across India, seed production and growth performance studies were conducted. In experiment I, the reproductive performance of Kuruma shrimp was studied in captive system. In experiment II, a 75-day growth performance study was carried out in 2 × 2 factorial design with and without sandy bottom (S) as the first factor and outdoor units having natural light (O) and indoor units with restricted light (I) as the second factor resulting in four treatments: O+S, O-S, I+S and I-S. The seed production trial recorded an average survival of nauplius to post larvae (PL) 36 ± 12%. In experiment II, the PL (0.02 ± 0.01 g) was stocked at 300 PL m⁻³ to study the effect of sandy bottom and light intensity on growth performance. Results indicated that the highest final body weight (0.63 ± 0.05 g) and survival (80 ± 2.0 %) were registered in outdoor units without (O-S) and with sandy bottom (O+S), respectively. Although no difference (p > 0.05) in body weights were recorded among the treatments, the Kuruma shrimps reared under indoor units with restricted light intensity had lower (p < 0.05) survival (43–45%). The light intensity varied from 459 to 6583 lux in the outdoor system whereas indoor units had only 8–35 lux. A significant interaction effect (p < 0.01) between the sandy bottom and light intensity on food conversion ratio (FCR), coefficient of variation at final weight, CV_abw (%), nitrite-N, TSS and chl–a level were noticed. The Kuruma shrimp reared under outdoor units (O+S and O+S) had well-developed chromatophores; meanwhile, the transparent colouration was recorded in the shrimps reared under restricted light intensity. The present study concludes the potential to rear P. japonicus Form II in tank or lined rearing system without the sandy bottom and scope to develop location-specific culture and seed production techniques.

Abstract

As the global demand for seafood surges, the expanding aquaculture industry faces a pressing need for viable aquafeed ingredients. The raw material for fish oil is limited and expensive due to unpredictable fishery resources in the fishing zones and the overexploitation of wild fisheries, underscoring the urgency of finding alternatives. This review explores diverse plant oil sources, including soybean, rapeseed, linseed, and algal oils, emphasizing their crucial role in nutritionally balanced aquafeeds. These oils support aquatic animals’ growth, health, and development, influencing membrane structure, energy storage, and hormone production. Genetically modified oilseeds (GM), such as camelina and canola, offer a controlled nutrient content, enabling customized nutrient profiles. This comprehensive review provides an overview of different plant oil sources, elucidates their nutrient profiles, and assesses their potential applications in aquaculture. The discussion encompasses their impact on growth, feed efficiency, lipid profile, health, immunological status, disease resistance, and overall performance of both freshwater and marine fish. Furthermore, the review compiles relevant data on the current status of genetically modified plant oils and explores their potential integration into aquaculture practices. In summary, substituting plant oils for fish oil in aquafeed presents a promising solution to aquaculture industry challenges to meet nutritional requirements for fish.

If your rat tail cactus is looking a little limp, don’t fret. While the rat tail cactus isn’t particularly hardy, this plant can, sometimes, recover from issues like cold weather and overwatering. We’ll be discussing how you can revive your rat tail cactus below, along with the basics of how to care for this fascinating […]

The post How to Care for Your Rat Tail Cactus: A Comprehensive Guide appeared first on Smart Plants.

All smiles heading off on the Allegheny Front Trail

As part of my Pennsylvania Wilds Wander, I embarked on a third loop, Allegheny Front Trail (AFT). This approximately forty-mile trail winds through the southern portion of Moshannon State Forest and encircles Black Moshannon State Park. The Allegheny Front is a geological feature, a striking escarpment that travels from southern Pennsylvania into western Virginia and demarks the Ridge-and-Valley Appalachians and the Appalachian Plateau. I find it difficult to rate trails, for each trail offers its magic, but this loop definitely was one of my favorites on this journey and one that I will most certainly return to again. 

First vista traveling clockwise from Rattlesnake Pike (Route 504)

The trail started off with incredible vistas. I began at the eastern end of Rattlesnake Pike (Route 504) and headed clockwise (south). Almost instantly, I was rewarded with several views. From my perches, I peered into various hollows and the mountains beyond including Bald Eagle and Nittany valleys, Tussey Mountain which I walked for miles on the Mid State Trail, and Seven Mountains. The walking was tricky through here. I watched my steps carefully over wobbly rocks, especially with Amos on the scent. The scent of a porcupine I’d soon discover. Thankfully, we startled him as much as he startled us and after tumbling over himself, ol’ porky waddled and Amos waited till he was out of sight to start his howling and pulling. It is without a doubt in a coonhound’s nature to seek any moderately sized plump critter, even when covered in sharp spines.

Luminescent moss and autumn’s acorns

Amos en route through the bog

At times the sun shone so bright that despite the marked change in temps – cool and crisp – we still sweat and squinted. Yet we found reprieve in the forested portions of the bog where rhododendrons, eastern hemlocks, and yellow birches thrived. I will warn, despite how lovely these boardwalks look, they are slip and slides in the moist woods, especially with an Amos at the helm. After landing flat on my back, I took to side stepping them. Good thing my very large pack provides an excellent landing pad.

Walking through a densely forested portion of the bog

Most nights we camped wherever we found a spot, which was remarkably easy on the Allegheny Front Trail. There were also countless established, although not official, campsites marked by a fire ring and a cleared patch. Really, I hadn’t known at all what to expect on this trail. I had a map that I’d acquired from the state forest, which showed creeks and elevation changes, but mileage was tough to estimate. There were no campsites marked, nor did I have those insights that a guidebook would typically provide like if a creek ran year-round or seasonally. Before I left for the trail, I scoured the internet and did find one helpful site: Allegheny Front Trail Backpacking Guide — Into the Backcountry (intothebackcountryguides.com). I marked down some significant points from this fella’s Caltopo map on my paper map and also tried my hand at All Trails, although I wouldn’t figure out how to really use this app till the end of the trail. You can infer my level of tech ability. To my surprise, the trail did prove to be well marked, sometimes with signage that provided mileage from one significant point to another. Although, knowing little about the Allegheny Front Trail and approaching it bare bones honestly only contributed to the journey – around every bend was a surprise – and enhanced my own sense of accomplishment at the end.

Camp on our third night along Black Moshannon Creek

On our second day, we walked golden forest through young black birches and more sassafras saplings than I have ever seen in one understory in my life. I cracked twigs periodically to breathe deep their fragrant candy-like aromas. Great vases of witch hazel would later appear in young oak woods, where I spied spidery yellow blossoms at eye level and listened to the sound of acorns plunking to the forest floor. Birds flitted to and fro and it seemed all the forest was alive despite the presence of fall. Wolf Rocks revealed small caves and sizable keyholes, and I wondered if we’d stumbled upon the home of Ol’ Porky’s relatives and close friends, evidenced by the piles of porcupine scat.

Witch hazel flower (Hamammelis virginiana)

Amos peering at Wolf Rocks, home to one of his favorite critters

                                                   

Piles of pellet-like porcupine scat

Along Six Mile Run, we dug into what I found to be the most challenging, yet also most beautiful part of this trail. A road bridge carried us across to the creek’s wooded banks where first we walked amidst a plantation of towering red pine and then through spacious shaded hemlock woods where it seemed everywhere we looked was a lovely campsite. By the next day, when we still walked along Six Mile Run, the trail transformed into tunnels of rhododendron. We wound up and down through leathery-leaved corridors, oftentimes to avoid dipping into the creek by which we walked so close. Rhodos crept in so close that I swooshed and ducked, and they snatched my sunglasses clean off my head! Although I wouldn’t realize until miles later when we emerged into blindingly bright sun. A minor loss on the AFT.

Red pine plantation (Pinus resinosa)

Trail along Six Mile Run

Morning fog along Six Mile Run and AFT

Rhododendron tunnel (Rhododendron sp.)

Moshannon Creek aka Red Mo’

Neighboring creeks, like Tarks Run and Black Moshannon, ran clear. And after climbing from rhodo woods and walking grassy forest road through an understory of huckleberry, in the company of milkweed gone to seed, we descended once more, this time atop a carpet of wintergreen, to these vital waters. Campsites abounded, likely frequented by the substantial college student constituent in nearby State College (just thirty minutes away). Still, even on a weekend, we had a lovely camp all to ourselves, sheltered by the boughs of eastern hemlocks and nestled amidst rhodos. 

Black Moshannon Creek, altogether different from Moshannon Creek

Milkweed (Asclepias syriaca) gone to seed. At this stage the seeds are still packed tightly within the pod, however when ripe, the then papery pod will crack open and cottony-tufted seeds will burst forth.

So many tiny waterfalls and wading pools on the last day, each turn in the rhodo labyrinth revealed another.

Amos looking wildly happy!