Physiological Changes during the Process of Pericarp Browning in the Postharvest Litchi

[Objective] Pericarp browning in the postharvest litchi significantly reduced its commercial value and limited the expanding of litchi markets. Physiological changes during the process of pericarp browning were determined in order to identify the underlying mechanisms. [Method] Matured Feizixiao fruits were stored at 25 ℃ and 70%±5% relative humidity. The physiological changes happened in pericarp during storage were tested at an 8-hour interval. [Result] The fruit of Feizixiao (Litchi chinensis Sonn. cv Feizixiao) turned completely brown within 72 h after being harvested under the experimental conditions. Sharp increase of the browning index occurred from 48 to 64 hours after harvest (HAH). With the browning of pericarp,water content of the whole fruit and pericarp decreased continuingly. In contrast,there were no significant changes in the water content of pulp during the same period. MDA content,pH value and relative leakage rate of pericarp were increased during storage. Most of pigment contents including anthocyanin,flavonoid,phenols,chlorophyll a and total chlorophyll decreased. POD activity was initially increased in 32 HAH and then decreased afterwards. PPO activity was decreased continuously,while the activities of catalase and superoxide dismutase exhibited the pattern of 'increasing-decreasing-increasing' as the storage time progressed. Correlation,stepwise regression and path analyses showed that water loss of pericarp was the major factor of pericarp browning. Principal and cluster analyses showed that there were two stages of pericarp browning during the course of litchi storage. [Conclusion] Water status of pericarp was the most important factor affecting pericarp browning. The pericarp browning happened by stages,which was mainly determined by the water loss of pericarp.

Age-related habitat selection by brown forest skinks(Sphenomorphus indicus)

In reptiles, habitat selection is the process whereby suitable habitat is selected that optimizes physiological functions and behavioral performance. Here, we used the brown forest skink（Sphenomorphus indicus） as a model animal and examined whether the frequency of active individuals, environmental temperature, illumination of activity area, and habitat type vary with different age classes. We surveyed the number of active individuals and measured environmental variables at Baiyunshan Mountain in Lishui, Zhejiang, China. We found no difference in the activity frequency of adult and juvenile S. indicus; the activity pattern of active individuals was bimodal. The mean environmental temperature selected by adults was higher than that selected by juveniles. The environmental temperature of active areas measured at 0900-1000 h and 1100-1200 h was higher than at 1400-1500h; illumination of the active area at 1000-1200 h was also higher than at 1400h-1600 h. The number of active individuals, the environmental temperature and illumination of activity areas showed pairwise positive correlation. There was a difference in habitat type between juveniles and adults whereby juveniles prefer rock habitats. We predict that active S. indicus select optimal habitats with different environmental temperatures and types to reach the physiological needs particular to their age classes.

Determination of Physiological and Biochemical Indices of Hailan Chickens at 20 Weeks of Age

[Objective]This study aimed to determine physiological and biochemical indices of Hailan chickens at 20 weeks of age.[Method]T,P,BT,CT,ESR,systolic pressure,diastolic pressure,RBC,HCT,MCV,RDW,HGB,MCH,MCHC,PLT,MPV,WBC,N,E,B,L,M,TP,Alb,AST,ALT,Glu and TG and CHO of 20 weeks-old male and female Hailan chickens were determined with various methods.[Result]According to the determined blood physiological and biochemical indices,RBC,HGB,Glu and ALB in male chickens were higher compared with female chickens,exhibiting extremely significant differences（P〈0.01）;B,M and TP in male chickens were significantly higher compared with female chickens（P〈0.05）;other physiological and biochemical indices exhibited no significant differences between males and females（P〉0.05）.[Conclusion]Physiological and biochemical indices of 20 weeks-old Hailan chickens varied between males and females,which were generally higher in male chickens than in female chickens.