Carcass traits of two marketable size classes of Pangasius pangasius (Hamilton, 1822)

Carcass and commercial yield traits of Pangasius pangasius were evaluated and morphometric parameters measured along with carcass traits in two marketable weight classes (average ± SD) 1603 ± 49.5 g and 1985.6 ± 56.6 g. The Pangas fish head yield was 14.80% and 15.1% for the 2000 g and 1600 g weight classes, respectively. The offal percentage varied from 8.6 to 8.8 in both weight classes. Pangasius had a significant accumulation of fat deposits in mesenteric tissue and on the lining of the abdominal cavity. Headless (73.2%), head and skinless (68.7%), head, skin and boneless (57.7%) dressing yields were significantly higher in 1600 g than in the 2000 g weight class. The 2000 g weight class category exhibited mesenteric fat (4.3%), dissected subcutaneous and intramuscular fat (10.1%) which was significantly higher than in the 1600 g weight class. The yields of dressing stages were affected mostly by skin (8.3–4.5%) and mesenteric fat (4.3–3.7%), and dissected subcutaneous and intramuscular fat (10.1–6.8%), which is significantly higher in the 2000 g than in the 1600 g category. The later weight class category resulted in more meat yield, and less bone, skin and fat yields.     

Regeneration of <Emphasis Type="Italic">Prunus salicina</Emphasis> Lindl (Japanese plum) from hypocotyls of mature seeds

Plant regeneration of Prunus salicina (Japanese plum) using mature seeds was studied and evaluated. Shoots were effectively induced from hypocotyl slices of mature seeds on media containing cytokinins. Among three plant growth regulators evaluated, thidiazuron (TDZ) was the most effective for shoot induction overall. Shoots were also induced using 6-benzylaminopurine (BA), but the effectiveness was reduced at low concentrations. Low regeneration was induced using kinetin. Three plum varieties were evaluated and the regeneration appeared to be genotype dependent. Induced shoots elongated, roots formed, and plantlets developed upon transfer of the shoots to the rooting medium. Primary shoots, when sub-cultured on fresh induction medium, produced multiple shoots, and such multiplication could continue for more cycles. The plantlets were transferred to soil, and the full plants were readily recovered in a greenhouse. The regeneration process was relatively fast as plants could be recovered in 4 to 5 mo. after the culture initiation.