EFFECTS OF HYDROGEN PEROXIDE TREATMENT IN ARTEMIA CYSTS OF DIFFERENT GEOGRAPHICAL ORIGIN
G. Van Stappen, P. Lavens, P. Sorgeloos
Abstract:
Short-tem treatment with peroxide solutions has been tested as a chemical way to break the diapause of Artemia cysts of different species and geographical strains. The methodology was further standardized by analyzing the impact of the cyst hydration level and the application conditions (concentration, duration, temperature) on the hatching percentage. The peroxide treatment was most effective in deactivating diapause when applied on fully hydrated cysts, and showed a quantitative nature: a maximal positive effect was obtained for specific combinations of peroxide concentration and exposure time. The peroxide effect was preserved after processing and storage of treated cysts. The biochemical mechanisms possibly involved in induction and termination of diapause are discussed.
(Laboratory of Aquaculture & Artemia Reference Center, University of Gent, Rozier 44, B-9000 Gent, Belgium)