Induced thermotolerance and
stress resistance in larvae of the freshwater prawn, Macrobrachium
rosenbergii (de Man, 1879)
M.M. Rahman, M. Wille, R.O. Cavalli, P. Sorgeloos,
J.S. Clegg-2004
Aquaculture, 230(1-4): 569-579
Abstract:
Optimal conditions for heat shock (HS) were used to
demonstrate induced thermotolerance (ITT) in larvae of the prawn, Macrobrachium
rosenbergii. Larvae from three different broodstock nutritional regimes
exhibited comparable degrees of ITT, which remained high for about 4 days.
Survival and growth of larvae given the standard HS treatment (37 °C for 30
min) were not statistically different from those of controls, so the cost of
mounting a heat shock response was not sufficient to reduce those
parameters. However, the percentage of heat-shocked larvae undergoing
metamorphosis appeared to be slightly lower than that of controls.
Previously heat-shocked larvae withstood hypersalinity exposures much better
than control larvae, but showed the same survival level when both were
challenged with ammonia toxicity. We suggest that the use of induced
thermotolerance might provide a means to improve the performance of larvae
during transport and/or initial inoculation into grow-out ponds. The present
paper provides the basis upon which that suggestion might be examined.
(Agrobased
Industries and Technology Development, Project Phase II/The Louis Berger
Group Inc., Mujgunni R/A, Boyra, Khulna, Bangladesh, e-mail of J.S. Clegg: jsclegg@ucdavis.edu)