Browsing by Author "Jayamanne, S.C."
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Item Antibacterial Efficacy of Mangrove Rhizophora mucronata Extracts on Aquatic Bacterial Pathogens(Uva Wellassa University of Sri Lanka, 2013) Bokalawella, S.H.K.; De Silva, D.P.N.; Jayamanne, S.C.; Gunasekara, A. J. M.; Piyadasa, H.T.N.I.Medicinal plants contain components of therapeutic value and are used as remedies for human/animal diseases. They are environmentally friendly due to less toxicity and have minimal health hazards (Opara and Wokocha, 2008). Mangrove plant extracts and its major chemical classes displayed various levels of antibacterial, antifungal, antifouling, antiviral and free radical scavenging effects due to their bioactive compounds (Bandaranayake, 2002). Bacterial infections cause severe economic losses to the aquaculture industry which increased the use of antimicrobial agents significantly as a treatment (Alderman and Michel, 1992). Improper usage and presence of drug residues lead to the development of resistant strains of pathogenic bacteria. Therefore, novel antibacterial compounds of natural products which degrade easily need to be synthesized to overcome above consequences. Aim of this study was to find out the antibacterial efficacy of Mangrove Rhizophora mucronata extracts on aquatic bacterial pathogens, to be used as a remedy to treat fish diseases. Methodology Fresh matured leaves of six mangrove plant species (Avicennia marina, Lumnitzera racemosa, Bruguiera sexangula, Acanthus ilicifolius, Excoecaria agallocha and Rhizophora mucronata) were collected from mangrove reserve at Kadolkele, Negombo and were brought to the laboratory for making extractions. Initially, preliminary trials were conducted for identification of most suitable species with antibacterial properties against four aquatic pathogens Listeria monocytogenes) in vitro by well diffusion method. Upon identification of Rhizophora mucronata having the highest inhibitory zone for tested bacteria, further analysis were performed using various parts such as roots, barks, flowers and fruits of R. mucronata. The solvent was extracted by mixing 8 g of each part of mangrove in powder form, with 125 ml of 95% methanol and evaporating methanol using rotary flash evaporator (model 519-00000-00- 3). Antibacterial efficacy was assessed against all four species of fish pathogens, using was used as the positive control against Rhizophora mucronata extractions of 350 mgml each. After 24 hour incubation at 25 o C, the diameters of the inhibitory zones were obtained and statistically analyzed by using One way-ANOVA incorporated in Minitab version 16. Results and Discussion All six mangrove species showed antibacterial activity against Listeria monocytogenes, Pseudomonas fluorescens, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa significantly (p<0.05) but insignificant for Shigella flexneri (p>0.05). Highest inhibition zones were observed in Rhizophora mucronata leaf extract against all bacteria examined for the study (Table 1). Rhizophora mucronata extracts (root, bark, fruit and flower) also exhibited positive inhibition zones for all the tested bacterial species cultured in vitro. Root and bark extracts possessed higher antibacterial potential when compared to the fruit and flower extracts. Rhizophora leaf extracts showed highest inhibition for Listeria monocytogenes and Pseudomonas fluorescens while root and bark extracts were effective against Shigella flexneri and Pseudomonas aeruginosa respectively (Figure 1). The overall mean comparative evaluation on antibacterial efficacy of Rhizophora mucronata extracts displayed the highest in leaves followed by the root, bark and fruit extracts. The minimum antibacterial activity was observed in the flower extracts.Item Application of GIS to Identify Potential Areas for Aquaculture in Badulla District in Uva Province(Uva Wellassa University of Sri Lanka, 2013) Sandamali, M.A.N.; Rathnayake, R.M.C.W.M.; Liyanage, N.P.P.; Jayamanne, S.C.Aquaculture is farming aquatic organisms including fish, mollusks, crustaceans and aquatic plants (FAO, 1990). The main intent of the present study is to highlight the role Geographic Information System (GIS) in identifying potential areas for aquaculture in Badulla district. The study was carried out in Badulla district in Sri Lanka by the geographical coordinates of longitude 80 .45 to 81 .15. Latitude 6 .34 to 7 .18. Data have been collected from secondary sources and used to generate maps to identify fresh water bodies in Badulla district. Map of seasonal tanks, reservoirs and tanks, stream network and rivers of Badulla district were developed. Water availability (proximity to rivers), soil texture, soil pH, rainfall, temperature and topography (slope, elevation) and land use factors were considered to identify potential areas for aquaculture (pond culture). Protected areas are considered as constraints. Water availability, soil texture, soil pH, slope, elevation, rainfall, temperature, land use/ land cover thematic layers were created using ArcGIS 10.1 software. All these thematic layers have been assigned the weights according to their relative influence on pond construction using Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP) and GIS approach. Finally, all thematic layers have been integrated in a ArcGIS 10.1 environment to generate an aquaculture potential map. Thus, four aquaculture potential areas have been Identified, viz. “Most suitable”, “Suitable”, “Fairly suitable”, “Unsuitable”. The north part of the Badulla district is identified as most suitable and the southern part of the Badulla district is identified fairly and unsuitable for aquaculture in Badulla district. Methodology Data collection: Secondary data were collected from secondary sources. GIS analysis: reservoirs and tanks, Rivers, Stream network of Badulla district were digitized using Arc View 3.1 software. GPS coordinates of seasonal tanks were stored & developed a map using ArcGIS 10.1 software to identify fresh water resources in Badulla district and all data were stored in ArcGIS 10.1 environment and factor thematic layers were generated to identify potential areas for aquaculture. Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP) - AHP is a multi-objective, multi criteria decision making approach that employs a pair wise comparison procedure to arrive at a scale of preference among a set of alternatives (Dai et al., 2001). Thematic layers were evaluated using scores and each weighted according to their relative importance on the aquaculture using Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP) and GIS approach. Map Generation -Each thematic layer was evaluated using the scores that were obtained according to the weighted linear combination in ArcGIS 10.1 environment. Vector format was converted to raster format. To reject the constraints the final result was multiplied by absolute constraints. The protected areas were allocated a zero score. Finally, the potential areas for aquaculture map was created and categorized into four levels: Most suitable, Suitable, Fairly suitable, Unsuitable based on the total scores obtained from the weighted linear combination.Item The Aspects on Reproductive Biology of Blue Swimming Crab Portunus pelagicus, (Linnaeus, 1758) in Mannar Area(Uva Wellassa University of Sri Lanka, 2016) Abeygunawardana, A.P.; Jayamanne, S.C.Blue swimming crab fishery is a newly emerging export oriented fishery in North and North-Eastern provinces of Sri Lanka. Since the exploitation is heavy in these areas establishment of management strategies are important for sustainability of the fisheries. Hence the aspects on reproductive biology such as maturity stages, pre-spawning and post spawning fecundity, size at first maturity and gonadosomatic index of the Blue swimming crab (Portunus pealagicus) in Mannar area were studied during the period, May to July, 2015. The fecundity was estimated using Gravimetric method. Six ovarian development stages, immature, developing, early Mature, late mature, ripe and spent were identified in non ovigerous crabs and five ovarian development stages, light yellow ovaries, pale yellow ovaries, pale orange ovaries, black colour ovaries and grey colour ovaries were identified in ovigerous female crabs. The size at first maturity was determined as 57.5 mm carapace length and carapace width 113.50 mm. The pre spawning fecundity estimates ranged from 105874 to 516000 in the crabs of 133 mm to 158 mm carapace width. The post spawning fecundity estimates ranged from 537600 to 1739000 in the crabs of 121 mm to161 mm carapace width. The pre spawning fecundity and the post spawning fecundity showed positive correlations with the carapace width, carapace length and the body weight (P<0.01). The Gonadosomatic Index of the female crabs varied from 0.94+0.0208 in immature crabs to 30.6 +0.8048 in matured crabs. More than 80 % of the catches contained immature crabs while percentage of ovigerous females was 8%. High exploitation of immature crabs and ovigerous crabs may have serious impacts on the sustainability of the Blue swimming crab fishery in future. Keywords: Carapace length, Pre spawning fecundity, Post spawning fecundity, Reproductive biology.Item Assessment of Suspended Plastic Levels in Surface Water of Southern Coastal Belt in Sri Lanka(Uva Wellassa University of Sri Lanka, 2019-02) Athapaththu, A.M.A.I.K.; Athawuda, A.M.G.A.D.; Dias, P.C.B.; Abeygunawardana, A.P.; Senevirathna, J.D.M.; Thushari, G.G.N.; Liyanage, N.P.P.; Jayamanne, S.C.Plastic pollution is a growing concern all over the world including Sri Lanka due to serious negative consequences. Thus, current study focused on investigation of occurrence, quantification and spatial distribution of visually observed plastics and microplastics (MPs) in surface coastal water from 12 locations (Hikkaduwa, Gallefort, Dodanduwa, Unawatuna, Weligama, Mirissa, Dickwella, Tangalle, Polhena, Rekawa, Godawaya, Hambantota) as covering 3 districts of southern coastal zone in Sri Lanka during July-December 2018. Surface water samples were collected by towing neuston, manta net (380 µm) along surface layer parallel to the shoreline using repeated measures approach. The samples were passed through 4000 µm, 500 µm and 250 µm mesh sieves and residual MPs were subjected to Wet Peroxide Oxidation protocol. Visually observed plastics and recovered MPs were observed through Trinocular Microscope, enumerated for density and confirmed by hot needle test. MPs were further sorted according to the color and shape. As results revealed, all the coastal water in sampling sites were contaminated with plastic accumulation. Overall average density of macroplastics and mesoplastics were recorded as 3.32 and 3.37 items/m³. Sampling location had no significant effect (p>0.05) on total MPs density (average total MPs density: 18.06±11.45 items/m³). Plastic accumulation sources of the affected sites were identified as harbor operational activities, residential actions and recreational events. MP debris with 0.512.00 mm consists of >65% of total number of MPs, whereas maximum size of microscopic plastic in coastal water was 11.04 mm. Fibers were the most common MPs followed by films. Blue colored and Transparent MPs were the majority of plastic items in coastal water due to prevalence of above plastic categories used in the packaging, bottles and fishing gears. In summary, southern coastal water in Sri Lanka is polluted by plastic debris and pollution control programmes are recommended by this study.Item Balancing the benefits of protein content and the risks of trace metal toxicity exposure from Skipjack tuna (Katsuwonus pelamis) consumption in Sri Lanka(Uva Wellassa University of Sri Lanka, 2015) Mahaliyana, A.S.; Liyanage, N.P.P.; Jayamanne, S.C.Fish is considered as an excellent source of protein that can provide immense health benefits to human being. Protein is the major nutrient in fish consumption and it is highly digestible and consist all the essential amino acids. However, recent claims that marine fish are contaminated with trace metals exceeding the recommended maximum allowable limits have raised concerns among consumers regarding fish consumption. This may lead to rejection of marine fish both by local and export markets (Liyanage, 2009) as fish contaminated with toxic trace metal can lead to acute and chronic effects in human being. In the present study, protein content and major toxic trace metal concentrations in skipjack tuna (Katsuwonus pelamis) which is a major commercial marine fish species were studied with the aim of assessing benefits and risks in consumption of skipjack tuna in Sri Lanka. Materials and Methods Samples of skipjack tuna fish (n = 44) were collected to represent all fish landing site areas around Sri Lanka during April-July, 2014. Concentrations of toxic trace metals Hg, Cd, Pb and As were analysed individually for all the samples while the protein content analysis was carried out for composite samples that were prepared based on gender and standard length of each fish. Crude protein content was analysed according to 928.08, AOAC 2000 standard method. Crude protein content was determined using UDK 132 (VELP Scientifica, Usmate, Italy) semi-automated Kjeltec system. All composite samples were analysed in triplicates. Hg, Cd, Pb and As trace metal concentrations were analysed by Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometer (AAS; Varian240 FS, Varian Inc., Australia) following the standard method in AOAC 1998. All analyses were strictly adhered with quality control procedures. Protein content of skipjack tuna was assessed in terms of benefits with reference to its Recommended Dietary Allowance (RDA) value whereas the toxicity of each trace metal was assessed based on the stipulated Provisional Tolerable Weekly Intake (PTWI) with the Probable Weekly Intake (PWI) values. Average consumption of skipjack tuna flesh in Sri Lanka was considered as 2.8 g/person/day (MFARD, 2013) and the average body weight of a Sri Lankan adult person was assumed as 55 kg. In addition, resulted mean toxic trace metal concentrations were compared with the established maximum allowable limits for toxic trace metals in Sri Lanka and European Union standards for skipjack tuna. Results and Discussion In order to determine the recovery percentage in crude protein analysis, spiked samples with (NH4)2SO4 were used and the recovery values were maintained within the acceptable range of 90- 110%. The method of trace metal analysis was evaluated for its suitability in terms of their respective Limit Of Detection (LOD) and recovery levels using spiked samples and certified quality control materials. Calculated recovery values for all the trace metals were within the expected recovery range of 80%-120%. The mean standard length of the analysed skipjack tuna fish was 47.4±3.9 cm and the range was 36- 56 cm whereas the mean total weight was 2.2±0.5 kg and it had a variation of 1.1 - 4.2 kg. Among the analysed specimens 24 were males and 20 were females.Item Comparative Analysis of Morphological Characters of Blue Swimming Crab, Portuntis pelagicus (Linnaeus, 1758) Populations of Western and North-Western Regions in Sri Lank(Uva Wellassa University of Sri Lanka, 2018) Disnika, A.V.H.R.; Senevirathna, J.D.M.; Liyanage, N.P.P.; Jayamanne, S.C.The blue swimming crab, Portunus pelagicus, is abundant in indo-west pacific regions and extremely contributes for commercial fishery industry. In Sri Lanka, this species is typically found in Western, Northern, North-Western and NorthEastern Coasts. Morphological studies of P. pelagicus are important to identify population clusters and distribution patterns. Hence, this study was conducted to identify morphological variations of blue swimming crabs collected from Puttalum and Kalpitiya areas of the North-Western coastal region and the Negombo area of the Western coastal region. A Total of 240 individuals, 80 from each site were analyzed using twelve morphometric parameters. Standardized morphometric measurements were subjected to Discriminant Function Analysis (DFA) to observe intra-specific variations. According to the results, two discriminant functions were derived with 63.8% and 36.2% of variance for function I and 2 respectively, while function 1 was predicted as the strongest component (P < 0.05). The length to width ratio of the major cheliped merus (MEL/MEW=0.71) and ratio between carapace width (including 9th anterior-lateral tooth) to carapace length (CW2/CL-0.59) were identified as highly contributing parameters for function 1 and 2 respectively. The overlapped group plots suggested that there was no intra-specific morphological variability among three populations. Based on the results, it can be suggested that all three P. pelagicus groups are morphologically similar and consider as one population. The length-weight relationships of crabs in all three sites recorded negative allometric growth (b<3). However, results need to be confirmed using molecular data. Results of the current study provide basic information which could be utilized when constructing management plans on fisheries and conservation for this economically important carb species.Item A Comparative Study on the Diversity of Seagrass Species in a Selected Area of Puttalam Lagoon(Uva Wellassa University of Sri Lanka, 2013) Ranahewa, T.H.; Jayamanne, S.C.; Gunasekara, A.J.M.Seagrasses are aquatic angiosperms which are widely spread in shallow marine environment (Kuo and Hartog, 2000). Providing habitat grounds for large numbers of fish and shellfish species, act as a largest carbon sink, support a large number of epiphytic organisms, bind the sediment together and stabilizing sea bottom (Johnson and Johnstone, 1995) are the importance of seagrasses. Puttalam lagoon which is located in Puttalam district of Northwestern Province of Sri Lanka that covers 32700 ha (Johnson and Johnstone, 1995). There are fifteen species of seagrasses have been recorded in Sri Lanka including two families, 12 genera (Amarasinghe and De Silva, 2007). Main objective of the research is to compare changes of seagrass distribution from 1991 to 2013 where as to evaluate relationship between distribution of seagrasses with the states of water quality of selected locations of Puttalam lagoon and to compare the distribution of seagrass species according to salinity levels of each location are specific objectives. Methodology The present study was carried out in selected areas of Puttalam lagoon during the period of May to September in 2013. Kalpitiya, Kuringipitiya, Palliwasalthurai, Kandakuda, Palavi and Puttalam were the selected sites for the data collection (Figure 1). Geographic Position System (GPS) data of the site were recorded and point transect method was used for the sampling. Three line transects of each location were used. Typically transects were perpendicular to the shore and parallel to each other. Cover of seagrasses within a quadrant with 0.5 m * 0.5 m was measured at every 3 m mark of the 30 m by walking and snorkeling until transect was completed. Transects were selected and procedure was carried out in such a way that as same as Jayasuriya, 1991 conducted. Water quality parameters including water temperature (°C), pH, salinity (ppt), conductivity (mS/cm) and dissolved oxygen (mg/L) were measured at the middle of transect two at 10 cm below to the sea surface using Multiparameter meter (Orion Water quality testing was repeated at the same time in the same place once a month and average values were calculated. Same procedure was repeated in other selected locations. Average abundance of seagrass distribution of three transects were calculated. Diversity of seagrass species of each sites were calculated using Shannon - Weiner diversity index. Comparision was conducted using analysis of variance (ANOVA). Percentage abundance of each species were calculated by dividing six sites into two regions as Northwestern and Southeastern according to Jayasuriya, 1991 and compared with the values recorded by Jayasuriya, 1991. Linear regression was conducted to find out relationship between seagrass distribution and water quality parameters.Item Comparison of Blue Swimming Crab, Portunus pelagicus (Linnaeus, 1758) populations from Batticaloa and Trincomalee areas in Sri Lanka using Morphometric Parameters(Uva Wellassa University of Sri Lanka, 2018) Soyza, W.A.D.; Senevirathna, J.D.M.; Liyanage, N.P.P.; Jayamanne, S.C.Western, Northern and Eastern areas of Sri Lanka are famous for blue swimming crab fishery. However, very limited studies have been carried out to identify their population structure. This study investigated the utility of morphological characters to differentiate Portunus pelagicus populations of two different areas in eastern province of Sri Lanka. Samples were collected from Batticaloa (n=46) and Trincomalee (n=46) waters throughout its known geographic range. Twelve morphometric characteristics were measured up to nearest 0.01 mm. Discriminant Function Analysis (DFA) was performed to analyze significant intra-specific variations of two populations using standardized morphometric characteristics. The derived single discriminant function was totally accounted for 100% variance (Wilks' Lambda=0.74, P<0.05). The carapace width to carapace length ratio (CW2/CL) was recorded the highest canonical discriminant function coefficient (0.89), thus CW2/CL was selected as the most suitable parameter for the predicted model. The two centroids derived by DFA were 0.59 and (-0.59) respectively for the Trincomalee and Batticaloa, and predict the separation of two groups. According to the plotted graph, minimal overlapping between two groups was observed with possible variation between two populations. Two different allometric coefficients (b) were recorded as 2.92 (closer to isometric growth) and 2.76 (negative allometric growth) for Trincomalee and Batticaloa populations respectively. Hence, the results suggest that there is a possibility of having two P. pelagicus stocks in the 2 sites of the eastern part of the island. Changes of prevailing environmental conditions and habitat are the factors that lead to morphological differences of two P. pelagicus populations. Finding of this study is important for implementations of site-specific sustainable fishery management programs. Further, population genetic studies are recommended to confirm the results of the present study.Item Cost Reduction of Brine Shrimp by Replacing of Low Cost Live Culture (Moina, microworms) for Fresh Water Fish Guppy (Poecilia reticulate)(Uva Wellassa University of Srilanka, 2011) De Silva, G.W.H.P.N.; Jayamanne, S.C.; Hewavitharana, M.Note: See the PDF Version Ornamental fish farming is an expanding industry and its global export trade has grown steadily and today it is a multimillion dollar industry in many countries (Andrews, 1990). Sri Lanka contributes approximately 1% of the world's demand for ornamental fish. The demand for the fresh water fish is quite does not meet the demand because there are so many constraints related with the fresh water ornamental fish farming. The major constraint is the cost of feed especially during the stage of the post larva and fry. Anemia (brine shrimp) nauplii is the most common live food used in commercial larviculture of fresh water ornamental fish (Dahlgren and Phang. 1985; Kim et al.,1996) and the cost of 400 g of cysts is nearly Rs.4000.00. The present study aimed to find a suitable low cost live food which can replace high cost Anemia in aquariums giving more profits to the ornamental fish traders. Two live food species, Moina and Micro worms, which can be reared easily with very low cost are selected for the study and their suitability in rearing post larval stage and fiy stage of guppy (Poecilia reticulata) was tested under aquarium conditions.Item Determination of a suitable growing medium and a commercial fertilizer for Echinodorus parviflorus ‘Tropica’ in the nursery level(Uva Wellassa University of Sri Lanka, 2015) Amarakoonge, K.; Bambaranda, B.V.A.S.M.; Jayamanne, S.C.; Jayarathne, K.P.N.N.S.Aquatic Plant varieties have unique morphology and habitats as commercially important aquatic plants. Dissanayakel., 2007). The most popular ornamental aquarium plants genera are Anubias, Cryptocoryne, Echinodorous, Aponogeton, Hygrophyla, Bacopa, Hydrilla, Cabomba, Myriophyllum, Aponogeton and Echinodorous have important characteristics as aquarium plants in Sri Lanka. Echinodorus species have attractive green to mid green submerged leaves arranged in a rosette with beautiful, white flowers occurring in an inflorescence (Muhlberg, 1982). Aquatic plants play a significant role in the freshwater ecosystems worldwide. With time ecosystem may collapse without aquatic plants due to wild collection. Therefore growing plants is solution for that. An aquatic plant growing medium was essential for that. The growing mediums contain sand, silt and clay proportion according to the ratio of the medium. Four different ratios were used as treatments (T). T1- Boggy soil: Bricks particles T2- 3:1, Boggy soil 3: Sand 1, T3-Boggy soil: Top soil -3:1, T4-Top soil were treatments. Growing medium should balance the aeration and water for maximum root growth and physically support for the plant. Practical size of the growing medium should be with adequate pore spaces between the particles (Bilderbackl., 2005) Nutrition is a major factor for the plant growth. Therefore nutrient should be supplied in optimum level at the correct time as fertilizers. Methodology The present study was carried out to investigate the effect of growing medium and fertilizer for the growth of Echinodorus parviflorus‘Tropica’ National Aquaculture Development Authority (NAQDA) Ornamental Fish Breeding and Training center in Rambadagalle Sri Lanka. Experiment one was conducted to find out a suitable nursery medium for the E.parviflorus ‘Tropica’ plant. Boggy soil, brick particles, sand and top soil were used. Using those growing substrate four types of media used as treatments (T), T1- Boggy soil: Bricks particles T2- 3:1, Boggy soil 3: Sand 1, T3-Boggy soil: Top soil -3:1, T4-Top soil were treatments. Experiment two four fertilizer mixture used as four treatment of fertilizer, T1-N: P: K -4:2:1, T2- N: P: K -5:2:3,T3- N: P: K -3:1:1and T4- N: P: K - 20:20:20 were used during this study. Uniform Echinodorus parviflorus ‘Tropica’ about 4.5 cm -6.5 cm heights, same age plants were selected for the experiment. Old and rotted leaves were removed; leaving 5- 6 laves to remain. Old and rotted roots also were trimmed, leaving the only healthy roots. Initial weights between 0.5 g - 1.5 g of plants were selected.Experiment one and two results were analyzed by using Minitab 16 computer package and significant differences between treatments were identified using Analysis Of Variance (ANOVA) produce at 5% probability level. In experiment one T4-Top soil and experiment two T4- N: P: K -20:20:20 were used as control of the both experiments. Results According to experiment one, Boggy soil 3: sand 1(T2) growing medium was most suitable growing medium among other used media for the E.parviflorus ‘Tropica’.In the experiment one, there was significant difference (P< 0.05) among four treatments regarding increment of plant height, weight, dry weight and root length. As indicated Table1, the maximum growth was observed in T2.Item Determination of a Suitable Hardening Medium for Micropropagated Anubias nana(Uva Wellassa University of Sri Lanka, 2016) Kumari, A.M.S.M.; Jayamanne, S.C.; Chandrarathna, W.P.R.Most of aquatic plant varieties are used in aquariums as ornamental plants due to their aesthetic and ecological value. The genus Anubias of the family Araceae is considered as one of the highly demanded plant types among other aquatic plant species. Among Anubias varieties, A. barteri var. nana is considered as a most cultivated and commercially important species. Micropropagation is currently applied to this plant as a tool for large scale multiplication of plants since the planting material has a very low multiplication rate. However, the high rate of mortality experienced by micro propagated plants during or following laboratory to outdoor transfer is still existing as a major limitation in large scale applications. Therefore, it is a requirement to develop an effective acclimatization procedure for a successful establishment and survival of plantlets. The present experiment was carried out in order to determine a suitable hardening medium for micropropagated Anubias nana using complete randomized design. The study was conducted at the Ornamental Fish Breeding and Training Centre, Rambadagalle. Four weeks old uniform sample of in vitro rooted Anubias nana plantlets were hardened by using five different potting media. Coir dust, coconut husks, clay brick shards, boggy soil and sand were used as different hardening media/treatments. Each treatment was replicated ten times. Every plantlet was provided with a constant amount (N: P: K-4:2: 1) of a commercial fertilizer in once a week. The performances of plantlets were measured by using survival rate and growth in each treatment. The measured growth parameters were number of roots and leaves, length of roots and leaves, fresh weight and dry weight of plantlets after 6 weeks of hardening period. Data were analyzed by using one way ANOVA and Tukey's test. The maximum survival percentage (100%) was obtained in coir dust, clay brick shards and sand. Out of five treatments of media, a significant difference (p<0.05) of root growth was shown by plantlets in coconut coir dust and sand. A significant difference (p<0.05) of leaf growth and weight was reported in plantlets in clay brick shards media. Keywords: Anubias nana, Micropropagation, HardeningItem Determination of Efficiency of Crab Shell Powder for the Treatment of Fish Waste Water(Uva Wellassa University of Sri Lanka, 2013) Wijesundara, A.P.; Rajapaksha, R.M.G.N.; Jayamanne, S.C.; Fonseka, W.R.K.Water is the most important and basic requirement for life on earth. However, only about 1% of the world’s water can be used for the human consumption. Seafood processing is one of the major industry, which threatens the quality of natural water bodies due to its composition (Zvezdov and Zvezdova, 2010). It elevates the Biochemical Oxygen Demand (BOD), Chemical Oxygen Demand (COD), Total Suspended Solids (TSS), Fats, Oil and Grease (FOG) in natural waters and causes eutrophication (Tahir et al., 2013). Some toxic residues may be produced as by-products due to chemical reagents used in conventional wastewater treatment methods, which are toxic for human health and the environment (Gaherwar and Kulkarni, 2012). Hence the utilization of shellfish waste has been proposed as a low cost and eco-friendly wastewater treatment method to solve environmental problems and as a waste management alternative to the masses of shellfish wastes (Muhaemin, 2005). Shells of Portunus pelagicus were used in this study to examine its effectiveness as an adsorbent in treatment of fish processing wastewater. Methodology Crab shells collected from Alpex Marine (pvt)were cleaned and dried at 100 °C for 8 hours using MICHCHEL tray dryer and crushed then sieved to raw powder with 0.1-0.5mm particle size range.50 g of raw powder was heated at 950 °C for three hours in a muffle furnace ( Xy- 1100x-L) to prepare heat treated crab shell powder. Chitin and Chitosan were collected from Industrial Technology Institute laboratory. Wastewater samples were collected from Ceylon Fresh Seafood(pvt) and initial COD (Golterman and Clymo, 1970), pH, temperature (MARTINI pH 55 pH meter), Total Dissolved Solid (TDS) (EUTECH CON 510 TDS meter) and turbidity (TN-100 turbidity meter)values of the wastewater were recorded. The first experiment was done to find out best powder dosage and 5.0 gl dosages were taken from each powder type then placed into 250 ml glass beakers. Then 100 ml of fish wastewater was added to each beaker and stirred for 2 minutes Three replicates were used for each treatment. A beaker containing wastewater only was used as the control. After 24 hours final pH, temperature, TDS, turbidity and COD of treated wastewater were measured using AOAC (1985). During the second experiment initial pH value of the wastewater samples were adjusted to pH 5, 7 and 9 by adding 0.1 M HCl or 0.1 M NaOH. Then selected the best powder dosage from the experiment 1 was used for the second experiment and same procedure was followed to find best pH value which allows highest COD reduction. In the third experiment pH of the wastewater was maintained at the best pH value which was selected from the second experiment. Combinations of Chitosan and heat treated crab shell powder was used in1:1, 1:2, 1:3, 3:1 and 2:1 ratios. Total powder weight in each combination was equal to the best powder dosage which was selected from the first experiment. After 24 hours same procedure was followed as in the early experiments. Finally best powder combined ratio was selected based on highest COD reduction. Significant effect of each treatment was analysed by analysis of variance (ANOVA) using General Linear Model (GLM) procedure of Minitab 16 statistical package.Item Determination of Morphological and Genetic Diversity of Wild Guppy (Poecilia reticulata) in Sri Lanka across the MHC Complex with Special Reference to Class IIB Region(Uva Wellassa University of Sri Lanka, 2013) Godagama, G.R.M.N.; Fernando, T.S.R.; Bulumulla, P.B.A.I.K.; Jayamanne, S.C.Wild guppies have potential in developing various strains with attractive colour patterns, tail types and tolerance to wide range of environment conditions, resistance to disease conditions due to high immunity. Application of molecular genetic markers, are important to identify diversity among wild guppies which are economically beneficial to ornamental industry and to implement conservation of these valuable genetic resources. Major histocompatibility complex (MHC) genes are highly polymorphic gene family and exon 2 of class II B gene is functionally important in immunity and disease resistance. Hence, in the present study attempts are made to assess the genetic and morphological diversity of wild guppy of Sri Lanka with special reference to immune related MCH class II B gene. A total of 238 wild guppies were collected from 10 regions to represent different agro-ecological zones of the country. The standard length in between 13-24 mm was selected (179 fishes) to collect morphological data and genomic DNA was extracted from muscle tissue using Chelex 100 DNA extraction kit. A PCR based method was used to amplify exone 2 region of candidate gene with forward (5’GTG GAT TTC AGA GAA TAT GCA 3’) and reverse (5’ TGA TTT ATC CAG AGC GGT TTG 3’) primers. Touch down PCR was followed to amplification in the temperature range of 47 to 45 . Selected fish sample consisted of 43.6% of male fishes and 56.4% female fishes. Significant association existed in tail types and colour patterns versus region. Highest variation of tail pattern types was recorded from Buttala region and 40.8% of guppies consisted round tail type. High variation of colour pattern is observed from Badulla region. 58.7% fishes had brownish gray colour pattern and 43% had golden upper body colour pattern. Variation of upper body colour in all regions was similar. PCR protocol was optimized. There was a morphological diversity between wild guppy fishes in different regions of Sri Lanka. Exon II in MHC class IIB region was amplified and optimized PCR protocol for further studies. Sequence variation based on Single Nucleotide Polymorphism (SNPs) and differences of immune response of wild guppy population is yet to be analyzed.Item Determination of Most Effective, Chemical Disinfectant for lolmonella Gallinarum in Poultry Industry(Uva Wellassa University of Sri Lanka, 2012) Piyumie, P. K. C.; Femando, T.S.R; Jayamanne, S.C.; De Silva, N.DPoultry industry has been fully integrated in Sri Lanka during last two decades and the overall production and consumption has increased. With the improvement of the industry, occurrence of diseases has increased and Salmonellosis is reported as one of the prevalent diseases. Fowl Typhoid (FT), also known as Klein’s disease, is caused by Salmonella gallinaruni , and is host specific for chicken and turkey. FT creates serious economic losses to producers, since it effects on any stage of chickens. Chicks infected through trans- ovarian transmission experience to high mortality. Vaccination against FT is only allowed for commercial layers, in Sri Lanka, but with strict post vaccination monitoring. Hence, poultry producers are on constant look out for better and innovative remedy. The bacterium is fairly resistant to normal climate, surviving for months, but is susceptible to normal disinfectants (McMullin, 2004). Therefore, prevention of microbial contamination is one possible solution and can be achieved through proper disinfection which is one of the important practices in every unit of poultry industry. Most importantly, disinfection offers long-term benefits and has combined properties of detergents and sanitizers. Disinfectant chemicals act to disrupt cellular structures or processes in order to kill or eliminate microorganisms. A number of different chemicals have been commercialized as disinfectants and those can be grouped as alcohols, halogens, quaternary ammonium compounds, phenolic, aldehydes, and oxidizing agents and other. Not all disinfectants are suited for every situation. Therefore, evaluation of different disinfectants against infective agents may result benefits. Many disinfectants of similar composition ai e sold under different trade names (Saif, 2003). Therefore, five farm-use-disinfectants which represent five chemical groups were selected and tested to identify most effective concentration- contact time combination of highest effective disinfectant, for Salnionello gallinarum.Item Determination of Suitable Breeding Substrate for Redside Barb (Puntius bitnaculatus) in Captive Conditions(Uva Wellassa University of Sri Lanka, 2018) Wajiramala, G.K.Y.; Mahaliyana, A.S.; Chandrarathna, W.P.R.; Jayamanne, S.C.Redside barb (Puntius biniaculatus) is one of the most popular indigenous ornamental fish species, which commonly found in Sri Lanka. This species has been heavily collected from wild for aquarium trade and have a severe influence on the reduction of naturally available stocks. Development of captive breeding and larval rearing techniques are found as an effective strategy to increase commercially available stocks, which will also lead to ensure the sustainable utilization as a valuable resource. Hence, the objective of this study was to determine the suitable substrate for successful breeding of Redside barb in captivity. Three types of breeding conditions; gravels with aquatic plants, sand with aquatic plants, only aquatic plants were provided with stilled water in 60 cm x 30 cm x 30 cm size indoor glass tanks and three replicates for each treatment were used. Mature males with bright red colour stripe on their body and females which released yolked eggs, when slight pressure is applied on their abdominal region were selected as brooders for the experiment. Selected individuals were introduced into each tank at 2:1 male to female ratio. Completely Randomized Design was used as the experimental design and produced fry number was counted. Data were analyzed using one way ANOVA. Spawning was observed in all conditions and fry number varied significantly among three different substrates (p<0.05). The highest mean fry number was observed in the substrate of gravel with aquatic plants (195±20) compared to other 2 (fry number in the substrate which contain sand with aquatic plants: 77±39 and only aquatic plants: 33+33). Results of this study revealed that the most suitable breeding substrate for the Redside barb in indoor glass tanks was the substrate with a gravel bottom and aquatic plants.Item Development of a Low Cost Fish Ball Incorporating Yellow Fin Tuna off Cuts and Deskinned Sword Fish(Uva Wellassa University of Srilanka, 2011) Dasanayaka, D.A.B.P.; Jayasena, D.K.D.D.; Lalantha, N.; Jayamanne, S.C.The contribution that fisheries resources make to human nutritional needs is significant and may represent the only readily available protein source for people in developing countries. Even small quantity of fish can play a vital role in improving the predominantly cereal based diets of the developing countries. Fish products are comparable to meat and dairy products in nutritional quality. Fish has traditionally been a popular part of the diet in some countries. Today even more people turn to fish as healthy alternative to red meat (Bender, 2005). A recent study has shown that average recovery percentage of expensive cuts of yellow fin tuna (Thunnus albacares) from a medium scale processing factory is approximately 50%. However every recovery percentage can be contrasted depending on the quality of the raw material and nature of the product. The remaining inexpensive off cuts has low market value. Off cuts consists with whole dark muscles, trimmings of the white muscle, tail cuts, and ventral side of the tuna. Tuna trimmings can be purchased at Rs. 200 per kg. The profit margin of food processing companies can be increased while converting these off cuts into value added products. Fish balls can be produced using any fish but the tuna varieties are preferred because meat color and flavor stands up well in finished products. Yellow fin tuna (Thunnus albacares), and Sword fish (Xiphias gladius) are the main species employed. More than two species of fish are usually blended because tuna flesh alone does not give sufficient resilience to the product (Amona, 1965).Item Development of a Low Cost Fish Feed for Rearing Ornamental fish Guppy(Poecilia reticulate)(Uva Wellassa University of Sri Lanka, 2010) Wanigasekera, W.M.K.G.S.B.; Ariyaratne, M.H.S.; Kithsiri, H.M.P.; Jayamanne, S.C.Cost of feed is the main bottleneck for the development of ornamental fish industry in Sri Lanka. The present study concentrated on developing a low cost aqua feed for guppy (Poecilia reticulate) to reduce the burden of feed cost. Two aqua feed types (Aqua feed I, Aqua feed II) were prepared by using locally available feed ingredients and tested against a commercial feed (control). A total of 1350 P. reticulate fry of average length 2.76 ± 0.025 cm and average weight of 0.28 g ± 0.03 g were used to determine the performance of the two feed types. Complete randomized block design was used to analyze the data of the eight weeks feeding trial with three treatments which contained three replicates. Weights and lengths were measured biweekly. Growth performance and total cost of feed production parameters were assessed using the Feed Conversion Ratio (FOR), Specific Growth Rate (SGR) Survival rate, Weight gain, Condition Factor and Average daily growth (ADG). The trial groups reached a mean live length of 3.50 ± 0.0764 cm, 3.80 ± 0.0361 cm , 3.70 ± 0.0351 cm and mean live weight of 0.41 ± 0.06526 g, 0.62 ± 0.00541 g, 0.51 ± 0.07974 g at the end of the trial when fed with aqua feed I, aqua feed II and commercial feed respectively. Growth data indicates that the final length, weight, ADG, SGR and weight gain values of all three feeds were not significantly different( P<0.05) but the best (lowest) mean FOR and condition factor was obtained from Aqua feed II (P<0.1). Therefore, it can be concluded that aqua feed II is the best among three feeds. Key words: Guppy, Poecilia reticulate, feed, growth, Aqua feed, Commercial feedItem Development of Calcium Supplement from the Bones of Yellow Fin Tuna (Thunnus albacares)(Uva Wellassa University of Sri Lanka, 2013) Gunawardane, K.A.D.D.S.; Thushari, G.G.N.; Jayamanne, S.C.; Malavige, M.The mineral calcium is mainly important in building of bones and teeth and regulating certain metabolic processes in human body. According to the sources of Health ministry, daily dietary requirement of calcium for adults in Sri Lanka is 750-800 mg. Insufficient intakes of dietary calcium produce hypocalcaemia and osteoporosis (Piratheeban, 2013). Therefore, it is important to use food supplement to enhance the calcium content in various kinds of foods. Fish bones are well known to contain a high amount of calcium and fishbone ash normally contains 34 -36% calcium, particularly calcium phosphate (Hamada et.al., 1995). Yellow fin Tuna (Thunnus albacares) is one of the commercially valued fish species in fish processing industries in Sri Lanka and its’ bones are discarded as waste by processing industries causing environmental pollution. The present study therefore, focuses on developing a method for producing a calcium supplement suitable for human consumption using the bones of Yellow fin Tuna (Thunnus albacares) and reduces accumulation of fish bone as waste causing environmental pollution. Development of a calcium supplement using fish bone will be a new implication in value addition sector of aquatic products in Sri Lanka. Methodology Bones of Yellow Fin Tuna were collected from Global Sea Foods (Pvt) Ltd., Badalgama. Collected samples were manually rinsed to remove adhered muscle residue after transporting to Animal Science laboratory of Uva Wellassa University. The processing steps include pretreatment using NaOH, neutralization, drying, grinding and sifting. Two experimental trials with different treatments were conducted including three replications for each treatment. Trial I was carried out to find out the best NaOH concentration and boiling time combination based on the softness of fish bones (T1- 9%, 80 minutes, T2- 9%, 90 minutes, T3-9%, 100 minutes, T4- 10%, 80 minutes,T5-10%, 90 minutes,T6-10%, 100minutes,T7-11%, 80 minutes,T8-11%, 90 minutes,T9- 11%, 100 minutes).The best treatment was selected by assessing the easiness of grinding 10 g of pretreated fish bones by mortar and pestle for 1 -2 minutes. After neutralization (rinsing by water 7 times), selected best pretreated sample was subjected to Trial II. Trial II was conducted to find out the best time and temperature combination (S1- 80 ºC, 70 minutes; S2-80 ºC, 80 minutes; S3-80 ºC, 90 minutes; S4-90 ºC, 70 minutes; S5- 90 ºC, 80 minutes;, S6- 90 ºC, 90 minutes; S7-100 ºC,70 minutes; S8-100 ºC, 80 minutes and S9- 100 ºC, 90 minutes) for powder form final products. All final products were packed using polyethylene cover and stored at room temperature. Then all final products were analyzed for different parameters. Moisture contents and Drying ) (MR- Moisture ratio, Mt- Moisture content at a specific time, Mo- Initial moisture content, Me- Equilibrium moisture content, k- Drying kinetic rate constants, t-Time) (Techochatchawal et al., 2009) were evaluated for all final samples of Trial II. Calcium content (AOAC Standard Method 927.02) was determined for final treatments of Trial II and most suitable treatment was selected using above parameters. Proximate composition of selected final product was determined for Pb content (AAS, Method 7082), crude fat, ash and crude protein level (AOAC, 1995). Microbiological analysis was conducted using Total Plate Count (TPC) for selected treatment at 37 C. Finally, best treatment was compared with Standards for Supplementary food (Notification of the Ministry of Public Health o.293 B.E. 2548, 2005). Results were analyzed using Kruskal-Wallis test and Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) incorporated in MINITAB 14 soft ware.Item Development of Explant Sterilization Protocol for In-vitro Propagation of Hydrocera triflora (Marsh Henna)(Uva Wellassa University of Sri Lanka, 2019) Nuwarage, N.G.D.S.; Senarathne, M.M.D.J.; Coswatte, A.C.W.W.M.C.L.K.; Jayamanne, S.C.Hydrocera triflora is a demanded, commercially valuable, perennial, ornamental aquatic plant, distributed within the Indo-Malaysian region and still not developed some in-vitro sterilization protocol for this species. This study was conducted to analyze the effect of surface sterilization treatments on H. triflora explants for development of in-vitro explant’s surface sterilization protocol. Explants (shoot tip, node, and Internode) were cultured in full strength Murashige and Skooge (MS) medium, supplemented with 3% sucrose level and 3:1 BAP (6-Benzylaminopurine): NAA (Naphthalene Acetic Acid) concentration at 5.70 pH. Effect of sterilization treatments with factorial combinations; 15% to 30% Sodium hypochlorite (NaOCl) (1 to 5 minutes), 70% Ethanol (30 s) on explant surface sterilization with pre-treatment (Topsin fungicide, Teepol detergent and Tween 20) and without pre-treatment for each explants were determined after 10 days. All the explant types’ sterilized without pre-treatment indicated 100% contamination by fungal infection within 2 days. In 20% to 30% NaOCl with 70% Ethanol (pre-treated) indicated that there was no significant difference with the number of contaminants and the treatments for all explant types. All the explant types in this treatment were contaminated by bleaching effects. In 15% to 20% NaOCl with 70% Ethanol (pre-treated) indicated that there was a significant difference between treatments for the average number of contaminants (fungal infection). Lowest average number of contaminants for shoot tips (0.00), nodes (0.16) and internodes (0.16) represented the best treatment for explant sterilization, which was provided by 18%, 19% and 18% NaOCl and 70% Ethanol (pre-treated) respectively. The most effective explant sterilization protocol (pre-treatment, 18 to 19% NaOCl and 70% Ethanol) developed from this study can achieve the highest number of healthy explants for in-vitro propagation of Hydrocera triflora.Item Development of Fish Balls Using Catla Fish (Catla catla): Exploration the Potential of Better Utilization of Freshwater Food Fish in Sri Lanka(Uva Wellassa University of Sri Lanka, 2019) Leshika, D. L.; Athawuda, A.M.G.A. D.; Abeygunawardana, A.P.; Thushari, G.G.N.; Jayamanne, S.C.Catla fish is the one of mostly cultivated, freshwater food fish in aquaculture sector. Present study was aimed to enhance Carp fish production by developing a value added fish ball products from Catla using appropriate processing technologies. Catla fish were collected from Ulhitiya reservoir. Three different treatments of fish meat:ice water ratios (w/v) as: 50%:37% (treatment1), 70%:17% (treatment2) and 85%:2% (treatment3) were used for fish ball processing after the preliminary trials. Organoleptic evaluation was conducted to determine color, texture, aroma, mouth feel, taste and overall acceptance of products using 30 untrained panelists. pH, color, and TBARS values of all final products at -20°C freezing condition were measured weekly. The proximate compositions of fish ball products were analyzed following standard protocols. Based on the results, highest scores for aroma, taste and overall acceptance were recorded for treatment 2 (fish meat: ice water-70%:17%). Ash content of treatment 1, 2 and 3 were 4.06±0.4%, 4.27±0.92% and 4.00±0.82% respectively with no significant difference (P>0.05). However, moisture and lipid contents had significant difference (P<0.05) among the treatments, while the highest lipid content was recorded in treatment1 (6.96±0.60%) and the lowest moisture content was recorded in treatment2 (70.15±2.43%). Protein content of Catla fish ball products varied from 14.00 to 15.00%. TBARS and pH of all treatments were at the range of 6.41-6.51 and 0.36-0.90 mg MDA/kg respectively which were within acceptable levels for consumption during storage. L*, a* and b*values of final products gradually decreased during storage period, but without significant (P>0.05) variation during storage period. In conclusion, Catla is a suitable alternative source for production of high quality, consumer preferred fish balls.