Suşehri Timur Karabal Meslek Yüksekokulu Makale Koleksiyonu

Bu koleksiyon için kalıcı URI

https://hdl.handle.net/20.500.12418/725

Listeleniyor 1 - 17 / 17

Phytochemical and Antimicrobial Characteristics of Raspberry FruitGrowing Naturally in Kelkit Valley, Turkey
(2023) Ağlar, Erdal; Sümbül,Ahmet; Karakaya, Orhan; Ertürk, Ömer; Öztürk, Burhan
The study was carried out to determine the pomological, phytochemical and antimicrobial properties of wild raspberryfruit (Rubus idaeus) naturally growing in the Kelkit Valley in Turkey. In the study, the wild raspberry fruit was compara-tively smaller. In fruit, soluble solids content (SSC) was determined as 12.6%, titratable acidity as 1.36% and vitamin Cconcentration as 28.8 mg 100 g–1. Total phenolics, total flavonoids, 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazil (DPPH) and ferric ions(Fe+3) reducing antioxidant power assay (FRAP) activity values were 1775 mg kg–1, 151 mg kg–1, 2580 μmol kg–1 and5187 μmol kg–1, respectively. In the study, the solution obtained from raspberries had an antimicrobial effect on bacteria.While it had an antimicrobial effect on Aspergillus niger fungus, it did not have any effect on Candida albicans fungus.The highest antimicrobial activity was achieved against Pseudomonas aeruginosa, while the lowest effect was againstEnterococcus feacalis bacteria. It was revealed that the raspberry fruit investigated in the study can be used as material forbreeding studies due to their rich bioactive compounds and antimicrobial content
IDENTIFICATION OF DWARF ROOTSTOCK CANDIDATES IN FIG: WILD FIG (Ficus carica var. rupestris(HAUSSKN.) BROWICZ) POPULATION ANDMORPHOLOGICAL CHARACTERIZATION
(2023) Ercan Yildiz; Erdal Ağlar; Ahmet Sumbul; Mehmet Yaman; Aydın Uzun; Oğuzhan Çalışkan
This study was carried out to morphologically characterize and evaluate the dwarf rootstock potential of the fig genotypes in the Ficus carica var. rupestris (Hausskn.) Browicz population is distributed in Tunceli, Türkiye. For this purpose, these genotypes' eight qualitative and 16 quantitative traits were investigated. In the study, 42 fig genotypes were selected from the Ficus carica var. rupestris population. Regarding tree growth habit, 40% (17 genotypes) of the genotypes were creeping, and 50% (21 genotypes) were intermediate in tree vigour. Also, shoot internode length of the genotypes was short (24 genotypes), and 76% (32 genotypes) of genotypes showed high characteristics in terms of tendency to form suckers. When all the characteristics were evaluated together using the weighted analysis, FCR-19 was calculated as having the highest rootstock potential (910 points) followed by FCR-6, FCR-7, FCR-14, FCR-15, FCR-20, FCR-24, FCR-27, FCR-31, and FCR-42 genotypes (865 points). At the end of the study, 7 genotypes (FCR-1, FCR-2, FCR-14, FCR-19, FCR-23, FCR-28, FCR-29) with dwarfing rootstock potential were evaluated. We believe that detailed studies on these genotypes will contribute to developing modern fig cultivation techniques and designing new breeding programs.
Body size-related polymorphic foraging strategy in adult green turtles
(2023) Sönmez, Bektaş; Yalçın Özdilek, Şükran; Mestav, Burcu
Green turtles (Chelonia mydas) are among the prominent migratory and conservation-needing animals. Missing data on the foraging strategy of green turtles limits effective conservation actions in the Eastern Mediterranean. We applied the stable δ13C and δ15N isotope signatures together with body size to evaluate the foraging ecology of green turtles. Five tissue samples were utilized, including keratin, epidermis, red blood cells, plasma, and whole blood. The samples were retrieved from five major breeding areas in Turkey. Significant correlations were observed between curved carapace length and the δ13C and δ15N values of the green turtles in all the breeding populations except for Alata. The bimodal distribution of δ13C and two clusters based on the δ13C and δ15N values indicated a dichotomy concerning the foraging habitats of the green turtles nesting on the Eastern Mediterranean. The body sizes of the females in the first cluster (with depleted values) were significantly larger than the second cluster (with enriched values). The total niche area of the females in the first cluster was larger than that in the second cluster, which may correspond to the generalist/specialist feeding strategy. The present study gives some novel results about the foraging ecology of green turtles in the Mediterranean. For effective and viable conservation actions, further studies are needed to identify the foraging areas of green turtles in the Mediterranean.
Dichotomy in morphology of the same genetic lineage of green turtles
(2023) Sönmez, Bektaş; Mestav, Burcu; Kırbeci, Selma; Yalçın Özdilek, Şükran
Morphological studies of marine turtles are important to provide insight into changes in their developmental environment. This study aimed to determine green turtles' Chelonia mydas morphological differences within the same genetic lineage in the eastern Mediterranean MED3 management unit and to find the best conversion equations between carapace size. A total of 106 adult green turtles (curved carapace length [CCL] range 79–105 cm) were measured on the five major nesting beaches of the eastern Mediterranean during 2020 and 2021. Morphological differences were tested with PERMANOVA and the relationship among body sizes was tested by linear regression. In the eastern Mediterranean green turtles, the mean CCL and SCL (straight carapace length) were 88.5 cm and 83.5 cm, respectively. There were no statistically significant differences in any of the examined morphological characteristics of green turtles collected from five nesting beaches. In the clustering analysis, however, it was found that all the turtles fell into two distinct groups: larger (> 95.2 cm) and smaller (< 85.2 cm) turtles. As well, the conversion equations between CCL and SCL showed a high coefficient of determination (R2 = 0.938). We suggest that the conversion equations may be applied to all green turtles belonging to this population and nesting in the eastern Mediterranean.
Elucidating the genetic variations among Turkish grape varieties using morphological and molecular markers
(2023) Sümbül, Ahmet; Yıldız, Ercan; Nadeem, Muhammad Azhar
Türkiye is considered the intersection point of three biodiversity centers in the world and serving as a gene center for grapes as well as for many fruit species. Grape is an important fruit thanks to its benefits to human health and its multiple usage. This study was carried out to identify the morphological and molecular diversity of 18 local and commercial grape varieties widely grown in the Kayseri province of Türkiye. Morphological (bunch, berry and leaf characteristics) and molecular (intersimple sequence repeat (ISSR) markers were used to determine genetic diversity in the studied germplasm. The bunch, berry and leaf characteristics of the varieties showed differences. In the study, bunch weight varied 151.33–476.66 g, berry weight 1.52–7.44 g, maturity index 11.59–41.87% and leaf area 63.62–199.15 cm2. The principal component analysis (PCA) was performed using morphological traits and first two PCs accounted a total of 55% of the total variations. In molecular marker analysis, 69 bands were obtained from 10 ISSR primers. Among these total, 48 of the bands were found polymorphic and polymorphism rate was calculated as 64.77%. Genetic distance revealed Gül Üzümü and Red Globe as the most genetically distinct varieties. Analysis of molecular variance (AMOVA) revealed maximum genetic variations due to the difference within the populations. The Unweighted Pair Group Method with Arithmetic Mean (UPGMA) divided studied germplasm into two populations. The results obtained may benefit researchers in the determination and protection of gene sources in breeding studies on grape varieties and genotypes.
Assessing the genetic diversity in hawthorn (Crataegus spp.) genotypes using morphological, phytochemical and molecular markers
(2023) Yildiz, Ercan; Sümbül, Ahmet; Yaman, Mehmet; Nadeem, Muhammad Azhar; Say, Ahmet; Baloch, Faheem Shehzad; Popescu, Georghe Cristian
Thanks to its ecological and geographical location, Turkey is the homeland of many fruit species and allows many fruit species to be grown. Hawthorn, which is understood to be important in human health and nutrition, is one of these fruit types. This study was carried out to identify morphological, biochemical, and molecular genetic variations of 22 hawthorn genotypes belonging to three different species collected from Kayseri province. The fruit (fruit length, fruit width, fruit weight, stone weight and soluble solid content) and leaf (leaf length, leaf width, petiole thickness) characteristics of the genotypes showed differences. Among the biochemical properties of the genotypes, the antioxidant activity, as % inhibition, ranged from 23.13 to 61.59%, the total flavonoid content ranged from 14.63 to 57.22 mg QE/100 g, and the total phenolic content ranged from 277.28 to 310.80 mg GAE/100 g. In the principal component analysis, species generally formed similar clusters. In molecular marker analysis, 101 bands were obtained from 13 ISSR (Inter Simple Sequence Repeats) primers. 76 of the bands were polymorphic and the polymorphism rate was calculated as 75.24%. The similarity index in the UPGMA (Unweighted Pair Group Method with Arithmetic Mean of Cluster analysis) dendogram because of the molecular analysis ranged between 0.71 and 0.88. In the dendrogram, genotypes did not show a dense clustering by species. The results obtained may benefit researchers in the determination and protection of genetic resources in breeding studies on hawthorn species.
Effect of Different Clonal Rootstocks on Plant Nutrient Content in Leaves of Some Apricot (Prunus armeniaca) Cultivars
(28 Ağustos 2023) Uğur, Remzi; Sümbül, Ahmet; Yaman, Mehmet
Rootstocks are commonly used in modern fruit nursery practices due to their distinctive features. In addition to eliminating the limiting factors in fruit growing, rootstocks have benefits such as increasing productivity, fruit quality, dwarfness and increasing the efficiency of nutrients. This study was carried out to determine the effects of apricot varieties (‘Mikado’, ‘Mogador’ and ‘Flopria’) from Prunus species which have earliness, on leaf micronutrients (Fe, Mn, Zn, Cu and B) and macronutrients (P, K, Ca, Mg and Na). A total of 17 rootstocks belonging to Prunus cerasifera, P. domestica and P. persica species were used as study material. The effect of rootstock–cultivar combinations on nutrients (except P and Na) was determined to be statistically significant. The effect of each rootstock on plant nutrients was different. It has been determined that there is a positive correlation between micro- and macronutrients. In the study, the highest macro-element content in cultivars was determined in KL-45 for P (0.45) and Ca (1.90) element, KL-21 for K (4.53) and Mg (0.70) element. As a result, it is suggested that KL rootstocks can be used as rootstocks in modern apricot cultivation.
The Effect of PGPR Applications on Bioactive Content and Fruit Characteristics of Different Apple Scion–Rootstock Combinations
(29 Haziran 2023) Yaman, Mehmet; Yıldız, Ercan; Sümbül, Ahmet; Ercişli, Sezai; Sönmez, Osman; Güneş, Adem; Say, Ahmet; Keçe, Yusuf Murat; Ünsal, Hasan Talha
In modern apple growing, plant and pomological characteristics as well as physiological behaviors of genotypes may vary according to the rootstock, changing growth ecology, and applications of biological control agents. The aim of this research is to determine the effects of rhizobacteria application on the biochemical substances (contents of total phenolics, total flavonoids and total anthocyanin and antioxidant activity) in fruits. This study was carried out on seven standard apple cultivars (‘Scarlet Spur’, ‘Red Chief’, ‘Fuji’, ‘Jeromine’, ‘Galaxy Gala’, ‘Granny Smith’ and ‘Golden Reinders’) grafted on M9 and MM106 rootstocks. Within the scope of the study, nitrogen+ phosphorus solvent rhizobacteria were applied to each tree three times in 15 days in the spring period. On the other hand, in the study, the effects of rhizobacteria application on the biochemical contents of the fruits differed according to scion–rootstock combinations and these provided generally significantly positive contributions. Considering the fruit color data, the highest result was obtained from hue angle with 122.41 on ‘Granny Smith’ grafted to MM106 rootstock. According to the phenolic compound analysis, the highest phenolic compound content was epicatechin with 15.77mg/kg, determined on ‘Scarlet Spur’ grafted to M9 rootstock. The highest positive contribution was 5.5% in total phenolic content, 4.5% in total flavonoid content, 3.3% in total anthocyanin content, and 5.7% in antioxidant activity. According to the results of this study, it has been determined that bacteria have positive effects on different fruit properties, but results may change with climate, growing conditions, environment and soil properties.
Hyalomma aegyptium the dominant hard tick in tortoises Tesdudo hermanni boettgeri found in different regions of Albania
(2 Şubat 2022) Bizhga, Bejo; Sönmez, Bektaş; Bardhaj, Laurent; Sherifi, Kurtesh; Gündemir, Ozan
The purpose of this study was to estimate the level of hard tick infestation in the tortoise subspecies Testudo hermanni boettgeri living within the free-range hills and mountains of four regions of central and south Albania. In addition, this study showed the morphological differences of infested and non-infested tortoises in several geographic locations where tortoises are known to be infested with Hyalomma aegyptium, a natural carrier of different zoonotic pathogens. Thirty-six of 145 (24.8%) examined Hermann’s tortoises were found to be infested with hard ticks. After the tortoises were carefully captured and controlled, a total of 67 H. aegyptium were collected: 47 in Berati, 11 in Ballshi and 9 in Saranda. None of the 40 tortoises in the Tirana region were found to be infested with ticks. All ticks were identified as H. aegyptium adults. The highest prevalence of tick infestation was in the Berati region at 49.1%, followed by the Ballshi and Saranda region by 24% and 12%, respectively. The mean infestation intensity was 1.86 H. aegyptium per Hermann’s tortoise, and it was found that H. aegyptium are less common in large Hermann’s tortoises. The number of H. aegyptium male ticks was negatively correlated with the body dimensions of Hermann’s tortoises. Hyalomma aegyptium is the most prevalent tick in Hermann’s tortoises in three regions of south Albania, and with a typical three-host life cycle in different wild and domestic animals, they may be a vector of zoonotic pathogens. Furthermore, other studies should be conducted to detect the presence of zoonotic pathogens in ticks from these regions and to estimate the risk of transmission in animals and humans.
Population genetic diversity of green turtles, Chelonia mydas, in the Mediterranean revisited
(Nisan 2022) Karaman, Sezgin; Türkozan, Oğuz; Carreras, Carlos; Yılmaz, Can; Sönmez, Bektaş; Candan, Onur; Ergene, Serap; Ergene, Mahmut; Uçar, Aşkın Hasan; Ulger, Celal
The Mediterranean green turtle regional management unit is one of the 17 management units of green turtles considered a global conservation priority. However, previous studies using different genetic markers revealed very little diversity and differentiation across populations due to the overdominance of one haplotype (CM-A13) in the Mediterranean. We, therefore, used a more informative marker, mitochondrial short tandem repeats (mtSTRs), in 431 samples collected along the eastern Mediterranean coasts of Turkey and Northern Cyprus. In addition, we added the mtSTR haplotypes of previous studies and reached a total of 980 samples covering 12 nesting beaches (almost 100% of the populations in the region). We identified 42 haplotypes, 4 of which were recorded for the first time in the region. The species has a genetic diversity in the region higher than previously thought, ranging from 0.54 (Sugözü, Turkey) to 0.934 (Israel) and with the most common haplotypes being 6-8-8–4 (26.5%), 6-8-5-4 (17.3%), and 6-8-6-4 (14.9%). The analysis of a more extensive data set of mtSTRs supported recognizing at least three management units in the Mediterranean. Furthermore, we used the new data to assess the origin of the turtles foraging in Israel. We determined that Samandağ (Turkey) was the population of origin of most of the individuals. Overall, we show that mtSTRs highly improve the resolution to detect population structuring and source for this species and region.
Effects of Rhizobacteria Application on Leaf and Fruit NutrientContent of Different Apple Scion–Rootstock Combinations
(2022) Ercan Yildiz; Mehmet Yaman; Sezai Ercisli; Ahmet Sumbul; Osman Sonmez; Adem Gunes; Mehmet Ramazan Bozhuyuk; Darius Kviklys
The plant pomological characteristics and physiological behaviors of genotypes in mod-ern apple cultivation could be different depending on the use of rootstock, changing growth ecologyand application of biological control agents. The aim of this research was to determine the effects ofrhizobacteria application on leaf and fruit nutrient contents in different apple scion–rootstock com-binations. This study was carried out with seven standard cultivars (Scarlet Spur, Red Chief, Fuji,Jeromine, Galaxy Gala, Granny Smith, and Golden Reinders) budded on M.9 and MM.106 root-stocks. In the experiment, trees were sprayed by a nitrogen + phosphorus solvent rhizobacteria threetimes, with an interval of 15 days in the spring period. The effect of rhizobacteria application on leafand fruit nutrient contents was statistically significant and provided generally significant positivecontributions, except for leaf Mg content. Comparing both rootstocks, the positive effect of bacterialapplication was higher on the M.9 rootstock for leaf N and B content and fruit N and Fe content,and on the MM.106 rootstock for other nutrient content. While the effects of bacterial application onthe basis of cultivars were generally positive, the highest positive contribution was made in leaf Pcontent (10.7%) and fruit Mn content (32.1%) of the Fuji cultivar. Considering the total increase innutrients in scion–rootstocks combination, rhizobacteria application had a positive effect on the leafnutrient contents in Golden Reinders/MM.106, but not leaf K content. The highest increases in leavesof scion-rootstock combinations were determined as 4.0% in N content in Granny Smith/M.9, 14.1%in P content in Scarlet Spur/MM.106, 7.1% in K content in Fuji/MM.106, 4.4% in Ca content in Je-romine/M.9, and 14.0% in Mg content in Granny Smith/MM.106. The highest increase in fruit nutri-ent contents was between 4.9% (N content) and 13.5% (Ca content) for macro elements, and between9.5% (Cu content) and 41.8% (Mn content) for microelements. The results of the present study mayprovide significant leads for further studies on this subject.
Identification of genetic diversity among Juglans regia L.genotypes using molecular, morphological, and fatty acid data
(24 November 2020) Yıldız, Ercan; Pınar, Hasan; Uzun, Aydın; Yaman, Mehmet; Sümbül, Ahmet; Ercişli, Sezai
In this study, 40 walnut (Juglans regia L.) samples including international cultivars, national cultivars and local genotypes were analyzed in terms of detailed morphological traits, molecular characteristics, and biochemical (fatty acids) features. The results showed high morphological diversity among the genotypes, and the kernel ratio was found to have major contribution for the principal component analysis (PCA). Molecular results showed that the 19 SRAP primer combinations produced, on average, 171 bands in the accessions examined, of which 156 (90.6%) were polymorphic and DICE’s similarity coefficient ranged from 0.49 to 0.94 indicating high genetic diversity. The polymorphism ratio of 11 primers was 100% while the lowest polymorphism was 66.7%. There were no significant differences in terms of correlation coefficient between the similarity matrices of the morphological traits and SRAP (r = 0.03). The main fatty acids of walnut kernel oils were found to be linoleic acid (C18:2) followed by oleic acid (C18:1) and linolenic acid (C18:3). The polyunsaturated fatty acids constitute the main group of fatty acids in walnut kernel oils, and these ratios varied between 85.99–92.19%. It has been determined that the morphological and biochemical data may be insufficient alone in identification of genetic diversity and relativeness in walnut because they should be supported by molecular data.
Effect of predicted sea level rise scenarios on green turtle (Chelonia mydas) nesting
(22 April 2021) Sönmez, Bektaş; Karaman, Sezgin; Türkozan, Oğuz
There is a growing interest among scientists about climate change and its adverse effects. One of the major adverse effects of climate change is the sea level rise (SLR), which will cause habitat loss for many species and threaten their survival. Sea turtles are an example of animal groups most likely to be threatened by SLR. It is, therefore, critical to predict the effect of SLR on sea turtle habitats to prepare better conservation and management plans that consider the climate change impact. With this aim, we projected the outcomes of SLR on the habitat and nest loss of one of the most important Mediterranean green sea turtle (Chelonia mydas) nesting beaches (Samandag, Turkey) using natural nests between 2008 and 2016 nesting seasons. Under the extreme scenario (1.2 m SLR) one-third of the coastal area and up to 18% of natural nests could be lost at a key green turtle nesting beach for this globally unique population.
Nesting activity of loggerhead turtles (2013–2020) and 20 years abundance trend (2001–2020) on Çıralı Beach, Turkey
(25 March 2021) Sönmez, Bektaş; Elginöz, Erdal; Ilgaz, Mustafa; Altınkaya, Habib
Long-term monitoring studies on sea turtles give reliable data on population size and nest density estimates. In this context, this study provides reliable data about nesting and hatching activities of the loggerhead turtle on Çıralı Beach based on an eight year (2013–2020) monitoring period. Moreover, the study evaluates long-term nesting trends over the years 2001–2020. A total of 852 nests with a mean of 107 nests per season was recorded during 2013–2020 on the Çıralı Beach. A total of 68,443 eggs were deposited and 41,080 (60%) of them were hatched, and 37,830 of the hatchlings (92%) were able to reach the sea. The mean clutch size and hatching success were 81.9 eggs and 60%, respectively, and show interannual variation. The mean incubation duration was 47.4 days, and show similarity across years. The loggerhead turtle nest tended towards an upward trend over the 20 consecutive years. Moreover, the current nesting population size of Çıralı loggerhead turtles are estimated as 96 females based on the clutch frequency calculation. This upward trend may raise from the nesting shift from the Tekirova beach. Çıralı sea turtle conservation activity has an exemplary practice in terms of supporting the local community with conservation activities during nesting seasons.
Biochemical composition and shape-dimensionaltraits of rosehip genotypes
(24 July 2021) Demir, Bünyamin; Sayıncı, Bahadır; Yaman, Mehmet; Sümbül, Ahmet; Yıldız, Ercan; Karakaya, Orhan; Alkaya Bobuş, Günseli; Ercişli, Sezai
In the present study, the biochemical composition and shape and dimensional traits of 25 rosehip (Rosa canina) genotypes were investigated. The shape and dimensional traits were determined by image processing technique. Seed-propagated rosehip genotypes belonging to R. canina were collected from the natural flora of Mesudiye (Ordu) and Talas (Kayseri) districts. Antioxidant activity (39.510–72.673 mmol · kg−1), total flavonoids (287.80–1,686.20 mg quercetin equivalent (QE) · kg−1) and total phenolics (38,519.40–79,080.60 mg gallic acid equivalent · kg−1) of the genotypes exhibited large variations. Width (12.2 mm) and thickness (12.5 mm) of fruits averages were found to be close to each other. The genotypes exhibited fruit lengths between 12.0 mm and 29.5 mm. Average projected area at horizontal orientation (179.7 mm2) was greater than the projected area at vertical orientation (120.4 mm2). Sphericity average was calculated as 71.4%. According to principal component (PC) analysis, the most important dimensional traits discriminating genotypes from each other were identified as surface area, geometric mean diameter and volume. In terms of shape attributes, distinctive differences were observed in sphericity, circularity, elongation and surface closure rates (SCR) of the genotypes. According to elliptic Fourier analysis (EFA), genotypes look like a sphere. In terms of shape, there were long, spherical, flat bottomed, pointed bottomed and asymmetric-looking genotypes indicating how environment and genotype affect the fruit shape. The greatest shape variation was transverse contraction and expansion. According to the clustering analysis for shape attributes, rosehip genotypes were classified into six groups. Dendrogram, scatter plots of linear discriminant analysis and paired comparison test results put forth the shape differences of the genotype successfully.
Morphological Divergence of Hermann’s Tortoise (Testudo hermanni boettgeri Mojsisovits, 1889) in Albania
(9 January 2021) Duro, Sokol; Sönmez, Bektaş; Gündemir, Ozan; Jashari, Tefik; Szara, Tomasz
Testudines show phenotypic plasticity, and variation among specific populations within a species is widespread. Morphological differences between populations may reflect ecological factors that drive adaptation to local conditions. In this context, we gathered basic data on the morphology of the Hermann’s tortoise (Testudo hermanni boettgeri Mojsisovits, 1889) to document their variation across different geographical regions. We surveyed Hermann’s tortoises in five different locales within Albania during April and May 2020 and measured 20 morphological characteristics, including carapace and plastron dimensions. We measured 188 tortoises (81 males, 107 females) in this study, and females were larger (p = 0.0001) and heavier (p = 0.0001) than males. Mean straight carapace length (SCL) and body mass were 172.4 mm and 1128.8 g, respectively, for females, and 151.3 mm and 735 g, respectively, for males. The Albanian T. h. boettgeri were regionally diverged into three different populations that were situated in northern (Shkodra), central (Tirana, Berati, and Ballshi), and southern (Saranda) Albania. The body size (curved carapace length (CCL)) of females was positively correlated (r = 0.216; p = 0.025) with the latitude, in accordance with Bergmann’s rule. However, there was no correlation between body size and latitude in males. These striking regional differences among Albanian T. h. boettgeri strongly suggest that further study of molecular variations and reproductive output of Hermann’s tortoises is warranted.
A Different Perspective on Sex Dimorphism in the Adult Hermann’s Tortoise: Geometric Morphometry
(18 March 2021) Duro, Sokol; Gündemir, Ozan; Sönmez, Bektaş; Jashari, Tefik; Szara, Tomasz; Pazvant, Gülsün; Kambo, Arben
Eastern Hermann’s tortoise (Testudo hermanni boettgeri) is a subspecies of Hermann’s tortoise (Testudo hermanni) found in Albania. Gender determination is one of the crucial elements in determining the population dynamics in all species. Female and male adult tortoises look different, but these differences can be difficult to distinguish in captivity or when their sex indicators are deformed or injured. Therefore, the aim of this study was to use indirect and non-invasive methods such as geometric morphometric analysis to determine the sex of adult tortoises. For the geometric morphometry, 17 female and 23 male Hermann’s tortoises were collected and photographed from the hills and mountains around the Tirana district of Albania between August and October 2019. Sexes were discriminated based on geometric morphometry, and plastron shape was a better indicator than carapace shape. In addition, abdominal, femoral and anal scutes on the plastron and the ratio of femoral to pectoral suture lengths were important for the sex distinction. Females had a larger plastron than males; this may have been supported by fecundity selection, because a large plastron suggests more volume in which to store eggs. The femoral and anal scutes were larger in male tortoises, and serve as a stronger base during mating. This study was conducted for adults only, and future studies are needed to determine if these indicators also apply to hatchlings and juveniles.

Güncel Gönderiler