UTTAR PRADESH JOURNAL OF ZOOLOGY

This study examines seasonal variations in the expression of the Actin-beta 2 gene in Labeo rohita, a vital aquaculture species inhabiting the Kolar Reservoir in Madhya Pradesh. Understanding how seasonal changes affect gene expression is crucial for optimizing aquaculture practices. We collected specimens during winter, monsoon, and summer periods corresponding to key environmental transitions by focusing on seasonal expression patterns, particularly of the Actin-beta 2 gene, the study links these genetic responses to environmental changes. The findings reveal significant upregulation of Actin- beta 2 during the monsoon, as shown by qRT-PCR amplification plots and ANOVA results. With about 57.21% of the variation in gene expression attributable to seasonal differences (P = 0.0219), these findings underscore the impact of environmental fluctuations. Tukey’s Multiple Comparison Test indicated significant expression differences between winter and monsoon, as well as between monsoon and summer, but not between winter and summer. This pattern suggests that monsoon conditions, such as increased water flow and nutrients, may boost metabolic activities and muscle development, while genetic or physiological mechanisms might stabilize gene expression across winter and summer. These insights into Labeo rohita's adaptive physiology offer valuable implications for fisheries management and aquaculture practices, enabling adjustment to seasonal environmental changes to enhance growth and productivity in aquaculture settings.