Dinoflagellate resting cysts as factors in phytoplankton ecology of the North Sea

The occurrence and distribution of dinoflagellate resting cysts were investigated at 11 locations in the south-eastern part of the North Sea. Twenty-six known cyst species and 7 unknown cyst types, which may act as seed population for planktonic dinoflagellate blooms, have been recorded for the first time in the area. The most common cysts in recent sediments were those ofScrippsiella trochoidea, Zygabikodinium lenticulatum, Peridinium dalei, Scrippsiella lachrymosa, Protoceratium reticulatum, Protoperidinium denticulatum, andP. conicum. At all stations,S. trochoidea dominated the cyst assemblages with a maximal abundance of 1303 living cysts/cm³ in the uppermost half centimetre. Cysts of the potentially toxic dinoflagellatesAlexandrium cf.excavatum andA. cf.tamarense were scarce. In the upper 2-cm layer of sediment, dinoflagellate cysts were found in concentrations of 1.8 up to 682 living cysts/cm³. Empty cysts constituted 22–56% of total cyst abundance. The comparative distribution of the cysts showed a general increase in abundance from inshore sites to the offshore area, whereby sandy stations exhibited the lowest cyst abundance and diversity. The wide distribution of living and empty cysts ofScrippsiella lachrymosa suggests that its motile form, which has not been officially recorded in the area until now, is a common plankton organism in German coastal waters. The relatively high abundance of cysts in recent sediments demonstrates the potential importance of benthic resting stages for the initiation of dinoflagellate blooms in the study area.     

Profiles of Alexandrium catenella cysts in Puget Sound sediments and the relationship to paralytic shellfish poisoning events

The magnitude of paralytic shellfish poisoning (PSP) toxins in shellfish and the geographical scope of shellfish closures in Puget Sound have increased in recent decades. PSP, monitored by the Washington Department of Health, has spread from Sequim Bay in the 1950s into central Puget Sound in the 1970s and throughout Puget Sound by the 1990s. Alexandrium catenella, the species responsible for PSP toxins, produces a benthic resting cyst that, upon germinating, can seed blooms. This study examined whether there is a relationship between profiles of cysts in the sediment and temporal variation in PSP in shellfish and if the history of the toxin's southward expansion through Puget Sound can be seen in the cyst record. To address this question, sediment cores were collected from three Puget Sound basins, Sequim Bay, Penn Cove, and Carr Inlet, and cyst profiles were determined. Activities of ²¹⁰Pb were fitted to a depth-dependent diagenetic model to date the sediment cores and determine mixing and sediment-accumulation rates. In order to compare historical variation in PSP with cyst profiles that have been altered by bioturbation, a depth and time-dependent diagenetic model was then used to predict vertical profiles of cysts that would occur under the assumption that cyst deposition rates are proportional to PSP concentration in shellfish measured over several decades at each site. The cyst profiles predicted by the model were compared to measured cyst profiles. These comparisons suggested that Alexandrium blooms and resulting PSP concentration in shellfish are more closely linked to cyst germination and deposition at some stations than at others. Sequim Bay had relatively large numbers of cysts and it is likely that the persistent toxicity here is the result of recurrent seeding from the cyst bed. Penn Cove and Carr Inlet had few cysts despite occasional blooms, suggesting that blooms are transported into those areas, perhaps from other sites of cyst germination. Sequim Bay and Penn Cove had cysts from top to bottom of the cores so it was not possible to determine the date when cysts were first introduced into these bays, but it is likely that A. catenella has been in Penn Cove since at least 1955 or for about two decades before the WDOH PSP toxicity data would indicate. The cyst profile in Carr Inlet suggested a first appearance date of 1985 that is consistent with the first appearance of PSP in shellfish in 1988.     

江阴港口外来船舶压载舱沉积物中甲藻包囊种类及组成

为了探究外来船舶压载舱沉积物中甲藻休眠包囊的种类组成及外来甲藻入侵风险, 本文根据包囊及其萌发细胞的形态特征辅以分子生物学信息对江阴港5艘外来船舶压载舱沉积物中的活体甲藻休眠包囊的种类进行鉴定和分析。共鉴定出甲藻休眠包囊29种(不含3种未鉴定种), 包括膝沟藻类、钙甲藻类、裸甲藻类、翼甲藻类以及原多甲藻类, 活体休眠包囊密度介于0.73-44.3 cysts/g DW。其中塔玛亚历山大藻复合种(Alexandrium tamarense species complex)、网状原角藻(Protoceratium reticulatum)、具刺膝沟藻(Gonyaulax spinifera)等有毒有害甲藻的包囊在取样的5艘船舶中均有发现。此外还发现了多种中国近海未报道的甲藻包囊种类, 其中一种经过分子手段确定为异常亚历山大藻(Alexandrium insuetum)包囊, 萌发和培养实验表明该种包囊能够在中国近海萌发并增殖, 有潜在的入侵风险和暴发赤潮的可能性。     

Grazing on toxic Alexandrium fundyense resting cysts and vegetative cells by the eastern oyster (Crassostrea virginica)

In laboratory experiments, oysters (Crassostrea virginica) were fed Alexandrium fundyense (strain CB501) vegetative cells or resting cysts (from strains CB501 and GMT25) produced from laboratory cultures. The toxicity per cyst was 1.7 pg STXequiv/cyst and for vegetative cells 3.9 pg STXequiv/cell. The toxic, resting cysts and vegetative cells were removed from suspension in the experimental containers within about 4 h. Oysters fed toxic vegetative cells digested 72% of cells ingested, and 28% survived gut passage by forming temporary cysts. Toxin levels of oysters fed vegetative cells averaged 27 μg STXequiv/100 g meat. Resting cysts added to the experimental containers adhered to the walls so that only 40% of the cysts added were available to the oysters during the experiment. Of the cysts that were ingested, approximately 59% were digested, and oysters accumulated toxins (an average of 1.2 μg STXequiv/100 g meat), showing that consumption of resting cysts can cause toxicity in oysters. Direct consumption of resting cysts, thus, may explain shellfish toxicity in areas without known blooms, but with toxic resting cysts in the sediment. These results suggest a possible role of toxic cysts in mediating time-lags between surface blooms and appearance of toxicity in benthic grazers, and the possible role of benthic grazers in controlling seed populations, except in anoxic areas, which can serve as cyst “refuges” from grazing mortality.     

The Peniophorella praetermissa species complex (Basidiomycota)

The corticioid basidiomycete Peniophorella praetermissa has long been regarded as a morphologically variable species complex. An ITS-based phylogenetic study based on a worldwide sampling was carried out using parsimony and Bayesian inference. The resulting trees feature three major clades, further divided into well-supported subclades. These could be considered as distinct species, a contention that is further supported by crossing test data. Only two out of the eight phylogenetic lineages identified can be distinctly morphologically characterized: P. odontiaeformis and P. subpraetermissa. P. odontiaeformis is an odontioid species with a paleotropical distribution whereas the taxa in the remaining subclades have smooth basidiomata and are distributed in temperate areas. P. subpraetermissa is known only from the type collection and is distinguished microscopically by its reddish brown apically encrustated cystidia. Taxa in the remaining subclades are impossible to distinguish from each other morphologically, and therefore, are viewed as a species complex, P. praetermissa s. lat. One of the subclades, which is widely distributed but restricted to the Northern hemisphere, is proposed to represent P. praetermissa s. str. An epitype is selected from the same area as the holotype, among the specimens studied here. However, the geographically most widespread clade with many representatives from both hemispheres is here referred to as P. pertenuis, a taxon that was previously considered a synonym to P. praetermissa.     

Protoperidiniacean dinoflagellate cyst taxa from the Upper Miocene of ODP Leg 178, Antarctic Peninsula

Protoperidiniacean dinoflagellate cysts have been recovered from Upper Miocene sediments of Hole 1095, ODP Leg 178, drilled to the west of the Antarctic Peninsula. These cysts make up virtually the entire dinoflagellate cyst assemblages, and three new species are formally described herein as Selenopemphix bothrion sp. nov., Selenopemphix kepion sp. nov. and Selenopemphix minys sp. nov., together with one informal taxon and two species attributed to published taxa. The occurrence of Late Miocene protoperidiniacean-dominated assemblages in the vicinity of the Antarctic continent is of special interest. Their presence may indicate the initiation of the Antarctic Circumpolar Current and increased nutrient supply within the Southern Ocean as the Antarctic Divergence became established. A comparison with several other protoperidiniacean dinoflagellate assemblages of similar age in other parts of the world provides some preliminary evidence for possible concomitant oceanographic change at this time.     

Modern dinoflagellate cysts in hypertrophic coastal waters of Tokyo Bay, Japan

A survey of dinoflagellate resting cysts in surface sedimentsamples was carried out in Tokyo Bay, Japan, to document theirhorizontal distribution. At least 21 different cyst types werefound. Dominant cyst types allowed the recognition of assemblageswhich form three different dinoflagellate cyst communities:the innermost part of the Bay, the central area and the moutharea. In all stations in Tokyo Bay, heterotrophic dinoflagellatecysts always occupied more than half of the cyst populations.Cysts of Polykrikos schwartzii/kofoidii are the most abundantheterotrophic species. These assemblages may reflect highlynutrient-enriched (hypertrophic) and turbulent water conditions.Among the cyst types found were probable ellipsoidal cysts ofAlexandrium tamarense. This is the first record of toxic Alexandriumspecies cysts in Tokyo Bay sediments.     

九龙江西陂库区沉积物甲藻孢囊的分布

孢囊在甲藻的生活史中发挥重要作用,福建省九龙江从2009年起,暴发多次拟多甲藻水华事件。采用显微镜观察和单细胞PCR技术,对九龙江西陂库区2012—2013年不同月份沉积物中的甲藻孢囊进行种属判定,并对甲藻孢囊的分布及其影响因素进行分析。结果表明,西陂库区沉积物中的甲藻孢囊主要为拟多甲藻属,约占80%,其次为裸甲藻属,发现了2009年水华的优势种佩式拟多甲藻(Peridiniopsis penardii)孢囊。库区沉积物中甲藻孢囊的丰度在(13.7±1.2)—(105.2±8.3)个/g干重之间。多元相关分析结果显示甲藻孢囊的丰度与含水率呈现显著正相关性(P0.05),反映了甲藻孢囊沿水流方向逐渐积累。本研究结果填补了国内水库甲藻孢囊鉴定和萌发的研究空白,为九龙江甲藻水华的防治提供科学参考。     

Dinoflagellate cysts from surface sediments of Saldanha Bay, South Africa: an indication of the potential risk of harmful algal blooms

The distribution and abundance of dinoflagellate cysts from recent coastal sediments in Saldanha Bay, was investigated, and compared to the cyst assemblages of the adjacent coastal upwelling system as reflected in the sediments off Lambert's Bay on the southern Namaqua shelf. Twenty-two cyst types were identified from three sample sites off Lambert's Bay with recorded abundances between 1726 and 1863 cysts ml⁻¹ wet sediment. At least 21 distinctive cyst types were identified from 32 sample sites within Saldanha Bay. Cyst abundance in Saldanha Bay was relatively low, averaging 116 cysts ml⁻¹ wet sediment. The region off Lambert's Bay is especially susceptible to the formation of harmful algal blooms attributed to high biomass dinoflagellate blooms. Owing to these blooms and the retentive circulation characteristics of this area, cyst formation and deposition is high. Blooms can be advected into Saldanha Bay, but their development and duration in the Bay is restricted by the system of exchange that operates between the Bay and the coastal upwelling system, in that there is a net export of surface waters from the Bay. Consequently, fewer cysts are formed and deposited within the Bay thereby reducing the likelihood of in situ bloom development initiated from the excystment of cysts.     

Species diversity and abundance of dinoflagellate resting cysts seven months after a bloom of Alexandrium catenella in two contrasting coastal systems of the Chilean Inland Sea

In Chile, 90% of the fish farms and major natural shellfish beds are located in the region surrounding the Inland Sea, where over the last few decades harmful phytoplankton blooms have often been observed. The onset and recurrence of bloom events are often related to the resuspension and germination of resting cysts that have accumulated in the sediments. The degree of cyst settling, accumulation and germination is highly variable between areas and depends on physical and environmental factors. To learn how differences in oceanographic exposure, amount of river runoff and bathymetry affect dinoflagellate cyst deposition, we examined the diversity and abundance of dinoflagellate resting cysts from two hydrographically contrasting coastal areas (oceanic Guaitecas Archipelago and estuarine Pitipalena Fjord) of the Chilean Inland Sea in September 2006, seven months after a bloom of Alexandrium catenella, a producer of paralytic shellfish toxin. Cyst species diversity consisted of 18 taxa, including A. catenella and the noxious species Protoceratium reticulatum, both of which have caused blooms in the study area. Our results revealed significant differences between the two study sites in terms of the abundance and diversity of resting cysts, suggesting that in the specific case of A. catenella, only Guaitecas stations have potential for cyst accumulation and successful growth of cells. However, there was no evidence of long-term resting cyst beds of A. catenella at either study site.     

Isolation of a new vahlkampfiid amoeba from soil: Paravahlkampfia lenta n. sp.

When the genus Paravahlkampfia was distinguished from the genus Vahlkampfia on the basis of significant differences in small subunit ribosomal DNA sequences, Paravahlkampfia ustiana was the only described species of this new genus. More recently, a vahlkampfiid strain has been isolated (from soil from an upland farm in Scotland) which has trophozoite and cyst morphology more similar to P. ustiana than to other non-flagellating vahlkampfiid species. Also, it clusters with P. ustiana in phylogenetic trees derived from 5.8S ribosomal DNA sequences. However, it is significantly different from P. ustiana in both phenotype and internal transcribed spacer sequence. Consequently, a new species, Paravahlkampfia lenta, is proposed.     

Alexandrium catenella and Alexandrium minutum blooms in the Mediterranean Sea: Toward the identification of ecological niches

Annual recurrent blooms of the toxic dinoflagellates Alexandrium catenella and Alexandrium minutum were detected from 2000 to 2003 in harbours along the Catalan coast. The interrelation study between the occurrence of the blooms and specific external conditions at the study sites demonstrated that different factors are required for the bloom of each Alexandrium species. Concentrations higher than 10⁵ cells l⁻¹ of A. catenella were only detected in Tarragona harbour. These blooms were associated with water surface temperature between 21 and 25 °C and salinities of around 34 psu or higher than 37 psu. A. minutum appeared widely spread along the Catalan coast, though the most intensive and recurrent blooms of this species were observed in Arenys de Mar harbour. Concentrations of millions of cells per litre of A. minutum were associated with water temperatures below 14 °C and salinities of around 34–36 psu. A. minutum cell densities showed a positive significant correlation with NO₃ but a negative correlation with NH₄. On the other hand, A. catenella blooms dominated when both NO₃ and NH₄ levels were high. The prevailing inorganic nitrogen form (NO₃ vs. NH₄) could explain why these two species rarely coincide in the same harbours. Accumulation of cysts in the sediment was found to be an important potential factor for the recurrence of these species. The 4.3 × 10³ A. catenella cysts cm⁻³ of wet sediment in Tarragona harbour and the 3.02 × 10³ A. minutum cysts cm⁻³ of wet sediment in Vilanova harbour were the highest concentrations observed from the cyst study. Confined waters such as harbours play an important role as reservoirs for the accumulation of cysts and vegetative cells, which contributes to the expansion of these dinoflagellates in the region. However, the particular environmental conditions are also decisive factors of bloom intensity.     

Three new dinoflagellate cysts from the Moroccan Paleocene-Eocene phosphates

Moroccan phosphate deposits from the Phosphate Plateau (Oulad Abdoun basin, near Khouribga) contain varied and well preserved dinoflagellate cysts. Among them, a new genus: Bitubericysta and three new species: B. boroujiana, Liesbergia abdounensis and Spinidinium stellatum are described in this paper. The two gonyaulacoid cysts have been found in Upper Paleocene (Thanetian) and Lower Eocene (Ypresian) sediments, the peridinioid cyst has been observed in Upper Paleocene (Thanetian) and basal Eocene (basal Ypresian) material.     

Sexual resting cyst production by the dinoflagellate Akashiwo sanguinea: a potential mechanism contributing to the ubiquitous distribution of a harmful alga

The dinoflagellate Akashiwo sanguinea is a well known, cosmopolitan harmful microalga that frequently forms harmful algal blooms (HABs) in marine estuaries from temperate to tropical waters, and has posed a severe threat to fish, shellfish, and sea birds. Therefore, it is important to understand the ecology of this species, particularly the mechanisms regulating its ubiquitous geographic distribution and frequent recurrence of. To date, the mechanisms regulating distribution and recurrence of HABs by this species have been poorly understood. While resting cyst production can play a central role in the geographic expansion and initiation of HABs, studies of the life cycle of this alga, including cyst production, have been lacking. Here, we demonstrate that A. sanguinea produces sexual resting cysts homothallically. We present evidence for cell pairs in sexual mating, biflagellated planozygote formation, and cysts of different morphologies, and we describe time series for germination of cysts to germlings with two longitudinal flagella, along with studies of possible factors affecting cyst production. Phylogenetic analysis of large sub‐unit rDNA sequences revealed a monophyly of this species and thus possibly a recent common ancestor for all global populations. The discovery of resting cyst production by A. sanguinea suggests its frequent recurrence of blooms and global distribution may have been facilitated by the natural and anthropogenic transport of resting cysts.     

Seasonal patterns in the phytochemistry of three Populus species

We monitored seasonal changes in the leaf quality characteristics of three native species of Populus during 1986. Leaf water and nitrogen contents of each species declined during the growing season. The phenolic glycosides salicin, salicortin, tremuloidin and tremulacin occurred in Populus tremuloides and P. gradidentata; all but tremulacin occurred in P. deltoides. Levels of salicin and tremuloidin were low throughout the growing season in all three species. Among the tree species, concentrations of salicortin and tremulacin were highest, and exhibited the least among-plant variation and strongest seasonal declines in P. grandidentata. Levels of salicortin and tremulacin were intermediate in P.tremuloides, varied greatly among individual trees, and did not significantly decrease during the growing season. Levels of salicortin were relatively low, varied considerably among trees, and did not decline seasonally in P. deltoides. Spatial and temporal variation in these constituents produces plant parts, individuals and species with differential resistance to insect herbivores.     

有害甲藻孢囊的分类鉴定研究进展

有害甲藻孢囊主要是指能产生毒素和(或)能引起有害藻华发生并对水生态系统产生各种危害效应的甲藻孢囊。我国沿海共记录了10属18种,占全球有害甲藻孢囊的3/4。这些有害甲藻孢囊广泛分布于我国沿海,会对水产养殖业造成严重的经济损失,甚至会威胁人类的身体健康。因此,有害甲藻孢囊的多样性及分布越来越受到人们的关注。对有害甲藻孢囊的准确判断不仅对研究其多样性及分布至关重要,而且有助于水产品的安全检验和有害藻华的早期预警。对有害甲藻孢囊的分类主要存在鉴定困难、鉴定不准确等问题。本文综述了有害甲藻孢囊的危害、中国沿海有害甲藻孢囊的种类和分布,以及有害甲藻孢囊的鉴定等3个方面的研究进展,并提出利用孢囊及营养细胞的形态学特征、分子生物学、毒理学等多学科研究手段准确鉴定有害甲藻孢囊的建议。     

High diversity dinoflagellate cyst assemblages from the Late Triassic of southern England: new information on early dinoflagellate evolution and palaeogeography

Abundant and diverse dinoflagellate cyst assemblages from the Rhaetian of southern England are characterized by the occurrence of a new species of Rhaetogonyaulax, some undescribed taxa and numerous forms with Arctic and Australasian affinities. The dinoflagellate cyst assemblages permit a discussion of the palaeogeographic distribution of dinoflagellate cysts in the Late Triassic. The hypothesis on a Late Triassic migration event of organic walled microplankton from higher latitudes to the Boreal domain is presented.     

Callovian (Middle Jurassic) marine microplankton from southwestern Germany: Biostratigraphy and paleoenvironmental interpretations

Late Middle Jurassic dinoflagellate cyst assemblages are documented from a section in Kandern and in samples from additional localities in southern Germany. The changes in the composition of the marine microfloras through the Callovian sections are related to fluctuations in sea-levels and changes in depositional environments. The Lower Callovian claystones, which represent inner shelf, soft bottom deposits, contain rich, diverse and well preserved dinoflagellate cyst assemblages. In the Kandern section a marked transition from the Lower Callovian claystone facies to the Anceps-oolite occur within the Calloviense zone. This transition was caused by a regression, and coincides with the LZA−3.1/LAZ−3.2 boundary on the cycle chart of Haq et al. (1987). Diverse dinoflagellate cyst assemblages also occur in the Anceps-oolite, but they are not so abundant as the acritarchs which dominate the overall palynofloras. The Anceps-oolite is interpreted as representing an offshore, but shallow marine environment. The transition to the overlying Upper Callovian “Renggeri Clay” is more gradual, but accompanied by marked changes in the overall composition of the marine microfloras. The “Renggeri Clay”, which represent an outer shelf, soft bottom depositional environment, shows a higher species diversity and abundance of dinoflagellate cysts than the underlying sequences. The distribution pattern of selected species through the Kandern section indicates that some species were related to specific environments, i.e. open marine forms, and that others could have been opportunistic forms, tolerating more shallow marine environments.

The distribution of the dinoflagellate cysts from southern Germany is related to the standard Northwest European ammonite zonation. The ranges of selected biostratigraphic key species are compared with ranges previously reported from the British and northwest European Jurassic. There are several discrepancies with respect to the earliest appearance and extinction datums, the only relevant Callovian palynostratigraphic “events” coinciding in southern Germany and Britain being: The extinction of Aldorfia aldorfensis at the top of the Calloviense zone, and the earliest incoming of Belodinium spp. and Liesbergia scarburghensis at the base of the Lamberti zone.     

Lunnomidinium scaniense Lindström, gen. et sp. nov., a new suessiacean dinoflagellate cyst from the Rhaetian of Scania, southern Sweden

The dinoflagellate cyst Lunnomidinium scaniense gen. et sp. nov. is present in the lower part of a thin sequence of Rhaetian sedimentary rocks exposed in the Lunnom Coal and Clay Pit in NW Scania, southern Sweden. It occurs in diverse, Rhaetian palynomorph assemblages, dominated by spores and pollen, but with rare specimens of the dinoflagellate cysts Rhaetogonyaulax rhaetica (Sarjeant) Loeblich and Loeblich 1968, Shublikodinium sp. and Beaumontella? caminuspina (Wall) Below 1987. Lunnomidinium scaniense is characterized by an epicystal {tAtItP} archeopyle, a large number of paraplates arranged in seven or eight latitudinal series, and intratabular ornamentation in some but not all of the paraplate series. Thus, L. scaniense is assignable to the family Suessiaceae. Lunnomidinium scaniense can be subdivided into two different morphological varieties, based on the autophragm ornamentation and cyst size.