Comparisons of the thermal physiology of water hyacinth biological control agents: predicting establishment and distribution pre‐ and post‐release

Investigations into the thermal physiology of weed biological control agents may elucidate reasons for establishment failure following release. Such studies have shown that the success of water hyacinth biological control in South Africa remains variable in the high‐lying interior Highveld region, because the control agents are restricted to establishment and development due to extreme winter conditions. To determine the importance of thermal physiology studies, both pre‐ and post‐release, this study compared the known thermal requirements of Eccritotarsus catarinensis (Carvalho) (Hemiptera: Miridae) released in 1996, with those of an agent released in 1990, Niphograpta albiguttalis (Warren) (Lepidoptera: Pyralidae) and a candidate agent, Megamelus scutellaris Berg (Hemiptera: Delphacidae), which is currently under consideration for release. The lower developmental threshold (t_o) and rate of development (K) were determined for N. albiguttalis and M. scutellaris, using a reduced axis regression, and incorporated into a degree‐day model which compared the number of generations that E. catarinensis, N. albiguttalis, and M. scutellaris are capable of producing annually at any given site in South Africa. The degree‐day models predicted that N. albiguttalis (K = 439.43, t_o = 9.866) can complete 4–11 generations per year, whereas M. scutellaris (K =502.96, t_o = 11.458) can only complete 0–10 generations per year, compared with E. catarinensis (K = 342, t_o = 10.3) which is predicted to complete 3–14 generations per year. This suggests that the candidate agent, M. scutellaris, will not fare better in establishment than the other two agents that have been released in the Highveld, and that it may not be worth releasing an agent with higher thermal requirements than the agents that already occur in these high‐lying areas. Thermal physiology studies conducted prior to release are important tools in biological control programmes, particularly those in resource‐limited countries, to prevent wasting efforts in getting an agent established.     

Mechanism of stimulation by epinephrine of active transepithelial Cl transport in isolated frog cornea

Summary In the isolated frog cornea, the effects of 0.1mm epinephrine were measured on both the transepithelial and intracellular electrical parameters. Epinephrine increased the short-circuit current (I _sc) and transepithelial electrical conductance (g _t) by 176 and 96%, respectively. The effective electromotive driving force for active transepithelial Cl transport (E _Cl) was 45 mV and agrees with the value forE _Cl calculated by a different technique in the isolated rabbit corneal epithelium (Klyce, S.D., Wong, R.K.S., 1977,J. Physiol. (London) 266: 777). With respect to the tear-side bathing solution, epinephrine caused the intracellular potential difference of shortcircuited frog corneas to decrease from –54 to –50 mV (P>0.05). The fractional resistance of the apical membrane {F(R _o)=(R_o/R_o+R_i)} whereR _o andR _i represent the resistances of the apical and basolateral membranes, respectively, decreased from 0.38±0.06 to 0.23±0.03. Using these values ofF(R _o) and the cellular conductances, the calculated Cl resistances ofR _o andR _i decreased 4.3- and 2.3-fold, respectively. However, the value forE _Cl calculated from the intracellular electrical measurements (48 mV) did not appear to change since this value was in close agreement with the value forE _Cl calculated from the effects of epinephrine on the transepithelial electrical parameters. Thus, the effects of epinephrine onI _sc andg _t can be accounted for by increases in the Cl conductance of both the apical and basolateral membranes. Epinephrine caused the potential difference across the basolateral membrane to hyperpolarize by 9 mV. All of these results are consistent with the notion that the steps in transepithelial Cl transport include uphill movement into the cell across the basolateral membrane followed by downhill movement across the apical membrane into the tear-side bathing solution.     

A Neoaplectanid nematode in the larch sawfly Cephalcia lariciphila (Hymenoptera: Pamphiliidae)

A nematode parasitic on prepupae of larch sawfly (Cephalcia lariciphila) appears to be indistinguishable from Neoaplectana carpocapsae. Of three temperatures tested the optimum for development was 25 °C at which most eggs were produced in both the first and second generations. Infective nematodes entered sawfly prepupae through the anus and mouth, but the preferred mode of entry was through the spiracles; prepupal hosts were extremely attractive to infective nematodes. Nematodes overwintered in prepupal hosts and in the soil. Dauerlarvae penetrated 10 cm of packed moist soil to infect prepupae constrained at the bottom of a vertical tube, sawfly mortality decreasing with depth. Dauerlarvae may also migrate 8 cm horizontally, and 5 cm upwards, to invade the host. It is suggested that the nematode could be used to supplement biological control of Cephalcia lariciphila.     

Host selection,oviposition behaviour and leaf traits in a specialist willow sawfly on species of Salix (Salicaceae)

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Temperature‐dependent development of Aproceros leucopoda (Hymenoptera: Argidae), an invasive pest of elms in Europe

The temperature‐dependent development of Aproceros leucopoda Takeuchi, 1939 (Hymenoptera: Argidae), an invasive pest of elms in Europe, was studied in the laboratory on Siberian elm (Ulmus pumila) at six constant temperatures (10.9, 15.0, 19.5, 23.0, 24.3 and 27.0°C) and at a photoperiod of 16L:8D. The larvae of the species developed through 4–7 instars, and it was the 6th instar individuals of which continued their development at the highest rate. The developmental threshold (T_min) and the thermal constant (K) were determined by the linear model and Lactin‐2 model for egg, larval, prepupal and pupal stages and one whole generation. The estimated values of T_min and K by the two models for one generation were 7.3 and 7.1°C, and 426.5 and 432.7 degree‐days, respectively. Based on the survival and fecundity rates, the optimal temperature range for the species may be expected to be between 15.0 and 19.5°C. Allowing for the period of diapause, it was estimated that A. leucopoda might potentially develop through up to four or five generations per year in Hungary. These results may contribute to the better understanding of the biology of an invasive alien species in Europe.     

Growth of coyote willow and the attack and survival of a mid-rib galling sawfly,Euura sp.

We studied the relationship between variation in age and shoot characteristics of the host plant Salix exigua Nuttall (coyote or sandbar willow) and the attack and survival of Euura sp. (an unnamed leaf-midrib galling sawfly). Variation in shoot characteristics resulted from reduced growth as willow ramets aged. Mean shoot length per ramet and mean longest leaf length per shoot decreased by 95% and 50% respectively between 1- and 9-year-old willow ramets. All measured shoot characteristics-shoot length, longest leaf length, number of leaves per shoot, and mean internode length-were significantly negatively correlated with ramet age (r ² ranged from –0.23 to –0.41). Correlations between shoot characteristics were highly positive, indicating that plants also grew in a strongly integrated fashion (r ² ranged from 0.54 to 0.85). Four hypotheses were examined to explain sawfly attack patterns. The host-plant hypothesis was supported in explaining enhanced larval sawfly survival through reduced plant resistance. As willow ramets aged, the probability of Euura sp. attack decreased over 10-fold, from 0.315 on 1-year-old ramets to 0.024 on 2- to 9-year-old ramets. As shoot length increased, the probability of sawfly attack increased over 100-fold, from 0.007 on shoots <100 mm, to 0.800 on shoots in the 1001–1100 mm shoot length class. These attack patterns occurred even though 1-year-old ramets and shoots >500 mm each represented less than 2% of the total shoots available for oviposition. Host plant induced mortality of the egg/early instar stage decreased by 50% on longer leaves and was the most important factor determining survival differences between vigorous and non-vigorous hosts. Sawfly attack was not determined by the resource distribution hypothesis. Although shoots <200 mm contained 82% of the total leaves available, they contained only 43% of the galls initiated. The attack pattern also was not explained by the gall volume hypothesis. Although gall volume increased on longer shoots, there was no significant variation in mid or late instar mortality over shoot length, as would be expected if food resources within smaller galls were limited. The natural enemy attack hypothesis could not explain the pattern of oviposition since predation was greater on longer shoots and leaves. In addition, larval survival was related to oviposition behavior. Due to a 69% reduction in late instar death and an 83% reduction in parasitism, survival of progeny in galls initiated close to the petiole base was 2.8 times greater than in galls initiated near the leaf tip. A 75% reduction in gall volume over this range of gall positions may account for the observed increases in late instar mortality and parasitism.     

Multiple effects of precipitation onSalix lasiolepis and populations of the stem-galling sawfly,Euura lasiolepis

Relatively low winter precipitation (e.g., 18–28 cm from October to May compared to 45 to 65 cm) caused reduced growth of the arroyo willow,Salix lasiolepis, with number of shoots per stem initiated and shoot length reduced. Resources were reduced for the stem-galling sawfly,Euura lasiolepis, which declined in numbers after the relatively dry winter of 1980–81. Sawfly phenology was advanced relative to willow phenology in the 1981 generation, causing an additional reduction in resource availability. These direct effects of precipitation on the sawfly were increased by indirect effects on survivorship of the 1981 generation. Egg death in galls increased on water-stressed willow plants, forming the major mortality in the generation. This resulted in very low survival in the generation and an even lower population in the 1982 generation, even though resources recovered after high precipitation during the 1981–82 winter (46.7 cm). An experiment using high, medium, and low water treatments on potted willow plants demonstrated that the effects on willows and sawflies could be reproduced using only water as a variable.     

Use of life table statistics and degree day values to predict the colonisation success of Hydrellia lagarosiphon Deeming (Diptera: Ephydridae), a leaf mining fly of Lagarosiphon major (Ridley) Moss (Hydrocharitaceae), in Ireland and the rest of Europe

Hydrellia lagarosiphon is a leaf mining fly of the submerged aquatic plant Lagarosiphon major and native to South Africa. With many favorable attributes this fly has the potential to be a valuable biological control agent of L. major, which has become a problematic weed in many parts of the world. Reproductive and developmental biology of H. lagarosiphon was determined at four constant temperatures (10, 13.5, 16.5, 20 °C) to evaluate the rate of increase and predicted colonisation success in areas where L. major occurs and areas where its continued spread is probable. Development rates increased with decreasing temperatures and were greatest at 10 °C taking 157.9 days. Linear regression of developmental rate data for temperatures 10–20 °C indicated that 517 degree days were required above a minimum of 7.5 °C to complete development. Between two and eight generations per year were estimated across the climatic regions of Europe using the degree day model. The fitted quadratic model for the net reproductive rate (R_o) indicated that R_o falls below 1.0 at 9.9 °C, suggesting a decline in population growth when fly populations are subjected to prolonged periods of temperatures below 10 °C. The values of R_o for selected sites range from 0 to 13, with all but a few sites in northern Europe being suitable for the establishment of H. lagarosiphon. A minimum of two generations were required each year to sustain population growth and most biogeographical regions in Europe appeared suitable for the establishment of permanent populations of H. lagarosiphon. The implications for the release strategy of the fly are discussed.     

Temperature-dependent development,cold tolerance,and potential distribution of Gratiana boliviana (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae), a biological control agent of tropical soda apple,Solanum viarum (Solanaceae)

The leaf beetle Gratiana boliviana Spaeth (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae) was introduced from South America into the southeastern United States in 2003 as a classical biological control agent of tropical soda apple, Solanum viarum Dunal (Solanaceae). Temperature-dependent development and survival studies revealed that development was completed at temperatures >16°C and ≤34°C. The number of degree-days required to complete one generation was 341 and the estimated lower developmental threshold was 13.37°C. Using nonlinear regression, the upper lethal threshold was estimated to be 34–35°C. Cold tolerance studies revealed that the lethal time for 90% of adults (LT₉₀) was 12.6 days at 5°C and 8.68 days at 0°C. Based on the developmental and cold tolerance data, a map predicting the areas of establishment and number of generations per year was generated, which suggests that the northern extent of the G. boliviana range in the USA will be near 32–33° north latitude. Fewer generations per year in more northern areas of the southeastern USA may decrease the effectiveness of this biological control agent.     

Patterns of aquatic weed regrowth following mechanical harvesting in New Zealand hydro-lakes

Mechanical harvesting is used to control submerged aquatic weeds in parts of the hydro-lakes in New Zealand's North Island. Problem species are Egeria densa and Lagarosiphon major (Hydrocharitaceae), and Ceratophyllum demersum. Experiments were conducted in two contrasting hydro-lakes. Lake Aratiatia; clear water (K _o 0.2 m^–1) and a low residence time (< 8 h), and Lake Ohakuri; turbid water (K _o = 0.6) and a longer residence time (> 5 days). Growth rates were measured underwater in harvested and control (unharvested) plots. Regrowth of C. demersum was dependent on the prior establishment of the rooted Hydrocharitaceae. Regrowth of the Hydrocharitaceae was inhibited where significant water movement occurred. Regrowth declined after 3 six-monthly harvests allowing the establishment of low growing native Nitella spp. beds in the smaller clear water lake. In Lake Ohakuri there was a change in species dominance from Ceratophyllum to Elodea canadensis in shallow (1–2 m) water. No change in species dominance was observed in deeper (>2 m) water and native species were not able to re-establish. The recommended cutting frequency for management of surface weed growths was only once per year in Lake Aratiatia, but twice per year in Lake Ohakuri.     

Nonequilibrial community structure of sawflies on arroyo willow

Summary We use Wiens' (1984) nonequilibrium-equilibrium continuum concept to evaluate aspects of community structure for sawfly herbivores (Hymenoptera: Tenthredinidae) that attack arroyo willow, Salix lasiolepis. The sawfly community on arroyo willow shares many characteristics of nonequilibrium communities: unsaturation, biotic decoupling, lack of density dependence, and loose emergent patterns. Species abundances exhibit highly significant differences among clones (P<0.001) and among years (P<0.001) and exhibit significant and complex clone-by-year interactions both for absolute and relative abundances. Organizing forces, such as interspecific competition and regulation by natural enemies, are largely absent from the arroyo willow system. Sawfly densities exhibit significant positive covariation among willow clones and appear to be affected by largely stochastic abiotic forces, primarily winter precipitation.     

Use of life table statistics and degree-day values to predict the invasion success of Gonatocerus ashmeadi (Hymenoptera: Mymaridae), an egg parasitoid of Homalodisca coagulata (Hemiptera: Cicadellidae), in California

Life table statistics and degree-day requirements for Gonatocerus ashmeadi Girault, a parasitoid of the glassy-winged sharpshooter Homalodisca coagulata (Say), were used to estimate the number of expected parasitoid generations in California (USA). Between two to 51 and one to 37 generations per year were estimated across different climatic regions in California, using life table and degree-day models, respectively. Temperature-based values for net reproductive rate, R_o, were estimated in California using a laboratory-derived equation and ranged from zero to approximately 48 and analyses indicate that a minimum of eight generations are required each year to sustain a population increase of G. ashmeadi. Long-term weather data from 381 weather stations across California were used with an Inverse-Distance Weighting algorithm to map temperature-based estimations for the entire state of California. This Geographic Information Systems model was used to determine number of G. ashmeadi generations based on day-degree accumulation, T_c, and R_o. GIS mapping indicated that Californian counties in the north, central west coast, central west and Sierra Nevada regions may be climatic conditions unfavorable for supporting the permanent establishment of invading populations of G. ashmeadi should H. coagulata successfully establish year-round populations in these areas. Southern counties in California that experience warmer year round temperatures and support year round populations of H. coagulata, appear to be conducive to the establishment of permanent populations of G. ashmeadi. The mechanisms facilitating G. ashmeadi invasion and the implications of these temperature-based estimates for biological control of H. coagulata are discussed.     

The thermal physiology of Stenopelmus rufinasus and Neohydronomus affinis (Coleoptera: Curculionidae), two biological control agents for the invasive alien aquatic weeds,Azolla filiculoides and Pistia stratiotes in South Africa

Water lettuce, Pistia stratiotes, and red water fern, Azolla filiculoides, are floating aquatic macrophytes that have become problematic in South Africa. Two weevils, Neohydronomus affinis and Stenopelmus rufinasus, are successful biological control agents of these two species in South Africa. The aim of this study was to investigate the thermal requirements of these two species to explain their establishment patterns in the field. Laboratory results showed that both weevils are widely tolerant to cold and warm temperatures. The critical thermal minima (CT_min) of N. affinis was determined to be 5.58?±?0.31°C and the critical thermal maxima (CT_max) was 44.52?±?0.27°C, while the CT_min of S. rufinasus was 5.38?±?0.33°C and the CT_max?44.0?±?0.17°C. In addition, the lower lethal temperatures were ?9.85?±?0.06°C for N. affinis and ?6.85?±?0.13°C for S. rufinasus, and the upper lethal temperatures were 42.7?±?0.85°C for N. affinis and 41.9?±?2.52°C S. rufinasus. Using the reduced major axis regression method, the development for N. affinis was described using the formula y?=?12.976x?+?435.24, while the development of S. rufinasus was described by y?=?13.6x?+?222.45. These results showed that S. rufinasus develops twice as fast as N. affinis. Using these formulae and temperature data obtained from the South African Weather Service, N. affinis was predicted to complete between 4 and 9 generations per year in South Africa, while S. rufinasus was predicted to complete between 5 and 14 generations per year around the country. These results suggest that both species should not be limited by cold winter, nor warm summer temperatures, and should establish throughout the ranges of the weeds in South Africa.     

Effect of temperature on development rate and intrinsic rate of increase ofAphis gossypii reared on greenhouse cucumbers

Thermal requirements for development and life table statistics ofAphis gossypii Glover (Homoptera, Aphididae) were determined over a range of constant temperatures from 10 to 30°C. The lower development threshold and the sum of effective temperatures were 6.9°C and 90.1°C, respectively, for preimaginal development, and 5.8°C and 113.6°C from birth to the onset of reproduction. Mean total fecundity ranged from 36 larvae per female at 10°C to 76 larvae at 30°C. On a time scale of days, net reproductive rate (R _o ) increased with increasing temperature while generation time (T) decreased causing the intrinsic rate of increase (r _m ) to increase linearly from 0.115 to 0.465. On a day-degree scaler _m only varied from 0.019 to 0.028 because the growth ofR _o was compensated by an increase inT with increase in temperature. The nearly constantr _m in terms of day-degrees, over a wide range of temperatures, greatly simplifies the prediction of future population numbers ofA. gossypii.     

Size and shape analysis of mineral resources in arroyo willow and their relation to sawfly densities

The association between host-plant mineral nutrients and insect herbivory is complex, idiosyncratic, and dynamic. Because of this we employed an unusual statistical method to evaluate the relationship between tenthredinid sawfly herbivory and concentrations of foliar nutrients in arroyo willow,Salix lasiolepis. We discovered that among 20 willow clones and between two years arroyo willow varied in the size (absolute concentrations) and shape (relative concentrations) of five mineral nutrients (Ca, Mg, N, P, and K). Similarly, the densities of five sawfly species varied in size and shape among clones and between years. In 1984, relative densities, or shape, of the sawfly community was associated with relative concentrations, or shape, of foliar nutrients in 20 willow clones. In contrast, in 1985 absolute densities, or size, was associated with absolute concentrations, or size, of foliar nutrients. This shift from a shape to a size association between herbivory and foliar mineral nutrients may reflect the large difference in winter precipitation and sawfly densities between years: precipitation and sawfly densities were much greater in 1985 than in 1984.     

Temperature-dependent changes in energy metabolism, intracellular pH and blood oxygen tension in the Atlantic cod

The effect of acute increase in temperature on oxygen partial pressure (Po ₂) was measured in the gill arches of Atlantic cod Gadus morhua between 10 and 19° C by use of oxygen microoptodes. Oxygen saturation of the gill blood under control conditions varied between 90 and 15% reflecting a variable percentage of arterial or venous blood in accordance with the position of each optode in the gill arch. The data obtained suggested that arterial Po₂ remained more or less constant and arterial oxygen uptake did not become limiting during warming. A progressive drop in venous Po₂, however, was observed at >10° C indicating that excessive oxygen uptake from the blood is not fully compensated for by circulatory performance, until finally, Po₂ levels fully collapse. In a second set of experiments energy and acid–base status of white muscle of Atlantic cod in vivo was measured by magnetic resonance (³¹P‐NMR) spectroscopy in unanaesthetized and unimmobilized fish in the temperature range between 13 and 21° C. A decrease in white muscle intracellular pH (pH_i) with temperature occurred between 10 and 16° C (ΔpH per ° C = ?0·025 per ° C). In white muscle temperature changes had no influence on high‐energy phosphates such as phosphocreatine (PCr) or ATP except during exposure to high critical temperatures (>16° C), indicating that white muscle energy status appears to be relatively insensitive to thermal stress if compared to the thermal sensitivity of the whole animal. The data were consistent with the hypothesis of an oxygen limitation of thermal tolerance in animals, which is set by limited capacity of oxygen supply mechanisms. In the case of Atlantic cod circulatory rather than ventilatory performance may be the first process to cause oxygen deficiency during heat stress.     

Isoxazol-5(2H)-one: a new scaffold for potent human neutrophil elastase (HNE) inhibitors

Human neutrophil elastase (HNE) is an important target for the development of novel and selective inhibitors to treat inflammatory diseases, especially pulmonary pathologies. Here, we report the synthesis, structure–activity relationship analysis, and biological evaluation of a new series of HNE inhibitors with an isoxazol-5(2H)-one scaffold. The most potent compound (2o) had a good balance between HNE inhibitory activity (IC₅₀ value =20?nM) and chemical stability in aqueous buffer (t_1/2=8.9?h). Analysis of reaction kinetics revealed that the most potent isoxazolone derivatives were reversible competitive inhibitors of HNE. Furthermore, since compounds 2o and 2s contain two carbonyl groups (2-N-CO and 5-CO) as possible points of attack for Ser195, the amino acid of the active site responsible for the nucleophilic attack, docking studies allowed us to clarify the different roles played by these groups.     

Synthesis of 8-substituted-4-(2/4-substituted phenyl)-2H-[1,3,5]triazino[2,1-b][1,3]benzothiazole-2-thiones and their anticonvulsant,anti-nociceptive,and toxicity evaluation in mice

A number of new 8-substituted-4-(2/4-substituted phenyl)-2H-[1,3,5]triazino[2,1-b][1,3]benzothiazole-2-thiones (4a–t) were synthesized and evaluated for their anticonvulsant, anti-nociceptive, hepatotoxic, and neurotoxic properties. The titled compounds (4a–t) were obtained by cyclization of N-{[6-substituted-1,3-benzothiazol-2-yl)amino]carbonothioyl}-2/4-substituted benzamides (3a–t) by refluxing in n-butanol. All the newly synthesized compounds were screened for their anticonvulsant activity in a mouse seizure model and were compared with the standard drug phenytoin. Compounds 4a, 4c, 4f, and 4l showed complete protection after time periods of 0.5?h and 4?h. Some of the selected compounds were evaluated for their neurotoxic and hepatotoxic effects, and none of these showed any sign of neurotoxicity or hepatotoxicity. Compounds 4a–t were also evaluated for their anti-nociceptive activity by a thermal stimulus technique using diclofenac as standard. Compounds 4o, 4q, and 4t displayed highly potent analgesic activity with p?<?0.01.     

Elk browsing increases aboveground growth of water-stressed willows by modifying plant architecture

In the northern elk wintering range of Yellowstone National Park, USA, wolf (Canis lupus) removal allowed elk (Cervus elaphus) to overbrowse riparian woody plants, leading to the exclusion of beaver (Castor canadensis) and a subsequent water table decline in many small stream valleys. Reduced elk browsing following wolf reintroduction may or may not facilitate willow (Salix sp.) recovery in these areas. To determine if the effect of elk browsing on willow interacts with that of beaver abandonment, we manipulated elk browsing and the water table in a factorial experiment. Under the condition of an ambient (low) water table, elk browsing increased shoot water potential (Ψ _s), photosynthesis per unit leaf area (A), stomatal conductance per unit leaf area (g _s), and aboveground current annual growth (CAG) by 50%. Elk browsing occurred entirely during dormancy and did not affect total plant leaf area (L). Improved water balance, photosynthetic rate, and annual aboveground productivity in browsed willows appeared to be due to morphological changes, such as increased shoot diameter and decreased branching, which typically increase plant hydraulic conductivity. An elevated water table increased Ψ _s, A, g _s, CAG, and L, and eliminated or lessened the positive effect of browsing on CAG for most species. Because low water tables create conditions whereby high willow productivity depends on the morphological effects of annual elk browsing, removing elk browsing in areas of water table decline is unlikely to result in vigorous willow stands. As large willow standing crops are required by beaver, a positive feedback between water-stressed willow and beaver absence may preclude the reestablishment of historical conditions. In areas with low water table, willow restoration may depend on actions to promote the re-establishment of beaver in addition to reducing elk browsing.     

Effect of 120 days of bed-rest with and without countermeasures on the mechanical properties of the triceps surae muscle in young women

The effect of a 120-day 6° head-down tilt (HDT) bed rest with and without countermeasures on the mechanical properties of the human triceps surae muscle was studied in eight healthy young women subjects. One group [n = 4, mean age 31.5 (SEM 1.7) years] underwent a 120-day HDT only and a second group [n = 4; mean age 28.0 (SEM 1.1) years] underwent HDT with countermeasures (physical training). The results showed that the contractile properties of the skeletal muscle studied changed considerably. After HDT without countermeasures the maximal voluntary contraction (MVC) had decreased by 36% (P < 0.05), and the electrically evoked tetanic tension at 150 Hz (P _o) and isometric twitch contraction (P _t) had decreased by 24% (P < 0.02) and 12% (P < 0.05), respectively. Time- to-peak tension (TPT) of the twitch had significantly increased by 14% (P<0.05), but half-relaxation time (1/2RT), and total contraction time (TCT) had decreased by 19% (P<0.05) and 18% (P<0.05), respectively. The difference between P _o and MVC expressed as a percentage of P _o and referred to as force deficiency (FD), was also calculated. The FD had increased by 40% (P<0.001). The rate of increase of voluntary contractions calculated according to a relative scale had significantly reduced, but for the electrically evoked contraction no substantial changes were observed. After HDT with countermeasures TPT, 1/2RT and TCT of the twitch had decreased by 4%, 7%, 19%, respectively in relation to the control condition. Training had caused a decrease of 3% (P>0.05) in MVC, and P _t, and in P _o of 14%, and of 9% (P>0.05), respectively. The FD had decreased significantly by 10% (P<0.02). The rate of increase of electrically evoked tetanic tension did not change significantly during HDT with countermeasures but the rate of increase in isometric voluntary tension development was increased. Physical training provided a reserve of neuromuscular function, which attenuated the effect of bed rest. The experimental findings indicated that neural as well as muscle adaptation occurred in response to HDT with countermeasures. Accepted: 7 November 1997