Physiological integration among ramets of Lathyrus sylvestris L.

Summary Lathyrus sylvestris is a pioneer legume often found in disturbed habitats. Mainly reproduced through vegetative propagation, this clonal species presents a system of ramets that remain connected for several years. The existence of carbon transfer among ramets within a clone has been studied using ¹⁴C in situ. Assimilate translocation from primary to secondary ramets was observed in all clones when the primary ramet was exposed to ¹⁴CO₂. The amount of transfer ranged from trace up to 90% of the total ¹⁴C incorporated. However, in only half of the clones there was consistent enrichment of the secondary ramet (5 to 89%) suggesting that interramets transfer of carbon may be facultative. Furthermore, when significant export occurred from the primary ramet, it was always principally towards only one ramet even when the clone included more than one. The transfer of ¹⁴C from secondary to primary ramets was shown to be significant only when photosynthesis of the latter was decreased by shading. In this case import of carbon was never more than 60% of the incorporated ¹⁴C.No correlation was found between age or size of the ramets and the intensity of transfer. The shading effect let suppose that transfers are mainly driven by carbon limitation due to changing environmental conditions and not to the state of ramet maturity. The adaptative advantage of such facultative physiological integration between ramets of a clone is discussed.     

Diffusion du15N2 dans le sol pendant la mesure de fixation biologique de l'azote

Summary The kinetic of¹⁵N₂ diffusion has been measured in a system similar to that for the estimation of N₂ fixation in plant microorganism associations cultivated in soil. The¹⁵N₂ enrichment of the soil atmosphere reached an homogenous value one hour after injection of¹⁵N₂ and is identical to that obtained by calculation, indicating that no adsorption occurs in the soil particles.

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Diffusion du¹⁵N₂ dans le sol pendant la mesure de fixation biologique de l'azote

Résumé La cinétique de diffusion du¹⁵N₂ est mesurée sur un système identique à ceux pouvant être utilisés pour la mesure de fixation de l'azote chez les associations plantes-microorganismes cultivées sur sol. L'enrichissement homogène de l'atmosphère du sol est obtenu une heure environ après l'injection de¹⁵N₂ et correspond à l'enrichissement calculé, ce qui indique qu'aucune adsorption n'a lieu dans les particules du sol.

     

Radioautographic study of the rat brain and pituitary after injection of 3H dexamethasone

The central nervous system and the pituitary of adrenalectomized male rats injected with 3H-dexamethasone were examined by radioautography. At 1 hr after the injection, radioactivity concentration was high in the medial basal hypothalamus, the pituitary and the pineal gland. In the hypothalamus, radioactive material was found to be selectively concentrated in neurons in the ventral part of nucleus arcuatus and in the infundibular region. In the anterior pituitary, a large proportion of cells showed silver grains both in the cytoplasm and over the cell nuclei. However, in a small number of cells, the radioactive material was associated with the cell nuclei. Less radioactivity was present in the intermediate and posterior lobes. The pineal gland contained more silver grains than did other regions of the brain. The results obtained in the present study suggest essentially an action of dexamethasone in the medial basal hypothalamus and at the level of the pituitary.     

Dispersal and dormancy strategies among insect species competing for a pulsed resource

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Peribacteroid space acidification: a marker of mature bacteroid functioning in Medicago truncatula nodules

Legumes form a symbiotic interaction with Rhizobiaceae bacteria, which differentiate into nitrogen‐fixing bacteroids within nodules. Here, we investigated in vivo the pH of the peribacteroid space (PBS) surrounding the bacteroid and pH variation throughout symbiosis. In vivo confocal microscopy investigations, using acidotropic probes, demonstrated the acidic state of the PBS. In planta analysis of nodule senescence induced by distinct biological processes drastically increased PBS pH in the N₂‐fixing zone (zone III). Therefore, the PBS acidification observed in mature bacteroids can be considered as a marker of bacteroid N₂ fixation. Using a pH‐sensitive ratiometric probe, PBS pH was measured in vivo during the whole symbiotic process. We showed a progressive acidification of the PBS from the bacteroid release up to the onset of N₂ fixation. Genetic and pharmacological approaches were conducted and led to disruption of the PBS acidification. Altogether, our findings shed light on the role of PBS pH of mature bacteroids in nodule functioning, providing new tools to monitor in vivo bacteroid physiology.     

Cold‐induced expression of diapause in Praon volucre: fitness cost and morpho‐physiological characterization

Cold exposure (2°C for 7 days) in constant darkness at mummy stage induces diapause expression in 9% of the Praon volucre Haliday population. Diapausing parasitoids show a significant delay in emergence time compared with nondiapausing counterparts. A diapause‐mediated polyphenism is observed in mummy colour, with diapausing mummies being clearly darker than nondiapausing ones. The diapause status of dark mummies is confirmed by a significant reduction in metabolic rate. Diapausing parasitoids also display specific morphological characteristics: they are heavier (fresh and dry mass) and accumulate larger fat reserves than nondiapausing counterparts. The diapause status is associated with a fitness cost in terms of adult longevity. There is no evidence of diapause‐related change in supercooling ability.