Vertical Distribution of the Free-Living Amoeba Population in Soil under Desert Shrubs in the Negev Desert, Israel

A field study was designed to examine the effect of desert shrubs on the dynamics of free-living amoebae in arid soil. Soil samples from 0- to 50-cm depths were collected at 10-cm intervals in each of the four seasons. The vertical distributions of the four main morphological types of amoebae, grouped according to their mobility, and of small flagellate populations were measured under the canopies of Hammada scoparia and Atriplex halimus, shrubs belonging to the chloride-absorbing xerohalophytes. The result obtained from the field study demonstrated that the total number of protozoa was significantly higher during the wet seasons (winter and spring) than during the dry seasons. The protozoan population was more diverse under the canopy of H. scoparia during the wet seasons, reaching 8,000 individuals per 1 g of dry soil, whereas during the dry seasons, the populations were higher under the canopy of A. halimus, with a mean of 250 individuals. The protozoan population in the deeper layers (40 to 50 cm) was found to be as active as that in the upper layers, demonstrating that, in the desert, soil columns below 20 cm are fertile and worth studying. The type 1 amoebae (e.g., Acanthamoeba and Filamoeba spp.) were the most abundant throughout the study period, and their numbers were significantly higher than those of the other amoeba types.     

Root and microbial biomass dynamics under the canopy of the desert shrub Zygophyllum dumosum

Summary A study was done to evaluate the influence of soil moisture and rainfall on root and microbial biomass production under the canopy of the desert shrub Zygophyllum dumosum. During the study period the root biomass production increased following the early rains but subsequently declined, remaining fairly constant thoroughout the season. In contrast microbial biomass and soil organic matter increased during the rainy season and declined with the onset of the dry summer period. Based on our results we suggest that the moisture event and not the amount and the organic matter content regulate root and microbial biomass production at the 0 to 10 cm soil layer.Contribution of the Agricultural Research Organization, The Volcani Center, Bet Dagan, Israel. paper no. 2617-E, 1989 series     

Dew measurements along a longitudinal sand dune transect, Negev Desert, Israel

In a desert environment dew can serve as an important source of moisture for plants, biological crusts, insects and small animals. A measurement programme was carried out within a sand dune belt situated in the northwestern Negev desert, Israel, to measure daily amounts of dew deposition as well as micro-meteorological conditions during the dew formation and early-morning drying process. Dew quantities were measured by micro-lysimeters along a 200-m transect as well as by the eddy-correlation technique at a reference location. A simple physical model was constructed to simulate the dew deposition process as well as early-morning drying for the interdune area and the north- and south-facing dune slopes. Measurements carried out during September and October 1997 showed that the daily amounts of dew ranged between 0.1 mm/night and 0.3 mm/night within the interdune area. On the slopes, the amounts of dew were about 50% lower. Simulated results agreed well with the field data. Received: 7 June 1999 / Revised: 9 November 1999 / Accepted: 17 November 1999     

Seasonality of births among Bedouin Arabs residing in the Negev Desert of Israel

From 1 January 1981 to 31 December 1982 information on all births to Bedouin Arab women residing in the Negev Desert of Israel showed a previously unreported seasonal pattern. The peak season, November-February, coincided with the period of cool temperatures and the Bedouin Arab cultural seasons of winter and spring. This pattern is different from those of Jewish and Christian groups in the same region, a difference not attributable to religion alone. Sociodemographic factors associated with the peak season of birth include traditional occupations of fathers, multiparae 2+, and traditional place of residence. This pattern has persisted over the past 15 years although it is less apparent among the more recently sedentarized Bedouin Arabs.     

Nest predation and nestling growth rate of two lark species in the Negev Desert, Israel

Clutch-size, nestling growth and predation rates on eggs and nestlings in two sympatric alaudids, the Crested Lark Galerida cristata and the Desert Lark Ammomanes deserti, were studied in the Negev desert of Israel. Logistic growth constants were similar for both species, and experimental brood reduction did not accelerate the growth rate of their nestlings. It is suggested that the predation rate on nests of both species has been sufficiently high to select for maximal growth rate of nestlings. Overall probability of predation was 0.85 on a Desert Lark nest and 0.76 on a Crested Lark nest. The smaller clutch-size of the Desert Lark (3.7) may be an adaptation to a higher predation risk, as compared to that of the Crested Lark (4.6) which is more vigilant and nests in more concealed sites.     

Genetic Variation in the Free-Living Amoeba Naegleria fowleri

In this study, 30 strains of the pathogenic free-living amoeba Naegleria fowleri were investigated by using the randomly amplified polymorphic DNA (RAPD) method. The present study confirmed our previous finding that RAPD variation is not correlated with geographical origin. In particular, Mexican strains belong to the variant previously detected in Asia, Europe, and the United States. In France, surprisingly, strains from Cattenom gave RAPD patterns identical to those of the Japanese strains. In addition, all of these strains, together with an additional French strain from Chooz, exhibited similarities to South Pacific strains. The results also confirmed the presence of numerous variants in Europe, whereas only two variants were detected in the United States. The two variants found in the United States were different from the South Pacific variants. These findings do not support the previous hypothesis concerning the origin and modes of dispersal of N. fowleri.     

阿拉善荒漠驼蹄瓣属7种植物的花粉形态研究

用扫描电镜对阿拉善荒漠驼蹄瓣属(ZygophyllumL.)7种植物的花粉形态特征进行了观察分析.结果表明,在扫描电镜下,每种植物花粉粒的表面纹饰、萌发孔类型等性状符合驼蹄瓣属的主要特征;而花粉粒的大小、P/E值等细微特征存在明显差异.     

Vertical Divergence of Cultured Microfungal Communities at the Hallamish Dune Field,Western Negev Desert,Israel

We examined the depthwise distribution of microfungi through 0–40 cm of sandy profiles under bare surface and different shrub species at the Nizzana research site (NRS) in the Negev Desert, Israel. A total of 125 species from 61 genera were isolated using the soil dilution plate method. At the topsoil of all profiles melanin-containing species with large multicellular conidia predominated. In the middle depths at the majority of the profiles, mesic group of microfungi, Penicillium spp. substantially increased in abundance. Density of microfungal isolates decreased with depth under shrubs and did not substantially vary in the nonshaded profiles, highly positively correlating with electrical conductivity and organic matter (OM) content. Substantial increase in isolate densities at the undercanopy habitats, especially in the interdune depression with higher substrate stability raising the accumulation of OM, highlights the role of shrubs as “islands of fertility” for microfungal communities at NRS.     

Seasonal and Spatial Variation in Nematode Communities in a Negev Desert Ecosystem

Seasonal and spatial variation in soil nematode communities was investigated in a field study conducted on a loessial plain in the northern Negev Desert, Israel. Soil samples from 0- to 50-cm depths were collected seasonally during 2001 under the canopy of Atriplex halimus and Hammada scoparia, and between shrubs (control). Total population abundance ranged from 8 to 887 individuals per 100 g soil, represented by 32 genera from 16 families. Significant temporal and vegetation effects were elucidated using most ecological indices applicable to express nematode community composition. Of those indices computed, only the Shannon index, the modified maturity index, and genus dominance distinguished differences in vertical distribution.     

Bartonella Genotypes in Fleas (Insecta: Siphonaptera) Collected from Rodents in the Negev Desert,Israel

Fleas collected from rodents in the Negev Desert in southern Israel were molecularly screened for Bartonella species. A total of 1,148 fleas, collected from 122 rodents belonging to six species, were pooled in 245 pools based on flea species, sex, and rodent host species. Two Bartonella gene fragments, corresponding to RNA polymerase B (rpoB) and citrate synthase (gltA), were targeted, and 94 and 74 flea pools were found positive by PCR, respectively. The Bartonella 16S-23S internal transcribed spacer (ITS) region was also targeted, and 66 flea pools were found to be positive by PCR. Sixteen different Bartonella gltA genotypes were detected in 94 positive flea pools collected from 5 different rodent species, indicating that fleas collected from each rodent species can harbor several Bartonella genotypes. Based on gltA analysis, identified Bartonella genotypes were highly similar or identical to strains previously detected in rodent species from different parts of the world. A gltA fragment 100% similar to Bartonella henselae was detected in one flea pool. Another 2 flea pools contained gltA fragments that were closely related to B. henselae (98% similarity). The high sequence similarities to the zoonotic pathogen B. henselae warrant further investigation.Bartonellae are small Gram-negative bacilli belonging to the alpha-2 subdivision of the Proteobacteria. Different Bartonella species were detected in a wide range of vertebrate animals. There are currently 30 known species or subspecies, among which 14 have been associated with human diseases (7). Bartonella organisms are parasites of mammalian erythrocytes and endothelial cells and are transmitted by fleas and lice and potentially by other blood-feeding arthropods such as ticks and flies (2). Infection in the natural host commonly causes a chronic bacteremia, which is asymptomatic in most cases.Rodents are being extensively studied and were found to have a high prevalence of Bartonella infection, with a high diversity of Bartonella spp. and strains (3). The close contacts between human and rodent populations around the world create excellent conditions for transmission of Bartonella spp. from animals to humans (28). The transmission routes of Bartonella bacteria by arthropod vectors among rodents and between rodents and other mammalian hosts have public health implications. In order to understand the extent to which rodents serve as source of human infections, investigations of rodent-borne Bartonella are essential (28). A few cases of human infections with Bartonella bacteria of rodent origin have been reported: B. elizabethae was associated with endocarditis, B. washoensis was associated with cases of myocarditis and meningitis, B. vinsonii subsp. arupensis was reported to cause fever and neurologic symptoms, and B. grahamii was isolated from the intraocular fluids of a patient with neuroretinitis (5, 11, 12, 25, 29).An earlier survey carried out in the Tel Aviv region, Israel, demonstrated the occurrence of Bartonella strains closely related to B. elizabethae and B. tribocorum in commensal rats (Rattus rattus) (8). Another study has surveyed wild rodents and their fleas for Bartonella spp. in 19 geographical locations in Israel from the Upper Galilee in the north to Beer Sheba in the south. Bartonella DNA was detected in spleen samples of 19 out of 79 (24%) black rats (R. rattus), in 1 of 4 (25%) Cairo spiny mice (Acomys cahirinus), and in 15 of 34 (44%) flea pools collected from black rats (R. rattus) (21). The objectives of the current study were to screen fleas collected from rodents inhabiting the Negev Desert south to Beer Sheba for Bartonella infection and to compare Bartonella prevalences between male and female fleas.     

The establishment,growth, phenology and longevity of two species of Helianthemum in the Negev Desert Highlands,Israel

Summary The hills of the Negev highlands, west of Sede Boqer, are typically covered by various half-shrub communities, including the deciduous species of Helianthemum vesicarium Boiss., an Irano-Turanian element that grows only on north facing slopes, and H. ventosum Boiss., a Saharo-Arabian element which grows on both slopes but mainly on those facing south. Upon irrigation, plants of H. vesicarium preserve their natural rhythm of activity during winter and remain deciduous throughout the summer. On the other hand, under a similar irrigation treatment, the growth and flowering season of H. ventosum is modified and is extended well into the summer. Thus, H. ventosum shows a high phenological plasticity, while H. vesicarium seems to be very conservative. The different response of the two species to an improved water regime may partly explain the differences in their natural habitats: H. vesicarium on the more humid north facing slopes and H. ventosum mostly on the more arid and extreme south facing ones. Plants of both species which grow near boulders attain larger sizes and denser stands than those on the slopes.Age analysis based on xylem ring counts of 859 plants of the two natural populations showed that the plants did not exceed 14 years and most of them reached the age of some 5 years only. In general more seedlings are established during rainy year-clusters than during dry ones. However, no direct correlation between seedling establishment and the annual rainfall of specific years could be found.The rapid turnover of plants in the stands of both species of Helianthemum resembles the behavior of desert annuals rather than that of most desert shrubs.     

Rhipicephalus sanguineus: Observations on the parasitic stage on dogs in the Negev Desert of Israel

Sixteen dogs were studied for infestation with R. sanguineus in Kibbutz Ze'elim in the north-western part of the Negev Desert over a period of one year. The mean number of ticks per dog per month was 16.4. The majority of the ticks were adults: males (48.6%) and females (34.4%). The cars and abdomen of the dog were the predilection sites for the ticks. Male ticks were more abundant on the ears, whereas female ticks were more abundant on the ears and the abdomen. A strong correlation between tick numbers and the ambient temperatures was found. The mean percentage of dogs infested in the winter months was 16.6% and increased in the summer months to 34.4%. During winter, ticks were found more often on the ears and head of their hosts whereas in summer they were distributed mainly on the ears, headd and abdomen. The male: female ratio was higher in winter (2.3:1) than in summer (1.1:1).     

Geosmin As an Odorous Metabolite In Cultures of A Free-Living Amoeba, Vannella Species (Gymnamoebia, Vannellidae)

ABSTRACT Geosim was identified as the cause of a distinct earthy/grassy odour detected in cultures of a free-living amoeba, Vannella species. Volatile components of cell lysates were isolated and concentrated by the Closed Loop Stripping method. Capillary, gas chromatography/mass spectrometry was used to identify odorous compounds. Bacterial symbionts observed in the cytoplasm of the amoebae may be responsible for production of the geosmin. This appears to be the first report of odorous compounds associated with a free-living protozoan and suggests that in some circumstances, Vannella sp. may contribute to taste and odour problems in drinking water.     

Annual plant community responses to density of small-scale soil disturbances in the Negev Desert of Israel

We investigated whether plant diversity and productivity in small-scale soil disturbances, which is known to be higher than in undisturbed soil, decreases as the density of the disturbances increases. We studied this in an experiment with soil diggings (15 cm diameter and 15 cm depth) dug at a range of densities, on a north- and a south-facing slope of a watershed in the central Negev Desert of Israel. The diggings were similar to the commonly occurring pits made by porcupines (Hystrix indica) as they forage for below-ground plant parts. We used four levels of digging density, within the naturally occurring range in the region, represented by a rectangular plot with rows of diggings dug at four distances between diggings. The plots were laid out in a blocked design with three replications on both slopes, with each block containing all four levels of digging density. In the spring of 1992, 1994 and 1995 we measured plant density, species richness and plant productivity in the diggings, and in adjacent equal-sized undisturbed control areas (“soil matrix”) and on the mounds made by the removed excess soil. Plant density, species richness and productivity of annual plants were higher in the diggings than in the undisturbed matrix, while these responses were very low on the mounds. Plant density, species richness and productivity in the diggings, but not in the matrix or mounds, decreased as digging density increased. This effect varied slightly with location within a watershed and with annual rainfall. The density of seeds captured in the diggings from outside the digging during the 1995 dispersal season decreased with increasing digging density, but only on one of the slopes. At the highest digging density, plant density and species number in the diggings did not decrease down the slope, as expected if interference between diggings in runoff water capture were the cause of the digging density effect. There was a weak decrease in biomass production in 1994–1995 down the slope. We used a simple mathematical model to estimate whether the distribution of rainfall intensities that occurred during the winter of 1994–1995 could result in differences between digging densities in the amount of water captured by the diggings, and whether this could explain the observed effect of digging density. The model showed that there were four events during which less water was captured by the diggings at high digging densities, except in the topmost row of diggings. Soil moisture measurements, however, showed very little difference between diggings at different digging densities. We explain our findings as the result of the interaction between the properties of the disturbance patch with its surroundings, as the diggings capture resources in the form of runoff water, and seeds moved primarily by wind. The additional resources and seeds captured in diggings increase plant density, species richness and productivity relative to the undisturbed matrix. However, the contrast in plant responses between the disturbed patches and undisturbed soil diminishes at higher digging densities. We explain this as interference among diggings at close proximity. As we did not detect a decrease in plant responses down the slopes, we conclude that interference is due to interception of the wind-driven, non-directional flow of seeds. Interception of the down-slope flow of runoff water by upslope diggings is insufficient to affect plant density, determined at the beginning of the season. Later in the season, runoff interception may become important for biomass production. Received: 16 August 1996 / Accepted: 26 October 1997     

Microscopic and biomolecular complementary approaches to characterize bioweathering processes at petroglyph sites from the Negev Desert,Israel

Throughout the Negev Desert highlands, thousands of ancient petroglyphs sites are susceptible to deterioration processes that may result in the loss of this unique rock art. Therefore, the overarching goal of the current study was to characterize the composition, diversity and effects of microbial colonization of the rocks to find ways of protecting these unique treasures. The spatial organization of the microbial colonizers and their relationships with the lithic substrate were analysed using scanning electron microscopy. This approach revealed extensive epilithic and endolithic colonization and close microbial–mineral interactions. Shotgun sequencing analysis revealed various taxa from the archaea, bacteria and some eukaryotes. Metagenomic coding sequences (CDS) of these microbial lithobionts exhibited specific metabolic pathways involved in the rock elements' cycles and uptake processes. Thus, our results provide evidence for the potential participation of the microorganisms colonizing these rocks during different solubilization and mineralization processes. These damaging actions may contribute to the deterioration of this extraordinary rock art and thus threaten this valuable heritage. Shotgun metagenomic sequencing, in conjunction with the in situ scanning electron microscopy study, can thus be considered an effective strategy to understand the complexity of the weathering processes occurring at petroglyph sites and other cultural heritage assets.     

Composition and diversity of endolichenic microfungal communities from saxicolous lichens at Nahal Boker,the central Negev Desert,Israel

We studied the endolichenic fungal communities from saxicolous lichens occupying the cobbles at Nahal Boker, the central Negev Desert, Israel. Overall, 101 species belonging to 64 genera were isolated from 12 lichen species collected in three seasons from the south-facing slope (SFS) and north-facing slope (NFS) of the wadi. The endolichenic communities possessed a set of traits, which helped them to cope with harsh internal and external conditions. It included a prevalence of melanin-containing fungi with thick-walled and multicellular spores and a comparatively high contribution of thermotolerant species and species with meiospore-producing life cycle stage at the more microclimatically severe SFS. Species richness and isolate density of endolichenic communities was the highest in fruticose lichens with thick and wrinkled thalli, and the lowest in endolithic species possessing thin and smooth thalli. The communities from lichens formed a more diverse group than those from surrounding cobbles probably due to the influence of various species of lichens belonging to different growth forms.     

Adaptive spatiotemporal distribution of soil microfungi in 'Evolution Canyon' III, Nahal Shaharut, extreme southern Negev Desert, Israel

We examined adaptive spatiotemporal mycobiota structure in the soil of 'Evolution Canyon' III, Nahal Shaharut, in the extreme southern Negev, Israel. A total of 223 species representing 80 genera were isolated using the soil dilution plate method. The microfungal communities in all localities and seasons were characterized by a superdominance of dark-coloured species with large multicelled conidia:  Ulocladium atrum, U. botrytis, Alternaria alternata, and Al. chlamydospora . Species of the genus Aspergillus (mainly As. fumigatus ) and teleomorphic ascomycetes comprised a basic part of the thermotolerant mycobiota obtained at a temperature of 37 °C. Isolate density displayed high positive dependence on organic matter content. Density was subject to drastic spatiotemporal (especially spatial) fluctuations, with maximum levels found in the shady valley bottom locality. The lowest biodiversity indices were estimated in localities under shrubs and in the most stressful summer and spring. The results demonstrated a clear effect of harsh desert climatic and edaphic selection on the adaptive variation of the mycobiota studied.  © 2007 The Linnean Society of London, Biological Journal of the Linnean Society , 2007, 90 , 263–277.     

丛枝霸王（Zygophyllum dumosum）根际AM真菌生态学研究

AM真菌是一类广泛分布的土壤真菌,与宿主植物形成共生结构后,对于植物生长和植被恢复有多种有益的生理学和生态学作用。1999年11月至2000年10月,通过每月分别从0－10cm和10－20cm土层采集根际土样,对以色列荒漠地区丛枝霸王（Zygophyllum dumosum Boiss）根际AM真菌进行了系统的生态学研究。AM真菌的分布和定殖与季节变化和采样浓度密切相关。菌根真菌的最高定殖率并不伴随有最大的孢子密度,最高的定殖率发生在1999年11月,而最大的孢子密度则出现在2000年9月。10－20cm土层中的菌根真菌定殖率和孢子密度明显高于0－10cm土层。土壤温度与所有菌根结构的定殖率呈正相关,土壤有机质含量与泡囊和丛枝定殖率呈正相关,而土壤总可溶性氮对泡囊和丛枝定殖有显著正效应,对孢子密度有显著负效应。结果建议,孢子密度、泡囊和丛枝定殖程度可作为检测荒漠土壤状况的生态指标。研究应用于我国特别是西部荒漠地区的植被建立和恢复,可望发挥重任作用：（1）AM真菌能与绝大多数高奶系形成共生联合体,促进根系对土壤矿质营养和水分的吸收,提高植物对干旱、高温、盐碱、根部病害等的抗性,提高逆境条件下植物的成活率,深入研究荒漠生态系统中AM真菌动态分布,以及筛选优势AM菌种和人工接种,进行菌根化育苗,为植被建立和恢复提供优质苗木;（2）菌根的丛枝定殖时间短,主要发生在幼根,泡囊定殖时间长,主要发生在老根,而AM真菌的生长发育和繁殖所需的碳水化合物来自植物根系的分泌活动,所以,通过检测不同时期菌根各种结构的定殖程度和孢子的丰富度,可以获得宿主植物根系的生长状况,进而对土壤环境作出科学的评估。