Leaf puncturing, feeding and oviposition behavior of Liriomyza trifolii

The leaf puncturing, ovipositional and feeding behavior of Liriomyza trifolii was investigated on a preferred and non-preferred host (chrysanthemum and tomato, respectively). The sequence of leaf-puncturing behavior was stereotypic on both hosts, with a high probability of transition from one event to the next once the sequence is initiated. Two types of leaf punctures were made: a large fan-shaped puncture without an egg and tubular-shaped punctures with or without an egg. Regardless of the type of leaf puncture created, the female always backed over the puncture to feed. Therefore, all leaf punctures can be considered as feeding punctures. Fewer slow abdominal thrusts were noted for flies during oviposition compared to leaf puncturing only on chrysanthemum and tomato. The major differences noted between hosts were that L. trifolii fed for a significantly shorter period and spent less time during the leaf puncturing sequence on tomato vs. chrysanthemum. This suggests a repellent/antifeedant present in the former host which is detected through gustatory mechanisms. The deposition of an epideictic pheromone during oviposition was not detected.

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Résumé L'étude des comportements de piqûre, de ponte et d'alimentation de Liriomyza trifolii a été réalisée sur hôtes préférés ou non (Chrysanthème ou tomate). Les séquences du comportement de piqûre de feuilles sont stéréotypées sur les deux plantes, avec une forte probabilité de transmission d'une séquence à la suivante quand le comportement a débuté.II y avait deux types de piqûres de feuilles: de larges piqûres coniques sans oeufs et des piqûres tubulaires avec ou sans oeuf. Sans considération du type de piqûre, la femelle retourne sur la piqûre pour s'alimenter. Ainsi, toutes les piqûres peuvent être considérées comme des piqûres alimentaires. Moins de lentes contractions abdominales ont été observées chez les mouches pondant que chez celles piquant uniquement, tant sur chrysanthème que tomate. Les principales différences observées entre hôtes ont été que L. trifolii s'alimentait pendant moins longtemps et passait moins de temps pendant la perforation sur tomate que sur chrysanthème. Ceci suggère la présence d'un répulsif/dissuadant chez la tomate qui serait décelé par la gustation. Aucun dépôt de phéronome épidéictique n'a été mis en évidence pendant la ponte.

     

Localization of his genes on the Rhizobium trifolii RS800 linkage map

Summary We have studied N-methyl-N-nitro-N-nitrosoguanidine (NTG)- and Tn5-induced histidine auxotrophic mutants in Rhizobium trifolii. HisGE, hisD and hisH mutants have been characterized. Using the Kemper's equation we have located them on the R. trifolii linkage map. The hisGE and hisD genes are clustered in the same region and are closely linked to the spectinomycin marker. The hisH gene is located in another region equidistant from the streptomycin and rifampicin markers. The two regions carrying his genes are separated by a distance approximately one-third of the length of the chromosome.     

First event sampling. A new technique for estimating insect attack, using the onion miner fly, Liriomyza nietzkei, as test insect

A new sampling technique called first event sampling is described that satisfies the criteria essential for any technique to be acceptable for use in insect pest management. The onion miner fly, Liriomyza nietzkei Spencer, a pest of seeded onion crops, was used as the pest insect on which this technique was developed. The technique is based on a graphical method for estimating the proportion of crop plants attacked by this pest. The statistical implications of adopting such a technique are discussed.

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Résumé Une nouvelle méthode d'échantillonnage pour estimer le taux d'attaque d'un insecte ravageur est décrite. Elle se base sur le principe du premier événement, c'est-à-dire de la première rencontre avec le ravageur ou avec son dégât.Une présentation graphique des résultats du dénombrement permet de les confronter avec le seuil économique et de décider rapidement des mesures phytosanitaires appropriées.La mouche mineuse de l'oignon, Liriomyza nietz-kei Spencer, un ravageur des cultures d'oignon de semis a servi de modèle à l'élaboration de ce type d'échantillonnage. Ce travail contient une partie statistique où les bases mathématiques sont développées.Cette méthode devra répondre aux critères d'acceptation d'un type de contrôle en protection intégrée par les conseillers techniques et par les producteurs à savoir la précision dans l'estimation de l'attaque, la facilité d'utilisation et le gain de temps.

     

Liriomyza huidobrensis in Yunnan, China: current distribution and genetic structure of a recently established population

Liriomyza huidobrensis Blanchard (Diptera: Agromyzidae) is a very serious and economically important pest around the world. Liriomyza huidobrensis in China was first reported from Kunming of Yunnan province in 1993. We report here that this pest has recently expanded its distribution, along with a host plant range extension and population explosion. The mitochondrial cytochrome oxidase II gene was sequenced for eight populations from Yunnan. All individuals were identical: no genetic variation was observed between populations either from different geographical localities or from different host plants. The phylogenetic analysis shows that the Yunnan population is grouped into the South American clade, which also includes other recently introduced Asian populations. Together with ecological data and colonization history of this pest, our results suggest that Yunnan population might have an ultimate, albeit not immediate, origin from South American populations.     

Diet and physiological responses of Spondyliosoma cantharus (Linnaeus, 1758) to the Caulerpa racemosa var. cylindracea invasion

Marine invasions are a worldwide problem that involves changes in communities and the acclimation of organisms to them. The invasive Chlorophyte Caulerpa racemosa var. cylindracea is widespread in the Mediterranean and colonises large areas from 0 to 70 m in depth. The omnivorous fish Spondyliosoma cantharus presents a high frequency of occurrence of C. racemosa in the stomach contents at invaded areas (76.3%) while no presence of C. racemosa was detected in control areas. The isotopic composition of muscle differed significantly between invaded and non-invaded sites for δ¹³C (− 16.67‰ ± 0.09 and − 17.67‰ ± 0.08, respectively), δ¹⁵N (10.22‰ ± 0.22 and 9.32‰ ± 0.18, respectively) and the C:N ratio (2.01 ± 0.0002 and 1.96 ± 0.009, respectively). Despite the high frequency of occurrence of C. racemosa in the stomach contents of S. cantharus and its important contribution to the δ¹³C source (20.7% ± 16.2), the contribution of C. racemosa to the δ¹⁵N in S. cantharus food sources was very low (6.6% ± 5.8). Other invertebrate prey such as decapods and polychaetes were more important contributors to the δ¹⁵N source at both invaded and non-invaded sites. Activation of enzymatic pathways (catalase, superoxide dismutase, glutathione-s-tranferase, 7-ethoxy resorufin O-de-ethylase) but not a significant increase in lipid peroxidation MDA (0.49 ± 0.01 nmol/mg prot at non-invaded and 0.53 ± 0.01 nmol/mg prot at invaded sites) was observed in S. cantharus individuals living in C. racemosa-invaded sites compared with control specimens. The low δ¹⁵N contribution values of C. racemosa by S. cantharus together with the toxicity demonstrated by the activation of the antioxidant defences and the important contribution of invertebrate prey to the δ¹⁵N could mean that the ingestion of C. racemosa by S. cantharus might be unintentional during the predation of invertebrate preys living underneath the entanglement of the C. racemosa fronds and stolons mats.     

Oviposition preferences and larval performance of a flower-feeding weevil,Coelocephalapion aculeatum, in relation to host development

The oviposition behaviour ofCoelocephalapion aculeatum Fall (Coleoptera: Apionidae), a host specific florivore exploiting an ephemeral resource, was studied in relation to host development. Immature inflorescences of its host, the weedMimosa pigra L. (Mimosaceae), were categorised into 5 developmental stages ranging from first appearance to one day before opening. The duration, weight, percent abortion, and nitrogen content of each stage were measured. Oviposition preferences ofC. aculeatum for all inflorescence stages were determined in multiple choice trials. Newly hatched, larvae were transferred into inflorescences of each stage to determine larval survival as a function of stage. Numbers of eggs laid into inflorescences generally correlated with larval survival except that oviposition was greater in stage 4 inflorescences than expected from the larval survival. Numbers of eggs laid into inflorescences generally correlated with their carrying capacity except that adults avoided stage 5 inflorescences in which larval survival was low. The evolution of oviposition preferences ofC. aculeatum appears to have been influenced by two opposing selective forces. The need to complete development before the inflorescence deteriorated would have selected for oviposition in young inflorescences. The greater availability of food and lower probability of abortion offered by older inflorescences would have selected for oviposition in these. The net outcome of these pressures has resulted in the observed oviposition strategy.     

不同钙离子浓度对喜钙和嫌钙型金花茶光合及生理指标的影响

为探讨喜钙型金花茶对高钙环境的生理适应机制以及嫌钙型金花茶的避钙机理,该文采用砂培法,分别以两种喜钙型金花茶[直脉金花茶(Camellia multipetala)、柠檬金花茶(C.limonia)]和两种嫌钙型金花茶[金花茶(C.nitidissima)、东兴金花茶(C.tunghinensis)]的幼苗为材料,用不同浓度(设为5、25、50、100 mmol·L-1)的钙离子(Ca²⁺)营养液进行培养,研究其对两种不同类型金花茶的光合及生理指标的影响。结果表明:两种嫌钙型金花茶的净光合速率(P n)、气孔导度(G s)、实际光化学效率(ΦPSⅡ)、电子传递效率(ETR)、叶绿素a(Chl a)、叶绿素b(Chl b)、叶绿素总量[(Chl(a+b)]均随Ca²⁺浓度的升高而降低,表明高钙环境降低了嫌钙型金花茶的光合能力;喜钙型金花茶的这些指标在不同Ca²⁺浓度下无显著变化,高钙环境未影响其光合作用的正常进行。嫌钙型金花茶叶片丙二醛含量和PSⅡ最大光化学效率(F v/F m)在高钙环境下未有显著变化,表明其光合膜系统还未受到伤害。随着Ca²⁺浓度的升高,嫌钙型金花茶叶片脯氨酸含量显著增加,而可溶性糖含量变化却不大;喜钙型金花茶在不同Ca²⁺浓度下脯氨酸和可溶性糖含量的变化均不明显,但其可溶性糖含量却明显高于嫌钙型金花茶。喜钙型金花茶对外界钙离子浓度的变化不敏感,其适应高钙的生理机制可能与叶片较高的可溶性糖含量有关;而嫌钙型金花茶对高钙环境的适应性较差,这可能是其不能在钙质土上生长的主要原因。     

狭叶红景天幼苗对水分及遮阴的生长及生理生化响应

研究植物对水分和遮阴胁迫的响应及其生理机制对制定合理的栽培管理措施十分必要。以红景天属植物为研究对象,设置土壤含水量分别为田间持水量的80%(过湿水分)、70%(正常水分)、60%(轻度干旱)、40%(中度干旱)、20%(重度干旱)5个水分梯度;设置2个遮阴处理,以全光照(遮阴率为0)为对照、黑色遮阴网遮阴(遮阴率为85%),研究狭叶红景天生长及生理生化指标的变化特征。结果表明:在不同水分处理下,与对照相比,叶绿素含量、茎干重和茎重比(SMR)显著增加(P0.05),株高、总生物量、叶面积、叶干重、叶重比(LMR)、比叶面积(SLA)、叶面积比(LAR)和叶面积根干重比(LARMR)增加,根冠比和根重比(RMR)减少;随着干旱程度加剧,丙二醛(MDA)、脯氨酸(Pro)和可溶性糖(Ss)含量增加,超氧化物歧化酶(SOD)活性总体呈先增加后减小的趋势。在遮阴处理下,株高、SMR、SLA、LAR和LARMR显著增加(P0.05),叶绿素SPAD值和叶面积增加,总生物量、根干重、根冠比和LMR显著减少(P0.05),茎干重和叶干重减少,MDA含量显著增加,Pro含量略有下降,Ss含量减少。在水分胁迫下,狭叶红景天中度干旱时通过增加酶活性抵御伤害,重度干旱超过其阈值,SOD活性下降,植物体受到伤害,Ss可能是主要的渗透调节物质。在遮阴处理下,狭叶红景天通过增加SLA避免遮阴伤害。狭叶红景天在受到环境胁迫时会通过形态改变、调节MDA含量、抗氧化酶活性和渗透调节物质来保证自身正常的生长发育。     

Oviposition and feeding preferences of a flower-feeding weevil,Coelocephalapion aculeatum, in relation to conspecific damage to its host-plant

The oviposition and feeding preferences ofCoelocephalapion aculeatum Fall (Coleoptera: Apionidae), a host specific florivore ofMimosa pigra L. (Mimosaceae), were studied in relation to conspecific damage to its hostplant. Adults ofC. aculeatum cease ovipositing in inflorescences when the egg load reaches a number consistent with the larval carrying capacity of the inflorescence. The basis for this oviposition deterrence was examined by offering inflorescences damaged by adult feeding alone, larval feeding alone and a combination of adult feeding and oviposition. Adults preferred to oviposit on inflorescences which are not damaged by either adult feeding, larval feeding, or oviposition. No evidence for the existence of an oviposition deterring pheromone (ODP) was found. I suggest that the ability of a single host inflorescence to support the development of many larvae causes selection for the use of these oviposition deterring cues which can convey more quantitative information about the level of previous infestation than can ODPs. Adults fed a similar amount on damaged compared to undamaged inflorescences. These results assisted in the design of host range testing trials and allows predictions to be made about the effectiveness of this insect as a biological control agent.     

Effects of cyromazine and abamectin on the leafminer, Liriomyza huidobrensis and its parasitoid, Diglyphus isaea in celery

Field trials were conducted for 2 yr on celery (Apium graveolens L.) to determine the effects of two translaminar insecticides (abamectin and cyromazine) on the agromyzid leafminer, Liriomyza huidobrensis (Blanchard), and the eulophid parasitoid, Diglyphus isaea Walker. Abamectin and cyromazine were applied once early in the growing season by spray or drip application. Yellow sticky traps and leaf samples were used to monitor population levels; a gas chromatograph-mass spectrometer was used to monitor cyromazine residues within the celery plants during 1 yr. Spray applications of abamectin and cyromazine significantly reduced larval leafminers and D. isaea. Contrary to grower practices, application of cyromazine by drip irrigation systems had minor effects on larval leafminer and D. isaea as compared to spray application. Cyromazine residues in the plants treated by spray application declined sharply after 1 wk, and no residues were detected 2 wk after application; less than 0.05 ppm cyromazine residues were detected in plants treated by drip application. Implications of these results on management practices are discussed.     

盐度胁迫下曼氏无针乌贼的行为和生理响应

盐度变化会引起头足类动物渗透调节、免疫能力和激素分泌异常等一系列生理应激反应,同时还会引发应激诱导的喷墨行为等异常行为变化,最终可能导致头足类因渗透失衡出现大量死亡。结合头足类苗种繁育过程中因海水盐度波动出现的摄食及行为异常等问题,探究了盐度胁迫对曼氏无针乌贼（Sepiella japonica）行为活跃性、组织结构、渗透调节以及免疫相关酶活性的影响,明确了其对盐度变化的应激反应及适应能力。结果显示：在高盐胁迫下曼氏无针乌贼的行为活跃性显著增加（P<0.05）,且倾向于绕水槽壁游动;与21‰组相比,27‰组和33‰组肌肉、鳃和肝脏组织结构呈现较严重的损伤,15‰组的各组织结构无明显变化;随着盐度的升高,鳃中Na⁺/K⁺-ATP酶活性呈现先降低后升高趋势（P<0.05）;33‰组脑中皮质醇含量显著高于其他处理组（P<0.05）;盐度升高或降低均会导致鳃和肝脏中超氧化物歧化酶（Superoxide dismutase,SOD）、过氧化氢酶（Catalase,CAT）活性显著升高（P<0.05）,丙二醛（Malondialdehyde,MDA）含量显著增加（P<0.05）,溶菌酶（Lysozyme,LZM）活性显著降低（P<0.05）。综合分析认为,曼氏无针乌贼具有较好的耐低盐能力,高盐胁迫会引发其类焦虑行为。此外,在研究设定的15‰-33‰盐度范围内,盐度变化还会引起其渗透调节以及免疫相关酶活性的改变。研究结果为阐释头足类适应盐度波动的调节机理,控制适宜的养殖环境提供了参考依据。     

岷江上游干旱河谷岷江柏的光合与水分生理特征干湿季对比研究

岷江柏（Cupressus chengiana）是干旱河谷地区的重要生态恢复物种,为探讨岷江柏对干旱河谷环境的适应策略,以生长于岷江上游干旱河谷自然生境中的岷江柏为研究对象,研究分析了其在湿季（7月）和干季（11月）的水分生理特征和光合生理特征。结果表明：（1）水分生理方面,相较于湿季,干季岷江柏的脯氨酸（Pro）、可溶性糖（SS）、过氧化物酶（POD）显著增加（P<0.05）,比叶重（LMA）、黎明水势（Ψ_pl）、正午水势（Ψ_ml）则显著下降（P<0.05）;（2）光合生理方面,相较于湿季,岷江柏在干季的气孔导度（G_s）、蒸腾速率（T_r）、饱和光下最大净光合速率（P_nmax）、初始羧化效率（CE）、光合能力（A_max）、CO₂补偿点（Γ）、光呼吸速率（R_p）、最大羧化速率（V_cmax）、最大电子传递速率（J_max）、磷酸丙糖利用率（TPU）、J_max/V_cmax、光能捕获效率（F_v''/F_m''）、PSII实际光化学效率（Ф_PSII）、光化学猝灭系数（qP）、电子传递效率（ETR）均显著下降（P<0.05）,而暗呼吸速率（R_d）、水分利用效率（WUE）、非光化学猝灭系数（NPQ）则显著上升（P<0.05）。干季,岷江柏采取增加水分获取能力并降低水分散失的水分利用策略、增加光合产物消耗策略、增加热耗散的光合器官保护策略等,以适应干季干旱、低温等环境胁迫,进而表现出较强的环境适应性。     

雌雄异株地钱(Marchantia polymorpha)对镉胁迫生理响应的性别差异

为探究雌雄地钱在镉胁迫下性别响应差异,该文采用室内培养法,对野外采集的地钱雌雄配子体进行CdCl₂(100 mg·L^-1)溶液胁迫处理,定期取样观测其生理指标并在雌雄间进行比较。同时,利用隶属函数法计算雌雄地钱所有指标的综合评价值,评估雌雄地钱耐镉能力差异。结果表明:雌雄地钱在镉胁迫后,各个指标的变化趋势基本一致,超氧化物歧化酶(SOD)、谷胱甘肽(GSH)、丙二醛(MDA)均表现为显著上升,过氧化物酶(POD)呈现为先下降后上升,脯氨酸(Pro)、可溶性蛋白均表现为先上升后下降,叶绿素a(Chla)、叶绿素b(Chlb)均表现为显著下降; 雌性地钱叶绿素a/叶绿素b(Chla/Chlb)显著上升,雄性地钱仅在胁迫8 d显著上升,其余天数下无显著变化; 综合评价值显示耐镉能力为雄性地钱>雌性地钱。该研究结果为深入探讨雌雄异株植物对胁迫的性别响应差异提供了参考。     

Na2SO4和Na2CO3胁迫下苦楝幼苗的形态及光合生理特性

为探索苦楝应对盐胁迫的响应机制,该文以1年生苦楝(Melia azedarach)实生苗为材料,在盆栽条件下设置中性盐Na_2SO_4和碱性盐Na_2CO_33个盐浓度(200、400、600 mmol·L~(-1))处理40 d,研究苦楝的抗盐碱水平及在不同程度盐碱胁迫条件下的生长及光合生理变化。结果表明:随着盐浓度的提高,苦楝的苗高、地径和生物量的增长量均呈现下降趋势,且碱性盐胁迫条件下降程度更大,盐胁迫提高苦楝的根冠比。处理10 d时,苦楝幼苗的所有光合指标随中性盐和碱性盐浓度的提高呈相似的下降特征,碱性盐胁迫条件下的降低幅度显著大于中性盐胁迫,且随处理时间的增加,中性盐和碱性盐处理下苦楝幼苗的净光合速率和蒸腾速率显著降低。随着盐浓度的提高,苦楝的叶绿素含量呈现下降趋势,200 mmol·L~(-1)盐胁迫对叶绿素含量影响较小,400、600 mmol·L~(-1)盐胁迫均对叶绿素含量有显著影响。600 mmol·L~(-1)碱性盐胁迫条件下,苦楝叶片相对电导率和饱和水分亏缺最高,显著高于其余处理。同等浓度下,碱性盐胁迫的苦楝叶片相对电导率和饱和水分亏缺显著高于中性盐胁迫处理。综上结果认为,苦楝具有一定的耐盐碱能力,碱性盐比中性盐对苦楝幼苗的影响更大。     

Interactive effects of GAs,CKs and growth retardants on the germination of celery seeds

The germination of whole seeds of celery (Apium graveolens L.) was inhibited by paclobutrazol, ancymidol and lower concentrations of uniconazole. The growth retardants daminozide, AMO 1618 and chlormequat chloride inhibited the germination of cut seeds only, indicating that the seed coat prevents the penetration of these compounds at the examined concentrations. Application of a mixture of the gibberellins A4 and A7 (GA 4/7) reversed the inhibition of all the examined growth retardants. Cytokinins (artificial or natural) had no effect when applied alone and did not interact with GA4/7 in the light. However, in the dark the cytokinins at some concentrations and GA4/7 had a synergistic effect in reversing the inhibition caused by growth retardants to whole seeds or in promoting the germination of whole seeds. It is therefore suggested that the major effect on seed of exogenous cytokinins when applied together with GA's is to increase the uptake of gibberellins by the seeds.Abbreviations AMO 1618 (2 isopropyl-5-methyl-4-trimethylammonium chloride-phenyl-1-Piperidinium-carboxylate - ancymidol -cyclopropyl-[4-methoxyphenyl]-5-pyrimidinemeth anol] - chlormequat chloride 2-chloroethyltrimethylommonium chloride - daminozide succinin acid 2,2-diamethyl hydrazide - paclobutrazol [2 RS, 3 RS]-1-(4-chlorophenyl)-4,4-dimethyl-2-(1 H-1,2,4-triazol-1-yl) pentan-3-ol - uniconazole (E)-1-(P-chlorophenyl)-4,4-dimethyl-2-(1,2,4 triazol-1-yl)-1 penten-3-ol     

4种茶菊对干旱胁迫的形态和生理响应

以4种茶菊幼苗为材料,采用盆栽控水法,研究了不同强度干旱胁迫下茶菊形态、生理生化及光合生长的响应特性,并对其进行耐旱性评价。结果显示,随着干旱胁迫程度的增强,各茶菊幼苗叶片数增量、叶面积、生物量、叶片相对含水量、净光合速率(Pn)、蒸腾速率(Tr)和气孔导度(Gs)降低;根冠比、丙二醛(MDA)含量、脯氨酸(Pro)含量、可溶性蛋白(SPC)含量和叶绿素(Chl)含量增加;胞间CO2(Ci)浓度先降后升;乳荷、黄滁龙株高增量持续降低,而玉人面、繁白露株高增量先升后降;玉人面叶超氧化物歧化酶活性(SOD)呈先升后降趋势,其它3个品种则持续升高。运用隶属函数法对抗旱能力进行综合评定,不同茶菊品种耐旱性由高到低为乳荷黄滁龙繁白露玉人面。     

Plant growth stage effects on the feeding and growth responses of the bertha armyworm,Mamestra configurata to canola and mustard foliage

Mamestra configurata (Walker) (Lep., Noctuidae) larvae were fed excisedBrassica juncea (commercial brown mustard) orB. rapa cv. Tobin (Canola) foliage of three plant growth stages-rosette (stage 2), stem elongation (stage 3) and flowering (stage 4). Relative consumption rates (RCRi) were not significantly different between the plant species. Within theB. juncea treatments, there were no significant growth stage differences in RCRi. However, withinB. rapa, RCRi increased with advancing plant growth stage. Larvae fedB. juncea foliage had significantly reduced relative growth rates (RGRi) compared to larvae fedB. rapa foliage. Within theB. juncea treatments, RGRi decreased with advancing plant growth stage. There were no significant growth stage differences in RGRi in theB. rapa treatments. RGRi was inversely proportional to the levels of isothiocyanate-releasing glucosinolates in theB. juncea treatments. RCRi was inversely proportional to the levels of indolyl glucosinolates in theB. rapa treatments. Levels of total phenols and catechols inB. juncea did not show any trend which could be related to growth stage effects in the insect nutritional indices. InB. rapa, levels of phenols and catechols in stage 3 and 4 foliage were lower than that of stage 2 foliage. Analyses of total nitrogen in field-grown plants showed reductions in percent nitrogen from rosette to flowering stage foliage. The response ofM. configurata to different growth stages of its host plants are discussed in relation to changing levels of allelochemicals and nitrogen.     

Growth responses of the mixotrophic dinoflagellates, Cryptoperidiniopsis sp. and Pfiesteria piscicida, to light under prey-saturated conditions

Recent research emphasis on the ecology of Pfiesteria spp. (Dinophyceae) has led to recognition of several morphologically similar heterotrophic dinoflagellates that often co-occur with Pfiesteria spp. in estuaries along the United States Atlantic coast. These include cryptoperidiniopsoid dinoflagellates, which resemble Pfiesteria spp. in having complex life cycles that include zoospores capable of kleptoplastidy. To examine and compare the role of kleptoplastidy in Cryptoperidiniopsis sp. and Pfiesteria piscicida, we tested the effects of irradiance on growth under prey-saturated (Storeatula major, Cryptophyceae) conditions. Growth of Cryptoperidiniopsis was strongly influenced by light intensity while no major effects were observed in P. piscicida. In Cryptoperidiniopsis, highest cell numbers and specific growth rates, but lowest specific cryptophyte consumption rates, were found at the highest light intensity tested (100 μmol photons m⁻² s⁻¹). A growth model was developed and used to estimate that the average half-life of chloroplasts ingested by Cryptoperidiniopsis decreased 3.4-fold from 12.6 h at high light to 3.7 h in the dark. These results show that light strongly enhances specific growth rate and growth efficiency of Cryptoperidiniopsis feeding on cryptophytes, and suggest that retained kleptochloroplasts may play a quantitatively significant role in carbon and energy metabolism of this organism. Differences in the effects of light between Cryptoperidiniopsis and P. piscicida may reflect different nutritional strategies, and allow these closely related dinoflagellates to occupy different niches and co-exist.     

Survival and growth responses of Myricaria laxiflora seedlings to summer flooding

Myricaria laxiflora, an endangered shrub species distributed along the banks of the Yangtze River in the Three Gorges area, is completely submerged from June to October every year. It is generally assumed that summer flooding has a strong impact on the survival and growth of seedlings. We designed an outdoor randomized block experiment on the responses of seedling survival and growth to different flooding depth and flooding duration treatments during the flood season in the Three Gorges area. Seedling survival rate, aboveground biomass, belowground biomass, total biomass, root depth, length of primary branch and the number of primary and secondary branches were examined.M. laxiflora was found to acclimate to summer flooding by becoming dormant and losing biomass. Seedlings of M. laxiflora ceased growing during the summer flooding season, regardless of the flooding depth and flooding duration they were subjected to. The number of primary and secondary branches, aboveground biomass and total biomass of seedlings was reduced with prolonged flooding. The length of primary branches and aboveground biomass were more sensitive to flooding than other measured parameters and differed significantly between the onset and the end of flooding.In each flooding treatment most seedlings of M. laxiflora survived a flooding period of 2 months and recovered rapidly after the flooding was terminated in September. After 3 months of recovery, aboveground biomass, total biomass and the number of the primary branches increased significantly. Furthermore, seedling survival and growth in the flooding treatments were not significantly different from the controls both during the summer flooding stage and in the recovery stage. All of these results suggest that summer flooding does not affect seedling survival and growth in this species. On the contrary, flooding released seedlings from the stress of drought during summer and facilitated seedling establishment. M. laxiflora appears to cope adaptively with the flooding cycle by going into a state of dormancy during the flood season.     

Structure and expression of AtS1, an Arabidopsis thaliana gene homologous to the S-locus related genes of Brassica

Summary Genetic and molecular analysis of the self-incompatibility locus (S-locus) of the crucifer Brassica has led to the characterization of a multigene family involved in pollen-stigma interactions. While the crucifer Arabidopsis thaliana does not have a self-incompatibility system, S-related sequences were detected in this species by cross-hybridization with Brassica DNA probes. In this paper, we show that an A. thaliana S-related sequence, designated AtS1, is expressed specifically in flower buds. Sequence analysis suggests that AtS1 encodes a secreted glycoprotein that is most similar to the Brassica S-locus related protein SLR1. As has been proposed for SLR1, this gene may be involved in determining some fundamental aspect of pollen-stigma interactions during pollination. The molecular and genetic advantages of the Arabidopsis system will provide many avenues for testing this hypothesis.