Effects of preservation on dry- and ash-free dry weight biomass of some common aquatic macro-invertebrates

The effect of preservation methods on dry weight (DW) and ash-free dry weight (AFDW) of Radix peregra (Gastropoda), Asellus aquaticus (Isopoda), Erpobdella octoculata (Hirudinea) and Glyptotendipes sp. (Chironomidae) was studied. Ethanol, formaldehyde, and Bouin were used as preservative. In case of preservation of macro-invertebrates in ethanol substancial changes in DW and AFDW biomass were observed. In the four different taxa the loss in DW varied between 7.2–21.9% after a 3 month preservation period in 70% ethanol. A comparatively small range in AFDW loss (16.2–19.7%) was found. Changes in DW and AFDW biomass during preservation were significantly affected by the duration of the preservation, by temperature, light conditions and the volume of the preservative. The changes in AFDW were also significantly affected by the concentration of the preservatives. Preservation in 10% formaldehyde did not cause significant changes in DW and AFDW biomass.Contribution nr. 42 of the nymphalid project.     

Nymphoides peltata (Gmel.) Kuntze, Myriophyllum spicatum L. and Ceratophyllum demersum L. biomass dynamics in Lake Provala (the Vojvodina Province, Serbia)

Sixty-five plant species have been found in Lake Provala (the Vojvodina Province, Serbia) and its riparian zone. Among them, three hydrophytes were dominant: Nymphoides peltata, Myriophyllum spicatum and Ceratophyllum demersum. As interactions between different ecological factors, especially light, temperature and nutrient level, are of prime importance for productivity of macrophytes, we analyzed the main physical and chemical indicators of water quality in the studied location. In the vegetation period of the year 2000, the dominant hydrophytes were analyzed for biomass production dynamics in the studied aquatic ecosystem, including fresh weight (FW), dry weight (DW) and ash free dry weight (AFDW). The studied plant species achieved maximum biomass production in June, with statistical differences among the species at the significance level of α = 0.05.     

Production of high-density Chlorella culture grown in fermenters

The freshwater microalga Chlorella vulgaris was grown heterotrophically in fed-batch 50–600-L fermenters at 36°C, on aerated and mixed nutrient solution with urea as a nitrogen and glucose as a carbon and energy source. Cell density increased from the initial value 6.25 to 117.18 g DW L⁻¹ in 32 h in the fermenter 50 L at a mean growth rate 3.52 g DW L⁻¹ h⁻¹. The DW increase in the fermenter 200 L was from 7.25 to 94.82 g DW L⁻¹ in 26.5 h at a mean growth rate 3.37 g DW L⁻¹ h⁻¹. Mean specific growth rate μ was about 0.1 h⁻¹ in the both fermenters, if nutrients and oxygen were adequately supplied. The DW increase in the fermenter 600 L was from 0.8 to 81.6 g DW L⁻¹ in 66.5 h at a mean growth rate 1.22 g DW L⁻¹ h⁻¹ and μ = 0.07 h⁻¹. A limitation of the cell growth rate in 600 L fermenter caused by a low dissolved oxygen concentration above cell densities higher than 10 g DW L⁻¹) occurred. Specific growth rate decreased approximately linearly with increasing glucose concentration (25–80 g glucose L⁻¹) at the beginning of cultivation and decreased with the time of cultivation. The cell yield was 0.55–0.69 g DW (g glucose)⁻¹. The content of proteins, β-carotene, and chlorophylls in the cells steadily increased and starch content decreased, by keeping aerated and mixed culture another 12 h in fermenter after the cell growth was stopped due to glucose deficiency.     

Life cycle and growth ofTrichostegia minor (Curtis) in temporary woodland pools (Trichoptera: Phryganeidae)

Larvae of the caddisTrichostegia minor (Curtis) were collected from four woodland pools in The Netherlands, three of which are temporary, from August 1986 till June 1987. Eggs and larvae of this species proved to be very well adapted to drought, freezing, strongly fluctuating pH and alkalinity levels and prolonged oxygen deficit. The life cycle ofT.minor in a small woodland marsh overgrown byCalla palustris took one year. Adult flight period started at the end of May. Oviposition took place independent of water. Hatching of the eggs started in September and was probably induced by immersion. During the larval stage from September until May, 5 instars could be distinguished by the size of the head capsule. Growth of instars I, II and III during autumn was moderate. Most larvae overwintered as instar III or IV. Possibly there was a larval diapause during winter. In spring rapid growth to instar V took place prior to pupation. Growth rate, expressed as the increase of mean individual dry weight was highest from March to April (2.05±0.75% DW.m^–2.d^–1). In extremely shallow water growth in spring was initially more rapid compared to growth in deeper water. During winter the growth rate decreased to 0.038±0.071% DW.m^–2.d^–1. Net annual production based on the changes of momentary biomass was 183.2±31.7 mg DW.m^–2.y^–1 or 177.2±31.3 mg AFDW.m^–2.y^–1. Production loss during the winter season was 75.1±10.8 mg DW.m^–2.y^–1 or 72.3±10.6 mg AFDW.m^–2.y^–1.     

Transformation of Nasturtium officinale, Barbarea verna and Arabis caucasica for hairy roots and glucosinolate-myrosinase system production

Hairy roots of Nasturtium officinale, Barbarea verna and Arabis caucasica with active glucosinolate-myrosinase system were obtained after transformation with Agrobacterium rhizogenes. Hairy roots of N. officinale produced phenylalanine-derived gluconasturtiin and glucotropaeolin (max. 24 and 7 mg g⁻¹ DW). B. verna and A. caucasica hairy roots produced gluconasturtiin (max. 41 mg g⁻¹ DW) and methionine-derived glucoiberverin (max. 32 mg g⁻¹ DW), respectively. Treatment of the roots with amino acid precursors of glucosinolate or/and cysteine biosynthesis increased levels of glucosinolate production, combinations of phenylalanine with cysteine (for gluconasturtiin and glucotropaeolin) and methionine with o-acetylserine (for glucoiberverin) were the most effective.     

Bioreactor type affects the accumulation of phenolic acids and flavonoids in microshoot cultures of Schisandra chinensis (Turcz.) Baill.

Microshoots of the East Asian medicinal plant species Schisandra chinensis (Chinese magnolia vine) were grown in bioreactors characterized by different construction and cultivation mode. The tested systems included two continuous immersion systems—a cone-type bioreactor (CNB) and a cylindric tube bioreactor (CTB), a nutrient sprinkle bioreactor (NSB), and two temporary immersion systems (TIS)—RITA® and Plantform. Microshoots were grown for 30 and 60 days in the MS medium enriched with 1 mg l^?1 NAA and 3 mg l^?1 BA. The accumulation of two groups of phenolic compounds: phenolic acids and flavonoids in the bioreactor-grown S. chinensis biomass, was evaluated for the first time. In the microshoot extracts, seven phenolic acids: chlorogenic, gallic, p–hydroxybenzoic, protocatechuic, syringic, salicylic and vanillic, and three flavonoids: kaempferol, quercitrin and rutoside, were identified. The highest total amount of phenolic acids (46.68 mg 100 g^?1 DW) was recorded in the biomass maintained in the CNB for 30 days. The highest total content of flavonoids (29.02 mg 100 g^?1 DW) was found in the microshoots maintained in the NSB for 30 days. The predominant metabolites in all the tested systems were: gallic acid (up to 10.01 mg 100 g^?1 DW), protocatechuic acid (maximal concentration 16.30 mg 100 g^?1 DW), and quercitrin (highest content 21.00 mg 100 g^?1 DW).

     

Production of saponions and polysaccharide in the presence of lactoalbumin hydrolysate in <Emphasis Type="Italic">Panax quinquefolium</Emphasis> L. cells cultures

In this article, ginsenosides and polysaccharide contents in suspension cells and native roots of Panax quinquefolium L. were studied. In order to enhance the contents of ginsenosides and polysaccharide in P. quinquefolium suspension cells, we tested the effects of lactoalbumin hydrolysate on the growth of P. quinquefolium suspension cell, synthesis of ginsenosides and polysaccharide in flask and bioreactor. In flask culture, cells growth ratio was significantly enhanced by the addition of lower concentration of lactoalbumin hydrolysate. Addition of 100 mg L⁻¹ lactoalbumin hydrolysate significantly enhanced the contents of total saponins (5.44 mg g⁻¹ DW) and the contents were 3.89-fold over the control group. Addition of lactoalbumin hydrolysate significantly promoted the accumulation of polysaccharide, except 200 mg L⁻¹ lactoalbumin hydrolysate. The highest total saponins yield (36.72 mg L⁻¹ DW) and polysaccharide yield (0.83 g L⁻¹ DW) were obtained at 100 mg L⁻¹ lactoalbumin hydrolysate. In a 5-L stirred tank bioreactor, the highest contents of total saponins and TRb group ginsenosides were achieved on day 26, while the effect of lactoalbumin hydrolysate on the contents of TRg group ginsenosides were insignificant. This result suggests that lactoalbumin hydrolysate might have triggered the enzyme activities for the synthesis of TRb group ginsenosides. Overall, the highest total saponins yield (31.37 mg L⁻¹ DW) and polysaccharide yield (1.618 g L⁻¹ DW) were obtained on day 26 and day 24 respectively and the polysaccharide yield was 1.95-fold higher than the shake flask culture (0.83 g L⁻¹ DW). These results provided theoretical reference for two-stage culture in suspension cells of P. quinquefolium in bioreactor.     

Growth, secondary production and gonad development of two co-existing amphioxus species (Branchiostoma belcheri and B. malayanum) in subtropical Hong Kong

The present study investigated the growth, secondary production and gonad development of two co-existing amphioxus species Branchiostoma belcheri and B. malayanum in subtropical Hong Kong from June 2005 to June 2006. Based on the modal progression analysis, amphioxus populations were decomposed into separate cohorts. The von Bertalanffy growth models were also estimated according to the size incremental data. From the growth models, the size ranges of one, two and three-year-old B. belcheri were estimated to be 5-28 mm, 28-38 mm and 38-45 mm BL, respectively; while the one and two-year-old B. malayanum were estimated to be 7-30 mm and 30-35 mm BL, respectively. The secondary production was calculated at 1.15 g m^− 2 yr^− 1 DW or 0.63 g m^− 2 yr^− 1 AFDW for B. belcheri with density 424 ind m^− 2, and 0.51 g m^− 2 yr^− 1 DW or 0.40 g m^− 2 yr^− 1 AFDW for B. malayanum with density 121 ind m^− 2. The production to biomass ratio (P/B) was 1.13 for B. belcheri and 0.98 for B. malayanum. Changes in the gonad length index indicated that B. belcheri spawned mainly in June and July, while B. malayanum mainly in April and August. As compared with B. belcheri, B. malayanum was characterized by rapid growth, shorter life span, early maturity and lower population density. Such differences in population dynamics may allow both species to share a similar habitat and co-exist in subtropical waters of Hong Kong.     

Bioproduction of phenylethanoid glycosides by plant cell culture of Scrophularia striata Boiss.: from shake-flasks to bioreactor

Phenylethanoid glycosides (PeG) are a class of polyphenols found in some plants that have pharmaceutical effects as anti-inflammatories and anti-oxidants. The presence of PeG (acteoside) in the aerial parts of Scrophularia striata Boiss. has been demonstrated. Considerable progress has been made using plant cell cultures to stimulate formation and accumulation of secondary metabolites. The present study optimized phenylethanoid production from shake flasks to bioreactor using a cell culture of S. striata. The optimal conditions for production of cell biomass by scale-up to a bioreactor were determined to be a pH of 4.8, air flow rate of 0.5–1.5 l min⁻¹, and mixing speed of 110–170 rpm at 25 ± 1 °C in darkness. Growth parameters and PeG production were measured and compared with the results from the shake flasks. The results showed that cell biomass was high in the bioreactor (15.64 g l⁻¹ DW) and in the shake flasks (14.16 g l⁻¹ DW). The acteoside content in the bioreactor was 1404.20 μg g⁻¹ DW, which is threefold higher than in the shake flasks (459.71 μg g⁻¹ DW). The echinacoside concentration in the bioreactor was 1449.39 μg g⁻¹, 1.36-fold lower than in the shake flasks (1973.03 μg g⁻¹ DW). This study established an efficient way for production of acteoside, the major PeG, in a bioreactor.

     

Modeled spatial assessment of biomass productivity and technical potential of Miscanthus × giganteus,Panicum virgatum L., and Jatropha on marginal land in China

This article identifies marginal land technically available for the production of energy crops in China, compares three models of yield prediction for Miscanthus × giganteus, Panicum virgatum L. (switchgrass), and Jatropha, and estimates their spatially specific yields and technical potential for 2017. Geographic Information System (GIS) analysis of land use maps estimated that 185 Mha of marginal land was technically available for energy crops in China without using areas currently used for food production. Modeled yields were projected for Miscanthus × giganteus, a GIS‐based Environmental Policy Integrated Climate model for switchgrass and Global Agro‐Ecological Zone model for Jatropha. GIS analysis and MiscanFor estimated more than 120 Mha marginal land was technically available for Miscanthus with a total potential of 1,761 dry weight metric million tonne (DW Mt)/year. A total of 284 DW Mt/year of switchgrass could be obtained from 30 Mha marginal land, with an average yield of 9.5 DW t ha^?1 year^?1. More than 35 Mha marginal land was technically available for Jatropha, delivering 9.7 Mt/year of Jatropha seed. The total technical potential from available marginal land was calculated as 31.7 EJ/year for Miscanthus, 5.1 EJ/year for switchgrass, and 0.13 EJ/year for Jatropha. A total technical bioenergy potential of 34.4 EJ/year was calculated by identifying best suited crop for each 1 km² grid cell based on the highest energy value among the three crops. The results indicate that the technical potential per hectare of Jatropha is unable to compete with that of the other two crops in each grid cell. This modeling study provides planners with spatial overviews that demonstrate the potential of these crops and where biomass production could be potentially distributed in China which needs field trials to test model assumptions and build experience necessary to translate into practicality.     

Cyanobacteria and cyanobacterial toxins in the alkaline crater lakes Sonachi and Simbi, Kenya

The phytoplankton communities and the production of cyanobacterial toxins were investigated in two alkaline Kenyan crater lakes, Lake Sonachi and Lake Simbi. Lake Sonachi was mainly dominated by the cyanobacterium Arthrospira fusiformis, Lake Simbi by A. fusiformis and Anabaenopsis abijatae. The phytoplankton biomasses measured were high, reaching up to 3159 mg l⁻¹ in L. Sonachi and up to 348 mg l⁻¹ in L. Simbi. Using HPLC techniques, one structural variant of the hepatotoxin microcystin (microcystin-RR) was found in L. Sonachi and four variants (microcystin-LR, -RR, -LA and -YR) were identified in L. Simbi. The neurotoxin anatoxin-a was found in both lakes. To our knowledge this is the first evidence of cyanobacterial toxins in L. Sonachi and L. Simbi. Total microcystin concentrations varied from 1.6 to 12.0 μg microcystin-LR equivalents g⁻¹ DW in L. Sonachi and from 19.7 to 39.0 μg microcystin-LR equivalents g⁻¹ DW in L. Simbi. Anatoxin-a concentrations ranged from 0.5 to 2.0 μg g⁻¹ DW in L. Sonachi and from 0 to 1.4 μg g⁻¹ DW in L. Simbi. In a monocyanobacterial strain of A. fusiformis, isolated from L. Sonachi, microcystin-YR and anatoxin-a were produced. The concentrations found were 2.2 μg microcystin g⁻¹ DW and 0.3 μg anatoxin-a g⁻¹ DW. This is the first study showing A. fusiformis as producer of microcystins and anatoxin-a. Since A. fusiformis occurs in mass developments in both lakes, a health risk for wildlife can be expected.     

Two-stage culture for producing berberine by cell suspension and shoot cultures of <Emphasis Type="Italic">Berberis buxifolia</Emphasis> Lam

In vitro cultures of Berberis buxifolia were established using thidiazuron (4.5, 23 and 45 mM) or picloram (4 and 40 mM) as plant growth regulators for sustaining growth. For producing berberine, a two-stage culture was performed. In the first step, thidiazuron or picloram were used for biomass production followed by the production stage where benzylaminopurine (4.4 mM) was added as a plant growth regulator. Berberine yields (102 mg g⁻¹ DW) and in vitro shoot cultures (200 mg g⁻¹ DW) were significantly lower than those of whole plants in the field (416 mg g⁻¹ DW). The highest productivity (0.18 mg 1⁻¹ day⁻¹) was attained using picloram (either 4 on 40 mM) in the first stage for producing biomass.     

Variation in polyphenolic profile and in vitro antioxidant activity of eastern teaberry (Gaultheria procumbens L.) leaves following foliar development

Seasonal dynamics in the polyphenolic composition, antioxidant activity, and their relationships during plant development were evaluated for eastern teaberry (Gaultheria procumbens L.) leaves, a traditional herbal medicine of North American natives. With the complementary UHPLC-PDA-ESI-MS³, HPLC-PDA-fingerprint, Folin-Ciocalteau, and n-butanol/HCl assays of methanol-water (75:25, v/v) extracts, the dried leaf samples harvested monthly across the growing season under Polish climate conditions were found rich in structurally diverse polyphenols (149.2–210.7 mg/g DW) including the dominating salicylates (64.6–107.5 mg/g DW), proanthocyanidins (53.0–66.8 mg/g DW), and flavonoids (17.3–25.3 mg/g DW), and the accompanying chlorogenic acid isomers (2.4–4.4 mg/g DW) and simple phenolic acids (0.9–1.1 mg/g DW). Among 28 detected analytes, gaultherin (64.6–107.5 mg/g DW), miquelianin (14.6–21.1 mg/g DW), procyanidin A-type trimer (5.5–9.5 mg/g DW), and (–)-epicatechin (5.8–7.8 mg/g DW) were the most abundant. The phenolic levels and antioxidant activity parameters in the DPPH (EC₅₀, 15.0–18.2 μg DW/mL; 0.95–1.16 mmol Trolox equivalents/g DW) and FRAP (2.3–3.4 mmol Fe ²⁺/g DW; 0.86–1.26 mmol Trolox equivalents/g DW) assays showed parallel seasonal trends with maxima in September and October. As the subsequent correlation studies confirmed the determinative impact of polyphenols on the leaf antioxidant activity and its seasonal fluctuations, the Fall season could be recommended as optimal for harvesting the plant material for medicinal purposes and cost-effective production of natural health products.     

Nutrient content of tropical edible seaweeds, Eucheuma cottonii, Caulerpa lentillifera and Sargassum polycystum

The proximate composition, vitamin C, α-tocopherol, dietary fibers, minerals, fatty acid and amino acid profiles of three tropical edible seaweeds, Eucheuma cottonii (Rhodophyta), Caulerpa lentillifera (Chlorophyta) and Sargassum polycystum (Phaeophyta) were studied. The seaweeds were high in ash (37.15–46.19%) and dietary fibers (25.05–39.67%) and low in lipid content (0.29–1.11%) on dry weight (DW) basis. These seaweeds contained 12.01–15.53% macro-minerals (Na, K, Ca and Mg) and 7.53–71.53 mg.100 g⁻¹ trace minerals (Fe, Zn, Cu, Se and I). The crude protein content of E. cottonii (9.76% DW) and C. lentillifera (10.41% DW) were higher than that of S. polycystum (5.4% DW), and protein chemical scores are between 20 and 67%. The PUFA content of E. cottonii was 51.55%, C. lentillifera 16.76% and S. polycystum 20.34%. Eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), accounted for 24.98% of all fatty acids in E. cottonii. These seaweeds have significant vitamin C (∼35 mg.100 g⁻¹) and α-tocopherol (5.85–11.29 mg.100 g⁻¹) contents.     

Effects of donor plants and plant growth regulators on naphthoquinone production in root cultures of <Emphasis Type="Italic">Impatiens balsamina</Emphasis>

The effects of type of explant (leaves and roots), donor plants, and plant growth regulators on naphthoquinone (NQ) production of Impatiens balsamina L. root cultures were evaluated. The root cultures were initiated in liquid Gamborg’s B5 medium supplemented with 0.1 mg l⁻¹ α-naphthaleneacetic acid (NAA), 0.1 mg l⁻¹ kinetin (Kn) and 1.0 mg l⁻¹ 6-benzyladenine (BA). The present investigation indicated that the root cultures established from the leaf explants produced higher total NQ content [1.01 ± 0.046 mg/g dry weight (DW)] than those established from the root explants (0.62 ± 0.023 mg/g DW). The leaf explants of four I. balsamina strains including white flower plant (IbW), pink flower plant (IbP), violet flower plant (IbV) and red flower plant (IbR) were used to establish the root cultures. Based on HPLC analysis, IbP strain produced the highest total NQ content (3.39 ± 0.072 mg/g DW), while IbR strain produced the lowest one (1.45 ± 0.055 mg/g DW). The root cultures established from the IbP explant were capable of producing higher content of total NQs (2.76 ± 0.093 mg/g DW) than those established from the other strains. The results suggest that the tissue cultures initiated from the high-yielding donor plants should be capable of producing higher content of secondary compounds than those initiated from low-yielding donor plants. In addition, plant growth regulator manipulation exhibited that a combination of 0.1 mg l⁻¹ NAA, 1.0 mg l⁻¹ Kn and 2.0 mg l⁻¹ BA is capable of increasing NQ production (2.97 ± 0.072 mg/g DW) in I. balsamina root cultures.     

Zooplankton biomass in tropical reservoirs in southern Brazil

In order to test the hypothesis that zooplankton biomass distribution (total and taxonomic groups) was influenced by the nutrient concentration and primary productivity distribution in three tropical reservoirs, subsurface samples were taken in the fluvial, transitional and lacustrine regions of three reservoirs (oligotrophic, mesotrophic and eutrophic) in southern Brazil (Paraná State) in March and September 2002. Zooplankton biomass ranged from 0.04 to 264.47 mg DW m⁻³. Higher biomass values were observed for cladocerans (73.60%; 0.01–259.86 mg DW m⁻³), followed by copepods (22.05%; 0.01–69.69 mg DW m⁻³) and rotifers (4.35%; 0.01–11.52 mg DW m⁻³). In general, the total zooplankton, rotifer, cladoceran and copepod biomass, and chlorophyll-a and total nutrient concentrations showed a similar longitudinal distribution within the reservoirs. Total zooplankton, rotifer and cladoceran biomass were related to the chlorophyll-a concentration, and zooplankton biomass was related to the total phosphorus distribution. This may have been due to the significant multicolinearity between the chlorophyll-a and total phosphorus concentrations. Cyanobacteria influenced the taxonomic group biomass results by interfering with the filter feeding in larger zooplankton species, which favoured the dominance of smaller species. As regards the longitudinal distribution of copepod biomass, cyanobacteria biomass determined the displacement of the microcrustaceans to the fluvial region of Iraí Reservoir. Our results supported the hypothesis formulated and the primary productivity was the major predictor of the zooplankton biomass distribution in the reservoirs. Handling editor: S. Dodson     

Significant enhancement of oleanolic acid accumulation by biotic elicitors in cell suspension cultures of Calendula officinalis L.

The effects of elicitors on cell growth and oleanolic acid (OA) accumulation in shaken cell suspension cultures of Calendula officinalis were investigated. Elicitors were added individually at various concentrations to 5-day-old cell cultures and their effects monitored at 24 h intervals for 4 days. Different effects on OA accumulation were observed depending on the day of treatment. Jasmonic acid was the most efficient elicitor. After 72 h of treatment with 100 μM JA, the intracellular content of OA reached its maximum value (0.84 mg g⁻¹ DW), which was 9.4-fold greater than that recorded in an untreated control cultures. The addition of chitosan at 50 mg l⁻¹ produced a 5-fold enhancement of OA accumulation (0.37 mg g⁻¹ DW) after 48 h of treatment. Treatment with yeast extract at 200 mg l⁻¹ for 96 h or with pectin at 2 mg l⁻¹ for 48 h produced identical cellular levels of OA (0.22 mg g⁻¹ DW). Lastly, 48 h elicitation with homogenate of the fungus Trichoderma viride produced a 1.8-fold increase in oleanolic acid content (0.12 mg g⁻¹ DW). In addition to significantly stimulating OA accumulation and its secretion into the culture medium, the elicitors also caused slight inhibition of cell growth.     

Phenylpropanoid production in callus and cell suspension cultures of <Emphasis Type="Italic">Buddleja cordata</Emphasis> Kunth

Plant tissue cultures represent a potential source for producing secondary metabolites. In this work, Buddleja cordata tissue cultures were established in order to produce phenylpropanoids (verbascoside, linarin and hydroxycinnamic acids), as these metabolites are credited with therapeutic properties. Highest callus induction (76.4–84.3%) was obtained in five treatments containing 2,4-Dichlorophenoxyacetic acid (2,4-d: 0.45–9.05 μM) with Kinetin (KIN: 2.32, 4.65 μM), whereas highest root induction (79.6%) corresponded to the α-Naphthaleneacetic acid (9.05 μM) with KIN (2.32 μM) treatment. Verbascoside was the major phenylpropanoid produced in in vitro cultures (root, white and green callus) [66.24–86.26 mg g⁻¹ dry weight (DW)], while linarin and hydroxycinnamic acid production was low (0.95–3.01 mg g⁻¹ DW). Verbascoside and linarin production were improved in cell suspension culture (116 mg g⁻¹ DW and 8.12 mg g⁻¹ DW, respectively).     

Adaptation strategies of copepods (superfamily Centropagoidea) in the White Sea (66°N)

Seasonal dynamics of major biochemical features were studied for three abundant egg-diapausing copepods Acartia bifilosa, Centropages hamatus and Temora longicornis, in the White Sea (66°N), between June 2002 and September 2002. Dry weight (DW) and prosome length varied from 0.54 μg ind⁻¹ and 0.163 ± 0.012 mm (A. bifilosa, CI) to 9.58 ± 0.72 μg ind⁻¹ and 1.135 ± 0.167 mm (C. hamatus, females). C_org and N_org content reached up to 5.91 ± 0.44 and 1.23 ± 0.09 μg ind⁻¹ (C. hamatus, females). Protein and lipid content varied greatly from 31.8 to 67.3% DW and from 8.7 to 42.6% DW, respectively. These species show somewhat different biology compared to species at lower latitudes. The copepods use lipid stores to survive during short-term food shortage (e.g. in autumn) and successfully complete their life cycle. In the isolated White Sea during last post-glacial period, species probably evolved some special biochemical features (especially wax esters presence). Food quality demands and long ice coverage are possible factors limiting early development of species in spring.     

Soil algal communities inhabiting zinc and lead mine spoils

Algal communities inhabiting four calamine mine spoils differing in time since cessation of exploitation and loaded with high concentrations of zinc (20,284–61,599 μg g⁻¹ soil DW), lead (2,620–3,885 μg g⁻¹ DW) and cadmium (104–232 μg g⁻¹ DW) were studied. In dump soils of slightly alkaline pH (7.28–7.52) and low nutrient (, , ) concentrations, chlorophyll a content ranged from 0.41 to 2.27 μg g⁻¹ soil DW. In total, 23 algal species were recorded. Chlorophyta were the dominant taxonomic group (42–55% of all identified species) followed by Cyanobacteria (28–36%) and Heterokontophyta (13–21%). The highest species richness (18) was observed in the oldest dump (120 years old) with natural succession, while in younger dumps it was lower (11–15). Total algal abundance ranged between 5.5 and 19.1 × 10² ind. g⁻¹ soil DW, and values of Margalef’s diversity indices (1.59–2.25) were low. These results may suggest that both high concentrations of heavy metals and low nutrient content influenced the algal communities in all the dumps studied. The differences in algal microflora observed between tailing dumps may indicate that habitat quality improved with time and that algae isolated from Zn/Pb-loaded soils may be Zn/Pb-resistant ecotypes of ubiquitous species.