A bloom of Lyngbya majuscula in Shoalwater Bay, Queensland, Australia: An important feeding ground for the green turtle (Chelonia mydas)

Lyngbya majuscula, a toxic cyanobacterium, was observed blooming during June–July (winter) 2002 in Shoalwater Bay, Queensland, Australia, an important feeding area for a large population of green turtles (Chelonia mydas). The bloom was mapped and extensive mats of L. majuscula were observed overgrowing seagrass beds along at least 18 km of coast, and covering a surface area of more than 11 km². Higher than average rainfall preceded the bloom and high water temperatures in the preceding summer may have contributed to the bloom. In bloom samples, lyngbyatoxin A (LA) was found to be present in low concentration (26 μg kg⁻¹_{(dry weight)}), but debromoaplysiatoxin (DAT) was not detected. The diet of 46 green turtles was assessed during the bloom and L. majuscula was found in 51% of the samples, however, overall it contributed only 2% of the animals’ diets. L. majuscula contribution to turtle diet was found to increase as the availability of the cyanobacterium increased. The bloom appeared to have no immediate impact on turtle body condition, however, the presence of a greater proportion of damaged seagrass leaves in diet in conjunction with decreases in plasma concentrations of sodium and glucose could suggest that the turtles may have been exposed to a substandard diet as a result of the bloom. This is the first confirmed report of L. majuscula blooming in winter in Shoalwater Bay, Queensland, Australia and demonstrates that turtles consume the toxic cyanobacterium in the wild, and that they are potentially exposed to tumour promoting compounds produced by this organism.     

Ecophysiology of the marine cyanobacterium, Lyngbya majuscula (Oscillatoriaceae) in Moreton Bay, Australia

Large blooms of the marine cyanobacterium Lyngbya majuscula in Moreton Bay, Australia (27°05′S, 153°08′E) have been re-occurring for several years. A bloom was studied in Deception Bay (Northern Moreton Bay) in detail over the period January–March 2000. In situ data loggers and field sampling characterised various environmental parameters before and during the L. majuscula bloom. Various ecophysiological experiments were conducted on L. majuscula collected in the field and transported to the laboratory, including short-term (2 h) ¹⁴C incorporation rates and long-term (7 days) pulse amplitude modulated (PAM) fluorometry assessments of photosynthetic capacity. The effects of L. majuscula on various seagrasses in the bloom region were also assessed with repeated biomass sampling. The bloom commenced in January 2000 following usual December rainfall events, water temperatures in excess of 24 °C and high light conditions. This bloom expanded rapidly from 0 to a maximum extent of 8 km² over 55 days with an average biomass of 210 g_dw⁻¹ m⁻² in late February, followed by a rapid decline in early April. Seagrass biomass, especially Syringodium isoetifolium, was found to decline in areas of dense L. majuscula accumulation. Dissolved and total nutrient concentrations did not differ significantly (P > 0.05) preceding or during the bloom. However, water samples from creeks discharging into the study region indicated elevated concentrations of total iron (2.7–80.6 μM) and dissolved organic carbon (2.5–24.7 mg L⁻¹), associated with low pH values (3.8–6.7). ¹⁴C incorporation rates by L. majuscula were significantly (P < 0.05) elevated by additions of iron (5 μM Fe), an organic chelator, ethylenediaminetetra-acetic acid (5 μM EDTA) and phosphorus (5 μM PO₄⁻³). Photosynthetic capacity measured with PAM fluorometry was also stimulated by various nutrient additions, but not significantly (P > 0.05). These results suggest that the L. majuscula bloom may have been stimulated by bioavailable iron, perhaps complexed by dissolved organic carbon. The rapid bloom expansion observed may then have been sustained by additional inputs of nutrients (N and P) and iron through sediment efflux, stimulated by redox changes due to decomposing L. majuscula mats.     

Monitoring toxic cyanobacteria Lyngbya majuscula (Gomont) in Moreton Bay, Australia by integrating satellite image data and field mapping

Large-scale blooms of Lyngbya majuscula (Gomont) have occurred throughout Moreton Bay (south-east Queensland) and have been documented since 1997. L. majuscula is a toxic cyanobacteria which fixes nitrogen and is found attached to: seagrass, algae and coral. The toxic and smothering nature of L. majuscula has affected human and environmental health in sensitive coastal ecosystems. To reduce these impacts, monitoring is an essential component of studying the origins and development of L. majuscula blooms. An accurate and cost effective means to map the extent of a bloom and its biophysical properties is needed. This study presents an operational approach for mapping the extent of L. majuscula blooms in the clear and shallow water regions of Moreton Bay, eastern Australia, from a combination of field and remotely sensed data sets. The ability to discriminate L. majuscula from other substrate types over a range of depths was first examined using detailed field reflectance spectra, measured optical properties of Moreton Bay waters and a radiative transfer model (Hydrolight 4.1). A two-stage process was then used to map L. majuscula. The spatial extent of L. majuscula and other major substrate types was first recorded from a boat-based survey by marine park authorities using point-based GPS measurements. This sampling was timed to coincide with an overpass of the Landsat 7 ETM+ sensor. When the results of the boat-based mapping detected more than 25% L. majuscula cover in the study area, a cloud free Landsat 7 ETM+ image was acquired for that date. In the second stage of mapping, selected field survey data provided the basis for a supervised classification of the ETM+ image data to map L. majuscula. Effort and accuracy assessment of both field and image mapping methods indicated a trade-off between areal coverage and mapping accuracy. The Landsat 7 ETM+ based mapping procedure provided 100% areal coverage with 58% accuracy. In contrast, the boat-based field survey method covered only 0.5% of the study area, but with almost 100% mapping accuracy. The approach outlined in this work has been adopted as a standard operating procedure in Moreton Bay. This study illustrates how remote sensing can be combined with field monitoring, to provide marine park authorities with useful information to understand and manage blooms.     

Dermal toxicology of Lyngbya majuscula, from Moreton Bay, Queensland, Australia

Lyngbya majuscula is a filamentous marine cyanobacterium with a worldwide distribution in temperate and tropical regions to a depth of 30 m. Over 70 chemicals have been isolated and characterised from this organism, many of which are biologically active. Previously, L. majuscula has been reported as implicated in negative health outcomes only in Hawaii and Okinawa. Recently large blooms of L. majuscula have occurred with increasing repetition in the Moreton Bay region as well as other areas along the Australian coastline.Lyngbya toxin A (LA) and debromoaplysiatoxin (DAT) were found in samples of L. majuscula collected from Eastern Moreton Bay and North Deception Bay, Queensland, Australia, respectively. Samples of L. majuscula were also obtained from West Maui, Hawaii and the freshwater Lyngbya wollei from Florida. A quantitative measure of the irritant effects of the chemicals found in L. majuscula was made using a mouse ear swelling test. The relative toxicities of two purified toxins, LA and DAT, were examined. These were found to produce swelling to a similar extent. The time course of inflammation and histopathological results were also similar for the two purified toxins. Less than 1 μg per ear of either toxin or a mixture (1:1) of the two toxins caused a measurable increase in ear thickness. When toxins were combined (1:1) there was an additive, not synergistic effect. Increases in ear thickness occurred within 15 min. Crude extracts of L. majuscula from Moreton Bay were also applied to mice ears. The effect of crude extracts from Eastern Moreton Bay was not fully explained by the measured LA content, suggesting other toxin(s) and/or modulating factors were present. The toxic effects of L. majuscula containing DAT from North Deception Bay were explained by the concentrations measured. Some samples of L. majuscula containing no measurable quantities of LA or DAT were found to exert an inflammatory response. This response had a different time course to the response produced by LA or DAT.     

Occurrence of okadaic acid in the feeding grounds of dugongs (Dugong dugon) and green turtles (Chelonia mydas) in Moreton Bay, Australia

Okadaic acid (OA) is a diarrhetic shellfish poison (DSP) produced by a number of marine organisms including the benthic dinoflagellate Prorocentrum lima, which are often found on seagrass. As seagrass forms the basis of the diet of dugong (Dugong dugon) and green turtle (Chelonia mydas), these herbivores may potentially be exposed to OA through ingestion of P. lima found on the seagrass. In this study, the abundance of epiphytic P. lima, on seagrass, and the concentration of OA produced by these epiphytic dinoflagellates was measured in Moreton Bay, Queensland, Australia. P. lima and OA were found on all four species of seagrass collected. OA was detected in epiphytic material collected from seagrass, with a maximum of 460 ng OA/kg_(wwtSG) found on Halophila spinulosa. From this information, the estimated maximum daily intake (DI) of OA by an adult dugong consuming 40 kg_(wwtSG)/day was 18,400 ng/day, and an adult turtle consuming 2 kg_(wwtSG)/day was 920 ng/day. Analysis by HPLC/MS/MS of 54 stranded dugongs and 19 stranded turtles did not yield OA above the detection limit of 10,000 ng/kg_{(animal tissue)}. OA was found on seagrass, however it was not detected in the tissue samples of dugongs and turtles.     

Fuel use and corticosterone dynamics in hatchling green sea turtles (Chelonia mydas) during natal dispersal

During their natal dispersal hatchling sea turtles depart their nest, beach and inshore areas quickly to move into offshore developmental habitat using their finite energy stores. Patterns of fuel use and endocrine responses that could facilitate hatchling sea turtle dispersal activity are poorly understood. This study, examined aspects of intermediary metabolism by measuring plasma fuel use and an endocrine response of hatchling green turtles (Chelonia mydas) during terrestrial and aquatic activity coinciding with natal dispersal. Specifically, we measured plasma concentrations of glucose, non-esterised free fatty acids and protein to gauge the contributions of carbohydrate, lipid and protein metabolism for fuelling natal dispersal. In addition, we measured plasma levels of the steroid hormone corticosterone (CORT) a hormone implicated in regulating a number of metabolic events associated with migration and energy use in vertebrates. During terrestrial activity, hatchlings ascended through the sand from their nests and exhibited significant increases in plasma CORT and lactate indicating intense periods of anaerobic activity. During swimming, all plasma metabolites, with the exception of plasma protein, peaked between 1 and 4 h post-beginning swimming activity. Plasma CORT peaked at between 3 and 5 h of swimming activity. These plasma concentrations are consistent with intensive activity inducing catabolism of carbohydrate, lipid and protein stores to support prolonged activity. These results are similar to other vertebrates and suggest a relatively uniform cascade of physiological processes during such arduous migratory events.     

First evidence for the production of cylindrospermopsin and deoxy-cylindrospermopsin by the freshwater benthic cyanobacterium, Lyngbya wollei (Farlow ex Gomont) Speziale and Dyck

Lyngbya wollei (Farlow ex Gomont) Speziale and Dyck is a common mat-forming benthic cyanobacterium from freshwater habitats. We found that two populations from southeast Queensland (Australia) produce the potent cyanotoxin cylindrospermopsin (CYN) and its analogue, deoxy-cylindrospermopsin (deoxy-CYN). The highest concentrations in environmental samples were 20 and 550 μg g⁻¹ dry weight for CYN and deoxy-CYN, respectively. A sub-sample maintained in culture for over 16 months yielded concentrations of 33 and 308 μg g⁻¹ dry weight for CYN and deoxy-CYN, respectively. The concentration of deoxy-CYN in L. wollei was 10–300 times higher than CYN, suggesting that, unlike many other CYN-producing cyanobacteria, the primary compound produced by L. wollei is deoxy-CYN. The production of CYN and deoxy-CYN by L. wollei represents a potential human health risk and an additional source of these toxins in freshwaters. This is the first report of the production of CYN and deoxy-CYN by L. wollei or any species of the Oscillatoriales.     

In situ field experiment shows Lyngbya majuscula (cyanobacterium) growth stimulated by added iron, phosphorus and nitrogen

Coastal waters worldwide have experienced an increase in the occurrence of harmful algal blooms. Over the past decade, nuisance blooms of the toxic cyanobacterium Lyngbya majuscula have increased in frequency and severity in south-east Queensland, Australia, with blooms in Moreton Bay hypothesised to be linked to increased inputs of dissolved nutrients and organic carbon from land-based sources. An in situ field experiment was conducted in northern Moreton Bay (Deception Bay), Australia, to determine the growth response of L. majuscula to phosphorus, nitrogen and organically chelated iron additions to the water column. A three-way analysis of variance showed each of these nutrients stimulated L. majuscula biomass under field conditions, with organically chelated iron (FeEDTA) > phosphorus > nitrogen. Concurrent addition of all three nutrients [FeEDTA + P + N] caused the greatest response being 18 times the control after 49 days; this resulted in an additional 928 g_dw m⁻² of L. majuscula biomass over the control (54 g_dw m⁻²). These results show that water borne nutrients, particularly organically chelated iron, phosphorus and nitrogen can promote prolific growth of the bloom-forming cyanobacterium L. majuscula. It is also likely that the addition of iron and/or phosphorus stimulated nitrogen fixation in L. majuscula, based on the large L. majuscula biomass and higher tissue nitrogen content in the iron and phosphorus treatments. Enrichment with poultry litter (sourced from the adjacent catchment) also substantially enhanced L. majuscula biomass. The experiment shows that a precautionary approach to limit or reduce nutrient additions to streams, estuaries and coastal waters is justified; otherwise the magnitude of L. majuscula blooms is likely to increase in Moreton Bay in the future.     

Dietary selectivity for the toxic cyanobacterium Lyngbya majuscula and resultant growth rates in two species of opisthobranch mollusc

Trophodynamics of blooms of the toxic marine cyanobacterium Lyngbya majuscula were investigated to determine dietary specificity in two putative grazers: the opisthobranch molluscs, Stylocheilus striatus and Bursatella leachii. S. striatus is associated with L. majuscula blooms and is known to sequester L. majuscula metabolites. The dietary specificity and toxicodynamics of B. leachii in relation to L. majuscula is less well documented. In this study we found diet history had no significant effect upon dietary selectivity of S. striatus when offered a range of plant species. However, L. majuscula chemotype may alter S. striatus' selectivity for this cyanobacterium. Daily biomass increases between small and large size groups of both species were recorded in no-choice consumption trials using L. majuscula. Both S. striatus and B. leachii preferentially consumed L. majuscula containing lyngbyatoxin-a. Increase in mass over a 10-day period in B. leachii (915%) was significantly greater than S. striatus (150%), yet S. striatus consumed greater quantities of L. majuscula (g day^− 1) and thus had a lower conversion efficiency (0.038) than B. leachii (0.081) based on sea hare weight per gram of L. majuscula consumed day^− 1. Our findings suggest that growth rates and conversion efficiencies may be influenced by sea hare maximum growth potential, acquisition of secondary metabolites or diet type.     

Chemical analysis of a polysaccharide of unripe (green) tomato (Lycopersicon esculentum)

A polysaccharide (PS-I) isolated from the aqueous extract of the unripe (green) tomatoes (Lycopersicon esculentum) consists of d-galactose, d-methyl galacturonate, d-arabinose, l-arabinose, and l-rhamnose. Structural investigation of the polysaccharide was carried out using total acid hydrolysis, methylation analysis, periodate oxidation study, and NMR studies (¹H, ¹³C, DQF-COSY, TOCSY, NOESY, ROESY, HMQC, and HMBC). On the basis of above-mentioned experiments the structure of the repeating unit of the polysaccharide (PS-I) was established as:

Full-size image (8K)

     

Evaluation of rhizosphere bacterial antagonists for their potential to bioprotect potato (Solanum tuberosum) against bacterial wilt (Ralstonia solanacearum)

Bacterial wilt (Ralstonia solanacearum) is one of the production constraints of potato (Solanum tuberosum). The intent of the study was to evaluate potential of bacterial antagonists to suppress bacterial wilt disease development and evaluate the role of the strains as plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR) in potato. One hundred-twenty rhizosphere bacterial isolates were screened against virulent strain of Ralstonia solanacearum PPRC-Rs. After in vitro screening, six antagonistic strains (PFMRI, BS-DFS, PF9, PF20, BC, and BS-wly) with inhibition diameter >11 mm were selected and studied further in the greenhouse, in vivo. During in vivo study, the strains were evaluated for their effect in suppressing disease development in terms of area under disease progress curve (AUDPC) and increasing biomass (plant height and dry weight) of potato. Accordingly, PFMRI, BS-DFS, and PF9, significantly reduced AUDPC by 78.6, 66, and 64.3%, and wilt incidence by 82.7, 66.2, and 65.7%, respectively, compared to the control. During the sole application, the strains significantly (P < 0.0001) increased plant height by 35.6, 45.9, and 45%, and dry matter by 111, 130.4, and 129%, respectively compared to non-bacterized control. In the presence of the pathogen strain PFMRI, BS-DFS, and PF9 increased plant height by 66, 50, and 48.2%, and dry matter by 153.8, 96.8, and 92.5%, respectively compared to the pathogen treated control. Hence, the study shows that PFMRI, BS-DFS, and PF9 strains have potential use in potato bioprotection, as PGPR or in an integrated bacterial wilt management; whose effectiveness under a variety of field conditions should be investigated.     

加查银莲花(毛茛科)的名实订正

通过标本检查, 发现毛茛科加查银莲花(Anemone jiachaensis W. T. Wang)与西藏银莲花(A. tibetica W. T. Wang)属于同一种植物, 故将前者处理为后者的异名。加查银莲花发表时被置于鹅掌草组[A. sect. Stolonifera (Ulbr.) Juz.], 但其花粉为三沟而非多沟, 与岩生银莲花亚组[A. subsect. Rupicolae (Tamura ex Chaudhary & Trifonova) Starod.]的岩生银莲花(A. rupicola Camb.)(西藏银莲花亦属于该亚组)的花粉类型一致, 而与鹅掌草组植物的多沟花粉明显不同, 从而进一步表明加查银莲花与西藏银莲花确为同一种植物而且应为岩生银莲花亚组的成员。     

Pathogenicity and specificity of Neozygites tanajoae and Neozygites floridana (Zygomycetes: Entomophthorales) isolates pathogenic to the cassava green mite

The cassava green mite (CGM), Mononychellus tanajoa, a native of South America was accidentally introduced into Africa where it causes serious crop losses. The possibility of introducing classical biological agents from the native home of CGM into Africa was investigated. Thus, we conducted a series of laboratory assays of the native fungal pathogens, Neozygites tanajoae from Brazil and Neozygites floridana from Colombia and Brazil, and compared them with N. tanajoae isolates from Benin. Infectivity of both fungal species, was assayed against the twospotted spider mite, Tetranychus urticae, and against the red mite, Oligonychus gossypii. Pathogenicity against CGM and host range studies were conducted by transferring adult females of each mite species to leaf discs containing sporulated cadavers with a halo of conidia of each fungal isolate. All isolates caused some degree of infectivity to CGM. None of the isolates of N. floridana and N. tanajoae tested were pathogenic to O. gossypii, and only two isolates infected T. urticae. Most isolates from Brazil were highly virulent and infected only CGM. Sixteen N. tanajoae isolates caused more than 89% mortality and more than 62% of the CGM became mummified. A mummified CGM is characteristically a swollen, brown fungus-killed mite that has great potential to produce conidia. However, high mortality was not always associated with high mummification. The median mummification time ranged from 4.4 to 6.7 days. Five Brazilian isolates caused >75% mummification with a median mummification time <5 days. Isolates that cause high mummification in a short period of time would be more likely to cause epizootics and to establish in the new environment. Therefore, these isolates would be the best candidates for introduction to Africa.     

地衣芽胞杆菌FJAT-4脂肽结构鉴定及其对尖孢镰刀菌的抑制作用

【目的】地衣芽胞杆菌FJAT-4产生的脂肽能够有效抑制尖孢镰刀菌的生长,本研究的目的在于探究地衣芽胞杆菌FJAT-4脂肽结构,分析培养基组分和培养温度对FJAT-4产抑菌脂肽的影响,阐述脂肽对尖孢镰刀菌的抑制作用,为菌株抑菌机理的阐释及其在枯萎病防治中的推广应用奠定基础。【方法】通过酸沉醇提法提取地衣芽胞杆菌FJAT-4产生的脂肽;利用液相色谱串联四极杆飞行时间质谱进行地衣芽胞杆菌FJAT-4脂肽组成分析及结构鉴定;以抑菌圈大小为指标评估地衣芽胞杆菌FJAT-4脂肽对尖孢镰刀菌的抑制效果;通过扫描电镜观察地衣芽胞杆菌FJAT-4粗脂肽对尖孢镰刀菌的抑制作用。【结果】地衣芽胞杆菌FJAT-4产生的抑菌脂肽由C_(17)fengycin A、C_(17)fengycin B、C_(17)fengycin B_2、C_(16)fengycin A衍生物、C_(16)fengycin B衍生物、C_(13)–C_(15)surfactin及C_(13)–C_(15)surfactin衍生物组成,其中C_(13)–C_(15) surfactin衍生物(m/z[M+Na]~+=1048.6/1062.6/1076.6)为新化合物。培养基成分不同对菌株FJAT-4脂肽组成影响较小,但温度对菌株FJAT-4产生抑菌脂肽的影响很大,该菌株在较低温度(20–25°C)下培养不产生脂肽,30–40°C下培养能产生抑菌脂肽,且高温有利于提高脂肽中surfactin的比例。该脂肽类物质对辣椒、番茄、香蕉和甜瓜尖孢镰刀菌等多种植物病原真菌均具有很好的抑制效果,且呈剂量依赖性。扫描电镜结果表明地衣芽胞杆菌FJAT-4所产的脂肽会严重影响辣椒、番茄、香蕉和甜瓜尖孢镰刀菌菌丝的正常生长,导致菌丝断裂变形、孢子变形或显著抑制了孢子的生长。【结论】地衣芽胞杆菌FJAT-4产生的抑菌脂肽为fengycin和surfactin类物质,该抑菌脂肽会致使尖孢镰刀菌菌丝体发育畸形,影响尖孢镰刀菌的正常生长。     

菊科紫菀属3种植物的核型分析

菊科紫菀属密毛系(Aster Series Vestiti Ling)含3个物种:密毛紫菀(A.vestitus Franch.)、灰枝紫菀(A.poliothamnus Diels)和西固紫菀(A.sikuensis W.W.Smith et Farr.),新近的分子系统学研究对密毛系是否单系提出质疑。该文采用常规根尖压片法,对紫菀属密毛系3种植物4个居群的核型进行观察分析。结果显示:3种植物的核型公式均为2n=2x=18=14m+4sm(2SAT);密毛紫菀居群2个的核型属于1A型,灰枝紫菀和西固紫菀为2A型。密毛紫菀和西固紫菀的核型资料为首次报道。灰枝紫菀的染色体数目、基数和不对称性等核型资料与先前唯一的相关报道结果(体细胞染色体数目为32,核型公式2n=2x=32=26sm+6st,属4A型,染色体中未发现随体)迥然不同。3种植物的核型结果不支持保留密毛系,而核型不对称性类型支持该实验室先前提出的亚属划分。3种植物随体的大小属于紫菀亚族型,这支持欧亚紫菀属与北美紫菀类没有密切亲缘关系的观点。     

玫烟色棒束孢(Isaria fumosorosea)侵染小菜蛾的表达谱分析

【背景】昆虫病原真菌对寄主的侵染是一个十分复杂的过程,是多基因共同作用的结果。玫烟色棒束孢(Isaria fumosorosea) IFCF01菌株对小菜蛾具有很高的致病力,然而有关玫烟色棒束孢对小菜蛾致病的相关基因少见报道。【目的】筛选玫烟色棒束孢侵染小菜蛾相关基因,为更好地利用玫烟色棒束孢防治小菜蛾提供基因靶点。【方法】采用第二代高通量测序技术RNA-Seq,对玫烟色棒束孢侵染小菜蛾2–3龄幼虫4、8、12、16、24、30、36 h的虫菌混合样品(处理组)及纯培养玫烟色棒束孢(对照组)进行测序分析并筛选差异表达基因,结合生物信息学方法分析差异基因涉及的功能模块和信号通路。【结果】玫烟色棒束孢侵染小菜蛾混合样品与纯培养玫烟色棒束孢对照组对比分析共获得28 384个差异基因,其中显著差异表达基因274个,上调表达118个,下调表达156个。筛选获得的显著差异表达基因,特别是上调表达基因可能与玫烟色棒束孢对小菜蛾的侵染有关。GO二级分类显示,差异表达基因能够注释到36个GO条目中,包含18个生物学过程、9个细胞组分和9个分子功能。KEGG通路分析显示共有171个差异表达基因(differentially expressed gene,DEG)注释到132个通路中,其中有66个DEG显著富集在14个通路中。这些显著差异表达基因中大部分为玫烟色棒束孢侵染过程中潜在致病毒力相关基因。【结论】本研究为筛选玫烟色棒束孢侵染小菜蛾致病相关基因提供重要数据库,也为阐明玫烟色棒束孢对小菜蛾的侵染机制提供基础。     

Molecular phylogeny of the genus Stereocaulon (Stereocaulaceae, lichenized ascomycetes)

In the present study phylogenetic relationships of the genus Stereocaulon (lichenized ascomycetes) were examined using DNA sequences from the ITS1–5.8 S–ITS2 rDNA gene cluster and from the protein-coding β-tubulin gene. In addition to the fruticose species traditionally classified in Stereocaulon, representatives of the crustose species that have recently been transferred to the genus were included. Muhria, a monotypic genus that is morphologically similar to Stereocaulon, differing only in apothecia ontogeny, was also incorporated. The analyses included 101 specimens from the ingroup representing 49 taxa. Sequences from both DNA regions were analysed simultaneously using direct optimization under the parsimony optimality criterion. The results support the inclusion of the crustose species and Muhria in Stereocaulon, while the current infrageneric classification is not supported. As Muhria is securely nested within Stereocaulon the new combination Stereocaulon urceolatum comb. nov. (syn. Muhria urceolata) is made. Further, species concepts need to be re-examined, as some species do not appear as monophyletic entities in the phylogeny.     

蠋蝽对茄二十八星瓢虫的捕食功能反应

【目的】明确蠋蝽对茄二十八星瓢虫的捕食能力。【方法】在实验室条件下测定蠋蝽5龄若虫对茄二十八星瓢虫2和4龄幼虫的捕食功能反应及搜寻效应。【结果】蠋蝽5龄若虫对茄二十八星瓢虫2和4龄幼虫的捕食行为均符合Ⅱ型功能反应;随着茄二十八星瓢虫密度的增加,蠋蝽的搜寻效应逐渐降低,蠋蝽5龄若虫对茄二十八星瓢虫2龄幼虫的搜寻效应明显大于4龄幼虫;蠋蝽5龄若虫对茄二十八星瓢虫2和4龄幼虫的实际最大捕食量分别为15和10头。【结论】蠋蝽5龄若虫对茄二十八星瓢虫幼虫具有较好的捕食作用。     

The phylogenetic placement of the Leucogastrales, including Mycolevis siccigleba (Cribbeaceae), in the Albatrellaceae using morphological and molecular data

The morphology of many hypogeous fungi converges on a homogeneous reduced form, suggesting that disparate lineages are subject to a uniform selection pressure. The primary goal of this study was to evaluate the morphology and infer the phylogeny of the Leucogastrales with Mycolevis siccigleba using a Bayesian methodology. A comprehensive morphological assessment was used for an a priori phylogenetic inference to guide the sequencing effort. All structures except spore ornamentation pointed to the Albatrellaceae as the most likely sister taxon. Polyporoletus sublividus, a close relative of Albatrellus, produces ornamented basidiospores with a similar structure to M. siccigleba basidiospores. The ITS from 30 taxa was used for the molecular phylogenetic analysis. P. sublividus was found sister to Mycolevis. Leucophleps spinispora and L. magnata formed a group sister to the Polyporoletus/Mycolevis group, whereas Leucogaster was polyphyletic with respect to the core of the Leucogastrales and sister to A. caeruleoporus. This relationship was expected as previously undescribed chlamydospores produced by members of Albatrellus had a similar morphology to the basidiospores of L. rubescens.