Physiological studies on pea tendrils. XII. Effects of temperature on contact coiling and uncoiling

When excised tendrils of pea ( Pisum sativum L. cv. Alaska 2B) are mechanically perturbed and allowed to coil at different constant temperatures, the greatest amount of coiling occurs between 27°C and 33°C. Coiling of tendrils continues for about 2 h after mechanical perturbation at which time uncoiling usually begins. The temperature at which the rate of uncoiling is greatest appears to be influenced, at least in part, by the temperature at which the tendrils coiled. For example, when tendrils coil at 20°C their rate of uncoiling at 20°C is less than if they had coiled at 23°C. Estimated activation energies for the uncoiling process are greater than for coiling, with 35 J/mol × s and 97 J/mol × s for uncoiling in the temperature ranges 18°C to 23°C and 10°C to 18°C, respectively. The estimated activation energy for coiling is 5.4 J/mol × s. It is suggested that the process of tendril uncoiling, as well as tendril coiling, might be an active, energy requiring process.
When mechanically perturbed tendrils are placed in the cold (5°C) they do not coil. But this interruption of the coiling process with a cold (5°C) treatment, either immediately after mechanical perturbation or after coiling has begun, does not prevent coiling from continuing after tendrils are again given a more suitable temperature. It is concluded that the cessation of coiling during the cold period may be due to a slowdown in metabolism. It is suggested that there may be a factor which is responsible for the motor response and which is retained during the cold treatment.     

Germination responses of a non-dormant seed population of Amaranthus patulus Bertol. to constant temperatures in the sub-optimal range

Abstract. The germination responses of a nondormant seed population of Amaranthus patulus Bertol, at constant sub-optimal temperatures in the range of 10–34°C were analysed through a detailed time-course study. Although a final germination percentage of nearly 100% was attained at temperatures above 18°C, it fell abruptly to zero with decreasing temperature from 17 to 10°C. The final germination percentage, v. temperature plotted on a normal probability scale yielded a straight line, indicating normality of the lower limit temperature within seed population with an estimated mean of 13.75°C and a standard deviation of 1.50°C. Simple linear relationships were obtained between the temperature and the germination rates, i.e., the reciprocals of the time taken to germinate by the subpopulations with 20–80% germination. The linear relationships were characterized by similar base temperatures or theoretical limit temperatures of about 11°C but there was a variation in the required 'thermal times' (θ), the distribution of which could be approximated for the seed population by the following distribution function: where m is the median of the distribution and A is a parameter characterizing the pattern of the distribution. When the germination rates were calculated after subtracting 10–14 h from the time actually consumed in germination, linear Arrhenius relationships were obtained. The apparent activation energy estimated from the linear regression of Arrhenius plot was approximately 100 kJ mol⁻¹ with all 20–80% subpopulations.     

Cell-type Conversion at Low Temperature in Dictyostelium discoideum

The effects of low temperature (5°C) on cell-type conversion in whole slugs of Dictyostelium discoideum and their anterior prestalk- and posterior prespore-isolates were examined immunohistochemically and electronmicroscopically. When slugs were incubated for nine days at 5°C, the proportion of cells containing spore-antigens increased from about 75% to 85%. More important, the proportion of prespore and spore cells increased from about 3% to 40% in anterior prestalk isolates incubated at 5°C for 12 days, but no cell-type conversion from prespore to prestalk cells occurred in posterior prespore isolates. Therefore, the mechanism regulating the proportions of cells that operates at 21 °C does not operate at low temperature. The cells with full competence for stalk differentiation could change into stalk cells even at 5°C, because a short stalk was always formed when early culminants were transferred to low temperature. The effects of low temperature on several sequential steps of cell differentiation are discussed on the basis of these findings. The ultrastructural characteristics during the process of cell-type conversion are also described.     

Temperature-related fluctuations in the timing of emergence and pupation of Windermere alder-flies over 30 years

1. From 1966 to 1995, dates were recorded when adult alder-flies, Sialis lutaria L., were first seen (30-year range: 23 April – 25 May), 50% of the maximum density occurred (4 May – 4 June), and maximum density occurred (11 May – 17 June) along 200 m of Windermere shore. These emergence dates occurred at similar temperatures, estimated by mean values for both the emergence date and the week prior to emergence. The latter was the least variable at 10.1 °C (95% CL ± 0.37) for start of emergence, 11.2 °C (± 0.49) for 50% maximum density, 14.2 °C (± 0.51) for maximum density.
2. Final-instar larvae pupated in damp soil just above the water line. As laboratory temperatures were increased slowly from an initial 5 °C, the cumulative number of larvae leaving the water to pupate increased. A quadratic equation described this relationship from a threshold temperature of 7.2 °C to completion at 14.0 °C (50% point, 9.3 °C). The relationship between successful pupations and constant temperatures in the laboratory was well described by a quadratic equation with an optimum 14.9 °C (over 90% success) and no success outside the range 7–23 °C. A negative power-function described the relationship between days required for pupation and temperature, ranging from c . 28 days at 8.2 °C to c . 4 days at 22.1 °C.
3. Dates for larvae leaving the lake to pupate were back-calculated from dates for adult emergence, using the power-function for pupation time. Mean temperatures for estimated dates on which larvae left the lake to pupate were less variable than those for adult emergence, being 7.5 °C (± 0.20) for the start of pupation, 9.4 °C (± 0.16) for 50% maximum density, 13.7 °C (± 0.16) for maximum density. These values are similar to those obtained in the laboratory and can be used to predict pupation and adult emergence for different temperature regimes.     

Significance of temperature and preincubation temperature on survival of Listeriamonocytogenes at pH 4·8

Listeria monocytogenes is a food-borne pathogenic bacterium that can be found in softcheese. At the beginning of cheese ripening, the pH is about 4·85–4·90. The aimof this work was to study the influence of temperature, preincubation temperature (temperature atwhich the inoculum was cultivated) and initial bacterial concentration on the survival of L.monocytogenes (strain Scott A) at pH 4·8. It was demonstrated in an earlier study thatthese factors did influence growth kinetics. Survival studies of L. monocytogenes weredone in a laboratory broth simulating cheese composition. Four test temperatures (2, 6, 10 and14°C) and two preincubation temperatures were studied (30°C or the test temperature). Listeria monocytogenes (strain Scott A) was unable to grow at pH 4·8 under allconditions tested. The time for 10% survival was about 11 and 2 d, at 2°C with preincubationat 2°C and 30°C, respectively; 9 d at 6°C with preincubation at 6°C; 4 d at 6°Cwith preincubation at 30°C; and 1 d at 14°C with preincubation at 14°C or at 30°C.The results show that survival of L. monocytogenes (strain Scott A) at pH 4·8 is notdependent on initial bacterial concentration but on both the test and preincubation temperatures.     

Life history of Amitus fuscipennis (Hym., Platygastridae) as parasitoid of the greenhouse whitefly Trialeurodes vaporariorum (Hom., Aleyrodidae) on tomato as function of temperature

Life history parameters of Amitus fuscipennis MacGown and Nebeker as parasitoid of Trialeurodes vaporariorum (Westwood) were determined at 15, 20, 25 and 30°C on tomato using three different methods. For each method, immature development, mortality, longevity, fecundity, oviposition frequency and post-oviposition period were determined and temperature-dependent relations were estimated. Oviposition frequency was also estimated as a function of parasitoid age. Immature development had a maximum of 61 days at 15°C that decreased to 22 days at 30°C. Mortality in the grey stage was less than 2% at temperatures lower than 30°C, where it was 60%. Longevity fluctuated between 3 and 18 days. Fecundity increased from 338 eggs/female at 15°C to a maximum of 430 eggs/female at 25°C and then decreased to 119 eggs/female at 30°C. Oviposition frequency varied between 3 and 46 eggs/female per day and had its maximum on the first day after emergence of the parasitoid. Net reproduction rate, generation time and intrinsic rate of increase were calculated. The intrinsic rate of increase increased from 0.090 at 15°C to a maximum of 0.233 at 25°C and then decreased to 0.159 at 30°C. The influence of the methods to determine the life history parameters on the results is discussed. The results are compared also with the life history of Encarsia formosa Gahan (Hym., Aphelinidae) a parasitoid of the same host. The advantages and disadvantages of the pro-ovigenic A. fuscipennis in comparison with the synovigenic E. formosa are discussed.     

The protective effect of some food ingredients on Staphylococcus aureus MF31

The upper limiting temperature of growth of Staphylococcus aureus MF31 in heart infusion broth (HI) was about 44°C but addition of monosodium glutamate (MSG) and soy sauce permitted the organism to grow above this temperature. This effect is similar to that of NaCl. Tomato ketchup, Worcestershire and HP sauces added to HI did not allow growth at the non-permissive temperature of 46°C but death was delayed. Staphylococcus aureus died in unsupplemented chicken meat slurry at 46°C but grew at 48°C in slurry supplemented with 5.8% NaCl and survived incubation for 18 h at 50°C in slurry supplemented with 5.8% NaCl and 5% MSG. Cultures grown at 37°C had a D ₆₀ value of 2 min in 50 mmol/l Tris (pH 7.2) buffer. Cultures grown at 46°C in HI containing 5.8% NaCl had a D ₆₀ value of 8 min in Tris buffer. Addition of 5.8% NaCl plus 5% MSG to the buffer increased the D ₆₀ by a factor of about 7 for both cultures. In storage experiments at room temperature, the culture grown at 37°C and at 46°C plus 5.8% NaCl died at about the same rate in salami. In milk powder, however, the count of 37°C culture decreased from 10⁹/g to 10⁶/g in 5 weeks while the count of 46°C culture remained unchanged. In cottage cheese, freeze-dried rice and macaroni, the 37°C cultures also died more rapidly. It is suggested that cultures grown at 46°C plus 5.8% NaCl may be suitable for experiments with artificially contaminated foods.     

THE EFFECTS OF TEMPERATURE AND HUMIDITY ON THE RATE OF DEVELOPMENT AND THE MORTALITY OF TRIBOLIUM CONFUSUM DUVAL (COLEOPTERA, TENEBRIONIDAE)

The speed of development and the developmental mortality of Tribolium confusum were studied over a series of constant temperatures between 15° and 40° C. at 10, 30, 70 and 90% R.H. using wheatfeed as food.
Eggs did not hatch at 15° or 40° C. at any humidity. At 37.5° C. about 60% of eggs hatched and at all other conditions about 90% hatched. The effect of temperature on the duration of the egg period is shown graphically, the shortest period being at 35° C. Humidity does not affect the egg period.
Larvae failed to develop to pupae at 17.5° C., at 10% R.H. at 20° C, and at 10 and 90% R.H. at 37.5° C. The rate of larval development was affected by both temperature and humidity being quickest at the higher humidities and at about 32.5° C. Larval mortality was less than 16% except at 37.5° C., at 10% R.H. or less, and at 20°C., 90% R.H.
The duration of the pupal period was not affected by humidity and was shortest at 37.5°C. The total developmental period is compared with that of T. castaneum over the range of temperature and humidity conditions in which both species can grow. The optimum for developmental speed and the maximum and the minimum temperatures at which development is possible were all about 2.5°C. lower for T. confusum than for T. castaneum. The developmental periods for the two species were equal at temperatures between 23 and 27°C., depending on humidity. At lower temperatures, T. confusum developed the more quickly and at higher temperatures the more slowly.     

Energy balance and temperature relations of Azorella compacta, a high-elevation cushion plant of the central Andes

The environmental relationships and ecophysiology of Azorella compacta, a giant cushion plant, were investigated in Parque Nacional Lauca, Chile (18°10'–18°25' S and 69°16' W, 4400 m asl). The diurnal temperature range can reach 42 °C on some days of the year. The surface temperature of A. compacta was 13 °C below that of the air temperature of −7 °C at dawn, but from midmorning to late afternoon, the plant surface temperature remained within a few degrees of the air temperature. Soil surface temperatures did not differ between north- and south-facing slopes, but a model showed an increase in radiation reception by north-facing slopes throughout most of the year. Gas exchange measurements of A. compacta measured at the onset of the wet season ranged from −0.6662 to 11.4 μmol·m⁻²·s⁻¹, and maximum stomatal conductance (Gs) was 410 mmol·m⁻²·s⁻¹. The estimated light compensation point was 89 μmol·m⁻²·s⁻¹ and estimated light saturation occurred at about 1280 μmol·m⁻²·s⁻¹. Diurnal water potential measurements for A. compacta ranged from −1.67 to −2.65 MPa. This is one of the first ecophysiological studies of a tropical alpine cushion plant.     

Prolonged and daily torpor in the feathertail glider, Acrobates pygmaeus (Marsupialia: Acrobatidae)

Deep and prolonged torpor in marsupials is only known from the pygmy possums, family Burramyidae. We investigated the pattern of torpor in the feathertail glider Acrobates pygmaeus (Acrobatidae) to determine whether members of other marsupial families also possess the ability of remaining torpid for several days with body temperatures (T_b) approaching 0°C. At high air temperatures (T_a) of 15 and 20°C, A. pygmaeus usually exhibited daily torpor. Torpor bouts at T_a 12°C usually lasted for about 2˙5 days and at T_a 8°C up to 5˙5 days. The metabolic rate during torpor was reduced to about 1% of that in normothermic, resting individuals. The T_b during torpor was regulated at about 2°C when T_a fell below about 0˙8 °C. Arousal from torpor was rapid and the mean fastest rewarming rate was 0˙88°C/min. While A. pygmaeus exhibited deep and prolonged torpor, its pattern differed somewhat from deep hibernation. Acrobates pygmaeus did not show prehibernation fattening and a subsequent prolonged hibernation period and it appears that prolonged torpor is used only in emergency situations.     

Effects of Temperature on Germination of Peronospora parasitica Conidia and Infection of Brassica oleracea

The effect of temperature on germination of a South African isolate of Peronospora parasitica , and infection of Brassica oleracea was studied. The optimum condition for germination was 20° C at 100% relative humidity. The percentage germination obtained was 80–98% and 70–80% between 15 and 25° C at 100% relative humidity, after a 12 and 6h incubation period, respectively. Optimum temperature for germ tube growth was also 20° C. The temperature range for maximum infection of seedlings of a highly susceptible cabbage cultivar and subsequent disease development in vitro was 15–25° C and 90–100% infection was achieved after 48 h of incubation. At<15°C and 26–30° C infection percentage was decreased to 40–50% and 35–40%, respectively. No disease incidence was recorded at temperatures above 35° C. A scanning electron microscope study of the infection process showed that penetration of cotyledons by germ tubes was mostly via stomata and occasionally directly through the cuticle. Results are discussed in relation to the need for future studies of P. parasitica in South Africa.     

EFFECT OF TEMPERATURE ON THE DEVELOPMENT AND REPRODUCTION OF BEMISIA TABACI B BIOTYPE (HOMOPTERA: ALEYRODIDAE)

Abstract The development, survivorship and reproduction of Bemisia tabaci B biotype on eggplant at seven constant temperatures (17, 20, 23, 26, 29, 32 and 35°C) were studied. The developmental periods from egg to adult varied from 48.7 days at 17°C to 13.9 days at 29°C and the developmental threshold estimated for a generation by linear regression was 12.4°C. The optimum temperature for B. tabaci population growth was 26°C, both extremely low (< 17°C) and high temperature (> 32°C) delayed the development. Survivorships from egg to adult was 67.3% at 26°C, 27.6% and 29.0% at 35°C and 17°C respectively. The average longevity of females ranged from 39.6 days at 20°C to 12.8 days at 35°C. Oviposition per female varied from 164.8 eggs at 20°C to 78.5 eggs at 32°C. Both the longevity and oviposition of B. tabaci females at different temperatures were significantly different ( P < 0.05), and the intrinsic rate of natural increase ( r _m) for B. tabaci at 29°C was the highest.     

Effects of temperature on developmental performance, survival and growth of sea lamprey embryos

This study assesses the influence of thermal regime on the development, survival rates and early growth of embryos of sea lamprey Petromyzon marinus incubated at five constant temperatures (7, 11, 15, 19 and 23° C). The time from fertilization to 50% hatching and from hatching to 50% burrowing were inversely related to incubation temperature. All the embryos incubated at 7° C died at very early stages, while those maintained at 11° C did not attain the burrowing stage. Survival from fertilization to hatching was 61, 89, 91 and 89% at 11, 15, 19 and 23° C, decreasing to 58, 70 and 70% from hatching to burrowing at 15, 19 and 23° C, respectively. Larvae reared during the first 3 months of exogenous feeding in a common environment at constant 21° C, revealed maximum survival for an incubation temperature of 15° C (43% of burrowed larvae) decreasing strongly at 19° C (16%) and 23° C (one suvivor among 240 larvae). Body length at the burrowing stage was maximum for embryos incubated at 19° C, but body mass increased in the interval 15–23° C. Mean incubation temperatures experienced by 117 broods during the embryonic development in the source river were estimated in 15·3±2·30° C and 16·7±1·76° C (mean±1 s.d .) for the periods fertilization-to-hatching and hatching-to burrowing, respectively.     

Effect of temperature on the demography of Galerucella birmanica (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae)

Studies on the effect of temperature on the development of the water chestnut beetle, Galerucella birmanica Jacoby were carried out in the laboratory at seven different temperatures: 16 °C, 19 °C, 22 °C, 25 °C, 28 °C, 31 °C and 34 °C. The developmental time decreased with increase in temperature. The developmental time at 16 °C, 19 °C, 22 °C, 25 °C, 28 °C, 31 °C and 34 °C was 96.60, 80.68, 58.96, 43.48, 35.03, 30.08 and 28.02 days for the period from egg hatching to adult emergence, respectively. The developmental threshold estimated for a generation by linear regression was 10.36 °C. The fecundity per female at 22 °C, 25 °C, 28 °C, 31 °C and 34 °C was 102.3, 134.5, 141.2, 130.1 and 116.2 eggs, respectively. Oviposition period ranged from 15.6 days at 22 °C to 8.6 days at 34 °C. Hatchability of eggs was highest at 31 °C with 76.9% and lowest at 34 °C with 57.1%. The highest generation survival rate was 65.3% at 31 °C, and the intrinsic rate of natural increase ( r _m) for G. birmanica was the highest at 34 °C.     

Tripolyphosphatase from Methanobacterium thermoautotrophicum (strain ΔH)

Abstract A low-melecular-mass polyphosphatase (tripolyphosphatase, PPPi) from the archaeon Methanobacterium thermoautotrophicum (strain ΔH) was purified 340-fold and characterized. The tripolyphosphatase showed an optimal activity at pH 9.7 (at 60°C). Though the highest activities were measured with tripolyphosphate, tetrapolyphosphate (57%), phosphate glass type 5 (41%) and phosphate glass type 15 (20%) could also be used as substrates. However, tripolyphosphatase was unable to use pyrophosphate. The enzyme was dependent on the presence of Mg²⁺. In the presence of 2 mM PPPi, an optimal activity was found at 6 mM Mg²⁺. The K _m for PPPi was estimated at 0.37 mM. In addition, the enzyme was inhibited by KF (50% at 6 mM) and appeared to be very heat stable: after an incubation of 2 h at 85°C about 85% of the activity was still present.     

An evaluation of RAPD fragment reproducibility and nature

Random amplified polymorphic DNA (RAPD) fragment reproducibility was assayed in three animal species: red deer ( Cervus elaphus ), wild boar ( Sus scrofa ) and fruit fly ( Drosophila melanogaster ). Ten 10-mer primers (Operon) were tested in two replicate reactions per individual under different stringency conditions (annealing temperatures of 35 °C or 45 °C). Two estimates were generated from the data: autosimilarity, which tests the reproducibility of overall banding patterns, and band repeatability, which tests the reproducibility of specific bands. Autosimilarity (the similarity of individuals with themselves) was lower than 1 for all three species ranging between values of 0.66 for Drosophila at 45 °C and 0.88 for wild boar at 35 °C. Band repeatability was estimated as the proportion of individuals showing homologous bands in both replicates. The fraction of repeatable bands was 23% for deer, 36% for boar and 26% for fruit fly, all at an annealing temperature of 35 °C. Raising the annealing temperature did not improve repeatability. Phage lambda DNA was subjected to amplification and the pattern of bands compared with theoretical expectations based on nucleotide sequence. Observed fragments could not be related to expected ones, even if a 2bp mismatch is allowed. Therefore, the nature of genetic variation uncovered by the RAPD method is unclear. These data demonstrate that prudence should guide inferences about population structure and nucleotide divergence based on RAPD markers.     

Effect of temperature on development rate and fecundity of apterous Aphis gossypii Glover (Hom., Aphididae) reared on Gossypium hirsutum L.

The developmental time, survival and reproduction of the cotton aphid, Aphis gossypii Glover (Hom., Aphididae), were evaluated on detached cotton leaves at five constant and two alternating temperatures (15, 20, 25, 30, 35, 25/30, and 30/35°C). The developmental periods of the immature stages ranged from 12.0 days at 15°C to 4.5 days at 30°C. A constant temperature of 35°C was lethal to the immature stages of A. gossypii. The lower developmental threshold for the cotton aphid was estimated at 6.2°C and it required 108.9 degree-days for a first instar to become adult. The average longevity of adult females was reduced from 39.7 days at 15°C to 12.6 days at 30/35°C. The average reproduction rate per female was 51.5 at 25/30°C and 20.9 at 30/35°C. Mean generation time of the population ranged from 10.4 days at 30°C to 24.5 days at 15°C. The largest per capita growth rate ( r _m = 0.413) occurred at 30°C, the smallest at 15°C ( r _m = 0.177). It was evident that temperatures over 30°C prolonged development, increased the mortality of the immature stages, shortened adult longevity, and reduced fecundity. The optimal range of temperature for population growth of A. gossypii on cotton was 25/30–30°C.     

THE BIOLOGY OF THE RICE WEEVIL, CALANDRA ORYZAE (L.)

The length of the developmental instars of Calandra oryzae has been estimated at relative humidities of 50, 60, 70 and 80% at 21° C., at 70% at 18, 25 and 30° C., and at 80% at 18° C., by the dissection daily of samples of infested wheat-grains. The results are expressed as a median obtained by the method of probit analysis. Comparison of this method, with estimates of median and mean obtained by orthodox arithmetical methods from similar work on Rhizopertha , show that the probit method gives good estimates.
About 90% of the eggs laid are fertile. Normally only one adult will develop in a grain, all other individuals being destroyed by cannibalism. The sex ratio is unity. It was not possible to cross C. oryzae and C. granaria.
The daily oviposition rate of C. oryzae at 17, 21 and 25° C. increases with relative humidity. There is a critical point at about 60% r.h . below which egg laying declines rapidly, and mortality is high. At 100% r.h . the oviposition rates per female per day are approximately 1.3, 2.5 and 3.4 at 17, 21 and 25° C. respectively.
In experimental conditions most eggs per grain are obtained by giving isolated females one grain each, but more eggs are laid by females given more than one grain. Daily egg output is reduced by grouping females or including males. In culture, depths of grain up to 7 cm. do not discourage egg laying.     

Cryopreservation of entrapped monoxenically produced spores of an arbuscular mycorrhizal fungus

A study was conducted to quantify the ability of entrapped, monoxenically produced spores of an arbuscular mycorrhizal fungus to germinate and reproduce the fungal life cycle after cryopreservation. No germination was obtained after incubation of entrapped spores in glycerol and mannitol and subsequent cryopreservation at −70 °C, regardless of the concentration of cryoprotectants and duration of incubation. Incubation for 1 d in 0.5 M sucrose, and for 1 and 2 d in 0.5 M trehalose, led to spore germination after cryopreservation at −70 °C. Lower cryopreservation temperatures were tested with entrapped spores incubated for 1 d in 0.5 M trehalose. The highest germination rate, estimated by the percentage of potentially infective beads (%PIB), was obtained at −100 °C. A %PIB of 95% (water agar medium) to 100% (Strullu–Romand medium) was obtained at this temperature. Thereafter, %PIB rapidly decreased at −140 and −180 °C. Heavy sporulation and high internal root colonization were obtained after re-association of the entrapped spores, incubated for 1 d in 0.5 M trehalose and subsequently cryopreserved at −100 °C, with transformed carrot roots. This demonstrates the ability of entrapped spores to reproduce the fungal life cycle following cold treatment.