Acarine regulators of water hyacinth in Kerala (India)

Screening of the mite fauna on water hyacinth, Eichhornia crassipes, at 25 localities throughout Kerala (India) yielded a list of 21 phytophagous species from nine families. Distribution of mites at these localities and type of injury produced suggested that Oligonychus biharensis and Orthogalumna terebrantis warrant further study. In an experimental set-up the injury caused by these mites was quantified. Infestation by Ol. biharensis lead to reduced photosynthesis by the host (significant loss in chlorophyll content). Injurious effects of Or. terebrantis involved leaf mining by the developing instars leading to wilting of the leaves resulting in reduced dry weight. The relative merits of the two species as potential control agents of water hyacinth are discussed.     

Marine mycoflora of south India with special emphasis on lignicolous marine fungi

A study dealing with the marine fungi associated with decaying wood samples in the brackish water mangrove ecosystem and shoreline ecosystem was carried out in south India. A total of 19 marine fungi were isolated from the brackish water mangrove ecosystem. They included 13 Ascomycetes, one Basidiomycete and five Mitosporic fungi. In terms of percent frequency of occurrence, the most frequent species obtained from the brackishwater were the Lignincola longirostris (16.60%) and Savoryella lignicola (12.09%). Nine species were found frequently. Five species were occasionally encountered. Aigialus mangrovei, Aniptodera mangrovei and Halosarpheia marina were the rare species recorded. The average number of isolates per wood sample was 1.53. A total of 27 marine fungi including 15 ascomycetes, one basidiomycete and ten mitosporic fungi were recorded from the shoreline ecosystem. In terms of percent frequency of occurrence, the most frequent species obtained from Kanyakumari were the Arenariomyces trifurcates (13.66%), Corollospora maritima (12.44%), and Cirrenalia pygmea (10.98%). Seven species were found frequently. Fourteen species were occasionally encountered. Three species were found to be rare in occurrence. The average number of isolates per wood sample was 1.21.     

Marine mycoflora of south India with special emphasis on lignicolous marine fungi

A study dealing with the marine fungi associated with decaying wood samples in the brackish water mangrove ecosystem and shoreline ecosystem was carried out in south India. A total of 19 marine fungi were isolated from the brackish water mangrove ecosystem. They included 13 Ascomycetes, one Basidiomycete and five Mitosporic fungi. In terms of percent frequency of occurrence, the most frequent species obtained from the brackishwater were the Lignincola longirostris (16.60%) and Savoryella lignicola (12.09%). Nine species were found frequently. Five species were occasionally encoun-tered. Aigialus mangrovei, Aniptodera mangrovei and Halosarpheia marina were the rare species recorded. The average number of isolates per wood sample was 1.53. A total of 27 marine fungi including 15 ascomycetes, one basidiomycete and ten mitosporic fungi were recorded from the shoreline ecosystem. In terms of percent frequency of occurrence, the most frequent species obtained from Kanyakumari were the Arenariomyces trifurcates (13.66%), Corollospora maritima (12.44%), and Cirrenalia pygmea (10.98%). Seven species were found frequently. Fourteen species were occasionally encountered. Three species were found to be rare in occurrence. The average number of isolates per wood sample was 1.21.     

Diversity of keratinophilic mycoflora in the soil of Agra (India)

Diversity of keratinophilic mycoflora in the soil of Agra was under observation for 1 year (July 2001-June 2002) and isolation of keratinophilic fungi was followed by the hair-baiting method. The frequency of occurrence of keratinophilic fungi in 284 soil samples collected from various hospitals, cattle yards, poultry farms, crop fields and playgrounds was determined, 204 samples (72%) having been found to be positive. A total of 33 species classified into 11 genera (Acremonium, Aspergillus, Chrysosporium, Emmonsia, Geomyces, Keratinophyton, Microsporum, Myceliophthora, Penicillium, Sporotrichum, Trichophyton) were encountered from the soil samples. Sporotrichum spp. were found to be the most dominant species followed by Trichophyton simii. The parameter of keratinophilic fungi found in the samples studied ranged from 62 to 80% where playgrounds yielded the maximum number of species (80%) while the least dominating soil was hospital soil (62%). Among all the baits used maximum fungi occurred on human hairs (82%) followed by chicken feather (74%), wool (61%) and the least on horns (45%). The spectrum of keratinophilic fungi isolated from different sites differed considerably according to the frequency of use by humans.     

Global diversity of aloricate Oligotrichea (Protista, Ciliophora, Spirotricha) in marine and brackish sea water

Oligotrichids and choreotrichids are ciliate taxa contributing to the multi-step microbial food web and episodically dominating the marine microzooplankton. The global diversity and distribution of aloricate Oligotrichea are unknown. Here, the geographic ranges of the 141 accepted species and their synonyms in marine and brackish sea water are analyzed, using hundreds of taxonomical and ecological studies; the quality of the records is simultaneously evaluated. The aloricate Oligotrichea match the moderate endemicity model, i.e., the majority (94) of morphospecies has a wide, occasionally cosmopolitan distribution, while 47 morphospecies show biogeographic patterns: they are restricted to single geographic regions and probably include 12 endemic morphospecies. These endemics are found in the Antarctic, North Pacific, and Black Sea, whereas the "flagship" species Strombidinopsis cercionis is confined to the Caribbean Sea. Concerning genera, again several geographic patterns are recognizable. The species richness is distinctly lower in the southern hemisphere than in the northern, ranging from nine morphospecies in the South Pacific to 95 in the North Atlantic; however, this pattern is probably caused by undersampling. Since the loss of species might affect higher trophical levels substantially, the aloricate Oligotrichea should not any longer be ignored in conservation issues. The ecophysiological diversity is considerably larger than the morphological, and even tops the richness of SSrRNA and ITS haplotypes, indicating that probably more than 83-89% of the diversity in aloricate Oligotrichea are unknown. The huge challenge to discover all these species can only be managed by combining the expertises of morphological taxonomists, molecular biologists, ecologists, and physiologists.     

Variability of nutrients and phytoplankton biomass in a shallow brackish water ecosystem (Chilika Lagoon, India)

Seasonal and spatial variations in water quality parameters, such as nutrients [NH₄ ⁺–N, NO₂⁻–N, NO₃⁻–N, PO₄³⁻–P, total nitrogen (TN) and total phosphorus (TP)], Secchi disc depth, salinity, dissolved oxygen, chlorophyll a, primary productivity and phytoplankton standing stock, were studied in Chilika Lagoon (from 27 sampling locations) during 2001–2003 to assess the present ecological status. The study was undertaken after a major hydrological intervention in September 2000, which connected the lagoon body and the Bay of Bengal via a manmade opening (new mouth). Current and old data on water quality were also compared to establish the changes that had occurred after the hydrological intervention. Multivariate techniques and gridding methods were used to investigate the spatial and seasonal variability of the data and to characterize the trophic evolution of the basin. Results of principal component analysis (PCA) indicated that the 27 stations can be classified into five groups based on similarities in the temporal variation of nutrients, chlorophyll a concentration, salinity, and other physicochemical parameters. The tributaries and the exchange of lagoon water with the Bay of Bengal most probably determine the water quality and the dynamics of the ecosystem. Hydrodynamics of the lagoon, weed coverage, input of urban sewage through tributaries and agricultural runoff are probably the key factors controlling the trophic conditions of the lagoon. An increase in salinity and total phosphorus was noted after the new mouth was opened, while the total suspended sediment load, the water column depth, and nitrogenous nutrients decreased. The new mouth opening also brought changes in the phytoplankton species composition.     

A glimpse of lignicolous marine fungi occurring in coastal water bodies of Tamil Nadu (India)

In the present investigation, a total of 51 marine fungi were obtained from wood samples collected from four locations of Tamil Nadu (Tuthukudi, Chennai, Kanyakumari and Pichavaram), India. Out of these 51, 28 were ascomycetes, one was basidiomycete and 22 were mitosporic fungi. Maximum fungal diversity was encountered from Tuthukudi, followed by Chennai, Kanyakumari, and the minimum from Pichavaram. Periconia prolifica was the only species common to all the four locations.     

Incidence of keratinophilic fungi from selected soils of Kerala state (India)

One hundred and fifty-eight soil samples were collected from various areas of four districts of Kerala and screened for prevalence of keratinophilic fungi and related dermatophytes. From the positive samples (60.75%), a total of eight genera with 15 species were isolated viz., Arthroderma simii (0.63%), Chrysosporium indicum (20.25%), C. keratinophilum (6.96%). C. lobatum (1.26%), C. pannicola (1.26%), C. tropicum (5.06%), Chrysosporium state of Arthroderma cuniculi (1.26%), Chrysosporium state of Ctenomyces serratus (2.53%), Gymnascella hyalinospora (1.26%), Malbranchea aurantiaca (0.63%) M. fulva (1.26%), Microsporum gypseum complex (12.65%), Pseudogymnoascus roseus (1.26%), Trichophyton mentragrophytes (1.26%), and T. terrestre (3.16%).     

Incidence of keratinophilic fungi from selected soils of Kerala state (India)

One hundred and fifty-eight soil samples were collected from various areas of four districts of Kerala and screened for prevalence of keratinophilic fungi and related dermatophytes. From the positive samples (60.75%), a total of eight genera with 15 species were isolated viz., Arthroderma simii (0.63%), Chrysosporium indicum (20.25%), C. keratinophilum (6.96%), C. lobatum (1.26%), C. pannicola (1.26%), C. tropicum (5.06%), Chrysosporium state of Arthroderma cuniculi (1.26%), Chrysosporium state of Ctenomyces serratus (2.53%), Gymnascella hyalinospora (1.26%), Malbranchea aurantiaca (0.63%) M. fulva (1.26%), Microsporum gypseum complex (12.65%), Pseudogymnoascus roseus (1.26%), Trichophyton mentragrophytes (1.26%), and T. terrestre (3.16%).This revised version was published online in October 2005 with corrections to the Cover Date.     

Rotala tulunadensis sp. nov. (Lythraceae) from Kerala,India

A new aquatic species of the family Lythraceae (Rotala tulunadensis) collected from the lateritic plateau at Permude, Kerala, India is described and illustrated. It is closely allied to R. pterocalyx A. Raynal, but differs in having larger leaves, calyx tube not stretching laterally to include the capsule, calyx without interjected folds in fruit and larger petals.     

Morphology and ecology of two new species of Polypleurum (Podostemaceae) from Kerala, India

 Two new species of the Asiatic genus Polypleurum (Podostemaceae – Podostemoideae), Polypleurum prostratum and Polypleurum disciforme from Kerala, India are described. They differ in the shape of the thalloid plant body from the other species of Polypleurum. A key to the species occurring in India is provided. Though sharing the habitat with some other species of the Podostemaceae, the new species inhabit special niches in the rocky riverbed. – The chemical components of the (hard) water in which they grow differ considerably from what is known from black water rivers of the New World. The results thus widen considerably our knowledge of the ecological needs of Podostemaceae. Received December 10, 2002; accepted January 10, 2003 Published online: March 31, 2003     

A new species of Lygodium (Lygodiaceae) from North Andamans, India

A new species of the fern genus Lygodium has been described in detail with photographs and illustrations from Saddle Peak in the North Andamans, India.     

Photosynthesis in relation to D1, PsaA and Rubisco in marine and brackish water ecotypes of Fucus vesiculosus and Fucus radicans (Phaeophyceae)

The aim of this study was to investigate photosynthetic differences between the marine, Norwegian Sea ecotype and the brackish, Bothnian Sea ecotype of F. vesiculosus and F. radicans and to see whether photosynthetic differences could be connected with the relative amounts of D1 protein (PSII), PsaA (PSI) protein and/or Rubisco. For this purpose, we tested if a higher photosynthetic maximum (P _max) in the Atlantic Ocean ecotype of F. vesiculosus relative to the Baltic Sea ecotype, and an increase of the P _max in Baltic Sea ecotype of F. vesiculosus at higher salinity, could be due to an increase in the relative amounts of Rubisco. The proteins have been evaluated on a relative basis. Immunoblot signals showed that the amount of Rubisco was higher in both ecotypes of F. vesiculosus than in F. radicans, but no differences could be detected between the two ecotypes of F. vesiculosus. The results suggest an uneven photosystem protein stoichiometry in Fucus, with more of the PSI protein PsaA relative to the PSII protein D1. The difference in P _max between the two ecotypes of F. vesiculosus might be related to the difficulties for the algae to adapt to the environment in Bothnian Sea.     

A new species of Cycas from the Malabar Coast, Western Ghats, India

A new cycad species,Cycas annaikalensis, has been discovered from the Malabar Coast of the southern Western Ghats of India. Although geographically distributed in a small population within the range ofC. circinalis, it can be distinguished from the other described IndianCycas species by its distinct habitat, habit, morphology of vegetative and reproductive parts, and anatomy of leaflets.     

A comparative study of physico-chemical characteristics of river and lake water in Central India

The present paper deals with a comparative study of the physico-chemical characteristics of river and lake waters in Central India. The surface water has been analysed for pH, turbidity, conductivity, alkalinity, dissolved oxygen and chlorides. The results of analyses of river water have been compared with those from lake water.The study reveals that the lake water is highly turbid, rich in organic matter, contains more of chlorides and has a higher pH value as compared to river water.     

A comparative account of the microbiological characteristics of soils under natural forest,grassland and cropfield from Eastern India

Microbiological and physico-chemical characteristics of tropical forest, grassland and cropfield soils from India were investigated. The study revealed that the conversion of natural forest led to a reduction of soil organic C (26–36%), total N (26–35%), total P (33–44%), microfungal biomass (44–66%) and total microbial biomass C, N and P (25–60%) over a period of 30–50 years. Comparative analysis of microbial activity in terms of basal soil respiration revealed maximum activity in the forest and minimum in the cropfield soil. Analysis of microbial metabolic respiratory activity (qCO₂) indicated relatively greater respiratory loss of CO₂-C per unit microbial biomass in cropfield and grassland than in forest soil. Considering the importance of the microbial component in soil, we conclude that the conversion of the tropical forest to different land uses leads to the loss of biological stability of the soil.     

The mycoflora of domesticated and wild bees (Apoidea)

Fungi including yeasts are common in the honey stomachs and provisions of diverse bees. They may be parasites, commensals or mutualistic. Yeasts, singly or in association with bacteria, are pioneer colonizers during a microbial succession in larval cells of many subterranean bees. They are followed by fungi such asAspergillus, Penicillium, Emericellopsis, Sartorya, Pseudoarachniotus, Gymnoascus, Carpenteles andFusarium. Aspergillus flavus andSaccharomyces spp. are pathogenic to many species of bees, and fungi are the main cause of declining alkali bee populations. There are 124 species of fungi, including 36 new records, associated with Apoidea; 49 species are associated with alkali bees.Cooperative investigations of the Plant Sciences Research (L. R. Batra) and Entomology (G. E. Bohart) Divisions, Agricultural Research Service, U.S. Department of Agriculture, and the Utah Agricultural Experiment Station, Logan, Utah.     

The distribution of brackish water Calanoida (Copepoda) along the coasts of Brazil

The distribution of 18 species of Calanoida Copepoda found in the estuaries of the Brazilian coast is analyzed. A slight tendency of a latitudinal decrease in diversity, from North to South is found. Salinity ranges from the different species are discussed and in some cases interspecific vicariance patterns are found. Two basic types of estuaries of the Brazilian coast are characterized on the basis of environmental parameters and population dynamics.