<Emphasis Type="Italic">Siderocelis irregularis</Emphasis> (Chlorophyta,Trebouxiophyceae) in Lake Tanganyika (Africa)

Siderocelis irregularis Hindák, representing a genus Siderocelis (Naumann) Fott that is known from European temperate waters, was identified as a common phytoplankter in Lake Tanganyika. It was found aposymbiotic as well as ingested (possibly endosymbiotic) in lake heterotrophs, mainly Strombidium sp. and Vorticella spp. The morphology and ultrastructure of the species, studied with LM, SEM and TEM, are described with emphasis on the structure of the cell wall and the pyrenoid. Presented at the International Symposium Biology and Taxonomy of Green Algae V, Smolenice, June 26–29, 2007, Slovakia.     

Morphology and development of <Emphasis Type="Italic">Pteromalus cerealellae</Emphasis> (Ashmead) (Hymenoptera: Pteromalidae) on <Emphasis Type="Italic">Callosobruchus maculatus</Emphasis> (F.) (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae)

Pteromalus cerealellae (Ashmead) (Hymenoptera: Pteromalidae) is an ectoparasitoid of several stored-product insect pests. Very little information has been published on its biology and development in host larvae, which typically are concealed within seeds. We documented the development of P. cerealellae within fourth instar larvae of its concealed host, Callosobruchus maculatus (F.) (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae) infesting cowpea seeds. The preimaginal life stages of the parasitoid were characterized for the first time using morphological structures revealed by microscopic techniques including scanning electron microscopy. Pteromalus cerealellae produces hymenopteriform eggs and larvae. Eggs hatch into 13-segmented first instar larvae with peripneustic condition of spiracles. The larvae have simple, tusk-like mandibles, whereas the mandibles of the pupae and the adults are of the conventional toothed types. Using statistical analyses of the sizes of the larval mandibles and head capsules in conjunction with reliable characters such as the number of exuviae on the body of parasitoid larvae, cuticular folding, and excretion of the meconium, we recorded four larval instars for P. cerealellae. The data showed significant positive correlations between larval mandible lengths and widths of larval head capsules, as well as between mandible lengths and larval instars, suggesting that mandible length is a good predictor of the number of instars in P. cerealellae. Developmental time from egg to adult emergence was ∼12 d for females and ∼11 days for males at 30 ± 1°C, 70 ± 5% r.h. and 12L:12D photoperiod.     

Chromosome polymorphism in Ateles geoffroyi (Cebidae; Primates; Mammalia)

Summary The karyotype of Ateles geoffroyi (Cebidae; Primates; Mammalia) was studied using G- and C-banding techniques, and standardized idiograms are proposed. A polymorphism of chromosome 3 due to a pericentric inversion has been identified for the first time. Genetic analysis of this polymorphism showed Mendelian inheritance.     

Phorinae (Phoridae/Diptera; Rennfliegen) als Blütenbesucher auf Doldengewächsen(Umbelliferae)

A report is given on about 1000 specimens of 28 species ofPhorinae and their occurrence on 12 species ofUmbelliferae. Collections were made in a variety of habitats ranging from the German North Sea coast up to altitudes of 2500 m in the Western Alps. The morphology of the mouth-parts of the flies and their behaviour on the umbels are discussed briefly. No specific adaptations exist between Phorid flies and the visited umbels; their relationship is mutualistic. Climate and altitude have a greater influence on frequency and diversity of these visitors than the host-plants themselves. Visitors frequency and diversity increases with altitude.

Rennfliegen (Phoridae/Diptera) als Blütenbesucher, II. — Vgl. dazuBaumann (1978a).     

Effect of trypsin inhibitor from Crotalaria pallida seeds on Callosobruchus maculatus (cowpea weevil) and Ceratitis capitata (fruit fly)

A proteinaceous trypsin inhibitor was purified from Crotalaria pallida seeds by ammonium sulfate precipitation, affinity chromatography on immobilized trypsin-Sepharose and TCA precipitation. The trypsin inhibitor, named CpaTI, had M(r) of 32.5 kDa as determined by SDS-PAGE and was composed of two subunits with 27.7 and 5.6 kDa linked by disulfide bridges. CpaTI was stable at 50 degrees C and lost 40% of activity at 100 degrees C. CpaTI was also stable from pH 2 to 12 at 37 degrees C. CpaTI weakly inhibited chymotrypsin and elastase and its inhibition of papain, a cysteine proteinase, were indicative of its bi-functionality. CpaTI inhibited, in different degrees, digestive enzymes from Spodoptera frugiperda, Alabama argillacea, Plodiainterpunctella, Anthonomus grandis and Zabrotes subfasciatus guts. In vitro and in vivo susceptibility of Callosobruchus maculatus and Ceratitis capitata to CpaTI was evaluated. C. maculatus and C. capitata enzymes were strongly susceptible, 74.4+/-15.8% and 100.0+/-7.3%, respectively, to CpaTI. When CpaTI was added to artificial diets and offered to both insect larvae, the results showed that C. maculatus was more susceptible to CpaTI with an LD(50) of 3.0 and ED(50) of 2.17%. C. capitata larvae were more resistant to CpaTI, in disagreement with the in vitro effects. The larvae were more affected at lower concentrations, causing 27% mortality and 44.4% mass decrease. The action was constant at 2-4% (w/w) with 15% mortality and 38% mass decrease.     

Recognition of heterospecific parasitism: Competition between Aphidiid (Aphidius ervi) and Aphelinid (Aphelinus asychis) parasitoids of Aphids (Hymenoptera: Aphidiidae; Aphelinidae)

The solitary parasitoids Aphidius erviHaliday (Hymenoptera: Aphidiidae) and Aphelinus asychisWalker (Hymenoptera: Aphelinidae) attacked but generally did not oviposit in pea aphids parasitized by the other species. Wasps selectively oviposited in unparasitized hosts when given a choice. Host discrimination depended on the recognition of internal cues. Females of A. asychiseither could not recognize or ignored A. ervi'sexternal host marking pheromone. Under most conditions, A. ervisurvived in superparasitized hosts, killing competing A. asychislarvae by physical attack and possibly physiological suppression. The outcome of larval competition was not affected by oviposition sequence or age difference between larvae; A. asychissurvived only when it had substantially completed larval development before the host was superparasitized by A. ervi.It is suggested that competition for host resources incurs a cost, for the winner in terms of reduced size or increased development time and for the loser in terms of lost progeny and searching time. Consequently, heterospecific host discrimination can be functional. Internal, and probably general, cues enable wasps to recognize and avoid oviposition in hosts already parasitized by an unrelated species.     

Fungal hydroxylation of (−)-santonin and its analogues

Santonin (1) was incubated with separate growing cultures of Aspergillus niger ATCC 9142, Mucor plumbeus ATCC 4740, Whetzelinia sclerotiorum ATCC 18687, Cunninghamella echinulata var. elegans ATCC 8688a and Phanerochaete chrysosporium ATCC 24725. Three novel metabolites were isolated: 11β,13-dihydroxysantonin (3), 6,7-dehydosantonin (5) and 3,6-dihydroxy-9-keto-9,10-seco-selina-1,3,5(10)-trien-12-oic acid-12,6-lactone (7). 11β-Hydroxysantonin (2), 14-hydroxysantonin (4) and 3,6,9-trihydroxy-9,10-seco-selina-1,3,5(10)-trien-12-oic acid-12,6-lactone (6) were also isolated. Hydroxylation at C-9 followed by a retro-aldol reaction was postulated to have produced 6 and 7. Through the synthesis and fermentation of the santonin analogues: tetrahydrosantonin (8) and α-desmotroposantonin (12), several new compounds were obtained; the most significant being 9-keto-desmotroposantonin (14), which was indicative of C-9 monohydroxylation.     

Micropropagation of tree peony (<Emphasis Type="Italic">Paeonia suffruticosa</Emphasis>)

We investigated the in vitro propagation by axillary budding of different cultivars of tree peonies, selected for cut flower production under Mediterranean conditions. Buds with expanded leaves were better to initiate cultures than just emerged ones (64%compared to 43%). The aptitude for micropropagation was genotype-dependent, and the propagation ratio ranged between 2 and 5 per cycle. Tendency to necrosis and/or hyperhydricity were also genotype dependent. Indole-3-butyric acid improved rooting but was not really necessary provided the shoots were pre-treated at 2 °C for 7days. Plantlets were successfully acclimatized under in vitro conditions. Adventitious propagation was achieved using filaments and petals as explants. They first developed callus, able to regenerate shoots after 8 weeks on media supplemented with thidiazuron.     

Threatened fishes of the world: <Emphasis Type="Italic">Puntius denisonii</Emphasis> (Day 1865) (Cyprinidae)

The bionomics and conservation status of a threatened, endemic fish Puntius denisonii has been reported.     

Comparative seed morphology of <Emphasis Type="Italic">Leandra</Emphasis> (Miconieae,Melastomataceae)

The seed morphology of 79 species of neotropical Miconieae (Melastomataceae) is presented. These species have been chosen, in majority, from the polyphyletic genus Leandra. A few other species from the polyphyletic genera Miconia, Ossaea, and Clidemia were also sampled, because of potential similarities. Sixteen morphological seed types are defined after analysis through light microscopy and scanning electron microscopy. The seed morphology appears to possess a great deal of variability on the level of the overall shape as well as the structure and the surface of the testa. The different types defined here do not match with genera or sections, but rather are composed of species coming from different genera. In comparison with a preliminary molecular phylogeny study done on Leandra, some types of seeds are related to well supported clades. In some cases seed morphology corresponds with natural groups of species, thus being of high phylogenetic importance.     

Cell shape in the algaPediastrum (Hydrodictyaceae; Chlorophyta)

Summary Species ofPediastrum, a genus in which the colonies assemble from aggregating zoospores, differ in the number and form of prongs on peripheral cells and the amount of space between cells of the colony; cell shape appears to be genetically based. Peripheral cells of theP. boryanum colony, for example, have two prongs per cell;P. simplex has one prong per cell. Prong extension is suppressed in the interior cells ofP. boryanum, but prong sites have been reported in scanning electron micrographs of the cell walls. A mutant unicellular strain in which cells of the colony separate after attaining typical form reveals several prong sites (6 or more) in each cell. Multiple suppressed prong sites are evident inP. simplex cells as well. Polyeders, 4- and 5-pronged unicells, occur in the life cycle ofP. simplex. Based on these observations and a recent report byMarchant (1979) of a microtubule organizing center associated with the prongs, it is suggested that several microtubule organizing centers are to be found in zoospores ofPediastrum species and may be related to species differences in cell shape.Research supported in part by Argonne Center for Educational Affairs, U.S. Department of Energy, under contract No. W-31-109-ENG-38.     

Persistence of <Emphasis Type="Italic">Paranosema</Emphasis> (<Emphasis Type="Italic">Nosema</Emphasis>) <Emphasis Type="Italic">locustae</Emphasis> (Microsporidia: Nosematidae) among grasshopper (Orthoptera: Acrididae) populations in the Inner Mongolia Rangeland,China

Paranosema (Nosema) locustae Canning has persisted in grasshopper populations in the Inner Mongolia Rangeland since spore treatment was applied in 1993. In the treatment year, a 58.32–71.43% reduction of grasshoppers was recorded and 59.26–80.36% of surviving grasshoppers of various species were infected. In the years following application, prevalence of P. locustae varied from 13.65% to 60.71%, demonstrating that P. locustae remains in grasshopper populations for many years. Infection prevalence was more than 60.00% for Dasyhippus barbipes (F.-W.), Bryodema luctuosum luctuosoma (Stoll) and Angaracris barabensis (Pall.) in 1993 but was very variable, ranging from 20.00% to 60.71% over the subsequent nine years. Disease prevalence was 43.72–60.71% in 1993 and 1994 for Oedaleus asiaticus B.-Bienko and Myrmeleotettix palpalis (Zub.) but gradually declined to approximately 20%, where it remained. Persistence of P. locustae in grasshopper populations may be important in keeping densities below economic thresholds for a number of years after application. Handling Editor: Helen Roy.     

Feeding Behavior of <Emphasis Type="Italic">Liriomyza huidobrensis</Emphasis> (Blanchard) and <Emphasis Type="Italic">L. trifolii</Emphasis> (Burgess) Adults on Bean Leaves

The adult feeding behavior of Liriomyza huidobrensis and L. trifolii was studied in beans of the variety “Catarino.” The insects were placed on a bean leaf and its behavior observed and recorded on DVD for a period of 30 min. An ethogram was constructed based on the different behavior parameters that were identified. The time that each species used in each behavior parameter was registered and compared between the two species. When placed in the arena the two species behaved in a similar manner, although some differences were observed. The adaptation of the leafminers species to the “Catarino” bean variety under these experimental conditions and the possibility to use some behavioral parameters as indicators of the preference of these insects in relation to the host plant are discussed.     

Study of endophytic fungal community from different parts of <Emphasis Type="Italic">Aegle marmelos</Emphasis> Correae (Rutaceae) from Varanasi (India)

Endophytic fungi were isolated from healthy, living, and symptomless tissues of inner bark, leaf, and roots of Aegle marmelos, a well-known medicinal plant, growing in different parts of India including Varanasi. A total of 79 isolates of endophytic fungi were isolated, representing 21 genera, adopting a standard isolation protocol. Members of the deuteromycotina were more prevalent than ascomycotina and others. The result was quite encouraging in terms of maximum isolates recovery from hyphomycetes (78.5%) followed by ascomycetes (8.9%) and coelomycetes (7.6%) respectively, which corroborates previous studies in same area. However, 5.1% isolates remained unidentified and were classified under Mycelia Sterilia. No isolate was obtained from either basidiomycotina or from zygomycotina. Fusarium spp. had maximum colonization frequency (8.00%) in this plant. The other dominant endophytic genera were Aspergillus spp., Alternaria sp., Drechslera sp., Rhizoctonia sp., Curvularia sp., Nigrospora sp., and Stenella sp. Only two ascomycetous members Chaetomium globosum and Emericella sp. (perfect state of Aspergillus sp.) were obtained from the bark sample. These results indicated that distribution of endophytic fungi within the A. marmelos is not even. Bark harbors more endophytic fungi than leaf and root.     

A phylogenetic analysis of the Euterpeinae (Palmae; Arecoideae; Areceae) based on morphology and anatomy

The Euterpeinae contains six neotropical genera. There has been continual disagreement on generic and subgeneric boundaries in the subtribe.Euterpe andPrestoea, andJessenia andOenocarpus, have been repeatedly united and separated. A phylogenetic analysis based on 54 morphological and anatomical characters gave one tree of 127 steps.Euterpe is separate fromPrestoea, butJessenia andOenocarpus are best treated as one genus. Subgeneric relationships ofEuterpe andOenocarpus are also analyzed and discussed.     

Social polymorphism in the sweat bee <Emphasis Type="Italic">Lasioglossum (Evylaeus) baleicum</Emphasis> (Cockerell) (Hymenoptera,Halictidae) in Hokkaido,northern Japan

Summary The life cycle and social behaviour of the sweat bee Lasioglossum (Evylaeus) baleicum (Cockerell) was investigated in two geographically separate populations in Hokkaido, northern Japan. Colonies were excavated throughout the brood rearing season from an aggregation in Nishioka forest park, Sapporo, and near Kawakita in eastern Hokkaido during 2000 and 2001. The Nishioka population produced two discrete broods during the year and was weakly eusocial; 57% of workers were mated and 28% exhibited some ovarian development, 12–16% of the first brood was male, and workers were on average 4.5% smaller than their respective queen. In contrast, the population at Kawakita was solitary, and produced a single brood per year with an unbiased sex ratio. In addition however, there were some solitary colonies in the Nishioka population and evidence of a partial second brood in some colonies at Kawakita, suggesting differences between the populations are not fixed and that this species is truly socially polymorphic. L. (E.) baleicum is a member of the fulvicorne species group, which includes other examples of social polymorphic species as well as solitary and eusocial species, though this is the only species of this group so far known to exhibit a solitary/non-delayed eusocial polymorphism. Recent studies suggest that social polymorphism has both genetic and environmental influences, raising questions as to the relative import of each.     

Daphnia (Cienodaphnia) menucoensis (Anomopoda; Daphniidae): a new species from athalassic saline waters in Argentina

Daphnia (Ctenodaphnia) menucoensis n. sp. is described from various localities in arid and semiarid Argentina. D. menucoensis has no ocellus, and a characteristic head, fornices, ephippium and denticular arrangement of postabdomen in females and males. The species belongs to a group, along with D. mediterranea, D. dolichocephala Negrea 1984, and D. salina, sharing ecological and morphological characteristics.