Selection of cyanobacteria isolated from mosquito breeding sites as a potential food source for mosquito larvae.

One way to increase the persistence of larvicidal toxins in mosquito breeding sites is to clone the corresponding genes in microorganisms, such as cyanobacteria, which could serve as a source of food for the larvae. We isolated and cultured 10 strains of cyanobacteria from three mosquito breeding sites along the French Mediterranean coast. Most of the strains were tolerant to a relatively wide range of salt concentrations, and all of them were totally or partially resistant to at least four of the five biological or chemical larvicides used in the local mosquito control program. Six unicellular strains from these habitats and Synechococcus strain PCC 7942, a strain maintained for more than 10 years under laboratory conditions, were assessed for ingestion and digestion by larvae Culex pipiens and Anopheles gambiae mosquitoes. The numbers of cells ingested and digested were dependent on the cyanobacterial strain and varied with the mosquito species. Three of the new isolates, Synechococcus strain PCC 8905 and Synechocystis strains PCC 8906 and PCC 8912, were ingested and digested rapidly by larvae of both mosquito species. Since these strains are also tolerant to larvicides and relatively resistant to elevated salt concentrations, they meet the basic requirements for potential recipients of bacterial genes that encode endotoxins.     

Ion regulatory patterns of mosquito larvae collected from breeding sites in the Amazon rain forest

We examined the ion composition of mosquito breeding sites located in the Amazon rain forest and the ion regulatory patterns of larvae from these habitats. We found larvae of Toxorhynchites haemorroidalis, Limatus durhamii, Culex (Carrollia) bonnei, and Culex (Culex) sp. residing in fallen palm bracts, leaves, and tree holes that were filled with water. These breeding sites had micromolar levels of Na(+) (1.6-99 micromol L(-1)), but K(+) and Cl(-) concentrations were higher and varied over a large range (231-17,615 micromol L(-1) K(+); 355-2,700 micromol L(-1) Cl(-)). Despite the variability in environmental ion levels and ratios, all four species maintain high hemolymph NaCl levels (80-120 mmol L(-1) Na(+); 60-80 mmol L(-1) Cl(-)). However, the species differed in the means by which they maintain hemolymph ion balance, as indicated by the range of unidirectional Na(+) and Cl(-) uptake rates. Toxorhynchites haemorroidalis had extremely low rates of Na(+) uptake and undetectable Cl(-) uptake, whereas L. durhamii had high rates of uptake for both ions. This variability in rates of uptake may reflect species differences in rates of diffusive ion loss (i.e., permeability). We observed the same curious pattern of Na(+) inhibition and Cl(-) stimulation by low-pH exposure in all four species of mosquitoes, as has been documented in other mosquitoes and aquatic insects. Kinetic analyses of Na(+) and Cl(-) uptake in C. bonnei larvae revealed an unusual pattern of Na(+) uptake that increases linearly (nonsaturable) to extremely high rates, while Cl(-) uptake is a low-affinity, low-capacity system. This pattern contrasts with L. durhamii and Culex (Culex) sp. larvae, which had large increases in both Na(+) and Cl(-) uptake when external NaCl levels were increased. Our results suggest that although these rain forest mosquito larvae are residing in habitats with similar low Na(+), high Cl(-) composition and maintain similar hemolymph NaCl levels, the underlying mechanisms of ion regulation differ among the species.     

Beauveria tenella as a control agent for mosquito larvae

Beauveria tenella was found to be a naturally occurring pathogen in field populations of Aedes sierrensis larvae. Bioassays showed that B. tenella is also pathogenic for larvae of A. aegypti, A. dorsalis, A. hexodontus, Culex pipiens, C. tarsalis, and Culiseta incidens. Inoculation of 5 × 10³ or 5 × 10⁵ blastospores per milliliter into breeding sites of A. sierrensis produced marked reductions in the number of emerging adults.     

Survey of termite-inhabited soil and mosquito breeding sites in Lucknow,India for potential mycopathogens of Anopheles stephensi

A mycological survey was carried out on the fruit surface of Indian jujube during its growth period (before harvest). A total of 32 microfungi belonging to 20 genera were isolated by surface washing technique. Artificial inoculations with the isolated myco-propagules were also performed in mature jujube fruits and most of them were able to cause rot of varying severity. However, Monodictys castaneae, Eupenicillium lapidosum, Paecilomyces fumosoroseus, Trichurus spiralis and Acremonium spp., although present on the fruit surface, were not able to cause rot, indicating lack of specific macerating enzymes necessary for postharvest pathogenesis. This revised version was published online in June 2006 with corrections to the Cover Date.     

Oviposition habitat selection for a predator refuge and food source in a mosquito

Abstract.  1. The influence of filamentous algae on oviposition habitat selection by the mosquito Anopheles pseudopunctipennis and the consequences of oviposition decisions on the diet, development, body size, and survival of offspring were examined.
2. A natural population of An. pseudopunctipennis in Chiapas, Mexico, oviposited almost exclusively in containers with filamentous algae. Algae represented 47% of the gut contents of mosquito larvae sampled from the natural population. Mosquito larvae fed on an exclusive diet of algae developed as quickly and achieved the same adult body size (wing length) as their conspecifics fed on a standard laboratory diet.
3. Multiple regression of survival of mosquito larvae on percentage surface area cover of algae (0–99%) and the density of predatory fish (zero to four fish per container) was best described by a second-order polynomial model. Increasing fish densities resulted in a reduction in mosquito survival in all algal treatments. The highest incidence of survival was observed at intermediate (66%) algal cover in all treatments.
4. The presence of fish significantly extended larval development times whereas algal cover had no significant effect. The presence of fish resulted in emergence of smaller adults due to reduced feeding opportunities and predator avoidance behaviour. Algal cover also affected mosquito wing length but differently at each fish density.
5. Oviposition habitat selection improves survival in the presence of predators and feeding opportunities for An. pseudopunctipennis larvae.     

Characterization and toxicity to mosquito larvae of four Bacillus sphaericus strains isolated from Brazilian soils.

Four Bacillus sphaericus strains, S1, S2, S5, and L2, isolated from Brazilian soils, were found to be toxic to larvae of the mosquitoes Culex pipiens and Anopheles stephensi at a level similar to that of strain 2362 which is now used operationally. Like strain 2362, the four strains belonged to the serotype H5 and produced major proteins of apparent molecular weights of 125, 110, 56, and 43 kDa. These latter two proteins were immunologically related to toxins of the same molecular weight as B. sphaericus 2362. Although the four Brazilian strains were very similar to strain 2362, gas chromatography analysis of the fatty acids revealed that these strains were different from strain 2362 and from each other, except for a possible similarity between strains S1 and S5.     

Microalgae and cyanobacteria as a source of glycosidase inhibitors

Culture filtrates and organic solvent extracts of over 500 freshwater and marine eukaryotic microalgae and cyanobacteria were screened for the presence of glycosidase inhibitors. Rapid colorimetric assays were used to detect inhibitors of alpha-glucosidase, alpha-amylase and beta-galactosidase. Inhibitors were found from 38 species. The results suggest that microalgae and cyanobacteria have potential as a source of glycosidase inhibitors which may have clinical applications.     

Nectar from willow catkins as a food source for Blue Tits

Bird-plant interactions are not so well known as they ought to be. Nectar is a potential food source to birds, while the plants could benefit also from having the birds act as pollinators.     

The importance of an invasive tree fruit as a resource for mosquito larvae

Invasive plants are common and may provide resources through litter for container mosquito larvae. Invasive plant reproductive parts can make up a substantial part of litter but have mostly been ignored as a resource for mosquito larvae. We hypothesized that the reproductive fruits of the invasive eastern red cedar, Juniperus virginiana, provide high quality resources for the invasive, container mosquito Aedes albopictus at the western margin of its invasive range in North America. To test this hypothesis, we performed two laboratory experiments. The first examined the response of individual larvae of Ae. albopictus to different amounts of J. virginiana leaf (fresh and senesced) and J. virginiana fruit (ripe and unripe), as well as to a control leaf (Quercus virginiana, live oak). The second experiment examined the response of different densities of Ae. albopictus larvae to each litter type. We found significant differences in response by individual larvae to different amounts of litter and litter types. We also found J. virginiana litter components could support positive population growth rates as a function of initial larval density where the control leaf could not. We conclude that invasive plants may provide high quality resources, and that the reproductive parts (fruits, flowers, cones) may be an important and overlooked component in provisioning larval habitats. Therefore, the expansion of J. virginiana into grassland areas may contribute to the expansion of Ae. albopictus westward in North America.     

Algae in mosquito breeding sites and the effectiveness of the mosquito larvicide Bacillus thuringiensis H-14

The presence of cyanobacteria generally decreased the effectiveness of Bacillus thuringiensis H-14 (BTI) as a mosquito larvicide. The effect was more pronounced when the mosquito larvae were exposed to BTI in the presence of several cyanobacterial strains. No synergistic or antagonistic effect between the -endotoxin from BTI and the hepatotoxin from cyanobacteria was seen. Neurotoxic cyanobacterial strains caused very fast paralysis in mosquito larvae; the decreases in the effectiveness of BTI when tested in combination with a neurotoxic strain might be due to the effect of this paralytic action on the feeding rate of the mosquito larvae.     

Myxobacteria isolated in Israel as potential source of new anti-infectives

AIMS: To evaluate the patterns of the production of antimicrobial compounds by Israeli myxobacteria newly isolated from soil samples and barks by a battery of isolation and purification methods. METHODS AND RESULTS: A total of 100 myxobacteria belonging to five of the 12 described genera, were isolated from 48 soil and 45 tree bark samples collected in different areas inside the State of Israel. Four isolation methods based on the peculiar metabolic and cell cycle aspects of myxobacteria, were combined with purification procedures and optimization of cultivation conditions. Ninety-seven strains were fermented and screened for antimicrobial activities. Production of antimicrobial activities was detected in 62 isolates. More than 50% of the collection (54 strains) was able to inhibit Escherichia coli growth. CONCLUSIONS: The results of this study support the idea that myxobacterial strains can be isolated from particular habitats and then cultivated and screened for their capacity to produce secondary metabolites endowed with antibacterial and antifungal activities. Myxovirescin, a typical poliketide myxobacterial antibiotic, has been identified in one Israeli isolate. Althiomycin, a thiazolyl peptide, which inhibits prokaryotic protein synthesis, usually produced by actinomycetes, was detected in three strains selected in this study. SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY: The results confirm that myxobacteria are prolific producers of a variety of bioactive secondary metabolites including antibacterial and antifungal compounds, being their high frequency of anti-Gram-negative activities particularly appealing for the current anti-infective research. So far their screening has often been hampered because their isolation is time-consuming and are quite difficult to handle and cultivate. In this paper we demonstrate that a proper combination of isolation, purification and cultivation methods allow their pharmaceutical exploitation.     

Sediment as a possible source of food for corals

Reef building corals are generally believed to require clear, nutrient-poor water. Yet, paradoxically, coral reefs are among the most productive marine ecosystems in the world. This paradox is commonly explained by the coral's ability to utilize a number of food resources, including zooplankton, phytoplankton, dissolved organic matter and photosynthetic products derived from their endosymbiotic algae, the zooxanthellae. Sedimentation is a known stressor for corals, inhibiting most feeding modes in various ways. However, evidence for enhanced sediment deposition on certain corals, induced by their morphologies, as well as for sediment ingestion by some corals, has led us to examine the use of sediment as a possible source of food for corals in addition to the other, known food sources. Our experiments with fluorescently labelled sediment show transfer of labelled organic matter from the sediment into the cells of the solitary coral Fungia horrida Dana 1846. The results provide the first direct evidence for the ability of a coral to digest the sediment's organic fraction. These results may indicate a positive role of sediment, which up until now was considered to have only deleterious effects on corals.     

分离自蚊幼虫的腐霉一新种及其rDNA的ITS区段分析

在一次室外蚊虫生物防治实验中,从被病菌感染的蚊幼虫体中分离到一株卵菌。根据其形态特征及其rDNA的ITS区段的碱基系列,鉴定为腐霉属一新种,命名为贵阳腐霉Pythiumguiyangense。对新种作了拉丁文描述。对新种与其近似种卡地腐霉P.carolinianum、奇雄腐霉P.middletonii和多卵腐霉P.multisporum的区别进行了讨论。模式标本(干培养物)保存在中国科学院微生物研究所菌物标本馆(HMAS),活培养物保存在贵阳医学院。     

Differential toxicity of leaf litter to dipteran larvae of mosquito developmental sites

The relative toxicity of leaf litter to nematocerous dipteran larvae characteristic of mosquito developmental sites was investigated. Culicidae, Chironomidae, and Simuliidae taxa originating from alpine hydrosystems were tested together with two laboratory nonindigenous culicid taxa. Bioassays indicate that ingestion of 10-month-old decaying leaves from Alnus glutinosa, Populus nigra, and Quercus robur by larvae is more deleterious for Aedes aegypti, A. albopictus, Culex pipiens, Simulium variegatum, and Chironomus annularius than for A. rusticus. Histopathological observations reveal that the midgut epithelium is the main target organ of the toxic effect of dietary leaf litter, which appears to be stronger than that of previously reported tannic acid. There is a general response of the nematocerous larval midgut epithelium to dietary tannins-phenolic compounds: clear cells of the anterior midgut showing symptoms of intoxication before dark cells of the posterior midgut.