A contribution to the karyology ofCrocus vernus agg. (Iridaceae) from the Iserian Mts. (Sudety Mts., Poland)

The Iserian Mts. form ofCrocus vernus agg. has 2n = 16 and a karyotype clearly deviating fromC. heuffelianus s. lat.     

Chromosomal differentiation withinCrocus vernus agg. (Iridaceae) in the Carpathian Mts.

Western and eastern Carpathian populations ofCrocus heuffelianus s. lat. (incl.C. scepusiensis) have 2n = 18 but differ in karyotype. While western populations are chromosomally monomorphic, eastern populations exhibit geographical karyotypic differentiation.     

Caddisfly assemblages of high mountain streams (The High Tatra Mts, Slovakia) influenced by a major windstorm event

Hydrobiological research of high mountain streams in the High Tatras was carried out in 2009–2010. We evaluated the influence of windstorm on caddisfly assemblages. To assess the influence of windstorm we focused on river morphology using the RHS method and evaluation of TAM, TOM and BOM (CPOM, FPOM, UFPOM) amount in seven streams. Site 1 was a control and the other six were disturbed by the windstorm in different ways. The most remarkable differences compared to the control site was in feeding structure at sites most affected by erosion. In these streams there was a noticeable dominance of predators from the family Rhyacophilidae (mainly Rhyacophila tristis; sites 3, 4, 5, 6) and a remarkable decrease of passive filter feeders (site 4, 5). Using Spearman coefficient we confirmed a positive correlation between the proportion of predators and amount of TAM caused by erosion of steep deforested slopes of windstorm affected sites. In contrast, we did not observe such an increase in the proportion of predators at site 7, which was affected by both windstorm and subsequently by fire. This might be explained by the shallow vee valley with no observed erosion, where this site is situated. We also found a negative correlation between predators and evenness, indicating unstable community structure clearing succesion in the streams disturbed by erosion, and a negative correlation between passive filter feeders and UFPOM. We found out that overhanging tree boughs and LWD had an influence on species composition. RHS was a useful tool in characterising the influence of hydromorphology on caddisfly assemblages.     

Numerical classification and ordination of ruderal plant communities (Sisymbrietalia,Onopordetalia) in the western part of Slovakia

The ruderal communities of the orders Sisymbrietalia and Onopordetalia from the western part of Slovakia have been subjected to numerical classification and ordination. The ordination techniques proved to be a useful tool in the elucidation of the cluster pattern as well as in the detection of the main environmental variation underlying the floristic variation within the data. Results obtained with numerical techniques and traditional syntaxonomical classification have been compared. The similarity between these results is low at the level of the orders. This incompatability is explained by the differences in the weighting of the species in the course of the classification process and by the addition of non-floristical criteria that often occurs in syntaxonomical classification according to Braun-Blanquet. The highest value has been observed at the 3-clusters level (both orders and the Malvion neglectae). High similarity among the results of the numerical techniques have been observed, particularly in the group of space-dilating clusterings (Ward's method, Complete linkage clustering and MeQuitty's similarity analysis). Average linkage clustering produces the most diverse result. The Malvion neglectae appeared as a separate group in all numerical techniques adopted. This suggests the upranking of its syntaxonomical position. The Bromo-Hordeion murini turned out to be a very heterotoneous syntaxon.     

Benthic communities along a littoral of the Central Adriatic Sea (Italy)

Bacteria, meio- and macrofauna were investigated at different depths in a coastal area of the Central Adriatic Sea, yielding information about the composition and abundance of the benthic community. In particular, 14 nematode genera were recorded for the first time in the Upper Adriatic Sea. All communities resulted as being significantly different between inshore and offshore stations, especially when the season interaction was considered. Sediment grain size seemed to be the main natural variable, along with trophic resources, affecting the distribution and composition of these benthic components, whilst there was no clear evidence of competition for food sources and predatory pressure between the communities. Meiofauna appeared the most useful community for detecting disturbances and river influences. In particular, the lowest copepod abundance in the shallow waters seemed to be related to a greater anthropogenic disturbance inshore, whilst meiofaunal abundance and diversity together with the nematode maturity index suggest the influence of the Foglia and Metauro rivers and the small stream Arzilla.     

Weak habitat specificity in ectomycorrhizal communities associated with Salix herbacea and Salix polaris in alpine tundra

This study explores mid-alpine ectomycorrhizal communities on Salix herbacea and Salix polaris in plant communities differing in nutrient status and snow conditions. Plant species were identified by tracking roots back to above ground structures while fungal species were identified using molecular methods. The fungi were identified to 34 molecular operational taxonomic units (MOTUs)/species but species accumulation curves indicated that the communities were only partially sampled. The estimated total species richness was 49 (±9 SD) MOTUs/species. No significant ectomycorrhizal community specificity was found between the two plant species and only weak specificity between different plant communities. Furthermore, no difference in proportion of colonized root tips could be demonstrated between plant communities. However, some fungal taxa showed tendencies to associate with specific environmental conditions. Sebacinaceae, Inocybe egenula, Russula cf. emetica, and a Tomentella sp. were found in meadow communities but not in the heath communities. Sistotrema cf. alboluteum and Tomentella cf. terrestris were only found in the dry and mesic heath communities. Classifications into exploration types showed that the contact type is more abundant in the dry heath community than the other communities. Cenococcum geophilum was the most common species but Cortinarius spp., Russula spp., Tomentella spp., and Lactarius spp. were also common. This study confirms that alpine communities are rich in ectomycorrhizal fungi including species from a wide variety of fungal lineages and also show that many dominant species have wide ecological amplitude.     

The effect of windthrow, wild fire, and management practices on epigeic Collembola in windthrown forest stands of the High Tatra Mts (Slovakia)

Epigeic communities of Collembola were studied after a windthrow in differently managed spruce forest stands in the High Tatras, Slovakia. Investigations were carried out in following treatments: reference forest stands (REF), windthrown stands left to natural regeneration (NEX), windthrown stands from which fallen wood had been extracted (EXT), and windthrown stands from which fallen wood had been removed and which had been affected by fire (FIR). A Kruskal-Wallis nonparametric ANOVA revealed significant differences of Collembola community composition and activity between the treatments studied, which was also further supported by the results from NMS ordination and cluster analysis using indicator species analysis. EXT stands had communities with remarkably high activity and diversity of Collembola, whereas FIR stands had low species richness and diversity indices compared to other treatments (REF, NEX, EXT). Windthrown stands had greater collembolan activity and diversity (NEX, EXT) than intact forest stands. However, forest specialists and bryophilous species were sensitive to forest clearing and fire disturbance and were replaced by xeroresistant and generalist species, or species preferring open habitats. The collembolan community most similar to that found in REF stands, in terms of community homogeneity and the magnitude of diversity indices, was found in NEX stands.     

柳属(杨柳科)五个Rudolf Görz的植物名称后选模式指定

由于Rudolf G(o)rz在1935年《静生生物调查所汇报》(植物学)第6卷第1期"中国柳属增志"一文中对2新种、2新变种和1新变型植物名称发表时引证了2号或2号以上的标本,但没指定主模式.根据《国际植物命名法规》规则8.1、9.4、9.9、9.10和辅则9A.1、9A.2、9A.3、9A.4的精神,对这些名称作出后选模式指定.     

Paramecium novaurelia in the Gorgany Mts (Eastern Carpathians) in Ukraine

In the samples collected on the territory of the recently studied region of the Eastern Carpathians, i.e. in the Gorgany Mts, the presence of P. novaurelia was recorded in the samples collected from the bog situated on the Jablonica Pass at an altitude of 100 m. This is the first record of the presence of P. novaurelia in the Gorgany Mts.     

Syntaxonomy and chorology of the Vaccinium myrtillus communities in the Monti Reatini (Central Italy)

Abstract

The present paper details the results of a phytosociological study on Vaccinium myrtillus communities in the Monti Reatini (Central Apennines). A comparison is reported with Vaccinium communities from the rest of the Italian peninsula (already described), showing the coenological and syntaxonomical autonomy of the Monti Reatini types. The Authors include the Monti Reatini shrublands with V. myrtillus and Juniperus nana in the Pino-Juniperetea class and secondary vegetation forms dynamically linked to them in two new Poo violaceae-Nardetum subassociations: Poo violaceae-Nardetum brachypodietosum rupestris and Poo violaceae-Nardetum caricetosum kitaibelianae.     

Facies belts and communities of the arctic Vesterisbanken Seamount (Central Greenland Sea)

Summary The Arctic Vesterisbanken Seamount, situated far offshore in the central Greenland Sea, provides a unique facility for studing modern cold water siliceous carbonate deposits. A nearly year round sea ice cover, which retreats on average only during two months, and a rather constant temperature and salinity structure of the water column characterize the Arctic conditions of the area. Despite predominantly oligotrophic conditions with a pronounced food supply from the pelagic realm only during the ice-free season, the seamount is covered extensively by extended sponge-bryozoan constructions. Three distinct facies belts reveal a pronounced depth zonation which depends on variations in downslope food transfer and which is specifically effective due to the development of aTaylor current regime over the seamount: i) the crest facies from the summit at −133m to −260 m, ii) the shallow slope facies from −260 m to −400 m, iii) the deep slope facies from −400 m down to the abyssal plain at about— 3.000 m. Different biogenic structures and communities are found within these facies belts, including widely extended biogenic mats, sponge bryozoan-serpulid buildups with mounds, hedges, spurs and flatcake-like structures, bryozoan thickets and sponge-crinoid mounds. Depth zonation, internal structure and controlling parameters in the formation of these biogenic structures are discussed in the context of their significance as a modern end member of the Foramol facies and their implication for the fossil record. In addition, the younger volcanic and hydrothermal history of the seamount is presented with special reference to its bearing on Holocene biogenic colonization patterns.     

Seasonal flight activity of sawflies (Hymenoptera, Symphyta) in submontane region of the Western Carpathians, Central Slovakia

Species representation and seasonality of adult sawflies (Symphyta) were studied using Malaise traps at three submontane study sites (Hriňová — HR, Mošovce — MO and Štefanová — ŠT) in the Western Carpathians (Central Slovakia). One trap was operated at each study site continuously during the growing season, in MO in 1992, in HR in 1995 and in ŠT in 1996. A total of 9,281 adults representing 244 species in 9 families were collected. Very rich sawfly assemblages were found. The highest species richness was in MO (181 species), followed by ŠT (153 species) and HR (118 species). Pseudodineura fuscula was recorded from Slovakia for the first time. Adults were present in traps from the end of April through the first half of October. Most species occurred from the second half of May through the first half of June and finished flight activity by the end of June. Seasonal flight activities of the 16 most abundant species are analysed and discussed.     

Soil microbial communities in the zone of uranium deposits of the Central Aldan (South Yakutia)

Specific features of soil microbial colonies in industry-affected mountainous-taiga permafrost landscapes in the El’kon uranium ore district on the territory of South Yakutia are revealed: a high number of ecological trophic groups of microorganisms (2.0 × 10³ ?7.6 × 10⁷ cells/g), comparable to the density of microbes in meadow steppe soils of Central Yakutia and a special nature of their distribution over the soil profile depending on the uranium content of the soil. In the soil of a uranium-contaminated pit, the number of individuals in all examined groups of microorganisms increases with a decrease in uranium content to 161 ppm. In the remaining samples of this pit, the disappearance of microorganisms or their decline by one or two orders of magnitude with increasing uranium content of the soil is observed. A different situation is with microorganisms in the soil of native landscape: Their numbers remain there high over the entire soil profile. Estimated correlations between the number of individuals of the main ecological trophic groups of microorganisms and factors such as uranium content, temperature, and humidity of soil shows that the relationship with the concentration of this radionuclide was strongly negative (r = ?0.6) in the radiation-contaminated alluvial soil, while a strict relationship between the number of microorganisms and soil temperature was revealed for the uncontaminated soil (r = ±1).     

New species of the genusHypericum sect.Hypericum (Guttiferae) from Slovakia

A new species of the genusHypericum, Hypericum carpaticum Mártonfi, is described from Slovakia. It is pentaploid (2n=40) with morphological and chemical features that are most similar to the tetraploid speciesH. dubium Leers from western Europe. The species is most likely of hybridogenous origin, arising as a result of hybridization betweenH. maculatum Crantz andH. perforatum L. It seems that consequent speciation processes and stabilization by inherited apomixis (fromH. perforatum) allowed it to reproduce successfully and to enlarge its distribution area. According to recent knowledge of its distribution, it is necessary to consider it endemic to the Volovské vrchy Mts. in the Carpathians. With regard to its scarcity it merits EN status according to the IUCN criteria.     

Patterns of clonal diversity in three species of sub-arctic willow (Salix lanata, Salix lapponum and Salix herbacea)

Sub-arctic willow scrub is an endangered habitat in Britain, and typically occurs on steep crags inaccessible to grazing animals. These willows can reproduce both sexually and asexually, although the relative importance of each is unknown. Knowledge of reproductive mode is important for the design of grazing management and restoration programmes. Accordingly, clonality was assessed in the largest stand of sub-arctic willow scrub in the UK, focusing on Salix lanata and S. lapponum. Little evidence of clonal growth was detected; most individuals possessed distinct multi-locus genotypes. Thus despite the capacity for vegetative reproduction, and seedlings being rarely observed, sexual reproduction is the predominant means of perpetuation and dispersal at this site. We also examined clonal growth in a common willow species (Salix herbacea) that occupies a different habitat type (exposed mountain tops and ridges). Multiple individuals shared identical genotypes up to 7 m apart, suggesting an important role for clonal growth in local patch formation in this species.     

柳属的分支系统学分析

基于61个广义的形态学性状,以杨属为外类群对柳属进行了分支系统学分析.经简约性分析,得到了21个同等简约的分支树,其严格一致树支持柳属为一个自然的分类群,但不支持将钻天柳属和心叶柳属从柳属中划分出去独立成属,也不支持对柳属进行属级水平上的细分,后两个结果得到孢粉学和分子系统学研究的支持.柳亚属为一个单系分支,皱纹柳亚属和黄花柳亚属也形成了一个单系分支.根据本研究的结果,建议将柳属划分为钻天柳亚属、柳亚属及黄花柳亚属3个亚属.由于较低的靴带支持率,其系统发育关系难于探讨.鉴于分支分析的一致性指数、保持性指数、各分支内部的支持率均不高,柳属的属下分类系统的划分有待进一步的研究.     

Plant communities dominated by Salix gracilistyla in Korean Peninsula and Japan

Riverside vegetation dominated by Salix gracilistyla was analysed. In total, 77 phytocoenological relevés from Japan and both Korean Republics were compared. Based on 20 own relevés from Kumgang-san Mts (North Korea) a new association Artemisio feddei-Salicetum gracilistylae was described. It occupies alluvia of rivers and streams flooded for several times yearly. This species-rich community differs from the most similar, but species-poor association Salicetum gracilistylae Minamikawa 1963, described from Japan and known also from South Korea by numerous differential taxa.     

Study of rickettsioses in Slovakia. III. Experimental infection of Apodemus flavicollis Melch. by rickettsiae of the spotted fever (SF) group isolated in Slovakia.

Experimental studies of infection of Apodemus flavicollis, and for comparison of rickettsiaemia in Clethrionomys glareolus and of susceptibility and antibody formation in white mice, with rickettsiae of the SF group isolated in Slovakia, gave the following results: the species A. flavicollis reacted by the formation of antibodies on subcutaneous administration of rickettsiae, strain B, in an amount of 10(0.5) EID 50/0.25 ml, whereas the white mouse only in an amount of 10(2.5). Rickettsiae, strain B, administered in an amount of 10(3.5) EID 50/0.25 ml subcutaneously to A. flavicollis were found in smears from the liver and spleen of the inoculated animals up to the 25th day following infection, on detection by the isolation test on chick embryo yolk sacs in the spleen on day 5 and 7, in lymph nodes on day 7 and in the brain on day 15 following infection; on detection by the method of injecting suspension from the organs into the haemocoelom of ticks regularly in the spleen and liver up to the 10th day, in the brain, kidney and lymph nodes regularly up to the 15th and irregularly in the lungs also up to the 15th day, then regularly in the testes up to the 5th day and in the heart, blood and peritoneum up to the 3rd day after infection.