Sex difference in cellular calcium metabolism of rat hepatocytes and in α-adrenergic activation of glycogen phosphorylase

Three topics were the subject of these investigations: (i) the difference between males and females in the basal calcium metabolism of hepatocytes; (ii) the source of the calcium which triggers the phosphorylase a stimulation induced by epinephrine through alpha-adrenergic receptors; (iii) the time relation between the rise in phosphorylase activity and the increase in calcium efflux. We found that there was no difference between males and females in total or exchangeable cell calcium. However, there were significant differences in the mitochondrial calcium pool and fluxes measured by steady-state kinetic analyses: they were smaller and the rate constants of mitochondrial calcium influx and efflux were lower in males than in females. The ⁴⁵Ca content of isolated mitochondria and microsomes was also significantly lower in males than in females. In both males and females, epinephrine stimulated phosphorylase activity and calcium efflux even in the absence of extracellular calcium, indicating that the principal source of calcium which triggers the enzyme stimulation is intracellular. During the first 10 min following stimulation by 10^?6 M epinephrine, the total cell calcium, ⁴⁵Ca and the mitochondrial calcium were significantly depressed in male hepatocytes. After 10 min, these changes were reversed and the cell or mitochondrial calcium content was greater than in controls. In females, on the other hand, changes could only be detected if the cells were transferred to calcium-free media before the stimulation. In both males and females, there was a good temporal relationship between the stimulation of calcium efflux and the rise in phosphorylase a activity when hepatocytes were exposed to increasing concentrations of epinephrine: both rose at least 75% in less than 15 s. We conclude that there are important differences in cellular calcium metabolism between males and females. The rise in cytosolic calcium induced by alpha-adrenergic activation is principally due to a mobilization of calcium from an intracellular pool, probably the mitochondria.     

Presence of a generalist entomopathogenic fungus influences the oviposition behaviour of an aphid-specific predator

The predator Aphidoletes aphidimyza (Rondani) (Diptera: Cecidomyiidae) and the generalist entomopathogenic fungus Metarhizium brunneum Petch (Hypocreales: Clavicipitaceae) are effective biological control agents that can co-occur in pest management programmes. We exposed larvae to M. brunneum, on leaves and in soil, to explore possible outcomes of combining the two natural enemies. The number of emerging adults and their longevity were negatively affected by fungus in the soil. When exposed on leaves, adult emergence was unaffected but longevity was reduced. In choice experiments, females chose to lay eggs on fungus-free leaves: more control leaves had eggs and there were more eggs per leaf in the control. In no-choice experiments, the same frequency of females laid eggs in the treatment and control, but significantly more eggs were laid on the control leaves. Gravid A. aphidimyza can perceive M. brunneum and respond by choosing fungus-free oviposition sites, thus reducing contact between them.     

三峡库区马尾松林土壤-凋落物层酶活性对凋落物分解的影响

凋落物的彻底降解是在凋落物和土壤酶系统的综合作用下完成,酶活性的提高有利于凋落物-土壤有机物质的分解和养分释放。通过对三峡库区30年生马尾松林凋落物分解、凋落物-土壤层酶活性季节动态及其对分解的影响进行研究,结果表明:30年生马尾松林凋落物经过540 d的分解后干重剩余率是59.80%;凋落物层酶活性季节动态明显,氧化还原酶活性均是11月最低,3月最高;土壤过氧化物酶活性季节变化显著且均是11月最低,多酚氧化酶活性9月较高,而过氧化物酶活性则是6月较高。马尾松林凋落物层酶活性与土壤层酶活性差异较大,且水解酶活性差异较氧化还原酶活性差异大,凋落物层脲酶活性、纤维素酶活性和蔗糖酶活性11月、6月、9月分别是0—5 cm土壤层的6.33倍、3.24倍、10.29倍,68.14倍、16.16倍、24.81倍,25.07倍、31.88倍、29.20倍。凋落物分解速率均与土壤、凋落物层氧化还原酶活性呈极显著"S"形曲线,与凋落物层水解酶活性呈二次函数关系,与土壤层水解酶均呈极显著的线性关系。凋落物质量能引起凋落物-土壤层酶活性变化,酶活性的改变反过来影响凋落物的分解,因此,凋落物-土壤层酶活性差异与凋落物分解阶段和对共同影响因素(凋落物质量、土壤温度、水分含量和土壤养分等)的敏感性不同有关,凋落物-土壤层酶的相互作用共同影响森林生态系统的物质循环和养分循环过程。     

Ecological restoration on former agricultural soils: Feasibility of in situ phosphate fixation as an alternative to top soil removal

In Europe, high phosphorus (P) concentrations form the most important constraint on the ecological restoration of biodiverse vegetation on former agricultural soils, because they lead to dominance of highly competitive species like Juncus effusus or to algal blooms in flooded situations. Top soil removal is often not sufficient or not possible, so alternative methods have to be found. We therefore investigated whether modified bentonite clay to which 5% lanthanum had been added (LMC) and lime could effectively decrease bioavailable P and phosphate mobilization to the water layer in different soil types.A container experiment was performed using peaty and sandy soils with different Olsen-P concentrations, mixed with different doses of LMC and lime. The soils were exposed to two different common water regimes (moist and flooded). J. effusus seedlings were used as phytometers.Addition of LMC and lime lowered extractable P concentrations in some of the P-rich sandy soils. Only the highest LMC dose was able to decrease phosphate mobilization to the water layer in the sandy soils. However, neither LMC nor lime was sufficiently effective in reducing Olsen-P concentrations and J. effusus growth. Lime addition eventually even led to additional nutrient mobilization by alkalinization and increased mineralization of the soil.Our experiments therefore show that LMC and lime are not feasible alternatives to top soil removal, because they are inefficient in preventing dominance of highly competitive species under moist or shallowly flooded conditions. LMC may only be used to prevent phosphate mobilization to the water layer in deeply flooded situations, which may allow for a more biodiverse vegetation development.     

Characteristics of soil animal community in the subalpine/alpine forests of western Sichuan during onset of freezing

Seasonal freeze–thaw cycle is a common phenomenon in the subalpine/alpine forest region, and may have a significant influence on the structure and function of soil animal community. To understand the characteristics and dynamics of soil animal community as well as its response to repeated freeze–thaw events in this region during onset of freezing, a field experiment was conducted to investigate the composition, abundance, and diversity of soil fauna in primary fir (Abies faxoniana) forest, fir and birch (Betula albosinensis) mixed forest and secondary fir (A. faxoniana) forest, which were three representative forests in the subalpine and alpine forest region in western Sichuan. Soil samples were collected from November 3 to November 27, 2008, which was defined as onset of freezing based on the simultaneous monitoring of soil temperature. Soil macrofauna were picked up by hand in the fields. Mesofauna were separated and collected from the soil samples by Baermann and Tullgren methods, respectively. By preliminary identification, 40,942 individuals were collected, which belonged to 7 phyla, 15 classes and 25 orders in the three sampling forests. 16,557, 14,669 and 9716 individuals were found in primary forest, mixed forest and secondary forest, respectively. In comparison with the mineral soil layer, the soil organic layer had higher density and groups of soil fauna. Furthermore, following the repeated freeze–thaw events, density and groups of soil fauna experienced a distinct decrease in both soil organic layer and mineral soil layer, and this trend in soil organic layer was more significant in the primary forest, owing to higher intense and more frequent freeze–thaw cycles in soil organic layer of the primary forest. The results revealed that soil animals were sensitive bio-indicators to environmental changes, such as repeated freeze–thaw events and dry–wet cycle. Meanwhile, the results also implied that the dynamics of the structure and function of soil animal community during the onset of freezing was of ecological significance to understand the wintertime ecological process in soils.     

Observations of the migration of adult Dasylepida ishigakiensis (Coleoptera: Scarabaeidae) from belowground to the soil surface and their reproductive status by MRI

Field observations indicate that white grub beetles Dasylepida ishigakiensis Niijima et Kinoshita (Coleoptera: Scarabaeidae) pupate approximately 40 cm underground and then emerge from the soil surface as adults. Although the factors influencing adult emergence from the soil have been studied, the migration of adults from belowground to the surface has never been characterized. In this study, the vertical movement of virgin adults from natural eclosion depths to their emergence from the soil surface was investigated. Virgin adults were introduced at a depth of 40 cm from the soil surface in wooden-framed glass cases, and the vertical position of each individual was checked every day. Both females and males emerged near the soil surface at approximately day 50 after they were transferred from 24 °C to 18 °C conditions. The maturity of the ovaries in unemerged and emerged females was also observed by magnetic resonance imaging. All females that had emerged from the soil possessed developed oocytes, and most possessed mature eggs. The cross-sectional area of eggs was determined in magnetic resonance images and compared between unemerged and emerged females, and the egg areas of emerged females were significantly larger than those of unemerged females. Our results indicate that the timing of female emergence from soil corresponded to ovary maturity in this species.     

施肥方式和园龄对洛川苹果园土壤钙素退化的影响

为明确黄土高原苹果产区施肥方式和园龄对土壤钙素含量和钙素贮量的影响,本研究以位于世界苹果优生区的陕西省洛川县苹果园为研究对象,分别研究不同施肥方式和不同园龄苹果园0～100 cm土层土壤碳酸钙、水溶性钙和交换性钙含量及其贮量的变化特征.结果表明: 洛川县苹果园土壤钙素递减式退化现象严重,长期大量单施化肥苹果园土壤钙素退化现象明显大于化肥与农家有机肥配施苹果园,单施化肥苹果园比化肥与农家有机肥配施苹果园0～100 cm土层土壤碳酸钙、水溶性钙和交换性钙平均含量分别减少38.8%、25.4%和5.6%,3种形态土壤钙素贮量依次减少36.4%、26.0%和4.3%;苹果园土壤钙素退化程度随园龄增加不断加剧,园龄>25年苹果园比园龄≤10年苹果园0～100 cm土层土壤碳酸钙、水溶性钙和交换性钙平均含量分别减少48.8%、69.4%和39.5%,3种形态土壤钙素贮量分别减少40.8%、64.1%和33.0%.长期大量单施化肥和长期种植苹果树均对土壤碳酸钙、水溶性钙、交换性钙有明显的耗竭作用,钙素递减式退化特征明显,化肥与农家有机肥配施能够有效减缓土壤钙素退化,对于园龄>25年的高龄苹果园应加强土壤钙素管理.施肥方式是苹果园土壤钙素递减的驱动因素,钙素递减呈现出明显的时(园龄)空(土层深度)效应.     

Use of extracts from oyster shell and soil for cultivation of Spirulina maxima

Calcium ion and trace metals play important roles in various metabolisms of photosynthetic organisms. In this study, simple methods were developed to extract calcium ion and micronutrients from oyster shell and common soil, and the prepared extracts were tested as a replacement of the corresponding chemicals that are essential for growth of microalgae. The oyster shell and soil were treated with 0.1 M sodium hydroxide or with 10 % hydrogen peroxide, respectively. The potential application of these natural sources to cultivation was investigated with Spirulina maxima. When compared to standard Zarrouk medium, the Spirulina maxima cultivated in a modified Zarrouk media with elements from oyster shell and soil extract exhibited increases in biomass, chlorophyll, and phycocyanin by 17, 16, and 64 %, respectively. These results indicate that the extracts of oyster shell and soil provide sufficient amounts of calcium and trace metals for successful cultivation of Spirulina maxima.     

Pelage color variation in pocket gophers (Rodentia: Geomyidae) in relation to sex,age and differences in habitat

Pelage coloration is a phenotypic characteristic in mammals that could be associated with an individual's survival and fitness; thus coloration gains adaptive importance. In geomyids, pelage coloration shows a relationship with the color of soils on which they live, mainly freshly dug soil of their burrows. This characteristic could be due to a camouflage adaptation to avoid predators. Pocket gophers disperse aboveground to establish a territory before they reach reproductive condition, and males disperse longer distances than females. The aim of this study was to evaluate pelage color variation in pocket gophers (Thomomys anitae) in relation to habitat differences, sex, and age, and determine its association to the color of the soil on which they live. Brightness of T. anitae's dorsal pelage coloration and that of soil samples from five different habitats in the Baja California peninsula, Mexico were measured to test four hypotheses: (1) Subadults show a wide coloration range, but extreme colors are lost in adulthood due to natural selection. (2) Males are more vulnerable to depredation than females; therefore, males’ coloration is more homogenous as a protective camouflage. (3) In open habitats pocket gophers are more exposed to being detected by predators, therefore their pelage coloration pattern is less variable than that of individuals from habitats with more vegetation cover. (4) Pelage coloration better matches soil coloration in moist conditions similar to that of freshly dug soil of their burrows. The results confirmed our predictions; however, selection does not impose an equal pressure on pelage coloration on the five habitats evaluated; other factors such as population density and predator presence need to be assessed. The strongest effects are found in the most open habitat, and there is less strong support for predictions in habitats where predator assemblage is diminished.     

贝壳堤岛3种植被类型的土壤颗粒分形及水分生态特征

运用土壤粒径质量分布原理与分形学理论,以黄河三角洲贝壳堤岛的3种植被类型为研究对象,以裸地为对照,测定分析土壤颗粒分形维数、粒径组成和水分物理参数,探讨不同植被类型的土壤颗粒分形特征及其影响因素。结果表明：贝壳砂土壤中粗砂粒含量最高;其次是细砂粒,而石砾和粉粘粒含量较低。灌木林地和草地具有降低石砾、粗砂粒,增加细砂粒和粉粘粒含量的作用。不同植被类型土壤颗粒分形维数均值在1.5845－1.9157之间,大小依次为酸枣林、杠柳林和草地,表层高于20－40cm土层。酸枣林、杠柳林及草地0－40cm土壤容重均值分别比裸地低23.87%,14.51%和10.47%;总孔隙度均值分别比裸地增加16.96%,16.71%和1.31%。植被恢复措施对贝壳砂表层的孔隙结构、疏松程度改善较好,草地及灌木林地的蓄水性能均表现为0－20cm高于20－40cm。土壤颗粒分形维数与粉粘粒含量、毛管孔隙度、总孔隙度、饱和蓄水量、吸持蓄水量等呈极显著正相关,与细砂粒含量呈显著正相关,与粗砂粒含量和容重呈极显著负相关,与石砾含量、非毛管孔隙度、滞留蓄水量的相关性不大。从土壤分形维数及其水分生态特征来看,贝壳堤岛3种植被类型的改良土壤物理性质及蓄水保土功能表现为灌木林好于草地,其中酸枣林好于杠柳林,0－20cm好于20－40cm土层。     

Differential Activity of Stanniocalcin in Male and Female Fresh Water Teleost Mastacembelus armatus (Lacepede) during Gonadal Maturation

The present study was carried out to analyze the differences in the activity of hormone stanniocalcin (STC) between male and female fishes of Mastacembelus armatus during their gonadal cycle. A large variation in nuclear diameter of cells of corpuscles of Stannius (CS) were recorded in relation to testicular cycle as well as ovarian cycle which indicates that the cellular activity varied with different phases of reproductive cycle in both male and female fish. Similar changes in nuclear diameter of CS cells were also observed after 17alpha-methyltestosterone administration in males and 17 β-estradiol administrations in females. A positive correlation was observed between plasma STC levels, gonadosomatic index (GSI) and the sex steroids in both sexes, suggesting that STC has a role in the processes involved in gonadal development. In addition females showed remarkable changes in plasma calcium level during gonadal cycle while no such change for males were observed. In females the plasma calcium level estimated during different phases of reproductive cycle indicates positive correlation between plasma level of calcium and gonad growth. Thus hyperactivity of CS cells was noted in both male and female fishes during gonadal cycle along with the differences in the activity of STC as well. In female it may act as hypocalcemic factor and bring the level of calcium to normal which increases during preparatory and pre spawning phases to fulfill the increased demand of calcium for vitellogenesis. However data of male fishes indicated that plasma STC concentration varied widely during gonadal cycle but showed no consistent relationship to plasma calcium level.     

红壤区桉树人工林炼山后土壤肥力变化及其生态评价

炼山是我国南方林区清理林地的一种传统方法。以广西红壤区桉树人工林为研究区域,通过样地调查和采样,应用培养和非培养（PCR-DGGE）等传统与现代分析方法分别对火烧迹地土壤肥力演变及生态环境进行了评价。结果表明：与非炼山对照区相比,炼山1周后土壤剖面表层土壤（0-3 cm）中有机质、全氮、全磷、全钾以及碱解氮、速效磷和速效钾含量均不同程度地提高;同时,可培养土壤微生物数量和土壤微生物生物量碳、氮也显著地高于对照。虽然中层土（3-25 cm）中各理化性状和生物学性状指标也呈现出与表层土类似的变化趋势,但下层土（25 cm以下）却呈现出无规则的变化趋势;另一方面,炼山4个月后,除磷含量外,土壤剖面各土层土壤中理化性状指标均不同程度地低于非炼山对照区土壤。同时,炼山土壤中可培养微生物数量均低于对照区土壤,虽然表层土壤之间的差异均未达显著水平,但剖面各土层土壤微生物生物量碳、氮却显著低于对照区土壤。说明炼山无助于长效提高桉树人工林的土壤肥力。此外,虽然桉树人工林土壤细菌多样性指数、丰度和均与度指标在不同土层的变化不均一,但无论是炼山1周或4个月后,炼山方式均不同程度地导致了桉树人工林表层土壤细菌多样性指数、丰度和均与度指标的下降,说明炼山方式也不利于桉树人工林,尤其是表层土壤生态系统的持续稳定。     

Scent marking and mate choice in the prairie vole, Microtus ochrogaster

Scent marking is common among male and female rodents and might be used in male-male competition and as a mechanism for mate attraction. I tested the hypotheses that females would choose males based on their frequency and placement of scent marks, and that a female would advertise interest in a particular male by placing her scent marks on or near those of a preferred mating partner. In a series of experiments conducted with prairie voles, Microtus ochrogaster, females did not choose mates based on the frequency or placement of scent marks by males nor did they advertise their interest in a particular male through the frequency or placement of scent marks. The number of males chosen that scent-marked more than their opponents did not differ significantly between females exposed (11 of 15) and not exposed (10 of 15) to scents of males. Females exposed and not exposed to scents of males preferred seven of the same males that had scent-marked more than their opponents. When a third group of females was exposed to four times more scent of the less preferred than preferred males, they still chose the preferred males. Thus, the frequency and placement of scent marks by males were not used to assess males for mate choice nor did female prairie voles use scent to advertise their preference for a mating partner. In that scent marking is common in male and female mammals, scent quality might be more important than quantity in male-male competition and mate attraction.Copyright 2002 The Association for the Study of Animal Behaviour. Published by Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved .     

长期施肥对砂壤质石灰性潮土土壤酸碱缓冲体系的影响

通过长期施肥定位试验,分析了石灰性潮土连续30年施肥处理下土壤pH、碳酸钙和活性碳酸钙含量以及土壤酸碱缓冲容量的变化.结果表明:连续30年施肥处理导致石灰性潮土0 ～20 cm耕层土壤酸化加速,各施肥处理的耕层土壤pH降低0.41 ～0.70;各施肥处理的耕层土壤酸碱缓冲容量为15.82 ～ 21.96 cmol·kg-1,单施氮肥明显降低了土壤酸碱缓冲容量,而增施有机肥可显著提高土壤酸碱缓冲容量.土壤酸碱缓冲容量与土壤碳酸钙和活性碳酸钙含量呈显著正相关,与土壤有机质含量和阳离子交换量的相关性不显著,长期不同施肥处理下石灰性潮土仍处于碳酸钙初级缓冲体系,盐基离子和有机质对土壤酸碱缓冲体系的影响较小.0 ～40 cm土层的土壤碳酸钙和活性碳酸钙含量均高于40 ～ 80 cm土层.与土壤碳酸钙相比,土壤活性碳酸钙更能敏感反映土壤基本理化性状的变化,碳酸钙缓冲体系还可以进一步细分为土壤活性碳酸钙缓冲体系.     

A reinvestigation of the role of (E)-2-hexenal in female calling behaviour of the polyphemus moth (Antheraea polyphemus)

Calling periodicities in the saturniid moth Antheraea polyphemus were similar in virgin females that were intact, intact and exposed to (E)-2-hexenal and antennectomised. Virgin females and antennectomised virgin females were of comparable attractiveness to males in the field.     

Influence of fetal position on neonatal androgen-induced sterility and sexual behavior in female rats

Two aspects of reproductive function were examined in relation to female fetus' contiguity to intrauterine male littermates. Following injection of 3.5 μg testosterone propionate (TP) on Day 3, females that had been positioned in utero between two males became sterile earlier in life than those located in utero between two females. Anogenital distances on Days 1 and 3 prior to neonatal treatment with TP were greater in females located in utero between two males than in females residing between two females in utero, suggesting that females developing between two males may have been exposed prenatally to a masculinizing substance, presumably an androgen. No reliable contribution of litter composition was apparent with respect to differentiation of female sexual behavior. Results indicate that littermate hormonal influence is present or effective and can be detected in a neonatally androgenized preparation.     

Dietary Exposure to Lead and Cadmium in Yugoslavia

Abstract

Lead exposure still represents a matter of health concern especially in Yugoslavia. To assess the exposure of normal urban population to lead and cadmium through food, a preliminary monitoring was performed on a small group of urban population. Lead, cadmium and some essential elements (calcium, zinc, iron, copper and manganese) were analysed in collected duplicate diet samples and compared to similar population in Sweden. We found that dietary exposure to lead and cadmium is similar to other countries although Yugoslav urban population is exposed to much higher concentrations of lead in air than in cities of developed countries, due to high lead in gasoline. However, daily intake of some essential elements was significantly lower.

Also populations living around lead smelters in various parts of Yugoslavia are still exposed to elevated environmental lead and cadmium levels. To assess the exposure of the population living in this area, a cumulative long-term exposure to lead was determined by measuring lead in deciduous teeth. Concentrations of lead and cadmium in vegetables, soil and meals from the same region were also analysed. Values obtained for lead and cadmium in food products grown in exposed and control area were found to be related to respective concentrations of these elements in soil as well as to the distance from the smelter. Meals prepared in this region show the same trend, revealing very high intake particularly of lead.

The influence of nutritional factors, i.e. dietary calcium on lead metabolism, was also studied. Blood lead concentration was determined in two groups of peasant women living in two regions with different dietary calcium intake. Lower blood lead values were found in the higher dietary calcium intake region.     

Demography of some non-native isopods (Crustacea,Isopoda, Oniscidea) in a Mid-Atlantic forest,USA

Introduced species dominate the terrestrial isopod fauna in most inland habitats of North America, including urban landscapes. These non-native species are often very abundant and thus potentially play a significant role in detritus processing. We monitored isopod assemblages in an urban forest for a year to examine the relationship between surface activity and abiotic environmental factors, and to analyze reproductive characteristics that might contribute to their successful establishment. Using pitfall trap samples we recorded five species, two of which, Trachelipus rathkii and Cylisticus convexus, were highly abundant. We determined size, sex and reproductive state of each individual. Surface activity of both species reflected variability in abiotic stress factors for isopods, such as soil moisture and soil temperature. Early spring the main trigger was soil temperature while later in the season increasing temperature and decreasing soil moisture jointly affected population dynamics. Activity significantly correlated with soil moisture. The temporal pattern of sex ratios supported the secondary sex ratio hypothesis. Males dominated the samples on the onset of the mating season in search of females. The pattern was reversed as females searched for suitable microsites for their offspring. Size independent fecundity decreased as conditions became more stressful late in the season.     

Fungi Associated with Females and Cysts of Heterodera glycines in a Florida Soybean Field

Fungal colonization was determined for females and cysts of Heterodera glycines on soybean roots or in rhizosphere soil from a Florida soybean field. A total of 1,620 females and cysts were examined in 1991, and 1,303 were examined in 1992. More than 35 species of fungi were isolated from females and cysts. The frequency of fungi colonizing white and yellow females was low, but a high frequency of fungi was encountered in brown cysts, which increased with time of exposure of the cysts to the soil. No single fungal species predominated in the nematode females or cysts in this field. Rarely was a female or cyst colonized by more than one fungus. The common fungi isolated from the females and cysts were Neocosmospora vasinfecta, Fusarium solani, Fusarium oxysporum, Dictyochaeta coffeae, Dictyochaeta heteroderae, Pyrenochaeta terrestris, Exophiala pisciphila, Gliocladium catenulatum, Stagonospora heteroderae, and a black yeast-like fungus. The communities of common fungal species isolated from cysts in several regions in the southeastern United States appear to be similar.     

Efficacy of Ethoprop on Meloidogyne hapla and M. chitwoodi and Enhanced Biodegradation in Soil

Responses of egg masses, free eggs, and second-stage juveniles (J2) ofMeloidogyne hapla and M. chitwoodi to ethoprop were evaluated. The results indicated that J2 were the most sensitive, followed by free eggs and egg masses. In general, M. chitwoodi was more susceptible to ethoprop than M. hapla. Ethoprop at 7.2 μg a.i./g soil protected tomato roots from upward migrating M. chitwoodi for 5 weeks. The zone of protection was extended to 10 and 20 cm below the root zone when 3.6 and 7.2 cm water were applied over 8 days. Ethoprop at 1.8, 3.6, and 7.2 μg a.i./g soil degraded faster and killed fewer M. chitwoodi J2 in potato field soil previously exposed to ethoprop than in unexposed soil or sterilized exposed soil. The enhanced biodegradation property of the exposed soil lasted 17 months after the last application of ethoprop. The limited downward movement of ethoprop in the soil, migration of M. chitwoodi J2 into the treated zone, presence of resistant life stage(s) at the time of application, and loss of efficacy due to enhanced biodegradation may have a significant effect on the performance of ethoprop.