Effects of photoperiod and raised winter temperatures on egg development and timing of oviposition in the willow psyllid Cacopsylla moscovita

Nymphal development of Cacopsylla moscovita (And.) (Homoptera: Psylloidea) takes place only on female catkins of Salix repens L. and close phenological synchrony is crucial because development times of catkins and nymphs are similar. Eggs are laid on catkins as soon as they develop and close synchrony between oviposition and budburst maximizes time available for nymphal development. Sampling adult C. moscovita in the field revealed little synchrony between egg development and budburst, with over 60% of females containing mature eggs four weeks before catkins first appeared. In the laboratory, egg development was influenced by both temperature and photoperiod. At 10°C, egg development occurred approximately one month earlier than at 5°C and two weeks earlier than in the field. Adult survival in the laboratory was substantially reduced at increased temperature, with only 20% of adults surviving longer than two weeks at 10°C, compared with over 95% at 5°C. Body condition (weight corrected for size) of males and females decreased significantly in the field over winter. However, body condition of females levelled off before budburst, coincident with egg development implying that females had resumed feeding. We discuss our results in relation to regulation of phenological synchrony between oviposition and catkin appearance.     

Impact of foliar herbivory on the development of a root-feeding insect and its parasitoid

The majority of studies exploring interactions between above- and below-ground biota have been focused on the effects of root-associated organisms on foliar herbivorous insects. This study examined the effects of foliar herbivory by Pieris brassicae L. (Lepidoptera: Pieridae) on the performance of the root herbivore Delia radicum L. (Diptera: Anthomyiidae) and its parasitoid Trybliographa rapae (Westwood) (Hymenoptera: Figitidae), mediated through a shared host plant Brassica nigra L. (Brassicaceae). In the presence of foliar herbivory, the survival of D. radicum and T. rapae decreased significantly by more than 50%. In addition, newly emerged adults of both root herbivores and parasitoids were significantly smaller on plants that had been exposed to foliar herbivory than on control plants. To determine what factor(s) may have accounted for the observed results, we examined the effects of foliar herbivory on root quantity and quality. No significant differences in root biomass were found between plants with and without shoot herbivore damage. Moreover, concentrations of nitrogen in root tissues were also unaffected by shoot damage by P. brassicae larvae. However, higher levels of indole glucosinolates were measured in roots of plants exposed to foliar herbivory, suggesting that the development of the root herbivore and its parasitoid may be, at least partly, negatively affected by increased levels of these allelochemicals in root tissues. Our results show that foliar herbivores can affect the development not only of root-feeding insects but also their natural enemies. We argue that such indirect interactions between above- and below-ground biota may play an important role in the structuring and functioning of communities.     

Age-dependent rates of infection of cassava green mites by a fungal pathogen in Brazil

Age-specific effects of invertebrate pathogens on their hosts can greatly influence the population dynamics in such interactions. Explanations for such differences are usually sought within differing intrinsic susceptibilities of the host life stages but we present data which indicate that host size, behaviour and life history may be the overriding factors determining age-specific effects of a fungal pathogen, Neozygites floridana (Entomophthorales: Neozygitaceae) on spider mites (Mononychellus tanajoa Bondar, Acari: Tetranychidae). Epizootics of N. floridana in spider mites are characterised by much greater relative mortality of adult females compared with other life stages (ca. 99%), despite similar physiological susceptibilities. We present empirical data that demonstrate encounter rates of mites with N. floridana increasing with life stage during an epizootic on cassava in northeastern Brazil. Estimates of the size, walking speeds and patterns, and life history of different life stages (and adult sexes) were used to calculate expected relative encounter rates which were found not to be different from the observed values (although not testable for larvae). This helps explain the different apparent susceptibility of host life stages in the field. Given the low ecological susceptibility of younger life stages to this pathogen, we predict that the interaction time between host and pathogen, determined by climatic conditions, will be critical in determining the degree of host population control in an epizootic. We further hypothesise that such variation in ecological susceptibility to pathogens can generate selection pressures on basic host traits, contributing to the sessile nature of many microarthropods. This revised version was published online in July 2006 with corrections to the Cover Date.     

Phenological models of development in Pandemis heparana and Adoxophyes orana for timing the application of Insect Growth Regulators with juvenile-hormone activity

Control of leafrollers using Insect Growth Regulators with juvenile-hormone acitivity (IGR) is a major issue in research on Integrated Pest Management in apple orchards. The IGR is applied at the time of emergence of the last-larval instar of leafrollers, thus causing a disturbance of metamorphosis.Simulation models on the development of Pandemis heparana (Denn. et Schiff.) and Adoxophyes orana (F.v.R.) were developed, partly on the basis of experiments, partly on data from literature, to predict the time of emergence of the various stages, particularly of the last-larval instar and the pupa. The models use the state-variable approach, and include only temperature as a driving variable.Simulated curves of emergence of last-instar larvae, pupae and moths corresponded well with observations on field-collected larvae, reared to adult stage in an outdoor insectary. The curves of pheromone trap catches showed a delay relative to the calculated and observed curves for the eclosion of pupae.To investigate whether the time of IGR application could be related to a temperature sum, the relation between emergence curves of last-instar larvae and temperature sums was studied for several years. For this purpose simulated curves were used, because observations on emergence of last-instar covered only a few years.

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Résumé Le contrôle des Tordeuses par les régulateurs de croissance d'Insectes (IGR), à activité d'hormone juvénile, est un progrès majeur dans la recherche pour la lutte intégrée contre les ennemis des vergers de pommiers.L'IGR appliqué lors de l'apparition du dernier stade larvaire des Tordeuses, perturbe ainsi la métamorphose ultérieure. Afin de prévoir le moment d'apparition des différents stades, et plus particulièrement du dernier stade larvaire, des modèles de simulation du développement de Pandemis heparana (Denn. et Schiff.) et Adoxophyes orana (F.v.R.) ont été élaborés à partir d'expériences et en se basant sur des résultats de la littérature.Le modèle est basé sur l'examen de la variable d'état, la température étant la variable discriminante suivie.Les courbes simulées d'apparition des larves de dernier stade, des nymphes et des papillons correspondent aux observations faites sur les larves récoltées dans la nature et élevées jusqu'au stade adulte dans un insectarium en plein air.Le taux de capture dans les pièges à phéromone présente un retard par rapport aux courbes calculées et observées pour l'éclosion des nymphes. Différentes causes peuvent être attribuées à cette différence, mais l'influence d'aucune d'elles n'a été étudiée.Afin de déterminer si le moment de l'application d'IGR peut être lié à une somme de températures, les courbes d'apparition des larves de dernier stade ont été étudiées en relation avec les sommes de températures portant sur plusieurs années. Les observations concernant l'apparition des larves de dernier stade ne couvrant que 2 années, des courbes simulées ont été utilisées à cet effet. L'emploid de la relation liant le moment de l'apparition à la somme des températures permet de n'avoir à calculer que les sommes de températures pour déterminer le moment opportun de l'application des IGR.

     

The effect of hunger level on predation dynamics in the spider Nesticodes rufipes: a functional response study

It is well known that a predator has the potential to regulate a prey population only if the predator responds to increases in prey density and inflicts greater mortality rates. Predators may cause such density-dependent mortality depending on the nature of the functional and numerical responses. As spiders are usually faced with a shortage of prey, the killing behavior of the spider Nesticodes rufipes at varying densities of Musca domestica was examined here through laboratory functional response experiments where spiders were deprived of food for 5 (well-fed) or 20 days (hungry). An additional laboratory experiment was also carried out to assess handling time of spiders. The number of prey killed by spiders over 24- and 168-h periods of predator–prey interaction was recorded. Logistic regression analyses revealed the type II functional response for both well-fed and hungry spiders. We found that the lower predation of hungry spiders during the first hours of experimentation was offset later by an increase in predation (explained by estimated handling times), resulting in similarity of functional response curves for well-fed and hungry spiders. It was also observed that the higher number of prey killed by well-fed spiders over a 24-h period of spider–prey interaction probably occurred due to their greater weights than hungry spiders. We concluded that hungry spiders may be more voracious than well-fed spiders only over longer time periods, since hungry spiders may spend more time handling their first prey items than well-fed spiders.     

From Genes to Ecosystems: The Genetic Basis of Condensed Tannins and Their Role in Nutrient Regulation in a Populus Model System

Research that connects ecosystem processes to genetic mechanisms has recently gained significant ground, yet actual studies that span the levels of organization from genes to ecosystems are extraordinarily rare. Utilizing foundation species from the genus Populus, in which the role of condensed tannins (CT) has been investigated aboveground, belowground, and in adjacent streams, we examine the diverse mechanisms for the expression of CT and the ecological consequences of CT for forests and streams. The wealth of data from this genus highlights the importance of form and function of CT in large-scale and long-term ecosystem processes and demonstrates the following four patterns: (1) plant-specific concentration of CT varies as much as fourfold among species and individual genotypes; (2) large within-plant variation in CT occurs due to ontogenetic stages (that is, juvenile and mature), tissue types (that is, leaves versus twigs) and phenotypic plasticity in response to the environment; (3) CT have little consistent effect on plant–herbivore interactions, excepting organisms utilizing woody tissues (that is, fungal endophytes and beaver), however; (4) CT in plants consistently slow rates of leaf litter decomposition (aquatic and terrestrial), alter the composition of heterotrophic soil communities (and some aquatic communities) and reduce nutrient availability in terrestrial ecosystems. Taken together, these data suggest that CT may play an underappreciated adaptive role in regulating nutrient dynamics in ecosystems. These results also demonstrate that a holistic perspective from genes-to-ecosystems is a powerful approach for elucidating complex ecological interactions and their evolutionary implications. All authors made significant contributions of data, research or writing to the study described in this review.     

Tolerance to herbivory by a stemboring caterpillar in architecturally distinct maizes and wild relatives

In a screenhouse experiment in southwest Mexico, we infested two maize cultivars, a land-race and a modern high-yielding variety, and two wild teosintes, Zea diploperennis and Zea mays parviglumis, with newly hatched larvae of the stemborer, Diatraea grandiosella. While subsequent damage levels, when corrected for differences in plant size, were highest in the wild perennial, Zea diploperennis, this taxon showed the lowest absolute and proportional reductions in growth and reproduction, i.e., it was most tolerant to the damage. Higher growth rates were not associated with tolerance. Rather, a greater number of tillers and leaves in the wild taxa allowed for compartmentalization of damage and greater developmental plasticity. These results, when combined with previous findings on effective defense patterns, indicate that tolerance in maizes and wild relatives may be positively associated with defense against stemboring by the same insect. Because the probable mechanisms for defense (tissue fiber) and tolerance (plant architecture) are unrelated, a positive association is contrary to the predictions of some optimal defense theories, which posit a negative relationship between tolerance and defense.     

Asymmetric indirect interactions mediated by a shared parasitoid: connecting species traits and local distribution patterns for two chrysomelid beetles

This paper reports on an asymmetric indirect interaction between two chrysomelid beetles where one species (Galerucella tenella) experiences higher parasitization, and the other species (Galerucella calmariensis) lower parasitization, in mixed compared with monospecific populations. This pattern is likely to be a consequence of differences in life history characteristics, where the inferior species has a smaller body size, a lower fecundity and supports a lower parasitoid density than the superior species. This connection between life history characteristics and interspecific dominance in host–parasitoid systems corresponds to predictions from current community ecology theory, and provides a useful building-block in the development of a predictive theory of parasitoid effects on host coexistence.     

Nitrate-dependent control of root architecture and N nutrition are altered by a plant growth-promoting Phyllobacterium sp

Both root architecture and plant N nutrition are altered by inoculation with the plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR) Phyllobacterium strain STM196. It is known that NO₃⁻ and N metabolites can act as regulatory signals on root development and N transporters. In this study, we investigate the possible interrelated effects on root development and N transport. We show that the inhibition of Arabidopsis lateral root growth by high external NO₃⁻ is overridden by Phyllobacterium inoculation. However, the leaf NO₃⁻ pool remained unchanged in inoculated plants. By contrast, the Gln root pool was reduced in inoculated plants. Unexpectedly, NO₃⁻ influx and the expression levels of AtNRT1.1 and AtNRT2.1 genes coding for root NO₃⁻ transporters were also decreased after 8 days of Phyllobacterium inoculation. Although the mechanisms by which PGPR exert their positive effects remain unknown, our data show that they can optimize plant development independently from N supply, thus alleviating the regulatory mechanisms that operate in axenic conditions. In addition, we found that Phyllobacterium sp. elicited a very strong induction of AtNRT2.5 and AtNRT2.6, both genes preferentially expressed in the shoots whose functions are unknown.     

Constitutive and herbivore-inducible glucosinolate concentrations in oilseed rape (Brassica napus) leaves are not affected by Bt Cry1Ac insertion but change under elevated atmospheric CO2 and O3

Glucosinolates are plant secondary compounds involved in direct chemical defence by cruciferous plants against herbivores. The glucosinolate profile can be affected by abiotic and biotic environmental stimuli. We studied changes in glucosinolate patterns in leaves of non-transgenic oilseed rape (Brassica napus ssp. oleifera) under elevated atmospheric CO₂ or ozone (O₃) concentrations and compared them with those from transgenic for herbivore-resistance (Bacillus thuringiensis Cry1Ac endotoxin), to assess herbivory dynamics. Both elevated CO₂ and O₃ levels decreased indolic glucosinolate concentrations in transgenic and non-transgenic lines, whereas O₃ specifically increased the concentration of an aromatic glucosinolate, 2-phenylethylglucosinolate. The herbivore-inducible indolic glucosinolate response was reduced in elevated O₃ whereas elevated CO₂ altered the induction dynamics of indolic and aliphatic glucosinolates. Herbivore-resistant Bt plants experienced minimal leaf damage after target herbivore Plutella xylostella feeding, but exhibited comparatively similar increase in glucosinolate concentrations after herbivory as non-transgenic plants, indicating that the endogenous glucosinolate defence was not severely compromised by transgenic modifications. The observed differences in constitutive and inducible glucosinolate concentrations of oilseed rape under elevated atmospheric CO₂ and O₃ might have implications for plant–herbivore interactions in Brassica crop-ecosystems in future climate scenarios.     

Population differences in host use by a seed-beetle: local adaptation, phenotypic plasticity and maternal effects

For insects that develop inside discrete hosts, both host size and host quality constrain offspring growth, influencing the evolution of body size and life history traits. Using a two-generation common garden experiment, we quantified the contribution of maternal and rearing hosts to differences in growth and life history traits between populations of the seed-feeding beetle Stator limbatus that use a large-seeded host, Acacia greggii, and a small-seeded host, Pseudosamanea guachapele. Populations differed genetically for all traits when beetles were raised in a common garden. Contrary to expectations from the local adaptation hypothesis, beetles from all populations were larger, developed faster and had higher survivorship when reared on seeds of A. greggii (the larger host), irrespective of their native host. We observed two host plant-mediated maternal effects: offspring matured sooner, regardless of their rearing host, when their mothers were reared on P. guachapele (this was not caused by an effect of rearing host on egg size), and females laid larger eggs on P. guachapele. This is the first study to document plasticity by S. limbatus in response to P. guachapele, suggesting that plasticity is an ancestral trait in S. limbatus that likely plays an important role in diet expansion. Although differences between populations in growth and life history traits are likely adaptations to their host plants, host-associated maternal effects, partly mediated by maternal egg size plasticity, influence growth and life history traits and likely play an important role in the evolution of the breadth of S. limbatus’ diet. More generally, phenotypic plasticity mediates the fitness consequences of using novel hosts, likely facilitating colonization of new hosts, but also buffering herbivores from selection post-colonization. Plasticity in response to novel versus normal hosts varied among our study populations such that disentangling the historical role of plasticity in mediating diet evolution requires the consideration of evolutionary history.     

丁氟螨酯对二斑叶螨生长发育的影响

[目的]丁氟螨酯是一种新型酰基乙腈类非内吸性杀螨剂,对害螨的各个螨态都有很高活性,具有较高的应用价值.本文评价了丁氟螨酯对二斑叶螨生长发育的影响,以期为合理用药和二斑叶螨的综合防治提供理论依据.[方法]采用浸叶法测定丁氟螨酯对二斑叶螨成螨与卵的致死中浓度、雌成螨产卵量、各螨态存活率以及各发育历期的影响.[结果]经丁氟螨...     

Growth of riparian cottonwoods: a developmental pattern and the influence of geomorphic context

Cottonwoods are poplars (Populus sp.) adapted to riparian (streamside) zones and an understanding of their growth within these zones will assist with river management for cottonwood conservation and in the recognition of superior parental genotypes for hybrid poplar breeding programs. In this study we analyzed cottonwood growth in native riparian zones and compared growth along three study reaches of the Oldman River in Alberta, Canada that differed in geomorphic context, particularly the extent that the river channel was constrained by steep banks and bedrock. We used dendrochronology to analyze trunk growth patterns, and measured annual radial increments (RI) and basal area increments (BAI) of 278 narrowleaf cottonwoods (P. angustifolia), black cottonwoods (P. trichocarpa), their intrasectional hybrids, and natural intersectional hybrids with prairie cottonwoods (P. deltoides). The trees displayed common growth patterns with four phases: (I) a 3–7-year establishment phase with RI of about 1–2 mm/year, (II) a growth acceleration phase of about 15 years with RI increasing to the (III) RI growth peak of about 3 mm/year, and then (IV) the mature growth phase with relatively constant BAI and progressively declining RI. This general pattern was consistent across study reaches but the durations and growth rates of the phases differed along with forest stand structure. Along the unconstrained alluvial reach with a broad floodplain and dynamic channel, extensive and dense forest groves occurred. This increased tree competition, as evidenced by reduced RI and BAI in the mature phase. In contrast, along a constrained reach trees were restricted to sparse, narrow bands and their increased growth rates in the mature phase probably reflected reduced competition. Cottonwoods along the intermediate reach demonstrated an intermediate combination of forest and growth characteristics. Genotypic effects were slight although P. angustifolia had reduced RI during the establishment phase. These results demonstrate that within native riparian zones cottonwoods display an inherent growth pattern that reflects the trees' life history, and that growth rates and transitions are influenced by the geomorphic context that influences forest structure.     

Effects of aphid-tending Argentine ants, nitrogen enrichment and early-season herbivory on insects hosted by a coastal shrub

The presence of the exotic Argentine ant, Linepithema humile Mayr (Hymenoptera: Dolichoderinae), nitrogen enrichment, and early-season herbivory by the specialist beetle Trirhabda bacharidis (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae) have been shown, through separate experiments, to affect the densities of insect herbivores of the coastal shrub Baccharis halimifolia (Asteraceae), in Florida. Using a fully-factorial field experiment, we examined the relative importance of all three of these factors to the six most common insect herbivore species utilizing this host plant in a West Central Florida coastal habitat. The presence of ants affected more herbivore species than either early-season herbivory by larval T. bacharidis or nitrogen enrichment. Experimental reductions of L. humile resulted in reductions of an aphid, its coccinellid predators, and adult T. bacharidis, and increases of two species of leafminers and one species of stemborer. Due to the strong negative effects of stemborer herbivory on host plant survival, the increase in stemborer abundance led to increased host plant mortality. Early-season herbivory by larval T. bacharidis only affected the abundance of aphids and their predators, both of which were more abundant on trees with reduced early-season herbivory. Nitrogen fertilization had the most limited effects and only T. bacharidis larvae achieved higher densities on fertilized trees. Our results indicate that aphid tending by the exotic L. humile affects other insects on B. halimifolia more so than herbivory by the exploitative competitor T. bacharidis or nitrogen as a limiting nutrient.     

Positive and negative effects of grass,cattle, and wild herbivores on <Emphasis Type="Italic">Acacia</Emphasis> saplings in an East African savanna

Plant–plant interactions can be a complex mixture of positive and negative interactions, with the net outcome depending on abiotic and community contexts. In savanna systems, the effects of large herbivores on tree–grass interactions have rarely been studied experimentally, though these herbivores are major players in these systems. In African savannas, trees often become more abundant under heavy cattle grazing but less abundant in wildlife preserves. Woody encroachment where cattle have replaced wild herbivores may be caused by a shift in the competitive balance between trees and grasses. Here we report the results of an experiment designed to quantify the positive, negative, and net effects of grasses, wild herbivores, and cattle on Acacia saplings in a Kenyan savanna. Acacia drepanolobium saplings under four long-term herbivore regimes (wild herbivores, cattle, cattle + wild herbivores, and no large herbivores) were cleared of surrounding grass or left with the surrounding grass intact. After two years, grass-removal saplings exhibited 86% more browse damage than control saplings, suggesting that grass benefited saplings by protecting them from herbivory. However, the negative effect of grass on saplings was far greater; grass-removal trees accrued more than twice the total stem length of control trees. Where wild herbivores were present, saplings were browsed more and produced more new stem growth. Thus, the net effect of wild herbivores was positive, possibly due to the indirect effects of lower competitor tree density in areas accessible to elephants. Additionally, colonization of saplings by symbiotic ants tracked growth patterns, and colonized saplings experienced lower rates of browse damage. These results suggest that savanna tree growth and woody encroachment cannot be predicted by grass cover or herbivore type alone. Rather, tree growth appears to depend on a variety of factors that may be acting together or antagonistically at different stages of the tree’s life cycle.     

Relationship between peroxidase activity and the amount of fully N-methylated compounds in bean plants infected by Pseudomonas savastanoi pv. phaseolicola

Changes in the level of endogenous formaldehyde (HCHO), some N-methylated compounds (choline and trigonelline) and peroxidase activity were examined in the leaves of bean genotypes (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) with different disease-sensitivity during ontogenesis in the stressfree condition and after natural infection by Pseudomonas savastanoi pv. phaseolicola (until the appearance of lesions). HCHO, as its dimedone adduct, and fully N-methylated compounds were determined by overpressured layer chromatography (OPLC) in different developmental stages and in the infected leaves/leaf discs. Peroxidase activity was measured by a spectrophotometric method. HCHO level decreased with ageing of the primary leaf and accordingly in the leaves at different developmental stages, then increased again in both cases due to the demethylation and methylation processes. Concentration of choline and trigonelline as potential HCHO generators decreased considerably while peroxidase activity increased with ageing of the plants. Comparing the symptomless and the Pseudomonas infected leaf discs (with watersoaked lesions) we found a decrease in the level of HCHO, choline and trigonelline and there was detectable increase in the peroxidase activity in the infected leaf tissues. Our findings are in accordance with previously published results that peroxidases play an important role in oxidative demethylation processes. Our hypothesis is that the high level of HCHO in the old leaves can originate from methylated components as the result of peroxidase activity and this high level may lead to the old leaf being resistant to pathogen. This conclusion is supported by the fact that the leaves of susceptible bean genotypes became resistant to Pseudomonas while growing older.     

Spatial variation in the strength of mutualism between a jumping spider and a terrestrial bromeliad: Evidence from the stable isotope N

Psecas chapoda, a neotropical jumping spider strictly associated with the terrestrial bromeliad Bromelia balansae in cerrados and semi-deciduous forests in South America, effectively contributes to plant nutrition and growth. In this study, our goal was to investigate if spider density caused spatial variations in the strength of this spider–plant mutualism. We found a positive significant relationship between spider density and δ¹⁵N values for bromeliad leaves in different forest fragments. Open grassland Bromeliads were associated with spiders and had higher δ¹⁵N values compared to forest bromeliads. Although forest bromeliads had no association with spiders their total N concentrations were higher. These results suggest that bromeliad nutrition is likely more litter-based in forests and more spider-based in open grasslands. This study is one of the few to show nutrient provisioning and conditionality in a spider–plant system.     

Competitive Growth Strategies in Intermediate Hosts: Experimental Tests of a Parasite life-History Model Using the Cestode, Schistocephalus solidus

In parasites with a complex life cycle, the fitness of an individual depends on its probability of reaching the final host and on its fecundity. Because larval growth in intermediate hosts may affect both transmission and adult size, selection should optimize growth patterns that are conditional on the presence and number of conspecific competitors. A recent model predicts that the total parasite volume per host should increase with intensity if larvae are able to vary growth depending on the number of conspecifics in the host (Life History Strategy hypothesis, i.e. LHS). Further, we would here expect growth rates to increase with intensity. By contrast, under the simplest alternative hypothesis of Resource Constraints (i.e. RC), the total parasite volume should remain constant. We experimentally infected copepods Macrocyclops albidus with the cestode Schistocephalus solidus to achieve 1, 2 or 3 parasites per host taking care that hosts had similar quality status at each infection level, and compared larval growth trajectories at the three intensity levels. The asymptotic total parasite volume was larger in double and triple infections than in single infections. Furthermore, the asymptotic total parasite volume was significantly larger in triple than in double infections but only in larger copepods that were less constrained by a host-size ceiling effect. These results, together with the fact that growth rates increased with intensity, support the LHS hypothesis: procercoids of a tapeworm may “count” their conspecific competitors in their first intermediate host to harvest its resources strategically until the next step in their complex life cycle. Co-ordinating editor: A. Biere     

Responses of rhizome length and ramet production to resource availability in the clonal sedge <Emphasis Type="Italic">Scirpus olneyi</Emphasis> A. Gray

The clonal plant Scirpus olneyi has two types of ramets within one clone; a ramet with a very long rhizome (LRR) and a ramet with a very short rhizome (SRR). Based on foraging theory of clonal plants, we hypothesised that these two types of ramets were functionally specialised to different tasks: the task of LRRs is for exploring while SRRs is for consolidating the patches. We also hypothesised that LRRs tended to produce LRRs continuously during a growing season to reach further patches while SRRs tended to produce SRRs fewer times to stay in the same patches. To evaluate these hypotheses, we analysed the sequence of two ramets of plants growing in four communities in the field and five treatments in garden experiments. In the garden experiments, plants in high quality treatments (e.g. low salinity, full sun, and sufficient nutrient) produced proportionally more SRRs and branched more frequently than plants in low quality treatments (e.g. strong salinity or less light or less nutrient). LRRs kept producing LRRs in every treatment, but LRRs in low quality treatments produced less SRRs than LRRs in high quality treatments did. The field observations showed LRRs kept producing LRRs in every community in the same growing season, but SRRs production varied among communities. In the communities with larger biomass and high SRR ratio, LRRs produced more SRRs and those SRRs produced proportionally more SRRs. On the other hand, in the communities with smaller biomass and low SRR ratio, LRRs produced less SRRs and those SRRs produced proportionally less SRRs. The results of garden experiments and field observations support our hypotheses. Two ramets are functionally specialised to perform different tasks. And their production patterns are suitable to perform their tasks. And their production patterns are suitable to perform their tasks: the sequential production of LRRs allows plants to have higher chance to reach new locations, and the limited but sequential production of SRRs allows plants to consolidate the patches. The observed production patterns of two ramets are associated with phalanx and guerrilla strategies by Lovett Doust, and S. olneyi shows both strategies within relatively small scale environments.     

桉树种植对林地土壤丛枝菌根真菌群落结构及多样性的影响

桉树(Eucalyptus spp.)种植所产生的生态争议已受到广泛关注。丛枝菌根真菌(Arbuscular Mycorrhizal Fungi, AM真菌)是土壤微生物的重要组成部分,与根系共生后可促进植物的养分运输、提高植物逆境生存能力等。然而,桉树种植对土壤AM真菌群落结构和功能的影响尚不清楚。研究比较了次生林改种桉树后不同年限(2年/5年/10年)的土壤理化性质、AM真菌种类、群落组成及多样性的变化。结果表明,桉树种植显著改变了土壤理化性质,具体表现为2年生和10年生桉树林中土壤pH和有机碳显著降低(P0.05);AM真菌的孢子密度在桉树林土壤中显著低于次生林土壤(其中在5年生土壤中最低);AM真菌的种丰度随种植年份的增加逐渐下降,在10年生桉树林土壤中有所恢复; 5年生桉树的菌根侵染率最高,10年生桉树侵染率最低。AM真菌群落组成和结构发生显著变化,优势种Funneliforms geosporus的丰度在2年生和10年生林地中显著降低;而Septoglomus deserticola的丰度在2年生和10年生林地中显著增加。另外,冗余分析(Redundancy analysis, RDA)结果表明,土壤AM真菌群落结构主要受土壤pH值(解释率:89.88%)变化的影响。研究揭示了次生林改种桉树林后土壤AM真菌的群落变化特征,为桉树林的栽培管理和环境修复提供了数据支撑。