Cell walls of pseudomonas species sensitive to ethylenediaminetetraacetic Acid

Cell walls of 12 pseudomonads considered to be sensitive to ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA) were prepared and analyzed. The wall of each species contained protein, peptidoglycan, loosely bound lipid, and lipopolysaccharide. The walls of Pseudomonas stutzeri and P. syncyanea were unusually susceptible to mechanical disintegration. The wall of P. syncyanea had an unusually high content of lipid and low contents of protein and peptidoglycan. Except for P. syncyanea, all the walls contained less phosphorus than the walls of the highly EDTA-sensitive P. aeruginosa and P. alcaligenes, but more than the walls of EDTA-resistant pseudomonads. The amino acid compositions of wall proteins were similar for all species. Amino sugars detected were glucosamine, galactosamine, muramic acid, and at least five unidentified components (possibly including fucosamine and quinovosamine). Glucose and rhamnose were the major neutral sugars in most walls. Galactose, mannose, fucose, and ribose were also detected, the last two each in a single species. Except for P. stutzeri and P. syncyanea, the walls had rather low contents of phospholipids (mainly cardiolipin, phosphatidylethanolamine, and phosphatidylglycerol in all species). An ornithine-containing nonphospholipid was present in all walls, and a hexuronosyldiglyceride was probably present in most walls. The fatty acid compositions of loosely bound lipids were qualitatively similar for all species: saturated C₁₆ and monoenoic C₁₆ and C₁₈ acids were the major components. Except for P. aureofaciens, the extraction of phosphorus on treatment of walls with EDTA at pH 9.2 was much less than for P. aeruginosa and P. alcaligenes.     

Comparative Phylogeography of Direct-Developing Frogs (Anura: Craugastoridae: Pristimantis) in the Southern Andes of Colombia

The Andes of South America hosts perhaps the highest amphibian species diversity in the world, and a sizable component of that diversity is comprised of direct-developing frogs of the genus Pristimantis (Anura: Craugastoridae). In order to better understand the initial stages of species formation in these frogs, this study quantified local-scale spatial genetic structuring in three species of Pristimantis. DNA sequences of two mitochondrial gene fragments (16S and COI) were obtained from P. brevifrons, P. palmeri and P. jubatus at different locations in the Cordillera Occidental. We found high levels of genetic diversity in the three species, with highly structured populations (as measured by F _ST) in P. brevifrons and P. palmeri while P. jubatus showed panmixia. Large effective population sizes, inferred from the high levels of genetic diversity, were found in the three species and two highly divergent lineages were detected within P. jubatus and P. palmeri. Estimated divergence times among populations within P. brevifrons and P. palmeri coincide with the Pleistocene, perhaps due to similar responses to climatic cycling or recent geological history. Such insights have important implications for linking alpha and beta diversity, suggesting regional scale patterns may be associated with local scale processes in promoting differentiation among populations in the Andes.     

Lipid, fatty acid and protein utilization during lecithotrophic larval development of Lithodes santolla (Molina) and Paralomis granulosa (Jacquinot)

During the larval development of the subantarctic king crab, Lithodes santolla, and stone crab, Paralomis granulosa, we compared changes in the carbon, fatty acid and protein contents of larvae reared under constant conditions from hatching to metamorphosis, either in presence or absence of food (Artemia spp. nauplii). In both species the feeding condition had no influence on any of the chemical parameters studied, indicating a fully lecithotrophic (i.e. non-feeding) mode of development from hatching of the first zoea to metamorphosis of the late megalopa. Dry mass and carbon contents at hatching were similar in the larvae of both species, but L. santolla contained initially higher total amounts of fatty acids and protein than P. granulosa. Both species utilized considerable portions of their total fatty acid pool which decreased logarithmically throughout the time of development. At metamorphosis, it was almost exhausted in P. granulosa, while L. santolla had consumed only about 60%. Protein utilization, in contrast, was higher in L. santolla (40%) than in P. granulosa (20%). Triacylglycerol was the principal storage lipid in both species, accounting initially for about 75% of the lipid fraction; it was strongly utilized during larval development. Phospholipid constituted the second largest lipid class; it also decreased in P. granulosa, but to a lesser extent in L. santolla. The major fatty acids of both species were 18:1(n−9), 20:5(n−3) and 16:0 as well as, in lower proportions, 18:1(n−7), 22:6(n−3), 16:1(n−7) and 18:0. Monounsaturated fatty acids represented the dominant group in L. santolla, whereas P. granulosa contained similar amounts of mono- and polyunsaturated fatty acids. In L. santolla, monounsaturated fatty acids, especially 16:1(n−7), were preferentially utilized as compared to polyunsaturates. Due to a particularly strong lipid utilization in P. granulosa, all individual fatty acids were largely depleted at metamorphosis, showing similar extents of consumption. L. santolla had higher initial lipid and protein stores that seem to be used more economically as compared to P. granulosa.     

Two new records of ascomycetes from Japan,Pyrenopeziza protrusa and P. nervicola (Helotiales,Dermateaceae sensu lato)

Two Pyrenopeziza species, P. protrusa and P. nervicola known to have similar morphology, were newly reported from Japan. This study clarified that P. protrusa morphologically differs from P. nervicola in (1) more protruded outermost cells in ectal excipulum, (2) smaller ascospores, and (3) longer and thinner asci. Pyrenopeziza protrusa produces chlamydospore-like brown cells under culture while P. nervicola forms more complex, brown bulbils. These species formed distinct clades based on ITS-5.8S rDNA in the phylogenetic analysis. The two species did not share the same host.     

Papposphaera iugifera nov. sp. from West Greenland,Svalbard, and the Baltic Sea

We are currently revisiting coccolithophore genera and species described from high latitudes in both hemispheres, and also in the process describing new taxa when appropriate, with the aim of providing the best possible framework for polar species segregation based on external morphological features only. The present paper thus introduces Papposphaera iugifera nov. sp. from West Greenland (Disko – type locality), Svalbard (Isfjorden) and the Baltic Sea (Bothnian Sea). P. iugifera is clearly related to P. sagittifera, P. sarion and P. arctica and forms with these a continuum of species that are, with the exception of P. sarion, on the one hand much similar with respect to calicate spine details, while on the other hand clearly differentiated with respect to the complexity of central area calcification. While this is extensive in P. sagittifera it is reduced to just a single transverse bar or even completely absent in P. iugifera.     

The comparative susceptibilities of Pieris brassicae and P. rapae to a granulosis virus from P. brassicae

A comparison was made of the dosage-mortality responses of larvae of Pieris brassicae and P. rapae to infection by P. brassicae granulosis virus (GV). Bioassays with first, second, third, and fourth-instar larvae of both species revealed a marked difference in susceptibility between instars and between species. Median lethal dosages (LD₅₀s) for P. rapae larvae ranged from five capsules for the first instar to 662 capsules for the fourth instar. With P. brassicae, this range extended from 66 capsules to 2.3 × 10⁷ capsules. The time-mortality responses of the two species were similar when fed virus dosages equivalent to an LD₉₀. Median lethal times (LT₅₀s) ranged from 5 days for first-instar larvae to 7–8 days for fourth-instar larvae. A comparison between a long-established laboratory stock of P. brassicae and a stock recently acquired from the field showed no significant difference in their susceptibility to GV. The implications of the pronounced species differences in susceptibility to GV infection are discussed in relation to the potential field control of P. rapae and P. brassicae.     

Three synonyms of the coastal Phucobius sharp species (Coleoptera: Staphylinidae) are proposed based on morphological and molecular characters

A taxonomic reappraisal of four marine littoral Phucobius Sharp species along the western Pacific Ocean including the South China Sea is presented based on morphological and molecular characters (COI and 28S). Specimens of the four species, each having its own distinct geographic distribution, are extremely similar to each other including the structures of the median lobe of the aedeagus, and may be regarded as conspecific. Also, the molecular analyses support the validity of P. pectoralis with three synonymies based on morphological characters. Genetic divergence of COI using uncorrected p-distance among all individuals of Phucobius species ranged from 0.11% to 3.21%. Three distinct geographical clusters (Russia, Korea and Japan, and Vietnam) are found in the NJ and PA trees and we treat all of them as a single species. Three new synonyms are proposed for Phucobius pectoralis (Boheman): P. simulator Sharp syn. nov., P. tricolor Bernhauer syn. nov., and P. densipennis Bernhauer syn. nov. Phucobius pectoralis is redescribed with illustrations of diagnostic characters. Also, the intraspecific variation among the populations of P. pectoralis is briefly discussed.     

A new species of the genus Polyrhanis Rivalier, 1963 (Coleoptera: Cicindelidae) from Papua (New Guinea,Indonesia)

A new tiger beetles species, Polyrhanis dabraensis sp. nov., is described from Dabra (Foja mountains region, Papua, New Guinea, Indonesia). Its elytral markings are similar to those of Polyrhanis funerata and P. barbata, but it is much smaller and its anteapical spot is more expanded on the disc and is connected with the apical lunule. The aedeagus has a thin straight hook (spur) directed perpendicularly on the dorsal side, like that of P. io, P. innocentior, P. excisilabris, P. olthofi, and P. vannideki. It is easily recognized by its distinctive elytral markings and small body size.     

Leaf habit does not predict leaf functional traits in cerrado woody species

Plant species with a high leaf life span (LLS) commonly have a low specific leaf area (SLA), leaf nitrogen per unit mass (N), and phosphorous concentration (P), whereas species with low LLS have a high SLA, N and P. However, LLS tends to be longer in species growing in low-nutrient soils and, therefore, differences in LLS and other leaf traits may not be consistent with a plant classification according to leaf habit. Here we investigated whether leaf habit is consistent with leaf economic spectrum trade-offs in cerrado (a Neotropical savanna) woody species. We analyzed the SLA, N and P of 125 woody species with a distinct leaf habit (deciduous, semideciduous, brevideciduous or evergreen). We also gathered data on the LLS (33 species), maximum net photosynthesis per leaf area (A_area, 56 species) and per leaf mass (A_mass, 31 species), comprising the most extensive database analyzed so far for the cerrado. Differences among leaf habit groups were tested using generalized linear mixed models and ANOVA. We did not find differences in SLA and N among species with a distinct leaf habit, but deciduous species had a higher leaf P concentration than evergreens. Species did not differ in LLS and A_mass, but A_area varied among groups. Semideciduous species had higher A_area values than deciduous and brevideciduous species, but all other groups had similar A_area values. Because of the small difference in the LLS, SLA, leaf N, leaf P and maximum net photosynthesis, we argue that deciduous, brevideciduous, semideciduous and evergreen species may not constitute different functional groups in cerrado woody species.     

Unidirectional hybridization and reproductive barriers between two heterostylous primrose species in north-west Yunnan,China

Background and Aims

Heteromorphy in flowers has a profound effect on breeding patterns within a species, but little is known about how it affects reproductive barriers between species. The heterostylous genus Primula is very diverse in the Himalaya region, but hybrids there have been little researched. This study examines in detail a natural hybrid zone between P. beesiana and P. bulleyana.

Methods

Chloroplast sequencing, AFLP (amplified fragment length polymorphism) markers and morphological comparisons were employed to characterize putative hybrids in the field, using synthetic F₁s from hand pollination as controls. Pollinator visits to parent species and hybrids were observed in the field. Hand pollinations were conducted to compare pollen tube growth, seed production and seed viability for crosses involving different morphs, species and directions of crossing.

Key Results

Molecular data revealed all hybrid derivatives examined to be backcrosses of first or later generations towards P. bulleyana: all had the chloroplast DNA (cpDNA) of this species. Some individuals had morphological traits suggesting they were hybrids, but they were genetically similar to P. bulleyana; they might have been advanced generation backcrosses. Viable F₁s could not be produced with P. bulleyana pollen on P. beesiana females, irrespective of the flower morphs used. Within-morph crosses for each species had very low (<10 %) seed viability, whereas crosses between pin P. bulleyana (female) and pin P. beesiana had a higher seed viability of 30 %. Thus genetic incompatibility mechanisms back up mechanical barriers to within-morph crosses in each species, but are not the same between the two species. The two species share their main pollinators, and pollinators were observed to fly between P. bulleyana and hybrids, suggesting that pollinator behaviour may not be an important isolating factor.

Conclusions

Hybridization is strongly asymmetric, with P. bulleyana the only possible mother and all detected hybrids being backcrosses in this direction. Partial ecological isolation and inhibition of heterospecific pollen, and possibly complete barriers to F₁ formation on P. beesiana, may be enough to make F₁ formation very rare in these species. Therefore, with no F₁ detected, this hybrid zone may have a finite life span as successive generations become more similar to P. bulleyana.     

Differences Between Lipopolysaccharide Compositions of Plant Pathogenic and Saprophytic Pseudomonas Species

Lipopolysaccharides (LPS) were obtained by washing cells of plant pathogenic and saprophytic Pseudomonas species with saline (fraction 1) and then with saline-EDTA (fraction 2). The cells subsequently were extracted with phenol to yield a third aqueous preparation (fraction 3). Each fraction type contained the LPS components, lipid A, heptose, 2-keto-3-deoxy sugar, and neutral and amino sugars. The neutral sugar compositions of fractions 1, 2, and 3, although similar within a species, differed between the Pseudomonas species. The LPS of two pathovars (pv.) of Pseudomonas syringae had glucose and rhamnose as major components: 13 (±3)% glucose and 87 (±3)% rhamnose for P. syringae pv. pisi and 18 (±5)% glucose and 76 (±2)% rhamnose for P. syringae pv. syringae. Fucose was present in addition to glucose and rhamnose for P. syringae pv. phaseolicola (68 [±8]% rhamnose, 14 [±1]% fucose, and 14 [±5]% glucose) and P. syringae pv. tabaci (24 [±2]% rhamnose, 54 [±3]% fucose, and 17 [±1]% glucose). The LPS from different races of P. syringae pv. pisi and P. syringae pv. phaseolicola could not be distinguished by neutral sugar composition. Three saprophytic species, P. aeruginosa, P. fluorescens, and P. putida, also produced LPS which had different proportions of rhamnose, fucose, and glucose. The LPS from three isolates of P. putida were distinct in possessing a high proportion of amino sugar and containing glucose as the major neutral sugar component (86 to 100%). The LPS fractions from plant pathogenic and saprophytic Pseudomonas species did not elicit browning or phytoalexin production in treated dark red kidney bean cotyledons or red Mexican bean leaves. Rather, chlorosis of the LPS-treated leaf tissue was observed.     

Two new species of Pergalumna (Acari,Oribatida, Galumnidae) from Costa Rica,including a key to all species of the genus from the Neotropical region

Two new species of oribatid mites of the genus Pergalumna (Oribatida, Galumnidae), P. elongatiporosa sp. n. and P. striatiprodorsum sp. n., are described from leaf litter of a secondary forest in Costa Rica. Pergalumna elongatiporosa sp. n. is most similar morphologically to P. horvathorum P. Balogh, 1997 and P. sura P. Balogh, 1997, however, it differs from both by the body size, body surface ornamentation and morphology of notogastral porose areas A1 and A3. Pergalumna striatiprodorsum sp. n. is most similar morphologically to P. hawaiiensis hawaiiensis (Jacot, 1934) and P. strigulata Mahunka, 1978, however, it differs from P. hawaiiensis by the length of interlamellar setae and surface ornamentation of the prodorsum; from P. strigulata by the surface of ornamentation of the notogaster, length of interlamellar setae and morphology of bothridial setae. An identification key to known species of Pergalumna from the Neotropical region is given.     

Revision of the genus Poromitra (Melamphaidae): Part 2. New species of the group P. crassiceps

Five new species of the genus Poromitra (family Melamphaidae) belonging to the group of species P. crassiceps are described. An important specific feature of this group is the structure of praeoperculum in which bony crests of the anterior edge are at an acute angle to each other, and the posterior and lower edges are uniformly (without break) spinulated with small spinules. In P. decipiens sp. nova described from the Indian Ocean (from the East Indian Ridge), the insertion of ventral fins is located posteriorly the vertical of the posterior edge of pectoral fin insertion, which makes this species similar to P. crassiceps and P. rugosa. The remaining four species have the insertion of ventral fins anteriorly the vertical (or at its level) of the posterior edge of pectoral fin insertion (as in P. unicornis and P. coronata). P. curilensis sp. nova inhabits the northern part of the Pacific Ocean from the Kuril Islands and the Japanese Islands to the Gulf of Alaska; P. indooceanica sp. nova is described from several individuals from the subtropical part of the Indian Ocean; P. glochidiata sp. nova, from catch in the Great Australian Bight; and P. kukuevi sp. nova, from the individual from the western tropical part of the Atlantic Ocean.     

Systematic revision of the genus Petromica Topsent (Demospongiae: Halichondrida), with a new species from the southwestern Atlantic

The status, scope and classification of the sublithistid demosponge genus Petromica Topsent are revised through morphological analysis of museum specimens of all seven species (including proposed synonyms and varieties), two of which were collected and observed in situ along the Brazilian coast (P. ciocalyptoides (Van Soest & Zea) and P. citrina sp. n.). The synonymy of Petromica and Monanthus Kirkpatrick with priority to the former is justified due to the consistent presence of monocrepid rhizoclone desmas and oxeas in an halichondroid arrangement, and to the lack of co-variance in other morphological characters among the species studied (presence and shape of papillae, surface texture, ectosomal skeleton and desma shape). The proposed synonymy of P. grimaldii Topsent and P. massalis Dendy is refuted due to differences in habit and spicule shape between the two species. Three forms described as varieties of Monanthus plumosus Kirkpatrick are raised to species level: P. plumosa (Kirkpatrick), P. tubulata (Kirkpatrick) and P. digitata (Burton). Phylogenetic analysis indicates that two possibly monophyletic clades may be recognized within Petromica, although with low bootstrap support (35–59%): (P. ciocalyptoides, P. citrina) and (P. grimaldii, P. massalis) (P. plumosa) (P. tubulata) (P. digitata). The classification of Petromica within the Halichondriidae (order Halichondrida) is supported by the confused reticulation of long oxeote spicules with ascending spicule tracts, present in all species of the genus.     

Lipids of chill-sensitive and -resistant Passiflora species: Fatty acid composition and temperature dependence of spin label motion

Polar lipids were extracted from the leaves of Passiflora species which varied in their resistance to chilling injury. The fatty acid compositions of the 8 major polar lipid classes from P. caerulea (chill-resistant) were generally similar to those of the corresponding lipids from P. flavicarpa (chill-sensitive). Using ESR spectroscopy, the motion of spin-labelled molecules was measured in phospholipids isolated from a range of Passiflora species. The temperature dependence of the motion of the spin labels showed a change at 1° for lipids of the most chill-resistant species and at 9° for the lipids of the most chill-sensitive species. Lipids from other species showed changes at intermediate temperatures, and the greater the chilling sensitivity of the species, the higher was the temperature of the change. It is concluded that pronounced differences in chilling sensitivity of the Passiflora species are correlated with physical differences in their membrane lipids; however, the degree of unsaturation of the lipids is not a reliable guide to chilling sensitivity.     

The commercially cultivated edible oyster mushrooms Pleurotus sajor-caju and P. pulmonarius are two separate species, similar in morphology but reproductively isolated

Two closely related commercially cultivated oyster mushroom species, Pleurotus pulmonarius and P. sajor-caju have been differentiated by traditional mating experiments as well as analysis of the variable ITS and IGS sequences of the ribosomal gene cluster. Molecular analysis of the variable ITS and IGS regions has allowed neither reliable differentiation between the morphologically similar species P. pulmonarius and P. sajor-caju nor confirmation of species identity of the P. sajor-caju strains CS-32, H-1, and H-2. Analysis of the sexual (mating) compatibility between haploid tester strains of these two species in monokaryon-monokaryon mating experiments has demonstrated complete reproductive isolation between P. pulmonarius and P. sajor-caju, thereby confirming that these are separate species.     

Comparative study of oxidative stress parameters and acetylcholinesterase activity in the liver of Pelophylax esculentus complex frogs

Comparative activities of superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px), glutathione reductase (GR), the phase II biotransformation enzyme glutathione-S-transferase (GST), the concentrations of total glutathione (GSH), sulfhydryl groups (–SH) and the activity of the neurotoxicity biomarker acetylcholinesterase (AChE) were investigated in the livers of species belonging to the Pelophylax esculentus “complex” (parental species Pelophylax ridibundus, Pelophylax lessonae, and their hybrid Pelophylax kl. esculentus) from the wetland, Obedska bara in Serbia. The condition factor (CF) and hepato somatic index (HSI) were also calculated. All three species were caught at same locality and were exposed to the same environmental conditions. Liver SOD activity was lower in P. ridibundus than in P. kl. esculentus and P. lessonae; higher activities of CAT, GR and GST were observed in P. kl. esculentus frogs as compared to their parental species. The activity of GSH-Px was significantly lower in P. kl. esculentus. The activity of AChE was increased in P. lessonae as compared to P. kl. esculentus and P. ridibundus. Similar concentrations of GSH and SH groups were observed in all investigated species. P. kl. esculentus had a higher CF, while the HSI was lower when compared to the parental species. Our findings suggest that the parental species (P. ridibundus and P. lessonae) possess more similar antioxidative responses to environmental conditions than the hybrid species P. kl. esculentus. The obtained results improve our understanding of the biology and physiology of these three closely related species.     

Description and DNA barcoding of Tipula ( Pterelachisus) recondita sp. n. from the Palaearctic region (Diptera, Tipulidae)

Tipula (Pterelachisus) recondita Pilipenko & Salmela, sp. n. is described. The new species is collected from two localities: Finland, Kittilä (North boreal ecoregion) and Russia, Primorski kray (Zone of temperate broadleaf and mixed forests). Although variation in the structure of male hypopygium between the Finnish and Russian populations is observed, DNA barcode sequences differ only by three nucleotides (0.2 % K2P distance), supporting presence of one widespread species. K2P minimum distances between the new species and 17 other species of the subgenus range from 5.3 to 15.8 % (mean 8.8 %). The new species is forest-dwelling, known from an old-growth herb-rich forest (Finland) and Quercus mongolica forest (Russia). The new species is perhaps closest to Tipula (Pterelachisus) imitator Alexander and in lesser extent to Tipula (Pterelachisus) pauli Mannheims; the inner gonostylus of both species are illustrated.     

NEW SPECIES OR INTERESTING RECORDS OF FOLIICOLOUS LICHENS. IV. PORINA PSEUDOAPPLANATA (LICHENIZED ASCOMYCETES:TRICHOTHELIACEAE ), A REMARKABLE NEW SPECIES WITH PHYLLOPHIALE -TYPE ISIDIA

Abstract:Porina pseudoapplanata Lücking & Cáceres sp.nov. is characterized by its foliicolous growth habit, a thin, nitidous thallus without crystals, applanate, yellowish red perithecia narrowly bacillar, 7-septate ascospores, and the presence of previously unrecognized isidi belonging to the Phyllophiale -type, here formally described as P. viridis Lücking & Cáceres sp.nov. The interpretation ofPhyllophiale representing isidia of Porina species is discussed. Porina pseudoapplanata is similar to species in the P. rufula group, i.e. P. monocarpa (Kremp.) F. Schill., P. cupreola (Müll. Arg.) F. Schill., P. planiuscula Vězda and, in particular, P. applanata Vain. However, it seems most closely related to P. mirabilis Lücking & Vězda in the P. epiphylla group, from which it differs by the complete absence of crystals in the thallus and perithecia. This gives a further insight into systematic relationships within theTrichotheliaceae . Keys are presented to distinguish P. pseudoapplanata from similar and related species, as well as to the known species of Phyllophiale .