The belemnites described by Baron Ernst Friedrich von Schlotheim (1764–1832)

E. F. v. Schlotheim described 46 species of Jurassic and Cretaceous belemnites in 1813,1820, and 1832. Their type specimens are in part housed at the Humboldt University of Berlin. The holotype ofBelemnites irregularis is here refigured. Lectotypes forB. acuarius, B. canaliculatus, B. clavatus, B. giganteus, andB. tripartitus are designated and figured for the first time. The lectotype ofBelemnites giganteus is designated to be the neotype ofBelemnites suevicus Klein 1773. 36 species are nomina nuda and nomina dubia, because none of their type specimens could be detected, among them the invalidB. paxillosus v. Schlotheim 1820, which is, according to its lectotype designated herein, likeBelemnites giganteus, a junior synonym ofMegateuthis suevica (Klein 1773). An original type specimenof Belemnites mucronatusv. Schlotheim 1813, for which a neotype had already been ruled by the ICZN in 1985, was re-discovered in thev. Schlotheim collection in 1996.v. Schlotheim’s belemnites were up to now designated to be type species of 12 genera.     

Importation,colonization and establishment ofAnagyrus indicus [Hym.: Encyrtidae] onNipaecoccus viridis [Hom.: Pseudococcidae] in Jordan

Anagyrus indicus Shafeeet al. was collected on the island of Guam and released in the Jordan River Valley of Jordan in order to regulateNipaecoccus viridis (Newstead) on citrus.A. indicus was originally released in February 1984 and became colonized by April of the same year. It also dispersed by natural means up to 61 km following the original release and colonized that same year on infestedZizyphus sp. By spring of 1985 it became the dominant parasitoid attackingN. viridis. Another parasitoid,Anagyrus kamali Moursi, was collected in Jordan in June of 1985 for the first time. This latter parasitoid apparently moved into the Jordan River Valley by means of natural dispersal from a neighboring country. Infestations ofN. viridis have been greatly reduced in areas whereA. indicus became established. This paper reports the results of research only. Mention of a proprietary product does not constitute an endorsement for its use by USDA.     

Upper temperature tolerance of North Atlantic and North Pacific geographical isolates ofChondrus species (Rhodophyta)

The upper survival temperature for most isolates ofChondrus crispus from localities ranging from northern Norway and Iceland to Spain, and for an isolate from Nova Scotia, was 28 °C after 2 weeks of exposure to temperatures of 20–31 °C at intervals of 1 °C. An upper survival limit of 29 °C was exhibited by a few European isolates from the English Channel, the North Sea, and one Irish isolate from the upper intertidal. The warm-temperate Japanese speciesC. nipponicus andC. giganteus formaflabellatus survived 30 °C, whereas 29 °C was the upper survival limit for the coldtemperatureC. pinnulatus formapinnulatus from northern Japan. A possible origin ofC. crispus in the north Pacific is discussed.     

Hyphal tip ultrastructure ofAspergillus nidulans andAspergillus giganteus and possible implications of woronin bodies close to the hyphal apex of the latter species

Summary The hyphal tip ultrastructure ofAspergillus nidulans andAspergillus giganteus indicates that their apical organization is very similar to that found in other filamentous fungi. Both species have an area immediately behind the hyphal apex free of all large organelles and containing a high concentration of vesicles. InA. giganteus only one size class of vesicle is clearly evident, with a mean diameter of 72 nm. InA. nidulans two size classes of vesicle were found, with mean diameters of 75 nm and 31 nm. A Spitzenkörper is evident inA. nidulans as an area very close to the tip containing only the smaller vesicles. InA. giganteus one or more apparently mature Woronin bodies were found within the first 1 m of some hyphal apices. The possible significance of their presence is discussed.     

Immunity of the ox to the brown ear tickRhipicephalus appendiculatus

Controlled repeated infestation ofBos taurus andBos indicus cattle resulted in a decline in the recovery of allR. appendiculatus instars. Resistance to infestation varied between individuals although all individuals manifested severe hypersensitivity at the attachment site, which was reflected in the grooming reflex.     

Variations of foraging tactics in a water bug,Diplonychus indicus

The predatory behaviour ofDiplonychus indicus Venk. & Rao (Heteroptera: Belostomatidae), a tropical water bug, appeared to be highly versatile. Male adultD. indicus alternated from active foraging to ambushing during the same observation. The predatory movements described here were divided into 7 different categories. Five include ambushing and no active search: simple capture, strike, lunge and strikes following a preliminary vertical or horizontal orientation. Two include active search: dive and swimming bout. Success rates of capture varied with predatory movement category and with predatorprey distance. Attempts including lunges had the highest success rate. Attempts including short lunges, small vertical or horizontal turns or short dives were less likely to be successful than attempts including relatively longer lunges, larger vertical or horizontal turns or longer dives.     

Parasitoid-host relationship betweenTrioxys (Binodoxys) Indicus [Hymenoptera: Aphidiidae] andAphis Craccivora [Hemiptera: Aphididae]. VI. Impact of males on the number of progeny of the parasitoid reared on certain host plants

The present paper elucidates the impact of males on the reproductive rate ofTrioxys (Binodoxys) indicus reared on the aphids ofCajanus cajan, Dolichos lablab andSolanum melongena host plants. The F₁ offspring increases with the increase of parasitoid number. This increase is maximum inC. cajan followed byD. lablab andS. melongena reared aphids. The presence of male parasitoids caused a significant decrease in the emergence of F₁ generation.      

The subspecies ofHomo erectus

ClassifyingHomo erectus into subspecies can be based on either temporal or geographical differences, but there is no accepted system for using both. This can be done with subspecies names consisting of two elements — a prefix ofneo, meso, orpaleo to indicate grade, followed by a geographical term ofeuropus, africus, sinicus, orindicus to indicate line. Thus Rhodesian isHomo erectus neoafricus, Ngandong isHomo erectus neoindicus, Peking isHomo erectus mesosinicus, ER 3733 isHomo erectus paleoafricus, etc.     

Mycoflora of mangrove mud

Summary Thirty-nine species and four varieties of fungi are reported from mangrove mud collected from Kagh Island, Port Canning and Diamond Harbour, West Bengal, India. Of these forms twelve species and two varieties belonged to genusAspergillus and three species belonged, each toMucor, Penicillium andPreussia. Two species both ofFusarium andTrichoderma were also isolated. Two new species,Cladosporium indicum andPaecilomyces indicus and five other interesting fungi are described in detail.     

On the origin of cotyledon and epicotyl inPotamogeton indicus

Summary The appearance of the first vertical wall in the terminal hemispherical cell of the proembryo ofPotamogeton indicus is indicative of the origin of the cotyledonary and epicotylary loci. The cotyledonary locus grows at a faster rate while the epicotylary region conspicuously lags behind. Topographically the cotyledonary and epicotylary loci are adjacent to each other, both being derived from the terminal tier of the proembryo. The subjacent tiers, including them tier, do not take part in the organization of the shoot apex but only contribute to the formation of the hypocotyl and root regions.     

Body temperature regulation in desert robber flies (Diptera: Asilidae)

ABSTRACT.

• 1 We investigated effective thermal environments and behavioural and physiological mechanisms for thermoregulation in two sympatric desert robber flies, Promachus giganteus (Hine) and Efferia texana (Banks). Although similar in body shape and colour, P. giganteus are 4–8 times heavier than E. texana.
• 2 During midday, operative temperatures near the ground were substantially higher for P. giganteus (56–73°C) than for E. texana (54–63°C). Correspondingly, P. giganteus generally perched at greater heights above the ground than did E. texana.
• 3 Both species maintained thoracic temperatures between 40 and 45°C during most of the day. However, differences between thoracic and abdominal temperatures for individual flies were significantly lower in P. giganteus than in E. texana.
• 4 In the laboratory, P. giganteus regulated thoracic temperature by pumping haemolymph into the abdomen. This ability may have accounted for the smaller differences observed between thoracic and abdominal temperatures in P. giganteus and may have allowed this species to search for food and mates during midday when E. texana sought shade.

     

Population growth rates forAmblyomma americanum (Acari: Ixodidae) onBos indicus,B. taurus andB. indicus x B. taurus cattle

Densities ofAmblyomma americanum (L.) onBos indicus, B. taurus andB. indicus x B. taurus cattle are compared over a 3-year period, and the growth rate (rate of increase or decrease) of parasitic tick populations on each cattle genotype is estimated.Average log₁₀ densities of parasiticA. americanum larvae are significantly (P=0.05) lower onB. indicus cattle than onB. taurus andB. indicus x B. taurus cattle. Average log densities of nymphal and adult ticks onB. taurus cattle are significantly higher than onB. indicus cattle but neither cattle genotype differs in this regard fromB. indicus x B. taurus cattle.Estimated annual tick population growth rates (log₁₀) for parasiticA. americanum are positive onB. taurus cattle (+0.84 larvae, +0.09 nymphs, +0.22 adults calf^–1 year^–1), but are negative onB. indicus (–0.18 nymphs, –0.14 adults calf^–1 year^–1) andB. indicus x B. taurus cattle (–0.45 larvae, –0.24 nymphs, –0.14 adults calf^–1 year^–1). Populations of parasitic larvae were not detected onB. indicus cattle.     

Genome Size of Three <Emphasis Type="Italic">Miscanthus</Emphasis> Species

Environmental and economic factors have stimulated research in the area of bioenergy crops. While many plants have been identified as potential energy crops, one species in particular, Miscanthus x giganteus, appears to have the most promise. As researchers attempt to exploit and improve M. x giganteus, genome information is critical. In this study, the genome size of M. x giganteus and its two progenitor species were examined by flow cytometry and stomatal cell analyses. M. x giganteus was found to have genome size of 7.0 pg while Miscanthus sinensis and Miscanthus sacchariflorus were observed to have genome sizes of 5.5 and 4.5 pg respectively with stomatal size correlating with genome size. Upon computing the two tetraploid × diploid hybrids theoretical genome sizes, the data presented in this paper supports the hypothesis of the union of a 2x M. sacchariflorus and a 1x M. sinensis gamete for the formation of the allotriploid, M. x giganteus. Such genomic information provides basic knowledge that is important in M. x giganteus plant improvement.     

Effects of several establishment modes of Miscanthus × giganteus and Miscanthus sinensis on yields and yield trends

Miscanthus is a C4 perennial grass originating from East Asia, the yields of which progressively increase in the first years of growth. Several species for bioenergy have been studied since the mid‐1980s in Europe, in particular (Miscanthus × giganteus [M. × giganteus]), due to its high yields. M. × giganteus is mainly cultivated in France and established from rhizomes. Our study aimed to assess, in field conditions, alternative establishment methods combined with an alternative species, Miscanthus sinensis (M. sinensis). We set up a multi‐environment experimental network. On each trial, we tested two treatments with M. × giganteus, established from rhizomes (G_r‐sd) and from plantlets obtained from rhizomes (G_p‐sd), and two treatments with M. sinensis seedlings transplanted in single (S_p‐sd) and double density (S_p‐dd). ANOVA was performed to compare establishment and regrowth rates across treatments, as well as yields across treatments and site‐years. A logistic model was used to describe yield trends and to compare the maximum yield reached and the rate of yield increase of both species. Results showed that miscanthus establishment from plantlets resulted in higher establishment (between 87% and 92%) and regrowth (between 91% and 94%) rates compared to establishment from rhizomes. Treatments with M. × giganteus obtained higher average yields across site‐years than those with M. sinensis, but more variable yields across site‐years. We showed a strong species effect on yields, yield components (shoot weight, shoot density and shoot number per plant) and light interception (through leaf area index). Lastly, to use M. sinensis established from transplanted plantlets as an alternative to M. × giganteus, research would be required on the breeding of M. sinensis sterile seeds to avoid risks of invasiveness.     

Yields of Miscanthus × giganteus and Panicum virgatum decline with stand age in the Midwestern USA

For the C4 perennial grasses, Miscanthus × giganteus and Panicum virgatum (switchgrass) to be successful for bioenergy production they must maintain high yields over the long term. Previous studies under the less conducive climate for productivity in N.W. Europe found little or no yield decline in M. × giganteus in the long term. This study provides the first analysis of whether yield decline occurs in M. × giganteus under United States. Midwest conditions in side‐by‐side trials with P. virgatum over 8–10 years at seven locations across Illinois. The effect of stand age was determined by using a linear regression model that included effects of weather. Miscanthus × giganteus produced yields more than twice that of P. virgatum averaging 23.4 ± 1.2 Mg ha^?1 yr^?1 and 10.0 ± 0.9 Mg ha^?1 yr^?1, respectively, averaged over 8–10 years. Relationships of yield with precipitation and growing degree days were established and used to estimate yields corrected for the stochastic effects of weather. Across all locations and in both species, yield initially increased until it reached a maximum during the fifth growing season and then declined to a stable, but lower level in the eighth. This pattern was more pronounced in M. × giganteus. The mean yields observed over this longer term period of 8–10 years were lower than the yields of the first 5 years. However, this decline was proportionately greater in M. × giganteus than in P. virgatum, suggesting a stronger effect of stand age on M. × giganteus. Based on the average yield over the period of this study, meeting the United States Renewable Fuel Standard mandate of 60 billion liters of cellulosic ethanol by 2022, would require 6.8 Mha of M. × giganteus or 15.8 Mha of P. virgatum. These appear manageable numbers for the United States, given the 16.0 Mha in the farmland Conservation Reserve Program in addition to another 13.0 Mha abandoned from agriculture in the last decade.     

Plant and soil effects on bacterial communities associated with Miscanthus × giganteus rhizosphere and rhizomes

Bacterial assemblages, especially diazotroph assemblages residing in the rhizomes and the rhizosphere soil of Miscanthus × giganteus, contribute to plant growth and nitrogen use efficiency. However, the composition of these microbial communities has not been adequately explored nor have the potential ecological drivers for these communities been sufficiently studied. This knowledge is needed for understanding and potentially improving M. × giganteus – microbe interactions, and further enhancing sustainability of M. × giganteus production. In this study, cultivated M. × giganteus from four sites in Illinois, Kentucky, Nebraska, and New Jersey were collected to examine the relative influences of soil conditions and plant compartments on assembly of the M. × giganteus‐associated microbiome. Automated ribosomal intergenic spacer (ARISA) and terminal restriction fragment length polymorphism (T‐RFLP) targeting the nifH gene were applied to examine the total bacterial communities and diazotroph assemblages that reside in the rhizomes and the rhizosphere. Distinct microbial assemblages were detected in the endophytic and rhizosphere compartments. Site soil conditions had strong correlation with both total bacterial and diazotroph assemblages, but in different ways. Nitrogen treatments showed no significant effect on the composition of diazotroph assemblages in most sites. Endophytic compartments of different M. × giganteus plants tended to harbor similar microbial communities across all sites, whereas the rhizosphere soil of different plant tended to harbor diverse microbial assemblages that were distinct among sites. These observations offer insight into better understanding of the associative interactions between M. × giganteus and diazotrophs, and how this relationship is influenced by agronomic and edaphic factors.     

Life history of Anomalococcus indicus (Hemiptera: Lecanodiaspididae), a potential biological control agent for prickly acacia Vachellia nilotica ssp. indica in Australia

Babul scale Anomalococcus indicus Ramakrishna Ayyar, a major pest of Vachellia nilotica (L.f.) P.J.H. Hurter & Mabb. on the Indian subcontinent, has been identified as a potential biocontrol agent for prickly acacia V. nilotica subsp. indica (Benth.) Kyal. & Boatwr. in Australia and was imported from southern India for detailed assessment. The life history of A. indicus under controlled glasshouse conditions was determined as a part of this assessment. Consistent with other scale species, A. indicus has a distinct sexual dimorphism which becomes apparent during the second instar. Females have three instars, developing into sexually mature nymphs after 52 days. The generation time from egg to egg was 89 days. Females are ovoviviparous, ovipositing mature eggs into a cavity underneath their body. An average of 802 ± 114 offspring were produced per female. Reproductive output was closely associated with female size; larger females produced more than 1200 offspring. Crawlers emerged from beneath the female after an indeterminate period of inactivity. They have the only life stage at which A. indicus can disperse, though the majority settle close to their parent female forming aggregative distributions. In the absence of food, most crawlers died within three days. Males took 62 days to develop through five instars. Unlike females, males underwent complete metamorphosis. Adult males were small and winged, and lived for less than a day. Parthenogenesis was not observed in females excluded from males. The life history of A. indicus allows it to complement other biological control agents already established on prickly acacia in Australia.     

The Inhibition of Clostridium chauvoei (Jakari strain) Neuraminidase Activity by Methanolic Extracts of the Stem Barks of Tamarindus indicus and Combretum fragrans

The inhibition of neuraminidase from Clostridium chauvoei (jakari strain) with partially purified methanolic extracts of some plants used in Ethnopharmacological practice was evaluated. Extracts of two medicinal plants, Tamarindus indicus and Combretum fragrans at 100–1000 μg/ml, both significantly reduced the activity of the enzyme in a dose-dependent fashion (P < 0.001).

The estimated IC₅₀ values for Tamarindus indicus and Combretum fragrans were 100 and 150 μ/ml respectively. Initial velocity studies conducted, using fetuin as substrate revealed a non-competitive inhibition with the V_max significantly altered from 500 μmole min^?1 mg^?1 to 240μmole min^?1 mg^?1 and 340 μmole min^?1 mg^?1 in the presence of Tamarindus indicus and Combretum fragrans respectively. The K_M remained unchanged at 0.42 mM. The computed Index of physiological efficiency was reduced from 1.19 min^?1 to 0.57 min^?1 and 0.75 min^?1 with Tamarindus indicus and Combretum fragrans as inhibitors respectively.     

Production of fertile somatic hybrid plants of sunflower and Helianthus giganteus L. by protoplast fusion

Summary Protoplasts of Helianthus giganteus and Helianthus annuus were fused using polyethylene glycol. Before fusion H.giganteus protoplasts were subjected to iodoacetic acid treatment to render them unable to divide. Fused protoplasts were cultured in V-KM medium containing benzylaminopurine and naphtaleneacetic acid. Hybrid calli were identified on the basis of their ability of embryogenic development contributed by the Helianthus giganteus parent. Fifty embryogenic calli were cultured on MS based medium without growth regulators to induce further development of somatic embryos. Elongated shoots were removed, rooted and transferred into growth chambers. Overall morphology of the plants was intermediate between the two parents. Their hybrid nature was confirmed by chromosome counting and by the analysis of esterase isozymes. The plants flowered within two to three months and later died. Thus the perennial nature of H.giganteus is a recessive trait in this interspecific hybrid. Seeds were obtained from two of the regenerated plants. From these seeds normal fertile F₂ plants could be grown.Abbreviations PEG polyethylene glycol - NAA naphtaleneacetic acid - BA benzyladenine - MS Murashige and Skoog medium - V-KM protoplast culture medium of Binding and Nehls