Options for mitigating methane emission from a permanently flooded rice field

Permanently flooded rice fields, widely distributed in south and south‐west China, emit more CH₄ than those drained in the winter crop season. For understanding CH₄ emissions from permanently flooded rice fields and developing mitigation options, CH₄ emission was measured year‐round for 6 years from 1995 to 2000, in a permanently flooded rice field in Chongqing, China, where two cultivations with four treatments were prepared as follows: plain‐cultivation, summer rice crop and winter fallow with floodwater layer annually (convention, Ch‐FF), and winter upland crop under drained conditions (Ch‐Wheat); ridge‐cultivation without tillage, summer rice and winter fallow with floodwater layer annually (Ch‐FFR), and winter upland crop under drained conditions (Ch‐RW), respectively. On a 6‐year average, compared to the treatments with floodwater in the winter crop season, the CH₄ flux during rice‐growing period from the treatments draining floodwater and planting winter crop was reduced by 42% in plain‐cultivation and by 13% in ridge‐cultivation (P < 0.05), respectively. The reduction of annual CH₄ emission reached 68 and 48%, respectively. Compared to plain‐cultivation (Ch‐FF), ridge‐cultivation (Ch‐FFR) reduced annual CH₄ emission by 33%, and which was mainly occurred in the winter crop season. These results indicate that draining floodwater layer for winter upland crop growth was not only able to prevent CH₄ emission from permanently flooded paddy soils directly in the winter crop season, but also to reduce CH₄ emission substantially during the following rice‐growing period. As an alternative to the completely drainage of floodwater layer in the winter crop season, ridge‐cultivation could also significantly mitigate CH₄ emissions from permanently flooded rice fields.     

Observations on egg production rates and seasonal changes in the internal morphology of Mediterranean populations of Acartia clausi and Centropages typicus

Egg production rates in wild populations of Acartia clausi and Centropages typicus, sampled biweekly in the Gulf of Naples from October 1985 to July 1987, showed marked seasonal fluctuations with maximum values in early spring that proceeded the annual maxima for adult female densities in summer. A positive correlation between chlorophyll a concentrations and egg production was evident only during the early spring phytoplankton bloom. A strong diminution in egg deposition occurred later in spring and continued throughout the summer notwithstanding high chlorophyll concentrations. In winter, when population abundances for adult females were lowest, egg production rates were always higher than in summer. Differences in egg production rates coincided with pronounced morphological changes between summer and winter populations of both species. The most striking of these changes consisted, in winter, in the presence of a dark brown fluid-like mass of granular material that seemed to freely bathe the gonads. The presence of this substance only during periods of elevated egg production suggests that it may enhance egg production rates when the adult population reaches minimum annual levels. Such a mechanism of self-regulation may operate to dampen the effects of environmental variability thereby contributing to maintain a conservative structure in coastal copepod communities.     

Phenotypic divergence in reproductive traits of a moth population experiencing a phenological shift

Allochrony that is reproductive isolation by time may further lead to divergence of reproductive adaptive traits in response to different environmental pressures over time. A unique “summer” population of the pine processionary moth Thaumetopoea pityocampa, reproductively isolated from the typical winter populations by allochronic differentiation, is here analyzed. This allochronically shifted population reproduces in the spring and develops in the summer, whereas “winter” populations reproduce in the late summer and have winter larval development. Both summer and winter populations coexist in the same pine stands, yet they face different climatic pressures as their active stages are present in different seasons. The occurrence of significant differences between the reproductive traits of the summer population and the typical winter populations (either sympatric or allopatric) is thus hypothesized. Female fecundity, egg size, egg covering, and egg parasitism were analyzed showing that the egg load was lower and that egg size was higher in the summer population than in all the studied winter populations. The scales that cover the egg batches of T. pityocampa differed significantly between populations in shape and color, resulting in a looser and darker covering in the summer population. The single specialist egg parasitoid species of this moth was almost missing in the summer population, and the overall parasitism rates were lower than in the winter population. Results suggest the occurrence of phenotypic differentiation between the summer population and the typical T. pityocampa winter populations for the life‐history traits studied. This work provides an insight into how ecological divergence may follow the process of allochronic reproductive isolation.     

HOST-PARASITE COEVOLUTION: EVIDENCE FOR RARE ADVANTAGE AND TIME-LAGGED SELECTION IN A NATURAL POPULATION

In theory, parasites can create time-lagged, frequency-dependent selection in their hosts, resulting in oscillatory gene-frequency dynamics in both the host and the parasite (the Red Queen hypothesis). However, oscillatory dynamics have not been observed in natural populations. In the present study, we evaluated the dynamics of asexual clones of a New Zealand snail, Potamopyrgus antipodarum, and its trematode parasites over a five-year period. During the summer of each year, we determined host-clone frequencies in random samples of the snail to track genetic changes in the snail population. Similarly, we monitored changes in the parasite population, focusing on the dominant parasite, Microphallus sp., by calculating the frequency of clones in samples of infected individuals from the same collections. We then compared these results to the results of a computer model that was designed to examine clone frequency dynamics for various levels of parasite virulence. Consistent with these simulations and with ideas regarding dynamic coevolution, parasites responded to common clones in a time-lagged fashion. Finally, in a laboratory experiment, we found that clones that had been rare during the previous five years were significantly less infectible by Microphallus when compared to the common clones. Taken together, these results confirm that rare host genotypes are more likely to escape infection by parasites; they also show that host-parasite interactions produce, in a natural population, some of the dynamics anticipated by the Red Queen hypothesis.     

Ecological distribution and phenology of an invasive species, Cardamine hirsuta L., and its native counterpart, Cardamine flexuosa With., in central Japan

Cardamine hirsuta is a European species that was recently introduced into Japan and its wide distribution has been confirmed in the Kanto district. To understand mechanisms of the recent spread of C. hirsuta in Japan, a comparative study of the alien species and its native congeneric species, C. flexuosa, was conducted. Habitat preferences, phenology and seed germination were examined. Cardamine hirsuta and C. flexuosa showed distinctive habitat-preferences; the former was most common in open habitats created by recent man-made constructions, and the latter was common in rice paddy fields and surrounding areas. The results indicate that C. flexuosa is a year-long annual, with a mixed phenology of summer and winter germination and growth. Seed dormancy during summer was relatively weak for C. flexuosa, and some plants that germinated early in summer reproduced during the same summer–autumn period. Plants that germinated in late summer and autumn behaved as winter annuals. In rice paddy fields, C. flexuosa is a winter annual because germination is prevented by submergence during summer. Plants flower during the following spring and complete their life cycle before the fields are flooded for rice cultivation. Cardamine hirsuta showed strong seed dormancy during summer and behaved as a typical winter annual. Seeds of C. hirsuta were intolerant to submergence in water, a condition that breaks seed dormancy of C. flexuosa. The results explain the absence of C. hirsuta from rice paddy fields. It was concluded that the spread of C. hirsuta is attributable to the recent expansion of urban habitats created by human activity and has occurred without direct competition with C. flexuosa. Considering recent urbanization in many areas, it is suggested that C. hirsuta has been spreading rapidly in Japan.     

我国稻螟灾害的现状及损失估计

我国稻螟为害的确切记载始于 1 0 2 2年。 2 0世纪 5 0年代中期以前 ,以二化螟Chilosuppressalis(Walker)为害为主。此后十几年中 ,三化螟Tryporyzaincertulas(Walker)普遍大发生。 70年代 ,我国螟害轻微。 1 993年 ,二化螟急剧回升 ,三化螟也随之回升。 1 996年 2种稻螟大发生 ,此后连年暴发成灾。目前我国螟灾的主要特点是虫口密度高、受害范围广、受害程度重、持续时间长、经济损失大。首要螟灾区是沿江稻区 ,二化螟和三化螟分别约占 2 3和 1 3。全国年发面积约 1 5 0 0万hm2 ,防治约 3 80 0万hm2 次。该文首次估计年防治代价约 45 7～ 60亿元 ,残虫造成作物损失近 65亿元 ,总经济损失约 1 1 5亿元。由此可见 ,当前稻螟已取代稻飞虱、棉铃虫成为影响我国国计民生的头号害虫。     

Parasites of the spotted stalk borer,Chilo partellus [Lepidoptera: Pyralidae] in South Africa

One egg parasite, 7 larval parasites, 2 pupal parasites and 3 larval hyperparasites were recorded parasitizing the spotted stalk borer,Chilo partellus (Swinhoe) on maize and grain sorghum in South Africa.Trichogrammatoidea lutea Girault [Trichogrammatidae] parasitized eggs ofC. partellus mainly in mid-summer. The larval parasites were active throughout the season with occasional peaks of up to 75% parasitism.Apanteles sesamiae Cameron [Braconidae], proved to be the most abundant larval parasite. It was recorded fromca. 93% of parasitized larvae but its efficiency was reduced by the hyperparasite,Aphanogmus fijiensis (Ferriére) [Ceraphronidae], which reached sometimes up to 100% parasitism on cocoons ofA. sesamiae. The efficiency ofIphiaulax sp. [Braconidae], the 2^nd most abundant larval parasite, was also hindered by the hyperparasite,Eurytoma sp. [Eurytomidae] Pupal parasites were sometimes very abundant reaching up to 100% parasitism without any interference by hyperparasites. The most abundant pupal parasites wereDentichasmias busseolae Heinrich [Ichneumonidae] andPediobius furvus (Gahan) [Eulophidae].      

Seasonal dietary shifts enhance parasite transmission to lake salmonids during ice cover

Changes in abiotic and biotic factors between seasons in subarctic lake systems are often profound, potentially affecting the community structure and population dynamics of parasites over the annual cycle. However, few winter studies exist and interactions between fish hosts and their parasites are typically confined to snapshot studies restricted to the summer season whereas host‐parasite dynamics during the ice‐covered period rarely have been explored. The present study addresses seasonal patterns in the infections of intestinal parasites and their association with the diet of sympatric living Arctic charr (Salvelinus alpinus) and brown trout (Salmo trutta) in Lake Takvatn, a subarctic lake in northern Norway. In total, 354 Arctic charr and 203 brown trout were sampled from the littoral habitat between June 2017 and May 2018. Six trophically transmitted intestinal parasite taxa were identified and quantified, and their seasonal variations were contrasted with dietary information from both stomachs and intestines of the fish. The winter period proved to be an important transmission window for parasites, with increased prevalence and intensity of amphipod‐transmitted parasites in Arctic charr and parasites transmitted through fish prey in brown trout. In Arctic charr, seasonal patterns in parasite infections resulted mainly from temporal changes in diet toward amphipods, whereas host body size and the utilization of fish prey were the main drivers in brown trout. The overall dynamics in the community structure of parasites chiefly mirrored the seasonal dietary shifts of their fish hosts.     

The occurrence and life history of Asymphylodora kubanicum (Platyhelminthes: Digenea: Monorchidae) in the Worcester-Birmingham canal, with special reference to the feeding habits of the definitive host, Rutilus rutilus

Two hundred roach and over 400 molluscs were examined over a one year period to investigate the occurrence and life history of Asymphylodora kubanicum in the Worcester-Birmingham canal. Larval stages, infective to the fish definitive host, were present in molluscs throughout the year but did not show a seasonal fluctuation in numbers. Parasites in the intestine of the roach showed a marked annual cycle of occurrence and maturation: low winter infection levels preceded a dramatic increase in infection during the spring and summer. Maturation of the parasite population was rapid during the spring and summer and in late summer and early autumn the parasites laid their eggs and subsequently died. The death of parasites after egg-laying resulted in the low winter infection level during which time little recruitment occurred.
Roach became infected mainly in their third year when molluscs become a dominant component of their diet. Thereafter the older fishes (<2+) are all equally susceptible to infection, but the larger (older) fishes become more heavily infected because of the greater consumption of molluscs per fish. The sex of the fish made no difference to infection with the parasite.     

Die Parasitenkomplexe europäischer Diprionidae in ökologisch-evolutionsbiologischer Sicht

Parasite community of European Diprionidae from an ecological-evolutionary point of view Neodiprion sertifer, the only Eurasian species of this nearctic genus, is systematically and, due to its hibernation in the egg stage and its aestivation in the cocoon-stage, also biologically an outsider in the European Diprionid-fauna (Fig. 1). It is assumed that the ancestors of N. sertifer immigrated from western North America via Beringia to Eurasia during the Pleistocene period In spite of its exceptional status, this sawfly species has a rich parasitoid complex, characterized by several highly specific larval parasites, which, in size und diversity, is equivalent to the parasite-spectra of autochthonous European Diprionids such as Diprion pini, Microdiprion pallipes, etc. (Tab. 1 and 2). Based on a comparative analysis of these parasite complexes, a trial is made to explain 1. from which hosts the parasites of N. sertifer have originated and 2. which biological adaptations have allowed them to colonize the new host niche and to synchronize with the strictly univoltine life-cycle of N. sertifer. The boreo-montane Murodiprion pallipes has apparently played a key rôle as a source for parasitoid species of N. sertifer. Adaptation to the new host has been achieved by the acquisition of an obligatory summer diapause in such highly specific larval parasites as Exenterus abruptorius, Lamachus eques, Lophyroplectus luteator (Fig. 5) and in the «sertifer-form» of the egg parasite Dipriocampe diprioni (Fig. 3), whereas in Chrysonotomyia spp. the ability to develop as facultative hyperparasites has enabled them to bridge the summer gap when fresh host eggs are not available (Fig. 3 und 4).     

The influence of climatic conditions on long-term changes in the helminth fauna of terrestrial molluscs and the implications for parasite transmission in southern England

The influence of climatic conditions on the prevalence and transmission of helminth parasites in a terrestrial mollusc population was studied in a grassland site in southern England between 1974 and 1983. Molluscs were sampled in each September of 5 years over this period (1974, 1976, 1979, 1981, 1983). Climatic conditions had a variable effect on parasite prevalence. Trematode sporocyst infections increased after wet summer and warm winter conditions and declined in hot, dry periods. Cestode infections increased after combined wet spring and summer weather and low winter temperatures, although trematode metacercariae and nematode infections were less likely to be influenced by climate. The effects on parasite transmission were undertaken by comparing parasite prevalences in the principal definitive hosts, the common shrew (Sorex araneus) and the wood mouse (Apodemus sylvaticus) in the same habitat over the period 1973-1983. Changes in parasite prevalences in the molluscan population were rarely replicated by changes in the small mammal population, except for trematode parasites in small mammals during a period of severe drought in 1976. These results suggest that only long-term persistent modifications in climate are likely to affect host-parasite dynamics.     

Patterns of parasitic infections in faecal samples from stray cat populations in Qatar

The parasite fauna of stray cat populations, comprising mainly helminth parasites, is described for the first time from the arid environment of the Qatar peninsula. During the winter and summer months of 2005, 824 faecal samples were examined from six sites in Qatar. Up to seven species of parasites were identified, six of which were nematodes - Strongyloides stercoralis as the most prevalent (18.4%), followed by Aelurostrongylus abstrusus (7.5%), Toxocara cati (6.1%), Ancylostoma tubaeforme (5.9%) and Physaloptera sp. (4.8%) and Toxascaris leonina (0.7%) - and one sporozoan species, Isospora felis (0.5%). Unidentified cestode eggs were also recovered from 10.7% of samples examined. The parasite species were found to be highly overdispersed in faecal samples from all sites, whereas the prevalence and intensity of infections were influenced by site and season. Infection levels tended to be higher during the winter season, especially in the case of A. abstrusus and A. tubaeforme, when conditions of temperature and humidity were more favourable for the development of egg and/or larval stages of parasites compared with the extremely hot and dry summer months. The results are discussed in relation to the distribution of the cat population in the vicinity of Doha and its outskirts and the potential threat of parasite transmission to human communities in Qatar.     

Contrasting the seasonal and elevational prevalence of generalist avian haemosporidia in co‐occurring host species

Understanding the ecology and evolution of parasites is contingent on identifying the selection pressures they face across their infection landscape. Such a task is made challenging by the fact that these pressures will likely vary across time and space, as a result of seasonal and geographical differences in host susceptibility or transmission opportunities. Avian haemosporidian blood parasites are capable of infecting multiple co‐occurring hosts within their ranges, yet whether their distribution across time and space varies similarly in their different host species remains unclear. Here, we applied a new PCR method to detect avian haemosporidia (genera Haemoproteus, Leucocytozoon, and Plasmodium) and to determine parasite prevalence in two closely related and co‐occurring host species, blue tits (Cyanistes caeruleus, N = 529) and great tits (Parus major, N = 443). Our samples were collected between autumn and spring, along an elevational gradient in the French Pyrenees and over a three‐year period. Most parasites were found to infect both host species, and while these generalist parasites displayed similar elevational patterns of prevalence in the two host species, this was not always the case for seasonal prevalence patterns. For example, Leucocytozoon group A parasites showed inverse seasonal prevalence when comparing between the two host species, being highest in winter and spring in blue tits but higher in autumn in great tits. While Plasmodium relictum prevalence was overall lower in spring relative to winter or autumn in both species, spring prevalence was also lower in blue tits than in great tits. Together, these results reveal how generalist parasites can exhibit host‐specific epidemiology, which is likely to complicate predictions of host–parasite co‐evolution.     

Post‐glacial distribution of a Mongolian mayfly inferred from population genetic analysis

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Haemosporidian parasitism in the blackcap Sylvia atricapilla in relation to spring arrival and body condition

Parasites can exert strong selection on hosts. Throughout the year migrants are exposed to different sets of parasites, which may affect life history traits such as migratory schedules. Here, we studied the relationship between parasite infection and arrival date of blackcaps Sylvia atricapilla to their breeding grounds in Germany throughout a period of six years (2007–2012). We used two data sets, one that included all blackcaps and one that included only recaptured birds. We assesed whether parasites influence spring arrival to breeding grounds, and for the recaptured data set, we analysed temporal variation in parasitism (i.e. infection status and parasitaemia) throughout the breeding season. We used both microscopy and PCR (a fragment of ? 479 bp of the mtDNA cyt b) to determine haemosporidian infection. Blackcaps were mostly infected with Haemoproteus parabelopolskyi (lineages SYAT01 and SYAT02). Infection status, but not parasitaemia, was constant through time for individual birds; meaning that once a bird is infected, it most likely will retain the infection for life. We found that infection by haemosporidian parasites has no relationship to arrival date in this blackcap population; however, infection by H. parabelopolskyi has a marginally significant effect on arrival date of recaptured blackcaps, somewhat delaying their arrival to breeding grounds. Birds captured later in the season were more likely to be infected than those from early spring, and parasitaemia was frequently lower in birds captured earlier in the season compared to those captured later (summer).     

Distribution of Empoasca devastans and its egg parasites in the Indian Union

The cotton jassid Empoasca devastans Distant has been reported as a major pest from all the cotton growing areas of the Indian Union. Its outbreaks have always been a difficult problem for the growers of cotton in the Punjab, and it has often resulted in the complete failure of this crop (Lal, 1941). This jassid also attacks other crops and ornamental plants (Sohi, 1964). A systematic survey of various stages of this jassid was undertaken in the Indian Union by collecting the natural parasites and predators during the period May 1964 to September 1966. We have restricted the survey to the following crops: okra (Abelmoschus esculentus), castor (Ricinus communis), eggplant (Solanum melongena), cotton (Gossypium spp.) and cowpea (Vigna catjang). Five mymarid and one trichogrammatid parasites and four predators were found and recorded (Subba Rao et al., 1965; Subba Rao, 1966), and a new species of egg parasite was described. The material collected from different areas of the survey (Fig. 1) was kept in the laboratory in 15 × 20 cm jars. Any parasites hatching from the material were preserved in 70% alcohol. In addition an assessment of the % parasitism of the eggs of this jassid at Delhi was made for one year from August 1965 to July 1966 on the two seasonal crops, okra and eggplant, and on castor which is available throughout the year. Leaves gathered on the fields of the Institute were dissected in search of the jassid eggs. The visibly parasitised eggs were sorted out and counted.     

Conservation insights from changing associations between habitat,territory distribution and mating system of Corn Buntings Emberiza calandra over a 20‐year population decline

Associations between habitat and animal distributions are widely used to make conservation recommendations. However, short‐term studies do not allow investigation of temporal variation in associations as habitats change or populations decline. Here we quantify changes in the habitat attributes and distribution of breeding territories in a multiple‐brooded, crop‐nesting farmland bird, the Corn Bunting Emberiza calandra, over a 20‐year period during which the study population declined by 91%. Corn Buntings were positively associated with weedy fields, overhead wires, spring cereals and, in early summer, with winter barley and forage grass. Territory associations with wires (positive) and fallow (positive in early summer, negative in late summer) were stronger in later years when the population was smaller. Trends in the proportions of males holding territories into late summer (decline), and mated polygynously or not at all (increases), suggested that habitat quality declined and became more spatially variable in later years. Field size increased and weed abundance within fields declined, reducing the availability of field‐boundary song‐posts, invertebrate‐rich foraging habitats and physical cover for nests within crops. Conservation recommendations are for weed‐rich or under‐sown spring cereals and winter barley combined with late‐cut hay and fallow, especially when offered close to song‐posts such as overhead wires. We also demonstrate the value of long‐term studies by comparing our 20‐year analysis with 3‐year periods at the start, middle and end of this period, and expose some risks of conservation recommendations derived from short studies.     

The occurrence of Sphaerostoma bramae (Digenea: Allocreadiidae) in the roach from the Worcester-Birmingham canal

Two hundred roach (Rutilus rutilus) were examined over a twelve-month period to provide information concerning the occurrence of Sphaerostoma bramae. Infection levels were high during the autumn and winter and at this time of year the parasite population was composed almost exclusively of immature parasites. Maturation was rapid in the spring but was accompanied by a decrease in the infection level. In late summer, after egg-laying, losses due to the death of spent parasites began to be replaced by the recruitment of immature parasites and this recruitment reached its peak in the autumn and winter. The annual cycle of occurrence and maturation is discussed in relation to fluctuating environmental variables and the feeding behavior of the roach.     

PERIODICITY OF EPIPELIC UNICELLULAR VOLVOCALES (CHLOROPHYCEAE) IN A SHALLOW ACID POOL1

The occurrence, periodicity and growth of twenty species of unicellular Volvocales on sediments in an acidic pool are described. Minimum populations were recorded in winter, but during the rest of the year standing crops fluctuated rapidly. The greatest species diversity and primary productivity occurred in late spring-early summer and in autumn, when maximum numbers of Chlamydomonas spp. and Chloromonas spp. increased exponentially on the sediments. The chlamydomonads were more numerous in the epipelon than other major algal components such as diatoms, euglenoids, bluegreen algae and desmids. Growth of the chlamydomonad population occurred after the period of maximum diatom standing crop. Evidence shows that rates of primary production were greater in late spring and late summer when species diversity and standing crop or apparent growth rates of unicellular Volvocales were high. Thus these algae which are normally neglected may be more important in primary productivity than previously believed since they grow during periods when larger algae are scarce. Analysis of the data using the multivariate technique of Reciprocal Averaging confirmed seasonal periodicity in this community of epipelic flagellates. It also identified species with distinctive ecological requirements. A relationship between the bicarbonate-alkalinity of the overlying water and the chlamydomonad population was demonstrated by ordination analysis.     

Spiral valve parasites of blue and common thresher sharks as indicators of shark feeding behaviour and ecology

This study documented the parasite faunas of the spiral valves of blue sharks Prionace glauca (L. 1758) and common thresher sharks Alopias vulpinus (Bonnaterre, 1788) caught in the California Current Large Marine Ecosystem (CCLME) north of the Mexican border. The spiral valves of 18 blue and 19 thresher sharks caught in the CCLME from 2009 to 2013 were examined for parasites. Seven parasite taxa were found in blue sharks and nine in threshers. The tetraphyllidean cestode Anthobothrium sp. (78% prevalence) was the most common parasite in blue sharks, and the phyllobothriid cestode Paraorygmatobothrium sp. (90% prevalence) was the most common in threshers. An adult nematode of the genus Piscicapillaria was found in threshers for the first time and may be a new species. Adult individuals of Hysterothylacium sp. were found in both shark species. The adult acanthocephalan Rhadinorhynchus cololabis and remains of the parasitic copepod Pennella sp. – both parasites of Pacific saury, Cololabis saira – were found in the intestines of threshers, indicating recent feeding on saury. This study paves the way for a more comprehensive examination, including more samples and a wider variety of shark species, to provide a greater understanding of shark feeding behaviour and possibly provide information on shark population biology.