Abstract Multiple studies have focused on the environmental damage done by invasive species and highlighted them as a major threat to biodiversity. Invasive species can completely eliminate some native species. On the other hand, the invasion potential of alien species is strongly influenced by abiotic factors. Taking these factors into consideration, the present study has focused on the competitive interaction between an invasive freshwater pulmonate snail Physella acuta Draparnaud, 1805 (Gastropoda: Physidae) and sympatrically occurring Racesina luteola Lamarck, 1822 (Gastropoda: Lymnaeidae) in India. Competitive superiority of the exotic species was assessed by comparing the reproductive output of the invasive and indigenous species subjected to interactions observed in a community. To investigate the role of temperature as a driving force of the competitive superiority of the invasive snail, 4 temperatures were considered. At all temperatures, the invasive snail P. acuta deposited more egg clutches per individual than the native snail R. luteola did, irrespective of the interaction types. The reproductive output of both species increased with the gradual increase in temperature up to 30°C. At 35°C, the production of egg capsules (clutches) per individual and eggs per individual again decreased for both species. Their reproductive output was the highest at 30°C, while at 20°C, R. luteola laid lower numbers of egg clutches and eggs per individual when kept with P. acuta than when living with conspecifics only. This study shows that temperature can strongly affect the outcome of competition between invasive and indigenous species.
Abstract Inflammation is the immune system’s response to infection and injury. Although it is a natural and beneficial process, it has been implicated in the pathogeneses of arthritis, cancer, neurodegenerative, and cardiovascular disease. In this study, we evaluated the in vitro anti-inflammatory activity of the alcohol and aqueous extracts of marine gastropods Pachymelania aurita and Tympanotonos fuscatus (syn. Tympanotonus fuscatus) var. radula in peritoneal macrophage cells treated with lipopolysaccharide. Peripheral macrophages were harvested from mice following the injection of foetal calf serum into the peritoneal space. The cytotoxicity of the extracts on the macrophages and the maximum non-toxic dose was determined using the MTT assay. Cells were challenged with lipopolysaccharide and treated with crude extracts of T. fuscatus and P. aurita 24 h later. The antioxidant activity was also evaluated, using the DPPH assay. Both extracts of P. aurita and T. fuscatus exhibited significant anti-inflammatory activities in terms of their ability to inhibit the production of NO, TNF-α, IL-1 and PGE2, which are key mediators of the inflammation response. Also, the alcohol extracts proved to be as effective as vitamin C in the free radical scavenging of DPPH. Thus, the extracts from P. aurita and T. fuscatus are useful candidates for further drug studies, especially as drug candidates for the treatment of inflammatory conditions.
Abstract Lactobacillus brevis PCM 2570 is a strain of lactic acid bacteria, i.e. probiotic bacteria whose major fermentation product is lactic acid. The efficiency of lactic acid production is limited by the value of ambient pH. This study aimed to increase the survival of this bacterial strain at a reduced pH (3.9), which would result in an increased yield of lactic acid fermentation. In our experiment the survival rate of probiotic bacteria L. brevis PCM 2570 was increased 1.2-fold to 6.96-fold due to the presence of Fe3O4 magnetic nanoparticles, as compared to the control. The minimum concentration of nanoparticles with a positive effect was 8 mg/ml, but the optimum concentration was 20 mg/ml.
Abstract To investigate powdery mildew resistance in rye (Secale cereale), 397 inbred lines of winter rye were tested for susceptibility to infection with Blumeria graminis f. sp. secalis. The 50 most tolerant lines and 50 most infected lines were chosen for comparison. They were next tested for the presence of 4 markers linked to 4 alleles for resistance to powdery mildew, identified earlier in common wheat (Triticum aestivum). We found Pm3a only in 3 susceptible genotypes of winter rye, although this marker is linked to the powdery mildew resistance gene in wheat. The other 3 markers linked to Blumeria graminis f. sp. secalis resistance genes (Pm3b, Pm3c, Pm3d) were found in neither resistant nor susceptible rye genotypes.
Abstract Based on length, weight, and age data, we examined allometry and growth parameters for common pandora, Pagellus erythrinus, commercially collected seasonally from northern and southern Tunisian coasts in 2007. A total of 370 specimens (14–27.5 cm in length) were used to assess the allometric variation at seasonal scales. The slope b values (regression coefficient) of the length-weight relationship varied between 2.494 to 3.237, indicating (roughly) an isometric to negative allometric growth pattern. The allometric relationship, as a proxy for fish condition, seems to be affected by seasons and sex in the northern population, while only seasons seem to have a strong effect in the southern population, as indicated by ANOVA. The von Bertalanffy growth parameters were identified at L ∞ = 34.076 and 28.017 cm, k = 0.153 and 0.150/year, and t 0 = −1.922 and −3.961 years for the northern and southern sample, respectively.
Abstract Platydemus manokwari de Beauchamp, 1963 is an invasive flatworm found on islands in the tropics, especially in the Pacific Ocean. It has been implicated in the decline of several snail populations, including the extinction of some Partula species. Its predatory behaviour was investigated to quantify predation rates and elucidate climatic influences. This laboratory study of the invasive flatworm confirms earlier reports that P. manokwari is a generalist predator of snails. It prefers small prey and avoids species defended by copious mucus, chemical defences or a tough integument. Prey are found by following damp mucus trails up to 15 h old. Flatworm activity is limited by temperature and humidity, with peak feeding at 24–30°C and 85–95% humidity. This determines the geographical spread of the species and probably also the effectiveness of arboreal predation. Aboveground air circulation leads to drying, reducing the ability of the flatworms to locate trails and remain active high off the ground. Local climatic factors may dictate how significantly P. manokwari affects snail populations.
Abstract Interactions between 3 pathogenic fungi damaging horse-chestnut (Aesculus hippocastanum) leaves and fruits – Phyllosticta sphaeropsoidea, Phomopsis carposchiza, and Diaporthe padi – and the antagonistic fungus Trichoderma harzianum were studied to determine their mutual influence in vitro. Antibiosis of colonies developing on 5 nutrient media was tested. The 3 studied T. harzianum isolates differed in their antagonistic potential. although T. harzianum isolates significantly inhibited the growth of Phomopsis carposchiza, the mycelium growth of some of the re-isolates on fresh medium indicates an inadequate antagonistic effect of T. harzianum on this species. The tested Trichoderma isolates showed stronger antagonism towards the other pathogens, reflected in overgrowing of Phyllosticta sphaeropso-idea and Diaporthe padi and reducing their growth. Granulation of the cytoplasm and lysis of hyphae of the fungal pathogens were the most frequently observed effects of the interaction.
Among the approximately 200 eriophyoid mite species associated with coniferous trees worldwide, 33 species (of the families Eriophyidae and Phytoptidae) infest conifers in Poland, and 24 of them can cause visible feeding symptoms. In this paper we discuss the importance of eriophyoid mites to coniferous plants in Poland and their potential impact on the decorative value of ornamental plants. We emphasize the general lack of knowledge about the diversity of eriophyoid mites associated with coniferous trees and its role in the management and control of this economically important mite group.
AbstractThe morphology of resting eggs was studied in Polish populations of 7 large branchiopod species:Branchipus schaefferi,Chirocephalus shadini,Eubranchipus grubii(Anostraca),Lepidurus apus,Triops cancriformis(Notostraca),Lynceus brachyurus(Laevicaudata), andCyzicus tetracerus(Spinicaudata). Scanning electron microscope photographs for each species are also provided. In some species (especiallyE. grubii), the ornamentation and size of cysts from Polish populations significantly differ from literature data for populations from other parts of Europe. We also present a key to determination of the studied species based on cyst morphology and discuss whether those traits are useful in surveys of new localities of endangered large branchiopods.
Abstract René Antoine Ferchault de Réaumur was one of the most important scientists of the Age of Enlightenment. His relations with Polish scientists are analysed, with particular reference to Franciszek Bieliński (Grand Marshal of the Crown), Konstanty Franciszek Fremel (a Saxon specialist of glass technology in Poland), and Johann Ernst Stieff (a Silesian scientist). Réaumur’s work on mites is discussed in the context of his entomological publications. For the first time, illustrations of mites drawn by Claude Aubriet (from Réaumur’s collection) are reproduced here.
Abstract Among the approximately 200 eriophyoid mite species associated with coniferous trees worldwide, 33 species (of the families Eriophyidae and Phytoptidae) infest conifers in Poland, and 24 of them can cause visible feeding symptoms. In this paper we discuss the importance of eriophyoid mites to coniferous plants in Poland and their potential impact on the decorative value of ornamental plants. We emphasize the general lack of knowledge about the diversity of eriophyoid mites associated with coniferous trees and its role in the management and control of this economically important mite group.
AbstractWe investigated the impact of pig or goat manure fertilization of a meadow with doses of 80 kg N ha−1, 140 kg N ha−1, and 200 kg N ha−1(plots 1-6) on oribatid mites. A control plot (0) was left unfertilized. The manure was applied to the meadow in the early spring of 2012, and soil samples were collected in the spring of 2012 and 2013. In total, 6053 oribatid mites were examined, including 1163 juveniles. The effect of fertilizing on the Oribatida depended on the dose of manure, but not on its type. A low dose of pig or goat manure did not affect the density of Oribatida, whereas the other doses decreased it, but only the highest doses decreased it significantly, compared to the control. Species diversity decreased with the dose of manure. In total, 24 species of Oribatida were found and some species reacted differently to both types of manure. For example, a low dose of pig manure significantly increased the density ofEupelops occultus, whereas the density of other species significantly decreased under the influence of the highest dose of pig manure (Achipteria coleoptrata), highest doses of pig and goat manure (Galumna obvia,Liebstadia similis), and medium and highest doses of goat manure (Scheloribates laevigatus).
AbstractOribatid fauna highly varies among habitats, but different microhabitats within a habitat are also characterized by different mite species. The main goal of the research was to compare the observed structure of an oribatid community when samples were collected at random from the soil-litter layer of 0-10 cm in depth (standard approach) and selectively from 6 types of available microhabitats (complex approach). Samples were taken within a small plot (10 m × 10 m) in a forested area of the Silesian Park (Chorzów, south Poland). Overall, 2642 specimens of Oribatida belonging to 62 species were collected in 66 samples. The structure of the oribatid community observed by means of the 2 sampling approaches was completely different. The abundance and species richness of oribatid mites collected from 6 microhabitats were significantly higher than in the soil-litter layer alone. Results of this study show that random collecting of only soil-litter samples may reduce the evaluation of species richness in a study area by 40%. Each of the studied microhabitats supported a peculiar oribatid fauna.
AbstractWe compared the effect of green algae (dominated byProtococcussp.) and the earlier studied napa cabbage on the life-history parameters and gut microflora of the oribatid miteArchegozetes longisetosus(a chelicerate model organism). Napa cabbage contained more crude ash, protein, and crude fibre than green algae, butA.longisetosusdeveloped better on the latter food, displaying higher fertility, lower mortality of offspring and shorter development than on napa cabbage. The gut microflora ofA.longisetosusdepended on the kind of food and developmental stage of this mite. The adults fed with napa cabbage had more abundant and more active microflora than those fed with green algae, whereas in the tritonymphs the microflora was more abundant when they were fed with green algae, and was more active in the group fed with napa cabbage. Irrespective of the treatment, the highest percentage of the isolated bacteria were gram-positive bacilli or gram-negative bacteria, but the mites feeding onProtococcussp. contained no cocci, whereas those fed with cabbage had no gram-positive bacteria.
AbstractThe article presents the etymology and Greek roots of two terms in modern acarology. The origin of acarological nomenclature is analysed in the context of Homer’sOdysseyand Aristotle’sParts of AnimalsandHistory of Animals. The Greek concept of the smallest animals “acari” as indivisible has been influencing European culture for centuries. The article shows the influence of the Greek tradition on zoology in the 18thcentury, at the time of birth of modern acarology. The works of French naturalists, the founders of this science, are analysed in this context.
AbstractMany invertebrates have an unexpected nutraceutical potential and are of nutritional or ethnomedicinal significance to many tribals throughout the world. The giant pill-millipedes of the genus Arthrosphaera are traditionally used as natural medicines by tribals in the Western Ghats of India. In this study, two species of pill-millipedes (Arthrosphaera fumosa and A. magna) were subjected to proximate and biochemical analysis to ascertain their nutritional potential. Bodies of A. fumosa and A. magna (after removal of their intestines) had a low protein content (8-15%) and high quantity of carbohydrates (40-41%). They were rich in many essential elements, especially in calcium. The essential amino acids of pillmillipedes were in high quantities. The level of glycine was the highest, followed by lysine and serine. The fatty acid methyl esters (FAMEs) of males and females consist of high quantities of unsaturated fatty acids. The mono-unsaturated fatty acids were more abundant than poly-unsaturated fatty acids. Palmitic and oleic acids were dominant saturated and unsaturated fatty acids, respectively. The study has revealed for the first time that pill-millipedes of the Western Ghats of India constitute a good source of essential minerals, essential fatty acids, and essential amino acids. Being valuable contributors of organic manure by processing recalcitrant plant lignocellulosic wastes, pill-millipedes become part and parcel of organic farming as well as future nutraceutical sources.
Abstract The effect of salicylic acid (SA) on the salt (NaCl) tolerance mechanism was studied in canola plants (oilseed rape, Brassica napus L.) by molecular and physiological experiments in plant tissue culture. Seeds of B. napus ‘Ocapy’ were germinated at 0, 50, and 100 mM NaCl on Murashige and Skoog (MS) medium containing different levels (0, 2, and 5 μM) of SA for 4 weeks. Total chlorophyll, carotenoid, and flavonoid content increased in response to interactive effects of SA and NaCl treatments at some concentrations. Proline content was increased under salt and SA treatments in shoot and root tissues. Salt alone and in combination with SA increased the total soluble protein content of shoots only, while the different concentrations of SA in the culture media affected variously the total soluble protein content. Protein patterns of shoots and roots showed some remarkable differences, based on gel electrophoresis and the consequent analysis of bands by ImageJ program. The relative expression of 15 and 12 protein bands in shoots and roots, respectively, differed under the applied treatments. In addition, the protein profile indicated that salinity and SA regulate the expression of salt-stress-inducible proteins as well as induced de novo synthesis of specific polypeptides. The findings may help to explain the salt tolerance mechanisms and to produce salt-tolerant canola plants.
Abstract The paper presents data on the occurrence of Thanatus atratus in Poland. The long-lasting confusion in Polish and European literature about the existence of 2 similar species T. atratus / T. vulgaris in Poland is clarified. Diagnostic images of T. atratus reproductive organs of both sexes are presented.
Abstract The flooring of Our Lady of Sorrows Church in Poznań is made of Jurassic rocks from the Świętokrzyskie Mountains (also known as Holy Cross Mountains) and contain abundant marine invertebrate fossils: sponges, bivalves, brachiopods, various families of cephalopods, etc. Some of them can be identified to the genus level. The fossils make it possible to describe the environment and ecosystem of the Jurassic sea and biostratigraphy of the sediment. There are also some significant inorganic structures, which suggest post-diagenetic tectonic movements.
Abstract Talavera aperta is a rare member of the Salticidae (jumping spiders). Its presence in Poland has been questioned. This paper presents data on 20 new localities of this poorly known species and a map of its distribution in western and central Poland. Detailed drawings of the male body, male palps and the female epigynum are also provided. T. aperta was usually collected from dry, sunny habitats, mostly in June, although some specimens were recorded in other months. In winter, spiders of this species were found in shells of small snails (Cepaea spp., Helicella obvia).
