Oxygen/sulfide regime and nematode fauna associated with Arenicola marina burrows: new insights in the thiobios case

Profiles of oxygen and sulfide around the burrows of the lugworm, Arenicola marina, from a North Sea tidal flat were examined with microelectrodes, and the steep gradients were related to the microdistribution of nematodes. Around the tail shaft free oxygen penetrated only 2 mm into the burrow wall, coinciding with a bright zone sharply limited by the ambient black sediment. Contrastingly, in normal bottoms of the tidal flat (controls) only the surface of the bright zone was supplied with free oxygen. Here, the dark colouration coincided with the presence of free hydrogen sulfide. Around the tail shaft the nearest free hydrogen sulfide was detected 6 mm from the burrow wall leaving several millimetres of black sediment without measurable free sulfide. We discuss how these divergencies may relate to the stability of the oxygen/sulfide gradients and the course of time involved in their formation. A total of 54 nematode species were identified. Based on non-metric Multidimensional Scaling Ordination, four nematode assemblages corresponded to four microhabitats of the A. marina burrow: the funnel, the feeding pocket, the tail shaft and the feacal cast. The tail shaft assemblage (oxic plus partly anoxic zones) was similar to that of the anoxic zone of the control sediment. It was dominated by the most abundant nematode in the present study, Metalinhomoeus biformis (mean abundance in tail shaft 202 indx10 cm^-3). Adults of common nematode species from sulfidic microhabitats had a significantly higher length/diameter ratio than those inhabiting the oxic zone of the control sediment (p<0.001). The chemical recordings and metric analysis indicate that these slender nematodes around the A. marina tail shaft and in the reduced horizons of the reference sites represent thiobiotic assemblages, as compared to the shorter and stouter oxybiotic species characterising the assemblages from the surface zone and (partly) the funnel.     

Gradients in biodiversity and macroalgal wrack decomposition rate across a macrotidal, ultradissipative sandy beach

The decomposition process of, and the meiobenthic and nematode colonization on, stranded macroalgae were studied along a macrotidal, ultradissipative sandy beach gradient at De Panne (Belgium). The horizontal patterns of macro- and meiofaunal densities and diversity in this beach have been well-documented. Defaunated Fucus detritus was buried in situ in litter bags, 10–15 cm under the sediment surface, at seven stations across the beach profile. Colonization by (meio)fauna and organic matter decomposition rates measured as carbon, nitrogen, phosphorus and dry weight loss, were studied after 10, 21 and 52 days of incubation. Algal detritus was colonized mainly by nematodes dominated by Rhabditidae, Sabatieria, Dorylaimoidea, Monhystera, Paracanthonchus and Daptonema. Organic matter weight loss was slowest at the higher and lower shore and fastest in the mid-shore, in line with the horizontal pattern of nematode diversity in the beach sediment. However, there was no consistent relationship between nematode diversity inside the litter bags and organic matter weight loss, prohibiting an unequivocal conclusion on whether the observed parallel between extant nematode diversity and organic matter decomposition rate indicates a causal relationship or follows from the fact that both are governed by the same set of physicochemical conditions. Electronic supplementary material  The online version of this article (doi:) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.     

Studies on the sublittoral free-living nematodes of Liverpool Bay. II. Influence of sediment composition on the distribution of marine nematodes

Previous work has shown that the composition and diversity of nematode populations in Liverpool Bay (UK) are correlated with sediment granulometry, and possible reasons for this relationship are now discussed. Sediment granulometry and nematode size appear not to be directly related, but the range of nematode lengths is greater in the more heterogeneous sediments. Median particle diameter, sorting efficiency and silt/clay content are all considered to affect sediment uniformity, and an index including all three factors correlated significantly with both size diversity and species diversity. Study of the distribution of the various feeding types revealed that the relative and absolute abundances of epistratum feeders and non-selective deposit feeders correlated significantly with the sediment silt/clay content. It is concluded that sediment granulometry influences nematode distribution both directly in determining the size range of the populations (and hence, to some extent, the species diversity) and indirectly in determining, to a great extent, the type of food available. In addition, it was noted that nematodes with very ornate cuticular ornamentation tended to be associated with coarser, silt-free sediments, and it is suggested that this may be correlated both with their mode of locomotion and with the need for mechanical protection in unstable substrata.     

Effects of biological disturbance by<Emphasis Type="Italic"> Monoporeia affinis</Emphasis> (Amphipoda) on small-scale migration of marine nematodes in low-energy soft sediments

Free-living marine, benthic nematodes quickly colonise sediments where physical forces are strong enough to suspend them into the water column. In the absence of such forces colonisation is much slower and is more likely to be affected by biological factors. The aim of the study was to investigate if nematodes disperse more readily in the presence of biological disturbance where physical disturbance is rare or non-existent. Amphipods are able to greatly rework sediments, and thereby induce disturbance to the infauna. A laboratory experiment with the amphipod Monoporeia affinis and nematodes from a low-energy, 30-m-deep location was conducted in mesocosms where the nematodes were given the choice to colonise azoic sediment at three amphipod densities, zero, low and high. Each area of azoic sediment in the mesocosms was divided into three equilateral sections from the nematode source, i.e. 10, 23 and 36 cm. At termination, after 7 weeks, there were no significant differences in nematode abundance and assemblage structure between treatments despite considerable biological disturbance created by the amphipods. The number of nematodes was 16%, 15% and 11% of the total numbers in the source at the three sections 10, 23 and 36 cm, respectively. There were distinct differences in the nematode community composition between distances, with the small surface-dwelling taxon Leptolaimus spp. being a rapid and the numerically dominant coloniser of the azoic sediments. Migration of nematodes over short distances is likely to be slow in the absence of strong physical forces. To our knowledge, this is the first paper ever that investigates the influence of macrofauna on nematode short-range migration.Communicated by L. Hagerman, Helsingør     

Interactions among bacterial-feeding nematode species at different levels of food availability

Accurate prediction of the biodiversity–ecosystem functioning relationship requires adequate understanding of the interactions among species in a community. Effects of species diversity on ecosystem functioning are usually considered more pronounced with increasing functional dissimilarity, although species within functional groups may also perform non-identical functions and interact with each other. Here we present results of a laboratory experimental study aimed at elucidating whether interspecific interactions among species within a single nematode trophic group, bacterivores, (1) affect population development and community structure, and (2) depend on food availability. We studied the population growth of Rhabditis (Pellioditis) marina, a rhabditid nematode known to favour very high food densities when in monoculture, and of Diplolaimelloides meyli and D. oschei, congeneric Monhysteridae known to perform better in monocultures at intermediate food availability. Both Diplolaimelloides species showed significantly different patterns of food-density dependence in combination culture compared to monoculture. At very high food availability, the rhabditid nematode facilitated growth of both monhysterid species, probably as a result of down-regulation of bacterial density. At the lowest food availabilities, the presence of even low numbers of monhysterid nematodes lead to exclusion of the rhabditid, which at such low food availability has a very inefficient food uptake. At intermediate food availabilities, abundances of both Diplolaimelloides species were strongly depressed in the combination culture, as a result of food depletion by the rhabditid, indirect inhibitory interactions between the two congeneric species, or both. The complexity of the species interactions render predictions on the outcome and functional consequences of changes in within-trophic-group diversity highly problematic.     

Effects of simulated deposition of dredged material on structure of nematode assemblages – the role of burial

A microcosm experiment was designed to evaluate the effects of the simulated deposition of uncontaminated dredged material on nematode assemblages from estuarine intertidal mud. The main objective was to assess the ability of nematodes to migrate vertically into native muddy and non-native sandy sediment deposited in different amounts and frequencies. Results from univariate and graphical methods of data-evaluation revealed that nematodes were capable of migrating over a wide depth range from the bottom mud layer into the top layer of deposited sand and mud. A diverse mud assemblage of nematodes was able to survive in non-native fine sand for the experimental period of 2 mo. Multivariate analyses showed that the amount of deposit and the frequency of deposition were interactive factors. A high amount of sediment deposited once at the beginning of the experiment caused more severe changes in assemblage structure than the same amount deposited in more frequent but smaller doses. The response of most species to the experimental treatments appeared to be an integrated response to the enhancing effect of food input accompanying the deposit and the negative effect of burial. Upward migration of nematodes is a process which has often been underestimated in its importance for recolonisation of areas where uncontaminated dredged material is deposited. Active migration of nematodes can significantly affect the recovery of a dredgings disposal site. Received: 29 July 1999 / Accepted: 17 January 2000     

Nematode assemblages from <Emphasis Type="Italic">Avicennia</Emphasis><Emphasis Type="Italic">marina</Emphasis> leaf litter in a temperate mangrove forest in south-eastern Australia

Meiofauna from Avicennia marina leaf litter in a temperate mangrove forest was enumerated, and the nematode assemblages compared on the bases of leaf colour (used as a guide to leaf age) and shore horizon where samples were collected. Twenty-one putative nematode species were collected from 48 leaf litter samples. Univariate analyses indicated that neither the colour of the leaf nor the shore horizon significantly affected abundance of nematodes. However, of the four (2Ƕ) treatment groups, rarefaction curves revealed highest diversity on brown leaves from under the shade of the tree canopy (H'=0.751ǂ.126 SE, n=17). Species diversity of leaf litter nematodes was lower in this temperate mangrove system than reported from tropical mangrove studies. ANOSIM tests confirmed a significant effect of shore horizon on nematode assemblages. The dominant feeding group among nematodes was non-selective deposit feeders (7/21 species, but 77% of all nematodes). Epigrowth grazers were represented by 8/21 species of nematodes, but only 19% of the total number. Excised leaves became skeletonised by about 15 weeks. Shorter temporal scales of life cycles of nematodes compared with leaf degradation, and the dynamic nature of epibiontic assemblages, probably explain the similar assemblage structure on yellow and brown leaves.     

Biodiversity and trophic structure of nematode assemblages in seagrass systems: evidence for a coupling with changes in food availability

Nematode assemblage composition, trophic structure and biodiversity were followed over an annual cycle in a Posidonia oceanica bed of the NW Mediterranean to test the response to temporally changing food availability (sediment organic matter, bacterial and microphytobenthic biomass). The sediment-water interface of the seagrass meadow was characterised by high particulate organic matter concentrations. Also, seagrass sediments had high organic matter content, chloropigment concentrations and bacterial biomass. All organic matter components (i.e. carbohydrates, proteins and lipids) changed temporally, with higher concentrations in winter and spring and lower concentrations in summer; however, overall, large amounts of organic compounds were potentially available for (seagrass) benthic consumers throughout the year. Nematode assemblage in the P. oceanica bed maintained a high genus number (88 genera), and a trophic structure tightly coupled with the composition of the potential food sources. In agreement with the relevance of microphytobenthos, epigrowth-feeder nematodes (2A) represented the dominant trophic guild. The biomass of predator nematodes (2B) was significantly correlated with the biomass of other nematodes. Non-selective deposit feeders (1B) displayed a close relationship with the concentration of proteins, carbohydrates and biopolymeric carbon (i.e. labile organic detritus). Conversely to what was expected, epigrowth feeders were not correlated with chloropigment concentrations, but showed a significant relationship with the number of dividing bacteria, possibly suggesting a trophic plasticity of the 2A feeding guild. The coupling between temporal changes in food sources and temporal variability of the nematode trophic structure was highlighted by a CANOCO analysis, which allowed us to identify and associate, at each sampling time, nematode genera and their feeding habits, with specific environmental variables and food indicators. Furthermore, species diversity (H') and evenness (J) calculated on nematodes identified to the genus level displayed evident temporal changes, also reflected by the index of trophic diversity (ITD). Both structural and functional diversity were coupled with high concentration and highly heterogeneous composition of the food sources (including organic detritus, microphytobenthic algae and bacteria) potentially available to nematodes. These data suggest that temporal changes in quantity and quality of food sources do not only influence nematode dynamics and trophic composition, but also influence nematode structural and functional diversity.     

Influence of large-spectrum environmental contamination on the micro–meiobenthic assemblages in harbour sediments of the ligurian sea (W Mediterranean)

The concentration of a large spectrum of environmental contaminants (PCBs, PAHs, pesticides and metals) was assessed in surface sediments of two Ligurian harbours (Sanremo and Alassio, NW Mediterranean Sea, Italy) and their relative impact on micro–meiobenthic assemblages was analysed. Concentration, distribution and relative importance of the different contaminants varied considerably between harbours in relation to the different anthropic activities and contamination sources. Results from Principal Component Analysis indicated that high levels of contaminants were typically correlated with low micro–meiobenthic abundance in the sediment. Heavy metals and the organic enrichment were the main factors affecting the distribution and abundance of the bacterial and meiofaunal assemblages in Alassio harbour, whereas hydrocarbons and pesticides played a major role in Sanremo sediments. Neither the bacteria density nor the meiofauna abundance were dependent on sediment grain size, suggesting that micro–meiobenthic parameters may be under the influence of other variables. Our results suggest that high concentrations of contaminants independently from their source or typology are responsible for the impact observed on micro–meiobenthic assemblages in these harbours.     

Life history of the nematode Theristus anoxybioticus from sublittoral muddy sediment at methane seepages in the northern Kattegat,Denmark

Field and laboratory studies from 1989 to 1994 of the nematode Theristus (Penzancia) anoxybioticus Jensen, 1995 inhabiting muddy sediment at methane seepages in the northern Kattegat, Denmark, have revealed a series of biological features of adults and juveniles not observed before in free-living marine nematodes. Reproductive adults were present in April and May only and inhabited the uppermost cm of sediment, while juveniles inhabited deep anoxic and sulphidic sediment layers during the remaining months of the year. This points to a downwards migration of newly hatched juveniles and an upwards migration during adulthood. Gut content analyses showed that adults feed mainly on benthic diatoms by swallowing whole cells while juveniles probably feed on bacteria; this differentiation in food clearly relates to the main bulk of potential food items in their respective microhabitats. The generation time is estimated to be one year, with a juvenile life span of about nine months, which is four to eight times longer than that found in related aerobic species of similar body size. Adults survived in oxic water but 50% died within 15 h in hypoxic water (5 to 6% atm sat), and all died within 12 h in anoxic water. Juveniles on the other hand died within 0.5 h in oxic water but survived anoxic water for at least 15 d. These results suggest that juveniles of T. anoxybioticus are adapted to an anaerobic life style.     

Conflict of interest between a nematode and a trematode in an amphipod host: test of the "sabotage" hypothesis

Microphallus papillorobustus is a manipulative trematode that induces strong behavioural alterations in the gamaridean amphipod Gammarus insensibilis, making the amphipod more vulnerable to predation by aquatic birds (definitive hosts). Conversely, the sympatric nematode Gammarinema gammari uses Gammarus insensibilis as a habitat and a source of nutrition. We investigated the conflict of interest between these two parasite species by studying the consequences of mixed infection on amphipod behaviour associated with the trematode. In the field, some amphipods infected by the trematode did not display the altered behaviour. These normal amphipods also had more nematodes, suggesting that the nematode overpowered the manipulation of the trematode, a strategy that would prolong the nematode's life. We hypothesize that sabotage of the trematode by the nematode would be an adaptive strategy for the nematode consistent with recent speculation about co-operation and conflict in manipulative parasites. A behavioural test conducted in the laboratory from naturally infected amphipods yielded the same result. However, exposing amphipods to nematodes did not negate or decrease the manipulation exerted by the trematode. Similarly, experimental elimination of nematodes from amphipods did not permit trematodes to manipulate behaviour. These experimental data do not support the hypothesis that the negative association between nematodes and manipulation by the trematode is a result of the "sabotage" hypothesis.     

Colonization of meiobenthos in oil-contaminated subtidal sands in the lower Chesapeake Bay

In-situ manipulative experiments were conducted over a 3-month period (May–August 1980) to examine the rate at which meiobenthos colonizes oiled and untreated azoic fine sands at a shallow subtidal site in the lower York River, Virginia. Three concentrations of fresh Prudhoe Bay crude oil were added to sediments: 100, 2 500 and 10000 mg oil kg^-1 dry wt sediment. Untreated azoic and natural sediments served as controls. Within 16 d, meiofauna densities in all treatments were comparable to natural populations in surface oxidized sediments, but densities fluctuated greatly during the remainder of the sampling period. Nematodes slowly colonized the subsurface anoxic sediments below the redox potential discontinuity (RPD); some less common species did not significantly recover below the RPD in the two more heavily oiled treatments. Analysis of nematode community composition by reciprocal averaging ordination and numerical classification revealed generally lower abundances, but no distinct differences, in species composition in the oiled substrates as compared to untreated and natural community controls. Ordination of sequential samples suggested that the nematode species assemblages in the untreated controls fully recovered from these small-scale disturbances by 90 d. Life history characteritics and frequent tidal transport combine to make estuarine meiobenthos highly resilient following disturbance. Contrary to prior recolonization studies, a successional sequence was found for the colonizing nematodes which may be analogous to models of macrobenthic colonization (e.g. McCall, 1975). The comesomatid nematode Sabatieria pulchra, which is frequently dominant in polluted sediments, colonized relatively late in the experiment. Consequently, stress resistance and resilience may not be as coincident in meiofauna as in macrofauna because of differences in factors affecting their dispersal.     

Temperature effects on fecundity,development and survival of the benthopelagic calanoid copepod, <Emphasis Type="Italic">Pseudocyclops xiphophorus</Emphasis>

The shallow-living, benthopelagic copepod species Pseudocyclops xiphophorus Wells (R Soc Edimburg 67:1967), collected over a yearly cycle from the fouling material in the brackish water Lake Faro (North-eastern Sicily), showed marked seasonal fluctuations in population abundances, with maximum numbers recorded in autumn. Highest in situ egg production rates coincided with periods of low adult and juvenile densities and vice versa, except in autumn when peaks in egg production and adult population densities were coincident. In this period, mean daily egg production rates reached a maximum of 4–5 eggs per female, when surface water temperature was 17–18°C. Egg production rates declined drastically in winter and were completely arrested when surface temperatures dropped to 10–12°C. In March, daily egg production rates began to increase again with an increase in ambient temperatures, reaching a maximum at the end of August. In the laboratory, as in the field, mean daily egg production rates were positively correlated with temperature, with values ranging from 2.2 ± 0.3 (16°C) to 8.9 ± 2.6 (30°C) (mean ± S.D.) eggs per female per day. At 32°C, P. xiphophorus females survived but did not reproduce. At 34°C, all specimens died after a few days. In terms of total egg production for the entire female lifespan, maximum values occurred at 16°C and minimum at 24°C. Temperature also dramatically affected female life span, which was shorter at higher temperatures. Development time of eggs decreased with increasing temperature, as also development time from egg to adulthood. Remating was necessary for the continued production of fertile eggs at 16°C because female life span was longer. The unique egg-laying behaviour in this species may ensure higher survival rates of egg stages compared to free-spawning and egg-carrying calanoid species. After releasing the egg pair, the female swims over the eggs with a rotatory motion, secreting a substance which facilitates the adhesion of the eggs to the bottom; she then continues to swim over the eggs until they are attached. Although egg production rates in this species are low compared to other pelagic copepods, they are within the range of values reported for egg-carrying species. The greater fecundity at higher temperatures compared to other subtemperate species indicates that the species is well adapted to the higher temperatures of coastal lagoons and brackish water lakes where it contributes to the biofouling community.     

Studies on comparative population growth of some species of the rotifer Lecane (Rotifera)

We compared the population growth patterns of 5 species of the rotifer genus Lecane [(L. quadridentata (Ehrenberg, 1830), L. comuta (Muller, 1786), L. papuana (Murray, 1913), L. unguitata (Fadeev, 1925) and L. pyriformis (Daday, 1905)] ranging in adult average body size from 30 to 140 microm. All species were cultured under laboratory conditions for 25-30 days using the green alga Scenedesmus acutus as the exclusive diet, at a density of 1.0 x 10(6) cells ml(-1) at 24 degrees C. Regardless of the species, lecanids reached their peak population densities after 4 weeks. Peak population densities ranged from 15 to 320 ind. ml(-1), depending on body size. There was an inverse curvilinear relation between body lengths and peak population abundances (densities) of the Lecane species. Egg ratios (eggs per female) for the tested species were < 0.6 during the exponential phase but declined to 0.1 (or lower) as the population density increased. The rates of population increase for the lecanids were in general lower(0.10 to 0.21 day (-1)) than other well-studied rotifer species including members of Brachionidae.     

Spatial variability of infaunal nematode and polychaete assemblages in two muddy subtidal habitats

Spatial variation of populations and their assemblages is an important component of many aspects of ecology, including the maintenance of species diversity. In nature, organisms are generally aggregated in patches or form gradients or other spatially related patterns. This investigation quantified the degree of spatial structure in benthic invertebrate assemblages. It examined the distribution of infaunal assemblages of different size, mobility and contrasting life-history strategies (i.e. meiofaunal nematodes and macrofaunal polychaetes) in two offshore muddy habitats in the Celtic Deep and the NW Irish Sea off the west coast of the United Kingdom. The more heterogeneous habitat in the NW Irish Sea was characterised by higher tidal stress and bottom temperature while greater water depth, mean particle diameter and organic carbon content was typical for the comparatively homogeneous environment in the Celtic Deep. In both habitats, the environmental conditions became increasingly dissimilar with separation. A total of 125 nematode and 88 polychaete species were recorded with 69% of the nematode and 49% of polychaete species present at both study sites. Occurrence frequency of species, species diversity and average similarity of assemblage composition was higher in the Celtic Deep than in the NW Irish Sea. Results from correlation analyses revealed statistically robust relationships of community similarity and sample distance. Given their small size and low mobility, nematodes were more susceptible to within-habitat physical variability than larger-sized, more mobile polychaetes. This, coupled with limits to long-distance dispersal and likely restrictions in gene flow, resulted in a significant decrease in community similarity with distance at the spatial scales sampled (i.e. within 0.1–23 km). Polychaetes, in contrast, combined a higher dispersal potential (>23 km) with a relatively high tolerance to within-habitat environmental variability and these were the most likely causes for non-significant relationships between the similarity of their assemblages and sample distance. The potential mechanisms causing the observed variation and implications of results for environmental management strategies are discussed. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (doi:) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.     

吉林省西部农牧交错区不同土地利用方式对土壤线虫群落特征的影响

对吉林省西部农牧交错区典型生境土壤线虫群落进行调查,共捕获线虫23属、1 264只,优势属为真滑刃属和短体属。研究结果显示,土地利用方式对土壤线虫群落特征有一定影响,不同生境间土壤线虫群落共有属不多,农业生产活动促使土壤线虫向土壤下层移动;不同农业生产活动对土壤线虫群落多样性影响不同, 4种生境中,居民点园地土壤线虫群落多样性最高,而玉米田最低;不同土地利用方式下土壤线虫功能类群差异显著,玉米田不利于捕食类群/杂食类群的存在。     

Tube-building by a marine meiobenthic harpacticoid copepod

Pseudostenhelia wellsi Coull and Fleeger is a meiobenthic harpacticoid copepod inhabiting muddy, estuarine sediments. All individuals observed, and all ages including nauplii, build and inhabit elongate, mucous tubes which may extend to a depth of 3.9 mm into the sediment. Many of the narrow tubes, 0.27 mm in diameter, have a tube-cap extending 0.32 mm above the sediment-water interface. The tubes are a matrix of fine silt, sand and detritus cemented with a mucopolysaccharide, as shown by the Periodic Acid Schiff stain, apparently secreted from glands in the ventrolateral margin of the cephalothorax. Upon addition to sterile, homogeneous sediment, P. wellsi quickly (within 1 to 2 h) transform the upper 0.4 cm to a cohesive conglomerate of tubes, silt-clay particles and mucous filaments.     

Colonization and early succession on artificial hard substrata by meiofauna

An experiment was undertaken at Farol Island, Brazil, to examine colonization of bare aluminium surfaces by microbes and meiofauna. It was hypothesized that a primary source of meiofaunal colonists was sediment resuspended during upwelling events, two of which occurred during the experiment. Microbial biofilms formed on the experimental substrata within 1 day, and continued to develop throughout the experimental period. Among meiofaunal groups copepods also appeared on the first day, and nematodes on the second. Meiofaunal community structure developed in three main phases: an initial phase of 2 days, characterized by low abundances of copepods; a second phase during the first upwelling period characterized by higher abundances of copepods and also by turbellarians; and a third phase from day 13 onwards characterized by relatively stable abundances of a range of taxa including copepods, cirripedes, nematodes and ostracods. Nematode assemblages also developed in three phases, but with different timings coinciding with upwelling events: an initial phase, from the beginning of the experiment to day 9, characterized by few species and low (or no) abundances; a second phase following the first upwelling characterized by moderate abundances of Chromadorina, Chromadorella, Daptonema and Euchromadora sp. 3; a third phase following the second upwelling period (from day 26 onwards) in which Daptonema disappeared and the assemblage was characterized by moderate to high abundances of Euchromadora (species 1 and 2) and Chromadorella. Although shifts in nematode assemblage structure coincided with upwelling events no evidence was found for sediments being the primary source of colonizers on the aluminium substrata, in contrast to our hypothesis.     

Significance of ATP,carbon, and caloric content of meiobenthic nematodes in partitioning benthic biomass

Benthic, free-living marine nematodes from two stations, one subtidal, one intertidal, in the North Inlet Estuary, South Carolina, USA, have been characterized by measurement of adenosine triphosphate (ATP), carbon, caloric content, and ash-free dry weight. Two methods of extracting the organisms from the sediment were used. Resulting carbon to ATP ratios and population density data from ongoing North Inlet meiofauna studies show that the nematodes account for 0.11 to 6.33 g ATP per g dry weight of sediment, varying seasonally. The percentage of nematode ATP/g sediment is higher in the winter and lowest in the summer, and accounts for 68% to over 90% of the total sediment ATP. The findings of this study indicate that meiofauna, particularly nematodes, can no longer be overlooked as a separate entity in attempts to partition benthic systems.Contribution No. 173 from the Belle W. Baruch Institute for Marine Biology and Coastal Research. Research supported by Oceanography Section, National Science Foundation, NSF Grant DES 72-01573 AO1.     

Studies on seed germination and growth in weed species of rice field under salinity stress

An investigation was made to see the salt tolerance of 10 weed species of rice. Properly dried and treated seeds of weed species were placed on 9 cm diameter petridishes lined with Whatman No. 1 filter paper under 6 salinity regimes, viz. 0 (control), 4, 8, 16, 24 and 32 dS m(-1). The petri dishes were then kept in germinator at 25 +/- 1.0 degrees C and 12 hr light. The number of germinated seeds were recorded daily. The final germination percentage, germination index (GI), seedling vigour index, mean germination time and time for 50% germination were estimated. Root and shoot lengths of the weed seedlings were measured at 20 days after salt application and relative growth values were calculated. Results revealed that salinity decreased final germination percentage, seed of germination as measured by GI, and shoot and root length in all the species. Germination of most of the weed seeds was completely arrested (0) at 32 dS m(-1) salinity except in E. colona (12%) and C. iria (13.9%). The species C. iria, E. colona, J. linifolia and E. crusgalli showed better germination (above 30%) upto 24 dS m(-1) salinity level and were regarded as salt-tolerant weed species. J. linifolia, F. miliacea, L. chinensis and O. sativa L. (weedy rice) were graded as moderately tolerant and S. zeylanica, S. grosus and C. difformis were regarded as least tolerant weed species.