氨氮胁迫下菲律宾蛤仔肝胰腺内参基因的筛选

利用荧光定量PCR技术对目标基因进行转录水平分析,选择合适的内参基因作为对照是其前提条件.随着氨氮胁迫菲律宾蛤仔毒性效应的深入研究,需要准确评价氨氮对蛤仔肝胰腺组织基因表达的影响.然而,不同浓度氨氮条件下的菲律宾蛤仔肝胰腺组织的内参基因的筛选尚未报道.本研究以2种不同氨氮浓度暴露菲律宾蛤仔14 d的肝胰腺组织cDNA为qRT-PCR的模板,利用geNorm、NormFinder、BestKeeper和RefFinder软件评估β-肌动蛋白(Actin)、延伸因子1-α(EF-1α)、β-微管蛋白(Tubu)、18S核糖体RNA(18S)、泛素(Ubi)和亲环蛋白A(CyPA)6个内参基因的表达稳定性.结果表明,肝胰腺组织中备选内参基因的表达稳定性依次为:Actin>18S>CyPA>Ubi>Tubu>EF-1α,即Actin为表达最稳定的内参基因.本研究为进一步分析氨氮胁迫下菲律宾蛤仔肝胰腺组织的基因表达情况,提供了可靠的内参基因.     

氨态氮对菲律宾蛤仔毒理机制研究的内参基因筛选

为了准确和系统地分析NH_3-N对菲律宾蛤仔(Ruditapes philippinarum)毒性的分子机制,并对相关基因的转录组学数据进行验证,利用ge Norm和Normfinder这2种软件,以暴露30 d中不同时间点的鳃组织c DNA为模板,从18S r RNA(18S)、beta-actin(Actin)、beta-tubulin(Tubu)、elongation factor 1-alpha(EF1α)、cyclophilin A(Cy PA)、Ubiquitin(Ub)等6个备选管家基因中,筛选可以稳定表达的内参基因,作为转录组学分析的内参基因。以稀释50倍的鳃组织c DNA模板作为检测模板,ge Norm软件分析获得6对备选内参基因的表达稳定性依次为:EF1αCy PAActinTubuUb18S,较优内参为EF1α和Cy PA;Norm Finder软件分析获得6对备选内参基因的表达稳定性为:EF1αActinTubuCy PAUb18S,最优内参基因为EF1α。为了验证上述筛选结果,分别以EF1α和Cy PA作为内参基因研究unigene1的表达趋势,发现以EF1α为内参基因时,unigene1的q RT-PCR的表达趋势与其转录组表达倍数的变化趋势一致。因此确定NH_3-N暴露菲律宾蛤仔后,鳃组织中表达最为稳定的内参基因为EF1α。     

栉孔扇贝内参基因稳定性研究

合适的内参基因对准确定量目标基因表达水平非常重要。利用实时定量聚合酶链式反应(RT-qPCR)分析了不同发育阶段和雌激素暴露条件下栉孔扇贝性腺组织中β-actin、β-TUB、EF-lα、18SrRNA和GAPDH5个内参基因的表达水平,并利用RefFinder软件对其表达稳定性进行了分析。结果表明:在所考察的内参基因中,EF-lα在栉孔扇贝不同发育阶段和雌激素暴露下的表达均最为稳定,可作为定量目标基因表达水平的内参基因之一。     

不同光质条件下刺葡萄红色愈伤组织的RT-qPCR内参基因筛选

不同光质对刺葡萄红色愈伤组织(DLR)花青素的积累以及细胞生长具有重要影响.利用RT-qPCR进行不同光质培养的刺葡萄红色愈伤组织功能基因的表达分析,筛选适用于不同光质下RT-qPCR分析的内参基因.以9种光质(黑暗、白光、红光、黄光、蓝光、绿光、紫光、暖白光、暖黄光)下培养获得的刺葡萄红色愈伤组织为材料,对10个葡萄中常用的内参基因进行RT-qPCR分析.结果显示,geNorm、Normfinder、BestKeeper等3个内参分析软件因算法不同,内参稳定性排名具有一定差异. ge Norm评估排名前5的内参基因为α-Tubulin=AP-2 60SRP EF1-α UBQ;Normfinder计算排名前5的内参为60SRP AP-2α-Tubulin EF1-α GAPDH;BestKeeper分析的前5个基因依次为UBQα-Tubulin 60SRP EF1-α SAND.α-Tubulin、60SRP在3个软件评估中排名最为稳定靠前,NAD5则为最不稳定候选内参基因.拟定α-Tubulin、60SRP为最适内参,对目的基因UFGT进行验证,验证结果显示α-Tubulin、60SRP表达趋势相似,具有较高的稳定性,其组合可获得较为精准的表达分析结果.本研究结果可为后续光质处理刺葡萄红色愈伤组织的基因表达研究提供理论基础.(图5表2参39)     

双酚A诱导下双齿围沙蚕实时荧光定量P CR内参基因的筛选

为了筛选出在双酚A诱导下双齿围沙蚕(Perinereis aibuhitensis)体壁组织中最适内参基因,以不同浓度双酚A诱导下双齿围沙蚕互补脱氧核糖核酸(cDNA)为模板进行实时荧光定量PCR,利用Ge Norm、Norm Finder和Bestkeeper三个软件对肌动蛋白(beta-actin, Actin)、核糖体蛋白5(ribosomal protein L5, RPL5)、甘油醛-3-磷酸脱氢酶(glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase, GAPDH)、微管蛋白(β-tubulin, Tub)、琥珀酸脱氢酶(succinate dehydrogenase complex flavoprotein subunit A, SDHA)和组蛋白(Histone Cluster 1 H_2A Family Member A, HH_2A)这6个备选内参基因的表达量进行分析,筛选出稳定表达的内参基因。结果表明6个内参基因的基因表达量由大到小为ActinGAPDHSDHAHH_2ATubRPL5,Bestkeeper软件分析得到6种内参基因稳定性排名为ActinRPL5SDHATubHH_2AGAPDH,Ge Norm软件分析得出6种内参基因的稳定性排名为SDHARPL5ActinTubHH_2AGAPDH,Normfinder分析的结果为ActinSDHARPL5TubHH_2AGAPDH。综合以上结果确定双酚A诱导下双齿围沙蚕最优内参基因为Actin,不推荐GAPDH作为内参基因使用。推荐同时选取多对内参基因进行实验,可以进一步减少误差。     

镉和铅对菲律宾蛤仔脂质过氧化及抗氧化酶活性的影响

为了研究亚致死浓度的重金属对海洋贝类的毒性效应,探讨其可能的作用机理,在实验生态条件下以菲律宾蛤仔(Ru-ditapes philip pinarum)为目标生物,采用半静态毒性实验方法,研究了不同浓度Cd2+(0.0948、0.237和0.474mg·L-1)和Pb2+(0.276、0.690和1.380mg·L-1)对菲律宾蛤仔鳃和消化腺组织中超氧化物歧化酶(SOD)、过氧化氢酶(CAT)活性以及丙二醛(MDA)含量的影响。结果显示:(1)鳃和消化腺中的抗氧化酶及MDA的变化呈现出类似的趋势,在胁迫初期,各浓度处理组菲律宾蛤仔鳃和消化腺组织SOD和CAT与对照组相比活性都显著升高(P<0.01),呈现出明显的诱导效应,而MDA含量与对照组相比差异不显著(P>0.05);随着胁迫时间的延长,高浓度Cd2+(0.474mg·L-1)和Pb2+(1.380mg·L-1)处理组中SOD、CAT活性快速下降,与对照组相比差异显著;低浓度处理组中的抗氧化活性虽然也较对照组有所下降,但总体下降幅度不如高浓度组明显,并且所历暴露时间较长。各浓度处理组中MDA含量变化一致,均呈现出先升高后降低的趋势,且含量均高于对照组。(2)通过相关性分析,菲律宾蛤仔消化腺组织中的SOD活性与Cd2+浓度的相关性大于鳃组织,与Pb2+浓度的相关性则小于鳃组织;消化腺组织中的CAT活性与Cd2+、Pb2+浓度呈抛物线型相关,与鳃组织CAT活性相关性不十分显著。这说明消化腺组织中SOD活性对Cd2+的敏感性大于鳃组织,消化腺组织中CAT活性对Cd2+、Pb2+的敏感性大于鳃组织。因此,菲律宾蛤仔消化腺中SOD、CAT对水环境中的重金属反应敏感,且存在一定的剂量-效应关系,消化腺组织中SOD和CAT活性与其他敏感性指标一起可以作为指示早期海洋重金属污染的生物标志物。     

镉胁迫对不同镉富集能力海水养殖贝类抗氧化能力的影响——以扇贝和菲律宾蛤仔为例

为研究具有不同镉(Cd)富集能力的扇贝和菲律宾蛤仔在相同镉胁迫环境下的抗氧化能力反应的差异,将2种贝类于0.05mg·L-1Cd环境中暴露10 d,分别于第0天、2天、4天、6天、8天、10天分别取样检测内脏团中SOD、CAT、GPx、GST酶活性和GSH含量,同时分析内脏团中Cd的含量。结果表明,对于Cd胁迫组,扇贝和菲律宾蛤仔内脏团中SOD和CAT酶活反应相似,均呈先被诱导后被抑制的规律,且2种贝类的SOD和CAT活性差异较小。2种贝类内脏团中GSH含量、GST和GPx活性变化差异较大:扇贝内脏团中GSH含量显著降低(p0.05),GST和GPx活性均在第2天和第4天时处于显著诱导状态(p0.05),从第6天时处于抑制状态,而菲律宾蛤仔内脏团中GSH含量、GST和GPx活性在Cd暴露期间无显著变化,且2种贝类间比较,扇贝内脏团中GSH含量和GST活性在整个实验期间始终显著高于菲律宾蛤仔(p0.05),GPx活性从第4天开始高于菲律宾蛤仔;对于无镉污染的对照组,扇贝和菲律宾蛤仔内脏团中SOD、CAT和GPx活性无显著差异,但扇贝内脏团中GSH含量和GST活性显著高于菲律宾蛤仔,其中前者GSH含量约为后者的22倍。研究同时表明在相同镉环境下扇贝内脏团对Cd的富集浓度和富集速率均远高于菲律宾蛤仔。本研究明确了2种贝类在相同镉环境下的抗氧化反应的差异,推断出扇贝内脏团中高含量的GSH以及较高的GST和GPx活性可能在扇贝高富集、高耐受Cd方面起重要作用。     

全氟辛酸(PFOA)对菲律宾蛤仔体内酶活性的影响

采用半静态毒性实验方法,将菲律宾蛤仔(Ruditapes philippinarum)分别暴露于0.2、2、20μg·L-1的全氟辛酸(perfluorooctanoic acid,PFOA)中,在处理后第1、3、6、10、15、21天分别取样,测定整体组织中超氧化物歧化酶(SOD)、过氧化氢酶(CAT)、过氧化物酶(POD)、谷胱甘肽-S-转移酶(GST)、7-乙氧基异吩噁唑酮脱乙基酶(EROD)活性和过氧化脂质(LPO)含量。酶活性分析结果显示:PFOA对菲律宾蛤仔组织SOD、CAT和POD活性均呈现先促进后抑制的作用;低浓度组SOD活性在暴露第1天达到最高,显著高于对照组(P<0.01);中高浓度组SOD活性在暴露第6天达到最低;暴露1~15 d,低浓度组CAT活性均显著高于对照组(P<0.05);高浓度组CAT活性在暴露第6天得到显著诱导,其余时间基本处于抑制状态;中浓度组POD活性在暴露第3天即达到最高,高浓度组POD活性基本一直处于抑制状态;随着PFOA暴露时间的延长,菲律宾蛤仔组织LPO含量呈现了先降低后升高的趋势;各浓度组中EROD的活力都显著被诱导(P<0.01),与处理浓度呈正相关;中高浓度组的GST活性在胁迫期间变化比较显著,呈现诱导-抑制的变化规律。研究表明,PFOA暴露能够引起菲律宾蛤仔组织抗氧化酶和生物转化酶的变化,可以与其他敏感性指标一起作为指示早期海洋PFOA污染的生物标志物。     

全氟辛烷磺酸盐(PFOS)对半滑舌鳎(Cynoglossus semilaevis)免疫相关基因表达的影响

为了解全氟辛烷磺酸盐(perfluorooctane sulfonate, PFOS)暴露对半滑舌鳎(Cynoglossus semilaevis)免疫功能的影响,在实验室条件下,运用RT-PCR方法分析了PFOS暴露对半滑舌鳎热休克蛋白hsp70、hsp90、C型凝集素(c-type lectin)和细胞色素c氧化酶(cytochrome c oxidase, cox)等4种免疫相关基因表达水平的影响。实验测定了上述4种基因在半滑舌鳎肝、鳃、肠及肌肉4种不同组织中随时间(0、24 h、48 h、96 h和7 d)的表达变化情况。结果表明,在4种组织中,hsp70基因的表达与对照相比为上调,其中,肝组织hsp70基因的表达量显著高于其他各组织,且表达高峰值的出现也早于其他各组织;hsp90基因在肝和鳃组织中表达量随时间不同而波动,在肠组织中表达上调,在肌肉中表达显著下调;c-type lectin基因表达量与对照组相比表达显著下调或无明显差异;cox基因在肝组织和肠组织中表达下调,在鳃和肌肉中表达上调。上述研究结果表明,PFOS能引起免疫相关基因的表达变化,对半滑舌鳎具有潜在的免疫毒性。肝组织中各免疫基因对PFOS胁迫的响应高于其他组织。本研究可为阐明全氟辛烷磺酸盐对半滑舌鳎的免疫毒性提供基础数据。     

固相微萃取在评价沉积物中菊酯类农药生物有效性及生物累积中的仿生研究

菊酯类农药已广泛用于农用、卫生、渔业等领域,因高疏水性累积于沉积物中的此类污染物的生物有效性评价对环境风险研究具有重要意义。采用PDMS(聚二甲基硅氧烷)高聚物作为固相微萃取材料,基于热力学平衡微损耗性方法测定了沉积物孔隙水中高效氯氟氰菊酯、联苯菊酯、氯菊酯和甲氰菊酯的自由溶解态浓度(Cfree);同时将PDMS上菊酯类农药的浓度与菲律宾蛤仔体内生物累积浓度的相关性进行了比较研究。结果表明,该方法可以准确测定菊酯类农药在沉积物孔隙水中的Cfree(23.3~255 ng·L-1)并用于评价此类物质(菊酯类农药)的生物有效性;菲律宾蛤仔对四种菊酯类农药的富集系数(BCF)为27.8~301,相对较小;菊酯类农药在PDMS上的浓度和菲律宾蛤仔体内的浓度满足lg Cb,lip=11.64lg CPDMS-51.29(R2=0.980)的定量关系,相关性极显著(P=0.009)。但生物—沉积物富集系数(BSAF)和PDMS-沉积物富集系数(PSAF)的分析比较发现,基于PDMS和生物体内菊酯浓度极显著相关的仿生应用还有待污染物在菲律宾蛤仔体内生物转化数据的进一步补充和校正。     

Antennal responses of four species of tree-killing bark beetles (Coleoptera: Scolytidae) to volatiles collected from beetles,and their host and nonhost conifers

Summary. Host selection in tree-killing bark beetles (Coleoptera: Scolytidae) is mediated by a complex of semiochemical cues. Using gas chromatographic-electroantennographic detection (GC-EAD) and GC-mass spectrometric analyses, we conducted a comparative study of the electrophysiological responses of four species of tree-killing bark beetles, the Douglas-fir beetle, Dendroctonus pseudotsugae, Hopkins, the mountain pine beetle, D. ponderosae Hopkins, the spruce beetle, D. rufipennis Kirby, and the western balsam bark beetle, Dryocoetes confusus Swaine, to volatiles captured by aeration of 1) bole and foliage of four sympatric species of conifers, Douglas-fir, Pseudotsuga menziesii (Mirb.) Franco, lodgepole pine, Pinus contorta var. latifolia Engelm., interior spruce, Picea engelmannii x glauca, and interior fir, Abies lasiocarpa x bifolia, and 2) con- and heterospecific beetles at three stages of attack. We identified 13 monoterpenes in the conifers and nine compounds in the volatiles of beetles that elicited antennal responses. There was no qualitative difference in the terpene constitution of the four species of conifers and very little difference across beetle species in their antennal response to compounds from conifers or beetles. The lack of species-specific major or minor components in conifers suggests that beetles would need to detect differences in the ratios of different compounds in conifers to discriminate among them. Attraction to hosts and avoidance of nonhost conifers may be accentuated by perception of compounds emitted by con- and heterospecific beetles, respectively. The 22 compounds identified are candidate semiochemicals with potential behavioural roles in host location and discrimination.     

Diet-induced chemical phytomimesis by twig-like caterpillars of Biston robustum Butler (Lepidoptera: Geometridae)

Summary. Polyphagous caterpillars of the giant geometer Biston robustum resemble the twigs of their respective food sources in color and shape. Common predatory ants, including Lasius and Formica, were often observed to freely prowl directly on caterpillars bodies, even after antennal contact. This suggests that the cuticular chemicals of the caterpillars resemble those of the twigs of the foodplants, so we analyzed both by GC and GC-MS. The chemical compositions differed among caterpillars fed on a cherry, Prunus yedoensis, a chinquapin Castanopsis cuspidata, and a camellia Camellia japonica. The cuticular chemicals of the caterpillars resembled those of their corresponding food sources. When the caterpillar diets were switched from the cherry to camellia or chinquapin at the 4^th instars, the caterpillars cuticular chemicals changed after molting to resemble those of their respective foods. Caterpillars also changed their cuticular chemicals when they perched on cherry twigs and fed on camellia or chinquapin leaves, but not when they perched on camellia or chinquapin twigs and fed on cherry leaves. The chemical similarities between the caterpillars and the twigs were due to the digestion of host leaves, which indicates that this is a diet-induced adaptation.     

Some polyphagous Homoptera gain protection from their natural enemies by feeding on the toxic plantsSpartium junceum andErythrina corallodendrum (Leguminosae)

Summary Interactions were studied among alkaloid-containing legumes (Erythrina corallodendrum andSpartium junceum) and non-toxic plants (Citrus sinensis, Cucurbita moschata andEuphorbia tirucalli), several polyphagous homopterans,Aphis craccivora (Aphididae),Icerya purchasi, I. aegyptiaca (Margarodidae),Lepidosaphes ulmi (Diaspididae) andPlanococcus citri (Pseudococcidae), and some major natural enemies of these homopterans. Significant reductions in survival due to negative effects of alkaloid containing as compared with non-alkaloidal plants were recorded for the predatorsRodolia cardinalis andChilocorus bipustulatus, but not forCryptolaemus montrouzieri (Coleoptera: Coccinellidae),Chrysoperla carnea (Neuroptera: Chrysopidae) andSympherobius sanctus (Neuroptera: Sympherobiidae). The development time of the larvae or pupae ofR. cardinalis, C. carnea andS. sanctus was longer on the toxic plants than on the non-toxic ones. The percentage of parasitism ofA. craccivora collected from the non-alkaloidal plantsVicia palaestina andMelilotus albus was much higher than that onS. junceum. The parasitoid complexes ofA. craccivora differed between both plant groups. The nutritive value of honeydew ofI. purchasi andA. craccivora, as expressed by the life span ofEncyrtus infelix (Hymenoptera: Encyrtidae) adults, was also investigated. Life spans were significantly longer when the wasps fed on honeydew produced on non-alkaloidal plants (C. sinensis andPittosporum tobira) than on alkaloid containing plants whenI. purchasi — but notA. craccivora — was the producer. It is suggested that the chemical defense ofE. corallodendrum andS. junceum is exploited by polyphagous phytophages to reduce predation. In nature, population growth and density of four of the investigated homopterans are conspicuously high when they developed on the alkaloid containing plant species, and very low on non-alkaloid plants. The efficiency of their natural enemies may be reduced by sequestration of alkaloids (or other toxic plant compounds) or their transfer into excreted honeydew. Therefore it is assumed that a generalist phytophagous homopteran may be protected from its natural enemies, although at different rates of efficiency, if it can safely sequester the host allelochemical when it develops on toxic species within its host range.     

Increase of multi-metal tolerance of three leguminous plants by arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi colonization

A greenhouse pot experiment was conducted to investigate the effects of the colonization of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungus (AMF) Glomus mosseae on the growth and metal uptake of three leguminous plants (Sesbania rostrata, Sesbania cannabina, Medicago sativa) grown in multi-metal contaminated soil. AMF colonization increased the growth of the legumes, indicating that AMF colonization increased the plant’s resistance to heavy metals. It also significantly stimulated the formation of root nodules and increased the N and P uptake of all of the tested leguminous plants, which might be one of the tolerance mechanisms conferred by AMF. Compared with the control, colonization by G. mosseae decreased the concentration of metals, such as Cu, in the shoots of the three legumes, indicating that the decreased heavy metals uptake and growth dilution were induced by AMF treatment, thereby reducing the heavy metal toxicity to the plants. The root/shoot ratios of Cu in the three legumes and Zn in M. sativa were significantly increased (P < 0.05) with AMF colonization, indicating that heavy metals were immobilized by the mycorrhiza and the heavy metal translocations to the shoot were decreased.     

Benthic macrophyte communities in the Ghar El Melh lagoon (North Tunisia)

This work deals with the biodiversity and distribution of benthic macrophytes in the Ghar El Melh lagoon, a Mediterranean coastal lagoon located in the North of Tunisia. An inventory was made of the benthic flora and submerged macrophyte communities were mapped during two successive campaigns (the summer of 1999 and the winter of 2000). The following 24 macrophyte species were identified: seven red algae, two brown algae, 11 green algae, and four marine angiosperms. The results were compared with available data from the literature. Ruppia cirrhosa is the most dominant species. It is found in all lagoon parts, except in the west sector.Ruppia beds are usually associated withCladophora forming heterogeneous communities. During summerRuppia cirrhosa shows a large distribution, covering an area of ca. 21.4 km², with dense, extensive beds covering 80–100%. In winter, severalCladophora species have a very large distribution as well, covering nearly an area of 28.5 km² with an average cover of 46%. The green algaeCaulerpa prolifera is confined to the eastern part of the lagoon which is mainly affected by seawater. In comparison with previous situations, many transformations were observed in biodiversity and spatial distribution of the dominant communities. Thus,Cymodocea nodosa andZostera beds, which dominated in the 1970s, were replaced byZostera andCaulerpa prolifera in the 1980s and are currently succeeded byRuppia cirrhosa andCladophora. Restoration of the Ghar El Melh lagoon will enable an increase in the exchange with the open sea and the circulation of water, in particular in the confined zones. This should considerably improve the water quality and would positively influence the phytobenthic communities.     

Comparison of the insecticidal effects of water extracted and intact aromatic plants onAcanthoscelides obtectus,a bruchid beetle pest of kidney beans

Summary Acanthoscelides obtectus (Say) is one of the most damaging pests of kidney beans,Phaseolus vulgaris L. worldwide. However, aromatic plants from the families Lamiaceae, Lauraceae, Myrtaceae and Poaceae can protect kidney beans by direct or delayed insecticidal effect, through increased adult mortality and inhibition of beetle reproduction (both oviposition and adult emergence). The efficiency of hydrodistillated and intact plants fromThymus vulgaris andT. serpyllum, Mentha piperata, Rosmarinus officinalis, Satureia hortensis, Eucalyptus globulus, Laurus nobilis, Origanum vulgare, andCymbopogon nardus was compared. For both extracts,Origanum vulgare had the best effect. The insecticidal effect was induced by more than the essential oils because no significant difference was noticed between distilled and intact plants extract. Inhibition of reproduction was particularly important. These results suggest that lipidic as well as non lipidic, allelochemicals, such as phenolics, or non-protein amino-acids, or flavonoids may be involved in the toxicity of aromatic plants to this beetle.     

Absolute configuration of the major sex pheromone component of the satin moth, Leucoma salicis, verified by field trapping test in Hungary

Summary. Male satin moths, Leucoma (Stilpnotia) salicis L. (Lepidoptera, Lymantriidae) were attracted only to (3Z,6R,7S,9R,10S)-isomer out of the four (3Z)-cis-6,7-cis-9,10-diepoxy-3-henicosenes (leucomalure). This was demonstrated by field trapping test with a bivoltine population in a mixed poplar-willow forest along the flood area of the river Danube at Adony, Hungary.     

Testing a new model of aphid abundance with sedentary and non-sedentary predators

Aphid population dynamics has been thoroughly investigated, especially in tree-dwelling aphids. Among the controls of the aphid rate of increase are the negative effects of antagonists, the positive effects of mutualists, the density-dependence of the aphid dynamics, and the non-stationary quality of plant tissues. Here we present a mechanistic model of aphid growth that considers most of these governing factors using a simple formulation. What is new in this model is that it considers two kinds of antagonists. The first kind is a guild of aphid predator specialists that includes ladybirds (Coleoptera: Coccinellidae), but also species of some families of Hemiptera, Diptera, and Neuroptera. The second kind of antagonists consists of omnivores or generalist predators and in this particular setting is exemplified by the European earwig Forficula auricularia (Dermaptera: Forficulidae). The model developed here compared the effects of these two different kinds of aphid predators, the second one always at the site (sedentary predators) and the first one that arrives in important numbers only once the aphid population has already developed to some degree (non-sedentary predators). Multiple model parameter sets, representing different hypotheses about controls on aphid populations, were evaluated within the Generalised Likelihood Uncertainty Estimation (GLUE) methodology. The model correctly reproduced the experimental data obtained in an organic citrus grove showing the important effect that sedentary predators as earwigs can have on the aphid populations. Low densities of sedentary predators or even low predation rates can have a disproportionate effect on the final aphid density, as they prey on small populations, when the per capita effect on the aphid population is higher. During the main spring peak of aphids the role of non-sedentary predators is secondary, as they track the aphid density rather than control it. However, these non-sedentary predators are important within the proposed model to keep the second autumn peak of aphids at low values.     

Main nutrient compounds in food bodies of Mexican <Emphasis Type="Italic">Acacia</Emphasis> ant-plants

Summary. Myrmecophytic plants use obligate ant mutualists as a constitutive indirect defence mechanism. These plants often produce cellular food bodies (FBs) to nourish their resident ants. Lipids, proteins, and even highly specialised compounds such as glycogen have been reported from FBs, but detailed chemical analyses of FB composition have so far been presented only for Southeast Asian Macaranga and Central American Piper myrmecophytes. Here we report the chemical composition of FBs of five myrmecophytic Acacia (Fabaceae) species from Mexico using HPLC (carbohydrates and proteins) and GC-MS (lipids). Feeding experiments revealed no hints on any use of external food sources by the inhabiting Pseudomyrmex ants. These ants obviously rely completely on FBs and extrafloral nectar provided by their hosts. The total content of nutrients in Acacia FBs was 15-25% of FB dry mass, being much lower than in Macaranga or Piper FBs. Proteins were dominating (8-14 % dm) in Acacia FBs and thus were present in higher amounts than in Macaranga FBs, yet in lower amounts than in Piper. Lipids contributed 1-9 % of dry mass, showing a lower proportion than in FBs of Macaranga or Piper. Carbohydrates made up 3-11 % dm, reaching in most Acacia species the same range as observed in Macaranga and in Piper FBs. Water content was 18-24 % of FB fresh mass, and structural tissue obviously made up a much higher proportion in Acacia FBs than in Macaranga or Piper FBs. Both characters might represent an adaptation to producing FBs unprotected at the leaf tips under dry conditions. Acacia FBs contain all amino acids and all fatty acids that are considered essential for insects, and their contents of lipids and proteins are higher than in the leaves from which they are ontogenetically derived. This indicates a putatively adaptive enrichment of nutritionally valuable compounds in structures functioning as ant-food.     

加拿大一枝黄花和小飞蓬叶浸提液对大豆幼苗生长的复合化感效应

加拿大一枝黄花(Solidago canadensis)和小飞蓬(Conyza canadensis)常共同入侵至同一农田生态系统。探究了两者对大豆幼苗生长的复合化感作用。加拿大一枝黄花叶浸提液显著抑制大豆幼苗地上生物量。而小飞蓬叶浸提液也明显抑制大豆幼苗地上生物量(未达到显著水平)。与对照处理相比,两者复合叶浸提液处理未显著影响大豆幼苗地上生物量。两者复合叶浸提液处理下大豆幼苗地上生物量显著大于加拿大一枝黄花叶浸提液单一处理,同时也大于小飞蓬叶浸提液单一处理(未达到显著水平)。两者叶浸提液单一处理均明显降低大豆幼苗株高(未达到显著水平)。与对照处理相比,两者复合叶浸提液处理未显著影响大豆幼苗株高。两者复合叶浸提液处理下大豆幼苗株高明显大于两者叶浸提液单一处理(未达到显著水平)。因此,两者叶浸提液对大豆幼苗的生长均具有一定程度的抑制效应,且加拿大一枝黄花叶浸提液对大豆幼苗产生的化感作用(尤其是地上生物量)明显大于小飞蓬。两者复合化感作用明显低于两者单一化感作用,尤其是两者对大豆幼苗地上生物量的复合化感作用显著低于加拿大一枝黄花的单一化感作用。所以,化感效应可能在两者共同入侵(即两者复合作用)进程中所起的贡献低于在两者单一入侵进程中所起的作用。