多壁碳纳米管对铜绿微囊藻生长及生理特征的影响

碳纳米材料由于其具有优异的性能,得以广泛生产和使用,其不可避免会进入水环境中,对水生生态系统造成潜在影响。本文以铜绿微囊藻(Microcystis aeruginosa)为受试材料,通过暴露实验,研究了多壁碳纳米管(MWCNTs)单独作用对铜绿微囊藻的生物毒性和致毒机理。研究结果表明:低浓度(0.1 mg·L~(-1)和0.5 mg·L~(-1))的MWCNTs能刺激铜绿微囊藻的生长,超氧化物歧化酶(SOD)酶活增强;中低浓度(0.1～10.0 mg·L~(-1))范围内,MWCNTs促使光合色素合成,促进藻细胞增殖;高浓度(50mg·L~(-1)和100 mg·L~(-1)) MWCNTs对蓝藻生长产生抑制,严重抑制叶绿素a,藻细胞生命活力下降; MWCNTs浓度高于1 mg·L~(-1)时,SOD、过氧化物酶(POD)、过氧化氢酶(CAT)酶活性逐渐降低,丙二醛(MDA)的含量则逐步上升;可溶性蛋白含量与MWCNTs浓度有关,MWCNTs浓度低于5 mg·L~(-1)时,蛋白质含量增加,MWCNTs浓度高于5 mg·L~(-1)时,蛋白质含量逐渐减少。     

4-壬基酚对拟柱胞藻生长、抗氧化酶和光合作用的影响及机理

为探究4-壬基酚对入侵水华蓝藻拟柱胞藻的影响,对不同浓度(0.00、0.05、0.10、0.50、1.00、2.00 mg·L~(-1)) 4-壬基酚处理96 h后的拟柱胞藻叶绿素a、抗氧化酶和光合作用进行测定。结果表明,4-壬基酚对拟柱胞藻96 h半数效应浓度(96 h-EC_(50))为0.457 mg·L~(-1)。高浓度处理(0.50 mg·L~(-1))时,拟柱胞藻叶绿素a含量、最大光合效率(F_v/F_m)、光合效率(α)、最大相对电子传递速率(rE TRmax)、半饱和光强(Ik)、RC/Cs0、ET0/RC、ΦP0、ΦE0、ψ0和Sm/t(F_m)均显著下降被显著抑制,而光合系统Ⅱ中ABS/RC、DI0/RC和TR0/RC均显著增加,同时超氧化物歧化酶(SOD)、过氧化氢酶(CAT)的活性随着浓度增加明显上升。而低浓度处理下(0.10 mg·L~(-1)),拟柱胞藻的叶绿素a含量、光合效率、最大相对电子传递速率和半饱和光强增加。这些结果表明高浓度4-壬基酚处理下,拟柱胞藻的叶绿素合成受阻,光合色素减少,光合反应中心结构受损,Q-A大量累积,光合效率下降,抑制藻细胞的光合作用,导致了拟柱胞藻生长受到阻碍,而低浓度壬基酚处理下,则可能表现出低剂量毒物兴奋效应。     

白玉兰落叶水浸出液抑制蓝藻生长和叶绿素荧光特性分析

利用浮游植物荧光仪对暴露于不同浓度白玉兰落叶水浸出液下微囊藻生长、最大光合作用效率(Fv/Fm)、实际光合作用效率[Y(Ⅱ)]、光能利用效率(alpha)和最大相对电子传递速率(r ETRmax)进行为期15 d的检测,分析白玉兰落叶浸出液对微囊藻的抑制效应和叶绿素荧光特性影响.结果发现,白玉兰落叶浸出液能有效抑制微囊藻的生长,呈明显浓度抑制型变化,抑藻能力随时间的延长而下降.低浓度(0.4、0.8、1.2、1.6 g·L-1)浸出液胁迫下,对微囊藻叶绿素荧光参数无显著影响;高浓度(2.0 g·L-1)浸出液胁迫下,在早期(4 d内)对荧光参数有极显著抑制作用.三维荧光图谱表明,在投量为2.0 g·L-1时,第15天色氨酸及酪氨酸荧光峰强度约为1.2 g·L-1投量情况下的1/3,同时腐殖酸的荧光峰强度减弱.第7—15天,藻细胞生长的半抑制浓度EC50值最小约为0.5—0.7 g·L-1.     

低浓度镉对忍冬生长及光合生理的影响

采用营养液水培方式,以中高浓度镉(25 mg·L~(-1)Cd)为参照,研究不同胁迫水平低浓度Cd对忍冬(Lonicera japonica Thunb.)生长及光合生理的影响.结果表明,低浓度Cd(2.5 mg·L~(-1))对忍冬的生长具有一定促进作用,而25 mg·L~(-1)Cd对其生长并未产生较大影响.当Cd处理浓度为2.5—10 mg·L~(-1)时,其叶绿素含量和净光合速率(P_n)均比对照显著增加,说明低浓度Cd对忍冬生长和光合作用具有一定的毒物兴奋效应.而25 mg·L~(-1)Cd处理对忍冬生长及光合作用产生的影响,可能与膜脂过氧化损伤指标丙二醛(MDA)含量增加相关.当Cd处理浓度为10 mg·L~(-1)时,叶中超氧化物歧化酶(SOD)活性达到峰值875.51 U·g~(-1),而随着Cd处理浓度的增加,根系中SOD活性持续升高,表明忍冬对Cd具有很强的抗性,这对于Cd污染土壤的实地修复具有重要的现实意义.     

PVC塑料浸出液对3种海洋微藻光合作用及生长的影响

海洋微塑料作为一类新型环境污染物已经成为全球性环境问题。运用水样叶绿素荧光仪(Water-PAM)研究了不同浓度软聚氯乙烯(polyvinyl chloride, PVC)和硬PVC浸出液(0、50、100和200 g·L~(-1))胁迫下球等鞭金藻(Isochrysis galbana)、中肋骨条藻(Skeletonema costatum)和小球藻(Chlorella sp.)3种海洋微藻叶绿素荧光特性,包括PSⅡ最大量子产量(F_v/F_m)、PSⅡ实际量子产量(Yield)、光化学淬灭(qP)和PSⅡ最大相对电子传递速率(rETR_(max))的变化,同时检测微藻的生长状况。结果表明,球等鞭金藻(金藻门)和中肋骨条藻(硅藻门)的4项光合作用参数在软PVC浸出液胁迫的96 h内均显著下降,且随软PVC浸出液浓度增加,下降幅度增大,在实验后期(48～96 h)达到最小值,表现为抑制作用。96 h时,球等鞭金藻和中肋骨条藻的细胞密度均在软PVC浸出液200 g·L~(-1)处理组达到最小值,分别占对照组的3.20%和11.90%。硬PVC浸出液胁迫对球等鞭金藻和中肋骨条藻的4项光合作用参数具有显著影响(P<0.05),球等鞭金藻的4项参数均显著高于对照组。中肋骨条藻的相关光合作用参数均显著低于对照组。72 h时球等鞭金藻和中肋骨条藻的细胞密度分别在硬PVC浸出液100 g·L-1和200 g·L~(-1)处理组达到最小值,为对照组的67.90%和82.50%,表现为抑制作用。小球藻(绿藻门)的各光合作用参数和细胞密度在软PVC和硬PVC浸出液胁迫的96 h内未产生显著变化。该研究证实PVC浸出液对微藻光合系统具有干扰作用,对海洋生态系统具有潜在风险。     

5氟尿嘧啶对蛋白核小球藻和羊角月芽藻生长及叶绿素含量的影响

近年来,抗癌药的环境污染特征及其生态风险引起了广泛关注。为获取典型抗癌药5氟尿嘧啶的基础生态毒性数据,以蛋白核小球藻(Chlorella pyrenoidosa)和羊角月芽藻(Selenastrum capricornutum)为受试生物,考察了5氟尿嘧啶对2种绿藻的生长和叶绿素含量的影响。结果表明,5氟尿嘧啶对蛋白核小球藻和羊角月芽藻的生长具有抑制作用,随着暴露浓度升高,细胞生长抑制率增强。5氟尿嘧啶对2种绿藻的96 h半数抑制浓度(EC50)分别为450.36 mg·L~(-1)和692.30 mg·L~(-1),属于低毒性物质。暴露96 h后,低浓度5氟尿嘧啶(32 mg·L~(-1))对蛋白核小球藻和羊角月芽藻叶绿素含量有一定的促进作用,高浓度5氟尿嘧啶(32~500 mg·L~(-1))则抑制了2种绿藻的叶绿素含量,且两者具有明显的负相关关系。和叶绿素b相比,叶绿素a对5氟尿嘧啶胁迫更为敏感。     

草甘膦与镉复合胁迫对玉米幼苗抗氧化酶活性及光合作用的影响

为了探讨草甘膦(PMG)与重金属镉(Cd)复合胁迫对作物(玉米幼苗)生长的影响作用机制。通过温室盆栽试验,分别进行了不同浓度的PMG单一处理(浓度分别设计为0、1.25、2.5、5、10、20 mg·kg~(-1))和不同浓度的PMG(浓度分别为0、1.25、2.5、5、10、20 mg·kg~(-1))与浓度5 mg·kg~(-1)Cd2+的复合处理。采用分光光度法和连续激发式荧光仪分别对玉米幼苗抗氧化酶(过氧化物酶POD、过氧化氢酶CAT、超氧化物歧化酶SOD)、丙二醛(MDA)、叶绿素含量、荧光动力学曲线及相关参数进行了测定。结果表明,单一和复合胁迫分别在PMG浓度为1.25~5 mg·kg~(-1)、1.25~2.5 mg·kg~(-1)时,玉米幼苗通过增大抗氧化酶(SOD、POD、CAT)活性,清除积累过多的活性氧自由基,提高叶绿素含量的合成,加大光合作用速率,促进玉米幼苗的生长;单一和复合胁迫分别在PMG浓度为5~20 mg·kg~(-1)、2.5~20 mg·kg~(-1)时,由于玉米幼苗积累了过多的膜脂过氧化物,导致抗氧化系统损坏,阻碍叶绿素含量的合成,同时也损害了PSII的功能(MO、φPO、ΨO、φEO、φDO、ABS/RC、TRO/RC、ETO/RC、DIO/RC、PIABS),导致玉米幼苗光合作用受到抑制,阻碍幼苗的生长。研究表明,草甘膦单一胁迫和与重金属镉复合胁迫,对玉米幼苗酶活性及光合作用的影响,均随处理浓度的升高表现为双阶段性,低浓度促进,高浓度抑制;与同浓度的PMG单一处理相比,Cd2+的存在,加大了PMG单独存在时的损害作用,使得玉米幼苗对PMG胁迫的敏感浓度点从5 mg·kg~(-1)降低到2.5 mg·kg~(-1)。     

四环素对铜绿微囊藻光合作用和抗氧化酶活性的影响

以铜绿微囊藻(Microcystis aeruginosa)为试验材料,研究了四环素暴露对铜绿微囊藻光合作用和抗氧化酶活性的影响。结果显示,0.80~35.00 mg.L-1四环素暴露胁迫4 d时,铜绿微囊藻的叶绿素荧光和潜在最大电子传递速率(Re,t,max)受到抑制,抑制作用随ρ(四环素)的增加而增强,最大抑制率分别为39.95%和44.08%;暴露7 d时,2者最大抑制率分别升高至59.48%和91.90%。抗氧化酶系统也受到四环素的影响,暴露4和7 d时,超氧化物歧化酶(SOD)活性分别下降30.36%~35.92%和25.03%~35.51%,不同四环素浓度组间差异不显著;过氧化物酶(POD)活性升高,在7 d内呈现诱导现象。可见,四环素暴露能够阻碍铜绿微囊藻光合作用,破坏抗氧化酶系统平衡,抑制藻类生物量的增长。     

丙烯酰胺对水环境中典型微藻的毒性效应

作为可疑致癌物,丙烯酰胺(acrylamide,AM)是目前各国政府和广大民众普遍关注的重要污染物.为探究AM对水体生物的毒性效应及可能存在的生态风险,本文以海洋微藻东海原甲藻(Prorocentrum donghaiense)和淡水微藻莱茵衣藻(Chlamydomonas reinhardtii)为研究对象,采用室内培养法,测定了不同暴露浓度的AM对2种微藻生长、形态和生理状态的影响.结果显示,AM对2种藻类生长均有显著的抑制作用(P0.05),96 h半抑制质量浓度(EC_(50))分别为22.79 mg·L~(-1)和161.8 mg·L~(-1);最高无抑制浓度(NOEC)分别为1.04 mg·L~(-1)和9.84 mg·L~(-1).不同微藻对AM胁迫的响应存在较大的差异性,与莱茵衣藻相比,东海原甲藻对AM更敏感.扫描电镜(SEM)和透射电镜(TEM)结果显示,当受到AM影响时,2种藻细胞严重变形,表现出塌陷、质壁分离、空泡数量增多和叶绿体片层结构少量断裂等现象;叶绿素含量和F_v/F_m(PSⅡ最大光化学量子产量)测试表明AM可以通过破坏微藻的光合系统而抑制光合作用.AM对东海原甲藻属于中毒性物质,对莱茵衣藻属于低毒性物质.     

不同Cu2+浓度处理对斜生栅藻生长及叶绿素荧光特性的影响

利用浮游植物荧光仪(phyto-PAM)研究了不同Cu2+浓度不同时间(12、24、36和48 h)处理后,斜生栅藻Scendesmus obliquus生长及叶绿素荧光特性等的变化.测定的主要参数有:PS Ⅱ最大光能转化效率(Fv/Fm),PS Ⅱ实际光能转化效率(φPSⅡ=Yield),PSⅡ潜在活性(Fv/Fo),最大相对电子传递效率(rETRmax,即Pm),光能利用效率(α)和细胞密度(A650nm值),叶绿素a、叶绿素b及胡萝卜素含量.结果表明:高浓度Cu2+处理(20～010 μamolμmol·L-1)下,Fv/Fm、Yield、Fv/Fo、rETR、α以及细胞密度等参数随着胁迫时间延长,数值下降幅度显著,叶绿素a、叶绿素b和类胡萝卜素含量也明显下降,低浓度Cu2+处理(0～10 μml·L-1)时上述参数变化不显著.可见,高浓度Cu2+(40～100μmol·L-1)处理对斜生栅藻有显著的胁迫抑制作用,低浓度Cu2+处理(0～10 μmol·L-1)对其影响不明显.     

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.     

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.     

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.     

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。