Propiconazole inhibits the sterol 14α-demethylase in Glomus irregulare like in phytopathogenic fungi

The increasing concentrations impact (0.02, 0.2 and 2 mg L⁻¹) of a Sterol Biosynthesis Inhibitor (SBI) fungicide, propiconazole, was evaluated on development and sterol metabolism of two non-target organisms: mycorrhizal or non-mycorrhizal transformed chicory roots and the arbuscular mycorrhizal fungus (AMF) Glomus irregulare using monoxenic cultures. In this work, we provide the first evidence of a direct impact of propiconazole on the AMF by disturbing its sterol metabolism. A significant decrease in end-products sterols contents (24-methylcholesterol and in 24-ethylcholesterol) was observed concomitantly to a 24-methylenedihydrolanosterol accumulation indicating the inhibition of a key enzyme in sterol biosynthesis pathway, the sterol 14α-demethylase like in phytopathogenic fungi. A decrease in end-product sterol contents in propiconazole-treated roots was also observed suggesting a slowing down of the sterol metabolism in plant. Taken together, our findings suggest that the inhibition of the both AM symbiotic partners development by propiconazole results from their sterol metabolism alterations.     

Distinct diversity of the czcA gene in two sedimentary horizons from a contaminated estuarine core

In estuarine ecosystems, trace metals are mainly associated with fine grain sediments which settle on mudflats. Over time, the layers of sediments accumulate and are then transformed by diagenetic processes, recording the history of the estuary’s chemical contamination. In such a specific environment, we investigated to what extent a chronic exposure to contaminants could affect metal-resistant sedimentary bacteria in subsurface sediments. The occurrence and diversity of cadmium resistance genes (cadA, czcA) was investigated in 5- and 33-year-old sediments from a highly contaminated estuary (Seine France). Primers were designed to detect a 252-bp fragment of the czcA gene, specifically targeting a transmembrane helice domain (TMH IV) involved in the proton substrate antiport of this efflux pump. Although the cadA gene was not detected, the highest diversity of the sequence of the czcA gene was observed in the 5-year-old sediment. According to the percentage of identity at the amino acid level, the closest CzcA relatives were identified among Proteobacteria (α, β, γ, and δ), Verrucomicrobia, Nitrospirae, and Bacteroidetes. The most abundant sequences were affiliated with Stenotrophomonas. In contrast, in the 33-year-old sediment, CzcA sequences were mainly related to Rhodanobacter thiooxydans and Stenotrophomonas, suggesting a shaping of the metal-resistant microbial communities over time by both diagenetic processes and trace metal contamination.     

Polar organic chemical integrative sampler (POCIS) uptake rates for 17 polar pesticides and degradation products: laboratory calibration

Polar organic chemical integrative samplers (POCIS) are useful for monitoring a wide range of chemicals, including polar pesticides, in water bodies. However, few calibration data are available, which limits the use of these samplers for time-weighted average concentration measurements in an aquatic medium. This work deals with the laboratory calibration of the pharmaceutical configuration of a polar organic chemical integrative sampler (pharm-POCIS) for calculating the sampling rates of 17 polar pesticides (1.15?≤?logK _ow?≤?3.71) commonly found in water. The experiment, conducted for 21 days in a continuous water flow-through exposure system, showed an integrative accumulation of all studied pesticides for 15 days. Three compounds (metalaxyl, azoxystrobine, and terbuthylazine) remained integrative for the 21-day experiment. The sampling rates measured ranged from 67.9 to 279 mL?day^?1 and increased with the hydrophobicity of the pesticides until reaching a plateau where no significant variation in sampling rate is observed when increasing the hydrophobicity.     

Reactivity of secondary phases in weathered limestone using isotopic tracers (D and 18O)

Environmental Science and Pollution Research - For a long time, limestone has been massively used in stone building and monuments because of its easy extraction and common presence in the...     

Muskox status,recent variation,and uncertain future

Ambio - Muskoxen (Ovibos moschatus) are an integral component of Arctic biodiversity. Given low genetic diversity, their ability to respond to future and rapid Arctic change is unknown, although...     

Predator inspection behaviour in minnow shoals: differences between populations and individuals

Summary When minnows (Phoxinus phoxinus) detect a stalking pike (Esox lucius) one of their first responses is to perform inspection behaviour during which individuals or small groups approach the predator. This paper compares the inspection behaviour of two contrasting groups of minnows: Dorset minnows which have been heavily predated by pike for many thousands of years and Gwynedd minnows which have spent an equivalent period of time in a pike free environment. Minnows sympatric with pike inspected a realistic model pike more frequently and in larger shoals. Although they commenced inspection earlier they were more timid and kept a greater distance between themselves and the predator. After an inspection they were less likely to recommence foraging than minnows from the Gwynedd population. Individual differences in inspection found within the two populations suggest that selfish behaviour was present.