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The results of the effect of five different incubation temperatures on the development of clownfish (Amphiprion ocellaris) larvae are presented. This ornamental species is widely marketed worldwide and is reared in captivity at CIAD to meet the demand in the domestic market. The experimental work was carried out over 30 days post-hatching to observe the temperature's effect on the development of the larvae's vertebral column and caudal complex. The eggs were incubated at 26, 28, 30, 32, and 34°C. The percentage of hatching, survival, growth, and the presence of skeletal malformations were evaluated. Hatching and survival percentages did not show significant differences between treatments. Regarding growth, there were significant differences between treatments, with organisms showing slower growth at 26°C and larger sizes at 34°C. The highest percentage of malformations occurred in larvae cultured at 34°C, with lordosis being the most frequently observed deformity among the treatments. Therefore, it can be concluded that the optimal temperature range for cultivating and harvesting quality A. ocellaris organisms is between 28 and 30°C. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Lianas are a crucial component of karst seasonal rainforests, yet research on them has predominantly focused on non-karst regions. Consequently, their abundance and species richness remain relatively understudied within karst ecosystems. We aimed to document the abundance and species richness of lianas and investigate their relationships with abiotic and biotic factors, based on data from a fully mapped 15 ha plot in a karst seasonal rainforest of Nonggang (SW China). Structural equation models (SEMs) were employed to estimate the path coefficients and variation of dependent variables, enabling a comprehensive analysis of the factors affecting the abundance and species richness of liana. Within the 15 ha plot, a total of 23,819 lianas were identified, encompassing 113 species from 34 families. These lianas constituted 24.16% of the total woody plant density and 33.44% of the species present, but only 4.32% of the total woody plant basal area. Lianas are primarily influenced by abiotic factors, especially elevation and phosphorus (P), with less impact from biotic factors. Our findings reveal that lianas, despite constituting a relatively small percentage of the total woody plant basal area, significantly contribute to the density and diversity of the forest. Notably, abiotic factors such as elevation and phosphorus availability predominantly shape the distribution and richness of lianas, highlighting the importance of these environmental variables. The findings offer valuable insights for future liana studies and the preservation of karst forests' biodiversity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Medicinal plants are vital in synthesizing crucial substrates, fortifying stress resilience, and serving clinical and industrial domains. The optimization of pharmacological potential necessitates a nuanced understanding of the factors governing the synthesis of secondary metabolites sourced from plants. Cultivation success hinges upon many factors dictating the production of these vital compounds. Biotic factors, encompassing pathogens and herbivores, alongside abiotic factors such as light exposure, altitude, temperature variations, irrigation patterns, soil fertility, drought susceptibility, and salinity levels, collectively orchestrate medicinal plants' growth, development, and metabolic pathways. This comprehensive review delves into the intricate interplay of factors influencing the formation of secondary metabolites, exploring the roles of endophytes, pathogens, light availability, temperature fluctuations, drought stress, pollution impacts, and plant growth regulators. Grasping the dynamics of these factors is imperative for devising strategic interventions to enhance secondary metabolite production, thereby ensuring the sustainable and efficient cultivation of medicinal plants.

Abstract Background The microbiota in fish external mucus is mainly known for having a role in homeostasis and protection against pathogens, but recent evidence suggests it is also involved in the host-specificity of some ectoparasites. In this study, we investigated the influence of seasonality and environmental factors on both fish external microbiota and monogenean gill ectoparasites abundance and diversity and assessed the level of covariations between monogenean and bacterial communities across seasons. To do so, we assessed skin and gill microbiota of two sparid species, Oblada melanura and Diplodus annularis, over a year and collected their specific monogenean ectoparasites belonging to the Lamellodiscus genus. Results Our results revealed that diversity and structure of skin and gill mucus microbiota were strongly affected by seasonality, mainly by the variations of temperature, with specific fish-associated bacterial taxa for each season. The diversity and abundance of parasites were also influenced by seasonality, with the abundance of some Lamellodiscus species significantly correlated to temperature. Numerous positive and negative correlations between the abundance of given bacterial genera and Lamellodiscus species were observed throughout the year, suggesting their differential interaction across seasons. Conclusions The present study is one of the first to demonstrate the influence of seasonality and related abiotic factors on fish external microbiota over a year. We further identified potential interactions between gill microbiota and parasite occurrence in wild fish populations, improving current knowledge and understanding of the establishment of host-specificity.

Background: The microbiota in fish external mucus is mainly known for having a role in homeostasis and protection against pathogens, but recent evidence suggests it is also involved in the host-specificity of some ectoparasites. In this study, we investigated the influence of seasonality and environmental factors on both fish external microbiota and monogenean gill ectoparasites abundance and diversity and assessed the level of covariations between monogenean and bacterial communities across seasons. To do so, we assessed skin and gill microbiota of two sparid species, Oblada melanura and Diplodus annularis, over a year and collected their specific monogenean ectoparasites belonging to the Lamellodiscus genus. Results: Our results revealed that diversity and structure of skin and gill mucus microbiota were strongly affected by seasonality, mainly by the variations of temperature, with specific fish-associated bacterial taxa for each season. The diversity and abundance of parasites were also influenced by seasonality, with the abundance of some Lamellodiscus species significantly correlated to temperature. Numerous positive and negative correlations between the abundance of given bacterial genera and Lamellodiscus species were observed throughout the year, suggesting their differential interaction across seasons. Conclusions: The present study is one of the first to demonstrate the influence of seasonality and related abiotic factors on fish external microbiota over a year. We further identified potential interactions between gill microbiota and parasite occurrence in wild fish populations, improving current knowledge and understanding of the establishment of host-specificity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Lianas are a crucial component of karst seasonal rainforests, yet research on them has predominantly focused on non-karst regions. Consequently, their abundance and species richness remain relatively understudied within karst ecosystems. We aimed to document the abundance and species richness of lianas and investigate their relationships with abiotic and biotic factors, based on data from a fully mapped 15 ha plot in a karst seasonal rainforest of Nonggang (SW China). Structural equation models (SEMs) were employed to estimate the path coefficients and variation of dependent variables, enabling a comprehensive analysis of the factors affecting the abundance and species richness of liana. Within the 15 ha plot, a total of 23,819 lianas were identified, encompassing 113 species from 34 families. These lianas constituted 24.16% of the total woody plant density and 33.44% of the species present, but only 4.32% of the total woody plant basal area. Lianas are primarily influenced by abiotic factors, especially elevation and phosphorus (P), with less impact from biotic factors. Our findings reveal that lianas, despite constituting a relatively small percentage of the total woody plant basal area, significantly contribute to the density and diversity of the forest. Notably, abiotic factors such as elevation and phosphorus availability predominantly shape the distribution and richness of lianas, highlighting the importance of these environmental variables. The findings offer valuable insights for future liana studies and the preservation of karst forests’ biodiversity.

Ecological stoichiometry is an essential tool to understand carbon (C), nitrogen (N), and phosphorus (P) cycles and nutrient limitations. Plantations are usually managed to maintain specific age structures, but the impact of such management on microbial biomass and stoichiometric ratios remains unclear. We compared the stand ages of four Larix principis-rupprechtti Mayr. Plantations that were 15 years old, (young plantation, Lar15), 24 years old, (middle aged plantation, Lar24), 40 years old, (near-mature plantation, Lar40), and 50 years old, (mature plantation, Lar50), respectively, to determine the main factors that drive differences in the C:N:P stoichiometry of microorganisms. We demonstrated that the temperature, moisture, and nutrient concentrations in surface soil increased significantly with forest age. The stoichiometric ratios of elements in soil and microorganisms reached their maxima in the Lar40 and Lar50 plantations. Additionally, forest stand ages had a great influence on the biomass of microbial communities. Moreover, soil microbial community and soil abiotic factors are closely related to soil microorganisms' C:N:P stoichiometric ratios. Specifically, changes in the microbial biomass C:N (MBC:MBN) were primarily correlated with bacteria, Gram-positive bacteria (G+), temperature, NH4+-N, and moisture in soil. Shifts in G+, actinobacteria, soil temperature, and total phosphorus were primarily associated with variation in microbial biomass C:P (MBC:MBP). Alterations in microbial biomass N:P (MBN:MBP) were correlated with bacteria, NH4+-N, water content, Gram-negative bacteria, and soil temperature. Overall, these results suggest that microbial elemental stoichiometric ratios could be affected by stand age and emphasize the importance of microbial communities and soil abiotic factors in shifting this dynamic change process. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Weather affects key aspects of bacterial behavior on plants but has not been extensively investigated as a tool to assess risk of crop contamination with human foodborne pathogens. A novel mechanistic model informed by weather factors and bacterial state was developed to predict population dynamics on leafy vegetables and tested against published data tracking Escherichia coli O157:H7 (EcO157) and Salmonella enterica populations on lettuce and cilantro plants. The model utilizes temperature, radiation, and dew point depression to characterize pathogen growth and decay rates. Additionally, the model incorporates the population level effect of bacterial physiological state dynamics in the phyllosphere in terms of the duration and frequency of specific weather parameters. The model accurately predicted EcO157 and S. enterica population sizes on lettuce and cilantro leaves in the laboratory under various conditions of temperature, relative humidity, light intensity, and cycles of leaf wetness and dryness. Importantly, the model successfully predicted EcO157 population dynamics on 4-week-old romaine lettuce plants under variable weather conditions in nearly all field trials. Prediction of initial EcO157 population decay rates after inoculation of 6-week-old romaine plants in the same field study was better than that of long-term survival. This suggests that future augmentation of the model should consider plant age and species morphology by including additional physical parameters. Our results highlight the potential of a comprehensive weatherbased model in predicting contamination risk in the field. Such a modeling approach would additionally be valuable for timing field sampling in quality control to ensure the microbial safety of produce. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Microalgae are prokaryotic or eukaryotic organisms that have photosynthetic anabolic activity. This anabolic photosynthesis is related to the abiotic factor of light. Therefore, this study aimed to identify the morphological diversity level of microalgae based on their environment, especially light intensity. We collected samples based on two types of environment, namely high light community (HL-1D and HL-2D) and low light community (LL-1D and LL-2D). The Data were analyzed using Species Richness Indices (Menhinick and Margalef indices), Species Diversity (Shannon-Wiener and Simpson Indices), and Eveness Index. Based on the results of morphological identification, we found the presence of algae from the divisions Cyanophyta, Chlorophyta, and Euglenophyta in both communities. The most dominant species found in the HL environment were Cyanophyta (Chroococcus sp., Microcystis sp., Nostoc sp., Oscilatoria sp.), Chlorophyta (Actinastrum sp., Ankistrodesmus sp., Centritractus belanophorus, Coelastrum sp., Closterium sp., Gleocapsa sp., Mougeutia sp., Pediastrum sp., Scenedesmus sp., Selenastrum sp., Sphaeroplea sp., Tetraspora cylindrica, Ulothrix sp., and Volvox sp.), Euglenophyta (Cryptoglena sp. and Lepocinclis sp.). Species found in the LL environment were Cyanophyta (Bulbochaeta sp.) and Chlorophyta (Pleurotaenium sp., Uronema elongasi, and Zygnema sp.). Microalgae communities in high light communities have higher diversity than low light communities. This study can be used as a reference for the diversity of microalgae in two different types of environments, especially in the tropics and in freshwater microalgae communities. This diversity data could be a reference for researchers and provide preliminary information of microalgae potency as alternative biofuels in the future. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Drought stress is a serious abiotic factor limiting the quality and yield of maize (Zea mays). To produce maize plants with enhanced drought tolerance, we generated transgenic maize plants overexpressing OsPYL/RCAR7, encoding an abscisic acid receptor. We crossed the selected lines with maize variety B73 and obtained F1 hybrid seeds. Initial screening suggested that the transgenic lines were more drought tolerant than wild-type plants. Analysis using the DroughtSpotter platform indicated that expressing OsPYL/RCAR7 enhanced drought resistance in transgenic maize seedlings by reducing water loss. In addition, the stomatal conductance of the leaf surface was 30% lower in OsPYL/RCAR7-overexpressing plants than in wild-type ones. After drought treatment, OsPYL/RCAR7-overexpressing maize showed a much higher survival rate than the wild type, suggesting that expressing OsPYL/RCAR7 reduced the negative effects of drought exposure on stomatal conductance and enhanced water use efficiency. Furthermore, the expression levels of drought-tolerance–related abscisic acid–signaling genes ABP2 and RAB16A were higher in the transgenic plants than in the wild type. Taken together, our data indicate that the seedlings of transgenic maize expressing the gene OsPYL/RCAR7 showed increased tolerance to drought stress, raising the possibility that stress-related genes from monocotyledonous crops could be used as genetic resources to improve the agricultural traits of maize. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Passalurosis is a prevalent disease among helminthiases of domestic rabbits. This invasion is caused by the nematode Passalurus ambiguus (Nematoda, Oxyuroidae), which is cosmopolitan and localized in the cecum and colon of rabbits. Passalurosis is highly contagious and capable of unlimited spread, due to the biological characteristics of its pathogen, such as the conditions that ensure maximum preservation of parasites at exogenous stages of their development. Experimental research in the laboratory established the timing of development of P. ambiguus eggs isolated from the gonads of female helminths, depending on temperature regimes and features of their growth and development. According to the morphological features of Passalurus eggs, four stages were distinguished in their exogenous development: zygote, cleavage and formation of blastomeres, formation of larvae and motile larvae. Depending on the cultivation temperature, the duration of embryogenesis ranged from 4 to 9 days, and egg viability ranged from 59.3% to 72.7%. The most favourable temperature regime for the development of P. ambiguus eggs was the temperature of 35 °C, at which 72.7% of eggs with motile larvae were formed within 4 days. At this temperature, the zygote stage lasted for 1 day of cultivation, the stage of cleaving and formation of blastomeres occurred on days 1–2, the stage of larval formation on days 1–3, and the stage of formation of motile larva on days 3–4. At lower temperatures, the term of development of Passalurus eggs increased, and the number of viable eggs decreased. At temperatures of 30 °С and 25 °С, the development of Passalurus eggs took place during 5 and 7 days, respectively, and the viability was 66.7% and 62.7%. At these temperatures, the zygote stage lasted 1–2 and 1–3 days, the stage of cleaving and formation of blastomeres occurred on days 1–3 and 1–4, the stage of larval formation lasted from days 2–4 and 2–6, and the stage of formation of motile larvae took place on days 3–5 and 4–7, respectively. The least favourable temperature for the development of P. ambiguus eggs was the temperature of 20 °С, at which the formation of motile larvae occurred in 9 days, and their viability was only 59.3%. At this temperature, the zygote stage lasted 1–4 days, the stage of cleaving and blastomere formation occurred on days 2–6, and the larval formation stage on days 3–8, and the motile larval stage happened on days 5–9. The growth and development of P. ambiguus eggs was accompanied by significant changes in morphometric parameters, such as the increase in egg width and thinning of egg shell at the egg shell plug. The obtained data will allow preventive measures to be effectively implemented on rabbit farms that are susceptible to pinworms, taking into account the terms of exogenous development of pathogens in different seasons.

• Telenomus remus K is 210.36 GD, Tt is 10.6 °C and Tmax is 35.9 °C. • Highest values of net reproduction rate (R 0) were obtained in thermal ranges between 25 and 30 °C. • Highest values of R 0 were obtained in RH ranges between 50 and 70%. • Ecological zoning based on R 0 presented Sep. to Feb. as the most suitable period for T. remus. • Ecological zoning based on number of generations showed south region of Brazil as less suitable for T. remus. Spodoptera frugiperda (J.E. Smith) is an important polyphagous pest of corn (maize) crops, reported as invasive on most continents. It is the main corn pest in South America. Control methods involve the use of agrochemicals and genetically modified cultivars. Among the possible alternatives for controlling this species, the present study evaluated the biological development of an isofemale line of Telenomus remus Nixon collected in Piracicaba, São Paulo, Brazil, on eggs of S. frugiperda at different temperatures and relative humidity (RH) levels. The development and parasitism of the parental generation of T. remus and its offspring were evaluated at different temperatures (18, 20, 22, 25, 28, 30, 33, and 35 °C) and RH levels (30, 50, 70, and 90 %). Fertility life tables were constructed based on the values obtained at different temperatures and RH. The estimated thermal constant (K) was 210.36 degree-days, the lower temperature threshold (Tt) 10.6 °C, and the upper developmental threshold (Tmax) 35.9 °C. In both generations, T. remus showed the best parasitism performance at temperatures between 25 and 30 °C and RH between 50 and 70 %. We represented the results geographically, producing two types of zoning maps, one based on R 0 (net reproductive rate) values and another based on the number of T. remus generations in municipalities according to the calendar for the first and second corn crops. Both zoning approaches indicated that the North, Northeast, Midwest, and Southeast regions of Brazil are the most suitable for the establishment and multiplication of T. remus , especially from September to February. In the colder Southern region, conditions are suitable only from November to March. Under the same climate conditions as S. frugiperda, T. remus can produce 4 to 6 times more generations in both corn crops. For the first corn crop, more regions of Brazil are favorable for the release of T. remus to control S. frugiperda. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ecological stoichiometry is an essential tool to understand carbon (C), nitrogen (N), and phosphorus (P) cycles and nutrient limitations. Plantations are usually managed to maintain specific age structures, but the impact of such management on microbial biomass and stoichiometric ratios remains unclear. We compared the stand ages of four Larix principis-rupprechtti Mayr. Plantations that were 15 years old, (young plantation, Lar15), 24 years old, (middle aged plantation, Lar24), 40 years old, (near-mature plantation, Lar40), and 50 years old, (mature plantation, Lar50), respectively, to determine the main factors that drive differences in the C:N:P stoichiometry of microorganisms. We demonstrated that the temperature, moisture, and nutrient concentrations in surface soil increased significantly with forest age. The stoichiometric ratios of elements in soil and microorganisms reached their maxima in the Lar40 and Lar50 plantations. Additionally, forest stand ages had a great influence on the biomass of microbial communities. Moreover, soil microbial community and soil abiotic factors are closely related to soil microorganisms’ C:N:P stoichiometric ratios. Specifically, changes in the microbial biomass C:N (MBC:MBN) were primarily correlated with bacteria, Gram-positive bacteria (G+), temperature, NH4+-N, and moisture in soil. Shifts in G+, actinobacteria, soil temperature, and total phosphorus were primarily associated with variation in microbial biomass C:P (MBC:MBP). Alterations in microbial biomass N:P (MBN:MBP) were correlated with bacteria, NH4+-N, water content, Gram-negative bacteria, and soil temperature. Overall, these results suggest that microbial elemental stoichiometric ratios could be affected by stand age and emphasize the importance of microbial communities and soil abiotic factors in shifting this dynamic change process.

Bacteriophage has attracted growing interest as a promising therapeutic agent for pathogenic bacteria, especially for antibiotic-resistant bacteria. However, the various abiotic conditions could impact the stability of phages and further threat host–virus interactions. Here, we investigated the stability and lytic activity of virulent polyvalent coliphage (named PE1) by double-layer plaque assay. PE1 can efficiently infect both the drug-sensitive Escherichia coli K12 and multidrug-resistant E. coli NDM-1 even after prolonged storage at 4 °C for up to two months. Results showed that PE1 exhibits an outstanding stability to infect E. coli strains under a wide range of thermal (4 °C–60 °C) and pH (4–11) conditions, which covers the thermal and pH variations of most wastewater treatment plants. Moreover, PE1 exhibited high resistibility to heavy metals exposure including Cu2+, Cd2+, Co2+, and Cr3+ at the concentrations below 0.5 mM, and an excellent resistant ability to the variation of ionic strength, which still retained strong infectious ability even treated with saturated sodium chloride solution (350 g/L). This work shows that polyvalent phage PE1 has a strong adaptive capacity to various abiotic factors and should be a good candidate of being an antibacterial agent, especially for antibiotic-resistant bacteria control in sewage. HIGHLIGHTS A virulent polyvalent coliphage named PE1 can propagate fast and effectively in both drug sensitive and drug resistant bacteria even after it has been stored for two months.; PE1 exhibited a strong resistant ability to the variations of common environmental factors including thermal, pH, ionic strength and several heavy metals, which could be a good candidate to be used as the antibacterial agent.;

The prospect of likely catastrophic transitions in ecosystems requires the development of early warning indicators that will provide advance warnings for undesired transitions. A grass hill is a unique microtopography that plays a crucial role in the functioning of wetland ecosystems. However, it is unclear whether grass hill size could serve as an important warning indicator to predict vegetation dynamics and ecosystem transitions during wetland degradation. Six degradation levels were selected along a grazing gradient in the alpine wetlands on the eastern Tibetan Plateau. General linear and segment regression were used to analyze whether grass hill area (GHA) can be used as an important warning indicator to predict biotic and abiotic factors and ecosystem transitions from typical alpine wetlands to meadows. The species diversity and biomass of aboveground vegetation increased slowly before the threshold point but decreased sharply after the threshold point (GHA (grass hill area) = 0.13 m2). The species diversity of both persistent and transient seed banks and the seed density of persistent seed banks also increased slowly but increased sharply before and after the threshold point (GHA = 0.2 m2). Soil moisture (SM), soil organic carbon (SOC) and total nitrogen (TN) decreased slowly but decreased sharply before and after the threshold point (GHA > 0.2 m2). Surprisingly, we also found the same threshold point (GHA = 0.13–0.2 m2) for the ecosystem transition from alpine wetlands to meadows as that for the other factors. GHA accurately predicted biotic (species diversity of vegetation and seed bank) and abiotic (SM, SOC, and TN) changes and the ecosystem transition from alpine wetlands to meadows. Thus, grass hill area is an effective warning indicator that could be used in future alpine wetland restoration and management.

Drought stress is a serious abiotic factor limiting the quality and yield of maize (Zea mays). To produce maize plants with enhanced drought tolerance, we generated transgenic maize plants overexpressing OsPYL/RCAR7, encoding an abscisic acid receptor. We crossed the selected lines with maize variety B73 and obtained F1 hybrid seeds. Initial screening suggested that the transgenic lines were more drought tolerant than wild-type plants. Analysis using the DroughtSpotter platform indicated that expressing OsPYL/RCAR7 enhanced drought resistance in transgenic maize seedlings by reducing water loss. In addition, the stomatal conductance of the leaf surface was 30% lower in OsPYL/RCAR7-overexpressing plants than in wild-type ones. After drought treatment, OsPYL/RCAR7-overexpressing maize showed a much higher survival rate than the wild type, suggesting that expressing OsPYL/RCAR7 reduced the negative effects of drought exposure on stomatal conductance and enhanced water use efficiency. Furthermore, the expression levels of drought-tolerance–related abscisic acid–signaling genes ABP2 and RAB16A were higher in the transgenic plants than in the wild type. Taken together, our data indicate that the seedlings of transgenic maize expressing the gene OsPYL/RCAR7 showed increased tolerance to drought stress, raising the possibility that stress-related genes from monocotyledonous crops could be used as genetic resources to improve the agricultural traits of maize.

ackfruit is identified as targeted produced for premium fruit and vegetable (EPP 7). Meanwhile in Johor, jackfruit is the third biggest fruit produced in 2016. Jackfruit contains a lot of benefits which certainly good for living things and have been used in various sector such as medicine, food, anti-bacterial and anti-oxidant, antifungal effect, immunomodulatory effect and else. However, the existence of pests and diseases have threatened the productivity of jackfruit plant particularly in tropical countries including Malaysia. There are many factors that can affect the occurrence of pests and plant diseases of jackfruit such as shoot borers, bark borers, mealy bug and scale insects, blossoms and fruit rots and bacterial die-back. Several studies have been devoted to model the plant pests and diseases epidemiology, though the contexts that focus in tropical environment and jackfruit plant are limited. Therefore, this paper aims to discuss abiotic factors and spatial methods that have been used to define dispersal pattern and relationship between abiotic factors including major climatic variables with plant pests and diseases occurrence data, particularly in tropical climate. This paper could be used as a basis to understand the epidemiological models in combating pest and plant disease and to support towards the effective management of jackfruit pests and diseases in tropical countries, particularly Malaysia.

The conformity of abiotic factors in the growing environment of crops determines the successful result of crop production. This study aims to assess and evaluate land suitability for plant growth and result of patchouli development in Dilem wilis, Bendungan Distric, Trenggalek Regency. The study was initiated with the survey and continued by utilizing analysis method to adjust the data with the criteria according to the classification of land suitability clashing and crops cultivation as indicator for assessing land suitability. The research was conducted on 3 locations from May to July 2017 for land suitability and from July to November 2017 for patchouli crops cultivation experiment. The result indicated from the three sampling Locations, specifically Location 1 presented the land suitability of N class, conforming that this Location was not suitable with the limiting factor of low K2O content of 0.08 me / 100 g. Meanwhile, both Location 2 and Location 3 presented similar land suitability class of S3s, tc, f, n conforming as less appropriate. The results of this study also depicted the influence of land suitability classes on plant growth; however, the difference in land classes (in this case S3 compared to N) did not demonstrate a correlation for oil yield and patchouli alcohol, where the element Potassium becomes a limiting factor.

Fungal virulence is multifaceted and dependent on multiple abiotic factors. The present study represents an investigation of the effect of one such abiotic factor, that of the grain type, on the insecticidal action of three entomopathogenic fungal species, Beauveria bassiana (Balsamo) Vuillemin (Hypocreales: Cordycipitaceae), Metarhizium anisopliae (Metschinkoff) Sorokin (Hypocreales: Clavicipitaceae) and Isaria fumosorosea Wize (Hypocreales: Clavicipitaceae) on larvae of the three very common and destructive stored product pests: the khapra beetle (Trogoderma granarium Everts) (Coleoptera: Dermestidae), the confused flour beetle (Triboliumconfusum Jacquelin du Val) (Coleoptera: Tenebrionidae) and the Mediterranean flour moth (Ephestiakuehniella Zeller) (Lepidoptera: Pyralidae). To this end, we selected four different grains, i.e., Triticum aestivum L. (Poales: Poaceae), Oryza sativa L. (Poales: Poaceae), Arachis hypogaea L. (Fabales: Fabaceae) and Vicia faba L. (Fabales: Fabaceae). Bioassays were carried out in the lab, where experimental grains were sprayed with 1 mL of conidial suspension (108 conidia/mL) from each isolate. Mean mortality, median survival time and weight loss of seeds were estimated for each species. Our results suggest that the differences in the efficacy of entomopathogenic fungi were dependent both on the isolates and the grain. The grain type as a factor is equally important to other abiotic factors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this review is to examine the problems encountered with logs kept in depots and the measures recommended to correct them. Biotic, abiotic, and other factors can affect the quality and quantitative properties of stored logs. Biotic factors include fungi (decay/rot fungi, stain fungi, and mold), insects (wood, bark, and ambrosia beetles), and bacteria. The climatic conditions of ultraviolet (UV) light, wind, and temperature at the storage site can be considered as abiotic factors. In addition, storage problems may be caused by business management, inadequate training and qualifications of depot personnel, and the type of depot floor/ground. Measures to counteract these factors were examined in detail, as a result of field observations and literature studies. The solutions presented included: shortening the storage period and expanding winter production rather than maintaining year-round storage, bringing production planning in line with the needs of the sector and providing sufficient training to workers and technical personnel, as well as increasing the sale of standing trees, separating earlier- and later-felled products in depot areas, installing pheromone traps, and ensuring proper drainage and maintenance of depot grounds. Additional measures to be taken in factory warehouses included water sprinkling and holding logs in water (ponding). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Slope aspect can affect soil temperature and soil type distribution, which, in turn, is likely to influence plant community composition. Three Qilian mountains, located in the northeastern part of the Qinghai–Tibetan Plateau, China, with four distinct slope aspects including south‐facing (SF), southwest‐facing (SW), northwest‐facing (NW), and north‐facing (NF) slope aspects, were studied to investigate the impact of slope aspect on plant assemblages. The results indicated that the environmental conditions were favorable under the NF and NW slope aspects as the soil water, soil organic carbon (SOC), and soil total nitrogen (STN) contents were significantly higher, and soil temperature (ST) and soil bulk density (SBD) were significantly lower than under the SF and SW aspects. Under all slope aspects, however, SOC, STN, and soil total phosphate in the top 0.2 m of topsoil accounted for about 60% of its total quantity, to a soil depth of 0.6 m. The plant communities on the SF and SW slopes were found to be primarily composed of Poa pratensis, Potentilla anrisena, and Carex aridula. In contrast, the plant community on the NW slope was mainly composed of Kobresia humilis, Carex crebra, and Potentilla bifurca, while on the NF slope it was mainly composed of Picea crassifolia, Carex scabrirostris, and Polygonum macrophyllum. The order of the influence of environmental factors on species distributions was ST > SBD > sand > STN. Results suggest that the slope aspect has an important role in the regulation of the soil environment and plant assemblages and that ST and SBD were the main factors influencing plant community composition. Furthermore, evidence from this study suggests that these mountains will become increasingly vulnerable to global warming. Thus, the plant community composition on these mountains must be monitored continuously in order to allow for strategic adaptive management.

While several studies have tested the effects of anthropogenic factors on specific taxa in ponds, the simultaneous effects of the overall anthropogenic pressure along the environmental gradient on the diversity of different groups of pond communities remain unknown. In this study, we evaluated the simultaneous effects of the overall intensity of human impact and characteristics of natural pond variability on the diversity and density of macrophytes, benthic and epiphytic macroinvertebrates, and fish community and water chemistry in pond ecosystems. We found a reduction in the diversity and density of macrophytes and in the diversity of epiphytic macroinvertebrates with an increased human pressure. The effects of the intensity of human impact on the diversity of epiphytic macroinvertebrates were mediated via changes in macrophyte diversity. Benthic macroinvertebrates were not affected by an increase in the intensity of human pressure. Fish community responded to the increased human pressure with shifts in abundance through the predominance of invasive species. Natural pond variability properties affected the pond communities and water chemistry in the majority of cases. Our results conclude that for understanding the effects of human activity on pond biodiversity, integrating the simultaneous effects of multiple anthropogenic and abiotic factors in ponds is desirable. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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Fungal virulence is multifaceted and dependent on multiple abiotic factors. The present study represents an investigation of the effect of one such abiotic factor, that of the grain type, on the insecticidal action of three entomopathogenic fungal species, Beauveria bassiana (Balsamo) Vuillemin (Hypocreales: Cordycipitaceae), Metarhizium anisopliae (Metschinkoff) Sorokin (Hypocreales: Clavicipitaceae) and Isaria fumosorosea Wize (Hypocreales: Clavicipitaceae) on larvae of the three very common and destructive stored product pests: the khapra beetle (Trogoderma granarium Everts) (Coleoptera: Dermestidae), the confused flour beetle (Tribolium confusum Jacquelin du Val) (Coleoptera: Tenebrionidae) and the Mediterranean flour moth (Ephestia kuehniella Zeller) (Lepidoptera: Pyralidae). To this end, we selected four different grains, i.e., Triticum aestivum L. (Poales: Poaceae), Oryza sativa L. (Poales: Poaceae), Arachis hypogaea L. (Fabales: Fabaceae) and Vicia faba L. (Fabales: Fabaceae). Bioassays were carried out in the lab, where experimental grains were sprayed with 1 mL of conidial suspension (108 conidia/mL) from each isolate. Mean mortality, median survival time and weight loss of seeds were estimated for each species. Our results suggest that the differences in the efficacy of entomopathogenic fungi were dependent both on the isolates and the grain. The grain type as a factor is equally important to other abiotic factors.

Understanding of salt marsh plant zonation caused by abiotic and biotic factors is essential for successful conservation plans in the face of ongoing environmental change. The frequency of flooding is more important than elevation in predicting marsh plant zones. Tidal marsh plants are distributed across a wide gradient of soil-water salinities. Studies done to date indicate that redox potential, ionic composition of soil, moisture content of soil, latitude, topographical, and climatic factors may play some role in forming vegetation zones. Competition and facilitation are important in mediating zonation, and the importance of facilitation of plant growth increases with increasing physical stress within the abiotic range limits. A refined understanding of facilitation along stress gradients would help inform successful restoration and management of vegetation. In the salt marsh plant community, a trade-off between belowground competitive ability and the ability to tolerate physical stressors appears to drive plant growth patterns across the landscape. Understanding and predicting shifts between bare flats and vegetated marshes is of great importance, because it provides a useful scientific basis for understanding vegetation zonation. A bimodal distribution of intertidal elevations, positive feedbacks, and alternative stable states and abrupt shifts in elevation from bare flats to vegetated states are present in salt marsh ecosystems. Strategies to assess whether alternative stable states are present are now converging in fields as disparate as desertification, limnology, oceanography, ecology and climatology. Further research should therefore focus on the conditions for and the specific mechanisms behind alternative stable states in salt marsh ecosystems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The tree fern Cyathea corcovadensis (Raddi) Domin is an endangered species in the state of Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil. It currently occurs only in the northern segment of the coastal region. Spore storage would help in conservation programs since it maintains genetic variability and provides material for in vitro cultures. Current study evaluates the effect of low temperatures combined to different spore storage times on the germination and initial gametophyte development of C. corcovadensis. Spores were divided into two groups: spores of the first group were sowed immediately in Meyer culture medium with nystatin, at pH 4.0, while spores of the second group were stored at 7, -20 and -196°C during 60, 120, 180, and 365 days and then sowed in the same medium. Spore storage at 7 and -196°C for 365 days not only provided higher germination percentages than those reported for recently-collected spores but also stimulated gametophytic development. The latter was demonstrated by the higher percentages of laminar gametophytes in these treatments. The possibility of storing spores provides material for in vitro experiments, which is of special interest for C. corcovadensis due to its ornamental potential and conservation status.

Nematode community studies have been carried out in various forests for several decades. However, in forest ecosystems, the diversity of woody plant taxa with different plant species makes it difficult to determine factors regulating nematode communities. In this respect, monoculture forests in sandy coastal areas can be model systems for characterizing nematode communities because harsh environments limit plant growth and, consequently, soil nematodes. The purpose of this study was to characterize the community structure and spatial pattern of soil nematodes molecularly in coastal Pinus thunbergii forests. Nematodes were collected from two soil layers at each of four sites and subjected to DNA sequence analysis focusing on partial SSU rRNA. In total, 398 sequences were determined from 400 nematode specimens (50 nematodes per soil layer per site). These sequences formed 36, 37, 50, and 84 molecular operational taxonomic units (MOTUs) at identity levels of 97%, 98%, 99%, and 100%, respectively. The MOTUs at a 98% identity level corresponded to genera in nematode assemblages. The bacterivorous Acrobeloides (relative abundance, 20–25%), omnivorous Aporcelaimellus (15–20%), and bacterivorous Prismatolaimus (12–22%) were the dominant taxa that collectively accounted for 60% of all genera detected in the top (0–10 cm soil depth) and bottom (10–20 cm) soil layers. The rank abundance pattern was best explained by the Mandelbrot model being a few taxa with other many minor taxa. Nematode communities formed two clusters regardless of the physical distances between study sites. Cluster 1 was characterized by higher soil water content and cluster 2 was characterized by higher pH. These results suggest that nematode community structure of the coastal pine forest is simple, and are regulated by proximate abiotic factors such as water content and soil pH. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The deadwood mycobiome, also known as wood-inhabiting fungi (WIF), are among the key players in wood decomposition, having a large impact on nutrient cycling in forest soils. However, our knowledge of WIF richness and distribution patterns in different forest biomes is limited. Here, we used pyrotag sequencing of the fungal internal transcribed spacer (ITS2) region to characterize the deadwood mycobiome of two tree species with greatly different wood characteristics (Schima superba and Pinus massoniana) in a Chinese subtropical forest ecosystem. Specifically, we tested (i) the effects of tree species and wood quality properties on WIF OTU richness and community composition; (ii) the role of biotic and abiotic factors in shaping the WIF communities; and (iii) the relationship between WIF OTU richness, community composition and decomposition rates. Due to different wood chemical properties, we hypothesized that the WIF communities derived from the two tree species would be correlated differently with biotic and abiotic factors. Our results show that deadwood in subtropical forests harbors diverse fungal communities comprising six ecological functional groups. We found interesting colonization patterns for this subtropical biome, where Resinicium spp. were highly detected in both broadleaved and coniferous deadwood. In addition, the members of Xylariales were frequently found in Schima. The two deadwood species differed significantly in WIF OTU richness (Pinus > Schima) and community composition (P < 0.001). Variations in WIF community composition of both tree species were significantly explained by wood pH and ecological factors (biotic: deadwood species, basal area and abiotic: soil pH), but the WIF communities derived from each tree species correlated differently with abiotic factors. Interestingly, we found that deadwood decomposition rate significantly correlated with WIF communities and negatively correlated with WIF OTU richness. We conclude that the pattern of WIF OTU richness and community composition are controlled by multiple interacting biotic and abiotic factors. Overall, our study provides an in-depth picture of the deadwood mycobiome in this subtropical forest. Furthermore, by comparing our results to results from temperate and boreal forests we contribute to a better understanding of patterns of WIF communities across different biomes and geographic locations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Life history parameters of bumblebee Bombus terrestris (L.) (Hymenoptera: Apidae) were investigated by using rearing boxes of wood, cardboard and polycarbonate materials on three developmental stages i.e., colony initiation, development and maturation stages under controlled laboratory conditions. Queen oviposition rate was 1.4-fold higher in polycarbonate box compared to wooden and cardboard materials. Early start of egg-laying (first oviposition period) and earlier emergence of first worker were found in polycarbonate box as compared to others. Similarly, colony foundation stage in polycarbonate box took 58.3 days which was about 7-10 days shorter than others box types. Early emergence of sexual were observed in polycarbonate box with maximum numbers of daughter queens and males emerged 1.7-4.0 fold higher than from cardboard and wooden material boxes. Foundation queen (mother queen) survival duration was the lowest in cardboard box (64.6 days) while highest in polycarbonate box (109.5 days). Mortality of workers and males was 2.1-fold less in polycarbonate as compare to cardboard and wooden materials. Such important abiotic affect of rearing environment suggests polycarbonate boxes the most suitable on all three developmental stages of bumblebees for efficient commercial mass rearing. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Eggs of Anagasta kuehniella (Zeller 1879) are widely used for mass rearing of Trichogramma spp. and other parasitoids and predators, largely commercialized in many countries. The aim of this study is to evaluate the effect of carbon dioxide (CO2) originated from larval metabolism on the biological parameters of A. kuehniella. For that purpose, we assess the production of carbon dioxide (CO2) per rearing tray of A. kuehniella and the effect of CO2 on the viability of egg-to-adult period and oviposition of A. kuehniella. Results allow to estimate that a rearing tray, containing 10,000 larvae between the 4th and 5th instars, produces an average of 30.67 mL of CO2 per hour. The highest egg production of A. kuehniella was obtained when the larvae were kept in rooms with lower concentration of CO2 (1,200 parts per million - ppm), producing 23% more eggs than in rooms with higher CO2 concentrations. In rooms with high density of trays (70 trays/room), CO2 concentration exceeded 4,400 ppm. The viability of the egg-to-adult period was not influenced by carbon dioxide.Ovos de Anagasta kuehniella (Zeller, 1879) são muito utilizados para a criação massal de Trichogramma spp. e de outros parasitóides e predadores, sendo comercializados em muitos países. O objetivo deste trabalho foi avaliar o efeito do dióxido de carbono (CO2), proveniente do metabolismo larval, em parâmetros biológicos de A. kuehniella, principalmente na postura. Para que este objetivo fosse atingido, foram avaliados a produção de dióxido de carbono (CO2) por bandeja de criação de A. kuehniella e o efeito do CO2 na viabilidade do período ovo-adulto e na postura de A. kuehniella. Por meio dos resultados obtidos pôde-se estimar que uma bandeja de criação, com lagartas entre o 4° e 5° ínstares, inoculada com 10.000 lagartas produz, em média, 30,67 ml de CO2 por hora. A maior produção de ovos de A. kuehniella foi obtida quando as lagartas foram mantidas em salas com concentração de CO2 inferior a 1.200 ppm, produzindo 23% mais ovos nesta condição em relação a de insetos provenientes de salas com concentrações maiores. Em salas com alta densidade de bandejas (70 bandejas/sala), a concentração de CO2 ultrapassou 4400 ppm. A viabilidade do período ovo-adulto não foi influenciada pelo dióxido de carbono.

Methods and agricultural uses of genetic engineering applied to rice crop Resumen: En biotecnología de arroz se han logrado avances en transformación genética, con importantes resultados en el mejoramiento genético de variedades elite de las subespecies japónica e índica. Con el propósito de revisar los métodos y los usos agrícolas de la ingeniería genética aplicada al cultivo del arroz, se usaron varias palabras claves en idioma inglés en algunas de las bases de datos de revistas científicas indexadas, disponibles en el Sistema Nacional de Bibliotecas de la Universidad Nacional de Colombia (SINAB), seleccionando documentos publicados entre 2000 y 2011. La base de esta revisión inicial, se complementó con artículos publicados en fechas anteriores, que se consideraron relevantes, debido a que implicaban cambios metodológicos importantes. Desde que se logró producir la primera planta transgénica de arroz a finales de los 80´s, varios protocolos para la transferencia de genes se han empleado con éxito logrando la modificación genética de más de 60 cultivares de arroz. Para ello se han empleado sistemas de transformación tanto directos como indirectos. Se han realizado modificaciones de rasgos importantes en el cultivo, tales como la resistencia a factores bióticos (insectos, hongos, bacterias, virus, nematodos), tolerancia a factores abióticos (salinidad, sequía, altas y bajas temperaturas, inmersión), y mejoramiento de características agronómicas (calidad nutricional, rendimiento, uso de nutrientes, tolerancia a herbicidas). Palabras claves: Arroz; cultivos transgénicos; factores bióticos; factores abióticos. Abstract: In rice biotechnology advances have been made in genetic transformation, with significant results in breeding elite varieties of japonica and indica subspecies. In order to review the methods and agricultural uses of genetic engineering applied to rice, calves were used several words in English in some of the databases of scientific journals available in the National Libraries National University of Colombia (SINAB), selecting papers published between 2000 and 2011. Based on this initial review, it addition to some articles published at earlier dates, which were considered relevant because they involved significant methodological changes. Since it was able to produce the first transgenic rice plant in the late 80's, several protocols for gene transfer have been used successfully achieving the genetic modification of more than 60 rice cultivars. For this transformation systems have been used both direct and indirect. There have been significant changes in the crop traits such as resistance to biotic (insects, fungi, bacteria, viruses, nematodes), tolerance to abiotic (salinity, drought, high and low temperatures, immersion), improved features agronomic (nutritional quality, yield, nutrient use, herbicide tolerance). Key words: Rice; transgenic crops; biotic factor; abiotic factor.

Although formerly an abundant species, the Eurasian Griffon (Gyps fulvus Hablizl, 1783) has undergone a dramatic decline in Herzegovina. Such an unfavorable trend may be associated with frequent poisoning incidents (consumption of poisoned baits), shortage of food and hunting. This species disappeared from its breeding habitats in Herzegovina during the last decade of the 20th century. The extinction was probably caused by military activities during the civil war. Using data that were collected over a period of long-term (1980-1991) monitoring of the breeding population, we discovered optimal environmental conditions for the nesting of the Eurasian Griffon Vulture in Herzegovina. Information on nest-site preference is valuable for conservation programs and the possible reintroduction of the Eurasian Griffon, not only in Herzegovina, but also to a much wider region. During the study period, we observed 61 nests and 252 nesting cases in four colonies of Eurasian Griffon Vulture. Most nests were located on limestone and dolomite rocks. The average altitude of nests was 378 m a.s.l.; most of nests (85%) were located below 500 m a.s.l. Also, the majority of nests were located on west-exposed sites.

The Asian citrus psyllid, Diaphorina citri Kuwayama (Hemiptera: Liviidae), is the vector of the pathogen presumably responsible for causing huanglongbing, a devastating disease affecting citrus (Sapindales: Rutaceae). It is well established that D. citri populations decrease significantly during winter because of the diminution of young emerging leaves, which are the only site of egg laying and nymphal development. Therefore, this period could be a weak link in the phenology of D. citri, and populations appear to be more sensitive to responsive actions such as insecticide sprays. However, little is known about the distribution of D. citri adults within citrus orchards during winter. We surveyed populations of D. citri in commercial citrus groves in central Florida over the course of 2 yr. In 4 groves, we sampled the citrus canopy at 3 heights and at the 4 cardinal directions. We also investigated the potential for alternative habitats for D. citri and sampled non-crop vegetation and potential alternative hosts over 2 seasons. We did not find a consistent pattern in the distribution of D. citri adults during winter in citrus, with one exception; canopies facing south harbored more psyllids than those facing north. We found that the presence of young emerging leaves was the major factor driving D. citri population increases during winter, but the abundance of D. citri adults was also positively correlated with relative humidity. We also found that the proportion of psyllids with the green-blue morphotype (the morph with greatest dispersal capability and likely the major driver of spring grove infestations) increased after insecticide application and after cold weather. Finally, we investigated the potential existence of alternative hosts on which D. citri could feed and/or reproduce in the absence of young emerging citrus leaves during winter. We did not find evidence of an alternative host during winter for D. citri in central Florida. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We measured parameters of photosynthetic capacity, instantaneous gas exchange and leaf mineral contents of tropical mistletoe Dendrophthoe curvata parasitising three hosts, viz, Andira inermis (Fabaceae), Mangifera indica (Anacardiaceae) and Vitex pinnata (Verbenaceae) in a secondary tropical heath (Kerangas) forest patch in Brunei Darussalam in response to changes in light intensity, leaf temperature and atmospheric CO2 concentrations. The response patterns of maximum photosynthesis, maximum carboxylation rate of rubisco, electron transport rate for ribulose-1,5-bisphosphate regeneration and CO2 assimilation rate of D. curvata revealed that its photosynthesis was co-limited by both light and temperature and did not saturate at natural CO2 concentrations (380 ppm). The effects of CO2 elevation on D. curvata photosynthesis was long term due to the partial dependence of obligate hemiparasitic mistletoe on host-derived carbon. Stomatal conductance of D. curvata was moderately sensitive to CO2 elevation under the natural conditions that the measurements were made. Notably, ecophysiological responses of D. curvata including potential photosynthesis, gas exchange parameters and leaf mineral profiles were significantly different when the mistletoe parasitised three different host species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The first study on coexistence of reef benthic organisms in Brazilian coral reefs was done in three localities of the Abrolhos Archipelago. Organisms were recorded in concentric circle samples (10 and 20 cm in diameter) randomly laid on transects. Type and frequency of "coexistence events" between pairs of organisms were determined. Most frequent organisms (massive and branched coralline algae, Favia gravida, and Agaricia agaricites) also had many significant positive coexistence events. These results might be related to the abundances of these organisms. The most frequent coral (Siderastrea stellata), however, exhibited only a few significant coexistence events (9% of 32 tests). Since the great majority of events were positive, and since there was high variation in the species/groups involved in significant events in different localities, benthic communities of Abrolhos Archipelago may well be structured primarily by abiotic rather than biotic factors.Se hizo el primer estudio de coexistencia de organismos bénticos de arrecifes brasileños en tres localidades del Archipiélago de Abrolhos, registrando la presencia de organismos en círculos de 10 y 20 cm de diametro, distribuidos al azar en transectos. La mayoría de los organismo frecuentes (algas coralinas macizas y ramificadas, Favia gravida y Agaricia agaricites) mostraron la más alta "coexistencia positiva", tal vez por su abundancia. El coral más frecuente (Siderastrea stellata), sin embargo, mostró apenas algunos eventos de coexistencia significativos (9% de 32 ensayos). Debido a que la mayor parte de los eventos fue positiva, y considerando que existe una alta variabilidad en las interacciones significativas en diferentes localidades, las comunidades bénticas del Archipiélago de Abrolhos pueden haber sido estructuradas principalmente por factores abióticos, mas que por factores bióticos.

The lesser mealworm beetle, Alphitobius diaperinus (Panzer) (Coleoptera: Tenebrionidae), is an important insect pest. The insect acts as a disease vector and reservoir, negatively affecting the health of birds and humans, and harming poultry husbandry. Controlling the lesser mealworm is generally based on using synthetic chemical insecticides, which are sometimes ineffective, and is limited due to market concerns regarding the toxicity of chemical residues in food products. In this context, the present study aimed to evaluate the potential for the combination of physical and chemical methods to control A. diaperinus. Bioassays were conducted using poultry bedding and known populations of beetle adults and larvae. The treatments consisted of the isolated application of 400 g/m² hydrated lime; 20% added moisture (distilled water); temperature increase to 45°C; an insecticide composed of cypermethrin, chlorpyrifos, and citronellal; and a combination of these factors. Beetle mortality was measured at 7 and 10 d of treatment. The hydrated lime and moisture treatments alone did not control A. diaperinus. Raising the temperature of the poultry bedding to 45°C effectively controlled both larvae (90 ± 6%) and adults (90 ± 4%). The use of insecticide provided adequate control of A. diaperinus in the conditions of the bioassay (93 ± 2% and 68 ± 5% for adults and larvae, respectively). The combination of the studied factors led to the total control of larvae and adults after 7 d of treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Acta Scientiarum: Biological Sciences is the property of Universidade Estadual de Maringa and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Abies kawakamii forests are generally distributed above 3,000 m in Taiwanese high mountains. The community data used in our analysis were derived from the database of the National Vegetation Diversity Inventory and Mapping Project of Taiwan (NVDIMP), and environmental data were obtained from the WorldClim and NVDIMP databases. We used non-metric multidimensional scaling (NMDS) to identify vegetation composition of Abies communities and the structural equation models (SEMs) were used to examine the complex relationships between environmental factors and vegetation composition. The results of ordination showed the most important factors determining species composition of Abies forests involved habitat rockiness, heat load index, warmth index and summer and winter. SEM results approved the warmth index and winter precipitation were the main drivers determining the latent variable-climate, which significantly affect the overstory composition of Abies communities. The relative frequency of Yushania niitakayamensis also had a minor effect on the overstory. However, the relative frequency of Yushania had strong and significant effects on the understory flora and it was also strongly correlated with rock ratio and winter precipitation. Moreover, the overstory displayed a negative but insignificant coefficient on the understory composition, and this might be attributed to the fragile and high heterogeneous habitat in Taiwanese high mountain areas. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abiotic factors have been demonstrated to mediate predator-prey interactions in aquatic and terrestrial communities. For amphibians changes in pH, pollutants, temperature, ultraviolet-B, and moisture levels can alter behavioral, developmental, and physiological aspects of predator-prey relationships resulting in reduced survivorship. Some rhacophorid frogs deposit eggs as foam nests on vegetation overhanging water, presumably as an adaptive response to the risk of egg predation by aquatic animals. Terrestrial insects are known to feed on frog embryos in foam nests, and anecdotal observations in tropical East Asia and Southeast Asia suggested that predation of frog embryos by dipteran fly larvae may be higher in unshaded areas. To understand the role that shading may play in this relationship, I compared survival of embryos of the Brown Tree Frog (Polypedates megacephalus) infested by larvae of a calliphorid fly (Phumosia coomani) in shaded and unshaded conditions in a controlled field study. When foam nests were infested by flies, survival to hatching was more than 15 times higher in shaded than in unshaded nests. Less than 1% of frog embryos survived to hatching in unshaded, infested foam nests which contained twice as many fly larvae as shaded nests. These results combine to suggest that both colonization and predation by flies are higher in unshaded foam nests. The mechanism triggering increased colonization of unshaded nests is unclear, but warmer temperatures on the surfaces of unshaded foam nests may decrease hatching time for fly eggs, permitting fly larvae to move inside the foam nest more quickly and begin feeding on amphibian embryos. Although the risk of predation by calliphorid flies is higher for P. megacephalus in unshaded areas, the benefits of developing in warmer conditions, including faster embryonic and larval development and larger size at metamorphosis, may offset this risk. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]