Chyliza vittata is known to utilize leaves, stems and underground parts of several leafy and leafless orchids. Compared to the well-recorded feeding habits of C. vittata in Europe, its feeding habits in Japan are poorly studied. Thus, further records of its host plants and the habits of its larvae in Japan are likely to reveal the similarities and differences in its feeding habits in Europe and Japan. The current study reports C. vittata feeding on the stems of the mycoheterotrophic orchid Yoania japonica in central Japan. This study also showed that in spite of the small size of Yoania its reproductive success is not severely reduced when infested with C. vittata, whereas the robust stems of Gastrodia elata, which is its main host plant in Japan, are thought to be a defence against infestation by C. vittata., Kenji SUETSUGU., and Obsahuje bibliografii
We studied the effect of arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) fungus, Glomus constrictum (Trappe), and soil phosphorus (P) on
gas-exchange parameters, growth, and nutrition of soybean plants grown in pots with sterilized soil. Two contrasting concentrations of KH2PO4, i.e. no added and 0.5 g(P) kg-1(soil), were used. Addition of soluble phosphate increased all growth parameters, P and N concentrations, and most of the studied photosynthetic parameters of both the mycorrhizal and nonmycorrhizal plants. The mycorrhizal inoculation significantly increased plant growth responses, P and N concentrations in shoot and root tissues, acid and alkaline phosphatase activities, and total soluble proteins in root tissues compared with the nonmycorrhizal plants. The stimulations were related to the level of the mycorrhizal colonization in the root tissues. The mycorrhizal plants showed significantly higher net photosynthetic rate, stomatal conductance, and transpiration rate than those of nonmycorrhizal plants, especially in soil without added P. The phosphate addition to soil reduced generally the percentage of the mycorrhizal colonization in the root tissues, and consequently the mycorrhizal benefits. In general, growth, nutrition, and photosynthetic parameters of the soybean plants showed a high degree of dependency on the mycorrhizal fungus in nonfertilized soil when compared with the soil fertilized with P. This study confirmed that AM colonization could improve growth and nutrition of the soybean plant through increasing photosynthesis in leaves, particularly at low P in soil., G. M. Abdel-Fattah, A. A. Asrar, S. M. Al-Amri, E. M. Abdel-Salam., and Obsahuje bibliografii
In order to elucidate the drought resistance and high-yield mechanism of hybrid millet, we studied the influence of drought stress on the photosynthetic characteristics and dry matter accumulation. Our results revealed that drought stress caused lesser reduction in the net photosynthetic rate, maximal quantum yield of PSII photochemistry, excitation energy capture efficiency of PSII reaction centers and in the yield of hybrid millet compared to normal millet. When drought stress occurred in the jointing stage, the percentage decrease of PN, Fv/Fm, Fv′/Fm′, and the yield of Zhangzagu3 cultivar compared to control were 27.9%, 2.6%, 25. 5%, and 1.9%, respectively, the percentage decrease of Zhangzagu5 were 37.6%, 3.9%, 28.3%, and 16.7%, respectively, the decrease percentage of Datong29 were 60.1%, 6.4%, 4%, and 23.4%, respectively. Hybrid millet showed the similar reduction in the parameters referred above, when drought stress occurred at the heading stage, but the percentage decrease was much higher than that at the jointing stage. We concluded that hybrid millet showed higher drought resistance than normal millet., H. B. Lu, Y. M. Qiao, X. C. Gong, H. Q. Li, Q. Zhang, Z. H. Zhao, L. L. Meng., and Obsahuje bibliografii
5-aminolevulinic acid (ALA) is an essential precursor for the biosynthesis of tetrapyrrols such as heme and chlorophyll (Chl). Previous studies have focused mainly on promotive effects of exogenous ALA on plant growth, while regulatory mechanisms affecting Chl biosynthesis have been only partially discussed. In the present study, the ameliorative role of exogenous ALA was investigated on Chl and endogenous ALA biosynthesis in six-day-old etiolated oilseed rape (Brassica napus L.) cotyledons during the de-etiolation stage. We showed that exogenously applied ALA of a low dosage enhanced Chl and ALA accumulation in cotyledons, while 600 µM ALA treatment inhibited the accumulation of Chl and ALA severely. However, the gene expression levels of glutamyl-tRNA reductase (HEMA) and glutamate-1-semialdehyde aminotransferase (GSA) were not affected under either low or high ALA concentrations. Furthermore, water deficit induced by polyethylene glycol 6000 (PEG) suppressed the Chl and ALA accumulation in cotyledons, while the inhibition was partially alleviated in the cotyledons pretreated with ALA. The decrease in Chl biosynthesis induced by PEG stress was assumed to be related to downregulation of HEMA and Mg-chelatase ChlH (ChlH), and upregulation of ferrochelatase (FC) genes. Moreover, exogenously applied ALA did not show any effect on the expression of Chl synthesis-related genes under the PEG treatment. These results showed a difference in suppressing ALA synthesis due to the high concentration of ALA and PEG. Exogenously applied ALA did not affect the expression of HEMA and GSA, thus exogenous ALA regulated Chl synthesis not via the regulation of transcriptional level in ALA biosynthesis. However, the inhibition in Chl and endogenous ALA accumulation by the PEG treatment may be attributed to downregulation of HEMA and ChlH, and upregulation of FC., D. Liu, D. D. Kong, X. K. Fu, B. Ali, L. Xu, W. J. Zhou., and Seznam literatury
The effects of polyamines (PAs) on salt stress in Bakraii (Citrus reticulata × Citrus limetta) seedlings were studied. Foliar treatments by putrescine (Put), spermidine (Spd), and spermine (Spm) (0, 0.5, and 1 mM) were applied during the salinity period
(0 and 75 mM of NaCl). PA-treated seedlings showed a lower content of Na+ and Cl- in leaves. Application of PAs increased net photosynthetic rate in salt-stressed plants and it contributed to the enhanced growth parameters. PAs application considerably induced growth improvement in Bakraii seedlings which was found to be associated with reduced electrolyte leakage, increased relative water content, chlorophyll fluorescence parameters, activities of key antioxidant enzymes, as well as increased photosynthetic pigment concentration under saline regime. These results showed the promising use of PAs, especially of Spd and Spm, for reducing the negative effects of salinity stress and improving the growth of citrus seedlings., D. Khoshbakht, M. R. Asghari, M. Haghighi., and Obsahuje bibliografii
Salicylic acid (SA) is a common, plant-produced signal molecule that is responsible for inducing tolerance to a number of biotic and abiotic stresses. Our experiment was therefore conducted to test whether the application of SA at various concentrations (0, 0.10, 0.50, and 1.00 mM) as a foliar spray would protect citrus seedlings (Valencia orange/Bakraii) subjected to salt stress (0, 25, 50, and 75 mM NaCl). Growth parameters, leaf chlorophyll (Chl) content, relative water content (RWC), maximal quantum yield of PSII photochemistry (Fv/Fm), and gas-exchange variables were negatively affected by salinity. In addition, leaf electrolyte leakage (EL) and proline content increased by salinity treatments. Application of SA increased net photosynthetic rate and proline content in salt stressed plants and may have contributed to the enhanced growth parameters. SA treated plants had greater Chl content and RWC compared with untreated plants when exposed to salt stress. Fv/Fm ratio and stomatal conductance were also significantly higher in SA treated plants under saline stress conditions. SA application reduced EL compared to untreated plants, indicating possible protection of integrity of the cellular membrane. It appeared that the best ameliorative remedies of SA were obtained when Valencia orange/Bakraii seedlings were sprayed by 0.50 and 1.00 mM solutions. Overall, the adverse effects of salt stress could be alleviated by exogenous application of SA., D. Khoshbakht, M. R. Asgharei., and Obsahuje seznam literatury
A greenhouse experiment was conducted to examine the effect of foliar application of triacontanol (TRIA) on two cultivars (cv. S-24 and MH-97) of wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) at different growth stages. Plants were grown in full strength Hoagland’s nutrient solution under salt stress (150 mM NaCl) or control (0 mM NaCl) conditions. Three TRIA concentrations (0, 10, and 20 μM) were sprayed over leaves at three different growth stages, i.e. vegetative (V), boot (B), and vegetative + boot (VB) stages (two sprays on same plants, i.e., the first at 30-d-old plants and the second 78-d-old plants). Salt stress decreased significantly growth, net photosynthetic rate (PN), transpiration rate (E), chlorophyll contents (Chl a and b), and electron transport rate (ETR), while membrane permeability increased in both wheat cultivars. Stomatal conductance (gs) decreased only in salt-sensitive cv. MH-97 under saline conditions. Foliar application of TRIA at different growth stages enhanced significantly the growth, PN, gs, Chl a and b contents, and ETR, while membrane permeability was reduced in both cultivars under salt stress. Of various growth stages, foliar-applied TRIA was comparatively more effective when it was applied at V and VB stages. Overall, 10 μM TRIA concentration was the most efficient in reducing negative effects of salinity stress in both wheat cultivars. The cv. S-24 showed the better growth and ETR, while cv. MH-97 exhibited higher nonphotochemical quenching. and S. Perveen, M. Shahbaz, M. Ashraf.
We have studied the influence of both levamisole (AL) and Freund's adjuvant (AF) on the immunisation of mice with the secretory antigens of adults of the liver fluke Fasciola hepatica Linnaeus, 1758. Total IgG antibodies were detected in all groups where the F. hepatica antigen was administered, been levels of IgG1 increased respect to IgG2a antibodies. During immunisation, IL-4 and IFN-γ were only detected in AL and AF groups, but after infection, IL-4 boosted in all groups. IFN-γ increased two fold in AF and AL groups compared to the saline solution (AS) group. Worm recovering was of 32-35% in groups administered without antigen whereas in AS, AL and AF groups recovering was of 25%, 12% and 8%, respectively. Macroscopical lesions in the liver were scarce in AL and AF groups. Our data suggest that immunisation of mice with antigens of F. hepatica enhances the immune response avoiding both liver damage and worm establishment after challenge infection. The murine model of fasciolosis has appeared to be useful to elucidate the mechanism by which the parasite modulates immune responses toward a Th2 type but also the development of Th1 type-inducing vaccines., María de los Ángeles Gutiérrez-Sánchez, Julieta Luna-Herrera, Lauro Trejo-Castro, Natividad Montenegro-Cristino, Alfredo Almanza-González, Alejandro Escobar-Gutiérrez, Jorge Luis de la Rosa-Arana., and Obsahuje bibliografii
Parasite life history traits influence the rate of gene flow between populations and the effective population size, both of which determine the levels of genetic variability and the geographic distribution of such variability. In this short review targeted to parasitologists, we summarise how life history traits influence the population genetic structure of parasitic helminths. These organisms are characterised by a wide variety of life cycles and are ecologically different from microparasites, which have been studied in more detail. In order to provide the reader a concise review that illustrates key aspects of the subject matter, we have limited ourselves to studying examples selected for their clarity and relevance., Severo Vázquez-Prieto, Román Vilas, Esperanza Paniagua, Florencio M. Ubeira., and Obsahuje bibliografii
Linear landscape elements are generally considered beneficial for promoting the movements of species between isolated habitats. However, relatively little consideration has been given to the effect of interconnections (nodes) between these elements: e.g. a simple linear element offers limited options for movement, whereas a network of such structures provides an exponential increase in potential pathways. In this pilot study we compared two experimental landscapes (single versus a lattice of four interconnected linear elements) in terms of their effect on the movement of males of Roesel’s bush-cricket (Metrioptera roeseli) (Orthoptera: Tettigoniidae). Emigration of released bush-crickets from experimental landscapes was greater if there was a single rather than a lattice of linear elements (corridors). In the landscape with a lattice of corridors, 50% of the bush-crickets changed their direction of movement at nodes at least once. There was also evidence that nodes were attractive to bush-crickets; a higher proportion of individuals were found in and around nodes than in adjoining corridors, with the strength of this effect (i.e. aggregation at nodes) increasing with time. Thus nodes may not only affect the direction of movement but may also act as a local attractant. These effects may have an important role in the movement of species and their success in colonizing fragmented landscapes. These results indicate that in future landscape planning more consideration should be given to the connectivity between linear landscape elements as it is likely to be important in determining the movement and distribution of species., Anders Eriksson, Matthew Low, Asa Berggren., and Obsahuje seznam literatury