Experiments on selection of feeding site and food size in oystercatchers,Haematopus ostralegus,of different social status

Oystercatchers, Haematopus ostralegus, were tested for size selection in two prey species, cockles (Cerastoderma edule) and mussels (Mytilus edulis), under semi-natural, but strictly experimental, conditions that allowed recovery of all shells of prey items eaten.Within any patch of cockles offered, size was not an important selection criterion for the birds. The mean length of cockles consumed always differed less than 1 mm (the measuring accuracy) from the mean length of the cockles presented.When given a choice between patches of different prey quality, the birds tended to select patches according to their relative dominance status, with the most dominant bird feeding mainly in the patch where the prey items had the largest flesh contents. Less dominant birds were forced out of the preferred patch and obtained most of theif food from a patch of presumedly lower quality. One of these birds adapted its prey-handling method and its bill shape for efficient feeding in such a low quality pathc, and it continued feeding in that patch, even after the dominant conspecifics had been removed.In experiments with mussels as prey, the test bird did not select primarily on the basis of size but tended to eat those mussels that were easiest to open.It is concluded that size selection in oystercatchers that eat either cockles or mussels ends with the choice of a certain foraging patch. Within a patch of cockles of one year-class, which is the field condition for the majority of oystercatchers in the Wadden Sea, no selection for size occurs, because this would take too much extra searching time to be profitable.     

Large-scale distribution patterns of the mussel Mytilus edulis in the Wadden Sea of Schleswig-Holstein: Do storms structure the ecosystem?

The distribution of mussel beds in the Wadden Sea of Schleswig-Holstein was mapped by aerial surveys from 1989 to 1991. The number of mussel beds decreased from 94 in 1989 to 49 in 1990, as a result of severe storms in early 1990. Thereafter only small changes were observed. The mussel beds that remained in 1990 were found only in the shelter of islands; all beds in exposed areas had disappeared between the surveys of 1989 and 1990, leaving large areas without mussel beds. Storms are thus identified as a major factor limiting the distribution of mussel beds to the sheltered parts of the Wadden Sea. Beds in the exposed parts of the Wadden Sea are highly dynamic, whereas beds in sheltered areas may persist over long times. A comparison with distribution patterns of older surveys (from 1937, 1968 and 1978) revealed great similarities with the results of recent investigations, indicating a constant distribution pattern over a long period.The results are discussed in relation to eutrophication and the structure of the benthic communities of the Wadden Sea. It is concluded that any eutrophication-induced increase of the mussel population would be restricted to the sheltered parts of the Wadden Sea. Storms will largely determine whether the communities of a given area have to compete with mussels, which are most important filter feeders of the ecosystem. As competition for food is a major factor structuring the benthic communities of the Wadden Sea, it is assumed that storms indirectly affect all other communities, giving deeper-burying, storm-tolerant species a competitive advantage in exposed areas where epibenthic mussels are excluded. The impact of mussel fisheries will be different for persisting and dynamic beds: fishing on persisting beds in sheltered areas may remove the crucial reserve which mussel-feeding birds such as eiders or oystercatchers need in times of low mussel populations.     

Transport,deposition and in situ decay of seagrasses in a tropical mudflat area (Banc D'Arguin,Mauritania)

Extensive seagrass beds cover large areas of the mudflats and subtidal parts of the Banc d'Arguin (Mauritania, West Africa). The fate of seagrass biomass (mainly Zostera noltii and Cymodocea nodosa) was investigated during a 1-month expedition to the area (May 1988). Only minor amounts of leaf material were found to be transported by water currents at that time. Subtidal detritus depositions were not found in the area. Though conspicuous accumulations of leaf material were present on some parts of the shore, the amounts washed ashore per flood tide formed only a minor proportion of the daily seagrass production. Thus, transport of leaf litter away from the seagrass beds of the Banc d'Arguin appears insignificant. The major part of senescent leaves probably remains trapped within the seagrass beds and will decompose in situ. The observation that a large part of the particulate carbon present in the surface sediment of seagrass beds was derived from above-ground biomass (55% and 37% in Zostera and Cymodocea beds, respectively), is in agreement with this conclusion.Using the litterbag technique, the rate of leaf decomposition in a seagrass bed was investigated. The time required for 50% weight loss of Zostera and Cymodocea leaf litter in the intertidal zone of the seagrass bed was 158 and 50 days, respectively. In the subtidal zone these figures were 49 and 37 days.     

Food limitation in cockles (Cerastoderma edule (L.)): Influences of location on tidal flat and of nearby presence of mussel beds

Dilution of phytoplankton concentrations by suspension-feeding organisms, and local reduction in current velocity, may lower food supply for other suspension feeders, and consequently affect their growth. Influences of food supply on stomach contents and growth of the suspension-feeding bivalve Cerastoderma edule were studied in two situations: (a) inside and outside an experimental mussel bed in a basin with a natural seawater supply, and (b) along tidal creeks in the field. Cockles showed a lower increase in shell length, body weight and condition inside the experimental mussel bed than outside. In the field, phytoplankton concentrations in the water were lower at upper than at lower tidal-creek sites. At these upper creek sites, cockles were smaller, as were their growth rates and stomach contents, compared to the lower creek sites. Largest reductions of phytoplankton concentration in the water were observed at sites near a mussel bed. It is concluded that phytoplankton uptake by suspension feeders (particularly in mussel beds), as well as relatively low current velocities, negatively affects food supply, stomach contents and growth of C. edule.     

Spawning of two Pomatoschistus species (gobbidae) in relation to nest availability and depth: A field experiment

The spawning of two sympatric gobiid fishes, the sand goby Pomatoschistus minutus and the common goby Pomatoschistus microps was investigated in relation to nest availability and depth. In two field experiments, carried out in the northern Baltic proper during summer, empty shells of the mussel Mya arenaria were divided into three size groups and provided as spawning substrates. The shells were set out at different depths and at different densities.Spatial habitat partitioning by depth was found. The sand goby preferred the deeper bottoms (2.8 m) and the common goby spawned only in areas shallower than 1 m. The spawning of the two species was separated in time by about 6 weeks with an overlap at the beginning of July. Low water temperatures (∼10°C) in June probably delayed spawning in the common goby.The sand goby preferred the larger shells. The larger the shells, the larger was the number of eggs, i.e. the male potential reproductive success. The common goby preferred the smaller shells, and their potential reproductive success did not show a clear trend with increasing shell size.In both species, the mean number of shells used for spawning increased with increasing substrate density. The maximum nesting density was 21 nests per m² for the sand goby and 20 nests per m² for the common goby. The maximum total density for both species together was 23 nests per m².Interspecific competition for spawning substrates was minimized, as spawning was separated in time and each species preferred different sizes of shell. The intensity of spawning under the shells provided indicates that a lack of suitable substrates limits spawning by both species in this area. The larger sand goby is limited in particular by the lack of larger substrates, and is probably forced to spawn in shallow water when suitable shells do not occur in its preferred depth range.     

Physical and biological aspects of shell accumulation on a modern macrotidal flat,Inchon, Korea

Shell beds are comparatively rare on large tidal flats near Inchon, Korea, where barrier islands, well-developed intertidal drainage channels, and landward salt marshes also are absent. Even though landward transport of non-indigenous shells is discernible, most shell accumulations evidently originate through comparatively rapid deposition of sediments coupled with gradual mortality within local populations; individual valves typically experience only minor lateral displacement. Apparent cohort size classes remain distinguishable within some assemblages. Old shells predominate among gastropod assemblages whereas new shells predominate among bivalve assemblages, implying greater rates of productivity among bivalves than among gastropods.     

Increased mortality in alternative bivalve prey during a period when the tidal flats of the Dutch Wadden Sea were devoid of mussels

In the course of 1990, stocks of mussels (Mytilus edulis) declined to unprecedentedly low levels in the Dutch Wadden Sea. Hardly a wild mussel bed was left on the tidal flats as a consequence of three years (1988, 1989, and 1990) with failing recruitment and intensive fishing for seed mussels. During these three years, recruitment of cockles (Cerastoderma edule) also failed, whereas fishing was continued. Bird species taking these bivalves as staple food, the oystercatcher (Haematopus ostralegus) and the eider (Somateria mollissima), experienced food shortage. Significant numbers of eiders left the Dutch Wadden Sea area or died, whereas oystercatchers remained abundant trhoughout the winter in most of the Dutch Wadden Sea.Alternative prey species of oystercatchers experienced unsually high mortality rates in the appropriate size classes. This was so in all other common species of bivalves, viz. first-year and older cockles, adult Macoma balthica, and juvenile Mya arenaria. This led to minimal stocks of food for oystercatchers in the late winter of 1991. In March 1991, cockles were depleted and the combined stocks Mya and Macoma would soon have run out of food supply to the overwintering oystercatcher population. Apparently, oystercatchers are able to reduce the stocks of their various bivalve prey species to very low levels.     

繁殖期东北林蛙两性皮肤组织结构的差异性比较

为了研究繁殖期东北林蛙两性皮肤组织结构的差异,应用苏木精-伊红(Hematoxylin-eosin Stain,HE)染色方法对东北林蛙两性皮肤组织结构进行研究。结果显示：两性皮肤的总厚度在头、躯干背、腹部存在极显著差异(P<0.01),其中背部皮肤雌性比雄性厚,腹部皮肤雄性比雌性厚;躯干侧部皮肤雄性比雌性厚,且二者之间有显著差异(P<0.05);皮肤各部均有颗粒腺和粘液腺分布,且颗粒腺较粘液腺大,此外在雄性背部皮肤中还发现有特殊粘液腺。上述东北林蛙两性皮肤的结构特点与其生殖、呼吸以及防御功能有关。     

Identification of QTLs controlling harvest time and fruit skin color in Japanese pear (Pyrus pyrifolia Nakai)

Using an F₁ population from a cross between Japanese pear (Pyrus pyrifolia Nakai) cultivars ‘Akiakari’ and ‘Taihaku’, we performed quantitative trait locus (QTL) analysis of seven fruit traits (harvest time, fruit skin color, flesh firmness, fruit weight, acid content, total soluble solids content, and preharvest fruit drop). The constructed simple sequence repeat-based genetic linkage map of ‘Akiakari’ consisted of 208 loci and spanned 799 cM; that of ‘Taihaku’ consisted of 275 loci and spanned 1039 cM. Out of significant QTLs, two QTLs for harvest time, one for fruit skin color, and one for flesh firmness were stably detected in two successive years. The QTLs for harvest time were located at the bottom of linkage group (LG) Tai3 (nearest marker: BGA35) and at the top of LG Tai15 (nearest markers: PPACS2 and MEST050), in good accordance with results of genome-wide association study. The PPACS2 gene, a member of the ACC synthase gene family, may control harvest time, preharvest fruit drop, and fruit storage potential. One major QTL associated with fruit skin color was identified at the top of LG 8. QTLs identified in this study would be useful for marker-assisted selection in Japanese pear breeding programs.     

Flocking and feeding in the fiddler crab (UCA tangeri): Prey availability as risk-taking behaviour

For a full understanding of prey availability, it is necessary to study risk-taking behaviour of the prey. Fiddler crabs are ideally suited for such a study, as they have to leave their safe burrow to feed on the surface of the intertidal flats during low tide, thereby exposing themselves to avian predators. A study in an intertidal area along the coast of Mauritania showed that small crabs always stayed in the vicinity of their burrow, but large crabs wandered in large flocks (also referred to as droves) to feed on sea-grass beds downshore. Transplanting downshore feeding substrate to the burrowing zone of the small crabs proved that they too preferred to feed on it. Since small crabs can be preyed upon by more species of birds, this suggests that the decision not to leave the burrowing zone might be related to the risk of being fed upon by birds. We calculated predation risk from measurements on the density and feeding activity of the crabs, as well as the feeding density, the intake rate and the size selection of the avian predators. Per hour on the surface, crabs in a flock were more at risk than crabs feeding near their burrow. Thus, though flocking crabs may have benefited from ‘swamping the predator’ by emerging in maximum numbers during some tides only, this did not reduce their risk of predation below that of non-flocking crabs. Furthermore we found that irrespective of activity, large crabs suffered a higher mortality per tide from avian predators than small crabs. This suggests that large crabs could not sufficiently reduce their foraging time to compensate for the increased risk while foraging in a flock, even though they probably experienced better feeding conditions than small crabs staying near their burrow. The greater energy demands of large crabs were reflected in a greater surface area grazed. Thus, with increasing size a fiddler crab has to feed further away from its burrow and so may derive less protection from staying near to it. It seems that growing big does not reduce the risk of predation for fiddler crabs, as it does in many other species with indeterminate growth. As in such species, the most probable advantage of growing big is increased mating success. Ultimately, therefore, prey availability must be understood from the life-history decisions of the prey species.     

自制保鲜剂对灵武长枣低温贮藏保鲜效果的研究

以可溶性固形物含量24.3%的灵武长枣为试材,研究了冷藏过程中果实品质变化及贮藏保鲜效果。结果表明,保鲜剂浸果极显著降低了霉烂果率,显著减缓了贮藏中后期果肉硬度下降和维生素C氧化分解,明显抑制了果肉蔗糖水解,显著提高了贮藏中后期脆好果率。但保鲜剂浸果对可溶性固形物、还原糖、总糖和果胶含量没有明显影响。脆好果率与果肉硬度、抗坏血酸含量和蔗糖含量均呈极显著正相关性,拟合曲线为二次多项式,相关系数分别为0.9266、0.9937和0.9971。果肉抗坏血酸含量和果肉硬度均与蔗糖含量呈极显著正相关性,相关系数分别为0.9894和0.9343。     

Community structure and biomass distribution of seagrasses and macrofauna in the flores sea,Indonesia

In several locations in the Flores Sea region the community structure and the biomass distribution of seagrasses were studied along transects perpendicular to the shoreline. The share of each species within a sample plot was estimated, divided in above- and below-ground biomass. Statistics regarding substrate coverage, shoot density and leaf-area index were sampled. A standard relation was calculated between seagrass dry weight, ash-free dry weight and organic carbon content.The biotic data were related to environmental factors: DOC and nutrients in the water, salinity, tidal amplitude, sediment composition. A relation was estimated between bottom coverage of seagrasses and standing stock. Further calculations of biomass-production ratios allow a quick and rough estimate of seagrass productivity. Maximum above-ground biomass values (500–700 g AFDW·m⁻²) together with qualitative data indicate resource (= space) partitioning among the component seagrasses within a community, and suggest a carrying capacity of the reefflat habitat for seagrass density and biomass.A tentative model was constructed, starting from a constant, non-distributed multispecies vegetation in the lower intertidal and subtidal zone on sand and coral rubble, and moving into several suboptimal situations. The upper shore carries an impoverished, constrained vegetation (irregular tides, desiccation, harvesting). Sediment reworking by animals and physical displacement of sand disturbs the vegetation and favours pioneer species. Muddy habitats bordering mangroves carry monospecific stands showing extremely high biomass (e.g. below-ground Enhalus acoroides 3500 g AFDW·m⁻²). Thalassia hemprichii and Enhalus acoroides are the most constant species in all habitats mentioned.Macrofauna biomass within the seagrass beds fluctuated widely (maximum values 50–70 g AFDW·m⁻² in mixed seagrass vegetations) and only a weak relation between benthic macrofauna biomass and seagrass community structure and biomass was found.     

Methods to analyze physico-chemical changes during mango ripening: A multivariate approach

Canonical discriminant analysis (CDA) was used to identify the best method to discriminate between maturity and ripening stages, assessed in terms of dry matter content, firmness, color (peel and flesh), total soluble solids content attributes, before and during ‘Keitt’ mango ripening at 20 °C. Dry matter content was determined by hot-air oven and microwave oven methods. Fruit firmness was determined non-destructively by hand squeezing, with a durometer, using acoustic resonance and low-mass elastic impact methods (AWETA), as well as destructively by the penetrometer. Peel and flesh color were expressed as L*, a*, b*, h⁰ and C* values. Total soluble solids content was analyzed from filtered juice from whole fruit tissue and from unfiltered juice squeezed out by hand. Canonical discriminant analysis indicated that the durometer and the penetrometer were better methods to assess firmness than hand firmness, acoustic resonance or impact methods. The best color attributes to follow changes during early stage of ‘Keitt’ mango ripening were a* and b* values of the flesh, whereas b* value of the peel was considered better during later stages of ripening. Results of total soluble solids content in filtered juice from whole fruit tissue were less variable compared to unfiltered juice squeezed out by hand. Dry matter content was better assessed by drying the sample in a microwave oven than in a hot-air oven. A combined CDA including the best methods to assess each ripening attribute, as well as titratable acidity, showed that the best tools to assess changes in fruit during ripening were the penetrometer, followed by flesh a* value and total soluble solids content (from filtered juice from whole fruit).     

Quality changes in sapote mamey fruit during ripening and storage

Physical and chemical changes in sapote mamey (Pouteria sapota (Jacq.) H.E. Moore and Stearn) fruit during ripening and storage at various temperatures were evaluated. Ripening was associated with flesh softening, an increase in soluble solids content (SSC), and a change in flesh color from yellow or pale pink to a dark pink or red. No changes in fruit skin color or in flesh acidity were observed as ripening progressed. Ripe fruit had 30% or higher SSC, orange or red flesh (hue angle=52; chroma=45; L=60), acidity of 6–8 mM H⁺, and flesh firmness (compression force) ≤50 N. Flesh turned brown (L* value declined) in overripe fruit. Fruit held at 27, 25, or 20°C ripened in 3.5, 5 or 7 days after harvest, respectively. Fruit kept at 10°C showed minor changes in color and firmness and a slow rate of SSC increase. Fruit stored at 10 or 15°C and then ripened at 20°C had portions of the flesh with a much higher firmness and poorer development of red color compared to other parts of the fruit. This uneven ripening was probably a result of chilling injury. The number of fruit with injury was higher at 10°C than at 15°C, and increased with storage time. The rates of fruit weight loss relative to the initial fruit weight were 0.58, 0.98 and 1.83% d⁻¹ at 10, 20 and 27°C, respectively.     

Phenotypic diversity and relationships of fruit quality traits in apricot (Prunus armeniaca L.) germplasm

Fruit quality attributes were studied for two consecutive years in forty-three apricot cultivars and selections grown in a Mediterranean climate. Physical parameters (weight, size, flesh and skin colour, percentage of blush, firmness and percentage of dry matter), chemical parameters (total soluble solids content and acidity) and sensory parameters (attractiveness, taste, aroma and texture) were evaluated. A high variability was found in the set of the evaluated apricot genotypes and significant differences were found among them in all studied quality attributes. Year-by-year variations were observed for some pomological traits such as harvest date, flesh colour, fruit weight, firmness and soluble solids content. A high correlation was found among some apricot quality attributes. In addition, principal component analysis (PCA) made it possible to establish similar groups of genotypes depending on their quality characteristics as well as to study relationships among pomological traits in the set of apricot genotypes evaluated.     

西瓜数量性状遗传距离及杂种优势分析

为研究西瓜数量性状的遗传距离和杂种优势，对8份西瓜亲本采用NC-Ⅱ设计配制16个杂交组合，对杂交组合的7个数量性状进行相关性分析、主成分分析和杂种优势研究。结果表明，坐果节位和单果重显著正相关，中心可溶固形物含量和边部可溶固形物含量极显著正相关。主蔓长度、坐果节位、单果重、果皮厚度、中心可溶固形物含量、边部可溶固形物含量和果形指数7个数量性状可以综合成为3个主成分，且3个主成分构成的信息量可以解释总信息量的87.3132%。8个亲本间遗传距离介于0.3315~1.5121之间，A02×B04组合的单果重中亲优势和超亲优势最为突出，分别达到42.47%和37.38%。     

Quantitative determination of flesh mealiness in peach [Prunus persica L. (Batch.)] through paper absorption of free juice

A simple and rapid method was developed for quantitative determination of juiciness in peach flesh based on the absorption of free juice with ordinary absorbent paper after a flesh sample is squeezed by two metallic rolling cylinders. Juiciness data were compared with trained panel determinations on three peach cultivars kept at 4 °C and 90% RH for 7, 14 and 21 d plus a ripening period at 20 °C and 65% RH until the flesh reached 19.6 ± 9.2 N. There was a high correlation between panel judgment and paper absorption (r² = 0.75 in ‘Elegant Lady’, 0.77 in ‘O’Henry’ and 0.93 in ‘Ross’). A sub-sample of the juiciest and the mealiest fruit also were sorted after 14 and 21 d in cold storage. ‘Ross’, a non-melting peach cultivar, did not develop flesh mealiness during any evaluation period. During storage, there was a reduction in juiciness reaching 15% less after 21 d. Mealy fruit were exclusively observed with melting cultivars exposed to cold storage. The proposed method for determining juice content is easily executed and shows a high association with human perception of juiciness and mealiness in peach.     

41个肉用老南瓜品种主要植物学性状分析

为科学评价国内肉用老南瓜品种,对参展的41个肉用老南瓜品种的始花期、第一坐瓜节位、果长、把长、茎粗、节间长、最大叶纵横径、单果重、果肉厚、可溶性固形物含量等主要植物学性状进行了多样性、相关性和聚类分析。结果表明:41个肉用老南瓜品种在把长、单果重、果长、肉厚等性状上变异幅度较大,在始花期性状上变异幅度较小;各性状之间均存在显著或者极显著的相关性。聚类分析表明41个老南瓜品种可以分为3组,其中第1组在多个性状上优于第2、3组群,但各组间及组内品种间的相似性较高。研究结果为老南瓜育种的优良性状选择和亲本选用提供了依据。     

Biofortification of taro (Colocasia esculenta) through breeding for increased contents in carotenoids and anthocyanins

Biofortification of taro (Colocasia esculenta) has never been studied. The aim of the present study is to compare the chemical compositions and individual constituent contents for major compounds (starch, sugars, cellulose, proteins, minerals), carotenoids and anthocyanins between parents and hybrids selected first for their agronomic performance and second for their corm characteristics (flesh color, quality and taste). For major compounds, 45 selected hybrids were compared to 66 cultivars and for carotenoids and anthocyanins, 34 selected hybrids were compared to 79 cultivars. Total sugars, cellulose and mineral contents presented moderate increases in hybrids. Carotenoids and anthocyanins contents were not correlated with corm flesh colors, most likely in relation with the wide range of the observed variability. Anthocyanin contents could not be increased in the selected hybrids, while total carotenoid contents were increased by more than fourfolds. The results of this study indicate that carotenoid contents can be rapidly improved by selecting plants of good agronomic performance and corm shape with increased density of yellow and orange colors. Potential applications to taro breeding programs are discussed.     

Adaptation to anaerobic metabolism in two mussel species,Mytilus edulis and Mytilus galloprovincialis,from the tidal zone at Arcachon Bay,France

Aspects of anaerobic metabolism were investigated in two sympatric mussel species, viz. Mytilus edulis and Mytilus galloprovincialis, living in the tidal zone in Arcachon Bay, France. Specific activities of pyruvate kinase (PK) and phosphoenolpyruvate kinase (PEP-CK) were remarkably similar in the two sympatric species and generally corresponded more closely to those observed in M. galloprovincialis in the Mediterranean than with M. edulis in the Dutch Wadden Sea. However, the values for the radio PK: PEP-CK for the two species in Arcachon Bay agreed with those of intertidal M. edulis from the Dutch Wadden Sea.Succinate accumulation during the first 24 h of anaerobicsis was about the same as in M. galloprovincialis in the Mediterranean, but decreased during the second 24 h, particularly in M. edulis, obviously due to propionate formation. Decrease in ATP concentrations in the tissues during anaerobiosis corresponded to that of intertidal M. edulis from the Dutch Wadden Sea. With the exception of specific activities of PK and PEP-CK, all properties investigated in both species were as expected in intertidal mussels.