First record of aBursaphelenchus-species (Nematoda) inMonochamus beetles in Scandinavia

A national research program was initiated in 1988 in Sweden to provide more information on the distribution and bionomics ofBursaphelenchus species. As a result of the intimate association known to occur between the pinewood nematodeB. xylophilus (Steiner andBuhrer) Nickle and its insect vectors a survey was directed to Scots pine wood (Pinus sylvestris L.) in whichMonochamus species were breeding. A total of 59M. sutor L. and twoM. galloprovincialis Ol. emerged from the collected material. Fourteen specimens of theM. sutor and bothM. galloprovincialis specimens containedBursaphelenchus nematodes which resembled the speciesB. mucronatus Mamiya andEnda. To our knowledge this is the first record of theB. mucronatus-type nematodes inM. galloprovincialis and the first finding of such nematodes inM. sutor in Europe.     

Performance of Pinus elliottii, Pinus caribaea, their F1, F2 and backcross hybrids and Pinus taeda to 10 years in the Mesopotamia region, Argentina

Performances of Pinus taxa were studied to 10 years of age in two trials in each of Misiones and Entre Ríos provinces across the Mesopotamia region of Argentina. Taxa comprised 22 populations from sources in Argentina, Australia, Brazil and Zimbabwe including Pinus elliottii var. elliottii (Pee), Pinus caribaea var. hondurensis (Pch), their four, inter-specific hybrids (F₁, F₂ and backcrosses from F₁ to Pch and to Pee—all as broadly based bulks); other Pee and Pinus taeda (Pt) comprised narrower or unspecified bulks. Variable numbers of taxa were missing at each site. Mean survival across sites at age 10 years ranged 53.2–91.3% averaging 74.2%. Analysis of variance of plot means indicated population effect was statistically significant (p < 0.05) for all or most growth and quality traits at all sites. However, significant differences from the nominated check seedlot at the Entre Ríos sites (Pee, Australia) were extremely rare, while quite common at the northern, Misiones sites (check seedlot a Pt population). In the Misiones trials, F₁, F₂ and both backcross hybrids showed better stem straightness than Pee and Pt from Argentina, generally with statistically significant differences (p < 0.05). Pt showed lowest forking scores (desirable). Taxon × environment interaction was statistically significant (p < 0.01) for growth traits only (p > 0.05). However, this interaction contributed an average of only 34.1% of the taxon variance suggesting a lack of practical importance. Taxa most suitable for deployment in the Mesopotamia region, Argentina are suggested.     

Zur Weiterentwicklung eines halbsynthetischen Nährmediums fürIps typographus L.

The semiartificial diet for the bark beetleIps typographus L. ofSimsek andFührer (1993) andSimsek (1995) was further developed in its handling and composition of the vitamin solution. The biological availability of the vitamins of the vitamin b-group was investigated. The diet is useful as rearing medium for larvae, pupae and adult beetles. But it is not possible by now to grow reproducibly a whole generation cycle on this diet.     

Insektendarstellungen von Jan van Kessel

An insight is given into some paintings showing Lepidoptera, Coleoptera and other insects produced by the belgian artistJan van Kessel (1626–1679). They were shown on the exhibition of old paintings in the Palais des Beaux-Arts of Brussels, at the end of 1980. These works of art are in no way inferior to those produced byMaria Sibylla Merian (end of 17 th Cnt.) and byJohann Rösel von Rosenhof (begin of 18th Cent.).     

Habitatselektion und Halbitatbindung der Simuliiden (Simuliidae, Diptera) und ihre Bedeutung für den Erhalt (Wiederherstellung) naturnaher Fließwasserstrukturen

Selection and binding to specific habitats by blackflies and the significance there of for the preservation or re-establishment of near-natural bodies of running water The choice of locality for the deposition of eggs by blackflies is given for a number of species (among themSimulium costatum Frieder.,S. nölleri Frieder,S. ornatum MG. andProsimulium tomosvaryi (End.). The females react to changes in the environment of running waters, whether the changes are due to the dynamics of the body of water or the influence of Man. Evidently the signals associated with the structures of the habitat or subhabitat are the factors which lead to the certain orientation towards and selection of habitat by each species, since the females posses a concept. Are certain signals (characters) absent, then the eggs will not be recognised and a colonisation of the water through eggs will not take place. Reference pictures, specific to certain natural environments, types of running waters, ecological and habitat models or patterns developed for practical application, are compared and contrasted. Reference is also made to the special importance of invariable signal factors, which have not been specially influenced so far through the activities of man in the vicinity of running waters. It is thought that current pattern belong to such invariable structures. It is recommended that a more thorough analysis of the habitat patterns of individual species be made, so that bodies of running waters can be either specifically protected or re-naturalised with theses species in mind.     

Methodical improvements of standard laboratory tests for determining the sideeffects of agrochemicals on predatory mites (Acari: Phytoseiidae)

In the course of the alignment of national registration procedures with general EU guidelines, changes, improvements and validation of current test guidelines are advisable. The following is intended to contribute to the improvement of the present standard laboratory test procedure with predatory mites, as described byOvermeer (1988). Changes in the design of the test arena are described and discussed. They provide an open test system, conform with the requirements of the ESCORT Guidance Document (Anonymus 1994), avoiding uncontaminated areas on the test unit, easy to handle, and enabling reproducible assessments of the impact of agrochemicals.     

Investigation on the hydrogen abstraction from methyl glucoside by active oxygen species under oxygen delignification conditions IV: appearance of kinetic isotope effect in the reaction between methyl glucoside and deuterated methyl glucoside

In our previous studies, a clear kinetic isotope effect was observed when a pair of carbohydrate model compounds, methyl ??-d-glucopyranoside (MGP??) and a deuterated MGP?? labeled at the anomeric (methyl ??-d-(1-²H)glucopyranoside) or C-2 position (methyl ??-d-(2-²H)glucopyranoside), was reacted with active oxygen species (AOS) generated by reactions between O₂ and a phenolic compound, 2,4,6-trimethylphenol (TMPh), under oxygen delignification conditions. These results indicate that the AOS abstract the anomeric and C-2 hydrogens of MGP??. Contrarily, no clear kinetic isotope effects were observed when AOS were generated by reactions between O₂ and another phenolic compound, 4-hydroxy-3-methoxybenzyl alcohol (vanillyl alcohol, Valc), and hence, the abstraction of the anomeric and C-2 hydrogens by the AOS was not confirmed. In this study, a pair of MGP?? and the deuterated MGP?? labeled at all the positions, (²H₃)methyl ??-d-(1,2,3,4,5,6,6-²H₇)glucopyranoside, was reacted with AOS generated from TMPh or Valc under oxygen delignification conditions to further examine the appearance of a kinetic isotope effect. A clear kinetic isotope effect was observed when either of TMPh or Valc was the origin of AOS, indicating that some AOS abstract at least a hydrogen of MGP?? in either case. The results are further discussed focusing on the type of AOS generated from TMPh and Valc.     

Physikalische Felder und Insekten. Ein Übersichtsreferat

First-zones of earth radiations are shown as preferred places of aggregations of insects, especially forest insects. After a survey given about factors, probably evoking dowsing, many examples are given for influences of electric-magnetic powers and such of gravity phenomens to behaviour and vital functions of insects, particularly mentioning the results of research ofG. Becker andF. Schneider. Considering facts in literature together with own experiences in this field of investigation the opinion is expressed, that both ultraoptic factors-both of efficiency on insects: a) the electric-magnetic powers-different from their environment and b) the metal effect as a gravity phenomen are necessary for the appearance of the dowsing phenomen. The metal effect is capable to stimulate the movement of the rod, but needs for its releasing from coverings the presence of altered electric-magnetic fields. The metal effect may likely be compared to resonance oscillations of gravity waves arising on Aluminium plates, as it is supposed bySchneider.     

Über eine neue semisynthetische Nahrung für die Raupen des Bekreuzten Traubenwicklers,Lobesia botrana Den. et Schiff. (Lepid., Tortricidae)

The composition of semisynthetic food according toPodmanická andWeismann (1975) is being introduced. It was used for the first time to breed grape moth,Lobesia botrana Den. et Schiff. The author used it in climatised space at various but constant degrees and relative air humidities (from 20°C to 27°C, relative humidity of air 88,0%±6,0% and at a photoperiod of 16 hours). Ten generations of grape moth were grown. The caterpillars were grown each separately in Petri bowls. The reproduction physiology of imago fed on this food was in comparision with the results of other authors less disturbed. Breeding was 89%, the average output of breeding 80%. Mortality rate in caterpillars 10–15%, chrysalis 3–6%, the average actual fertility 158 eggs. Multiplication coefficient 36,0. The results reached allow the assumption that synthetic food will be a convenient nutrition medium for a mass breeding of grape moth. Less demanding as for its technology and the time needed as well as low cost are the advantages of this semisynthetic food.     

Über die Bevorzugung von Blatthaaren zur Eiablage bei Bemisia tabaci (Genn.) (Hom., Aleyrodidae)

Studies on the egg laying byB. tabaci showed this pest fixing its eggs at the basis of leaf hairs of cotton plants. The rejection of none hairy-leaved cotton varieties is apparently due to the lack of suitable egg laying sites. Moreover, the preference of the whitefly for leaf hair sites for egg laying explains reasonably why the hairy-heaved, jassid—resistant cotton varieties are more attractive to whitefly. The indiscriminate behaviour of egg laying mentioned byGameel (1974) may be possible on glabrousleaved host plants.     

A simple theory to link bole surface area,stem density and average tree dimensions in a forest stand

A geometrical model of a forest stand has been analyzed. A forest stand has been modeled as a population of cones which was described by the change of total bole surface area with density \(\hat{S}(N)\) , relation between density and a horizontal dimension (radius r) r(N), and the relation between vertical dimension (generatrix l) and radius l(r). It has been shown that there are close relationships between \(\hat{S}(N)\) , l(r) and r(N). In case of \(\hat{S}(N) = const\) , power exponent of l(r) can be predicted from the power exponent of r(N) and vice versa. A comparison of the model analysis with the data available on Scots pine (Pinus sylvestris L.) stands has been performed. In spite of the model simplicity, its inferences proved to be workable in many cases where the data can be interpreted as a dynamics of an even-aged forest stand. In particular, if the estimation of total bole surface area is constant, the power exponent in the relation of diameter and stand density DBH(SD) can be calculated on the basis of the power exponent in the relation of height and diameter H(DBH) and vice versa. Possible limitations and the meaning of the analysis are discussed.     

Winteraktive Spinnen auf einem Acker bei Groβenzersdorf (Niederösterreich)

Ground spiders on a cultivated field near Groβenzersdorf (Lower Austria) in the winter months 322 adult spiders caught with pitfall traps on a field near Groβenzersdorf in the period 3. X 1973–5. III 1974 showed: Erigonidae, Linyphiidae,Pachygnatha (Tetragnathinadae) are dominating. 19 spp. have been recognized, most of them being already known as eurochronous or diplochronous respectively. The whole spider fauna resembles very mmuch the situation found in mid-Germany (Leipzig) byGeiler (1963).     

Ein neues Sporentierchen,Monocystis n. sp. (Sporozoa,Gregarinida) als Parasit bei den Regenwürmern Lumbricus rubellus (Hoffm.) und Nicodrilus caliginosus (Sav.) (Annelida,Lumbricidae)

From soil samples in some mixed coniferous and mixed deciduos forests at two localities,Dě?in and?. Budějovice Czechoslovakia a newMonocystis sp. was found in the Vesiculae seminales of two species of earthworms,Lumbricus rubellus andNicodrilus caliginosus. A life cycle incorporating trophozoits, young (non sporulated) and mature cysts, and spores are described by means of light microscope. Some data on ultrastructure of young spore are also given. The maximal size of the trophozoit was 900–1100×20–50 μm. Nonsporulated cysts were almost oval or long oval in shape, measuring 100–120×60–80 μm. The mature cysts were sherical in shape varying in size from 60 to 170 μm in diameter. Three types of broad navicular shaped spores were recognized: Large spores, measuring 30×12 μm; medium sized ones 20×9; and small spores, measuring 15×6 μm.     

Biodegradable,flame retardant wood-plastic combination via in situ ring-opening polymerization of lactide monomers

A wood-plastic combination (WPC) was created via in situ polymerization of the l-lactide monomer (3S)-cis-3,6-dimethyl-1,4-dioxane-2,5-dione. Commercial poplar boards (Liriodendron tulipifera) were impregnated with the flame retardant chemical resorcinol bis(diphenyl phosphate)(RDP). These samples were then soaked in a solution of the monomer and deionized water with sulfuric acid 5% wt/wood as a catalyst for polymerization. The wood and solution were placed in a vacuum oven for impregnation and polymerization of the monomers. The wood RDP combination was not flame retardant and had an Izod impact strength that was slightly smaller than neat wood sample. Addition of lactide monomer tripled the Izod impact strength relative to wood, and scanning electron microscope (SEM) images indicated that a polymerized coating had formed which reinforced the porous wood structure. Addition of all three components produced a synergy. The Izod impact strength of the material was nearly 14 times greater and the WPC was flame retardant surpassing the stringent UL-94-V0 requirement.     

Die Verbreitung des Hygieneschädlings Braunbandschabe (Supella longipalpa [Fabricius, 1798]) (Blattodea,Blattidae) in Deutschland

The in houses living cockroachSupella longipalpa Fab. was found in Germany for the first time in 1954 (Peters, 1956). A view is given on the localities of findings until 1994/5. From this is to be seen that this pest shows a pronounced insular distribution. For controlling specific measures must be applied.     

Zur Ökologie der Arthropodenfauna einer Stadtlandschaft und ihrer Umgebung

The carabid fauna in three city parks of Kiel and in two beech woods in the surroundings was analysed by pitfall traps. 26 species (1667 individuals) were caught from April to August 1976. The carabids with high density in the city were euryecious, mainly of minor body size, mostly unable to fly and hibernated as larvae (probably preadaptations to life in the city). Dominant species in the city parks were:Nebria brevicollis, Patrobus atrorufus, Platynus assimilis, Notiophilus biguttatus, Pterostichus melanarius, Abax parallelopipedus, andCalathus piceus. The city parks were inhabited by a characteristic carabid fauna: the measure of proportional overlap ofSchoener with the carabid fauna in the wood was low. The same was true for the spider fauna in the botanical garden of Kiel (with 7 habitat types) in comparison to similar habitats in the surroundings. The diversity (index ofBrillouin) of the carabid fauna in the city parks was low; the diversity of the spider fauna in the botanical garden, however, was as high as in comparable habitats outside the city. The number of carabid species was correlated with the structural diversity of the green islands in the city, not with their area.     

Soil enzyme activities as potential indicators of soluble organic nitrogen pools in forest ecosystems of Northeast China

Context

Soluble organic nitrogen is considered to reflect the effect of forest types on soil nitrogen status. As a major process affecting the soil-soluble organic nitrogen pool, degradation of insoluble organic nitrogen in the production of soluble organic nitrogen is mediated by a suite of soil enzymes.

Aims

This study aims to examine soil-soluble organic nitrogen pools and their relationships with the activities of soil enzymes in natural secondary forest stands and adjacent larch plantation stands.

Methods

Four pairs of larch plantation stands and secondary forest stands were randomly selected from a mountainous area, and the top 15?cm of the mineral soils were sampled from each field.

Results

The soil-soluble organic nitrogen concentrations were up to 2-fold greater in the secondary forest stands than in the larch plantation stands, whereas the ratio of soluble organic nitrogen/total nitrogen was comparable between the two forest types. The concentrations of soluble organic nitrogen were positively correlated with approximately 2-fold differences in urease and protease activities, a 1.2-fold difference in N-acetyl-??-glucosaminidase and a 1.7-fold difference in l-asparaginase between the two forest types.

Conclusions

Our results suggest that relationships between soil-soluble organic nitrogen and enzyme activities are independent on sampling time, and that the soil enzyme activities can be used as potential indicators of soil soluble organic nitrogen pools in the temperate forest ecosystem.     

Phenolic extractives in the trunk of Toxicodendron vernicifluum: chemical characteristics,contents and radial distribution

Phenolic extractives in the trunk of Toxicodendron vernicifluum (syn. Rhus verniciflua) were investigated. Seventeen compounds, gallic acid, protocatechuic acid, (?)-fisetinidol-4β-ol, (?)-fisetinidol-4α-ol, 2-benzyl-2,6,3′,4′-tetrahydroxycoumaran-3-one, (?)-fustin, 1,2,3,6-Tetra-O-galloyl-β-d-glucose, (?)-epifustin, (+)-taxifolin, 1,2,3,4,6-penta-O-galloyl-β-d-glucose, (?)-garbanzol, (?)-fustin-3-O-gallate, (?)-epifustin-3-O-gallate, fisetin, sulfuretin, quercetin and butein, were identified from the heartwood extractives. It was found that only (+)-taxifolin which had 5,7-dihydroxy A-ring possessed a 3R configuration although other flavonoids which had 7-hydroxy A-ring possessed a 3S configuration. Quantitative analysis revealed that the total phenolic contents were much higher in the heartwood (5–7 wt%) than in the sapwood and bark (1–2 wt%), and (?)-fustin was the most abundant extractive in the heartwood (1.4–2.4 wt%). For the radial distribution of phenolic extractives, it was generally found that their content was lowest in the sapwood, increased to the highest in the outer heartwood, and then decreased in the inner heartwood.     

Productivity of mixed versus pure stands of oak (Quercus petraea (Matt.) Liebl. and Quercus robur L.) and European beech (Fagus sylvatica L.) along an ecological gradient

The mixture of beech (Fagus sylvatica L.) and oak (sessile oak, Quercus petraea (Matt.) Liebl., and pedunculate oak, Q. robur L.) is of considerable importance in Europe and will probably become even more important under climate change. Therefore, the performance of oak and beech in mixture was compared with the species’ growth in pure stands. Data from 37 long-term mixing experiments in Poland, Germany and Switzerland were pooled for analysis of mixing effects on stand productivity and possible interrelationships with mixing portions or site conditions. We found that on average, mixed stands of oak and beech exceeded biomass productivity in pure stands by 30 % or 1.7 t ha^?1 year^?1, as the growth of both species was benefitted by the mixture. However, that the interaction actually ranged from facilitation and overyielding on poor sites to underyielding on fertile sites triggered by competition. An empirically derived interaction model showed volume and dry mass growth changing in mixed stands from gains of 50 % to losses of 10 % depending on site conditions. It is concluded that the analysed mixture grows in accordance with the stress-gradient hypothesis and that our results suggest a site-specific relationship between species mixture and biomass productivity. As a consequence, an adequate species mix should result in increased productivity under steady state as well as climate change.