Selective consumption and digestion of litter microbes by Porcellio scaber (Isopoda: Oniscidea)

In feeding preference tests with artificial diets consisting of food sources inoculated with different types of litter microbes, Porcellio scaber was capable of discriminating between different microbe species. Generally, microbial colonisation increased the attractiveness of a given food source, in particular, when the food source was of low quality (cellulose) and when food sources were inoculated with single species of actinomycetes (Streptomyces celluloflavus or Pseudonocardia autotrophica). In most cases, actinomycetes (Gram-positive bacteria) were preferred over both Gram-negative bacteria and fungi, whether or not these microbes exhibited cellulolytic activity. Enzymatic in vitro digestion of both the Gram-positive S. celluloflavus and P. autotrophica was significantly greater than that of Gram-negative bacteria (Pseudomonas fluorescens and Myxococcus xanthus) or fungi (Chaetomium globosum and Fusarium ventricosum). S. celluloflavus biomass was more effectively incorporated into isopod biomass than that of fungi and Gram-negative bacteria; P. autotrophica was more effectively incorporated into isopod biomass than that of Gram-negative bacteria. Based on these results, we hypothesise that P. scaber preferentially feeds on those microbes that it can readily digest. Whether this holds true for other Gram-positive bacteria or for other detritivores awaits investigation.     

Release of nitrogen,phosphorus, and potassium during the decomposition of apple (Malus domestica) leaf litter under different fertilization regimes in Loess Plateau,China

Hydrofluoric acid (HF) is one of the air-pollutants known to be harmful to plants, and is emitted by industries and volcanoes. Fluoride affects plant metabolism and its effects on respiration are fully understood (2). However, little is known about the effect of fluoride on photosynthesis as has been reviewed by Chang (2). Fluoride reduces syntheses of chlorophyll and protochlorophyll, induces the degradation of chloroplast structure in bush bean and soybean (5), and inhibits the Hill reaction (1). When orange leaves were fumigated with HF, the main site of fluoride accumulation was the chloroplasts (3). Although it may therefore be presumed that the rate of photosynthesis of intact leaves decreases during HF fumigation, fluoride-effects on APS have not been fully determined.     

Does leaf litter quality influence population parameters of the common woodlouse, Porcellio scaber (Crustacea: Isopoda)?

Population parameters (mortality of females, reproductive success, longevity of juveniles) of the common woodlouse, Porcellio scaber (Isopoda, Oniscidea), were examined with respect to the influence of varying leaf litter attributes: pH level, microbial cellulase activity, microbial dehydrogenase activity, protein content, nitrogen content, water content, tannin content, total phenol content and toughness of the leaves. These attributes were combined by using Principal Component Analysis. We obtained three Principal Components (PC) that were defined as “acidification,”“microorganisms” and “tree species.” The PCs explained 85% of the variance of leaf litter attributes. The PC “acidification” mainly influenced the mortality of females (P<0.001), while the longevity of juveniles showed significant correlation to the PC “microorganisms” (P<0.05). The PC “tree species” showed no influence on the observed population parameters, indicating that the leaf litter species itself had no direct influence on the population parameters of P. scaber. The reproductive success of females could not be explained by either of the PCs, but was influenced by cellulolytically active microorganisms (P<0.01). From these results, we conclude that acidification and reduced microbial activity in the field will cause a decrease in population density of P. scaber. Received: 30 July 1996     

Feeding preferences of the collembolan Onychiurus sinensis for fungi colonizing holm oak litter (Quercus rotundifolia Lam.)

Ten fungi isolated from decaying holm oak leaves (Quercus rotundifolia Lam.) have been presented to the collembolan species Onychiurus sinensis (Hexapoda). The attractiveness and selectivity of the ten fungi was investigated taken into account the effect of the substrate on which the fungus was growing (malt-agar or litter) and the effect of fungal odour. Furthermore, moulting, growth, survival and reproduction of O. sinensis in the presence of each of the ten test fungi were studied. Mucor plumbeus and Trichothecium roseum were the most preferred whatever the culture substrate and their odour was the most attractive. Two fungi (Penicillium spinulosum and the Basidiomycete S41) attracted Collembola by their odour but were not preferred as food sources. The animals could survive and reproduce on a mono-diet of several of our test fungi, but not on the Basidiomycete S41 and on Trichoderma polysporum.     

Measuring fluctuating asymmetry of the terrestrial isopod Trachelipus rathkii (Crustacea: Isopoda, Oniscidea)

Studies on fluctuating asymmetry (FA) in soil invertebrates, particularly in isopods, are almost absent so far. As a result, methodology of measuring FA in isopods is little known. However, the ecological importance of these animals in decomposition processes and the fact that FA in soil invertebrates might serve as an indicator of environmental stress, e.g. soil pollution, make the topic worth for investigation. Our results revealed that woodlice are potentially able to signal environmental stresses via FA. We compared six traits (length of three segments of antennae, two segments of the seventh legs and the number of ocelli) between two populations (Hungary: Hajós, Blaskovics-puszta) and genders of the species Trachelipus rathkii living under different environmental stresses (i.e. changing humidity). Asymmetry was significantly higher in the Hajós population, where the soil moisture has changed dramatically for the last years. Asymmetry was lower in Blaskovics-puszta, where the habitat has remained constant during the last centuries and the population had time to adapt to seasonally changing environments. Gender did not have an effect on FA. Traits differed significantly from each other, thus it is advisable to use several traits simultaneously to detect FA. FA was higher in the a1 segment of the antennal flagellae than in the ischium of the pereiopod and ocelli. We also studied the effect of regeneration of lost body parts on the FA values. Asymmetry in the treated groups was significantly higher than in the control ones. This calls the attention to the problem of outliers, which may be caused by physical harm and can lead to artificial results.     

Distribution pattern of woodlice (Isopoda) and millipedes (Diplopoda) in four primeval forests of the Western Carpathians (Central Slovakia)

We collected 1605 isopod individuals (eight species) and 671 diplopod individuals (17 species) in four primeval forests of the Western Carpathians, Central Slovakia, by leaf litter extraction. The forests are of different temperate deciduous forest types varying in tree species, aspect, elevation and soil characteristics. The oak forests, established on southwest oriented slopes at an elevation of 280-600 m, were characterized by Hyloniscus riparius, Porcellium conspersum, Enantiulus nanus and Ophioiulus pilosus. The beech forests, established on northeast oriented slopes at an elevation of 700-1100 m, were characterised by Ligidium hypnorum, Trachysphaera costata and Polyzonium germanicum. A remarkable increase of the total number of species and individuals occurred in both forest types adjacent to coarse woody debris (CWD). Woodlice density close to CWD was between 200 and 630 individuals m⁻² (35-130 individuals m⁻² distant from CWD); millipede density close to CWD ranged from 60 to 230 individuals m⁻² (15-75 individuals m⁻² distant from CWD). Species richness of both taxa close to CWD varied from 13 to 16 species m⁻² (7-12 species m⁻² distant from CWD). Thus, CWD has a significant influence on saprophages. However, structural components such as CWD and the amount of leaf litter did not significantly alter species assemblages. Species at sites distant from CWD were a subset of species at sites close to CWD. According to a canonical correspondence analysis (CCA), ‘forest type’ and ‘elevation within a slope’, as well as chemistry of the upper soil layer, i.e. ‘acidification’ and ‘nutrition’, strongly influenced species assemblages.     

The role of Armadillidium vulgare (Isopoda: Oniscidea) in litter decomposition and soil organic matter stabilization

We studied the effects of the terrestrial isopod Armadillidium vulgare on organic matter decomposition and stabilization in a long-term (65-week) laboratory experiment. We quantified the microbial activity in leaf litter (Acer pseudoplatanus) which did not come into contact with isopods, in A. vulgare feces produced from the same litter, and in unconsumed leftover of this litter. Freshly fallen leaf litter and up to 3 day old feces and leftover of litter were used. All materials were air dried immediately after collection and rewetted 1 day before use. Simultaneously, we measured how microbial activity in litter and feces are affected by fluctuations in humidity and temperature and by the addition of easily decomposed substances (starch and glucose).Microbial respiration was lower in feces than in litter or unconsumed leaf fragments. At the same time, moisture and temperature fluctuations and addition of glucose or starch increased respiration much more in litter than in feces. The results indicate that the processing of litter by A. vulgare reduces microbial respiration and reduces the sensitivity of microbial respiration to environmental fluctuations. ¹³C NMR spectra from feces indicated preferential loss of polysaccharide-carbon and accumulation of lignin with some modification to the aromatic-carbon. TMAH-Py-GC MS showed that lignin content was higher in feces than in litter and that lignin quality differed between the two substrates. Guaiacyl units were depleted in the feces, which indicated breakdown of guaiacyl associated with gut passage. As a conclusion, the results suggest that this common isopod greatly affects leaf litter decomposition. Decomposition of isopod feces in a long-term experiment is lower than litter decomposition which may support stabilization of organic matter in soil. This is caused mainly due to higher content of aromatic carbon in feces, which may cause its considerable resistance to bacterial degradation.     

Inter- and intra-specific interactions of Lumbricus rubellus (Hoffmeister, 1843) and Octolasion lacteum (Örley, 1881) (Lumbricidae) and the implication for C cycling

Earthworms are important engineering species of many terrestrial ecosystems as they play a significant role in regulating C turnover. The effects of earthworms on moderating C decomposition processes differ across species and with interactions between species, which is not fully understood. We carried out an experiment to study the interactions of Lumbricus rubellus and Octolasion lacteum, and their effects on soil respiration. Laboratory mesocosms were set up using tulip poplar (Liriodendron tulipifera) leaf litter and varying densities of earthworms in single and combined species treatments. CO₂ efflux rate was used as an indicator of C decomposition rates, and measured with CO₂ sensors every five days over one month. L. rubellus induced higher leaf consumption rate and higher CO₂ efflux than O. lacteum; meanwhile O. lacteum grew more than L. rubellus. Both litter consumption rate and growth rate of earthworms decreased with increasing earthworm density. Soil CO₂ efflux increased with increasing earthworm density (from ∼1-2 μg CO₂ g⁻¹ hr⁻¹ with no earthworms to ∼ 4 μg CO₂ g⁻¹ hr⁻¹ with 8 earthworms). Combining the two species had a synergistic effect on leaf litter consumption, and neutralizing effects on soil respiration. The data suggest that the strength of intra- and inter-specific interactions among earthworm ecological groups varies at different absolute and relative densities, leading to altered leaf litter decomposition and C cycling.     

Fungal communities associated with the decomposition of a common leaf litter (Quercus leucotrichophora A. Camus) along an elevational transect in the Central Himalaya

Summary We studied the fungal communities associated with decomposing common leaf litter (Quercus leucotrichophora A. Camus) placed in five forests of Central Himalaya between the elevations of 330 and 2150 m. During the initial period of decay, conciding with the rainy season, a progressive increase in fungal counts and species diversity was observed in all forest sites. The sal forest site had a greater weight loss and supported the largest fungal densities, whereas the pine forest had a lower weight loss and the smallest fungal densities. Deuteromycetes were the dominant group in all the forest sites. Most of the species isolated during the annual cycle of the forest sites were of the accidental type. Species diversity and fungal counts on the common leaf litter were markedly affected by the environmental changes brought about by the native leaf litter. This effect was most obvious in the chir pine forest site where the leaf litter of the native dominant species was distinctly more resistant to decay than those of the other sites, making the soil environment of the site markedly different from that of other sites. The pattern of fungal-species changes with progressive decay of the substrate was similar to that suggested by the tolerance model of Connel and Slatyer.     

Litter N-content influences soil millipede abundance,species richness and feeding preferences in a semi-evergreen dry forest of Guadeloupe (Lesser Antilles)

Despite the impact of soil millipedes on litter fragmentation in tropical forests, there have been few studies dealing with factors determining their habitat preference in these ecosystems. In a natural secondary dry forest of Guadeloupe on Leptosol, two complementary studies were carried out in order to test the hypothesis that litter N-content strongly influences millipede distribution. Millipede abundance and species richness were described in the field under two tree species, Bursera simaruba and Pisonia subcordata, and were related to the chemical characteristics of their foliage. In addition, a laboratory experiment was done in order to assess millipede feeding preferences regarding the chemical characteristics of leaves from various species. Millipede abundance and species richness were significantly higher under P. subcordata than under B. simaruba, probably due to the higher N content of P. subcordata leaves. Moreover, millipedes fed preferentially on N-rich leaves. The present study confirms that there was a close correlation between the preferred food, its chemical composition and the local distribution of millipede populations.     

钙、 硼对常山胡柚叶片养分、 果实产量及品质的影响

【目的】研究叶片矿质营养元素含量的季节性变化,对探明植物体中营养元素的丰缺状况、 调控养分代谢、 提高果实产量和改善品质具有重要意义。本研究结合常山胡柚园土壤养分状况,通过连续4年施用钙肥和硼肥,研究钙、 硼对常山胡柚叶片矿质营养元素含量的季节变化、 果实产量及品质的影响。【方法】采用田间定位试验,以13年生枳砧常山胡柚为试验材料,设4个处理,1)CK(对照); 2)Ca(每株0.5 kg生石灰粉); 3)B(每株25 g 硼砂); 4)Ca+B(每株0.5 kg生石灰粉+ 25 g 硼砂)。于试验的第4年采集常山胡柚不同生长期当年生春梢叶片及成熟期果实样品,并对常山胡柚叶片矿质营养元素含量的季节变化、 果实品质进行分析。【结果】常山胡柚叶片各矿质养分在果实逐渐成熟过程中总体呈现先增后降的变化规律,其中叶片氮(N)、 钾(K)、 镁(Mg)和锌(Zn)在果实坐果期达到最大值,磷(P)在果实膨大前中期(8月份)到达最大值,钙(Ca)、 硼(B)、 铁(Fe)、 锰(Mn)和铜(Cu)在果实膨大后期(9月份)出现最高值。钙、 硼肥施用均可提高常山胡柚果实各发育时期叶片Ca、 B、 N、 K、 Fe、 Mn和Cu含量,但明显抑制叶片Zn的吸收,其中钙、 硼配施对成熟叶片(8~9月份)Ca含量存在显著正交互效应,但对提高叶片B含量无显著交互作用。施钙、 硼肥可不同程度提高常山胡柚2年平均产量,增产率达到1.8%~21.4%,其中各处理增产率顺序为Ca+B＞B≥Ca,且单施硼可显著提高2年累积产量,钙硼配施对单年产量、 2年平均产量均存在显著正交互效应。钙、 硼肥单施对果实品质无显著性影响,但钙硼配施可显著降低可滴定酸含量,显著提高固酸比。【结论】常山胡柚坐果期(4月份)为叶片N、 P、 K、 Mg和Zn吸收的关键时期,果实膨大期(8~9月份)为叶片Ca、 B、 Fe、 Mn和Cu吸收的重要时期。钙、 硼配施既可明显提高常山胡柚叶片中矿质营养元素含量(P和Zn除外),又能显著提高果实产量和品质。     

Evaluation of White yam (Dioscorea rotundata) genotypes for arbuscular mycorrhizal colonization,leaf nutrient concentrations and tuber yield under NPK fertilizer application

Yield decline in yam may not only be due to soil nutrient depletion but also to the activity of soil microflora. Arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) symbiosis helps in plant nutrition but may be affected by the application of fertilizer. The effects of nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), and potassium (K) fertilizer rates on the AM colonization, leaf nutrient concentrations, and tuber yields of eleven genotypes of Dioscorea rotundata were investigated at Ibadan, Nigeria. The soil was ferric luvisol. Eleven genotypes were selected from the previously conducted screening of 75 genotypes of D. rotundata for fertilizer response. Four application rates: 0, 200, 400, and 600 kg ha^?1 of NPK 15-15-15 were applied in a split plot design with four replications. Fertilizer rate was the main plot and variety was the sub plot. Percentage AM colonization was significantly reduced at 600 kg ha^?1 but not at lower rates when compared to zero rate and it was negatively correlated with leaf N, P, and zinc (Zn) concentrations. Leaf N concentrations were significantly increased at 200 kg ha^?1 in five genotypes and at 600 kg ha^?1 in two genotypes compared to zero application. Leaf P and K concentrations were decreased with the application of fertilizer in most of the genotypes. The NPK fertilizer of 15-15-15 at the rate of 200–400 kg ha^?1 gave yield response in eight genotypes of D. rotundata, with minimal or no effect on their AM colonization when compared to zero application. Long term study on the effect of fertilizer application on AM symbiosis in yam is recommended.     

Microbial biomass and activity in pine litter in the presence of Tomocerus minor (Insecta,Collembola)

Summary Laboratory microcosms were used to study microbial populations and biomasses developing in fragmented litter of Pinus nigra Arnold var. nigra (A. et G.). Direct observations (fungal standing crop and fluorescein-stainable mycelia), litter enzyme analyses (cellulase and dehydrogenase), and measurements by physiological methods (microbial CO₂ production and total microbial, fungal, and bacterial viable biomasses) were made at 3-week intervals for 15 weeks. Most variables showed great changes during this period, which were ascribed to a rise in litter moisture content during the initial phase of the experiment, and to substrate depletion towards its final phase. The addition of the collembolan Tomocerus minor (Lubbock) for 1 week enhanced cellulase activities by 4%. When the animals were introduced after 6 weeks, the fungal standing crop was enhanced, and the percentage of fluorescein-stainable mycelia was reduced. Dehydrogenase activity was increased by grazing when the microbial population had been established for 9 weeks or longer. Eucaryotic and procaryotic substrate-induced respiration were positively correlated, which was explained by partial segregation of resources for the two groups. Litter cellulase and dehydrogenase activity showed correlations by other techniques, indicating their suitability as parameters for microbial activity in general, and for the collembolan grazing impact on microbial activity in particular.     

The influence of slug (Arion rufus) mucus and cast material addition on microbial biomass,respiration, and nutrient cycling in beech leaf litter

We investigated the effects of slug (Arion rufus L.) mucus and cast material on litter decomposition, nutrient mobilization, and microbial activity in two laboratory experiments: (1) Slug mucus and cast material was added to beech leaf litter (Fagus sylvatica L.), and leaching of N and P and CO₂ production in microcosm systems were measured during 77 days of incubation; (2) mucus was added to beech leaf litter, and basal respiration, microbial biomass (substrate-induced respiration), specific respiration (qO₂), microbial growth ability after C, CN, CP, and CNP amendment, and lag time (time between CNP addition and start of exponential increase in respiration rate) were measured during 120 days of incubation. Leaching of N and P from beech leaf litter was significantly increased in treatments with mucus or faecal material of A. rufus. Following day 3, slug mucus increased nitrification processes. Mucus addition to beech leaf litter also increased basal respiration and microbial biomass significantly. In contrast, specific respiration was not significantly affected by mucus addition, and generally declined until day 60 but then increased until day 120. Nutrient amendments indicated that between days 1 and 30, N was available for microbial growth in litter with mucus but not in control litter. Generally, the lag time in beech leaf litter with added mucus was shorter than in control litter. Lag times generally increased with age, indicating dominance of slow-growing microbial populations at later stages as a consequence of depletion of easily available C resources and nutrients. We conclude that C, N, and P cycling is accelerated by slug activity.     

Dynamics of humic fractions and microbial activity under no-tillage or reduced tillage,as compared with native pasture (Pampa Argentina)

Humic fractions, arginine ammonification and soil respiration were monitored in spring, summer and autumn 1999 in natural pasture soil and in no-tillage or reduced-tillage soil under maize. The Typic Argiudoll soils, typical of the Argentine rolling pampa, can be structurally unstable, particularly when conventionally tilled, a form of soil management affecting the humification process. The no-tillage soil had a lower content of fulvic acids than the reduced-tillage soil in spring and summer, probably because the humification process was favored by residue management in no-tillage soil, with a significant increase in the most stable fraction. Both arginine ammonification and CO₂ were significantly correlated with the humic acids and humin contents. No significant correlation was found with fulvic acids,probably due to the lability and high variability of this fraction. A high correlation was found between arginine ammonification and CO₂. The highest index values were generally observed in natural pasture soil, whereas no-tillage soils showed a higher index value than reduced-tillage soils throughout, confirming the hypothesis that humification is more intense in the presence of organic residues.     

Characterisation of woody Medicago (sect. Dendrotelis) species, on the basis of seed and seedling morphometry

The three species belonging to the sect. Dendrotelis of the genus Medicago: M. arborea L., M. citrina (Font Quer) Greuter, and M. strasseri Greuter, Matthäs & Risse, were characterized using 12 morphometrical characters of seeds and 20 of seedlings. These species have interest for the regeneration of degraded lands in semi-arid climates. M. arborea presents the largest phenotypic variability and is dispersed throughout the Mediterranean basin, while the other two species are endemic to a very reduced area, M. citrina, in Columbretes Islands and Cabrera Islands (Spain) and M. strasseri in Crete. Several populations of M. arborea were measured, in order to compare the intraspecific variability within M. arborea with the differences among all three species. The multivariate analysis of the data used characters that were independent of the size of the studied organs. The three species were clearly differentiated on the basis of seed characters. On the other hand, seedling characters distinguished M. citrina from the other two species, but M. strasseri and the populations of M. arborea were intermingled. In spite of this, we have described relevant morphological differences among M. arborea, M. strasseri and M. citrina, which are consistent with other ecological or bromatological differences. The study supports that the three accessions merit to be considered as three different species.     

Urban domestic gardens (IX): Composition and richness of the vascular plant flora, and implications for native biodiversity

Garden floras interact with native biodiversity by providing resources for wildlife and by acting as a source of non-native species. Understanding the composition and richness of garden floras will help evaluate the relationships between these floras and the wider environment. The composition and richness of vascular plant floras were measured in a stratified sample of 61 urban, domestic gardens in Sheffield, UK, based on complete garden inventories. The entire garden flora contained 1166 species, of which 30% were native and 70% alien. Across gardens, aliens showed lower occupancy than natives, comprising 79% of the species recorded only once. The garden flora contained 146 plant families, which included 72% of the native, naturalised or recurrent casual families recorded in the wild in Britain and Ireland. Gardens contained on average 45% natives, irrespective of garden size. Garden area explained 30% of the variation in species richness within individual gardens. Doubling garden size led to an increase in species richness of 25%. The garden flora comprised 10% annuals, 63% biennial/perennials, 18% shrubs and 8% trees; shrubs were disproportionately composed of alien species. The floras of urban domestic gardens probably form the greatest source of potentially invasive alien plants. However, the plants found in domestic gardens have closer affinities with the uncultivated flora than is often perceived, and their role for wildlife in gardens deserves reassessment. Declines in garden size that result from recommendations on the density of new housing are unlikely to have major consequences for plant richness in gardens.     

Screening of Multi-Trait Rhizobacteria for Improving the Growth,Enzyme Activities,and Nutrient Uptake of Tea (Camellia sinensis)

The use of plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR) as agricultural inputs for increasing crop production needs the selection of efficient bacteria with plant growth-promoting (PGP) attributes. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to evaluate the effects of 20 multi-traits bacteria on tea growth, nutrient uptake, chlorophyll contents, and enzyme activities under field conditions for over 3 years. These isolates were screened in vitro for their PGP traits such as the production of indole acetic acid (IAA), nitrogenase activity, phosphorus (P) solubilization, and 1-aminocyclopropane-1-carboxylate (ACC) deaminase activity. Screening of rhizobacteria that show multiple PGP traits suggests that they stimulated overall plant growth, including shoot development and leaf yield, improving macro- and micro-nutrient uptake, chlorophyll contents, and activities of enzymes of tea plant. Use of strains with multiple PGP traits could be a more effective approach and have great potential for the environmentally-friendly tea production.