A synthesis of large-scale patterns in the planktonic prey of larval and juvenile cod (Gadus morhua)

Data from 40 published studies of the diet composition of larval and juvenile cod (Gadus morhua) from around the northern North Atlantic were summarized to assess generic patterns in ontogenetic and regional variability in the key prey. The results showed that larvae at the northern edge of the latitudinal range of cod depend primarily on development stages of the copepod Calanus finmarchicus, whilst those at the southern edge depend on Para‐ and Pseudocalanus species. Juvenile cod preyed on a wider range of taxa than larvae, but euphausiids were the main target prey. Analysis of regional variations in the relative abundances of C. finmarchicus and Para/Pseudocalanus spp. in the plankton, as estimated by the continuous plankton recorder (CPR) surveys, showed a similar geographical pattern to the larval cod stomach contents. Comparison of CPR data from the 1960s and 70s with data from the 1990s showed that the boundary between C. finmarchicus and Para/Pseudocalanus spp. dominance has shifted northwards on both sides of the Atlantic, whilst the abundance of euphausiids in the southern cod stock regions has declined. The results are discussed in relation to regional differences in the response of cod stocks to climate variability.     

The progamic phase and seed formation in Armoracia rusticana

The progamic phase is a period of specific interaction between the male gametophyte and the pistil tissues and is very important for proper seed development in plants. The aims of this study were to investigate the events during the progamic phase in Armoracia rusticana, to examine a plant’s capability of sexual reproduction and to obtain vital seeds under natural conditions. There were very few pollen grains on the stigmas at anthesis stage. The incompatibility reaction between the stigma cells and pollen grains was observed by using fluorescence microscopy. A series of ovary cross‐sections revealed a high accumulation of Periodic Acid Schiff (PAS)‐positive globules in all the embryo sacs. About 33% of ovules in the ovary were fertilized, but only 3% of them were able to germinate into seedlings.     

First results on synchrony between seasonal pattern of pheromone trap captures of cotton bollworm, <Emphasis Type="Italic">Helicoverpa armigera</Emphasis> and appearance of freshly emerged larvae on developing cobs of corn hybrids

Synchrony between development of five corn hybrid varieties of various seasonal growing rates (FAO numbers), seasonal flight pattern of male cotton bollworm, Helicoverpa armigera Hb. (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae), as monitored by pheromone traps, and the subsequent appearance of newly hatched larvae on developing cobs were studied at Mezőhegyes, South-Hungary, in 2003 and 2004. The phenological stages of corn hybrids were evaluated using the Iowa State University Scale (R₁–R₅), the flight of male moths was monitored by large capacity, funnel type of pheromone traps and the appearance of freshly hatched larvae on developing cobs were counted by visual inspection. The synchrony between the flight peak of male moths and the peak apperance of L₁ larvae on cobs was investigated by cross-correlation. In 2003 (average daily temperatures 20.7°C, average daily relative humidity 59.9% for the period of 4–18 July) “DK 391”, “DK 443” and “Maraton” hybrid varieties already reached silking stage (R₁) by the time when pheromone traps indicated a peak, at 7 July (peak capture at 3-day intervals 755.5 males/traps). The number of L₁ larvae peaked on developing cobs of these varieties also at 7 July (7.0, 4.0 and 3.8 larvae/50 cobs, respectively). The synchrony between the flight peak of male moths and the peak appearance of L₁ larvae on cobs was proven (LAG = 0). A rather similar trend was observed in “Vilma” hybrid variety: it reached R₁ stage at 7 July, and L₁ larvae appeared only a few days later (11 July, 3.8 larvae/50 cobs) (LAG = −1). However, “Maxima” hybrid variety reached R₁ stage 1 week later (14 July) than the time of peak captures. Here L₁ larvae peaked as late as at 18 July (0.8 larvae/50 cobs), i.e., only after the cob had reached R₁ stage (LAG = −3). A reverse order of dates of R₁ stage and peak capture was observed in “Maxima” in 2004 (average daily temperatures; 22.5°C, average daily relative humidities 72.6% for the period of 15 July–6 August): it reached R₁ stage at 19 July, while peak trap captures were recorded at 6 August (peak capture at 3-day intervals 20.5 males/traps). L₁ larvae were found in the highest numbers on 2 August (1.5 larvae/50 cobs), practically in synchrony with peak caputres (LAG = 0). “Káma” reached R₁ stage in 16 July, and L₁ larvae peaked at 2 August (1.3 larvae/50 cobs) (LAG = 0). On the rest of the corn varieties larvae were found only in too numbers for performing statistical analysis. We conclude that in order to predict the appearance of L₁ larvae, the phenological stage of the corn variety and the seasonal flight pattern of moths, as measured by large capacity pheromone traps, should be considered in combination. If the corn variety already reached R₁ stage, L₁ larvae appear on cobs as early as the time of peak flight of moths. However, no young larvae appear on cobs despite of high trap captures, until the corn reaches the R₁ stage. These findings are discussed in the view of specifying optimal timing of a pesticide application.     

Seasonal patterns of gastrointestinal nematode infection in goats on two Lithuanian farms

Background

This study investigated seasonal changes in naturally acquired gastrointestinal nematode (GIN) infections on two Lithuanian goat farms with different parasite control practices.

Findings

On both farms, nematode faecal egg counts (FEC) and larval cultures were obtained from 15 adult and 10 young goats at bi-weekly intervals from April 2012 to April 2013. Goats on farm A were dewormed with ivermectin (0.3 mg/kg body weight) in October/November 2012, whereas the animals on farm B were left untreated. Thirteen young goats were slaughtered in August/November 2012 and April 2013 and worm burdens in the gastrointestinal tract were enumerated. In goats from both farms, Teladorsagia, Trichostrongylus, Oesophagostomum, Chabertia and Haemonchus were the dominant GIN genera. Herbage contamination with infective third-stage larvae (L₃) peaked in July/August and resulted in high FEC in September/October. Parasitological examination at slaughter showed that Teladorsagia spp. and Haemonchus contortus survived the winter, both in the abomasal mucosa as adults and as early fourth-stage larvae (EL₄). Deworming on farm A significantly reduced FEC, especially of H. contortus, at the start of the grazing period compared with the untreated farm B (P < 0.05).

Conclusions

Goats were heavily infected with several GIN throughout the year. Strategic anthelmintic treatment during housing significantly reduced nematode egg output, in particular by H. contortus, at the start of the grazing season.     

果内核桃举肢蛾低龄幼虫防治研究初报

核桃是山区主要经济树种之一,由于核桃举肢蛾(Atrijuglous hetaonei yang)的为害,使核桃大幅度减产、变质,甚致绝收。过去的防治目标集中在果外的各个虫态的防治,防止幼虫蛀入果内,一旦蛀入,多采取摘掉或拾毁虫果,减少了当年的收入,或者是刨树盘树上、树下多次喷药防治成虫,有条件的地区可以收到较好的效果。但是核桃多分布在山区,刨树盘难;干高冠大的树不易喷药,加上山区缺水,连续喷药不易做到。为探讨解决这一问题,1988-1991年,我们作了用高压注射机将久效磷注射到树干内,防治果内低龄幼虫的研究。     

烟威近岸海域鱼类早期资源群落结构及适宜产卵生境

烟威近岸海域是历史上重要的鲐(Scomber japonicus)产卵场之一,或囿于对其“过路渔场”的认知,近年来对该海域鱼类产卵场的研究相对较少。为了解烟威近岸海域鱼类产卵场现状,于2020年4—9月对该海域开展逐月产卵场调查,基于鱼卵、仔稚鱼及环境数据,运用空间插值、聚类分析、非度量多维标度排序、相似性分析和冗余分析(RDA)等方法对该海域鱼类早期资源时空分布、群落结构月度更替及主要种类适宜产卵生境进行了综合分析。结果显示,2020年4—9月于烟威近岸海域采集到鱼类早期资源种类52种,包括33种鱼类的337 038粒鱼卵和28种鱼类的2122尾仔稚鱼;5—6月为主要产卵期,共有21种鱼卵出现,鱼卵数量占全年鱼卵总数的98.32%,主要产卵场位于烟台套子湾至威海鸡鸣岛北部海域,主要产卵种类为鳀(Engraulis japonicus)、鲐、蓝点马鲛(Scomberomorus niphonius)、高眼鲽(Cleisthenes herzensteini)、黄条 (Seriola lalandi)、绯 (Callionymus beniteguri)、少鳞 (Sillago japonica)、黑鲷(Acanthopagrus schlegelii)、短吻红舌鳎(Cynoglossus joyneri)、长蛇鲻(Saurida elongata)等;烟威近岸海域鱼卵与仔稚鱼群落结构年内变化明显,除产卵末期(8—9月)外,各月间种类更替率不低于50%,鱼卵与仔稚鱼群落月间平均相异性不低于73%;海表温度(SST)、海底温度(SBT)、海表盐度(SSS)和深度(DEP)是显著影响4—9月主要鱼种产卵选择的环境因子。研究表明,烟威近岸海域为黄渤海规模较大的鱼类产卵场之一,需在鱼类早期生活史研究与产卵场养护策略制定时得到足够重视。     

Modelling the transport of particles in the North Sea with reference to sandeel larvae

The transport of particles representing sandeel larvae in the North Sea is simulated with a three-dimensional circulation model for the years 1976 to 1990. A great year-to-year variability in drift patterns is demonstrated. The results may explain some of the observed differences in recruitment between the main sandeel areas in the North Sea. In the northern sandeel area it seems that strong year classes are unlikely if the retention due to unfavourable currents is poor, and that a high retention in the summer may favour a good year class. In the southern sandeel area no clear coupling between year class strength and larval drift is found, possibly because the retention always seems large enough for a potentially good year class. For more quantitative use of such models in relation to sandeel recruitment, more biological knowledge is obviously needed on larval vertical distribution and timing of sandeel hatching and settling.     

辽东湾毛蚶繁殖季节研究

根据1982年、1983年、1984年辽东湾自然海区毛蚶浮游幼虫调查、生殖腺组织切片比较、生殖腺指数测定以及1983年毛蚶室内产卵试验,初步认为:辽东湾毛蚶繁殖季节是7月10日～8月末,水温22～27℃。产卵盛期在7月15～30日,水温24～26℃。不同年份因水温不同产卵期可相差约5d。毛蚶产卵主要集中在两次产卵高峰期内,每个高峰可持续2～3d,两次高峰期间隔15～20d。     

一种桔小实蝇幼虫人工饲料的配制

以豆渣、麦胚、酵母粉、蔗糖为主要原料,配制成桔小实蝇幼虫人工饲料,与天然饲料(水果)和现常用的人工配方饲料进行饲养试验,测定采用3种饲料饲养的桔小实蝇的卵孵化率、化蛹率及羽化率。结果表明,以豆渣为主要原料的人工饲料配制成本低廉,饲养效果接近天然饲料。     

甘肃瑞香提取物对菜粉蝶幼虫生物活性的影响

为探明甘肃瑞香(Daphne tangutica Maxim)对菜粉蝶幼虫的生物活性,以甘肃瑞香的全株、叶、茎皮、茎木质部、根皮和根木质部为研究对象,以甲醇、乙酸乙酯、丙酮、氯仿、苯和石油醚为溶剂,采用索氏法提取其活性成分,明确其最佳的杀虫活性部位和提取溶剂.结果表明:在干粉100mg/mL的质量浓度下,各溶剂瑞香全株的提取物均对菜粉蝶幼虫表现出明显的拒食、胃毒和触杀作用,其中苯的提取效果最好,其粗提物对菜粉蝶5龄幼虫24h的拒食率为92.29%,胃毒作用的LD50为19.56μg/头,7d后触杀作用的LD50为52.56μg/头.甘肃瑞香不同部位的苯提取物对菜粉蝶5龄幼虫均表现出明显的拒食、胃毒和触杀作用,其活性部位表现为甘肃瑞香叶>根皮>茎皮>茎木质部>根木质部.甘肃瑞香叶粗提物杀虫活性最高,其粗提物对菜粉蝶5龄幼虫24h的拒食率为94.59%,胃毒作用的LD50为8.47μg/头;7d后触杀作用的LD50为50.41μg/头.