Heterotrissocladius boltoni sp.n., a new orthoclad from vernal pools and streams in Ohio,U.S.A. (Diptera: Chironomidae)

Heterotrissocladius boltoni sp.n. from Ohio, U.S.A., is described in both sexes and all stages. The species belongs in themarcidus group and is found in temporary streams and pools     

Instar sizes,life cycles,and food habits of five Rhyacophila (Trichoptera: Rhyacophilidae) species from the Appalachian Mountains of South Carolina,U.S.A.

The larval head widths at each instar, life cycles, and food habits of late instars were determined for five species of Rhyacophila from two Appalachian mountain streams in South Carolina, U.S.A. Rhyacophila acutiloba Morse & Ross was univoltine with two cohorts, one emerging in the spring and another presumably emerging in early autumn. Rhyacophila fuscula (Walker), R. nigrita Banks, and R. carolina Banks were apparently multicohort, univoltine species with extended flight periods. Rhyacophila minor Banks was univoltine with a spring emergence. All species were predaceous and consumed mainly Plecoptera nymphs and Trichoptera larvae.     

Simultaneous production of hydrogen and bioflocculant by Enterobacter sp. BY-29

Hydrogen and a bioflocculant could be produced simultaneously by anaerobic culture of Enterobacter sp. BY-29. For production of hydrogen and the bioflocculant by cell culture of the bacterium in batch cultures, cultivation at 37 °C in a medium containing glucose as a carbon source and Polypepton as a nitrogen source was found to be suitable. In continuous production of hydrogen and the bioflocculant by cell culture or immobilized cells of the bacterium, the hydrogen production rate and hydrogen yield by the immobilized cells on porous glass beads in stirred and column reactors were higher than those by the cell culture in a stirred reactor. However, production of the bioflocculant by the cell culture was superior to that by the immobilized cells in continuous production.     

The effects of nutrient addition and pH manipulation in bag experiments on the phytoplankton of a small acidic lake in West Virginia,USA

In situ bag experiments were performed during summer and autumn in a small acidic lake, Tibbs Run Lake, West Virginia, USA. The objective was to evaluate phytoplankton responses to pH manipulation and nutrient addition. Increasing the pH from below 4.5 to over 6.3 resulted in great declines in phytoplankton biovolume. There was also a succession from dinoflagellates (Peridinium inconspicuum to small chlorophytes. The trend was more rapid where phosphorus (P) additions were made along with pH enhancement. During summer, P limitation was indicated, while nitrogen (N) appeared to limit production in autumn. In both seasons, nutrient additions greatly altered the phytoplankton composition in high pH treatments, but had no discernable effects at (the natural) low pH. A low pH, P addition treatment in autumn was the single exception. When N was subsequently added, phytoplankton composition changed dramatically, probably because the proceeding P additions caused severe secondary N-limitation. In general, however, the results supported the view that phytoplankton compositional responses to nutrient additions are suppressed in low pH, relative to high pH lake water.     

The role of kairomones in prey finding by Diomus sp. and Exochomus sp., two coccinellid predators of the cassava mealybug, Phenacoccus manihoti

We studied searching behaviour of Diomus sp., a coccinellid predator introduced into Africa as a natural enemy of the cassava mealybug, when searching on cassava leaves, and compared its behaviour with the searching behaviour of Exochomus sp., an African predator of mealybugs (MB's). Female adults of Diomus and Exochomus spent more time searching on cassava leaves previously infested with cassava MB than on clean cassava leaves, in response to substances produced by MB's (wax and/or honeydew) still present on these leaves as kairomones after removal of the MB's. Both species were also arrested by wax and/or honeydew of the citrus mealybug, Planococcus citri. When offered a choice between kairomones of both MB species only experienced Diomus (reared on cassava MB) showed a clear preference for kairomone of cassava MB. Separate influences of wax and honeydew were tested. Wax from cassava MB was an arrestment stimulus for both coccinellid species. Honeydew produced by cassava MB arrested Exochomus and inexperienced Diomus.

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Zusammenfassung Das Suchverhalten auf Cassaveblätter des coccinelliden Raübers Diomus, eines aus Süd Amerika importierten natürlichen Feindes der Cassaveschmierlaus wurde studiert und verglichen mit dem Suchverhalten eines afrikanischen Räubers von Schmierläusen, Exochomus sp.. Weiblichen Adulten von Diomus un Exochomus verwendeten mehr Zeit auf Cassaveblätter wenn diese Blätter vorher mit Cassaveschmierläuse infiziert waren als auf uninfizierte Blätter, und gebrauchten Substanzen (Wachs und/oder Honigtau) die von Schmierläuse produziert wurden und nach der Entfernung der Schmierläuse auf die Blätter zugeblieben waren als Kairomonen.Beide Arten wurden auch von Wachs und/oder Honigtau der Citrusschmierlaus, Planococcus citri, auf den Blätter arretiert. Wenn die Tiere wahlen könnten zwischen Kairomone der beiden Schmierlausarten wurden die Kairomonen der Cassaveschmierlaus nur von erfahrenen Diomus-Individuen, die auf Cassaveschmierlaüse aufgezogen wurden, bevorzugt.Die Einflüsse von Wachs und Honigtau wurden separat geprüft. Wachs von Exuvien der Cassaveschmierlaus ist ein Arretierungsstimulus für beide Räuberarten. Von Cassaveschmierläusen produzierten Honigtau arretierte Exochomus-und unerfahrene Diomus-Individuen.

     

Enhygromyxa salina gen. nov., sp. nov., a slightly halophilic myxobacterium isolated from the coastal areas of Japan

Six isolates of novel marine myxobacteria, designated strains SHK-1T, SMK-1-1, SMK-1-3, SMK-10, SKK-2, and SMP-6, were obtained from various coastal samples (mud, sands and algae) collected around Japan. All of the isolates had Gram-negative rod-shaped cells, motile by gliding and grew aerobically. They showed bacteriolytic action, fruiting body formation, and NaCl requirement for growth with an optimum concentration of 1.0-2.0% (w/v). In addition, divalent cationic components of seawater, such as Mg2+ or Ca2+, were also needed for growth. The major respiratory quinone was MK-7. The G+C content of genomic DNA ranged from 65.6 to 67.4 mol% (by HPLC). The isolates shared almost identical 16S rDNA sequences, and clustered with a recently described marine myxobacterium, Plesiocystis pacifica, as their closest relative on a phylogenetic tree (95.9-96.0% similarity). Physiological and chemotaxonomic differences between the new strains and strains of the genus Plesiocystis justify the proposal of a new genus. Therefore, we propose to classify the six isolates into a new taxon of marine myxobacteria with the name, Enhygromyxa salina gen. nov., sp. nov. The type strain is SHK-1(T) (JCM 11769(T) = DSM 15217(T) = AJ 110011(T)).     

Gracilibacillus quinghaiensis sp. nov., isolated from salt-lake sediment in the Qaidam Basin, north-west China

A motile, Gram-positive, slightly halophilic, endospore-forming, catalase- and oxidase-positive, obligately aerobic, slender rod-shaped bacterium, strain YIM-C229T was isolated from the sediment of a salt lake in the Qaidam Basin, north-west China. Filamentous forms were present throughout the growth cycle. Strain YIM-C229T grew in the presence of 0.5-8% NaCl and at pH 6.0-8.5, with optimum growth at 1-3% NaCl and pH 7.0-7.5. It grew at 4-45 degrees C, with optimum growth at 37 degrees C. The major cellular fatty acids were anteiso-C15:0, C16:0, iso-C15:0, C16:1 omega11c and anteiso-C(17:0). The predominant respiratory quinone was MK-7, and diphosphatidylglycerol and phosphatidylglycerol were the polar lipids, with meso-diaminopimelic acid occurring in the cell-wall peptidoglycan. The genomic DNA G+C content was 40.9 mol%. Phylogenetic analysis based on 16S rRNA gene sequences showed that strain YIM-C229T was closely related to the type strains of the four recognized species of the genus Gracilibacillus: G. halotolerans NN T (sequence similarity 95.5%), G. dipsosauri DD1T (96.1%), G. orientalis XH-63T (96.8%) and G. boraciitolerans T-16X(T) (99.1%). The DNA-DNA relatedness between strain YIM-C229(T) and G. boraciitolerans DSM 17256(T) was 30.8%. The combination of phylogenetic analysis, phenotypic characteristics, chemotaxonomic differences and DNA-DNA hybridization data supported the view that this strain represented a novel species of the genus Gracilibacillus, for which the name Gracilibacillus quinghaiensis sp. nov. is proposed, with YIM-C229T (=DSM 17858T=CGMCC 1.6304T) as the type strain.     

Isolation and characterization of Arthrobacter sp. strain MCM B-436, an atrazine-degrading bacterium, from rhizospheric soil

Atrazine is one of the most environmentally prevalent s-triazine-ring herbicides. The widespread use of atrazine and its toxicity necessitates search for remediation technology. As atrazine is still used in India as a major herbicide, exploration of atrazine-degrading bacterial community is of immense importance. Considering lack of reports on well characterized atrazine-degrading bacterial cultures from India and wide diversity and density of microorganisms in rhizosphere, soil sample from rhizosphere of atrazine-resistant plant was studied. Arthrobacter sp. strain isolated in this investigation utilizes atrazine as the sole nitrogen source. In addition, the bacterium degrades other triazines such as ametryn, cyanizine, propazine and simazine. PCR analysis confirms the presence of atzBCD and triazine hydrolase (trzN) genes on chromosomal DNA. Sequencing of the trzN gene reveals high sequence similarity with trzN from Nocardioides sp. C190. An inducible and intracellular atrazine chlorohydrolase enzyme was isolated and partially purified from this isolate. This study confirms the presence of atrazine-degrading microbial population in Indian soils and could be used efficiently for remediation of contaminated soils. Presence of trzN gene indicates possible presence of bacterial community with more efficient and novel enzymatic capabilities. Comparison of enzyme and gene structure of this isolate with other geographically distinct atrazine-degrading strains will help us in the better understanding of gene transfer and evolution.     

Spawning site of the fluvial eight-barbel loach, Lefua sp., in the natural environment

The spawning site of the fluvial eight-barbel loach, Lefua sp. (sensu Hosoya, 1993; Japanese name: nagare-hotoke-dojo), an endangered species, was investigated by searching for fertilized eggs in June and July 1995–1997 in an upper reach of the Kako River, Hyogo Prefecture, Japan. We obtained one egg each by a random sampling with agitating the river bottom (80 trials) and by collecting drift samples (89 trials). This finding indicates that the eggs were not scattered on the bottom or into the water column after being spawned. Two individual males were observed to patrol around particular interstices occurring under the buried cobbles and under the boulders that formed the riverbank. Males pecked other individuals that approached around the interstices. We obtained 9 and 15 eggs, respectively, from two such interstices in only two collection trials. The interstices were suggested to function as the spawning sites of this endangered fish in nature.     

Long-term changes in the population size and geographical distribution of Pennella sp. (Copepoda) on the saury,Cololabis saira,in the western North Pacific Ocean and adjacent seas

Changes in the population size and geographical distribution of the mesoparasitic copepod Pennella sp. (Siphonostomatoida: Pennellidae) on the saury, Cololabis saira, were studied for a period of six years (1981–86) in the western North Pacific Ocean and adjacent seas. The parasite was first recorded in the western North Pacific in 1981. Its population size increased rapidly in 1982–83 and declined slightly in 1984. During these years, infected fish were widely distributed in the western and central North Pacific and also found in the Sea of Okhotsk and the Sea of Japan. However, the population declined dramatically in 1985 and its distributional range was reduced. The parasite disappeared in 1986. The observed frequency distributions of parasites on the host population were the Poisson in 1981 and 1985, but those during 1982–1984 were over-dispersed and fitted the negative binomial.Parasites of the saury, Cololabis saira (Brevoort)-IV.     

Extracellular production of a glycolipid biosurfactant, mannosylerythritol lipid, from Candida antarctica

Candida antarctica (sp. SY16) required avegetable oil as the carbon source to produce a biosurfactant, mannosylerythritol lipid (MEL-SY16). Biosurfactant production was 31 g l^–1 after 7 days in a batch culture and was not growth associated. In a two-stage culture, glycerol and oleic acid were used as an initial and a feeding carbon source, respectively, and 41 g l^–1 biosurfactant was produced after 8 days.     

Peat and water chemistry at Big Run Bog,a peatland in the Appalachian mountains of West Virginia,USA

At Big Run Bog, aSphagnum-dominated peatland in the unglaciated Appalachian Plateau of West Virginia, significant spatial variation in the physical and chemical properties of the peat and in surface and subsurface (30 cm deep) water chemistry was characterized. The top 40 cm of organic peat at Big Run Bog had average values for bulk density of 0.09 g · cm^–3, organic matter concentration of 77%, and volumetric water content of 88%. Changes in physical and chemical properties within the peat column as a function of depth contributed to different patterns of seasonal variation in the chemistry of surface and subsurface waters. Seasonal variation in water chemistry was related to temporal changes in plant uptake, organic matter decomposition and element mineralization, and to varying redox conditions associated with fluctuating water table levels. On the average, total Ca, Mg, and N concentrations in Big Run Bog peat were 33, 15, and 1050 mol · g^–1, respectively; exchangeable Ca and Mg concentrations were 45 and 14 eq · g^–1 , respectively. Surface water pH averaged 4.0 and Ca⁺⁺ concentrations were less than 50 eq · L^–1 . These chemical variables have all been used to distinguish bogs from fens. Physiographically, Big Run Bog is a minerotrophic fen because it receives inputs of water from the surrounding forested upland areas of its watershed. However, chemically, Big Run Bog is more similar to true ombrotrophic bogs than to minerotrophic fens.     

Anoxybacillus kamchatkensis sp. nov., a novel thermophilic facultative aerobic bacterium with a broad pH optimum from the Geyser valley, Kamchatka

A facultative aerobic, moderately thermophilic, spore forming bacterium, strain JW/VK-KG4 was isolated from an enrichment culture obtained from the Geyser valley, a geothermally heated environment located in the Kamchatka peninsula (Far East region of Russia). The cells were rod shaped, motile, peritrichous flagellated stained Gram positive and had a Gram positive type cell wall. Aerobically, the strain utilized a range of carbohydrates including glucose, fructose, trehalose, proteinuous substrates, and pectin as well. Anaerobically, only carbohydrates are utilized. When growing on carbohydrates, the strain required yeast extract and vitamin B₁₂. Anaerobically, glucose was fermented to lactate as main product and acetate, formate, ethanol as minor products. Aerobically, even in well-aerated cultures (agitated at 500 rpm), glucose oxidation was incomplete and lactate and acetate were found in culture supernatants as by-products. Optimal growth of the isolate was observed at pH^{25 C} 6.8–8.5 and 60°C. The doubling times on glucose at optimal growth conditions were 34 min (aerobically) and 40 min (anaerobically). The G+C content was 42.3 mol% as determined by T_m assay. Sequence analysis of the 16S rRNA gene indicated an affiliation of strain JW/VK-KG4 with Anoxybacillus species. Based on its morphology, physiology, phylogenetic relationship and its low DNA-DNA homology with validly published species of Anoxybacillus, it is proposed that strain JW/VK-KG4 represents a new species in the genus Anoxybacillus as A. kamchatkensis sp. nov. The type strain for the novel species is JW/VK-KG4^T (=DSM 14988, =ATCC BAA-549). The GenBank accession number for the 16S rDNA sequence is AF510985.     

Genetic diversity and phylogenetic position of the subclass Astomatia (Ciliophora) based on a sampling of six genera from West African oligochaetes (Glossoscolecidae, Megascolecidae), including description of the new genus Paraclausilocola n. gen

To more confidently assess phylogenetic relationships among astome ciliates, we obtained small subunit (SSU) rRNA sequences from nine species distributed in six genera and three families: Almophrya bivacuolata, Eudrilophrya complanata, Metaracoelophrya sp. 1, Metaracoelophrya sp. 2, Metaracoelophrya intermedia, Metaradiophrya sp., Njinella prolifera, Paraclausilocola constricta n. gen., n. sp., and Paraclausilocola elongata n. sp. The two new species in the proposed new clausilocolid genus Paraclausilocola n. gen. are astomes with no attachment apparatus, two files of contractile vacuoles, and an arc-like anterior suture that has differentiations of thigmotactic ciliature on the anterior ends of the left kineties of the upper surface. Phylogenetic analyses were undertaken using neighbor-joining, Bayesian inference, maximum likelihood, and maximum parsimony. The nine species of astomes formed a strongly supported clade, showing the subclass Astomatia to be monophyletic and a weakly supported sister clade to the scuticociliates. There were two strongly supported clades within the astomes. However, genera assigned to the same family were found in different clades, and genera assigned to the same order were found in both clades. Thus, astome taxa appear to be paraphyletic when morphology is used to assign species to genera.     

Survival of inoculated Laccaria bicolor in competition with native ectomycorrhizal fungi and effects on the growth of outplanted Douglasfir seedlings

The survival, development and mycorrhizal efficiency of a selected strain of Laccaria bicolor along with naturally occurring ectomycorrhizal fungi in a young plantation of Douglas fir was examined. Symbionts were identified and their respective colonization abilities were determined. Eight species of symbiotic fungi, which may have originated in adjacent coniferous forests, were observed on the root systems. Mycorrhizal diversity differed between inoculated (5 taxa) and control (8 taxa) seedlings. Ectomycorrhizal fungi which occurred naturally in the nursery on control seedlings (Thelephora terrestris and Suillus sp.) did not survive after outplanting. Both inoculated and naturally occurring Laccaria species, as well as Cenococcum geophilum, survived on the old roots and colonized the newly formed roots, limiting the colonization by other naturally occurring fungi. Other fungi, such as Paxillus involutus, Scleroderma citrinum and Hebeloma sp. preferentially colonized the old roots near the seedling's collar. Russulaceae were found mainly in the middle section of the root system. Mycorrhizal colonization by Laccaria species on inoculated seedlings (54%) was significantly greater than on controls (13%) which were consequently dominated by the native fungi. Significant differences (up to 239%) were found in the growth of inoculated seedlings, especially in root and shoot weight, which developed mainly during the second year after outplanting. Seedling growth varied with the species of mycorrhizae and with the degree of root colonization. Competitiveness and effectiveness of the introduced strain on improving growth performances of seedlings are discussed.     

Phenylobacterium falsum sp. nov., an Alphaproteobacterium isolated from a nonsaline alkaline groundwater, and emended description of the genus Phenylobacterium

A Gram-negative bacterium designated AC-49T was isolated from an alkaline groundwater with a pH 11.4. This organism formed rod-shaped cells, was strictly aerobic, catalase and oxidase positive, with an optimum growth temperature of 35 degrees C and an optimum pH value of 8.0. Strain AC-49T assimilated primarily amino acids and some Krebs cycle metabolites, did not use sugars for growth. The organism did not grow on L-phenylalanine or antipyrin. The G+ C content of DNA was 66.9 mol%. The phylogenetic analyses based on the 16S rRNA sequencing showed that the closest relatives of strain AC-49T were Phenylobacterium lituiforme and Phenylobacterium immobile, indicating that the organism is a member of the order Caulobacterales of the Alphaproteobacteria. Based on the phylogenetic analyses and distinct phenotypic characteristics, we are of the opinion that strain AC-49T, represents a novel species of the genus Phenylobacterium for which we propose the name Phenylobacterium falsum sp. nov.     

Rexia erecta Gen. et sp. nov. and Capsosira lowei sp. nov., Two Newly Described Cyanobacterial Taxa from the Great Smoky Mountains National Park (USA)

Two newly discovered taxa of Cyanobacteria from the Great Smoky Mountain National Park (USA) are presented. The first is the newly described species Capsosira lowei (Capsosiraceae), differing from the only other previously described species C. brebissonii Kütz. ex Born. et Flah. in regard to cell size and filament morphology. In addition, C. brebissonii is described as an aquatic or subaerophytic taxon, while our isolate was obtained as a phycobiont from the lichen Hydrothyria venosa J. L. Russell. Capsosira is currently placed in the Capsosiraceae of the Stigonematales due to its ability to have division in two planes. However, molecular evidence gathered in this study indicates closest affinity with Aulosira and Nostoc commune Vaucher, both in the Nostocaceae, Nostocales. Rexia erecta was isolated from concurrently collected aerophytic, epilithic sites. The hormogonia production, near absence of heterocysts and division in two planes are all typical of the Stigonematales, but it fits none of the currently circumscribed families in that order. This genus in other ways appears morphologically similar to members of the Scytonemataceae and Microchaetaceae. Molecular evidence (nearly complete 16S rRNA sequence data and 16S–23S internal transcribed spacer ITS region) places Rexia in the Microchaetaceae. These taxa are both problematic as they indicate that cell division in two planes has likely arisen more than once in the Nostocales, and thus the Stigonematales as currently circumscribed is not a monophyletic group. The Nostocales and Stigonematales are, in our opinion, in need of revision at the family and order level of classification.     

Natrinema salaciae sp. nov., a halophilic archaeon isolated from the deep, hypersaline anoxic Lake Medee in the Eastern Mediterranean Sea

Two halophilic archaea, strains MDB25(T) and MDB20, were isolated from a sample of the brine from Lake Medee, at a depth of 3050m, in the Mediterranean Sea. Cells of the organisms were Gram-negative, non-motile and pleomorphic, and colonies were red pigmented. Strains MDB25(T) and MDB20 showed optimum growth at 45°C, in 2.6-3.4M NaCl and at pH 7.0-8.0. The major polar lipids of the two strains were phosphatidylglycerol (PG1 and PG2), phosphatidylglycerol phosphate methyl ester (PGP-Me) and mannose-2,6-dissulfate (1→2)-glucose glycerol diether (S(2)-DGD). Menaquinone MK-8 and MK-8(H(2)) were the major respiratory quinones. The DNA G+C content of strain MDB25(T) was 63.0%. The strains were facultatively anaerobic but grew better under aerobic conditions, nitrate served as electron acceptor. Analysis of the almost complete 16S rRNA gene sequence indicated that the strains MDB25(T) and MDB20 represented a member of the genus Natrinema in the family Halobacteriaceae. Both strains formed a distinct cluster and were most closely related to Natrinema ejinorense JCM 13890(T) and Haloterrigena longa JCM 13562(T) (98.0% and 97.9% sequence similarity, respectively). Based on 16S rRNA gene sequence analysis, DNA-DNA hybridization results, physiological and biochemical characteristics we describe a new species represented by strain MDB25(T) (=DSM 25055(T) =JCM 17869(T)) for which we propose the name Natrinema salaciae sp. nov.     

Oxygen consumption and ammonia excretion in the detritivore caddisfly Limnephillus sp. exposed to low pH & aluminum

Respiration and excretion were measured relative to pH and aluminum in three nymphal weight groups of a detritivore caddisfly. Although a reduction in respiration rates was consistently observed within all stages exposed to a pH of 4 and 0.3 mg 1⁻¹ of aluminum, the differencewas not statistically significant among treatments. Excretion rates, on the other hand, were significantly increased throughout the low pH treatment, but not when exposed to low pH and aluminum combined. The derived O:N ratios indicate low pH causes a shift to a protein-oriented metabolism which was most pronounced in the smallest size group. Aluminum mitigates this effect.     

Bullera begoniae sp. nov. and Bullera setariae sp. nov., two new species of ballistoconidium-forming yeasts in the Bullera variabilis (Bulleribasidium) cluster isolated from plants in Taiwan

Two strains of xylose-containing and Q-10-having ballistoconidiogenous yeasts isolated from plant leaves collected in Taiwan were found to represent two new species of the genus Bullera. In the phylogenetic trees based on the sequence analysis of 18S rDNA and D1/D2 domain of 26S rDNA, these species are located in the Bullera variabilis (Bulleribasidum) cluster in Hymenomycetes. They are described as Bullera begoniae sp. nov. and Bullera setariae sp. nov., respectively.