Biosystems Diversity (E-Journal - Dnipro National University)
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Morpho-ecological structure of oribatid mite (Acariformes, Oribatida) communities in the forest litter of recultivated areas
Get PDFThe study of morpho-ecological organization of oribatid mite communities (Acariformes, Oribatida) inhabiting forest litter of recultivated areas in steppe zone conditions of Ukraine was performed. The role of the forest and forest floor litter in optimization of the ecological situation on degraded lands was demonstrated. The function of environment creation by oribatids, as primary destructors of dead plant matter, supporting such ecosystem services as soil fertility improvement and nutrients turnover was highlighted. The research was performed within different stratigraphic types of bulk edaphotops in the recultivated plot of “Pavlogradskaya” colliery (Pavlograd, Dnipropetrovsk region, Ukraine) planted with red juniper (Juniperus virginiana L.). Withdrawal and collection of mites was performed with thermoeclector. For determination of the domination structure in the mite communities, the Engelmann scale was used. Adaptive (morpho-ecological) groups of oribatid mites were diagnosed by Krivolutsky. It was established that the number of species of oribatid mites in the forest litter of the studied red juniper plantation varied from 16 to 25. Average density of oribatid mites varied from 4,720 to 25,327 ind./m2. Among such morpho-ecological groups as soil surface inhabitants, small soil pore inhabitants, deep soil forms, floor litter inhabitants and unspecified forms, identified in the coniferous litter, the share of unspecified forms increased from loess-like loam type (21% of total amount) to Calcic Chernozem types with different stratigraphy (41.0%, 70.0% and 70.4% accordingly). Deep soil forms in the forest floor litter of the studied red juniper plots were not identified for any of recultivation types. The obtained results expand our understanding of the role of oribatid mites in the processes of ecological rehabilitation of disturbed ecosystems in the conditions of modern nature management
Repellent and fumigant toxic potential of three essential oils against Ephestia kuehniella
Get PDFEssential oils, when used as bio-insecticides in the control of insect pests of stored grains have shown specificity and variation in the potentiality of their mode of action. In the present study, three essential oils extracted from three aromatic plants of different families, white wormwood (Artemisia herba alba, Asteraceae), oregano (Origanum vulgare, Lamiaceae) and rue (Ruta montana, Rutaceae), were evaluated for their repellent and fumigant toxic potential against the flour moth larvae, Ephestia kuehniella (Lepidoptera, Pyralidae), under laboratory conditions. The essential oils extraction was done by the hydrodistillation method. The repellent activity was carried out in Petri dishes using a filter paper treated with different oil dilutions (25, 75, 100, 120, 130, 150 µL/mL). The fumigant toxicity was determined on three concentrations (50, 130, 150 µL/L air). Two plants were shown to be repellent against the E. kuehniella larvae. Origanum oil was the most repellent with 67% of repellency rate followed by Artemisia oil (46%) at 120µL/mL after 2 hours of exposure. The oil of R. montana had an attractant activity against the larvae and was the most toxic with 56.7% of larval mortality in the first 24 hours. The median lethal concentrations (LC50) recorded were 11.6, 175.4 and 1100.0 µL/L air for the plant oils R. montana, O. vulgare and A. herba alba, respectively. R. montana and O. vulgare essential oil are shown to be efficient with high toxic and repellent properties against E. kuehniella larvae. Their specific potential could be integrated in the selection of the best bioinsecticides for the optimum protection of stored grain
Climatogenic reaction of Robinia pseudoacacia and Pinus sylvestris within Northern Steppe of Ukraine
Get PDFClimatic changes in the environment are becoming more noticeable each year. Nonetheless, trends in the reaction of radial growth of forest trees to climate change should be studied in different climatic regions due to significant local variability in climatic conditions which are specific for any particular area. We conducted a correlation analysis of the relationship between the parameters of radial increment of black locust (Robinia pseudoacacia L.) and Scots pine (Pinus sylvestris L.) and meteorological factors of the environment in forest areas located in thenorthern steppe zone of Ukraine. We performed surveys in plantations of black locust, growing in hill slope and interfluve areas and also in sandy terrace plots of Scots pine. Over the period of intense vegetatative growth, black locust requires moisture 50% higher than the norm, and Scots pine 43% higher than the norm. It was determined that maximum increment for the studied plants occurred under the influence of a combination of factors involving reduction of the air temperature by 2.6–2.7 °С below the norm for black locust and by 2.3–2.5 °С for Scots pine. During the period of lower vegetative activity, Scots pine demonstrated lower sensitivity compared to black locust. This paper provides a statistical characteristic of the radial increment of trees in the conditions of changes in meteorological factors which limit their growth. The article provides data on multiple correlation of radial increment of the tree stands in relation to growth locations; demonstrates correlation dependency of radial increment of the studied trees on the precipitation and mean monthly temperatures over different time periods and during particular months. Radial increment of Scots pine exhibited most positive correlation with the total of precipitations throughout the period. For the stands of black locust, correlation coefficients were higher and distinguished by both positive and negative values. In the current increment of this species, a negative correlation relation was observed with the total precipitation in July, August and September, and positive correlation with the remaining months of the year. By contrast, radial increment of black locust and Scots pine positively correlated with air temperature during all time periods and particular months
Nanotechnologies in crop cultivation: Ecotoxicological aspects
Get PDFThe European Commission has recognized nanotechnologies as extremely promising for increasing competitiveness of different sectors of the economy. On account of climate changes and the quest for food security, they are an effective way of solving key problems in the agrarian sector. Nowadays nanotechnologies are widely used for creating nanofertilizers, nanoinsecticides, nanofungicides, nanoherbicides and other nanopreparations. Numerous researches affirm advantages of nanopreparations, which has helped them find a wide use in agricultural practice. At the same time, nanopreparations are the source of entry into the environment of nanoparticles (size less than 100 nm) which are characterized by large active surface and specific physical-chemical properties different from ordinary chemical substances. It is precisely this which determines their bioaccessibility, bioaccumulation and toxicity. Recently, data about toxicity of nanoparticles for human and natural ecosystems have been accumulated. The results of a great deal of research affirm that they break the processes of photosynthesis, transpiration, mitosis, miosis and have a negative influence on colouring agents, proteins and carbohydrates. Under their action, physiological processes of plant growth and development are disturbed, which take place mainly in root system. Nanoparticles are characterized by high bioaccessibility for soil organisms, they are toxic to earthworms and microorganisms and they influence circulation of carbon and nitrogen. Aquatic organisms have been shown to have high sensitivity to nanoparticles; toxic effect has been registered for fish, daphnids, water plants and microorganisms. Taking into consideration the high level of potential danger of nanopreparations used in crop cultivation, special notice should be paid to the development of eco toxicological research. At present, nanoecotoxicological approaches to assessment of the danger of nanomaterials and nanoparticles are absent. Development of reports on elaboration of quantitative and qualitative methods of analysis, and methods of modeling and prognostication of risks is only at the initial stage. The objective of this review is attracting attention to solving the problem of nanoecotoxicology, nanoagrochemicals and nanopesticides, which needs consolidated efforts of scientists, governmental organizations and business and is an obligatory condition for preventing the negative impact of nanomaterials on humans and the environment
Ecological and physiological peculiarities of bryophytes on a post-technogenic salinized territory
Get PDFTaxonomic, biomorphological and ecological structures of bryophytes, their reproductive strategy and the main mechanisms of tolerance in the conditions of salinization were investigated. Bryophytes are the pioneers that have colonized the territory of a tailing storage that holds liquid waste from potassium-magnesium concentrate production of the Mining and Chemical Enterprise "Polymineral". Due to excess salts, the soil solution in the shore area of the tailing pond acquires high osmotic pressure. Three experimental plots which differed significantly in the level of the substrate salinity were laid at the distance of 3, 6 and 9 m from the reservoir for experimental studies. Water extracts of the substrates from the test sites showed the highest concentrations for sulfates – 10.4–64.6 mg Eq/100 g of soil and chlorides – 7.6–43.3 mg Eq/100 g of soil. It was established that the investigated areas of the tailing storage territory differed in the biochemical activity of the substrate, which was evaluated by its redox potential. On the areas of the uncovered substrate it was the lowest – 230 mV, which indicates anaerobiosis in conditions of very high salinization and moisture. Higher ROP values were determined at the sites of bryophyte cover distribution – 295–330 mV. The aim of the study was to determine the features of taxonomic, biomorphological and ecological structures of bryophytes, their reproductive strategy and to establish the main mechanisms of adaptation to the conditions of salinization on the tailing storage territory. 24 species and 3 varieties of bryophytes, belonging to 12 families and 16 genera were found on the shore of the tailing storage pond. The results of biomorphological and ecological analysis of bryophytes indicate the uneven conditions of the habitats and their considerable ecological plasticity. Among the bryophytes, mesophytes, xeromesophytes and meso-eutrophs, eutrophs with a life-form of low dense and loose turf dominated. In salinization conditions, dioicous acrocarpous mosses prevailed, the fertile turf of which, depending on the influence of abiotic factors, differed significantly in the number of sexual shoots, their ratio and productivity. Bulbils were found only on the tips of Bryum argenteum shoots. Along with Salicornia europaea L., a euhalophyte, the leading role in the initial stage of overgrowth of the tailing storage area most often belonged to Didymodon rigidulus, Bryum argenteum, Funaria hygrometrica and Barbula unguiculata. The process of formation of bryophyte cover occurred along a gradient of decrease in salt concentration at the experimental sites. Adaptation of bryophytes to substrate salinity is due to a change in metabolic processes, which is manifested in an increase of the total content of carbohydrates and an increase of the cation exchange capacity of moss cell walls, which is the primary barrier that reduces the toxic effect of ions under salt stress
Morphological variability of Bembidion aspericolle (Coleoptera, Carabidae) populations in conditions of anthropogenic impact
Get PDFBembidion (Talanes) aspericolle (Germar, 1829) is a Western Palearctic species which lives on the shores of the Atlantic Ocean, the Mediterranean, Black and Caspian Seas and saline inland habitats from Central Europe to Central Asia. Anthropogenic impact is one of the most important environmental factors affecting the morphological variability of ground beetles. The objective of our research is assessment of the morphological variability of this species in three ecosystems differing by intensity of anthropogenic impact. 13 linear characteristics, one angular characteristic, density of pores on the prothorax and elytra, contrast of spots on the beetles’ elytra were measured, and 6 morphometric indices were calculated. The mean value of body length in females is more than in males in the studied populations. In the ecosystem with high anthropogenic pressure, female body length is shorter by 3.7% and elytra length is shorter by 6.0% than in females in the ecosystem with low anthropogenic impact. Differences between populations in the body length of males are not significant. In the ecosystem with high anthropogenic transformation, sexual dimorphism is observed only on head and prothorax width. The ratio of maximum width of elytra to maximum prothorax width decreases significantly with increasing anthropogenic load. The impact of anthropogenic factors on the ecosystem produces significant changes in elytra length and head width of B. aspericolle and in four of the six morphometric indices. It is reasonable to use these morphometric characteristics of B. aspericolle adults in bioindication. The complex of anthropogenic factors does not have a significant impact on the value of anterior and posterior angles of prothorax, density of prothorax and elytra puncturing and contrast of the light spots at the top of the elytra. The sex of the specimen influences all linear characteristics. The absence of significant differences in morphometric indices between males and females shows that the body proportions of the beetles remain unchanged and only linear dimensions vary. Research on the morphological variability of B. aspericolle is important for understanding microevolutionary processes in populations of beetles under anthropogenically induced changes in the environment
Morphological variation of four species of Strongyloides (Nematoda, Rhabditida) parasitising various mammal species
Get PDFStudy of the morphologic peculiarities of free-living stages of nematodes of the Strongyloides genus is important in differential diagnostics of pathogens. We studied the parasite of goats (Capra aegagrus hircus Linnaeus, 1758) – Strongyloides papillosus (Wedl, 1856); the parasite of horses (Equus ferus caballus Linnaeus, 1758) – S. westeri Ihle, 1917; the parasite of swine (Sus scrofa Linnaeus, 1758 ) – S. ransomi Schwartz & Alicata, 1930; the parasite of dogs (Canis lupus familiaris Linnaeus, 1758) – S. stercoralis (Bavay, 1876). Rhabditiform larvae (L1, L2), filarial larvae (L3), mature males (M) and free-living females (F) were analyzed for each of the four species by five morphological parameters: body length (Lb), total maximum body width (Sb), length of the esophagus (Lo), length of the intestine (Le), length of the tail end (Lc); for females, we additionally examined length from the head end to the vulva (Lv) and the number of formed eggs in the uterus cavity (E), and for males – length of spicules (Ls). First stage larvae of S. papillosus and S. stercoralis significantly differed in all parameters, and first stage larvae of S. westeri and S. stercoralis significantly differed in four out of five parameters. By indices of ratios of total maximum body width (Sb) to body length (Lb), length of the esophagus (Lo) to length of the intestine (Le), length of the tail end (Lc) to body length (Lb), length of the intestine (Le) to body length (Lb), a reliable difference was recorded between L1 of S. papillosus and S. ransomi, L3 of S. papillosus and S. westeri, S. westeri and S. ransomi, between males of S. papillosus and S. westeri, S. westeri and S. stercoralis, between females of S. papillosus and S. westeri, S. papillosus and S. stercoralis. All four examined species were observed to have reliable differences of ratio of length of esophagus to length of intestine in third stage larvae
The effect of tillage system and fertilization on corn yield and water use efficiency in irrigated conditions of the South of Ukraine
Get PDFEfficient water management in agriculture is an important part of the general programme on water resources preservation. This study is devoted to the determination of the effects of soil processing system and mineral fertilization on the water use efficiency and productivity of grain corn (Zea mays Linnaeus, 1753). The trials were conducted in 2017–2018 on irrigated land in the South of Ukraine. The field experiments were carried out on the experimental plots of the Institute of Irrigated Agriculture of the NAAS in four replications. We studied the following agrotechnological parameters and their combinations: Factor A – primary tillage type and depth within different tillage systems in the short crop rotation (grain corn – grain sorghum – winter wheat – soybean); Factor B – application rates of mineral fertilizers (N0P0, N120P60, N180P60). We established that the highest yield of grain accompanied by the best water use efficiency was provided by the cultivation technology with disk cultivator tillage on the depth of 8–10 cm within the differentiated tillage system in the crop rotation under the maximum nutritive background of N180P60. This agrotechnological variant resulted in a corn grain yield of 14.51 and 14.59 t/ha in 2017 and 2018 years of the study, respectively. The coefficient of water use efficiency, which is the relation of the water used by the crop to the yield, in this variant was the lowest – 39.6 and 42.0 mm/t in 2017 and 2018, respectively, which indicates the optimum response of corn grain to watering. The worst indexes of water use efficiency and corn productivity were determined in the experimental variant with disk cultivator tillage on the depth of 12–14 cm within the subsoil tillage system within the crop rotation under non-fertilized conditions. We determined that strengthening of the crop nutrition under the rational tillage system in crop rotation is helpful in optimization of the crop water use in the irrigated conditions of the South of Ukraine, which is very important in the current conditions of freshwater scarcity
Influence of essential oils of plants on the migration activity of Tribolium confusum (Coleoptera, Tenebrionidae)
Get PDFPest control should be ecologically-based, therefore use of ecologically safe approaches is the best variant. Essential oils of plants can affect the main metabolic, biochemical, physiological and behavioural functions of insects. In the experiment, we evaluated the influence of 20 essential oils on migration activity of imagoes of Tribolium confusum Jacquelin du Val, 1863 in the conditions of a laboratory experiment. Notable repellent activity against T. confusum was exhibited by essential oils of Jasminum officinale and Thuja occidentalis. Essential oils of Zingiber officinale and Cedrus atlantica had an attractant effect on imagoes of T. confusum. Essential oils of Rosmarinus officinalis, Melaleuca alternifolia, Lavandula angustifolia and Cinnamomum verum exhibited repellent properties while essential oils of Juniperus communis and Citrus sinensis had an attractant effect on the pests. Therefore, out of 20 studied essential oils, only four samples had notable biological effect on migration activity of T. confusum imagoes. These data indicate the possibility of using essential oils or their main components as ecologically safe natural repellents against pests of stored wheat and products of its processing
Evaluation of sexual dimorphism of histochemical activity of phosphatases of the plantar glands of Norway rats (Rattus norvegicus)
Get PDFThe activity of acid phosphatase, alkaline phosphatase and adenosine triphosphatase in the eccrine and sebaceous glands of the skin of the soles of the paws of male and female Norway rats was studied by histochemiсal methods. Using the methods of qualimetric analysis, we presented a digitalized form of the enzyme activity, which made it possible to calculate sexual dimorphism indices, reflecting quantitative differences in the enzymatic activity of the skin glands in males and females of Norway rats. For acid phosphatase activity, the sexual dimorphism index was equal to 0.50 in the eccrine glands and equal to 0.33 in the sebaceous glands. For alkaline phosphatase activity, values of sexual dimorphism indices were equal to –0.25 and 0.33 correspondingly, and for adenosine triphosphatase values of sexual dimorphism indices were equal to –0.33 and 0.50. Digital analogues of the histoenzymatic activity of the skin glands were presented as coordinates in three-dimensional space. Using the methods of analytical geometry, we calculated the values of intersexual distances (1.73 for eccrine glands and 1.73 for sebaceous glands), reflecting the cumulative differences in the activity of three types of phosphatases, which can be considered as an integral indicator of sexual dimorphism. Histochemical activity entropy is significant in the eccrine glands. Male entropy value (0.842 bit) was less than female entropy value (0.915 bit), because total actual activity of the males’ phosphatases was greater (220% of 300%) than total actual activity of the females’ phosphatases (200% of 300%). High entropy level of phosphatase activity was typical for male sebaceous glands (0.998 bit), where the general level of enzymatic activity was significantly reduced (160% of 300%). Because of the highest total actual phosphatase activity of female sebaceous glands (220% of 300%), entropy value was the lowest (0.842 bit). The obtained results show not only sexual dimorphism by histochemical parameters but show different communicational levels of male and female Norway rats, taking into account the important role of the plantar glands as sources of chemical signals determining the character of marking behaviour