The importance of shredding caddis larvae (Trichoptera: Limnephilidae) in leaf litter breakdown

Zoosymposia ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 14 (1) ◽  
pp. 39-53
Author(s):  
MARTA GELLERT ◽  
KATARZYNA KWIATKOWSKA ◽  
JANUSZ MAJECKI
Keyword(s):  
Leaf Litter ◽  
Laboratory Experiments ◽  
Quercus Rubra ◽  
Alnus Glutinosa ◽  
Leaf Decomposition ◽  
Acer Pseudoplatanus ◽  
Breakdown Rate ◽  
Caddisfly Larvae ◽  
Four Square ◽  
Fallen Leaves

In field and laboratory experiments, we assessed the role of caddisfly larvae in leaf decomposition occurring in headwaters with a focus on the breakdown of alien Quercus rubra leaves. A field experiment was conducted at two sites: in Wolbórka Spring and 150 m downstream. Eight 0.5 x 0.5 m “mats” were constructed. 1m2 of one type of fallen leaves: Quercus robur, Acer pseudoplatanus, Quercus rubra and Alnus glutinosa was placed in each mat. The caddisfly assemblages on the leaf mats consisted of 550 shredder larvae and 394 predatory larvae of Plectrocnemia conspersa. Among the 4 shredder species in both years, the larvae of P. nigricornis dominated on all leaf species at both sites. In the laboratory experiment, ten Vth instar larvae of Potamophylax nigricornis were placed in to each of four square (30 x 30 cm) boxes containing 500 cm2 of Q. robur, A. pseudoplatanus, Q. rubra and A. glutinosa leaves. The length of time of leaf decomposition was measured in the laboratory. The fastest loss of leaf surface was noted with respect to A. glutinosa (in the field as well as in the laboratory). Shredders collected from Q. rubra mats were numerous and the breakdown rate of leaf litter in the field as well as in the laboratory experiments was similar to Q. robur and A. pseudoplatanus. The number of caddis corresponded with the time of decomposition, which in 2014 was 20 days shorter than in 2013.

scholarly journals Leaf litter as a possible food source for chironomids (Diptera) in Brazilian and Portuguese headwater streams

2007 ◽  
Vol 24 (2) ◽  
pp. 442-448 ◽  
Author(s):  
Marcos Callisto ◽  
José F. Gonçalves Jr ◽  
Manuel A. S. Graça
Keyword(s):  
Leaf Litter ◽  
Riparian Vegetation ◽  
Laboratory Experiments ◽  
Food Source ◽  
Alnus Glutinosa ◽  
Chironomid Larvae ◽  
Feeding Experiments ◽  
Chironomid Species ◽  
Consumption Rates ◽  
Potential Use

Our objective was to evaluate the potential use of leaf detritus by chironomid larvae. Field and laboratory experiments were performed using leaves and chironomid species collected in Portugal and Brazil. Laboratory experiments under controlled conditions were done using microbial conditioned senescent leaves of Alnus glutinosa (L.) Gaertn, Neriumoleander L., Protium heptaphilum (Aubl.) March, Protium brasiliense (Spreng) Engl., Myrcia guyanensis(Aubl.) DC and Miconia chartacea Triana. Laboratory experiments were performed using specimens collected from leaf litter in local streams. Whenever possible, after the experiments, chironomids were allowed to emerge as adults and identified. In Portugal the following taxa were identified: Micropsectra apposita (Walker, 1856), Polypedilum albicorne (Meigen, 1838),Eukiefferiella claripennis Lundbeck (1898), Rheocricotopus (Psilocricotopus) atripes Rempel (1937) and Ablabesmyia Johannsen (1905) (Diptera, Chironomidae). Consumption rates ranged from 0.15 ± 0.10 mg (AFDM) of leaf animal-1 day-1 (Micropsectra apposita feeding on Alnus glutinosa) up to 0.85 ± 0.33 mg (AFDM) of leaf animal-1 day-1 (Polypedilum albicorne feeding on Miconia chartacea). In Brazil, the following taxa were identified from leaves: Phaenopsectra sp., Chironomus spp. and Polypedilum sp. and maximum consumption rates reached 0.47 ± 0.28 (AFDM) of leaf mg.animal-1.day-1 (Chironomus Meigen (1803) feeding on Protium heptaphilum). Feeding experiments with laboratory cultured specimens, revealed that some chironomids were unable to feed on decomposing leaves (e.g., C. xanthus Rempel (1939) on P.brasiliensis and M.guyanensis). Our results suggest that some stream chironomids (not typical shredders) can use leaf litter of riparian vegetation as a complementary food source.

scholarly journals Effect of Urea, CaCO3, and Dolomite on Pseudothecial Development and Ascospore Production of Mycosphaerella citri

Plant Disease ◽  
2003 ◽  
Vol 87 (5) ◽  
pp. 478-483 ◽  
Author(s):  
S. N. Mondal ◽  
L. W. Timmer
Keyword(s):  
Leaf Litter ◽  
Laboratory Experiments ◽  
Leaf Decomposition ◽  
Incidence Density ◽  
Effect Of Treatment ◽  
Integrated Program ◽  
Ascospore Production

Citrus greasy spot, caused by Mycosphaerella citri, produces lesions on leaves, followed by premature defoliation, and rind blotch on fruit. Ascospores produced in leaf litter represent the major source of inoculum. The effect of treatment of leaf litter with urea, CaCO3, or dolomite on the development of pseudothecia and ascospore production was evaluated. In laboratory experiments, one urea application reduced production of pseudothecia and ascospores by up to 90%, but did not affect time of production of pseudothecia or ascospores or rate of leaf decomposition. Two applications of urea delayed leaf decomposition. As the rates of CaCO3 or dolomite were increased, pseudothecial incidence, density, time to ascospore production, and total numbers of ascospores decreased and the rate of leaf compostion increased. Immature pseudothecia on leaves treated with urea or CaCO3 degenerated and produced fewer ascospores per pseudothecium. The results observed in microplot studies in the field were similar to those observed in laboratory experiments. The number of days to pseudothecia and ascospore production and the pseudothecial incidence and density were negatively related to the rate of CaCO3 or dolomite applied. Application of CaCO3 dolomite, or urea to leaf litter can reduce inoculum and be useful in an integrated program of greasy spot management.

Coccomyces clusiae. [Descriptions of Fungi and Bacteria].

2005 ◽  
Author(s):  
M. Cabarroi
Keyword(s):  
Puerto Rico ◽  
Costa Rica ◽  
Dominican Republic ◽  
Leaf Litter ◽  
Geographical Distribution ◽  
Disease Information ◽  
Fallen Leaves

Abstract A description is provided for Coccomyces clusiae, which is found on dead, fallen leaves in leaf litter. This species is not associated with any disease. Information is included on its geographical distribution (Costa Rica, Cuba, Dominican Republic, Guadeloupe, Haiti, Puerto Rico, Colombia, Guyana and Venezuela) and hosts (dead leaves of Clusia rosea and Clusia sp.).

scholarly journals Winter Conditions Correlate with Phytophthora alni Subspecies Distribution in Southern Sweden

2015 ◽  
Vol 105 (9) ◽  
pp. 1191-1197 ◽  
Author(s):  
Miguel A. Redondo ◽  
Johanna Boberg ◽  
Christer H. B. Olsson ◽  
Jonàs Oliva
Keyword(s):  
Laboratory Experiments ◽  
Alnus Glutinosa ◽  
Climatic Conditions ◽  
Southern Sweden ◽  
Black Alder ◽  
Forest Pathogen ◽  
Winter Conditions ◽  
Winter Temperatures ◽  
Major River ◽  
Highly Correlated

During the last century, the number of forest pathogen invasions has increased substantially. Environmental variables can play a crucial role in determining the establishment of invasive species. The objective of the present work was to determine the correlation between winter climatic conditions and distribution of two subspecies of the invasive forest pathogen Phytophthora alni: P. alni subspp. alni and uniformis killing black alder (Alnus glutinosa) in southern Sweden. It is known from laboratory experiments that P. alni subsp. alni is more pathogenic than P. alni subsp. uniformis, and that P. alni subsp. alni is sensitive to low temperatures and long frost periods. By studying the distribution of these two subspecies at the northern limit of the host species, we could investigate whether winter conditions can affect the geographical distribution of P. alni subsp. alni spreading northward. Sixteen major river systems of southern Sweden were systematically surveyed and isolations were performed from active cankers. The distribution of the two studied subspecies was highly correlated with winter temperature and duration of periods with heavy frost. While P. alni subsp. uniformis covered the whole range of temperatures of the host, P. alni subsp. alni was recovered in areas subjected to milder winter temperatures and shorter frost periods. Our observations suggest that winter conditions can play an important role in limiting P. alni subsp. alni establishment in cold locations, thus affecting the distribution of the different subspecies of P. alni in boreal regions.

scholarly journals Природні процеси розвитку та взаємовідносини компонентів садово-паркових екосистем в урбанізованому середовищі

2020 ◽  
Vol 30 (1) ◽  
pp. 60-65 ◽  
Author(s):  
Н. Я. Мельничук ◽  
Я. В. Геник ◽  
С. П. Мельничук ◽  
М. М. Паславський
Keyword(s):  
Pinus Sylvestris ◽  
Quercus Robur ◽  
Quercus Rubra ◽  
Robinia Pseudoacacia ◽  
Larix Decidua ◽  
Acer Pseudoplatanus ◽  
Carpinus Betulus ◽  
Robinia Pseudoacacia L

Розкрито особливості формування зелених насаджень урбанізованих екосистем. Визначено видовий склад лісопаркових і паркових насаджень міста Львова та їх просторовий розподіл. Досліджено та узагальнено фітоценотичні особливості міських насаджень, зокрема, їх флористичну, вікову та екологічну структури, а також візуально-естетичні якості. Встановлено, що процеси урбанізації спричинили формування в лісопаркових і паркових насадженнях Львова нових рослинних асоціацій та появу у фітоценозах інтродукованих деревних видів. Встановлено, що видова різноманітність трав'яного вкриття лісопаркових і паркових зон безпосередньо залежить від топографічних, мікрокліматичних і ґрунтових умов місцевості, а також від видового складу деревного намету та його зімкнутості. Проаналізовано мікрокліматичні характеристики різних за видовим складом фітоценозів лісопаркових і паркових насаджень. З'ясовано, що найбільш контрастними показниками мікрокліматичних особливостей лісопаркових і паркових фітоценозів, порівняно із показниками відкритого простору, характеризуються насадження із щільним наметом з перевагою у складі Carpinus betulus L., Quercus rubra Du Roi, Аcer platanoides L., Acer pseudoplatanus L. та Quercus robur L. За особливостями мікрокліматичних показників у лісопаркових і паркових фітоценозах та відкритого простору виділено три групи рослинних асоціацій: за різницею температур і вологістю повітря – "холодні-вологі", "помірні" та "теплі-сухі"; за вітровим режимом – "комфортні", "середнього комфорту" та "некомфортні"; за освітленістю надґрунтової поверхні: "темні", "середньої освітленості" та "світлі". Встановлено, що більш прогрітим є верхній шар ґрунтового покриву у фітоценозах "теплого-сухого" угруповання з перевагою у складі Pinus sylvestris L., Robinia pseudoacacia L., Betulla pendula Roth., Larix decidua Mill. та Аcer negundo L. Визначено, що проективне трав'яне вкриття у рослинних асоціаціях, віднесених до груп "темних", або зовсім відсутнє, або не перевищує 5 %, а у "світлих" фітоценозах становить 95-100 %. Видове фіторізноманіття у "світлих" і "теплих-сухих" фітоценозах є вищим порівно із фітоценозами "середньої освітленості" і "помірних", а природне поновлення деревних видів у "темних" і "холодних-вологих" рослинних угрупованнях зазвичай відсутнє. Охарактеризовано групи рослинних асоціацій за шкалою естетичної цінності та санітарно-гігієнічними умовами згідно з виділеними кліматопами. Висвітлено значення відновлення фітоценотичної структури лісопаркових і паркових насаджень в оптимізації зелених зон урбанізованих екосистем.

Lophodermium aucupariae. [Descriptions of Fungi and Bacteria].

2005 ◽  
Author(s):  
D. W. Minter
Keyword(s):  
Czech Republic ◽  
Leaf Litter ◽  
Geographical Distribution ◽  
Sorbus Aucuparia ◽  
Fallen Leaves

Abstract A description is provided for Lophodermium aucupariae, which is not associated with any disease and is known only from collections of ascomata fruiting on pale areas of dead fallen leaves in leaf litter. Information is included on its geographical distribution (Canada (Ontario), USA (Washington), Russia, Czech Republic, France, Germany, UK, Norway, Slovakia, Sweden and Ukraine) and hosts (dead leaves, leaflets and petioles of Amelanchier sp., Sorbus aucuparia, S. serotinus, S. sibirica, S. sitchensis and Sorbus sp.).

Lophodermium platyplacum. [Descriptions of Fungi and Bacteria].

2005 ◽  
Author(s):  
M. Cabarroi
Keyword(s):  
Puerto Rico ◽  
Trinidad And Tobago ◽  
Leaf Litter ◽  
Geographical Distribution ◽  
Fallen Leaves

Abstract A description is provided for Lophodermium platyplacum, which is not associated with any disease and is known only from collections of ascomata fruiting on pale areas of dead fallen leaves in leaf litter. Information is included on its geographical distribution (Colombia, Cuba, Puerto Rico, Trinidad and Tobago, and Venezuela) and hosts (Clusia rosea and Clusia sp.).

scholarly journals Consumption Performance of Five Detritivore Species Feeding on Alnus glutinosa L. Leaf Litter in a Microcosm Experiment

Forests ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 10 (12) ◽  
pp. 1080 ◽  
Author(s):  
Masoud M. Ardestani ◽  
Vladimír Šustr ◽  
Jan Frouz
Keyword(s):  
Leaf Litter ◽  
Animal Species ◽  
Feeding Activity ◽  
Assimilation Efficiency ◽  
Dry Weight ◽  
Alnus Glutinosa ◽  
Porcellio Scaber ◽  
Leaf Consumption ◽  
Soil Ecosystems ◽  
Consumption Rates

The present study was performed to assess the feeding performance of five detritivore species in a microcosm design. The test animals were four millipede species, Telodeinopus aoutii (Demange), Epibolus pulchripes (Gerstäcker), Cylindroiulus caeruleocinctus (Wood), Glomeris hexasticha (Brandt), and one isopod species, Porcellio scaber (Latreille), all feeding on Alnus glutinosa L. leaf litter for five consecutive weeks. At the end of each one-week interval, litter consumption, animal fresh weight, and excrement production were measured. Then, the feeding activity parameters for each species were calculated. Between big-size animal species, higher leaf consumption rates of 12.3–30.9 mg dry weight day−1 individual−1 were calculated for T. aoutii compared to those of 3.72–8.25 mg dry weight day−1 individual−1 for E. pulchripes. However, there was no difference in the consumption rates among small-size animals ranging from 0.46 to 1.65 mg dry weight day−1 individual−1. Excrement production rates followed a similar trend, as the consumption rates and the animals’ body weight remained constant during the experiment. Time was an important factor influencing the feeding activity of the animals, especially for the big-size group. Overall, the average assimilation efficiency of these species varied from 13.7% to 53.3%. The results of the present work will be the first step for understanding the ecological needs of these decomposer species in soil ecosystems.

scholarly journals Leaf-Gas Exchange of Five Tree Species at Urban Street Sites

2015 ◽  
Vol 41 (3) ◽  
Author(s):  
Sten Gillner ◽  
Sandra Korn ◽  
Andreas Roloff
Keyword(s):  
Gas Exchange ◽  
Quercus Rubra ◽  
Leaf Gas Exchange ◽  
Economic Benefits ◽  
High Rate ◽  
Acer Pseudoplatanus ◽  
Acer Platanoides ◽  
Street Trees ◽  
Mean Values ◽  
Urban Sites

For street trees, site-specific soil and microclimate conditions can restrict growth, health, and longevity for many species. Many urban sites are characterized by a high amount of impervious surface and paved areas resulting in a high rate of surface runoff, low infiltration into soil, and strong reradiation effects. In maintaining the ecologic and economic benefits of street trees through future decades, it is essential to establish species with a high tolerance to stressful urban environments. Researchers measured leaf-gas exchange of Acer platanoides, Acer pseudoplatanus, Platanus × hispanica, Quercus rubra, and Tilia platyphyllos to assess stomatal conductance, transpiration, and net photosynthesis at impervious urban sites in the city of Dresden, Germany. The results show significantly higher leaf-gas exchange rates for the species Platanus × hispanica and Quercus rubra, compared to the species Acer platanoides and Acer pseudoplatanus. The significantly higher mean values of water-use efficiency of Platanus × hispanica and Quercus rubra, and in particular the values during the selected periods with a high vapor pressure deficit, indicate more economical water consumption.

Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document