scholarly journals Aphid Assemblages Associated with Urban Park Plant Communities

Insects ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 12 (2) ◽  
pp. 173
Author(s):  
Tadeusz Barczak ◽  
Janina Bennewicz ◽  
Maciej Korczyński ◽  
Małgorzata Błażejewicz-Zawadzińska ◽  
Hanna Piekarska-Boniecka
Keyword(s):  
Plant Communities ◽  
Urban Areas ◽  
Robinia Pseudoacacia ◽  
Aphid Species ◽  
Aphis Fabae ◽  
Urban Park ◽  
Ecological Indicator ◽  
Agricultural Pests ◽  
Hyalopterus Pruni ◽  
Dominance Structure

Some aphid species are important agricultural pests, sometimes also found on plants growing in urban areas. In this work, we set out to identify the plant species, communities or habitats that are more attractive to aphids in order to limit their spread into new green areas. The aim of the study was to determine and compare plant communities and the assemblages of aphids associated with them in different urban park habitats. The research hypothesis assumed that the differences between aphid assemblages depend on plant diversity and hence reflect urban park habitat environmental conditions, in particular the plant communities and the floral structure. The study was carried out in Bydgoszcz (northern Poland), and four parks were taken into consideration. Herein, floristic lists were used to calculate ecological indicator values for each park. The aphid species richness was determined, as well as the relative abundance and dominance structure similarities of the aphid assemblages. Our results demonstrated that Prunus spp. were strongly infested by Hyalopterus pruni, similarly as Philadelphus inodorus by Aphis fabae, Sambucus nigra by Aphis sambuci, and Acerplatanoides and A. pseudoplatanus by Periphyllus testudinaceus. Park plantations of Robinia pseudoacacia were not very attractive to aphids. The most attractive plant communities to aphids were syntaxonomically identifiable as alluvial alder forests in the layer of trees and Cornus sanguinea in the layer of shrubs.

Aphids (Hemiptera: Aphididae) of midfield thickets in an agricultural landscape

2012 ◽  
Vol 81 (1) ◽  
pp. 11-33 ◽  
Author(s):  
Janina Bennewicz
Keyword(s):  
Agricultural Landscape ◽  
Common Reed ◽  
Aphid Species ◽  
Aphis Fabae ◽  
Large Area ◽  
Hyalopterus Pruni ◽  
Plant Pests ◽  
Vistula River ◽  
Different Types ◽  
Forest Islands

Aphids (Hemiptera: Aphididae) of midfield thickets in an agricultural landscape The occurrence and structure of associations and communities of aphids (Hemiptera: Aphididae) in different types of midfield thickets (boundaries, bushes and "forest islands") characteristic of the Lower Vistula River Valley region are described. The study shows that midfield thickets in an agricultural environment are more attractive to aphids than those in a landscape park. It indicates that aphids choose sites with a superior availability and quantity of food and where midfield thickets border a large area of fields under cultivation. Midfield thickets are habitats which are either not inhabited by aphid species considered to be plant pests, or are treated by them as sites for further dispersal. Moreover, the aphids are often subspecies not regarded as pests, as in the case of Aphis fabae, or they feed mainly on herbaceous plants, like Hyalopterus pruni, which is most commonly recorded on common reed.

scholarly journals Diurnal, weekly, seasonal and spatial variabilities in carbon dioxide flux in different urban landscapes in Sakai, Japan

2016 ◽  
Author(s):  
Masahito Ueyama ◽  
Tomoya Ando
Keyword(s):  
Rural Area ◽  
Eddy Covariance ◽  
Co2 Emissions ◽  
Air Temperature ◽  
Urban Areas ◽  
Suburban Area ◽  
Urban Park ◽  
Urban Landscapes ◽  
Co2 Fluxes ◽  
Urban Center

Abstract. To evaluate CO2 emissions in urban areas and their temporal and spatial variabilities, continuous measurements of CO2 fluxes were conducted using the eddy covariance method at three locations in Sakai, Osaka, Japan. Based on the flux footprint at the measurement sites, CO2 fluxes from the three sites were partitioned into five datasets representing a dense urban center, a moderately urban area, a suburb, an urban park, and a rural area. Distinct biological uptake of CO2 was observed in the suburb, urban park, and rural areas in the daytime, whereas high emissions were observed at dense and moderate urban areas in daytime. Weekday CO2 emissions in the dense urban center and suburban area were approximately 50 % greater than during weekend and holidays, but the other landscapes did not exhibit a clear weekly cycle. Seasonal variations in the urban park, rural area, and suburban area were influenced by vegetation activities, exhibiting the lowest daily emissions or even uptakes during summer months. In contrast, the dense and moderately urban areas exhibited higher emissions in winter and summer months, when emissions significantly increased as air temperature increased in summer and air temperature decreased in winter. Irrespective of the landcover type, all urban landscapes measured in this study acted as net annual CO2 sources, with emissions ranging from 0.5 to 4.9 kg C m−2 yr−1. The magnitude of the annual CO2 emissions was negatively correlated with green fraction; areas with a smaller green fraction had higher annual CO2 emissions. Upscaled flux estimates based on the green fraction indicated that the emissions for the entire city were 3.3 kg C m−2 yr−1, which is equivalent to 0.5 Tg C yr−1 or 1.8 Mt CO2 yr−1 based on the area of the city (149.81 km2). A network of eddy covariance measurements is a powerful tool to evaluate CO2 emissions from urban areas.

scholarly journals Modulation of Aphid Vector Activity by Potato virus Y on In Vitro Potato Plants

Plant Disease ◽  
2012 ◽  
Vol 96 (1) ◽  
pp. 82-86 ◽  
Author(s):  
S. Boquel ◽  
C. Delayen ◽  
A. Couty ◽  
P. Giordanengo ◽  
A. Ameline
Keyword(s):  
Feeding Behavior ◽  
Potato Virus ◽  
Potato Virus Y ◽  
Aphid Species ◽  
Aphis Fabae ◽  
Plant Colonization ◽  
Electrical Penetration Graph ◽  
Vector Activity ◽  
Aphid Feeding

The effects of the infection of potato (Solanum tuberosum) plants by the nonpersistent Potato virus Y (PVY) were studied on the host plant colonization behavior of different colonizing (Myzus persicae) and noncolonizing (Aphis fabae, Brevicoryne brassicae, and Sitobion avenae) aphid species. The underlying questions of this study were to know how aphids respond when faced with PVY-infected plants and whether plant infection can modify the aphid behavior involved in PVY spread. Short-range orientation behavior was observed using a dual-choice set-up and aphid feeding behavior was monitored using the electrical penetration graph technique. None of the aphid species discriminated between healthy and PVY-infected plants. Nevertheless, most individuals of M. persicae landed on and probed only in one plant whereas noncolonizing aphid species exhibited interplant movements. Study of the aphid feeding behavior showed that PVY infection essentially modified phloem and xylem ingestion. M. persicae and S. avenae exhibited an increased duration of phloem phases on PVY-infected plants whereas A. fabae showed a decreased duration of phloem phases that benefited from an increased duration of xylem ingestion phases. None of these parameters were changed in B. brassicae. These data present evidence that aphids can respond to plants infected by nonpersistent viruses. Such behavioral modifications are discussed within the context of PVY spread in potato crops.

scholarly journals Effects of Urbanization on Plant–Pollinator Interactions in the Tropics: An Experimental Approach Using Exotic Plants

Insects ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 11 (11) ◽  
pp. 773
Author(s):  
Marie Zakardjian ◽  
Benoît Geslin ◽  
Valentin Mitran ◽  
Evelyne Franquet ◽  
Hervé Jourdan
Keyword(s):  
Exotic Species ◽  
Plant Communities ◽  
Urban Areas ◽  
Native Species ◽  
New Caledonia ◽  
Land Use Changes ◽  
Exotic Plants ◽  
Exotic Plant ◽  
Wild Bees ◽  
Plant Pollinator

Land-use changes through urbanization and biological invasions both threaten plant-pollinator networks. Urban areas host modified bee communities and are characterized by high proportions of exotic plants. Exotic species, either animals or plants, may compete with native species and disrupt plant–pollinator interactions. These threats are heightened in insular systems of the Southwest Pacific, where the bee fauna is generally poor and ecological networks are simplified. However, the impacts of these factors have seldom been studied in tropical contexts. To explore those questions, we installed experimental exotic plant communities in urban and natural contexts in New Caledonia, a plant diversity hotspot. For four weeks, we observed plant–pollinator interactions between local pollinators and our experimental exotic plant communities. We found a significantly higher foraging activity of exotic wild bees within the city, together with a strong plant–pollinator association between two exotic species. However, contrary to our expectations, the landscape context (urban vs. natural) had no effect on the activity of native bees. These results raise issues concerning how species introduced in plant–pollinator networks will impact the reproductive success of both native and exotic plants. Furthermore, the urban system could act as a springboard for alien species to disperse in natural systems and even invade them, leading to conservation concerns.

scholarly journals Index of Atmospheric Purity reflects the ecological conditions better than the environmental pollution in the Carpathian forests

2020 ◽  
Vol 17 (11) ◽  
pp. 2691-2706
Author(s):  
Magdalena Tanona ◽  
Paweł Czarnota
Keyword(s):  
Heavy Metals ◽  
Spatial Distribution ◽  
Environmental Pollution ◽  
Urban Areas ◽  
Ecological Indicator ◽  
Epiphytic Lichen ◽  
Factors Affecting ◽  
Ecological Conditions ◽  
Lichen Biota ◽  
High Degree

Abstract The Index of Atmospheric Purity (IAP) is a popular tool used for the assessment of air quality in polluted urban areas, on the basis of phytosociological data of epiphytic lichen communities. We hypothesized that this indicator could also be used in less polluted forest areas to determine the quality of ecological conditions for lichens. The aim of the present study was to verify the use of IAP method in the assessment of environmental pollution, and alternatively for the assessment of general ecological conditions in protected mountain forests of Gorce National Park (Polish Western Carpathians) based on the epiphytic lichen biota associated with Picea abies. The spatial distribution of IAP values on monitored sites in GNP was compared with: 1) spatial distribution of accumulated sulfur, nitrogen, selected heavy metals, and total heavy metals in Hypogymnia physodes thalli in 1993 and 2018 (30 sites), 2) mean ecological indicator values characterizing species requirements for light (L), substrate reaction (R) and nutrients (N), in 1993, 2013 and 2018 (33 sites). Generalized linear model and redundancy analysis were performed for disclosing most influencing factors affecting lichen communities. The study revealed a few negligible relationships between IAP values and accumulation of such elements as Ni, Mn, Cd, and Cr in both monitoring periods. Simultaneously, IAP can be useful for the identification of forest areas with a high degree of naturalness.

scholarly journals Urban park-related risks forGiardiaspp. infection in dogs

2015 ◽  
Vol 143 (15) ◽  
pp. 3277-3291 ◽  
Author(s):  
A. F. SMITH ◽  
M. ROCK ◽  
N. NEUMANN ◽  
A. MASSOLO
Keyword(s):  
Risk Factors ◽  
Urban Areas ◽  
Immunofluorescence Assay ◽  
Urban Park ◽  
Direct Immunofluorescence ◽  
Park Use ◽  
Faecal Samples ◽  
Demographic Risk ◽  
Demographic Risk Factors ◽  
Direct Immunofluorescence Assay

SUMMARYGiardiaspp. is a common gastrointestinal (GI) parasite of multiple host species, including dogs and humans, with the potential for zoonotic transmission. The risk of GI parasitism in dogs (includingGiardiaspp.) may increase with park use in urban areas. This study aimed to (1) determine whether park attendance is a risk factor forGiardiaspp. infection in dogs and (2) characterize the behavioural and demographic risk factors forGiardiaspp. infection in park-attending and non-park-attending dogs. From August to September 2012, a total of 1293 dog owners completed a survey and 860 corresponding dog faecal samples were collected. Dog faeces were screened forGiardiaspp. using a direct immunofluorescence assay and associations assessed among behaviours, demographics, andGiardiaspp. infection. Main results included off-leash and swimming frequencies within parks as significantly positively associated withGiardiaspp. infection in dogs. Dog-owner age was negatively associated with off-leash and swimming frequencies in parks. The results suggest some recreational behaviours in parks and certain demographics are risk factors for parasitism in pet dogs.

Characterization of resistance to multiple aphid species (Hemiptera: Aphididae) inMedicago truncatula

2007 ◽  
Vol 97 (1) ◽  
pp. 41-48 ◽  
Author(s):  
L.-L. Gao ◽  
R. Horbury ◽  
R.M. Nair ◽  
K.B. Singh ◽  
O.R. Edwards
Keyword(s):  
Green Peach Aphid ◽  
Plant Defence ◽  
Resistance Mechanisms ◽  
Aphid Species ◽  
Biological Research ◽  
Agricultural Pests ◽  
Model Legume ◽  
Resistance Phenotype ◽  
Plant Pathogen Interactions ◽  
Phloem Feeding

AbstractAphids are phloem-feeding insects that damage many important crops throughout the world yet, compared to plant–pathogen interactions, little is known about the mechanisms by which plants become resistant to aphids.Medicago truncatula(barrel medic) is widely considered as the pre-eminent model legume for genetic and biological research and in Australia is an important pasture species. Six cultivars ofM. truncatulawith varying levels of resistance to two pests of pasture and forage legumes, the bluegreen aphidAcyrthosiphon kondoiShinji and the spotted alfalfa aphidTherioaphis trifoliif.maculata. (Buckton) are investigated. Two resistance phenotypes againstT. trifoliif.maculataare described, one of which is particularly effective, killing most aphids within 24 h of infestation. Each resistance phenotype provided a similar but somewhat less effective degree of resistance to the closely-related spotted clover aphidTherioaphis trifolii(Monell). In the case ofA. kondoionly one resistance phenotype was observed, which did not vary among different genetic backgrounds. None of the observed resistance againstA. kondoiorT. trifoliif.maculatasignificantly affected the performance of green peach aphidMyzus persicae(Sulzer) or cowpea aphidAphis craccivoraKoch. The existence of multiple aphid resistance mechanisms in similar genetic backgrounds of this model plant provides a unique opportunity to characterize the fundamental basis of plant defence to these serious agricultural pests.

The movements and breeding site fidelity of the natterjack toad (Bufo calamita) in an urban park near Paris (France) with management recommendations

2006 ◽  
Vol 27 (4) ◽  
pp. 561-568 ◽  
Author(s):  
Aurélie Husté ◽  
Jean Clobert ◽  
Claude Miaud
Keyword(s):  
Urban Areas ◽  
Release Site ◽  
Breeding Site ◽  
Landscape Fragmentation ◽  
Urban Park ◽  
Breeding Period ◽  
Urban Landscapes ◽  
Breeding Sites ◽  
Bufo Calamita ◽  
Animal Populations

Abstract The isolation of animal populations due to urban activities provides a useful framework for studying the consequences of landscape fragmentation. We studied a population of natterjack toads (Bufo calamita) in an urban park near Paris, France. In 2001 and 2002 we used radio-tracking to estimate the terrestrial movements of adults around their breeding sites. Twenty-four toads were equipped with internal transmitters in 2001 to record movements during and after the breeding period. In 2002, 19 males were released at 300 and 380 meters from their breeding ponds. Natterjack toad movements around and outside their breeding ponds were reduced compared to previous observations on this species. The only exchanges that were observed occurred between closely neighbouring breeding sites. During a translocation experiment in 2002, 58% of the displaced males returned to their site of capture and this happened mainly during the breeding period. The remaining 42% stayed close to the release site. There was no exchange of males between distant breeding sites. Natterjack toad conservation needs to take into account the high fidelity to a breeding site and the reduced breeding dispersal and homing ability of these animals. Conservation biology in urban landscapes constitutes a specific urban ecology with specific concepts such as 'population area'. Information from this study can assist land managers in establishing protected areas of high habitat quality around breeding ponds in urban areas, and managing parks for the protection of amphibian populations, particularly by facilitating exchanges between available areas.

scholarly journals Analysis of the feeding habits of the swallow-tailed hummingbird, Eupetomena macroura (Gmelin, 1788), in an urban park in southeastern Brazil

2008 ◽  
Vol 68 (2) ◽  
pp. 419-426 ◽  
Author(s):  
MCB. Toledo ◽  
DM. Moreira
Keyword(s):  
Plant Species ◽  
Urban Areas ◽  
Feeding Habits ◽  
Mangifera Indica ◽  
Food Resources ◽  
Plant Part ◽  
Southeastern Brazil ◽  
Urban Park ◽  
Territorial Defense ◽  
The City

The aim of this work was to observe and describe the feeding habits and available food resources of the swallow-tailed hummingbird, Eupetomena macroura. The study was carried out in a municipal park located in the city of Taubaté, in the state of São Paulo. The observations took place between December 2003 and October 2004, recording the following variables: 1) the plant species visited for feeding and territorial defense; 2) the kinds of food resources; and 3) the kinds of flight to procure and obtain food. E. macroura visited 12 plant species. For territorial defense, Mangifera indica was the most visited, whereas Malvaviscus arboreus was most visited for feeding. The foliage was the plant part that received the most frequent visits. In order to obtain nectar, the only species visited was M. arboreus; to obtain arthropods, the species most visited were Mangifera indica and Hymenaea stilbocarpa. In the dry season, the hummingbirds visited flowers, whereas in the rainy season they visited leaves to acquire food. The arthropod groups most frequently found on leafy branches were Homoptera and Psocoptera. Finally, the results of the type of flight analysis showed that flight used to capture food was more often observed than were flights to search for food. In conclusion, these observations suggest that E. macroura shows plasticity in feeding behavior, which can help it to persist in urban areas.

scholarly journals Usefulness of Tree Species as Urban Health Indicators

Plants ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 10 (12) ◽  
pp. 2797
Author(s):  
Edina Simon ◽  
Vanda Éva Molnár ◽  
Domonkos Lajtos ◽  
Dina Bibi ◽  
Béla Tóthmérész ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Air Pollution ◽  
Tree Species ◽  
Urban Areas ◽  
Elemental Concentration ◽  
Robinia Pseudoacacia ◽  
Health Indicators ◽  
Tolerance Index ◽  
Pollution Tolerance ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
Celtis Occidentalis

We used the Air Pollution Tolerance Index (APTI), the amount of PM5 and PM10, and the elemental analysis of leaves to explore the sensitivity of tree species to air pollution. We assessed the tolerance of Robinia pseudoacacia, Acer saccharinum, Tilia × europaea, Acer platanoides, Fraxinus excelsior, Betula pendula, Celtis occidentalis, and Platanus × acerifolia to the amount of dust, APTI, and the elemental concentration of leaves. Leaves were collected in Debrecen (Hungary), which has a high intensity of vehicular traffic. The highest amount of PM (both PM10 and PM5) was found on the leaves of A. saccharinum and B. pendula. Our results demonstrated that A. saccharinum was moderately tolerant, while P. acerifolia was intermediate, based on the APTI value. There was a significant difference in the parameters of APTI and the elemental concentration of leaves among species. We found that tree leaves are reliable bioindicators of air pollution in urban areas. Based on the value of APTI, A. saccharinum and P. acerifolia, and based on PM, A. saccharinum and B. pendula are recommended as pollutant-accumulator species, while other studied species with lower APTI values are useful bioindicators of air pollution. The results support landscape engineers and urban developers in finding the best tree species that are tolerant to pollution and in using those as proxies of urban environmental health.

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