Cuticular Membranes Research Articles

Rice OsGL1-1 Is Involved in Leaf Cuticular Wax and Cuticle Membrane

Cuticular wax forms a hydrophobic barrier on aerial plant organs; it plays an important role in protecting a plant from damage caused by many forms of environmental stress. In the present study, we characterized a rice leaf wax-deficient mutant osgl1-1 derived from a spontaneous mutation, which exhibited a wax-deficient and highly hydrophilic leaf phenotype. We cloned the OsGL1-1 gene by the map-based cloning method and performed a complementation test to confirm the function of the candidate gene. Molecular studies revealed that OsGL1-1 was a member of the OsGL1 family, and contained regions that were homologous to some regions in sterol desaturases and short-chain dehydrogenases/reductases. Compared to the wild-type, the osgl1-1 mutant showed decreased cuticular wax deposition, thinner cuticular membrane, decreased chlorophyll leaching, increased rate of water loss, and enhanced sensitivity to drought. OsGL1-1 is expressed ubiquitously in rice. The transient expression of OsGL1-1-green fluorescent protein fusion protein indicated that OsGL1-1 is localized in the cytoplasm, plasma membrane, and nucleus.

Ontogeny and morphology of the bulbus, part of the male reproductive organ in Apis mellifera carnica (Hymenoptera, Apidae)

The bulbus is a part of the unique functional penis (endophallus) in the genus Apis and was studied in Apis mellifera drones. The bulbus consists of a thin cuticular membrane, covered by four different epithelia (dorsal epithelium, anterior epithelium, ventral epithelium I and ventral epithelium II). One day before eclosion, pupae have no sclerotised plates in the bulbus lumen. In emerging drones, however, the lumen contains tanned plate-like structures, the chitin plates, subjacent are small droplets. The chitin plates are connected to each other by a transparent matrix. They consist of globular sclerotized structures which are connected by a network of fibrils. In young adult drones, the dorsal and lateral epithelia consist of highly columnar gland cells which decrease in thickness from the age of 6–12 days from 140 to 20 μm. The ultrastructural analysis combined with histochemistry shows that the gland cells secrete proteinaceous droplets towards the lumen which pass through the cuticle and the pores of the chitin plates and accumulate in the matrix. In sexually mature drones, all secretions have merged to a rigid connective substance, which extends laterally as a thin tapering membrane. The ventral epithelia I and II have no secretory function. The ventral epithelium II has a mucus-like content and several invaginations towards the lumen of the bulbus which enables widening of the bulbus orifice to discharge the bulbus secretions filled with viscous mucus via the cervix into the queen during the mating process.

Structure (micro, ultra, nano), color and mechanical properties of Vitis labrusca L. (grape berry) fruits treated by hydrogen peroxide, UV–C irradiation and ultrasound

Main structural (micro, ultra, and nano) alterations occurred in the outer tangential epidermal cell wall of Vitis labrusca L. fruits (grape berry) due to hydrogen peroxide, UV–C irradiation and ultrasound treatments were examined, and described using light microscopy, scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy and atomic force microscopy. Changes in mechanical properties and surface color were also evaluated. In general, decontamination treatments caused epicuticular wax pattern alteration, epicarp disruptions, cell plasmolysis, and mesocarp collapse. Major observed ultrastructural and nanostructural changes were increased demarcation between cellulose layer and cuticular membrane, alteration of cellulose aggregates pattern, and presence of nanofractures, variables in shape and size. All treatments, mainly ultrasound, provoked significant but small differences in color parameters compared to untreated fruit. On contrast, mechanical properties determined by puncture test did not vary.

Cardiac echinococcosis: surviving 40 years later?

A 60-year-old male presented with pulmonary hydatid cyst excision (after vomica with hemoptysis) when aged 20 years. He was referred with a cystic mass in interventricular septum, in magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) (Fig. ​(Fig.1).1). Due to high suspicion of hydatic cyst (it can remain latent up to five decades), surgical treatment was decided (Fig. ​(Fig.22). Figure 1: After a syncopal episode, MRI identified a bilobulated cystic mass in interventricular septum, externally protruding to ventricular diaphragmatic surface, and extending upwards membranous septum (48.54 × 65.63 mm). Figure 2: (A) Open hydatic cyst with ‘caseum’ content. Neither daughter cyst nor scoleces or cuticular membrane was identified. Pathological analysis described cyst content as a ‘caseum’, probably secondary to degenerative hydatic ...

Research Advance on Metasequoia: Applications of New Technology

The plant genus Metasequoia Miki, 1941 and its sole living relict species Metasequoia glyptostroboides Hu et Cheng, 1948 have been of special interest for both the public and scientists since 1941 when the genus was established. Due to its unique discovery history (fossils discovered earlier than the living species) and incomparable scientific value in the research of plant evolution and its relationship with environmental and climatic changes, Metasequoia becomes arguably the most comprehensively studied higher plant in both fossil and living forms. This paper summarized recent advance in Metasequoia research by reviewing the research history of Metasequoia and the scientific value of this genus, while paid special attention to the application of new methods and techniques in the research field of Metasequoia in the recent decades. The application of biogeochemical (organic geochemistry and stable isotope) analysis as well as the new and innovated methods of preparing large-sized cuticular membrane from leaves with originally thin and fragile cuticles further secure Metasequoia's super star status for the research of palaeoclimatic reconstruction.

Foliar epidermal anatomy of some ethnobotanically important species of genus Ficus Linn.

The main objective of this paper is the detailed morphological study of leaf epidermis of Genus Ficus (Moraceae). The study based on the micro characters of leaf epidermis of some species of Ficus collected from Pakistan. The study revealed the many interesting epidermal features of leaves that have not previously been reported before and has been conducted first time. No published details are available of such comprehensive foliar anatomical studies of following species of genus Ficus L. species has been conducted first time. Note the measurements, shape and type of the leaf epidermal cells including pavement cells, stomata and shape of guard cell pairs, trichomes and ornamentation of cuticular membrane. Pavement cells are often polygonal and irregular. Among the species the F. virens has larger pavement cells as well as stomata as compare to other species. Whereas there are little variations represented in qualitative and quantitative characters among the species of same genus. Stomata are paracytic except in F. nerrifolia and F. callosoa and are restricted on abaxial surface. Trichomes present in some species mostly are unicellular and non-glandular with bulbous base. Cuticular membrane is mostly smooth and pubescent. And in some species peltate glands also observed. Key words: Ficus, anatomy, trichome, stomata, pavement cells and species.

Russeting and Microcracking of ‘Golden Delicious’ Apple Fruit Concomitantly Decline Due to Gibberellin A4+7 Application

The effect of four applications of gibberellin A4+7 [GA4+7 (10 mg·L−1 at 10-day intervals beginning with petal fall)] on water-induced russeting, formation of microcracks. and on fruit growth and deposition of the cuticular membrane (CM) was studied in developing ‘Golden Delicious’ fruit (Malus ×domestica Borkh.). Submerging developing apple fruit in deionized water for 48 h induced russeting in untreated control but not in GA4+7-treated fruit. Immersing in water during early fruit development, 19 days after full bloom (19 DAFB), resulted in more russeting than immersions occurring later (139 DAFB). Water on the outer surface of epidermal segments increased the frequency of microscopic cracks in untreated controls but to a lesser degree in GA4+7-treated fruit. The effect of GA4+7 on water-induced russeting and formation of microcracks was larger during early as compared with later stages of fruit development. Fruit treated with GA4+7 consistently had fewer microcracks as compared with non-treated control fruit. GA4+7 had no effect on amounts or rates of cutin or wax deposition, strain, or mechanical properties of the CM as compared with the non-treated control. Thus, the decrease in russeting and formation of microcracks in the cuticle of GA4+7-treated fruit must be accounted for effects on underlying epi- and hypodermal tissues.

Fruit growth, cuticle deposition, water uptake, and fruit cracking in jostaberry, gooseberry, and black currant

Fruit cracking after rain limits the production of a number of crops, including some Ribes species. To gain a better understanding of the factors involved in cracking, fruit growth, deposition of the cuticular membrane (CM), water uptake and fruit cracking were studied in black currant ( Ribes nigrum L. cv. Zema), gooseberry ( Ribes uva-crispa L. cv. Rote Triumph), and jostaberry ( Ribes nidigrolaria B. cv. Jostine). Fruit surface area and fresh mass increased continuously throughout development, whereas deposition of the CM was biphasic. CM mass per fruit increased rapidly up to 42, 41, and 49 days after full bloom (DAFB) in black currant, gooseberry, and jostaberry, respectively. Thereafter, CM mass per fruit remained constant in gooseberry and jostaberry or increased at a lower rate in black currant. The cessation of or reduced rate of CM deposition resulted in a decrease in CM mass per unit area in all berries. Elastic strain of the CM at maturity averaged 23.8% and 19.5% in gooseberry and jostaberry, respectively, and only 8.2% in black currant. Microcracks in the CM were observed first in gooseberry and jostaberry 64 DAFB, whereas there were no microcracks in black currant. Water uptake into mature detached berries was linear over 2 h of incubation. Rates of uptake were highest in gooseberry followed by black currant and jostaberry. Relative uptake was similar via the cut end of the pedicel (32.1%), the apex of the fruit (34.7%) and the fruit surface (33.2%). Rates of water uptake through the fruit surface were positively related to surface area. Average fruit water potential for black currant, gooseberry, and jostaberry was −2.14 ± 0.17, −1.24 ± 0.03, and −1.89 ± 0.20 MPa, while the permeability for osmotic water uptake was 7.7 ± 0.4 × 10 −8, 5.2 ± 0.1 × 10 −8, and 3.3 ± 0.3 × 10 −8 m s −1. Incubating whole fruit in deionized water for 72 h resulted in more cracked jostaberries (94%) than black currants (74%) or gooseberries (50%). A comparison of our findings in Ribes berries with published data for the sweet cherry drupe revealed that the berries fitted the relationships established in sweet cherry among fruit growth, cuticle deposition, strain of the cuticle, microcracking, permeability for osmotic water uptake, frequency of stomata and cracking. The Ribes berries were less susceptible to cracking than sweet cherry.

The positional sterile ( ps) mutation affects cuticular transpiration and wax biosynthesis of tomato fruits

Cuticular waxes are known to play a pivotal role in limiting transpirational water loss across primary plant surfaces. The astomatous tomato fruit is an ideal model system that permits the functional characterization of intact cuticular membranes and therefore allows direct correlation of their permeance for water with their qualitative and quantitative composition. The recessive positional sterile ( ps) mutation, which occurred spontaneously in tomato ( Solanum lycopersicum L.), is characterized by floral organ fusion and positional sterility. Because of a striking phenotypical similarity with the lecer6 wax mutant of tomato, which is defective in very-long-chain fatty acid elongation, ps mutant fruits were analyzed for their cuticular wax and cutin composition. We also examined their cuticular permeance for water following the developmental course of fruit ripening. Wild type and ps mutant fruits showed considerable differences in their cuticular permeance for water, while exhibiting similar quantitative wax accumulation. The ps mutant fruits showed a five- to eightfold increase in water loss per unit time and surface area when compared to the corresponding wild type fruits. The cuticular waxes of ps mutant fruits were characterized by an almost complete absence of n-alkanes and aldehydes, with a concomitant increase in triterpenoids and sterol derivatives. We also noted the occurrence of alkyl esters not present in the wild type. Quantitative and qualitative cutin monomer composition remained largely unaffected. The significant differences in the cuticular wax composition of ps mutant fruits induced a distinct increase of cuticular water permeance. The fruit wax compositional phenotype indicates the ps mutation is responsible for effectively blocking the decarbonylation pathway of wax biosynthesis in epidermal cells of tomato fruits.

A new method to prepare clean cuticular membrane from fossil leaves with thin and fragile cuticles

Leaf cuticle analysis has long been a powerful tool for fossil plant identification, systematics, and palaeoclimatological recon- struction. In recent decades the application of stomatal frequency data that are relied on precise calculation of stomata on plant fossil cuticles to reconstruct ancient atmospheric CO 2 concentration made the preparation of cuticular membrane with suffi- cient size a critical technique in palaeoclimatological research. However, for plants with originally thin and fragile cuticles, e.g., most deciduous plants, conventional techniques sometimes fail to obtain cuticular membranes with sufficient size, or sometimes unable to recover any. This has largely hampered the usage of fossil cuticle analysis in palaeobotanical and palaeo-climatological research. Here, we describe a new method using clear nail polish as a medium to “strengthen” the originally thin and fragile cuticles prior to maceration procedures. We demonstrate the method by using middle Eocene Metasequoia fossils that were notorious for the difficulty of recovering large-sized clean cuticular membranes due to their thin and fragile nature. Metasequoia , with well-documented and widely-distributed fossil records since the Late Cretaceous and with a living repre-sentative, M. glyptostroboides , as a comparative reference, has been widely used as a model genus for the study of evolution of plants, palaeoclimatological reconstruction, and plant adaptation to climate changes. But its deciduous habit produces thin cu-ticles and makes the preparation of clean cuticular membranes a tedious process. The new method successfully allows us to recover its delicate cuticular membranes with sufficient sizes for SEM observation and stomatal frequency analysis.

Biomechanical characteristics of tomato fruit peels

Mechanical properties, such as strength and elasticity, of tomato peel (exocarp) are important in fruit used both for industrial processing and for fresh consumption, and, therefore, are also of vital interest to breeders. The food industries prefer peel to be thick and stiff for easy peeling, whereas consumers of fresh produce prefer thin, soft peel, for easy eating. The various varieties of tomato fruit genetically developed by breeders might exhibit the desired quality or biomechanical characteristics, but at the same time, might produce types of peel that do not always meet the requirements of the canneries or the fresh-fruit market. The present study evaluated the morphology and mechanical characteristics of the fruit skin and its integrated cuticular membranes, and determined their suitability for industrial processing and/or human consumption. The biomechanical and anatomical properties of fruit peels of five tomato ( Lycopersicon esculentum) cultivars were investigated. The mechanical properties of ripe tomato peel under axial tension were characterized by measuring strength, elastic modulus, failure stress, overall stiffness and degree of stiffening, by means of deformation and puncture testing of flat strip and circular disk samples, respectively, with a Universal Testing Machine. Data were collected by two testing methods for each peel sample from up to 15 fruit of each of five cultivars. The results were analyzed statistically to determine the instantaneous elastic strains, breaking stress (strength), and work of fracture the peels. The overall stiffness and the extent to which the stress–strain curve deviated from a straight line were calculated. The results suggested a standard measure for each tomato variety, based on its mechanical integrity and suitability for processing or fresh consumption.

Epidermal Morphology ofLigusticum(Apiaceae) from China

We examined 15 species of the genus Ligusticum (Apiaceae) from China using LM (light microscopy) and SEM (scanning electron microscopy). Different species have irregular and polygonal epidermal cells and four different stomatal types. Almost all species have different types of stomata on the same leaf surface. Ridges and striations on the cuticular membrane are common features in Ligusticum, and special striation papillae are found in three species. Regarding its epidermal characters, Ligusticum is not supported as a natural genus. Tilingia is suggested as being restored from Ligusticum. The monophyly of Ligusticopsis is not supported and it cannot be segregated from Ligusticum by epidermal characters. We confirm a very close relationship between Ligusticum and Conioselinum and discuss some of the valuable taxonomic characters of Ligusticum.

Comparative study on thermotolerance of Artemia resting eggs from Qinghai–Xizang Plateau, China

Artemia resting eggs are well-known to be extremely tolerant to harsh conditions. However, eggs from some hypersaline waters in Qinghai–Xizang Plateau (Q-XP) have recently been reported to be very sensitive to high temperatures. Thus, the thermotolerant capacity of Artemia eggs from four hypersaline waters [(Gai Hai (GH), Aqqikkol Hu (AQK), Xizang (XZ), Jingyu Hu (JYH)] in Q-XP were studied by comparing their structure, biochemical composition and physiology. Thermotolerance was markedly different among eggs of the four sites. GH eggs were found to be more thermotolerant than AQK eggs. Both eggs were much more tolerant than those from JYH and XZ. Water content had significant effect on heat resistance of “dry” eggs. Rate of water loss of GH eggs was markedly slower than that of AQK eggs; the latter slower than XZ and JYH eggs. The water loss from inner embryo (and the first embryonic cuticle) appeared not to be related to the nature of the tertiary envelope. Volatile factor(s) releasing from (or/and entering into) the eggs might play crucial role on the viability of encysted embryos under thermal stress. The thermotolerant capacity of Artemia eggs is likely to be negatively related to the permeability of egg shell/underlying membranes. The hypoplastic outer cuticular membrane (OCM) found in some eggs from Q-XP might be responsible for their thermal sensitivity.

PH-dependent permeation of amino acids through isolated ivy cuticles is affected by cuticular water sorption and hydration shell size of the solute

The permeabilities of amino acids for isolated cuticular membranes of ivy (Hedera helix L.) were measured at different pH. Cuticular permeances were lowest for the zwitterionic form at pH 6, followed by the cationic form at pH 1. Highest permeances were obtained for the anionic form at pH 11. Permeances were not correlated with octanol/water partition coefficients and decreased at a given pH with increasing molar volume of the solute. This finding suggests that permeation takes place in the polar cuticular pathways. The effect of pH on the cuticular transport properties was analysed according to the porous membrane model considering the polyelectrolytic character of the cuticle in terms of porosity, tortuosity, and size selectivity of the aqueous cuticular pathway which is altered by pH. An increase of water content and permeability of the cuticular membrane was caused by the dissociation of weak acidic groups with increasing pH leading to a swelling of the cuticle induced by fixed negative charges. In addition, the pH-dependent size of the hydration shell of the amino acids was identified as a secondary factor explaining the variability of cuticular permeances.

Leaf epidermal characteristics of Asiatic Buddleja L. under scanning electron microscope: Insights into chromosomal and taxonomic significance

The leaf epidermis of all 23 species from Asian Buddleja was investigated with scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Characteristics of trichome type, stomatal shape, cuticular membrane on adaxial and abaxial epidermis, inner margin of outer stomatal ledge and ornamentation of outer stomatal ledge are presented in this study. Among the Buddleja species, some distinct epidermal patterns were observed. These can be used to characterize and identify different sections among the Asian Buddleja species, viz. Alternifoliae, Curviflorae and Rectiflorae. In general, stomatal length of Buddleja increases with ploidy level. This character can be used to distinguish diploids from polyploids without preparation of caryograms. Based on this correlation Buddleja microstachya, B. subcapitata and B. bhutanica are characterized to be diploids, as concluded from their stomatal dimensions. Leaf epidermis characters can also be used to differentiate species pairs that are easily confused with each other, viz., B. asiatica and B. bhutanica, B. albiflora and B. nivea, B. candida and B. fallowiana, B. delavayi and B. forrestii, B. japonica and B. lindleyana, B. officinalis and B. paniculata.

Effect of Receiver pH on Infinite Dose Diffusion of 55FeCl3 across the Sweet Cherry Fruit Exocarp

Recent studies established that some ferric salts, including FeCl3, decrease water permeability of the sweet cherry (Prunus avium L.) fruit exocarp and fruit cracking, presumably by a pH-dependent precipitation reaction that blocks high-flux pathways across the fruit surface. The objectives of our study were the following: to establish the effect of receiver pH on penetration of 55FeCl3 through excised exocarp segments (ES) and isolated cuticular membranes (CM) and to localize any Fe precipitates in the epidermal system of mature sweet cherry fruit. Penetration was studied using an infinite dose diffusion system where 55Fe penetrated from donor solutions of ferric salts (10 mm, pH 2.2–2.6) or EDTA-Na-Fe(III) (10 mm, pH 5.0) across an interfacing ES or CM into aqueous receiver solutions of pH values ranging from 2.0 to 6.0. For receiver pH 2.0, 55Fe penetration of the ES from a 10 mm FeCl3 donor (pH 2.6) was linear with time, but for receiver pH ≥ 3.0, penetration was low and insignificant. Increasing the pH of the water receiver from 2.0 to 6.0 in the course of an experiment resulted in an immediate halt of penetration regardless of whether 55Fe penetration occurred from FeCl3 (pH 2.6), Fe(NO3)3 (pH 2.6), or Fe2(SO4)3 (pH 2.4) as donor solutions (all at 10 mm). Only from EDTA-Na-Fe(III) (pH 5.0) 55Fe penetration continued to occur albeit at a decreased rate (−30%). At receiver pH 2.0, the 55FeCl3 flux through stomatous ‘Sam’ ES averaged 10.4 ± 2.3 pmol·m−2·s−1 and was positively correlated to stomatal density. Conventional and analytical electron microscopy (energy dispersive X-ray analysis, electron spectroscopic imaging, and electron energy loss spectroscopy) identified ferric precipitates in periclinal and anticlinal cell walls of epidermal cells underlying the cuticle, but not within the cuticle. These data indicate that the lack of 55Fe penetration from donor solutions of ferric salts through the ES into a receiver solution at pH ≥ 3 and the previously reported decrease in water uptake and cracking as a response to immersing fruit in solutions of ferric salts are the result of a precipitation reaction at the cuticle/cell wall interface in the sweet cherry exocarp. Although spray application of ferric salts is prohibitive for ecotoxicological reasons, understanding their mechanism in decreasing water uptake and fruit cracking may be helpful in the search for alternate compounds that are effective and ecotoxicologically acceptable.

Cutin composition of selected northern berries and seeds

Abstract Monomeric compositions of the extractive-free cuticular polymer fractions of seven berries – rosehip ( Rosa rugosa ), black chokeberry ( Aronia melanocarpa ), strawberry ( Fragaria x ananassa ), raspberry ( Rubus idaeus ), cloudberry ( Rubus chamaemorus ), crowberry ( Empetrum nigrum ) and rowanberry ( Sorbus aucuparia ) – as well as the seeds from three berries – cloudberry, sea buckthorn ( Hippophae rhamnoides ) and blackcurrant ( Ribes nigrum ) – were investigated. Depolymerisation of the cutin polymer was carried out using NaOMe-catalysed methanolysis and the composition of TMS-derivatised monomers was determined by GC using FID and MS detection. Two depolymerisation techniques were compared; 1.0 M NaOMe at ambient temperature and 1.3 M NaOMe under reflux conditions. The degree of depolymerisation of the cuticular membrane ranged from 2% (strawberry) to 84% (rosehip) for the CHCl 3 -soluble cutin monomers. Depolymerisation of seed samples was low (1–3%). The predominant monomers were C 16 and C 18 ω-hydroxy acids with mid-chain functionalities, mainly epoxy and hydroxy groups, but suberin-like α,ω-dicarboxylic acids, with mid-chain hydroxyl groups and C 15 chain length monomers, were also found. Seed cutin monomers differed from the corresponding berry skin monomers.

Pseudocapillaria (Ichthyocapillaria) nannupensis n. sp. (Nematoda: Capillariidae) from the Intestine of the Freshwater Cobbler Tandanus bostocki (Plotosidae) from Southwestern Australia

Pseudocapillaria nannupensis n. sp. (Nematoda: Capillariidae) is described from the intestine of the freshwater cobbler, Tandanus bostocki (Plotosidae) from the Blackwood River in the southwest of Australia. Although there have been 7 species of capillariids described from teleost fishes in Australia, this is the first species belonging to the genus Pseudocapillaria. The presence of a dorsal cuticular membrane in the male places this species in the subgenus Ichthyocapillaria. However, the dorsal cuticular membrane is only very small, so there are also some similarities with members of the subgenus Pseudocapillaria. It resembles Pseudocapillaria indica but differs by the larger size of the eggs, by the reticulated surface structure of the eggs, and by the larger spicule. It differs from Pseudocapillaria tomentosa by the structure of the proximal spicule rim and in having a vulval opening closer to the esophago-intestinal junction. It differs from Pseudocapillaria salvelini by the structure of the proximal spicule rim, in having a vulval opening closer to the esophago-intestinal junction, and by having a much shorter dorsal cuticular membrane.

Some trichinelloid nematodes from marine fishes off New Caledonia, including description of Pseudocapillaria novaecaledoniensis sp. nov. (Capillariidae)

AbstractExaminations of materials of trichinelloid nematodes recently collected from the digestive tract of marine fishes off New Caledonia, South Pacific, revealed the presence of several species of the families Capillariidae and Trichosomoididae, including capillariids Pseudocapillaria novaecaledoniensis sp. nov. from the deep-sea Pristipomoides argyrogrammicus (Valenciennes) (Lutjanidae) and Pseudocapillaria echenei (Parukhin, 1967) from Echeneis naucrates Linnaeus (Echeneidae), and the trichosomoidid Huffmanela sp. (female) from Bodianus perditio (Quoy et Gaimard) (Labridae). P. novaecaledoniensis is characterized mainly by the structure and length (318–321 µm) of spicule and the presence of a dorsal cuticular membrane interconnecting both ventrolateral caudal lobes in the male (subgenus Ichthyocapillaria Moravec, 1982). The previously poorly known P. echenei is redescribed and recorded for the first time from the South Pacific Ocean. In addition, five morphologically different types of capillariid females without generic identification, designated as Capillariidae gen. spp. 1–5, each of them probably representing a new species, were recorded from Fistularia commersonii Rüppell (Fistulariidae), Synodus dermatogenys Fowler (Synodontidae), Carangoides oblongus (Cuvier) (Carangidae), Diagramma pictum (Thunberg) (Haemulidae) and Stegostoma fasciatum (Hermann) (Stegostomidae), respectively. Capillaria decapteri is transferred to Pseudocapillaria Mendonça, 1963 as P. decapteri (Luo, 2001) comb. nov.

Selected Calcium Salt Formulations: Interactions between Spray Deposit Characteristics and Ca Penetration with Consequences for Rain-Induced Wash-Off

ABSTRACT The effect of two ethoxylated rapeseed oils (RSO) as surfactants for foliar-applied calcium chloride CaCl2 and calcium acetate Ca(CH3COO)2 on deposit characteristics, penetration, and calcium (Ca) residues after rainfall was investigated in columnar apple trees (CAT, Malus domestica Borkh.) and apple seedlings. Irrespective of salt and apple variety, both surfactants enhanced droplet spreading and led to a greater area covered by calcium within the droplet residues. The addition of the rather lipophilic surfactant RSO 5 and the rather hydrophilic RSO 60 increased penetration of Ca from both salts through isolated apple leaf cuticular membranes. Our data demonstrate that penetration is better reflected by area covered with calcium than by droplet spreading area. Considering the point of deliquescence (POD) from the salts and results of cuticular Ca penetration, we postulate that in case of CaCl2 reduction of wash-off was due to enhanced penetration, whereas for Ca(CH3COO)2 wash-off was decreased due to distinct enhancement of rainfastness.