Decomposing Plant Material Research Articles

Supralittoral isopod (Oniscidea) diversity at three ecoregions along the Colombian Caribbean: useful data for environmental management

Introduction: Terrestrial isopods (Oniscidea) play important roles in the ecological processes of the soil in tropical ecosystems and are employed as indicators of environmental impact. Despite their importance, studies on the ecology of this suborder in the Neotropics are scarce. Objective: To assess spatial changes in alpha and beta diversity of Oniscidea in the supralittoral zone across Archipiélagos Coralinos (ARCO), Magdalena (MAG), and Morrosquillo (MOR) ecoregions in the Colombian Caribbean. Methods: We conducted Direct Intuitive Searches of specimens and measured soil temperature and moisture in 19 transects with logs, leaf litter, coral remains, and decomposing plant material. Results: A total of 1 970 individuals representing 17 species were collected, with Tylidae, Halophilosciidae, and Ligiidae being the most abundant families. Alpha diversity orders were higher in ARCO than MAG and MOR ecoregions. MAG and MOR differed in observed richness. The structure of the assemblage varied in dominant species and abundances. In ARCO, the indicator species were Tylos niveus, Littorophiloscia denticulata, Halophiloscia trichoniscoides, and Ligia baudiniana; in MOR, it was Tylos marcuzzii, and in MAG, it was Littorophiloscia tropicalis. High beta diversity (> 60 %), with significant differences in the assemblage structure among ecoregions, was confirmed by the NMDS, which distinctly separated each group. CCA analysis revealed a negative relationship between most species with soil temperature and moisture, with a positive relationship observed with T. marcuzzii. Conclusions: This is the first effort to describe spatial changes in the diversity of oniscideans in the supralittoral zone of the Neotropical region, providing a baseline for future studies. This information could be instrumental in identifying priority areas for conservation efforts.

Rice husk biochar for carbon sequestration, soil fertility and plant health improvement: A review

Carbon dioxide (CO2) is considered one of the ozone layer gases that contribute to climate change. As the area under agricultural use expands, the level of CO2 from soil as an agricultural by-product increases in the atmosphere. Burning rice husks in open air, decomposing plant materials among other activities release CO2 directly to the atmosphere. Rice husks as a by-product of rice production in Kenya has both the potential to be a source of greenhouse gas (GHG) and production of biochar. Production and deposition of rice husk biochar (RHB) into soil is thought to be one of the viable options for permanent carbon storage with related benefits to soil fertility. This review seeks to consolidate information from various studies that highlight the innovative way of using RHB in combating climate change, improving soil fertility, plant health and crop yields. Studies that have demonstrated beneficial use of RHB were evaluated to prepare this review. When RHB is used as a soil amendment, it has the ability to increase soil carbon storage, mitigate 10% of the current anthropogenic carbon emissions, improve pH and raise Cation Exchange Capacity (CEC), increase available plant nutrients, enhance inherent plant immunity, increase crop yields and improve water quality by increasing retention of nutrients and agrochemicals for plant utilization. A review of the benefits of RHB use in agriculture and climate change mitigation will enhance its adoption. The review further emphasizes the usefulness of pyrolysis in turning organic waste into bioenergy, compost and other beneficial products while protecting the environment. Key Words: Carbon dioxide, climate change, global warming, innovation, ozone layer, temperature.

An Integrated Pest Management Strategy Approach for the Management of the Stable Fly Stomoxys calcitrans (Diptera: Muscidae).

Stable flies, Stomoxys calcitrans, stand as formidable pests with a global impact, inflicting significant economic losses on the livestock sector. Larval development occurs in diverse substrates, including decomposing plant material and manure, while emerged adults pose a threat through blood-feeding on both animals and humans. Conventional chemical control methods, predominantly reliant on insecticides, not only pose environmental risks but also face challenges of resistance among stable fly populations. To address this pressing issue, we propose an integrated pest management (IPM) strategy for stable fly control. This approach involved a combination of sanitary-cultural practices, animal protection, the release of natural enemies targeting immature stages, and a specialized trapping system for adults. The Stomoxycc® trap, designed for mass trapping of adult Stomoxys, was employed alongside the release of the predatory mite Macrocheles robustulus and two wasp parasitoids, Spalangia cameroni and Muscidifurax raptor (under the commercial brands Biomite® and Biowasp®) on animal bedding as a key component of this IPM strategy. The implementation of this initiative has been undertaken at a significant sanctuary for donkeys and mules in western Spain. In this publication, we present the application and results of the IPM strategy utilized and provide insights into its use as a sustainable and environmentally friendly option for controlling stable fly populations.

Myxospora poaceicola sp. nov. (Stachybotryaceae, Hypocreales), a novel myrothecium-like fungus from Digitaria sanguinalis (Poaceae)

Fungi belonging to the family Stachybotryaceae play crucial roles in ecosystem dynamics, particularly in decomposing plant materials and pathogens on plants and animals. In this study, we report the isolation of two hitherto unknown hyphomycetous and myrothecium-like fungi collected from two different Poaceae plants in Sichuan Province, China. Molecular analysis based on ITS, LSU, TEF1, RPB2, TUB2, and CAL sequences of newly isolated strains revealed that they represent a previously undescribed species within the genus Myxospora. Phylogenetic investigations employing both maximum-likelihood (ML), maximum parsimony (MP) and Bayesian inference (BI) methods indicated that the new species forms a sister clade with M. masonii and M. graminicola. Nevertheless, M. poaceicola is distinct from these closely related species within the genus by having longer synnemata and wider conidia. We formally designate it as Myxospora poaceicola sp. nov. With the addition of M. poaceicola, the genus Myxospora now comprises six species. This discovery sheds light on the diversity of Myxospora fungi and underscores the importance of further taxonomic exploration in this genus.

Ancient Maya reservoirs, constructed wetlands, and future water needs

The Classic Maya (c. 250 to 900 CE) in the tropical southern lowlands of Central America dealt with water scarcity during annual dry seasons and periods of climate instability via sophisticated urban reservoir systems they relied on for over a thousand years. Surface water is limited because typically rain percolates through the karstic terrain. I posit that Maya reservoirs functioned as do constructed wetlands (CWs) at present. Still-water systems like CWs and Maya reservoirs can become stagnant and nonpotable due to the build-up of nutrients that promote algal growth. Stagnant waters also serve as breeding grounds for mosquitoes that spread endemic diseases. CWs keep water clean via certain aquatic plants since all plants uptake nutrients (e.g., nitrogen, phosphorus) and decomposing plant matter supports microbial biofilms that break down nutrients. CWs also support diverse zooplankton that prey on pathogens and bacteria that assist to denitrify water. CWs do not require the use of chemicals or fossil fuels and after the initial labor-intensive output become self-cleaning and self-sufficient with some maintenance. I posit that the Maya used a diverse array of aquatic plants and other biota to keep water clean in the same manner as do CWs, which I demonstrate using evidence from excavations and settlement maps, sediment cores and current wetlands, and the iconographic and hieroglyphic records. The next step is to combine what we know about ancient Maya reservoirs in conjunction with what is currently known about CWs to better address future water needs.

ISOLATION AND CHARACTERIZATION OF CELLULOSE-DEGRADING BACTERIA FROM DECOMPOSING PLANT MATTER

Objective: The green plant waste consists of a high amount of lignocellulosic materials offering an intense environment for the growth of cellulolytic bacteria, which have ability to degrade plant biomass as a carbon source. This cellulase produced can be used to break down plant waste into valuable products such as monomeric sugars, biofuels, compost etc. Therefore, the aim of present study was to isolate and identify potent cellulose-degrading bacteria from decomposing plant matter and assessment of their cellulolytic activity. Methods: The cellulolytic bacteria were isolated by serial dilution technique on CMC agar media and six isolates were selected based on their cellulose hydrolysing ability. Based on the biochemical tests such as Oxidase test, Voges-Proskauer test, Methyl red test, Catalase test and sequence analysis of 16s rRNA genes. Results: The isolates were identified as Paenibacillus alvei, Paenibacillus lentimorbus, Bacillus subtilis, Bacillus nakamurai with percentage identity of 93.77%, 92.80%, 97.71% and 91.94%, respectively, as obtained from NCBI BLAST. Among these Paenibacillus alvei showed the highest cellulase activity. Conclusion: The findings of this study could pave the way for the use of cellulose as an inexpensive energy source for bacteria that are capable of producing valuable products.

Rocky Mountainsnails (Oreohelix strigosa) are Detritivores

Rocky Mountainsnails in the genus Oreohelix go mostly unnoticed beneath layers of leaf litter in the Rocky Mountains and sky islands in the American intermountain west. Oreohelix strigosa (Gould, 1846) is one of the most widespread species in this genus, common in rocky foothill habitat that consists of high-density groves of deciduous maple or oak. While many people consider terrestrial snails as garden pests, many western snails are considered detritivores, feeding primarily on decomposing plant matter. As the trophic ecology of O. strigosa remains poorly understood, we investigated if O. strigosa is primarily a detritivore by providing three groups (10 snails) two food sources (Boxelder maple leaf litter and fresh romaine lettuce) and examining fecal matter. Our results indicate that O. strigosa primarily consumes leaf litter, highlighting that O. strigosa, and likely other Oreohelix snails, are detritivores. This insight should aid future conservation efforts as their habitat continues to be threatened by development.

High N relative to C mineralization of clover leaves at low temperatures in two contrasting soils

Predicting N mineralization from green manure in different soil types during the cold season is instrumental for improving crop management with higher N use efficiency and reduced risks of N losses in a cool and humid climate. The objective of our work was to study the effects of low temperatures and soil type on the net nitrogen (N) mineralization and the relationship between N and carbon (C) mineralization from N-rich plant material. A silty clay loam and a sandy loam were incubated with or without clover leaves for 80 days at 0, 4, 8.5 or 15 °C. The results showed a substantial mineralization of N in clover leaves (7% of N added), unaffected by temperature, already on 3rd day. This was followed by net N immobilization for about 4 weeks in the clay soil, with similar tendencies in the sandy soil, and more severely at the higher than the lower temperatures. After 80 days of incubation, net N mineralization was only 13–22% of total N in clover leaves. The ratio of net mineralized N to C was higher at lower temperatures, and higher in the sandy than in the clay soil. After the immobilization period, the N mineralization increased, positively related to temperature, and the ratio of net mineralized N to C became constant. In conclusion, low temperature during the initial phase of mineralization altered the ratio between net N and C mineralization from easily decomposable plant material, and the net N mineralization occurred more rapidly in the sandy soil. The change in stoichiometry at low temperatures, as well as the modifying effect of soil type, should be considered when predicting N mineralization of N-rich plant material.

Morphology of immature stages and life cycle of Monotoma testacea Motschulsky (Coleoptera: Monotomidae).

The egg, all three larval instars, and pupa are described for the cucujoid beetle species Monotoma (s. str.) testacea Motschulsky, which develops in decomposing plant matter. Adults and larvae were fed with baker's yeast under laboratory conditions; this food source allowed for successful breeding of several generations. Detailed and illustrated descriptions of all immature stages are given. It is suggested that simple, pointed setae may represent a diagnostic character for Monotoma (s. str.), whereas clavate setae characterize Monotoma (Gyrocecis). Only minor differences in the number and patterns of setae were found between first, second and third larval instars, supporting observations of previous authors. Morphological differences are listed to distinguish between the three larval instars. An arrow-head aggregation of coarse asperities on the frontal region of the L1 larva, lacking in older instars, is hypothesized to be an egg-burster. Only 34-42 days elapsed from egg laying to emergence of the adult; the egg stage lasted 5-6 days; L1 larvae 2-3 days; L2 3-5 days; L3 2-5 days; the immovable prepupal stage 12-13 days; and the pupa 7-10 days. One female laid 1-5 eggs daily, averaging ~1.5 egg per day during her entire life; the total number of eggs in two independent cultures produced by one female accompanied by one male was 57 and 94.

Role of Allelopathy in Weed Management: A Review

Allelopathy is the releasing of allelopathic compounds by one plant species that inhibit the growth and development of neighbouring plants of another species. Weeds, besides removing moisture and nutrients, harbour insects and diseases. Manual weed management practices are laborious and expensive. In spite of herbicides being effective in increasing yield, indiscriminate use of herbicides has resulted in serious ecological implications such as development of herbicide resistance weeds and shift in weed population. Recently, research attention has been focused to find out alternative strategies for chemical weed control in several crops. Reduction in herbicide use is one of major goals of modern agriculture and there is much emphasis in search for alternative weed management strategies that are cheap, safe and sustainable. Allelopathy is considered as an effective, economical and environment friendly weed management approach. The release of allelopathic compounds from leaves, flowers, seeds, stems and roots of living and decomposing plant materials can influence weed density and growth. Keeping this in view, the literatures on allelopathic effect of crops and trees on weeds are reviewed in this paper.

A New Climate Nowcasting Tool Based on Paleoclimatic Data

Atmospheric pollutants and environmental indicators are often used to reconstruct historic atmospheric pollution from peat, as it accumulates over time by decomposing plant material, thus recording a history of air pollution. In the present study, three key parameters related to the peat bogs’ surface wetness dynamics in European Russia during the Holocene were investigated using modern statistical analysis. These parameters are: (i) the water table depth (WTD) in relation to the surface, which is reconstructed based on the community structure of the subfossil testate amoeba assemblages; (ii) the peat humification estimated as absorption of alkaline extract that directly reflects moisture at which the peat was formed; (iii) the Climate Moisture Index (CMI) and the Aridity Index derived from pollen-based reconstructions of the mean annual temperature and precipitation and classifying moisture conditions as the ratio between available annual precipitation and potential land surface evapotranspiration. All these parameters provide useful information about the paleoclimate (atmospheric moisture component) dynamics. High values of WTD and peat humification appear to comply with Gutenberg–Richter law. It is noteworthy that this law also seems to reproduce the high values of the modeled climate moisture and aridity indices. The validity of this new result is checked by replacing “conventional time” with “natural time”. On this basis, a new nowcasting tool is developed to more accurately estimate the average waiting time for the extreme values of these climate parameters. This will help to understand climate variability better to address emerging development needs and priorities by implementing empirical studies of the interactions between climatic effects, mitigation, adaptation, and sustainable growth.

The diverse mycoflora present on dried cannabis (Cannabis sativa L., marijuana) inflorescences in commercial production

The objective of this study was to assess harvested dried inflorescences (buds) of cannabis (Cannabis sativa L., marijuana) for fungal presence and diversity. Samples from drying rooms of three licenced facilities in British Columbia were tested repeatedly during 2017–2019. A swab method was used, wherein sterile cotton swabs were gently swabbed over bud surfaces and directly streaked onto potato dextrose agar containing 140 mg L−1 streptomycin sulphate. Petri dishes were incubated at 21–24°C for 5–6 days and the fungal colonies that developed were recorded. The testing was repeated to provide >40 cumulative sampling times over a 2-year period. Representative colonies of each unique morphological type were identified to genus and species by PCR of the ITS1-5.8-ITS2 region of rDNA and sequence analysis. Among 34 different fungal species identified, the most prevalent were Penicillium (comprising 17 different species), followed by species of Cladosporium, Botrytis, Aspergillus, Fusarium, Talaromyces and Alternaria. All samples had several fungal species present and the number and composition varied at different sampling times and within different facilities. The swab method provided a qualitative assessment of viable mould contaminants on cannabis buds and reflected the diversity of mycoflora present, many of which are previously unreported. Fungi on cannabis buds may originate from spores released from diseased or decomposing plant materials, from growing substrates used in cannabis production, or as airborne contaminants in post-harvest trimming and drying rooms. Samples of dried buds exposed to electrobeam (e-beam) radiation treatment had no detectable fungal contamination when assessed using the swab method.

Herbicide treatment alters the effects of water hyacinth on larval mosquito abundance.

Invasive aquatic weeds are managed with herbicides to reduce their negative impacts on waterways in many areas, including the California Delta Region. Herbicides create a dynamic environment of living and decomposing plant matter that could affect larval mosquitoes and other invertebrates, such as their predators and competitors. Our objective was to compare the number of larval mosquitoes in water or water hyacinth, before and after an herbicide treatment. We created replicated pond mesocosms with water hyacinth, water hyacinth treated with glyphosate and an oil adjuvant, open water, and water with glyphosate plus adjuvant. We sampled for larval mosquitoes and other aquatic invertebrates. Before herbicide addition, there was a trend for more larval mosquitoes in open water tanks than in tanks with water hyacinth. Herbicide application resulted in an immediate decrease of larval mosquitoes. As decay progressed, larval mosquitoes became most abundant in mesocosms with herbicide-treated hyacinth and very few larval mosquitoes were found in other habitat treatments. Although the numbers of predatory and competitor insects had some variation between treatments, no clear pattern emerged. This information on how invasive weed management with herbicides affects larval mosquitoes will allow control practices for larval mosquitoes and invasive weeds to be better integrated.

Above- and belowground community linkages in boreal peatlands

In boreal peatlands, the aboveground (plant) and belowground (microbial) communities are acutely linked because the whole soil profile is partially decomposed plant matter (peat), and dictates the nutrients available to the belowground system. We characterized the aboveground and belowground communities in two boreal peatlands: a Sphagnum-dominated fen and a Carex-dominated fen. We link the plant and microbial communities by observing plant, litter and peat carbon and nitrogen values. The Sphagnum-dominated fen had greater plant diversity but provided low quality litter inputs (high carbon:nitrogen) that formed peat and that corresponded with greater fungi:bacteria and Gram-positive:Gram-negative bacteria microbial community compared to the Carex-dominated fen. The higher quality plant inputs in the Carex-dominated fen supported a 5 × greater microbial biomass that was also 2 × more active (as measure by CO2 production). In this approach we highlight that peatlands and their component plant and microbial communities play-out along a common resource-spectrum that dictates ‘fast’ vs ‘slow’ carbon and nutrient cycling (i.e., a plant–soil interaction spectrum) that can, in turn, affect carbon storage potential. As peatland plant community composition is predicted to shift and decomposition rates are expected to increase under climate change, our work highlights the importance of understanding plant–soil microbial interactions.

Karakteristike kvalitativnog sastava organske materije zemljišta - problemi i rešenja

The components of soil organic matter (SOM) such as lipids (waxes, fats, and resins), pigments (oxyanthraquinones and related substances, tetrapyrrole compounds and carotenoids), kerogen, glomalins, and hydrophobins are briefly described in the paper. In the traditional assessment of the qualitative composition of SOM, all of the above substances, as well as the products of hydrolytic destruction of detritus and partially decomposed plant material, pass into the alkaline solution. The resulting mixture, containing both specific and individual organic compounds, is usually subdivided into fulvic acids, hematomelanic and humic acids. It is proposed to revise the methodology for extracting various components of SOM. The new method should be based on the affinity of the SOM components for certain organic solvents and should allow the separation of humic substances and melanin from glomalin and hydrophobins.

Calm Before the Storm: A Glimpse into the Secondary Metabolism of Aspergillus welwitschiae, the Etiologic Agent of the Sisal Bole Rot.

Aspergillus welwitschiae is a species of the Nigri section of the genus Aspergillus. In nature, it is usually a saprotroph, decomposing plant material. However, it causes the bole rot disease of Agave sisalana (sisal), a plant species used for the extraction of hard natural fibers, causing great economic loss to this culture. In this study, we isolated and sequenced one genome of A. welwitschiae (isolate CCMB 674 (Collection of Cultures of Microorganisms of Bahia)) from the stem tissues of sisal and performed in silico and wet lab experimental strategies to describe its ability to produce mycotoxins. CCMB 674 possesses 64 secondary metabolite gene clusters (SMGCs) and, under normal conditions, it produces secondary metabolism compounds that could disturb the cellular cycle of sisal or induce abnormalities in plant growth, such as malformin C. This isolate also produces a pigment that might explain the characteristic red color of the affected tissues. Additionally, this isolate is defective for the production of fumonisin B1, and, despite bearing the full cluster for the synthesis of this compound, it did not produce ochratoxin A. Altogether, these results provide new information on possible strategies used by the fungi during the sisal bole rot, helping to better understand this disease and how to control it.

Cover: Journal of Basic Microbiology. 9/2019

Journal of Basic MicrobiologyVolume 59, Issue 9 p. 859-859 COVER PICTUREFree Access Cover: Journal of Basic Microbiology. 9/2019 First published: 02 September 2019 https://doi.org/10.1002/jobm.201970022AboutPDF ToolsRequest permissionExport citationAdd to favoritesTrack citation ShareShare Give accessShare full text accessShare full-text accessPlease review our Terms and Conditions of Use and check box below to share full-text version of article.I have read and accept the Wiley Online Library Terms and Conditions of UseShareable LinkUse the link below to share a full-text version of this article with your friends and colleagues. Learn more.Copy URL Share a linkShare onFacebookTwitterLinked InRedditWechat Abstract Cover illustration: Basidiomycete fungi can cause white or brown rot as parasitic fungi, form mutual symbioses with trees as ectomycorrhizal fungi, or are involved in decomposing plant matter and soil formation. Flammulina, as well as many others, also forms fruiting bodies that have nutritional value. (Photo: Elke-Martina Jung, Friedrich-Schiller-University, Jena, Germany) Volume59, Issue9Special focus: Fungal biologySeptember 2019Pages 859-859 RelatedInformation

The complete plastid genome sequence and the photosynthetic activity of the putative mycoheterotrophic orchid Limodorum abortivum

The sparsely distributed Limodorum abortivum is a European-Mediterranean orchid species, which grows on decomposing plant material. Although some chlorophyll-pigmentation is observed in the degenerated scales-shaped leaf and stems regions of the plant, its photosynthetic capacity is assumed to be insufficient to support the full energy requirements of an adult plant. In Israel, L. abortivum shows a patchy distribution patterns in the Galilee, Golan, Carmel and Judean regions. To gain more insights into the physiology and photosynthetic activity of L. abortivum, we analyzed the organellar morphologies, photosynthetic activities the chloroplast-DNA sequence by Illumina-HTS. Microscopic analyses indicated to the presence of mature chloroplasts with well-organized grana-thylakoids in the leaves and stems of L. abortivum. However, the numbers of chloroplasts per cell and the grana ultrastructure density within the organelles were notably lower than those of model plant species and fully photosynthetically-active orchids. The cpDNA of L. abortivum (154,954 bp) encodes 60 proteins, 34 tRNAs and 4 rRNAs. The coding-regions of 24 genes are interrupted by 26 group-II intron-sequences. While many genes related to photosynthesis (RuBisCo, PSI, PSII and cytochrome b 6 /f subunits) have remained intact in the cpDNA, the majority of the NADH-dehydrogenase (ndh) subunits were either lost or became nonfunctional (i.e. pseudogenized). In agreement with previous reports, the photosynthetic-rates of adult Limodorum plants were found to be very low, further indicating that carbon-assimilation activity is insufficient to support the energy requirements of an adult plant, and may suggest that L. abortivum have adopted nutritional strategies similar to that of mycoheterotrophic orchid species.

Water-rock interactions: the formation of an unusual mineral assemblage found in a Siberian coal

Volcanic ash is regularly found in coal and is particularly common in the Minusinsk coal basin in southern Siberia, Russia. Ash deposits in coal are usually observed in the form of thinly bedded, kaolinite-rich layers called tonsteins. The coal we studied by scanning electron microscopy with an energy dispersive detector contained many of the minerals typically found in tonsteins: kaolinite groundmass, volcanogenic phenocrysts such as K-feldspar, quartz, apatite, and zircon, along with secondary minerals such as galena, sphalerite, and REE minerals. However, in addition to these commonly observed minerals, the groundmass contains a rare calcium-bearing magnesian siderite in roughly equal proportion to the kaolinite. Ca-Mg siderite has only been reported in a few Australian coals and never at these relatively high proportions. The relative levels of K-feldspar, apatite, and quartz are consistent with a parent magma of felsic to intermediate composition. The Ca-rich-Mg siderite appears to have developed late in the diagenetic process, likely as a result of the dissolution of calcic feldspars, micas, and mafic minerals in the acidic peat waters releasing calcium, iron, and magnesium which reacted with carbon dioxide from the decomposing plant matter.

Purification and biochemical characterization of pectinase produced by Aspergillus fumigatus isolated from soil of decomposing plant materials

Cloning, expression and purification of resistance gene analogue RGPM 301 from pearl millet in Escherichia coli Mariswamy Veena, Prasad Melvin, Sekhar Shailasree, Kukkundoor Ramachandra Kini