Presence Of Arthropods Research Articles

Biological Indicators of Resilience in Mixed and Monoculture Musaceae Production Systems

Objective: To examine the impact of intraspecific diversity on the biological resilience and biodiversity of Musaceae production systems against pests and diseases in the Ecuadorian tropics, thereby improving the environmental sustainability of these agricultural systems. Theoretical Framework: Key concepts such as biological resilience, intraspecific diversity of Musaceae, and their relationship with soil health and pest and disease control were explored. The importance of mixed production systems versus monocultures in Musaceae agriculture was discussed. Method: An experimental design with completely randomized blocks was adopted in two locations (El Carmen and La Maná), comparing mixed and monoculture production systems. Three repetitions were used to collect data on the presence of arthropods, earthworms, and soil microorganisms, evaluating their diversity and quantity as indicators of biological resilience and environmental quality. Results and Conclusions: Mixed systems demonstrated greater biodiversity, particularly in the presence of Collembola, earthworms, and various beneficial microorganisms, indicating higher resilience and soil health compared to monocultures. Intraspecific diversity in mixed systems significantly contributes to the sustainability and resilience of Musaceae agroecosystems, suggesting a more resilient and ecologically sustainable production model for tropical agriculture. Originality/Value: This study provides empirical evidence on how intraspecific diversity and mixed production systems can enhance resilience and biodiversity in Musaceae crops, offering sustainable alternatives to face contemporary agricultural challenges in the Ecuadorian tropics.

Arthropods in Different Vegetation in Nutmeg Plantation in Aceh Province

Nutmeg (Myristica fragrans Hout) is a leading commodity from Aceh Province. The high yield of nutmeg oil and its distinctive aroma makes it in demand by the world market. The production of nutmeg plants is currently decreasing due to the disturbance of nuisance organisms so that nutmeg plants get sick and die. Appropriate agro eco-management of the nutmeg system is thought to overcome these problems. Such as by conserving the diversity of arthropod communities. Information regarding the presence of arthropods in nutmeg cultivation is very limited in South Aceh District. This study investigates the abundance of arthropods in nutmeg cultivation in different vegetation to detect the causes of the decline in nutmeg production in the South Aceh district. Sampling was carried out at 2 locations with different vegetation conditions, using the determining sub-samples. Each location consisted of 200 individual nutmeg plants, and at each location, several 20 individual nutmeg plants were assigned as samples. The results showed that the total collection of arthropod populations at the location I found nine orders, namely Araneae, Coleoptera, Dermaptera, Diptera, Homoptera, Hemiptera, Hymenoptera, Isoptera, and Orthoptera. Location II found 12 orders, namely Araneae, Blattodea, Coleoptera, Dermaptera, Diptera, Embioptera, Homoptera, Hemiptera, Hymenoptera, Isoptera, Orthoptera, and Phasmatodea). The class of insects and arachnids found at these two locations is part of the Phylum Arthropoda.

The population density of arthropods in the rice field ecosystem with insecticide application

This research was conducted in Jeneponto Regency with the purpose was to determine the effect of the use of insecticide on the presence of arthropods in the paddy ecosystem. This research was conducted in 2 rice plantations, each measuring 65 m x 12 m, the first plot was carried out without the application of insecticides in accordance with the habits of farmers. Arthropod sampling begins at the age of the plant 30 days to 70 days. Sampling is done every seven days. Sampling of Arthropod Sweep Net and Pitfall Trap Samples. Arthropod samples can be observed morphologically to know their counterparts in the paddy ecosystem. The results showed that in the rice field without insecticide found 6 species of pests, 10 species of predators, 7 species of predators, and 2 species, pollinators. In the rice field with applied insecticide, found 5 species of pests, 8 species of predators, and 3 species of parasitoids. The results of statistical analysis showed that the average number of arthropods found in rice fields without insecticide treatment was significantly different from those applied with insecticides starting at observations at 42 days to 77 days.

Usage and Characterization of Plant Species in the Composition of Urban Hedgerowsin Brazil

The aim of the study was to conduct a qualitative and quantitative survey of hedgerows in a study area in the Imbiribeira neighborhood, Recife-PE, Brazil. After the delimitation of the study area, the number of properties with hedgerows was registered. The application of the questionnaire was directed to people residing, working or owning real estate that contained hedgerows with the following functions: embellishment, privacy, delimitation and coating. The number of blocks sampled, blocks with hedgerows, sampled hedgerows, hedgerows by block, properties with hedgerows, hedgerows by property and private companies and residences with hedgerows were noted. The interviewee was questioned about reasons for implantation and difficulties faced, presence of animals, reasons of plant selection, composition of plant species and phytosanitary conditions. In the study area 30 blocks were sampled, the presence of hedgerows was observed in 18 of them. Of these 18 blocks 73 hedgerows were surveyed, with an average of 2.43 hedgerows per block. The presence of hedgerows in 27 properties was verified. Landscape beautification is one of the main reasons for implantation and maintenance of the hedgerows. Of those interviewed, 30.77% stated that the work required for implantation and maintenance was a negative aspect of planting hedgerows. The presence of arthropods was verified in all studied hedgerows. General aesthetics was the reason most interviewees chose their particular plant species. Seventeen plant species and 11 families were observed. The species Ixora coccinea L. var. compacta Hort. was the most commonly found species. Hedgerows for the purpose of embellishment represent 83.56% of the hedges found. The phytosanitary status and the presence of flaws in the hedgerows in the study area presented a certain relation. Although hedgerows are widely used in urban and rural areas, studies on their composition, structure, ecological importance and relevance to biodiversity conservation are scarce.

Faustovirus-Like Asfarvirus in Hematophagous Biting Midges and Their Vertebrate Hosts.

Faustovirus, a new Asfarviridae-related giant virus, was recently isolated in Vermamoeba vermiformis, a protist found in sewage water in various geographical locations and occasionally reported in human eye infection cases. As part of a global metagenomic analysis of viral communities existing in biting midges, we report here for the first time the identification and isolation of a Faustovirus-like virus in hematophagous arthropods and its detection in their animal hosts. The DNA virome analysis of three pools of Culicoides sp., engorged female Culicoides imicola and non-engorged male/female C. imicola biting midges collected in Senegal, revealed the presence of amoeba-infecting giant viruses and, among them, a majority of sequences related to Faustovirus. Phylogenetic analyses conducted on several structural genes of Faustovirus confirmed the clustering of the arthropod-borne Faustovirus with sewage-borne Faustoviruses, with a distinct geographical clustering of Senegalese Faustovirus strains. Transmission electron microscopy identified viral particles with morphologies and diameters which were compatible with Faustovirus. The presence of infectious arthropod-borne Faustovirus was finally confirmed by successful isolation on V. vermiformis amoeba. Global proteomic analysis of biting midges identified that arthropods' blood meal originating from cattle, rodents and humans. Further screening of cattle sera and rodent tissue resulted in prevalence of Faustovirus being estimated at 38% in rodents and 14% in cattle, suggesting a possible origin of Faustovirus presence in arthropods via the ingestion of contaminated blood meal. Viral loads were the highest in rodents' urine and kidney samples, suggesting a possible excretion of viral particles into the environment. Faustovirus DNA polymerase-related sequences were also detected in more than 9 and 11% of febrile patients and healthy Senegalese human sera, respectively. Our study thus, highlights the need to investigate the role of arthropods, wildlife, and domestic animals in the lifecycle of amoeba-infecting giant viruses and, in particular, the environmental cycle of Faustovirus.

Kepelbagaian Artropod dalam Tanaman Padi Tradisional di Batang Lupar, Sarawak

The diversity of arthropod consists of pests and predators in rice fields were contribute to the biological control of crop pests at different stages of growth. The rice fields in Batang Lupar, Sarawak has diverse ecological conditions as well as presence of arthropod too. The study in MARDI research plot Batang Lupar in Sri Aman, Sarawak had been done on traditional rice varieties, Bubuk, Bali and Mamut by using sweeping net. The entire specimens were sorted out and classified into the smallest possible taxa. Statistical analysis were analysed by using Shanon-wiener Diversity Index, Evenness Shannon Index and Margalef Richness Index. A total of 272 individual arthropods had been collected and it consists of 7 order, 18 families and 23 species. Among of that 3 species are spiders, 9 species are insect pests and 11 species are insect predators. Analysis data for the diversity of arthropod has shown that there were no significantly different between three varieties, Bubuk, Bali and Mamut (P > 0.05). Besides that, diversity of the arthropod in Bali is higher than Bubuk and Mamut.

Effect of Some Household Products (Kerosene, Insecticide and Perfume) on Arthropods Colonization on Rats' Cadavers

The most common task of a forensic entomologist is to determine an accurate minimum post-mortem interval (PMI) using necrophagous fly larvae found on carrion. The presence of repellent substances on cadaver is not generally well informed and can be difficult to detect. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of some common household products (kerosene, insecticide, perfume) on arthropods colonization on rats' cadavers including their effect on the type of species, and first insect’s arrival time. As well as relation of the stage of decomposition to both the type of species and first insect’s arrival time. The experiment was performed during spring season. Twenty healthy rat carrions (200 ± 50 g) were randomly divided into four groups; each group was consisted of five rats. Group (1) served as a control, was kept without any substance poured on it. Group 2, Kerosene poured rats, where kerosene was splashed on each rat. Group 3, Insecticide poured rats, where flying insects killer was splashed on each rat. Lastly, 4th group, Perfume poured rats, where perfume was splashed on each one. The presence of arthropods was checked at regular intervals during the period of experiment. The use of these products didn't only affect the time of first insect's arrival but also type of insects and stage of decomposition. In control group, during the fresh stage of decomposition, the first insects appeared and the most abundant orders were Diptera of families Sarcophagidae, Calliphoridae and Muscidae, followed by Coleoptera (Dermestidae) during the bloat and wet decomposition stages.All presented species were collected from the control group, while Musca domestica and Dermestes frischiididn't appear in any of the poured cadavers (Groups 2, 3, 4) till the end of the experiment. Colonisation delay was for (96.5h ± 0.55) in rats of group (2), (3.5 h ±0.3) in rats of group (3) and (4.5 h ±S.D. 0.4) in rats of group (4). Distinct delay in decomposition stages was observed in kerosene poured rats (Group 2. These results together confirm the repellent effect of some household products on flies and the necessity for forensic entomologists to consider this hypothesis when estimating the PMI.

Effect of Different Cover Crops on the Presence of Arthropods in an Organic Apple (Malus domestica Borkh) Orchard

ABSTRACT In the development of a sustainable agriculture, especially in fruit production, cover crops can contribute in two ways: 1) by improving soil fertility through the incorporation and retention of nutrients and water; and 2) by hosting populations of beneficial as well as phytophagous arthropods that can provide significant stability to the agroecosystem. The present study sampled the arthropod fauna in this stratum. The research was conducted in an apple orchard with organic certification since 1998. A plot of 10 ha was divided into four treatment areas of 2.5 ha each: 1) permanent cover of fescue (Festuca arundinacea) plus alfalfa (Medicago sativa), AF; 2) permanent cover of strawberry clover (Trifolium fragiferum) seeded in 1999 and 2002, SC; 3) seeding of common vetch (Vicia sativa) every March as a winter cover crop V; and 4) control (natural vegetation of grasses and legumes which is disked in late winter, the traditional management system by growers in this region), C. In order to compare the biodiversity of arthropods under organic management with conventional management (synthetic insecticides and herbicides), a fifth treatment was included in a nearby orchard with the same variety and rootstock (CH). Sampling between October and March began in 2000 and concluded in 2005. For pest control, sexual pheromones and botanical, biological, and mineral insecticides were used. Different sampling techniques were performed to determine the abundance of arthropods. Coleoptera, Formicidae, Araneae, and Dyptera, in this order, were the most numerous groups (75%). Isopods, hymenopterans, and homopterans represented less than 20% of the total. Of the collected species, 52.9% were phytophagous, and 41.9% were biological controllers (BC). AF presented 59.9% BC and SC 56.2%. The BC collected were mainly coleopterans (Carabidae, Staphylinidae, and Coccinellidae), parasitoid hymenopterans, spiders, predator bugs (Nabidae, Geocoridae, and Anthocoridae) and lacewings. In general, C and CH showed the lowest indices of diversity. The highest diversity was observed in AF and SC. Armadillidium vulgare was almost exclusively collected in the organic sector and could be considered as a biological indicator. In general, the number of BC and their diversity increased with the presence of cover crops and decreased with the utilization of agrochemicals.

Transmission of Pandora neoaphidis in the presence of co-occurring arthropods

Transmission of the entomopathogenic fungus Pandora neoaphidis to the nettle aphid Microlophium carnosum was assessed in the presence of arthropods that co-exist with the fungus within the habitat but do not compete for aphid hosts. The presence of a parasitoid significantly enhanced transmission, and transmission rates were similar for both enemy and non-enemy parasitoids. Although herbivory of nettle leaves by Peacock butterfly ( Inchis io) caterpillars indirectly reduced the number of M. carnosum by >30% due to a reduction in leaf area for feeding, the addition of I. io significantly increased transmission of P. neoaphidis in the remaining aphids. It is likely that enhanced transmission in the presence of A. rhopalosiphii and I. io is due to disturbance and subsequent movement of the aphid, resulting in contact with conidia deposited on the leaf surface. The presence and impact of co-occurring arthropods should be taken into consideration when assessing the transmission of fungal entomopathogens.

Comportamento de forrageamento e dieta de Polystictus superciliaris (Aves, Tyrannidae) no sudeste do Brasil

O presente artigo descreve o comportamento de forrageamento e a dieta de Polystictus superciliaris (Wied, 1831), espécie pouco conhecida e de distribuição geográfica restrita às montanhas do leste do Brasil. Este trabalho foi realizado entre abril e dezembro de 2005 no Parque Estadual da Serra do Rola Moça, município de Nova Lima, Minas Gerais (20°03'S, 44°00'W). Para cada observação de forrageamento foram registrados os comportamentos de ataque, a direção e o substrato do ataque, a altura do substrato de forrageamento e a fitofisionomia onde o ataque ocorreu. Para a determinação da dieta da espécie foram feitas observações diretas de campo, sendo também analisado o conteúdo estomacal de 16 indivíduos. Polystictus superciliaris usa preferencialmente a canga couraçada (93,3%), tendo como substrato principal as folhas (69,1%) das plantas mais abundantes na área. A espécie é generalista quanto ao comportamento de ataque. A análise de conteúdos estomacais revelou a presença exclusiva de artrópodes. As observações confirmaram o caráter insetívoro de P. superciliaris, que não foi observado consumindo frutos ou outro material de origem vegetal.

Elephant dung decomposition and coprophilous fungi in two habitats of semi-arid Botswana

In order to understand the impact of habitat changes on ecosystem processes caused by increased populations of elephants, elephant dung decomposition was studied in semi-arid Botswana. Dung decomposition rates were studied with and without the presence of arthropods, using pairs of exposed dung and dung enclosed in nylon-mesh bags, respectively. Dung decomposition rates were lower in the absence of arthropods. The rates in the late wet season were higher in the scrubland than in the woodland. In the early dry season, immediately after the wet season, the rates were higher in the woodland than in the scrubland. The difference in decomposition rates between habitats was attributed to microclimatic conditions created by vegetation cover. With regard to fungal succession, Cladosporium cladosporioides and Eurotium brefeldianum occurred only in the late stages of dung decomposition whereas Talaromyces helicus, Cercophora coprophila and Sporormiella minima occurred in all the stages. Although there was no significant difference in Shannon–Weiner fungal species diversity index between habitats, seasons, dung ages and laboratory incubation periods, there were significant differences in fungal community composition between these parameters. Species richness was higher in the late wet season than in the early dry season, indicating the importance of moist conditions for a large diversity of fungal species.

Arthropods in Astronomy

Peoples of all cultures, past and present, have perceived important aspects of their earthly worlds mirrored in the heavens. Terrestrial and celestial events are linked in great mythic creations that bind together the elements of a culture's archetypal consciousness. The ancient expression, “As it is above, so shall it be below,” characterizes this relationship between the celestial cycles and those of our more immediate human experience (Saul 1993 ). We see our world writ large in the heavens and tend to place our own face and stamp on everything in nature, including the creatures that share our environment. Particularly for nonliterate cultures, the images perceived in the constellations, as well as the planetary peregrinations among them, serve as an eternal mnemonic record for the recall of the vital oral traditions that maintain those cultures. These are among those universals derived from comparative studies of ancient and native celestial lore, religion, and worldview—what we call archaeoastronomy (see glossary)—and the presence of arthropods in astronomy is no exception.

Nonselective cation channel activated by patch excision from lobster olfactory receptor neurons

A nonselective cation channel activated by patch excision was characterized in inside-out patches from spiny lobster olfactory receptor neurons. The channel, which was permeable to Na+, K+ and Cs+, had a conductance of 320 pS and was weakly voltage dependent in the presence of micromolar divalent cations. Millimolar internal divalent cations caused a voltage- and concentration-dependent block of Na+ permeation. Analysis of the voltage dependence indicated that the proportion of the membrane's electric field sensed by Mg2+ was greater than 1, suggesting that the channel contains a multi-ion pore. Internal divalent cations also reduced the frequency of channel opening in a concentration-dependent, but not voltage-dependent, manner, indicating that different cation binding sites affect gating and conductance. While block of gating prevented determining if internal divalent cations permeate the channel, a channel highly permeable to external divalent cations was observed upon patch excision to the inside-out configuration. The monovalent and divalent cation conductances shared activation by patch excision, weak voltage dependence, and steady-state activity, suggesting that they are the same channel. These data extend our understanding of this type of channel by demonstrating permeation by monovalent cations, detailing Mg2+ block of Na+ permeation, and demonstrating the channel's presence in arthropods.