Seasonal Variation In Abundance Research Articles

Culturable bacteria in Himalayan glacial ice in response to atmospheric circulation

Abstract. Only recently has specific attention been given to culturable bacteria in Tibetan glaciers, but their relation to atmospheric circulation is less understood yet. Here we present the results of culturable bacteria preserved in an ice core drilled from the East Rongbuk (ER) glacier, Himalayas. The average concentrations of culturable bacteria are 5.0, 0.8, 0.1 and 0.7 CFU mL−1 for the glacier ice deposited during the premonsoon, monsoon, postmonsoon and winter seasons, respectively. The high concentration of culturable bacteria in ER glacier deposited during the premonsoon season is attributed to the transportation of continental dust stirred up by the frequent dust storms during spring. This is also confirmed by the spatial distribution of culturable bacteria in Tibetan glaciers. Continental dust originated from the Northwest China accounts for the high abundance of culturable bacteria in the northern Tibetan Plateau, while monsoon moisture exerts great influence on culturable bacteria with low abundance in the southern plateau. The numbers of representatives with different ARDRA patterns from RFLP analysis are 10, 15, 1 and 2 for the glacial ice deposited during the premonsoon, monsoon, postmonsoon and winter seasons, respectively, suggesting that culturable bacteria deposited in ER glacier during monsoon season are more diverse than that deposited during the other seasons, possibly due to their derivation from both marine air masses and local or regional continental sources, while culturable bacteria deposited during the other seasons are from only one possible origin that is transported by westerlies. Our results show the first report of seasonal variations of abundance and species diversity of culturable bacteria recovered from glacial ice in the Himalayas, and we suggest that microorganisms in Himalayan ice might provide a potential new proxy for the reconstruction of atmospheric circulation.

Seasonal Variation of North American Form of <I>Gigantolaelaps mattogrossensis</I> (Acari: Laelapidae) on Marsh Rice Rat in Southern Coastal Texas

The ectoparasites of a small mammal community within an intertidal zone in the upper Gulf coast region of Texas were studied to assess the seasonal variation in abundances of the mite Gigantolaelaps mattogrossensis (Fonseca) (Acari: Laelapidae) on the marsh rice rat, Oryzomys palustris (Harlan). Further study into the ecology and dynamics of this parasite-host relationship was deemed to be necessary to expand the understanding of these potential participants in the ecology of Bayou Hantavirus, an important causative agent of Hantavirus pulmonary syndrome. The objective of this study was to determine the effects of five predictor variables on mite abundance: prevalences of hosts, relative humidity, precipitation, temperature, and length of daylight. Mite abundance was modeled as a function of the five variables with analyses of variance and multiple regressions; however, because the predictor variables pertain to the sampling period rather than to the individual rodent host, the effective sample size was small and thus the sums of squares and cross products matrix was singular. We therefore developed and used a new method for estimating regression coefficients based on the "noise-addition method" (random residual variation) combined with a bootstrap step converting the reduced rank data to full rank, providing realistic estimates of confidence intervals for the regression statistics. The population abundances of mites fluctuated significantly across collecting periods. Humidity and precipitation were the most influential variables in explaining the variation in abundances of mites. Model interpretation suggests that G. mattogrossensis is a nidicolous parasite. These results provide a baseline understanding of the seasonal interactions between parasite and host.

Composition, Distribution and Abundance of Aquatic Insects of Ologe Lagoon in Lagos, Nigeria

The community structure, diversity and seasonal variation in abundance of the aquatic insects in Ologe lagoon were studied during the dry and wet seasons of 2003. The insect community included 15 species in the Orders Coleoptera, Diptera, Ephemeroptera and Odonata. The dry season collection across four sampling stations had more species (15) and more insects (65) than the rainy season collection with 13 species and 47 insects. However, the differences were not significant (P>0.05). The ephemeropterans and dipterans dominated the community, accounting for 68.8% of the total population collected. The diversity was highest at the 4th Station (Elete Creek) followed by the 3rd, 1st and 2nd in that order. There was no significant difference (P>0.05) in the number of species across the four stations.

Effects of floods versus low flows on invertebrates in a New Zealand gravel‐bed river

Summary1. Floods and low flows are hydrological events that influence river ecosystems, but few studies have compared their relative importance in structuring invertebrate communities. Invertebrates were sampled in riffles and runs at eight sites along 40 km of a New Zealand gravel‐bed river every 1–3 months over 2.5 years, during which time a number of large flood and low flow events occurred. Flows were high in winter and spring, and low in summer and autumn. Four flow‐related variables were calculated from hydrological data: flow on the day of sampling (Qsample), maximum and minimum flow between successive samples (Qmax and Qmin, respectively), and the number of days since the last bed‐moving flood (Ndays).2. The invertebrate community was summarised by relative densities of the 19 most abundant taxa and four biotic metrics [total abundance, taxon richness, the number of Ephemeroptera, Plecoptera and Trichoptera taxa (i.e. EPT richness), and per cent EPT]. Invertebrate density fluctuated greatly, and was high in summer and autumn, and low during winter and spring. Stepwise multiple regression (SMR) analysis was used to investigate relationships between the invertebrate community and season, flow, habitat and water temperature.3. Seasonal variables were included in almost 50% of the SMR models, while flow‐related variables were included in >75% of models. Densities of many taxa were negatively correlated to Qmin and Qmax, and positively correlated to Ndays, suggesting that while high flows reduced invertebrate densities, densities recovered with increasing time following a flood. Although season and flow were confounded in this study, many of the taxa analysed display little seasonal variation in abundance, suggesting that flow‐related variables were more important in structuring communities than seasonal changes in density associated with life‐cycles.4. Five discrete flood and low flow events were identified and changes to invertebrate communities before and after these events examined. Invertebrate densities decreased more commonly after floods than after low flows, and there was a significant positive relationship between the number of taxa showing reductions in density and flood magnitude. Densities of most invertebrates either remained unchanged, or increased after low flow events, except for four taxa whose densities declined after a very long period (up to 9 months) of low flow. This decline was attributed to autogenic sloughing of thick periphyton communities and subsequent loss of habitat for these taxa.5. Invertebrate communities changed more after floods and the degree of change was proportional to flood magnitude. Community similarity increased with increasing time since the last disturbance, suggesting that the longer stable flows lasted, the less the community changed. These results suggest that invertebrate communities in the Waipara River were controlled by both floods and low flows, but that the relative effects of floods were greater than even extended periods of extreme low flow.6. Hydraulic conditions in riffles and runs were measured throughout the study. Riffles had consistently faster velocities, but were shallower and narrower than runs at all measured flows. Invertebrate density in riffles was expressed as a percentage of total density and regressed against the flow‐related variables to see whether invertebrate locations changed according to flow. Significant negative relationships were observed between the per cent density of common taxa in riffles and Qsample, Qmax and Qmin. This result suggests either that these animals actively drifted into areas of faster velocity during low flows, or that their densities within riffles increased as the width of these habitats declined.

Production of Acartia omorii (Copepoda: Calanoida) in Ilkwang Bay, southeastern coast of Korea

Production of the marine calanoid copepod Acartia omorii was measured from 2 October 1991 to 8 October 1992 at a station in Ilkwang Bay on the southeastern coast of Korea. A. omorii (nauplii + copepodites + adults) were present in the plankton throughout the year, with seasonal variation in abundance. Biomass of A. omorii was averaged at 0.44 mgC m − 3 , with peaks in February and July, and relatively low biomass in late summer and fall. Egg production rate ranged from 2.4 to 151.9 μgC m − 3 day − 1 , which was equivalent to 95–6075 eggs m − 3 day − 1 . Fecundity of an adult female was averaged at 38 eggs female − 1 day − 1 . Instantaneous growth rates of copepodites were higher than those of nauplii stages. Annual production of A. omorii ranged from 33.5 mgC m − 3 year − 1 to 221 mgC m − 2 year − 1 , showing a seasonal variation of daily production rate with peaks in February and July. The daily production rate of A. omorii was significantly correlated with chlorophyll a concentration. These results suggest that standing stocks and/or productivity of phytoplankton are the major influencing factors, rather than water temperature for the seasonal variation of production of A. omorii in Ilkwang Bay.

Spatial and temporal fluctuations in presence and use of chironomid prey by shorebirds in the Odiel saltpans, south-west Spain

We studied the seasonal variation in abundance and distribution of shorebirds and chironomid Chironomus salinarius larvae in both traditional and industrial salines in the Odiel marshes, south-west Spain, in 2001. We selected 12 ponds that were representative of the different phases of the salt production process. The benthic chironomids were sampled in each pond every 2 months, and the birds were counted weekly. Chironomid larvae were most abundant in spring and autumn, and in the ponds of lower salinity. The density of larvae averaged 7023 ± 392 m−2 (±SE) over the six sampling events. Shorebirds were always more abundant at high tide than at low tide, and were especially abundant during the spring and autumn migration periods when up to 20,775 birds were counted. A total of 24 species were recorded, six of which were present in internationally important numbers. The salines were especially important as foraging and roosting habitat during migration. The percentage of birds that were feeding in the ponds was positively correlated with the abundance of chironomid larvae at accessible depths. The number of feeding birds was also higher in ponds with more chironomid larvae available. Despite more intensive management, industrial salines held higher densities of birds and a similar abundance of chironomids when compared with traditional salines.

Recurrent Seasonal Variations in Abundance and Composition of Filamentous SOL Cluster Bacteria ( Saprospiraceae , Bacteroidetes ) in Oligomesotrophic Lake Mondsee (Austria)

The spatial and temporal variation of SOL cluster bacteria was assessed in oligomesotrophic Lake Mondsee and adjacent lakes by fluorescence in situ hybridization over two annual cycles. The filamentous SOL bacteria were present in Lake Mondsee throughout the study period, and the seasonal dynamics of the SOL community were remarkably similar with respect to both abundance and composition in the two consecutive years. Only two of the three SOL subclusters were detected in Lake Mondsee and four connected lakes. These two populations significantly differed in size distribution and demonstrated pronounced but recurrent differences in seasonality and length of period of appearance in Lake Mondsee. Extensive sampling of the lakes in September 2003 revealed low horizontal variation in the composition of the SOL community within Lake Mondsee but marked variations with depth. Between connected habitats pronounced differences in the composition and abundance of the SOL community were detected. The interaction of SOL bacteria with bacterivorous protists, mesozooplankton, and phytoplankton was investigated in order to reveal variables controlling the structure and dynamics of SOL communities. No strong indication for a bottom-up influence of phytoplankton was found, while the estimated community grazing rates of mesozooplankton on SOL bacteria indicated a top-down control of SOL abundance during mesozooplankton peaks in spring and early autumn. Furthermore, species-specific differences in grazing of mesozooplankton on SOL bacteria were observed. In general, the overall composition of SOL communities was controlled by abiotic factors (water chemistry), while their dynamics seemed to be controlled by abiotic and biotic interactions.

Seasonal variation of snow microbial community structure in the East Rongbuk glacier, Mt. Everest

The bacterial diversity and abundance in the snow of East Rongbuk glacier, Mt. Everest were examined through 16S rRNA gene clone library and flow cytometry approaches. In total, 35 16S rRNA gene sequences were obtained, which belong to α, β, γ-Proteobacteria, Actinobacteria, Firmicutes, CFB, Cyanobacteria, Eukaryotic chloroplast, and TM7 candidate phylum respectively. γ-Proteobacteria was the dominant bacterial group in this region, while the genera Acinetobacter and Leclercia were dominant on the genus level. The community structure varied seasonally. The bacterial abundance in summer snow was higher than that in winter. Moreover, the snow bacterial community structures in both seasons were diverse, with not only common species but season-specific species. The common species most likely originated from the Tibet Plateau. Bacteria in summer snow are affiliated with marine environment, whereas bacteria in winter snow are closely related to more diverse environments and show the feature of resistance to cold. Seasonal variations of abundance and bacterial diversity were most probably due to the seasonal characteristics of climate and atmospheric circulation in Mt. Everest.

A decade of harbour porpoise occurrence in German waters—Analyses of aerial surveys, incidental sightings and strandings

Data on the occurrence of harbour porpoises ( Phocoena phocoena) in German waters from 1988 to 2002 were collected from dedicated aerial surveys, incidental sightings and strandings. Aerial surveys conducted in 1995 and 1996 revealed a mean abundance of 4288 (in 1995) and 7356 harbour porpoises (in 1996) in the German North Sea study area. Mean abundances of harbour porpoises in the German Baltic Sea, divided into two subunits (blocks B and C), were estimated at 980 and 1830 (in 1995 and 1996 resp.) and at 601 (in 1995; there were no sightings in block C during the 1996 survey). From 1988 to 2002, 791 incidental sightings of harbour porpoise pods were reported in German and partly Danish coastal waters of the North and Baltic Seas. In the period 1990 to 2001, 996 harbour porpoises were found stranded along the German North Sea coast and 17 animals were identified as by-catch. In the same period 229 harbour porpoises were found stranded along the German Baltic Sea coast and 105 animals were incidentally taken in fisheries. The proportion of by-caught harbour porpoises was significantly larger in the Baltic Sea. Different monitoring methods are helpful for different aims and management issues: aerial surveys cover large areas in a short time and provide information on density, abundance, distributional patterns and seasonality. Incidental sighting and stranding networks provide indications of general distribution, seasonal variation in abundance, age distribution, by-catch and of areas which are important in the harbour porpoise’s life cycle. Comparison of data from the North and Baltic Seas revealed a higher abundance of harbour porpoises in the North Sea than in the Baltic Sea. Altogether the data sets demonstrated a strong seasonality of harbour porpoise occurrence off the German coast with highest numbers during the summer months. Important habitats for harbour porpoises were detected west of the islands of Sylt and Amrum in the North Sea and around the Schlei estuary, in waters west of Fehmarn and the Fischland-Darss area in the Baltic Sea.

통영해역의 자치어 종조성과 계절변동

Seasonal variation of abundance and species composition of ichthyoplankton were studied in the coastal water off Tongyoung, Korea. Monthly samples were collected using a ring net which were towed horizontally at 4 different stations from March, 1998 to February, 1999. A total of 74 species representing 35 families and 8 orders were found. Of these species 40 species (17 families) were Perciformes. Of the fish larvae couected Engraulis japonicus, Repomucenus sp., Parablennius yatabei, Synechogobius hasta, and Tridentiger sp. were the dominant species representing in total number of individuals. The number of species was highest in August and lowest in December; number of individuals was highest in May and lowest in November. The diversity index (Shannon and Wiener Index) was highest in march, and lowest in December.

The shallow water gobiid assemblage of the Venice Lagoon: abundance, seasonal variation and habitat partitioning

The gobiid assemblage of the Venice Lagoon shallow waters was investigated by means of a semi‐quantitative standardized sampling (using a small beach seine), stratified into five main types of shallow subtidal habitats and conducted on a seasonal basis during 1 year. The degree of overlap in resource utilization among six coexisting goby species was assessed, along both the time axis, by analysing the seasonal variation in abundance and reproductive status (as revealed by the gonado‐somatic index) and the habitat axis, by comparing species abundance across different habitat types and controlling for the effects of some abiotic factors. Smaller species, and especially the marbled goby Pomatoschistus marmoratus, dominated the local assemblage. Although the cycle of shallow water colonization and seasonal variation in total abundance were basically similar, species showed differences in timing of reproduction and recruitment, as well as in habitat preference. The larger species belonging to the genera Gobius and Zosterisessor tended to overlap their habitat use, being more abundant in seagrass habitats than in the unvegetated habitats, whereas the smaller species belonging to the genera Knipowitschia and Pomatoschistus avoided seagrasses, preferring in most cases mud flats and salt marsh creeks. Within these two groups of species some further slight differences in species habitat preference, relationship with abiotic factors and reproductive ecology could be detected. Results are discussed in the light of both ecological mechanisms underlying coexistence of closely related species and the current knowledge of the phylogeny of Mediterranean gobies.

Long‐term seasonal variation in the biological traits of benthic‐macroinvertebrates in two Mediterranean‐climate streams in California, U.S.A.

Summary1. We investigated the seasonal variation of biological traits and the influence of interannual rainfall variability on this pattern. Using long‐term survey data (6–19 years) from an intermittent and a perennial stream in the Mediterranean‐climate region of northern California, we examined 16 fuzzy‐coded biological traits (e.g. maximum size, life cycle duration, and mode of respiration).2. Seasonal habitat variability is higher in the intermittent stream than in the perennial stream. During the winter and spring wet‐season both streams flood; however, during the summer dry‐season, the intermittent stream forms isolated pools in (occasionally drying completely).3. Seasonal habitat variability influenced both taxonomic and biological trait composition. Distinct taxonomic communities were present in each season, particularly in the intermittent stream. The intermittent stream also exhibited more seasonal variation in biological traits than the perennial stream.4. Despite statistically significant seasonal variation, trait composition was relatively stable among seasons in comparison with taxonomic composition and abundance. Taxonomic composition varied considerably between seasons, because of high seasonal and interannual replacement of taxa resulting from seasonal habitat changes.5. The seasonality of taxonomic composition and abundance was sensitive to interannual rainfall variability. In dry years, the taxonomic composition of communities was more similar between seasons than in wet years, while trait composition was relatively insensitive to rainfall variability.6. Despite high seasonal variation in abundance and taxonomic composition, biological traits of aquatic macroinvertebrates varied less and exhibited seasonal stability, which may be a result of the unpredictability and harshness of stream environments.

CANOPY ARTHROPOD RESPONSE TO DENSITY AND DISTRIBUTION OF GREEN TREES RETAINED AFTER PARTIAL HARVEST

We measured canopy arthropod responses to six contrasting green-tree retention treatments at six locations (blocks) in western Oregon and Washington as part of the Demonstration of Ecosystem Management Options (DEMO) study. Treatments were 100% retention (uncut), 75% retention with three 1-ha harvested gaps, 40% dispersed retention, 40% aggregated retention with five 1-ha uncut aggregates, 15% dispersed retention, and 15% aggregated retention with two 1-ha uncut aggregates. Arthropods were sampled from upper, mid-, and lower crown levels of one overstory Douglas-fir (Pseudotsuga menziesii (Mirb.) Franco) and from three understory vine maple (Acer circinatum Pursh) in each treatment unit during June and August each year to assess seasonal variation in abundances. Pretreatment data were collected in 1996 and posttreatment data in 1999– 2000. Arthropods showed little evidence of response to treatments, but the abundance of arthropods on both plant species showed significant variation among blocks, reflecting responses to environmental gradients at a regional scale. Arthropod abundance also varied significantly over time in unmanipulated (control) treatments, suggesting sensitivity to annual changes in weather. Our results suggest that disturbance at this intensity or scale has little influence on canopy arthropods in the short term. Future sampling will be necessary to evaluate the extent to which arthropods respond to changes in environmental conditions created by these treatments over longer time periods.

Seasonal variation in abundance of total and pathogenic Vibrio parahaemolyticus bacteria in oysters along the southwest coast of India.

The seasonal abundance of Vibrio parahaemolyticus in oysters from two estuaries along the southwest coast of India was studied by colony hybridization using nonradioactive labeled oligonucleotide probes. The density of total V. parahaemolyticus bacteria was determined using a probe binding to the tlh (thermolabile hemolysin) gene, and the density of pathogenic V. parahaemolyticus bacteria was determined by using a probe binding to the tdh (thermostable direct hemolysin) gene. Furthermore, the prevalence of V. parahaemolyticus was studied by PCR amplification of the toxR, tdh, and trh genes. PCR was performed directly with oyster homogenates and also following enrichment in alkaline peptone water for 6 and 18 h. V. parahaemolyticus was detected in 93.87% of the samples, and the densities ranged from <10 to 10(4) organisms per g. Pathogenic V. parahaemolyticus could be detected in 5 of 49 samples (10.2%) by colony hybridization using the tdh probe and in 3 of 49 samples (6.1%) by PCR. Isolates from one of the samples belonged to the pandemic serotype O3:K6. Twenty-nine of the 49 samples analyzed (59.3%) were positive as determined by PCR for the presence of the trh gene in the enrichment broth media. trh-positive V. parahaemolyticus was frequently found in oysters from India.

The contribution of microphytobenthos for scallop Euvola ziczac (Bivalvia: Pectinidae) feeding in a shallow area of the south-eastern Brazilian continental shelf

The general composition and abundance of microalgae in sediment, water column and stomach contents of scallops were studied at two Euvola ziczac beds on the south-eastern inner Brazilian continental shelf. These areas, which support an extensive demersal fishery, are hydrologically dominated by Tropical and Subantarctic Waters and exhibit a summer water intrusion of South Atlantic Central Water (SACW). The same genera of benthic diatoms, mainly &lt;30 μmm, were found on sediment and scallop stomach samples. Despite the seasonal variation of hydrographic conditions, the composition and abundance of main benthic diatoms from sediment and stomachs did not change throughout the year. On the other hand, phytoplankton from the water samples collected above the seabed (mainly pelagic diatoms &gt;30 μm and dinoflagellates) was composed of distinct taxa and presented a high seasonal variation in abundance. The prevalence of microphytobenthos in the scallop diet suggests the importance of this community to the sustainability of this valuable demersal fishery resource.

Temporal variation in abundance and diversity of butterflies in Bornean rain forests: opposite impacts of logging recorded in different seasons

We used traps baited with fruit to examine how the temporal variation of butterflies within primary forest in Sabah, Borneo differed between species. In addition, we compared patterns of temporal variation in primary and selectively logged forest, and we tested the hypothesis that selective logging has different recorded impacts on species diversity of adults during the wet monsoon period and the drier remaining half of the year. Species of Satyrinae and Morphinae had significantly less-restricted flight periods than did species of Nymphalinae and Charaxinae, which were sampled mainly during the drier season, especially in primary forest. Species diversity of adults was significantly higher during the drier season in primary forest, but did not differ between seasons in logged forest. As a consequence, logging had opposite recorded impacts on diversity during wetter and drier seasons: primary forest had significantly higher diversity than logged forest during the drier season but significantly lower diversity than logged forest during the wetter monsoon season. The results of this study have important implications for the assessment of biodiversity in tropical rain forests, particularly in relation to habitat disturbance: short-term assessments that do not take account of seasonal variation in abundance are likely to produce misleading results, even in regions where the seasonal variation in rainfall is not that great.

Status and conservation of the grey seal, Halichœ rus grypus, in France

We investigated the status of the grey seal in the Molène archipelago, western Brittany, where a Marine National Park is planned. We combined regular censuses, photo-identification and satellite telemetry to investigate trends in grey seal abundance, site fidelity, individual movements and haulout site use. Individual movements and seasonal variations in abundance suggest that the seals used the Molène archipelago alternatively with other haulout sites of the South-west British Isles during their annual cycle. Nine out of 16 seals fitted with Satellite Relay Data Loggers (SRDLs) moved to the Isles of Scilly, English Cornwall, Wales or the Channel islands. On average the seals spent 85% of their time Near Haulout, 56.8% of which in the Molène archipelago. Overall the seals spent 66% of their tracking time within the boundaries of the Marine National Park. From 1997 to 2000 in the Molène archipelago, we observed a peak in number during the moulting season (mean = 49.8 seals) and a lower abundance during the breeding season (mean = 38.3 seals). The sex ratio was strongly skewed towards males during the moult (between 3.1 and 5.3–1), and was close to 1:1 during the summer. Inter-annual site fidelity outside the breeding season was very high, varying from 70% to 95% of identified seals, suggesting that the observed movements constitute rotations rather than random dispersion. From 1991/1994 to 1997/2000, the mean number of seals counted at haulout sites increased by 7%, close to the rates of increase observed in the core population of the British Isles at the same period. The Marine National Park may be too restricted for the overall conservation of the population but management plans should be aimed at preserving the characteristics of the habitat for the grey seal.

Seasonal variation in abundance and stock composition of Atlantic cod (Gadus morhua L.) in Placentia Bay, Newfoundland, in relation to fisheries

Atlantic cod ( Gadus morhua ) in Placentia Bay, Newfoundland, exhibit marked seasonal variation in abundance, age composition and size distribution. A theory is developed to account for these variations. To test it, surveys of distribution, abundance and biological traits of cod were conducted seasonally from fall 1998 to spring 2000 and commercial fishery data were gathered. For the main year of this study in 1999, acoustic estimates of abundance were 4.5 million fish in April, mostly spawning and older cod (ages 7–9). Abundance increased four-fold in July, comprised mostly of migrant smaller and younger cod (ages 4–6). By October abundance decreased (5.6 million fish) as summer migrants left the bay, but increased again in November to 6.5 million fish when mostly larger resident fish that moved southward during summer returned to the inner bay where part of the population overwinter. The observed seasonal variability in stock abundance, age, size composition and condition indices (K, HSI and GSI) were consistent with the expectations of the theory. Information on commercial catch rates and landings suggested that resident and non-resident cod were targeted by the fishery in different proportions. Estimated harvest rate reached 33% in November 1999 for resident cod. Results of this study emphasize the need for smaller-scale management strategies that take into consideration seasonal changes in the availability of various stock components.

Seasonal occurrence of three Lepidoptera on broccoli and effectiveness of planting date as a pest management tool in southeastern New Brunswick

Seasonal variations in abundance of three lepidopterous pests, the diamondback moth, Plutella xylostella [Lepidoptera : Plutellidae], the imported cabbageworm, Pieris rapae [Lepidoptera : Pieridae], and the cabbage looper, Trichoplusia ni [Lepidoptera : Noctuidae], were monitored over two years in broccoli plantings (Brassica oleracea var. italica) in southeastern New Brunswick. Four population peaks of imported cabbageworm were seen in 1990 and 1991 with 92 and 99% of the total larval population, respectively, being recorded during the latter part of the season, after 23 July. Four population peaks were also recorded for the diamondback moth in 1990 and 1991 with 81 and 97%, respectively, of the population being recorded after 23 July. Populations of cabbage looper appeared later in the season and because of low numbers were more difficult to assess. Using cabbage looper equivalents (CLE), the effectiveness of planting date as a pest management tool was also studied. Early crops have lower mean CLE per plant

Production of Acartia steueri (Copepoda: Calanoida) in Ilkwang Bay, Southeastern Coast of Korea

Production of the marine calanoid copepod Acartia steueri was measured from 2 October 1991 to 8 October 1992 at a station in Ilkwang Bay, on the southeastern coast of Korea. Phytoplankton standing stock ranged over 1.0 to 9.3 mg chl.a m−3, and annual primary productivity (by the C-14 method) at three stations was estimated at 200 gC m−2 yr−1. Acartia steueri (nauplii + copepodids + adults) were present in the plankton throughout the year, with seasonal variation in abundance. Biomass of A. steueri, excluding the NI stage, was 0.01–4.55 mgC m−3 (mean: 0.68 mgC m−3) with peaks in November, February, May and July-early August, and relatively low biomass in September– January. Instantaneous growth rates of the nauplius stages were higher than the copepodid stages. Annual production of A. steueri was 25.1 mgC m−3 yr−1 (or 166 mgC m−2 yr−1), showing peaks in November, May and July–August with a small peak in February, and low production in December–April and September–October. There were no significant relationships between the daily production rate of A. steueri and temperature or chlorophyll a concentration, indicating that unknown other factors might be related to the variation of the production rate.