Vitis Coignetiae Research Articles

Intra-specific trends of lumen and wall resistivities of vessels within the stem xylem vary among three woody plants.

Water flow through xylem vessels encounters hydraulic resistance when passing through the vessel lumen and end wall. Comparative studies have reported that lumen and end wall resistivities co-limit water flow through stem xylem in several angiosperm woody species that have vessels of different average diameter and length. This study examined the intra-specific relationship between the lumen and end wall resistivities (Rlumen and Rwall) for vessels within the stem xylem using three deciduous angiosperm woody species found in temperate forest. Morus australis Poir. and Acer rufinerve Siebold et Zucc. are early- and late-successional species, and Vitis coignetiae Pulliat ex Planch is a woody liana. According to the Hagen-Poiseuille equation, Rlumen is proportional to the fourth power of vessel diameter (D), whereas vessel length (L) and inter-vessel pit area (Apit) determine Rwall. To estimate Rlumen and Rwall, the scaling relationships between the L and D and between Apit and D were measured. The scaling exponents between L and D were 1.47, 3.19 and 2.86 for A. rufinerve, M. australis and V. coignetiae, respectively, whereas those between Apit and D were 0.242, 2.11 and 2.68, respectively. Unlike the inter-specific relationships, the wall resistivity fraction (Rwall/(Rlumen + Rwall)) within xylem changed depending on D. In M. australis and V. coignetiae, this fraction decreased with increasing D, while in A. rufinerve, it increased with D. Vessels with a high wall resistivity fraction have high Rwall and total resistivity but are expected to have low susceptibility to xylem cavitation due to a small cumulative Apit. In contrast, vessels with a low wall resistivity fraction have low Rwall and total resistivity but high susceptibility to xylem cavitation. Because the wall resistivity fraction varies with D, the stem xylem contains vessels with different hydraulic efficiencies and safety to xylem cavitation. These features produce differences in the hydraulic properties of plants with different life forms.

Flavonoid Profiles of Wild Grapes Native to Japan: <i>Vitis coignetiae </i>Pulliat and<i> Vitis ficifolia </i>Bunge var. <i>ganebu</i> Hatusima

Flavonoids are a group of natural compounds in plants with versatile health benefits for humans. Grapes are a dietary source of flavonoids and the flavonoid components in grape berries can depend on the grape species and cultivar. In this experiment, proanthocyanidins, flavonols, and anthocyanins were analyzed in Vitis coignetiae and V. ficifolia var. ganebu, wild grapes native to Japan, and compared with those in V. labruscana cv. Muscat Bailey A, to evaluate the potential of the wild grapes as a grape resource. Proanthocyanidin contents in seeds were lower in the two wild grapes than in Muscat Bailey A. However, the skin of V. ficifolia var. ganebu was the richest source of proanthocyanidins. Flavonol levels in the skins of the two wild grapes were lower than that in the skin of Muscat Bailey A. Colorimetry determined that the total anthocyanin content in the skin of V. ficifolia var. ganebu was 6 times and 7 times higher, respectively, than those of V. coignetiae and Muscat Bailey A. Although monoglucoside anthocyanin levels analyzed by high-pressure liquid chromatography (HPLC) were in the order Muscat Bailey A > V. ficifolia var. ganebu > V. coignetiae, most of the diglucoside and acylated monoglucoside and diglucoside anthocyanin levels identified by HPLC-mass spectrometry were highest in V. ficifolia var. ganebu. These data suggest that V. ficifolia var. ganebu might be a novel source of flavonoids and superior to V. coignetiae as a source of flavonoids.

Anthocyanins from the Fruit of Vitis Coignetiae Pulliat Inhibit TNF-Augmented Cancer Proliferation, Migration, and Invasion in A549 Cells

Objective:Anthocyanins belong to a class of flavonoids, exhibiting antioxidant and anti-inflammatory actions have been reported to have anti-cancer effects. Here, we investigated whether anthocyanins can inhibit cancer cell proliferation, invasion, and angiogenesis in human lung cancer A549 cells, which are critically involved in cancer metastasis.Methods:We used anthocyanins from fruits of Vitis coignetiae Pulliat (AIMs) which has been used in Korean folk medicine for the treatment of inflammatory diseases and cancers. We have performed cell proliferation assays, cell invasion assay, gelatin zymography, wound healing assay and western blotting to examine whether anthocyanins can inhibit cancer cell proliferation, invasion, and angiogenesis in A549 cells.Result:AIMs did not inhibit cancer cell proliferation on A549 cells. Also, AIMs suppressed cancer migration, and invasion by supressing MMP-2 and MMP-9 expression. The Immuno-blotting results also revealed that AIMs suppressed the proteins involved in cancer proliferation (COX-2, C-myc, cyclin D1), migration and invasion (MMP-2, MMP-9), anti-apoptosis (XIAP, and c-IAP2), adhesion and angiogenesis (ICAM-1, VEGF).Conclusion:This study demonstrates that the anthocyanins isolated from fruits of Vitis coignetiae Pulliat inhibit cancer proliferation, cancer migration, and invasion that is involve in cancer-metastasis. This study provides evidence that AIMs might have anti-cancer effects on human lung cancer.

ВОПРОСЫ ОХРАНЫ ВИНОГРАДОВЫХ (VITACEAE JUSS.) РОССИЙСКОГО ДАЛЬНЕГО ВОСТОКА

Analyzing classification features of vines of the family Vitaceae Juss. in the Russian Far East (RFE) confirms the need for their protection within the region. Protection should be extended to species of the rarity categories 1, 2 and 3. For the RFE (as a whole) these are the species: Ampelopsis japonica (Thunb.) Makino, Parthenocissus tricuspidata (Siebold & Zucc.) Planch. - 1; Ampelopsis heterophylla (Thunb.) Siebold & Zucc. - 2; Ampelopsis brevipedunculata (Maxim.) Trautv., Vitis coignetiae Pulliat ex Planch. - 3; and Vitis amurensis Rupr. - 4. Our field studies in the territory of the Russian Far East have allowed us to assess the condition of a number of woody vines in natural habitats, clarify the distribution and propose measures for conservation of their gene pool. It is recommended to supplement the list of nature reserves and sanctuaries with a number of areas where woody vines occur.

Lipids in the seeds of wild grapes native to Japan: Vitis coignetiae and Vitis ficifolia var. ganebu

The seed oils of Vitis coignetiae (Coignetiae) and Vitis ficifolia var. ganebu (Ganebu) at véraison and the ripe stage were evaluated for their fatty acid composition, and the content and profiles of phytosterols and tocopherols/tocotrienols. The oil content in Coignetiae seeds at ripe was almost same as that in ‘Merlot’ and ‘Muscat Bailey A’ seeds. The oil content in Ganebu seeds was 73% of that in Coignetiae seeds. Although linoleic acid was >64% in ‘Merlot’, ‘Muscat Bailey A’ and Coignetiae in each developmental stage, that in Ganebu at véraison and at ripe was 46.6 and 50.3%, respectively. The stigmasterol content in Ganebu seed oil at ripe was >2.6× higher than in the other grapes. The content and composition of tocopherols/tocotrienols in Coignetiae seed oil were similar to those in ‘Merlot.’ Although the total tocopherol/tocotrienol levels of Ganebu at ripe showed no significant differences compared with levels in the other grapes, the α-tocopherol level was >3.3× higher than in the other grapes. Our data suggest that Coignetiae is a common source of grape seed oil, but Ganebu may be a peculiar source of grape seed oil.

Native fruit tree genetic resources in Japan.

The diversity of climate, from subarctic to subtropical, and the complex geological history of Japan have produced a rich biodiversity. The flora includes several hundred species of native woody plants with edible fleshy fruits or nuts. People have eaten them from prehistoric times until about a half century ago. In Hokkaidō and the Ryūkyū Islands nut species had an important role in the diet, but fleshy fruits were also eaten until recently. Only Castanea crenata and a few minor species became domesticated as edible fruit trees in pre-modern times. Recently, Vitis coignetiae, Lonicera caerulea, Akebia quinata, Akebia trifoliata, Stauntonia hexaphylla, and Actinidia arguta have entered small-scale cultivation. The conservation of the germplasm of many of these native species, both in situ and ex situ, is precarious.

Endothelium-Dependent Vasorelaxant Effects of Dealcoholized Wine Powder of Wild Grape (Vitis coignetiae) in the Rat Thoracic Aorta.

The vasorelaxant effects of dealcoholized wild grape (Vitis coignetiae) wine were investigated with isolated rat thoracic aorta. In our present study, we demonstrate that wild grape wine powder (WGWP) induced relaxation of aortic rings preconstricted with norepinephrine in a dose-dependent manner (at concentrations ranging from 0.1 to 1 mg/mL). The vasorelaxant effect of WGWP was dependent on intact endothelia, which was attenuated by incubation with inhibitors of endothelium-derived relaxing factors, such as NG-nitro-L-arginine (nitric oxide synthase inhibitor), methylene blue (guanylate cyclase inhibitor), and indomethacin (cyclooxygenase inhibitor). Moreover, treatment with WGWP and atropine (muscarinic receptor antagonist) or diphenylhydramine (histamine receptor antagonist) significantly inhibited endothelium-dependent vasorelaxation. Our results suggest that WGWP induces relaxation in rat aortic rings in an endothelium-dependent manner. Results further indicate that this effect occurs via nitric oxide-cGMP pathway and prostacyclin-cAMP pathway through a muscarinic receptor and histamine receptor.

Cutting stems before relaxing xylem tension induces artefacts in Vitis coignetiae, as evidenced by magnetic resonance imaging.

It was recently reported that cutting artefacts occur in some species when branches under tension are cut, even under water. We used non-destructive magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) to investigate the change in xylem water distribution at the cellular level in Vitis coignetiae standing stems before and after relaxing tension. Less than 3% of vessels were cavitated when stems under tension were cut under water at a position shorter than the maximum vessel length (MVL) from the MRI point, in three of four plants. The vessel contents remained at their original status, and cutting artefact vessel cavitation declined to <1% when stems were cut at a position farther than the MVL from the MRI point. Water infiltration into the originally cavitated vessels after cutting the stem, i.e. vessel refilling, was found in <1% of vessels independent of cutting position on three of nine plants. The results indicate that both vessel cavitation and refilling occur in xylem tissue under tension following stem cutting, but its frequency is quite small, and artefacts can be minimized altogether if the distance between the monitoring position and the cutting point is longer than the MVL.

Ethnobotany of the wild edible plants gathered in Ulleung Island, South Korea

Documentation of diversity and assessment of cultural importance of wild edible plants gathered and consumed in Ulleung Island, South Korea was conducted in this research by asking 83 key informants (average age 70) using semi-structured interview questionnaire, and utilizing quantitative ethnobotanical indices such as use value (UV) and fidelity level (FL). A total of 66 taxa in 36 families of wild food plants were recorded, 10 of which, endemic. Asteraceae and Rosaceae were the most represented families with 10 taxa for each. Leaves, young shoots and fruits were the most collected plant parts especially in spring. The plants which recorded high UVs were Allium ochotense (0.627), Aster pseudoglehnii (0.398) and Aruncus dioicus var. kamtschaticus (0.349), indicating that these plants are considered the most important by the informants. This study also recorded 29 wild edible plant taxa with 100 % FL values. Notable plants (and their preparation) with relatively high FL and use-mentions are Vitis coignetiae (89.47 %), Anthriscus sylvestris (86.67 %) and Lilium hansonii (86.67 %) which are consumed as fruit, prepared by parboiling the shoots and by steaming the bulbs, respectively. Category 5 “Cooked” (COO) was the most preferred mode of preparation when taken as a whole recording 49 % of the total, implying that wild edible plants play a big role in the informants’ regular diet despite growing modernization in the island brought about by government-led tourism and infrastructure development programs. Some social, cultural, nutritional and ecological aspects were also discussed in this paper.

Anthocyanins From the Fruit of Vitis coignetiae Pulliat Potentiate the Cisplatin Activity by Inhibiting PI3K/Akt Signaling Pathways in Human Gastric Cancer Cells.

Background:Cisplatin (cis-diaminedichloroplatinum, CDDP) is a widely used chemotherapeutic agent for the treatment of many cancers. However, initial resistance to CDDP is a serious problem in treating these cancers. Vitis coignetiae Pulliat (Meoru in Korea) have shown anti-nuclear factor kappa B and anti-epidermal growth factor receptor activities in cancer cells.Methods:In this study, in order to seeking an approach to increase the anti-cancer effects of CDDP with natural products. Here, we investigated anthocyanins isolated from Vitis coignetiae Pulliat (anthocyanidins isolated from meoru, AIMs) can enhance anti-cancer effects of cisplatin (CDDP) in stomach cancer cells. The cell viability of SNU-1 and SNU-16 cells after treated with AIMs and CDDP were analyzed by MTT assay. The expressions of Akt and X-linked inhibitor of apoptosis protein (XIAP) proteins were examined by western blot in AIMs- and CDDP-treated cells.Results:We found that AIMs enhanced anticancer effects of CDDP, which activity was additive but not synergistic. AIMs suppressed Akt activity of the cancer cells activated by CDDP. AIMs also suppressed in XIAP an anti-apoptotic protein.Conclusions:This study suggests that the anthocyanins isolated from fruits of Vitis coignetiae Pulliat enhanced anti-cancer effects of CDDP by inhibiting Akt activity activated by CDDP.

Identification and Quantification of Flavonoids in Korean Wild Grape (Meoru grape, Vitis coignetiae) and Its Pomace

Large quantities of Korean wild grape (Vitis coignetiae, KWG) pomace, a by-product of grape juice and wine manufacture, are generated annually, and disposal cost of KWG pomace is now increasing. Therefore, this study was conducted to determine total polyphenol, flavonoid, and anthocyanin content in whole KWG, KWG skin and KWG pomace and to identify and quantify flavonoids found in whole KWG and KWG pomace using LC/MS/MS. Spectral analysis showed high total polyphenol and flavonoid in KWG skin extracted with 75% ethanol (p < 0.05). KWG pomace had higher amount of total polyphenol, flavonoid and anthocyanin than whole grape (p < 0.05). Sixteen flavonoids were identified, but only 10 flavonoids were quantifiable from whole KWG and KWG pomace. Both epicatechin and rutin were the major flavonoids, and 521 or 147 ng/g of epicatechin (p < 0.05) and 305 or 110 ng/g of rutin (p > 0.05) were found in whole KWG and KWG pomace, respectively. The results show that KWG pomace is a very rich source of flavonoids, thus KWG pomace can be used as a functional food additive. Plans to include KWG pomace in food production are necessary.

단기소득임산물 재배 소득분석 - 주요 수실류를 중심으로 -

본 연구는 은행, 머루, 다래, 복분자, 산딸기 등 주요 수실류에 대한 재배공정을 조사하여 소득을 분석함으로써 임산물 손실에 대한 보상 기준 및 임업경영진단 등을 위한 합리적인 정책수립에 필요한 기초자료 제공을 목적으로 하였다. 조사결과, 품목별 재배형태는 크게 노지재배와 산지재배로 구분되었다. 품목별 단위면적당(<TEX>$3.3m^2$</TEX>) 연간 평균소득은 은행 노지재배가 1,060원, 은행 산지재배가 618원, 머루 노지재배가 5,891원, 다래 산지재배가 8,113원, 복분자 노지재배가 14,701원, 산딸기 노지재배가 17,482원 수준으로 복분자와 산딸기의 연간 평균 소득이 타 품목에 비해 매우 높은 것으로 분석되었다. 특히, 산딸기의 경우 생산이 식재 후 2년차부터 이루어진다는 점과 수확작업 시 많은 노동력을 자가노동에 의존하고 있어 고용노동 비용 지출이 적은 것으로 분석되었다. 그리고 대부분의 수실류 재배 시 시설비, 묘목 등 초기 투자비용이 경영비에서 차지하는 비중이 평균 30% 내외로 높은 것으로 분석되어 재배 활성화를 위해 정부의 적절한 지원이 필요할 것으로 판단된다. This study investigates the cultivation processes of major nuts and fruits such as Ginkgo biloba L., Vitis coignetiae, Actinidia arguta Planch, Rubus coreanus Miq., and Rubus crataegifolius and analyzes standard income in order to provide foundational data necessary to make reasonable policies related with the criteria of compensating the loss of forest products or diagnosis of forestry management. According to the research results, the types of cultivation by items can be largely divided into open field culture and mountainous culture. Regarding the average annual income per unit area (3.3) by items, the open field culture of Ginkgo biloba L. was 1,060 Won, mountainous culture of Ginkgo biloba L. was 618 Won, open field culture of Vitis coignetiae was 5,891 Won, mountainous culture of Actinidia arguta Planch was 8,113 Won, open field culture of Rubus coreanus Miq. was 14,701 Won, and open field culture of Rubus crataegifolius was 17,482 Won or so; thus, the average annual income of Rubus coreanus Miq. and Rubus crataegifolius was very higher than that of the other items. In particular, because the production of Rubus crataegifolius starts two years after the planting and they rely on family labor mainly for the cultivation, the expenses for employment and labor were analyzed to be low. In addition, the analysis shows that at most of the nuts and fruits cultivation, initial investment costs for facilities or seedlings occupy a great part as about 30% averagely out of the management cost, so it is thought that the government should provide proper support to vitalize the cultivation.

Chemopreventive Effects of the Juice of Vitis coignetiae Pulliat on Two-Stage Mouse Skin Carcinogenesis

Our study revealed the inhibitory effect of Vitis coignetiae Pulliat, known as Yamabudo in Japan, at the stages of multi-step carcinogenesis. The juice of Vitis coignetiae (Y-grape juice) was antimutagenic toward dimethylbenzo[a]anthracene (DMBA), aflatoxin B1, and benzo[a]pyrene in the Ames test. The Y-grape juice was also antigenotoxic in the micronucleus test using HepG2 cells toward DMBA and aflatoxin B1. Topical and oral administration of the Y-grape juice to mice inhibited the induction of inflammation of 12-O-tetradecanoylphorbol-13-acetate (TPA). Topical and oral administration of the Y-grape juice significantly decreased the incidence and mean number of tumors in mice skin with the 2-stage tumorigenesis protocol. To elucidate the mechanisms underlying the antiinflammatory and antitumor promotion activity of the Y-grape juice, the effect of Y-grape juice on cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) activity in mouse ear treated with TPA was studied. Both topical and oral application of the Y-grape juice inhibited the TPA-induced increase in COX-2 activity. Caftaric acid, isolated and identified from the Y-grape juice, was antimutagenic toward DMBA and prevented TPA-induced inflammation in mice, suggesting caftaric acid participates in chemopreventive effect/activities of Y-grape juice.

Differences in the Phenolic Composition and Antioxidant Properties between Vitis coignetiae and Vitis vinifera Seeds Extracts

Phenolic compounds were extracted from European and Japanese grapevine species (Vitis vinifera and V. coignetiae) seeds using 80% methanol or 80% acetone. The total content of phenolic compounds was determined utilizing Folin-Ciocalteu’s phenol reagent, while the content of tannins was assayed by the vanillin and BSA precipitation methods. Additionally, the DPPH free radical and ABTS cation radical scavenging activities and the reduction power of the extracts were measured. The HPLC method was applied to determine the phenolic compounds, such as phenolic acids and catechins. The seeds contained large amounts of tannins and gallic acid and observable quantities of catechins, p-coumaric, ferulic and caffeic acids. The dominant form of phenolic acids in the extracts was the ester-bound form. The content of total phenolics was higher in the European grape V. vinifera seeds, which also contained more tannins, catechins and phenolic acids, except for caffeic acid. Extracts from V. vinifera seeds showed better radical scavenger properties and stronger reducing power. The total contents of phenolic compounds and tannins in acetone extracts were higher than in methanolic extracts. Acetone extracts also exhibited stronger antiradical properties as well as stronger reducing power.

Effect of Dietary Supplementation of Wild Grape on the Antioxidative Potential of the Breast and Leg Meat of Broilers

This study investigated the effect of wild grape (Vitis coignetiae) dietary supplementation on the antioxidative potential and quality of the breast and leg meat of broilers. A total of 36 one-day-old male Cobb broiler chicks were obtained from a commercial hatchery, and randomly assigned to 9 pens with 4 birds per pen. Then, broilers were fed 3 different dietary supplementations, including 0%, 0.25%, or 0.5% wild grape, for 2 wks at the finishing period. After slaughtering, the total phenolic content, <TEX>${\alpha}$</TEX>,<TEX>${\alpha}$</TEX>'-diphenyl-<TEX>${\beta}$</TEX>-picryl-hydrazyl (DPPH) radical scavenging activity, 2-thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS), and total cholesterol content of broiler breast and leg meat were measured. Higher total phenolic content was recorded in the leg meat of broilers fed the wild grape when compared with the control, while breast meat did not show any difference. Dietary supplementation of 0.25% and 0.5% wild grape significantly increased DPPH radical scavenging activity of both breast and leg meat. TBARS values of both breast and leg meat were decreased by supplementation of 0.5% wild grape during storage when compared to the control, except for the leg meat at day 7. However, there was no significant difference found in total cholesterol content in both breast and leg meat. The results indicate that the antioxidative potential of broiler meat is improved by supplementing the diet with wild grape.

Anthocyanins fromVitis coignetiaePulliat Inhibit Cancer Invasion and Epithelial-Mesenchymal Transition, but These Effects Can Be Attenuated by Tumor Necrosis Factor in Human Uterine Cervical Cancer HeLa Cells

Recently we have demonstrated that anthocyanins from fruits of Vitis coignetiae Pulliat (AIMs) have anticancer effects. Here, we investigate the effects of AIMs on cell proliferation and invasion as well as epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) which have been linked to cancer metastasis in human uterine cervical cancer HeLa cells. AIMs inhibited the invasion of HeLa cells in a dose-dependent manner. AIMs inhibited MMP-9 expression in a dose-dependent manner. AIMs inhibited the motility of HeLa cells in a wound healing test. AIMs still suppressed NF-κB activation induced by TNF. AIMs also inhibited EMT in HeLa cells. AIMs suppressed vimentin, N-cadherin, and β-catenin expression and induced E-cadherin. AIMs also suppressed expression of β-catenin and Snail, which was regulated by GSK-3. These effects of AIMs were also limited in the HeLa cells treated with TNF. In conclusion, this study indicates that AIMs have anticancer effects by suppressing NF-κB-regulated genes and EMT, which relates to suppression of IκBα phosphorylation and GSK-3 activity, respectively. However, the effects of AIMs were attenuated in the TNF-high condition.

머루(Vitis coignetiae)의 급여가 계란의 품질에 미치는 영향

Abstract : This study was conducted to investigate the effect of dietary supplementation of wild grape ( Vitis coignetiae ) on egg qualities. Laying hens were randomly assigned to three different dietary groups containing 0, 0.25, and 0.5% of wild grape and fed for 8 weeks, respectively. Eggs were collected after feeding period and stored at 4℃ for 7 days. Egg quality traits and cholesterol level of egg yolk were measured at 0 and 7 days of storage. There were no significant differences in total cholesterol content of egg yolk and egg shell thickness among the treatments. However, egg weights of wild grape-fed groups significantly increased compared to that of control. Dietary supplementation of 0.25% wild grape increased the shell and yolk colors compared to the control. Dietary supplementation of 0.5% wild grape significantly increased albumen height and Haugh unit and decreased egg shell hardness and pH values at day 0. However, no differences were found after 7 days of storage. Consequently, the dietary supplementation of wild grape improved the egg qualities on some extent including egg weights, shell and yolk color, albumen height, and Haugh unit.

Phakopsora montana, another grapevine leaf rust pathogen in Japan

A new grapevine leaf rust (GLR) was found to be caused by Phakopsora montana. This new fungus naturally infects Crimson Glory vine (Vitis coignetiae), forming uredinia and telia on the leaves. Under experimental conditions, the fungus was pathogenic to table grape cultivars Delaware and Kyoho (V. × labruscana), Amur River grape (V. amurensis), and V. ficifolia, on which it produced urediniospores. Inoculation experiments proved that the pathogen alternates hosts, forming spermogonia and aecia on Meliosma tenuis. The new pathogen resembles P. meliosmae-myrianthae (=P. euvitis), a common GLR fungus; however, its spermogonial/aecial stage is restricted to M. tenuis, contrary to P. meliosmae-myrianthae with its spermogonial/aecial stage restricted to M. myriantha. Aeciospores of the new pathogen are evenly thin-walled, whereas the aeciospore wall is conspicuously thickened apically in P. meliosmae-myrianthae. Phakopsora montana is known to occur only on V. coignetiae in nature; however, table grape cultivars Delaware and Kyoho were not resistant to P. montana under experimental conditions. These results indicate that P. montana has caused a certain proportion of the GLR disease recorded in Japan with a possible mixed infection with P. meliosmae-myrianthae.

The role of dung beetles as a secondary seed disperser after dispersal by frugivore mammals in a temperate deciduous forest

We studied the effects of dung beetles on the fates of endozoochorous seeds of five species (Prunus jamasakura, Prunus verecunda, Prunus grayana, Swida controversa, and Vitis coignetiae) in a temperate deciduous forest in Japan during 2004–2006. In field experiments using dung of the Asiatic black bear (Ursus thibetanus), we investigated the depths that dung beetles (Onthophagus atripennis, Onthophagus lenzii, and Phelotrupes auratus) buried seeds (4.8–6.8 mm diameter) and plastic markers (2 or 5 mm diameter), the levels of predation on buried and unburied seeds, and germination rates of seeds buried to different depths. All three species buried the 2-mm markers, but only P. auratus buried the seeds and 5-mm markers. There were seasonal differences in mean seed burial rates (range, 27–51%) and depths (range, 1–27 mm). Significantly more seeds were buried in June, July, and September than in August or October, and the mean burial depth was significantly deeper in June and July. Most seeds and markers were buried to a 3–6 cm depth. Germination of seeds that were positioned at depths of 1–4 cm was significantly greater than that of seeds left on the surface or buried at greater depths. Buried seeds were less likely to disappear than seeds at the surface, which may reflect differential predation. These results suggested that dung beetles, especially P. auratus, acted as a secondary seed disperser that affected the survival and distribution of seeds dispersed by a frugivore.

Preferences for Specific Food Species of the Red FoxVulpes vulpesin Abashiri, Eastern Hokkaido

The red fox (Vulpes vulpes) uses various food items such as mammals, birds, fishes, insects, and fruits, as well as garbage from human activities (Abe 1975; Misawa 1979; Tsukada 1997). In addition, the diet of the red fox varies according to habitat and season, probably due to food availability. On the other hand, the red fox has been reported to prefer specific food items. Yoneda (1979), for instance, stated that the red fox might prefer the gray red-backed vole (Myodes rufocanus bedfordiae) to the large Japanese field mouse (Apodemus speciosus ainu). According to this report, the foxes ate more gray red-backed voles than large Japanese field mice, even though field mice were more abundant than voles in their habitats. The red fox’s preferences for small rodents have been reported in many papers (Errington 1935, 1937; Southern and Watson 1941; Cook and Hamilton 1944; Korschgen 1959; Lever 1959; Englund 1965). Although most of these studies compared the proportions of prey species in the fox’s diet (assessed by fecal and stomach analyses) with the population densities of each prey species, only a few studies determined the preferences by using empirical method, such as feeding experiments (Macdonald 1977). In addition, Misawa (1979) reported that the red fox might prefer tara vine (Actinidia arguta) fruit to crimson glory vine (Vitis coignetiae) fruit from fecal analysis results and his consideration was also suggested by the proportion of fruits eaten by the red foxes. In the present study, we therefore tested the food preferences of the red fox for specific species in two groups by conducting feeding experiments in Hokkaido, Japan.