Seasonality in the reproductive phenology ofFicus: Its evolution and consequences

Summary Ficus can only reproduce if they are pollinated by mutualistic wasps that breed within the figs. Pollen-loaded wasps enter the figs when the female flowers are receptive. Several weeks later, their offspring load pollen within the fig and then emerge. As individual trees typically produce crops of synchronous figs at long intervals, the shortlived wasps have to move to another, receptive, tree. The wasp population can only survive, and hence the fig population reproduce, if there are trees fruiting all over the year. When only few trees are present within a population gaps in the flowering sequence may lead to the extinction of the local pollinator population. Two models are presented. One investigates the number of trees necessary in order to sustain a local pollinator population when the tree population has a seasonal pattern of fruiting. The second model investigates how such a seasonal pattern may evolve within a fig population as a result of individual selection on the trees. It is shown that pollinator populations are fragilized under seasonal conditions. Hence, the breeding system ofFicus limits their expansion into highly seasonal habitats. Seasonal habitats may also lead to seasonal adjustment of male versus female investments and to the evolution of dioecy.     

Population biology of figs: Applications for conservation

Summary The flowering phenology typical of at least monoecious figs-intra-tree synchrony and inter-tree asynchrony-poses problems for persistence of the pollinator population, and hence of the fig population itself, when fig population size is small. Establishment and maintenance of a population of the short-lived, species-specific wasp pollinator require that the fig population include a critical minimum number of trees (critical population size: CPS). Below CPS, temporal gaps between flowering trees occur that are unbridgeable by the pollinator, leading to its local extinction. This has implications for conservation in two contexts: human-aided invasions of introduced fig/wasp pairs, in which initial populations of figs and/or wasps may be small, and the persistence of figs and wasps in fragmented forest, in which initially large populations may be drastically reduced. Long-distance range extension by fig/wasp pairs is problematical for two reasons: 1) the fig species must first attain CPS, most likely through repeated seed dispersal events, before the wasp can establish; and 2) long-distance transit should be difficult for the tiny, short-lived wasp pollinators. I review the biology of natural and human-aided range extension by figs and fig wasps, and show that in human-aided range extensions these two difficult steps are circumvented. Once introduced into an area where hosts are abundant, fig wasps should readily establish from a small number of initial colonists, since they mate before dispersal and are highly tolerant of inbreeding. They are thus less subject than many insects to the genetic and demographic hazards of small population size. Of 5–6 fig/wasp pairs that have performed human-aided long-distance range extensions, one Asian pair,Ficus microcarpa and its pollinatorParapristina verticillata, is established in numerous areas in the northern neotropics, and the plant may become a serious weed. In tropical forests, figs may provide keystone resources for frugivores, providing fruit during seasons when other resources are scarce. Figs pose difficult problems for conservation biology, since minimum viable populations appear to be large, and since many species of tropical rainforests occur at low densities. This means that minimum areas required for persistence of a fig population- and for those of other species that would be affected were figs to be removed from the system-may often be large.     

Classification and distribution ofFicus

Summary The classification of the genusFicus has changed considerably in the course of time and is still the subject of further research and discussion. The main subdivisions in the most recent classification by Corner¹² are presented together with the genera of pollinating fig wasps (Agaonidae) associated with them. These subdivisions are discussed and grouped according to morphological and functional traits, in particular in connection with the unique pollination system. Two main groups are recognized: one with only monoecious species and the other with predominantly (gyno)dioecious species. The former comprises two subgroups (Pharmacosycea andUrostigma) and the latter three, more profoundly different subgroups (Ficus, Sycidium andSycomorus). The neotropical representatives of the genus are discussed in somewhat more detail. In addition, the distribution of the genus is summarized for the three main regions of distribution; Africa, America, and Asia-Australasia. Finally the concordance between subdivisions ofFicus and those of the Agaonidae is briefly discussed.     

Enemy-induced dispersal in a parasitic wasp

Females of the parasitic waspAphidius uzbekistanicus, a specialist aphid primary parasitoid, react to the presence of their specialist hyperparasitoid enemyAlloxysta victrix by leaving the area. The wasps leave to increase their reproductive success, because only their offspring, but not the wasps themselves, are threatened by enemy attack. Furthermore, this dispersal is elicited through the action of volatile chemical cues produced by the hyperparasitoids. We provide evidence for 6-methyl-5-hepten-2-one being one of the volatiles eliciting dispersal. The tendency of the wasps to leave areas which are being colonized by their enemies reduces their efficiency as aphid antagonists.     

Influence of host plant and larval diet on ovarian productivity inAcrolepiopsis assectella Z. (Lepidoptera: Acrolepiidae)

Summary Females ofAcrolepiopsis assectella, reared on a semi-synthetic diet and laying on artificial substrates, do not respond to external stimuli by increasing ovarian production. When returned to the natural host (Allium porrum) for only one generation, ovarian production again rises and reaches the same level as in wild females, but its variability is strongly reduced. We conclude that selection under artificial conditions eliminates individuals which strictly depend on host plants for stimulation of larval nutrition and of reproduction.     

The isolation,identification and synthesis of the alarm pheromone ofVespula squamosa (Drury) (Hymenoptera: Vespidae) and associated behavior

Summary A material that elicits alarm and attack behavior byVespula squamosa (Drury) workers was isolated from venom extracts and identified by spectroscopic methods as N-3-methylbutylacetamide. This compound elicited attack responses from worker wasps identical to those responses observed when venom was applied at the same dosage. This is the first behavioral role reported for this compound.The authors thank E. Adamak, R. Murphy and F. Takken for technical assistance. This article reports the results of research only. Mention of a proprietary product does not constitute an endorsement or the recommendation for its use by USDA.     

Trail-following responses ofLeptogenys diminuta to stereoisomers of 4-methyl-3-heptanol

Behavioral tests carried out with the four stereoisomers of 4-methyl-3-heptanol revealed thatLeptogenys diminuta ants respond specifically only to the (3R, 4S)-isomer.     

Protein level in the haemolymph of the waspPolistes gallicus L. at the beginning of imaginal life and during overwintering. Action of the strepsiterian parasiteXenos vesparum rossi

Summary During the imaginal life of malePolistes wasps, the protein concentration in the haemolymph remained constant. In females, there were 2 groups; one in which this concentration was also stable and another in which it increased. No difference was detected between the haemolymphatic protein level of stylopized males and normal ones. All parasitized females exhibited low haemolymph protein levels similar to those of the low level group.     

Molecular neurophysiology of taste in <Emphasis Type="Italic">Drosophila</Emphasis>

The recent identification of candidate receptor genes for sweet, umami and bitter taste in mammals has opened a door to elucidate the molecular and neuronal mechanisms of taste. Drosophila provides a suitable system to study the molecular, physiological and behavioral aspects of taste, as sophisticated molecular genetic techniques can be applied. A gene family for putative gustatory receptors has been found in the Drosophila genome. We discuss here current knowledge of the gustatory physiology of Drosophila. Taste cells in insects are primary sensory neurons whereupon each receptor neuron responds to either sugar, salt or water. We found that particular tarsal gustatory sensilla respond to bitter compounds. Electrophysiological studies indicate that gustatory sensilla on the labellum and tarsi are heterogeneous in terms of their taste sensitivity. Determination of the molecular bases for this heterogeneity could lead to an understanding of how the sensory information is processed in the brain and how this in turn is linked to behavior.Received 12 May 2003; received after revision 9 June 2003; accepted 13 June 2003     

Differential olfactory perception of enantiomeric compounds by blind subterranean mole rats (Spalax ehrenbergi)

The behavior of mole rats (Spalax ehrenbergi) near pairs of enantiomeric compounds was examined in 901 two-choice experimental tests. Positioning of the nest and food store and the preferred location of the tested animal were used to assess attraction or aversion to the tested odorants. The results indicated that mole rats respond differentially to odors of stereoisomers (enantiomers of carvone, citronellol, and fechone). They responded to one enantiomer of each tested pair but were indifferent to or did not smell the other. Both sexes were attracted to the odor of R-(–)-carvone and repelled by the odor of (+)-citronellol. Females were attracted to the odor of (–)-fenchone while males had no preference. By contrast, all animals were indifferent to or did not smell the odor of S-(+)-carvone, (–)-citronellol, and (+)-fenchone. Further research to distinguish between these alternatives (indifference vs hyposmia/anosmia) is suggested.     

Enzyme polymorphism in the Sicilian honeybee

Summary In Sicily we can identify two genetically differentiated groups of local honeybee populations, on the basis of the only two polymorphic loci,Mdh-1 andEst; the western one, whose genetic characteristics are probably those of the native honeybee (Apis mellifera sicula) and the eastern one affected by recent large-scale importation of Italian bees from northern Italy.This research was supported by a grant of the Ministero della Pubblica Istruzione.     

Pupation-temperature range in 12Drosophila species from different ecological backgrounds

Summary A comparison of pupation-temperature range was made in the laboratory on a temperature gradient (3–38°C) using 12 species ofDrosophila representing four species groups and four different ecological backgrounds (temperate-montane forest:virilis group; desert;repleta group; cosmopolitan:melanogaster group; tropical forest:willistoni group). Within groups, differences are found which usually reflect species' distributions. Comparisons of species' mating-, oviposition- and pupation-temperature ranges reveal that pupation most-often occurs at temperatures beyond those for mating and oviposition. Each species reflects a different combination of temperature effects. Individual species have different temperature-limits for mating, oviposition and pupation. Temperatures permissive for one response are not predictive of limits on other responses. Among species, temperature can affect a particular response differently. Within groups, species differences can be at high and/or low temperatures for any response, and temperature effects among closely related species can manifest themselves in one, or any combination of responses. One cannot predict which responses will be most and least limited, or at which end of the temperature scale a response will be most limited. Among groups,common, but notabsolute temperature ranges generally correspond to the geographic distributions and ecological backgrounds of the species triads. The evaluation of temperature effects on species, based on a single activity, may not be adequate for predicting adaptive strategies.     

The evolutionary history ofDrosophila buzzatii. V. Differential survivorship onOpuntia betweenD. buzzatii andD. serido

Summary Survival time ofDrosophila buzzatii adults on anOpuntia (prickly pear) medium was significantly longer than that of its nearest relativeD. serido. A significant difference was also found betweenD. buzzatii adults from two experimental populations, one of them fed onOpuntia rots for more than two years and another one kept on standardDrosophila medium for the same period of time. These results suggest that adult selection may be taking place in cactiphilicDrosophila in their natural habitats and could be responsible for the niche differentiation betweenD. buzzatii andD. serido.This work has been supported by the Comisión Asesora de investigación Científica y Técnica, Spain, by funds to project 4514/79 awarded to the third author.     

On the specific attraction of the males of the six-toothed spruce bark beetle,Pityogenes chalcographus (L.) to a mixture of synthetic pheromones of the eight-toothed spruce bark beetle,Ips typographus (L.) (Coleoptera,Scolytidae)

Summary Traps containing a mixture of attractants forIps typographus also caught other species of bark beetles. The numbers ofPityogenes chalcographus, Pityogenes conjunctus, andTrypodendron lineatum were too high to be interpreted as accidental captures. The males of the polygamousP. chalcographus were specifically attracted, indicating that theI. typographus pheromone or one of its components acts as a kairomone and primary attractant for the pioneering males ofP. chalcographus.     

EGF receptor induction and insulin-EGF overlap inTetrahymena

Summary Offspring generations ofTetrahymena pretreated (imprinted) with insulin showed a greater binding capacity for the hormone than offspring of untreated ones. The epidermal growth factor (EGF) imprinted for insulin to a greater degree than insulin itself, and vice versa: insulin imprinted for EGF more efficiently than EGF itself. These phenomena can be explained by the overlap of insulin and EGF on one another's receptors inTetrahymena.     

AfricanClarias catfish elicits long-lasting weak electric pulses

The African catfishClarias is generally considered to possess electroreceptors but not electric organs. It is reported here that at least one species of the genus,C. gariepinus, can produce weak monophasic discharges during aggressive interactions with conspecifics. These irregular pulse discharges are substantially longer than the electric organ discharges (EODs) of all other pulse-generating freshwater electric fishes. It is also shown that the optimal sensitivity ofClarias' ampullary receptors just corresponds to the modal pulse duration. TheClarias catfish, with its very specific EOD, may be of special interest in the evolution of the electrogenic system in the siluriforms, comprising many electroreceptive but nonelectrogenic catfish species.     

Cryopreservation of parasites

Summary In this review, advances in cryopreservation of helminth parasites are reported. Our own studies demonstrate that metacestodes ofEchinococcus multilocularis can be maintained in a viable state for at least 1–2 years by appropriate deep-freezing and storage in liquid nitrogen. Infective larvae of the nematodeToxocara canis cryopreserved for 1 week in liquid nitrogen were maintained after thawing in vitro in a chemically defined medium for 35 weeks. Although motility of previously deep-frozen larvae was reduced they produced secretory/excretory antigens of similar immunodiagnostic quality as those from unfrozen larvae. Whereas infective larvae of several species of trichostrongylids can be easily cryopreserved, the infective larvae of the cattle lungworm,Dictyocaulus viviparus, and muscle larvae ofTrichinella spiralis are more sensitive to damage by subzero temperatures. Therefore, survival rates after cryopreservation are low, but improvement of the cooling schedules appears to be feasible. It is concluded that cryopreservation of certain stages of helminth and protozoan parasites is a useful technique for long-term storage of defined isolates, which can contribute considerably to reducing the number of experimental animals usually required for serial passages.     

Structure and function of the fig

Summary An overview is given of the functional anatomy of the fig. The fig is the site of pollination and oviposition, it produces wasps, seeds and pollen, and it is the unit of dispersal. Therefore the fig acts as both a flower and a fruit. When a flower is both fertilized and receives a wasp egg, it eventually produces a wasp. Fertilization in flowers that do not recieve a wasp egg initiates seed production. Wide variation exists in the structural features of figs among different subgenera and sections. Monoecious species and gynodioecious species have different strategies for maintaining the symbiosis with the pollinating fig wasps. Monoecious species produce wasps and seeds in a single fig type and show imperfect heterostyly. Gynodioecious species have specialized figs for wasp and for seed production and are characterized by perfect heterostyly.     

Preferential destruction of chloroplast nucleoids in zygotes in green algaeDictyosphaeria cavernosa andAcetabularia calyculus

Summary The preferential destruction of chloroplast nucleoids in young zygotes in the coenocytic algaDictyosphaeria cavernosa and the giant unicellular algaAcetabularia calyculus was studied by high resolution epifluorescent microscopy. The chloroplast nucleoids (DNA) in the chloroplast from one of the parents were preferentially destroyed soon after the mating of male and female gametes.     

Distinction of influenza viruses of different host cell origin

Summary Influenza A viruses grown in different animal or human cells retain their antigenic make-up as tested by the usual immunological assays. With the aid of aSambucus nigra (L.) extract containing its lectins the viruses can be distinguished after one single passage in a different cell type by a change in their hemagglutinating properties. Binding of such lectins to influenza viruses may be a means for a more subtle classification, relating to the host cell origin of the virus.