BOOK OF ABSTRACTS10thbiodiversity.biology.lv/bookofabstracts2019.pdf10th INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE ON BIODIVERSITY RESEARCH, Book of Abstracts, Daugavpils, 24.26.04.2019 ... Prof. Jarosaław

10th INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE ON BIODIVERSITY RESEARCH, Book of Abstracts, Daugavpils, 24.-26.04.2019

Daugavpils UniversityInstitute of Life Sciences and Technology

10th INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE ON BIODIVERSITY RESEARCH

Daugavpils, 24 – 26 April, 2019

BOOK OF ABSTRACTS

Daugavpils University Academic Press “Saule”Daugavpils 2019

INTERNATIONAL SCIENTIFIC COMMITTEE:

Dr., Prof. Arvīds Barševskis Chairman of the Conference, Institute of Life Sciences and Technology, Daugavpils University, Daugavpils, Latvia

Dr. Uldis Valainis Vice Chairman of the Conference, Institute of Life Sciences and Technology, Daugavpils University, Daugavpils, Latvia

Dr. Alexander Anichtchenko Institute of Life Sciences and Technology, Daugavpils University, Daugavpils, Latvia

Dr. Maksims Balalaikins Institute of Life Sciences and Technology, Daugavpils University, Daugavpils, Latvia

Dr., Assoc. Prof. Linas Balčiauskas Nature Research Centre, Vilnius, Lithuania

Dr. Oleg Borodin Bioresource Research Center of Belarus National Academy of Sciences, Minsk, Belarus

Dr. Pēteris Evarts - Bunders Institute of Life Sciences and Technology, Daugavpils University, Daugavpils, Latvia

Assoc. Prof. Analyn Anzano Cabras University of Mindanao, Davao, Philippines

Dr. Polina Degtjarenko Swiss Federal Institute for Forest, Snow and Landscape Research (WSL, ETH Domain), Switzerland and University of Tartu, Estonia

Dr. Tālis Gaitnieks Latvian State Forest Research Institute “Silava”, Salaspils, Latvia

Dr. hab. Prof. Stanislaw Huruk Jan Kochanowski University in Kielce, Kielce, Poland

Dr. Anda Ikauniece Latvian Institute of Aquatic Ecology, Daugavpils University Agency, Riga, Latvia

Dr. Muza Kirjušina Institute of Life Sciences and Technology, Daugavpils University, Daugavpils, Latvia

Dr. Inese Kivleniece Institute of Life Sciences and Technology, Daugavpils University, Daugavpils, Latvia

Dr., Prof. Inese Kokina Institute of Life Sciences and Technology, Daugavpils University, Daugavpils, Latvia

Assoc. Prof. Milton Norman Medina University of Mindanao, Davao, Philippines

Dr., Prof., Algimantas Paulauskas Vytautas Magnus Kaunas University, Kaunas, Lithuania

Dr. Alexey Shavrin Institute of Life Sciences and Technology, Daugavpils University, Daugavpils, Latvia

Dr. hab., Prof. Jarosaław Sklodowski Associate chairman of the Conference Warsaw University of Life Sciences, Warsaw, Poland

Dr. Assoc. Prof. Juris Soms Daugavpils University, Daugavpils, Latvia

Dr. Voldemārs Spuņģis University of Latvia, Rīga, Latvia


3


Dr., Prof. Ingrida Šauliene Šiauliai University, Šiauliai, Lithuania

Dr., Prof. Artūrs Škute Institute of Life Sciences and Technology, Daugavpils University, Daugavpils, Latvia

Dr., Prof. Natālija Škute Institute of Life Sciences and Technology, Daugavpils University, Daugavpils, Latvia

Dr., Assoc. Prof. Vytautas Tamutis Aleksandras Stulginskis University, Kaunas, Lithuania

Dr. Maksims Zolovs Institute of Life Sciences and Technology, Daugavpils University, Daugavpils, Latvia

Published by: Daugavpils UniversityAcademic press “Saule”.Izdevējdarbības reģistr. apliecība Nr. 2-0197.Vienibas iela 13, Daugavpils, LV–5400, Latvija.

Printed by: SIA “Drukātava”, ”Rasmaņi”, Olaines novads, Latvia

WEB support: http://10thbiodiversity.biology.lv/bookofabstracts2019.pdf

ISBN 978-9984-14-872-4

4


CONTENTS

SCARABAEOIDEA OF THE KALININGRAD REGION (RUSSIA): FAUNA, ECOLOGY AND PROTECTIONAlekseev Vitalii I., Bukejs Andris .................................................................................11

DISTRIBUTION OF FRESHWATER CRAYFISH IN LATVIAAleksejevs Ēriks, Birzaks Jānis ....................................................................................12

RARE AND ENDANGERED SPECIES OF LATVIA IN THE BOTANICAL GARDEN OF THE UNIVERSITY OF LATVIAApine Inga, Lazdāne Madara, Rūrāne Ieva, Strazdiņa Lauma, Neperte Mārīte, Nāburga-Jermakova Inese, Tomsone Signe .................................................................................13

SEASONAL CARBON EMISSIONS AND SEQUESTRATION IN AGROECOSYSTEMS OF ECOLOGICAL CROPS IN CENTRAL LITHUANIABaležentienė Ligita, Mikša Ovidijus .............................................................................13

THE FUNGAL SPECTRUM IN INFECTED STEM BASE OF WHEATBankina Biruta, Bimšteine Gunita, Paulovska Laura, Kaņeps Jānis, Neusa-Luca Ingrīda, Roga Ance, Fridmanis Dāvids ......................................................................................14

SEXUAL STRUCTURE OF SHRUBBY CINQUEFOIL PENTAPHYLLOIDES FRUTICOSA (L.) O. SCHWARZ – STUDIES OF ONLY NATIVE POPULATION IN LATVIA IN NATURE RESERVE “ČUŽU PURVS”Bojāre Aiva, Evarts-Bunders Pēteris .............................................................................14

FULGOROMORPHA AND CICADOMORPHA (HEMIPTERA) OF BALTIC STATES. CURRENT STATE OF STUDYBorodin Oleg .................................................................................................................15

ZOOPLANKTON AS LIVE FEED IN EXPERIMENTAL STUDIES OF JUVENILE FISHBrakovska Aija, Paidere Jana, Škute Artūrs ..................................................................16

REVIEW OF FOSSIL CHRYSOMELIDAE (INSECTA: COLEOPTERA) IN EOCENE BALTIC AMBERBukejs Andris, Alekseev Vitalii I. .................................................................................16

TROGIDAE (COLEOPTERA: SCARABAEOIDEA) OF POLANDByk Adam, Gazurek Tomasz, Tylkowski Sebastian, Rutkiewicz Artur ........................18

5


LIME AND MAPLE GROWTH RATE AND PRODUCTIVITY IN THE CLIMATIC CONDITIONS OF LATVIADaugaviete Mudrite, Lazdina Dagnija, Celma Santa, Daugavietis Uldis .....................18

FURTHER RESEARCH AND NEW DATA ON OSMODERMA BARNABITA MOTSCHULSKY, 1845 (COLEOPTERA) IN LITHUANIADavenis Sigitas Algis, Rimšaitė Jolanta, Ivinskis Povilas ............................................19

EVALUATION GENETIC DIVERSITY OF NATURAL POPULATION OF OSMERUS EPERLANUS SPIRINCHUS (PALLAS, 1814) IN THE ILZES-GERANIMOVAS LAKE BY MICROSATELLITESEvarte Arina, Krivmane Baiba, Škute Natalja ..............................................................20

LIST OF ALIEN WOODY PLANTS OF LATVIA – CURRENT STATE AND LEVEL OF INVASIVENESSEvarte-Bundere Gunta, Evarts-Bunders Pēteris , Bojāre Aiva ......................................20

IMPACT OF EARTH MAGNETIC FIELD ON FORESTS TAXATION INDICES IN OGRE REGIONGaliņa Sandra, Indriksons Aigars .................................................................................21

RAPD-PCR POLYMORPHISM OF FOREST DORMOUSE DRYOMYS NITEDULA PALLAS, 1773 (RODENTIA: GLIRIDAE) IN LATVIAGavarāne Inese, Bankovska Linda, Kokina Inese, Plaksenkova Ilona, Pilāte Digna, Pilāts Valdis.............................................................................................................................22

OXIDATIVE RESPONSE OF DIFFERENT LATVIAN WINTER WHEAT GENOTYPES (TRITICUM AESTIVUM, (L.)) CAUSED BY FLOODING AS CLIMATE CHANGE RESULTHarlamova Nadežda, Škute Nataļja ..............................................................................23

THE SURVEY ON BEETLES IN BOTANICAL GARDEN OF VILNIUS UNIVERSITYIvinskis Povilas, Rimšaitė Jolanta, Meržijevskij Aleksandras, Davenis Sigitas Algis .......23

PRELIMINARY STUDIES ON THRIPS FAUNA OF DECIDUOUS TREES, CONIFERS AND SHRUBS INTRODUCED INTO THE NATIONAL BOTANICAL GARDENJankevica Līga, Rūrāne Ieva, Petrova Valentīna ...........................................................24

OPPORTUNITIES FOR REACHING OBJECTIVES OF LATVIA’S FOREST MANAGEMENT UNDER EUROPEAN UNION CLIMATE POLICYKalniņa Kristīne, Lupiķis Ainārs ..................................................................................25

6


OCCURRENCE AND ECOLOGICAL PREFERENCES OF CUCUJUS CINNABERINUS (SCOPOLI, 1763) AND C. HAEMATODES (ERICHSON, 1845) (COLEOPTERA: CUCUJIDAE) IN LATVIAKalniņš Mārtiņš, Balalaikins Maksims, Telnov Dmitry, Valainis Uldis, Vilks Kristaps ..... 25

FAUNA OF LAELAPIDAE (MESOSTIGMATA; DERMANYSSOIDEA) MITES FROM SMALL RODENTS IN LITHUANIAKaminskiene Evelina, Radzijevskaja Jana, Balčiauskas Linas, Paulauskas Algimantas .... 26

LATVIA AND LITHUANIA TEENAGERS VOTE FOR BEAR FUTURE IN THEIR COUNTRIESKazlauskas Martynas, Balčiauskas Linas, Ambarlı Hüseyin, Balčiauskienė Laima, Bagrade Guna, Ozoliņš Jānis, Zlatanova Diana, Žunna Agrita ....................................27

TROPICAL FRUITS TRADE AS A VECTOR OF NEW PARASITES INVASION IN LATVIA: CASE STUDY OF FINDING OF SCINAX RUBER (LAURENTI, 1768) IN IMPORTED BANANASKirjushina Muza, Pupins Mihails .................................................................................28

PILOSELLA LACTUCELLA (ASTERACEAE) – PAST, PRESENT AND FUTUREKrasnopoļska Dana, Tikhomirov Valery .......................................................................29

IDENTIFICATION OF MICRORNAS IN METHYL JASMONATE TREATED SCOTS PINE NEEDLESKrivmane Baiba, Šņepste Ilze, Šķipars Vilnis, Ruņģis Dainis......................................29

FLOODING INDUCED DIVERSIFICATION OF ANTIOXIDANT SYSTEMS RESPONSES OF FIVE VARIETIES OF WINTER WHEAT (TRITICUM AESTIVUM L.)Kulbachna Alina, Škute Nataļja ....................................................................................30

SHRUB ENCROACHMENT IN THE PINE FORESTS OF RIGA (LATVIA)Laiviņš Māris, Čekstere Gunta, Kaupe Dārta, Osvalde Anita ......................................31

DIVERSITY OF INVERTEBRATE IN HETEROBASIDION SPP. FRUIT BODIES ON DECAYED SPRUCE WOODLegzdiņa Līva, Spuņģis Voldemārs, Gaitnieks Tālis ....................................................31

ASSESSING BIODIVERSITY QUANTITIES AND QUALITIES IN EUROPEAN ASPEN POPULUS TREMULA (L.) FORESTS IN LATVIALiepa Līga, Straupe Inga, Miezīte Olga, Dubrovskis Edgars, Sisenis Linards .............32

7


GENETIC DIVERSITY OF BARTONELLA TAYLORII AND BARTONELLA GRAHAMII STRAINS IN RESERVOIR HOSTSMardosaitė-Busaitienė Dalytė, Amšiejūtė Paulina, Radzijevskaja Jana, Paulauskas Algimantas ....................................................................................................................32

DISTRIBUTION AND OCCURRENCE OF SHERARD’S DOWNY ROSE (ROSA SHERARDII DAVIES) IN LATVIA - PRELIMINARY RESULTSMedne Maija, Evarts-Bunders Pēteris ..........................................................................33

EFFICENT STAINING OF TREMATODE PARAFASCIOLOPSIS FASCIOLAEMORPHA (FASCIOLIDAE) WITH LUMINESCENT BENZANTHRONE EAM1Mežaraupe Ligita, Kecko Sanita, Kirilova Elena, Romanovska Evita, Gavarāne Inese, Rubeniņa Ilze, Kirjušina Muza .....................................................................................34

EFFECT OF THINNING ON THE ANNUAL RING WIDTHS OF PICEA ABIES (L.) H. KARST. IN THE HYLOCOMIOSA FOREST STANDSMiezīte Olga, Ruba Jeļena, Liepa Imants, Brizga Dace, Dubrovskis Edgars ...............34

RARE ABORIGINAL PLANT SPECIES AS NEW SPECIES IN MEGALOPOLISMirin Denis, Egorov Alexander ....................................................................................35

INTRODUCTION RESULTS OF FAR EASTERN ORIGIN HERBACEOUS PERENNIALS TO THE BOTANICAL GARDEN OF THE UNIVERSITY OF LATVIANāburga Inese ...............................................................................................................35

SPECIES DIVERSITY AND NATURAL AFFORESTATION OF A CUTAWAY PEATLAND FERTILIZED WITH DIFFERENT DOSES OF WOOD ASHNeimane Santa, Celma Santa, Lazdiņa Dagnija ...........................................................36

THE MODERN STATE OF POPULATIONS OF TRITURUS CRISTATUS (AMPHIBIA, SALAMANDRIDAE) AND ITS PROTECTION IN UKRAINE AND IN LATVIANekrasova Oksana , Marushchak Oleksii , Pupins Mihails , Ceirans Andris ................36

DISTRIBUTION OF AGRIMONIA PILOSA L. IN LATVIAPeipina Ieva, Rūrāne Ieva, Roze Ieva, Krasnopoļska Dana, Svilāne Inita, Liepiņa Ligita .37

SHORT-TERM IMPACT OF NITROGEN FERTILIZER AND WOOD ASH ON FOREST GROUND VEGETATIONPetaja Guna, Kārkliņa Ilze, Zvaigzne Zaiga .................................................................38

PRELIMINARY EVALUATION OF THE GENETIC STRUCTURE OF INVASIVE ELODEA CANADENSIS (MICHX.) POPULATION IN DAUGAVA RIVERPetjukevičs Aleksandrs, Krivmane Baiba, Škute Nataļja .............................................38

8


SOCIOLOGICAL SPECIES GROUPS OF LATVIAN SEMI-NATURAL GRASSLANDS AT CLASS LEVEL: PRELIMINARY FINDINGSPošiva-Bunkovska Anete, Rūsiņa Solvita, Galniece Baiba ..........................................39

RECIPROCAL PREDATION: CRESTED NEWT (TRITURUS CRISTATUS) LARVAE HUNT WHITEBAITS OF INVASIVE FISH AMUR SLEEPER (PERCCOTTUS GLENII)Pupins Mihails ..............................................................................................................40

THE FIRST RECORD OF THE TURTLE LEECH PLACOBDELLA COSTATA (FR. MÛLLER, 1846) (HIRUDINIDA: GLOSSIPHONIIDAE) ON THE EUROPEAN POND TURTLE EMYS ORBICULARIS IN LATVIAPupins Mihails ..............................................................................................................40

OCCURRENCE OF GALIUM TRIFLORUM MICHX. AND GALIUM SCHULTESII VEST. WITHIN LANDS MANAGED BY THE LATVIA’S STATE FORESTRove Ieva, Kreile Vija, Marga Diāna ............................................................................41

SANITARY CONDITION OF TWO-YEAR-OLD PICEA ABIES (L.) KARST. PLANTATIONSRuba Jeļena, Miezīte Olga, Liepa Imants, Sisenis Linards, Brizga Dace .....................42

NEW SPECIES OF THE GENUS PACHYRHYNCHUS GERMAR, 1824 (COLEOPTERA: CURCULIONIDAE: PACHYRHYNCHINI) FROM THE GREATER MINDANAO PAIC (PHILIPPINES)Rukmane Anita ..............................................................................................................43

GENUS LEPIDIUM L. IN THE FLORA OF LATVIARūrāne Ieva, Roze Ieva .................................................................................................43

OUTBREAK DYNAMICS OF THE EUROPEAN BARK BEETLE IPS TYPOGRAPHUS (L.) (COL.: CURCULIONIDAE, SCOLYTINAE) IN 2012-2016 IN THE BIAŁOWIEŻA FOREST INSPECTORATERutkiewicz Artur, Bilczuk Piotr, Byk Adam .................................................................44

ESTONIAN SOIL INVERTEBRATE FAUNA - CURRENT KNOWLEDGE AND FUTURE PERSPECTIVESSammet Kaarel ..............................................................................................................44

MEDICINAL AND SPICE (AROMATIC) PLANTS (MAPs) OF ASTERACEAE FAMILY BIODIVERSITY AND RESEARCH IN LITHUANIASaunoriūtė Sandra, Ragažinskienė Ona, Maruška Audrius Sigitas ...............................45

9


SEASONAL CHANGES IN THE ENERGY RESERVES OF FRESHWATER ALIEN AMPHIPOD GAMMARUS VARSOVIENSIS IN THE RIVER DAUGAVA (LATVIA)Savicka Marina, Brakovska Aija, Paidere Jana ............................................................46

SEEDLINGS FROM BOG AND DRY SITES SCOTS PINE POPULATIONS’ GERMINATION AND EARLY GROWTH DIFFERENCESSirgediene Monika ........................................................................................................46

THE IMPORTANCE OF BROKEN CROWNS LYING ON THE GROUND FOR THE SURVIVAL OF LATE-SUCESSIONAL CARABIDS BEETLES IN WINDTHROWN STANDSSkłodowski Jarosław .....................................................................................................47

BRYOPHYTE FLORA OF OUTCROPS OF DEVONIAN SANDSTONE ON YASHCHERA RIVER (LENINGRAD PROVINCE)Smirnova Evgeniia, Kushnevskaya Helena ..................................................................48

THE INFLUENCE OF FOREST HARVESTING ON UNDERSTOREY VEGETATION IN HYLOCOMIOSA FOREST TYPE IN ZEMGALE, LATVIAStraupe Inga, Liepa Līga, Vencele Arina, Saveļjevs Aleksandrs ..................................48

VEGETATION OF DWARF BIRCH BETULA NANA L. LOCALITIES IN LATVIAStrode Linda, Brūmelis Guntis .....................................................................................49

EARTHWORMS (LUMBRICIDAE) OF TATARSTAN REPUBLICSukhodolskaya Raisa A., Gordienko Tatyana A. ..........................................................49

ALTITUDINAL VARIATION OF SEXUAL SIZE DIMORPHISM IN GROUND BEETLE CARABUS ODORATUSSukhodolskaya R. A., Ananina T. L., Saveliev A. A .....................................................50

GENETIC STRUCTURE OF THE PERCH PERCA FLUVIATILIS (L.) POPULATION FROM DAUGAVA AND LIELUPE RIVERSŠkute Nataļja, Oreha Jeļena, Krivmane Baiba, Everte Arina .......................................51

DEVELOPMENT OF ENVIRONMENTAL DNA (EDNA) EXTRACTION METHOD FOR DETECTION OF EUROPEAN POND TURTLE EMYS ORBICULARIS L.Škute Nataļja, Petjukevičs Aleksandrs, Everte Arina, Pupins Mihails .........................51

LEAF MORPHOLOGICAL VARIATION AND INTERSPECIFIC HYBRIDIZATION OF NATIVE ULMUS SPECIES IN LITHUANIATamošaitis Sigitas, Jurkšienė Girmantė, Petrokas Raimundas, Baliuckas Virgilijus ........52

10


FAUNISTIC REVIEW OF TETRATOMIDAE AND MELANDRYIDAE (COLEOPTERA: TENEBRIONOIDEA) IN LITHUANIATamutis Vytautas, Ferenca Romas, Pollock Darren A. .................................................53

SEX DISTRUBITION IN ASSEMBLAGES OF CARABID BEETLES (COLEOPTERA, CARABIDAE) IN SELECTED FOREST TYPES IN THE HOLY CROSS MOUNTAINS (GÓRY ŚWIĘTOKRZYSKIE, POLAND)Wróbel Grzegorz, Huruk Stanisław, Barševskis Arvīds, Janisz Barbara ......................54

ANTIFEEDANT EFFECT OF LICHEN-FORMING FUNGI EXTRACTS ON HIGHLY INVASIVE SPANISH SLUG, ARION VULGARISZolovs Maksims, Jakubāne Iveta, Kirilova Jelena, Kivleniece Inese, Moisejevs Rolands, Koļesnikova Jelena, Pilāte Digna .................................................................................55

ADVANCES OF CONTEMPORARY MAMMALOGY IN LITHUANIABalčiauskas Linas .......................................................................................................55

DIVERSITY OF SMALL MAMMALS IN COMMERCIAL GARDENS AND BERRY FIELDS OF LITHUANIABalčiauskas Linas, Balčiauskienė Laima, Stirkė Vitalijus ....................................56

11


SCARABAEOIDEA OF THE KALININGRAD REGION (RUSSIA): FAUNA, ECOLOGY AND PROTECTION

Alekseev Vitalii I.1, Bukejs Andris2

1Shirshov Institute of Oceanology, Russian Academy of Sciences, Nahimovskiy prospekt 36, 117997 Moscow, Russia 2Daugavpils University, Institute of Life Sciences and Technology, Parādes Str. 1a, Daugavpils, LV-5401, [email protected], [email protected]

The beetles of Scarabaeoidea belong to the specific and diverse component of different nature habitats. The representatives of this group are especially interesting and suitable for observations and monitoring programs on the anthropogenic changes in nature. The quantity and species composition of Scarabaeoidea can display two important aspects of human economic activity: (1) deforestation and reforestation, (2) peculiarities of farming and plant cultivation. The beetles from this group are often and reasonably represented in regional and national Red Books and Red Lists. Such species, as Ceruchus chrysomelinus, Lucanus cervus cervus, Copris lunaris, Gnorimus variabilis, Gnorimus nobilis nobilis, Polyphylla fullo fullo, Osmoderma barnabita, Dorcus parallelepipedus, and Protaetia marmorata marmorata are included in the actual Red Data Book of the Kaliningrad Region. Twelve species of the Kaliningrad Region fauna are listed in the European Red Lists of saproxylic beetles. Four of them (Ceruchus chrysomelinus, Lucanus cervus, Gnorimus variabilis, Osmoderma barnabita) are considered “near threatened” (NT) and eight of them (Platycerus caprea, P. caraboides, Sinodendron cylindricum, Dorcus parallelepipedus, Protaetia marmorata, Gnorimus nobilis, Trichius fasciatus, and Valgus hemipterus) are considered “least concern” (LC) at the European regional level.

The recent fauna of the beetles belonging to the Scarabaeoidea superfamily in the Kaliningrad Region is still insufficiently studied. 98 species of five families (Trogidae, Lucanidae, Geotrupidae, Bolboceratidae and Scrabaeidae) are known from the territory of the present-day Kaliningrad Region. 69 species were recorded in the period 1988-2018. The occurrence of 29 species is not certain and needs confirmation by current data. Stenotopic character of some species, resulting their insular and strictly seasonal occurrence and difficulties in observation, make the possibility of finding these “secretive” species quite probable. Two species known in the northern part of the former Eastern Prussia were excluded from the recent regional fauna. There are Typhaeus typhoeus and Aphodius quadrimaculatus. Both these species were reported in XIX century only, first of them is possible erroneously labeled, and second species seems to be regionally extinct. Typhaeus typhoeus should not to be catalogued as a member of Russian fauna, whereas the actually sampled in the Kaliningrad Region Aphodius porcus could be added to the fauna of the Central European Russian territories.

Onthophagus taurus reaches in the Kaliningrad Region its known northern range limit, Aegialia arenaria occurs in the Region at the eastern periphery of distrubutional area, and four species (Lucanus cervus cervus, Copris lunaris, Gnorimus nobilis nobilis and Polyphylla fullo fullo) are in the Kaliningrad Region at northern or north-eastern periphery of main distributional area.

According to the comparative estimation scale of distribution and abundance in the Kaliningrad Region, the sampled in the research period 69 species were grouped into eleven clusters. To the “locally distributed and rare” group were attributed 11 species: Ceruchus chrysomelinus (Hochenwarth, 1785); Lucanus cervus cervus (Linnaeus, 1758); Trox sabulosus sabulosus (Linnaeus, 1758); Aegialia sabuleti (Panzer, 1797); Aphodius brevis Erichson, 1848; A. coenosus (Panzer, 1798); A. paykulli Bedel, 1907; Rhyssemus puncticollis Brown, 1929; Copris lunaris

12


(Linnaeus, 1758); Onthophagus coenobita (Herbst, 1787); Gnorimus variabilis (Linnaeus, 1758). To the contrary group, called “widely distributed and abundant” [i.e. known from all administrative districts and the most numerous in the regional faunal samples], were assigned following seven species: Anoplotrupes stercorosus (Scriba, 1791); Aphodius fimetarius (Linnaeus, 1758); A. pusillus pusillus (Herbst, 1789); A. prodromus (Brahm, 1790); Serica brunnea (Linnaeus, 1758); Melolontha melolontha (Linnaeus, 1758); Phyllopertha horticola (Linnaeus, 1758). All other species are listed among intermediate nine clusters according their regional distribution and abundance.

The regional priority objects of conservation measurements for two main ecological risk groups (xylophagous and coprophagous) are established. Such species as Lucanus cervus and Gnorimus variabilis are considered “critically endangered”; Osmoderma barnabita and Ceruchus chrysomelinus belong to “endangered” at the regional level; Protaetia marmorata and Gnorimus nobilis are assigned to “vulnerable”. The regional priorities in protection of coprophagous biodiversity should be perhaps focused on the charismatic Copris lunaris and species of the genus Onthophagus (O. coenobita, O. gibbulus, O. taurus) as “flagship species” for the species-rich communities.

DISTRIBUTION OF FRESHWATER CRAYFISH IN LATVIA

Aleksejevs Ēriks1, Birzaks Jānis2

1Fish Resource Research Department, Institute of Food Safety, Animal Health and Environment “BIOR”, Daugavgrīvas Str. 8, Riga, LV-1048, Latvia2Daugavpils University, Vienības Str. 13, Daugavpils, LV-5401, [email protected], [email protected]

Four species of crayfish can be found in Latvia’s inland waters: the noble crayfish, narrow-clawed crayfish, signal crayfish and the spiny cheek crayfish.

Non-native crayfish species ascribed in literature as occurred in Latvia’s inland waters at least from 1930’s (narrow- clawed crayfish), introduced and distributed since 1980’s (signal crayfish) and found in 2005, more likely arrived earlier through the rivers (spiny cheek crayfish).

The transfer and release of crayfish has taken place in Latvia from at least from the late 19th century. The illegal transfer of crayfish from one waterbody to another has also taken place.

Even though the literature mentions that three other non- native species were introduced into Latvia in the 19th century, they have not been established up until now.

The noble crayfish is obviously the only local species in Latvian waters. In the surveys that we conducted from 1992 to 2018, noble crayfish was found in a total of 158 lakes, 52 rivers, 6 reservoirs on rivers and 5 quarry reservoirs throughout the territory of Latvia, in all of the largest river basins. A trend has been observed for a decreasing presence and local distribution of the noble crayfish.

The crayfish plague is the main reason for indigenous noble crayfish mass mortality, first observed in Latvia’s inland waters in 1900, but in majority cases up to 1952, with no cases in 1970 – 1980 has and later observed again in separate lakes. Periodicity of crayfish mass mortality may lead to the conclusion that in certain conditions, outbreaks of crayfish diseases are periodic and possibly connected with population density.

Occurrence and distribution of non- native crayfish species increases with various intensity, mainly with their unauthorized distribution.

13


RARE AND ENDANGERED SPECIES OF LATVIA IN THE BOTANICAL GARDEN OF THE UNIVERSITY OF LATVIA

Apine Inga, Lazdāne Madara, Rūrāne Ieva, Strazdiņa Lauma, Neperte Mārīte, Nāburga-Jermakova Inese, Tomsone SigneBotanical Garden of the University of Latvia, Kandavas iela 2, Rīga, LV-1083, [email protected], [email protected], [email protected]

The mission of botanical gardens is securing plant diversity for the well-being of people and the planet. According to the 2020 Targets of the Global Strategy for Plant Conservation at least 75% of threatened plant species must be in ex situ collections, preferably in the country of origin. To contribute to the implementation of it the Botanical Garden of the University of Latvia is collecting and maintaining living plant accessions of rare and endangered species of Latvia. There are 87 species in the collections: 82 listed in Red Data Book of Latvia and 54 species listed in Cabinet Regulations No. 396 (14.11.2000). The Red Data Book is represented by 1 taxa from the Category 0, 21 taxa – from the Category 1, 21 taxa from – the Category 2, 30 taxa – from the Category 3 and 9 taxa from the Category 4. Mainly there are herbaceous plants, however woody plants and ferns are also. Only 54 are species of Latvia origin. Therefore, the the challenge for the future is to collect species of Latvia origin, and to increase the representation of rare species in the collections.

SEASONAL CARBON EMISSIONS AND SEQUESTRATION IN AGROECOSYSTEMS OF ECOLOGICAL CROPS IN CENTRAL LITHUANIA Baležentienė Ligita, Mikša OvidijusVytautas Magnus University, Studentu Str. 11, LT-53361 Akademija, Kaunas distr., [email protected] The growth rate of atmospheric carbon dioxide (CO2) concentrations since industrialization in Anthropocene is characterized by large variability, mostly resulting from variability in CO2 uptake by terrestrial ecosystems including agroecosystems. Various crops emit different rates of CO2 into atmosphere. Investigations of seasonal carbon exchange in agroecosystems were carried out at the Training Farm of Agriculture Academy in 2014 - 2016. The aim was to investigate and compare carbon exchange rate of different crops of ecological farming. This study involved carbon exchange rate of agroecosystems including measurement of emitted and absorbed CO2 fluxes by applying closed chamber method. Plant (Ra) and soil respiration (Rs) varied between crops and during growth stages. However total respiration composes less than 30% of total carbon exchange in agroecosystems. Main drivers of mean plant and soil respiration were meteorological conditions, crop species, vegetation period and growth stage. Generally, respiration emissions were completely recovered by atmospheric carbon rates sequestered in crops gross primary production (GPP). Therefore, the ecosystems biota was acting as atmospheric CO2 sink. Photosynthetically assimilated mean CO2 rates ranged between 10.148 µmol m-2 s-1 in vetch+out mixture and 11.923 µmol m-2 s-1 in ley and exceeded mean respirational emissions by 72 %. The differences in photosynthetically assimilated CO2 rates were significantly interacted and correlated with leaf area index (LAI) (r=0.4-0.8, p=0.01-0.04), specific leaf area (SLA) (r=0.3-0.8, p=0.01-0.03) and dry biomass (r=0.4-0.6, p=0.03-0.05). Between ecological crops, the highest mean net ecosystems production (NEP) was sequestered in biomass of ley and wheat and ranged between 9,931 and 9,199 آµmol m-2 s-1, respectively. These crops might be considered the most environmental sustainable between crops.

14


THE FUNGAL SPECTRUM IN INFECTED STEM BASE OF WHEAT

Bankina Biruta1, Bimšteine Gunita1, Paulovska Laura2, Kaņeps Jānis2, Neusa-Luca Ingrīda2, Roga Ance3, Fridmanis Dāvids3

1Institute of Soil and Plant Sciences, Latvia University of Life Sciences and Technologies, Lielā iela Jelgava, LV 30012Syngenta, Jelgava, Latvia3Latvian Biomedical Research and Study Centre, Rātsupītes iela 1, Rīga, LV [email protected]

Wheat stem base disease (WSD) can be caused by different pathogens, and a complex infection can occur in a single plant. The aim of this investigation is to determine the fungal spectrum in damaged wheat stem bases. The infected tissues were surface sterilized and placed on potato dextrose agar. Fungi were identified by the morphological features of pure cultures, and the results were confirmed by molecular genetic analyses. During the experiment, a total of 4881 isolates were obtained and identified at the genus or species level. The majority of the isolates were recognized as causal agents of stem base diseases (64.4%). The main causal agents of WSD belonged to the genera Fusarium (22.6%) and Oculimacula (17.32%), and an unexpectedly high occurrence of Microdochium spp. (6.9%) was also noted. The dominant species of Fusarium were F. avenaceum (36%), F. culmorum (24%), and F. tricinctum (19%). F. graminearum was rarely detected, and F. oxysporum, F. acuminatum, F. sporotrichioides, and F. equiseti were detected only in some cases. O. yallundae and O. acuformis were found, but their percentage is not known. M. nivale dominated among the pathogens of this genus, and also M. bolleyi was detected. The causal agents of other diseases – Pyrenophora tritici-repentis and Parastagonospora nodorum – were found in 2% of cases. Endophytes and some fungi that accidentally occur in wheat plants represented 35% of all isolates. Fungi from the genus Phaeosphaeria were the most common. Further investigations are required to better understand complicated interaction among plants, fungi and wheather.

The research was supported by the State researcher programme “Agriculutural Resources for Sustainable Production of Qualitatieve and Healthy Foods in Latvia”, and the grant from the Ministry of Agriculture “Influence of Minimal Soil Tillage on Its Fertility Maintenance, Development and Distribution of Pests as well as Crops’ Yield and Quality in Resowings”.

SEXUAL STRUCTURE OF SHRUBBY CINQUEFOIL PENTAPHYLLOIDES FRUTICOSA (L.) O. SCHWARZ – STUDIES OF ONLY NATIVE POPULATION IN LATVIA IN NATURE RESERVE “ČUŽU PURVS”

Bojāre Aiva1, 2, Evarts-Bunders Pēteris1

1Daugavpils University, Institute of Life Sciences and Technologies, Parādes Str. 1a, Daugavpils, LV-5401, Latvia2National Botanical garden, Miera Str. 1, Salaspils, LV-2169, [email protected], [email protected]

Shrubby cinquefoil (Pentaphylloides fruticosa (L.) O. Schwarz) is dioecious flowering shrub and endangered species in Latvia, included in the 1st category of the Red Data Book of Latvia. It is found only in one place in the wild – in Nature Reserve “Čužu purvs” near Kandava town, where it grows in the river flood-plain and terrace on peat soil. Here the freshwater limestone occurs close

15


to the upper level of soil and sulphur springs flow out, therefore, growing conditions here are quite specific. Shrubby cinquefoil form stands of approximately 23,6 ha in this protected area, where the species has a dominant or codominant role.

It is known, that in Latvia and Estonia populations of all cinquefoil shrubs are tetraploids, and tetraploid shrubby cinquefoil has a distinctive sexual differentiation. Species is atypical dioecious shrubs – female flowers have well developed, but smaller and sterile anthers, in male flowers after flowering fruits and seeds do not develop normally. Sexual proportions in the population are changing due to various abiotic factors, including moisture conditions. It should be noticed, that shrubby cinquefoil is a highly xerophytic plant that has significant growth benefits in dry, calcareous soils. Therefore, it is expected that in the relatively drier growing conditions, the sexual ratio will be more optimal than in wet growth conditions.

During the study, we chose 15 transects from the periphery of the polygon to the center. We counted all male and female shrubs on every transect in five 25 m2 squares. Sample squares on transects are selected at intervals of 5 m.

A total of 795 male and 696 female plants were counted. It has been found that the percentage of male and female plants is 35:65 closer to the edge of the area (calcareous fen border), where moisture conditions are more optimal for the growth of cinquefoil, but toward to the center – 56:44.

FULGOROMORPHA AND CICADOMORPHA (HEMIPTERA) OF BALTIC STATES. CURRENT STATE OF STUDY

Borodin OlegSPC NAS of Belarus for Bioresources, 27 Akademicheskaya Street, Minsk BY-220072, Republic of [email protected]

Results of the analysis of the published data on Fulgoromorpha and Cicadomorpha of Latvia, Lithuania, Estonia and the Kaliningrad region of Russia are given in work. The generalizing works on all region were carried out only in 1974, in article on Fulgoromorpha and Cicadomorpha of the Baltic States and also in 2009, in the article devoted to Fulgoromorpha and Cicadomorpha of Northern Europe. Since then there were some publications, to separate species, or separate regions.

In the specialized database the published data and also not numerous available collection data were generalized.

Now in the Baltic States 435 species from 10 families are registered. Suborder Fulgoromorpha (91 species) includes 5 families: Cixiidae (7 species), Delphacidae (79), Achilidae (1), Caliscelidae (1), Tettigometridae (3 species). In Lithuania 66 species, in Latvia – 80, Estonia – 77, the Kaliningrad region – 9 species are noted.

Suborder Cicadomorpha (344 species), is presented by 5 families from 2 superfamilies. Superfamily Cercopoidea (14 species) includes 2 families – Cercopidae (1 species) and Aphrophoridae (13 species). It is presented to superfamily Membracoidea (330 species) by 3 families – Membracidae (2 species), Ulopidae (2) and Cicadellidae (325 species). In Lithuania 287 species, in Latvia – 288, Estonia – 242, the Kaliningrad region – 87 species are noted.

16


By results of the analysis of checklists of Fulgoromorpha and Cicadomorpha of the territories of Belarus, Russia, Poland bordering on the Baltic States, in the region is possible detection of at least 50 more species of Fulgoromorpha and Cicadomorpha.

ZOOPLANKTON AS LIVE FEED IN EXPERIMENTAL STUDIES OF JUVENILE FISH

Brakovska Aija, Paidere Jana, Škute ArtūrsDaugavpils University, Institute of Life Sciences and Technology, Parādes Str. 1a, Daugavpils, LV-5401, [email protected], [email protected]

Juvenile European carps Cyprinus carpio (L.) and Amur sleepers (Perccottus glenii Dybowski) have been used in the pilot studies of feeding habits of juvenile fish. The period of the experiment – 1 day and 3 days. In order to ascertain which zooplankton species has been eaten up by the juvenile fish the qualitative and quantitative analysis of the composition of the zooplankton species in both experimental and control containers was performed after the experiment. Having analysed the qualitative and quantitative composition of zooplankton species after the experiment, it can be concluded that the number and diversity of zooplankton organisms has decreased in both containers with juvenile carps and Amur sleepers. This confirms that both juvenile carps and Amur sleepers have used zooplankton as feed. Having analysed in more details which taxons have been eaten up, it can be seen that after the experiment with juvenile carps, the number of Rotifera group taxons has decreased – Brachionus angularis, Polyarthra vulgaris, Rotifera sp. The number of Cladocera group taxa, as well as the number of adult Copepodita and Nauplii, is also slightly reduced. In the control samples, the most common taxa have been Keratella cochlearis, Polyarthra vulgaris, Synchaeta sp., Pompholux sulcata, Bosmina longirostris, Bosmina longispina, Copepodits un Nauplii. In this case, the results of the experiment also confirm that juvenile carps mainly use smaller zooplankton organisms as feed. By contrast, the qualitative and quantitative analysis of the composition of zooplankton species after the experiment with Amur sleeper juveniles shows that the result is more distinct than the feed of juvenile carps. Compared to the control experimental samples, the number of zooplankton organisms has been higher.

The research was supported by the European Maritime and Fisheries Fund project No 16-00-F02201-000002 “DU pond aquaculture research laboratory complex”.

REVIEW OF FOSSIL CHRYSOMELIDAE (INSECTA: COLEOPTERA) IN EOCENE BALTIC AMBER

Bukejs Andris1, Alekseev Vitalii I.2

1Daugavpils University, Institute of Life Sciences and Technology, Parādes Str. 1a, Daugavpils, LV-5401, Latvia2Shirshov Institute of Oceanology, Russian Academy of Sciences, Nahimovskiy prospekt 36, 117997 Moscow, Russia [email protected], [email protected]

Baltic amber occurs in “blau Erde” (“blue earth”), which can be found throughout the Baltic Sea coastal area in northern Europe (Kaliningrad region, Russia; Poland; Denmark; Sweden; Germany; and Lithuania). Although most estimates of the age of Baltic amber have placed it as deriving from

17


the early Middle Eocene (Lutetian, 48.6–40.4 Ma) based largely on K-Ar dating, palynological biostratigraphy of the specific region where the sample originated suggests a younger, Upper Eocene (Priabonian, 37.2–33.9 Ma). According to classical views, Baltic amber was produced by Pinus succinifera (Conw.) Schub., which together with different coniferous and deciduous tree (first at all, fagacean taxa) dominated the warm-temperate humid mixed forest cover of northern and central Europe in the Eocene. Modern researches on the chemical composition of Baltic amber have also hypnotized that trees within the family Araucariaceae or Sciadopityaceae might be candidates for the production of the resin for this amber deposit.

Chrysomelidae is one of the largest families of Coleoptera and represented by 30000–50000 species worldwide. They are phytophagous: imagines mostly occur on leaves and flowers of different angiosperms, larvae mostly feed on leaves and roots, occasionally larvae are saprophagous or carpophagous. Some species of leaf-beetles are considered serious pests of agriculture and forestry.

The family displays notable diversity and abundance in Baltic amber and is represented by at least 7 subfamilies (Bruchinae, Criocerinae, Cassidinae, Galerucinae, Lamprosomatinae, Cryptocephalinae, and Eumolpinae). Despite the long history of inclusion study, a quite modest fossil leaf beetle fauna has been described from Baltic amber. To date, 27 species belonging to 20 genera are known from this Lagerstätte: Electrocaryedon poinari Legalov, 2016 (Bruchinae); Lilioceris groehni Bukejs & Schmitt, 2016 (Criocerinae); Anisodera glaesi (Quiel, 1909), Electrolema baltica Schaufuss, 1891, Oposispa scheelei Uhmann, 1939, Succinagonia javetana Uhmann, 1939, Succinispa stainesi Nadein, 2015 (Cassidinae); Ambraaltica baltica Konstantinov & Bukejs, 2013, Calomicroides danicus Nadein, 2015, Calomicrus eocenicus Bukejs & Bezděk, 2014, Crepidodera decolorata Nadein & Perkovsky, 2010, C. svetlanae Bukejs, 2014, C. tertiotertiaria Bukejs, Biondi & Alekseev, 2016, Paolaltica eocenica Biondi, 2014, Psyllototus viking Nadein, 2015, Psyllototus doeberli Bukejs & Nadein, 2013, Psyllototus groehni Bukejs & Nadein, 2014, Sucinolivolia torpida Bukejs, Biondi & Alekseev, 2015 (Galerucinae); Archelamprosomius balticus Bukejs & Nadein, 2015, Archelamprosomius kirejtshuki Bukejs & Nadein, 2015, Succinoomorphus warchalowskii Bukejs & Nadein, 2015 (Lamprosomatinae); Cryptocephalus groehni Bukejs & Chamorro, 2015 (Cryptocephalinae); Colaspoides eocenicus Moseyko & Kirejtshuk, 2013, Paleomolpus hirtus Nadein, 2015, Taphioporus balticus Moseyko & Kirejtshuk, 2013, Taphioporus carsteni Bukejs & Moseyko, 2015, Taphioporus rufous Bukejs & Moseyko, 2015 (Eumolpinae).

Two doubtful species, Crioceris pristina (Germar, 1813) and ‘Chrysomela’ succini Giebel, 1856 were moved from Chrysomelidae and placed as Coleoptera incertae sedis. Three species described from “Danish” amber (Calomicroides danicus, Paleomolpus hirtus, Psyllototus viking) were considered here as belonging to Baltic amber assemblage. The subdivision of Baltic amber in geographic varieties according to administrative limits (e.g. sometimes used the name “Gdansk Bay amber” and attempts to oppose it to amber from Denmark or even from the Sambian peninsula) seems to be not logical and reasonable.

14 genera (70%) are extinct in Recent fauna and known from Baltic amber only. Six genera can be attributed to recent component, surviving since Eocene (Anisodera, Calomicrus, Colaspoides, Crepidodera, Cryptocephalus, Lilioceris). These genera are represented in the Baltic amber forest by seven extinct species.

The continued study of leaf beetles in Baltic amber can contribute significantly to understanding the origin and Paleogene evolution of some chrysomelid lineages, the timing of diversification and biogeographic patterns of the groups, and post-Eocene climatic, environmental and biotic changes. The study of taxa belonging to the extant genera with analysis of its bionomy (especially in the case

18


of oligophagous and stenotopic groups) and present distribution is promising in reconstruction of the paleoenvironment and climate of the Eocene European amber forests.

TROGIDAE (COLEOPTERA: SCARABAEOIDEA) OF POLAND

Byk Adam1, Gazurek Tomasz1, Tylkowski Sebastian2, Rutkiewicz Artur11 Warsaw University of Life Sciences – SGGW, Department of Forest Protection and Ecology, Nowoursynowska 159/34, 02-776 Warsaw, Poland2Forest Protection Division in Cracow, Department of Forest Protection of General Directorate of the State Forests, Słowackiego 17A, 31-159 Cracow, [email protected]

Biogeographical relations among Polish representatives of Trogidae is not satisfactorily known. The aim of the present poster is to presentation the ecological preferences and distribution of keratin beetle species in Poland. The distribution of Trogidae in Poland has been established based on data from the literature and observations of the authors, as well as personal information obtained from other students. We searched for keratin beetles at the cadavers of small or large animals, often in hollows, burrows or nests of birds and mammals, and set traps baited with raw pork liver. Additionally, in nights we attracted insects to UV-illuminated screen. Six species of the family Trogidae – Trox hispidus, T. eversmanni, T. perrisii, T. scaber, T. cadaverinus and T. sabulosus – certainly inhabit Poland, the occurrence of the seventh (T. niger) needs confirmation, whereas T. perlatus is not a member of Polish fauna. T. scaber and T. sabulosus are widely distributed and most frequently encountered representatives of the family in our country; T. hispidus and T. cadaverinus probably occur on the entire area of Poland but are rarely found, usually one by one, in scattered localities; the remaining three species – T. niger, T. eversmanni and T. perrisii – belong to faunistic rarities. T. hispidus, T. niger, T. cadaverinus and T. sabulosus prefer dry sandy areas with scarce low vegetation and are typically found on cadavers or dried remains of smaller or larger animals, rarely on predators’ excrements and pellets of raptors. T. eversmanni, T. perrisii, T. scaber are first of all nidicolous, feeding on animal remnants in bird nests and hollows as well as in burrows of mammals, albeit the last mentioned species does not despise any kind of carcass.

LIME AND MAPLE GROWTH RATE AND PRODUCTIVITY IN THE CLIMATIC CONDITIONS OF LATVIA

Daugaviete Mudrite, Lazdina Dagnija, Celma Santa, Daugavietis UldisLatvian State Forest Research Institute “Silava”, Salaspils, , LV-2169, [email protected], [email protected], [email protected]

The dynamics of conservation of lime (Tilia cordata L.) and maple (Acer platanoides L.) was studied over the period from 2002 to 2017 by conducting analysis of the forest statistics data in the state-owned and private forests in Latvia. To study the growth rate pattern of these species, lime and maple trees of different ages were selected in both pure stands and mixed stands, and dendrometric data records were kept. The forest database demonstrates an increase in the area of lime and maple stands in the territory of Latvia between 2001 and 2017, with an average growth of 31% for lime and approx. 50% for maple.

19


Pure lime stands and mixed stands comprising lime make productive stands, in which it is possible to obtain up to 100 m3 of the stand volume in age class 2 (20 years) under good growing conditions, and up to 327 – 635 m3ha-1 in age classes 9 – 12 (80 – 110 years). In terms of productivity, stands containing maple are lagging behind lime stands. In the highest quality stands, it is possible to obtain up to 246 – 316 m3ha-1 in age class 5 – 6 (80 – 120 years).

Along with climate change, special attention should be paid to the conservation of lime and maple in adequate growing conditions to conserve lime and maple as a valuable addition to multifunctional forestry development in Latvia for acquisition of valuable industrial wood, nectar production, soil improvement, diversification of food industry (juice, honey and medicinal raw materials), and continuation of cultural traditions.

FURTHER RESEARCH AND NEW DATA ON OSMODERMA BARNABITA MOTSCHULSKY, 1845 (COLEOPTERA) IN LITHUANIA

Davenis Sigitas Algis, Rimšaitė Jolanta, Ivinskis PovilasNature Research Centre, Akademijos g. 2, Vilnius, LT-08412, [email protected], [email protected]

Veteran deciduous trees are one of scarce and declined habitats for various animals, especially invertebrates, fungi and lichens species in whole Europe and Lithuania too. Hermit beetle (Osmoderma species complex) is the relict of primeval broad-leaved forest; it is the umbrella species for many invertebrates of primeval forest with old hollow trees. The Osmoderma species complex is treated as five separate species (barnabita, eremita, cristinae, italic, lassallei), following Audisio et al. (2007, 2008). Beetles of Osmoderma spp. from some part of Lithuania have been used for DNA sequences analysis in the laboratory of Nature Research Centre in 2012. Molecular analysis showed those hermit beetles belongs to O. barnabita Motschulsky, 1845. In 2016 – 2018 we carried out additional DNA sequences investigation of Osmoderma spp. from different part of Lithuania, research confirm that all individuals correspond to O. barnabita species (Bernotienė et al., in press).The investigation was carried out in 2016–2018 in different parts of Lithuania. Various species of hollow deciduous trees, as well as standing and fallen dry trees, were investigated. Non-destructive sampling method using the odor was carried out (pheromone-kairomone being the γ-decalactone), trapped beetles were released after inspection. Presence in trees of O. barnabita was identified by findings of larval excrement and imago remains also. Some insects have been observed crawling and were caught in their habitats. Traps were placed on 230 hollow deciduous trees in 49 regions of Lithuania; the first traps were placed in third decade of May. In total, 163 specimens of hermit beetle were observed and/or caught with odor traps during investigation period in 20 locations of Lithuania. The earliest data of imago capture was 2018-06-14 (2017-07-19), the latest imago was observed at 2018-08-18 (2017-09-08). During our study we found the hermit beetles in semi natural habitats – old parks, in the tree lane near the road (44%) and as well as in forest habitats.

Hermit beetle in Lithuania is found on Quercus robur L. (the majority of cases), Tilia cordata Mill., Acer platanoides L., Populus nigra L., Fraxinus excelsior L. and Fagus sylvatica L. (several cases). Protaetia lugubris Herbst, 1786 was found in odor traps for hermit beetle some times.

20


EVALUATION GENETIC DIVERSITY OF NATURAL POPULATION OF OSMERUS EPERLANUS SPIRINCHUS (PALLAS, 1814) IN THE ILZES-GERANIMOVAS LAKE BY MICROSATELLITES

Evarte Arina, Krivmane Baiba, Škute NataljaDaugavpils University, Institute of Life Sciences and Technology, Parādes Str. 1a, Daugavpils, LV-5401, [email protected]; [email protected]

The European smelt is a small relative of the salmon and trout found in coastal waters of western Europe from the Bay of Biscay to the White Sea, with landlocked populations of Scandinavia, the Baltic States and Russia. In Latvia, the smelt is naturally distributed in the Southeastward part. In recent past in Latvian Lakeland smelt was found in many lakes, but now its number is significantly decreased.

Seven microsatellite loci (MGPL Omo 1, MGPL Omo 6, MGPL Omo 11, Oep 1.35, Oep 5.39, Oep 6.1, Oep 6.42) are described for the European smelt and was adopted for Osmerus eperlanus spirinchus. These 7 loci provide a good basis for investigation of O.eperlanus population structure.

Estimates of structure diversity based on allele number (Na and Ne), heterozygosity (Ho and He), and Shannon information index (I), it was shown revealed that the O.e. spirinchus was most genetically diverse in the 2017 year (Na=4.14; Ne=2.99; I=0.89), and in 2012 year was least (Na=2.57; Ne=1.95; I=0.71), in 2015 year (Na=2.57; Ne=1.96; I=0.71). The highest degree of observed heterozygosity (Ho) was found in samples for 2012 (54%).

LIST OF ALIEN WOODY PLANTS OF LATVIA – CURRENT STATE AND LEVEL OF INVASIVENESS

Evarte-Bundere Gunta 1, Evarts-Bunders Pēteris 1, Bojāre Aiva 1, 2

1Daugavpils University, Institute of Life Sciences and Technology, Parādes Str. 1a, Daugavpils, LV-5401, Latvia2National Botanical garden, Laboratory of Dendroflora, Miera Str. 1, Salaspils, LV-2169, [email protected]

Invasive plant species are one of the greatest threats against the biological diversity. The successful invasion by alien species is almost irreversible, because most invasive alien species have succeeded in spreading in large numbers before they have been observed. And it becomes almost impossible and very expensive to eliminate them. (www.nobanis.org) One of the most significant part of invasive plants – cultivated trees and shrubs, which have been successfully naturalized, many of them now are known as invasive, ecologically aggressive ‘problematic’ plants.

The field research of invasive plant distribution and level of invasiveness was carried out during vegetation seasons of 2006 – 2018. The distribution of invasive arboreal species was investigated in the 90 different places, mainly – in the biggest parks, arboretums as well as in the both botanical gardens – National Botanical gardens and Botanical gardens of University of Latvia in Riga. Alien species were classified, following Pyšek et al. (2004) as alien, casual alien, naturalized, invasive and transformers or weeds. With a purpose to select criteria for assessing the potential risk of invasiveness of plants in Latvia, on the basis of Weber and Gut (2004) work, we have tried to evaluate the effectiveness of their criteria.

21


During the studies, 180 trees and shrubs taxa was evaluated according to the selected criteria. In Latvia all these species have successful self-reproduction, from which two species (1,1%) are recognized as transformers Acer negundoand Sorbaria sorbifolia. At least 42 species are considered as invasive (23,3%), 23 – as naturalized (12,8%), 9 (5%) species with dual status and 104 casual species (57,8%).

The species with the highest risk of invasiveness in Latvia are: Acer negundo, Rosa rugosa, Symphoricarpus albus, Amelanchier spicata, Eleagnus commutatus, Parthenocisus quinquefolia, Acer pseudoplatanus.

IMPACT OF EARTH MAGNETIC FIELD ON FORESTS TAXATION INDICES IN OGRE REGION

Galiņa Sandra, Indriksons AigarsLatvia University of Life Sciences and Technologies, Liela 2, Jelgava, LV-3001, [email protected]

The research is carried out to obtain the connection between the Earth magnetic field data and forest stand indices in Latvian forests. The hypothesis has been examined that magnetic field influences the growth of trees. The data of Earth magnetic field measurements via satellite and the forest taxation indices were used – there was designed the distribution of forest subquarters in belts of magnetic field radiation’s intensity. The object for studying forest vegetation in places with magnetic field of different intensity is selected according to the map of magnetic field deviation of Latvia Geology Fund. The object of the research was chosen in Ogre Region, because it is one of the regions where it is possible to study different magnetic field parameters from zero value (average value of magnetic field in Latvia). The areas are presented in different colors, which means that the areas are located in places that coincide with the certain magnetic field deviation from zero at various intervals, for example, from – 300 to 300, 300 to 1000 nT. The magnetic field deviation map shows the isoliniums formed by the magnetic field (satellite) data modeling and interpolation. Closed squares or polygons covering the entire study area have been created between the isoliniums. The entire area is divided into small landfills. They are later combined with the data of forests. The bottom isolinium of the landfill is given the name: “the value of the minimum magnetic field deviation value from zero” and the top isolate of the landfill the name – “maximum magnetic field value from zero”. This means that the map is divided into landfills with a minimum and maximum value. Thus, the relationship between the forest stands taxation indices and the magnetic field is used in the field of magnetic field deviations from the average (zero) value of the magnetic field (50 000 nT) - between minus 300 nT and plus 5000 nT. This means that the absolute magnetic field value is between 49,700 nT and 55,000 nT. The nonparametric correlation analysis and methods of descriptive statistics were used for data interpretation. The results show that there are larger and smaller differences between the parameters of the magnetic field and the taxation indices of the forest stand in certain forest site types with certain dominant species. A general trend has been obtained, revealing the relationship between tree stand volume and magnetic field parameters in the Ogre Region for selected forest site types Hylocomiosa and Caricoso-phragmitosa. The most positive weak statistically significant correlation between the stand volume, average height, diameter and parametres of Earth’s magnetic field was obtained for birch in Hylocomiosa forest site type. The most even fluctuation›s of tree stand›s volume, average height and diameter with a trend of increment by different magnetic field parametres indicate birch in Hylocomiosa forest site type.

22


RAPD-PCR POLYMORPHISM OF FOREST DORMOUSE DRYOMYS NITEDULA PALLAS, 1773 (RODENTIA: GLIRIDAE) IN LATVIA

Gavarāne Inese1, Bankovska Linda1, Kokina Inese1, Plaksenkova Ilona1, Pilāte Digna2, Pilāts Valdis3

1Daugavpils University, Institute of Life sciences and Technology, Parādes Str. 1a, Daugavpils, LV-5401, Latvia2Latvian State Forest Research Institute “Silava”, Rīgas Str. 111, Salaspils, LV-2169, Latvia3The Nature Conservation Agency, Baznīcas Str. 7, Sigulda, LV-2150, [email protected]

Genetic diversity within species is one of the main prerequisite of biodiversity and decrease of genetic variation increases a risk of population extinction. Limited data is available concerning population genetic diversity of the forest dormouse Dryomis nitedula Pallas, 1773. Examined saliva samples of 120 animals were randomly sampled in the area of 1200 ha inhabited of probably isolated population in very south-east of Latvia. This population is situated in the north-western corner of the species large distributional range from eastern and southern Europe to central Asia. Fragmented distribution is known for the northern periphery of the forest dormouse range. Genomic DNA from saliva of the forest dormouse was extracted using QIAamp DNA Mini Kit (Qiagen, Germany) with incubation time 10 minutes. The PCR was performed using 27 RAPD primers. RAPD-PCR fragments were visualized using QIAxcel electrophoresis system and ScreenGel Software (Qiagen, Germany). Fragment amplification was recognized as valid if there were no any bands in negative control, all fragments in samples were longer than 50 bp and fragments were within the alignment marker. The fragments size was determined by comparing them with DNA size marker. All fragments were analysed in the statistic software GeneAlex 6.41 (Peakall and Smouse, 2006). Overall 88.89% of loci were polymorph. Understanding of the patterns of population structure and patterns of genetic divergence is important to establish effective conservation programs.

LONG-TERM MONITORING OF THE VASCULAR PLANT FLORA OF THE OUTER ISLANDS OF THE GULF OF FINLAND: DYNAMICS OF NATIVE AND ALIEN FLORA

Glazkova ElenaKomarov Botanical Institute RAS, Prof. Popov Str. 2, Saint-Petersburg, 197376, [email protected]

The group of 12 outer islands of the Gulf of Finland (Gogland, Moschny, Bolshoy Tuters, Seskar, Maly Tuters, Maly, Kokor, Sommers, Nerva, Severny Virgin, Yuzhny Virgin, and Rodsher) with a total area ca. 60 sq. km has been chosen as a model object for a long-term monitoring of the vascular plant flora. The data from the period from the beginning of 19th century until the present time has been analyzed and changes in the flora have been discussed. The research revealed, that the alien flora has changed considerably since 1939, when the islands became practically uninhabited. Many anthropophytes, including 12 weeds (e.g., Agrostemma githago, Bromus arvensis, B. secalinus, Camelina sativa, Euphorbia helioscopia, Lamium amplexicaule, Neslia paniculata, Sinapis alba) and 8 ruderal plant species (e.g., Aethusa cynapium, Chenopodium bonus-henricus, Potentilla reptans), while 64 species were found in 1990 – 2000s for the first time. Some of them reached the islands during the Second World War and in the post-war period. In the 2000s due to decline of the permanent population of the islands, number of neophytes remarkably decreased. For the last 10

23


years, only 17 new alien species were found. For the last 25 years 110 native taxa have been found on the islands for the first time, but 29 of them belong to rare or critical species and hybrids. 18 indigenous species known from the islands until 1944 have not been found later. Some species that are decreasing in the Baltic area (Polygonum oxyspermum, Peplis portula) probably became extinct on the outer islands. On the other hand, a number of native species (Crambe maritima, Euphorbia palustris, Dactylorhiza baltica, Ononis arvensis) are expanding their range in recent decades, that can be caused by climate changes (in particular, milder winters).

OXIDATIVE RESPONSE OF DIFFERENT LATVIAN WINTER WHEAT GENOTYPES (TRITICUM AESTIVUM, (L.)) CAUSED BY FLOODING AS CLIMATE CHANGE RESULT

Harlamova Nadežda, Škute NataļjaDaugavpils University, Parādes Str. 1a, Daugavpils, LV-5401, [email protected], [email protected]

Global warming is shifting rainfall patterns, making heavy rain more frequent in many areas of the world which is the cause of crop field flooding. Flooding which causes oxygen deficiency, prevent root and shoot growth and as a result reduce yield. It causes oxidative stress and promotes the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) which at low concentrations activate defense responses, whereas a higher level of ROS is responsible for oxidative damages of cells. A very important enzyme in protecting the cell from oxidative damage by ROS is catalase. Malondialdehyde (MDA), one of several by-products of lipid peroxidation process, is a biomarker that provides an indication of lipid peroxidation level. Wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) is the main agricultural commodity produced in Latvia in terms of number of farms, and is one of the most intolerant crops to flooding.

The aim of the investigation was to evaluate different oxidative response to flooding applied on 7-days stage winter wheat seedlings of five Latvian genotypes (‘Reinis’, ‘Brencis’, ‘Talsis’, ‘Fredis’, ‘Edvins’). The experiment was carried in the climatic chamber under controlled environmental conditions. Experimental group of 7-days seedlings were flooded for one week one centimeter above soil level. The MDA concentration and catalase activity in first leaf was determined spectrophotometrically. It was shown that MDA concentration increased under flooding conditions in four cultivars (‘Reinis’, ‘Talsis’, ‘Fredis’, ‘Edvins’) and varied from 9% to 36% and decreased insignificantly in cultivar ‘Brencis’. Catalase activity varied in different genotypes. At this stage of study according to preliminary data the most tolerant to flooding is cultivar ‘Brencis’.

THE SURVEY ON BEETLES IN BOTANICAL GARDEN OF VILNIUS UNIVERSITY

Ivinskis Povilas, Rimšaitė Jolanta, Meržijevskij Aleksandras, Davenis Sigitas AlgisNature Research Centre, Akademijos Str. 2, Vilnius, LT-08412, [email protected]

The investigation on beetles was carried out in 2018 May–November in Vingis department of Botanical Garden of Vilnius University. Five Barber traps were used, they were placed in a single line on a brick wall located near herbaceous plants collection. Acetic acid 5% solution was used

24


in traps to conserve the material. One windows trap was used also. Traps were checked every seven days. Collected specimens were prepared for storage, labelled, part of them was pinned, the rest putted on cotton envelope. 1506 beetles from 219 species belonging to 31 families were collected and determined. Main part of collected species set to epigaeic beetle. Beetles belonging to Cerambycidae, Cucujidae, Hydrophilidae families were caught as accidental species. The highest number of species (86) was found in the Staphylinidae and Carabidae families (38 species), Curculionidae (15 species), Chrysomelidae (14 species), Elateridae and Nitidulidae (7 each species). Other family beetles were low of species: 9 families consist 3–4 species each and 16 families 1 – 2 species each. The most abundant species werePseudoophonus (Pseudoophonus) rufipes (De Geer, 1774) (111 specimens), Harpalus latus (Linne,1758) (96 specimens), Calathus fuscipes (Goeze, 1777) (68 specimens) (Carabidae), Otiorhynchus raucus (Fabricius, 1776) (69 specimens) (Curculionidae), Atheta nigricornis (Thomson, 1852) (65 specimens), Drusilla canaliculata (Fabricius, 1787) (59 specimens), Ocypus nitens (Schrank, 1781) (63) (Staphylinidae), Trixagus carinifrons (Bonvouloir, 1859) (65 specimens) (Throscidae). The pick of abundance of Atheta nigricornis was observed in June, D. canaliculata, Harpalus latus and Trixagus carinifrons – in middle of July. The species Atheta boreella Brundin, 1948, Atheta fungicola (Thomson, 1852) (Staphylinidae), Malthinus frontalis (Marsham, 1802) (Cantharidae), Sulcacis fronticornis (Panzer, 1805) (Ciidae) are new to Lithuanian fauna.

PRELIMINARY STUDIES ON THRIPS FAUNA OF DECIDUOUS TREES, CONIFERS AND SHRUBS INTRODUCED INTO THE NATIONAL BOTANICAL GARDEN

Jankevica Līga, Rūrāne Ieva, Petrova ValentīnaInstitute of Biology, University of Latvia, Miera Street 3, Salaspils, [email protected]

The introduction of various decorative trees in the territory of Latvia has begun in the 17th century with the formation of the first parks. The National Botanical Garden in Salaspils was founded in 1956, but its origins date back to the 18th century. It was based on the rich plant collections of the Zigre, Wagner, and Shawh farm in Koch. Dendrological collections in the National Botanical Garden consist of about 5000 different taxa. There is great interest in science and practice for trophic links of plant pests with feed plants, feeding patterns, conditions that cause migration and their ability to transmit plant disease agents.The aim of the study was to study the composition of thrips species in deciduous trees, conifers and shrubs introduced into the National Botanical Garden.

From 20 April to 23 September 2014, once in 10 days, introduced deciduous trees, conifers and bushes in the area of the National Botanical Garden and the Institute of Biology of the University of Latvia, Salaspils were observed. Method shaking of plant branches (leaves, flowers and buds) on white cloth was used for thrips collection. Collected specimens were preserved in tubes with AGA mixture - 60% ethyl alcohol, glycerol and acetic acid in proportions (9: 1: 1).

117 species of trees and shrubs were selected for thrips fauna observation. Thrips were found on 71 species of observed trees and shrubs. In total 3665 specimens of thrips (Thysanoptera) were collected. We identified 20 thrips species belonging to genera Aelothripidae, Phlaeothripidae and Thripidae. The dominant species are Thrips major (54%), T. fuscipennis 18%), T. flavus and Franklinella intonsa (12%).

25


Special thanks to LUBI researcher V. Petrova (1941-2015) for collecting and preserving thrips material. We are grateful to Dr. Manfred R. Ulitzka (Research Entomologist) from Germany for the detection of thrips material and researcher of National Botanical garden L. Strode for description of introduced tries.

OPPORTUNITIES FOR REACHING OBJECTIVES OF LATVIA’S FOREST MANAGEMENT UNDER EUROPEAN UNION CLIMATE POLICY

Kalniņa Kristīne1, Lupiķis Ainārs2

1Latvia University of Life Sciences and Technologies, Forest Faculty, Liela 2, Jelgava, LV-3001, Latvia 2Latvian State Forest Research Institute “Silava”, Rīgas Str. 111, Salaspils, LV-2169, [email protected], [email protected]

The aim of the paper – analysis of the challenges and opportunities of the national forest management under the European Union’s climate change mitigation policy. Climate change mitigation is complex process because of cyclical nature of carbon, thus implementing of the policy is complicated. It is estimated that measures in sustainable forest management will pay off after several decades.

According to LULUCF regulation the calculated Latvia’s forest reference level for 2021...2025 is -54 kt CO2 eq. and 1495 kt CO2 eq. year, if the instant oxidation method is applied to the calculation of harvested wood products. Sustainable harvest rate is expected to grow by 2022 due to increase of age of forest stands. According to business as usual scenario, continuing 2011…2016 practice, the rate of harvest will increase, but will remain below the sustainable harvest rate. In the period 2021…2030 the forest management is expected to be a net source of emissions due to GHG emissions from organic soils.

OCCURRENCE AND ECOLOGICAL PREFERENCES OF CUCUJUS CINNABERINUS (SCOPOLI, 1763) AND C. HAEMATODES (ERICHSON, 1845) (COLEOPTERA: CUCUJIDAE) IN LATVIA

Kalniņš Mārtiņš1, Balalaikins Maksims2, Telnov Dmitry3,4, Valainis Uldis2, Vilks Kristaps5

1 The Joint – Stock Company “Latvijas valsts meži”, Vaiņodes Str. 1, Riga, LV-1004, Latvia2Daugavpils University, Institute of Life Sciences and Technology, Parādes Str. 1a, Daugavpils, LV-5401, Latvia3Department of Life Sciences, Natural History Museum, Cromwell Road, SW7 5 BD, London, United Kingdom4Institute of Biology, University of Latvia, Miera iela 3, LV-2169 Salaspils, Latvia5University of Latvian, Faculty of Biology, Department of Zoology and Animal Ecology, Jelgavas tr. 1, Rīga, [email protected], [email protected], [email protected], [email protected], [email protected]

In Latvia, two Cucujus species are hitherto recorded: C. cinnaberinus and C. haematodes. C. cinnaberinus is included as a protected species in the European Habitat Directive, and is protected

26


by local Latvian legislation as well. We summarized existing information on present and past distribution of Latvian Cucujus species, assessed their habitat requirements and re-evaluated current status of their populations. All published and unpublished data for both species were studied. Most known records for both species are considered occasional or incidental observations.

For all known findings forest site data were assessed, e.g., taxation data for forest stand areas (including types of growth conditions), trees species composition, age of the dominant tree species, as well as height, diameter and thickness of trees. In addition to the locality descriptions, 500 m buffer area around each locality was used to describe each Cucujus inhabited site.

As a result, a dataset was created, that contains 32 site records for C. cinnaberinus and 18 - for C. haematodes.

Cucujus species recorded from different forest types in Latvia. C. cinnaberinus specimens mostly observed in deciduous forests dominated by Common aspen (Populus tremula). The presence of aspen has been recorded in all C. cinnaberinus sites, and most of the records are from 80 years old aspen forest stands.

C. haematodes were found mainly in large Scots pine forests arrays, where the records are distributed evenly in different forest types with Scots pine (Pinus sylvestris) as the dominant tree species. For most localities of C. haematodes, Scots pine was the only tree species forming the forest stand, and only some of the localities contain also birch (Betula sp.), Norway spruce (Picea abies) or Black alder (Alnus glutinosa). C. haematodes mostly recorded in those forest stands, where pine age exceeds 80 – 90 years.

We suggest C. haematodes for inclusion into the Latvian local nature conservation legislation. Nearly all sites of both species are located on specially protected nature areas or micro-reserves. However, protected nature areas have different regimes (e.g., forbidden / allowed management activities) that not always equally enough to protect populations of all species inhabiting the particular site. Micro-reserves are mostly established for conservation of birds.

Known Cucujus sites can be partly attributed to the habitats of EU importance. C. cinnaberinus were found in Western Taiga (9010), Fennoscandian hemiboreal natural old broad-leaved deciduous forests (Quercus, Tilia, Acer, Fraxinus or Ulmus) rich in epiphytes (9020), Bog woodlands (91D0) while C. haematodes - in Western Taiga (9010) and Bog woodlands (91D0). However, part of localities are outside of EU-importance habitats.

FAUNA OF LAELAPIDAE (MESOSTIGMATA; DERMANYSSOIDEA) MITES FROM SMALL RODENTS IN LITHUANIA

Kaminskiene Evelina1, Radzijevskaja Jana1, Balčiauskas Linas2, Paulauskas Algimantas1

1Vytautas Magnus University, K. Donelaičio g. 58, Kaunas, LT-44248, Lithuania2Nature Research Centre, Akademijos g. 2, Vilnius, LT-08412, [email protected]

Laelapidae mites associated with small rodents are one of the most important groups of parasitic mesostigmatic mites in Europe. Small rodents play a significant role in the transmission of diseases to humans and animals, as they are reservoir hosts of pathogenic microorganisms. Laelapidae

27


mites parasitaizing rodents are potential vectors for parasitic zoonoses like babesiosis, plague and others. Information of parasitic Laelapidae mites from small rodents is scarce in Baltic countries, especially in Lithuania. The aim of this study was to analyze laelapid mites and evaluate their infestation patterns in different rodent species from Lithuania. A total of 728 rodents representing 8 species were collected in different locations in Lithuania during 2013 – 2016 and identified as Apodemus flavicollis, A. agrarius, Myodes glareolus, Micromys minutus, M. musculus, Microtus oeconomus, M. arvalis and M. agrestis. The overall 47.3% small rodents were found to be infested with 8 species of parasitic laelapid mites (n=1363): Laelaps agilis, L. hilaris, Hyperlaelaps microti, Haemogamasus nidi, Hg. hirsutus, Eulaelaps stabularis, Hirstionyssus sunci and Myonyssus gigas. The dominant species of mites found on rodents was L. agilis (89.1%). The values of abundance and mean intensity of infestation with mites varied between species of hosts, and were highest for A. flavicollis. In present study we documented new geographical and host records for mesostigmatic mites in Lithuania.

LATVIA AND LITHUANIA TEENAGERS VOTE FOR BEAR FUTURE IN THEIR COUNTRIES

Kazlauskas Martynas1, Balčiauskas Linas2*, Ambarlı Hüseyin3, Balčiauskienė Laima2, Bagrade Guna4, Ozoliņš Jānis4, Zlatanova Diana5, Žunna Agrita4

1Šiauliai University, P.Višinskio g. 38, 76352 Šiauliai, Lithuania2Nature Research Centre, Akademijos g. 2, Vilnius, LT-08412, Lithuania3Düzce University, Department of Wildlife Ecology and Management Faculty of Forestry, Düzce, Turkey4Latvian State Forest Research Institute “Silava”, Rīgas Str. 111, Salaspils, LV-2169, Latvia5Sofia University “St. Kliment Ohridski”, Sofia, [email protected], [email protected], [email protected], [email protected], [email protected], [email protected], [email protected], [email protected]

We analyzed differences in brown bear acceptance by teenagers in four countries characterized by differing brown bear population statuses - two no-bear countries: Latvia (no breeding records) and Lithuania (no permanent population, but increasing numbers of registrations in recent years); along with two bear-inhabited countries, both having high bear densities: Bulgaria (about 600 animals) and Turkey (up to 4000 animals). In all countries, the bears are protected, but poaching levels differ. We used anonymous questionnaires with mostly close-ended questions, completed under informed consent by schoolchildren. Our aim was to characterize drivers of species acceptance, described as clines in the rural–urban inhabitation of respondents, in particular their relationship to nature, as well as their familiarity and encounters with bears (cognitive aspect).

Negative opinion regarding bears was significantly stronger in Bulgaria (11.4% of respondents) and Turkey (16.5%) than in Latvia or Lithuania (4.6 – 5.4%). Urban inhabitants better accept bears, especially for countries with bear populations. Lower acceptance was related to fear of the species - negative opinion was 4 – 7 times more expressed among those who feel fear of the bears. Over 70% of teenagers in all countries investigated would like to know more about brown bears, irrespective of species status, thus, in order to achieve a better acceptance of brown bears, awareness-raising campaigns are considered likely to be effective.

28


As a result of our analysis of differences in brown bear acceptance among teenagers in these four countries, we consider that bear-related education in Latvia and Lithuania would prevent fear of these animals and sustain their acceptance, while human-wildlife conflict management measures in Bulgaria and Turkey would be recommended to boost species appreciation.

TROPICAL FRUITS TRADE AS A VECTOR OF NEW PARASITES INVASION IN LATVIA: CASE STUDY OF FINDING OF SCINAX RUBER (LAURENTI, 1768) IN IMPORTED BANANAS

Kirjushina Muza, Pupins MihailsDaugavpils University, Institute of Life Sciences and Technology, Parādes Str. 1a, Daugavpils, LV-5401, [email protected], [email protected]

Unintentional accidental import of animals from other countries can lead to the entry of new parasite species for the Latvian fauna, one infected individual may be sufficient for the invasion. The expansion of trade in tropical fruits increases the possibility of amphibians from other countries entering Latvia, since the conditions of the transportation mainly meet the needs of the amphibians.

On the 9th of December 2018, we received a message about finding a live frog in shop in Spogi (Daugavpils district) in a box with bananas imported from the Republic of Suriname.

The frog was identified as Red snouted treefrog Scinax ruber (Laurenti, 768). During a parasitological study of this individual, the 2 groups of endoparasites were detected - Nematoda Physaloptera sp. and Trematoda metacercaria Travtrema aff. stenocotyle. Site of infection of 3 nematoda was stomach, 4 metacercaria were found in red snouted treefrog mesenterium.

Several Physaloptera species of these stomach nematodes of dogs and cats are occurred throughout the world. Encysted infective larvae of Physaloptera spp. have been detected in several species of insects, including beetles, cockroaches, and crickets. Mice and frogs may be paratenic hosts of the nematode. Travtrema aff. stenocotyle defenitive hosts are snakes, but frogs act as second intermidiate hosts. Both parasites are not pathogen for humans.

Of course, it is difficult to estimate the possible number of the delivery of amphibians infected by tropical parasites with fruits to Latvia: we know two findings of lizards, another frog and one spider.

We thank the shop in Spogi; Alex Gurzhiy and Igor Zhidov for the identification of the species. The study was conducted in accordance with Latvian legislation and with support of the VIAA project Nr. LV-UA/2018 “The ecological and biological triggers of expansion of the invasive fish, Chinese sleeper (Perccottus glenii), in Eastern Europe”.

29


PILOSELLA LACTUCELLA (ASTERACEAE) – PAST, PRESENT AND FUTURE

Krasnopoļska Dana1, Tikhomirov Valery2

1Daugavpils University, Institute of Life Sciences and Technology, Parādes Str. 1a, Daugavpils, LV-5401, Latvia2Belarusian State University, Faculty of Biology, Nezavisimisty Ave. 4, Minsk, 220030, Republic of [email protected], [email protected]

Only a small number of genus Pilosella species are an ancestral amphimictic diploids or tetraploids. Initially these species were isolated geographically and (or) ecologically, but now due to growing near each other they hybridize and give a rise to a large number of hybrids. Pilosella lactucella (one of the diploid species) produces multitude hybrids. Hybrids proceed apomictic reproduction and is widespread due to its ecological plasticity. Therefore, they have no preferences for a particular ecological niches and are more common in anthropogenic habitats. Pilosella lactucella is a common species of Central European that is also found in the western regions of Eastern Europe (the Baltic Countries, North-West Russia, Belarus, Ukraine). Recently, there was recorded a strong tendency for reduction in the species area in these regions.

In Latvia and Estonia, Pilosella lactucella was common until the 70s of the 20th century, whereas in Belarus and Lithuania – until the 90s of the 20th century, and then species significantly reduced in number and area, and nowadays it is considered as a rare species. Most likely that it is related with changes in human economic activity.

Current species has a rather specific ecological niche and is common in natural wet short-grass meadows, which are shaped by grazing cattle and sheep. Recently such meadows have almost completely disappeared due to the reduction of livestock population in the villages and the transition to stall maintenance in large farms.

Reduction of Pilosella lactucella area can potentially lead to activation of the speciation process in currently existing hybrid complexes (especially resulting from hybridization with Pilosella onegensis). Thus, in the North-western region (where Pilosella lactucella began to disappear about 100 years ago) the formation of several persistent morphotypes within this hybrid complex was recorded. Maybe someday this will happen also in the Baltic Countries and Belarus.

IDENTIFICATION OF MICRORNAS IN METHYL JASMONATE TREATED SCOTS PINE NEEDLES

Krivmane Baiba, Šņepste Ilze, Šķipars Vilnis, Ruņģis Dainis Latvian State Forest Research Institute “Silava”, Genetic Resource Centre, Rigas Str. 111, Salaspils, LV-2169, [email protected], [email protected] Small RNA libraries were sequenced using an Ion Torrent PGM™ Sequencer and in silico methods were used to identify conserved and novel miRNAs in Scots pine. A total of 1021696 unique small RNA sequences were found. By comparison with miRNA sequences found in miRBase, 4975 annotated sequences were identified and assigned to 173 miRNA groups, belonging to a total of 60

30


conserved miRNA families. Fifty potential precursor sequences for 2209 of these mature miRNAs (belonging to 20 families) were identified. The most isomiRs (483), were found for miR950, but the most precursors – for miR482 and miR950. Analysis of conserved miRNA putative target genes identified 93 genes targeted by 56 miRNA families. Seven of these target genes were targets of two different miRNA families. Putative target genes included disease-resistance protein genes and regulatory genes. GO annotation of target genes indicated that the most common functions in the biological process domain were related to transcription regulation and signal transduction, protein phosphorylation and ubiquitination, and response to stress. The most common GO annotations in the molecular function domain were DNA binding, and transcription factor activity.

A total of 1029 potential novel miRNAs were found. They were grouped into 34 families and 46 predicted precursor sequences were identified. 136 potential target genes targeted by 28 families were identified. The largest family was miR00005 and contains 124 miRNA isomiRs. Analysis of novel miRNA putative target genes identified 136 genes targeted by 28 families. Target genes included resistance-related target genes, alcohol dehydrogenases, phytocyanins and peroxidases. The most common GO annotations of the identified target genes in the biological process domain were response to stimulus (including abscisic acid, cytokinin, heat acclimation, wounding, hypoxia and others). The most common GO annotations in the molecular function domain were binding and catalytic activity.

FLOODING INDUCED DIVERSIFICATION OF ANTIOXIDANT SYSTEMS RESPONSES OF FIVE VARIETIES OF WINTER WHEAT (TRITICUM AESTIVUM L.)

Kulbachna Alina, Škute Nataļja

Daugavpils University, Institute of Life Sciences and Technology, Parādes Str. 1a, Daugavpils, LV-5401, Latvia [email protected], [email protected]

Global climate changes cause increased precipitation, abnormal rainfalls and leads to significant economic losses in agriculture. Soil flooding constitutes a seasonal factor that negatively affects plant growth and crop yields. Wheat (Triticum aestivum L) reduce growth and metabolic activity to minimum, storing energy for regrowth, depress respiration, photosynthesis and development. Morphological, physiological and biochemical changes occur. The activity of the antioxidant system is one of the important parts of the plant protection to reactive oxygen species, misbalanced under root flooding stress.This work reports an experimental test of the hypothesis, that different cultivars of winter wheat response various to root flooding stress and realise adaptations according to their genetic and epigenetic prerequisites. The experiment was carried in laboratory in the climatic chambers under controlled environmental conditions. Flooding treatment realised from 7 to 14 day of growth. Methanol extracts of seedlings of five wheat cultivars: Brencis, Edvins, Fredis, Reinis and Talsi - were used to determine total phenolic content, 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical scavenging activity and ferric reducing antioxidant power ability (FRAP).

The results of our investigations showed the wide possibilities that can be realised in variety in different cultivars, and the relationship between antioxidant protection and cultivar differences. So, two cultivars: Brencis and Reinis – showed elevation of polyphenol content, DPPH free radical scavenging activity and arising in the ferric reducing antioxidant capacity. But

31


cultivars Edvins and Fredis reduce antioxidant activity. Suggested results gives only one fingerprint from an interaction net of many factors, causing development of adaptations and surviving strategy.

SHRUB ENCROACHMENT IN THE PINE FORESTS OF RIGA (LATVIA)

Laiviņš Māris2, Čekstere Gunta1, Kaupe Dārta2, Osvalde Anita1

1 University of Latvia, Institute of Biology, Miera Str. 3, Salaspils, LV-2169, Latvia2Latvian State Forest Research Institute Silava, Rīgas Str. 111, Salaspils, LV-2169, [email protected], [email protected]

In Riga (Latvia), the main part of green areas consists of conifer forests, pine stands are dominant (92%). Development of transformation processes can be observed in these forests. The research aim was to evaluate the development of shrub encroachment in various pine stands in Riga.

The study was carried out in 7 study sites (15m radius) selected at different levels of human affected pine stands (forest type: Vacciniosa, Myrtillosa, average age: 100 years), located on the sediments of the Litorina Sea (Ritabulli), the Litorina Sea (shore) dunes (Babelitis, Bergi) and the Baltic Ice Lake (Jugla, Gailezers, Mezciems, Dreilini). In each site, 3 plots (3m radius) were arranged (n=21) and recording of shrub shoots (number and height) was done.

In total, 16 shrub species were found. The most widespread species were Sorbus aucuparia (incidence 81%) and Amelanchier spicata (71%). These species had on average the highest amount of individuals per ha: >2400. For Cotoneaster lucidus, Padus avium, Frangula alnus, Ribes alpinum, the number of shoots ranged from a few hundred to a thousand shoots per ha, while for the rest of species was less than one hundred shoots per ha. The highest number of shoots was recorded in Babelitis and Mezciems: >10000 shoots per ha. A significantly sparse shrub layer was found in other sites. These forest stands are not affected by high recreational loads (Jugla), the substrate has been developed from geologically younger, less euthrophiated sediments (Ritabulli, Bergi). The dominate shrubs according to shoot amount were high shrubs (h=3-5 m, 78% from the total), the prevailing species Sorbus aucuparia, Amelanchier spicata. Middle high shrubs (h=1-3 m) formed 20% of shoots, dominant species – Cotoneaster lucidus. The lowest amount was detected for low shrubs – 2%, dominant species – Grossularia reclinata.

Generally, pine forest stands in Riga are characterized by the development of shrub encroachment processes, most notably in Mežciems and Dreilini.

DIVERSITY OF INVERTEBRATE IN HETEROBASIDION SPP. FRUIT BODIES ON DECAYED SPRUCE WOOD

Legzdiņa Līva1, 2*, Spuņģis Voldemārs2, Gaitnieks Tālis1

1Latvian State Forest Research Institute “Silava”, Rigas Str. 111, Salaspils, LV-2169, Latvia2 University of Latvia, Faculty of Biology, Jelgavas Str. 1, Riga, LV-1004, [email protected]

Saproxylic basidiomycetes do not only provide microhabitats to many invertebrate species but also cause great silvicultural losses. Root rot mainly caused by pathogenic fungus Heterobasidion spp. currently is one of the greatest challenges. Information about invertebrates inhabiting root rot fruit

32


bodies is scarce. It is important to determine if by controlling root rot, secondarily invertebrates inhabiting it are not affected, thereby reducing favorable environmental conditions? The goal of this study was to determine invertebrate diversity in fruit bodies of Heterobasidion spp. growing on decayed spruce wood and factors influencing it. Our studies show that invertebrate diversity in fruiting bodies of root rot fungus is connected to log diameter on which fruiting body is growing – species diversity was higher on bigger diameter logs. We also found that wood and fruiting body decay stage and weight of sample has a positive effect on invertebrate diversity. Data was collected using Tullgren funnel traps in the autumn of 2016 and 2018.

ASSESSING BIODIVERSITY QUANTITIES AND QUALITIES IN EUROPEAN ASPEN POPULUS TREMULA (L.) FORESTS IN LATVIA

Liepa Līga, Straupe Inga, Miezīte Olga, Dubrovskis Edgars, Sisenis LinardsLatvia University of Life Sciences and Technologies, Faculty of Forestry, Liela 2, Jelgava, LV-3001, Latvia [email protected], [email protected], [email protected],

European aspen (Populus tremula L.) trees provide a substrate for many plants, animal and fungal species in boreo-nemoral forests. In general, aspen is essential pioneer tree species and therefore the high frequency is observed in often in young succession stands and after large-scale disturbances, e.g., wildfire and clear-cutting. Latvia is situated in the center of the distribution area of aspen whereas approximately 8.1% of forests are dominated by this species. However, it is known, that climate is the major driver which influences the species distribution and productivity in forests. Recently, the proportion of mature and over-mature biodiversity rich stands dominated by aspen have decreased in protected and commercial forest landscape, which arises potential concerns in nature conservation. In this study, we compiled existing knowledge as a format of a systematic review to understand the succession of aspen forests and predictable changes in biological qualities and quantities in the Latvian forest landscape.

This study was financially supported by the ERDF Post-doctoral Research Support Program (project Nr.1.1.1.2/16/I/001) Research application “Balancing ecological interests with increasing demands for natural resources in production forests” (Nr.1.1.1.2./VIAA/2/18/294).

GENETIC DIVERSITY OF BARTONELLA TAYLORII AND BARTONELLA GRAHAMII STRAINS IN RESERVOIR HOSTS

Mardosaitė-Busaitienė Dalytė, Amšiejūtė Paulina, Radzijevskaja Jana, Paulauskas Algimantas

[email protected]

Bacterial strains are characteristic feature of many bacterial pathogens, including species of the genus Bartonella. In Europe, B. taylorii and B. grahamii frequently distribution in reservoir hosts such as mice, voles and rats. However, there is a lack of studies of B. taylorii and B. grahamii strains in reservoir hosts. The objectives of this study were to characterize the genetic diversity of Bartonella strains by sequence analysis of two housekeeping genes (rpoB, groEL) and

33


and the 16S-23S rRNA intergenic species region (ITS). Phylogenetic analysis of rpoB gene reveals the presence of twelve B. taylorii strains in mice and voles. Six B. taylorii strains were unique and detected in M. glareolus voles. The sequences analysis of the ITS region reveals the presence seven B. taylorii strains. Four unique B. taylorii genotypes were detected in A. flavicollis mice. Phylogenetic analysis of rpoB and groEL demonstrated the presence of three B. grahamii strains in mice and voles. The sequences analysis of the ITS region reveals the presence four B. grahamii strains in mice. In the present study B. taylorii strains showed higher diversity compered to B. grahamii. This study represents molecular characterization of Bartonella strains circulating in reservoir hosts.

DISTRIBUTION AND OCCURRENCE OF SHERARD’S DOWNY ROSE (ROSA SHERARDII DAVIES) IN LATVIA - PRELIMINARY RESULTS

Medne Maija, Evarts-Bunders PēterisDaugavpils University, Institute of Life Sciences and Technology, Parādes Str. 1a, Daugavpils, LV-5401, [email protected], [email protected]

Sherard’s downy rose Rosa sherardii Davies is a species of genus Rosa L. sect. Canina. It is considered as a rare native plant in territory of Latvia therefore included in the 3rd category of Red Data Book. In scientific literature R. sherardii first was mentioned by D. Šmite in 1982, in Flora and vegetation in Latvia. South - east geobotanical region. Afterwards this taxa was included in all following botanical publications e.g. Flora of the Baltic Countries, etc. R. sherardii distribution in Latvia was considered to be located on the north-east edge of its distribution area, being the most abundant in southern part of Eastern Latvia.

After critical examination of herbaria specimens of R. sherardii (approx. 130 sheets in total) from DAU, LATV, HBN and RIG collections and consultations with Mr. Dmitriy V. Dubovik from V.F. Kuprevich Institute of Experimental Botany (Belarus), most of herbaria was identified as taxa R. tomentosa Sm. – Whitewoolly rose. Only plausible specimens of R. sherardii was collected during 1970ies and 80ies from arboretum of National Botanical Garden in Salaspils. These plants were originally received form Western Europe countries e.g. Leiden (Netherlands), Halle (Germany), Průhonice (Czech Republic) (HBN). Two specimens of R. sherardii was determined apart form botanical garden – both from horticulture.

R. sherardii and R. tomentosa are two closely related species, with similar morphological traits, historically causing difficulties with species determination. The most important morphological difference is erect and persistent sepals for R. sherardii while for R. tomentosa sepals are deflexed to patent and deciduous after anthesis.

We can conclude that R. sherardii has been misidentified for the last four decades. The occurrence and origins of taxa R. sherardii in territory of Latvia are highly questionable because of lack of natural habitats. Status of being a rare Red listed species is likely not to be legitimate.

34


EFFICENT STAINING OF TREMATODE PARAFASCIOLOPSIS FASCIOLAEMORPHA (FASCIOLIDAE) WITH LUMINESCENT BENZANTHRONE EAM1

Mežaraupe Ligita, Kecko Sanita, Kirilova Elena, Romanovska Evita, Gavarāne Inese, Rubeniņa Ilze, Kirjušina MuzaDaugavpils University, Institute of Life Sciences and Technology, Parādes Str. 1a, Daugavpils, LV-5401, [email protected]

Trematode Parafasciolopsis fasciolaemorpha is a parasite of Cervidae family species. Natural host of P. fasciolaemorpha is an elk (Alces alces). A liver is commonly infected organ. Adult parasite reaches 3-7 mm long and about 2 mm wide size. Disease can lead an anemia and weight loss, high invasion of parasites can cause death of young calfs. We used mature flukes P. fasciolaemorpha from elk’s liver in current study.

The aim of present study was to test 3,9-substituted benzanthrone (EAM1) for investigations of internal and external structers. During the experiments five fixatives: 70% ethanol, AFA, Bouin’s Carnoy and 10% formaldehyde are utilized. Visualisation and imaging was performed by a high speed multiphoton confocal laser scanning microscope Eclipse Ti-E.

Based on results we conclude staining protocol using 70% ethanol fixative and EAM1 luminophore provides visualisation of the muscles and internal structer of the trematodes, whereas 10% formaldehyde as a fixative is more aplicable for parasite’s surface investigation.

EFFECT OF THINNING ON THE ANNUAL RING WIDTHS OF PICEA ABIES (L.) H. KARST. IN THE HYLOCOMIOSA FOREST STANDS

Miezīte Olga, Ruba Jeļena, Liepa Imants, Brizga Dace, Dubrovskis EdgarsLatvia University of Life Sciences and Technologies, Liela 2, Jelgava, LV-3001, [email protected]

Over the time, the concept of the forest management objective has been emerged, based on sustainable forest management at a sufficient intensity, while changing the capacity to fulfill ecological, economic and social functions. The total area and the total wood yield of Latvian forests increases every year. It also has a positive effect on carbon accumulation in the forest, which is the largest producer of oxygen in the terrestrial ecosystems and, of course, an integral part of life processes in nature. Forest is a wealth that needs to be cultivated, developed and nurtured. The aim of the research is to analyze the effect of thinning on the increase in annual ring widths in Picea abies (L.) H. Karst forest stands in Hylocomiosa. The research was carried out in the forest massif of Zemgale region in four 44 and 45 year-old mixed spruce stands (15-30% admixture of birch, pine and black alder). Pre-commercial thinning was performed in two mixed Norway spruce stands twelve years ago, while two stands were untreated (control). In the selected stands eight temporary sample plots with a radius of 12.62 m were established. At every sample plot, the diameter of each tree at a height of 1.3 m above the root collar and the height of 30 trees were measured, all trees were subdivided into growth classes and 30 increment cores (at the root collar) were taken. The study showed that there were significant differences between the annual ring widths of the trees in tended and unthinned Norway spruce

35


forest stands and before and after care (p = 0.0001 < α = 0.05). As the result of pre-commercial thinning, the growth conditions of trees become better, and an additional increment develops (in the stand 7E2B1P45 average 1.95±0.05 mm; while in 9E1P44 + M44 - 2.3±0.30 mm). The basal areas of forest stands have increased, resulting in tree differentiation and twelve years after tending the number of trees in lowest growing classes has increased. In the selected spruce stands the positive effect of pre-commercial thinning on the additional increment has reduced beginning from the 11th and 12th year after thinning operation.

The study funded by the project No. 1.1.1.1/16/A/211.

RARE ABORIGINAL PLANT SPECIES AS NEW SPECIES IN MEGALOPOLIS

Mirin Denis, Egorov AlexanderSt. Petersburg State University, Saint Petersburg, [email protected], [email protected]

Problem of rare species surviving in the territories with intensive human impact especially in megalopolis area and problem of invasions are very actual. Saint-Petersburg – one of the biggest cities in Europe – has highly dynamical flora that has lost and losing some forest, swamp and seashore species and has acquired and acquiring plant species. Centaurium erythraea and Tripolium vulgare inhabiting biotopes connected with seashore grew in the past on the territory of St. Petersburg but disappeared, they are include in Red Data Book of neighboring Leningrad region. Our inventory of flora and vegetation on the territory of Toyota Motor factory on the south suburb of St. Petersburg that is not near the seashore has shown that these 2 species grow in 2 patches on bulk soil with wild lawn. Centaurium erythraea grows in low-herbs meadows with different grass cover, some but not all of these plant communities are mowed sometimes. Tripolium vulgare is met in wet meadows and swamp communities that are never mowed. There are plant communities with high abundance of C. erythraea or T. vulgare. These species were not planted on the lawn. Seems their seeds reached this place with bulk soil. May be it can turn out a model for forming artificial populations of rare species.

INTRODUCTION RESULTS OF FAR EASTERN ORIGIN HERBACEOUS PERENNIALS TO THE BOTANICAL GARDEN OF THE UNIVERSITY OF LATVIA

Nāburga IneseBotanical Garden of the University of Latvia, Kandavas iela 2, Rīga, LV-1083, [email protected]

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the results of the introduction of herbaceous perennials with Far Eastern origin (from Russia, Korea and Japan). Research was based on the historical experience about introduction the plants from this region and focused on the analysis of change in flowering time, seed maturation and the height of habitus. Phenological observations were made in three-year cycle from 1991 to 2017, and during this time data about 44 plant taxa from 16 families were collected.

36


Results showed that 14 - had no change in flowering and seeds ripening starting phases, 20 - belated bloomed and seeds ripening phase starting, than in their origin regions, but started blooming and seeds ripening earlier – 6 taxa. But were fruitless 6, but 5 taxa seeds were not ripened. Habitus height remained in the same limits as in literature data for 31, was higher for 6 and lower for 5 taxa.The results are discussed according to the difference of climate parameters in regions of origin and in Riga.

SPECIES DIVERSITY AND NATURAL AFFORESTATION OF A CUTAWAY PEATLAND FERTILIZED WITH DIFFERENT DOSES OF WOOD ASH

Neimane Santa, Celma Santa, Lazdiņa DagnijaLatvian State Forest Research institute “Silava”, Rigas Str. 111, Salaspils, LV-2169, [email protected], [email protected], [email protected]

In cutaway peatlands after drainage and peat extraction, natural regeneration of vegetation may occur over several decades. Growth is limited due to harsh conditions such as lack of nutrients and low pH of the soil. To improve soil conditions wood ash, otherwise a waste product, could be used as fertilizer and liming material. To evaluate the impact of wood ash approximately 8 ha large site was established, where wood ash was used in 0, 5, 10 and 15 t ha-1doses in 12 rows. And in the second growing season vegetation diversity and cover was evaluated in 180 plots with 5 x 3.5 m size. In total, 59 species were present and only in few cases cover of one species exceeded 10%. Both the application of wood ash and the distance from the ditch significantly affected the total number of the species present. In plots with no added wood ash the vegetation was very scarce. Increased occurrence of Betula pendula, Populus tremula and Salix spp. tree species in fertilized plots was observed, however, there was no improvement with a larger dose of wood ash. The occurrence of more typical peatland species as Pinus sylvestris (found in 87% of the plots) and B. pubescens was not affected by wood ash application.

THE MODERN STATE OF POPULATIONS OF TRITURUS CRISTATUS (AMPHIBIA, SALAMANDRIDAE) AND ITS PROTECTION IN UKRAINE AND IN LATVIA

Nekrasova Oksana 1, Marushchak Oleksii 1, Pupins Mihails 2, Ceirans Andris2

1I. I. Schmalhausen Institute of Zoology, NAS Ukraine, Vul. B. Khmelnytskogo, 15, Kyiv, 01030, Ukraine2Daugavpils University, Institute of Life Sciences and Technology, Department of Ecology. Parādes Street 1a, Daugavpils, LV-5401, [email protected], [email protected], [email protected] Triturus cristatus (Laurenti, 1768) is a rare species in Europe listed in the Appendix II and Resolution 6 of the Berne Convention. The IUCN indicates reduction of its natural range. Presence of invasive fish Percottus glehni (Dybowski, 1877) is one of the factors negatively affecting the newts’ populations (Litvinchuk, Borkin, 2002). The northern European boundary of T. cristatus range extends through Latvia, to the northeast through Estonia, and Finland, about 15% of its range is placed in Ukraine (Kuzmin, 2012).

37


The study of the species distribution is relevant in Ukraine (Nekrasova et al., 2019). In the upper part of the Dnipro basin, the number of T. cristatus population has decreased by more than 3 times. The newt has disappeared from some biotopes at all. Only accidental registrations (2008-2019) are known (n=12), and the population number is being reduced. In the Right Bank Polissia the number of the newts’ findings has declined from 54 points (1978-1983) to less than a dozen (2010-2018). As a result of our research it was discovered that recently the number of newts is rapidly decreasing due to negative anthropogenic influences (including invasive species) and climatic changes. Therefore, in accordance with Article 14 of the Legislation of Ukraine “On the Red Book of Ukraine” this species must be protected and included to the next edition of the Red Book of Ukraine (2019).

In Latvia, T. cristatus is listed in the List of especially protected species (MK noteikumi Nr. 396, 2000). Monitoring of its distribution was conducted in 2015-2018 (Ceirans et al, 2018) and showed that populations are small and fragmented. The conservation measures should be optimization of biotopes, development of breeding protocols, strengthening of populations, management of invasive threats etc.

The study was supported by the VIAA project Nr. LV-UA/2018 “The ecological and biological triggers of expansion of the invasive fish, Chinese sleeper (Perccottus glenii), in Eastern Europe”.

DISTRIBUTION OF AGRIMONIA PILOSA L. IN LATVIA

Peipina Ieva1, Rūrāne Ieva1, Roze Ieva1, Krasnopoļska Dana2, Svilāne Inita2, Liepiņa Ligita3

1University of Latvia, Institute of Biology, Miera Str. 3, Salaspils, LV-2169, Latvia2Daugavpils University, Institute of Life Sciences and Tehnology, Parādes Str. 1a, Daugavpils, LV-5401, Latvia3 University of Latvia, Academic Department, Raiņa Boulevard 19, Riga, LV-1050, [email protected]

The study gives an overview of the distribution of Agrimonia pilosa L. in Latvia. It is one of the species of the Council of Europe Directive 92/43/EEC that should be monitored every 6 years. The study was performed in 2017 and 2018. Within the study field research and herbarium data were obtained and analyzed. Localities were surveyed in and outside of Natura 2000 sites as well as 31 findings from herbarium data. A. pilosa in Latvia reaches the western boundary of distribution. The distribution of species in the territory of Latvia is irregularly, in Western Latvia – rare, in Central Latvia and in Eastern Latvia – not rare. The number of individuals in the localities is very variable and is from a few up to several thousand. It is found that characteristic habitats for A. pilosa are forest roads, Alnus incana stands as well as contact zone between forest and meadow.

The study was carried out under Nature Conservation Agency the Biodiversity Monitoring Program.

38


SHORT-TERM IMPACT OF NITROGEN FERTILIZER AND WOOD ASH ON FOREST GROUND VEGETATION

Petaja Guna, Kārkliņa Ilze, Zvaigzne ZaigaLatvian State Forest Research Institute “Silava”, Rīgas Str. 111, Salaspils, LV-2169, [email protected] The aim of the study was to determine a short-term impact of nitrogen fertilizer and wood ash on forest ground vegetation cover and species diversity. The study was conducted in 18 forest stands in Myrtillosa, Hylocomiosa, Myrtilloso-sphagnosa, Myrtillosa mel., Myrtillosa turf. mel. forest types. The projective cover of each species in moss, herb, shrub and tree layer in sample plots was determined according to the ICP Forests manual. Ellenberg indicator values and Shannon diversity index were calculated and DCA ordination was performed. Results indicate that in both control and treatment plots species composition corresponds to the respective forest types. Comparing with the control plots, in dry forests in treatment plots species diversity in herb and moss layer was slightly higher, however in plots, were wood ash was added in addition to nitrogen fertilizer, there was a slight decrease in moss species diversity. In Myrtillosa mel. and Myrtillosa turf. mel. stands an increased occurrence and cover of nitrophilous species and wet-habitat species was observed. DCA ordination shows, that differences in species composition are rather explained by environmental factors than by addition of fertilizers.

PRELIMINARY EVALUATION OF THE GENETIC STRUCTURE OF INVASIVE ELODEA CANADENSIS (MICHX.) POPULATION IN DAUGAVA RIVER

Petjukevičs Aleksandrs, Krivmane Baiba, Škute NataļjaDaugavpils University, Institute of Life Sciences and Technology, Parādes Str. 1a, Daugavpils, LV-5401, [email protected]

The invasions of new and exotic species often affect the rapid evolutionary changes in native populations. Study of the genetic structure of different populations of one species can make a real assessment of the state of ecosystems, and predict the further development of a particular population. Moreover, in some cases, the sensitivity of bio-indication methods, which also include genetic ones for the evaluation of the complex effects of environmental factors provide information that, more complete. Elodea canadensis (Michx.) is a native aquatic weed for the North America region, but invasive species for Latvia. Our aims were to reveal the evolutionary consequences of invasion to the population genetic structure of the presumably clonal E. canadensis. Five polymorphic microsatellite markers were chosen to analyze the genetic characteristics of E. canadensis populations of Daugava River, and following genetic standards for the populations calculated: heterozygosity of the population, alleles across a population, private alleles and others. (Ho, Hs, Ht, Fis, Fit, Fst).

39


SOCIOLOGICAL SPECIES GROUPS OF LATVIAN SEMI-NATURAL GRASSLANDS AT CLASS LEVEL: PRELIMINARY FINDINGS

Pošiva-Bunkovska Anete1, Rūsiņa Solvita2, Galniece Baiba2

1Daugavpils University, Faculty of Natural Sciences and Mathematics, Parādes Str. 1, Daugavpils, LV-5401, Latvia2University of Latvia, Faculty of Geography and Earth sciences, Jelgavas Str. 1, Rīga, LV-1004, [email protected], [email protected], [email protected]

Concept of sociological species groups is based on phytosociological approach of vegetation classification that has been widely used in Central Europe throughout 20th century and in recent decades adapted in other regions and continents. Vegetation classification is not only of scientific importance but also has been adapted to designate protected habitats of European Union, and thus it is crucial to have objective, reproducible criteria for delimitation of vegetation units. In several countries national vegetation classifications have been designed based on sociological species groups and logical operators AND, OR and NOT.

In Latvia, there have been few attempts to classify grassland vegetation based on phytosociological principles, so far only for xerophytic and mesophytic grasslands. Since then there has been a significant increase of available vegetation data due to inventory of semi-natural grasslands, thus there is an urgent need to provide clear, reliable guidelines of classification for other types of grasslands. Our work is a first trial to create sociological species groups for all-encompassing spectrum of grasslands from xerophytic to hygrophytic vegetation in Latvia.

We used data from semi-natural grassland inventories carried out in 2013-2014 and 2017-2018 (databases of Nature Conservation Agency), 3087 relevés were used in the analysis. Relevé size was 25 m2, all bryophytes, tree and shrub species were excluded from the analysis. Data set equally represents all 8 geobotanical regions of Latvia. Datasets were stored in Turboveg database and analysed with JUICE program.

Results of sociological species group analysis indicated differences from previous work of S. Rūsiņa, 2007, and also from sociological species groups used in other countries. The class Scheuchzerio palustris-Caricetea fuscae was not identifiable with an unambiguous species group(s), whereas the class Nardetea strictae was well defined with species Nardus stricta and Sieglingia decumbens co-occuring together. Sociological species groups of xerophytic grasslands (the classes Koelerio-Corynephoretea and Festuco-Brometea) more often were formed of species with similar ecology while species of the class Phragmito-Magnocaricetea often occurred together with species from the class Molinio-Arrhenatherethea.

40


RECIPROCAL PREDATION: CRESTED NEWT (TRITURUS CRISTATUS) LARVAE HUNT WHITEBAITS OF INVASIVE FISH AMUR SLEEPER (PERCCOTTUS GLENII)

Pupins MihailsDaugavpils University, Institute of Life Sciences and Technology, Parādes Str. 1a, Daugavpils, LV-5401, Latvia [email protected]

Triturus cristatus is a rare and protected species of Europe and Latvia. In Latvia, its populations are small and fragmented. They are exposed to many limiting factors, one of which is the predation of invasive fish Amur sleeper Perccottus glenii. Research on the interaction of P. glenii with native species allows for a better understanding of the triggers for the success of the species invasion.

To study the interaction of T. cristatus and P. glenii, an experiment was conducted. Two P. glenii fry with a total body length of 21-28 mm were placed in 16 boxes with pond water with the volume of 0.4 l. There were 3-4 branches of Ceratophyllum sp. and several Lemna sp. in the box; lighting – natural, t° = +23°C. In 8 experimental boxes, 2 T. cristatus pre-metamorphose larvae (L = 63-81 mm) were placed in each, in the control 8 boxes only P. glenii were placed. Before the experiment, the larvae of T. cristatus were not fed for 12 hours. Within 3 days, the number of alive, eaten and dead (killed) P. glenii was calculated in all boxes.

As a result of the experiment, it was found that the larvae of T. cristatus in three days ate 31% of the P. glenii whitebaits and killed 25%. In the control boxes, all P. glenii remained alive. As a result of this reciprocal predation from the general model population of P. glenii fry was removed 56% of the individuals. The study also noted in three cases of attempts by the larvae of T. cristatus to eat dead juveniles of P. glenii.

The study was conducted according legislation of Latvia and with support of the VIAA project Nr. LV-UA/2018 “The ecological and biological triggers of expansion of the invasive fish, Chinese sleeper (Perccottus glenii), in Eastern Europe”.

THE FIRST RECORD OF THE TURTLE LEECH PLACOBDELLA COSTATA (FR. MÛLLER, 1846) (HIRUDINIDA: GLOSSIPHONIIDAE) ON THE EUROPEAN POND TURTLE EMYS ORBICULARIS IN LATVIA

Pupins MihailsDaugavpils University, Institute of Life Sciences and Technology, Parādes Str. 1a, Daugavpils, LV-5401, [email protected]

In 2014, three Emys orbicularis populations for the first time in Latvia were restored in the Nature park Silene (Daugavpils district, South-Eastern Latvia; Natura 2000 code LV0300400). Subadultus individuals bred and cultivated for 6-8 years in the zooculture were released in wild: Kaskade population – 15 individuals, Strauts population – 15, and Ieleja population - 12 individuals. They adapted in the nature and were observable during the subsequent years.

41


In 2017, when catching these turtles for monitoring by fish traps fyke net, ectoparasites identified as Turtle leech Placobdella costata (Fr. Muller, 1846) were for the first time found on previously released adult individuals in the Kaskade population (55.690616°; 26.788265°). P. costata were found on every E. orbicularis caught here in 2018. P. costata were localized mainly on the plastron and on the zone of the plastron - the skin of the limbs, pelvis and neck, several individuals were found on carapax. On one turtle, I found from 2 to 8 P. costata of various sizes.

When the turtles were caught, P. costata continued to remain on them outside of water for 6–24 hours, which makes it possible to distribute P. costata by E. orbicularis, including by land to other water bodies.

P. costata parasitism is vector of distribution of Haemogregarina stepanovi (Danilewsky, 1885) in E. orbicularis (Arizza et al. 2016), the presence of P. costata on the released turtles may indicate the previous historical distribution of E. orbicularis in this territory.

I thank Raimonds Cibuļskis for identification of the species. The study was conducted with support of the VIAA project Nr. LV-UA/2018 “The ecological and biological triggers of expansion of the invasive fish, Chinese sleeper (Perccottus glenii), in Eastern Europe”.

OCCURRENCE OF GALIUM TRIFLORUM MICHX. AND GALIUM SCHULTESII VEST. WITHIN LANDS MANAGED BY THE LATVIA’S STATE FOREST

Rove Ieva, Kreile Vija, Marga DiānaThe Joint – Stock Company “Latvijas valsts meži”, Vaiņodes Str. 1, Riga, LV-1004, [email protected], [email protected], [email protected]

With 3.8 million ha of forests or 56.9% of the territory, Latvia is among the most forested countries in Europe. The highest amount and diversity of nature values in Latvia occur in the State forest managed lands. The Joint-Stock Company “Latvijas valsts meži” established in 1999, manages over a half of Latvia’s forests. LVM manages state-owned forests and aims to ensure sustainable stewardship of these forests. Integrated management considering nature conservation and maintenance of biological diversity takes important place within strategic and tactical planning of lands managed by the LVM.

Functional management of forests covers various aspects, the basis of longterm sustainable development is to balance interests of nature conservation and economics. Since 2010, great attention has been dedicated to implement these aims. Registration of rare and endangered species – as a point or polygon shaped findings (LKS 92 coordinate system) take place. As well, a surveillance of habitats of these species, has been initiated as a one aspect to maintain biodiversity within lands managed by the LVM. In cases where a habitat of a target species meet criteria of a certain European Union importance habitat, separately has been marked a code, variant and quality of the habitat type.

The objective of this study is to analyse quantitative and qualitative aspects of occurrence of registered findings of Galium triflorum and G. schultesii, such as vitality of findings, habitats and their quality. This basis information gives an overview about distribution of target species and possible correlation with a habitat and its quality.

42


First results – a general analysis of species findings since 2011, shows: Galium schultessi reaches northern border of natural distribution range; prefer spruce, birch, aspen, oak and lime stands on dry mineral soils; rarely occur in wet forests on elevated surfaces and in ecotones; forest age is not limiting factor; G. triflorum shows more homogeneous distribution range in Latvia as it was known before.

New data gives more information about distribution of forest related Galium species and improves knowledge about these rare and protected species and their habitats.

This study has been done on a basis of field surveillance data since 2011, about the Galium triflorum and G. schultesii registered by the LVM Environmental experts: Vija Kreile, Diāna Marga and Ieva Rove.

SANITARY CONDITION OF TWO-YEAR-OLD PICEA ABIES (L.) KARST. PLANTATIONS

Ruba Jeļena, Miezīte Olga, Liepa Imants, Sisenis Linards, Brizga DaceLatvia University of Life Sciences and Technologies, Liela 2, Jelgava, LV-3001, [email protected]

The high-quality anthropogenic forest regeneration requires high-quality planting material, timely and correct soil preparation for forest plantation productivity promotion. It is important to identify timely adverse effects of biotic factors and to start protect young plantations against them. Accordingly, the aim of the research is: evaluate and analyze dendrometric indicators and sanitary condition of two-year-old Picea abies (L.) Karst. plantations in Aluksne district in Hylocomiosa growing conditions. The study was conducted in the autumn period, and four young stands with a total area of 7.1 ha were selected. In total, 56 sample plots (hereinafter SP) were established with a radius of 3.99 m (50 m2). In each SP, the diameter at the root collar, the total number and average height of the trees were determined, as well as damage of tree caused by abiotic factors, dividing them by the types of the detected damage (weevil, artiodactyls, needle defoliation). Further, each damaged tree was assessed individually, dividing damage into degrees: minor damage (~ 30% of tree stem diameter), medium damage (30 - 50%), withered tree (died in the current year) and dead tree. In the two-year-old P. abies plantations the number of trees was: in the first stand - 2380 ± 554 pcs. ha-1, in the second - 2560 ± 432 pcs. ha-1, in the third - 2220 ± 232 pcs. ha-1 and in the fourth - 2320 ± 249 pcs. ha-1, respectively, the average diameter at the root collar and height of the tree were: 1.25 ± 0.013 cm and 0.31 ± 0.002 m; 1.44 ± 0.028 cm and 0.33 ± 0.003 m; 1.24 ± 0.039 cm and 0.32 ± 0.004 m; 1.36 ± 0.050 cm and 0.31 ± 0.005 m (α = 0.05). The proportion of damaged trees in the first stand was 44%, in the second - 47%, in the third - 44%, while in the fourth - 69%. In investigated young spruce stands there were no significant differences between the number of damaged trees (p = 0.12>α = 0.05), but such were between damage types (p = 0.003 <α = 0.05). The occurrence of damage caused by Hylobius abietis L. was 23-46%, by artiodactyls - 2-12% and defoliation of needles - 0-3%. The damaged tree damage intensity was insignificant 2-3%, except the fourth forest stand with an area of 1.2 ha (14%), which is adjacent to the forest animal feeding glade.

43


NEW SPECIES OF THE GENUS PACHYRHYNCHUS GERMAR, 1824 (COLEOPTERA: CURCULIONIDAE: PACHYRHYNCHINI) FROM THE GREATER MINDANAO PAIC (PHILIPPINES)

Rukmane AnitaDaugavpils University, Institute of Life Sciences and Technology, Parādes Str. 1a, Daugavpils, LV-5401, [email protected]

Genus Pachyrhynchus Germar, 1824 recently became a very interesting object of taxonomical studies for many foreign taxonomists, this is confirmed by the fact that from 2012 number of species within genus has risen by 46 which is nearly 30% of total species number. As a result of careful taxonomic studies of closely related species from different Islands on Mindanao PAIC, four new species of the genus Pachyrhynchus Germar, 1824 (Coleoptera: Curculionidae) has been described. All species show high similarity according to significant morphs and structure of male aedeagus. Illustrations of habitus in dorsal and lateral view, as well as drawings of male and female genitalia, are included. The distribution map is provided.

GENUS LEPIDIUM L. IN THE FLORA OF LATVIA

Rūrāne Ieva1, 2, Roze Ieva2

1 University of Latvia, Botanical Garden, Kandavas Str. 2, Riga, LV-1083, Latvia2University of Latvia, Institute of Biology, Miera Str. 3, Salaspils, LV-2169, [email protected]

Genus Lepidium L. is one of the largest genera in family Cruciferae in the flora of Latvia comprising 8 species – L. campestre (L.) R. Br., L. densiflorum Schrad., L. latifolium L., L. perfoliatum L., L. pinnatifidum Ledeb., L. ruderaleL., L. sativum L. and L. virginicum L.

Lepidium is a morphologically well-separated genus in Cruciferae. Leaves are entire to pinnately divided. Species of Lepidium have a different number of stamens. Cruciferae typically has 6 stamens but in Lepidium there are also 2 and 4 stamens in flower. Petals are white, longer than sepals, equal in length or they are absent. Fruit is silicula and shape varies from orbicular to ovate.

Species of Lepidium mostly occur in anthropogenic habitats – railway embankments, railway tracks, weed-laden sites, roadsides, landfills as well as a weed in gardens. Only L. ruderale is native in Latvia and is distributed throughout the territory rather rare. As confirmed by herbarium data two species are found very rare – L. virginicum in 1913 and L. pinnatifidum in 1961. Distribution of L. campestre is related to railways and weed-laden sites and as rare species is mainly found in the middle part of Latvia. L. sativum is grown in gardens and very rare is found in the wild. L. perfoliatum and L. latifolium distribution are related to Coastal Lowland and only some individuals are found in the Eastern part of Latvia, Daugavpils. L. densiflorum is found rather rare in the Central and Eastern part of the territory.

44


OUTBREAK DYNAMICS OF THE EUROPEAN BARK BEETLE IPS TYPOGRAPHUS (L.) (COL.: CURCULIONIDAE, SCOLYTINAE) IN 2012-2016 IN THE BIAŁOWIEŻA FOREST INSPECTORATE Rutkiewicz Artur, Bilczuk Piotr, Byk AdamWarsaw University of Life Sciences – SGGW, Faculty of Forestry, Department of Forest Protection and Ecology, Nowoursynowska str. 159 B. 34, 02-776 Warszawa, [email protected]

The European spruce bark beetle is, from an economic and ecological point of view, one of the most serious forest pests in Europe. The pest outbreaks, such as after droughts, are likely to trigger dieback of host trees on a large scale within several years. Such predictions and consequences are currently observed in stands with spruce in the Białowieża Primeval Forest. The Białowieża Primeval Forest is central to this analyzes of collected data, because the area remains divided into parts with different nature protection statuses. Since 2012, gradation of the bark beetle has been developing in the Bialowieza Forest. A considerably high level of the bark beetle infestation can often be observed in disturbed and unmanaged spruce stands such as those in protected areas, which leads to a greater beetle pressure on neighbouring managed stands. Management and control of this insect is a controversial subject due to the forests’ diverse nature and protection status. If managed stands border unmanaged ones, the edges of cleared infestation spots often become reinfested with bark beetles, due to a high beetle pressure from the uncleared stands.

The paper presents the development and dynamics of bark beetle gradation in one of the forest inspectorates in the Białowieża Primeval Forest. The development and dynamics of the bark beetle population in the years 2012-2016 were estimated using data on settled trees as well as tipping and scrap on individual secretions. Using the numerical map of the Białowieża Forest, an analysis of the spatial distribution of settled trees (m3 / ha) was carried out. The analysis was based on a habitat type of forest, age class and stand function. The increase in the size of the bark beetle population is currently influenced by favorable conditions for its reproduction, that is damage from wind and hydrological disturbances. It is advisable to continue monitoring the emerging settled deposition, even if it cannot be obtained. The collected results will give the opportunity to provide detailed documentation of the course of gradation and research. The analyzes confirmed the influence of the age of forest stand and forest habitat on the course and dynamics of gradation.

ESTONIAN SOIL INVERTEBRATE FAUNA - CURRENT KNOWLEDGE AND FUTURE PERSPECTIVES Sammet KaarelEstonian University of Life Sciences, Fr.R.Kreutzwaldi 1, 51006 Tartu, [email protected]

The studies of Estonian soil invertebrates have been quite unsystematic. Although the first data date back to XIX century, and there are some well known animal groups, large gaps exist in the knowledge of others. The Estonian fauna of soil-dwelling Nematoda is moderately known, with good knowledge of root-parasitic nematodes, but few data on free-living species. Next to nothing is known of soil Rotifera and Tardigrada. Soil Annelida are quite well known, but there are still many species expected to be found. The Estonian faunas of Opiliones, Pseudoscorpiones and Myriapoda

45


were recently revised. Other soil arthropods are variably known: the data of some groups of insects (Carabidae, Staphylinidae and Formicidae) are relatively comlete, put deficient for other groups (Hemiptera, Thysanoptera, Hymenoptera: Ceraphronoidea). The data on soil mites (Acari), woodlice (Oniscidea) and springtails (Collembola) are accumulating, and reviews of the fauna are expected in the coming years. Overall it is estimated that less than 10 per cent of the Estonian soil animal species have published records.

MEDICINAL AND SPICE (AROMATIC) PLANTS (MAPs) OF ASTERACEAE FAMILY BIODIVERSITY AND RESEARCH IN LITHUANIA

Saunoriūtė Sandra1, Ragažinskienė Ona1, Maruška Audrius Sigitas2

1 Vytautas Magnus University, Scientific sector of Medicinal and Aromatic Plants, Botanical Garden, , Ž. E. Žilibero str. 6, LT- 46324 Kaunas, Lithuania2 Vytautas Magnus University, Instrumental Analysis Open Access Center, Faculty of Natural Sciences, , Vileikos str. 8, LT-44404 Kaunas, [email protected], [email protected], [email protected]

The diversity of medicinal and spice (aromatic) plants (MAPs) is important from the scientific and practical point of view (WHO traditional medicine strategy: 2014-2023). WHO estimated that 80 percent of people worldwide rely on herbal medicine for some aspect of their primary health care needs. According to WHO around 21 000 plant species have a potential for being used as MAPs. In the twenty-first century specific attention is paid to conservation, preservation and cultivation of MAPs and to the evaluation of their quality and quantity (The Global Strategy for Plant Conservation 2011-2020).

The aim of research is the introduction and phytochemical investigation of Asteraceae Bercht. & J.Presl family MAPs.

Complex interdisciplinary research on Asteraceae Bercht. & J.Presl family MAPs by modified methods of collection and phytochemical analysis is carried out in two bases: The Scientific Sector of Medicinal and Aromatic Plants of Botanical Garden and The Instrumental Analysis Open Access Center in Faculty of Natural Sciences at Vytautas Magnus University.

The primary introductory study of Asteraceae Bercht. & J. Presl family MAPs has enabled following conclusions: Phenological observation, phytochemical investigation of Asteraceae Bercht. & J. Presl family revealed that new species from foreign geographic regions can be successfully introduced in Lithuania. Asteraceae Bercht. & J. Presl is a large family of MAPs and sources of raw material, used for pharmacy, phytotherapy, veterinary and food industry practice.

46


SEASONAL CHANGES IN THE ENERGY RESERVES OF FRESHWATER ALIEN AMPHIPOD GAMMARUS VARSOVIENSIS IN THE RIVER DAUGAVA (LATVIA)

Savicka Marina, Brakovska Aija, Paidere JanaDaugavpils University, Institute of Life Sciences and Technologies, Parādes str. 1a, Daugavpils, LV-5401, [email protected], [email protected], [email protected]

Gammarus varsoviensis is amphipod in the European freshwaters (Poland, Belarus, and Lithuania), now the species is recognized as a Ponto-Caspian origin. The species in the Daugava River is known only from 2006 year. Various researches of G. varsoviensis including biochemical are still insufficient. In crustaceans (also amphipods), as in almost all animals, glycogen and triglycerides are the main energy storage compounds. Both compounds have different functions in metabolism and are used over different time-scales. The levels of glycogen are representative of the energy available for current activities whereas lipids are used during starvation or reproduction periods. The aim of this study was to characterize the seasonal variations of energy reserves in freshwater alien amphipod G. varsoviensis.

Samples of amphipod were obtained seasonally once a month (May-September) in the Daugava River. Glycogen and triglyceride concentrations were higher in females than in males (by 91% and 86% respectively, p < 0.05) and showed seasonal trends. Triglycerides accounted for 82 ± 2% and glycogen for 18 ± 2% (annual mean ± SD) of the total stored energy. The concentration of stored triglyceride in G. varsoviensis was highest in June and September (19.30 mg/g*FW and 15.65 mg/g*FW respectively) and declined continuously during spring and late summer (p<0.05), probably due to the reproductive status of organisms and their feeding behaviour. The lowest values of glycogen and triglyceride were measured in late spring (1.71 mg/g*FW and 8.22 mg/g*FW respectively). The results of this study showed that parameters related to energy reserves appeared correlated with gender and physiological status of organisms.

This research was supported by the DU Research Project No. 14-95/3 “Research of contributing factors on biological invasions of alien amphipods (Pontogammarus robustoides, Gammarus varsoviensis)”.

SEEDLINGS FROM BOG AND DRY SITES SCOTS PINE POPULATIONS’ GERMINATION AND EARLY GROWTH DIFFERENCES

Sirgediene MonikaVytautas Magnus University, K. Donelaičio g. 58, Kaunas, LT-44248, [email protected]

Scots pine is wind dispersed species; both seeds and pollen are dispersed by wind. Germination is very important process which depends on different biotic and abiotic factors and if conditions are inappropriate (wrong time, location) then this process causes death of the individual and may have an important role for the population. Scots pine germination under field conditions depends on soil temperature, moisture, light intensity, seed color, mass, seed source. On natural conditions germination process depends on microhabitats, too. Bogs are ombrotrophic peatlands with a surplus of water (usually) and more than 30 cm of peat layer. This means that Scots pine has to adapt to

47


survive in harsh conditions. The main objective of this research is to identify if early growth and development of Scots pine seedlings from bog site differs from seedlings from dry sites if growing in the same conditions. Differences between bog site and dry site seeds mass and germination are statistically significant, but germination energy does not differ between sites. There are no statistically significant differences between bog site and dry site seedlings at the beginning of the early growth. Bog site and dry site seeds germination energy is quite similar and it means that on harsh (natural) conditions seeds have equal possibilities to germinate. During the first two weeks seedlings from both sites develops equally and only latter differences in early growth become visible and meaningful.

THE IMPORTANCE OF BROKEN CROWNS LYING ON THE GROUND FOR THE SURVIVAL OF LATE-SUCESSIONAL CARABIDS BEETLES IN WINDTHROWN STANDS

Skłodowski JarosławWarsaw University of Life Sciences – SGGW, Faculty of Forestry, Department of Forest Protection and Ecology, Nowoursynowska str. 159 B. 34, 02-776 Warszawa, [email protected] Disturbed forest stands by storm are usually removed entirely without leaving broken trees under which the late-sucessional fauna could possibly find refugee. Windthrow occurring on August 11, 2017, in north Poland disturbed 120,000 hectares of pine stands and broke 10 million m3 of trees. The majority of the disturbed stand was cleared during the year. For educational and scientific purposes, untouched disturbed pine stands were left at Lipusz Forest Inspectorate, Gdańsk Forest District (Poland) - in few forest divisions. The study of carabid assemblages (Coleoptera, Carabidae) was carried out in 2018 year. Five different treatments of disturbed stands were distinguished on the basis of the severity of canopy cover disturbance of the trees which survived the windthrow and presence of the tree crowns lying on the ground. The stands comprised severely disturbed stands (canopy cover of 0%), moderately disturbed stands (canopy cover of 40–60%) and the least disturbed stands, consisting of practically undisturbed stands in which all or nearly all trees survived (canopy cover of 60-80%).

Moderately and severely disturbed stands had 2 treatments: with the tree crowns lying on the ground and without, or rather between those crowns. Based on the abundance and rarefacted number of carabid species I didn’t confirm the hypothesis of higher abundance and species number in the assemblages inhabiting the lying tree crowns than in open windthrown stands without those trees. Based on the carabids of ecological traits, I confirmed the hypothesis of a greater share of late-successional species in carabid assemblages living under lying crowns than in the assemblages living outside them in open windthrow stands. This dependence is the more stronger in more disturbed stand.

48


BRYOPHYTE FLORA OF OUTCROPS OF DEVONIAN SANDSTONE ON YASHCHERA RIVER (LENINGRAD PROVINCE)

Smirnova Evgeniia, Kushnevskaya HelenaSaint-Petersburg State University, University Embankment, 7-9, Saint-Petersburg, [email protected]

Outcrops of Devonian sandstone are an unusual attribute for flat landscape and are always associated with especial flora. We explored mosses and liverworts from such kind of habitat on example of the Yashchera river’s scarps (Leningrad province). The full list of species for this place is compiled for the first time and includes 49 species (20 liverworts and 29 mosses). Collection of data was held with dividing material depending on its location. We received four groups of samples which differ in sets of species and substrate physical characteristics. The first group, these are mesophytic bryophytes that are ordinary for boreal forests; the second group, these are mosses of solid parts of sandstone growing in conditions of free surface runoff from forest litter; the third group of samples are with domination of liverworts on dry and solid parts of sandstone; the fourth group, these are species connected with places of groundwater seepage. The greatest number of species is found in group of mesophytic bryophytes of boreal forests. The type of groupings with liverworts domination is the most frequent of occurrence and most rare species belong to it. Six bryophytes were discovered which are rare for the province: Bazzania trilobata (L.) Gray (Red Data Book of Leningrad Province), Mylia taylorii (Hook.) Gray (Red Data Book of Leningrad Province), Pohlia lescuriana (Sull.) Grout, Pohlia proligera (Kindb. ex Breidl.) Lindb. ex Arnell, Saelania glaucescens (Hedw.) Broth. (Red Data Book of Leningrad Province, the first record from the south part of the province), Tritomaria quinquedendata (Huds.) Buch. Previously, in 1995 Arnellia fennica (Gottsche & Rabenh.) Lindb. was marked for sandstones of Yashchera, but we could not confirm it with our material for nowadays.

THE INFLUENCE OF FOREST HARVESTING ON UNDERSTOREY VEGETATION IN HYLOCOMIOSA FOREST TYPE IN ZEMGALE, LATVIA

Straupe Inga, Liepa Līga, Vencele Arina, Saveļjevs AleksandrsLatvia University of Life Sciences and Technologies, Liela 2, Jelgava, LV-3001, [email protected]

Forest harvesting technologies are constantly evolving, volumes and intensity of logging increase, as a result the composition and cover of the understory vegetation changes as well as physical and chemical properties of the soil have been effected.

The aim of this study is to assess the effects of forest harvesting machines on the diversity of understory vegetation after the harvesting in the Hylocomiosa forest type in Zemgale region, Latvia. In total 10 sampling plots have been established in each of seven forest tracts during the vegetation season of 2017. The understory vegetation has been estimated according to Braun-Blanquet approach: the total coverage of herb and moss layer in percentage has been detected and the proportion of each species has been assessed and also plant species has been specified by ecological groups.

Results showed that forest harvesting machines do not effect amount of herbaceous species and their

49


coverage, but change the composition of species and transform the moss layer substantively. Also forest harvesting machines do not affect the species diversity of the herbaceous layer, but change the composition of moss layer. The increase of intensity of impact of the harvesting machines results with decrease of species diversity of the moss layer.

VEGETATION OF DWARF BIRCH BETULA NANA L. LOCALITIES IN LATVIA

Strode Linda1, 2, Brūmelis Guntis2

1National Botanic Garden, Miera Str. 1, Salaspils, LV-2169, Latvia2 University of Latvia, Faculty of Biology, Jelgavas Str. 1, Riga, LV-1004, [email protected] Dwarf birch (arctic dwarf birch, bog birch, scrub birch, swamp birch), Betula nana L., is a glacial relict in the flora of Latvia. It is included in the specially protected species list of Latvia (Red List) and Red Data Book of Latvia as a vulnerable species decreasing in number.

B. nana is circumpolar in distribution with ssp. nana found in the western coastal regions of Greenland, across Iceland, the British Isles, northern Europe and southward to the Northern Alps, and into western Siberia. From its continuous northern European distribution, it is local and mainly on mountains in the southern part of its range.

In Latvia, continuous distribution area of B. nana reaches its south-western border. In general, it is known that B. nana distribution and occurrence in Latvia is associated with different peatland habitats in northern, central and eastern part of the country. The aim of this study was to describe ecological conditions of B. nana habitats using vegetation data. This study presents flora and vegetation inventory in 14 localities distributed relatively evenly throughout the area. Vegetation inventory was carried out in 145 relevés in four habitat types: 7110* Active raised bogs, 7120 Degraded raised bogs still capable of natural regeneration, 7140 Transition mires and quaking bogs and 91D0* Bog Woodlands (including two localities relatively strongly influenced by drainage).

EARTHWORMS (LUMBRICIDAE) OF TATARSTAN REPUBLIC

Sukhodolskaya Raisa A., Gordienko Tatyana A.Laboratory of Biomonitoring Research Institute for Problems of Ecology and Mineral Wealth Use of Tatarstan Academy of Sciences, Kazan, Russian [email protected]

During 25 years period we investigated diversity of Lumbricidae in Tatarstan Republic. Studies took place on the territory in the middle flow of Volga river at its confluence with Kama river. It is south taiga, broadleaved forests and forest-steppe subzones. Lumricidae fauna includes 16 species and subspecies from 20, recorded on Middle Volga Region: Lumbricus terrestris Linnaeus 1758, Lumbricus castaneus Savigny 1826, Lumbricus rubellus Hoffmeister 1843, Aporrectodea longa Ude 1826, Aporrectodea rosea Savigny 1826, Aporrectodea caliginosa caliginosa Savigny 1826, Aporrectodea caliginosa trapezoids Dugesi 1828, Octolasion lacteum Orley 1885, Dendrobaena octaedra Savigny 1826, Dendrodrilus rubidus tenuis Eisen, 1874, Eisenia nordenskioldi nordenskioldi Eisen 1873, Eisenia uralensis Malevic 1950, Eisenia fetida Savigny 1896, Eiseniella

50


tetraedra tetraedra Savigny 1826, Perelia tuberosa Svetlov 1924, and not recorded earlier Eisenia intermedia Michaelsen, 1901. These are European and asian cosmopolitians (species of Eisenia genus) and Ural endemics E. intermedia and P. tuberosa. The most abundant in republic plow worm A. caliginosa, pink Eisenia A. rosea, gigrofilious calcofilic O. lacteum and sibirican E. nordenskioldi.

The earthworms are sensitive to soil moisture, acidity and anthropogenic impact. The habitat broadleaved forests, flood meadows and forests (alders, willows, elms). Among mentioned above there are rare species, among them synanthropic A. longa (we have recorded it in Kazan city), amphibiotic E. tetraedra tetraedra. The latter prefers gray forest and podzol soils.

Endemic species P. tuberose quit often is recorded in the east of Tatarstan. E. fedida is abundant at cattle farms and treatment facilities.

ALTITUDINAL VARIATION OF SEXUAL SIZE DIMORPHISM IN GROUND BEETLE CARABUS ODORATUS

Sukhodolskaya Raisa A.1, Ananina Tatyana L.2, Saveliev Anatoliy A.3

1Institute of Ecology, Tatarstan Academy of Sciences, Kazan, Russian Federation, [email protected] Park “Zapovednoe Podlemorie”, Republic of Buryatia, Russian Federation3Kazan (Volga region) Federal University, Kazan, Russian Federation

The different reproductive roles of males and females of a species act as strong sexual selection agents that can lead to dimorphism. Dimorphic attributes can include behaviour, morphology and body size. Differences in body size, termed sexual size dimorphism (SSD), are commonly observed in the plant and animal kingdoms and can be measured with a sexual dimorphic index (SDI). Female-biased SSD, where females are larger than the males, tends to predominate in ectothermic invertebrate and vertebrate species, whereas male-biased SSD is common in many birds and mammals. Various rules and theories have been proposed to explain variation in SSD, both within and between species, but recently studies in intraspecific SSD variation became very popular.

We conducted our study in north-east region of Baikal Lake (N 54° 20’; E 109° 30’) (National Park “Zapovednoe Podlemorie”, Republic of Buryatia, Russian Federation). Numerous mountains within Barguzin chain resulted in different habitat types and consequently in the development of various microclimate conditions that contribute to the biodiversity of this area with high species and intraspecific variabilities evolved especially within species with weak dispersal power. Beetles were sampled in 30 -km high-altitude transect of Barguzin mountain range in Davsha river valley. The altitudinal transect was stretched from the coast of Baikal Lake to the bald Barguzin zone. It was divided into four belts designated as Coast (458 m alt.), Low mountain (518 – 635 m), Middle mountain (721 – 1279 m), High mountain – (1407 – 1700 m). Our study took place in 1988 – 2016. In total 900 specimen were measured for six morphometric traits. We used Reduced regression models II to reveal trends in SSD variation in C. odoratus.

SSD was most pronounced in high mountains. Regression coefficients (β) were always positive, demonstrating that females and males body size varied in the same direction and regression slope differed from 1, indicating SSD at all altitudes and in all traits, excluding cost beetles. But Intercepts sometimes were negative and slopes were higher than 1. That result proved that males in middle mountains were more sensitive to environment than females.

51


GENETIC STRUCTURE OF THE PERCH PERCA FLUVIATILIS (L.) POPULATION FROM DAUGAVA AND LIELUPE RIVERS

Škute Nataļja, Oreha Jeļena, Krivmane Baiba, Everte ArinaLaboratory of Molecular Biology and Genetic, Department of Ecology, Institute of Life Sciences and Technology of Daugavpils University, Parades St. 1A, [email protected]

The fish resources are among the most valuable biological resources in Latvia. To evaluate the influence of economic activity (antropogenic influence of cities, hydroelectric power stations) on freshwater ecosystem, the genetic structure of perch Perca fluviatilis (L.) populations in Daugavas River and Lielupe River was studied. Perch samples were collected from Daugava River in Riga city (Voleri), in Riga HEP (Tome), in Ķegums HEP (Ķegums) and Lielupe River near estuary (Grīva) and in Jelgava city. The genetic structure has been investigated using 9 DNA microsatellites (Pfla-L4, Pfla-L10, Pfla L2, Pfla L6, YP111, YP78, YP60, Svi L10, Svi L7). The existence of null alleles, the bottleneck effect, number of alleles, observed and expected heterozygosity, departures from Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium and linkage disequilibrium were determined for each locus and population. Structuring and genetic differentiation of the five Perca fluviatilis (L.) populations were estimated by principal component analysis, Bayesian clustering (STRUCTURE) and by FST. It was shown, that perch population in the Daugava River in the territory of Riga is significantly different among all other populations and there are the poor of heterozygotes in this population. The genetic differentiation is essential for fish populations between Kegums HEP and Riga HEP reservoirs due to the fragmentation of population by HPS dams. Bayesian clustering of all perch individuals assuming a two genetic clusters of individuals: one cluster is populations from Daugava River in Riga city (Voleri), in Riga HEP (Tome), in Ķegums HEP (Ķegums) and Lielupe River near estuary (Grīva) and other cluster is population in Jelgava city. This can be explained by the fact that, despite the presence of dams on the Daugava River and some fragmentation, the perch population in the Daugava River and in the coastal zone of the Gulf of Riga are genetically similar unlike the other catchment area (Lielupe River, Jelgava city).

DEVELOPMENT OF ENVIRONMENTAL DNA (EDNA) EXTRACTION METHOD FOR DETECTION OF EUROPEAN POND TURTLE EMYS ORBICULARIS L.

Škute Nataļja, Petjukevičs Aleksandrs, Everte Arina, Pupins MihailsDaugavpils University, Institute of Life Sciences and Technology, Department of Ecology, Laboratory of Molecular Biology and Genetic, Parādes Str. 1a, Daugavpils, LV-5401, [email protected], [email protected], [email protected], [email protected]

Environmental DNA (eDNA) refers to the genetic material that can be isolated from different environmental samples. The rapidly expanding study of eDNA has generated unprecedented ability to detect species and conduct genetic analyses for conservation, management, and research, particularly in scenarios where a collection of whole organisms is impractical or impossible. Some organisms may shed less tissue into their environment than others may and depends on habitats preferences a behavior may limit accumulation and detectability of eDNA. Detection of eDNA may not be equally effective for all taxonomic groups. The European pond turtle, Emys orbicularis (Linnaeus,

52


1758), is one of the world’s most widely distributed chelonian species. In Latvia, the European pond turtle Emys orbicularis L. is an extremely rare species, living at the northern border of the species’ range.

Water (2L) with possible samples of eDNA from native species of turtles were collected from Latgales Zoo tanks. Water samples kept at 4°C after collection and filtered within 24 hours. Water filtered through the 1.2μm Whatman TM 47mm GF/C glass microfiber filters. Filters were stored up to 2 weeks at −80°C before DNA extraction. Total genomic DNA extracted according to simple salting out procedure from cut filters. DNA quantified and qualified spectrophotometrically, quality of the DNA was estimated electrophoretically with 2% agarose gel in TBE buffer. Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) was used to amplify an mtDNA fragment containing the complete cyt b gene of Emys orbicularis. This method can be used for rapid detection of turtles in different ponds.

LEAF MORPHOLOGICAL VARIATION AND INTERSPECIFIC HYBRIDIZATION OF NATIVE ULMUS SPECIES IN LITHUANIA Tamošaitis Sigitas1, Jurkšienė Girmantė1, Petrokas Raimundas1, Baliuckas Virgilijus1, 2

1Institute of Forestry of Lithuanian Research Center for Agriculture and Forestry, Department of Genetics and Tree Breading, Liepų Str. 1, LT-53101 Girionys, Kaunas distr., Lithuania2Vytautas Magnus University, Agriculture Academy, Faculty of Forest Science and Ecology, Institute of Forest Biology and Silviculture, Studentu Str. 11, LT-53361 Akademija, Kaunas distr., [email protected] [email protected] Putative natural hybrids between the elms (genus Ulmus) were observed in the mixed forests of Lithuania. Nine research sites of the native elms have been chosen to grasp their coexistence at natural habitats, normally moist or temporarily wet particularly fertile sites, preferably where the taxa are occupying the same or overlapping areas. Randomly chosen fully expanded leaves from mature shoots were collected. Leaf samples were taken from 114 trees: 5-7 leaves for each individual. 16 parameters of leaves have been set with WinFolia 2016 Leaf analyzer, 4 values were calculated, and leaf pubescence was determined by microscope. The one-factor analysis of variance (ANOVA) was carried out to get the significance of the parameters of morphological traits in the identification of species. Most species differed according to these morphological traits (criterion F was 15.9-29.8): branching of veins, pubescence of the angle of the secondary vein, pubescence of petiole bottom, pubescence of the main vein, pubescence of the secondary vein, pubescence of the bottom of leaf blade, pubescence of petiole top. The morphological traits of the leaves were analyzed by PC-ORD Principal Component Analysis Method (PCA) using Pearson’s and Kendall correlation and individualized visualization of individuals on a multidimensional scale. According to the studied morphological traits, European white elm (Ulmus laevis Pall.) is characterised by high pubescent density of the main and secondary veins of the lower side of the leaves. The upper side of the petiole is not always abundantly pubescent and pubescence on the lower side is less common. The secondary veins do not stretch. The wych elm (Ulmus glabra Huds.) secondary veins are usually branched. There is abundant pubescence on both primary and secondary veins. And petiole is especially abundantly pubescent. Field elm (Ulmus minor Mill.) and smooth-leaved elm (Ulmus minor ssp. minor Richens.) have intermediate characteristics between above mentioned species. They have lower veins and petiole pubescence. Characteristics of hybrid elms are closer to field elms. Siberian elm (Ulmus pumila L.) is characterized by an abundance of pubescence, the all secondary veins are branched.

53


FAUNISTIC REVIEW OF TETRATOMIDAE AND MELANDRYIDAE (COLEOPTERA: TENEBRIONOIDEA) IN LITHUANIA

Tamutis Vytautas 1, 2, Ferenca Romas1, Pollock Darren A.3

1Kaunas Tadas Ivanauskas Zoological Museum, Laisvės al. 106, LT-44253 Kaunas, Lithuania2Vytautas Magnus University, Studentu Str. 11, LT-53361 Akademija, Kaunas distr., Lithuania3Eastern New Mexico University, Department of Biology, Portales, NM 88130, [email protected], [email protected], [email protected]

The members of the Tetratomidae and Melandryidae families (polypore fungus and false darkling beetles) belong to the assemblage of saproxylic beetles and inhabit mainly forests. They are important by their roles in the decomposition process nutrient cycling of coarse woody matter in forested areas, and also in research of declining forest ecosystem biodiversity. The absence of purposeful investigations on these beetles in Lithuania encouraged us to re-examine all available specimens and compile an annotated checklist of the species of Tetratomidae and Melandryidae, based on critical analysis of previously published information and results of comprehensive examination of newly collected material. The peculiarities of some morphological structures of Dircaea australis, Phloiotrya subtilis, Orchesia fusiformis, O. micans and Zilora cf. obscura are briefly reviewed and illustrated. Information on five species of Tetratomidae and twenty-two species of Melandryidae is given, including faunistic data, prior records, chorotype, general distribution, and notes on frequency, ecology and morphological peculiarities of some species. Eustrophus dermestoides (Tetratomidae), Phloiotrya rufipes and Hypulus bifasciatus (Melandryidae) known from previous literature records are excluded from the Lithuanian fauna due to suspect data on their occurrence in the country. Phloiotrya subtilis and Orchesia fusiformis are recorded from Lithuania for the first time. The presence of Tetratoma fungorum and Abdera flexuosa in the Lithuanian fauna was confirmed by actual faunistic data, which were previously absent. Four species of Tetratomidae and 20 species of Melandryidae are confidently included in the Lithuanian fauna, corresponding to 50% of the total European fauna of both families excluding regional endemics. Only two chorotypes represent the Lithuanian fauna of Tetratomidae (Sibero-European – three species, European – one species), and seven chorotypes – of Melandryidae (Holarctic – three species, Palearctic – one species, Western Palearctic – one species, Asiatic-European – three species, Sibero-European – seven species, European – four species and Central European – one species).

54


SEX DISTRUBITION IN ASSEMBLAGES OF CARABID BEETLES (COLEOPTERA, CARABIDAE) IN SELECTED FOREST TYPES IN THE HOLY CROSS MOUNTAINS (GÓRY ŚWIĘTOKRZYSKIE, POLAND)

Wróbel Grzegorz1, Huruk Stanisław2, Barševskis Arvīds3, Janisz Barbara4

1The Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, The Jan Kochanowski University, ul. IX Wieków Kielc 19, 25-317 Kielce, Poland2Departament of Zoology and Biological Didactics, Institute of Biologii, The Jan Kochanowski University, ul. Świętokrzyska 15, 25-406 Kielce, Poland3Daugavpils University, Institute of Life Sciences and Technology, Parādes Street 1a, Daugavpils, LV-5401, Latvia4Urząd Miasta Nowego Sącza, Rynek 1, 33-300 Nowy Sącz, [email protected]

In the years, 2001-2002 and 2011-2012, research on the structure of carabid beetle assemblages in the Holy Cross Mountains (Góry Świętokrzyskie, Poland) was carried out in 14 types of forest [mesic coniferous forest Peucedano-Pinetum (Bśw), dry coniferous forest Cladonio-Pinetum (Bs), moist coniferous forest Molinio caeruleae-Pinetum (Bw), swamp coniferous forest Vaccinio uliginosi-Pinetum (Bb), mixed coniferous forest Querco roboris-Pinetum (Bm), fir forest Abietetum polonicum (Bj), Calamagrostis forest Calamagrosito villosae-Pinetum (Bt), thermophilous oak forest Potentillo albae-Quercetum petraeae (Sd), linden-oak-hornbeam forest Tilio-Carpinetum (Gd), fertile Carpathian beech forest Dentario glandulosae-Fagetum (Zbk), fertile Sudetian beech forest Dentario enneaphyllidis-Fagetum (Zbs), acidic lowland beech forest Luzulo pilosae-Fagetum (Kbn), riverside forest Fraxino-Alnetum (Lg) and alder swamp forest Ribeso nigri-Alnetum (Ol)].

The research included the identification of sex distribution in carabid assemblages. This paper presents the preliminary results of our analysis of the sex distribution of carabid assemblages in the years 2011-2012. The numbers of males and females captured in the different forest types in 2011 and 2012 differed significantly between the years [(2011: ♂H=27,874, p=0.0094; ♀H=31,327, p=0.003) (2012: ♂H=23,699, p=0.034; ♀H=25,265, p=0.0213)]. The sex index, i.e. the ratio of the male to female carabid count, indicates that there were more females than males in most forest types investigated (see table below).

YearForest type/sex index

Bsw Bs Bw Bb Bm Bj Bt2011 0,811 0,452 0,831 0,794 0,977 0,807 1,0822012 0,726 0,621 0,672 0,730 0,745 0,605 0,739

Sd Gd Zbk Zbs Kbn Lg Ol2011 0,837 0,699 0,871 0,879 0,867 0,959 1,6052012 0,880 0,672 0,576 0,624 0,532 0,676 0,681

55


ANTIFEEDANT EFFECT OF LICHEN-FORMING FUNGI EXTRACTS ON HIGHLY INVASIVE SPANISH SLUG, ARION VULGARIS Zolovs Maksims1, Jakubāne Iveta1, Kirilova Jelena1, Kivleniece Inese1, Moisejevs Rolands1, Koļesnikova Jelena1, Pilāte Digna2

1Daugavpils University, Institute of Life Sciences and Technology, Parādes Street 1a, Daugavpils, LV-5401, Latvia2 Latvian State Forest Research Institute “Silava”, Rīgas Str. 111, Salaspils, LV-2169, [email protected]

The protection of horticultural crops or floricultural plants from slug feeding can be achieved using slug pellets but application of molluscicides is not always safe to environment. Alternative methods should be discovered to reduce the palatability of crop plants. Chemical properties of secondary compounds of lichens influence the feeding behaviour of slugs. Liquid extracts of three lichen species (Cladonia rangiferina, Cladonia stellaris and Pseudevernia furfuracea) were appliqued on three different crops and tested for antifeedant properties against urgent agricultural pest, the Spanish slug Arion vulgaris. All three extracts showed specific activity which was related to decrease in grazing intensity and slug weight loss after feeding on treated food. Slugs significantly gain weight after feeding under control condition and did not gain weight under experimental condition. The most effective extract was from P. furfuracea. We suggest to use discovered properties of lichen extract to develop a new environmentally friendly biological methods.

ADVANCES OF CONTEMPORARY MAMMALOGY IN LITHUANIA

Balčiauskas LinasNature Research Centre, Vilnius, [email protected]

Mammal diversity in Lithuania is very moderate in comparison to countries in southern Europe, we have no endemic or highly threatened species, and mammalogy is not very a popular field of scientific research in the country. Despite this, mammalogists of the Nature Research Centre have achieved notable results covering several subjects. This lecture is intended to cover all or some of the listed topics, according the interactive choice of the auditorium:● Socioeconomic changes are the basis for the dynamics of game populations (differing outcomes in post-socialist countries);● Large carnivores – politics overcomes biology (results of a three-year citizen science project, and why Latvia and Lithuania are so different in terms of wolf management);● Genetic diversity of Lithuanian game species in a European context (wolf, lynx, raccoon dog and moose);● Mammal roadkills – is this a serious threat to biological diversity and a waste of resources?;● Human dimensions of mammals (among others, European bison – an example of change in species acceptance after decisions in species management);● Small mammals in colonies of Great Cormorants – life under the rain of faeces (null hypothesis was “no mammals can live in such places”);● Formation of a small mammal community in limited space – results of stable isotope analysis;● Clines in space and time – small mammal examples.

56


DIVERSITY OF SMALL MAMMALS IN COMMERCIAL GARDENS AND BERRY FIELDS OF LITHUANIA

Balčiauskas Linas, Balčiauskienė Laima, Stirkė VitalijusNature Research Centre, Vilnius, LithuaniaE-mails: [email protected], [email protected], [email protected]

Small mammals, primarily voles and mice, are pests of agricultural ecosystems, damaging crops and transmitting pathogens. At the same time, they are an important part of biological diversity and providers of ecosystem functions. For the first time, in 2018, we evaluated species composition, abundance and diversity of small mammal communities in 15 commercial orchards and berry plantations in Lithuania, representing other Baltic countries with similar climate and agricultural traditions, testing the influence of crop type and intensity of agricultural practices. Out of 10 small mammal species registered in the gardens, the dominants were common vole and striped field mouse. Small mammal diversity and abundance was related to the season (increasing in the autumn) and depended on the intensity of agricultural practices (decreasing in sites with highest intensity), being not dependent on crop type. Small mammals were not found in the most intensively cultivated gardens. The diversity of small mammal communities in gardens was significantly higher than in crop fields. The highest diversity was in apple orchards, exceeding most types of forests except those in rapid succession (growing in former meadows or after cutting). Diversity in plum orchards was in line with natural forests. Berry plantations were characterized by small mammal diversity being in line or exceeding cropland and forests, but lower than in meadows.

Documents

BOOK OF ABSTRACTS10thbiodiversity.biology.lv/bookofabstracts2019.pdf10th INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE ON BIODIVERSITY RESEARCH, Book of Abstracts, Daugavpils, 24.26.04.2019 ... Prof. Jarosaław