A fixed-precision-level sampling plan was developed to establish control of the two-spotted spider mite, Tetranychus urticae, in two strawberry greenhouses (conventional plot, natural enemy plot). T. urticae was sampled by taking a three-leaflet leaf (1 stalk) from each plant (3 three-leaflet leaves) from each sampling position. Each leaflet was divided into three different units (1-leaflet, 2-leaflet, and 3-leaflet units) to compare relative net precision (RNP) values for selection of the appropriate sampling unit. The relative net precision values indicated that a 1-leaflet unit was more precise and cost-efficient than other units. The spatial distribution analysis was performed using Taylor’s power law (TPL). Homogeneity of the TPL parameters in each greenhouse was evaluated by using the analysis of covariance (ANCOVA). A fixed-precision-level sequential sampling plan was developed using the parameters of TPL generated from the combined data of the conventional plot and natural enemy plot in a 1-leaflet sampling unit. Sequential classification sampling plans were also developed using the action threshold of 3 and 10 mites for pooled data. Using the results obtained in the independent data, simulated validation of the developed sampling plan by Resampling validation for sampling plan (RVSP) indicated a reasonable level of precision.
An analysis of recent studies and a field survey were conducted to investigate the distribution of the exotic species Ophraella communa LeSage (Coleoptera, Chrysomelidae) and the results’ applicability for biological control against ragweed, which disturbs the island’s ecosystem. The ragweed beetle (O. communa) can be found anywhere on the host plant Ambrosia artemisiifolia L., which grows in Jeju Island. Moreover, ragweed beetles possess the following characteristics: a high host plant specificity, a high-temperature resistance, an excellent mobility, and multivoltinism. Ragweed is extensively distributed and gradually expands its habitat further on Jeju Island. For this reason, it is recommended to take advantage of O. communa for the biological control of ragweed instead of pesticides or direct removal, considering that Jeju is endowed with many natural reserves and unique insular traits.
The length frequency and weight-length relationships within the loach population of Misgurnus anguillicaudatus were investigated in environment-friendly (EFP) and conventional paddy fields (CP) in South Korea, in order to identify the influences of farming practices to the loach population living in paddy ecosystem. The size-frequency of distribution of M. anguillicaudatus populations noted to differ significantly when the loach populations of the EFP and the CP were compared. The mean weight and length of the loach population in EFP was greater than those of the loaches in CP. The equations based on weight and total length relationship in EFP and CP were W=0.000004L3.0747 and W=0.000002L3.2106, respectively. The condition factor (K) against total length of loaches at two paddy field types with different farming practices indicates that the loach population in EFP (mean K=0.95) had access to better nutritional conditions than those in CP (mean K=0.67). It therefore appears that the size and structure of loach populations in rice paddy fields might be affected by farming practices.
Rice fields are important stopover sites for the conservation of shorebirds during long-distance migration. These fields serve as food sources providing energy for the next leg of the journey. Shorebirds are able to change their preferred food source at stopover sites. However, the type and distribution of food resources remain unknown for the shorebirds in the Republic of Korea. Therefore, we studied the type and distribution pattern of food resource (macroinvertebrates, remaining rice, and other seeds) for shorebirds in the rice fields. We have identified potential and actual food sources for shorebirds in the rice fields. The potential food sources were collected by using a core-sampling method and the actual food source was ascertained by observational analysis. As a result, a total 19 species of benthic macroinvertebrates in 15 families were recorded as potential food sources. A total of 9 families in 9 orders of benthic macroinvertebrates known to be actual food sources were also recorded during the study period, including loaches, and a tuber of sea club rush. Also, the distribution of the food source depended on soil conditions generated by cultivation such as plowing, harrowing, and the use of pesticides. In the present study, we identified the type and distribution of food sources for shorebirds. This information can be used as essential primary baseline data for conservation of shorebirds using the rice fields of the Republic of Korea.
Shrimps infected with WSSV (White Spot Syndrome Virus) generally exhibit white spots in their inner space of carapaces as an acute clinical sign. In an effort to identify the correlation between this acute clinical sign and the condition, the index factors (RNA/DNA concentration and ratio, trypsin activity) were analyzed. A total 580 farmed Fenneropenaeus chinensis and 130 Lithopenaeus vannamei were collected from western and southern fifteen outdoor ponds in Korea. The status of the white spot pathology was divided into four stages (stage 0, stage I, stage II, and stage III), in accordance with the clinical signs as to the size and area of white spots. A significant decrease in RNA concentration and RNA/DNA ratio for multi-infected fleshy prawn (WSSV and vibrio sp.) occurred during the stage III (the whole carapace is covered with a white spot). In particular, RNA/DNA ratio was significantly lower as 1.47±0.04 than other groups. A similar trend was also found in the single infection (WSSV), but the decrease was less than the multi-infection. In the species comparison, both species were vulnerable to the multi-infection, but L. vannamei was more sensitive than F. chinensis (ANOVA, p<0.05): A significant decrease in RNA concentration and RNA/DNA ratio was first found in stage II for the former species, while it was found in stage III for the latter species. Trypsin activity was also showed a similar tendency with nucleic acid variation. Multi-infected shrimp showed drastically decrease of trypsin activity. According to the results, clinical signs of the white spot under carapace have an only physiological effect on shrimp if they covered entirely with white spots.
This study is for the consideration of the existence tendency of Kudoa septempunctata in olive flounder. In general, muscle has shown a strong PCR positive reaction in spores containing tissues rather than non-containing tissues. However, blood PCR results showed opposed tendency. In various organs of the tested fish containing spores in muscle tissue, heart had shown positive reaction along with muscle at PCR analysis. Muscle fiber necrosis was observed at the histological observation, and this degeneration was common in both samples. The one sample was the PCR positive muscle containing spore and the other was the PCR positive muscle non-containing spore. Both of muscle tissues indicated a positive reaction at ISH (in-situ hybridization) against K. septempunctata.
The water spider (Argyroneta aquatica), a rare member of its species, is one of the few insects known to live under water all over the world. In Korea, the water spider can be found only in the Eundae-ri, Yeoncheon, Gyeonggi province, where they are designated as a natural monument. However, loss of habitat is obvious, as the Eundae-ri wetland undergoes hydrarch succession. Loss of habitat has a direct impact on the water spider population. Thus protective measures for the water spider are needed to preserve the water spider habitat. In this study, a sweeping and visual survey of insect species was conducted in the water spider habitat from May to September 2015. The characteristics of each one of the different insect species and the community features were analyzed in this study. A total of 3,929 insects representing 276 species from 13 orders collected for the analysis. The most frequently collected insects from the Order Hemiptera represented 24.2% of total species and 82.3% of the total number of insects. Community analyses showed dominance, diversity, evenness, and richness indices of 0.23, 2.27, 0.41, and 31.2, respectively. Compared with the previous survey data, these results showed that reduction of the spider’s wetland habitat caused the most commonly collected insects to adapt and spread to the surrounding terrestrial environment.
The purpose of this study was to investigate the seasonal distribution of phytoplankton as prey for oysters and to characterize the environmental factors controlling their abundance from June 2016 to May 2017, in the northeast coast between Tongyeong and Saryang Island, particularly for the oyster farming area. During the survey period, water temperature changed from 7.54°C in February to 29.5°C in August. The abnormal high temperature persisted during one month in August. Salinity was low due to summer rainfall and typhoon. The lowest level was 30.68 psu in September, and it peaked at 34.24 psu in May. The dissolved oxygen (DO) concentration ranged from 6.0-9.45 mg L-1, and the DO concentration in the surface layer was like that in the bottom layers. The seasonal trends of pH were also like those of DO. The pH ranged from 7.91 to 8.50. Nitrate with nitrite, phosphate, and silicate concentrations ranged from 0.14 μM to 7.66 μM, from 0.01 μM to 4.16 μM, and from 0.27 μM to 20.33 μM, respectively. The concentration of chlorophyll a (Chl. a) ranged from 0.37 μg L-1 to 2.44 μg L-1 in the surface layer. The annual average concentration was 1.26 μg L-1. The annual mean phytoplankton community comprised Bacillariophyta (69%), Dinophyta (17%), and Cryptophyta (10%), respectively. Dinoflagellate Prorocentrum donghaiense in June was the most dominant at 90%. In the summer, diatom Chaetoceros decipiens, Rhizosolenia setigera and Pseudo-nitzschia delicatissima were dominant. These species shifted to diatom Chaetoceros spp. and Crytophyta species in autumn. In the winter, high densities of Skeletonema spp. and Eucampia zodiacus were maintained. Therefore, the researchers thought that the annual mean Chl. a concentration was relatively lower to sustain oyster feeding, implying that the prey organism (i.e., phytoplankton) was greatly controlled by continuous filter feeding behavior of oyster in the vicinity area of the oyster culture farm.
This study examined the relationship between dinoflagellate cysts and vegetative cells, to a certain extent, by conducting a germination experiment on dinoflagellate cysts collected from a sediment trap and surface sediment. The germination experiment showed that 56.8%, 25 of the 44 species of dinoflagellate cysts seen in the sediment trap, germinated, which confirmed the relationship between cysts and vegetative cells. The germination experiment also found that Votadinium carvum showed different forms of vegetative cells in all three forms of cysts, which required an accurate identification of the species through a genetic analysis. Furthermore, the species known to be the cyst of Cochlodinium polykrikoides was determined to be Cochlodinium sp., and the cysts of C. polykrikoides did not appear.
Sexual dimorphism of the mouthpart, antenna and mandible of the Cyllorhynchites ursulus in South Korea was studied with linear measurements. The mouthpart and antenna measurements were conducted with a stereoscopic microscope using 122 specimens (72 males and 50 females). Microscopic observation of the mandible were conducted with a Field Emission Scanning Electron Microscope (FE-SEM) using 103 specimens (73 males and 30 females). Results showed that the size difference between males and females was significant in the size of the mouthpart and antenna. On the other hand, we could not detect sexual size dimorphism in the microstructure of the mandible. The bivariate plots made by the result of Principal Component Analysis (PCA) and Discriminant Analysis (DA) showed a size dimorphism in the size of the mouthpart and the antenna between males and females. Based on our study, sexual dimorphism in the mouthpart and antenna exists in C. ursulus from the South Korean population, and this difference seems to be related to the behavioral differences between males and females.
A marine algal species belonging to Gigartinales was collected from Geoje, Korea. This shares the generic features of Ahnfeltiopsis, such as multiaxial thalli with a compact and pseudoparenchymatous medulla, densely cytoplasmic secondary medullary cells around immersed cystocarps with a carpostome, and is distinct from similar species within the genus by a combined feature of small (up to 4 cm tall) and tuft thalli, compressed to subcompressed branches except for ultimate branchlets and base of main axes, cartilaginous in texture, dichotomous branches, rarely produced proliferations, absence of hypha-like filament in the medulla and internal cystocarps with a carpostome. In phylogenetic tree based on rbcL sequence, the Korean species nests in the same clade with Ahnfeltiopsis linearis. The genetic distance between both sequences within the clade was 1.5%, considered to be within the intra-species range for the genus. This morphological and molecular evidence confirms the Korean alga to be identified as A. linearis originally described from California. This is the first record of A. linearis in Korea.
Development, survival, and reproduction of brown planthopper (BPH) Nilaparvata lugens Stål (Hemiptera: Delphacidae), were studied in laboratory at 25±2°C, 65±5% RH and a 16L : 8D hours photoperiodism on five rice cultivars of: Dongjin 1ho, Chungchungbyeo, Jangseongbyeo, Chinnongbyeo and Jungmo 1045. BPH nymphs successfully survived on all rice cultivars, although survival rate was lowest on Jangseongbyeo (36.0%). Developmental time of immature stages ranged from 11.7±0.59 d on Jungmo 1045 to 12.8±0.59 d on Chinnongbyeo. Reproductive period and female longevity were longest on Dongjin 1ho, Chinnongbyeo and Jungmo 1045 while highest fecundity of N. lugens being observed on these three rice cultivars. Highest and lowest net reproductive rates were calculated on rice cultivars, Jungmo 1045 and Jangseongbyeo, respectively. Mean generation time was the longest on rice cultivar Dongjin 1ho. Respective descending order of intrinsic rates of population increase were on Jungmo 1045, Chinnongbyeo, Dongjin 1ho, Chungchungbyeo and Jangseongbyeo. These population parameters showed that N. lugens can successfully survive and reproduce on Chinnongbyeo and Jungmo 1045.
In this study, the fauna of freshwater fish were investigated from March until October of 2016 in 24 independent streams in the Jeonnam and Jeonbuk provinces, which were flowing into the Yellow Sea. The health of the aquatic ecosystem in those streams was assessed through the biological and abiological character index (BAc index). During the surveyed period, a total of 4,127 individuals were collected; they belonged to 59 species of 44 genera in 18 families. The most dominant species identified was Zacco platypus, and 12 species were endemic species of Korea, including Rhodeus uyekii. The BAc index indicated a statistically significant correlation (p<0.01 or 0.05). The stage distribution of the aquatic ecosystem health assessment showed the highest rating of 41.7% at the “Fair” stage. The “Good” and “Poor” stages accounted for 20.8% while the “Excellent” stage took up 16.7%. It has been confirmed that the aquatic ecosystem health of independent streams is influenced more by the abiological character index as a consequence of geographical characteristics and artificial/natural limiting factors, than by the biological character index.
Nannophya pygmaea (commonly known as the scarlet dwarf dragonfly) was designated as an endangered species, level II, by the Ministry of Environment of Korea in 1994; it has been used as a flagship species for the protection and preservation of wetlands. Over 25 sites in Korea have been identified as the habitat of Nannophya pygmaea. However, most of these habitats have proven to be unstable, and there have been subsequent changes in the assemblage structure and organization. Most habitats changed to become grasslands or plain ground, and now only five habitats remain. Although efforts have been made to protect the Nannophya pygmaea as an endangered species, their habitat loss has increased, caused by natural succession and drought. Therefore, we need to make stronger protections in the preservation manual of level II endangered species, particularly Nannophya pygmaea, and its native habitats in Korea.
Rivers continuously transport terrestrial organic carbon matter to the estuary and the ocean, and they play a critical role in productivity and biodiversity in the marine ecosystem as well as the global carbon cycle. The amount of terrestrial organic carbon transporting from the rivers to ocean is an essential piece of information, not only for the marine ecosystem management but also the carbon budget within catchment. However, this phenomenon is still not well understood. Most large rivers in Korea have a well-established national monitoring system of the river flow and the TOC (Total Organic Carbon) concentration from the mountain to the river mouth, which are fundamental for estimating the amount of the TOC flux. We estimated the flux of the total terrestrial organic carbon of five large rivers which flow out to the Yellow Sea, using the data of the national monitoring system (the monthly mean TOC concentration and the monthly runoff of river flow). We quantified the annual TOC flux of the five rivers, showing their results in the following order: the Han River (18.0×109 gC yr-1)>>Geum River (5.9×109 gC yr-1)>Yeongsan River (2.6×109 gC yr-1)>Sumjin River (2.0×109 gC yr-1)>>Tamjin River (0.2×109 gC yr-1). The amount of the Han River, which is the highest in the Korean rivers, corresponds to be 4% of the annual total TOC flux of in the Yellow River, and moreover, to be 0.6% of Yangtze River.
For our survey of insecticidal resistance of Palm thrips (Thrips palmi Karny), we established the discriminating time (DT) and concentration (DC) of nine insecticides, and we conducted a bioassay about seven local populations via leaf-dipping methods. The discriminating times of the recommended concentration (RC) were 24 h at emamectin benzoate EC and spinetoram SC, 48 h at chlorfenapyr EC, 72 h at spinosad SC, cyantraniliprole EC, acetamiprid WP, dinotefuran WG, imidacloprid WP and thiacloprid SC after treatment. The DC estimated the concentration which showed the difference within the mortalities of these local populations. The DCs were emamectin benzoate EC 0.013 mg L-1 (RC, 10.8 mg L-1), spinetoram SC 0.125 mg L-1 (RC, 25.0 mg L-1), chlorfenapyr EC 0.25 mg L-1 (RC, 50.0 mg L-1), spinosad SC 0.083 mg L-1 (RC, 50.0 mg L-1) and cyantraniliprole EC 5.0 mg L-1 (RC, 50.0 mg L-1), and DCs of neonicotinoids were their RCs, that is, acetamiprid WP (RC, 40.0 mg L-1), dinotefuran WG (RC, 20.0 mg L-1), imidacloprid WP (RC, 50.0 mg L-1) and thiacloprid SC (RC, 50.0 mg L-1). From our investigation into the resistance of the local populations with DT and DC application, the neonicotinoid insecticides have shown a high resistant level for all the local populations, and the other insecticides have demonstrated low or non-resistance. In the use of neonicotinoid insecticides to control Palm thrips, one must take caution. As a result, the establishment of DT and DC in the single dose bioassay method was helpful for surveying the insecticide response dynamics and the development of an insecticide resistance management strategy.
For four times, zooplankton collection were conducted seasonally in October 2015- July 2016 at five sites located in the wet lands of the lower Han River, ie., Si-am, Sung-dong, Gong-reung stream, San-nam and Jang-hang. A total of 46 species of zooplankton were collected, which comprise 25 species of rotifers, seven cladocerans, ten copepods, and one species of nematod, ostracod and decapod, respectively. No brackish and marine species were distributed except for two species of brackish water copepods. Prosperity in the species number of 15 species was observed in October at Sung-dong and Jang-hang. The maximum abundance was recorded in March at Si-am with 8,000 indiv. L-1 with the explosion of Brachionus calyciflorus. Other sites also showed high abundances in March with the abundance higher than 5,000 indiv. L-1. Except in March, the abundance levels were recorded as less than some hundred indiv. L-1 throughout the study. Species diversity varied between 0.4-1.8. The gut contents of the copepodite showed that various diatoms might be their major food items, and lots of unidentified materials were also observed. The environmental conditions of water temperature, pH and dissolved oxygen content showed to vary 10.1-28.2°C, 7.1-8.6 and 4.5-11.0 mg L-1, respectively.
The oxicity assesment of Phenanthrene (PHE) has been investigated by using the rate (r) of survival and population growth in rotifer Brachionus plicatilis. The survival rate was determined after 24 h of exposure to PHE. The survival rate of PHE had no effect at a maximum of 300 mg L-1. The r was determined after 72 h of exposure to PHE. It was observed that r in the controls (absence PHE) was greater than 0.5, but that it suddenly decreased with an increased concentration of PHE. PHE reduced r in a dose-dependent manner and a significant reduction occurred at a concentration of greater than 37.5 mg L-1. The EC50 value of r in PHE exposure was 63.7 mg L-1. The no-observed-effect-concentration (NOEC) of r in PHE exposure was 18.8 mg L-1. The lowest-observed-effect-concentration (LOEC) of r in the PHE exposure was 37.5 mg L-1. From the results, the concentration of PHE (greater than 37.5 mg L-1) has a toxic effect on the r of B. plicatilis in natural ecosystems. These results (including NOEC, LOEC and EC50) might be useful for the Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) toxicity assessment in marine ecosystems.
Bisphenol A (BPA), known as a typical endocrine disruptor, has been used commercially and widely for plastics and epoxy resins. BPA-based plastic is used extensively for the production of water bottles, food containers, CDs, DVDs, and panels that can be applied in construction. Epoxy resins containing BPA are used for coatings on the insides of water pipes, food cans, and thermal papers that are used in sales receipts. As its estrogenic effects and other adverse health effects have published, BPA has been regulated in many countries, and there have been efforts made to replace BPA. Other bisphenols substitutes such as bisphenol S (BPS) and bisphenol F (BPF) have been used. Currently, BPS- and BPF-based products labeled BPA-free products have been widely consumed. Because of structural similarities with BPA, however, these alternatives also show endocrine disruption effects like BPA, and many studies on adverse health effects of these alternatives are being reported. In this review, we describe the adverse health effects of bisphenols and the current status of regulation.
The macroalgal community structure was examined at the subtidal zones of six study sites, on the Southern coast of Korea from between May and August 2015. A total of 132 seaweeds, comprising 10 green, 28 brown and 94 red Seaweed, were identified. The seaweed biomass was 80.32 g dry wt. m-2 in average, and it was maximal at Geomundo (166.94 g dry wt. m-2) and minimal at Byeongpungdo (14.52 g dry wt. m-2). On the basis of the biomass, the Ecklonia cava was a representative species, distributed widely in the subtidal zone of the three islands (Yeoseodo, Geomundo, Baekdo). Also, the Sargassum sp. was dominant at Sejondo and Hongdo. The turbidity and light transmittance was divided into two groups. The seaweed community structure of group A (Byeongpungdo, Sejondo, Geomundo) was characterized by high turbidity, low light transmittance and a lower habitat depth than were observed in group B (Hongdo, Baekdo, Yeoseodo). As the water depth increased, the biomass decreased due to the lowered light transmittance. In Byeongpungdo and Sejondo, which showed high turbidity and low light transmittance, the degree of seaweed coverage was decreased with the depth of water. The ESGⅡ ratio of the Ecological Status Group was higher than fourty percentage in Byeongpungdo and Baekdo. Community indices were as follows: dominance index (DI) 0.35-0.90, richness index (R) 7.03-17.93, evenness index (J′) 0.22-0.60, and diversity index (H′) 0.79-2.18. The Macroalgal zonation of the subtidal zone was calculated by the Ecklonia cava and Brown algal population on five islands (Byeongpungdo, Yeoseodo, Geomundo, Beakdo, Hongdo). On the other hand, Undaria pinnatifida and Sargassum sp. dominated at Sejondo. Additionally, the biomass ratio and the species richness of green algae was lower in group A. These differences in the seaweed community structure may have resulted from the effects of turbidity and light transmittance.