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Currently, the distribution of beetles in the alpine ecosystem in the Tatra National Park is poorly known, making it difficult to determine conservation priorities for species with small and/or declining populations. As part of a parasitological study, soil samples were taken from the faeces of Tatra chamois and Tatra marmots for an analysis of the soil community from five sites. Four sites were situated in the Slovak Tatra Mts. (Lomnické sedlo and the Velická, Tomanovská, and Furkotská dolina) and Dolina Waksmundzka in the Polish Tatras Mts. Altogether, 332 beetle individuals belonging to 55 species and seven families were sampled over three years (2019 – 2021). The most abundant family was the Staphylinidae (266 individuals, 44 taxa). The rare species Ptiliolum sahlbergi (Flach, 1888) was found in Slovakia for the first time and was collected from strictly protected area. The species Baeocrara japonica (Matthews, 1884) is a second finding for Polish fauna. The study provides documentation on the distribution of beetles in an alpine ecosystem. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nardus stricta dominated grassland is a specific habitat occurring on the nutrient-poor soils. Its large areas were formed as a result of livestock grazing. However, landscape management underwent significant changes over the last decades including grazing cessation. This triggered successional processes leading to considerable changes in floristic composition reported from numerous European regions. We focused on this phenomenon in the Western Carpathian high mountains, where the issue was not studied sufficiently. Our research, based on pairwise comparison of 19 historical and recent phytocoenological relevés, confirmed changes here. These include (i) decrease in cover of some diagnostic species of Nardetea strictae class, especially Nardus stricta, (ii) increase in competitively strong species with their high biomass productivity, (iii) shift in floristic composition indicating conversion of Nardion strictae vegetation into other communities, especially those of Loiseleurio-Vaccinietea class, (iv) increase in Shannon-Wiener index values and (v) enrichment of originally oligotrophic grasslands with some nutrient-demanding species, mainly at lower altitudes and decrease in light-demanding species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Snow is not only abiotic component of cryosphere but also a true functional ecosystem. In the past were the Vysoké Tatry Mts, the highest mountains of the Carpathians, the most studied mountain area in the Europe in terms of cryoflora. The aim of this study was to investigate the occurrence of snow microorganisms and its environmental conditions also in other high mountains of Slovakia. Due to climatic conditions of high altitudes, snow patches persist in deep concave relief shapes until late of June. Therefore these conditions are suitable for snow microorganisms. Sampling of snow microorganisms was carried out from May to September of 2013 and 2014. In selected mountains were mostly found snow alga cf. Chloromonas nivalis and we found also the presence of individuals of cyanobacteria, microscopic fungi, ciliates, rotifer and tardigrade. Recorded occurrence of thaw-froze cycles during august and high intensity of photosynthetically active radiation (PAR) (max. 2133 μmol.m−2.s−1) could be considered as stress factors this harsh environment. The pH values of taken samples were slightly acidified, in some cases neutral. The conductivity of water from melted snow had high coefficient of variation (values characteristic for distilled water until values 160 μS.cm−1). The chemical analyses determined the higher content of N-NO3 in analysed samples of melted snow in compare with content of N-NH4 and P-PO4. Despite these facts paper confirms potential of Slovak high mountains as suitable place for life of snow microorganisms. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ecological relationships between supplementary feeding and baiting in situ and vegetation patterns were studied in the mostly forest landscape of the Western Carpathians. We aimed to test the role of wildlife management practices in alien plants spreading. Altogether 82 localities with diverse hunting facilities stretched throughout several mountain areas and hills from northern to southern Slovakia were examined. Presence of vascular plant species was recorded for each locality. In addition, we sampled 33 phytosociological relevés to cover main vegetation types using methods of Zürich-Montpelière approach. Altogether 208 taxa of vascular plants consisting of 144 native and 64 alien ones were found. Among aliens, 44 archaeophytes and 20 neophytes were recognized, including 8 invasive species (Amaranthus retroflexus, Ambrosia artemisiifolia, Bidens frondosa, Conyza canadensis, Echinochloa crus-galli, Galinsoga urticifolia, Helianthus tuberosus, and Stenactis annua). Different habitat conditions as well as intensity and frequency of disturbances result in high community heterogeneity. Six plant communities and one group of stands with weak phytosociological relations were identified. A canonical correspondence analysis (CCA) was applied to explain the effect of hunting facilities, artificial feeds and elevation on species compositional pattern of vascular plants and neophyte species, while variation in percentage of aliens and neophytes was modeled using general linear model (GLM). The CCA revealed the significant role of bait site, elevation, coarse fodder (hay), grain feed and fleshy feed for species composition assemblages. The proportion of aliens decreased at higher elevations and increased with the occurrence of bait sites and with the use of grain feed and corn silage. The neophyte frequency was negatively associated with elevation and coarse fodder (hay), but positively associated with the presence of high shooting stand and crushed corn. Based on results concerning risk of alien and/or invasive plant species spreading, wildlife supplementary feeding, baiting and whatever fodder and crop decoy applications (except hay of local provenience) seem to be undesirable. Especially in natural ecosystems and strictly protected areas, consistent and controlled abidance of regulation has to be enforced. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Solidago minuta L., a high-mountain species of the Solidago virgaurea group, occurs on some European mountain chains but it has been suggested that morphological differentiation of S. minuta is controversial due to the existence a wide range of morphologically intermediate plants between lowland S. virgaurea s.s. and high-mountain S. minuta. However, the recent study of this group revealed that both S. minuta and S. virgaurea are morphologically distinct taxa and that their most important taxonomical characters are those relating to the capitulum and florets. The aim of the present study is to verify the distribution of S. minuta in the Polish Carpathians and Sudetes and to identify the ecological characteristics of the species in relation to soil and vegetation. Solidago minuta was found most commonly in the Tatra Mts, but was also frequently encountered on Babia Góra Mt. and on the Karkonosze Mts. In the Tatra Mts, this species occurs most frequently in the subalpine belt, ascending in places to the alpine belt and descending in open areas to the upper montane belt. The preferred soils were acid, the pH mainly being between 3.5 and 5.0, and with relatively low nutrient content. Direct gradient analysis (CCA) revealed that the most important environmental variables explaining the general variability in species composition were altitude, as well as soil calcium content and soil acidity. S. minuta was found to occur mainly in communities of the Calamagrostietalia villosae order, growing amongst tall grass on lime-deficient substrata and grazed semi-natural vegetation, which here, in the subalpine belt, is widespread. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Hymenoscyphus fraxineus causes ash dieback in Europe and threatens the future existence of Fraxinus excelsior in large parts of its natural distribution range. In this study, we report the first documented distribution of the pathogen on the most common ash species F. excelsior in Slovakia, identified molecularly using species-specific primers and based on sequencing of the ITS region of rDNA. Analysis of the mating type genes of H. fraxineus isolates revealed the presence of both mating types in Slovakia. Hymenoscyphus fraxineus-positive trees were recorded in 70 localities with different types of management in different parts of the country, mainly in forest stands. The results indicate the widespread distribution of H. fraxineus across the entire country, wherever the host is present. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Odonates are one of the best-known aquatic insect groups, with the renowned ability to reflect the quality of freshwater ecosystems. In the last few decades, major emphasis has been placed on the importance of secondary aquatic habitats as refugia for odonates. Biota of man-made habitats, especially dams, are burdened by countless negative anthropogenic impacts. Nevertheless, some habitat types appear to be able to support species with high conservation value. Here, we used generalised linear models to analyse the effects of several environmental characteristics, such as pH, conductivity, water area and perimeter of selected sites, to clarify the effects of drivers in terms of species richness of odonates. Water dams, flooded quarries, flooded gravel quarries and flooded sandpits have been compared based on the Dragonfly Biotic Index (DBI). We recorded 44 odonate species, including several red-listed ones, such as Epitheca bimaculata (Charpentier, 1825), Leucorrhinia caudalis (Charpentier, 1840) and L. pectoralis (Charpentier, 1825). Although the highest numbers of species were found at water dams, at such habitats, the lowest values of DBI were revealed. The fractional effect of habitat types on DBI was also proven to be significant. Increased conductivity resulted in a decrease of species richness. The positive correlation between habitat area and DBI was also proven to be significant. Our results indicate a high conservation value of different types of flooded quarries counter to water dams, based on the presence of several nationally threatened species with high values of DBI. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A new view on the syntaxonomy of the relict calciphilous woodlands of Scots pine (Pinus sylvestris) and Polish larch (Larix decidua subsp. polonica) in the Western Carpathians is proposed. All available data were processed by numerical analyses, and the results on the floristic criteria, phytogeography and history of the target stands are interpreted. This paper provides comprehensive information on the floristic composition, synmorphology, synecology, syndynamics, spatial distribution, and all specifics of the Western Carpathian forest communities that are classified within the Erico-Pinetea class. The authors confirm the legitimacy of the formerly described alliance Pulsatillo slavicae-Pinion sylvestris. Two main vegetation types within the alliance have been distinguished at the level of new suballiances (Pulsatillo slavicae-Pinenion sylvestris and Pulsatillo slavicae-Laricenion polonicae). Five new associations – namely, Pulsatillo subslavicae-Pinetum sylvestris, Pulsatillo slavicae-Pinetum sylvestris, Carici humilis-Laricetum polonicae, Arctostaphylo uvae-ursi-Laricetum polonicae, and Soldanello carpaticae-Pinetum sylvestris – have been described, typified and characterized. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Phytosociological research of the vegetation of Kyiv railways has been completed. Based on the analysis of 379 relevés using modified TWINSPAN and PC-ORD algorithms, it was found that the syntaxonomical structure of the study area includes 7 classes (Artemisietea vulgaris, Festucetea vaginatae, Galio-Urticetea, Plantaginetea majoris, Polygono-Poetea annuae, Robinietea, Stellarietea mediae), 12 orders, 18 alliances, 35 associations, 13 derivate and basal communities. The development of vegetation in man-made habitats leads to its significant complexity. It is manifested by changes in plant associations, their fragmentation and the formation of overgrowth type coenoses dominated by individual plant species. A significant degree of synanthropization, and in particular adventization, of the studied phytocoenoses was established. The participation of highly invasive species reduces local plant diversity and destroys their floristical and phytocoenotic structure. On the other hand, fragmented railway landscapes can function as new habitats or distribution corridors for local natural species. Trends of anthropogenic changes in the vegetation of the railways of Kyiv are the transformation and reduction of areas of natural vegetation, a decrease in its productivity, as well as an increase in the number of derivate plant communities, which are the successive stages of ecosystem development. The ecological features of the vegetation of the railways of the Kyiv urban area are discussed in comparison with the ruderal vegetation outside the railways. Comparative ordination analysis of these phytocoenoses shows that communities on the railways develop in extreme conditions of ecotopes poor on soil moisture and nitrogen content. The results of our research can be used for effective management of biodiversity on railways, and for the monitoring and development of control measures for the spread of non-native species. They can also be useful for sustainable planning and management of urban landscapes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The effects of various aquatic habitats on the abundance, species richness, diversity and taxonomic distinctness of Odonata were studied. The impact of environmental factors and living conditions in lentic habitats were expressed by the composition of coenoses, on the evaluation we used the Dragonfly Biotic Index. The positive effects of habitat heterogeneity on biodiversity are well known, but it is not clear how the diversity of studied and ecologically important taxa, such as odonates, may vary in different water reservoirs. We investigated how Odonata community metrics (composition, abundance, diversity and environmental compatibility) differ in lentic water: ponds, fishponds, excavation of mineral material and in marshlands, where biodiversity plays an important role. Using an entomological mesh, we took samples in the south-western part of Slovakia in six geo-morphological units at 54 study sites during four years. This study detected distinct odonates assemblage variations among habitats and heterogeneity among gradients. Wide ranges of microhabitats with different environmental properties create appropriate conditions for living span of them. Surprisingly, the highest species richness was recorded in the excavation of mineral materials habitats. Stagnicolous Odonata species correlated (CCA) with the habitats of excavation of mineral material and marshlands; showed links to the littoral vegetation and dense vegetation cover. While the euryecious species have been linked to the ponds and fishponds; and correlated with the water body size. It seems to be degraded habitats are not so much suitable for rare and endangered species, but to preserve the biological value of the environment and for the existence of the high abundance and species richness of odonates. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Throughout the ages, geological bedrock has significantly determined the structure of the Tatra stonefly taxocoenoses. Because of the high altitude and discharge of the streams, stoneflies are mainly affected by alkalinity, Ca, and Si. Statistical analysis has previously shown that alkalinity, Ca and Si content, catchment area, and altitude are correlated with the stonefly Tatrataxocenoses. In the present study, we recorded two different stonefly taxocenoses attached to different types of bedrock. For example, the stonefly species Amphinemura sulcicollis (Stephens, 1835), Protonemura auberti Illies, 1954, Protonemura nitida (Pictet, 1835), Leuctra braueri Kempny, 1898, and Dinocras cephalotes (Curtis, 1827) are characteristic for limestone brooks, while the genera Brachyptera Newport, 1848, Rhabdiopteryx Klapálek, 1902, Capnia Pictet, 1841, Perlodes Banks, 1903, Leuctra nigra (Olivier, 1811), and Perla grandis Rambur, 1842 are characteristic for crystalline streams. Furthermore, the Amphinemura sulcicollis species is characteristic of carbonate streams of the Carpathian Mts., while Brachyptera seticornis (Klapálek, 1902) is typical of crystalline streams. In crystalline streams, Perloidae represent 24–25%, however, just 13–15% in carbonate streams. Taeniopterygidae represent 11–14% in crystalline streams, while only 1–4% in carbonate streams. Finally, we recorded Nemouridae and Leuctridae as the dominate species in carbonate streams. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Researches and applied lichenological studies carried out in Slovakia were reviewed, with reference to the period 1960–2020. Field studies and reviews devoted to the causal relation between environmental pollution and lichens are presented, encompassing the use of biodiversity and bioaccumulation techniques as well as ecophysiological parameters in native and transplanted lichens. The review includes pioneering up to recent monitoring studies of air pollution effects in urban and industrial areas, monitoring changes in species distribution between the nineteenth and twentieth centuries due to atmospheric pollution and habitat alteration, the retreat of sensitive species (with a focus on Lobaria pulmonaria (L.) Hoffm.), as well as recent regional and large-scale biomonitoring in forests. Beside urban pollution, the topics cover copper and mining activities, mercury pollution, magnesite and aluminium production, steel and cement industry. Finally, also indoor biomonitoring has been considered. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of the present study was to assess the effect of cadmium (100 µM Cd) and/or silicon (5 mM Si) on the maize hybrid Reduta cultivated for 15 days in an isolated in vitro conditions. The growth parameters, Cd and Si accumulation, the expressions of the genes for Si transporters (ZmLsi1, ZmLsi2, and ZmLsi6), the root developmental changes and activities of antioxidant enzymes (guaiacol peroxidase, catalase, superoxide dismutase) were investigated. Silicon and/or Cd application altered the maize primary root development in terms of growth and apoplasmic barriers; lignification and suberisation of the exodermal and endodermal cell walls were enhanced both in Cd, Si, and CdSi treatment. The content of Cd which was predominantly accumulated in the roots decreased in the CdSi treated roots and in the 1st leaf in comparison with the Cd treatment. On the contrary, maize plants accumulated Si mostly in the leaves with no differences between the Si and CdSi treatment. The expression of the gene for Si influx transporter (ZmLsi1) was in the roots up-regulated due to Cd (Cd and CdSi treatment), but down-regulated in the Si treatment. The relative expression of the gene for Si efflux transporter (ZmLsi2) was regulated positively due to the Si, Cd and CdSi treatment with the peak in the CdSi treatment. A strong up-regulation of the ZmLsi6 which encodes the protein responsible for Si releasing into the leaves was in the 2nd leaf in the Si and Cd treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Vegetation at timberline responses sensitively to any environment change. Climate change along with land use changes, mainly grazing cessation, inspired us to study this question in the Tatra Mts, which includes the highest parts of the Western Carpathians. Here, we focused on expansion of phanerophytes, which took place over the last decades. Our research was based on resampling of historical phytocoenological relevés and comparing aerial images from 1973 to 2015. Our finding can be concluded as follows: (i) we confirmed increased frequency of phanerophytes, mainly Pinus mugo, to a lesser extent Juniperus communis and Picea abies in current dataset, (ii) Juncion trifidi grasslands and dwarf shrub communities dominated by ericaceous species are the most susceptible communities to the expansion of phanerophytes, especially those located close to the stands of trees and shrubs, (iii) the grasslands facing phanerophyte expansion are more light-demanding than others, (iv) phanerophytes significantly affect the light and temperature conditions on the sites, however, this influence does not markedly differ from the influence of tall grasses and chamaephytes, (v) area of grasslands was reduced by more than 22%, (vi) on former grasslands are mainly expanded Pinus mugo dominated shrub, (vii) transformations from grasslands into tree and shrub stands take place mainly on the south-facing slopes with an inclination of 30–40°, with the average annual insolation of 1 600–1 800 kWh/m2, (viii) the landscape structure has changed the least at altitude above 1 800 m. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Here, we present a brief introduction to sixteen full-text research articles of the Special Issue "Progress in Slovak Botany: a successful path to modern research on flora and vegetation" which are more-less a reflection of the current state of the study of botany in Slovakia. The papers bring results of classification and syntaxonomical revision of shrubs and forest vegetation, followed by research into vegetation diversity, ecology, and taxonomy. Special attention is paid to molecular methods in the research of plant taxa; one of the contributions evaluates the use of these methods in the study of population genetics of forest trees in Slovakia in the past 40 years. The other three papers use the knowledge of flow cytometry for a taxonomic study of selected representatives of the genera Tanacetum, Cotoneaster, Solanum and Nicotiana. A special issue also includes a new version of the checklist and a red list of hornworts and liverworts which updates data published 20 years ago. The checklist is followed by a paper on new localities and phylogenetic relationships of Leucoglossum leucosporum, a geoglossoid fungus whose occurrence is poorly known. The last two contributions are devoted to the impact of the environmental burdens on biota. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The paper aims to provide a comprehensive overview of karyological and morphological variability of the Tanacetum corymbosum group in Slovakia. We estimated DNA ploidy level and relative DNA content of 530 individuals (45 populations) using DAPI flow cytometry. The morphological variation was studied by univariate as well as multivariate morphometric based on 10 morphological characters of 351 individuals (39 populations). In addition, two characters were measured on 120 achenes (six populations). Flow cytometry analyses confirmed two predominant cytotypes within T. corymbosum group in Slovakia: diploids corresponding to T. clusii and tetraploids corresponding to T. corymbosum. Further, we recorded rare occurrence (1.3% of the dataset) of minority cytotypes – presumable triploids and pentaploids, probably originating from fusion of reduced and unreduced gamete in single species populations. One triploid plant found at the only one locality with common occurrence of T. clusii and T. corymbosum is most probably of hybrid origin. Morphological analyses showed that T. clusii and T. corymbosum could not be clearly distinguished by either of the studied characters but by combining all studied quantitative characters of stem, leaves, and corymbs, it was possible to correctly classify more than 91% of the plants. Number and size of stem leaves as well as capitula, and coloration of the margin of the involucral bracts were identified as the most useful for their determination. Based on revealed karyological and morphological differentiation of T. clusii and T. corymbosum, we favour to recognize them as two separate species rather than subspecies. A key for identifying native Tanacetum species in Slovakia is presented. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Species of macrofungi were collected from extremely polluted sampling spots in the vicinity of abandoned antimony mines in Slovakia. Concentrations of potentially toxic elements in plants and fungi were determined by ICP-MS and in soils and sediments by both ICP-MS and ICP-ES. Of the edible species the highest values of arsenic and cadmium were recorded in Agaricus arvensis, lead in Imleria badia, and species of the genera Boletus, Leccinum, and Suillus accumulated high levels of mercury. Suillus species also accumulated high levels of antimony and chromium. Bioconcentration factors were calculated for selected species and antimony, cadmium, and mercury were accumulated by most of the sampled species. Based on our results, Cardamine amara belongs to accumulators of potentially toxic elements. We do not recommend the consumption of edible mushrooms and medicinal plants from the studied localities, as they may pose a risk of intoxication for humans. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Calla palustris is a circumboreal species native to wetland habitats of the Northern Hemisphere. Information about the complex distribution, vegetation and ecology of C. palustris in Slovakia is still missing and scattered in several local published sources and herbaria. Therefore, we decided to (i) characterise its distribution and ecological pattern, and (ii) provide a complex vegetation affiliation of the species in this territory. C. palustris has been reported from almost 30 localities concentrated in the northern part of Central Slovakia, especially in the Západné Beskydy Mts. The number of records rapidly decreases towards southern and eastern Slovakia. The species prefers nutrient-poor and acidic sites in regions with humid and relatively cold climates. A vegetation analysis of available phytosociological relevés revealed the presence of C. palustris in the vegetation of mires (classes Scheuchzerio-Caricetea fuscae, Oxycocco-Sphagnetea, Vaccinio-Piceetea), alder carrs (Alnetea glutinosae class) and marshes (Phragmito-Magnocaricetea class). The major environmental gradients responsible for the variation in species composition of the vegetation were analysed in Detrended correspondence analysis (DCA) using Ellenberg indicator values for vascular plants. The first DCA axis corresponded to the amount of nutrients, soil reaction and temperature. Based on our study, the inclusion of C. palustris among vulnerable species within the Slovak Plant Red List is considered correct. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A complete syntaxonomical revision of beech, fir and mixed montane forest communities within the order Fagetalia sylvaticae was realised for the first time in Slovakia. We used all available phytosociological material and selected 3355 relevés according to the dominance of Fagus sylvatica, Abies alba and/or Acer pseudoplatanus in the tree layer. The second criterion was the presence of diagnostic species of alliances. To classify vegetation at the association level, we ran Modified Twinspan separately within each alliance. Finally, we accepted 18 associations within the alliances Fagion sylvaticae, Symphyto cordati-Fagion, Lonicero alpigenae-Fagion and Sorbo-Fagion. The concept of narrow alliances within the narrowly defined Fagetalia sylvaticae order was used. Associations of fir forests were combined with floristically similar associations of beech and mixed montane forests into the common higher units. Communities of Carpathian calcicolous montane forests were clustered in the newly described suballiance Tanaceto clusii-Fagenion including Cicerbito alpinae-Fagetum ass. nov. Another new association of Teucryo chamaedrys-Fagetum was described for species-rich thermophilous beech forests on carbonates (in Sorbo-Fagion alliance). Delimitation of Western and Eastern Carpathian mesotrophic beech and fir forests was resolved at the levels of association and alliance as well. Diagnostic species combinations, nomenclatural types, and the original forms of names and synonymy are provided for all units, along with brief descriptions of their structure, ecology and distribution. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Orchidaceae are an endangered group of plants that grow also in anthropogenic environment on initial soils. We investigated the influence of heavy metals on the populations of the orchids Epipactis atrorubens and Platanthera bifolia (Pb-Zn deposit Jasenie ̶ Soviansko), E. atrorubens (Ni-Co deposit Dobšiná ̶ Dobrá nádej), Cephalanthera longifolia and Epipactis pontica (Fe deposit Sirk ̶ Železník). All three localities represent sites with different soil conditions and various composition of toxic elements, which might influence the bioavailability of toxic elements to plant tissues. On studied localities, soil metal(loid) concentration varies from 21 to 2095 ppm for As, from 24 to 20 551 for Pb, from 41 to 2077 for Zn, from 24 493 to 345 480 for Fe, from 988 to 19 008 ppm for Mn and from 26 to 2017 ppm for Cu, respectively. Platanthera bifolia grows on the Pb-Zn deposit at Jasenie on slightly alkaline soils (pH 7.81). Epipactis atrorubens grows on the Pb-Zn deposit Jasenie on almost neutral soils with pH 7.36 and in Ni-Co deposit Dobšiná on slightly alkaline soils with pH 7.73. Cephalanthera longifolia tolerates a weakly acidic soil reaction (pH 6.58) on the Fe deposit Sirk. E. pontica prefers on the Fe deposit Sirk acidic soil (pH 4.98). The bioconcentration factor values for plant taxa from these old mining deposits indicate the dominant physiological strategy of the excluders. In smaller quantities, these heavy metals penetrate into the above-ground parts of the orchids (Ni, Co, As in Epipactis atrorubens from Dobšiná) and Pb (Pb-Zn waste dump at the locality Jasenie). In particular, low translocation factor values indicate in many cases that heavy metals are accumulated in the root, except of Cu that was slightly translocated to the shoot. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The diversity of vascular plant species at two border railway stations, Chop in southwestern Ukraine and Čierna nad Tisou in southeastern Slovakia, was studied and compared. The Chop station flora consisted of 240 taxa, while Čierna nad Tisou had 309 taxa. 173 taxa were common to both stations, 67 taxa occurred only in Chop and 136 only in Čierna nad Tisou. Native species prevailed over alien at both stations; neophytes dominated over archaeophytes in Chop, whereas archaeophytes were dominant in Čierna nad Tisou. The floristic composition of the Chop and Čierna nad Tisou railway stations included species which were mostly hemicryptophytes and therophytes, with European and Asian origin, predominantly insect pollinated, reproducing by seeds, mostly competitors, urbanoneutral or moderately urbanophobic, and growing in habitats moderately influenced by human activity. The native species were predominantly urbanophobic hemicryptophytes while the alien species were mainly urbanophilic therophytes that were more thermophilous than the natives. The most abundant families at both stations were Asteraceae and Poaceae. The greater species diversity in Čierna nad Tisou and the differences in species composition between the stations probably arise from the size, structure and treatment of the station, the station surroundings, and the size of the associated city. Species Euphorbia davidii, Galeopsis angustifolia, Geranium purpureum, and Grindelia squarrosa are discussed as examples of ferroviatic species migration. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

As a result of water regulation in the past, periodically exposed natural habitats with vegetation of the class Isoëeto-Nanojuncetea in Slovakia and the surrounding Central European countries have recently become scattered. Many of its characteristic species have, however, found opportunities for living in secondary habitats such as water reservoirs or field depressions. While much research has been carried out on amphibious vegetation in Slovakia, no data drawn from the Liptov Basin have been published to date. Here we provide the first vegetation survey of exposed banks of the Liptovská Mara Dam, four decades after its construction. Vegetation analyses identified three groups. Cluster 1 gathered on regularly exposed banks with nitrophilous perennial vegetation (Bidenti-Polygonetum hydropiperis and Rumici crispi-Agrostietum stoloniferae). Cluster 2 was found in the middle zone formed by annual stands and was the most widespread vegetation type within the studied object. In the newest surveys from the Czech Republic and Slovakia, vegetation with the same species composition was reported as Cyperetum micheliani. Comparison of those data with ours revealed that stands from Liptovská Mara belonged to the association Junco bufonii-Gnaphalietum uliginosi. Finally, cluster 3 grouped the most rarely exposed shores, with dwarf annual vegetation blocked by repeating inundation (Eleocharito acicularis-Limoselletum aquaticae). The length of flooding, slope and soil texture were the primary factors affecting the zonation of plant communities. Despite the secondary origin of the study object, the species composition is natural, and spreading of neophytes was not detected. In the case of such an artificial habitat, this is a remarkable finding. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study presents a light microscopy observation of the life cycle of the hypotrich ciliate, Paraurostyla weissei. The main aim of this study was to find out the primary reaction of the species P. weissei through the changing environmental conditions. First, the reaction to favorable conditions – asexual binary cell division was observed. The asexual division was a response to the persisting original conditions, which resulted in an overgrowth of cultures. Subsequently, the changes in culture conditions in two groups of watch glasses were tested. The first group of watch glasses was characterised by gradual dehydration, loss of living space and lack of food. Here, the unexpected total conjugation process was identified, and this rare process was characterised as a priority response of the Paraurostyla species to the unfavorable conditions. This is the first reference not to the course of the conjugation process, but to the fact that not only the formation of resting cysts, but also total conjugation can be an important adaptation strategy of the ciliates. Secondly, a gradual decrease in temperature associated with slower drying was tested. The observation result was almost an unchanged state in cultures. Just before the samples completely dried, the cells reacted by cell death. The finding of the inability to stimulate the encystation process of a relatively common hypotrich species was unexpected. Finally, the total conjugation process in the first group of tested cultures was a priority response to altered conditions. The aim was also to point out the plasticity of adaptation mechanisms within the life cycle of P. weissei. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The influence of altitude gradient on the animal communities in the Eastern Tatra Mountains of Slovakia has never been studied. There are some rare, endemic and relict animal species and even a group of small terrestrial mammals native to the Tatra Mountains. Between 2009 and 2014, research was conducted on the impact of altitude gradient on the species richness, abundance and composition of small mammal communities in the Eastern Tatras. In total, more than 16 species were trapped, including snow voles, tatra voles and alpine shrews, three species endemic to the Carpathian Mountains. The species richness of small mammals declined at higher elevations. The endemic alpine shrew was found at altitudes of 914 and 1007 m above sea level, while tatra voles were recorded almost along the entire gradient studied. Snow voles ranged only above the tree line at altitudes of 1574 to 1775 m, in the Rock slope habitat. On the other hand, generalists colonised various parts of the gradient at different altitudes, while specialists were bound to specific habitats whose presence was limited by altitude. The composition of small mammal communities evidently and significantly varied with rising elevation and with the biotope type in the area under observation. Our results suggest that the composition of the community reflects changes in environmental conditions and the biological limits of the particular small mammal species in the altitude gradient as well as the combination of neighbouring habitats and the resources they provide. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The content of six macronutrients (N, P, K, S, Ca, Mg) in the aboveground biomass of two forest plants representing different life forms (Carex pilosa, a hemicryptophyte, and Dentaria bulbifera, a geophyte) was analysed in relation to selected phenological phases. The ability of the plants to accumulate nutrients from the soil into the biomass was studied using transfer coefficients (TCs). Additionally, we examined the temporal changes in nutrient ratios for both species. The study was performed in a beech ecosystem in central Slovakia (Kremnické vrchy Mountains). The content of available nutrients in the soil (Eutric Cambisol) decreased as follows: N > Ca > S > Mg > K > P. A higher ability to accumulate all elements into the biomass was found for Dentaria bulbifera in comparison to Carex pilosa. We found different patterns of nutrient accumulation between Dentaria bulbifera (N > K > S > Ca > Mg > P) and Carex pilosa (K > N > Ca > S > Mg > P). Temporal changes in the content of nutrients were more noticeable in Dentaria bulbifera, especially for N, S and P – the content of these nutrients diminished. On the other hand, the content of K and Ca in Carex pilosa rose over time. For both species, the highest TC was detected in the case of P and K. Clear temporal variability was also revealed ​​in some nutrient ratios, e.g., [N:K] and [Ca:P]. We confirmed that the nutrient content, nutrient ratio and transfer of macronutrients from the soil to plant biomass vary throughout the growing season in relation to the phenological phases of the plants. Similarly, the dynamics of both nutrient content and the accumulation of macronutrients in the biomass are related to the life form of the plant. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Molecular plant taxonomy methods have helped to introduce new findings to the original concepts of plant evolution in comparison to traditional classification based on morphological, karyological, and ecological characters. The objective of our study was to determine if a new taxonomic concept developed for the Soldanella genus would also change the traditional knowledge of coenological relations within plant communities and distribution patterns of habitats. Taxa in the genus Soldanella sect. Soldanella from the Carpathian Mts and the adjacent region in the North-Eastern Alps and Bohemian Massif were selected as model representatives. This territory includes the largest concentration of study taxa, namely S. carpatica, S. hungarica, S. major, S. marmarossiensis agg., S. montana, S. oreodoxa, and potentially also some others. However, the ecological characteristics published to date are in conflict with our field observations. Two datasets were combined for the purpose of our study, one of which was based on older and published phytocoenological relevés that are now widely available through the European Vegetation Archive (EVA), and the other, which is based on our own data, sampled throughout the distribution area, which specifically targeted the type localities as well as peripheral localities. Analysis of phytocoenological relevés significantly extended the older knowledge about the habitat preferences of the studied species. Similarly, due to our detailed population sampling, a view of the geographical distribution and expansion of snowbell distribution boundaries has been added, especially for the Eastern and Southern Carpathian taxa. In revising the older knowledge, the altitudinal range of the selected species must be revised as well. In the majority of cases, our findings broadened the existing knowledge on altitudinal divergence, ecological behaviour and the phytogeographical distribution of the study species. Snowbells considered as typical montane elements in forest habitats were also found at much higher alpine altitudes, e.g. S. carpatica, S. hungarica, S. major, and S. marmarossiensis agg., and vice versa, with taxa considered to be exclusively inhabiting the alpine belt growing in contact forest habitats as well. The spectrum of the studied habitats and plant units show wide ecological valence in the majority of Soldanella species; however, some particular preferences for different substrate types, altitudinal belts, or habitat types were indicated. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Plants colonize post-mining areas such as spoil heaps even without human interference, by spontaneous succession. Knowledge of this process, its direction and role in shaping the vegetation is desirable not only from an ecological point of view but also in the application of remediation techniques of such environmental burdens. The aim of our study was to analyse plant species composition and to describe a succession pattern at two mineralogically different spoil heaps near the city of Banská Bystrica (central Slovakia). Hierarchical cluster analysis was used in PC-ORD software to classify physiognomic vegetation types (PVT) at heaps and synoptic tables were generated in Juice software according to species percentage of frequency and their median cover. At the Hg-heap Veľká studňa we recorded a total of 335 taxa of vascular plants and 83 taxa of bryophytes within 21 identified PVT, which were grouped into 4 clusters (forest, wetland, grassland and ruderal cluster). A total of 111 taxa of vascular plants and 76 taxa of bryophytes were recorded at the Cu-heap Podlipa and here 9 PVT formed 3 clusters (initial, non-forest and forest cluster). At both heaps PVT, represented as individual successional stages, formed a distinct continuum along the moisture gradient (in dry and wet areas). We can consider both heaps as species-rich with different diagnostic and constant species and a development of various microhabitats. In addition, bryophytes greatly contribute to species composition and richness and their assamblages in initial stages of succession can be important towards the higher ones. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The scope of our study presents a light microscopy study on the encystation, excystation and morphology of the resting cysts of the spirotrich ciliate, Phacodinium metchnikoffi. During the encystation process, the trophic cell changes in shape, size and volume, the horseshoe-shaped macronuclear nodule transforms into a compact rounded mass, the ciliature is resorbed and the cyst wall is formed. A characteristic accumulation of dark substances in the cell cytoplasm was observed. The most significant feature is the surface. Ornamentation in the form of protuberances in regular rows is located on the entire surface of the cysts. We also focused on the excystation process for the first time and uncovered several specifics of P. metchnikoffi excystation. The excystation is characterised by the formation of the excystation vacuole. An escape apparatus is also present. The coexistence of the excystation vacuole and apparatus during the excystation process is an unusual type of escaping and has not yet been described. The results suggest that not only the resting cysts surface, but also the excystation and encystation processes are much more varied than literary data indicate. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Proteoglycan-like (PG) domain of carbonic anhydrase IX (CA IX) is a small-sized acidic domain (8.3 kDa; pI ~3.5) with a very unusual amino acid composition. More than one third of its sequence consists of acidic amino acids and it contains no aromatic residues. It has been revealed that it holds one of the key roles in oncogenetic mechanisms, in which CA IX participates. However, it has not been structurally characterized yet. With these prospects, we developed an expression system of recombinant PG domain production in the form of a fusion protein using thioredoxine (Trx) as the fusion partner in Escherichia coli. We performed three steps during purification process utilizing affinity chromatography, anion-exchange chromatography and gel filtration; and the highest purity we reached was 93.7% with protein concentration 23.3 mg/L. Hypothetical yield of the recombinant protein would be 0.581 mg/L of culture. The applicability of the fusion protein Trx-PG for further structural studies was confirmed by in silico structure prediction tool and ELISA. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The sampling sites situated in southwest Slovakia are according to environmental monitoring of Slovakia a part of strongly disturbed environment by heavy metals, mainly by high nickel concentrations. The aim of the present study was to characterise a complete microbial assemblage from a dump containing heavy-metal-contaminated waste as well as from farmland situated nearby this dump by using shotgun sequencing of 16S rDNA amplicons. It was found that nickel influenced both species richness and diversity and that microbiota of both samples differed significantly (Bray-Curtis dissimilarity 0.73) at genus level mainly by abundances of sequences from particular genera and occurrences of the unique genera in individual bacterial communities. In spite of these differences between microbial assemblages, both samples shared many bacterial genera that might constitute the specific nickel-resistant bacterial niche, and it was possible to delineate the core microbiome of our two samples at species level. The core set of 30 species, represented by the phyla Proteobacteria, Firmicutes, Actinobacteria, Bacteroidetes and Cyanobacteria, suggest that these species might form a "core microbiome" of the specific nickel-resistant bacterial niche. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The climatically most extreme lakes in the High Tatra Mountains are populated with species-poor chironomid communities dominated by Micropsectra radialis and Pseudodiamesa nivosa. Based on paleolimnological studies from other parts of Europe this community had been hypothesized to be a relict of the Late Glacial period, however, this assumption has not been proved in the Tatras. A paleolimnological survey of a subalpine Tatra lake demonstrated that this community was indeed occupying lakes located even in relatively low altitudes as long as they were glacially influenced, i.e., until the early Holocene. Due to the restricted distribution and specific ecological requirements of the species creating this relict community, it is extremely prone to extinction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Environmental factors related to climate change can directly influence the spatial patterns of insect distribution, including many "southern" elements in mild climate ecosystems. This paper deals with potential infiltration of thermophilous Allothrips pillichellus (Priesner, 1925) up to North. Formerly known predominantly from southern Europe, its first record in Slovakia may indicate the extension of its distributional range. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Human alteration of watercourses is global phenomenon that has had significant impacts on local ecosystems and the services they provide. Monitoring of abiotic and biotic changes is essential to mitigating long-lasting effects, and the 23-year dataset from the Gabčíkovo Waterworks provided a rare opportunity to assess the impact of groundwater regimes on vegetation. The main aim of this study was to describe the effect of the Gabčíkovo Waterworks on vegetation structure and species composition of the adjacent riparian floodplain forests over the past 23 years. The results are based on studies of three permanent monitoring plots (PMPs) located in the Danube inland delta – two outside (PMP 1 and 3) and one (PMP 2) fully under the influence of the artificial supply system. Our results demonstrate that the Danube inland delta was negatively affected by the Gabčíkovo construction, particularly for sites outside of the artificial supply system. There was a significant decrease in soil moisture and increase in nitrogen at both external PMPs (1 and 3). Alter soil conditions were accompanied by negative changes in plant species composition demonstrated by decreases in the number of typical floodplain forest species that are characteristic for the alliance Salicion albae and either number or cover of neophytes. These changes resulted in slow degradation of the riparian floodplain forests. Vegetation in the artificially-fed PMP 2 was the most stable in terms of the evaluated parameters, however even this site did still experience negative trends in some site characteristics, including soil moisture fluctuations and the number and cover of neophytes. The artificial supply system is not sufficiently replacing previous natural floods, but in some aspects it helped to decrease the negative effect of the Gabčíkovo Waterworks on softwood floodplain forests in the studied area. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Albania represents an important area in Europe where zoological research brings interesting findings, even in a well-studied group such as small mammals. During field research in the central-south part of the country (Tomorr Mountains; Hellenides range) trapping of small terrestrial mammals was carried out. Using ten traps per night/locality, two specimens of family Cricetidae and one of family Muridae were trapped. The first two individuals were genetically and morphologically examined and identified as Chionomys nivalis (Martins, 1842) and Microtus subterraneus (de Selys- Longchamps, 1836). They represent unique mitochondrial haplotypes and the first records of these species in Albania. The third species, Apodemus sylvaticus (L., 1758), represents the first record of the species in this region and the highest recorded occurrence for the country. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Attempting to help reduce the costs of bioassessment of aquatic habitats, the aim of this study was to estimate how particular substrate types influence the ecological quality evaluation based on a multihabitat scheme proposed by the AQEM/STAR consortium. Samples of macroinvertebrates were taken from the Stupavský potok brook, a small, 4th order calcareous stream in the Small Carpathians in Slovakia (Central Europe). Eight most suitable metrics for small Slovakian streams forming the Slovak multimetric index on seven substrate types were tested and compared with the multihabitat sample. The Saprobic Index (SI) and Index of Biocenotic Region (IBR) showed considerably worse (higher) values in the psammal and the best (lowest) values on coarse mineral substrates (lithal, akal). Similarly, values of the metrics Oligo (%), BMWP Score, Rheoindex, Rhithron Typie Index (%) and EPT reached their worst (lowest) values on psammal and the best (highest) values on coarse mineral substrates. Psammal sample showed the worst ecological quality expressed by the lowest EQR (Ecological Quality Ratio) value, most significantly differing from the multihabitat sample (Multiple Comparisons of Means: Dunnett Contrasts: –8.25, P < 0.01). We conclude that substrate types considerably influence selected metrics. Because of a relatively substantial proportion of psammal in some small Slovakian streams and its marginal influence on the overall ecological quality of the site, we suggest conduct further research addressing the effectiveness of its usage in the water management. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

One of the open problems in evolutionary ecology is signal reliability. While the view that signals need to be costly to be honest has attracted most attention, this type of signals may apply only to some contexts. Also, different views exist about the nature of costs involved in signal honesty, and the classification and examination of these costs remains controversial. Pigmentary-based colouration of animal integuments has received considerable attention among researchers seeking to explain what maintains the honesty of visual signals, but support for existing hypotheses is far from conclusive. Here we use a whole-animal approach and consider a distinct time scale, the period of juvenile growth, to test the effects of different feeding and thermal regimes on different physical parameters and skin colouration in corn snakes Pantherophis guttatus. Postnatal body length growth rate and body mass index (BMI) were sensitive to the thermal, but not to the food regime. The length of intervals between skin shedding was shorter and the short-wavelength reflectance of dorsal skin was higher for snakes receiving food more frequently and having an uninterrupted possibility to thermoregulate. This work suggests that if juvenile corn snakes are environmentally constrained, their preferred life history strategy is to grow at faster rates. The study adds to the growing body of evidence in that BMI may not accurately reflect individual condition in reptiles. Instead, this study demonstrates that the length of shedding intervals and the short-wavelength component of skin colouration may be used in this animal system as proxies of the individual's condition or quality, possibly reflecting exposure to environmental stress or an ability to cope with it. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We provide the formal correction of the name-giving taxon for two association names of forest plant communities according to Article 45 of the International Code of Phytosociological Nomenclature. The new mutations are focused on Pino cembrae-Piceetum abietis Myczkowski et Lesiński 1974 (orig.: Cembro-Piceetum Myczkowski et Lesiński 1974) and Thelypterido palustris-Alnetum glutinosae Klika 1940 (orig.: Alnus glutinosa-Dryopteris thelypteris-Assoziation Klika 1940). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]