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American mink Neovison vison is one of the most harmful non-indigenous species in Iceland and has been proven to be a useful indirect bioindicator and biomonitor for numerous environmental pollutants. Therefore, the main objective of the study was to determine the total nickel concentration in the spleen of 35 females and 30 males obtained from Brokey archipelago and the south coast of Hvammsfjörður (Dalabyggð, Iceland) using graphite furnace atomic absorption spectroscopy. We also assessed the correlation between nickel concentration and selected anatomical and morphological parameters, hypothesising that invasive alien N. vison is a promising candidate species for biomonitoring the deposition of this trace element. The results indicated a substantial variation in nickel concentration in the spleen tissue of examined animals. For males, the maximum concentration exceeded the average level by more than 16 times, and for females by more than 7 times. The correlation coefficient between morphometric features and the level of nickel concentration in the spleen did not show a significant relationship in any of the tested combinations, for all tested animals or for each sex separately. In conclusion, American mink in Iceland can be considered a promising species for qualitative and quantitative assessment of ecosystems in terms of nickel pollution.

New records of water mites (Acari: Hydrachnidia) from the standing waters of Sri Lanka are presented. Fifteen species have been registrated, among them four species, i.e. Piona srilankana (Pionidae), Neumania edytae (Unionicolidae), Krendowskia (Krendowskiella) srilankana (Krendowskiidae), and Mideopsis ewelinae (Mideopsidae) are described as new to science. DNA was extracted from 18 water mite specimens and DNA barcodes are given for the first time for nine species.

Knowledge of the composition subunits of proteins glutenins makes it much easier to determine the quality and suitability of the final product obtained from gluten. It is important to remember that not only molecular processes model gluten protein polymorphism. In this study, the genetic diversity of Polish common wheat cultivars was examined at the level of DNA and glutenin’s proteins HMW-GS. The SDS-PAGE and RAPD bands were evaluated in binary matrix, which was the basis for further analysis of results, using appropriate measures of variability: Q-Cochran test (Cochran, 1950), p < 0.05; I-Shannon index; Si-Similarity index; PIC-Polymorphism Information Content; (PCA-Principal component analysis). Both types of markers proved to be useful in the overall assessment of genetic variability between tested of common wheat cultivars. The general genetic diversity indicates that good candidates with unique composition of HMW-GS subunits were selected among the examined cultivars and three OPA-02, OPA-03, OPB-08 primers with the highest power differentiating for the studied genotypes were selected. Results of the research revealed the potentials of RAPD and SDS-PAGE technique in determining genetical diversity and make a suitable qualitative assessment of common wheat cultivars.

Background Recurring escapes or deliberate releases and subsequent infiltration or establishment of feral populations by individuals from fur farms have been commonly noted since the beginning of fur industry expansion. Once animals have invaded ecosystems adjacent to source farms escapees can change the demography of the feral populations through hybridization, outbreeding depression, competition and spreading of various pathogens which can decimate wild populations. In our study, we aimed to assess spread of Aleutian mink disease virus (AMDV) in the feral population of American mink (Neovison vison) in Iceland. The additional objective was to elucidate whether basic morpho-anatomical parameters (i.e., Fulton’s condition factor or spleen to body weight ratio) might be used as a preliminary indicator of AMDV infection. Methods American mink (n = 164) were captured by professional hunters in 8 regions of Iceland. The detection of AMDV in the spleen of male and female individuals was based on PCR amplification of an NS1 gene fragment. Results We confirmed AMDV presence in 23.8% (n = 39) of collected samples with no significant difference in infection rate between males and females. Additionally, we revealed that the prevalence of virus in the feral population was higher closer to fur farms. However, the countrywide prevalence and direction of AMDV distribution needs to be further investigated. Comparison of condition indices in non-infected and infected animals showed significant deterioration of body and spleen parameters in the latter group. Therefore, the application of basic measurements of the American mink may be used to evaluate the health status of individuals in terms of pathogen infection. Conclusions The study shed a new light on prevalence and distribution of AMDV in the feral population of American mink in Iceland and the results might be successfully applied to develop models to infer dynamics of various pathogens, even those latently transmitted by disease-free animals.

Polar and subpolar regions are known for their particular vulnerability and sensitivity to the detrimental effects of non-indigenous species, which is well exemplified by the Nootka lupin (Lupinus nootkatensis) spread in Iceland. Since understanding the population and ecological genetics of invasive alien species offers hope for counteracting harmful biological invasions, the objective of the present study was to investigate interspecific variation in L. nootkatensis in Iceland in relation to a native population in Alaska. Moreover, we aimed to assess whether internal transcribed spacer 2 (ITS2) has sufficient phylogenetic applicability for a large-scale screening of the genetic diversity of a non-indigenous population of this species. This study, which is the first attempt to investigate the genetic diversity of the Nootka lupin in Iceland, included plant samples from eight locations in Iceland and one in Alaska. The analyses included genotyping by sequencing of the 417-nucleotide fragment of the 5.8S ribosomal RNA, ITS2 and part of the large subunit ribosomal RNA (GenBank MT026578-MT026580, MT077004). The main findings showed the presence of five previously unexplained single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs); however, their discriminatory power for Icelandic populations was relatively low, since polymorphism information content (PIC) values ranged from 0.0182 to 0.0526, with average heterozygosity 0.0296. Concomitantly, analysis of multilocus genotypes (MLG) revealed sufficient differences in MLGs variants and their frequency to form genotypic patterns unique for Alaskan and Icelandic populations, revealing an internal genetic structure of the studied group. The proposed SNP panel needs to be supplemented with other nuclear and organellar markers.

Background Carex buxbaumii and C. hartmaniorum are sister species of the clade Papilliferae within the monophyletic section Racemosae. An unambiguous identification of these species is relatively difficult due to the interspecific continuum of some morphological characters as well as the intraspecific variability. The study was aimed at determining the range of variability, both morphological and genetic, within and between these two closely related and similar species. Methods The sedges were collected during botanical expeditions to Armenia, Estonia, the Netherlands, and Poland. The morphological separation of the two species and their populations was tested using the Discriminant Function Analysis (DFA). The genetic variability of the 19 Carex populations was assessed in the presence of eight Inter Simple Sequence Repeat (ISSR) primers. Results Results of the study indicate a considerable genetic affinity between the two sedge species (mean Si = 0.619). However, the populations of C. hartmaniorum are, morphologically and genetically, more homogenous than the populations of C. buxbaumii. Compared to C. hartmaniorum, C. buxbaumii usually has wider leaf blades, a shorter inflorescence, a lower number of spikes which are shorter, but wider, and longer bracts and utricles. The AMOVA showed a larger variation between the populations of C. buxbaumii, representing 25.65% of the total variation in the taxon. Two populations of C. buxbaumii (from Poland and Estonia) are separated from the remaining populations, both genetically and morphologically; their individuals show shorter utricles and glumes, compared to the typical specimens of C. buxbaumii, and correspond with the morphology of putative infraspecific taxa described by Cajander (var. brevisquamosa and var. confusa). Conclusions The taxonomic status of the putative infraspecific taxa within C. buxbaumii requires further studies throughout the distribution range of C. buxbaumii, addressing habitats, morphology and genetics (including a chromosome count or a combination of different genetic methods), particularly as the variability in C. buxbaumii may be associated with the species’ polyploid origin.

Background Carex buxbaumii and C. hartmaniorum are sister species of the clade Papilliferae within the monophyletic section Racemosae. An unambiguous identification of these species is relatively difficult due to the interspecific continuum of some morphological characters as well as the intraspecific variability. The study was aimed at determining the range of variability, both morphological and genetic, within and between these two closely related and similar species. Methods The sedges were collected during botanical expeditions to Armenia, Estonia, the Netherlands, and Poland. The morphological separation of the two species and their populations was tested using the Discriminant Function Analysis (DFA). The genetic variability of the 19 Carex populations was assessed in the presence of eight Inter Simple Sequence Repeat (ISSR) primers. Results Results of the study indicate a considerable genetic affinity between the two sedge species (mean Si = 0.619). However, the populations of C. hartmaniorum are, morphologically and genetically, more homogenous than the populations of C. buxbaumii. Compared to C. hartmaniorum, C. buxbaumii usually has wider leaf blades, a shorter inflorescence, a lower number of spikes which are shorter, but wider, and longer bracts and utricles. The AMOVA showed a larger variation between the populations of C. buxbaumii, representing 25.65% of the total variation in the taxon. Two populations of C. buxbaumii (from Poland and Estonia) are separated from the remaining populations, both genetically and morphologically; their individuals show shorter utricles and glumes, compared to the typical specimens of C. buxbaumii, and correspond with the morphology of putative infraspecific taxa described by Cajander (var. brevisquamosa and var. confusa). Conclusions The taxonomic status of the putative infraspecific taxa within C. buxbaumii requires further studies throughout the distribution range of C. buxbaumii, addressing habitats, morphology and genetics (including a chromosome count or a combination of different genetic methods), particularly as the variability in C. buxbaumii may be associated with the species’ polyploid origin.

The present study is a discussion of the interactions between different types of water bodies in the spatial arrangement of a river valley, taking into account landscape data. The Hydrachnidia assemblages in particular types of valley water bodies (oxbows, riparian pools, permanent ponds, flooded alder carrs, sedge marshes, and springs) are strongly influenced by the spatial arrangement of the water bodies in the landscape. Moreover, the formation of a fauna in a particular type of valley water body is also influenced by its origin. For example, the faunas of the oxbow lakes and riparian pools would have many characteristics in common, as these two types of water body can be characterized as originating in the river. As many as 61 species common to the valley water bodies and the Krąpiel River were noted. In the interactions between the valley water bodies and the river, the direction of migration from the former to the latter was clearly predominant. Migration in the reverse direction, from the river to the valley water bodies, took place to a far lesser degree. CCA analysis of landscape variables showed the influences of certain landscape parameters on water mites. These should be regarded as indirect influences, but as a consequence of their effects, they influence the formation of specific types of Hydrachnidia assemblages.

Background Conservation of noble crayfish (Astacus astacus) populations is becoming particularly important since the number of individuals is rapidly declining across the distribution range of the species in Europe. Five crayfish populations in northwestern Poland have been constantly monitored for two decades. However, the genetic structure of these populations has not been analysed, although this information is important to devise effective conservation strategies. Methods Noble crayfish were collected in the autumn of 2014 by scuba diving in Lakes Graniczne, Babinki, Biwakowe, Sęki and Kwisno, all of which are situated in the Bytów Lakeland of northwestern Poland. Genetic diversity of the five populations was assessed based on allele variability in nine SSR regions and six AFLP primer combinations. Results Microsatellite results analysed with AMOVA showed that the diversity between populations corresponds to 18% of total variability, which was confirmed by similar results obtained using AFLP. Additionally, significant genetic diversity was revealed by high average FST values. All of the studied crayfish populations significantly deviated from the expected Hardy–Weinberg genetic equilibrium and were characterised by negative values of inbreeding coefficient (FIS). Discussion The invariably negative inbreeding coefficients (FIS) suggest a low number of mating individuals, a possible consequence of the phenomenon known as genetic bottleneck. However, additional comprehensive analyses are needed to assess the genetic structure, origin and vulnerability of the remaining populations of noble crayfish in the Bytów Lakeland of northwestern Poland, which have high conservation value and are particularly important as a live genetic bank for breeding and restitution purposes.

Background Conventional river engineering operations have a substantial influence on the fluvial ecosystem. Regulation and channelization generally reduce the physical heterogeneity of river beds and banks and the heterogeneity of habitats. They determine the character, diversity and species richness of plant communities. The effect of river regulation on vegetation has been repeatedly investigated, but few studies have been conducted within reaches of previously regulated rivers. The aim of this work is to expand and current knowledge about the impact of dredging on the vegetation of a regulated section of a lowland river. Materials & Methods The study included pre-dredging (1 year before) and post-dredging surveys (results 1 and 2 years after dredging). The vegetation was analysed in terms of species composition, origin of species, life forms, distribution of Grime’s life strategies, and selected ecological factors. The Shannon–Wiener biodiversity index (H) and evenness were also analysed in each year of the study. The impact of dredging on the vascular flora was assessed by ‘before-after-control-impact’ (BACI) analysis. Results The number of species and biodiversity as measured by the Shannon–Wiener index (H) increased in the analysed section of the river valley. However, enrichment of the flora was observed only on the floodplain, on the surface of the deposited dredging material, while the number of species in the river channel decreased, as dredging of the river bed and levelling of the banks had markedly reduced habitat diversity. Although species richness in the second year after the dredging approached the values recorded before the intervention, the absence of particularly species or phytocenoses associated with shallow river banks and sandbars was still observed. The change in habitat conditions and the destruction of the vegetation cover during the dredging enabled penetration by numerous previously unrecorded alien species of plants and apophytes. There was a perceptible increase in the role of therophytes in the flora. It is worth noting that the number of alien species and therophytes declined significantly in the second year after the dredging. Analysis of the proportions of species representing various life strategies showed that previously unrecorded species with the type R (ruderal) life strategy had appeared, representing by pioneer species occurring in frequently disturbed habitats. There was also a marked increase in the share of species representing the mixed C-R (competitive-ruderal) strategy, occurring in habitats with low levels of stress, whose competitive abilities are limited by repeated disturbances. By the second year after the dredging, however, these changes were largely no longer observed. Conclusions Through appropriate maintenance of the regulated river, it can be rapidly recolonized by vegetation after the procedure, but it may lead to the loss of some species and phytocoenoses.

Measurements were taken of seven morphological characteristics of various forms of Poa pratensis, including ecotypes (12), cultivars (4), and breeding lines (2). Statistically significant differences relating to the average number and length of vegetative shoots and the leaf width of the forms studied were determined using Tukey’s HSD test. Evaluation of genetic polymorphism was carried out using the RAPD-PCR method. 18 primers were used for molecular analysis and 473 amplification products were obtained, in which high levels of polymorphism (84.2%) and specificity (63) were discovered. The mean value of Dice’s coefficient, the genetic similarity indicator, was about 0.7. These results indicate a significant genetic similarity between most of the forms of Poa pratensis studied. A correlation was also observed between genetic variation and phenotypic diversity of the studied forms of Poa pratensis. Convergence was found to occur between phenotype and genetic similarity among the forms. Only the dos01 468 ecotype showed discrepancies in the assessment of phenotypic and genomic variability.

BackgroundConservation of noble crayfish (Astacus astacus) populations is becoming particularly important since the number of individuals is rapidly declining across the distribution range of the species in Europe. Five crayfish populations in northwestern Poland have been constantly monitored for two decades. However, the genetic structure of these populations has not been analysed, although this information is important to devise effective conservation strategies.MethodsNoble crayfish were collected in the autumn of 2014 by scuba diving in Lakes Graniczne, Babinki, Biwakowe, Sęki and Kwisno, all of which are situated in the Bytów Lakeland of northwestern Poland. Genetic diversity of the five populations was assessed based on allele variability in nine SSR regions and six AFLP primer combinations.ResultsMicrosatellite results analysed with AMOVA showed that the diversity between populations corresponds to 18% of total variability, which was confirmed by similar results obtained using AFLP. Additionally, significant genetic diversity was revealed by high average FSTvalues. All of the studied crayfish populations significantly deviated from the expected Hardy–Weinberg genetic equilibrium and were characterised by negative values of inbreeding coefficient (FIS).DiscussionThe invariably negative inbreeding coefficients (FIS) suggest a low number of mating individuals, a possible consequence of the phenomenon known as genetic bottleneck. However, additional comprehensive analyses are needed to assess the genetic structure, origin and vulnerability of the remaining populations of noble crayfish in the Bytów Lakeland of northwestern Poland, which have high conservation value and are particularly important as a live genetic bank for breeding and restitution purposes.

Using the example of a regulated stretch of the Krąpiel River (NW Poland), an analysis of the impact of dredging on the aquatic beetle (Coleoptera) fauna was made. After dredging the beetle fauna became markedly poorer quantitatively and had lower species diversity. Moreover, the qualitative composition and dominance structure were highly transformed. However, species number and diversity increased rapidly and were restored within just half a year. The structure of the restored fauna was most strongly influenced by vegetation, flow velocity and bottom sediment composition. The first to colonize the river were eurytopic beetles and species typical of small water bodies, which had significant refuges in the form of fish ponds bordering on the river; these species dominated the assemblage throughout the study period. Rheophiles with less dispersal power appeared later, and finally rheobionts, in low numbers but occupying an increasing number of sampling sites.

BackgroundPoa pratensisis one of the most common species of meadow grass in Europe. Most cultivars of the species found in Poland were originally derived from its ecotypes. We compared the effectiveness of the RAPD and ISSR methods in assessing the genetic diversity of the selected populations ofP. pratensis. We examined whether these methods could be useful for detecting a possible link between the geographical origin of a given population and its assessed genetic variation.MethodsThe molecular markers RAPD and ISSR were used and their efficiency compared using, inter alia, statistical multivariate methods (UPGMA and PCA).ResultsThe low value of Dice’s coefficient (0.369) along with the significantly high percentage of polymorphic products indicates a substantial degree of genetic diversity among the studied populations. Our results found a correlation between the geographical origin of the studied populations and their genetic variations. For ISSR, which proved to be the more effective method in that respect, we selected primers with the greatest differentiating powers correlating to geographical origin.DiscussionThe populations evaluated in this study were characterized by a high genetic diversity. This seems to confirm the hypothesis that ecotypes ofP. pratensisoriginating from different regions of Central Europe with different terrain structures and habitat conditions can be a source of great genetic variability.