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Carnivorous plants obtain nutrients from arthropod prey (carnivory) and their environment. However, little is known about the seasonal diet shifts between carnivory versus environment nutrient acquisition among co‐occurring carnivorous plant species. Although studies reporting captured prey species for carnivorous plants are abundant, studies investigating the composition of assimilated prey species are scarce. Here, we report spatiotemporal dynamics in carnivory versus environmental nutrient acquisition and compositional analysis of assimilated prey species for carnivorous plants of New England (USA).We measured the natural abundance stable isotope ratios of aquatic Utricularia inflata (Lentibulariaceae), terrestrial Sarracenia purpurea (Sarraceniaceae) and Drosera intermedia (Droseraceae) and their nutrient sources during their growing season in two oligotrophic ponds in New England (USA). MixSIAR, a Bayesian stable isotope mixing model, was used to estimate the extent of carnivory for each plant species and the composition of prey species assimilated in terrestrial carnivorous plants.Aquatic U. inflata acquired more nutrients from carnivory (c. 70%–100%) than terrestrial species (c. 30–60%). Sarracenia purpurea acquired nutrients mainly from Formicidae. The nutrient sources for D. intermedia varied spatiotemporally between arthropod species.The large contribution of carnivory to the nutrient budget of U. inflata could be due to its lack of roots and high metabolism. Sarracenia purpurea and D. intermedia could benefit from dissolved organic nitrogen in the environment. Our findings on prey compositions can be used as the first available prior information for the Bayesian approach in future studies. Understanding the sources of nutrients in carnivorous plants provides invaluable insight into their ecophysiology and may inform the conservation of their fragile wetland ecosystems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Speaking valves enable tracheostomy patients to speak naturally. However, improper use may cause dangerous overpressure, leading to severe complications or even patient's death. We address this life-threatening issue by creating a biomimetic speaking valve, which incorporates an integrated overpressure valve that automatically opens when reaching critical pressure levels. To enhance safety, we integrated a whistle module to provide an audible alert for medical staff. Fundamental research on the Utricularia vulgaris trapdoor inspired our abstracted valve form. Through a comprehensive analysis using generalized linear mixed-effect models, we examined various membrane parameter effects on the function of the biomimetic overpressure valve. This enabled us to adjust the valve's opening pressure to cater to patient's unique requirements, thus potentially saving lives by applying a solution from nature. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and Aims Freshwater nitrogen inputs are increasing globally, altering the structure and function of wetland ecosystems adapted to low nutrient conditions. Carnivorous wetland plants of the genus Utricularia are hypothesized to reduce their reliance on carnivory and increase their assimilation of environmental nutrients when the supply of ambient nutrients increases. Despite success in using stable isotope approaches to quantify carnivory of terrestrial carnivorous plants, quantifying carnivory of aquatic Utricularia requires improvement. Methods We developed stable isotope mixing models to quantify aquatic plant carnivory and used these models to measure dietary changes of three Utricularia species, Utricularia australis , U. gibba and U. uliginosa , in 11 wetlands across a 794-km gradient in eastern Australia. Diet was assessed using multiple models that compared variations in the natural-abundance nitrogen isotope composition (δ15N) of Utricularia spp. with that of non-carnivorous plants, and environmental and carnivorous nitrogen sources. Key Results Carnivory supplied 40–100 % of plant nitrogen. The lowest carnivory rates coincided with the highest availability of ammonium and dissolved organic carbon. Conclusions Our findings suggest that Utricularia populations may adapt to high nutrient environments by shifting away from energetically costly carnivory. This has implications for species conservation as anthropogenic impacts continue to affect global wetland ecosystems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Gene expression is often controlled via cis-regulatory elements (CREs) that modulate the production of transcripts. For multi-gene genetic engineering and synthetic biology, precise control of transcription is crucial, both to insulate the transgenes from unwanted native regulation and to prevent readthrough or cross-regulation of transgenes within a multi-gene cassette. To prevent this activity, insulator-like elements, more properly referred to as transcriptional blockers, could be inserted to separate the transgenes so that they are independently regulated. However, only a few validated insulator-like elements are available for plants, and they tend to be larger than ideal. Methods: To identify additional potential insulator-like sequences, we conducted a genome-wide analysis of Utricularia gibba (humped bladderwort), one of the smallest known plant genomes, with genes that are naturally close together. The 10 best insulator-like candidates were evaluated in vivo for insulator-like activity. Results: We identified a total of 4,656 intergenic regions with expression profiles suggesting insulator-like activity. Comparisons of these regions across 45 other plant species (representing Monocots, Asterids, and Rosids) show low levels of syntenic conservation of these regions. Genome-wide analysis of unmethylated regions (UMRs) indicates ~87% of the targeted regions are unmethylated; however, interpretation of this is complicated because U. gibba has remarkably low levels of methylation across the genome, so that large UMRs frequently extend over multiple genes and intergenic spaces. We also could not identify any conserved motifs among our selected intergenic regions or shared with existing insulator-like elements for plants. Despite this lack of conservation, however, testing of 10 selected intergenic regions for insulator-like activity found two elements on par with a previously published element (EXOB) while being significantly smaller. Discussion: Given the small number of insulator-like elements currently available for plants, our results make a significant addition to available tools. The high hit rate (2 out of 10) also implies that more useful sequences are likely present in our selected intergenic regions; additional validation work will be required to identify which will be most useful for plant genetic engineering. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Fatty acids are essential for human health. Currently, there is a search for alternative sources of fatty acids that could supplement such sources as staple crops or fishes. Turions of aquatic plants accumulate a variety of substances such as starch, free sugars, amino acids, reserve proteins and lipids. Our aim is to see if turions can be a valuable source of fatty acids. Methods: Overwintering shoots and turions of aquatic carnivorous plants were collected. The plant material was extracted with hexane. The oils were analyzed using a gas chromatograph with mass spectrometer. Results: The dominant compound in all samples was linolenic acid. The oil content was different in turions and shoots. The oil content of the shoots was higher than that of the turions, but the proportion of fatty acids in the oils from the shoots was low in contrast to the oils from the turions. The turions of Utricularia species were shown to be composed of about 50% fatty acids. Conclusions: The turions of Utricularia species can be used to obtain oil with unsaturated fatty acids. In addition, the high fatty acid content of turions may explain their ability to survive at low temperatures. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

RESUMO O Pantanal é uma das maiores planícies alagáveis do mundo, encontrando-se no centro da América do Sul, representando um importante centro de biodiversidade. No Estado de Mato Grosso do Sul, Brasil, encontramos a Estrada Parque do Pantanal (EPP), uma área de interesse turístico que corta quatro sub-regiões do Pantanal, apresentando uma variedade de ambientes. Entre as famílias botânicas presentes no Pantanal, encontramos Lentibulariaceae, uma família de plantas carnívoras aquáticas. Nosso objetivo foi realizar a descrição de Lentibulariaceae na Estrada Parque do Pantanal no Estado de Mato Grosso do Sul e compilar as espécies da família presentes no Pantanal. Realizamos expedições e reunimos dados de coletas a partir de banco de dados virtuais e disponíveis na literatura. Na EPP encontramos quatro espécies pertencentes ao gênero Utricularia e listamos para o Pantanal 22 espécies em dois gêneros de Lentibulariaceae, com três novos registros de ocorrência.

Abstract Background The carnivorous genus Utricularia also includes aquatic species that have the potential to trap a wide range of prey, leading its death due to anoxia. However, the effectiveness of such an approach with carnivorous plants for vector control has not been evaluated in Sri Lanka. Methods Early instar (i & ii) and late instar (iii & iv) larvae of Aedes aegypti were exposed to locally found bladderwort (U. aurea Lour and Utricularia sp.). The experimental design was set with 10 larvae (both early and late instars separately) in 250 mL of water with bladderworts containing approximately 100 bladders in plant segments of both species, separately. Each treatment and control were repeated 50 times. The survival status of larvae was recorded daily until death or adult emergence. The larvae found whole or partially inside the bladders were attributed to direct predation. The Cox-regression model and Mantel-Cox log rank test were carried out to assess the survival probabilities of larvae in the presence of two bladderworts separately. Results The highest predation was observed when using early instar larvae in both U. aurea (97.8%) and Utricularia sp. (83.8%). The mortality caused due to predation by U. aurea was observed to be significantly higher according to the Mantel-Cox log-rank test (HR = 60.71, CI; 5.69–999.25, P = 0.004). The mortality rates of late instar stages of Ae. aegypti were observed to be lower in both U. aurea (82.6%) and Utricularia sp. (74.8%). Overall, the highest predation efficacy was detected from U. aurea (HR = 45.02; CI: 5.96–850.51, P = 0.017) even in late instar stages. The results suggested the cumulative predation in both plants on Ae. aegypti larvae was > 72%. Conclusions Utricularia aurea is a competent predator of Ae. aegypti larvae. Further, it is recommended to evaluate the feasibility of this plant to be used in the field as a control intervention in integrated vector management programmes.

We list Japanese-native carnivorous plant species and hybrids from four genera in two families, based on Komiya (2002) with some revisions and modifications. We also discuss facts and recent findings on selected species and hybrids from the list. Additionally, we review those of uncertain taxonomy or distribution as well as a potential carnivorous species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The carnivorous genus Utricularia also includes aquatic species that have the potential to trap a wide range of prey, leading its death due to anoxia. However, the effectiveness of such an approach with carnivorous plants for vector control has not been evaluated in Sri Lanka. Methods: Early instar (i & ii) and late instar (iii & iv) larvae of Aedes aegypti were exposed to locally found bladderwort (U. aurea Lour and Utricularia sp.). The experimental design was set with 10 larvae (both early and late instars separately) in 250 mL of water with bladderworts containing approximately 100 bladders in plant segments of both species, separately. Each treatment and control were repeated 50 times. The survival status of larvae was recorded daily until death or adult emergence. The larvae found whole or partially inside the bladders were attributed to direct predation. The Cox-regression model and Mantel-Cox log rank test were carried out to assess the survival probabilities of larvae in the presence of two bladderworts separately. Results: The highest predation was observed when using early instar larvae in both U. aurea (97.8%) and Utricularia sp. (83.8%). The mortality caused due to predation by U. aurea was observed to be significantly higher according to the Mantel-Cox log-rank test (HR = 60.71, CI; 5.69–999.25, P = 0.004). The mortality rates of late instar stages of Ae. aegypti were observed to be lower in both U. aurea (82.6%) and Utricularia sp. (74.8%). Overall, the highest predation efficacy was detected from U. aurea (HR = 45.02; CI: 5.96–850.51, P = 0.017) even in late instar stages. The results suggested the cumulative predation in both plants on Ae. aegypti larvae was > 72%. Conclusions: Utricularia aurea is a competent predator of Ae. aegypti larvae. Further, it is recommended to evaluate the feasibility of this plant to be used in the field as a control intervention in integrated vector management programmes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Se estudiaron siete lagunas artificiales de agua dulce (L1 – L7) en el municipo de Ciego de Ávila (Cuba), los cuales se caracterizaron según criterios genéticos, hidrológicos y morfológicos. Todas son lagunas, de origen antrópico, relativamente recientes. Una de ellas es semipermanente (L.1) y las restantes son permanentes. A partir de la identificación de las plantas presentes en parcelas delineadas, desde los bordes de las lagunas, fue confeccionada una lista florística. Los taxones identificados fueron catalogados según su origen y presencia en Cuba, hábito de crecimiento, utilidad para el hombre, comportamiento ante el impacto antrópico y estado de conservación. Se registraron 49 especies pertenecientes a 44 géneros y 34 familias. En L.3 y L.6 (lagunas ubicadas en las Canteras del Aereopuerto) se identificó el mayor número de especies (27 y 26 respectivamente) y en L.1, el menor (7). Predominaron plantas exóticas y sinantrópicas y abundaron las invasoras, lo cual indica el tránsito por etapas tempranas de la sucesión ecológica. No obstante, se detectó un 31 % de plantas autóctonas y un 2 % de endemismo. Un 4 %se encuentran amenazadas de extinción, clasificadas en Peligro Crítico. El 39 % tiene uso medicinal, el 29 % ornamental, el 12 % son fitorremediadoras y el 4 % aparecen frecuentemente incorporadas a prácticas folclóricas. Las plantas asociadas a estas lagunas artificiales del municipio de Ciego de Ávila presentan condiciones, valores y usos diversos, lo que incrementa los servicios ambientales de estos ecosistemas.

Background: Fatty acids are essential for human health. Currently, there is a search for alternative sources of fatty acids that could supplement such sources as staple crops or fishes. Turions of aquatic plants accumulate a variety of substances such as starch, free sugars, amino acids, reserve proteins and lipids. Our aim is to see if turions can be a valuable source of fatty acids. Methods: Overwintering shoots and turions of aquatic carnivorous plants were collected. The plant material was extracted with hexane. The oils were analyzed using a gas chromatograph with mass spectrometer. Results: The dominant compound in all samples was linolenic acid. The oil content was different in turions and shoots. The oil content of the shoots was higher than that of the turions, but the proportion of fatty acids in the oils from the shoots was low in contrast to the oils from the turions. The turions of Utricularia species were shown to be composed of about 50% fatty acids. Conclusions: The turions of Utricularia species can be used to obtain oil with unsaturated fatty acids. In addition, the high fatty acid content of turions may explain their ability to survive at low temperatures.

IntroductionGene expression is often controlled via cis-regulatory elements (CREs) that modulate the production of transcripts. For multi-gene genetic engineering and synthetic biology, precise control of transcription is crucial, both to insulate the transgenes from unwanted native regulation and to prevent readthrough or cross-regulation of transgenes within a multi-gene cassette. To prevent this activity, insulator-like elements, more properly referred to as transcriptional blockers, could be inserted to separate the transgenes so that they are independently regulated. However, only a few validated insulator-like elements are available for plants, and they tend to be larger than ideal.MethodsTo identify additional potential insulator-like sequences, we conducted a genome-wide analysis of Utricularia gibba (humped bladderwort), one of the smallest known plant genomes, with genes that are naturally close together. The 10 best insulator-like candidates were evaluated in vivo for insulator-like activity.ResultsWe identified a total of 4,656 intergenic regions with expression profiles suggesting insulator-like activity. Comparisons of these regions across 45 other plant species (representing Monocots, Asterids, and Rosids) show low levels of syntenic conservation of these regions. Genome-wide analysis of unmethylated regions (UMRs) indicates ~87% of the targeted regions are unmethylated; however, interpretation of this is complicated because U. gibba has remarkably low levels of methylation across the genome, so that large UMRs frequently extend over multiple genes and intergenic spaces. We also could not identify any conserved motifs among our selected intergenic regions or shared with existing insulator-like elements for plants. Despite this lack of conservation, however, testing of 10 selected intergenic regions for insulator-like activity found two elements on par with a previously published element (EXOB) while being significantly smaller.DiscussionGiven the small number of insulator-like elements currently available for plants, our results make a significant addition to available tools. The high hit rate (2 out of 10) also implies that more useful sequences are likely present in our selected intergenic regions; additional validation work will be required to identify which will be most useful for plant genetic engineering.

To uncover the nature of various kinds of stolons of Utricularia subgenus Polypompholyx (Lentibulariaceae) we studied branching of stolons by scanning electron microscopy, statistically investigated correlations of stolon types and other traits across 56 species, and evaluated seedling development and process morphological aspects. Some results were compared to the sister genera Pinguicula and Genlisea. A key to nine stolon types in Polypompholyx is provided. Predominant stolon types were rhizoids, runner stolons with rhizoids on nodes, and runner stolons without rhizoids on nodes but with bladders on internodes. Stolon types were taxonomically relevant and correlated to the distribution/climate. They obviously diverged with speciation events in Australia. Examined seedlings of Genlisea and Polypompholyx showed similar developmental patterns. Stolons were homologous to traps and leaves. Selected subterranean organs contained specific but similar process combinations of roots, shoots and/or leaves. We assume the Genlisea-Utricularia ancestor trap included processes of a Pinguicula root and leaf. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nutrient‐poor waters with small Utricularia species have been unknown in most of southern Europe and the Balkans. All the more notable are occurrences of Utricularia ochroleuca and Utricularia minor in north Greece. The records presented in this paper extend the known southeast European distribution boundaries of both species southward, and constitute U. ochroleuca a new species to Greece and southern Europe. U. ochroleuca was found in small peaty pools and seepage sites with base‐poor water within subalpine fens and headwaters, U. minor in very shallow base‐containing waters of spring brooks in upper montane ophiolite environments. The plant species composition of the Utricularia vegetation and its habitats are described. The pertinent vegetation types – Utricularietum ochroleucae and Scorpidio‐Utricularietum, respectively, as well as their higher‐ranking syntaxa – are new to Greece and the Balkans. The vegetation with U. ochroleuca forms part of the Annex I habitat type 3160 of the EU Habitats Directive, which is also new to Greece. Nature conservation status and management conditions of the detected plant communities and habitats with Utricularia in northern Greece are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Traditionally, most of our understanding of lake zooplankton dynamics is from data collected in the pelagic, open water zone. However, the littoral and benthic zones of lakes can play a role in zooplankton community interactions and relationships. Utricularia spp., or the bladderworts, inhabit littoral and shallow waters of lakes and consume zooplankton. Limited information exists on the dietary habits of bladderworts and how diet varies across lakes and seasonally. Bladderwort dietary assemblage in two Michigan, USA, lakes was quantified during the thermally stratified period of 2020, and was compared to zooplankton in the adjacent water column. Bladderwort trap size was positively related to zooplankton prey size, but not number of prey consumed or taxa richness. Bladderworts consumed a variety of prey, the majority dominated by littoral cladoceran and ostracod taxa. Seasonal change was observed, with significantly higher ostracod dominance earlier in the season, shifting into cladoceran dominance later in the season. Ostracods were more commonly found in traps than the water column, whereas Cladocera were more commonly found in the water column than the traps. These results shed light into the dietary habits of bladderworts, which can have consequences for food web dynamics and energy transfer in small lake systems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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Previous meta‐analyses suggested that carnivorous plants—despite access to N, P, and K from prey—have significantly lower leaf concentrations of these nutrients than noncarnivores. Those studies, however, largely compared carnivores in nutrient‐poor habitats with noncarnivores in more nutrient‐rich sites, so that the differences reported might reflect habitat differences as much as differences in nutrient‐capture strategy. Here we examine three carnivorous and 12 noncarnivorous plants in the same nutrient‐poor bog to compare their foliar nutrient concentrations, assess their patterns of nutrient limitation using leaf NPK stoichiometry, and estimate percentage N derived from prey by carnivores using a mixing model for stable N isotopes. We hypothesized that (1) carnivore leaf nutrient concentrations approach or exceed those of noncarnivores in the same nutrient‐poor habitat; (2) species in different functional groups show different patterns of stoichiometry and apparent nutrient limitation; and (3) noncarnivores might show evidence of using other means of nutrient acquisition or conservation to reduce nutrient limitation. At Fallison Bog in northern Wisconsin, carnivorous plants (Drosera rotundifolia, Sarracenia purpurea, Utricularia macrorhiza) showed significantly lower leaf percentage C and N:P ratio, higher δ15N, and no difference from noncarnivores in leaf N, P, K, and δ13C. Sedges had significantly lower leaf percentage P, percentage C, and N:K ratio, and higher K:P ratio than nonsedges restricted to the Sphagnum mat, and may tap peat N via aerenchyma‐facilitated peat oxidation (oxipeditrophy). Evergreen ericaceous shrubs exhibited significantly higher levels of percentage C and lower values of δ15N than mat nonericads. Calla palustris—growing in the nutrient‐rich moat at the bog's upland edge—had very high values of leaf N, K, δ15N, and N:P ratio, suggesting that it may obtain nutrients from minerotrophic flows from the adjacent uplands and/or rapidly decaying peat. Stoichiometric analyses indicated that most species are N limited. A mixing model applied to δ15N values for carnivores, noncarnivores, and insects produced an estimate of 50% of leaf N derived from prey for Utricularia, 42% for Sarracenia, and 41% for Drosera. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In northern Australia there grows a most remarkable group of 6 species of Utricularia with flesh-coloured flowers and an upper or lower corolla lip that has transformed into a pair of tall, erect antennae-like flower lobes. These characters are quite unusual for the genus, and there are numerous hypotheses as to the reasons for these adaptions, the most likely being sexual floral mimicry to attract a pollinator. The aim of this paper is to provide an overview of this highly unusual complex, which includes a botanical history and summarised treatments of each species to provide the reader with the key characters necessary to identify these taxa in the field. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Climate change models predict a potential increase in air temperature ranging from 2 °C to 4 °C. Global warming will therefore significantly influence the functioning of various organisms and ecosystems. However, the effect of the temperature increase on the functioning of the microbiome of carnivorous plants is as yet unknown. The aim of the study was to assess the effect of experimentally simulated climate warming on the microbiome of the traps of Utricularia vulgaris L. - plant included on the red list in the NT (near-threatened) category. We used ‘microcosm’ experiments (a control treatment and treatments with temperature increases of +2 and +4 °C) to determine the reaction of the microbiome of Utricularia traps and the microbes present in the water inhabited by Utricularia to simulated temperature changes in the temperate climate zone. The temperature increase caused an increase in the species richness of ciliates and in the abundance of bacteria, flagellates, and ciliates. On the other hand, there was a decrease in the abundance of testate amoebae, rotifers, and nematodes, i.e. top predators, in both the traps and the peatbog water. At the same time, warming altered the size structure of microbes towards dominance of small forms. Ordination analyses showed that most important factors determining the occurrence of microbes and small Metazoa are temperature, organic matter, and biogenic compounds. A better understanding of what regulates microbial populations and activity in traps and in water in peatbogs and unraveling of these fundamental mechanisms are particularly critical in order to more accurately predict how peatbogs will respond to climate disturbances.

Plant carnivory is often manifested as dramatic changes in the structure and morphology of the leaf. These changes appear to begin early in leaf development. For example, the development of the Sarracenia purpurea leaf primordium is associated with the formation of an adaxial ridge, whose growth along with that of the leaf margin resulted in a hollow structure that later developed into a pitcher. In Nepenthes khasiana , pitcher formation occurs during the initial stages of leaf development, although this has not been shown at the primordial stage. The formation of the Utricularia gibba trap resulted from the growth of the dome-shaped primordium in both the longitudinal and transverse directions. Recent research has begun to unfold the genetic basis of the development of the carnivorous leaf. We review these findings and discuss them in relation to the flat-shaped leaves of the model plant Arabidopsis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present study comprises the taxonomic treatment of the Lentibulariaceae species in Espírito Santo state, as a continuation of a series of studies focused on the Flora of Espírito Santo. Herein we present an identification key, morphological descriptions, illustrations, distribution map, list of analysed material and comments about taxonomy and distribution of the species. We confirmed the occurrence of 16 species in Espírito Santo state, of which four are new records and only three are not found in protected areas. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Nova Acta Científica Compostelana is the property of Universidad de Santiago de Compostela, Servicio de Publicaciones and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Abstract Background Biological controls with predators of larval mosquito vectors have historically focused almost exclusively on insectivorous animals, with few studies examining predatory plants as potential larvacidal agents. In this study, we experimentally evaluate a generalist plant predator of North America, Utricularia macrorhiza, the common bladderwort, and evaluate its larvacidal efficiency for the mosquito vectors Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus in no-choice, laboratory experiments. We sought to determine first, whether U. macrorhiza is a competent predator of container-breeding mosquitoes, and secondly, its predation efficiency for early and late instar larvae of each mosquito species. Methods Newly hatched, first-instar Ae. albopictus and Ae. aegypti larvae were separately exposed in cohorts of 10 to field-collected U. macrorhiza cuttings. Data on development time and larval survival were collected on a daily basis to ascertain the effectiveness of U. macrorhiza as a larval predator. Survival models were used to assess differences in larval survival between cohorts that were exposed to U. macrorhiza and those that were not. A permutation analysis was used to investigate whether storing U. macrorhiza in laboratory conditions for extended periods of time (1 month vs 6 months) affected its predation efficiency. Results Our results indicated a 100% and 95% reduction of survival of Ae. aegypti and Ae. albopictus larvae, respectively, in the presence of U. macrorhiza relative to controls within five days, with peak larvacidal efficiency in plant cuttings from ponds collected in August. Utricularia macrorhiza cuttings, which were prey-deprived, and maintained in laboratory conditions for 6 months were more effective larval predators than cuttings, which were maintained prey-free for 1 month. Conclusions Due to the combination of high predation efficiency and the unique biological feature of facultative predation, we suggest that U. macrorhiza warrants further development as a method for larval mosquito control.

Abstract The present study comprises the taxonomic treatment of the Lentibulariaceae species in Espírito Santo state, as a continuation of a series of studies focused on the Flora of Espírito Santo. Herein we present an identification key, morphological descriptions, illustrations, distribution map, list of analysed material and comments about taxonomy and distribution of the species. We confirmed the occurrence of 16 species in Espírito Santo state, of which four are new records and only three are not found in protected areas.

Plant carnivory is often manifested as dramatic changes in the structure and morphology of the leaf. These changes appear to begin early in leaf development. For example, the development of the Sarracenia purpurea leaf primordium is associated with the formation of an adaxial ridge, whose growth along with that of the leaf margin resulted in a hollow structure that later developed into a pitcher. In Nepenthes khasiana, pitcher formation occurs during the initial stages of leaf development, although this has not been shown at the primordial stage. The formation of the Utricularia gibba trap resulted from the growth of the dome-shaped primordium in both the longitudinal and transverse directions. Recent research has begun to unfold the genetic basis of the development of the carnivorous leaf. We review these findings and discuss them in relation to the flat-shaped leaves of the model plant Arabidopsis.

Traditionally, most of our understanding of lake zooplankton dynamics is from data collected in the pelagic, open water zone. However, the littoral and benthic zones of lakes can play a role in zooplankton community interactions and relationships. Utricularia spp., or the bladderworts, inhabit littoral and shallow waters of lakes and consume zooplankton. Limited information exists on the dietary habits of bladderworts and how diet varies across lakes and seasonally. Bladderwort dietary assemblage in two Michigan, USA, lakes was quantified during the thermally stratified period of 2020, and was compared to zooplankton in the adjacent water column. Bladderwort trap size was positively related to zooplankton prey size, but not number of prey consumed or taxa richness. Bladderworts consumed a variety of prey, the majority dominated by littoral cladoceran and ostracod taxa. Seasonal change was observed, with significantly higher ostracod dominance earlier in the season, shifting into cladoceran dominance later in the season. Ostracods were more commonly found in traps than the water column, whereas Cladocera were more commonly found in the water column than the traps. These results shed light into the dietary habits of bladderworts, which can have consequences for food web dynamics and energy transfer in small lake systems.

Background: Species of the carnivorous family Lentibulariaceae exhibit the smallest genomes in flowering plants. We explored the hypothesis that their minute genomes result from the unique mitochondrial cytochrome c oxidase (COX) mutation. The mutation may boost mitochondrial efficiency, which is especially useful for suction-bladder traps of Utricularia, but also increase DNA-damaging reactive oxygen species, leading to genome shrinkage through deletion-biased DNA repair. We aimed to explore this mutation's impact on genome size, providing insights into genetic mutation roles in plant genome evolution under environmental pressures., Methods: We compiled and measured genome and mean chromosome sizes for 127 and 67 species, respectively, representing all three genera (Genlisea, Pinguicula, and Utricularia) of Lentibulariaceae. We also isolated and analyzed COX sequences to detect the mutation. Through phylogenetic regressions and Ornstein-Uhlenbeck models of trait evolution, we assessed the impact of the COX mutation on the genome and chromosome sizes across the family., Results: Our findings reveal significant correlations between the COX mutations and smaller genome and chromosome sizes. Specifically, species carrying the ancestral COX sequence exhibited larger genomes and chromosomes than those with the mutation. This evidence supports the notion that the COX mutation contributes to genome downsizing, with statistical analyses confirming a directional evolution towards smaller genomes in species harboring these mutations., Conclusions: Our study confirms that the COX mutation in Lentibulariaceae is associated with genome downsizing, likely driven by increased reactive oxygen species production and subsequent DNA damage requiring deletion-biased repair mechanisms. While boosting mitochondrial energy output, this genetic mutation compromises genome integrity and may potentially affect recombination rates, illustrating a complex trade-off between evolutionary advantages and disadvantages. Our results highlight the intricate processes by which genetic mutations and environmental pressures shape genome size evolution in carnivorous plants., (© The Author(s) 2024. Published by Oxford University Press on behalf of the Annals of Botany Company.)

The Top End of the Northern Territory in Australia is a centre of diversity for carnivorous plants. In May 2021, Boaz Ng embarked on a 10-day expedition to document these plants in the wild and photographed over 45 taxa across 3 genera. This field report recounts his experience and focuses on a selection of species that represent adaptations towards the wet and dry seasonal dichotomy of the region. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aims: The carnivorous Utricularia (Lentibulariaceae) has an anatomically simple and seemingly rootless vegetative body. It occupies a variety of wetlands and inland waters and shows a broad range of life forms. Here, we aimed to elucidate structural and functional traits in various hydric conditions. Furthermore, we intended to evaluate morpho-anatomical adaptations in correlation with life forms. Methods: Morpho-anatomical characteristics typical for hydrophytes of all life forms were investigated by light microscopy on 13 Utricularia taxa, compared to one Pinguicula and two Genlisea taxa, and assessed by multivariate analyses. Results: Vegetative structures of Utricularia and Genlisea showed reduced cortical, supporting, and vascular tissues. With increasing water table, leaves were thinner, and narrower or dissected, and submerged organs tended to contain chloroplasts in parenchymatic and epidermal cells. In some main stolons, an endodermis with Casparian strips was visible. Large gas chambers, including a novel 'crescent' and a special 'hollow' aerenchyma pattern, were found in amphibious to free-floating taxa. Conclusions: The evolutionary transfer of carnivory from aerial to subterranean organs in Genlisea, and even more in Utricularia, coincides with a highly simplified anatomy, which is adapted to a broad variety of hydric conditions and compensates for structural innovations in the uptake of nutrients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Elevated mercury (Hg) levels in biota is one issue facing the Everglades ecosystem in south Florida, USA. Methylmercury (MeHg) is a concern in the environment because it bioaccumulates through the food web and can harm fauna and humans if ingested through contaminated food sources (e.g., fish). Total mercury (THg) and MeHg concentrations were measured in several common macrophyte species, periphyton, and detritus in the Everglades to investigate Hg concentrations spatially and among different ecosystem components. At each site, two species from the carnivorous genus Utricularia , U. purpurea and U. foliosa , which are widespread and abundant in Everglades sloughs, had much higher average tissue MeHg concentrations (2.4–81 ng/g dry weight [dw]) than all other sampled macrophytes (<1.5–7.5 ng/g dw), periphyton (0.4–6.2 ng/g dw), and detritus (<1.5–5.7 ng/g dw). The Utricularia species were likewise enriched with THg (14.6–115 ng/g dw) compared to the other macrophytes (2.6–27 ng/g dw), although slough detritus had the highest THg at most sites (24–182 ng/g dw). The Utricularia species generally had a higher average percent of THg as MeHg (8.2–75%) compared to the other macrophytes, periphyton, and detritus (0–32%). MeHg concentrations in Utricularia species were quite variable among sites with a spatial distribution that generally reflected historical Hg concentration patterns known in mosquitofish (Gambusia holbrooki). Utricularia species merit further investigation to understand how they accumulate relatively high MeHg concentrations and how they might influence Hg accumulation up the food web. • Methylmercury (MeHg) contamination is prevalent in the Everglades, USA. • Utricularia spp. had higher MeHg than other macrophytes, periphyton, and detritus. • Utricularia spp. MeHg may impact the Everglades food web. • Mode of MeHg generation or uptake in Utricularia spp. needs to be investigated. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Resumo Este estudo compreende as espécies da família Lentibulariaceae ocorrentes no estado do Ceará, caracterizadas por apresentarem estruturas vegetativas altamente modificadas para captura de presas como forma de nutrição suplementar. Neste trabalho são apresentadas descrições morfológicas, chave de identificação, comentários taxonômicos, ilustrações, fotografias e dados de distribuição geográfica das espécies. Lentibulariaceae encontra-se representada, na área de estudo, pelos gêneros Genlisea e Utricularia, abrangendo 17 espécies: G. filiformis, U. adpressa, U. cornuta, U. cutleri, U. erectiflora, U. flaccida, U. foliosa, U.gibba, U. hydrocarpa, U. jamesoniana, U. juncea, U. pubescens, U. pusilla, U. resupinata, U. simulans, U. subulata e U. trichophylla. Oito espécies foram registradas em cinco Unidades de Conservação: APA do Lagamar do Cauípe, APA de Jericoacoara, APA do Lagamar do Cauípe, APA da Serra de Ibiapaba, PARNA de Ubajara e TI Jenipapo-Kanindé.

Background: Biological controls with predators of larval mosquito vectors have historically focused almost exclusively on insectivorous animals, with few studies examining predatory plants as potential larvacidal agents. In this study, we experimentally evaluate a generalist plant predator of North America, Utricularia macrorhiza, the common bladderwort, and evaluate its larvacidal efficiency for the mosquito vectors Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus in no-choice, laboratory experiments. We sought to determine first, whether U. macrorhiza is a competent predator of container-breeding mosquitoes, and secondly, its predation efficiency for early and late instar larvae of each mosquito species. Methods: Newly hatched, first-instar Ae. albopictus and Ae. aegypti larvae were separately exposed in cohorts of 10 to field-collected U. macrorhiza cuttings. Data on development time and larval survival were collected on a daily basis to ascertain the effectiveness of U. macrorhiza as a larval predator. Survival models were used to assess differences in larval survival between cohorts that were exposed to U. macrorhiza and those that were not. A permutation analysis was used to investigate whether storing U. macrorhiza in laboratory conditions for extended periods of time (1 month vs 6 months) affected its predation efficiency. Results: Our results indicated a 100% and 95% reduction of survival of Ae. aegypti and Ae. albopictus larvae, respectively, in the presence of U. macrorhiza relative to controls within five days, with peak larvacidal efficiency in plant cuttings from ponds collected in August. Utricularia macrorhiza cuttings, which were prey-deprived, and maintained in laboratory conditions for 6 months were more effective larval predators than cuttings, which were maintained prey-free for 1 month. Conclusions: Due to the combination of high predation efficiency and the unique biological feature of facultative predation, we suggest that U. macrorhiza warrants further development as a method for larval mosquito control. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The terrestrial carnivorous species Utricularia dichotoma is known for a great phenotypic plasticity and unusual vegetative organs. Our investigation on 22 sources/populations revealed that after initiation of a leaf and two bladders on a stolon, a bud was formed in the proximal axil of the leaf, developing into a rosette with up to seven organs. The first two primordia of the bud grew into almost every possible combination of organs, but often into two anchor stolons. The patterns were generally not population specific. The interchangeability of organs increased with increasing rank in the succession of organs on stolon nodes. A high potential of switching developmental programs may be successful in a fluctuating environment. In this respect, we were able to show that bladders developed from anchor stolons experimentally when raising the water table. Anatomical structures were simple, lacunate and largely homogenous throughout all organs. They showed similarities with many hydrophytes, reflecting the plant's adaptation to (temporarily) submerged conditions. The principal component analysis was used in the context of dynamic morphology to illustrate correlations between organ types in the morphospace of U. dichotoma, revealing an organ specific patchwork of developmental processes for typical leaves and shoots, and less pronounced for a typical root. The concept and methods we applied may prove beneficial for future studies on the evolution of Lentibulariaceae, and on developmental morphology and genetics of unusual structures in plants. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aquatic bladderwort Utricularia gibba captures zooplankton in mechanically triggered underwater traps. With characteristic dimensions <1 mm, the trapping structures are among the smallest known that work by suction—a mechanism that would not be effective in the creeping‐flow regime. To understand the adaptations that make suction feeding possible on this small scale, we have measured internal flow speeds during artificially triggered feeding strikes in the absence of prey. These data are compared with complementary analytical models of the suction event: an inviscid model of the jet development in time and a steady‐state model incorporating friction. The initial dynamics are well described by a time‐dependent Bernoulli equation in which the action of the trap door is represented by a step increase in driving pressure. According to this model, the observed maximum flow speed (5.2 m/s) depends only on the pressure difference, whereas the initial acceleration (3 × 104 m/s2) is determined by pressure difference and channel length. Because the terminal speed is achieved quickly (~0.2 ms) and the channel is short, the remainder of the suction event (~2.0 ms) is effectively an undeveloped viscous steady state. The steady‐state model predicts that only 17% of power is lost to friction. The energy efficiency and steady‐state fluid speed decrease rapidly with decreasing channel diameter, setting a lower limit on practical bladderwort size. Research highlights: Bladderworts (genus Utricularia) are carnivorous plants with tiny underwater traps. Despite their small traps, their suction flows are described well by mathematical models for inviscid flow conditions, which are typical of large suction feeders. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The genus Utricularia includes around 250 species of carnivorous plants, commonly known as bladderworts. The generic name Utricularia was coined by Carolus Linnaeus in reference to the carnivorous organs (Utriculus in Latin) present in all species of the genus. Since the formal proposition by Linnaeus, many species of Utricularia were described, but only scarce information about the biology for most species is known. All Utricularia species are herbs with vegetative organs that do not follow traditional models of morphological classification. Since the formal description of Utricularia in the 18th century, the trap function has intrigued naturalists. Historically, the traps were regarded as floating organs, a common hypothesis that was maintained by different botanists. However, Charles Darwin was most likely the first naturalist to refute this idea, since even with the removal of all traps, the plants continued to float. More recently, due mainly to methodological advances, detailed studies on the trap function and mechanisms could be investigated. This review shows a historical perspective on Utricularia studies which focuses on the traps and body organization.

e reporta un nuevo registro de planta vascular para el estado de Campeche que pertenece a la familia Lentibulariaceae, clascada como Utricularia purpurea Walter, que crece en la laguna Silvituc, al sur del estado, en los municipios de Escárcega y Calakmul. Este registro sitúa al estado de Campeche con el mayor número de especies del género en la península de Yucatán.

Bladderworts (Utricularia, Lentibulariaceae, Lamiales) are carnivorous plants that form small suction traps (bladders) for catching invertebrates. The velum is a cuticle structure that is produced by specialized trichomes of the threshold pavement epithelium. It is believed that the velum together with the mucilage seals the free edge of the trap door and that it is necessary for correct functioning of the trap. However, recently, some authors have questioned the occurrence of a velum in the traps of the Utricularia from the various sections. The main aim of this study was to confirm whether velum occurs in the traps of the Utricularia species from the subgenera Polypompholyx, Bivalvaria, and Utricularia. The 15 species were examined from subg. Polypompholyx, subg. Bivalvaria, and subg. Utricularia. A velum was found in all examined Utricularia species. In the traps of the members of section Pleiochasia, there was an outer velum (forming a complete ring) and an inner velum. In the traps of Utricularia uniflora (Lasiocaules), there was only an inner velum. In these species, the formation of the velum was accompanied by intensive mucilage production, and as a result, when door was closed (set position), the mucilage and the velum touched the surface of the door. In members of both sections of Pleiochasia and Lasiocaules, the pavement epithelium had a more complicated structure (four to five zones) than in the members of the subgenera Bivalvaria and Utricularia in which three distinct zones occurred (an outer with a velum, a middle and an internal with the mucilage trichomes). Even in U. purpurea, where the threshold was a reduced pavement epithelium, it consisted of three functional zones and the presence of a velum. Two main types of velum have been proposed. A velum was present in Utricularia traps regardless of the trap type or the habitat (aquatic, epiphytic, and terrestrial species). We proposed broad definition of velum as cuticle membranes covered by mucilage; from a functional point of view, this definition is more useful and more reflects complexity of this structure.

Bladderworts (Utricularia , Lentibulariaceae , Lamiales) are carnivorous plants that form small suction traps (bladders) for catching invertebrates. The velum is a cuticle structure that is produced by specialized trichomes of the threshold pavement epithelium. It is believed that the velum together with the mucilage seals the free edge of the trap door and that it is necessary for correct functioning of the trap. However, recently, some authors have questioned the occurrence of a velum in the traps of the Utricularia from the various sections. The main aim of this study was to confirm whether velum occurs in the traps of the Utricularia species from the subgenera Polypompholyx , Bivalvaria , and Utricularia. The 15 species were examined from subg. Polypompholyx , subg. Bivalvaria , and subg. Utricularia. A velum was found in all examined Utricularia species. In the traps of the members of section Pleiochasia , there was an outer velum (forming a complete ring) and an inner velum. In the traps of Utricularia uniflora (Lasiocaules), there was only an inner velum. In these species, the formation of the velum was accompanied by intensive mucilage production, and as a result, when door was closed (set position), the mucilage and the velum touched the surface of the door. In members of both sections of Pleiochasia and Lasiocaules , the pavement epithelium had a more complicated structure (four to five zones) than in the members of the subgenera Bivalvaria and Utricularia in which three distinct zones occurred (an outer with a velum, a middle and an internal with the mucilage trichomes). Even in U. purpurea , where the threshold was a reduced pavement epithelium, it consisted of three functional zones and the presence of a velum. Two main types of velum have been proposed. A velum was present in Utricularia traps regardless of the trap type or the habitat (aquatic, epiphytic, and terrestrial species). We proposed broad definition of velum as cuticle membranes covered by mucilage; from a functional point of view, this definition is more useful and more reflects complexity of this structure. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Se presenta la ampliación de registro de distribución para la planta carnívora Utricularia foliosa L. (Lentibulariaceae) encontrada por primera vez en la Ciénaga de Paredes, departamento de Santander, Colombia. Adicionalmente se realiza un breve aporte sobre su espectro alimentario, para lo cual se observó el contenido de 150 utrículos, recolectados durante los meses de agosto y octubre de 2013 y febrero de 2014. El contenido de los utrículos mostró que los grupos principales capturados fueron: Trombidiformes, Ostracoda y Diptera.

Endosymbiosis between coccoid green algae and ciliates are widely distributed and occur in various phylogenetic lineages among the Ciliophora. Most mixotrophic ciliates live in symbiosis with different species and genera of the so-called Chlorella clade (Trebouxiophyceae). The mixotrophic ciliates can be differentiated into two groups: (i) obligate, which always live in symbiosis with such green algae and are rarely algae-free and (ii) facultative, which formed under certain circumstances such as in anoxic environments an association with algae. A case of the facultative endosymbiosis is found in the recently described species of Tetrahymena, T. utriculariae, which lives in the bladder traps of the carnivorous aquatic plant Utricularia reflexa. The green endosymbiont of this ciliate belonged to the genus Micractinium. We characterized the isolated algal strain using an integrative approach and compared it to all described species of this genus. The phylogenetic analyses using complex evolutionary secondary structure-based models revealed that this endosymbiont represents a new species of Micractinium, M. tetrahymenae sp. nov., which was further confirmed by the ITS2/CBC approach.

Introduction: Gene expression is often controlled via cis-regulatory elements (CREs) that modulate the production of transcripts. For multi-gene genetic engineering and synthetic biology, precise control of transcription is crucial, both to insulate the transgenes from unwanted native regulation and to prevent readthrough or cross-regulation of transgenes within a multi-gene cassette. To prevent this activity, insulator-like elements, more properly referred to as transcriptional blockers, could be inserted to separate the transgenes so that they are independently regulated. However, only a few validated insulator-like elements are available for plants, and they tend to be larger than ideal., Methods: To identify additional potential insulator-like sequences, we conducted a genome-wide analysis of Utricularia gibba (humped bladderwort), one of the smallest known plant genomes, with genes that are naturally close together. The 10 best insulator-like candidates were evaluated in vivo for insulator-like activity., Results: We identified a total of 4,656 intergenic regions with expression profiles suggesting insulator-like activity. Comparisons of these regions across 45 other plant species (representing Monocots, Asterids, and Rosids) show low levels of syntenic conservation of these regions. Genome-wide analysis of unmethylated regions (UMRs) indicates ~87% of the targeted regions are unmethylated; however, interpretation of this is complicated because U. gibba has remarkably low levels of methylation across the genome, so that large UMRs frequently extend over multiple genes and intergenic spaces. We also could not identify any conserved motifs among our selected intergenic regions or shared with existing insulator-like elements for plants. Despite this lack of conservation, however, testing of 10 selected intergenic regions for insulator-like activity found two elements on par with a previously published element (EXOB) while being significantly smaller., Discussion: Given the small number of insulator-like elements currently available for plants, our results make a significant addition to available tools. The high hit rate (2 out of 10) also implies that more useful sequences are likely present in our selected intergenic regions; additional validation work will be required to identify which will be most useful for plant genetic engineering., Competing Interests: The authors declare that the research was conducted in the absence of any commercial or financial relationships that could be construed as a potential conflict of interest. The author(s) declared that they were an editorial board member of Frontiers, at the time of submission. This had no impact on the peer review process and the final decision., (Copyright © 2023 Laspisa, llla-Berenguer, Bang, Schmitz, Parrott and Wallace.)