Chapters authored
Environmental Role of Earthworm (Lumbricidae) in Formation of Soil Buffering Capacity Against Copper Contamination in Remediated Soil, Steppe Zone of Ukraine
The study allowed effect of earthworm casting activities on soil buffering against copper compounds within the territory remediated after coal mining (Western Donbass, Ukraine). Assay of copper immobilization/mobilization was performed in earthworm casts (excretions) and artificial remediated soil. Efficiency of immobilization in the casts (humus-free and humic variants) was more (23 and 43%, respectively) than efficiency of immobilization in the initial soil: loess-like loam and chernozem (19.9 and 40.1%, respectively). Thus, earthworm ecoservice activity changed positively environmental conditions of remediated soil and naturalization of artificial edaphotopes within remediated lands in steppe zone. Environmental quality of remediated soil enriched in earthworm casts was confirmed to be improved.
Part of the book: Soil Contamination
Invasive Leaf-Mining Moths (Lepidoptera, Gracillariidae) in Ukraine: Ecology, Degree of Invasion
This chapter is devoted to elucidating the bioecological characteristics of the existence of five invasive leafminer moth species of the family Gracillariidae Steinton, 1854 (Parectopa robiniella (Clemens, 1863), Phyllonorycter issikii (Kumata, 1963), Phyllonorycter platani (Staudinger, 1870), Macrosaccus robiniella (Clemens, 1859) and Cameraria ohridella Deschka & Dimic, 1986) and extent of their impact on dendroflora in Ukraine. Features of their invasion into various ecosystems were revealed. The effects of Gracillariidae caterpillar feeding on host (food) plants were studied. The caterpillars of invasive leafminer moth species affected the functional state of host plants; it was confirmed by alterations in the content of soluble proteins, activity and isoenzyme composition of benzidine peroxidase during the growing season of the host plants. The study of dynamics of highly soluble proteins showed a decrease in their content at substantial leaf damage. The restructuring of both peroxidase activity and its isoenzyme profile was revealed to be indicators of the plant biochemical adaptation to the feeding of caterpillars of invasive leaf blotch miners. The results obtained show the activation of the enzymatic antioxidant protection system in host plants in response to the damaging effect of Gracillariidae caterpillars, which ensures the survival of the plant and completes its ontogenesis program in unfavorable conditions.
Part of the book: Biodiversity and Ecology of Lepidoptera