Ants and their effects on an insect herbivore community associated with the inflorescences of Byrsonima crassifolia (Linnaeus) H.B.K. (Malpighiaceae)

The effects of ants on the insect community on inflorescences of Byrsonima crassifolia (Malpighiaceae) were tested in an ant exclusion experiment in a cerrado vegetation in southeastern Brazil. Forty-four species of insects (23 families) and nine species of ants (6 genera and 3 subfamilies) were found on the inflorescences of B. crassifolia. The exclusion of ants, primarily Camponotus sericeiventris and Camponotus spp., reduced the treehopper population to 20% of the original abundance. Ant exclusion and time influenced the abundance of chewing (Exclusion, P<0.001; Time, P<0.002), and sucking insects (Exclusion, P<0.02; Time, P<0.01). Twice as many chewing and sucking insects were found on ant-excluded inflorescences as compared to control inflorescences (P<0.001). One and half more sucking insects were found on ant-excluded than on control inflorescences. Only time significantly influenced the richness of chewing and sucking insects associated with B. crassifolia inflorescences. Inflorescences on control branches were significantly less attacked by herbivores than inflorescences on ant-excluded branches (P<0.001). Therefore, these results suggest that the presence of ants alters the structure of insect herbivore community associated with B. crassifolia.

Valtioneuvos K.-A. Fagerholm 30/12 1974

Kirje 30.12.1974

Vast. ed. Lappi-Setälän k[y]s[y]m[yks]:een, joka koskee sotien aikana ase- ja työpalveluksessa olleiden henkilöiden verorästien järjestelyä

Puhe

Aspects thérapeutiques de la vitamine D: quels taux cibler avec quels traitements [Therapeutic goal of vitamin D: optimal serum level and dose requirements].

Therapeutic goal of vitamin D: optimal serum level and dose requirements Results of randomized controlled trials and meta-analyses investigating the effect of vitamin D supplementation on falls and fractures are inconsistent. The optimal serum level 25(OH) vitamin D for musculoskeletal and global health is > or = 30 ng/ml (75 nmol/l) for some experts and 20 ng/ml (50 nmol/l) for some others. A daily dose of vitamin D is better than high intermittent doses to reach this goal. High dose once-yearly vitamin D therapy may increase the incidence of fractures and falls. High serum level of vitamin D is probably harmful for the musculoskeletal system and health at large. The optimal benefits for musculoskeletal health are obtained with an 800 UI daily dose and a serum level of near 30 ng/ml (75 nmol/l).

Valtioneuvos K.-A. Fagerholm Jouluna 1970

Kirje 25.12.1970