Seasonal ecology of a species from the genus Monophadnus (Hymenoptera: Tenthredinidae) on Helleborus spp. and biological control tests

Depuis plusieurs années, un insecte du genre Monophadnus (Hymenoptera, Tenthredinidae : Blennocampinae) cause de sérieux dégâts aux collections de plantes du genre Helleborus des Conservatoire et Jardin Botaniques de Genève (CJB). Cette étude avait pour objectif de mieux connaître l’écologie saisonnière de cette espèce grâce à la mise en place d'élevages et à des observations in situ. Des essais de lutte biologique ont été également menés avec des champignons entomopathogènes des espèces Beauveria bassiana et Isaria farinosa, ainsi qu’avec un insecticide biologique, l’azadirachtine, extrait d’Azadirachta indica (NeemAzal®T/S). Seuls le NeemAzal®T/S à la concentration de 0,5 % et Isaria farinosa à 107 spores/ml ont permis de réduire significativement la population de cette espèce de Monophadnus provoquant des mortalités de 40 à 50 % plus élevées que dans le procédé témoin.For several years, an insect species from the genus Monophadnus (Hymenoptera, Tenthredinidae: Blennocampinae) has been causing serious damage to Helleborus plant collections in the Botanical Conservatory and Garden of Geneva (CJB). This work aimed to identify the seasonal ecology of this species, through insect rearing and observations under in situ conditions. Biological control methods were also assayed using strains of the entomopathogenic fungi Beauveria bassiana and Isaria farinosa, as well as a commercial biological insecticide, the azadirachtin, extracted from Azadirachta indica (NeemAzal®T/S). Only the applications of NeemAzal®T/S at 0.5 % concentration and Isaria farinosa at 107 spores/ml led to significantly reduce the population of this species of Monophadnus, by causing mortality 40 to 50 % higher than in the control

Ground beetle (Coleoptera: Carabidae) communities on green roofs in Switzerland : synthesis and perspectives

Erworben im Rahmen der Schweizer Nationallizenzen (http://www.nationallizenzen.ch)Green roofs have recently gained recognition for their potential contribution to urban ecosystems by providing, among other services, habitat for plants and animals, and stepping stones for mobile organisms, thereby enhancing permeability among habitat patches across densely built cities. In Switzerland, investigations over the past 20 years on more than one hundred distinct green roofs across six cities have provided an unprecedented dataset on ground beetles, albeit with information that is scattered across unpublished reports and local databases. We present here for the first time a synthesis of the state of knowledge of ground beetle communities from green roofs in Switzerland. We describe 91 ground beetles species (19,428 individuals) and highlight patterns of species occurrence and composition across green roofs and cities. Most of the roofs host ground beetle communities dominated by five common mobile species with quite diversified ecological requirements. In addition, we observed nine species (10% of all species collected) that are conservation concerns in Switzerland and Central Europe as well as numerous stenotopic species (from grasslands and pioneer vegetation). This indicates that, besides sustaining local populations of common species, green roofs can also offer suitable ecological conditions of high conservation interest. We suggest both improving the design of green roofs (composition and configuration of vegetation, as well as soil depth and substrate composition) to increase their ecological value for species with the most different ecological needs, and to integrate green roofs into urban planning to make them more efficient as biodiversity supports

From Vascular Smooth Muscle Cells to Folliculogenesis: What About Vasorin?

First described in 1988, vasorin (VASN) is a transmembrane glycoprotein expressed during early mouse development, and with a less extent, in various organs and tissues (e.g., kidney, aorta, and brain) postnatally. Vasn KO mice die after 3 weeks of life from unknown cause(s). No human disease has been associated with variants of this gene so far, but VASN seems to be a potential biomarker for nephropathies and tumorigenesis. Its interactions with the TGF-β and Notch1 pathways offer the most serious assumptions regarding VASN functions. In this review, we will describe current knowledge about this glycoprotein and discuss its implication in various organ pathophysiology

Osteocyte: the unrecognized side of bone tissue.

International audienceINTRODUCTION: Osteocytes represent 95% of all bone cells. These cells are old osteoblasts that occupy the lacunar space and are surrounded by the bone matrix. They possess cytoplasmic dendrites that form a canalicular network for communication between osteocytes and the bone surface. They express some biomarkers (osteopontin, beta3 integrin, CD44, dentin matrix protein 1, sclerostin, phosphate-regulating gene with homologies to endopeptidases on the X chromosome, matrix extracellular phosphoglycoprotein, or E11/gp38) and have a mechano-sensing role that is dependent upon the frequency, intensity, and duration of strain. DISCUSSION: The mechanical information transmitted into the cytoplasm also triggers a biological cascade, starting with NO and PGE(2) and followed by Wnt/beta catenin signaling. This information is transmitted to the bone surface through the canalicular network, particularly to the lining cells, and is able to trigger bone remodeling by directing the osteoblast activity and the osteoclastic resorption. Furthermore, the osteocyte death seems to play also an important role. The outcome of micro-cracks in the vicinity of osteocytes may interrupt the canalicular network and trigger cell apoptosis in the immediate surrounding environment. This apoptosis appears to transmit a message to the bone surface and activate remodeling. The osteocyte network also plays a recognized endocrine role, particularly concerning phosphate regulation and vitamin D metabolism. Both the suppression of estrogen following menopause and chronic use of systemic glucocorticoids induce osteocyte apoptosis. On the other hand, physical activity has a positive impact in the reduction of apoptosis. In addition, some osteocyte molecular elements like sclerostin, connexin 43, E11/gp38, and DKK1 are emerging as promising targets for the treatment of various osteo-articular pathologies

Pollinators on Green Roofs: Diversity and Trait Analysis of Wild Bees (Hymenoptera: Anthophila) and Hoverflies (Diptera: Syrphidae) in an Urban Area (Geneva, Switzerland)

Green roofs can provide food resources to several insect groups. For pollinators found in cities, as are wild bees and hoverflies, the existence of a wide variety of green infrastructures is crucial to ensure their development and survival. In order to investigate if wild bees and hoverflies use green roofs and how local and landscape factors influence their abundance and diversity, sampling of these insects was done in 2017 using cornet traps on extensive green roofs of two types: 1) urban green roofs (30% of green spaces in a 200m radius). There were 62 wild bee species and 10 hoverfly species identified during the 22-week sampling period. For the latter, no differences in richness and abundance were found between roofs and between roof types. Most hoverfly species were associated with xero-thermophilic habitats. Regarding wild bees, no difference in abundance and richness was observed between roofs. However, urban roofs showed significantly lower abundances compared to mixed landscape roofs. Local and landscape factors influenced the pollinator communities: the percentage of attractive plant species on roofs was positively correlated with the abundance of wild bees and the percentage of green areas in a 600 m radius was positively correlated with their richness. The traits analysis showed no difference between roofs and between roof types. Our results highlight the important role of green roofs in supplying food resources for urban pollinators instead of providing suitable nesting habitats. The abundance of attractive plant species for pollinators and diversified landscape surrounding green roofs seem to be key factors in order to promote these wild pollinators in cities

First detection of the southern green stink bug parasitoid trichopoda pennipes (fabr.) (diptera: tachinidae) in Western Switzerland

Specimens of the feather-legged fly, trichopoda pennipes (fabricius, 1781), were detected in gy, Perly and Monniaz (canton of geneva, Switzerland), parasitizing adults of nezara viridula (l.). this is the first record of this nearctic species in Switzerland north of the alps, and one of the first records in temperate europe. t. pennipes could have a potential to control the population of n. viridula, a pest that causes increasing damages in various crops and is known to be the principal host of this tachinid fly

Pollinator emerging from extensive green roofs: wild bees (Hymenoptera, Antophila) and hoverflies (Diptera, Syrphidae) in Geneva (Switzerland)

By the end of 2020, 75% of the Swiss population will live in cities. The urban densification will result in habitat and biodiversityloss. One solution to mitigate this loss in urban environments is the implementation of green roofs that are now recognised as atool for the maintenance of epigeal and aerial arthropods. Green roofs can provide various services such as pollination and foodsupply for insects and various arthropods (e.g. arachnids) and animals (e.g. birds).The objective of this study was to evaluate the diversity of pollinating insects emerging from urban green roofs. Wild bees(Hymenoptera) and hoverflies (Diptera) were sampled using emergence traps on six extensive green roofs in the urban area ofGeneva (Switzerland), from March to August 2017. Five species of wild bees and two species of hoverflies were identified:Lasioglossum morio(Halictidae) andSphaerophoria scripta(Syrphidae) are the only two species considered as emerging fromgreen roofs in our study. Ecological traits of these two species indicated generalists, well adapted to xero-thermophilic conditions