Abstract

Artificial overwintering shelters composed of corrugated cardboard bands were placed on pistachio, almond, and wild almond trees located in the Sanliurfa (Turkey) province to monitor the timing of emergence from overwintering sites by hibernated predator arthropods. Almond and wild almonds adjacent to the pistachio orchards are the sources of the natural enemies of orchard pests. The bands were placed on the trees in October and collection began in January. Cumulative emergence from shelters was determined in 2009 and 2010 by calendar date and degree-day basis for Oenopia conglobata (L.), Piocoris luridus Fieb., Spiders, Hippodomia variegata (Goeze), and Deraeocoris pallens Reuther. In addition, one of the most important pest species of pistachio trees, pistachio psylla, Agonoscena pistacieae Burck. and Laut. were collected from these overwintering shelters. Spiders and D. pallens emerged first, D. pallens completing their emergence by early March (190 degree-days for 90% emergence) and by late March (372 degree-days for 90% emergence) in 2009 and 2010, respectively. The spiders completed their emergence by late April. Piocoris luridus and H. variegata emerged later than previous taxa, and finished emergence by late March, mid April. Oenopia conglobata emerged later than the other species (began emerging from bands at about 250 degree-days), and completed emergence by early, mid April. Anthocoris minki Dohrn, and Orius spp., Neuroptera, two species of Coccinellidae and A. pistaciae occurred at lower numbers in the shelters. Results suggested that most predatory taxa were more likely to be active at the time that the initial insecticide sprays were applied in early spring. Chemical applications with minimal detrimental impact on the environment should take into account the variety of natural enemies overwintered in orchard and their emergence time.

Keywords: Adjacent habitat, biological control, emergence, overwintering, pistachio

Abstract

This study examined the effect of variations in the water characteristics (dissolved oxygen, pH, conductivity and temperature) of the biotopes of freshwater turtles [Emys orbicularis (Linnaeus, 1758) and Mauremys rivulata (Valenciennes, 1833)] collected from different localities in Çanakkale, Turkey on the blood parameters and put forward the variations in blood parameters for survival during wet and dry periods. According to the water quality of their biotopes, differences were detected in the erythrocyte and leukocyte counts of the species E. orbicularis and in the erythrocyte and leukocyte counts as well as in the MCV (mean cell volume) and MCH (mean cell hemoglobin) values in M. rivulata. In the species E. orbicularis, differences were detected in the biochemical sense in total protein and urea quantities between dry and wet periods

Keywords: Ecology, hematology, plasma biochemistry, freshwater turtles, Turkey

Abstract

Heavy metal accumulations in algal species are generally studied under laboratory conditions. However, there is rather limited knowledge on heavy metal accumulation of micro algal species in their natural habitats. In this study , some heavy metal loads absorbed by C. glomerata which shows intensive population in late spring and early summer in the littoral zone of the Lake Hazar, which is a relatively oligotrophic, and has a high alkaline level, were investigated. Obtained data were compared with heavy metal loads of the water. Levels of heavy metals in the algae were found as 1,31-1,77 mg/g- C. glomerata for Cupper (Cu), 58,5-218 mg/g- C. glomerata for Iron (Fe), 2,75-4,99 mg/g- C. glomerata for Manganeze (Mn) and 9,61-11,8 mg/g- C. glomerata for Zinc (Zn). In conclusion, C. glomerata absorbs some heavy metals which are dangerous for human health. Therefore, this species has a potential to be use as bio-absorbent in waste water treatments.

Keywords: Cladophora glomerata, Clorophyta, Lake Hazar, Heavy metal

Abstract

This study was carried out to determine the assessment as establishing fertilizer of biosolid in a sod establishment with creeping red fescue (Festuca rubra L. var. rubra) in Van in 2007-2008 years. In this study carried out using randomized complete-block design with three replications, it was evaluated the doses of 3, 6, 9 and 12 ton/da biosolid (sewage sludge) and application as establishing fertilizer of farmyard manure that was used as a control. In the study, criteria such as plant height, green grass yield, plant covered area, weed rate, color and turfgrass quality of creeping red fescue were evaluated. In the result of study, in observations at the first period of primary year, plant height, green grass yield and plant-covered area values were found to be a low in applications where high doses of biosolid were used and at the further periods, these values were found to be a high. Color and turfgrass quality criteria in fields used as establishing fertilizer of biosolid give generally the best results according to fields used the farmyard manure in each observation period. In the result of this study, it has been considered that biosolid was increased the turfgrass performance of creeping red fescue and was an important alternative to a farmyard manure in establishing stage.

Keywords: Sewage sludge, turfgrass performance, creeping red fescue, turf.

Abstract

The aim of this study was to determine high inorganic nitrogen concentration of eutrophic West Pond which supplies water to the Sakaryabaşı Fish Culture and Research Station was originated whether from sediment or not. In the West Pond sediment, inorganic nitrogen (ammonium-nitrate) flux was estimated in the months (April, July, October, January) that represent the seasons. Negative ammonium and nitrate flux (retention) values were changed between 809.48 and 2069.52 µg. m^-2.day^-1, from 2053.77 to 7718.10 µg. m^-2.day^-1, respectively. The minimum and maximum inorganic nitrogen (ammonium-nitrate) flux values were estimated in July and January, respectively. During the decomposition or decay of macrophytes in autumn-winter period, the overlying water’s high ammonium values (3.16-5.04 mgL^-1) showed that macrophytes play an important role in preventing or suppressing the release of mineralized dissolved nitrogen from sediment to the overlying water. The other possible factors on the continuity of the pond eutrophication and the hindered nitrogen flux were no significant differerence at water temperature (18.53-21.28 ^oC), no occurrence of anoxic condition in the pond (dissolved oxygen; 5.85-7.28 mgL^-1) and not a suitable range of pH (7.09-7.62) for the nitrification process.

Keywords: Eutrophication, sediment, inorganic nitrogen flux, porewater, Sakaryabaşı West Pond

Abstract

In the present study, the feeding ecology of Black-crowned Night Heron (Nycticorax nycticorax Linne, 1758) was investigated.The study was carried out in wetlands in the basin between 16^th February 2006 and 4^th October 2007. It was observed that The Night heron prefer the muddy and marshy places where freshwater joins to the lake for feeding. The morphometric measurement of chicks was done to determine the development related to the feeding. The measurement consisted of weight, tarsus, bill length, wing length, wing length, height and middle toe length. The Night heron feeds with animal foods. The vomiting samples of sixty (60) individuals and materials in nest were taken and seven (7) animal species belonging to five (5) classes were determined as feeding material of the Night heron (Chalcalburnus tarichi that a endemic fish species live in Van Lake, Rana sp., Bufo sp., Mus musculus, Microtus sp., Helix sp., Neuroptera’s larvae). There is no plantal feeding material in feed range.

Keyword: Black-crowned Night Heron, Ecology, Feeding, Nycticorax nycticorax, Van Lake, Turkey.

Abstract

The objective of this study was to determine the effects of substrates prepared by the mixtures of sawdust and wood-chip of oak with tea manufacture waste (TW) at the rate of 10, 15, 20 and 25% on the yield and some morphological characters of Ganoderma lucidum mushroom. Ganoderma lucidum (Fr.) Karst. mycelium was obtained from Company of Agromycel in Denizli. In the study, pH, moisture, N and C contents, and C:N ratios of substrates, and also days to first fruiting, yield and some morphological characters were determined. Substrate mixtures of sawdust (OS) and wood-chip (OWC) of oak at the rate of 80% with 18% wheat brain (WB), 1% sucrose and 1% CaCO₃ were used as their controls. The highest mushroom yield was obtained from 90OWC:10TW (73.07 g/kg substrate) and 75OS:25TW (21.21 g/kg substrate). It was determined that mushroom yields of the substrates, except for the mixtures of 80:20TW, 85:15TW and 90:10TW prepared by oak sawdust with tea waste, were higher than that in control substrate of 80:18WB.

Abstract

The River Gediz, is the second greatest river of Aegean Region, is under threat of pollution caused by institutions of region, domestic waste, agricultural chemicals and artificial fertilizers. All kinds of substances which are above standardized limit values for water can make pollution. These pollutant levels could determine water usage aims. Heavy metals in trace level are the most hazardous of these matters. In our study, the physical and chemical parameters of water and the level of heavy metal concentration in water and sediment samples are analyzed in five different stations of Gediz River. The average level of some parameters are; BOD: 67.7 mg/L, COD: 88.7 mg/L, pH: 7.6, turbidity: 440 mg/L SiO₂. In water samples, the metals in high level are; Pb: 27.0±%0.8 µg/L at Nif River, Cr: 48.9±%0.9 µg/L at Muradiye Bridge, Cd: 12.1±%0.6 µg/L at Istanbul Bridge, Cu: 90.2±%0.4 µg/L at Muradiye Bridge, Ni: 309.8±%0.7 µg/L, Fe: 914.1±%0.3 µg/L, Zn: 208.3±%0.5 µg/L in Karaçay. The quality of water is at the level of four, according to Water Pollution Control Regulations. The sediment and soil samples taken from different station were also compared. It is seen that, the organic matter which is accumulated at the bottom of the river, increase the concentration of the metals.

Keywords: Heavy metal, Gediz River, river pollution, water quality.

Abstract

Total phosphorus and Secchi disk visibility parameters of Almus Dam Lake located in the district Almus of province Tokat were seasonally determined at nine stations located along the lake. Trophic status of Almus Dam Lake were determined by comparing the results of our measured parameters with the values of OECD. In the second phase of the research, phosphorous carrying capacity were determined using Beveridge suggested phosphorus loading model recognized by OECD. Phosphorus carrying capacity of the Lake was determined as 2275.21 mg.m^-2 per year. It has been concluded that the lake will renew itself without going to eutrophication when the total production of aquaculture is between 4023.33 (Food Conservation Ratio (FCR):1.5-1) and 6981.76 (FCR: 1:1).

Keywords: Almus Dam Lake, Trophic Status, Phospohrous Carrying Capacity, Principal Component Analysis.

Abstract

In this study, utilizing the wastes of valonia oak (Quercus ithaburensis Decne subsp macrolepis) in P. ostreatus cultivation is investigated. The tannin obtained from Valonia oak mostly utilized in leather industry. After having been extracted for tannin, the waste has no industrial utilization yet in Turkey. Milled valonia oak wastes composed of acorn cup held high humidity; therefore, has high drying cost for transporting as well as storage problems of the mills. Valonia oak wastes were used as compost to cultivate P. ostreatus. Results indicated that the mycelia development on oak wastes were realized 45 days yield of 24.5% (weight/weight) which is to be considered as potential substrate for P. ostreatus cultivation.

Keywords: Pleurotus ostreatus, substrate, acorn wastes.

Abstract

Air pollution and associated heavy metal pollution, is an important environmental problem. One of the methods used to monitor heavy pollution in the air is the method of transplanting lichen samples by the “bag technique”. In this study, Pseudevernia furfuracea was used as a bioindicator to determine the heavy metal level of air pollution heavy metal level in Kayseri and to generate an air pollution map of the city. The lichen samples were collected from the Yapraklı Mountains in Çankırı in 2002 and transplanted to 10 different stations in Kayseri. Lichen samples were re-collected at two different periods in three month intervals. Inductively coupled plasma (ICP) spectrometry was used to identify the heavy metals, such as Cu, Cd, Mn, Ni, Pb and Zn in the lichen samples. The chlorophyll a and b contents were determined by using the DMSO method. With these values chlorophyll a+b, a/b and b/a were also calculated. According to the heavy metal analysis results of Pseudevernia furfuracea, which worked well as a bioindicator, air pollution in Kayseri due to industry, heating and traffic was observed. The concentration of Cd at the 3^rd and 9^th station, Cu concentration at the 1^st and 8^th station, Mn concentration at the 3^rd and 10^th and Pb concentration at the 3^rd, 8^th and 10^th station were considerably high. In addition to these, the concentration of Zn was observed high at 9^th station.

Keywords: Bioindication, Heavy metals, Kayseri, Pseudevernia furfuracea, Turkey.