Kazimierz Wielki University in Bydgoszcz

About: Kazimierz Wielki University in Bydgoszcz is a education organization based out in Bydgoszcz, Poland. It is known for research contribution in the topics: Luminescence & Population. The organization has 1109 authors who have published 2923 publications receiving 19548 citations. The organization is also known as: Casimir the Great University & Uniwersytet Kazimierza Wielkiego w Bydgoszczy.

Invasive zebra mussel (Dreissena polymorpha) threatens an exceptionally large population of the depressed river mussel (Pseudanodonta complanata) in a postglacial lake.

Abstract: Freshwater mussels are in decline worldwide, with the depressed river mussel Pseudanodonta complanata being one of the rarest and most endangered species in Europe. Invasive mussels are suspected to be an important factor of decline, but there is little information on their interaction with native species.This study analyzed densities, depth distribution, and individual sizes and weights in one of the largest known populations of P. complanata in Europe in relation to the co-occurring invasive zebra mussel Dreissena polymorpha and other mussel species, using a systematic transect analysis. Pseudanodonta complanata was the dominant unionid species in Lake Siecino reaching densities of up to 26 ind/m2, with half of the specimens found at a water depth of 2.0-4.0 m. Densities were highest on sandy substrates in areas of underwater currents. In contrast, 67% of native Unio tumidus were found at depths < 1 m, indicating different habitat preference.In the study area, 91% of P. complanata, 92% of U. tumidus, and all Anodonta individuals were fouled by D. polymorpha. The dreissenid:unionid mass ratio (mean ± SD; maximum) was 0.43 ± 0.56; 4.22 and 0.86 ± 1.87; 8.76 in P. complanata and U. tumidus, respectively. Pseudanodonta complanata fouled with D. polymorpha were impaired in their anchoring capability and had shell deformations potentially affecting shell closing and filtration activity. Fouling intensity was negatively correlated with unionid density, potentially leading to accelerated population declines.The observed adverse effects of invasive zebra mussels on the depressed river mussel and the difficulties in eradicating established populations of invasive mussels suggest that D. polymorpha should be considered a serious threat to P. complanata. Therefore, the further spread of zebra mussels into habitats with native unionids needs to be avoided by all means.

Variable rates of random genetic drift in protected populations of English yew: implications for gene pool conservation

Abstract: Protecting populations in their natural habitat allows for the maintenance of naturally evolved adaptations and ecological relationships. However, the conservation of genetic resources often requires complementary practices like gene banks, translocations or reintroductions. In order to minimize inbreeding depression and maximize the adaptive potential of future populations, populations chosen for ex situ conservation should be selected according to criteria that will result in a reduction of global coancestry in the population. Generally, large populations should reveal lower coancestry and higher genetic variation than small populations. If detailed knowledge about coancestry is lacking, census population number (N c ) can be used as a proxy for required characteristics. However, a simple measure of N c may be misleading in particular cases as genetic processes rely on effective population size (N e ) rather than N c and these two measures may differ substantially due to demographic processes. We used an example of English yew to address whether N c can be a good predictor of genetic parameters when used in conservation programs. Using microsatellite markers, we estimated allelic richness, inbreeding and coancestry coefficients of six relatively large yew populations in Poland. Each population was characterized by N e using the linkage disequilibrium method. Our results showed that populations of English yew were subject to substantial divergence and genetic drift, with both being inversely proportional to the effective subpopulation size (N e ). Additionally, allelic richness appeared proportional to N e but not to N c . However, the N e /N ratio differed greatly among populations, which was possibly due to different population histories. From the results we concluded that choosing source populations based only on their census size can be fairly misleading. Implications for conservation are briefly discussed.

Effects of flow regulation and river channelization on sandbar bird nesting availability at the Lower Vistula River

Abstract: The Vistula transports large volumes of river load, with notable prevalence of bed load. Considerable flow irregularity over the course of a year creates favourable conditions for the formation of sand islands (bars) at the mid and lower river reach. As the bars remain emerged for long periods of time, they constitute resting and nesting grounds for water avifauna, particularly species of the Charadriidae and Laridae family. In consequence of regulatory works performed in the 19 th century at the lower Vistula reach, the channel has been devoid of natural islands overgrown with riparian forests and the accompanying minor sand bars. In turn I observe a prevalence of low and, as far as morphology is concerned, poorly diversified alternating accumulation forms. Moreover, operation of the dam erected in the 1970s has increased water level fluctuation frequency in the channel below, thus resulting in more frequent inundation of sandbars. This is particularly adverse for water birdlife, whose habitats become flooded during the breeding season. Morphometric research paired with the analysis of hydrological data allowed us to indicate threshold water flow conditions at which sandbars become submerged. Furthermore, efforts were made to determine the number of potentially successful breading seasons in the years 1986–2015. Identifying the dates and the range of flood waves caused by the dam operation made it possible to indicate the number of complete and interrupted breeding cycles on sandbars. Most importantly, the study seeks to answers the question whether the habitat conditions at the regulated lower Vistula reach are sufficient to allow water birdlife to bread.

Beech roots are simultaneously colonized by multiple genets of the ectomycorrhizal fungus Laccaria amethystina clustered in two genetic groups

Abstract: In this study, we characterize and compare the genetic structure of aboveground and belowground populations of the ectomycorrhizal fungus Laccaria amethystina in an unmanaged mixed beech forest. Fruiting bodies and mycorrhizas of L. amethystina were mapped and collected in four plots in the Świetokrzyskie Mountains (Poland). A total of 563 fruiting bodies and 394 mycorrhizas were successfully genotyped using the rDNA IGS1 (intergenic spacer) and seven simple sequence repeat markers. We identified two different genetic clusters of L. amethystina in all of the plots, suggesting that a process of sympatric isolation may be occurring at a local scale. The proportion of individuals belonging to each cluster was similar among plots aboveground while it significantly differed belowground. Predominance of a given cluster could be explained by distinct host preferences or by priority effects and competition among genets. Both aboveground and belowground populations consisted of many intermingling small genets. Consequently, host trees were simultaneously colonized by many L. amethystina genets that may show different ecophysiological abilities. Our data showed that several genets may last for at least 1 year belowground and sustain into the next season. Ectomycorrhizal species reproducing by means of spores can form highly diverse and persistent belowground genets that may provide the host tree with higher resilience in a changing environment and enhance ecosystem performance.