Effects of the Ionic Composition and Water Potential of Aqueous Solution on the Activity and Survival of Orrina phyllobia

Authors

  • A. F. Robinson
  • C. C. Orr
  • C. E. Heintz

Abstract

The activity and survival of Orrina phyllobia fourth-stage juveniles (J4) were examined in aqueous solutions representing 96 combinations of eight predominant soil solution ions at total concentrations of 100, 200, and 1,000 meq/liter. Various water potentials were imposed by the addition of mannitol or polyethylene glycol to ionic solutions. Nematode longevity increased as water potential was decreased. Longevity was approximately doubled at a water potential of -23 × 10[sup5] Pa and more than tripled at -60 × 10[sup5] Pa. No combination oflons at 200 meq/liter was lethal after a 6-day exposure. Several ion combinations significantly increased longevity at -10 and -23 × 10[sup5] Pa. Single cation Na[sup+] solutions consistently inhibited activity and more than doubled nematode longevity. Key words: longevity, soil solution, osmolality.

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Published

1984-01-15

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Section

Articles