Variation in water use efficiency and δC levels in Eucalyptus grandis clones

This study aimed to determine whether the δ¹³C levels in the foliage and twigs of four Eucalyptus grandis clones were related to their water use efficiency (WUE). This relationship has previously been demonstrated in a number of herbaceous species but not in mature trees. The study involved accurate measurements of tree trunk growth and water use over a period of 4 months, with subsequent isotopic analysis of mature foliage from the north and south side of the canopy, and young leaves from the top of the canopy.

The water use efficiencies were found to vary from 5.97 × 10⁻³ to 12.3 × 10⁻³ m³ m⁻³. Significant differences were observed between clonal-mean water use efficiencies averaged over six sampling periods. The average δ¹³C of the mature and young foliage was found to be significantly correlated with WUE. However, the correlation was weak, suggesting that the relationship between δ¹³C and WUE is more complex in trees than suggested in the literature on crop plants. It is suggested that differences between sample trees in carbon allocation and leaf-to-air vapour pressure deficits may account for the poor correlation between δ¹³C and WUE in the four E. grandis clones studied.     

Tag loss and movement of stocked yearling rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) in southwestern Australia

Rainbow trout, Oncorhynchus mykiss, have been stocked in southwestern Australia since the 1930s. Trials at a research station maintained 868 tagged yearling O. mykiss (age: 14 months; standard length: 208 mm) for up to 375 days. The mean tag loss rate was 0.12% ± 0.040% per day for both single- and double-tagged fish. The tag loss rate was used to interpret tag return data from 7030 single-tagged yearlings stocked into three river systems in southwestern Australia. Recaptures indicated that O. mykiss survived into their second season in all rivers, with the maximum time at liberty of 21 months (longevity of at least 35 months). Upstream and downstream movements of O. mykiss increased with time, although 29% of recaptures were reported from the stocking site. Significantly more O. mykiss were recaptured from the Warren River, and differences remained even when corrected for stocking levels; angler effort had a marginal effect on return rates. Higher return rates from the Warren River may be due to availability of suitable habitat (stream cover, cooler water) for O. mykiss. Results allow the stocking regime to be reviewed to improve fishery performance.     

Identification of the natural product 2,3,4,5-tetrabromo-1-methylpyrrole in Pacific biota, passive samplers and seagrass from Queensland, Australia

Halogenated natural products (HNPs) are frequently detected in marine organisms. High HNP concentrations have previously been found in marine mammals from the Great Barrier Reef, Australia, including in the blubber of herbivorous dugongs (Dugong dugon). To identify the source of HNPs we initially focused on the analysis of Australian seagrass (Halophila ovalis) which serves as the principal food source for dugongs. GC/MS analysis of the seagrass indicated the presence of several organobromine compounds. One compound was identified as 2,3,4,5-tetrabromo-1-methylpyrrole (TBMP) by synthesis. Subsequent analysis of semipermeable membrane devices demonstrated that the photo-sensitive TBMP is widespread in the Great Barrier Reef (Queensland, Australia). The detection of larger TBMP concentrations in fish fillets from Chile and traces in mussels from New Zealand indicated that this potential HNP may be distributed throughout the Southern Pacific Ocean.