Aleksandra Wagner

Selected elements of cultural landscape structure in Wielkopolska region of Poland as habitats for the parasitoid hymenoptera Pimplinae (Hymenoptera, Ichneumonidae)

1. The studies included cultural landscapes of simple (agricultural land) and complex (forest) structure in Wielkopolska. 2. The goal of the studies was to define biocoenotic function of marginal habitats such as – shrubs, field border, road borders, and forest edges – structural elements of agricultural landscape making suitable habitats for parasitoid hymenoptera of subfamily Pimplinae (Hymenoptera, Ichneumonidae) 3. The authors wanted to establish: i. which of marginal habitats are most attractive for Pimplinae; ii. which of these habitats are similar to forest habitats, due to the qualitative and quantitative structure of parasitoid hymenoptera communities living there; and iii. whether linear marginal habitats (like road sides) can fulfil the function of ecological corridors for parasitoid hymenoptera, between agricultural and forest habitats. 4. The species diversity of Pimplinae in all the habitats of agricultural landscape and forest environment (national park) was similar. 5. On the forest edges (high heterogeneity landscape), the communities of Pimplinae were most numerous. In the low heterogeneity landscape, the greatest species diversity occurred in shrubs. The majority of Pimplinae populations living in agricultural landscape and forest showed great similarity in their qualitative structure and less similarity in their quantitative structure. 6. The conclusion can be made that marginal habitats of agricultural landscape make attractive environment for parasitoids of Pimplinae and that vegetation alongside roads can make function as ecological corridors.

Integrated Innovative Biotechnology for Optimization of Environmental Bioprocesses and a Green Economy

A systematic approach to sustainable management of natural resources incorporates integration of innovative biotechnologies and eco-engineering. Here we review complementary eco-innovations for sustainable development in different regions. One of the newer biotechnologies is laser photostimulation of different species of plants and microorganisms to increase their adaptability to xenobiotics in soil, air, and water. Empirically selected algorithms of laser irradiation significantly increase biodegradation of hydrocarbons, phytoremediation of trace metals by willow Salix sp., elephant grass Miscanthus x giganteus, Virginian mallow Sida hermaphrodita, and to increase tolerance of different species of plants to petrochemical pollutants and efficiency of reclamation of contaminated areas and tolerance to salinity of soil and suboptimal temperatures as well as water deficiency. This biotechnology is also useful for biomass enhancement and bio-energy production under suboptimal conditions for more efficient vegetative multiplication of some vegetables and development of sustainable agriculture, forestry, protection of the landscape, and biodiversity. Integration of transdisciplinary cooperation and application of complementary biotechnologies and innovative methods of environmental pollutant bioremediation (such as wastewater treatment) and reclamation, supported by the implementation of a neural network, can optimize bioprocesses that are useful for a better quality of life, globally. Long-term research-developing studies are supplemented by problem-solving training and case studies in different regions (including ecotourism, recreation, and promotion of ecological culture), long distance education and life-long education for the common action of experts and knowledge-based society, promoting sustainable development that is based on integrated biological sciences and sustainable models of consumption.