Hostitelsko-parazitické vazby mlžů a ryb – význam pro šíření druhů a úspěšnost larválního vývoje

Ing. Barbora Vodáková

Doctoral thesis

Abstract:

This thesis focuses on the life cycle of Unionida (Stoliczka 1871), especially on the host-parasite relationship between fish and glochidium. In addition, the research presented in this thesis is tied together also by the area of central Europe. The introduction provides a summary of the host-parasite problematics of Unionida, their conservation with focus on M. margaritifera and use of in vitro rearing of glochidia as a promising conservational tool. The introduction also points out important findings about the effect of pollutants on the host-parasite relationship and sums up the biological invasion of S. woodiana – unionid mussels that influence the native mussels and their interactions with hosts. This thesis presents seven studies (two of them unpublished). Two studies focus on easily analysed biomarkers – glycogen level in soft tissue of adult mussels and lipid reserves in juvenile mussels. Samples for the lipid quantification were collected via monitoring system allowing in situ collection of juvenile mussels detaching from the individual hosts. This system, that we developed, was shown as suitable for the target purpose without causing any harm to the host fish. The assessment of the lipid reserves in juvenile M. margaritifera was performed in collaboration with National Park Šumava and will have a direct impact on conservation program and future research in the target area. The conservation topic is covered also by presented in vitro studies. In vitro is a promising conservation tool for artificial rearing of unionids. We studied the effect of medium composition on M. margaritifera glochidia at the start of the cultivation and our results are a step forward in development of in vitro culture methodology for endangered species which is not possible to propagate by in vitro approach nowadays. In addition, research comparing performance of in vivo and in vitro reared juvenile mussels and parameters of F2 generation shown in vitro as a usable tool for Unionida conservations. Last published study presented in this thesis is research of an influence of tramadol and methamphetamine on the host-parasite relationship between fish and mussels. Our results can be used as argument in debate about risks of pharmaceuticals in sewage treated waters. Last but not least, the overview of research focused on Sinanodonta spp. invasion is presented in this study. Invasion of S. woodiana can be one of reasons for Unionida declining populations and due to its widespread and biology it can be used as easily accessible model species for research.

Keywords

Unionida, host-parasite relationship, freshwater ecology, conservation, biological invasion, glochidia

Language used: English

Date on which the thesis was submitted / produced: 7. 12. 2023

Thesis defence

• Supervisor: Ing. Karel Douda, Ph.D.
• Reader: Lucie Juřičková, externi, Michal Janáč, externi, Anna Maria Labecka, externi

Czech University of Life Sciences Prague

Faculty of Agrobiology, Food and Natural Resources

Doctoral programme:
Applied Zoology