rgcooper2023's Journal

Journal details:

Confirmed identification: Acute Bladder Snail (Physella acuta) (Draparnaud, 1805) (Family: Physidae) is an invasive snail with a sinistral, air-breathing mechanism, that dwells in freshwater rivers, streams, ponds and swamps. It is also found in anthropogenic reservoirs and power station discharges, surviving under short-lived harsh conditions including extreme weather and pollution. It feeds on dead plant and animal matter, and other detritus. In the wild, it forages mainly on epiphytic vegetation and on macrophytes. Its presence potentially encourages the proliferation of invasive non-native macrophytes like Nuttall’s waterweed (Elodea nuttallii). It rapidly reproduces and has adapted well to UK waters. It is a self-compatible hermaphrodite and in experimental conditions, it is capable of self-fertilization over 20 generations. Its ecological impact on native flora and fauna was assessed by the UK Technical Advisory Group as ‘unknown’ under the Water Framework Directive Guidelines for Alien Species.

Initial consideration: Wandering Pond Snail, UK (Ampullaceana balthica, Linnaeus, 1758) (Class: Gastropoda, Order: Hygrophila, Family: Lymnaeidae). A very common snail in UK where it also leaves weed-filled pond environments, especially in still waters, onto damp patches, emergent vegetation and/or on to muddy banks. It remains in close proximity to the ponds and is a detritus feeder on water plants, algae and plant detritus. Specimens are also seen gliding on the top of water surfaces. Its shell diameter reaches ca.11-14mm and is tall-spired with a large operculum.

Specifics of the current observation: Tank snail associated with Elodea sp. pondweed; ca.0.8-1cm in length; angle of carapace projection ca.20°; mottled pale brown dark green camouflage shell markings with irregular borders (visible x40 optical microscope with 20um eyepiece divisions); glide speed on submerged transparent polystyrene ca.1.5cm/min.; consumes algae deposits and strong attraction to pelleted Daphnia sp. feed; precise subspecies identification unknown.

Fava (broad) bean (Vicia faba) (Kingdom: Plantae, Order: Fabales, Family: Fabaceae). An experiment was conducted in which within-date broad bean seeds were sowed into agar blocks soaked and submerged for 15 minutes in tap water (control), auxin and gibberellin (n=6). The germination thereof was monitored, being especially significant over 4 weeks in the gibberellin plants. Regular fine-sprays of these plant hormones, in addition to tap water, were performed every two days, into the respective pots. Rapidly germinating, broad beans are suitable experimental plants for students/enthusiasts studying botany or agriculture, and an understanding of their nutrition contribution, is an essential part of the curricula of human and animal studies. A Spearman’s Rank Correlation Coefficient Test (p<0.05) was performed by week of the expected previously published mean growth rate data vs. the experimental recordings. Gibberellin seedlings attained a height of ca.15cm after 4 weeks under lamp (ca.65% RH, ca.21°C). Average mature leaf length was 5-5.9cm and occupied a ventral area (perimeter tracing on graph paper: half or more of a 1cm2 area taken as a full square) of ca.10-15cm2. All leaves had a strong, mulch-humus scent at pick, and, indeed, the beans strongly flavour food recipes like falafel. The plant is a species of vetch and widely cultivated as a crop for human consumption or as a cover crop. Some varieties are fed to herbivores, e.g. horse bean (V. faba var. equina). Rarely, individuals suffering from a metabolism disorder Glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase deficiency (G6PDD), develop a haemolytic response after consumption of boiled broad beans, whether dried or fresh. When the outer seed coat has been removed, the beans may be consumed raw or cooked, in addition to eating fresh seed pods in younger plants. The wild ancestor remains unknown, although charred broad beans were discovered at three Neolithic sites in Israel’s Lower Galilee region; radiocarbon dating thereof suggested that the domestication of this crop may have commenced at ca.8,250BC. As a cover crop, they are grown to prevent erosion as they can overwinter and, as a legume, they fix nitrogen (via Rhizobium sp.). Preferring rich loam soils, this species’ robustness means that it can withstand very cold climates, grow in soils with high salinity and also in waterlogged clay soil. Nutrient composition of broad beans includes ca.11% water, 58% carbohydrates, 26% protein and 2% lipid. Energy supply includes 1,425kJ/100g. Folate (106% Daily Value, DV) and manganese, magnesium, phosphorus and iron (52-77% DV), are significant. B-vitamins are present in moderate-rich proportions (19-48% DV). Broad beans present the highest protein:carbohydrate vs. pulses, e.g. chickpea, pea and lentil. Their consumption along with cereals is recommended as they supply essential amino acids (out of the 20 recognised). Harvesting usually commences in spring for plants grown in glass-houses, whereas horse beans harvested in late autumn, are consumed as a pulse. Young leaves and immature pods can be eaten raw or cooked. Beans removed from their pods can be steamed or boiled whole or, following parboiling, to loosen their exterior coat which is then discarded. Beans can also be fried resulting in the skin splitting open and then salted and/or spiced to present a savoury, crunchy snack.

Further investigations including the use of thin layer chromatography performed on crushed broad bean leaves in acetone and separation thereof in the dark using a volatile chromatography solvent. The chromatogram results of two separate experiments, show photosynthetic pigments separated out by relative molecular mass, adhesion and solubility, and are identified by qualitatively (by colour) and quantitatively (by Rf value).

Colour Rf value Pigment
Yellow 0.95 Carotene
Grey-brown 0.83 Phaeophytin
Yellow-brown 0.71 Xanthophyll
Blue-green 0.65 Chlorophyll a
Green 0.45 Chlorophyll b

Garden snails appearing in potted, windowsill plants: circular snails (Vallonia exentrica or V. pulchella); elongated snail (Cochlicopa lubrica).

Observations of elongated and concentric snails, in potted, windowsill plants (indoor ambience: 15°C & 73% RH) prompted their removal and examination initially with a Tor-Deluxe Triple Tested 600X (eyepiece lenses: 10X & 15X; stage objective lenses: 8X, 20X & 40X; magnifications: 80X & 120X, 200X & 300X, and 400X & 600X, respectively) five aperture portable optical microscope (25cm in height). The magnified image at 80X was considerable. Two varieties were observed: elongated, tapered shell (one of 5mm) and spiral, concentric shell (six of 2mm). Their shells were pale cream in colour which darkened after feeding. Their propensity to accumulate in clusters on soil clods, bits of bark, stems and the sides of pots, was evident. Soil mixes were created from local patches, used tea leaves, chopped banana skins, sand and garden mulch (ref. Cooper, R.G. 2023. Plants & Wild Species. The Netherlands: Lulu Press Ltd.). However, their identity remains unknown. Location: Highgate and Caldmore, Walsall, UK.

Their rapid reproduction and propensity to eat the vegetation of potted plants, can be a significant consideration to the serious indoor plant cultivator.