Nature Research Centre

N a t u r e Research Centre

VILNIUS 2015 UDK 502:001.891(474.5) Na251

Akademijos Str. 2, LT-08412 Vilnius Telephone: +370 5 272 92 57 Fax: +370 5 272 93 52 e-maill: [email protected] http://www.gamtostyrimai.lt/en

ISBN 978-9986-443-84-1 © Gamtos tyrimų centras, 2015 The State Scientific Research Institute Nature Research Centre

WELCOME,

The State Scientific Research Institute Nature Research Centre (NRC) was es- and biomedicine sci- tablished on 31 December 2009 under the Resolution of the Government of the ences and cooperation- Republic of Lithuania (Official Gazette, No. 158-7186, 2009) by merging the In- based solutions to stitute of Botany, the Institute of Ecology of Vilnius University and the Institute scientific tasks are the of Geology and Geography. The research potential and the experimental basis fundamental principles of the three institutes were integrated to create an up-to-date scientific research underlying the activities infrastructure for investigations into present-day and past ecosystems, as well of the NRC. In twenty as studies and development of environmental protection technologies. Uphold- five laboratories of the ing 70-year-old traditions and experience, the newly established NRC not only NRC, scientists carry pursues and co-ordinates long-term scientific research in various fields of biotic out investigations into and abiotic nature and ensures the competence of Lithuania on the interna- environmental state tional stage, but also takes an active role in the development and implementa- quality, natural ecosys- tion of a conceptual framework for the protection of the living environment tems, habitats, species, structure of communi- and its sustainable development, as well as disseminating scientific knowledge ties and populations, regularities and mechanisms of functioning, sensitiv- of biotic and abiotic environment, thus contributing to the development of the ity, vulnerability, genetic diversity, adaptations, microevolution under con- knowledge economy and education of society. In co-operation with representa- ditions of global change and anthropogenic impact and the development tives of business, government and society, the Nature Research Centre conducts of theoretical fundamentals and projections. Of no less significance is the contracted scientific research and experimental development work, rendering research conducted in other areas of natural sciences covering a wide range recommendations concerning research methodology, etc. of issues, the most important of which are: the state, change and progno- Results of most recent investigations have shown the importance of interdis- sis of Lithuanian nature and its biological resources, their preservation and ciplinary and interbranch integration in solving a wide variety of scientific restoration and the scientific justification for their sustainable use; climate issues related to the assessment, prognosis and management of changes in change and prognosis; the earth’s surface and subsurface structure, its prop- biotic and abiotic nature and the ever increasing anthropogenic impact on erties and formation; the evolution of palaeoecological conditions; ground- the environment. Cooperation among representatives of different physical water and surface water systems; the state and dynamics of landscapes and

Nature Research Centre 3 the geoenvironment and their interaction with human activity; and the sci- with colleagues from more than fifty countries: research projects and investi- entific justification for the sustainable exploitation of surface and subsurface gations are implemented in cooperation with partners from Baltic and Scan- resources on the territory of Lithuania. dinavian countries, Taiwan, the Ukraine, Turkey, Belarus, the USA, the UK, Mexico, Ecuador, Korea, Russia, Bulgaria, Mongolia, Poland, etc. To ensure high-level research and a high level of competitiveness, state-of- the-art scientific research facilities and infrastructure are required onthe This publication reviews the research topics explored by the multidisciplinary premises of the NRC , including the Open Access Centre. Established for the staff of theC entre, along with research projects under implementation and their purpose of providing open access to R&D resources, the Open Access Cen- results and research methods employed. Additionally, this publication also high- tre, integrating scientific research laboratories, conducts both fundamental lights the specialist and technical research facilities available at the Centre. and applied research to meet the needs of business entities. We hope you will find this information interesting and that it will stimulate The multidisciplinary staff of the NRC is actively engaged in collaboration you to engage in collaboration with the research staff of the NatureR esearch with scientific research institutions of foreign countries and participates in Centre in the implementation of various ideas related to living and inani- international research programmes and projects. In its essence, research into mate nature investigations! the state, history and development prospects of both living and inanimate nature is international, and therefore does not recognize state borders, thus Prof. Dr. habil. Vincas Būda calling for joint efforts by researchers from different countries. The scientists Academician of the Lithuanian Academy of Sciences of the Centre actively and successfully develop cooperation relationships Director of the Nature Research Centre

4 Nature Research Centre At a glance

Name and address The State Scientific Institute Nature Research Centre, Akademijos Str. 2, 08412 Vilnius, Lithuania, www.gamtostyrimai.lt Founder Government of the Republic of Lithuania Mission The State Scientific Institute Nature Research Centre is a public legal entity operating as a state budget institution and performing long-term research and experimental (social and cultural) development activities according to research trends established in the Arti- cles of Association of the Nature Research Centre and significant for state, society, international communication and business. Employees 151 scientists (19 Chief Researchers, 51 Senior Researchers, 49 Researchers and 32 Junior Researchers), together with 185 engineers, biologists and employees of assistant departments (January 2015). PhD studies Five PhD studies programmes, i.e. Biology, Ecology and Environmental Science, Geology, Physical Geography and Zoology are implemented at the NRC. PhD students 35 PhD students study at the NRC (January 2015). Funding Ministry of Education and Science (55.0%). Research Council of Lithuania (18.5%). Third-party funding (state and private institutions) (26.5%). Annual budget Total annual budget – 6,985,400 EUR (3,832,700 EUR from programme funding, 1,311,200 EUR funding for the Research Council of Lithuania projects, 1,841,500 EUR from third-party funding (December 2014)). Main scientific Molecular biology and DNA sequencing, Chromatography, Chemical analysis, Microscopy and cytologic research, Isolation and stor- infrastructure age of microorganisms, Recirculated aquaculture system, Radioisotope research, Scanning electron microscopy, Magnetization research, Grain-size analysis, etc. Main partners The University of Aberdeen, UK; Estonian University of Life Sciences, Estonia; University School of Physical Education in Poznan, Poland; Saint Petersburg State University, Russia; Lomonosov Moscow State University, Russia; The AIT Austrian Institute of Tech- nology, Austria; Institute of Microbiology, NAS of Belarus; Yanka Kupala State University of Grodno, Belarus; Institute for Nature Management, NAS of Belarus; Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, Sweden; Taras Shevchenko National University of Kyiv, Ukraine; Schmidt Institute of Physics of the Earth, Russia; Immanuel Kant Baltic Federal University, Russia; University of Warsaw, Poland; University of Gdansk, Poland; Keele University, UK; Institute of Environmental Geochemistry, NAS of Ukraine; Institute of Geology at Tallinn University of Technology, Estonia; University of Tartu, Estonia; University of Latvia, Latvia; DTU Center for Nu- clear Technologies (DTU Nutech), Denmark; Institute of Geological Sciences, NAS of Armenia; Thűnen Institute for Fisheries Ecol- ogy, Germany; Alfred Wagener Institute for Polar and Marine Research, Germany; Finish Environment Institute, Finland; Stokholm University, Sweden; University of Ostrava, Czech Republic; Kentucky University, USA; Université Libre de Bruxelles, Belgium; Bergen University, Norway; Research Institute for Nature and Forest, Belgium; University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain; National Taiwan University, Taiwan; United States Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Research Service, USA.

Nature Research Centre 5 Structure of the Nature Research Centre

6 Nature Research Centre The Institute of Botany country’s expertise in international scientific and management organizations The Institute of Botany is the main botanical research institution in Lithua- in realizing regional and global programmes on environmental protection nia conducting fundamental and applied research in botany, mycology, and use of natural resources. The researchers of the Institute contribute sig- microbiology, bacteriology and virology, as well as providing education and nificantly to the development and implementation of the StateE nvironmen- training to produce top-rank researchers and highly qualified professionals. tal Monitoring Programme and the National Strategy for Sustainable De- Exceptional attention is paid to modern fundamental investigations, i.e. re- velopment, ensuring compliance with and functioning of the following: the Institutes The search into the composition of the components of biological diversity (vas- UN Convention on Biological Diversity, fulfilment of the requirements of cular plants, bryophytes and algae, fungi and microorganisms, communities the EC Habitats Directive (92/43/EEC), implementation of Regulation (EU) and habitats), along with their structure and functioning (mechanisms and No 1143/2014 of the European Parliament and Council of Europe on the patterns of growth, development and adaptation processes) under global cli- prevention and management of the introduction and spread of invasive alien mate change and human activity impact; biological and ecological character- species, and implementation of the international CITES, Ramsar and Bern istics and functioning of microorganisms; identification of plant diseases and Conventions. In the international context, botanical research forms part of their agents – microorganisms and viruses. the programmes on the European vegetation cover continuum research to Research activities of the Institute are exclusively important for ensuring our help solve the problems of phytogeography, organism invasion, etc.

Nature Research Centre 7 The researchers of the Institute are involved in implementation of four long- Fundamental and applied research conducted in active cooperation with term research and experimental (social, cultural) development programmes foreign counterparts are designated for: the assessment of the significance of of the Nature Research Centre: Research into the status and change of bio- processes of production/decomposition of plankton and benthic microflora logical resources and quality of the environment, scientific justification of con- and the consequences of hyperproductivity of aquatic ecosystems and water servation; Biodiversity investigations and prognoses under the conditions of quality; expert assessment of ecosystem vulnerability as well as resistance global climate change and anthropogenic impact; Functioning and adaptation to chronic and acute anthropogenic and naturally occurring stressors; re- The Institutes The of biological systems: molecular, genetic and evolutionary mechanisms; and search into environmental factors and physiologically active signal-induced Investigations of hazardous substances distribution in the ecosystems, regu- stressors (temperature, heavy metals, salts, plant toxins, etc.) and adaptive larities and mechanisms of ecotoxic and biological effects under the impact of processes in plants; analysis of the ecological and biological properties of anthropogenic stress. At the same time, researchers of the Institute actively fungi, yeast and bacteria in natural and anthropogenized ecosystems; the participate in projects announced by the Research Council of Lithuania. The accumulation regularities of biologically active compounds in plants; as- results of investigations are published regularly in international scientific sessment of the diversity, distribution, biological and ecological properties journals and presented at international scientific conferences and seminars. of fungi and bacteria species causing plant diseases; research on diversity, The researchers actively cooperate with colleagues from the United States, structure, state and development of Lithuanian and surrounding regions’ Great Britain, Japan, Sweden and Switzerland, and are invited to give lec- flora and vegetation; studies on mycological diversity; identification of bio- tures and participate in seminars. logical and molecular properties of virus diseases and phytoplasma agents

8 Nature Research Centre in economic plants, determination of agent spreading and assessment of allow talented students to pursue a PhD degree. In 2010–2015, six PhD the- harmfulness as well as cultivar resistance to viruses; studies on molecu- ses in the area of biology and six PhD theses in botany were defended. lar-physiological properties of biocidic systems and investigation of their An important part of the Institute’s activities in our country is the main- mechanisms of the action; identification of chemical and oxidative stress tenance, augmentation and protection of collections of unique plants and patterns in the plant cells. other botanical objects. Most important in this is the Herbarium of the

Contract research occupies an important position in the activities of the In- Institute of Botany (BILAS) founded in 1948 and belonging to the category Institutes The stitute. These activities include: optimization of the Lithuanian flora conser- of regional national herbaria. Collections of pure cultures of microorgan- vation system; a survey of protected areas and provision of proposals for isms are also maintained and augmented: about 3000 species and strains their management; integrated assessment of eutrophication of water bodies; of micromycetes, yeasts and yeast-like fungi, streptomycetes and bacteria; determination of diagnostic means for cultivated plant productivity reduc- over 2500 strains of fungi, agents of plant root and butt rot as well as pure ing viruses and phytoplasmas, etc. cultures of phytopathogenic bacteria; plant viruses; genetic lines of yeasts In order to ensure the continuity of research, young scientists are trained: (Saccharomyces cerevisiae). At the Field Experimental Station of the Insti- not only do investigations involve university students, but researchers also tute of Botany (total area 50 ha), a collection of over 500 accessions of me- supervise bachelor’s and master’s final theses. Ongoing PhD studies in bio- dicinal, aromatic, fruit and leguminous forage plants has been augmented, medical sciences in the areas of biology, ecology and environmental sciences maintained and stored.

Nature Research Centre 9 The Institute of Ecology status and change of biological resources and quality of the environment, scientific justification of conservation; Biodiversity investigations and prog- The Institute of Ecology is the major environmental research institution noses under conditions of global climate change and anthropogenic impact; in Lithuania conducting international-level scientific research in animal Functioning and adaptation of biological systems: molecular, genetic and ecology, zoology, animal physiology, genetics, ethology, microbiology and evolutionary mechanisms; and Investigations of hazardous substances dis- parasitology, as well as providing training to produce highly-qualified re- tribution in ecosystems, regularities and mechanisms of their ecotoxic and The Institutes The searchers and teachers. Fundamental research and experimental develop- biological effects under the impact of anthropogenic stress. Broad-spectrum ment conducted at the Institute cover a wide range of topics relating to interdisciplinary investigations are conducted at the Institute in pursuance environmental quality status, regularities and mechanisms of the structure, of projects funded by the Research Council of Lithuania. Active participa- functioning, sensitivity, vulnerability, genetic diversity, adaptations and tion of the Institute in international research projects (EU FP6 and FP7, microevolution of natural ecosystems, habitats, species and communities NATO, PHARE, OMPO, UNESCO, ES COST, ES LIFE, LIFE+, HELCOM, under global climate change and anthropogenic impact, and also develop- ICES, UNDP, GEF, UNEP, etc.) carried out under cooperation agreements ment of theoretical fundamentals and projection of potential changes. The with research institutions of foreign countries promotes collaboration with competence of Lithuania in analysing and solving international environ- researchers of the USA, UK, Japan, Sweden, Switzerland, etc. Of utmost mental problems and in developing strategies for the management of eco- importance is scientific cooperation with researchers from neighbouring systems and projecting their possible changes is often entirely based on the data of the research conducted by the Institute. Researchers of the Institute ensure implementation of a number of international agreements and conventions ratified by the Government of the Lithuania Republic such as: the UN Convention on Biological Diversity, the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change, EU Regulation (No 1143/2014) on the prevention and management of introduction and spread of invasive alien species, as well as international CITES, Ramsar and Bern Conventions. They are also engaged in the preparation and implementation of national-level documents (National Strategy for Environmental Protection, Environmental Educa- tion of Society, Fisheries Development) and other important national- level research activities, including harmonization of Lithuanian legislation with EU law, territorial selection for the NATURA 2000 European Project, preparation of National Reports on implementation of the Climate Change Convention, performance of national- and regional-scale research on biological diversity, production of environmental impact assessment, etc. Re- search topics undertaken by scientists of the Institute fall within the scope of the following four long-term research and experimental development programmes pursued by the Nature Research Centre: Research into the

10 Nature Research Centre countries (Poland, Belarus, Latvia, Russia, the Ukraine) as it is often ex- ecological and landscape studies; assessment of global climate change and tended to include project realization. anthropogenic impact on ecosystems, habitats, communities and species, Scientific research results are constantly published in international scien- their adaptation possibilities, production of recommendations for impact tific journals. They are also presented at international scientific conferences mitigation measures; abundance and distribution of living organisms; pe- or seminars organized by researchers of the Institute. Cooperation with culiarities of alien species adaptation, biological traits determining species invasiveness; impact assessment of biological invasions on community

foreign partners covers the following research areas and activities: ecotoxic Institutes The effects of environmental pollution and ecological changes in marine and food webs and ecosystem functions. The powerful intellectual potential of freshwater ecosystems; genotoxic, cytotoxic and mutagenic impacts of var- the Institute (60 researchers and 54 members of supporting staff) and a ious chemical compounds on aquatic organisms; development of the bio strong technical-experimental base (six experimental stations, an experi- marker system for the health status assessment of marine and freshwater mental aquarium, two seagoing experimental ships, the GIS Centre) en- ecosystems; chemical and molecular and other mechanisms of interaction able the solving of problems of highly complex fundamental and applied between animals and their environment; evolutionary biology, ecologi- research. cal plasticity of animal parasites and mechanisms of their transmission in The recent upgrading of the technical-experimental research base (acquisi- ecosystems; development of new applied geoinformation technologies for tion of state-of-the-art laboratory equipment, renovation and modernisation

Nature Research Centre 11 of experimental bases and the experimental aquarium, etc.), which was made The Institute of Geology and Geography possible by effective use ofE U Structural Funds support, has opened up great possibilities for scientists of the Institute and the whole Nature Research The Institute of Geology and Geography is the leading geological and geo- Centre. The Nature Research Centre offers doctoral study programmes in graphical research institution in Lithuania conducting research in stratig- ecology and environmental science and biology and trains specialists of ex- raphy, palaeontology, tectonics, mineralogy, paleogeography, geochemistry, cellence in these fields of science, which is of great importance for the future hydrogeology and nuclear geophysics, as well as pursuing investigations on The Institutes The of the Institute. Since 2010 there have been fifteen doctoral dissertations de- the functioning of natural processes and landscapes and rational use and fended. Scientists of the Institute also actively cooperate in the training of conservation of the natural environment in relation to the state and evolu- bachelor’s and master’s degree holders in appropriate fields of environmen- tion of the Earth crust and surface. Alongside this, researches of the Institute tal science at other universities of Lithuania. Additionally, they are invited participate in the education and training of highly-qualified researchers. to deliver lectures at educational institutions in other countries (USA, UK, In the area of fundamental research, the institute focuses on the analysis of Sweden, Switzerland, Norway, France, etc.). the composition, properties and evolution of the Earth crust and formation In response to challenges of the present-day world, researchers of the Insti- of natural resources, evaluation of ecosystems, including the Baltic Sea and tute pursue long-term aims of integrating ecological knowledge and sustain- the Curonian Lagoon, as well as on investigations into the human living enable development practices. vironment and its transformations in geological time and space. The results

12 Nature Research Centre of fundamental research have served in implementing many international publishers, etc. Researchers continually deliver their research results at in- scientific research and development programmes designed to assist environ- ternational symposiums. mental protection and sustainable development, formulating a strategy of Researchers of the Institute actively cooperate with colleagues from foreign rational use of national natural resources, protecting the quality of the living countries in conducting fundamental and applied research: the evaluation environment, and implementing other projects relevant for the development of possibilities of storing carbon dioxide (CO2) within the territory of the of the country and human welfare.

country, investigation of the structure of the Baltic pre-Cambrian continent Institutes The The team of the Institute takes part in two long-term research and experi- and its impact on the present-day environment and its evolution, assessment mental development programmes of the Nature Research Centre: Geosys- of paleogeographic and paleoclimatic changes of different geological peri- tems and their processes for sustainable development and life quality enhance- ods, description of climate change reflections and carbon emissions from ment and Investigations of hazardous substances distribution in the ecosys- peatlands. Of particular importance are the formation of the national ocea- tems, regularities and mechanisms of ecotoxic and biological effects under the nographic data centre and the drawing of digital bathymetric and bottom impact of anthropogenic stress. Researchers of the institute are involved in sediment maps, which are of key importance for assessment of the Baltic projects initiated by the Research Council of Lithuania and based on dif- Sea ecosystem within NATURA-2000, HABITAT-2003, and MARINE ferent funding schemes. Research results are successfully introduced to the STRATEGY-2007 projects, as well as participation in the development of the scientific society worldwide through contributions to international scientific European tide forecasting system and the policy and strategy of adaptation journals, co-authored monographs published by prestigious world-famous to climate change in the Baltic Sea region. The researchers of the Institute

Nature Research Centre 13 conduct different applied research works through active cooperation with In recent years, support from EU structural funds has enabled substantial updat- Lithuanian state institutions and largest businesses of the country. ing of technical infrastructure and acquisition of new modern equipment, which In accomplishing different research objectives, the researchers of the Insti- has enhanced the level of fundamental and applied research allowing access to tute successfully cooperate with researchers from Middle and Central Eu- the international scientific environment. In particular, a unique Paleomagnetic rope, Northern and other Baltic countries, Russia and Belarus. Close coop- Laboratory was created in the Baltic region, the laboratories for nuclear, sedimentological, hydrological and geochemical investigations were updated and

The Institutes The eration is pursued within the IGCP programme projects supported by the European Commission and UNESCO. Lithuanian researchers participate in complemented, and the working environment for researchers and conditions the Swedish Institute’s VISBY programme, COST, etc. for the storage and display of scientific collections were improved. The research pursued by the Institute contributes substantially to the sus- The researchers actively participate in training their young colleagues, deliv- tainable development of different industries of the country, protection of the ering lectures to students of Lithuanian universities and supervising research entrails of the Earth and their rational use, and environmental protection. works for bachelor’s and master’s degrees. The institute runs two doctoral Significant works have been done on environmental impact assessment dur- programmes: geology and physical geography. Since 2010, 12 doctoral theses ing and after the decommissioning of the Ignalina NPP, on the issues of safe have been defended. management of radioactive waste, on possibilities and feasibility of the use of The researchers of the Institute serve as members and experts in different state geothermal energy, seismic safety of the territory of the country, possibilities and departmental commissions and public organisations dealing with the issues and outcomes of exploitation of natural resources, ensuring environmental of the entrails of the Earth and their exploitation. They are involved in resolving protection in the objects of intensive business activities, and drafting plans environmental problems of national importance, participating in the process of for protected areas and master plans for cities. law-making and taking an active role in popularising geology and geography.

14 Nature Research Centre Long-term research programmes

The researchers of the NatureR esearch Centre are involved in the implemen- 3. research into the status and change of biological resources and quali- tation of five long-term government funded scientific research programmes ty of the environment, scientific justification of conservation. approved by Executive Order No V-323 of the Minister of Education and 4. Geosystems and their processes for sustainable development and life Science of the Republic of Lithuania (23 February 2012): quality enhancement. 1. Biodiversity investigations and prognoses under the conditions of 5. Investigations of hazardous substances distribution in the ecosys- global climate change and anthropogenic impact. tems, regularities and mechanisms of ecotoxic and biological effects 2. Functioning and adaptation of biological systems: molecular, genetic under the impact of anthropogenic stress. and evolutionary mechanisms. Long-term research and development programmes and development research Long-term

Nature Research Centre 15 Biodiversity investigations and prognoses under the conditions of global climate change and anthropogenic impact Chief Executive: Dr. habil. Gediminas Valkiūnas, Academician of the Lithuanian Academy of Sciences

Objectives: ment targeted environmental protection programmes and project possible 1. To conduct up-to-date research into the systematics of prokaryotic changes. The major part of research results will be published in international and eukaryotic organisms and, having specified peculiarities of spe- journals, and collected material and genetic information will be deposited cies distribution, to produce recommendations for rare species pro- in Lithuanian and international parasite collections as well as in the Inter- tection. national Gene Bank. A great amount of sequenced genetic material derived from eukaryotic parasites will be another significant gain from the current 2. To study changes in populations and habitats of prokaryotic and eukaryotic species along the gradient of different environmental factors under global climate change and anthropogenic impact conditions. 3. To gain new knowledge about intra- and interspecies diversity of prokaryotic and eukaryotic organisms, their phylogenetic relationships, evolutionary biology and functions within ecosystems under condi tions of the changing environment.

Expected Outcomes Long-term research and development programmes and development research Long-term The main research tasks under the current programme address fundamental issues of ecology, protistology, botany, mycology, microbiology, zoology and parasitology, the settlement of which will help gain a basic knowledge about the intra- and interspecies diversity of prokaryotic (blue bacteria) and eukaryotic (protists, plants/flora, fungi, invertebrates and vertebrates) organisms, their state, the phylogeographic history of species, peculiarities of po pulation formation and possible changes in ecosystems under global climate change and anthropogenic impact conditions. The results obtained will be significant for determining stability mechanisms of the Baltic region biota. The gained basic knowledge will deepen understanding about the formation and functioning of ecosystems in Baltic countries and will help imple-

16 Nature Research Centre programme implementation. Such information will be useful to biology sci- and post-doctoral interns) will be invited to take part in innovative scientific entists all over the world in conducting comparative genomic investigations investigations, as well as in fieldwork and laboratory work. The current pro- of eukaryotic organisms. gramme is expected to provide impetus for the preparation of approximately The current programme will contribute to the development of ecology, bota- 10 doctoral theses. ny, mycology, microbiology, zoology, parasitology and evolutionary biology The recently established Nature Research Centre as an institution carrying not only in Lithuania, but also all over the world. Depositories of eukaryotic out world-class research into systematics, ecology and evolutionary biology organisms of the Nature Research Centre will be enriched with valuable re- of prokaryotic and eukaryotic organisms in Lithuania is expected to consid- search material. erably benefit from the current programme. Findings of the investigations The programme will greatly contribute to the educational process ofstu- conducted under the programme will increase public awareness of the na- dents. Would-be researchers and scientists (1st, 2nd and 3rd- cycle students ture research pursued in Lithuania. Long-term research and development programmes and development research Long-term

Nature Research Centre 17 Functioning and adaptation of biological systems: molecular, genetic and evolutionary mechanisms Chief Executive: Prof. Dr. habil. Vincas Būda, Academician of the Lithuanian Academy of Sciences

Objectives: compositions. New data will be obtained on phytovirus and phytoplasma 1. To investigate the functioning, adaptation, evolutionary changes and species spread within and outside Lithuania, on phytoplasma spreading adaptation limits of biological systems, which are significant both for ways, on new phytoplasma host plants, agents and on the ways phytovirus fundamental and applied research in determining the functioning and phytoplasma infections get into Lithuania, on prospects for the use of mechanisms and sustainability patterns of biota under global change microorganisms exhibiting biocidic properties and factors secreted thereby conditions; they serve as a basis for the development of the scientific in the fight with phytopathogens and harmful plants, and on microorganism background for wildlife protection and management and for projec- strains adequate for a more economical production of bioethanol in the cli- ting possible changes. mate zone of Lithuania. The results obtained will serve as a tool for feasibility studies on production of new biopreparations for the above-mentioned 2. To investigate responses of biological systems (at a cell, organism, po- purposes. pulation and community level) to biotic and abiotic factors (conspe- cifics or heterospecifics, temperature, light, gravity, etc.) and analyse their molecular and genetic mechanisms, as well as physiological, biochemical, genetic and evolutionary adaptive responses to changes in the environment. Long-term research and development programmes and development research Long-term expected outcomes The application of modern wildlife research methods, acquisition of state- of-the-art infrastructure (thanks to the funding from GPD, Integrated Sci- ence, Studies and Business Centres (Valleys) and National Complex Pro- gramme) and the scientific competences of researchers ensure the successful implementation of programme objectives and tasks and international-level achievements in wildlife research. The implementation of the programme will enable the acquisition of new- quality scientific data on inter- and intraspecific interactions of organisms through biologically active substances, on the functioning mechanisms of such substances on different levels of biological systems (from constituent parts of a cell to a community and ecosystem level) and on their chemical

18 Nature Research Centre Researchers will select and create model systems for the analysis and assess- of UV radiation on plant genome and its stability will be analysed, and pos- ment of plant adaptation processes to formulate the principles and key mech- sibilities for plant adaptation to this environmental factor will be assessed. anisms of the impact of environmental factors on the functioning of plants Data on evolutionary biology of model animal species will be obtained, and signal interactions with biological systems regulating plant growth and mechanisms and patterns of ability to adapt to the anthropogenic environ- functioning as well as elements of such mechanisms which determine adapt- ment and evolutionary origin of lifecycles and potential for adaptation to the ability and survivorship of plants. It is planned to establish the principles and changing environment will be estimated, mechanisms of the functioning of plasticity possibilities for participation in adaptation processes of hormonal, communities and of their response both to internal and external stressors as antioxidant and ion transportation systems involved in the growth and de- well as the factors regulating the stability and change of such mechanisms velopment of plants. Specific biomarkers to assess plant adaptability will will be revealed, the impact of changing environmental factors on genetic be determined, and possibilities for modification of adaptation processes, diversity of model species and the modifying effect of ecological and behav- growth and development of plants will be analysed. Within the framework ioural properties of model species on genetic diversity will be evaluated. The of expanding space investigations, we are planning to determine light spec- results obtained will contribute to projecting the long-term development of trum components efficient for plant adaptation to gravity changes. The effect Lithuanian ecosystems under global change conditions. Long-term research and development programmes and development research Long-term

Nature Research Centre 19 Research into the status and change of biological resources and quality of the environment, scientific justification of conservation Chief Executive: Dr. Juozas Labokas

OBJECTIVES: and synthetic materials. Active strains of microorganisms will be selected for 1. To create a comprehensive system of knowledge about plants and the improvement of the quality of the environment; possibilities of making animals, micro- and macro-organism functioning patterns, popula- use of parasitic fungi for control of undesirable plants will be established. tion and environmental quality assessment and management princi- The assessment of biological resources in different water bodies of Lithuania ples as well as to scientifically justify the regeneration and conservati- will be carried out, and, according to the established provisions on fish and on of biological resources under global and local changes by means of crayfish conservation, it will be possible to balance the use of stocks and their complex research into the Lithuanian biological resources and quality protection. It is projected to carry out the identification of the main factors of environment, bringing together the most competent scientific po- that influence the structure of hydrobiont communities and populations of tential and using modern methods of analysis. model hydrobiont species, as well as to clarify mechanisms of impact and im- plement methods for the assessment of population parameters-based impact 2. To create long-term strategies for the conservation of biological re- on fish stocks and population response, and thus justify rational exploitation sources (economic plants, mammals, birds, fish, crayfish populati- of hydrobiont resources and management, as well as reducing the impact on ons), involving the sustainable use of resources as well as regenerati- populations in the Baltic Sea, the Curonian Lagoon and Kauno Marios Res- on methods and techniques, to develop recommendations to biologi- ervoir, the Nemunas delta, river and lake ecosystems. The results obtained cal resource managers and methodological means for study program-

Long-term research and development programmes and development research Long-term will be used for the preparation of the State programme on fish and crayfish mes. stock restoration and the development of a national monitoring programme. EXPECTED OUTCOMES The measures used for the control of large carnivores and game ungulate mammal populations in Lithuania, their applicability and public tolerance The research under the programme will enable the creation of a system of will be evaluated; the influence of habitats and their changes (due to human knowledge about the medicinal and other economic plant populations diver- activity or global changes) upon the status of game mammal populations sity patterns, accumulation characteristics of biologically active substances will be studied. The fulfilment of the planned research will allow, for the first in plants, and most productive populations. It will also allow the acquisition time in Lithuania, consistent data to be obtained on original ecological res- of new knowledge about micromycetes species diversity and peculiarities of toration research and its potential use in developing ecological restoration their communities formation under anthropogenic conditions, their me- of damaged and degraded raised bogs, recreating conditions for biological tabolites as well as their significance to biodestruction processes of natural resources development.

20 Nature Research Centre Geosystems and their processes for sustainable development and life quality enhancement Chief Executive: Dr. Miglė Stančikaitė

Objectives: A more profound investigation of the development of the Quaternary pal- 1. To investigate rock masses and textures, their architecture, formation aeoecosystem will make possible regional and global correlation of palaeo- processes and chronology in the background of global and regional events which so far has been impossible due to the lack of relevant data and transformation patterns. poor chronological background. Investigations of Lithuanian wetlands will include their temporal and spatial 2. To assess the development, recent status and possible transformation assessment within the framework of the Ramsar Convention. Codes of good trends of ground and surface waters in the context of intensifying ant- practice for sustainable management and use of wetlands meeting the re- hropogenic load. quirements of the EU Water Framework Directive, UN Framework Conven- 3. To perform a spatial and temporal analysis of the texture and trans- tion on Climate Change, Nitrates Directive and European Landscape Con- formations of recent and past geological systems as a basis for their vention will be developed. As a result of implemented work, the resources projections and sustainable development. expected outcomes Investigations into the deep lithosphere strata will provide more detailed information about bedrock structures, i.e. boundaries of geological com-

plexes and their distribution patterns, formation processes. Assessment of programmes and development research Long-term the character and variation of mechanical properties of the lithosphere will contribute to the compilation of a regional-scale map which is necessary for the assessment of a possible lithosphere response to recent tectonic ten- sions, prediction of seismic activity of tectonic faults and development of geothermal models of the lithosphere. A prospective geothermal model of the lithosphere will show the distribution of geothermal resources and their potential utilization for public needs. During implementation of the project, new methods and techniques for investigation of chemical and isotopic composition of minerals, rocks and fossils will be used. Based on the information obtained, recommendations will be offered and expert examinations performed on the issues of energy and mineral resources and their distribution, as well as use of bedrock structures for different economic needs.

Nature Research Centre 21 and quality of surface and groundwater will be evaluated and their transfor- will be improved. Application of these methods will contribute to higher reli- mations will be projected. ability of data about the investigated processes, parameters and their effect The implementation of the programme also includes determination of the on the chronology of events. main patterns of natural and dynamic processes in the Baltic Sea and Lithua- The implementation of the programme will also contribute to the creation of nian coastal zone, disclosure of the trends of the impact of technogenic the GIS database of transformations in spatial structure of different types of factors on natural processes, and designing of the general mechanism for landscapes in 1974–2006, projection of spatial and qualitative manifestation the development of the qualitative background of the environment. Upon trends of landscape components, and modelling of process links and mate- implementation of the programme, the Baltic Sea evolution after glaciation rial flows. will be featured, and projections for its future development will be draft- ed. Investigation of the coastal dynamic processes will allow implementing coastal management measures in the Lithuanian coastal zone and will create premises for scientifically grounded assessment of the trends for coastal dynamics. Based on a newly developed infrastructure of experimental trials and having performed relevant investigations, methods for radiochemical isolation and identification of the main radionuclides (Pb-210 and C-14) used for dating Long-term research and development programmes and development research Long-term

22 Nature Research Centre Research into hazardous substances distribution in ecosystems, regularities and mechanisms of their ecotoxic and biological effects under the impact of anthropogenic stress Chief Executive: Dr. habil. Janina Baršienė objectives: Peculiarities of radionuclides migration in food chains and their transloca- 1. To investigate processes and regularities of accumulation, distributi- tion in plants under conditions of anthropogenic stress will be revealed, and on and ecotoxic and biological effects of hazardous compounds (hea- potential zones of artificial radionuclides accumulation identified. In addi- vy metals, radionuclides, polyaromatic hydrocarbons, pesticides, po- tion, indicator species of plants in the ecosystems that fall into radioactive lychlorbiphenyls and other compounds) in ecosystems under the im- contamination risk zones due to the projected construction of nuclear power pact of anthropogenic stress. facilities will be selected, and recommendations on the improvement of the Ignalina NPP radioactive waste characterisation will be produced. Qualita- 2. To investigate regularities and mechanisms of anthropogenic stress- tively new scientific information on regularities and mechanisms of pollut- induced biological responses in organisms at different phylogenetic, ant accumulation in tissues and formation of biomarker responses as well as ontogenetic and biological organization levels under experimental on the role of biological lesions in physiological and reproductive processes conditions. of aquatic organisms will be obtained. Research results will be used to char- Expected Outcomes acterise the state and health of ecosystems and to predict their changes due to global change or chemical stress. On the basis of the obtained results, an The research work performed under this programme is expected to provide

integrated biomarker response index for ecosystem health assessment will programmes and development research Long-term qualitatively new scientific information on regularities of biological changes be devised, which will serve as a useful tool for a more precise assessment of induced by hazardous substances in the environment, on mechanisms of ecotoxicological processes in aquatic ecosystems and for the development of biomarker responses formation and their role in revealing peculiarities of up-to-date environmental management measures. The analytical database of abiotic-biotic interactions and vulnerability, and on the tolerance and ad- biomarkers compiled in the course of this programme implementation will aptation of organisms in aquatic ecosystems. An integrated ecotoxicological be used in drafting strategicE uropean Union, HELCOM, OSPAR, ICES and system of analytical and bioindicator parameters will be devised for anthro- national documents. Programme results will contribute to the implementa- pogenic stress and environment quality assessment. The obtained results will tion of the first resolution initiated by Lithuania and approved by the United serve as a basis for producing recommendations on measures of integrated Nations General Assembly on 20 December 2010 on environmental effects pollution control (chemical-biological) and management and for providing related to waste originating from chemical munitions dumped at sea. consultations on ecotoxicological issues. Alongside with the above described Changes in test organisms at different levels of phylogenetic and ontogenetic activities, a database of scientific results obtained during this programme im- organization in response to anthropogenic stress will be assessed and com- plementation will be created. pared. Peculiarities of such reactions depending on changes in biotic and

Nature Research Centre 23 abiotic factors will be revealed, and mechanisms of functional changes in test natural and anthropogenic origin, including nanoforms, will be investigated; organisms at different phylogenetic and ontogenetic organization levels as changes in the composition and abundance of aerobic and anaerobic bacte- well as adaptation possibilities ensuring survival of an individual → popula- rial groups and dynamics of organic matter production and microbial mi tion will be established. To improve the system of ecotoxicological investiga- neralisation processes under anthropogenic load conditions will be assessed, tions, the use of the most sensitive and informative tests for the assessment and recommendations on the application of microbiotests, phytomarkers of the ecotoxicological state of the environment will be proposed. Biochemi- and their systems for control and management of water bodies affected by cal, physiological and biological responses of algae to chemical stressors of complex toxic contaminants will be produced. Long-term research and development programmes and development research Long-term

24 Nature Research Centre Laboratories LABORATORY OF ALGOLOGY AND MICROBIAL ECOLOGY Head: Dr. Ričardas Paškauskas different abiotic and biotic environmental state variables to the productiv- The key research objects are microalgae, cyanobacteria and their viruses in ity and other metabolic activity of plankton and benthos community and fresh and marine environments, with the special emphasis on eutrophicated hyper-production outcomes. Research is also conducted into biotic interac- and heavily polluted aquatic ecosystems and within the context of anthro- tions and trophic relationships by skilfully and creatively applying modern Laboratories pogenically influenced global climate change. The research also includes ex- research methodology (light and electron microscopy, molecular biology, perimental work using lab-based microcosm and/or large-scale mesocosm chromatography, spectrometry and isotopic analysis). systems, as well as the analysis of long-term succession of natural phyto- The laboratory maintains a culture collection of different microalgae and plankton communities. cyanobacteria strains, including bloom forming and toxin producing spe- The laboratory researchers focus on the ecology issues of relevant cyanobac- cies. Research into genome, growth conditions and production of different teria and microalgae species of different taxonomic groups and assess the biologically active compounds as well as cyanophage ecology are the most significance of processes of production/decomposition of plankton and ben- recent research directions. Studies on the genetic diversity of algae and cy- thic microflora and the consequences of hyperproductivity of aquatic ecosys- anobacteria and molecular diagnostics are carried out, and analysis of cyano- tems and water quality. We further provide expert assessment of ecosystem bacteria-produced toxin dispersion is performed. vulnerability as well as resistance to chronic and acute anthropogenic and naturally occurring stressors. Additionally, the researchers analyse the peculiarities and importance of

Nature Research Centre 25 LABORATORY OF AQUATIC ECOTOXICOLOGY Laboratory of Avian Ecology Head: Dr. LEVONAS MANUSADŽIANAS Head: Dr. habil. MEČISLOVAS ŽALAKEVIČIUS, Academician of Lithuanian Acad. Sci. The main research areas are: the study of ecotoxicological effects of natu- Research pursued by laboratory scientists is mainly focused on the impacts rally occurring substances and xenobiotics (including nanoforms) as well as of global environmental change and human activity on birds (population

Laboratories complex mixtures such as wastewater and their ways of operating by reveal- status changes, vulnerability, adaptation, microevolution). Special empha- ing biochemical, bioelectrical and physiological responses of representative sis is placed on waterfowl research and conservation problems in the Baltic hydrophytes; the role of microorganisms in the metabolism of biologically Sea, Curonian Lagoon and inland waters. GIS technologies are employed to significant substances in water bodies of different pollution level; the devel- study spatial variability in bird populations and landscape. Researchers of opment and application of methods for water pollution control and toxicity the laboratory maintain close cooperation relationships with scientific re- assessment based on response to testorganisms and their substructures be- search centres of foreign countries and perform research contracted by na- longing to different nutrition chains in support of biological control meas- tional and international organizations and foundations. Applied research, is ures. The principal objective of research is chemical and oxidative stress pat- also conducted and experimental development services offered to different terns in the plant cell. organizations and industries.

26 Nature Research Centre laboratory of bedrock geology LABORATORY OF BiodeTERIORATION RESEARCH Head: Dr. GRAŽINA SKRIDLAITĖ Head: Dr. ALGIMANTAS PAŠKEVIČIUS The main research trends of the laboratory are bedrock geology and crustal The main research areas relate to the ecological and biological properties of processes and their impacts on natural processes at the surface, on local en- fungi, yeast and bacteria in natural and anthropogenized ecosystems, as well ergy resources and the quality of the living environment. The research ob- as biodiversity and functioning of microorganisms on uncommon substrata Laboratories jects are the chemical composition of pre-Cambrian rocks, their formation or in a polluted environment and the search for microorganisms that dete- conditions, age and evolution and the impact of crustal structures on the riorate natural and synthetic polymeric materials and produce biologically sedimentary cover and formation of valuable mineral deposits. Researchers active substances. The potential to utilise microorganisms in biotechnology of the laboratory investigate Palaeozoic and Mesozoic rocks by lithological is also analysed. The microbiological state in residential and occupational and palaeomagnetic methods, reconstructing sedimentary environments, environments is also assessed, and a search for measures that inhibit haz- modelling basin evolution and its impact on surface forms and motions, es- ardous actions of microorganisms is carried out. A collection of about 3000 tablishing geothermal energy and oil deposit formation patterns, forecasting species and strains of pure cultures of various microorganisms is stored at amounts, transformations and environmental impacts of mineral resources, the laboratory. studying the history of the science of geology and performing other investigations in the area of applied geology.

Nature Research Centre 27 LABORATORY OF CHEMICAL AND The researchers of the Insect Evolutionary Ecology Group deal with hy- BEHAVIOURAL ECOLOGY menopterans that are very important for the functioning of ecological systems, i.e. they perform plant pollination and the control of herbivorous Head: Prof. Dr. habil. VINCAS BŪDA, Academician of the Lithuanian Acad. Sci. insect populations. The researchers of the group investigate the impact of The main research trends of the laboratory are chemical ecology, interactions man-induced factors (landscape transformations, fragmentation of natural Laboratories among insects and insect-environment interactions through infochemical habitats and shifts in the spectrum of succession stages) on insect diversity, signals, as well as ecological and evolutionary aspects of the behaviour of population parameters, species groups differing in morphological, ecological organisms. The main research objects are moths (Lepidoptera), honey bees and behavioural traits and on interactions among species of different trophic (Hymenoptera) and flies (Diptera). Laboratory experiments and field obser- levels, and also search for new molecular markers for identification of sib- vations have been employed to define the composition of sex attractants and ling species and assessment of their phylogenetic relationships and genetic their antagonists in over 50 insect species of ten families and to identify the diversity. chemical composition of sex pheromones.

28 Nature Research Centre laboratory of ecology and physiology of Hydrobionts

Head: Dr. Vytautas Kesminas The recirculation systems of the experimental aquarium serve for rearing of The Sector of Freshwater Ecology pursues research into regularities and rare and endangered fish species, for experimental activities and for the crea- mechanisms of adaptive processes in natural populations and communi- tion of new rearing technologies. ties of aquatic animals and investigates biological diversity and resources of The Sector of Ecological Physiology and Toxicology focuses on the regulari- Laboratories populations and communities and regularities of their variability under the ties and mechanisms of biological responses to man-induced stress in aquat- pressure of natural and anthropogenic effects. The diversity, genetic struc- ic animals of different phylogenesis and ontogenesis (test organisms). Re- ture and production processes of fish and lamprey populations and com- searchers investigate the peculiarities of toxic effects of pollutants of different munities are investigated. Conventional markers and radio tags are used to chemical nature on the functional systems of test organisms and their test detect migration routes of migratory (salmon, sea trout, eel) and rare (Aci- responses and study specific and non-specific organism responses (physi- penser oxyrinchus) species in the Nemunas basin, Curonian Lagoon and the ological and behavioural markers). Research works include investigation of Baltic Sea. The researchers of the laboratory carry out an assessment of the the ways pollutants get into the organism and the mechanisms of their distri- ecological state of water bodies according to fish parameters and participate bution and accumulation in the organism, modelling of the toxic effect and in the monitoring of the state of populations and communities of migratory dispersion of pollutants, as well as assessment of theoretical and practical and commercial fish and lamprey species and species of EU importance, as possibilities of the use of proper toxicity tests, test organisms and their test well as performing fish stock investigations and developing programmes for responses in relation to investigation of toxicity of separate pollutants and restoration of fish and crustacean stocks in various Lithuanian water bodies. wastewater and the ecotoxicological state of natural waters.

Nature Research Centre 29 laboratory of climate and water research LABORATORY OF ECONOMIC BOTANY Head: Assoc. Prof. Dr. JULIUS TAMINSKAS Head: Dr. JUOZAS LABOKAS The assessment and projection of future changes in climate and ground- and The main research objectives focus on the accumulation regularities of bio- surface water resources and quality are the main research trends of the labo- logically active compounds in plants and diversity, as well as the variation

Laboratories ratory. The researchers investigate specific features of the Lithuanian climate and sustainability of natural populations of economic plants. Research is and its changes in the timeframe of instrumental observations, the impact of carried out on biological, ecological and chemical properties of medicinal, climate change on water budget, the formation of wetlands, gypsum denuda- aromatic, berry and fruit plants at individual, population and species le tion and the stability of water ecosystems. Alongside, regular hydrological and vels. hydrochemical observations of the karst region and wetlands are of particular importance. Special attention is paid to monitor and make projections of groundwater resources and the quality of territories of technogenic origin, as well as investigating hydrogeochemical processes in aeration and saturation zones, studying formation patterns and chemical composition of groundwater resources under natural and anthropogenic conditions and investigating groundwater resources for optimization of their exploitation, protection and quality improvement.

30 Nature Research Centre laboratory of entomology Laboratory of Evolutionary Ecology of Head: Assoc. Prof. Dr. (HP) SIGITAS PODĖNAS Hydrobionts The research works carried out by the laboratory cover insect taxonomy, Head: Assoc. Prof. Dr. KĘSTUTIS ARBAČIAUSKAS ecology, phenology, zoogeography and phylogeny. Investigations are pur- The main research areas cover the evolutionary ecology of crustaceans, bio- sued on trophic links of different insect groups and on the composition and invasions, biodiversity of aquatic communities, structure and variability of Laboratories variability of entomofauna in different ecosystems under different climatic food webs and functional regularities of ecosystems. and habitat conditions. Based on the structure of entomocomplexes and in- Researchers of the laboratory investigate biochemical and genetic regulatory dicatory features of insect groups or species, the most valuable territories mechanisms of seasonal polyphenism in daphnia, peculiarities of ecology and in Lithuania are identified. The main focus is placed on Palearctic moths, phylogeography of autochthonous and invasive crustaceans and molluscs by em- Diptera, Coleoptera, Odomata and Collembola insects, on stages of their de- ploying traditional, molecular, stoichiometric and stable isotope analysis meth- velopment and peculiarities of protected insect species and their habitats. ods. Constituting a significant part of the laboratory’s research work, analysis is The researchers of the laboratory have described about 200 insect taxa new also conducted on the peculiarities of alien species adaptation, biological prop- for science. erties determining species invasiveness, effects of biological invasions on community food webs and ecosystem functions.. Other research topics include Euro- pean crayfish stocks, the impact of invasive crayfish on local biota and patterns of interaction among crayfish species. Development and improvement of methods for the assessment of the ecological state and biopollution of aquatic ecosystems represent another significant area of the laboratory’s research activities.

Nature Research Centre 31 laboratory of genetics Laboratory of Genotoxicology Head: Assoc. Prof. Dr. ELENA SERVIENĖ Head: Dr. habil. JANINA BARŠIENĖ The main research trend is focused on the studies of molecular-physiologi- The main research trends cover investigations into environmental pollu- cal properties of biocidic systems and investigation of their mechanisms of tion- and ecological change-induced ecotoxic effects in various marine eco-

Laboratories the action. The fundamental research goals include: molecular mechanisms systems. Research pursued by scientists of the laboratory focuses on the ge- of the action of killer toxins, formation of cellular resistance to viruses and notoxic, cytotoxic and mutagenic effects of various chemical compounds on other pathogens, cellular stress response pathways, investigation of yeast aquatic organisms, environmental genotoxicity peculiarities and genetic risk functional genomics and aspects of functioning, interaction and adaptation assessment in various European seas and the Atlantic Ocean. of biological systems. The practical research areas are concentrated on the search for prokaryotic and eukaryotic microorganisms secreting biocidic substances in natural and industrial populations and studies on their use, assessment of efficiency of preservation agents implemented in food and water manufacturing industry, and search and analysis of antiviral compounds using yeast killer systems.

32 Nature Research Centre laboratory of geoenvironmental research LABORATORY OF FLORA AND GEOBOTANY Head: Dr. KĘSTUTIS JOKŠAS Head: Dr. Valerijus Rašomavičius The main research trends of the laboratory are the investigation of interactions The main research area is the diversity, structure, state and development between natural and anthropogenic processes and evaluation of the quality of of Lithuanian flora and vegetation. Scientific investigations are focused on: the geological environment. A particular focus in put on assessment of the the syntaxonomic structure of Lithuanian vegetation, the distribution of Laboratories geodynamic state of the Lithuanian seacoast area and interpretation of coastal its components in ecosystems and in the territory of the country; natural formation processes, as well as analysis of sedimentation and geodynamic habitats, their structure, status and relationships with other units of classi- processes in the subsiding south-eastern Baltic region. Based on a qualitative fication of natural diversity; stenotopic and stenochoric taxa of Lithuanian assessment of the spatial structure of the landscape and change of interactions vascular plant and bryophyte flora, their systematic status, distribution and between landscape processes, a database of changes in the spatial structure has characteristics of populations; adventive flora, particularly the distribution been compiled, which can serve as a tool in projecting landscape transforma- of invasive plants, the structure of populations and control methods; natural tion trends. Researchers of the laboratory are engaged in identification and eco and anthropogenic dynamics of Lithuanian vegetation (vegetation monitor- geochemical and geohygienic evaluation of geochemical anomalies and their ing, protected species and communities, territories valuable from a botanical sources and assessment of the impacts of natural and anthropogenic factors aspect and their mapping, ecological restoration); Lithuanian botanical ter- on background and anomalous concentrations of chemical elements, which minology; maintenance and emendation of the Herbarium collections of the facilitates characterisation of the state of the living environment and projec- Institute of Botany (BILAS); creation and maintenance of phytosociological tion of its transformations. A particular emphasis is placed on the creation, databases and natural habitats inventory databases. development and application of methods for geochemical and biogeochemical investigations of abiotic and biotic components of the environment for the purpose of disclosure of potential sources of emission of different organic and mineral pollutants into the environment.

Nature Research Centre 33 Laboratory of Mammalian Ecology Laboratory of Marine Ecology Head: Assoc. Prof. Dr. (HP) LINAS BALČIAUSKAS Head: Dr. LINAS LOŽYS The main research trends include the distribution and ecology of mamma- Research conducted by the laboratory focuses on the functioning of ecosys- lian fauna (species diversity, abundance and dynamics, habitat and spatial tems in the largest water bodies of Lithuania: the Kaunas Water Reservoir,

Laboratories distribution, population demographic structure), functional regularities of the Nemunas River, the Curonian Lagoon and the Baltic Sea with increased mammal populations and communities in different landscapes including emphasis placed on fish communities, ecology of individual species and the those under anthropogenic impact, and factors behind the decline and/or assessment of effects that various abiotic and biotic factors have on fish stocks extinction of rare mammal (dormice, otter and lynx) populations. Socio-ec- and fish diversity. In the context of a dramatic growth of different sectors of ological investigations contributing to the implementation of national com- the economy and their immediate impact on aquatic ecosystems, the labo- mitments in the field of EU environmental protection policy include studies ratory directs its efforts towards the performance of the following research on public tolerance of mammals and the impact of mammals on the environ- tasks: assessment of ecological impacts of economic activities on aquatic eco- ment and humans. The laboratory is engaged in the implementation of two systems; development of measures to mitigate the effects of economic activi- long-term institutional scientific research and experimental (social, cultural) ties on fish stocks and to replenish the already dwindled fish stocks; analysis development programmes: of impacts of the Klaipėda Port, Būtingė Oil Terminal, Kruonis Pumped Research into the status and change of biological resources and quality of Storage Plant and Kaunas Hydroelectric Power Plant on fish stocks and in- environment, scientific justification of conservation. dividual fish species. Biodiversity investigations and prognoses under the conditions of global cli- Investigations of fish community abundance and fish populations performed mate change and anthropogenic impact. by the laboratory in the largest water bodies of Lithuania (where fish stock exploitation is intensive) entail assessment of the ecological parameters of the water bodies and those of the fish communities (structure, abundance, biomass, the main parameters of fish species populations). Research activities of the laboratory include investigations of the variability of biological parameters in different water bodies, impact assessment of intensive commercial and recreational fishing and production of recommendations to state institutions concerning the state of fish stocks and fishing control.

34 Nature Research Centre Laboratory of Molecular Ecology LABORATORY OF MYCOLOGY Head: Dr. (HP) DALIUS BUTKAUSKAS Head: Dr. JURGA MOTIEJŪNAITĖ Research is focussed on investigations of pecies diversity, life cycles, phyl- The main research area covers studies on taxonomy, biodiversity, geogra- ogeny and phylogeography of various systematic animal groups (birds, fish, phy, ecology, biology and biochemistry of Basidiomycetes and Ascomycetes. ungulates and small mammals, along with their parasites sarcosporidia), Special attention is paid to investigations into the ecology of fungi and their Laboratories which are performed employing methods of DNA fragment analysis and functioning in vulnerable ecosystems, as well as the influence of the impact sequencing, and light and electron microscopy. The long-term fundamen- of electric and magnetic fields on fungal cells. The laboratory maintains and tal research pursued at the laboratory is focused on intraspecies diversity, augments the largest collection of fungi in Lithuania: 10,800 specimens of ecological plasticity and distribution of some commercial fish (European eel, lichens and lichenicolous fungi, 19,800 specimens of micromycetes (Perono- perch, sharpnosed sturgeon) in the Baltic region and in the wider distribu- sporales, Uredinales, Ustilaginales, teleomorphic and anamorphic Ascomyc- tion range. Another area of research undertaken by the laboratory, which etes), 31,000 specimens of macromycetes (Basidiomycetes and Ascomyc- is represented by investigations into the genetic diversity of model animal etes), and 4,500 specimens of myxomycetes. In 1992–2014, the researchers and plant species (Common Woodpigeon, Mallard, perch, duckweed), is of the laboratory described 24 new taxa of fungi. designed to determine the genetic population structure of the various species, peculiarities of the formation and human activity-induced changes by employing various molecular markers.

Nature Research Centre 35 laboratory of nuclear geophysics and P. B. Šivickis Laboratory of Parasitology radioecology Head: Dr. habil. GEDIMINAS VALKIŪNAS, Academician of the Lithuanian Acad. Sci. Head: Prof. Dr. habil. JONAS MAŽEIKA The main research trends cover biodiversity, molecular diagnostics, evolu- The main research trends of the laboratory are investigations of radioactivity tionary biology, phylogeography and functions of eukaryotic parasitic organ- Laboratories of the environment, nuclear geophysics and nuclear chronology and radio- isms (protists and helminths) in ecosystems under conditions of the chang- ecology, as well as improvement of available research methods for analysis ing environment. Long-term fundamental investigations and experimental of interactions between nuclear energy objects (nuclear power plants and development work of the laboratory focus on the following main areas: radioactive waste storage facilities and depositories) and the environment. molecular mechanisms of host-parasite interactions, ecology and virulence, Special attention is paid to the assessment of the rate of material transport genetic diversity and population genetics, molecular diagnostics and taxon- processes in the environment and chronology of phenomena. A particular omy, phylogeny and phylogeography of parasites. Other research topics ex- focus is put on the dispersion and accumulation of artificial radionuclides plored by laboratory scientists include the evolutionary biology of parasites and some heavy metals in components of aquatic and terrestrial ecosystems, hosted by migrating birds, amphibians, fish and molluscs and mechanisms the assessment of toxic effects invoked by such accumulation, and the role of of ecological plasticity in parasites and their distribution in ecosystems. Tra- plants in the dispersion of radionuclides in the environment. ditional morphological, karyological and DNA sequence analysis methods are employed in investigations designed to elucidate parasite species diversity, phylogenetic relationships, host specificity and the circulation of parasites in different ecosystems. Research data highlight the importance of interspecies relationships for the maintenance of ecosystem diversity and stability and can be used for the projection of potential changes. Moreover, the data obtained will serve as the base for the development of innovative strategies aimed at prevention and control of parasitic diseases.

36 Nature Research Centre LABORATORY OF PHYTOPATHOGENIC LABORATORY OF PLANT PHYSIOLOGY MICROORGANISMS Head: Dr. Sigita JurkonienĖ Head: Dr. ANTANAS MATELIS The main research focuses on environmental factors, physiologically active The main research area covers investigations of species diversity, distri- signal-induced stressors (temperature, heavy metals, salts, plant toxins, etc.) bution, biological and ecological properties (including pathogenicity, and adaptive processes in plants in order to reduce the impact of stress fac- Laboratories virulence, genetic diversity and population genetics of separate species) of tors, to reveal plant growth, morphogenesis, plant architecture, productiv- phytopathogenic fungi, bacteria and oomycetes. The laboratory focuses on ity formation characteristics and process management potential. The role of phytopathogenic microorganisms in anthropogenized and forest ecosystems plant cell membranes (plasmalemma, tonoplast and endoplasmic reticulum), and performs evaluation of the impact on those ecosystems caused by vari- chloroplasts and mitochondria in the stress signal reception and realization ous disease-causing agents. A search for expedient measures for control of processes is analysed. Investigations of hormones, ion transport and antioxi- forest tree diseases is also among prioritized activities. The laboratory stores dative activity during plant development are carried out, and the potential and maintains a large collection of pure cultures of disease-causing and root of these activities on plant adaptivity is established. The possibility to apply and butt rot agents (fungi, oomycetes and bacteria) and wood-inhabiting physiologically active compounds for modification of plant resistance to low (endophytic) fungi. temperatures is studied, and winter hardening and productivity formation control is analysed.

Nature Research Centre 37 LABORATORY OF PLANT VIRUSES laboratory of quaternary research Head: Dr. RASA JOMANTIENĖ Head: Dr. VAIDA ŠEIRIENĖ The key research area is the identification and biology of the most common The main research trends of the laboratory are focused on the survey of the virus diseases in economic plants in Lithuania, along with study of means Quaternary palaeoenvironmental situation in the context of the natural situa-

Laboratories for immunodiagnostics, determination of agent spreading and assessment tion and anthropogenic factors. Reconstructions of the environmental history of harmfulness. The identification of Mollicutes class bacteria causing plant indicating natural and human induced palaeoecological, palaeoclimatological diseases and the application of new genetic markers are also carried out, as and palaeogeographical changes throughout the Quaternary are emphasised. is investigation of potential pathogenic and phylogenetic studies. Tasks of Conditions of the sedimentary environment and lithological and sedimento- the phytoplasma working team include depositing newly identified virus and logical investigations of the beds and analysis of relief transformations are of phytoplasma gene sequences in databases, preparation of diagnostic antise- particular importance. Studies include palaeoclimatic investigations, survey rums and recommendations for control measures.. The laboratory maintains of vegetation history, palaeoecological conditions of palaeobasins, anthropo- and augments a collection of viruses identified in Lithuania and stores ready- genic impact on the environmental situation and chronological attribution of made diagnostic antiserums. recorded fluctuations. Sedimentological investigations are pursued to describe the sedimentary environment and formation pattern of sediment beds. Analy- ses of relief transformations contribute to the description of the scale and character of Earth surface transformations and the assessment of the role of natural and anthropogenic factors in these processes.

38 Nature Research Centre The Open Access Centre for Nature Research: Efficient Solutions for Natural Resource Management

Natural resources and ecosystem services are of great importance in ensur- new types of natural resources. The Centre raises public awareness by en- ing the well-being and prosperity of Lithuania and its people. They consti- suring public access to available infrastructure and ER&ED results. Natural tute the basis of economic and industrial development and recreational and resources, in particular the Earth’s entrails, are not inexhaustible and renew- energy resources of the country. Demand for natural resources continues to able resources (water, soil) of ecosystems are rapidly disappearing in many increase, the elavated levels of consumption driven by multiple present-day parts of the world due to unsustainable consumption, thus the conservation business models, the infrastructure of the country and public habits. Inten- and well-balanced use of natural resources is one of the key global challenges sive and careless use thereof brings about changes in the structure of ecosys- for present-day humanity. Therefore, many countries feel the need to launch tems and declines in biodiversity, which have a negative rebound effect on and pursue programmes and measures for the protection and conservation the environment, human health and the economy of the country. Still little of natural resources, and business seeks to contribute to the sustainable use attention is devoted to employment of technological innovations and appli- of ecosystems through mitigation of pollution, waste management, etc. Ac- cation of ecosystem conservation and restoration measures and alternative complishment of such purposes inevitably requires top-level specialists, ap- solutions for the efficient and sustainable consumption of natural resources propriate competences, adequate infrastructure and experience of applying and ecosystem services. Therefore, the European Union and Lithuania seek advanced scientific research findings. All these values are concentrated in the to ensure that the country’s economic growth and improving life quality are harmonised with sustainable use of ecosystems and their resources. The fields of fundamental and applied research, which lie at the heart of ecological innovation, are recognised as one cornerstones in the successful preserva- The Open Access Centre for Nature Research Nature for Open Centre The Access tion of ecosystems and harmonious development of the society. In response to the development of priority trends in scientific research and experimental development (ER&ED) and innovation processes in Lithuania, and in the context of implementation of the programme for the development of integrated science, studies and business centres (valleys), an Open Access Centre (OAC) for nature research was established in 2013, financially supported by EU structural funds and the Republic of Lithuania state budget. With the goal of satisfying the need for research and studies on ecosystems and the sustainable development of Lithuania, the OAC currently comprises 14 laboratories linking more than 80 researchers. The purpose of the OAC is to ensure national competencies in the assessment and conservation of the state of biotic and abiotic natural resources and to assist businesses in efficient and sustainable use of natural resources in order to increase the value added to products and derive greater economic benefit from business. The ER&ED activities pursued in the OAC also help businesses to explore

Nature Research Centre 39 OAC, where researchers transform their comprehensive knowledge of the businesses often encounter problems related to the assessment of ecosystem structure and functioning of the Earth’s crust, soil and water ecosystems into value, resource use potential and costs. Such assessments become even more practical solutions relevant to the state, society and business. The researchers complicated when investigating the effect of climate change and specific ac- of the OAC investigate the impact of bedrock geological processes on bio- tivities on the viability of ecosystems, on the intensity of the use of natural logical and energy resources and analyse the chemical composition of rocks resources and their renewal and on the environment and biological diver- and the impact of bedrock structures on the formation of deposits of valu- sity. The OAC pursues research into the quality of ground and surface water able mineral resources through application of state-of-the-art scanning elec- resources (e.g. fish) and makes future projections and also investigates the tron microscopy, gas and liquid chromatography and different optical and impact of anthropogenic activity and climate change on ecosystem stability. nuclear spectrometry techniques. Analysis of regularities of the formation of The aquarium and the laboratory of ecotoxicological research provide condi- geothermal energy and oil deposits enables projecting resource amounts and tions for different experimental research with fish in order to optimise their alterations and making economic and environmental assessments related to rearing and growing conditions, as well as to study fish parasites and fish re- resource extraction. sistance to parasites and different environmental and stress factors.R esearch The major part of the Lithuanian renewable resources that have a decisive results are successfully applied to recreational and tourism activities in water impact on opportunities and conditions for the development of the national bodies, to the development of aquaculture business in Lithuania and also economy are deposited in internal and ground waters. State institutions and contribute to the reduction of water, energy and other operating costs. The Open Access Centre for Nature Research Nature for Open Centre The Access

40 Nature Research Centre The biological diversity of ecosystems is closely related to the sustainable involving experimental research, monitoring and control measures ensures use of natural resources, in particular with opportunities and rates of their the efficiency and quality of the Centre’s activities. renewal. Therefore, the researchers of the OAC employ both conventional The availability of alternative biological resources (collections of cultures of (microscopy, biochemical methods, etc.) and new molecular biology (PCR, microorganisms) allows efficient eco-friendly solutions to be offered to so- sequencing, etc.) research methods to carry out investigations into the ge- ciety and business when creating high value-added products and services. netic diversity of populations and communities of different microorganisms, The OAC houses one of the largest collections of cultures of microorgan- plants and animals and changes in genetic diversity under the pressure of isms (fungi, bacteria and algae) in Lithuania and the Baltic countries. The human impact, changing environmental conditions and climate change. Centre can offer all necessary infrastructure for the isolation, identification, The application of research findings in economic activity enhances ecosys- cultivation, storage and experimental testing of pure cultures of microor- tem viability and productivity, thus ensuring the sustainable use of natural ganisms. The researchers carry out genetic, biochemical and physiological resources in social and economic contexts. The OAC’s activities relating to investigations of microorganisms aimed at biotechnological and industrial ecosystem monitoring, assessment of the state of ecosystems and elaboration application of available strains. Research is pursued to identify and assess of programmes for identification and monitoring of biological diversity are antiviral, antibacterial and antifungal properties of different microorganisms pursued according to national and international legal acts and regulations. and biologically active substances synthesised thereby. TheC entre is engaged The researchers also provide recommendations on issues of control and in search for microorganisms which could be used to control air, water and elimination of chemical and biological pollution. A combination of services ground pollution. The researchers of the Centre search for oil-oxidising mi- The Open Access Centre for Nature Research Nature for Open Centre The Access

Nature Research Centre 41 croorganisms and contribute to the upgrading of oil-biodegrading technolo- the EU is actively promoting similar-type ecological innovations, technologies for cleaning water and ground contaminated with oil hydrocarbons. The gies and products according to different funding plans and policy measures, Centre has also contributed to the testing, creation and manufacturing of a thus providing conditions for research-to-business cooperation. new-generation biofiler model for filtering volatile gas compounds from air, To protect the environment and to ensure business competitiveness and with the capillary load moisturising system and introduced microorganisms public well-being in Lithuania via the efficient use of natural resources capable of purifying air of acetone, xylene and ammonia. The creation of the and ecosystem services, the OAC currently renders over 50 different serv- biofilter model is one of many eco-friendly and business-assisting scientific ices (www.e-mokslovartai.lt). The OAC coordinates the involvement of new achievements of the Centre. The Centre also carries out applied research on partners and investors, cooperation between public and private sectors, the use of microorganisms in wastewater treatment, optimisation of micro- commercialisation of SR&ED results and control of intellectual property, organism rearing conditions with a view to increasing the output of specific and implementation of national research programmes. The laboratories of materials synthesised in their cells, and projecting the use of microalgae in the Centre run joint projects and otherwise cooperate with many Lithuanian industry. These activities of the Centre correspond to the EU vision on the and foreign research and higher education institutions working in the areas development of environmentally friendly technologies in Europe. Presently, of biomedicine and physical sciences, as well as with public institutions and private entities. One of the main aspirations of the Centre is cooperation with business, research and higher education institutions within the framework of Smart Specialisation strategies: 1. Functional food: - creation of new food products;

The Open Access Centre for Nature Research Nature for Open Centre The Access - agrotechnologies (search and creation of bioactive components). 2. Sustainable agrobiological resources and safer food: - improvement of food processing and storage technologies; - technologies for identification and assessment of fast food microbiological and chemical contaminants. 3. Innovative creation, improvement and processing (biorefining) of biological raw materials: - biotechnological processes: technologies for fermenting and microbial processing of raw materials and intermediate products. The Open Access Centre for Nature Research ensures its partners instrumental resources and top-level competence, thus contributing to national progress, the building of a sustainable society and development of innovative business.

42 Nature Research Centre PhD studies process

Participation in the process of PhD studies and training of highly qualified dissertations in the fields of bioengineering, biology, botany, ecology and en- scientists is one of the primary tasks carried out by the NRC. In collabora- vironmental research, genetics, geology, geography and zoology. Research- tion with other higher education institutions of Lithuania and those of other ers also consult students during thesis/dissertation preparation, act as thesis/ countries, the NRC implements the following five doctoral programmes: dissertation opponents or as members of the Dissertation Defence Board Ecology and Environmental Science (in collaboration with Vilnius Univer- and participate in habilitation procedures both in Lithuania and abroad. sity), Biology (in collaboration with Vytautas Magnus University, the State Research Institute Centre for Innovative Medicine, the University of Agder (Norway) and the University of Latvia), Geology (in collaboration with Vil- nius University), Physical Geography (in collaboration with Vilnius Univer-

sity and Klaipėda University) and Zoology (in collaboration with Vilnius Doctor studies process University). The number of dissertations defended at the Nature Research Centre in each of these fields during the 2010–2015 period is as follows: six dissertations in Botany, 13 dissertations in Ecology and Environmental Sci- ence, six dissertations in both Geology and Physical Geography and two dissertations in Zoology. The number of students currently pursuing PhD stu dies in different fields of science is 47. Besides active participation in the process of doctoral training, researchers of the Centre provide supervision of BSc and MSc degree theses and Doctoral Number of dissertations defended at NRC (2010–2015).

Nature Research Centre 43 PhD dissertations defended (2010–2015) Biology Botany • Jurga Jankauskienė. 2015. Physiological-biochemical peculiarities of oilseed • Leonas Jarašius. 2015. Possibilities of ecological restoration of raised rape (Brassica napus L.) cold acclimation bog plant communities in degraded parts and in a cutover peatland of • Algiras Ivanauskas. 2014. Phytoplasmas and their insect vectors in Lithuania Aukštumala raised bog • Dalia Koryznienė. 2013. Investigation on gravity sensing in garden cress • Donatas Šneideris. 2015. Nepovirus caused plant diseases and genetic vari- seedlings ability of virus isolates in Lithuania • Jurgita Švedienė. 2012. Candida Berkhout yeasts: distribution, biological • Irma Vitonytė. 2014. Phytobenthos in Lithuanian rivers and its employ- Doctor studies process peculiarities and search for preventive measures against them ment for the assessment of the ecological status of rivers • Brigita Čapukoitienė. 2011. The expression of Saccharomyces cerevisiae K2 • Rima Mockevičiūtė. 2010. Indole-3-acetic acid-protein complexes in chlo- preprotoxine gene in plant Nicotiana tabacum L. and the search of toxins roplasts and mitochondria producing microorganisms and the analysis of their use • Genovaitė Marija Žižytė. 2010. The identification and molecular characteri- • Vilma Meškauskienė. 2010. Research on distribution and biological prop- zation of sugar beet rhizomania causing virus erties of pathogenic fungi and fungal diseases of small-leaved linden (Tilia • Reda Grigutytė. 2010. Nitellopsis obtusa (desv.) J. Groves cell response to cordata Mill.) in Vilnius city allochtonous stressors of Fagus sylvatica L. and Quercus robur L. leaf litter extracts

Ecology and Environmental Science • Irena Nedveckytė. 2015. Herbivorous insects interaction with entomopath- ogenic fungi (based on species of Hymenoptera and Lepidoptera orders) • Robertas Staponkus. 2015. Biology and peculiarities of the population-genetic structure of Lithuanian Cephalaspidomorphs (Cephalaspidomorphi) • Daiva Vaitkuvienė. 2014. Abundance and spatial distribution, breeding habitat selection, breeding success and spring arrival of the white stork Ciconia ciconia in the north-western periphery of the range • Vytautas Rakauskas. 2014. Trophic position and food web impacts of non-indigenous crustaceans in lakes • Adomas Ragauskas. 2013. Investigation into population genetic structure of eel Anguilla anguilla (L.) and perch Perca fluviatilis L. within the context of anthropogenic activity • Žilvinas Pūtys. 2012. Great Cormorant Phalacrocorax carbo sinensis diet and its effect on the fish populations and their community in the eutroph- ic Curonian Lagoon ecosystem

44 Nature Research Centre • Petras Prakas. 2011. Diversity and ecology of Sarcocystis in Lithuanian • Aldona Damušytė. 2011. Development of the Lithuanian coast through- game fauna out the post-Glacial • Galina Garnaga. 2011. Integrated assessment of pollution and biomarker • Agnė Venckutė-Aleksienė. 2011. Upper Cretaceous planctic foraminifera responses in the Baltic Sea biostratigraphy from Lithuania • Martynas Kazlauskas. 2010. Public attitudes towards Lithuanian large mammals, their population management and conservation Physical Geography • Laura Andreikėnaitė. 2010. Genotoxic and cytotoxic effects of contami- • Aldona Baubinienė. 2015. Origin, heterogeneity and dynamics of Lithua- nants discharged from the oil platforms in fish and mussels nian fluvial islands • Daiva Kalytytė. 2010. Phytoplankton and zooplankton community struc- • Gintarė Pociūtė. 2014. Spatial structure of peripherality in Lithuania

ture and change in characteristic mesotrophic lakes of Lithuania • Danguolė Karmazienė. 2014. The morphogenesis and spatial spread of Doctor studies process • Giedrė Višinskienė. 2010. Caddisfly (Insecta, Trichoptera) diversity of the kame terraces of the Late Nemunas Glaciation Lithuania and impacts of environmental factors on their distribution and • Violeta Pukelytė-Baltrūnienė. 2014. The influence of geological structure abundance on the development of geomorphological regions (case study of south • Andrius Steponėnas. 2010. Taxonomy and ecology of loaches (Cobitidae) Lithuania) in inner water bodies of Lithuania • Jolita Eidikonienė. 2013. Distribution of beach users on the sea coast • Ligita Smagurauskienė. 2011. Territorial organization of business incen- Geology tive system in Lithuania (1998–2008) • Jurgita Paškauskaitė. 2015. Pleistocene deposit structure and sedimentation conditions of Lithuanian maritime region Zoology • Gražyna Gryguc. 2015. Peculiarities of vegetation changes recorded in • Rita Žiegytė. 2014. The experimental study on development of avian ma- Lateglacial and Holocene sediments according to palaeobotanical data laria parasites (Plasmodium) and haemoproteids (Haemoproteus) in vec- • Rasa Šliaupienė. 2014. Prospects of CO2 geological storage in the Baltic tors sedimentary basin • Romas Ferenca. 2014. Beetle (Insecta,Coleoptera) fauna and its distribu- • Žana Skuratovič. 2013. Unsaturated zone models and their application tion in seashore habitats of Lithuania for radioactive waste repository safety analysis

Nature Research Centre 45 Postdoctoral fellowships

Dr. Rasa Binkienė. Short-lasted changes of the palaeoecosystems during the clide solubility and adsorption in the radioactive waste repository environ- post-Glacial: tendencies and prognoses (2008–2011) ment (2010–2012)

Dr. Sigitas Radzevičius. Reconstruction of geological process in Proterozoic, Dr. Rasa Čepulytė-Rakauskienė. Searching of sex pheromone of potato cyst Palaezoic and Mezozoic (2009–2011) nematode Globodera rostochiensis (2013–2015)

Dr. Asta Križanauskienė. Specificity studies on avian malaria and other Dr. Olena Kudlay. Molecular and morphological approach to revealing di- haemosporidian (Sporozoa, Haemosporida) parasites (2009–2011) versity, taxonomy and life-cycles of larval flukes parasitizing in water molluscs (2013–2015)

Doctor studies process Dr. Arseny Makarikov. Morphology, systematics and biogeography of Hy- menolepididae tapeworms of European small rodents (Rodentia). Forma- Dr. Dimitar Dimitrov. Molecular and morphological characterization of tion of faunistic complex of hymenolepidids of Baltic region (2009–2011) avian malaria and related haemosporidian parasites (2013–2015)

Dr. Marija Starodubaitė. Molecular-genetic, phenetic and morphomet- Dr. Žilvinas Pūtys. Chemical alarm cues of Round goby Neogobius melanos- ric variability in the talpa genera and establishment of taxonomic criteria tomus J (2013–2015) (2009–2011) Dr. Rasa Buožytė. Changes in mycorrhiza under disturbances of forest eco- Dr. Violeta Vaitkevičienė. Hydrogeological factors influencing the radionu- system (2013–2015)

46 Nature Research Centre Publications

Balakauskas, L., Taminskas, J., Mažeika, J., Stančikaitė, M. 2013. Lategla- cial and early-Holocene palaeohydrological changes in the upper reaches of the Ūla River: an example from southeastern Lithuania. The holocene. 23 (1): 117–126.

Balčiauskas, L., Jasiulionis, M. 2012. Reducing the incidence of mammals ublications P on public highways using chemical repellent. The Baltic journal of road and bridge engineering. 7 (2): 92–97. Baršienė J., Rybakovas A., Lang T., Andreikėnaitė L., Michailovas A. 2013. Environmental genotoxicity and cytotoxicity levels in fish from the North Sea offshore and Atlantic coastal waters. Marine Pollution Bulletin, 68: 106–116. Baršienė, J., Butrimavičienė, L., Grygiel, W., Lang, T., Michailovas, A., Jackūnas, T. 2014. Environmental genotoxicity and cytotoxicity in flounder (Platichthys flesus), herring (Clupea harengus) and Atlantic cod (Gadus NRC publication dynamics (2010–2015). morhua) from chemical munitions dumping zones in the southern Baltic Sea. Marine Environmental Research. 96: 56–67. Top Publications (2010–2015) Baršienė, J., Rybakovas, A., Lang, T., Grygiel, W., Andreikėnaitė, L., Mi- chailovas, A. 2012. Risk of environmental genotoxicity in the Baltic Sea over Adamonytė, G., Iršėnaitė, R., Motiejūnaitė, J., Taraškevičius, R., the period of 2009–2011 assessed by micronuclei frequencies in blood eryt- Matulevičiūtė, D. 2013. Myxomycetes in a forest affected by great cormo- hrocytes of flounder (Platichthys flesus), herring (Clupea harengus) and eel- rant colony : a case study in Western Lithuania. Fungal diversity. 59 (1): pout (Zoarces viviparus). Marine environmental research. 77: 35–42. 131–146. Baubinienė, A., Satkūnas, J., Taminskas, J. 2015. Formation of fluvial is- Arbačiauskas, K., Lesutienė, J., Gasiūnaitė, Z. R. 2013. Feeding strategies lands and its determining factors, case study of the River Neris, the Baltic Sea and elemental composition in Ponto-Caspian peracaridans from contrast- basin. Geomorphology. 231: 343–352. ing environments: can stoichiometric plasticity promote invasion success? Freshwater biology. 58 (5): 1052–1068. Bensch, S., Coltman, D.W., Davis, C.S., Hellgren, O., Johansson, T., Malen- fant, R.M., Moore, S.S., Palinauskas, V., Valkiūnas, G. 2014. Genomic re- Audzijonytė, A., Baltrūnaitė, L., Vainola, R., Arbačiauskas, K. 2015. Mi- sources notes accepted 1 June 2013 – 31 July 2013. Molecular Ecology Re- gration and isolation during the turbulent Ponto-Caspian Pleistocene create sources. 14 (1): 218. high diversity in the crustacean Paramysis lacustris. Molecular Ecology. 24 (17): 4537-4555. Bensch, S., Hellgren, O., Križanauskienė, A., Palinauskas, V., Valkiūnas, G., Bagdonaitė, E., Mártonfi, P., Repčák, M., Labokas, J. 2012. Variation in con- Outlaw, D., Ricklefs, R. E. 2013. How can we determine the molecular clock centrations of major bioactive compounds in Hypericum perforatum L. from of malaria parasites? Trends in parasitology. 29 (8): 363–369. Lithuania. Industrial crops and products. 35 (1): 302–308. Blažytė-Čereškienė, L., Karalius, V. 2012. Habitat requirements of the en-

Nature Research Centre 47 dangered beetle Boros schneideri (Panzer, 1796) (Coleoptera: Boridae). In- Čėsnienė, T., Kleizaitė, V., Rančelis, V., Žvingila, D., Švabauskas, K., sect conservation and diversity. 5 (3): 186–191. Taraškevičius, R. 2014. Use of tradescantia clone 4430 for direct long-term Bogdanova, S., Gorbatschev, R., Skridlaitė, G., Soesoo, A., Taran, L., Kur- soil mutagenicity studies. Mutation Research-Genetic Toxicology and Envi- lovich, D. 2015. Trans-Baltic Palaeoproterozoic correlations towards the ronmental Mutagenesis [Electronic source]. 768: 23–32. ublications reconstruction of supercontinent Columbia/Nuna. Precambrian Research. Čižeikienė, D., Juodeikienė, G., Paškevičius, A., Bartkienė, E. 2013. Antimi- P 259: 5–33. crobial activity of lactic acid bacteria against pathogenic and spoilage micro- Bukauskaitė, D., Žiegytė, R., Palinauskas, V., Iezhova, T., Dimitrov, D., organism isolated from food and their control in wheat bread. Food control. Ilgūnas, M., Bernotienė, R., Markovets, M. Yu., Valkiūnas, G. 2015. Bit- 31 (2): 539–545. ing midges (Culicoides, Diptera) transmit Haemoproteus parasites of owls: Davis, R. E., Dally, E., Zhao Y., Lee, I.-M., Jomantiene, R., Detweiler, A. J., evidence from sporogony and molecular phylogeny. Parasites & Vectors. 8: Putnam, M. L. 2010. First report of a new subgroup 16SrIX-E (‘Candidatus 303. Phytoplasma phoenicium’-related) phytoplasma associated with juniper wit- ches’ broom disease in Oregon, US. Plant pathology. 59 (6): 1161. Çamas, N., Radušienė, J., Stanius, Ž., Caliskan, O., Çirak, C. 2012. Second- ary metabolites of Hypericum leptophyllum Hochst., an endemic Turkish Edvardsson, J., Šimanauskienė, R., Taminskas, J., Baužienė, I., Stoffel, M. species. The scientific world journal. 2012: 501027. 2015. Increased tree establishment in Lithuanian peat bogs – Insights from field and remotely sensed approaches.Science of the Total Environment. 505: Carlsson, M. A., Bisch-Knaden, S., Schapers, A., Mozūraitis, R., Hans- 113–120. son, B. S., Janz, N. 2011. Odour maps in the brain of butterflies with diver- gent host-plant preferences. PLoS ONE [Electronic source]. 6 (8): e24025 Feurdean, A., Pers, A., Tant, I., Stevens, T., Magyari, E.K., Onac, B.P., Mark- ovic, S., Andri, M., Connor, S., Farcas, S., Gałka, M., Gaudeny, T., Hoek, W., Chapron, G., Kaczensky, P., Linnell, J.D.C., von Arx, M., Huber, D., An- Kolaczek, P., Kune, P., Lamentowicz, M., Marinova, E., Michczynska, D.J., dren, H., Lopez-Bao, J.V., Adamec, M., Alvares, F., Anders, O., Balčiauskas, L., Pers, I., Płociennik, M., Słowinski, M., Stančikaitė, M., Sumegi, P., Sven- Balys, V., Bedo, P., Bego, F., Blanco, J.C., Breitenmoser, U., Broseth, H., Buf- sson, A., Tamas, T., Timar, A., Tonkov, S., Toth, M., Veski, S., Willis, K.J., ka, L., Bunikytė, R., Ciucci, P., Dutsov, A., Engleder, T., Fuxjager, C., Groff, Zernitskaya, V. 2014. Climate variability and associated vegetation response C., Holmala, K., Hoxha, B., Iliopoulos, Y., Ionescu, O., Jeremic, J., Jerina, K., throughout Central and Eastern Europe (CEE) between 60 and 8 ka. Quater- Kluth, G., Knauer, F., Kojola, I., Kos, I., Krofel, M., Kubala, J., Kunovac, S., nary science reviews. 106: 206–224. Kusak, J., Kutal, M., Liberg, O., Majic, A., Mannil, P., Manz, R., Marbou- tin, E., Marucco, F., Melovski, D., Mersini, K., Mertzanis, Y., Myslajek, R.W., Gylienė, O., Servienė, E., Vepštaitė, I., Binkienė, R., Baranauskas, M., Nowak, S., Odden, J., Ozolins, J., Palomero, G., Paunovic, M., Persson, J., Po- Lukša, J. 2015. Correlation between the sorption of dissolved oxygen onto tocnik, H., Quenette, P.Y., Rauer, G., Reinhardt, I., Rigg, R., Ryser, A., Salva- chitosan and its antimicrobial activity against Esherichia coli. Carbohydrate tori, V., Skrbinsek, T., Stojanov, A., Swenson, J.E., Szemethy, L., Trajce, A., Polymers. 131: 218–223. Tsingarska-Sedefcheva, E., Vana, M., Veeroja, R., Wabakken, P., Wofl, M., Gozlan, R. E., Andreou, D., Asaeda, T., Beyer, K., Bouhadad, R., Burnard, D., Wolfl, S., Zimmermann, F., Zlatanova, D., Boitani, L. 2014.R ecovery of large Caiola, N., Cakic, P., Djikanovic, V., Esmaeili, H. R., Falka, I., Golicher, D., carnivores in Europe’s modern human-dominated landscapes. Science. 346 Harka, A., Jeney, G., Kováč, V., Musil, J., Nocita, A., Povz, M., Poulet, N., (6216): 1517–1519. Virbickas, T., Wolter, C., Serhan Tarkan, A., Tricarico, E., Trichkova, T.,

48 Nature Research Centre Verreycken, H., Witkowski, A., Guang Zhang, C., Zweimueller, I. and Ro- Casimir V., Bensch, S. 2011. Does avian malaria infection affect feather stable bert Britton, J. 2010. Pan-continental invasion of Pseudorasbora parva: to- isotope signatures? Oecologia. 167 (4): 937–942. wards a better understanding of freshwater fish invasions.Fish and Fisheries. Jagminas, A., Žalnėravičius, R., Rėza, A., Paškevičius, A., Selskienė, A. 2015. 11: 315–340. Design, optical and antimicrobial properties of extremely thin alumina films

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Nature Research Centre 51 Skridlaitė, G., Bogdanova, S., Taran, L., Baginski, B. 2014. Recurrent high Dainys, J. 2013. Cormorant catch concerns for fishers : estimating the size-selec- grade metamorphism recording a 300 Ma long Proterozoic crustal evolution tivity of a piscivorous bird. PLoS ONE [Electronic source]. 8 (4): e77518. in the western part of the East European Craton. Gondwana Research. 25 (2): Turja, R., Höher, N., Snoeijs, P., Baršienė, J., Butrimavičienė, L., Kuznet- 649–667. sova, T., Kholodkevich, S.V., Devier, M.-H., Budzinski, H., Lehtonen, K.K. ublications Stoecker, D. K., Nejstgaard, J.C., Madhusoodhanan, R., Pohnert, G., Wolf- 2014. A multibiomarker approach to the assessment of pollution impacts in P ram, S., Jakobsen, H.H., Šulčius, S., Larsen, A. 2015. Underestimation of two Baltic Sea coastal areas in Sweden using caged mussels (Mytilus trossu- microzooplankton grazing in dilution experiments due to inhibition of phy- lus). Science of the total environment. 473-474: 398–409. toplankton growth. Limnology and oceanography. 602 (4): 1426–1438. Väli, Ü., Saag, P., Dombrovski, V., Meyburg, Bernd-U., Maciorowski, G., Sundt, R. C., Pampanin, D. M., Grung, M., Baršienė, J., Ruus, A. 2011. PAH Mizera, T., Treinys, R., Fagerberg, S. 2010. Microsatellites and single nu- body burden and biomarker responses in mussels (Mytilus edulis) exposed to cleotide polymorphisms in avian hybrid identification : a comparative case produced water from a North Sea oil field: laboratory and field assessments. study. Journal of avian biology. 41 (1): 34–49. Marine pollution bulletin. 62 (7): 1498–1505. Valkiūnas, G. 2011. Haemosporidian vector research: marriage of mole- Šalomskienė, J., Abraitienė, A., Jonkuvienė, D., Mačionienė, I., Repečkienė, J. cular and microscopical approaches is essential. Molecular ecology. 20 (15): 2015. Selection of enhanced antimicrobial activity posing lactic acid bacteria 3084–3086. characterised by (GTG)(5)-PCR fingerprinting. Journal of food science and Valkiūnas, G., Ashford, R. W., Bensch, S., Killick-Kendrick, R., Perkins, S. technology. 52 (7): 4124–4134. 2011. A cautionary note concerning Plasmodium in apes. Trends in parasi- Šeirienė, V., Kühl, N., Kisielienė, D. 2014. Quantitative reconstruction of tology. 27 (6): 231–232. climate variability during the Eemian (Merkinė) and Weichselian (Nemu- Vasaitis, R., Lygis, V., Vasiliauskaitė, I., Vasiliauskas, A. 2012. Wound occlu- nas) in Lithuania. Quaternary Research. 82 (1): 229–235. sion and decay in Picea abies stems. European journal of forest research. 131 Šimoliūnas, E., Kalinienė, L., Stasilo, M., Truncaitė, L., Zajančkauskaitė, A., (4): 1211–1216. Staniulis, J., Nainys, J., Kaupinis, A., Valius, M., Meškys, R. 2014. Isolation Videvall, E., Cornwallis, C.K., Palinauskas, V., Valkiūnas, G., Hellgren, O. and characterization of vB_ArS-ArV2-first arthrobacter sp infecting bacteri- 2015. The avian transcriptome response to malaria infection.Molecular biol- ophage with completely sequenced genome. PLoS ONE [Electronic source]. ogy and evolution. 32 (5): 1255–1267. 9 (10): e111230. Virbickas, T., Stakėnas, S., Steponėnas, A. 2015. Impact of beaver dams Šimoliūnas, E., Kalinienė, L., Truncaitė, L., Zajančkauskaitė, A., Staniulis, J., on abundance and distribution of Anadromous salmonids in two lowland Kaupinis, A., Ger, M., Valius, M., Meškys, R. (2013) Klebsiella phage vB_ streams in Lithuania. PLoS ONE [electronic source], 10 (4): e0123107. KleM-RaK2-a giant singleton of the family Myoviridae. PLoS ONE [Elec- tronic source]. 8 (4): e60717. A complete list of the publications is available at http://www.gamtostyri- Troynikov, V., Whitten, A., Gorfine, H., Pūtys, Ž., Jakubavičiūtė, E., Ložys, L., mai.lt/lt/publications2/listing/category.6

52 Nature Research Centre Scientific projects and applied research

EU structural support Pan-European infrastructure for management of marine and ocean geological and geophysical data (GEO-SEAS) (project leader of the NRC part – Improvement of institutional and research skills of the Nature Re- Dr. L.-Ž. Gelumbauskaitė, 2009–2013) search Centre (VP1-3.1 ŠMM-05-K-02-002, 2012–2014), project leader: A. Jankauskaitė The European Marine Observation and Data Network (EMODNET) (project leader of the NRC part – Dr. L.-Ž. Gelumbauskaitė, 2009–2012) Open access to science and research (VP1-3.1-ŠMM-06-V-02-001, 2012–2015), project leaders: S. Šerpenskienė, Dr. L. Blažytė-Čereškienė, Dr. S. Šulčius Pan-European coordination action on CO2 Geological Storage (CGS Eu- rope) (project leader of the NRC part – Prof. Dr. habil. S. Šliaupa, 2010– Development of technologies for Lithuanian marine sector and environ- 2013) ment research (VP1-3.1-ŠMM-08-V-01-019, 2012–2015), project leader of the NRC part: Dr. K. Jokšas Enhanced chitin-based biosorbents for drinking water purification (ChitoClean) (project leaders of the NRC part – Dr. L. Levinskaitė and Improvement of professional training of highly qualified specialists in the Dr. V. B. Melvydas, 2012–2014) field of biomedicine to meet the needs of the state and society (VP1-3.1- ŠMM-01-V-03-002, 2010–2015), project leader of the NRC part: Assoc. Prof. Dr. (HP) S. Podėnas Cost Applied research and technological development of plated biofilter ES1408 European Network for Algal-bioproducts (members of Manage- Scientific projects and applied research equipped with a capillary media irrigation system (VP1-3.1-ŠMM -10-V- ment Committee – Dr. J. Koreivienė and Dr. R. Paškauskas, 2014–2019) 02-015, 2013–2015), project leader of the NRC part: Dr. A. Paškevičius FA1306 The quest for tolerant varieties: phenotyping at plant and cellular Selection and creation of the bioaccelerants for biogas generation and their level (member of Management Committee – Dr. K. Ložienė, 2014–2018) use for the control of biomass conversion processes (VP1-3.1-ŠMM -10-V- FP1206 European mixed forests: integrating scientific knowledge in sus- 02-018, 2013–2015), project leader of the NRC part: Dr. D. Bridžiuvienė tainable forest management (member of Management Committee – Publishing of scientific periodicals (VP1-3.2-ŠMM-02-V-02-002, 2011– Dr. J. Motiejūnaitė, 2013–2017) 2014), project leader of the NRC part: Prof. Dr. habil. A. Grigelis FP1203 European non-wood forest products (NWFPs) network (member of Management Committee – Assoc. Prof. Dr. J. Radušienė, 2013–2017) FP7 FP1103 Fraxinus dieback in Europe: elaborating guidelines and strate- A Pan-European species directories infrastucture (PESI) (project leader of gies for sustainable management (member of Management Committee – the NRC part – Assoc. Prof. Dr. E. Budrys, 2008–2011) Dr. V. Lygis, 2012–2016) Securing the conservation of biodiversity across administrative levels and ES1105 Cyanobacterial blooms and toxins in water resources: occur- spatial, temporal, and Ecological Scales (SCALES) (project leader of the rence, impacts and management (members of Management Committee – NRC part – Dr. A. Budrienė, 2009–2014) Dr. J. Kasperovičienė and Dr. J. Koreivienė, 2012–2016)

Nature Research Centre 53 FP1102 Determining invasiveness and risk of dothistroma (member of LIFE Management Committee – Dr. S. Markovskaja, 2011–2015) Inventory of marine species and habitats for development of Natura FA0906 UV-B radiation: a specific regulator of plant growth and food 2000 network in the offshore waters of Lithuania (LIFE234) (project lead- quality in a changing climate (member of Management Committee – ers Dr. L. Ložys and Dr. M. Dagys, project reference number DENOFLIT Dr. R. Vyšniauskienė and Dr. V. Rančelienė, 2010–2014) LIFE09 NAT/LT/0005234, 2010–2015) ES0907 INTegrating Ice core, MArine and TErrestrial records – 60,000 to Detailed investigations of seabirds and fish were conducted in the offshore 8,000 years ago (member of Management Committee – Dr. M. Stančikaitė, part of the Lithuanian exclusive economic zone (EEZ) in the course of the 2010–2014) project implementation in 2011–2013. Fish community investigations were FA0807 Integrated management of phytoplasma epidemics in different crop carried out in different seasons of the year employing different mesh-size gill- systems (members of Management Committee – Dr. R. Jomantienė and nets, hydroacoustics and pelagic trawling with special attention focused on Dr. D. Valiūnas, 2009–2013) the species protected under the Habitats Directive, i.e. twaite shad and common whitefish, as well as on their state in Lithuanian offshore waters. The FP0701 Post-fire forest management in Southern Europe (member of Ma performed investigations revealed that these species are in a very bad state, nagement Committee – Dr. V. Lygis, 2008–2012) which is probably due to overfishing on the twaite shad spawning grounds in FA0605 Signaling control of stress tolerance and production of stress the Curonian Lagoon in 2011. A total of 11 fish species were recorded during the study, among which the most abundant were Baltic herring, Baltic sprat,

Scientific projects and applied research protective compounds in plants (member of Management Committee – Dr. V. Gavelienė, 2007–2011) cod and flounder. The data obtained suggest that the investigated areas, which are located in the shoal area of the Lithuanian offshore waters, are of FA0603 Plant proteomics in Europe (member of Management Committee – utmost importance to demersal fishes in summer when the oxygen content Dr. habil. O. N. Anisimovienė, 2007–2011) in deeper water layers is decreased. Performed statistical data analysis shows FA0602 Bioactive food components, mitochondrial function and health (member of Management Committee – Assoc. Prof. Dr. J. Radušienė, 2007–2011)

54 Nature Research Centre that for pelagic fishes such as Baltic sprat and Baltic herring the slopes of the tory data are being computerized. Upon completion of this task, a compre- shoals are important, these areas explored during the current project and hensive analysis of the dependence of habitat selection and breeding success found to harbour the largest concentrations of fish. It was also established of this bird on various environmental and anthropogenic factors will be car- that the shallowest zones of the investigated areas are of utmost importance ried out. Provision of online access to the GIS database containing summa- for flounder and their juveniles, whereas the most important areas for cod rised information on the inventoried White Stork nests and their photos is and their juveniles are habitats with hard substrates, i.e. with boulders and another objective that is currently being pursued. Other expected outcomes course fractions of bottom sediments. Seabird surveys and counts were con- of the project once successfully implemented include the preparation of a ducted from a ship in different seasons of the year. Spatial modelling meth- White Stork Species Action Plan and the publishing of a book on this bird. ods enabling a reliable assessment of the distribution of various seabird species throughout the study area were used for data analysis. The most abundant seabird aggregations were recorded on the Klaipėda–Ventspils plateau, where the numbers of wintering scoters and long-tailed ducks reached over 20,000 and almost 7500 respectively. Based on the data available, the territorial delineation of the most important aggregations of these seabird species was carried out, and the designation of this territory as an important bird area (IBA) was proposed. During the project implementation, telemetric investigations of movements within the wintering grounds and of migration of red-throated divers, scoters and long-tailed ducks were performed, which Scientific projects and applied research were made possible due to surgical implantation of satellite transmitters into the abdomens of birds. The collected data revealed that no significant pas- sages from the seacoast to the open sea were made by wintering birds per day or in unfavourable weather conditions, which also confirms that the data collected during ship-based seabird surveys objectively reflect the distribution of seabirds and thus enables the correct identification of the most significant wintering grounds of these birds. White Stork (Ciconia ciconia) conservation in Lithuania (LIFE531) (project leader Dr. M. Dagys, project reference number LIFE07 NAT/LT/000531, 2009–2012) One of the main objectives of the project was to carry out a White Stork cen- sus in Lithuania. For this purpose, special methodology was worked out, a specially designed GIS database for data accumulation created and bird survey specialists trained. The inventory of White Stork nests in the territory of Lithuania was conducted in 2009–2010, and at present the collected inven-

Nature Research Centre 55 LITHUANIAN-SWISS PROJECTS professor T. Kowalski in 2006 (as C. fraxinea). The common ash (Fraxinus excelsior), the tree species most susceptible to H. fraxineus, is already becom- Incidence of mycoviruses in epidemic and post-epidemic populations of ing endangered in certain regions of Europe: for example, ash was previously the ash dieback pathogen Chalara fraxinea and evaluation of their poten- commercially important for timber production in Sweden, but is now a red- tial for biological control of the disease (CONTROLDIEBACK) (project listed species. In Europe, the dieback of common ash has been recorded for leader: Dr. V. Lygis, project partners – Nature Research Centre (the Leading two decades already (for more than 15 years in Lithuania); however, no ef- Party) and Swiss Federal Institute for Forest, Snow and Landscape Research fective means to control this devastating disease have been offered so far, and WSL, project No LSP-12041, 2012–2016, http://www.gamtostyrimai.lt/en/ the perspectives for growing ash are obscure. Today, ash stands in Lithuania projects/international-scientific-projects/controldieback-_1) and neighbouring countries experience a post-epidemic chronic dieback with A relatively recently identified invasive pathogenic fungus ascomyceteChalara only a small fraction of asymptomatic trees. In Switzerland, the disease was fraxinea (teleomorph – Hymenoscyphus fraxineus, former name – H. pseu- first reported in 2008 in the north-western part of the country, from where it doalbidus), the causal agent of mass ash dieback in Europe, was most likely expanded rapidly to other regions. In many regions of Switzerland today, an introduced into Europe from Eastern Asia. The disease was first recorded in epidemic disease phase is now observed (the spread of the disease is progress- eastern Poland and Lithuania in the mid-1990s and has since then spread ing slower in alpine regions due to natural physical barriers). across the continent. The dieback has already been recorded in more than 30 The main aim of the project is to characterize epidemic (Swiss) and post- European countries, including Russia. So far, no effective control measures epidemic (Lithuanian) populations of the ash dieback pathogen H. fraxineus have been developed against the devastating disease and proper management in respect to virulence, genetic diversity and occurrence of mycoviruses and Scientific projects and applied research strategies for the diseased trees and stands remain unclear. The agent of the ash to assess the biological control potential of the identified mycoviruses against dieback was for the first time described by the famous Polish forest pathologist the disease. Project objectives are as follows: to investigate the genetic di-

56 Nature Research Centre versity and virulence of H. fraxineus isolates originating from Lithuanian coviruses are commonly found in all major groups of plant pathogenic fungi. (post-epidemic) and Swiss (epidemic) populations; to screen H. fraxineus Some of these viruses were found to cause debilitating disease or to reduce for mycoviruses using a metagenomic approach based on next generation virulence in its fungal host and thereby have the potential to be used as bio- sequencing; to characterize the detected mycoviruses and to determine virus logical control agents. incidence in epidemic and post-epidemic populations of the pathogen; to in- Climate change in peatlands: Holocene record, recent trends and related vestigate the impact of the identified mycoviruses on their hostH. fraxineus, impacts on biodiversity and sequestered carbon (CLIMPEAT) (project thus evaluating their biocontrol potential; and to organize project public- leader: Prof. Dr. habil. J. Mažeika, project partners – Nature Research Centre ity measures and to disseminate achieved results to the public and scientific (the Leading Party), University of Bern, Institute for Geological Sciences and society. Results obtained to date: the genetic structure of Lithuanian and Vilnius University, project No LSP-12 015, 2013–2016, http://www.gamto- Swiss H. fraxineus populations was revealed, the virulence of H. fraxineus styrimai.lt/en/projects/international-scientific-projects/climpeat_1) isolates from Lithuanian and Swiss populations were assessed, mycoviruses in H. fraxineus isolates were detected, the incidence of the mitovirus HfMV1 The main aim of the CLIMPEAT project is to explore interconnections and in epidemic and post-epidemic populations of H. fraxineus was assessed, and interdependencies between peatland ecosystems and climate changes, an- phenotypic effects of the mitovirus HfMV1 on its fungal host H. fraxineus thropogenic activity and sequestered carbon. It will contribute to the conservation and sustainable management of this resource through a better were assessed. appraisal of impacts and feedback loops between pedospheric, atmospheric Options for management of this novel forest disease are currently very lim- and anthropogenic activities. The following tasks are named: analysis of pri- ited and mainly directed towards a search for resistance in the host tree. My- mary data, review of historical development of peatlands and selection of Scientific projects and applied research

Nature Research Centre 57 study areas; monitoring of tree growth and groundwater level fluctuations in (colonization) for the last 100-year period are being performed; absolute and the selected study areas in a three-year period; evaluation of vegetation of the changeable series of long-living tree rings for Holocene are being formed; last 100-year period and climate change; reconstruction of the Holocene cli- scenarios of climate indices participating in groundwater level fluctuations mate in Lithuania; and effects of current and possible future climate changes are being constructed, and groundwater fluctuation projections up to the on peatlands and sequestered carbon (years 2050, 2100). Results achieved end of the 21st c. made. to date: a database of available records and information had been compiled, peatland and forest changes in Lithuania have been analysed and representative study areas have been selected; hydrometeorological and dendrochrono- Lithuanian-Norwegian Projects logical monitoring in situ is being carried out, relations between meteorological conditions and groundwater level fluctuations are being assessed, and Sustainable development of wind power in western Lithuania (DAVEP- tree growth is being modelled according to groundwater level fluctuations; a VLIT) (project leader: Dr. M. Dagys, project partners: Nature Research Centre meteorological database based on available data rows has been compiled, the (support recipient), The Norwegian Institute for Nature Research (NINA), evolution (colonization) of tree dynamics in peatlands has been investigated, Lithuanian Centre for Sustainable Development, and Lithuanian Wind the series of rings of separate living trees has been formed, and reconstruc- Power Plant Association, project reference number EEE-LT03-AM-01-K- tion of groundwater fluctuations for the last 100-year period and calibration 01-011, 2014–2016, http://www.gamtostyrimai.lt/en/projects/international- of correlation between groundwater level, tree ring width and tree dynamics scientific-projects/davep-vlit_1)

Although wind power is attractive due to low CO2 emissions, its develop- Scientific projects and applied research ment exerts a direct adverse impact on biodiversity. There are three major ways in which wind power development affects biodiversity: direct displace- ment when wind power plants (WPP) are built at wintering or stopover sites of birds), direct collisions (when migrating or hovering birds are killed or injured by turbine blades, and decompression (when rotating blades cause air pressure changes resulting in death of animals, mainly bats). It is expected that the density of WPPs in Lithuania will continue to grow beyond 2020. Consequently, the scale of conflict between wind power expansion and biodiversity protection will inevitably increase, especially in western Lithuania, which is an important area for migration of birds and bats. Identification of zones of potential conflict between wind power development and biodiversity protection, along with preparation of recommendations for conflict mitigation measures, are important steps towards more efficient management of already existing measures and avoidance of future conflicts. The spatial data analysis-based tool (model) created in the course of the current project will allow visualisation and mapping of the conflict scale. Project results will help all interested parties find the best solutions for making wind

58 Nature Research Centre power development as sustainable as possible. In addition, more effective verification of the created model based onin situ data; to prepare recommen- biodiversity protection, lower time and money expenditures in the phase dations for the management of conflicts between the development of wind of project implementation and simpler environmental impact assessment power plants and biodiversity protection. process will be ensured. Processing of research and dispersed information on protected species Objectives of the project include identification of conflict zones that are both and input into a unified Protected Species Information System (PSIS/ vulnerable to the development of wind power facilities and are requiring of SRIS) (project leader: Dr. V. Rašomavičius, project reference number EEE- biodiversity protection and preparation of conflict management recommen- LT03-AM-01-K-01-001, 2014–2016) dations. The Protected Species Information System (PSIS/SRIS) is aimed at compil- Tasks and activities: to identify conflict zones that are both vulnerable to ing, systematizing and providing data on protected species, their habitats and the development of wind power facilities and are requiring of biodiversity localities to interested parties and ensuring publicity of the data and infor- protection; to analyse primary information sources and determine criteria mation on protected species. The data are used for practical environmental for the identification of conflict zones; to perform analysis of criteria signifi- activities: development of protected species management plans, nature ma cance; to create a spatial database for the identification of conflict zones; to nagement plans, documents on the establishment and planning of protected create a model for the identification of particular conflict zones based on the areas, documents on the assessment of the impact of planned economic ac- results of the performed analysis and the conflict scale therein; to perform tivities on the environment, documents on forest management, preparation of land survey projects for rural development, etc. The information system

data can also be used for working out analyses, strategies, prognoses con- Scientific projects and applied research cerning protected species distribution, abundance, status, etc. The data for the Protected Species Information System is provided manda- tory by the environmental system staff as well as various environmental pro- moters. However, over 50 years worth of data from a number of main sources are still unavailable, including from scientific collections and archives (field sheets, observation questionnaires, reports, cartographic material), as well as dispersed information to be gained from observers of natural diversity act- ing in other institutions (universities), public organizations (Entomological, Bat Conservation Societies) or living in the regions.. The project leader will ensure verification of the quality and approval of the provided dispersed data as well as input into the Protected Species Information System. The aim of the project is to compile and analyse the dispersed scientific data as well as historical information on protected species of animals, plants and fungi, and to systematize and consolidate the data into a unified Protected Species Information System.

Nature Research Centre 59 LITHUANIAN–BELARUSIAN PROJECTS LITHUANIAN–UKRAINIAN PROJECTS Prospects of unconventional shale gas of Ordovician and Silurian sedi- Species diversity and host specificity of bucephalid flukes: life cycle analy- mentary basins of Lithuania and Belarus (project leader – Prof. Dr. habil. sis and phylogeny revealed by morphological, karyological and molecular S. Šliaupa, 2013–2014) methods (project leader – Dr. V. Stunžėnas, 2012–2013) Palaeoenvironmental reconstructions and geological correlation of the Pleistocene sediments in Belarus–Lithuania border areas (project leader – Dr. V. Šeirienė, 2013–2014) Transformation of fauna in the main aquatic ecosystems in Lake Drūkšiai (a water body on Lithuania–Belarus border) after the termination of the Ignalina NPP operation; elaboration of recommendations for monitoring and environmental measures for sustainable management (Drūkšiai) (project leader – Dr. V. Kesminas, 2011–2012) Scientific projects and applied research

60 Nature Research Centre Investigations were carried out based on modern experimental, microscopic, se- Projects funded by the Research quencing, genomic, phylogenetic, histological, laser microdissection and other Council of Lithuania methods. Distribution of Plasmodium and Haemoproteus infections in Euro- pean birds was investigated, and the sensitivity of four markers of mitochon- Global Grant Projects drial DNA and apicoplast genus and their possible use in diagnostics of mixed haemosporidian infections was determined. Some haemosporidia species were found to gain benefit from other species’ simultaneous sporogonic reproduction cycles; therefore, mixed haemosporidia infections can contribute to increase in parasite transmissions. The Haemoproteus blood parasite (H. tartakovskyi) genome, which is ca. 23 Mb long, was identified for the first time. Transcriptomes of parasites of birds Plasmodium were determined, and it was found that the Plasmodium relictum MSP1 gene, the same as Plasmodium falciparum MSP1 Mechanisms of speciation of malaria parasites and related haemosporidia gene, was distinguished by general features of variable and conservative blocks. species (project leader – Dr. habil. G. Valkiūnas, project No VP1-3.1-ŠMM- Nuclear molecular markers for avian malaria parasite investigations were creat- 07-K-01-047, 2011–2015) ed for the first time. With the help of laser microdissection technologies, oocysts The main goal of the project is to discover new information on the biology and and ookynetes were detected, and their genetic analysis was performed. A pos- mechanisms supporting speciation processes and genetic diversity of malaria sibility of dysfunction of ookynets of different genetic lines of haemosporidian parasites and other haemosporidia by using avian blood parasites as models. parasites was proved during hybridization experiments in vitro, and new data Scientific projects and applied research were obtained on self-fertilization of haemosporidian parasites and hybridization possibilities in vivo. Blood-sucking mosquito colonies were established. It was found that (a) Culex pipiens pipiens mosquitoes are transmitters of SGS1 and GRW11 genetic lines of a malaria parasite Plasmodium relictum, and (b) genetic processes in vitro can also occur in vivo. The data obtained show that selective cross-breeding and dysfunction of hybrids are important factors to support genetic diversity of haemosporidian parasites. Haemoproteus parasites were found to be highly virulent to mosquitoes, and a pathogenic effect mechanism was dis- closed. Three haemosporidian species new to science were described, and data about their haplotypes were obtained. The new data were presented in international scientific conferences with 19 presentations delivered. Project results were published in 16 articles in international journals included in the WoS database with an impact factor. An international conference was hosted in Vilnius (see http://malariarcn.org/images/2013conferenceprogram.pdf). A doctoral thesis and four master theses were defended on the topic of the project. A biobank for avian malaria parasites currently stored at the NRC was created.

Nature Research Centre 61 Peculiarities of dormouse (Gliridae) populations on the north-western a typical-for-Lithuania population of each species and carried out observa- periphery of their distribution ranges (project leader – Dr. R. Juškaitis, tions in three stationary points. Nest-boxes set out in grids in large forest project No VPI-3.1-ŠMM-07-K-01-026, 2011–2015) areas were checked on a regular basis and dormice were marked using rings or implanted microchips. The investigations are relevant both for scientific The project was carried out in the Laboratory of Mammalian Ecology during research and environmental protection because all three dormouse species 2011–2015. The main purpose of the project was to determine the peculiari- are protected internationally or nationally. Adequate protection is possible ties of the hazel dormouse, fat dormouse and forest dormouse populations only with adequate knowledge of the species’ ecology, in particular habitats in the north-western periphery of their distribution ranges as compared with requirements, diet and factors limiting distribution. populations in other parts of the distribution ranges. The data obtained are important for dormouse protection, e.g. earlier in As Lithuania is in the north-western periphery of the distribution ranges of the Lithuania, forest dormice were believed to prefer spruce forests or mixed hazel dormouse (Muscardinus avellanarius), fat dormouse (Glis glis) and forest forests with thick spruces in the second storey. However, evaluation of the dormouse (Dryomys nitedula), their living conditions should be suboptimal in environment around nest-boxes used and nest-boxes ignored by forest the country. However, the status of these species is different in Lithuania: both dormice revealed that although they can live in spruce forests, they prefer fat dormouse and forest dormouse are rare and included into the Red Data mixed forests with thick undergrowths and clearings, mature oaks, limes, Book of Lithuania, with fat dormouse also on the list of strictly protected spe- black alders, raspberry and blackberry bushes and avoid forests with many cies, while hazel dormouse is rather abundant and widely distributed. mature pines and spruces and open areas. Investigation of hazel dormouse diet showed that in Lithuania, as all over its distribution range, the species

Scientific projects and applied research During the project, environmental factors determining dormouse habitat selection were described, and dormouse diets, population structures, abun- prefers reproductive parts (flowers, flower-buds, fruits) of plants, yet of quite dance dynamics and other ecological issues were investigated. We selected different species than, for example, in England. This shows the species’ ability to adapt to local conditions accounting for why these dormice are also widely spread and relatively abundant in the northern periphery of their distribution range. In Lithuania, buckthorn fruit is of particular importance in the diet of hazel dormouse, which is not characteristic of this species living in other more southern parts of its distribution range. The hazel dormouse population was found to maintain a very stable abundance in the periphery of its distribution range each year. To maintain such stability, the species used a self-regulatory mechanism depending on population density. Such a mechanism has not so far been observed in hazel dormouse populations living in other parts of its distribution range. In case of a decrease in population density, young females born at the beginning of summer bred in the first year of their life already, though usually they start breeding only in the second year. In such way, the reduced hazel dormouse population density quickly recovered to its usual level.

62 Nature Research Centre importance of cyanobacteria in the food web of the Curonian Lagoon was National Scientific Research evaluated, and the functional role and potential competitors of a new inva- Programmes sive species, round goby, were assessed in the lagoon ecosystem. The isotopic niches of pairs of invasive and resident crustacean species were studied, and Ecosystems in Lithuania: Climate application of this information for the prediction of species competitive out- Change and Human Impact come was analysed. Ecotoxicological consequences of boxelder maple invasion into coastal Adaptation of invasive species and their impact on aquatic ecosystems of ecotones (project leader – Dr. L. Manusadžianas, 2012–2014) different complexity (project leader – Dr. K. Arbačiauskas, 2012–2014) Colony of Great Cormorants in forest ecosystem – hypertrophication effect The project is aimed at investigating the adaptation of invasive species and rates of dynamics (project leader – Dr. J. Motiejūnaitė, 2012–2014) (mysid, amphipod, crayfish and snail) and their impacts on aquatic ecosys- Expansion of palaeovegetation in the context of the postglacial ecosystem tems of differing complexity. For the first time, the isotopic niches were stud- dynamics in the eastern Baltic region (project leader – Dr. M. Stančikaitė, ied in the spiny-cheek Orconectes limosus and noble Astacus astacus crayfish 2012–2014) from the same water body. Results showed that both crayfish species may be characterised as feeding generalists; however, the spiny-cheek crayfish Identification and regularities of spread of alien disease agents in bees generally consume more diverse food. For the first time, a comparative in- Apis mellifera in Lithuania (project leader – Dr. S. Radžiutė, 2012–2014)

vestigation of symbionts and intestine microflora of these crayfish species Response of plankton community to Gonyostomum semen establishment Scientific projects and applied research has been undertaken to reveal their differences in microbial functional di- and other biotic and abiotic factors (project leader – Dr. J. Kasperovičienė, versity. Specific for the spiny-cheek crayfish were symbionts from the class 2012–2014) Mollicutes. Investigation of the genetic diversity of the mysid Paramysis la- Dispersion, impact and abundance mitigation study of round goby custris revealed that over the entire species range four distinct population and Chinese sleeper in Lithuania (project leader – Dr. S. Stakėnas, 2012– groups could be separated. Mitochondrial DNR and microsatellite analyses 2014) were applied. Phylogeography and sources of invasion into new areas were Cyclicity, dynamics and models of palaeoenvironmental changes during analysed. Some microsatellite loci revealed significant differences between Quaternary warm periods (project leader – Dr. habil. V. Baltrūnas, 2012– populations of the species in Lithuania suggesting local adaptation. Isotopic 2014) niches of this mysid in the native area appeared to be narrower than those in the invaded habitats. Investigation of the hypothesised adaptation of the The study of genomic changes and factors influencing the invasiveness of amphipod Pontogammarus robustoides to the lower oxygen concentrations alien herbal plants (project leader of the NRC part – Dr. R. Vyšniauskienė, under Lithuanian climatic conditions was initiated and generally confirmed. 2012–2014) Results also suggested that different mechanisms can be involved in the am- Alien Gonyostomum – biological peculiarities, genetic diversity and adapta- phipods’ adaptation to low oxygen. A molecular study of the New Zealand tion in new areas (project leader – Dr. J. Kasperovičienė, 2010–2011) mud snail revealed two genotypes in Central, Eastern and Northern Europe, Analysis of invasive freshwater mollusc and sucker communities by using the invasions and dispersal of which occurred independently. Recent data genetic markers (project leader – Dr. G. Stanevičiūtė, 2010–2011) suggest a rapid expansion of the species over Lithuanian inland waters. The

Nature Research Centre 63 Impact of anthropogenic factors upon the expansion of invasive spe- Healthy and Safe Food cies in the context of Holocene paleoecosystem changes (project leader – Investigation of encapsulation of bacteriocins as biopreservatives (project Dr. M. Stančikaitė, 2010–2011) leader of the NRC part – Assoc. Prof. Dr. E. Servienė, 2014–2015) The impact of neophytic moss Campylopuss introflexus on the formation Search for biomarkers for detection of hazardous substances in grain of peatland communities (project leader – Dr. I. Jukonienė, 2010–2011) and their products for quality and safety control (project leader – Research on regularities of distribution, genetic diversity, adaptation Dr. R. Butkienė, 2014–2015) and naturalization of invasive bird species (project leader – Dr. (HP) D. Butkauskas, 2010–2011) Change of bioactive compounds in underutilised berry species depen ding on genotype and environment (project leader of the NRC part – Evaluation and projections of the influence of cormorants on the struc- Dr. J. Labokas, 2012–2014) ture and stocks of fish populations in the Curonian Lagoon (project leader – Dr. L. Ložys, 2010–2011) The project “Change of bioactive compounds in underutilised berry species Impact of alien crustacean invasions on food web structure in lakes depending on genotype and environment” is aimed at the research of varia- (project leader – Dr. K. Arbačiauskas, 2010–2011) tions in the contents of bioactive components, antioxidant capacity and antimicrobial efficacy of cultivated blueberries and cranberry bushes, establish- Oxidative stress alterations in hydrophytes due to the leaf litter affected by the invasion of Acer negundo (project leader – Dr. L. Manusadžianas, 2010–2011) Scientific projects and applied research Investigation of genetic diversity and factors affecting spread of alien virus strains of stone fruit and vegetables in Lithuania (project leader – Dr. habil. J. B. Staniulis, 2010–2011)

64 Nature Research Centre ing links between these properties depending on genotype, environmental The genotoxic potential of leaf extracts isolated from 7 blueberry cultivars, conditions and seasonal development of plants. There was also an attempt lyophilized juices of blueberry, European and Sargent cranberrybush fruits to justify the development of the commercial cultivation of these crops and was studied using Comet and Citochalasin B micronucleus assays in human processing their yield into food products and functional components ben- lymphocytes in vitro and the Ames Salmonella/microsome test. The Comet eficial for health. The research object included American blueberries (Vac- assay indicated that leaf extracts from highbush blueberry induce primary cinium spp.) and European cranberry bushes (Viburnum opulus), cultivated DNA damage in human lymphocytes. The determined variation in response in the field collections of the Kaunas Botanical Garden of Vytautas Magnus was caused by the extract tested (cultivar). No increase in micronuclei fre- University, Kaunas, and the Institute of Botany of Nature Research Centre, quency was determined. Tested samples were not mutagenic in S. typhimu- Vilnius. rium strains TA98 and TA100 with or without metabolic activation either. Lyophilized juices of all Vaccinium and Viburnum accessions were not ge- The highest amounts of phenolics were established in the leaves of all studied notoxic. The antigenotoxic potential of juices against doxorubicin-induced blueberries (up to five times higher than those in fruit pomace), the lowest chromosome damage was demonstrated. in fruit juice. A strong correlation was established between total phenolics in leaves and (1) sunshine hours of July in Bluecrop, Gretha and Dixi blueber- Chromosome numbers were established for four blueberry genotypes (Danutė ries (r = 0.71, r = 0.69 and r = 0.98, respectively, at p < 0.05) and (2) photoac- 2n = 5x = 60, x = 12, Northcountry 2n = 4x = 48, x = 12, Nui 2n = 3x = 36, x tive solar radiation of July in Gretha (r = 0.86) and between total phenolics in = 12, Puru 2n = 4x = 24, x = 12) and four cranberry bush clones (P4, 2n = 2x fruit pomace of Gila and Dixi and photoactive solar radiation of July (r = 0.90 = 18, x = 9; P5, 2n = 2x = 18, x = 9; P6, 2n = 2x = 18, x = 9; P10, 2n = 3x = 27, and r = 0.91, respectively). Morphometric descriptors of blueberry leaves x = 9). Eleven genotypes of cranberry bush and 54 genotypes of blueberry were Scientific projects and applied research correlate strongly (up to r = -0.841) with their antioxidative activity assessed genotyped by SSR analysis. The dendrograms showed small genetic distances by FRAP in hexane extracts. between clades for both berry species, but large between genotypes.

Nature Research Centre 65 The size of fragments of blueberry cultivars was 100–300 bp and the number Sustainability of agro, forest and water varied within 7–37. The highest numbers of alleles within studied primers ecosystems were observed in NA1040 (36) and VCC_J9 (37), the lowest in NA961 (7). The recommended collections of primers were determined for the early Agroecosystems microbiota under climate change: structure and concord- identification of genotypes: VCC_J9, CA421 and CA112F for the highbush ance mechanisms (project leader – Assoc. Prof. Dr. E. Servienė, 2015–2018) blueberries and VCC_S10 and CA112 for the halfhigh blueberries. Both the This research project is devoted to the investigation of the impact of climate UPGMA and principal coordinate analysis showed that the Lithuanian blue- change on the fruit-berry agroecosystem microorganism and virus commu- berries Freda and Danutė significantly differ from the rest. nity composition, and uncovering their concordance mechanisms. The tar- The highest bactericidal effect was shown by mashed berries of all blueberry geting of two agroecosystems of the same type situated in different locations cultivars. Mashed mass also slightly suppressed the growth of yeasts C. par- allows the modelling of the medium-to-long term effect of increased average apsilosis, T. delbrueckii, D. hansenii and G. fermentans; however, it did not temperature. For research on microbiota, modern methods of molecular bi- affect the growth of microfungi. Lyophilized blueberry juice demonstrated ology and biochemistry are employed, namely metagenomic identification both bactericidal and bacteriostatic efficiency, whereas no impact was ob- of microorganisms and viruses with subsequent phylogenetic analysis, viral served on yeasts and fungi. Fruit pomace, leaf extracts had only weak ef- genome cloning and sequencing, use of genome-wide knockout libraries for fects on bacteria and no effect on fungi. Mashed mass of unripe berries of investigation of interacting gene products, transcriptomic analysis via mes- Viburnum opulus var. americanum, V. o. var. sargentii and V. o. var. opulus senger RNA sequencing (RNA-seq), and proteomic analysis of viral repli- demonstrated bactericidal and fungicidal effects, whereas it showed no influ- cation complexes. This deep level of research wealth provides an unprece Scientific projects and applied research ence on the growth of yeasts. Fresh and lyophilized juice of ripe berries of dented level of detail on the impact of climate change on the structure of Viburnum showed bactericidal and bacteriostatic activity and no impact on agroecosystem microbiota and trends for its future development. the growth of fungi and yeast Candida parapsilosis. Implication of species and functional diversity for aquatic ecosystem The dry soluble substances in ripe blueberries should amount to at least services under increasing eutrophication and chemical pollution (project 11.5%. Cv. Lateblue, Aurora and Darrow are not suitable for commercial leader – Dr. K. Arbačiauskas, 2015–2018) growing in Lithuania, because they do not fully ripe at harvesting time and have no marketable appearance. Although blueberries are resistant to unfavourable climatic conditions, such as winter colds and spring frosts, they are susceptible to fungal pathogens such as Godronia cassandrae, Botryosphaeria vaccinii, Monilinia oxycocci. Cv. Danutė, Freda, Brunswick and Northcoun- try were identified as the most resistant to fungal diseases. Phylogenetic analysis of active lactic acid bacteria and selection for sourdough production (project leader of the NRC part – Dr. J. Repečkienė, 2012–2014) Interspecific hybrids of orchard plants – a novel source of anthocyanins (project leader of the NRC part – Dr. habil. O. N. Anisimovienė, 2011–2013)

66 Nature Research Centre Researcher teams’ projects Application of parasitic fungus Chondrostereum purpureum for stump sprouting control in hardwoods (project leader – Dr. V. Lygis, 2010–2011) Dynamics of metabolites conditioning spruce attractiveness for Ips ty- pografus and decisive factors (project leaders – Dr. V. Karalius, Prof. Dr. ha- Importance of salmon and sea trout local population’s genotype on adap- bil. V. Būda, 2010–2011) tation possibilities (project leader – Dr. S. Stakėnas, 2010–2011) Biochemic and proteomic investigations of Daphnia seasonal phe- The influence of the East European Plain on the formation of biota el- notypes and their appliance for pollution indication (project leader – ements of European ice-covered regions in Pleistocene (project leader – Dr. K. Arbačiauskas, 2010–2011) Dr. habil. V. Kontrimavičius, 2010–2011) The impact of abiotic factors on the distribution of α-pinene enantiomers Effect of landscape fragmentation on genetic diversity of pollinating and of the common juniper (project leader – Dr. K. Ložienė, 2010–2011) predatory Hymenoptera (project leader – Assoc. Prof. Dr. E. Budrys, 2010– 2011) The chronology and inter-regional correlation of paleoclimatic events of the Lithuanian Quaternary (project leader – Dr. V. Šeirienė, 2010–2011) Molecular identification and life cycles of flukes associated with bivalve molluscs and fishes (project leader – Dr. V. Stunžėnas, 2010–2011)

Investigation of environmental geno-citotoxicity in the marine hydrosys- Scientific projects and applied research tem Atlantic–North Sea–Baltic Sea (project leader – Dr. habil. J. Baršienė, 2010–2011) Investigation into the peculiarities of sublethal effect of priority heavy metals on the behaviour of aquatic animals (project leader – Dr. N. Kazlauskienė, 2010–2011) Modelling of medicinal raw material quality of St. John’s Wort under the influence of abiotic and biotic factors (project leader – Assoc. Prof. Dr. J. Radušienė, 2010–2011) Assessment of sedimentation conditions of glacigenic deposits formed during the deglaciation process (project leader – Dr. habil. V. Baltrūnas, 2011–2012) Precambrian rock provinces and active tectonic boundaries across the Baltic Sea and in adjacent areas (project leader – Dr. G. Skridlaitė, 2011– 2012)

Nature Research Centre 67 Characterization of phospholipases as potential factors of phytoplasma Diversity of solidago species and biotypes, control of abundance and use pathogenecity (project leader – Dr. R. Jomantienė, 2011–2012) (project leader – Assoc. Prof. Dr. J. Radušienė, 2013–2015) Effect of gravity on plant responses to ultraviolet-A and blue light (project Interplay between killing and resistance in Saccharamyces cerevisiae K2 leader – Dr. D. Raklevičienė, 2011–2012) killer system (project leader – Assoc. Prof. Dr. E. Servienė, 2013–2015) In the Research Team project “Interplay between killing and resistance in Ecological pattern of distribution of Allium scorodoprasum L. cytotypes Saccharamyces cerevisiae K2 killer system” (2013–2015), the genetic factors in Lithuania (project leader – Dr. B. Karpavičienė, 2011–2012) of yeast influencing the altered cell resistance toSaccharomyces cerevisiae K2 Genome-wide screening for S. cerevisiae genes modulating sensitivity for toxin were analysed, elaborating the functioning patterns of the killer sys- K2 toxin (project leader – Assoc. Prof. Dr. E. Servienė, 2011–2012) tem, focusing on interfaces between the toxin-caused killing and cell-defined resistance. The analysis of the competitive inhibition of toxin activity in vivo Effect of species adaptation to anthropogenic environments on thege- and in vitro revealed the β-1,6-glucan as the primary K2 toxin receptor at the netic diversity of populations (project leader – Assoc. Prof. Dr. E. Budrys, cell wall level. Based on the bioinformatic analysis of the killer protein, site- 2011–2012) specific mutagenesis was performed and the regions important for the action Microbiota of roach (Rutilus rutilus) and changes under the impact of of K2 killer toxin were identified, as well as the influence of the external en- river pollution (project leader – Dr. V. Skrodenytė-Arbačiauskienė, 2011– vironment on toxin activity and stability established. In order to investigate 2012) K2 resistance formation and maintenance, the factors involved in the cellular response to stress were analysed. According to the genetic, microbiological Scientific projects and applied research Studies of the environmental genotoxicity in the chemical munitions and bioinformatic study, a strong interplay between certain factors involved dumping zones located in the Baltic Sea (project leader – Dr. habil. in osmoregulation and cell wall integrity maintenance was determined. The J. Baršienė, 2012–2014) data obtained during this project not only uncovered the peculiarities of the Complex studies and modelling of the effect of permanent pollutants on K2 killer system, but also deepen knowledge about the functioning and evo- aquatic ecosystem (project leader – Dr. N. Kazlauskienė, 2012–2014) lution of the RNA viruses. Novel polymers and composites from local renewable resources (project Universal antiviral compounds: design, selection and mechanism of ac- leader of the NRC part – Dr. D. Bridžiuvienė, 2012–2014) tion (project leader of the NRC part – Assoc. Prof. Dr. E. Servienė, 2014– 2016) Molecular identification of conifer pathogens from UNESCO-protected Curonian Spit (project leader – Dr. D. Valiūnas, 2013–2015) Specificity of parasitic platyhelminthes and their speciation in relation to the host spectrum (project leader – Dr. V. Stunžėnas, 2015–2018) Studies on evolution of life cycles and phylogeny of flukes based on molecular and karyological data (project leader – Dr. R. Petkevičiūtė, 2013– Development of vector-borne mixed blood infections and their effect on 2015) host fitness (project leader – Dr. V. Palinauskas, 2015–2018) Investigations into genus Sarcocystis parasites from birds order Anseri- Nanoparticle and heavy metal toxicity mechanisms in fish during on- formes (project leader – Dr. P. Prakas, 2013–2015) togenesis (project leader – Dr. N. Kazlauskienė, 2015–2018)

68 Nature Research Centre projects initiated and financed by the THIRD- In Lithuania, the EU natural habitats inventory began with the preparation PARTY (state organizations, and private of the manual Inventory Manual of European Union Habitats in Lithuania, companies) 2012, ed. V. Rašomavičius. The manual includes 53 descriptions of EU natural habitat types found in the country (excluding marine habitats), covering Inventory of EU natural habitats in Lithuania (BIGIS) (project leader – the structure, functions and typical species characteristics; it also includes Dr. V. Rašomavičius, contracted by the Ministry of Environment of the Re- original habitat type identification keys. Prior to field work, matrices for in- public of Lithuania, 2011–2014) ventory site selection were developed and field work mapping techniques elaborated, including polygon distinguishing procedures, methods of ma- Research objectives of the project included an inventory of EU natural habi- terial recording and habitat status assessment parameters. An original GIS tats and compilation of data for the assessment of their status. data base of habitat inventory (BIGIS) was created. The research was carried out by implementing the project “Inventory EU Field work was carried out by more than 180 experts. In accordance with the natural habitats, establishment of favourable conservation status criteria and methodological requirements, all sites retaining natural characteristics were development of monitoring system” of the Ministry of Environment, sup- visited; habitat types were identified, polygon boundaries were drawn, data ported by the European Regional Development Fund and Lithuanian state on habitat structure and status (including species list, land use, threats, etc.) budget funds. This is one of the most important projects for the scientifically were collected. 86,968 cartographic polygons with 53 types of habitats were based implementation of the Council of Europe Habitats Directive (92/43/ EEC) in Lithuania. Scientific projects and applied research

Nature Research Centre 69 distinguished, occupying an area of 434,924 ha. By habitat groups, forests grassland management” and “Extensive wetland management”); 4) the data make up 62%, grasslands 18%, bogs, mires and fens 6%, inland waters 13%, compiled will be used to adjust boundaries and areas of Natura 2000 sites and coastal habitats and inland dunes 1%. Overall, the EC habitats would and national protected territories by establishing appropriate protection occupy 6.66% of the country’s territory. measures, development and implementation of the national biodiversity strategy and action plans, preparation of other documents on conservation The database contains more than seven million habitat field research records. of biodiversity. GIS data on the EU natural habitats distribution in Lithuania are published in the spatial information portal of Lithuania (geoportal.lt). Assessment of the state of animal species (lynx, bats, amphibians) of the Eu- ropean Community importance for the protection of which the territories The habitat inventory material will be used in the following areas: 1)the should be established (project leader – Assoc. Prof. Dr. (HP) L. Balčiauskas, monitoring system developed in this project will be used to carry out natural contracted by The Environmental Protection Agency, 2010–2011) habitat status monitoring for the implementation of the National Environ- mental Monitoring Programme; 2) the data compiled on EU natural habi- Drafting an action plan for conservation of 23 protected and rare species tat areas across the country and their status will be used while performing (project leader – Assoc. Prof. Dr (HP) L. Balčiauskas, contracted by the Min- SEA and EA procedures; 3) the material will serve as the basis for the im- istry of Environment of the Republic of Lithuania, 2009–2011) plementation of the Lithuanian Rural Development Programme 2014–2020 Research into contamination of bottom sediments in the aquatic area of measure “Agrarian environment protection and climate” (activities “Specific the Klaipėda State Seaport (project leader – Dr. K. Jokšas, contracted by

Scientific projects and applied research state enterprise Klaipėda State Seaport Authority, 2010–2013) Description and modelling of the aeration zone of the Maišiagala radioactive waste storage facility (project leader – Prof. Dr. habil. J. Mažeika, contracted by state enterprise Radioactive Waste Management Agency, 2010–2013) Investigation of the state of migratory fish in Lithuanian rivers (project leader – Dr. V. Kesminas, contracted by The Environmental Protection Agency, 2011–2014) Investigation and assessment of ecological status of ichthyofauna in Lithua- nian rivers and lakes according to fish indices (project leader – Dr. T. Vir- bickas, contracted by The Environmental Protection Agency, 2011–2014) Maintenance of field collections of medicinal and aromatic plants, regeneration and propagation of their genetic resources and preparation of seed samples for long-term storage in Plant Gene Bank (project leader – Dr. J. Labokas. contracted by Plant Gene Bank, 2011–2014).

70 Nature Research Centre Publishing

BALTICA, a semi-annual scientific journal inE ng- ANNALES GEOGRAPHICAE is a semi-annual lish, is the country’s leading publication dealing scientific journal publishing scientific articles on with geological issues. BALTICA is currently in- geographical issues. The publication is referenced dexed and abstracted in the following international in GeoRef, MLA International Bibliography,

databases: Thomson Reuters: Web on Science, Sci- VINITI. ublications ence Citation Index Expanded (SciSearch®), Journal P Citation Reports/Science Edition; Elsevier Biblio- graphic Databases: SCOPUS, GEOBASE; The Gale Inc.®: Academic OneFile, Infortrac and Science Resource Center; EBSCOhost: Current Abstracts, TOC Premier; GeoRef; VINITI RAN; Bibliogra- phy and Index of Geology; Current Geographical Publications; GeoArchive; GeoSearch; Petroleum Abstracts; Ulrich’s; DOAJ (Directory of Open Access Journals); Excellence in Research for Australia (ERA) 2012 Journal List (ERA BOTANICA LITHUANICA, issued since 1995, is ID 34580). Since 2000, BALTICA publications have been available online a semi-annual scientific journal publishing scien- at: http://www.balticajournal.lt; http://www.geo.lt/geo/index.php?id=710; tific articles in the English language on the issues http://www.doaj.org; http://www.epnet.com. In 2014, the impact factor of of general botany, botanical diversity, plant and the journal was 0.607. fungus systems, cenology, geography and ecology, economic botany and botanical diversity protec- Since 2012, ZOOLOGY AND ECOLOGY (earlier tion. Since 2012, the journal has become an open- known as Acta Zoologica Lituanica) has been pub- access journal in DE GRUYTER OPEN website lished by Taylor and Francis publishers. ZOOL- (http://www.degruyter.com/view/j/botlit). The OGY AND ECOLOGY has taken over all the tra- journal is referenced by EBSCO: Central & East- ditions of the earlier publication and extended the ern European Academic Source, TOC Premier, scope of fields covered. The journal publishes sci- Science and technology collection; Thomson Re- entific papers, reviews and short communications uters: BIOSIS Previews, Thomson Scientific Master Journal List, Biological on different aspects of vertebrate and invertebrate abstracts; and CAMBRIDGE SCIENTIFIC ABSTRACTS; VINITI. zoology and ecology. Traditionally, the journal gives priority to contributions from Baltic and East European countries. The journal is referenced by EBSCO; Thomson Reuters: Zoological Record, BIOSIS Previews, Thomson Scientific Master Journal List; CAMBRIDGE SCIENTIFIC ABSTRACTS: Zoological Record Plus; and NCBI, Daneshyar network databases.

Nature Research Centre 71 Collections Herbarium (BILAS) The Herbarium of the Institute of Botany (international index BILAS) was The data on vascular plant collections are digitized (background database – established in 1948. At present, the Herbarium consists of: 1) the Herbari- programme BRAHMS), and researchers can use advanced microscopy and um of Vascular Plants of Lithuania (about 60,000 specimens), 2) the Her- imaging documentation software. Collections barium Generale (about 6,000 specimens), 3) the Herbarium of Bryophytes Herbarium specimens are stored in climate-controlled rooms where protec- of Lithuania (about 8,000 specimens), 4) the Collection of Macromycetes tion against pests and mechanical effects is also ensured. (about 25,000 specimens), 5) the Collection of Micromycetes (12,000 speci- The Herbarium of the Institute of Botany is a constituent part of the Joint mens), 6) the Collection of Myxomycota (about 4,000 specimens), and 7) Nature Research Centre Open Access Centre, which provides the following the Collection of Lichens and Lichenicolous Fungi (about 8,000 specimens). services to State and private institutions: insertion and storage of herbarium The main specialized collections: Herbarium Lithuaniae (60,000 herbarium specimens; preparation and admission of plant and fungal specimens, which sheets), Herbarium Generale (6,000), and Herbarium Professoris P. Snarskis have been used as R&D objects, for a long-term storage; provision of infor- (12,000). mation about the stored specimens; and pursuance of exchanges with herbaria from other countries.

72 Nature Research Centre Collections of Minerals The Institute of Geology and Geography houses 85 collections of minerals stan, Mozambique, Australia and Greenland. The exposition boasts eye- and rocks of great aesthetic, educational and scientific value. Compiled over catching specimens of emerald, amethyst, rhinestone, ruby and pyrope the course of numerous decades, the stored collections include over 4,500 ex- from the Urals and Brazil, along with Australian opal and almandine, Ira- hibits, including minerals, rocks, jewellery articles, meteorites and fossils. A nian turquoise and South African crocidolite. The collections also contain Collections large part of these collections was donated to Lithuania and the then Institute precious and decorative stones and various jewellery articles from ruby, of Geology in 1965 by A. Žukelis (1899–1977) who spent many years living emerald, rhinestone and malachite. The collection of meteorites includes and working in Yekaterinburg (Russia). 26 very unique specimens. Some of them, i.e. those of Andrioniškis and The compiled collection demonstrates a rich diversity of minerals and Žemaitkiemis, were found on the territory of Lithuania. Specimens of rocks of the Earth’s crust, with the major part of mineral specimens origi- natural resources occurring in Lithuania and neighbouring countries with nating from the Urals, Central Asia, Transbaikalia, the Caucasus and Kola. information on their stocks and distribution form a considerable part of Also numerous are colourful specimens from Burma, Sri Lanka, Afghani- the collections.

Nature Research Centre 73 Palaeontological Collections The Palaeontological Repository houses collections of significant to science scription of a new species is based), paratypes (specimens of an organism on fossils (petrified remains of plants and animals), numbering approximately the basis of which the primary description of a species or subspecies is pro- 43,000 specimens of micro- and macrofauna. The most ancient finds are rep- vided) and rich working collections. The bulk of the stored specimens were Collections resented by 435 million-year-old stromatoporoids, 200 million-year-old am- collected from a very wide range of regions in the northern hemisphere and monite and belemnite fossils, a somewhat younger mammoth tusk and tooth are described in monographs by palaeontologists from various geological and other finds of impressive size and appearance. These are very important institutions of Lithuania. Recognized as having considerable international documents of the Earth’s history witnessing the formation of the biosphere significance, these collections are utilised by scientists of Lithuania and other and its evolution during different stages of the geological past. The studied countries. fossil species and genera serve as a steady benchmark for sediment age determination, geological cross-section correlation, formation of stratigraphic schemes, analysis of particular plant and animal species’ evolution, and characterization of the palaeoenvironmental status in the geological past. The repository stores the holotypes found and described by Lithuanian scientists (a single type specimen of a particular organism species upon which the de-

74 Nature Research Centre Entomological Collections The Laboratory ofE ntomology includes a collection of adult dipterans – fun- The holding of Diptera, Brachycera is estimated at over 20,000 specimens, gus gnats (families Mycetophilidae, Bolitophilidae, Keroplatidae, Diadoci- 10,000 of which represent the Lithuanian fauna of Tachinidae, with approxi- diidae, Ditomyiidae), most of which are trophically related to fungi (fruiting mately the same or a slightly higher number of insects belonging to all the body and mycelium). The collection consists of described insects, including remaining Brachyceran fly species. Collections 4,700 individuals of Mycetophilidae and 150 individuals of Mycetophilidae, The substantial holding of Tipulomorpha (Diptera, Nematocera) collected Bolitophilidae, Keroplatidae, Diadocidiidae, Ditomyiidae, and undescribed from a wide range of countries includes: approximately 10,000 specimens insects (about 4,000 in number) of the above-mentioned families. from Mongolia, the majority of which are preserved in alcohol solution and The collection of the Laboratory of Entomology also includes a full holding about 1,000 of which are dried specimens and microscopic preparations; of the Lithuanian fauna of dragonflies, part of which are adult insects stored about 11,000 specimens from the Korean Peninsula (North and South Korea), in entomological boxes and another part adult individuals and larvae pre- 4,000 of which are dried specimens, about 6,000 specimens are preserved in served in alcohol solutions. These insects were mainly collected in Lithuania, alcohol solution, and about 1,000 specimens are microscopic preparations; with specimens from Russia, Latvia and China forming just a small part of almost 1,000 specimens from Taiwan (only dried specimens); about 1,000 this collection. specimens from China (only specimens preserved in alcohol solution); and The entomological collection is also estimated to contain 460 specimens of about 6,000 specimens from the Fiji Archipelago (only specimens preserved larvae and pupae of blackflies and biting midges (Diptera: Simuliidae, Ce in alcohol solution), along with numerous specimens from Indonesia, the ratopogonidae) stored in ethyl alcohol and in formaldehyde, 750 permanent Philippines, Africa and South and North America. About 300 specimens of mounts of adult blackflies and biting midges prepared using euparal asa Tipulomorpha housed in this collection are from Lithuania (mainly dried mounting medium and 650 dried specimens of bloodsucking mosquitoes samples and microscopic preparations). (Diptera: Culicidae) and their larvae, pupae and adults preserved in ethyl The collections of the Laboratory of Entomology house dried insects stored alcohol. This material was collected in territories of Lithuania, Belarus, Rus- in entomological boxes, insect specimens kept in test-tubes in alcohol-based sia, Kazakhstan and Poland. preservative solutions and preparations in glycerine solution.

Nature Research Centre 75 Collection of pure cultures of microorganisms The Laboratory of Biodeterioration Research maintains a unique collection croorganism Candida lipolytica and Trichoderma harzianum strains, which of pure cultures of microorganisms of various systematic groups. The collec- are designated for biodegradation of the industrial production waste mo- tion of microorganisms is a foundation for microbiology research, practice noethanolamine (MEA) (LT patent N 5502B). A large part of the collection Collections and development, and a source of microorganism strains and information of medically important microorganisms belong to the genera Trichophyton, about them. The collection reflects microbial biodiversity, because sapro- Microsporum, Candida, Geotrichum, Aspergillus, etc. The collection of mi- trophic, mycosymbiotrophic, parasitic, microscopic fungi, yeast and bacteria croorganisms functioning in the environment allows the maintenance of a strains used in biotechnology are maintained. To date, over 2,500 strains of valuable microbial gene pool, assisting knowledge and ensuring peculiarities microscopic fungi, yeasts and yeast-like fungi and bacteria species are stored. determining their vital importance and application. Control of the cultures Every year the collection is augmented with new species and strains of mi- deposited in the collection is carried out periodically; novel efficient meth- croorganisms functioning on various substrates, possessing specific proper- ods of storage and sustaining activity are being elaborated. For long-term ties of applied significance as well as producing biologically active substances maintenance of microorganisms, cryogenic and lyophilization methods are (enzymes, proteins, vitamins, organic acids, pigments, etc.). The strains of used. Currently, an electronic database on pure cultures of microorganisms microorganisms patented in the Republic of Lithuania and maintained in the sustained in the collection of the Laboratory of Biodeterioration Research is collection are as follows: Trichoderma harzianum VNB-16, decomposing being created. The electronic database on the maintained gene pool of micro- fuel oil (LT patent N 4794B); Candida lipolytica C.6.1-5, oxidizing oil and organisms will satisfy the needs of higher education and research, environ- petroleum products (LT patent N 4793B); Pseudomonas fluorescens IGN mental protection and control institutions, manufacturers and the general 57, decomposing oil and petroleum products (LT patent N 4792B); and mi- public.

76 Nature Research Centre Field stations

Field Experimental Station Experimental Aquarium Ornithological Research Centre Nevardas Hydrobiological Laboratory Coastal Biological Station Obelų Ragas Ecological Research Station Ventės Ragas Hydrobiological Research Laboratory Coastal Ecological Stationary Station Drūkšiai Monitoring Station Field stations Field

Nature Research Centre 77 Services

Consultations on a wide range of issues (e.g. plant cultivation, description identification of toxic and pathogenic micromycetes, animal-inflicted dam- of edible and poisonous mushrooms, radioactivity measurement, oil-con- age assessment, animal and amphibian road mortality estimates, bird strike taminated water and soil treatment, geothermal energy, oil, gas storage, CO2 hazard assessment, identification of human and animal parasites, determina- geological storage, terminology of all the below-listed fields of science) relat- tion of infestation extensity and intensity, prediction of parasitological situ- ing to such fields of science as environment protection, botany, mycology, ation and improvement of preventive measures). ecology, genetics, geology, geography and zoology. Pollution assessment (assessment of genotoxicity effect, hydrological, sedi- Multidisciplinary (i.e. from the perspective of various sciences, including mentological, lithological and geochemical pollution research, identification biodiversity, botany, parasitology, zoology, ecology, mycobiota, neotecton- of chemical composition of various objects, assessment of pollution and tox- ics, geology and geomorphology, radiology, radioecology, seismology, tec- icity employing biological methods, i.e. using aquatic animals of different tonics) assessment of terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems and territories, phylogenetic levels and age and a set of seven microbiotests, ecogeochemical inventory and investigations of natural values, development of their res- and geohygienic evaluation of technogenic and natural geochemical anoma- toration and replenishment strategies, projection of changes. lies and mapping, overall chemical analysis of groundwater, surface water and wastewater, investigation of soil, ground and sludge pollution with met- Identification of conflicts and damage, assessment of inflicted damage and als and oil products, justification of sanitary protection zones, radionuclide production of recommendations for its mitigation, socio-environmental monitoring in the environment, etc.). conflict prediction (diagnostics of fungal, bacterial and viral plant diseases, Scientific projects and applied research

78 Nature Research Centre Environmental monitoring system projects and implementation (pro- Investigations into paleoclimatic and paleoecological conditions, vegetation tected, problematic and potentially valuable territories, species, habitats and and history of agriculture based on the analysis of spores, pollen, diatoms ecosystems, pollution and economy), preparation of programmes and re- and plant macro remains. ports on environmental impact assessment, preparation and implementation of environment protection and nature management projects. Assessment of stocks and quality of natural resources and groundwater and projection of their changes, production of recommendations for their use Taxonomic identification and nomenclature of plants, fungi, bryophytes, and preservation, solutions to quality control and improvement problems, microorganisms, vertebrates and invertebrates, as well as assessment of their optimization of extraction and mining technologies. population state and molecular genetic structure. Ecological optimization solutions for landscape and urban areas, ecological Production of recommendations for mammal and bird hunting control, as and aesthetic expertise of landscape components; recommendations for the well as for the establishment of fishing and catch quotas for fish and com- use of resources for economic purposes, preparation of projects for the recul- mercial invertebrates in the Baltic Sea and freshwater bodies. tivation of degraded territories.

Selection of micromycetes as producents of various biologically active sub- Development, maintenance and updating of thematic databases and infor- stances. mation systems and compilation of cartographic thematic maps.

Dating of organic and inorganic materials employing radiocarbon 14C and Raising public awareness (preparation and presentation of publications, plumbum 210Pb methods, and petrographic and mineralogical composition educational programmes, delivery of lectures). Scientific projects and applied research investigations.

Nature Research Centre 79 Content

Welcome...... 3 At a glance...... 5 Long-term research programmes ...... 15 Laboratories ...... 25 The Open Access Centre for nature research: efficient solutions for natural resource management ...... 39 PhD studies process ...... 43 Postdoctoral fellowships...... 46 Publications...... 47 Scientific projects and applied research...... 53 International projects ...... 53 National projects...... 63 Publishing...... 71 Collections...... 72 Field stations...... 77 Services...... 78

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