Figure 2

Viability of Mytilus galloprovincialis larvae populations in the presence of NikkomycinZ. The effect of NikkomycinZ on the viability of larvae was semi-quantitatively estimated based on up to four independent test series that were microscopically evaluated at 80× magnification. The mobility of the larvae prevented an exact quantification of individuals. Based on the comparison of values estimated by different experimenters, the uncertainty was defined as 20% deviation. NikkomycinZ was supplied in concentrations of 0 μM (black bars, control), 5 μM (grey bars), and 10 μM (white bars) at the earliest developmental stages as indicated on the x-axis (larval age in days after fertilization) of each graph. Each test series ended on the 15th day after fertilization. a-d. Semi-quantitative estimation of survival rates as observed in larvae test cultures. a. Less than 20% of the 2 day old larvae survived a treatment with > 5 μM NikkomycinZ for more than 6 days. b. Larvae cultures treated with NikkomycinZ from day five on show a similar effect after three days: The survival rate is about 20% on the 8^th day after fertilization in cultures with > 5 μM NikkomycinZ. Exceptionally, this graph represents only three out of four test series as the respective control culture in the 4^th series was of low quality. Note that values of more than 100% (deviation bars) are due only to the mean value calculation (see also additional data file 11). c. Compared to the untreated larvae populations, about 50% more of the 8 day old individuals died during the following 7 days of NikkomycinZ treatment. Larvae were not as much affected at this age as in younger developmental stages. d. The survival rate of 12 day old larvae was not significantly influenced by the addition of NikkomycinZ for three days.