Anhydrobiosis in nematodes: Evaporative water loss and survival

Abstract

Abstract Nematodes, Aphelenchus avenae , can be induced to become anhydrobiotic by drying in aggregates (pellets) (>90 mg wet weight) at 97% relative humidity (RH). When the rate of weight loss exceeds 3% hr −1 survival is low. The number of animals in a pellet that survive exposure to dry air increases with time at 97% RH. The time required for recovery is shortened by rehydration at high humidities before the animals are placed in water and advances with the length of time they are in dry air. The proportion of animals recovering in water that will survive rapid dehydration decreases with the time they are in water. A hypothetical scheme for the events of the induction of anhydrobiosis and recovery is presented.