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The history of cold hardiness research in terrestrial arthropods.

Author(s) : SØMME L.

Type of article: Article

Summary

R.A.F. Reaumur in 1736 was the first entomologist to observe that some insects can tolerate freezing, while others cannot. The first reviews on insect cold hardiness were published by P. Bachtmetjew who also discovered supercooling in insects. Authors like W. Robinson realised that piercing the cuticle changed the supercooling capacity and N.M. Payne pointed out that there are great seasonal variations in insect cold hardiness. In the early literature, references were frequently made to plant cold hardiness. A modern approach to investigation of insect cold hardiness was initiated by R.W. Salt. The number of reports increased enormously in the 1960's and 1970's. During the last 20-30 years new knowledge on ice nucleators, antifreeze proteins, ice nucleating bacteria, desiccation and biochemistry of cryoprotectants has been acquired.

Details

  • Original title: The history of cold hardiness research in terrestrial arthropods.
  • Record ID : 2001-2509
  • Languages: English
  • Source: CryoLetters - vol. 21 - n. 5
  • Publication date: 2000/09
  • Document available for consultation in the library of the IIR headquarters only.

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