This volume may be understood as a continuation in efforts to analyze and explain temporal replacements of populations in freshwater plankton. The contributors share the conviction that seasonal events in plankton are not chaotic, but reasonably predictable. The authors resume the ideas published earlier in a paper on the PEG model of seasonal succession (SOMMER et al. 1986, Arch. Hydrobiol. 106: 433-471) and review the present state of knowledge related to mechanisms that drive succession in plankton communities.
The book consists of nine chapters. In the first one the editor gives the rationale of ideas that lead to writing this book and explains the PEG model, which is quoted in all the following chapters. The chapters on phytoplankton succession deal with physical factors (C. R. REYNOLDS), competition for resources (U. SOMMER), role of grazers (R. W. STERNER) and fungal parasites (E. VAN DONK). TWO mechanisms driving zooplankton succession are discussed: competition among zooplankton (W. R. DEMOTT) and predation (Z. M. GLIWICZ and J. PIJANOWSKA). The remaining two chapters deal with bacteria. C. P E D K ~S A L I ~ tries to place bacterioplankton into the framework of planktonological thinking and W. GUDE reviews the role of grazing upon bacteria.
I regard this book as a successful step on the way to better understanding the ups and downs of planktonic populations. The emphasis laid on biotic interactions makes it useful not only for limnologists and oceanographers but for general ecologists as well.
J. Forr
The control of eutrophication of lakes and reservoirs. Eds. S.-0. RYDING and W. RAST =