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RJR: Recommended Bibliography 06 Jun 2025 at 01:50 Created:
Invasive Species
Standard Definition: Invasive species are plants, animals, or pathogens that are non-native (or alien) to the ecosystem under consideration and whose introduction causes or is likely to cause harm. Although that definition allows a logical possibility that some species might be non-native and harmless, most of time it seems that invasive species and really bad critter (or weed) that should be eradicated are seen as equivalent phrases. But, there is a big conceptual problem with that notion: every species in every ecosystem started out in that ecosystem as an invader. If there were no invasive species, all of Hawaii would be nothing but bare volcanic rock. Without an invasion of species onto land, there would be no terrestrial ecosystems at all. For the entire history of life on Earth, the biosphere has responded to perturbation and to opportunity with evolutionary innovation and with physical movement. While one may raise economic or aesthetic arguments against invasive species, it is impossible to make such an argument on scientific grounds. Species movement — the occurrence of invasive species — is the way the biosphere responds to perturbation. One might even argue that species movement is the primary, short-term "healing" mechanism employed by the biosphere to respond to perturbation — to "damage." As with any healing process, the short-term effect may be aesthetically unappealing (who thinks scabs are appealing?), but the long-term effects can be glorious.
Created with PubMed® Query: ("invasive species" OR "invasion biology" OR "alien species" OR "introduced species" ) NOT pmcbook NOT ispreviousversion
Citations The Papers (from PubMed®)
RevDate: 2025-06-03
Further Evidence for Plausible Transmission of Fishborne Trematodiases in the United States: Game Fish Carry Human-Infectious Trematodes and Are Eaten Raw.
The Journal of infectious diseases pii:8154770 [Epub ahead of print].
Historically, locally transmitted fishborne trematodiasis has not been a public health concern in the United States (US). However, the widespread introduction of the first intermediate host snail Melanoides tuberculata and 2 of the fishborne trematodes it transmits (Haplorchis pumilio and Centrocestus formosanus), along with their discovery at freshwater fishing localities throughout southern California, reveals a need to further evaluate the risk of local transmission of fishborne trematodiasis in the US. Here, we confirm that the trematode stages infectious to people (metacercariae) commonly infect and can be abundant in 7 commonly caught and eaten fish species at California fishing localities. Further, via an online social media search, we provide evidence that people throughout the US eat those same fish species in ways conducive to trematode transmission (namely, eating fish unfrozen and raw). These findings further indicate the plausibility for locally transmitted fishborne trematodiasis in the US.
Additional Links: PMID-40459267
Publisher:
PubMed:
Citation:
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@article {pmid40459267,
year = {2025},
author = {Palmer, EM and Metz, DCG and Hechinger, RF},
title = {Further Evidence for Plausible Transmission of Fishborne Trematodiases in the United States: Game Fish Carry Human-Infectious Trematodes and Are Eaten Raw.},
journal = {The Journal of infectious diseases},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1093/infdis/jiaf180},
pmid = {40459267},
issn = {1537-6613},
support = {1R03AI156569-01//US National Institutes of Health/ ; },
abstract = {Historically, locally transmitted fishborne trematodiasis has not been a public health concern in the United States (US). However, the widespread introduction of the first intermediate host snail Melanoides tuberculata and 2 of the fishborne trematodes it transmits (Haplorchis pumilio and Centrocestus formosanus), along with their discovery at freshwater fishing localities throughout southern California, reveals a need to further evaluate the risk of local transmission of fishborne trematodiasis in the US. Here, we confirm that the trematode stages infectious to people (metacercariae) commonly infect and can be abundant in 7 commonly caught and eaten fish species at California fishing localities. Further, via an online social media search, we provide evidence that people throughout the US eat those same fish species in ways conducive to trematode transmission (namely, eating fish unfrozen and raw). These findings further indicate the plausibility for locally transmitted fishborne trematodiasis in the US.},
}
RevDate: 2025-06-03
Ecosystem services provided by spiders.
Biological reviews of the Cambridge Philosophical Society [Epub ahead of print].
Spiders, ubiquitous and abundant predators in terrestrial ecosystems, often are the subjects of an unjust negative perception. However, these remarkable creatures stand as unsung heroes within our ecosystems, contributing a multitude of ecosystem services critical to human well-being. Here, we describe the diverse spectrum of ecosystem services offered by spiders and their potential to inspire or directly provide nature-based solutions. Provisioning services include the versatile uses of silk-like and other materials, inspiration for biomimetic technology, medicines derived from venom, hemolymph and silk, bio-insecticides that offer eco-friendly alternatives to synthetic chemicals, food sources for various human communities worldwide, and unconventional yet increasingly valued pets. Regulating services provided by spiders extend to vital roles in pest suppression across diverse agricultural settings, mitigating diseases by curbing insect-mediated pathogen dispersal, and controlling invasive species. Supporting services offered by spiders are equally extensive, involving nutrient cycling through the breakdown of organic matter, acting as food sources for predators, or creating habitats for other organisms. Beyond their tangible contributions, spiders hold a significant cultural and spiritual heritage globally and are integral to many traditional medicine practices. They inspire contemporary culture, provide educational value, contribute to mental health improvement, evoke a sense of place, offer models for scientific discovery, and are commonly employed for monitoring biodiversity and ecosystem health. To pave the way for future research, we present suggestions for exploring and quantifying the economic value of ecosystem services by spiders. While many of these services are well established and studied from various perspectives, others harbour untapped potential. Leveraging what nature inherently provides, these nature-based solutions offer avenues to address challenges such as biodiversity erosion and societal needs. By restoring, preserving, or mimicking natural processes of spiders, we can enhance or provide essential ecosystem services, harnessing the full potential of spiders and the web of benefits they bring us.
Additional Links: PMID-40459225
Publisher:
PubMed:
Citation:
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hide bibtex listing
@article {pmid40459225,
year = {2025},
author = {Cardoso, P and Pekár, S and Birkhofer, K and Chuang, A and Fukushima, CS and Hebets, EA and Henaut, Y and Hesselberg, T and Malumbres-Olarte, J and Michálek, O and Michalko, R and Scott, C and Wolff, J and Mammola, S},
title = {Ecosystem services provided by spiders.},
journal = {Biological reviews of the Cambridge Philosophical Society},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1111/brv.70044},
pmid = {40459225},
issn = {1469-185X},
support = {348352//Research Council of Finland/ ; /CAPMC/CIHR/Canada ; 101031131//HORIZON EUROPE European Innovation Council/ ; 101040724//HORIZON EUROPE European Innovation Council/ ; 101081964//HORIZON EUROPE European Innovation Council/ ; 861924//HORIZON EUROPE European Innovation Council/ ; CN00000033//Italian Ministry of University and Research/ ; //European Commission/ ; //Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada/ ; },
abstract = {Spiders, ubiquitous and abundant predators in terrestrial ecosystems, often are the subjects of an unjust negative perception. However, these remarkable creatures stand as unsung heroes within our ecosystems, contributing a multitude of ecosystem services critical to human well-being. Here, we describe the diverse spectrum of ecosystem services offered by spiders and their potential to inspire or directly provide nature-based solutions. Provisioning services include the versatile uses of silk-like and other materials, inspiration for biomimetic technology, medicines derived from venom, hemolymph and silk, bio-insecticides that offer eco-friendly alternatives to synthetic chemicals, food sources for various human communities worldwide, and unconventional yet increasingly valued pets. Regulating services provided by spiders extend to vital roles in pest suppression across diverse agricultural settings, mitigating diseases by curbing insect-mediated pathogen dispersal, and controlling invasive species. Supporting services offered by spiders are equally extensive, involving nutrient cycling through the breakdown of organic matter, acting as food sources for predators, or creating habitats for other organisms. Beyond their tangible contributions, spiders hold a significant cultural and spiritual heritage globally and are integral to many traditional medicine practices. They inspire contemporary culture, provide educational value, contribute to mental health improvement, evoke a sense of place, offer models for scientific discovery, and are commonly employed for monitoring biodiversity and ecosystem health. To pave the way for future research, we present suggestions for exploring and quantifying the economic value of ecosystem services by spiders. While many of these services are well established and studied from various perspectives, others harbour untapped potential. Leveraging what nature inherently provides, these nature-based solutions offer avenues to address challenges such as biodiversity erosion and societal needs. By restoring, preserving, or mimicking natural processes of spiders, we can enhance or provide essential ecosystem services, harnessing the full potential of spiders and the web of benefits they bring us.},
}
RevDate: 2025-06-03
CmpDate: 2025-06-03
Native Plant Species Are More Resistant Than Invasive Aliens to Escalating Environmental Change Factors.
Global change biology, 31(6):e70282.
The interplay between invasive alien plant species and various environmental change factors can lead to unpredictable ecosystem impacts. Existing research predominantly examines isolated or specific environmental factors, leaving the effects of complex, multifaceted environmental changes on the growth of both invasive alien and native plant species inadequately explored. Here, we investigated the biomass responses of ten confamilial pairs of invasive and native species to six individual and combined environmental change factors. Our results revealed a significant reduction in biomass for both invasive and native species as the number of environmental change factors increased, with invasive species demonstrating heightened sensitivity. Notably, drought and salinity exhibited particularly severe negative effects across different environmental combinations, highlighting their critical role in driving these effects. Our findings underscore the importance of understanding and predicting how intensified environmental changes impact plant invasions and overall ecosystem stability.
Additional Links: PMID-40458965
Publisher:
PubMed:
Citation:
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hide bibtex listing
@article {pmid40458965,
year = {2025},
author = {Zhao, Y and Xu, YH and Guo, K and Guo, WY and Wang, YJ},
title = {Native Plant Species Are More Resistant Than Invasive Aliens to Escalating Environmental Change Factors.},
journal = {Global change biology},
volume = {31},
number = {6},
pages = {e70282},
doi = {10.1111/gcb.70282},
pmid = {40458965},
issn = {1365-2486},
support = {32171510//National Natural Science Foundation of China/ ; 31770449//National Natural Science Foundation of China/ ; },
mesh = {*Introduced Species ; Biomass ; *Climate Change ; Droughts ; Salinity ; Ecosystem ; *Plants ; },
abstract = {The interplay between invasive alien plant species and various environmental change factors can lead to unpredictable ecosystem impacts. Existing research predominantly examines isolated or specific environmental factors, leaving the effects of complex, multifaceted environmental changes on the growth of both invasive alien and native plant species inadequately explored. Here, we investigated the biomass responses of ten confamilial pairs of invasive and native species to six individual and combined environmental change factors. Our results revealed a significant reduction in biomass for both invasive and native species as the number of environmental change factors increased, with invasive species demonstrating heightened sensitivity. Notably, drought and salinity exhibited particularly severe negative effects across different environmental combinations, highlighting their critical role in driving these effects. Our findings underscore the importance of understanding and predicting how intensified environmental changes impact plant invasions and overall ecosystem stability.},
}
MeSH Terms:
show MeSH Terms
hide MeSH Terms
*Introduced Species
Biomass
*Climate Change
Droughts
Salinity
Ecosystem
*Plants
RevDate: 2025-06-05
Functional traits driving invasion risk and potential distribution of alien plants in oasis agroecosystems.
Frontiers in plant science, 16:1590709.
Alien invasive plants pose a significant threat to global agricultural production, with functional traits playing a critical role in their spread and establishment processes. However, relevant research is scarce in oasis agroecosystems, which are more sensitive to global change. We studied oasis agroecosystems in Xinjiang, China, to explore the relationship between alien plant functional traits and invasion risk. A total of 611 sites comprising 9,165 plots were surveyed, covering an area of 22,474.73 hectares. Field surveys recorded species, density, and cover of alien plants, measuring traits related to growth, reproduction, and dispersal. Invasion risk was classified into four levels based on importance values. Random forest and eXtreme Gradient Boosting (XGBoost) modeling analyzed the relationship between functional traits and invasion risk, while MaxEnt modeling predicted potential distributions. We identified 62 alien plant species from 18 families and 44 genera, with Asteraceae and Amaranthaceae being the most represented families. High-risk invasive plants shared certain functional traits-specifically, high specific leaf area (SLA) and larger seed mass-which significantly enhance their invasion potential in oasis agroecosystems. The combination of these traits correlates with increased invasion risk. By incorporating SLA into the weighting of high-risk species distributions, we predicted potential distribution areas with an AUC value of 0.981. Our study identifies key functional traits enabling alien plant invasions in oasis agriculture, enhancing understanding of invasion mechanisms. Findings provide a foundation for predicting potential invasive species and developing management strategies to mitigate impacts on agricultural productivity and ecosystem services.
Additional Links: PMID-40458221
PubMed:
Citation:
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@article {pmid40458221,
year = {2025},
author = {Dong, S and Qin, T and Xue, Z and Guo, W and Wang, H and Li, H},
title = {Functional traits driving invasion risk and potential distribution of alien plants in oasis agroecosystems.},
journal = {Frontiers in plant science},
volume = {16},
number = {},
pages = {1590709},
pmid = {40458221},
issn = {1664-462X},
abstract = {Alien invasive plants pose a significant threat to global agricultural production, with functional traits playing a critical role in their spread and establishment processes. However, relevant research is scarce in oasis agroecosystems, which are more sensitive to global change. We studied oasis agroecosystems in Xinjiang, China, to explore the relationship between alien plant functional traits and invasion risk. A total of 611 sites comprising 9,165 plots were surveyed, covering an area of 22,474.73 hectares. Field surveys recorded species, density, and cover of alien plants, measuring traits related to growth, reproduction, and dispersal. Invasion risk was classified into four levels based on importance values. Random forest and eXtreme Gradient Boosting (XGBoost) modeling analyzed the relationship between functional traits and invasion risk, while MaxEnt modeling predicted potential distributions. We identified 62 alien plant species from 18 families and 44 genera, with Asteraceae and Amaranthaceae being the most represented families. High-risk invasive plants shared certain functional traits-specifically, high specific leaf area (SLA) and larger seed mass-which significantly enhance their invasion potential in oasis agroecosystems. The combination of these traits correlates with increased invasion risk. By incorporating SLA into the weighting of high-risk species distributions, we predicted potential distribution areas with an AUC value of 0.981. Our study identifies key functional traits enabling alien plant invasions in oasis agriculture, enhancing understanding of invasion mechanisms. Findings provide a foundation for predicting potential invasive species and developing management strategies to mitigate impacts on agricultural productivity and ecosystem services.},
}
RevDate: 2025-06-03
CmpDate: 2025-06-03
Decadal change in seabird-driven isotopes on islands with differing invasion histories.
Ecological applications : a publication of the Ecological Society of America, 35(4):e70030.
Invasive mammal eradications are commonplace in island conservation. However, post-eradication monitoring beyond the confirmation of target species removal is rarer. Seabirds are ecosystem engineers on islands and are negatively affected by invasive mammals. Following an invasive mammal eradication, the recovery of seabird populations can be necessary for wider ecosystem recovery. Seabirds fertilize islands with isotopically heavy nitrogen, which means that nitrogen stable isotope analysis (δ[15]N) could provide a useful means for assessing corresponding change in ecosystem function. We quantified decadal changes in δ[15]N on eight temperate New Zealand islands subject in pairs to distinct mammal invasion and seabird restoration histories: invaded, never-invaded, invader-eradicated, and undergoing active seabird restoration. First, we investigated long-term changes in δ[15]N values on individual islands. Second, we used a space-for-time analysis to determine whether δ[15]N levels on islands from which invaders had been removed eventually recovered to values typical of never-invaded islands. On each island, soil, plants (Coprosma repens, Coprosma robusta, and Myrsine australis), and spiders (Porrhothelidae) were sampled in 2006/2007 and 2022, allowing δ[15]N change on individual islands over 16 years to be assessed. Combined, the samples from invader-eradicated islands provided a 7- to32-year post-eradication dataset. Change in δ[15]N was only detected on one island across the study period, following the unexpected recolonization of seabirds to an invaded island. Invader-eradicated islands generally had higher δ[15]N values than invaded islands; however, they were still lower than never-invaded islands, and there was no trend in δ[15]N with time since eradication. This, and the measurable increase in δ[15]N following seabird recolonization on one island, may suggest that δ[15]N change occurs rapidly following invader eradication but then slows, with δ[15]N values staying relatively constant in the time period studied here. Isotope and seabird population studies need to be coupled to ascertain whether plateauing in δ[15]N reflects a slowing of seabird population growth and subsequent basal nutrient input or whether the baseline nutrients are entering the ecosystem but then not propagating up the food web.
Additional Links: PMID-40457802
PubMed:
Citation:
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@article {pmid40457802,
year = {2025},
author = {Pascoe, PP and Bartlett, M and Shaw, J and Trebilco, R and Weldrick, CK and Jones, HP},
title = {Decadal change in seabird-driven isotopes on islands with differing invasion histories.},
journal = {Ecological applications : a publication of the Ecological Society of America},
volume = {35},
number = {4},
pages = {e70030},
pmid = {40457802},
issn = {1939-5582},
support = {//Margaret Middleton Fund for Endangered Australian Native Vertebrate Animals/ ; //Ecological Society of Australia Holsworth Wildlife Endowment/ ; WW-222R-17//National Geographic Society's Committee for Research and Exploration/ ; },
mesh = {Animals ; *Introduced Species ; Islands ; *Nitrogen Isotopes/analysis ; New Zealand ; Ecosystem ; *Birds/physiology ; *Charadriiformes/physiology ; Time Factors ; },
abstract = {Invasive mammal eradications are commonplace in island conservation. However, post-eradication monitoring beyond the confirmation of target species removal is rarer. Seabirds are ecosystem engineers on islands and are negatively affected by invasive mammals. Following an invasive mammal eradication, the recovery of seabird populations can be necessary for wider ecosystem recovery. Seabirds fertilize islands with isotopically heavy nitrogen, which means that nitrogen stable isotope analysis (δ[15]N) could provide a useful means for assessing corresponding change in ecosystem function. We quantified decadal changes in δ[15]N on eight temperate New Zealand islands subject in pairs to distinct mammal invasion and seabird restoration histories: invaded, never-invaded, invader-eradicated, and undergoing active seabird restoration. First, we investigated long-term changes in δ[15]N values on individual islands. Second, we used a space-for-time analysis to determine whether δ[15]N levels on islands from which invaders had been removed eventually recovered to values typical of never-invaded islands. On each island, soil, plants (Coprosma repens, Coprosma robusta, and Myrsine australis), and spiders (Porrhothelidae) were sampled in 2006/2007 and 2022, allowing δ[15]N change on individual islands over 16 years to be assessed. Combined, the samples from invader-eradicated islands provided a 7- to32-year post-eradication dataset. Change in δ[15]N was only detected on one island across the study period, following the unexpected recolonization of seabirds to an invaded island. Invader-eradicated islands generally had higher δ[15]N values than invaded islands; however, they were still lower than never-invaded islands, and there was no trend in δ[15]N with time since eradication. This, and the measurable increase in δ[15]N following seabird recolonization on one island, may suggest that δ[15]N change occurs rapidly following invader eradication but then slows, with δ[15]N values staying relatively constant in the time period studied here. Isotope and seabird population studies need to be coupled to ascertain whether plateauing in δ[15]N reflects a slowing of seabird population growth and subsequent basal nutrient input or whether the baseline nutrients are entering the ecosystem but then not propagating up the food web.},
}
MeSH Terms:
show MeSH Terms
hide MeSH Terms
Animals
*Introduced Species
Islands
*Nitrogen Isotopes/analysis
New Zealand
Ecosystem
*Birds/physiology
*Charadriiformes/physiology
Time Factors
RevDate: 2025-06-04
CmpDate: 2025-06-04
A comprehensive review on the adsorption of dyes onto activated carbons derived from harmful invasive plants.
Environmental research, 279(Pt 2):121807.
The proliferation of invasive plant species such as Ailanthus altissima, Reynoutria japonica, and Alternanthera philoxeroides pose a significant ecological and economic challenge, including adverse impacts on native biodiversity, agriculture, and infrastructure. The production of activated carbons from these invasive plants offers a sustainable approach to addressing environmental pollution in the context of wastewater treatment. Activated carbons are renowned for high adsorbability and porous structure, hence, they may be highly effective in removing contaminants including dyes. Here, we review the conversion of invasive plant biomass into activated carbons production for dye removal by the adsorption technique. Influential factors, optimization conditions, adsorption models, mechanisms, and regeneration studies were systematically discussed. Remarkably, the efficacy of activated carbons derived from invasive plants such as Leucaena leucocephala pods cactus fruit peels achieved exceptionally high adsorption capacities of 584.3-806.4 mg/g for organic dyes. We also analyzed dual benefits of transforming invasive plant biomass into high-value activated carbons for wastewater treatment and managing invasive plants. It is, therefore, suggested that this approach can satisfy the sustainable development goals and solve the current global environmental challenges.
Additional Links: PMID-40348260
Publisher:
PubMed:
Citation:
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@article {pmid40348260,
year = {2025},
author = {Nguyen, DTC and Jalil, AA and Nguyen, LM and Nguyen, DH},
title = {A comprehensive review on the adsorption of dyes onto activated carbons derived from harmful invasive plants.},
journal = {Environmental research},
volume = {279},
number = {Pt 2},
pages = {121807},
doi = {10.1016/j.envres.2025.121807},
pmid = {40348260},
issn = {1096-0953},
mesh = {Adsorption ; *Coloring Agents/chemistry ; *Charcoal/chemistry ; *Introduced Species ; *Water Pollutants, Chemical/chemistry ; },
abstract = {The proliferation of invasive plant species such as Ailanthus altissima, Reynoutria japonica, and Alternanthera philoxeroides pose a significant ecological and economic challenge, including adverse impacts on native biodiversity, agriculture, and infrastructure. The production of activated carbons from these invasive plants offers a sustainable approach to addressing environmental pollution in the context of wastewater treatment. Activated carbons are renowned for high adsorbability and porous structure, hence, they may be highly effective in removing contaminants including dyes. Here, we review the conversion of invasive plant biomass into activated carbons production for dye removal by the adsorption technique. Influential factors, optimization conditions, adsorption models, mechanisms, and regeneration studies were systematically discussed. Remarkably, the efficacy of activated carbons derived from invasive plants such as Leucaena leucocephala pods cactus fruit peels achieved exceptionally high adsorption capacities of 584.3-806.4 mg/g for organic dyes. We also analyzed dual benefits of transforming invasive plant biomass into high-value activated carbons for wastewater treatment and managing invasive plants. It is, therefore, suggested that this approach can satisfy the sustainable development goals and solve the current global environmental challenges.},
}
MeSH Terms:
show MeSH Terms
hide MeSH Terms
Adsorption
*Coloring Agents/chemistry
*Charcoal/chemistry
*Introduced Species
*Water Pollutants, Chemical/chemistry
RevDate: 2025-06-02
CmpDate: 2025-06-02
Potential feeding deterrents of Adelges tsugae found in biological control flies.
Die Naturwissenschaften, 112(3):45.
The invasive hemlock woolly adelgid, Adelges tsugae (HWA, Hemiptera: Adelgidae), is a detrimental pest to native eastern and Carolina hemlocks. In the last 2 decades, biological control utilizing two species of Laricobius beetles (Coleoptera: Derodontidae) has been of focus in the widespread effort to control HWA. Recently, two species of silver flies, native to the Pacific Northwest, Leucotaraxis argenticollis Zetterstedt and Leucotaraxis piniperda Malloch (Diptera: Chamaemyiidae), are being investigated as additional biological control agents. Releasing these two silver fly species in the eastern United States has yet to result in the establishment of these predators. During laboratory studies, Leucotaraxis larvae excreted a black substance in response to being disturbed, which contained anthraquinones previously detected in HWA. Previous research on Laricobius spp. found that the beetles likely sequestered these compounds from HWA. These compounds are feeding deterrents in other insect species. Leucotaraxis argenticollis life stages, their excrement, and honeydew produced by HWA were collected and analyzed by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. Results showed that these anthraquinones were detected in various life stages of Le. argenticollis immatures and adults that fed on HWA. They were not detected in Le. argenticollis adults that were only fed artificial diet and water, indicating that Le. argenticollis sequesters the anthraquinones from HWA and may transmit the compounds to their eggs.
Additional Links: PMID-40455269
PubMed:
Citation:
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hide bibtex listing
@article {pmid40455269,
year = {2025},
author = {Andrews, O and Jones, AC and Whitmore, M and Salom, S},
title = {Potential feeding deterrents of Adelges tsugae found in biological control flies.},
journal = {Die Naturwissenschaften},
volume = {112},
number = {3},
pages = {45},
pmid = {40455269},
issn = {1432-1904},
mesh = {Animals ; *Diptera/physiology/chemistry ; *Feeding Behavior/drug effects ; *Pest Control, Biological/methods ; Coleoptera/physiology ; Larva/chemistry ; *Hemiptera/physiology/chemistry ; },
abstract = {The invasive hemlock woolly adelgid, Adelges tsugae (HWA, Hemiptera: Adelgidae), is a detrimental pest to native eastern and Carolina hemlocks. In the last 2 decades, biological control utilizing two species of Laricobius beetles (Coleoptera: Derodontidae) has been of focus in the widespread effort to control HWA. Recently, two species of silver flies, native to the Pacific Northwest, Leucotaraxis argenticollis Zetterstedt and Leucotaraxis piniperda Malloch (Diptera: Chamaemyiidae), are being investigated as additional biological control agents. Releasing these two silver fly species in the eastern United States has yet to result in the establishment of these predators. During laboratory studies, Leucotaraxis larvae excreted a black substance in response to being disturbed, which contained anthraquinones previously detected in HWA. Previous research on Laricobius spp. found that the beetles likely sequestered these compounds from HWA. These compounds are feeding deterrents in other insect species. Leucotaraxis argenticollis life stages, their excrement, and honeydew produced by HWA were collected and analyzed by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. Results showed that these anthraquinones were detected in various life stages of Le. argenticollis immatures and adults that fed on HWA. They were not detected in Le. argenticollis adults that were only fed artificial diet and water, indicating that Le. argenticollis sequesters the anthraquinones from HWA and may transmit the compounds to their eggs.},
}
MeSH Terms:
show MeSH Terms
hide MeSH Terms
Animals
*Diptera/physiology/chemistry
*Feeding Behavior/drug effects
*Pest Control, Biological/methods
Coleoptera/physiology
Larva/chemistry
*Hemiptera/physiology/chemistry
RevDate: 2025-06-03
Occurrence dataset from the waterbird survey of the middle and lower Huai He floodplain, China.
Biodiversity data journal, 13:e158384.
BACKGROUND: The Huai He floodplain in Anhui and Jiangsu Provinces, an important component of the East Asian-Australasian Flyway (EAAF), sustains critical wetland habitats for migratory waterbirds, including four threatened species on the IUCN Red List: critically endangered Aythyabaeri (Radde, 1863), endangered Ansercygnoides (Linnaeus, 1758) and vulnerable Melanittafusca (Linnaeus, 1758) and Aythyaferina (Linnaeus, 1758). Despite its biogeographic significance as a transitional zone between the Yangtze and Yellow River floodplains, this region remains one of China's most understudied and ecologically degraded freshwater systems. Historical pollution events and contemporary anthropogenic pressures - agricultural intensification, hydrological fragmentation and invasive species - have severely compromised wetland integrity. During mid-December 2005 and November to December 2006, standardised surveys employed fixed-radius point counts (158 sites) with the component counting method to enhance accuracy.
NEW INFORMATION: We present the first comprehensive waterbird dataset for the Anhui and Jiangsu part of the Huai He floodplain, comprising 44 species (32,517 individuals) recorded across 30 wetlands during 2005-2006 surveys. All occurrence data adhere to Darwin Core standards and are accessible via the Global Biodiversity Information Facility, providing spatial-temporal baselines for abundance and distributional data for waterbirds in this region.
Additional Links: PMID-40453376
PubMed:
Citation:
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hide bibtex listing
@article {pmid40453376,
year = {2025},
author = {Wijethunge, IK and Cao, J and Meng, F and Xu, Z and Zhao, Q and Cao, L},
title = {Occurrence dataset from the waterbird survey of the middle and lower Huai He floodplain, China.},
journal = {Biodiversity data journal},
volume = {13},
number = {},
pages = {e158384},
pmid = {40453376},
issn = {1314-2828},
abstract = {BACKGROUND: The Huai He floodplain in Anhui and Jiangsu Provinces, an important component of the East Asian-Australasian Flyway (EAAF), sustains critical wetland habitats for migratory waterbirds, including four threatened species on the IUCN Red List: critically endangered Aythyabaeri (Radde, 1863), endangered Ansercygnoides (Linnaeus, 1758) and vulnerable Melanittafusca (Linnaeus, 1758) and Aythyaferina (Linnaeus, 1758). Despite its biogeographic significance as a transitional zone between the Yangtze and Yellow River floodplains, this region remains one of China's most understudied and ecologically degraded freshwater systems. Historical pollution events and contemporary anthropogenic pressures - agricultural intensification, hydrological fragmentation and invasive species - have severely compromised wetland integrity. During mid-December 2005 and November to December 2006, standardised surveys employed fixed-radius point counts (158 sites) with the component counting method to enhance accuracy.
NEW INFORMATION: We present the first comprehensive waterbird dataset for the Anhui and Jiangsu part of the Huai He floodplain, comprising 44 species (32,517 individuals) recorded across 30 wetlands during 2005-2006 surveys. All occurrence data adhere to Darwin Core standards and are accessible via the Global Biodiversity Information Facility, providing spatial-temporal baselines for abundance and distributional data for waterbirds in this region.},
}
RevDate: 2025-06-02
An Unusual Case of Epistaxis: Intranasal Bipalium Pseudoparasite.
Wilderness & environmental medicine [Epub ahead of print].
Hammerhead worms are becoming increasingly common in the southeastern United States as the invasive species continues to spread. Limited data exist on this species acting as a pseudoparasite, with only 3 documented cases found on literature review of Bipalidae species living inside human hosts. We present one such case from Shreveport, Louisiana, of a patient who arrived at the emergency department after a hammerhead worm was expelled from his sinus passage. A 13-y-old male with a history of autism and developmental delay had been complaining of headache for 2 to 3 d. He had a spontaneous nosebleed from his right nostril on the morning of presentation to the emergency department. On blowing his nose, a large hammerhead worm was evacuated from his sinuses. Imaging studies and direct visualization did not reveal any significant damage or remaining helminths in the sinus passages. Due to patient risk factors for parasitic infection, while definitive identification of the worm species was still pending, a course of albendazole was prescribed. The patient was discharged from the emergency department in good condition. As this invasive species becomes more common in warm and humid areas of the United States, infection with these pseudoparasites may become more prevalent as well. Fortunately, this appears to be a rare occurrence, and clinical sequelae appear to be minimal after removal of the organism.
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@article {pmid40452496,
year = {2025},
author = {Watkins, B and Cabaniss, D and Bracey, P},
title = {An Unusual Case of Epistaxis: Intranasal Bipalium Pseudoparasite.},
journal = {Wilderness & environmental medicine},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {10806032251343594},
doi = {10.1177/10806032251343594},
pmid = {40452496},
issn = {1545-1534},
abstract = {Hammerhead worms are becoming increasingly common in the southeastern United States as the invasive species continues to spread. Limited data exist on this species acting as a pseudoparasite, with only 3 documented cases found on literature review of Bipalidae species living inside human hosts. We present one such case from Shreveport, Louisiana, of a patient who arrived at the emergency department after a hammerhead worm was expelled from his sinus passage. A 13-y-old male with a history of autism and developmental delay had been complaining of headache for 2 to 3 d. He had a spontaneous nosebleed from his right nostril on the morning of presentation to the emergency department. On blowing his nose, a large hammerhead worm was evacuated from his sinuses. Imaging studies and direct visualization did not reveal any significant damage or remaining helminths in the sinus passages. Due to patient risk factors for parasitic infection, while definitive identification of the worm species was still pending, a course of albendazole was prescribed. The patient was discharged from the emergency department in good condition. As this invasive species becomes more common in warm and humid areas of the United States, infection with these pseudoparasites may become more prevalent as well. Fortunately, this appears to be a rare occurrence, and clinical sequelae appear to be minimal after removal of the organism.},
}
RevDate: 2025-06-01
Quantifying the effect of key factors on the shedding and decay rates of eDNA from the golden mussel.
Journal of environmental management, 388:126054 pii:S0301-4797(25)02030-4 [Epub ahead of print].
Environmental DNA (eDNA) quantification is an emerging technique for detecting invasive mussel in aquatic environments. Understanding mechanism of eDNA shedding and decaying under different environmental conditions are critical for obtaining reliable spatial and temporal distribution of the target species. As a representative invasive species in freshwater ecosystems, the golden mussel (Limnoperna fortunei) has caused significant economic and ecological damage worldwide through its invasion and biofouling. In this study, the effects of key eco-environmental factors including biomass, water temperature, and pH that influence eDNA shedding and decay of golden mussel were revealed through field investigations of grand water diversion project and laboratory experiments. The results revealed significant positive correlations between both biomass and water temperature with eDNA shedding rates. Additionally, high water temperatures and low pH conditions were found to accelerate the decay of mussel eDNA. The findings of this study indicate that the effects of these controlling factors should be considered during the collection and quantitative analysis processes of water samples to provide reliable base for invasion detection using eDNA technology.
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@article {pmid40450939,
year = {2025},
author = {Yang, Y and Zhang, J and Chang, Z and Liu, M and Xu, M and Zhou, X and Fu, X},
title = {Quantifying the effect of key factors on the shedding and decay rates of eDNA from the golden mussel.},
journal = {Journal of environmental management},
volume = {388},
number = {},
pages = {126054},
doi = {10.1016/j.jenvman.2025.126054},
pmid = {40450939},
issn = {1095-8630},
abstract = {Environmental DNA (eDNA) quantification is an emerging technique for detecting invasive mussel in aquatic environments. Understanding mechanism of eDNA shedding and decaying under different environmental conditions are critical for obtaining reliable spatial and temporal distribution of the target species. As a representative invasive species in freshwater ecosystems, the golden mussel (Limnoperna fortunei) has caused significant economic and ecological damage worldwide through its invasion and biofouling. In this study, the effects of key eco-environmental factors including biomass, water temperature, and pH that influence eDNA shedding and decay of golden mussel were revealed through field investigations of grand water diversion project and laboratory experiments. The results revealed significant positive correlations between both biomass and water temperature with eDNA shedding rates. Additionally, high water temperatures and low pH conditions were found to accelerate the decay of mussel eDNA. The findings of this study indicate that the effects of these controlling factors should be considered during the collection and quantitative analysis processes of water samples to provide reliable base for invasion detection using eDNA technology.},
}
RevDate: 2025-05-31
Potential distribution projections of mangrove forests and invasive plants under climate change: case insights from mangrove management in Guangdong Province, China.
Marine pollution bulletin, 218:118131 pii:S0025-326X(25)00606-X [Epub ahead of print].
Mangrove ecosystems are vital for maintaining biodiversity, purifying water, sequestering carbon, and mitigating climate change in coastal regions. The geographical distribution of mangrove forests has been severely affected by global warming; therefore, it must be predicted under future climate scenarios to provide a scientific basis for conservation and restoration. In this study, we employed the MaxEnt model to predict the potential distribution of suitable mangrove areas in Guangdong Province under current conditions and two future climate scenarios (2030s and 2090s): SSP1-2.6 and SSP5-8.5. The potential distributions of introduced mangrove plants (Laguncularia racemosa and Sonneratia apetala) were assessed to evaluate their suitability for mangrove restoration. Furthermore, we investigated the invasive potential of Spartina alterniflora, a biologically invasive species in mangrove ecosystems, under different climate scenarios. Finally, a conservation gap analysis was conducted to identify priority areas for mangrove protection. We observed the following: i) main environmental factors affecting the distribution pattern of mangroves in Guangdong Province were temperature and water quality; ii) hotspots of mangrove distribution are mainly concentrated in the Beibu Gulf coastline, Leizhou Gulf coastline, Zhenhai Bay-Dongping Harbor-Beijin Bay coastline, Zhuhai Harbor-Guangzhou Bay-Humen-Mawan Bay, Shuangyue Bay, and Rongjiang River estuary; iii) optimal zone of mangroves was the largest under the SSP5-8.5 scenario, and the potential suitable zone and geometric center of mangroves gradually shifted to higher latitudes; iv) the protection and restoration of mangroves should be prioritized in the future in the zones of Anpu Harbor, Leizhou Bay, Zhenhai Bay, and Huangmaohai and coastline of Pearl River Estuary.
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@article {pmid40449471,
year = {2025},
author = {Zhang, S and Huang, H and Peng, D and Zhu, Y and Dong, D and Huang, H and Chu, J},
title = {Potential distribution projections of mangrove forests and invasive plants under climate change: case insights from mangrove management in Guangdong Province, China.},
journal = {Marine pollution bulletin},
volume = {218},
number = {},
pages = {118131},
doi = {10.1016/j.marpolbul.2025.118131},
pmid = {40449471},
issn = {1879-3363},
abstract = {Mangrove ecosystems are vital for maintaining biodiversity, purifying water, sequestering carbon, and mitigating climate change in coastal regions. The geographical distribution of mangrove forests has been severely affected by global warming; therefore, it must be predicted under future climate scenarios to provide a scientific basis for conservation and restoration. In this study, we employed the MaxEnt model to predict the potential distribution of suitable mangrove areas in Guangdong Province under current conditions and two future climate scenarios (2030s and 2090s): SSP1-2.6 and SSP5-8.5. The potential distributions of introduced mangrove plants (Laguncularia racemosa and Sonneratia apetala) were assessed to evaluate their suitability for mangrove restoration. Furthermore, we investigated the invasive potential of Spartina alterniflora, a biologically invasive species in mangrove ecosystems, under different climate scenarios. Finally, a conservation gap analysis was conducted to identify priority areas for mangrove protection. We observed the following: i) main environmental factors affecting the distribution pattern of mangroves in Guangdong Province were temperature and water quality; ii) hotspots of mangrove distribution are mainly concentrated in the Beibu Gulf coastline, Leizhou Gulf coastline, Zhenhai Bay-Dongping Harbor-Beijin Bay coastline, Zhuhai Harbor-Guangzhou Bay-Humen-Mawan Bay, Shuangyue Bay, and Rongjiang River estuary; iii) optimal zone of mangroves was the largest under the SSP5-8.5 scenario, and the potential suitable zone and geometric center of mangroves gradually shifted to higher latitudes; iv) the protection and restoration of mangroves should be prioritized in the future in the zones of Anpu Harbor, Leizhou Bay, Zhenhai Bay, and Huangmaohai and coastline of Pearl River Estuary.},
}
RevDate: 2025-05-31
Land use impacts on plant diversity and soil C/N stocks in semi-arid grasslands of northern China.
Journal of environmental management, 388:126023 pii:S0301-4797(25)01999-1 [Epub ahead of print].
Grasslands play an indispensable role in global ecological balance. However, land utilization practices such as mowing, grazing, and mining have led to degradation, affecting plant diversity and reducing carbon (C) and nitrogen (N) stocks. Revealing these degradation mechanisms after various land utilization practices is essential for implementing effective management practices to restore and sustain degraded grasslands. This study examines the effects of different land use types-mowing, light grazing, heavy grazing, and mining-on plant community characteristics, biomass, soil C and N dynamics in the Hulunbuir Grassland of Inner Mongolia. Our results revealed that across 50 herbaceous species, dominant vegetation shifted significantly: light grazing favored native grasses like Cleistogenes squarrosa and Artemisia frigida, while heavy grazing and mining promoted invasive species (e.g., Taraxacum mongolicum). Plant diversity and biomass were highest under mowing, but mining reduced species richness by 35 % and biomass by 50 % compared to mowing. Soil organic carbon (SOC) and total nitrogen (STN) stocks varied significantly across land-use types and plant growth phases, peaking in mowing sites (SOC: 9.85 ± 1.45 g/kg; STN: 1.55 ± 0.05 g/kg at 0-20 cm depth) and declining sharply in mining areas (SOC: 3.44 ± 0.46 g/kg; STN: 0.76 ± 0.06 g/kg). Strong correlations linked plant diversity and root biomass to SOC and STN retention, whereas Asteraceae biomass showed minimal influence. Structural equation modeling demonstrated that land use influenced SOC and STN stocks primarily through indirect effects on plant, root, and litter biomass rather than direct impacts. These findings underscore the need for daptive, site-specific restoration frameworks to mitigate degradation, prevent invasive species encroachment in mining areas and grazing livestock for sustainable grassland restoration.
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@article {pmid40449435,
year = {2025},
author = {Wang, J and Ma, K and Man, D and Zhu, S and Zhang, Y and Lu, J},
title = {Land use impacts on plant diversity and soil C/N stocks in semi-arid grasslands of northern China.},
journal = {Journal of environmental management},
volume = {388},
number = {},
pages = {126023},
doi = {10.1016/j.jenvman.2025.126023},
pmid = {40449435},
issn = {1095-8630},
abstract = {Grasslands play an indispensable role in global ecological balance. However, land utilization practices such as mowing, grazing, and mining have led to degradation, affecting plant diversity and reducing carbon (C) and nitrogen (N) stocks. Revealing these degradation mechanisms after various land utilization practices is essential for implementing effective management practices to restore and sustain degraded grasslands. This study examines the effects of different land use types-mowing, light grazing, heavy grazing, and mining-on plant community characteristics, biomass, soil C and N dynamics in the Hulunbuir Grassland of Inner Mongolia. Our results revealed that across 50 herbaceous species, dominant vegetation shifted significantly: light grazing favored native grasses like Cleistogenes squarrosa and Artemisia frigida, while heavy grazing and mining promoted invasive species (e.g., Taraxacum mongolicum). Plant diversity and biomass were highest under mowing, but mining reduced species richness by 35 % and biomass by 50 % compared to mowing. Soil organic carbon (SOC) and total nitrogen (STN) stocks varied significantly across land-use types and plant growth phases, peaking in mowing sites (SOC: 9.85 ± 1.45 g/kg; STN: 1.55 ± 0.05 g/kg at 0-20 cm depth) and declining sharply in mining areas (SOC: 3.44 ± 0.46 g/kg; STN: 0.76 ± 0.06 g/kg). Strong correlations linked plant diversity and root biomass to SOC and STN retention, whereas Asteraceae biomass showed minimal influence. Structural equation modeling demonstrated that land use influenced SOC and STN stocks primarily through indirect effects on plant, root, and litter biomass rather than direct impacts. These findings underscore the need for daptive, site-specific restoration frameworks to mitigate degradation, prevent invasive species encroachment in mining areas and grazing livestock for sustainable grassland restoration.},
}
RevDate: 2025-05-31
Predation success of declining long-snouted seahorse (Hippocampus guttulatus) population under habitat shifts.
Marine environmental research, 209:107247 pii:S0141-1136(25)00304-6 [Epub ahead of print].
Seahorse populations are facing significant declines worldwide, often associated to illegal trade and habitat loss or fragmentation. Emergent habitat shifts towards invasive seaweeds, facilitated by global warming, can also be at play, having still unknown effects on seahorse ecology. Particularly, indirect impacts on seahorse populations via altered predation success remains largely unexplored. Here, we conducted mesocosm experiments to investigate differences in the prey capture success of the long-snouted seahorse (Hippocampus guttulatus) among native habitats (i.e. seagrass meadows and unvegetated sediments) and non-native Caulerpa prolifera meadows when offered different preys (amphipods and shrimps), at low or high prey availability, and under low or high habitat complexity. Great plasticity of H. guttulatus to all habitats was revealed, as habitat type did not significantly affect the capture success. Instead, capture success depends on prey identity and availability regardless of the habitat type, as well as on habitat complexity. Seahorse capture success was higher under high prey availability, as well as when predating on amphipods that were offered together with shrimps. High habitat complexity of both vegetated habitats enhanced by double the capture success, whereas an opposite effect of similar magnitude was found for more complex unvegetated habitats. This indicates that vegetation complexity, regardless their native or invasive nature, reduces prey awareness to predator, whereas small structures in unvegetated habitats provide refuge for preys but not seahorse camouflage. We found no evidence that shifts from native habitats to invasive C. prolifera negatively impact H. guttulatus capture success, but further research on other aspects of its feeding ecology is still necessary.
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@article {pmid40449212,
year = {2025},
author = {Parreira, F and Palma, J and Santos, R and Martínez-Crego, B},
title = {Predation success of declining long-snouted seahorse (Hippocampus guttulatus) population under habitat shifts.},
journal = {Marine environmental research},
volume = {209},
number = {},
pages = {107247},
doi = {10.1016/j.marenvres.2025.107247},
pmid = {40449212},
issn = {1879-0291},
abstract = {Seahorse populations are facing significant declines worldwide, often associated to illegal trade and habitat loss or fragmentation. Emergent habitat shifts towards invasive seaweeds, facilitated by global warming, can also be at play, having still unknown effects on seahorse ecology. Particularly, indirect impacts on seahorse populations via altered predation success remains largely unexplored. Here, we conducted mesocosm experiments to investigate differences in the prey capture success of the long-snouted seahorse (Hippocampus guttulatus) among native habitats (i.e. seagrass meadows and unvegetated sediments) and non-native Caulerpa prolifera meadows when offered different preys (amphipods and shrimps), at low or high prey availability, and under low or high habitat complexity. Great plasticity of H. guttulatus to all habitats was revealed, as habitat type did not significantly affect the capture success. Instead, capture success depends on prey identity and availability regardless of the habitat type, as well as on habitat complexity. Seahorse capture success was higher under high prey availability, as well as when predating on amphipods that were offered together with shrimps. High habitat complexity of both vegetated habitats enhanced by double the capture success, whereas an opposite effect of similar magnitude was found for more complex unvegetated habitats. This indicates that vegetation complexity, regardless their native or invasive nature, reduces prey awareness to predator, whereas small structures in unvegetated habitats provide refuge for preys but not seahorse camouflage. We found no evidence that shifts from native habitats to invasive C. prolifera negatively impact H. guttulatus capture success, but further research on other aspects of its feeding ecology is still necessary.},
}
RevDate: 2025-05-31
Legacy of pine invasion disrupts plant-soil feedback of native and non-native grasses.
The New phytologist [Epub ahead of print].
Plant-soil feedback (PSF) is a standing concept helping to explain plant species coexistence. Accumulating evidence suggests that PSF depends on the environmental context. One particularly impactful disruption of the environmental context is the invasion of alien species into a community. While PSF between native and non-native species has been linked to invasion success, the effect of an invader on PSF between resident plants has received little attention. We explored how Pinus contorta (lodgepole pine) invasion impacts PSF between four resident grasses (two native and two non-native species). We grew the plants in live soil to condition species-specific soil communities, followed by a response phase where the plants were grown in conspecific and heterospecific soil. Both phases were performed with soil from uninvaded, invaded, or controlled invasion areas. Pairwise PSF between the species in uninvaded soil was negative and became neutral to positive in invaded soil. This effect persisted even after P. contorta removal. Our results suggest a destabilizing effect of P. contorta invasion on the coexistence of the resident grasses, benefitting non-natives over natives. This work exemplifies an overlooked mechanism by which an invader can alter interactions between resident species and adds a novel dimension to the context dependence of PSF.
Additional Links: PMID-40448370
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@article {pmid40448370,
year = {2025},
author = {Dudenhöffer, JH and Hulme, PE},
title = {Legacy of pine invasion disrupts plant-soil feedback of native and non-native grasses.},
journal = {The New phytologist},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1111/nph.70282},
pmid = {40448370},
issn = {1469-8137},
support = {C04X2102//Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment/ ; },
abstract = {Plant-soil feedback (PSF) is a standing concept helping to explain plant species coexistence. Accumulating evidence suggests that PSF depends on the environmental context. One particularly impactful disruption of the environmental context is the invasion of alien species into a community. While PSF between native and non-native species has been linked to invasion success, the effect of an invader on PSF between resident plants has received little attention. We explored how Pinus contorta (lodgepole pine) invasion impacts PSF between four resident grasses (two native and two non-native species). We grew the plants in live soil to condition species-specific soil communities, followed by a response phase where the plants were grown in conspecific and heterospecific soil. Both phases were performed with soil from uninvaded, invaded, or controlled invasion areas. Pairwise PSF between the species in uninvaded soil was negative and became neutral to positive in invaded soil. This effect persisted even after P. contorta removal. Our results suggest a destabilizing effect of P. contorta invasion on the coexistence of the resident grasses, benefitting non-natives over natives. This work exemplifies an overlooked mechanism by which an invader can alter interactions between resident species and adds a novel dimension to the context dependence of PSF.},
}
RevDate: 2025-06-02
CmpDate: 2025-05-30
Large-scale assessment of the impacts of invasive wild pigs on water quality in freshwater streams.
Scientific reports, 15(1):19055.
Highly competent hosts of zoonotic diseases of economic and epidemiological importance, the highly invasive species, Sus scrofa, has been identified as sources of non-point pollution in North America through small-scale studies of their fecal contamination in surface waters. Their fecal contamination alters natural physicochemical stream characteristics and increases concentrations of fecal bacteria. Providing one of the first-large scale assessments of their impacts, our study identified wild pigs as a source of non-point pollution on both a regional and multi-regional scale within our selected study state through microbial source tracking and traditional water quality assessment. At a multi-regional scale, we found greater median concentrations (mg/L) of nitrate (95.7%; p < 0.001), magnesium (83.3%; p < 0.001), and potassium (84.7%; p < 0.001) in samples from streams with fecal contamination by wild pigs (n = 111) than from streams without (n = 115). Like other non-point pollutants, the effects of wild pigs on water quality are scale-dependent and differ significantly across regions. Finally, at both a regional and multi-regional scale, our study found observably greater Escherichia coli and fecal coliform concentrations in streams with wild pigs, though statistical significance was lost at scale. Future research will be necessary to continue to evaluate the impacts of wild pigs on water quality, especially across different scales. Our findings support continued monitoring of impacts as the density and range of North American wild pig populations continue to increase.
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@article {pmid40447705,
year = {2025},
author = {Bradley, EA and Lockaby, BG and Madere, S and Brown, V and Steury, T},
title = {Large-scale assessment of the impacts of invasive wild pigs on water quality in freshwater streams.},
journal = {Scientific reports},
volume = {15},
number = {1},
pages = {19055},
pmid = {40447705},
issn = {2045-2322},
mesh = {Animals ; *Water Quality ; *Introduced Species ; *Rivers/chemistry/microbiology ; Feces/microbiology ; Swine ; Environmental Monitoring ; Animals, Wild ; *Fresh Water/microbiology ; *Sus scrofa ; Escherichia coli/isolation & purification ; Water Microbiology ; },
abstract = {Highly competent hosts of zoonotic diseases of economic and epidemiological importance, the highly invasive species, Sus scrofa, has been identified as sources of non-point pollution in North America through small-scale studies of their fecal contamination in surface waters. Their fecal contamination alters natural physicochemical stream characteristics and increases concentrations of fecal bacteria. Providing one of the first-large scale assessments of their impacts, our study identified wild pigs as a source of non-point pollution on both a regional and multi-regional scale within our selected study state through microbial source tracking and traditional water quality assessment. At a multi-regional scale, we found greater median concentrations (mg/L) of nitrate (95.7%; p < 0.001), magnesium (83.3%; p < 0.001), and potassium (84.7%; p < 0.001) in samples from streams with fecal contamination by wild pigs (n = 111) than from streams without (n = 115). Like other non-point pollutants, the effects of wild pigs on water quality are scale-dependent and differ significantly across regions. Finally, at both a regional and multi-regional scale, our study found observably greater Escherichia coli and fecal coliform concentrations in streams with wild pigs, though statistical significance was lost at scale. Future research will be necessary to continue to evaluate the impacts of wild pigs on water quality, especially across different scales. Our findings support continued monitoring of impacts as the density and range of North American wild pig populations continue to increase.},
}
MeSH Terms:
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Animals
*Water Quality
*Introduced Species
*Rivers/chemistry/microbiology
Feces/microbiology
Swine
Environmental Monitoring
Animals, Wild
*Fresh Water/microbiology
*Sus scrofa
Escherichia coli/isolation & purification
Water Microbiology
RevDate: 2025-06-02
CmpDate: 2025-05-30
Habitat use and abundance of an introduced population of the Japanese weasel (Mustela itatsi): Comparison with the native population.
PloS one, 20(5):e0324200.
Understanding habitat use and abundance is essential for elucidating the impact of invasive species. Invasive carnivores affect ecosystems by preying on native animals. In Japan, the Japanese weasel (Mustela itatsi) is native to the mainland but has been intentionally introduced to many small islands, including Miyakejima Island. We investigated the habitat use and abundance of invasive non-native Japanese weasels on Miyakejima Island via fecal surveys, and for comparison, performed similar surveys for their native conspecifics on Izu-Oshima Island. We constructed a generalized linear mixed model and estimated fecal abundance across the entire island based on the effect of vegetation type on their abundance. On Miyakejima Island, deciduous broadleaf and bamboo forests had positive effects on weasel abundance, whereas grasslands had a negative effect. Conversely, on Izu-Oshima Island, bare ground had a negative effect. Further, the estimated average fecal abundance across Miyakejima and Izu-Ohshima Islands, considering vegetation type, were 7.44 and 4.89 feces samples per km, respectively, suggesting that weasels are well adapted to Miyakejima Island. We also analyzed the fecal DNA of weasels in a specific area on Miyakejima Island and estimated non-native weasel density at 20 individuals per km2 (95% CI: 4.9-80) using genetic capture-recapture methods in the area. These findings enhance understanding regarding non-native species and may facilitate the formulation of countermeasures for their control.
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@article {pmid40445978,
year = {2025},
author = {Kubo, K and Tachikawa, T and Hirose, M and Hasegawa, M and Inoue, E},
title = {Habitat use and abundance of an introduced population of the Japanese weasel (Mustela itatsi): Comparison with the native population.},
journal = {PloS one},
volume = {20},
number = {5},
pages = {e0324200},
pmid = {40445978},
issn = {1932-6203},
mesh = {Animals ; *Introduced Species ; *Ecosystem ; Japan ; Feces/chemistry ; *Mustelidae/physiology ; Islands ; Population Density ; },
abstract = {Understanding habitat use and abundance is essential for elucidating the impact of invasive species. Invasive carnivores affect ecosystems by preying on native animals. In Japan, the Japanese weasel (Mustela itatsi) is native to the mainland but has been intentionally introduced to many small islands, including Miyakejima Island. We investigated the habitat use and abundance of invasive non-native Japanese weasels on Miyakejima Island via fecal surveys, and for comparison, performed similar surveys for their native conspecifics on Izu-Oshima Island. We constructed a generalized linear mixed model and estimated fecal abundance across the entire island based on the effect of vegetation type on their abundance. On Miyakejima Island, deciduous broadleaf and bamboo forests had positive effects on weasel abundance, whereas grasslands had a negative effect. Conversely, on Izu-Oshima Island, bare ground had a negative effect. Further, the estimated average fecal abundance across Miyakejima and Izu-Ohshima Islands, considering vegetation type, were 7.44 and 4.89 feces samples per km, respectively, suggesting that weasels are well adapted to Miyakejima Island. We also analyzed the fecal DNA of weasels in a specific area on Miyakejima Island and estimated non-native weasel density at 20 individuals per km2 (95% CI: 4.9-80) using genetic capture-recapture methods in the area. These findings enhance understanding regarding non-native species and may facilitate the formulation of countermeasures for their control.},
}
MeSH Terms:
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Animals
*Introduced Species
*Ecosystem
Japan
Feces/chemistry
*Mustelidae/physiology
Islands
Population Density
RevDate: 2025-06-02
CmpDate: 2025-05-30
Evidence of Spatial Synchrony in the Spread of an Invasive Forest Pest.
Ecology letters, 28(6):e70140.
Because population growth is a key component of range expansion, spatial synchrony in population growth along a species' range edge may lead to spatial synchrony in range expansion. However, demographic stochasticity in low-density range-edge populations and stochastic long-distance dispersal may disrupt the synchronisation of range expansion. Here, we investigate whether rates of spread by an invasive species, the spongy moth and exhibit spatial synchrony. We also evaluate if climatic oscillations at multi-annual timescales arising from teleconnections synchronise spread at similar timescales. We applied extensions of wavelet analysis to spatiotemporal data on climate variables and range-edge abundances during 1990-2020. Synchrony in spread occurred throughout the entire study area, but only in the northernmost and southernmost ecoregions was synchrony in spread explained by multi-annual climate oscillations linked to teleconnection patterns. We demonstrate spatial synchrony in invasive spread and find an opportunity to predict the timing of pulses of invasive spread at regional scales.
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@article {pmid40444352,
year = {2025},
author = {Rodenberg, CA and Walter, JA and Haynes, KJ},
title = {Evidence of Spatial Synchrony in the Spread of an Invasive Forest Pest.},
journal = {Ecology letters},
volume = {28},
number = {6},
pages = {e70140},
pmid = {40444352},
issn = {1461-0248},
mesh = {Animals ; *Introduced Species ; *Moths/physiology ; Forests ; *Animal Distribution ; Climate ; Population Growth ; Spatio-Temporal Analysis ; Models, Biological ; Population Dynamics ; },
abstract = {Because population growth is a key component of range expansion, spatial synchrony in population growth along a species' range edge may lead to spatial synchrony in range expansion. However, demographic stochasticity in low-density range-edge populations and stochastic long-distance dispersal may disrupt the synchronisation of range expansion. Here, we investigate whether rates of spread by an invasive species, the spongy moth and exhibit spatial synchrony. We also evaluate if climatic oscillations at multi-annual timescales arising from teleconnections synchronise spread at similar timescales. We applied extensions of wavelet analysis to spatiotemporal data on climate variables and range-edge abundances during 1990-2020. Synchrony in spread occurred throughout the entire study area, but only in the northernmost and southernmost ecoregions was synchrony in spread explained by multi-annual climate oscillations linked to teleconnection patterns. We demonstrate spatial synchrony in invasive spread and find an opportunity to predict the timing of pulses of invasive spread at regional scales.},
}
MeSH Terms:
show MeSH Terms
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Animals
*Introduced Species
*Moths/physiology
Forests
*Animal Distribution
Climate
Population Growth
Spatio-Temporal Analysis
Models, Biological
Population Dynamics
RevDate: 2025-06-01
Projecting global shifts in the invasive potential of Bidens pilosa L. under climate change using species distribution models.
Frontiers in plant science, 16:1580278.
Invasive species pose significant threats to ecosystems by reducing biodiversity, introducing new diseases, and competing with native species for resources. Bidens pilosa L., a globally invasive weed originating in tropical America, severely impacts agricultural productivity by infesting 31 economically vital crops across over 40 countries. This study examined the global distribution of Bidens pilosa L., under current and future climate scenarios. Using species distribution models and occurrence data, we identified key factors influencing its spread, including temperature, precipitation, and human influence. Our findings suggest a likely decline of suitable habitats in tropical regions and an expansion into temperate regions, with climate suitability decreasing under higher temperatures. Additionally, historical reconstructions emphasize that the rapid spread of the species was facilitated by maritime trade routes. Management strategies are proposed that emphasize the need for enhanced control measures in high-risk areas and conservation efforts in its native range in tropical America. Overall, this research contributes to understanding the dynamics of B. pilosa distribution and informs proactive management strategies to mitigate its ecological and economic impacts.
Additional Links: PMID-40443437
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@article {pmid40443437,
year = {2025},
author = {Fan, L and Mi, C and Li, J and Zhang, Y and Zhang, H and Zhang, G and Wang, H},
title = {Projecting global shifts in the invasive potential of Bidens pilosa L. under climate change using species distribution models.},
journal = {Frontiers in plant science},
volume = {16},
number = {},
pages = {1580278},
pmid = {40443437},
issn = {1664-462X},
abstract = {Invasive species pose significant threats to ecosystems by reducing biodiversity, introducing new diseases, and competing with native species for resources. Bidens pilosa L., a globally invasive weed originating in tropical America, severely impacts agricultural productivity by infesting 31 economically vital crops across over 40 countries. This study examined the global distribution of Bidens pilosa L., under current and future climate scenarios. Using species distribution models and occurrence data, we identified key factors influencing its spread, including temperature, precipitation, and human influence. Our findings suggest a likely decline of suitable habitats in tropical regions and an expansion into temperate regions, with climate suitability decreasing under higher temperatures. Additionally, historical reconstructions emphasize that the rapid spread of the species was facilitated by maritime trade routes. Management strategies are proposed that emphasize the need for enhanced control measures in high-risk areas and conservation efforts in its native range in tropical America. Overall, this research contributes to understanding the dynamics of B. pilosa distribution and informs proactive management strategies to mitigate its ecological and economic impacts.},
}
RevDate: 2025-06-01
CmpDate: 2025-05-29
Effect of nanoparticles on the growth of okra cultivated in soil affected by rocky desertification.
Scientific reports, 15(1):18930.
This study investigated the influence of various nanoparticles (NPs), including carbon-based NPs, Al2O3-NPs, SiO2-NPs, and TiO2-NPs, on the growth and physiology of okra plants cultivated in soil impacted by rocky desertification. The morphological characteristics, photosynthetic parameters, antioxidant capacity, nutrient uptake of the okra plants, and available nutrient content in the soil were evaluated. The results demonstrated a significant improvement in the growth, photosynthetic properties, chlorophyll content, and activities of antioxidant enzymes (catalase, peroxidase, and superoxide dismutase) in the okra plants treated with NPs compared to the control. Additionally, the NP-treated plants exhibited enhanced total nitrogen content, and hydrolysis nitrogen content in soil was also significantly increased, indicating improved nitrogen uptake. Notably, TiO2-NPs demonstrated the most pronounced effects on plant growth and photosynthetic characteristics, while TiO2-NPs and SiO2-NPs showed higher antioxidant enhancement compared to other NPs. These findings suggest the potential of nanoparticles as a promising agricultural solution to address challenges in regions like Guizhou Province, China.
Additional Links: PMID-40442474
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@article {pmid40442474,
year = {2025},
author = {Wang, J and Tian, X and Wei, S and Meng, X and Chen, N and Shi, D and Liang, C},
title = {Effect of nanoparticles on the growth of okra cultivated in soil affected by rocky desertification.},
journal = {Scientific reports},
volume = {15},
number = {1},
pages = {18930},
pmid = {40442474},
issn = {2045-2322},
support = {QJJ-[2023]-024//program for Natural Science Research in Guizhou Education Department/ ; QJJ-[2023]-024//program for Natural Science Research in Guizhou Education Department/ ; QJJ-[2023]-024//program for Natural Science Research in Guizhou Education Department/ ; GCC〔2022〕009//The Sixth Batch of Guizhou Province High-level Innovative Talent Training Program/ ; GCC〔2022〕009//The Sixth Batch of Guizhou Province High-level Innovative Talent Training Program/ ; S2024109760212//Innovation and Entrepreneurship Training plan for college students in Guizhou Province in 2024/ ; S2024109760212//Innovation and Entrepreneurship Training plan for college students in Guizhou Province in 2024/ ; GCC[2023]071//The program of Excellent Innovation Talents in Guizhou Province/ ; GCC[2023]071//The program of Excellent Innovation Talents in Guizhou Province/ ; },
mesh = {*Soil/chemistry ; *Nanoparticles/chemistry ; Photosynthesis/drug effects ; Antioxidants/metabolism ; Silicon Dioxide/chemistry ; Nitrogen/metabolism ; Chlorophyll/metabolism ; Titanium/chemistry ; },
abstract = {This study investigated the influence of various nanoparticles (NPs), including carbon-based NPs, Al2O3-NPs, SiO2-NPs, and TiO2-NPs, on the growth and physiology of okra plants cultivated in soil impacted by rocky desertification. The morphological characteristics, photosynthetic parameters, antioxidant capacity, nutrient uptake of the okra plants, and available nutrient content in the soil were evaluated. The results demonstrated a significant improvement in the growth, photosynthetic properties, chlorophyll content, and activities of antioxidant enzymes (catalase, peroxidase, and superoxide dismutase) in the okra plants treated with NPs compared to the control. Additionally, the NP-treated plants exhibited enhanced total nitrogen content, and hydrolysis nitrogen content in soil was also significantly increased, indicating improved nitrogen uptake. Notably, TiO2-NPs demonstrated the most pronounced effects on plant growth and photosynthetic characteristics, while TiO2-NPs and SiO2-NPs showed higher antioxidant enhancement compared to other NPs. These findings suggest the potential of nanoparticles as a promising agricultural solution to address challenges in regions like Guizhou Province, China.},
}
MeSH Terms:
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*Soil/chemistry
*Nanoparticles/chemistry
Photosynthesis/drug effects
Antioxidants/metabolism
Silicon Dioxide/chemistry
Nitrogen/metabolism
Chlorophyll/metabolism
Titanium/chemistry
RevDate: 2025-06-02
CmpDate: 2025-06-02
Frogs in a Hurry: Morphological and Physiological Correlates of Inter-Site Movement Success in an Aquatic Invader.
Journal of experimental zoology. Part A, Ecological and integrative physiology, 343(6):703-713.
Movement is a key driver of population dynamics. Movement ability and propensity often vary among populations and individuals. These differences may be particularly strong in aquatic species, where the ability to move within a site is not necessarily correlated to the ability to move between sites. In periods of range expansion, these differences can lead to non-equilibrium dynamics, whereby more mobile phenotypes arrange themselves spatially. This can be even more pronounced when dispersal success is nonrandom with respect to a heritable trait, thus acting as an agent of selection. This process-dubbed spatial sorting-can be particularly pronounced in non-native species, often hastening the speed of invasion spread. However, before spatial sorting occurring, there must first be individual differences in traits that confer greater movement success. Recently, a high-density breeding and expanding population of the non-native pipid frog, Xenopus tropicalis, in west-central Florida, offering a great opportunity to test whether movement success is predicted by individual differences in morphology or locomotor capacity. To test this, we compared the morphology, maximal exertion capacity, and jumping performance of movers and residents. We found that relative to residents, movers had longer hindlimbs, wider ilia, and traveled for greater time intervals before reaching exhaustion. These results suggest functional morphological and physiological traits are important in determining inter-site movement success.
Additional Links: PMID-40200827
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@article {pmid40200827,
year = {2025},
author = {Goodman, CM and Buckman, K and Hill, JE and Johnson, SA and Acevedo, MA and Romagosa, CM},
title = {Frogs in a Hurry: Morphological and Physiological Correlates of Inter-Site Movement Success in an Aquatic Invader.},
journal = {Journal of experimental zoology. Part A, Ecological and integrative physiology},
volume = {343},
number = {6},
pages = {703-713},
doi = {10.1002/jez.2923},
pmid = {40200827},
issn = {2471-5646},
support = {//We would like to thank the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission for assisting in funding this study. We would like to thank Craig Watson from the Tropical Aquaculture Laboratory for material support and for allowing the use of the facilities used for experiments./ ; },
mesh = {Animals ; *Introduced Species ; *Xenopus/physiology/anatomy & histology ; Florida ; *Locomotion/physiology ; Female ; Male ; },
abstract = {Movement is a key driver of population dynamics. Movement ability and propensity often vary among populations and individuals. These differences may be particularly strong in aquatic species, where the ability to move within a site is not necessarily correlated to the ability to move between sites. In periods of range expansion, these differences can lead to non-equilibrium dynamics, whereby more mobile phenotypes arrange themselves spatially. This can be even more pronounced when dispersal success is nonrandom with respect to a heritable trait, thus acting as an agent of selection. This process-dubbed spatial sorting-can be particularly pronounced in non-native species, often hastening the speed of invasion spread. However, before spatial sorting occurring, there must first be individual differences in traits that confer greater movement success. Recently, a high-density breeding and expanding population of the non-native pipid frog, Xenopus tropicalis, in west-central Florida, offering a great opportunity to test whether movement success is predicted by individual differences in morphology or locomotor capacity. To test this, we compared the morphology, maximal exertion capacity, and jumping performance of movers and residents. We found that relative to residents, movers had longer hindlimbs, wider ilia, and traveled for greater time intervals before reaching exhaustion. These results suggest functional morphological and physiological traits are important in determining inter-site movement success.},
}
MeSH Terms:
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Animals
*Introduced Species
*Xenopus/physiology/anatomy & histology
Florida
*Locomotion/physiology
Female
Male
RevDate: 2025-06-01
CmpDate: 2025-05-29
Underwater drone-based eDNA metabarcoding reveals regional differences in fish communities and early detection of alien species around the Korean Peninsula.
Scientific reports, 15(1):18827.
Coastal ecosystems surrounding the Korean Peninsula are undergoing rapid environmental changes driven by global climate warming, highlighting the need for efficient methods to monitor marine biodiversity. This study aimed to analyze fish communities across four coastal regions: the East Sea, South Sea, West Sea, and Jeju using environmental DNA (eDNA) metabarcoding. Underwater drones were employed to collect water samples. A total of 63 sampling sites were surveyed, detecting 167 fish species from 72 families, encompassing tropical, subtropical, temperate, boreal, polar, and deep-water taxa. The East Sea hosted a mix of cold- and warm-water species, while Jeju exhibited a relatively high proportion of tropical and subtropical fish. Additionally, 13 alien species were identified, underscoring the utility of eDNA for the early detection of non-native taxa expanding their ranges in response to ongoing warming trends. This study further validated that eDNA sampling using underwater drones offers a rapid, non-invasive approach to biodiversity assessments, effectively addressing many of the limitations associated with traditional survey techniques. Collectively, these findings highlight the potential of eDNA to generate critical and timely data on fish assemblages the emergence of alien species, providing valuable insights to inform proactive resource management, and climate change research in marine ecosystems.
Additional Links: PMID-40442240
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@article {pmid40442240,
year = {2025},
author = {Yu, TS and Kim, WS and Kwak, IS},
title = {Underwater drone-based eDNA metabarcoding reveals regional differences in fish communities and early detection of alien species around the Korean Peninsula.},
journal = {Scientific reports},
volume = {15},
number = {1},
pages = {18827},
pmid = {40442240},
issn = {2045-2322},
support = {NRF-2018-R1A6A1A-03024314//National Research Foundation of Korea/ ; },
mesh = {Animals ; *Fishes/genetics/classification ; *DNA Barcoding, Taxonomic/methods ; *DNA, Environmental/genetics ; Biodiversity ; Republic of Korea ; *Introduced Species ; Ecosystem ; },
abstract = {Coastal ecosystems surrounding the Korean Peninsula are undergoing rapid environmental changes driven by global climate warming, highlighting the need for efficient methods to monitor marine biodiversity. This study aimed to analyze fish communities across four coastal regions: the East Sea, South Sea, West Sea, and Jeju using environmental DNA (eDNA) metabarcoding. Underwater drones were employed to collect water samples. A total of 63 sampling sites were surveyed, detecting 167 fish species from 72 families, encompassing tropical, subtropical, temperate, boreal, polar, and deep-water taxa. The East Sea hosted a mix of cold- and warm-water species, while Jeju exhibited a relatively high proportion of tropical and subtropical fish. Additionally, 13 alien species were identified, underscoring the utility of eDNA for the early detection of non-native taxa expanding their ranges in response to ongoing warming trends. This study further validated that eDNA sampling using underwater drones offers a rapid, non-invasive approach to biodiversity assessments, effectively addressing many of the limitations associated with traditional survey techniques. Collectively, these findings highlight the potential of eDNA to generate critical and timely data on fish assemblages the emergence of alien species, providing valuable insights to inform proactive resource management, and climate change research in marine ecosystems.},
}
MeSH Terms:
show MeSH Terms
hide MeSH Terms
Animals
*Fishes/genetics/classification
*DNA Barcoding, Taxonomic/methods
*DNA, Environmental/genetics
Biodiversity
Republic of Korea
*Introduced Species
Ecosystem
RevDate: 2025-06-01
CmpDate: 2025-06-01
Effects of Spartina alterniflora invasion on carbon fixation and sulfate reduction in a subtropical marine mangrove ecosystem.
Marine pollution bulletin, 217:118128.
Mangrove sediments host diverse microbial communities that are crucial for carbon fixation, but their functions and pathways in subtropical ecosystems-particularly under Spartina alterniflora invasion and across varying sediment depths-remain unclear. This study employed metagenomic and qPCR analyses to explore microbial carbon fixation in Rhizophora stylosa, S. alterniflora, and bare beach habitats. Environmental factors like Cd, sulfide, pH, and salinity significantly influenced carbon fixation and sulfate reduction. Specifically, the invasion increased the abundance of key carbon fixation genes, including aclA/B, cbbL, and korA, which are involved in the Calvin-Benson-Bassham (CBB) and Arnon-Buchanan (rTCA) cycles, respectively. This shift in gene abundance was accompanied by elevated Ribulose-1,5-bisphosphate carboxylase/oxygenase (RubisCO) activity (0.47-21.82 nmol CO2 g[-1] soil min[-1]), suggesting a potential increase in microbial CO2 fixation rates in S. alterniflora-invaded sediments. Sediment depth also affected the distribution of carbon fixation genes and carbon-metabolizing microbes. Desulfobacterota were identified as major contributors to carbon fixation via both the rTCA and CBB cycles. Moreover, a strong correlation was observed between carbon fixation and sulfate reduction. These findings reveal how S. alterniflora invasion impacts carbon fixation and enhance our understanding of the mangrove ecosystems' role in climate change regulation.
Additional Links: PMID-40367885
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@article {pmid40367885,
year = {2025},
author = {Mo, S and Wu, X and Kashif, M and Zeng, S and Sang, Y and Meng, C and He, S and Jiang, C},
title = {Effects of Spartina alterniflora invasion on carbon fixation and sulfate reduction in a subtropical marine mangrove ecosystem.},
journal = {Marine pollution bulletin},
volume = {217},
number = {},
pages = {118128},
doi = {10.1016/j.marpolbul.2025.118128},
pmid = {40367885},
issn = {1879-3363},
mesh = {*Wetlands ; *Carbon Cycle ; *Sulfates/metabolism ; *Introduced Species ; *Poaceae/physiology ; Geologic Sediments/microbiology ; Ecosystem ; *Rhizophoraceae ; },
abstract = {Mangrove sediments host diverse microbial communities that are crucial for carbon fixation, but their functions and pathways in subtropical ecosystems-particularly under Spartina alterniflora invasion and across varying sediment depths-remain unclear. This study employed metagenomic and qPCR analyses to explore microbial carbon fixation in Rhizophora stylosa, S. alterniflora, and bare beach habitats. Environmental factors like Cd, sulfide, pH, and salinity significantly influenced carbon fixation and sulfate reduction. Specifically, the invasion increased the abundance of key carbon fixation genes, including aclA/B, cbbL, and korA, which are involved in the Calvin-Benson-Bassham (CBB) and Arnon-Buchanan (rTCA) cycles, respectively. This shift in gene abundance was accompanied by elevated Ribulose-1,5-bisphosphate carboxylase/oxygenase (RubisCO) activity (0.47-21.82 nmol CO2 g[-1] soil min[-1]), suggesting a potential increase in microbial CO2 fixation rates in S. alterniflora-invaded sediments. Sediment depth also affected the distribution of carbon fixation genes and carbon-metabolizing microbes. Desulfobacterota were identified as major contributors to carbon fixation via both the rTCA and CBB cycles. Moreover, a strong correlation was observed between carbon fixation and sulfate reduction. These findings reveal how S. alterniflora invasion impacts carbon fixation and enhance our understanding of the mangrove ecosystems' role in climate change regulation.},
}
MeSH Terms:
show MeSH Terms
hide MeSH Terms
*Wetlands
*Carbon Cycle
*Sulfates/metabolism
*Introduced Species
*Poaceae/physiology
Geologic Sediments/microbiology
Ecosystem
*Rhizophoraceae
RevDate: 2025-05-29
CmpDate: 2025-05-29
Selenium content and bioaccumulation in Bidens tripartita and Bidens frondosa under different habitat conditions in Poland and Montenegro.
Scientific reports, 15(1):18901.
The subjects of this study were two congeneric species of the genus Bidens, the European native Bidens tripartita and the invasive Bidens frondosa. The aim of this research was to determine: (1) the selenium content of the specimens of these species and the soils in which they grew, (2) the role of habitat parameters in shaping selenium levels in the soil and the plants studied, and (3) the bioaccumulation potential of the plants studied, taking habitat conditions into account. Specimens of both species were collected from riverbanks in Poland and Montenegro, and the Se concentrations in each specimen and in the soil sample from each site were measured. Our studies indicate that the invasive species B. frondosa has significantly higher selenium concentrations and greater bioaccumulation abilities (BCF > 1) compared to B. tripartita. Despite the average selenium concentration in the soil being higher in Poland than in Montenegro, Se concentration accumulated in B. frondosa collected in Montenegro was higher, it was also observed that soil chemical properties affect Se bioaccumulation in this species. The type of land use within each site has also been identified according to CORINE classification. The results of the study indicated a great significance of human impact on the selenium enrichment of plants, as the specimen collected in artificial rivers and areas impacted by anthropogenic pression contained much higher amounts of Se than plants growing in more natural habitats. The results also illustrated that the invasive species that have the ability to accumulate selenium, like B. frondosa, can be an exogenous root of this particular trace element for living organizms.
Additional Links: PMID-40442159
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@article {pmid40442159,
year = {2025},
author = {Krzynówek, Z and Stępień-Zawal, E and Sotek, Z and Pakulnicka, J and Pilarczyk, B and Malinowska, K and Vukašinović-Pešić, V and Pešić, V and Filip, E and Bąkowska, M and Pilarczyk, R and Zawal, A},
title = {Selenium content and bioaccumulation in Bidens tripartita and Bidens frondosa under different habitat conditions in Poland and Montenegro.},
journal = {Scientific reports},
volume = {15},
number = {1},
pages = {18901},
pmid = {40442159},
issn = {2045-2322},
support = {RID/SP/0045/2024/01//Minister of Science under the "Regional Excellence Initiative" Program for 2024-2027/ ; },
mesh = {Poland ; *Selenium/analysis/metabolism ; Montenegro ; *Ecosystem ; Soil/chemistry ; *Bidens/metabolism/chemistry ; Bioaccumulation ; Introduced Species ; *Soil Pollutants/analysis/metabolism ; Environmental Monitoring ; },
abstract = {The subjects of this study were two congeneric species of the genus Bidens, the European native Bidens tripartita and the invasive Bidens frondosa. The aim of this research was to determine: (1) the selenium content of the specimens of these species and the soils in which they grew, (2) the role of habitat parameters in shaping selenium levels in the soil and the plants studied, and (3) the bioaccumulation potential of the plants studied, taking habitat conditions into account. Specimens of both species were collected from riverbanks in Poland and Montenegro, and the Se concentrations in each specimen and in the soil sample from each site were measured. Our studies indicate that the invasive species B. frondosa has significantly higher selenium concentrations and greater bioaccumulation abilities (BCF > 1) compared to B. tripartita. Despite the average selenium concentration in the soil being higher in Poland than in Montenegro, Se concentration accumulated in B. frondosa collected in Montenegro was higher, it was also observed that soil chemical properties affect Se bioaccumulation in this species. The type of land use within each site has also been identified according to CORINE classification. The results of the study indicated a great significance of human impact on the selenium enrichment of plants, as the specimen collected in artificial rivers and areas impacted by anthropogenic pression contained much higher amounts of Se than plants growing in more natural habitats. The results also illustrated that the invasive species that have the ability to accumulate selenium, like B. frondosa, can be an exogenous root of this particular trace element for living organizms.},
}
MeSH Terms:
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Poland
*Selenium/analysis/metabolism
Montenegro
*Ecosystem
Soil/chemistry
*Bidens/metabolism/chemistry
Bioaccumulation
Introduced Species
*Soil Pollutants/analysis/metabolism
Environmental Monitoring
RevDate: 2025-05-29
CmpDate: 2025-05-29
Haplotype resolved chromosome-level genome assembly of the gold barb (Barbodes semifasciolatus).
Scientific data, 12(1):902.
The gold barb (Barbodes semifasciolatus), a member of the Cyprinidae family, exhibits remarkable adaptability to highly acidic environments, making it an ideal model for studying extreme environmental adaptation. However, its genome has not been previously characterized. To address this, we assembled a high-quality chromosome-scale genome for B. semifasciolatus using High-Fidelity (HiFi) sequencing and Hi-C technology. The resulting haplotype-resolved assemblies, spanning 776 Mb and 779 Mb across 25 chromosomes, achieved genome coverages of 99.5% and 99.7%, respectively, and included four gap-free chromosomes. Genome quality assessment using BUSCO indicated a high completeness score of 98.2% for haplotype1 and 98.3% for haplotype2, further validated by strong synteny with the zebrafish (Danio rerio), confirming the assembly's integrity and continuity. Through integration of full-length transcriptome data, RNA sequencing, and homology-based annotation, we identified 26,057 protein-coding genes with 2,087 pseudogenes in haplotype 2, and 25,622 protein-coding genes with 2,101 pseudogenes in haplotype 1. This high-resolution genome assembly is a crucial resource for advancing research in the Cyprinidae, particularly for understanding adaptive evolution in extreme environments.
Additional Links: PMID-40442123
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@article {pmid40442123,
year = {2025},
author = {Chen, W and Li, C and Yang, R and Li, Y and Wu, B and Li, J},
title = {Haplotype resolved chromosome-level genome assembly of the gold barb (Barbodes semifasciolatus).},
journal = {Scientific data},
volume = {12},
number = {1},
pages = {902},
pmid = {40442123},
issn = {2052-4463},
mesh = {Animals ; *Cyprinidae/genetics ; *Haplotypes ; *Genome ; *Chromosomes ; Zebrafish/genetics ; },
abstract = {The gold barb (Barbodes semifasciolatus), a member of the Cyprinidae family, exhibits remarkable adaptability to highly acidic environments, making it an ideal model for studying extreme environmental adaptation. However, its genome has not been previously characterized. To address this, we assembled a high-quality chromosome-scale genome for B. semifasciolatus using High-Fidelity (HiFi) sequencing and Hi-C technology. The resulting haplotype-resolved assemblies, spanning 776 Mb and 779 Mb across 25 chromosomes, achieved genome coverages of 99.5% and 99.7%, respectively, and included four gap-free chromosomes. Genome quality assessment using BUSCO indicated a high completeness score of 98.2% for haplotype1 and 98.3% for haplotype2, further validated by strong synteny with the zebrafish (Danio rerio), confirming the assembly's integrity and continuity. Through integration of full-length transcriptome data, RNA sequencing, and homology-based annotation, we identified 26,057 protein-coding genes with 2,087 pseudogenes in haplotype 2, and 25,622 protein-coding genes with 2,101 pseudogenes in haplotype 1. This high-resolution genome assembly is a crucial resource for advancing research in the Cyprinidae, particularly for understanding adaptive evolution in extreme environments.},
}
MeSH Terms:
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Animals
*Cyprinidae/genetics
*Haplotypes
*Genome
*Chromosomes
Zebrafish/genetics
RevDate: 2025-05-29
CmpDate: 2025-05-29
Chromosome-level genome assembly of Paracoccus marginatus based on PacBio and Hi-C technologies.
Scientific data, 12(1):901.
Invasive species pose a serious threat to ecosystems and biodiversity, leading to considerable economic losses for countries. The papaya mealybug (Paracoccus marginatus), is a prominent invasive pest that affects over 200 plant species and has been recorded in more than 60 countries and regions.Here, the chromosome-level genome of P. marginatus was assembled using PacBio and Hi-C technologies. The resulting genome, with a total size of 213.81 Mb, was organized into four chromosomes. The contig and scaffold N50 values were 20.2 Mb and 48.01 Mb, respectively. The genome assembly attained a BUSCO completeness score of 95.5%, and CEGMA analysis showed that 99.56% of the genome was thoroughly annotated. It includes 13,367 predicted protein-coding genes, with 49.26% of the assembly identified as repetitive sequences. This high-quality genome serves as a valuable resource for a range of research fields, such as population genetics, evolutionary studies, invasive species management, and comparative genomics within Hemiptera and other insect groups.
Additional Links: PMID-40442080
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@article {pmid40442080,
year = {2025},
author = {Wei, J and Xue, J and Shen, X and Zhang, G and Zhao, Q and Lu, Y and Niu, M and Ji, W},
title = {Chromosome-level genome assembly of Paracoccus marginatus based on PacBio and Hi-C technologies.},
journal = {Scientific data},
volume = {12},
number = {1},
pages = {901},
pmid = {40442080},
issn = {2052-4463},
mesh = {Animals ; *Paracoccus/genetics ; *Genome, Insect ; Genomics ; },
abstract = {Invasive species pose a serious threat to ecosystems and biodiversity, leading to considerable economic losses for countries. The papaya mealybug (Paracoccus marginatus), is a prominent invasive pest that affects over 200 plant species and has been recorded in more than 60 countries and regions.Here, the chromosome-level genome of P. marginatus was assembled using PacBio and Hi-C technologies. The resulting genome, with a total size of 213.81 Mb, was organized into four chromosomes. The contig and scaffold N50 values were 20.2 Mb and 48.01 Mb, respectively. The genome assembly attained a BUSCO completeness score of 95.5%, and CEGMA analysis showed that 99.56% of the genome was thoroughly annotated. It includes 13,367 predicted protein-coding genes, with 49.26% of the assembly identified as repetitive sequences. This high-quality genome serves as a valuable resource for a range of research fields, such as population genetics, evolutionary studies, invasive species management, and comparative genomics within Hemiptera and other insect groups.},
}
MeSH Terms:
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Animals
*Paracoccus/genetics
*Genome, Insect
Genomics
RevDate: 2025-05-30
Physiological costs of infection by the invasive parasitic copepod Mytilicola intestinalis accumulate across temporal scales in the blue mussel Mytilus edulis.
Journal of invertebrate pathology, 212:108374 pii:S0022-2011(25)00108-9 [Epub ahead of print].
Exploitation of host resources by parasites can have profound impacts on infected hosts. When prevalence is high parasite infection can even feed back on host population dynamics. Especially when parasites are invasive species, their new native hosts can suffer from exploitation due to a lack of co-evolutionary history. Nevertheless, energetic costs are often subtle at the level of the individual and hard to link to population level effects. Sublethal energetic costs accumulate over time and can in sum be traded off against fitness over longer time scales. To study temporal accumulation of infection costs, we used a series of controlled infection experiments to assess the physiological effects exerted by the invasive parasitic copepod Mytilicola intestinalis on its newly acquired native host, the blue mussel Mytilus edulis in the North Sea, where the parasite can reach prevalences > 70 %. To link short-term physiological responses to long term components of fitness, we combined several methodological approaches measuring changes of physiological traits that act on different time scales. Stable isotope analyses over different seasons and environments revealed a direct consumption of host tissue by M. intestinalis. Tissue repair increased energy demand that could directly be observed in accelerated heartbeat rates, and changes of amino acid metabolism measured by [1]H NMR spectroscopy. Although these effects were comparatively small in size, the resulting altered energy budget of the mussel host led to a lower body condition index under controlled laboratory conditions on medium time scales (months) and slower growth in the field over longer time scales (1 year). In combination, our experimental results show that small short-term physiological changes can translate to fitness relevant negative effects on life history traits when integrated across temporal scales.
Additional Links: PMID-40441411
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@article {pmid40441411,
year = {2025},
author = {Demann, F and Buschbaum, C and Bock, C and Guillou, G and Lebreton, B and Lannig, G and Molis, M and Wegner, KM},
title = {Physiological costs of infection by the invasive parasitic copepod Mytilicola intestinalis accumulate across temporal scales in the blue mussel Mytilus edulis.},
journal = {Journal of invertebrate pathology},
volume = {212},
number = {},
pages = {108374},
doi = {10.1016/j.jip.2025.108374},
pmid = {40441411},
issn = {1096-0805},
abstract = {Exploitation of host resources by parasites can have profound impacts on infected hosts. When prevalence is high parasite infection can even feed back on host population dynamics. Especially when parasites are invasive species, their new native hosts can suffer from exploitation due to a lack of co-evolutionary history. Nevertheless, energetic costs are often subtle at the level of the individual and hard to link to population level effects. Sublethal energetic costs accumulate over time and can in sum be traded off against fitness over longer time scales. To study temporal accumulation of infection costs, we used a series of controlled infection experiments to assess the physiological effects exerted by the invasive parasitic copepod Mytilicola intestinalis on its newly acquired native host, the blue mussel Mytilus edulis in the North Sea, where the parasite can reach prevalences > 70 %. To link short-term physiological responses to long term components of fitness, we combined several methodological approaches measuring changes of physiological traits that act on different time scales. Stable isotope analyses over different seasons and environments revealed a direct consumption of host tissue by M. intestinalis. Tissue repair increased energy demand that could directly be observed in accelerated heartbeat rates, and changes of amino acid metabolism measured by [1]H NMR spectroscopy. Although these effects were comparatively small in size, the resulting altered energy budget of the mussel host led to a lower body condition index under controlled laboratory conditions on medium time scales (months) and slower growth in the field over longer time scales (1 year). In combination, our experimental results show that small short-term physiological changes can translate to fitness relevant negative effects on life history traits when integrated across temporal scales.},
}
RevDate: 2025-05-29
CmpDate: 2025-05-29
Eltonian Niche Modelling: Applying Joint Hierarchical Niche Models to Ecological Networks.
Ecology letters, 28(6):e70120.
There is currently a dichotomy in the modelling of Grinnellian and Eltonian niches. Despite similar underlying data, Grinnellian niches are modelled with species-distribution models (SDMs), whereas Eltonian niches are modelled with ecological-network analysis, mainly because the sparsity of species-interaction data prevents the application of SDMs to Eltonian-niche modelling. Here, we propose to adapt recently developed joint species distribution models (JSDMs) to data on ecological networks, functional traits, and phylogenies to model species' Eltonian niches. JSDMs overcome sparsity and improve predictions for individual species by considering non-independent relationships among co-occurring species; this unique ability makes them particularly suited for sparse datasets such as ecological networks. Our Eltonian JSDMs reveal strong relationships between species' Eltonian niches and their functional traits and phylogeny. Moreover, we demonstrate that JSDMs can accurately predict the interactions of species for which no empirical interaction data are available, based solely on their functional traits. This facilitates prediction of new interactions in communities with altered composition, for example, following climate-change induced local extinctions or species introductions. The high interpretability of Eltonian JSDMs will provide unique insights into mechanisms underlying species interactions and the potential impacts of environmental changes and invasive species on species interactions in ecological communities.
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@article {pmid40439603,
year = {2025},
author = {Dehling, DM and Lai, HR and Stouffer, DB},
title = {Eltonian Niche Modelling: Applying Joint Hierarchical Niche Models to Ecological Networks.},
journal = {Ecology letters},
volume = {28},
number = {6},
pages = {e70120},
pmid = {40439603},
issn = {1461-0248},
support = {SR200100005//Australian Research Council SRIEAS Securing Antarctica's Environmental Future/ ; MFP-UOC2102//Marsden Fund/ ; },
mesh = {*Models, Biological ; *Ecosystem ; Phylogeny ; Animals ; },
abstract = {There is currently a dichotomy in the modelling of Grinnellian and Eltonian niches. Despite similar underlying data, Grinnellian niches are modelled with species-distribution models (SDMs), whereas Eltonian niches are modelled with ecological-network analysis, mainly because the sparsity of species-interaction data prevents the application of SDMs to Eltonian-niche modelling. Here, we propose to adapt recently developed joint species distribution models (JSDMs) to data on ecological networks, functional traits, and phylogenies to model species' Eltonian niches. JSDMs overcome sparsity and improve predictions for individual species by considering non-independent relationships among co-occurring species; this unique ability makes them particularly suited for sparse datasets such as ecological networks. Our Eltonian JSDMs reveal strong relationships between species' Eltonian niches and their functional traits and phylogeny. Moreover, we demonstrate that JSDMs can accurately predict the interactions of species for which no empirical interaction data are available, based solely on their functional traits. This facilitates prediction of new interactions in communities with altered composition, for example, following climate-change induced local extinctions or species introductions. The high interpretability of Eltonian JSDMs will provide unique insights into mechanisms underlying species interactions and the potential impacts of environmental changes and invasive species on species interactions in ecological communities.},
}
MeSH Terms:
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*Models, Biological
*Ecosystem
Phylogeny
Animals
RevDate: 2025-05-29
Two new species of Neohelicosporium (Tubeufiaceae, Tubeufiales) from freshwater and terrestrial habitats in China.
MycoKeys, 118:1-17.
Neohelicosporium species are a group of helicosporous hyphomycetes with the potential to produce novel bioactive natural compounds. During our investigation on helicosporous hyphomycetes, six isolates were collected from freshwater and terrestrial habitats in the tropical and subtropical regions of southern China. Based on multi-gene phylogenetic analyses (LSU-ITS-tef1-α-rpb2) and morphological comparisons of Neohelicosporium taxa, two new species (N.guizhouense and N.wuzhishanense) are introduced. Detailed micro-morphological descriptions, illustrations, and DNA molecular data are provided for the newly introduced species to confirm their taxonomic placements.
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@article {pmid40438522,
year = {2025},
author = {Ma, XY and Lu, YZ and He, L and Song, DD and Ma, J},
title = {Two new species of Neohelicosporium (Tubeufiaceae, Tubeufiales) from freshwater and terrestrial habitats in China.},
journal = {MycoKeys},
volume = {118},
number = {},
pages = {1-17},
pmid = {40438522},
issn = {1314-4049},
abstract = {Neohelicosporium species are a group of helicosporous hyphomycetes with the potential to produce novel bioactive natural compounds. During our investigation on helicosporous hyphomycetes, six isolates were collected from freshwater and terrestrial habitats in the tropical and subtropical regions of southern China. Based on multi-gene phylogenetic analyses (LSU-ITS-tef1-α-rpb2) and morphological comparisons of Neohelicosporium taxa, two new species (N.guizhouense and N.wuzhishanense) are introduced. Detailed micro-morphological descriptions, illustrations, and DNA molecular data are provided for the newly introduced species to confirm their taxonomic placements.},
}
RevDate: 2025-05-28
Population Genomic Analysis of Two Independent Clonal Invasions of the Sudden Oak Death Pathogen into One Forest.
Phytopathology [Epub ahead of print].
Upon introduction, clonal pathogen populations are expected to go through a genetic bottleneck followed by gradual clonal divergence. Two distinct and purely clonal lineages of the sudden oak death pathogen Phytophthora ramorum recently emerged in forests in the Western United States, providing the unique opportunity to study a naturally replicated invasion into the same ecosystem. We characterized population genomic patterns during early invasion using whole genome sequencing of two P. ramorum clonal lineages sampled in the first five years following their detection. We re-sequenced genomes from populations of two dominant clonal lineages, NA1 (n=134; 2001-2005) and EU1 (n=160; 2015-2019), and obtained 106,070 high-quality SNPs in genic regions. Our results are consistent with the hypothesis of one introduction for each lineage. The NA1 population had a wider distribution of pairwise genetic distances than EU1 and higher genetic diversity, though neither NA1 nor EU1 populations clustered clearly by year. There was significant correlation between genetic distance and geographic distance for NA1 (p = 0.042), but not for EU1 (p = 0.402). The genetic diversity in NA1 is strongly driven by loss of heterozygous positions, which impacted more than one-third of the sampled NA1 population. However, loss of heterozygosity was rare in EU1. This work provides novel insights into the invasion biology and dynamics of clonal plant pathogens in natural ecosystems.
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@article {pmid40434301,
year = {2025},
author = {Cauldron, NC and Daniels, HA and LeBoldus, JM and Grünwald, NJ},
title = {Population Genomic Analysis of Two Independent Clonal Invasions of the Sudden Oak Death Pathogen into One Forest.},
journal = {Phytopathology},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1094/PHYTO-10-24-0329-FI},
pmid = {40434301},
issn = {0031-949X},
abstract = {Upon introduction, clonal pathogen populations are expected to go through a genetic bottleneck followed by gradual clonal divergence. Two distinct and purely clonal lineages of the sudden oak death pathogen Phytophthora ramorum recently emerged in forests in the Western United States, providing the unique opportunity to study a naturally replicated invasion into the same ecosystem. We characterized population genomic patterns during early invasion using whole genome sequencing of two P. ramorum clonal lineages sampled in the first five years following their detection. We re-sequenced genomes from populations of two dominant clonal lineages, NA1 (n=134; 2001-2005) and EU1 (n=160; 2015-2019), and obtained 106,070 high-quality SNPs in genic regions. Our results are consistent with the hypothesis of one introduction for each lineage. The NA1 population had a wider distribution of pairwise genetic distances than EU1 and higher genetic diversity, though neither NA1 nor EU1 populations clustered clearly by year. There was significant correlation between genetic distance and geographic distance for NA1 (p = 0.042), but not for EU1 (p = 0.402). The genetic diversity in NA1 is strongly driven by loss of heterozygous positions, which impacted more than one-third of the sampled NA1 population. However, loss of heterozygosity was rare in EU1. This work provides novel insights into the invasion biology and dynamics of clonal plant pathogens in natural ecosystems.},
}
RevDate: 2025-05-28
A novel gliding filamentous bacterium Herpetosiphon tianshanensis sp. nov. NSE202 is a promising biocontrol agent for fire blight.
Pest management science [Epub ahead of print].
BACKGROUND: Fire blight (Erwinia amylovora), a devastating bacterial disease, has posed significant challenges to apple and pear production for more than a century. In recent years, the spread of fire blight to China via Xinjiang has heightened concerns among planters and government authorities, particularly given the region's distinct geography and climate, underscoring the urgent need for innovative biocontrol strategies.
RESULTS: This study introduced a predatory bacterium, Herpetosiphon tianshanensis sp. nov. NSE202, isolated from natural forest soil in Xinjiang, China, that could be a new type of promising biological control agent for the management of fire blight. Strain NSE202 differs from the five other reported Herpetosiphon species in terms of its physiological characteristics and genomic composition. Using morphological, 16S ribosomal RNA gene and whole-genome analysis, the NSE202 strain was assigned to H. tianshanensis sp. nov. Strain NSE202 demonstrated strong predatory capability against Erwinia amylovora (Ea) in vitro. The biocontrol capacity of NSE202 was assayed on isolated inflorescences of fragrant pear and biennial potted pear seedlings under greenhouse conditions. The protective control efficacy of NSE202 was 64.8% in the inflorescences assay. Bacterial spraying of NSE202 significantly reduced the incidence and disease index on pear seedlings with protective and therapeutic control efficacies of 71.9% and 61.5%, respectively. Strain NSE202 demonstrated stable colonization on pear blossoms and twigs under greenhouse conditions. The pathogen population was suppressed significantly in planta treated with NSE202, as shown by colony counts on plates, scanning electron microscopy, and quantitative polymerase chain reaction analysis. Further investigation demonstrated that secondary metabolites of strain NSE202, collected via macroporous resin, and extracellular proteins, precipitated using ammonium sulfate, had pronounced lytic activity against the fire blight pathogen. In addition, certain lipases, glycoside hydrolases, and peptidases secreted by strain NSE202 may contribute significantly to the predation process. These findings suggest that such components may serve as promising biocontrol factors.
CONCLUSIONS: The discovery of H. tianshanensis sp. nov. NSE202 provides a new and promising strategy for combating fire blight. The isolates' multiple capacities to colonize and exert antagonistic effects against Erwinia amylovora makes them highly promising candidates for an integrated biological solution. © 2025 Society of Chemical Industry.
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@article {pmid40433775,
year = {2025},
author = {Han, J and Lv, W and Ji, W and Wang, R and Luo, M and Fu, B},
title = {A novel gliding filamentous bacterium Herpetosiphon tianshanensis sp. nov. NSE202 is a promising biocontrol agent for fire blight.},
journal = {Pest management science},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1002/ps.8933},
pmid = {40433775},
issn = {1526-4998},
support = {2024B04030//Autonomous region Key R&D Program of Xinjiang, China/ ; 202310758001//National Undergraduate Student Innovation Project, China/ ; },
abstract = {BACKGROUND: Fire blight (Erwinia amylovora), a devastating bacterial disease, has posed significant challenges to apple and pear production for more than a century. In recent years, the spread of fire blight to China via Xinjiang has heightened concerns among planters and government authorities, particularly given the region's distinct geography and climate, underscoring the urgent need for innovative biocontrol strategies.
RESULTS: This study introduced a predatory bacterium, Herpetosiphon tianshanensis sp. nov. NSE202, isolated from natural forest soil in Xinjiang, China, that could be a new type of promising biological control agent for the management of fire blight. Strain NSE202 differs from the five other reported Herpetosiphon species in terms of its physiological characteristics and genomic composition. Using morphological, 16S ribosomal RNA gene and whole-genome analysis, the NSE202 strain was assigned to H. tianshanensis sp. nov. Strain NSE202 demonstrated strong predatory capability against Erwinia amylovora (Ea) in vitro. The biocontrol capacity of NSE202 was assayed on isolated inflorescences of fragrant pear and biennial potted pear seedlings under greenhouse conditions. The protective control efficacy of NSE202 was 64.8% in the inflorescences assay. Bacterial spraying of NSE202 significantly reduced the incidence and disease index on pear seedlings with protective and therapeutic control efficacies of 71.9% and 61.5%, respectively. Strain NSE202 demonstrated stable colonization on pear blossoms and twigs under greenhouse conditions. The pathogen population was suppressed significantly in planta treated with NSE202, as shown by colony counts on plates, scanning electron microscopy, and quantitative polymerase chain reaction analysis. Further investigation demonstrated that secondary metabolites of strain NSE202, collected via macroporous resin, and extracellular proteins, precipitated using ammonium sulfate, had pronounced lytic activity against the fire blight pathogen. In addition, certain lipases, glycoside hydrolases, and peptidases secreted by strain NSE202 may contribute significantly to the predation process. These findings suggest that such components may serve as promising biocontrol factors.
CONCLUSIONS: The discovery of H. tianshanensis sp. nov. NSE202 provides a new and promising strategy for combating fire blight. The isolates' multiple capacities to colonize and exert antagonistic effects against Erwinia amylovora makes them highly promising candidates for an integrated biological solution. © 2025 Society of Chemical Industry.},
}
RevDate: 2025-05-30
CmpDate: 2025-05-30
Contrasting effects of climate and anthropogenic change on future invasion risk of a solitary bee Amegilla pulchra.
Journal of environmental management, 385:125711.
Amegilla pulchra is a solitary bee from Australia that has recently been spread throughout many islands of the Pacific. The non-regulated human-driven spread of the species may affect the local pollinator communities and their interactions with host plants. We used an ecological niche modelling approach, accounting for non-equilibrium and anthropogenic spread with the most recently recommended methods, and predicted the potential spread of the species under current and future conditions. We expected climate change and increase in human density to offer new suitable environments for the spread of the species. Invasion risks will increase in the future overall, but more in the non-native regions compared to the native region. In the native region, the projected effect of future environmental change was highly contrasted, we projected invasion risk to increase in human-dense areas but decrease elsewhere. We identified high risks of invasion in eastern Asia and in the Caribbean region and provide a world ranking for surveillance priority which accounts for maritime traffic. This study highlights potential contrasted effects between climate and anthropogenic change, with differing projections between the native and the non-native regions. Public awareness and prevention will be key to prevent further spread and mitigate potential adverse effects of the species on island systems. In regions that are already invaded, we propose that habitat restoration is a promising strategy for both the mitigation of the spread and the conservation of local communities.
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@article {pmid40349538,
year = {2025},
author = {Dubos, N and Geslin, B and Jourdan, H and Renault, D and Zakardjian, M},
title = {Contrasting effects of climate and anthropogenic change on future invasion risk of a solitary bee Amegilla pulchra.},
journal = {Journal of environmental management},
volume = {385},
number = {},
pages = {125711},
doi = {10.1016/j.jenvman.2025.125711},
pmid = {40349538},
issn = {1095-8630},
mesh = {Animals ; Bees/physiology ; *Climate Change ; *Introduced Species ; Ecosystem ; Humans ; Pollination ; Conservation of Natural Resources ; Anthropogenic Effects ; Australia ; },
abstract = {Amegilla pulchra is a solitary bee from Australia that has recently been spread throughout many islands of the Pacific. The non-regulated human-driven spread of the species may affect the local pollinator communities and their interactions with host plants. We used an ecological niche modelling approach, accounting for non-equilibrium and anthropogenic spread with the most recently recommended methods, and predicted the potential spread of the species under current and future conditions. We expected climate change and increase in human density to offer new suitable environments for the spread of the species. Invasion risks will increase in the future overall, but more in the non-native regions compared to the native region. In the native region, the projected effect of future environmental change was highly contrasted, we projected invasion risk to increase in human-dense areas but decrease elsewhere. We identified high risks of invasion in eastern Asia and in the Caribbean region and provide a world ranking for surveillance priority which accounts for maritime traffic. This study highlights potential contrasted effects between climate and anthropogenic change, with differing projections between the native and the non-native regions. Public awareness and prevention will be key to prevent further spread and mitigate potential adverse effects of the species on island systems. In regions that are already invaded, we propose that habitat restoration is a promising strategy for both the mitigation of the spread and the conservation of local communities.},
}
MeSH Terms:
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Animals
Bees/physiology
*Climate Change
*Introduced Species
Ecosystem
Humans
Pollination
Conservation of Natural Resources
Anthropogenic Effects
Australia
RevDate: 2025-05-28
Invasion Status, Mechanisms, and Future Distribution Prediction of Solidago canadensis in the Trade Port Region: A Case Study of Ningbo Port, China.
Plants (Basel, Switzerland), 14(10):.
Trade ports are the first places where alien species invade and the source of their spread to other areas. Controlling invasions in these regions can effectively reduce invasion pressure and disrupt the spread pathways of invasive species, thereby significantly reducing their threat to local ecosystems and biodiversity loss. Based on 595 field survey plots, the Generalized Linear Model (GLM) and Species Distribution Model (MaxEnt) were employed to analyze and predict the invasion mechanisms and future possible distribution of Solidago canadensis in the Ningbo Port, China. The results indicate that the invasion of S. canadensis in the Ningbo Port was particularly severe, with a 67.7% occurrence rate of all sampling plots in the field survey, and a risk level classified as Grade 1. Biodiversity (p < 0.001) and the minimum temperature of the coldest month (p < 0.01) significantly affect the invasiveness. Highly diverse communities could resist the invasion of alien species, which support Elton's diversity-invasibility hypothesis. Low temperatures had a restrictive effect on the invasion of S. canadensis. The total suitable area continued to expand under three different climate change scenarios compared to current conditions (increased by 3.73%, 5.67%, and 3.74% by the 2070s). The total potential habitat area of S. canadensis reached its maximum extent (89.77%) under the medium greenhouse gas emission scenario in the 2050s. Meanwhile, the medium suitable area exhibited the greatest fluctuation among the three climate scenarios. Under the low emission condition, the medium suitable area of S. canadensis diminished by 63.10 km[2], but in the medium and high emission condition, its area expanded by 91.13 km[2] and 16.20 km[2], respectively. Under future climate warming scenarios, the invasion risk of S. canadensis in Ningbo Port will continue to increase. The results of our study reveal the diffusion mechanisms of invasive plants at the colonization source, providing important theoretical support for invasive alien species' initial prevention and control.
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@article {pmid40431110,
year = {2025},
author = {Luo, X and Shen, S and Liao, K and Li, S and Pan, Q and Ma, J and Li, W and Yang, X},
title = {Invasion Status, Mechanisms, and Future Distribution Prediction of Solidago canadensis in the Trade Port Region: A Case Study of Ningbo Port, China.},
journal = {Plants (Basel, Switzerland)},
volume = {14},
number = {10},
pages = {},
pmid = {40431110},
issn = {2223-7747},
support = {2023Z146, 2024Z249, 2024Z262//the Key Technology Breakthrough Plan Project of Science and Innovation Yongjiang 2035/ ; 42371027//National Natural Science Foundation of China/ ; },
abstract = {Trade ports are the first places where alien species invade and the source of their spread to other areas. Controlling invasions in these regions can effectively reduce invasion pressure and disrupt the spread pathways of invasive species, thereby significantly reducing their threat to local ecosystems and biodiversity loss. Based on 595 field survey plots, the Generalized Linear Model (GLM) and Species Distribution Model (MaxEnt) were employed to analyze and predict the invasion mechanisms and future possible distribution of Solidago canadensis in the Ningbo Port, China. The results indicate that the invasion of S. canadensis in the Ningbo Port was particularly severe, with a 67.7% occurrence rate of all sampling plots in the field survey, and a risk level classified as Grade 1. Biodiversity (p < 0.001) and the minimum temperature of the coldest month (p < 0.01) significantly affect the invasiveness. Highly diverse communities could resist the invasion of alien species, which support Elton's diversity-invasibility hypothesis. Low temperatures had a restrictive effect on the invasion of S. canadensis. The total suitable area continued to expand under three different climate change scenarios compared to current conditions (increased by 3.73%, 5.67%, and 3.74% by the 2070s). The total potential habitat area of S. canadensis reached its maximum extent (89.77%) under the medium greenhouse gas emission scenario in the 2050s. Meanwhile, the medium suitable area exhibited the greatest fluctuation among the three climate scenarios. Under the low emission condition, the medium suitable area of S. canadensis diminished by 63.10 km[2], but in the medium and high emission condition, its area expanded by 91.13 km[2] and 16.20 km[2], respectively. Under future climate warming scenarios, the invasion risk of S. canadensis in Ningbo Port will continue to increase. The results of our study reveal the diffusion mechanisms of invasive plants at the colonization source, providing important theoretical support for invasive alien species' initial prevention and control.},
}
RevDate: 2025-05-28
More than Just a Shell: Indehiscent Fruits Drive Drought-Tolerant Germination in Invasive Lepidium Species.
Plants (Basel, Switzerland), 14(10):.
This study aims to assess the drought stress tolerance of germinating seeds of the invasive indehiscent fruit-producing Lepidium species, specifically Lepidium appelianum, Lepidium draba, and the invasive dehiscent fruit-producing L. campestre. Drought stress tolerance experiments were conducted using various concentrations of polyethylene glycol (PEG) following standard protocols. The results revealed that seeds/fruits of L. appelianum and L. draba exhibited significantly higher drought stress tolerance compared to seeds of L. campestre. Fresh seeds and fruits of L. appelianum were capable of germinating under various drought stress treatments, while fresh and after-ripened seeds and fruits of L. draba germinated in every condition except for -0.8 MPa. Conversely, L. campestre fresh seeds did not germinate under the most severe drought stress conditions (-0.6 and -0.8 MPa). It is crucial to note that fresh fruits of L. draba displayed pericarp-mediated chemical dormancy, while fresh seeds of L. campestre demonstrated physiological dormancy. However, fresh seeds and fruits of L. appelianum did not exhibit any dormancy. This study suggests that germinating seeds and fruits of L. appelianum demonstrate the strongest tolerance to drought stress, while L. draba exhibits moderate tolerance. On the contrary, L. campestre seeds display the least tolerance to drought stress. The differences in drought stress tolerance among the studied Lepidium species reflect the climatic facets in their native distribution areas. Given the potential high invasiveness associated with the drought stress tolerance of L. appelianum and L. draba, it is imperative to develop special control strategies to manage these invasive species in the face of future climate change.
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@article {pmid40431082,
year = {2025},
author = {Mohammed, S and Mummenhoff, K},
title = {More than Just a Shell: Indehiscent Fruits Drive Drought-Tolerant Germination in Invasive Lepidium Species.},
journal = {Plants (Basel, Switzerland)},
volume = {14},
number = {10},
pages = {},
pmid = {40431082},
issn = {2223-7747},
support = {DFG (MU 1137/8-2)//Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft to K.M./ ; n/a//Georg Förster Postdoctoral Research Grant (Alexander von Humboldt Stiftung) to S.M./ ; },
abstract = {This study aims to assess the drought stress tolerance of germinating seeds of the invasive indehiscent fruit-producing Lepidium species, specifically Lepidium appelianum, Lepidium draba, and the invasive dehiscent fruit-producing L. campestre. Drought stress tolerance experiments were conducted using various concentrations of polyethylene glycol (PEG) following standard protocols. The results revealed that seeds/fruits of L. appelianum and L. draba exhibited significantly higher drought stress tolerance compared to seeds of L. campestre. Fresh seeds and fruits of L. appelianum were capable of germinating under various drought stress treatments, while fresh and after-ripened seeds and fruits of L. draba germinated in every condition except for -0.8 MPa. Conversely, L. campestre fresh seeds did not germinate under the most severe drought stress conditions (-0.6 and -0.8 MPa). It is crucial to note that fresh fruits of L. draba displayed pericarp-mediated chemical dormancy, while fresh seeds of L. campestre demonstrated physiological dormancy. However, fresh seeds and fruits of L. appelianum did not exhibit any dormancy. This study suggests that germinating seeds and fruits of L. appelianum demonstrate the strongest tolerance to drought stress, while L. draba exhibits moderate tolerance. On the contrary, L. campestre seeds display the least tolerance to drought stress. The differences in drought stress tolerance among the studied Lepidium species reflect the climatic facets in their native distribution areas. Given the potential high invasiveness associated with the drought stress tolerance of L. appelianum and L. draba, it is imperative to develop special control strategies to manage these invasive species in the face of future climate change.},
}
RevDate: 2025-05-28
Smart Chip Technology for the Control and Management of Invasive Plant Species: A Review.
Plants (Basel, Switzerland), 14(10):.
Invasive plant species threaten biodiversity, disrupt ecosystems, and are costly to manage. Standard control methods, such as mechanical and chemical (herbicides), are usually ineffective and time-consuming and negatively affect the environment, especially in the latter case. This review explores the potential of smart chip technology (SCT) as a sustainable, precision approach tool for invasive species management. Integrating microchip sensors with artificial intelligence (AI) into the Internet of Things (IoT) and remote sensing technology allows for real-time monitoring, predictive modelling, and focused action, significantly improving management effectiveness. As one of many examples discussed herein, AI-driven decision-making systems can process real-time data from IoT-enabled environmental sensors to optimize invasive species detection. Smart chip technology also offers real-time monitoring of invasive species' life processes, spread, and environmental effects, enabling artificial intelligence-powered eco-friendly control strategies that minimize herbicide usage and lessen collateral ecosystem damage. Despite the potential of SCT, challenges remain, including cost, biodegradability, and regulatory constraints. However, recent advances in biodegradable electronics and AI-driven automation offer promising solutions to many identified obstacles. Future research should focus on scalable deployment, improved predictive analytics, and interdisciplinary collaboration to drive innovation. Using SCT can help make invasive species control more sustainable while supporting biodiversity and strengthening agricultural systems.
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@article {pmid40431075,
year = {2025},
author = {Javed, Q and Bouhadi, M and Ban, SG and Ban, D and Heath, D and Iqbal, B and Sun, J and Černe, M},
title = {Smart Chip Technology for the Control and Management of Invasive Plant Species: A Review.},
journal = {Plants (Basel, Switzerland)},
volume = {14},
number = {10},
pages = {},
pmid = {40431075},
issn = {2223-7747},
support = {HRZZ- IPS-2022-02-2099//Croatian Science Foundation/ ; },
abstract = {Invasive plant species threaten biodiversity, disrupt ecosystems, and are costly to manage. Standard control methods, such as mechanical and chemical (herbicides), are usually ineffective and time-consuming and negatively affect the environment, especially in the latter case. This review explores the potential of smart chip technology (SCT) as a sustainable, precision approach tool for invasive species management. Integrating microchip sensors with artificial intelligence (AI) into the Internet of Things (IoT) and remote sensing technology allows for real-time monitoring, predictive modelling, and focused action, significantly improving management effectiveness. As one of many examples discussed herein, AI-driven decision-making systems can process real-time data from IoT-enabled environmental sensors to optimize invasive species detection. Smart chip technology also offers real-time monitoring of invasive species' life processes, spread, and environmental effects, enabling artificial intelligence-powered eco-friendly control strategies that minimize herbicide usage and lessen collateral ecosystem damage. Despite the potential of SCT, challenges remain, including cost, biodegradability, and regulatory constraints. However, recent advances in biodegradable electronics and AI-driven automation offer promising solutions to many identified obstacles. Future research should focus on scalable deployment, improved predictive analytics, and interdisciplinary collaboration to drive innovation. Using SCT can help make invasive species control more sustainable while supporting biodiversity and strengthening agricultural systems.},
}
RevDate: 2025-05-28
Insect Mating Behaviors: A Review of the Regulatory Role of Neuropeptides.
Insects, 16(5):.
Insect mating behaviors are complex, diverse, and primarily regulated by neuropeptides and their receptors. Neuropeptides are peptide signaling molecules mainly secreted by insects' central nervous system (CNS) to reach target organs. A substantial body of research on the role of neuropeptides in regulating mating behaviors in insects has been undertaken. This review aims to (1) synthesize existing knowledge on insect mating behaviors, (2) elucidate the neuropeptidergic mechanisms governing these behaviors, and (3) identify knowledge gaps and propose future research directions. The mating process, covering mate attraction, courtship rituals, copulation, and post-mating behaviors, was elucidated with appropriate examples. Additionally, specific neuropeptides involved at each stage of the mating process, their functions, and mechanistic aspects were discussed as demonstrated in research. The review highlights that insects display behavioral dimorphism in the mating process driven by a complex underlying neuropeptidergic mechanism. While previous publications have generally addressed the role of neuropeptides in insect behavior, none has intensively and methodically examined their role in mating behaviors. In this review, we synthesized 18 neuropeptides that we found to regulate mating behaviors in insects. We note that some of the neuropeptides are malfunctional in their regulatory roles, while others are specific. We also note that these neuropeptides execute their regulatory functions through the G protein-coupled receptor (GPCR) signaling pathway but may take different routes and messengers downstream to effect behavioral change. Neuropeptides also interact with other regulatory systems, such as the endocrine system, to discharge their functions. Given their significance in mediating mating and reproduction, targeted manipulation of the signaling system of neuropeptides could serve as viable targets in the production of ecologically friendly pest management tools. Tools that could disrupt the mating process would be applied in crop production systems to reduce the population pressure of destructive pests, consequently reducing the urge to use chemical pesticides that are ecologically unfriendly. Our findings not only advance the understanding of neuropeptide-mediated mating regulation but also highlight their potential as eco-friendly pest control targets.
Additional Links: PMID-40429219
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@article {pmid40429219,
year = {2025},
author = {Ombuya, A and Guo, J and Liu, W},
title = {Insect Mating Behaviors: A Review of the Regulatory Role of Neuropeptides.},
journal = {Insects},
volume = {16},
number = {5},
pages = {},
pmid = {40429219},
issn = {2075-4450},
support = {Grant No. 2024YFC2607600//National Key R&D Program of China/ ; XZ202401ZY0001//The Key R&D Project of Tibet Autonomous Region/ ; },
abstract = {Insect mating behaviors are complex, diverse, and primarily regulated by neuropeptides and their receptors. Neuropeptides are peptide signaling molecules mainly secreted by insects' central nervous system (CNS) to reach target organs. A substantial body of research on the role of neuropeptides in regulating mating behaviors in insects has been undertaken. This review aims to (1) synthesize existing knowledge on insect mating behaviors, (2) elucidate the neuropeptidergic mechanisms governing these behaviors, and (3) identify knowledge gaps and propose future research directions. The mating process, covering mate attraction, courtship rituals, copulation, and post-mating behaviors, was elucidated with appropriate examples. Additionally, specific neuropeptides involved at each stage of the mating process, their functions, and mechanistic aspects were discussed as demonstrated in research. The review highlights that insects display behavioral dimorphism in the mating process driven by a complex underlying neuropeptidergic mechanism. While previous publications have generally addressed the role of neuropeptides in insect behavior, none has intensively and methodically examined their role in mating behaviors. In this review, we synthesized 18 neuropeptides that we found to regulate mating behaviors in insects. We note that some of the neuropeptides are malfunctional in their regulatory roles, while others are specific. We also note that these neuropeptides execute their regulatory functions through the G protein-coupled receptor (GPCR) signaling pathway but may take different routes and messengers downstream to effect behavioral change. Neuropeptides also interact with other regulatory systems, such as the endocrine system, to discharge their functions. Given their significance in mediating mating and reproduction, targeted manipulation of the signaling system of neuropeptides could serve as viable targets in the production of ecologically friendly pest management tools. Tools that could disrupt the mating process would be applied in crop production systems to reduce the population pressure of destructive pests, consequently reducing the urge to use chemical pesticides that are ecologically unfriendly. Our findings not only advance the understanding of neuropeptide-mediated mating regulation but also highlight their potential as eco-friendly pest control targets.},
}
RevDate: 2025-05-28
Nesting Preferences of Osmia orientalis (Hymenoptera: Megachilidae) in the Field and Its Potential as a Strawberry Pollinator in Greenhouses.
Insects, 16(5):.
The western honeybee, Apis mellifera, is used worldwide as a pollinator of crops such as strawberries; however, it is an introduced species in Japan. The mason bee, Osmia orientalis Benoist (Hymenoptera: Megachilidae), is native to Japan, where it nests in empty snail shells and has potential as a crop pollinator. We conducted three experiments to collect information on the nesting habits and potential agricultural use of this species as a pollinator of greenhouse-grown strawberries. Our first experiment investigated the bees' nesting preferences in the field by placing the empty shells of four snail species, Euhadra amaliae, Satsuma japonica, Sinotaia quadrata histrica, and Helix lucorum, in six different environments. The nesting rate was significantly higher in medium-sized, empty E. amaliae shells. Regarding the surrounding environment, O. orientalis preferred tall and short grasslands to bare ground and forest interiors. Our second experiment investigated per-visit strawberry flower pollination efficiency. The results indicated that the efficiency of O. orientalis was equal to or greater than that of A. mellifera. In our third experiment, as a replacement for empty snail shells, which are scarce natural sources, four types of plastic artificial shells were created and placed inside a greenhouse together with E. amaliae shells. The nesting rates in three types of artificial shells were nearly identical to those in E. amaliae shells, implying that these artificial shells may be effective nesting materials. Although many questions remain before practical application, our results indicate the potential for using O. orientalis as a pollinator of greenhouse-grown strawberries.
Additional Links: PMID-40429186
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@article {pmid40429186,
year = {2025},
author = {Kandori, I and Ogata, Y and Yokoi, T},
title = {Nesting Preferences of Osmia orientalis (Hymenoptera: Megachilidae) in the Field and Its Potential as a Strawberry Pollinator in Greenhouses.},
journal = {Insects},
volume = {16},
number = {5},
pages = {},
pmid = {40429186},
issn = {2075-4450},
abstract = {The western honeybee, Apis mellifera, is used worldwide as a pollinator of crops such as strawberries; however, it is an introduced species in Japan. The mason bee, Osmia orientalis Benoist (Hymenoptera: Megachilidae), is native to Japan, where it nests in empty snail shells and has potential as a crop pollinator. We conducted three experiments to collect information on the nesting habits and potential agricultural use of this species as a pollinator of greenhouse-grown strawberries. Our first experiment investigated the bees' nesting preferences in the field by placing the empty shells of four snail species, Euhadra amaliae, Satsuma japonica, Sinotaia quadrata histrica, and Helix lucorum, in six different environments. The nesting rate was significantly higher in medium-sized, empty E. amaliae shells. Regarding the surrounding environment, O. orientalis preferred tall and short grasslands to bare ground and forest interiors. Our second experiment investigated per-visit strawberry flower pollination efficiency. The results indicated that the efficiency of O. orientalis was equal to or greater than that of A. mellifera. In our third experiment, as a replacement for empty snail shells, which are scarce natural sources, four types of plastic artificial shells were created and placed inside a greenhouse together with E. amaliae shells. The nesting rates in three types of artificial shells were nearly identical to those in E. amaliae shells, implying that these artificial shells may be effective nesting materials. Although many questions remain before practical application, our results indicate the potential for using O. orientalis as a pollinator of greenhouse-grown strawberries.},
}
RevDate: 2025-05-28
Explosive Growth of the Jorō Spider (Trichonephila clavata (L. Koch): Araneae: Araneidae) and Concurrent Decline of Native Orbweaving Spiders in Atlanta, Georgia Forests at the Forefront of the Jorō Spider's Invasive Spread.
Insects, 16(5):.
The Jorō spider (Trichonephila clavata (L. Koch): Araneae: Araneidae), an invasive species from Asia, and native orbweaving spiders were censused at 25 forest sites in the Atlanta, Georgia, region at the forefront of the Jorō spider's spread from 2022 through 2024. The Jorō spider was found in all 25 sites in all three years, doubling in abundance each year. In 2022, the number of Jorō spiders found was 444 or 16.34 per hour of census. This doubled in 2023 to 859 or 30.54 per hour. The Jorō numbers doubled again in 2024 to 1713 or 59.14 per hour. This contrasts markedly with the seven species of native orbweavers found during the censuses, which declined by ca. 40% each year. In 2022, 52 or 1.72 individuals per hour of six native orbweaver species were found at 18 sites. In 2023, the number dropped to 32 or 1.06 individuals per hour of six species found at 11 sites. In 2024, the number further declined to 18 or 0.55 individuals of six species found at eight sites. The Jorō spider's spread and rapid increase in abundance may disrupt trophic networks and negatively influence the abundance of both native orbweavers and flying insect species.
Additional Links: PMID-40429156
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@article {pmid40429156,
year = {2025},
author = {Pemberton, RW},
title = {Explosive Growth of the Jorō Spider (Trichonephila clavata (L. Koch): Araneae: Araneidae) and Concurrent Decline of Native Orbweaving Spiders in Atlanta, Georgia Forests at the Forefront of the Jorō Spider's Invasive Spread.},
journal = {Insects},
volume = {16},
number = {5},
pages = {},
pmid = {40429156},
issn = {2075-4450},
abstract = {The Jorō spider (Trichonephila clavata (L. Koch): Araneae: Araneidae), an invasive species from Asia, and native orbweaving spiders were censused at 25 forest sites in the Atlanta, Georgia, region at the forefront of the Jorō spider's spread from 2022 through 2024. The Jorō spider was found in all 25 sites in all three years, doubling in abundance each year. In 2022, the number of Jorō spiders found was 444 or 16.34 per hour of census. This doubled in 2023 to 859 or 30.54 per hour. The Jorō numbers doubled again in 2024 to 1713 or 59.14 per hour. This contrasts markedly with the seven species of native orbweavers found during the censuses, which declined by ca. 40% each year. In 2022, 52 or 1.72 individuals per hour of six native orbweaver species were found at 18 sites. In 2023, the number dropped to 32 or 1.06 individuals per hour of six species found at 11 sites. In 2024, the number further declined to 18 or 0.55 individuals of six species found at eight sites. The Jorō spider's spread and rapid increase in abundance may disrupt trophic networks and negatively influence the abundance of both native orbweavers and flying insect species.},
}
RevDate: 2025-05-28
Research on the Economic Loss Model of Invasive Alien Species Based on Multidimensional Data Spatialization-A Case Study of Economic Losses Caused by Hyphantria cunea in Jiangsu Province.
Biology, 14(5): pii:biology14050552.
IAS imposes significant impacts on native ecosystems and economies. Current assessment methods for economic losses predominantly rely on habitat suitability estimation and database extrapolation, often lacking integration of causal inference and dynamic spatial drivers. H. cunea, a pervasive invasive pest in Jiangsu Province, China, exemplifies this challenge through its rapid spread and multi-sector economic impacts. To address these limitations, we innovatively integrated three models: (1) Difference-in-Differences (DID) quantified causal economic impacts through spatiotemporal comparison of infested/non-infested areas; (2) GeoDetector identified key spatial drivers via stratified heterogeneity analysis; (3) MaxEnt projected ecological suitability under climate scenarios. The synergy enabled dynamic loss attribution: GeoDetector optimized DID's variable selection, while MaxEnt constrained loss extrapolation to ecologically plausible zones, achieving multi-scale causal-spatial-climate integration absent in conventional approaches. In Jiangsu Province, H. cunea caused CNY 89.2 million in primary sector losses in 2022, with forestry disproportionately impacted, accounting for 58.3% of the total losses. The DID model revealed nonlinear temporal impacts indicating a loss of 0.163 forestry per 30 m[2] grid, while MaxEnt projected 22% habitat contraction under the SSP5-8.5 scenario by 2060, which corresponds to climate-adjusted losses of CNY 147 million. Spatial prioritization identified northern Jiangsu (e.g., Xuzhou, Lianyungang) as high-risk zones requiring immediate intervention. The framework enables spatially explicit prioritization of containment efforts-grids identified as high-risk necessitate a tripling of funding in comparison to low-risk areas. And SSP-specific loss projections support dynamic budget planning under climate uncertainty. By integrating causal attribution, ecological realism, and climate resilience, this model transforms IAS management from reactive firefighting to proactive, data-driven governance. It provides a replicable toolkit for balancing ecological preservation and economic stability in the Anthropocene.
Additional Links: PMID-40427740
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@article {pmid40427740,
year = {2025},
author = {Li, C and Zhou, Y and Wang, C and Pan, X and Wang, Y and Qi, X and Wan, F},
title = {Research on the Economic Loss Model of Invasive Alien Species Based on Multidimensional Data Spatialization-A Case Study of Economic Losses Caused by Hyphantria cunea in Jiangsu Province.},
journal = {Biology},
volume = {14},
number = {5},
pages = {},
doi = {10.3390/biology14050552},
pmid = {40427740},
issn = {2079-7737},
support = {2023YFC2605200//National Key Research and Development Program Project/ ; GD22XYJ32//Guangdong Provincial Philosophy and Social Sciences Planning Project/ ; },
abstract = {IAS imposes significant impacts on native ecosystems and economies. Current assessment methods for economic losses predominantly rely on habitat suitability estimation and database extrapolation, often lacking integration of causal inference and dynamic spatial drivers. H. cunea, a pervasive invasive pest in Jiangsu Province, China, exemplifies this challenge through its rapid spread and multi-sector economic impacts. To address these limitations, we innovatively integrated three models: (1) Difference-in-Differences (DID) quantified causal economic impacts through spatiotemporal comparison of infested/non-infested areas; (2) GeoDetector identified key spatial drivers via stratified heterogeneity analysis; (3) MaxEnt projected ecological suitability under climate scenarios. The synergy enabled dynamic loss attribution: GeoDetector optimized DID's variable selection, while MaxEnt constrained loss extrapolation to ecologically plausible zones, achieving multi-scale causal-spatial-climate integration absent in conventional approaches. In Jiangsu Province, H. cunea caused CNY 89.2 million in primary sector losses in 2022, with forestry disproportionately impacted, accounting for 58.3% of the total losses. The DID model revealed nonlinear temporal impacts indicating a loss of 0.163 forestry per 30 m[2] grid, while MaxEnt projected 22% habitat contraction under the SSP5-8.5 scenario by 2060, which corresponds to climate-adjusted losses of CNY 147 million. Spatial prioritization identified northern Jiangsu (e.g., Xuzhou, Lianyungang) as high-risk zones requiring immediate intervention. The framework enables spatially explicit prioritization of containment efforts-grids identified as high-risk necessitate a tripling of funding in comparison to low-risk areas. And SSP-specific loss projections support dynamic budget planning under climate uncertainty. By integrating causal attribution, ecological realism, and climate resilience, this model transforms IAS management from reactive firefighting to proactive, data-driven governance. It provides a replicable toolkit for balancing ecological preservation and economic stability in the Anthropocene.},
}
RevDate: 2025-05-28
Seasonal Dynamics of Red Imported Fire Ant (Solenopsis invicta) Colony Structures Across Camellia oleifera Plantations and Fishponds in South China.
Animals : an open access journal from MDPI, 15(10):.
The red imported fire ant (Solenopsis invicta, RIFA) is a globally invasive species with strong sensitivity to environmental conditions. This study investigated the seasonal dynamics and colony structure of RIFA over the course of one year across two typical habitats in South China: Camellia oleifera plantations and fishponds. The results revealed clear seasonal patterns in caste composition. Worker abundance peaked during winter (December-January), while reproductive individuals (queens, males, and alates) emerged primarily in spring and early summer (March-May). Colony biomass, worker number, and individual dry weight were significantly higher in C. oleifera plantations, whereas fishpond habitats exhibited greater numbers of larvae and male alates, suggesting different reproductive allocation strategies across habitats. An analysis of caste composition indicated that adult workers were dominant in both habitats, but the proportion of pupae was notably higher in fishpond colonies, especially in spring. Significant correlations were found between colony metrics and nest characteristics, including a negative relationship between worker body length and colony biomass. Environmental factor analysis showed that air pressure positively influenced worker numbers, while temperature was negatively associated with them. Precipitation and humidity played key roles in regulating larval and pupal populations. Overall, RIFA exhibited strong seasonal patterns and ecological plasticity in response to habitat differences and environmental variables. These findings provide insights into the species' invasion biology and inform habitat-specific monitoring and management strategies.
Additional Links: PMID-40427360
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Citation:
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@article {pmid40427360,
year = {2025},
author = {Liang, Y and Hong, J and Song, Y and Yue, K and Chen, M and Wu, J and Ou, Y and Liang, M and Lu, Y},
title = {Seasonal Dynamics of Red Imported Fire Ant (Solenopsis invicta) Colony Structures Across Camellia oleifera Plantations and Fishponds in South China.},
journal = {Animals : an open access journal from MDPI},
volume = {15},
number = {10},
pages = {},
pmid = {40427360},
issn = {2076-2615},
support = {2021YFD1000500//National Key Research and Development Program/ ; 2023YFN0030//Key Research and Development Program of Science and Technology in Sichuan Province/ ; 2023TX07A017//Guangdong Special Support Program-Leading Talents in Science and Technology Innovation/ ; 202405AF140082//Science and Technology Talent and Platform Project of Yunnan (Academician and Expert Workstation)/ ; 2025B04J0001//Key Research and Development Program of Guangzhou: 2025B04J0001./ ; },
abstract = {The red imported fire ant (Solenopsis invicta, RIFA) is a globally invasive species with strong sensitivity to environmental conditions. This study investigated the seasonal dynamics and colony structure of RIFA over the course of one year across two typical habitats in South China: Camellia oleifera plantations and fishponds. The results revealed clear seasonal patterns in caste composition. Worker abundance peaked during winter (December-January), while reproductive individuals (queens, males, and alates) emerged primarily in spring and early summer (March-May). Colony biomass, worker number, and individual dry weight were significantly higher in C. oleifera plantations, whereas fishpond habitats exhibited greater numbers of larvae and male alates, suggesting different reproductive allocation strategies across habitats. An analysis of caste composition indicated that adult workers were dominant in both habitats, but the proportion of pupae was notably higher in fishpond colonies, especially in spring. Significant correlations were found between colony metrics and nest characteristics, including a negative relationship between worker body length and colony biomass. Environmental factor analysis showed that air pressure positively influenced worker numbers, while temperature was negatively associated with them. Precipitation and humidity played key roles in regulating larval and pupal populations. Overall, RIFA exhibited strong seasonal patterns and ecological plasticity in response to habitat differences and environmental variables. These findings provide insights into the species' invasion biology and inform habitat-specific monitoring and management strategies.},
}
RevDate: 2025-05-28
Microplastics in Cronius ruber: Links to Wastewater Discharges.
Animals : an open access journal from MDPI, 15(10): pii:ani15101420.
Microplastic pollution in the ocean is a growing problem. It affects the entire ecosystem and, therefore, the species that inhabit it. Plastics can be filtered or ingested by organisms, entering and negatively affecting individuals. Among the populations affected are crustaceans. In previous studies, fibers have been found mainly in the stomach contents of these animals, although other types, such as pellets, have also been found. This study examines the presence of microplastics in Cronius ruber, an invasive crab species in the Canary Islands, and investigates their potential links to nearby wastewater discharges. A total of 63 crabs were sampled from four beaches in Gran Canaria in 2021, and their stomach contents were analyzed through alkaline digestion, filtration, and micro-Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (micro-FTIR). Microplastics were detected in 52% of individuals; the particles averaged 0.7 ± 0.5 mm in length, with an average of 1.73 ± 1.02 particles per crab. Fibers constituted 89% of the microplastics, with blue and black being the predominant colors. Rayon, commonly used in textiles, was the most frequently identified polymer (52%), highlighting the role of wastewater from laundry processes as a significant pollution source. Beaches close to unauthorized wastewater discharges, such as Anfi del Mar (n = 3) and El Puertillo (n = 32), showed the highest contamination levels, with a frequency of occurrence (FO) of microplastic particles of 67% and 58%, respectively. Playa de Las Nieves was the one with the lowest contamination level (n = 22), with a frequency of occurrence of microplastic particles of 41%. This is the first study to document microplastic ingestion in C. ruber, raising concerns about its ecological presence and the potential bioaccumulation of contaminants in marine ecosystems. Further research is essential to understand the long-term consequences of microplastic exposure on invasive species and their possible roles in pollutant transfer through food webs.
Additional Links: PMID-40427297
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@article {pmid40427297,
year = {2025},
author = {Huelbes, S and Gómez, M and Martínez, I and Triay-Portella, R and González-Pleiter, M and Herrera, A},
title = {Microplastics in Cronius ruber: Links to Wastewater Discharges.},
journal = {Animals : an open access journal from MDPI},
volume = {15},
number = {10},
pages = {},
doi = {10.3390/ani15101420},
pmid = {40427297},
issn = {2076-2615},
support = {(ProID2024010013//Gobierno de Canarias/ ; },
abstract = {Microplastic pollution in the ocean is a growing problem. It affects the entire ecosystem and, therefore, the species that inhabit it. Plastics can be filtered or ingested by organisms, entering and negatively affecting individuals. Among the populations affected are crustaceans. In previous studies, fibers have been found mainly in the stomach contents of these animals, although other types, such as pellets, have also been found. This study examines the presence of microplastics in Cronius ruber, an invasive crab species in the Canary Islands, and investigates their potential links to nearby wastewater discharges. A total of 63 crabs were sampled from four beaches in Gran Canaria in 2021, and their stomach contents were analyzed through alkaline digestion, filtration, and micro-Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (micro-FTIR). Microplastics were detected in 52% of individuals; the particles averaged 0.7 ± 0.5 mm in length, with an average of 1.73 ± 1.02 particles per crab. Fibers constituted 89% of the microplastics, with blue and black being the predominant colors. Rayon, commonly used in textiles, was the most frequently identified polymer (52%), highlighting the role of wastewater from laundry processes as a significant pollution source. Beaches close to unauthorized wastewater discharges, such as Anfi del Mar (n = 3) and El Puertillo (n = 32), showed the highest contamination levels, with a frequency of occurrence (FO) of microplastic particles of 67% and 58%, respectively. Playa de Las Nieves was the one with the lowest contamination level (n = 22), with a frequency of occurrence of microplastic particles of 41%. This is the first study to document microplastic ingestion in C. ruber, raising concerns about its ecological presence and the potential bioaccumulation of contaminants in marine ecosystems. Further research is essential to understand the long-term consequences of microplastic exposure on invasive species and their possible roles in pollutant transfer through food webs.},
}
RevDate: 2025-05-27
Sex-specific morphological shifts across space and time in replicate urban wall lizard introductions.
Integrative and comparative biology pii:8151535 [Epub ahead of print].
As species move into new environments through founder events, their phenotypes may diverge from native populations. Understanding the drivers underlying such variation, and the constraints on the adaptive potential of this variation, is essential for understanding how organisms respond to new or rapidly-changing habitats. Such phenotypic divergence may be especially evident in populations introduced to new environments via human-assistant transport or populations in dramatically-altered environments such as cities. Sexually-dimorphic species beg the additional questions of how these new environments may influence sexes differently and how dimorphism may shape the range of potential responses. The repeated translocation, establishment, and spread of wall lizards (Podarcis spp.) from native European populations to new locations in North America provide an excellent natural experiment to explore how phenotypes may differ after establishment in a new environment. Here, we quantify body shape and the multivariate morphological phenotype (incorporating limb dimensions and head length) of common wall lizards (P. muralis) and Italian wall lizards (P. siculus) in replicated North American introductions. In both species, males are larger and have larger head length and limb dimensions than females across all sampled groups. Sexual dimorphism in the multivariate morphological phenotype was of similar magnitude when comparing native and introduced populations for both species, though the trajectory angles in multivariate trait space differed for one species, P. siculus. When comparing introduced lizards from contemporary and historically-collected museum specimens, we identified differences of similar magnitude but in different trajectories between sexes in P. siculus, and differences in both magnitude and direction of sexual dimorphism in P. muralis. These idiosyncratic patterns in phenotypic trajectories provide insight to the potential array of processes generating phenotypic variation within species at the intersection of invasion biology and urban evolution.
Additional Links: PMID-40424232
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@article {pmid40424232,
year = {2025},
author = {Gangloff, EJ and Bishop, AP and Head, A and Pauly, GB and Perry, C and Vaughn, PL and Winchell, KM and Brock, KM},
title = {Sex-specific morphological shifts across space and time in replicate urban wall lizard introductions.},
journal = {Integrative and comparative biology},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1093/icb/icaf060},
pmid = {40424232},
issn = {1557-7023},
abstract = {As species move into new environments through founder events, their phenotypes may diverge from native populations. Understanding the drivers underlying such variation, and the constraints on the adaptive potential of this variation, is essential for understanding how organisms respond to new or rapidly-changing habitats. Such phenotypic divergence may be especially evident in populations introduced to new environments via human-assistant transport or populations in dramatically-altered environments such as cities. Sexually-dimorphic species beg the additional questions of how these new environments may influence sexes differently and how dimorphism may shape the range of potential responses. The repeated translocation, establishment, and spread of wall lizards (Podarcis spp.) from native European populations to new locations in North America provide an excellent natural experiment to explore how phenotypes may differ after establishment in a new environment. Here, we quantify body shape and the multivariate morphological phenotype (incorporating limb dimensions and head length) of common wall lizards (P. muralis) and Italian wall lizards (P. siculus) in replicated North American introductions. In both species, males are larger and have larger head length and limb dimensions than females across all sampled groups. Sexual dimorphism in the multivariate morphological phenotype was of similar magnitude when comparing native and introduced populations for both species, though the trajectory angles in multivariate trait space differed for one species, P. siculus. When comparing introduced lizards from contemporary and historically-collected museum specimens, we identified differences of similar magnitude but in different trajectories between sexes in P. siculus, and differences in both magnitude and direction of sexual dimorphism in P. muralis. These idiosyncratic patterns in phenotypic trajectories provide insight to the potential array of processes generating phenotypic variation within species at the intersection of invasion biology and urban evolution.},
}
RevDate: 2025-05-27
CmpDate: 2025-05-27
The dual role of the RR-2 cuticular protein gene in development and acaricide susceptibility of Panonychus citri (Acari: Tetranychidae).
Experimental & applied acarology, 95(1):5.
Panonychus citri, a major pest mite globally, causes substantial economic damage in the citrus sector. Due to the prolonged use of acaricides, P. citri has developed resistance; thus, identifying alternative control measures is imperative. The study successfully cloned and characterized three genes from the RR-2 subfamily of cuticular proteins (CP) in P. citri, PcCPR14, PcCPR15.7, and PcCPR16.8. These genes exhibited their highest expression in eggs aged 4 and 5 days and showed relatively high expression in larvae and nymphs on day 1. Inhibitin PcCPR16.8 expression in eggs resulted in only 23% hatching success. Similarly, silencing PcCPR16.8 is inhibited in nymphs led to cuticle rupture and a mortality rate of 81.77%. Silencing in female mites reduced the oviposition rate by 31.06% and significantly decreased chitin content and the expression of key chitin metabolism genes in P. citri. This indicates the crucial role of CP genes in the development and reproduction of P. citri. Moreover, exposure to the acaricides spirobudiclofen and etoxazole typically triggers high expression of PcCPR16.8, and silencing this gene increases the mite's sensitivity to these chemicals. CPs are vital in defending against environmental changes, making them potential targets for developing P. citri control strategies.
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@article {pmid40423860,
year = {2025},
author = {Wang, H and Xin, T and Jiang, C and Wang, H and Xia, B},
title = {The dual role of the RR-2 cuticular protein gene in development and acaricide susceptibility of Panonychus citri (Acari: Tetranychidae).},
journal = {Experimental & applied acarology},
volume = {95},
number = {1},
pages = {5},
pmid = {40423860},
issn = {1572-9702},
support = {13220141//Investigation on the Occurrence, Harm and Diffusion Risk of Agricultural Alien Invasive Species/ ; },
mesh = {Animals ; *Tetranychidae/genetics/growth & development/drug effects/metabolism ; *Acaricides/pharmacology ; *Arthropod Proteins/genetics/metabolism/chemistry ; Female ; Nymph/growth & development/genetics/drug effects/metabolism ; Larva/growth & development/genetics/drug effects/metabolism ; *Drug Resistance/genetics ; Ovum/growth & development/metabolism ; Oviposition ; },
abstract = {Panonychus citri, a major pest mite globally, causes substantial economic damage in the citrus sector. Due to the prolonged use of acaricides, P. citri has developed resistance; thus, identifying alternative control measures is imperative. The study successfully cloned and characterized three genes from the RR-2 subfamily of cuticular proteins (CP) in P. citri, PcCPR14, PcCPR15.7, and PcCPR16.8. These genes exhibited their highest expression in eggs aged 4 and 5 days and showed relatively high expression in larvae and nymphs on day 1. Inhibitin PcCPR16.8 expression in eggs resulted in only 23% hatching success. Similarly, silencing PcCPR16.8 is inhibited in nymphs led to cuticle rupture and a mortality rate of 81.77%. Silencing in female mites reduced the oviposition rate by 31.06% and significantly decreased chitin content and the expression of key chitin metabolism genes in P. citri. This indicates the crucial role of CP genes in the development and reproduction of P. citri. Moreover, exposure to the acaricides spirobudiclofen and etoxazole typically triggers high expression of PcCPR16.8, and silencing this gene increases the mite's sensitivity to these chemicals. CPs are vital in defending against environmental changes, making them potential targets for developing P. citri control strategies.},
}
MeSH Terms:
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Animals
*Tetranychidae/genetics/growth & development/drug effects/metabolism
*Acaricides/pharmacology
*Arthropod Proteins/genetics/metabolism/chemistry
Female
Nymph/growth & development/genetics/drug effects/metabolism
Larva/growth & development/genetics/drug effects/metabolism
*Drug Resistance/genetics
Ovum/growth & development/metabolism
Oviposition
RevDate: 2025-05-27
Pine Forest Plantations in the Neotropics: Challenges and Potential Use of Ectomycorrhizal Fungi and Bacteria as Inoculants.
Journal of fungi (Basel, Switzerland), 11(5):.
Forest plantations in the Neotropics aim to alleviate pressure on primary forests. This study synthesizes knowledge on pine species used in these plantations, emphasizing the challenges and potential of ectomycorrhizal fungi and bacteria as inoculants. An analysis of 98 articles identifies 23 pine species in Mexico and Central America and about 16 fast-growing species in South America. While pine plantations provide a habitat for generalist species, they reduce the richness of specialist species. Ectomycorrhizal fungi and bacterial diversity in plantations with introduced pines is up to 20% lower compared to native ecosystems. Suillus and Hebeloma are commonly used as mycorrhizal inoculants for Neotropical and introduced species, including Pinus ponderosa and Pinus radiata in South America. Commercial inoculants predominantly feature the fungal species Pisolithus tinctorius, alongside bacterial genera such as Bacillus, Cohnella, and Pseudomonas. This study emphasizes the importance of leveraging native microbial communities and their synergistic interactions with ECM fungi and bacteria to enhance seedling growth and quality. Such a combined approach can improve plantation survival, boost resilience to environmental stressors, and promote long-term productivity. These findings underscore the need to incorporate native fungi and bacteria into inoculant strategies, advancing sustainable forestry practices and ecosystem adaptation in the Neotropics.
Additional Links: PMID-40422727
PubMed:
Citation:
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@article {pmid40422727,
year = {2025},
author = {Baeza-Guzmán, Y and Camargo-Ricalde, SL and Trejo-Aguilar, D and Montaño, NM},
title = {Pine Forest Plantations in the Neotropics: Challenges and Potential Use of Ectomycorrhizal Fungi and Bacteria as Inoculants.},
journal = {Journal of fungi (Basel, Switzerland)},
volume = {11},
number = {5},
pages = {},
pmid = {40422727},
issn = {2309-608X},
support = {Divisional project//Universidad Autónoma Metropolitana/ ; },
abstract = {Forest plantations in the Neotropics aim to alleviate pressure on primary forests. This study synthesizes knowledge on pine species used in these plantations, emphasizing the challenges and potential of ectomycorrhizal fungi and bacteria as inoculants. An analysis of 98 articles identifies 23 pine species in Mexico and Central America and about 16 fast-growing species in South America. While pine plantations provide a habitat for generalist species, they reduce the richness of specialist species. Ectomycorrhizal fungi and bacterial diversity in plantations with introduced pines is up to 20% lower compared to native ecosystems. Suillus and Hebeloma are commonly used as mycorrhizal inoculants for Neotropical and introduced species, including Pinus ponderosa and Pinus radiata in South America. Commercial inoculants predominantly feature the fungal species Pisolithus tinctorius, alongside bacterial genera such as Bacillus, Cohnella, and Pseudomonas. This study emphasizes the importance of leveraging native microbial communities and their synergistic interactions with ECM fungi and bacteria to enhance seedling growth and quality. Such a combined approach can improve plantation survival, boost resilience to environmental stressors, and promote long-term productivity. These findings underscore the need to incorporate native fungi and bacteria into inoculant strategies, advancing sustainable forestry practices and ecosystem adaptation in the Neotropics.},
}
RevDate: 2025-05-27
CmpDate: 2025-05-27
Invasive Fish Reshape Biodiversity Patterns in China's Freshwater Lakes.
Global change biology, 31(5):e70267.
Globalization has dramatically accelerated the spread of non-native species, intensifying threats to freshwater ecosystems. While China ranks among the most heavily invaded countries, the role of non-native species as key drivers of biodiversity changes is often overlooked in research on anthropogenic impacts. This oversight hampers the development of effective conservation and management strategies by limiting a full understanding of what shapes biodiversity patterns. To bridge this gap, an extensive dataset from 131 lakes across China was compiled and analyzed using a novel composite diversity index that integrates species richness with functional and phylogenetic uniqueness, allowing for a more precise identification of fish multidimensional diversity hotspots. Additionally, gradient forest models were employed to elucidate the impacts of non-native species, geography, climate, and physicochemical factors on these patterns. Our findings revealed significant taxonomic and functional homogenization in non-native hotspots within the overall fish community, coupled with phylogenetic diversification. Notably, non-native fish diversity emerged as the primary factor shaping overall and native fish multidimensional diversity patterns. While the establishment of non-native species may provide an immediate enhancement to overall diversity, it often leads to the extirpation/extinction of native species, ultimately resulting in biodiversity loss at local and potentially the regional scale. This study highlights the importance of examining multiple dimensions to characterize the intricate dynamics between native and non-native species, which is essential for understanding their true impact on biodiversity and for achieving global conservation goals.
Additional Links: PMID-40421716
Publisher:
PubMed:
Citation:
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@article {pmid40421716,
year = {2025},
author = {Liang, Z and Gozlan, RE and Liu, J and Jackson, D and Guo, C},
title = {Invasive Fish Reshape Biodiversity Patterns in China's Freshwater Lakes.},
journal = {Global change biology},
volume = {31},
number = {5},
pages = {e70267},
doi = {10.1111/gcb.70267},
pmid = {40421716},
issn = {1365-2486},
support = {CARS-45//The Earmarked Fund for China Agriculture Research System/ ; 32172980//National Natural Science Foundation of China/ ; 2023YFD2400900//National Key Research and Development Program of China/ ; 202304910486//China Scholarship Council/ ; },
mesh = {*Biodiversity ; China ; *Fishes/physiology ; Animals ; *Lakes ; *Introduced Species ; Phylogeny ; Conservation of Natural Resources ; },
abstract = {Globalization has dramatically accelerated the spread of non-native species, intensifying threats to freshwater ecosystems. While China ranks among the most heavily invaded countries, the role of non-native species as key drivers of biodiversity changes is often overlooked in research on anthropogenic impacts. This oversight hampers the development of effective conservation and management strategies by limiting a full understanding of what shapes biodiversity patterns. To bridge this gap, an extensive dataset from 131 lakes across China was compiled and analyzed using a novel composite diversity index that integrates species richness with functional and phylogenetic uniqueness, allowing for a more precise identification of fish multidimensional diversity hotspots. Additionally, gradient forest models were employed to elucidate the impacts of non-native species, geography, climate, and physicochemical factors on these patterns. Our findings revealed significant taxonomic and functional homogenization in non-native hotspots within the overall fish community, coupled with phylogenetic diversification. Notably, non-native fish diversity emerged as the primary factor shaping overall and native fish multidimensional diversity patterns. While the establishment of non-native species may provide an immediate enhancement to overall diversity, it often leads to the extirpation/extinction of native species, ultimately resulting in biodiversity loss at local and potentially the regional scale. This study highlights the importance of examining multiple dimensions to characterize the intricate dynamics between native and non-native species, which is essential for understanding their true impact on biodiversity and for achieving global conservation goals.},
}
MeSH Terms:
show MeSH Terms
hide MeSH Terms
*Biodiversity
China
*Fishes/physiology
Animals
*Lakes
*Introduced Species
Phylogeny
Conservation of Natural Resources
RevDate: 2025-05-27
CmpDate: 2025-05-27
A scoping review of tropical pioneer trees' roles for restoration and conservation management: Harungana madagascariensis (Hypericaceae) a widespread African species as a model.
PeerJ, 13:e19458.
BACKGROUND: Globally, biodiversity is declining rapidly, including tropical forests ecosystems in particular. To stop and reverse this trend, governments worldwide signed up to international agreements and initiatives, but success to date has been limited. In this context, reviewing pioneer trees' ecology, particularly the most widespread species, can help gauge their pros and cons and guide their judicious use for cost-effective ecological restoration projects.
OBJECTIVES: This study aims to review the potential of pioneer tree species for biodiversity conservation and forest restoration and identify eventual knowledge gaps, using a widespread species from Africa, Harungana madagascariensis Lam. (Hypericaceae), as a model. Our specific objective was to synthetize information on the distribution and habitat of H. madagascariensis; its documented interspecific ecological interactions; and its potential for forest restoration.
METHODOLOGY: A scoping review was conducted using multiple databases to identify relevant papers, supplemented by the Global Biodiversity Information Facility database (GBIF) to extract distribution records of H. madagascariensis. Following the PRISMA screening process for scoping reviews, 398 publications and 4,379 records from GBIF (2023) were used in the final analysis out of a total of 1,159 unique articles and 5,230 records originally retrieved.
RESULTS: We show that H. madagascariensis, which is native to tropical Africa, Madagascar, and some islands of the Mascarenes, is a key component of young secondary forests, wetland areas, and grasslands. At least 125 species were found to interact directly with H. madagascariensis, including through commensalism, mutualism, and herbivory. It is recognized as a tool for restoration regionally, and considered as invasive in Australia where it has been introduced and, by some, in Mauritius where it is native. The benefits it provides for restoration include its capacity to improve degraded soil fertility, its ability to compete with invasive alien species mostly due to its heliophilous and fast-growing nature, and its good nurse tree potential along with its ecological interactions that support numerous species including threatened ones.
CONCLUSION: The widespread African pioneer tree H. madagascariensis plays a critical role in vegetation dynamic and holds great potential for fostering forest restoration and biodiversity conservation in its range of nearly 13 M km[2]. Its greater use in restoration projects could significantly accelerate ecological restoration, decrease its costs, and increase benefits to biodiversity, leading to larger areas being restored, contributing effectively to national and international objectives. However, a number of aspects deserve further studies, such as the species' role in multitrophic interactions and its precise interactions, and their strengths, with species in each of its specific geographical contexts and through different temporal scales.
Additional Links: PMID-40421372
PubMed:
Citation:
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@article {pmid40421372,
year = {2025},
author = {Baguette, FMMP and Baider, C and Florens, FBV},
title = {A scoping review of tropical pioneer trees' roles for restoration and conservation management: Harungana madagascariensis (Hypericaceae) a widespread African species as a model.},
journal = {PeerJ},
volume = {13},
number = {},
pages = {e19458},
pmid = {40421372},
issn = {2167-8359},
mesh = {*Conservation of Natural Resources/methods ; Biodiversity ; Africa ; Forests ; *Trees ; Tropical Climate ; Ecosystem ; },
abstract = {BACKGROUND: Globally, biodiversity is declining rapidly, including tropical forests ecosystems in particular. To stop and reverse this trend, governments worldwide signed up to international agreements and initiatives, but success to date has been limited. In this context, reviewing pioneer trees' ecology, particularly the most widespread species, can help gauge their pros and cons and guide their judicious use for cost-effective ecological restoration projects.
OBJECTIVES: This study aims to review the potential of pioneer tree species for biodiversity conservation and forest restoration and identify eventual knowledge gaps, using a widespread species from Africa, Harungana madagascariensis Lam. (Hypericaceae), as a model. Our specific objective was to synthetize information on the distribution and habitat of H. madagascariensis; its documented interspecific ecological interactions; and its potential for forest restoration.
METHODOLOGY: A scoping review was conducted using multiple databases to identify relevant papers, supplemented by the Global Biodiversity Information Facility database (GBIF) to extract distribution records of H. madagascariensis. Following the PRISMA screening process for scoping reviews, 398 publications and 4,379 records from GBIF (2023) were used in the final analysis out of a total of 1,159 unique articles and 5,230 records originally retrieved.
RESULTS: We show that H. madagascariensis, which is native to tropical Africa, Madagascar, and some islands of the Mascarenes, is a key component of young secondary forests, wetland areas, and grasslands. At least 125 species were found to interact directly with H. madagascariensis, including through commensalism, mutualism, and herbivory. It is recognized as a tool for restoration regionally, and considered as invasive in Australia where it has been introduced and, by some, in Mauritius where it is native. The benefits it provides for restoration include its capacity to improve degraded soil fertility, its ability to compete with invasive alien species mostly due to its heliophilous and fast-growing nature, and its good nurse tree potential along with its ecological interactions that support numerous species including threatened ones.
CONCLUSION: The widespread African pioneer tree H. madagascariensis plays a critical role in vegetation dynamic and holds great potential for fostering forest restoration and biodiversity conservation in its range of nearly 13 M km[2]. Its greater use in restoration projects could significantly accelerate ecological restoration, decrease its costs, and increase benefits to biodiversity, leading to larger areas being restored, contributing effectively to national and international objectives. However, a number of aspects deserve further studies, such as the species' role in multitrophic interactions and its precise interactions, and their strengths, with species in each of its specific geographical contexts and through different temporal scales.},
}
MeSH Terms:
show MeSH Terms
hide MeSH Terms
*Conservation of Natural Resources/methods
Biodiversity
Africa
Forests
*Trees
Tropical Climate
Ecosystem
RevDate: 2025-05-26
Using species ranges and macroeconomic data to fill the gap in costs of biological invasions.
Nature ecology & evolution [Epub ahead of print].
Biological invasions threaten global biodiversity, human well-being and economies. Many regional and taxonomic syntheses of monetary costs have been produced recently but with important knowledge gaps owing to uneven geographic and taxonomic research intensity. Here we combine species distribution models, macroeconomic data and the InvaCost database to produce the highest resolution spatio-temporal cost estimates currently available to bridge these gaps. From a subset of 162 invasive species with 'highly reliable' documented costs at the national level, our interpolation focuses on countries that have not reported any costs despite the known presence of invasive species. This analysis demonstrates a substantial underestimation, with global costs potentially estimated to be 1,646% higher for these species than previously recorded. This discrepancy was uneven geographically and taxonomically, respectively peaking in Europe and for plants. Our results showed that damage costs were primarily driven by gross domestic product, human population size, agricultural area and environmental suitability, whereas management expenditure correlated with gross domestic product and agriculture areas. We also found a lag time for damage costs of 46 years, but management spending was not delayed. The methodological predictive approach of this study provides a more complete view of the economic dimensions of biological invasions and narrows the global disparity in invasion cost reporting.
Additional Links: PMID-40419738
PubMed:
Citation:
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@article {pmid40419738,
year = {2025},
author = {Soto, I and Courtois, P and Pili, A and Tordoni, E and Manfrini, E and Angulo, E and Bellard, C and Briski, E and Buřič, M and Cuthbert, RN and Kouba, A and Kourantidou, M and Macêdo, RL and Leroy, B and Haubrock, PJ and Courchamp, F and Leung, B},
title = {Using species ranges and macroeconomic data to fill the gap in costs of biological invasions.},
journal = {Nature ecology & evolution},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
pmid = {40419738},
issn = {2397-334X},
abstract = {Biological invasions threaten global biodiversity, human well-being and economies. Many regional and taxonomic syntheses of monetary costs have been produced recently but with important knowledge gaps owing to uneven geographic and taxonomic research intensity. Here we combine species distribution models, macroeconomic data and the InvaCost database to produce the highest resolution spatio-temporal cost estimates currently available to bridge these gaps. From a subset of 162 invasive species with 'highly reliable' documented costs at the national level, our interpolation focuses on countries that have not reported any costs despite the known presence of invasive species. This analysis demonstrates a substantial underestimation, with global costs potentially estimated to be 1,646% higher for these species than previously recorded. This discrepancy was uneven geographically and taxonomically, respectively peaking in Europe and for plants. Our results showed that damage costs were primarily driven by gross domestic product, human population size, agricultural area and environmental suitability, whereas management expenditure correlated with gross domestic product and agriculture areas. We also found a lag time for damage costs of 46 years, but management spending was not delayed. The methodological predictive approach of this study provides a more complete view of the economic dimensions of biological invasions and narrows the global disparity in invasion cost reporting.},
}
RevDate: 2025-05-28
The impact of free-roaming dogs on lemurs in Madagascar: a decade of research and intervention.
Folia primatologica; international journal of primatology [Epub ahead of print].
Lemurs are the most endangered group of mammals on earth, and invasive species, including domestic dogs, are considered to be the second greatest threat to biodiversity after habitat loss. Here, we describe and summarize the challenges and results of a decade of research aimed at understanding the impact of dogs on lemurs, and efforts to humanely reduce dog populations in protected areas in Madagascar, to reduce their impact on lemurs and other wildlife, via the non-profit the Mad Dog Initiative. We have found that free-roaming domestic dog populations living in and around Madagascar's protected areas both predate and displace native wildlife, and that the presence of dogs in forests drives a reduction of wildlife in forests. Additionally, dogs vector a number of pathogens that can have lethal consequences for lemur populations, as well as serving as important vectors of anti-microbial resistance. We propose several future directions for research, outreach, and capacity building in Madagascar and other low and middle income countries aimed at better quantifying the threat of domestic species on wildlife, and mitigating its impact.
Additional Links: PMID-40419276
Publisher:
PubMed:
Citation:
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@article {pmid40419276,
year = {2025},
author = {Valenta, K and Rajaonarivelo, T and Ferreira, A and Raharinirina, A and Rafaliarison, RR and Farris, A and Watson, JM and deFrance, S and Mayo, D and Filla, C and Ross, A and Bornbusch, SL and Satishchandran, S and Kelly, T and Levy, JK and Randriana, Z and Farris, ZJ},
title = {The impact of free-roaming dogs on lemurs in Madagascar: a decade of research and intervention.},
journal = {Folia primatologica; international journal of primatology},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {1-18},
doi = {10.1163/14219980-bja10047},
pmid = {40419276},
issn = {1421-9980},
abstract = {Lemurs are the most endangered group of mammals on earth, and invasive species, including domestic dogs, are considered to be the second greatest threat to biodiversity after habitat loss. Here, we describe and summarize the challenges and results of a decade of research aimed at understanding the impact of dogs on lemurs, and efforts to humanely reduce dog populations in protected areas in Madagascar, to reduce their impact on lemurs and other wildlife, via the non-profit the Mad Dog Initiative. We have found that free-roaming domestic dog populations living in and around Madagascar's protected areas both predate and displace native wildlife, and that the presence of dogs in forests drives a reduction of wildlife in forests. Additionally, dogs vector a number of pathogens that can have lethal consequences for lemur populations, as well as serving as important vectors of anti-microbial resistance. We propose several future directions for research, outreach, and capacity building in Madagascar and other low and middle income countries aimed at better quantifying the threat of domestic species on wildlife, and mitigating its impact.},
}
RevDate: 2025-05-26
Domestic cats and predation on a free-ranging primate, Gursky's tarsier (Tarsius spectrumgurskyae).
Folia primatologica; international journal of primatology [Epub ahead of print].
Introduced species, also known as invasive species, alien species and exotic species, are a major contributing factor to environmental problems in that they modify or disrupt the ecosystem they colonize. While some invasive species arrive in new areas through natural migration, more often than not they are introduced by the activities of humans. For example, domestic cats (Felis catus) were introduced by humans and are now common pets. Cats have been so successful invading new areas that their worldwide population is reported to exceed 500 million. Over 3 decades of u observations, cats were observed 169 times while observing Gursky's tarsier. Over time, the frequency that cats were observed while observing tarsiers increased. Similarly, the distance from the village that cats were observed increased over time indicating that the cats are moving further into the protected area. The tarsiers exhibited numerous responses to the presence of a cat. They always alarm called, and occasionally mobbed the cat. Several behavioral changes were made including increasing time traveling, increasing their height in the forest canopy, decreasing distance between group members. The cats attempted to prey on a tarsier 19 times. Twelve attempts were successful. Given that cat predation is known to have already caused faunal extinctions on islands, this threat to the tarsiers and other endemic species in Tangkoko Nature Reserve should not be taken lightly. One potential way to mitigate the negative impacts of cats on the tarsier population is by developing bylaws that restrict cat ownership adjacent to protected areas.
Additional Links: PMID-40419249
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PubMed:
Citation:
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@article {pmid40419249,
year = {2025},
author = {Gursky, S},
title = {Domestic cats and predation on a free-ranging primate, Gursky's tarsier (Tarsius spectrumgurskyae).},
journal = {Folia primatologica; international journal of primatology},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {1-15},
doi = {10.1163/14219980-bja10054},
pmid = {40419249},
issn = {1421-9980},
abstract = {Introduced species, also known as invasive species, alien species and exotic species, are a major contributing factor to environmental problems in that they modify or disrupt the ecosystem they colonize. While some invasive species arrive in new areas through natural migration, more often than not they are introduced by the activities of humans. For example, domestic cats (Felis catus) were introduced by humans and are now common pets. Cats have been so successful invading new areas that their worldwide population is reported to exceed 500 million. Over 3 decades of u observations, cats were observed 169 times while observing Gursky's tarsier. Over time, the frequency that cats were observed while observing tarsiers increased. Similarly, the distance from the village that cats were observed increased over time indicating that the cats are moving further into the protected area. The tarsiers exhibited numerous responses to the presence of a cat. They always alarm called, and occasionally mobbed the cat. Several behavioral changes were made including increasing time traveling, increasing their height in the forest canopy, decreasing distance between group members. The cats attempted to prey on a tarsier 19 times. Twelve attempts were successful. Given that cat predation is known to have already caused faunal extinctions on islands, this threat to the tarsiers and other endemic species in Tangkoko Nature Reserve should not be taken lightly. One potential way to mitigate the negative impacts of cats on the tarsier population is by developing bylaws that restrict cat ownership adjacent to protected areas.},
}
RevDate: 2025-05-27
Bet Hedging to Aid Seed-Based Wetland Restoration Under Hydrologic Extremes.
Wetlands (Wilmington, N.C.), 45(5):52.
UNLABELLED: Reestablishing native plant communities following invasive species management is a common restoration goal for wetland managers. Although passive recolonization is occasionally sufficient, often, active revegetation through seeding is required. However, the outcomes of seeding likely differ by site (due to varying environmental conditions) and the composition of the seed mix. We evaluated the effects of both passive recolonization and seeding treatments (varying density and diversity of natives) on wetland plant community cover and composition at two sites in the Great Salt Lake Watershed, USA, over two years. We found that passive recolonization was insufficient to increase native plant cover at one location and limit invasive species' cover at either location. Furthermore, different emergent wetland restoration sites, despite geographic proximity, had different plant community outcomes, likely due to distinct site environmental conditions. We also found that the effects of the seeding treatments appeared to be overwhelmed by water depth due to two extreme weather events (severe drought in year 1 and prolonged flooding in year 2). However, these events provided an opportunity to observe the recovery potential of the different functional groups and identify three species of restoration interest (Bolboschoenus maritimus, Schoenoplectus acutus, and Distichlis spicata) that were able to survive the extreme conditions during both growing seasons at one site. These findings underscore the importance of not relying on passive recolonization and instead using bet-hedging strategies (e.g., seeding diverse mixes with species with a range of hydrologic tolerances) to overcome hydrologic extremes, conditions likely to become more common with climate change and ever-increasing upstream water diversions.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s13157-025-01935-7.
Additional Links: PMID-40417069
PubMed:
Citation:
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@article {pmid40417069,
year = {2025},
author = {Feldman, EV and Kettenring, KM},
title = {Bet Hedging to Aid Seed-Based Wetland Restoration Under Hydrologic Extremes.},
journal = {Wetlands (Wilmington, N.C.)},
volume = {45},
number = {5},
pages = {52},
pmid = {40417069},
issn = {0277-5212},
abstract = {UNLABELLED: Reestablishing native plant communities following invasive species management is a common restoration goal for wetland managers. Although passive recolonization is occasionally sufficient, often, active revegetation through seeding is required. However, the outcomes of seeding likely differ by site (due to varying environmental conditions) and the composition of the seed mix. We evaluated the effects of both passive recolonization and seeding treatments (varying density and diversity of natives) on wetland plant community cover and composition at two sites in the Great Salt Lake Watershed, USA, over two years. We found that passive recolonization was insufficient to increase native plant cover at one location and limit invasive species' cover at either location. Furthermore, different emergent wetland restoration sites, despite geographic proximity, had different plant community outcomes, likely due to distinct site environmental conditions. We also found that the effects of the seeding treatments appeared to be overwhelmed by water depth due to two extreme weather events (severe drought in year 1 and prolonged flooding in year 2). However, these events provided an opportunity to observe the recovery potential of the different functional groups and identify three species of restoration interest (Bolboschoenus maritimus, Schoenoplectus acutus, and Distichlis spicata) that were able to survive the extreme conditions during both growing seasons at one site. These findings underscore the importance of not relying on passive recolonization and instead using bet-hedging strategies (e.g., seeding diverse mixes with species with a range of hydrologic tolerances) to overcome hydrologic extremes, conditions likely to become more common with climate change and ever-increasing upstream water diversions.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s13157-025-01935-7.},
}
RevDate: 2025-05-27
CmpDate: 2025-05-26
Plant traits reveal that biotic resistance to invasibility is shaped by slope aspect.
Ecological applications : a publication of the Ecological Society of America, 35(3):e70048.
During community assembly, species' traits interact with environmental conditions and influence biotic interactions. Learning how traits of non-native species enable them to successfully navigate these interacting biotic and abiotic filters informs invasion dynamics. Here we test how plant traits relate to invasion resistance under differing degrees of abiotic stress based on slope aspect in a large restoration project in Southern California. The site was dominated by non-native annual plants but was restored to coastal sage scrub and grassland with mixtures of native shrubs, grasses, and forbs on two different slope aspects. Abiotic filters may be stronger than biotic filters on slopes exposed to greater solar radiation (S-facing at our study site) resulting in decreased soil moisture and increased abiotic stress. We measured subsequent establishment and performance by the three most abundant non-native species (Brassica nigra in year 1, Salsola tragus and Sonchus oleraceus in year 3) on N- and S-facing slopes to investigate relationships between traits, abiotic environment, native community composition, and invasibility in the context of community assembly. We evaluated which measures of community functional diversity best predicted invader performance and tested whether relationships between invader performance and community-weighted trait values varied by slope aspect. Plots with slow-growing native shrubs contained less of the fast-growing invasive, Brassica nigra. Invasibility was greatest in native communities restored with native grass and on N-facing slopes. Correlations among individual species traits indicated strong biotic filtering, but only in certain environments. For instance, the abundance of Phacelia cicutaria, a native annual with traits similar to Brassica nigra, was negatively correlated with that invasive on N-facing slopes. Community-weighted trait metrics were also related to invasibility and differed by slope aspect, though relationships varied based on specific functional trait, community-weighted trait measure (mean or dispersion), and invader. The native functional group most effective at preventing invasion (native shrubs) was different from the species that most prevented invasion (native forb). In restoration planning, functional groups and individual native species traits may be more predictive of invasion resistance than community-weighted trait metrics. Combining perennials with an under-story of fast-growing annuals worked well to prevent invasion by non-native annuals. Understanding the role of lifespan effects in biotic filtering is essential for interpreting complex community-weighted trait responses to environmental variation across space and time.
Additional Links: PMID-40415709
PubMed:
Citation:
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@article {pmid40415709,
year = {2025},
author = {Kimball, S and Nguyen, MA and Funk, JL and Lulow, M and Vose, G and Huxman, TE},
title = {Plant traits reveal that biotic resistance to invasibility is shaped by slope aspect.},
journal = {Ecological applications : a publication of the Ecological Society of America},
volume = {35},
number = {3},
pages = {e70048},
pmid = {40415709},
issn = {1939-5582},
support = {//The Nature Conservancy/ ; //Natural Communities Coalition/ ; },
mesh = {*Introduced Species ; California ; *Ecosystem ; *Plants/classification ; },
abstract = {During community assembly, species' traits interact with environmental conditions and influence biotic interactions. Learning how traits of non-native species enable them to successfully navigate these interacting biotic and abiotic filters informs invasion dynamics. Here we test how plant traits relate to invasion resistance under differing degrees of abiotic stress based on slope aspect in a large restoration project in Southern California. The site was dominated by non-native annual plants but was restored to coastal sage scrub and grassland with mixtures of native shrubs, grasses, and forbs on two different slope aspects. Abiotic filters may be stronger than biotic filters on slopes exposed to greater solar radiation (S-facing at our study site) resulting in decreased soil moisture and increased abiotic stress. We measured subsequent establishment and performance by the three most abundant non-native species (Brassica nigra in year 1, Salsola tragus and Sonchus oleraceus in year 3) on N- and S-facing slopes to investigate relationships between traits, abiotic environment, native community composition, and invasibility in the context of community assembly. We evaluated which measures of community functional diversity best predicted invader performance and tested whether relationships between invader performance and community-weighted trait values varied by slope aspect. Plots with slow-growing native shrubs contained less of the fast-growing invasive, Brassica nigra. Invasibility was greatest in native communities restored with native grass and on N-facing slopes. Correlations among individual species traits indicated strong biotic filtering, but only in certain environments. For instance, the abundance of Phacelia cicutaria, a native annual with traits similar to Brassica nigra, was negatively correlated with that invasive on N-facing slopes. Community-weighted trait metrics were also related to invasibility and differed by slope aspect, though relationships varied based on specific functional trait, community-weighted trait measure (mean or dispersion), and invader. The native functional group most effective at preventing invasion (native shrubs) was different from the species that most prevented invasion (native forb). In restoration planning, functional groups and individual native species traits may be more predictive of invasion resistance than community-weighted trait metrics. Combining perennials with an under-story of fast-growing annuals worked well to prevent invasion by non-native annuals. Understanding the role of lifespan effects in biotic filtering is essential for interpreting complex community-weighted trait responses to environmental variation across space and time.},
}
MeSH Terms:
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*Introduced Species
California
*Ecosystem
*Plants/classification
RevDate: 2025-05-25
Reliability of satellite-based vegetation maps for planning wildfire-fuel treatments in shrub steppe: Inferences from two contrasting national parks.
Journal of environmental management, 387:125808 pii:S0301-4797(25)01784-0 [Epub ahead of print].
Protecting habitat threatened by increasing wildfire size and frequency requires identifying the spatial intersection of wildfire behavior and ecological conditions that favor positive management outcomes. In the perennial sagebrush steppe of Western North America, invasions by fire-prone annual grasses are a key concern, and management of them requires reliable maps of vegetation cover, fuels, and wildfire behavior. We compared commonly used, publicly available vegetation cover and fuels maps, specifically the Rangeland Analysis Platform (RAP) and LANDFIRE, with field-based assessments at two U.S. National Parks dominated by sagebrush steppe: City of Rocks National Reserve and Craters of the Moon National Monument and Preserve. Plant-community composition and fuels measured at ∼1700 field locations spanning ∼300,000 ha revealed that 1) RAP generally underestimated each vegetation cover type where the cover was actually abundant, and conversely overestimated cover types where they were actually scarce, and 2) there was considerable disagreement in fuel-bed maps derived from LANDFIRE compared to field observations. As a result, there were substantial discrepancies in the spatial patterning of wildfire behavior estimated from the fire-spread model FLAMMAP when parameterized with LANDFIRE compared to field-based fuel-bed maps created from Random Forests models. Reliable maps of vegetation cover and fuel conditions are needed to help guide fuels and invasive species management, especially given recent increases in pre- and post-fire treatments in arid and semiarid landscapes. The costs associated with poorly informed fuel reduction may greatly exceed the costs of field-based vegetation and fuels inventory to inform effective design of vegetative fuels treatments.
Additional Links: PMID-40414133
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PubMed:
Citation:
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@article {pmid40414133,
year = {2025},
author = {Price, SJ and Kluender, CR and Germino, MJ and Rodhouse, T},
title = {Reliability of satellite-based vegetation maps for planning wildfire-fuel treatments in shrub steppe: Inferences from two contrasting national parks.},
journal = {Journal of environmental management},
volume = {387},
number = {},
pages = {125808},
doi = {10.1016/j.jenvman.2025.125808},
pmid = {40414133},
issn = {1095-8630},
abstract = {Protecting habitat threatened by increasing wildfire size and frequency requires identifying the spatial intersection of wildfire behavior and ecological conditions that favor positive management outcomes. In the perennial sagebrush steppe of Western North America, invasions by fire-prone annual grasses are a key concern, and management of them requires reliable maps of vegetation cover, fuels, and wildfire behavior. We compared commonly used, publicly available vegetation cover and fuels maps, specifically the Rangeland Analysis Platform (RAP) and LANDFIRE, with field-based assessments at two U.S. National Parks dominated by sagebrush steppe: City of Rocks National Reserve and Craters of the Moon National Monument and Preserve. Plant-community composition and fuels measured at ∼1700 field locations spanning ∼300,000 ha revealed that 1) RAP generally underestimated each vegetation cover type where the cover was actually abundant, and conversely overestimated cover types where they were actually scarce, and 2) there was considerable disagreement in fuel-bed maps derived from LANDFIRE compared to field observations. As a result, there were substantial discrepancies in the spatial patterning of wildfire behavior estimated from the fire-spread model FLAMMAP when parameterized with LANDFIRE compared to field-based fuel-bed maps created from Random Forests models. Reliable maps of vegetation cover and fuel conditions are needed to help guide fuels and invasive species management, especially given recent increases in pre- and post-fire treatments in arid and semiarid landscapes. The costs associated with poorly informed fuel reduction may greatly exceed the costs of field-based vegetation and fuels inventory to inform effective design of vegetative fuels treatments.},
}
RevDate: 2025-05-25
Bioturbation and the resuspension of plastic pollutants by spawning common carp degrades lake water quality.
The Science of the total environment, 984:179718 pii:S0048-9697(25)01359-2 [Epub ahead of print].
Here, findings from a before-after-control-impact (BACI) field experiment are presented that tested the hypothesis that bioturbation (i.e., sediment disturbance through animal activities) from an invasive population of common carp (Cyprinus carpio) degrades water quality by resuspending microplastics and microfibers in lake surface waters during the spawning season. Concentrations of total suspended solids (TSS), microplastics (MP/L), and microfibers (MF/L) were compared before, during, and after a carp spawning event to assess the magnitude and duration of disturbance effects. Concentrations of total suspended solids, microplastics, and microfibers were all similar across sampling sites prior to spawning. As spawning commenced, carp bioturbation increased concentrations of TSS, microplastics, and microfibers by 2-3 times relative to control sites. After spawning ended, TSS and microplastic fragments each returned to ambient concentrations whereas microfiber concentrations remained higher than control sites for multiple weeks. Findings from this study expand the harmful environmental effects of invasive carp to the resuspension of microplastic pollutants and the degradation of lake water quality. Given the widespread distribution of common carp and their propensity for disturbing habitats and eroding water quality, the phenomena described in this study likely extends to many other lakes, floodplain and backwater habitats, ponds, and rivers polluted with plastics and other contaminants.
Additional Links: PMID-40414056
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PubMed:
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@article {pmid40414056,
year = {2025},
author = {Collins, SF},
title = {Bioturbation and the resuspension of plastic pollutants by spawning common carp degrades lake water quality.},
journal = {The Science of the total environment},
volume = {984},
number = {},
pages = {179718},
doi = {10.1016/j.scitotenv.2025.179718},
pmid = {40414056},
issn = {1879-1026},
abstract = {Here, findings from a before-after-control-impact (BACI) field experiment are presented that tested the hypothesis that bioturbation (i.e., sediment disturbance through animal activities) from an invasive population of common carp (Cyprinus carpio) degrades water quality by resuspending microplastics and microfibers in lake surface waters during the spawning season. Concentrations of total suspended solids (TSS), microplastics (MP/L), and microfibers (MF/L) were compared before, during, and after a carp spawning event to assess the magnitude and duration of disturbance effects. Concentrations of total suspended solids, microplastics, and microfibers were all similar across sampling sites prior to spawning. As spawning commenced, carp bioturbation increased concentrations of TSS, microplastics, and microfibers by 2-3 times relative to control sites. After spawning ended, TSS and microplastic fragments each returned to ambient concentrations whereas microfiber concentrations remained higher than control sites for multiple weeks. Findings from this study expand the harmful environmental effects of invasive carp to the resuspension of microplastic pollutants and the degradation of lake water quality. Given the widespread distribution of common carp and their propensity for disturbing habitats and eroding water quality, the phenomena described in this study likely extends to many other lakes, floodplain and backwater habitats, ponds, and rivers polluted with plastics and other contaminants.},
}
RevDate: 2025-05-27
CmpDate: 2025-05-24
DNA reveal new invasive species of tiger shrimp Penaeus monodon (Penaeidae) along the world's largest mangrove region in the Brazilian Blue Amazon.
Scientific reports, 15(1):18058.
Bioinvasions represent a major environmental issue, particularly when they take place in biodiversity hotspots, such as mangrove ecosystems that serve as shelter for many marine species and fisheries resources. In this work, we used an integrative approach based on DNA and morphological analyses to identify individuals and the putative presence of cryptic diversity in the invasive tiger prawn (Penaeus monodon) along a mangrove area on the northern coast of Brazil, referred to as "Blue Amazon". A fragment of the mitochondrial cytochrome c oxidase subunit I (COI) gene was selected for DNA Barcode and associated with distance-based (ABGD-Automatic Barcode Gap Discovery) and probabilistic (GMYC-Generalized Mixed Yule Coalescent and bPTP-Bayesian Poisson tree processes) species delimitation methods. Furthermore, the maternal origin of collected specimens was tracked. The molecular analyses recovered two genetically divergent lineages (7.7%) within the tiger prawn, indicating the occurrence of two species of this bioinvader on the northern coast of Brazil. Even though no differences in external morphology were detected, both lineages could be differentiated by their internal structures. The molecular traceability of the origin of samples showed that lineages I and II shared haplotypes with specimens from 11 and nine countries, respectively, including a shrimp breeding center in Vietnam. This is the first record of two species of tiger prawn along the Brazilian continental shelf. These findings are useful to the development of effective management policies in a region of particular biological relevance.
Additional Links: PMID-40413247
PubMed:
Citation:
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@article {pmid40413247,
year = {2025},
author = {Ferreira, C and Martins, T and Melo, L and Veneza, I and Santana, P and Miranda, J and Lutz, Í and Sousa, J and Cardoso, B and Miranda, A and da Costa, JL and Matos, S and Holanda, FC and Vallinoto, M and Sampaio, I and Evangelista-Gomes, G},
title = {DNA reveal new invasive species of tiger shrimp Penaeus monodon (Penaeidae) along the world's largest mangrove region in the Brazilian Blue Amazon.},
journal = {Scientific reports},
volume = {15},
number = {1},
pages = {18058},
pmid = {40413247},
issn = {2045-2322},
support = {CNPq (407536/2021-3).//Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Científico e Tecnológico/ ; CNPq (407536/2021-3).//Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Científico e Tecnológico/ ; CNPq (407536/2021-3).//Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Científico e Tecnológico/ ; CNPq (407536/2021-3).//Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Científico e Tecnológico/ ; CNPq (407536/2021-3).//Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Científico e Tecnológico/ ; CNPq (407536/2021-3).//Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Científico e Tecnológico/ ; CNPq (407536/2021-3).//Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Científico e Tecnológico/ ; CNPq (407536/2021-3).//Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Científico e Tecnológico/ ; CNPq (407536/2021-3).//Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Científico e Tecnológico/ ; CNPq (407536/2021-3).//Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Científico e Tecnológico/ ; CNPq (407536/2021-3).//Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Científico e Tecnológico/ ; CNPq (407536/2021-3).//Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Científico e Tecnológico/ ; CNPq (407536/2021-3).//Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Científico e Tecnológico/ ; CNPq (407536/2021-3).//Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Científico e Tecnológico/ ; CNPq (407536/2021-3).//Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Científico e Tecnológico/ ; CNPq (407536/2021-3).//Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Científico e Tecnológico/ ; },
mesh = {Animals ; *Penaeidae/genetics/classification ; Brazil ; DNA Barcoding, Taxonomic ; *Introduced Species ; Phylogeny ; Electron Transport Complex IV/genetics ; Genetic Variation ; Wetlands ; Biodiversity ; Haplotypes ; Ecosystem ; *DNA/genetics ; },
abstract = {Bioinvasions represent a major environmental issue, particularly when they take place in biodiversity hotspots, such as mangrove ecosystems that serve as shelter for many marine species and fisheries resources. In this work, we used an integrative approach based on DNA and morphological analyses to identify individuals and the putative presence of cryptic diversity in the invasive tiger prawn (Penaeus monodon) along a mangrove area on the northern coast of Brazil, referred to as "Blue Amazon". A fragment of the mitochondrial cytochrome c oxidase subunit I (COI) gene was selected for DNA Barcode and associated with distance-based (ABGD-Automatic Barcode Gap Discovery) and probabilistic (GMYC-Generalized Mixed Yule Coalescent and bPTP-Bayesian Poisson tree processes) species delimitation methods. Furthermore, the maternal origin of collected specimens was tracked. The molecular analyses recovered two genetically divergent lineages (7.7%) within the tiger prawn, indicating the occurrence of two species of this bioinvader on the northern coast of Brazil. Even though no differences in external morphology were detected, both lineages could be differentiated by their internal structures. The molecular traceability of the origin of samples showed that lineages I and II shared haplotypes with specimens from 11 and nine countries, respectively, including a shrimp breeding center in Vietnam. This is the first record of two species of tiger prawn along the Brazilian continental shelf. These findings are useful to the development of effective management policies in a region of particular biological relevance.},
}
MeSH Terms:
show MeSH Terms
hide MeSH Terms
Animals
*Penaeidae/genetics/classification
Brazil
DNA Barcoding, Taxonomic
*Introduced Species
Phylogeny
Electron Transport Complex IV/genetics
Genetic Variation
Wetlands
Biodiversity
Haplotypes
Ecosystem
*DNA/genetics
RevDate: 2025-05-27
CmpDate: 2025-05-24
MAVSD: A Multi-Angle View Segmentation Dataset for Detection of Solidago Canadensis L.
Scientific data, 12(1):861.
Recent advancements in computer vision and deep learning have advanced automated vegetation monitoring, creating new opportunities for invasive species management. To this end, we introduce MAVSD (Multi-Angle View Segmentation Dataset), specifically designed for detecting Solidago canadensis L., a globally significant invasive plant. The dataset comprises high-resolution images captured by unmanned aerial vehicles from four angles (30°, 45°, 60°, and 90°), providing comprehensive coverage of plant structures and enabling in-depth understanding from multiple perspectives. MAVSD includes pixel-level semantic segmentation annotations across 13 classes, meticulously categorizing vegetation and environmental elements. Extensive experiments with state-of-the-art segmentation models validate MAVSD's effectiveness in enhancing invasive species detection and monitoring, with multi-angle training improving mIoU by up to 11% over single-angle baselines. The dataset's multi-angle, high-resolution characteristics strengthen ecological monitoring capabilities, offering valuable resources for research and environmental protection applications.
Additional Links: PMID-40413199
PubMed:
Citation:
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@article {pmid40413199,
year = {2025},
author = {Li, H and Fu, T and Hao, H and Yu, Z},
title = {MAVSD: A Multi-Angle View Segmentation Dataset for Detection of Solidago Canadensis L.},
journal = {Scientific data},
volume = {12},
number = {1},
pages = {861},
pmid = {40413199},
issn = {2052-4463},
support = {ZR2021LZH005//Natural Science Foundation of Shandong Province (Shandong Provincial Natural Science Foundation)/ ; ZR2021LZH005//Natural Science Foundation of Shandong Province (Shandong Provincial Natural Science Foundation)/ ; ZR2021LZH005//Natural Science Foundation of Shandong Province (Shandong Provincial Natural Science Foundation)/ ; ZR2021LZH005//Natural Science Foundation of Shandong Province (Shandong Provincial Natural Science Foundation)/ ; 62171419//National Natural Science Foundation of China (National Science Foundation of China)/ ; 62171419//National Natural Science Foundation of China (National Science Foundation of China)/ ; 62171419//National Natural Science Foundation of China (National Science Foundation of China)/ ; 62171419//National Natural Science Foundation of China (National Science Foundation of China)/ ; },
mesh = {*Solidago ; *Introduced Species ; Unmanned Aerial Devices ; Deep Learning ; *Environmental Monitoring ; },
abstract = {Recent advancements in computer vision and deep learning have advanced automated vegetation monitoring, creating new opportunities for invasive species management. To this end, we introduce MAVSD (Multi-Angle View Segmentation Dataset), specifically designed for detecting Solidago canadensis L., a globally significant invasive plant. The dataset comprises high-resolution images captured by unmanned aerial vehicles from four angles (30°, 45°, 60°, and 90°), providing comprehensive coverage of plant structures and enabling in-depth understanding from multiple perspectives. MAVSD includes pixel-level semantic segmentation annotations across 13 classes, meticulously categorizing vegetation and environmental elements. Extensive experiments with state-of-the-art segmentation models validate MAVSD's effectiveness in enhancing invasive species detection and monitoring, with multi-angle training improving mIoU by up to 11% over single-angle baselines. The dataset's multi-angle, high-resolution characteristics strengthen ecological monitoring capabilities, offering valuable resources for research and environmental protection applications.},
}
MeSH Terms:
show MeSH Terms
hide MeSH Terms
*Solidago
*Introduced Species
Unmanned Aerial Devices
Deep Learning
*Environmental Monitoring
RevDate: 2025-05-25
CmpDate: 2025-05-24
Gut symbiotic bacteria enhance reproduction in Spodoptera frugiperda (J.E. Smith) by regulating juvenile hormone III and 20-hydroxyecdysone pathways.
Microbiome, 13(1):132.
BACKGROUND: The insect gut microbiota forms a complex, multifunctional system that significantly affects phenotypic traits linked to environmental adaptation. Strong reproductive potential underpins the migratory success, population growth and destructive impact of the fall armyworm, Spodoptera frugiperda (J.E. Smith). However, the precise role of gut bacteria in S. frugiperda reproductive processes, distribution and transmission dynamics remains unclear.
RESULTS: We examined the gut microbiota of S. frugiperda a major invasive agricultural pest, identifying Enterococcus, Enterobacter, and Klebsiella as core microorganisms present throughout its life cycle. These microbes showed heightened activity during the egg stage, early larval stages and pre-oviposition period in females. Using an axenic insect re-infection system, Enterococcus quebecensis FAW181, Klebsiella michiganensis FAW071 and Enterobacter hormaechei FAW049 were found to significantly enhance host fecundity, increasing egg production by 62.73%, 59.95%, and 56.71%, respectively. Metagenomic and haemolymph metabolomic analyses revealed a positive correlation between gut symbiotic bacteria and hormone metabolism in female S. frugiperda. Further analysis of metabolites in the insect hormone biosynthesis pathway, along with exogenous injection of juvenile hormone III and 20-hydroxyecdysone, revealed that gut microbes regulate these hormones, maintaining levels equivalent to those in control insects. This regulation supports improved fecundity in S. frugiperda, aiding rapid colonization and population expansion.
CONCLUSIONS: These findings emphasize the pivotal role of gut bacteria E. quebecensis FAW181, E. hormaechei FAW049, and K. michiganensis FAW071 in enhancing S. frugiperda reproduction by modulating JH III levels through JHAMT regulation and concurrently modulating the levels of 20E and its precursors via PHM. Our results provide novel insights into microbe-host symbiosis and pest management strategies for alien invasive species. Video Abstract.
Additional Links: PMID-40410832
PubMed:
Citation:
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@article {pmid40410832,
year = {2025},
author = {Chu, B and Ge, S and He, W and Sun, X and Ma, J and Yang, X and Lv, C and Xu, P and Zhao, X and Wu, K},
title = {Gut symbiotic bacteria enhance reproduction in Spodoptera frugiperda (J.E. Smith) by regulating juvenile hormone III and 20-hydroxyecdysone pathways.},
journal = {Microbiome},
volume = {13},
number = {1},
pages = {132},
pmid = {40410832},
issn = {2049-2618},
support = {2023FY100500//Chinese Science &Technology Fundamental Resources Investigation Program/ ; 2023FY100500//Chinese Science &Technology Fundamental Resources Investigation Program/ ; 2023FY100500//Chinese Science &Technology Fundamental Resources Investigation Program/ ; 2023FY100500//Chinese Science &Technology Fundamental Resources Investigation Program/ ; 2023FY100500//Chinese Science &Technology Fundamental Resources Investigation Program/ ; 2023FY100500//Chinese Science &Technology Fundamental Resources Investigation Program/ ; 2023FY100500//Chinese Science &Technology Fundamental Resources Investigation Program/ ; 2023FY100500//Chinese Science &Technology Fundamental Resources Investigation Program/ ; CARS-02//National Modern Agricultural Industry Technology System Construction Fund of China/ ; CARS-02//National Modern Agricultural Industry Technology System Construction Fund of China/ ; CARS-02//National Modern Agricultural Industry Technology System Construction Fund of China/ ; CARS-02//National Modern Agricultural Industry Technology System Construction Fund of China/ ; CARS-02//National Modern Agricultural Industry Technology System Construction Fund of China/ ; CARS-02//National Modern Agricultural Industry Technology System Construction Fund of China/ ; CARS-02//National Modern Agricultural Industry Technology System Construction Fund of China/ ; CARS-02//National Modern Agricultural Industry Technology System Construction Fund of China/ ; },
mesh = {Animals ; *Spodoptera/microbiology/physiology/metabolism ; *Gastrointestinal Microbiome/physiology ; *Ecdysterone/metabolism ; *Symbiosis ; Female ; Reproduction ; Enterobacter/isolation & purification/physiology ; Larva/microbiology ; Enterococcus/isolation & purification/physiology/genetics ; Klebsiella/isolation & purification/genetics/physiology ; Bacteria/classification/genetics ; *Juvenile Hormones/metabolism ; },
abstract = {BACKGROUND: The insect gut microbiota forms a complex, multifunctional system that significantly affects phenotypic traits linked to environmental adaptation. Strong reproductive potential underpins the migratory success, population growth and destructive impact of the fall armyworm, Spodoptera frugiperda (J.E. Smith). However, the precise role of gut bacteria in S. frugiperda reproductive processes, distribution and transmission dynamics remains unclear.
RESULTS: We examined the gut microbiota of S. frugiperda a major invasive agricultural pest, identifying Enterococcus, Enterobacter, and Klebsiella as core microorganisms present throughout its life cycle. These microbes showed heightened activity during the egg stage, early larval stages and pre-oviposition period in females. Using an axenic insect re-infection system, Enterococcus quebecensis FAW181, Klebsiella michiganensis FAW071 and Enterobacter hormaechei FAW049 were found to significantly enhance host fecundity, increasing egg production by 62.73%, 59.95%, and 56.71%, respectively. Metagenomic and haemolymph metabolomic analyses revealed a positive correlation between gut symbiotic bacteria and hormone metabolism in female S. frugiperda. Further analysis of metabolites in the insect hormone biosynthesis pathway, along with exogenous injection of juvenile hormone III and 20-hydroxyecdysone, revealed that gut microbes regulate these hormones, maintaining levels equivalent to those in control insects. This regulation supports improved fecundity in S. frugiperda, aiding rapid colonization and population expansion.
CONCLUSIONS: These findings emphasize the pivotal role of gut bacteria E. quebecensis FAW181, E. hormaechei FAW049, and K. michiganensis FAW071 in enhancing S. frugiperda reproduction by modulating JH III levels through JHAMT regulation and concurrently modulating the levels of 20E and its precursors via PHM. Our results provide novel insights into microbe-host symbiosis and pest management strategies for alien invasive species. Video Abstract.},
}
MeSH Terms:
show MeSH Terms
hide MeSH Terms
Animals
*Spodoptera/microbiology/physiology/metabolism
*Gastrointestinal Microbiome/physiology
*Ecdysterone/metabolism
*Symbiosis
Female
Reproduction
Enterobacter/isolation & purification/physiology
Larva/microbiology
Enterococcus/isolation & purification/physiology/genetics
Klebsiella/isolation & purification/genetics/physiology
Bacteria/classification/genetics
*Juvenile Hormones/metabolism
RevDate: 2025-05-26
CmpDate: 2025-05-23
Invasive swamp eels reduce aquatic animal diversity and disproportionately reduce prey for nesting wading birds.
Scientific reports, 15(1):17975.
Ecosystem restoration often aims to create environmental conditions that support communities of native organisms resembling those prior to alteration by humans. One focus of the multi-decade multi-billion-dollar Florida Everglades restoration effort is to recreate hydrologic conditions in Everglades National Park and associated pulses of aquatic animal prey to support the large colonies of seasonally nesting wading birds that are iconic predators in the ecosystem. Recent studies indicate that invasion of predatory Asian Swamp Eels (Monopterus albus/javanensis) has disrupted the hydrology-mediated production of crayfish and some small fishes in the drainage of first invasion (circa 2012). Here we used a complete community dataset of fish and decapods to report changes to the aquatic community diversity, composition, and biomass of prey produced for wading birds. After the establishment of swamp eels in Taylor Slough (Everglades National Park) average fish and decapod richness declined by 25% and communities shifted to a new state dominated by grass shrimp and a few species of small fishes. Swamp eels differentially reduced the production of primary wading bird resources; while there has been a 68% decline in total small fish and decapod biomass, the biomass of the most important prey species for nesting wading birds declined 80%. If similar impacts follow the spread of swamp eels into other major drainages of the Everglades, the invasion may precipitate an ecosystem collapse-fundamentally simplifying and restructuring the aquatic communities of this vast wetland ecosystem and limiting the trophic support for wading bird breeding aggregations that are important indicators for ecological restoration.
Additional Links: PMID-40410399
PubMed:
Citation:
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@article {pmid40410399,
year = {2025},
author = {Pintar, MR and Dorn, NJ},
title = {Invasive swamp eels reduce aquatic animal diversity and disproportionately reduce prey for nesting wading birds.},
journal = {Scientific reports},
volume = {15},
number = {1},
pages = {17975},
pmid = {40410399},
issn = {2045-2322},
support = {4500135928//South Florida Water Management District/ ; 4500135928//South Florida Water Management District/ ; },
mesh = {Animals ; *Birds/physiology ; *Predatory Behavior ; *Biodiversity ; *Introduced Species ; Ecosystem ; Florida ; Biomass ; *Smegmamorpha/physiology ; Nesting Behavior ; Wetlands ; Conservation of Natural Resources ; },
abstract = {Ecosystem restoration often aims to create environmental conditions that support communities of native organisms resembling those prior to alteration by humans. One focus of the multi-decade multi-billion-dollar Florida Everglades restoration effort is to recreate hydrologic conditions in Everglades National Park and associated pulses of aquatic animal prey to support the large colonies of seasonally nesting wading birds that are iconic predators in the ecosystem. Recent studies indicate that invasion of predatory Asian Swamp Eels (Monopterus albus/javanensis) has disrupted the hydrology-mediated production of crayfish and some small fishes in the drainage of first invasion (circa 2012). Here we used a complete community dataset of fish and decapods to report changes to the aquatic community diversity, composition, and biomass of prey produced for wading birds. After the establishment of swamp eels in Taylor Slough (Everglades National Park) average fish and decapod richness declined by 25% and communities shifted to a new state dominated by grass shrimp and a few species of small fishes. Swamp eels differentially reduced the production of primary wading bird resources; while there has been a 68% decline in total small fish and decapod biomass, the biomass of the most important prey species for nesting wading birds declined 80%. If similar impacts follow the spread of swamp eels into other major drainages of the Everglades, the invasion may precipitate an ecosystem collapse-fundamentally simplifying and restructuring the aquatic communities of this vast wetland ecosystem and limiting the trophic support for wading bird breeding aggregations that are important indicators for ecological restoration.},
}
MeSH Terms:
show MeSH Terms
hide MeSH Terms
Animals
*Birds/physiology
*Predatory Behavior
*Biodiversity
*Introduced Species
Ecosystem
Florida
Biomass
*Smegmamorpha/physiology
Nesting Behavior
Wetlands
Conservation of Natural Resources
RevDate: 2025-05-26
CmpDate: 2025-05-23
The conditions of failing and successful plant invasions with free boundary.
Scientific reports, 15(1):17910.
In this paper, a reaction-diffusion model is proposed to investigate the growing process of invasive plants. Two free boundaries are introduced to describe the spreading frontiers are caused only by the seeds. The main objective is to realize the variation of the invasive plants and the free boundaries. Similar to the basic reproduction number of epidemic diseases, we define the threshold parameters [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text] to discuss the dynamic behaviors of equilibrium solutions of invasive plants model with free boundary conditions. Based on them, we give the sufficient conditions for whether plants invade successfully or not. We show that the invasive plants will successfully persist in the new environment if [Formula: see text] with large initial values or [Formula: see text], while failing and dying out in the long run if [Formula: see text] with small initial values or [Formula: see text].
Additional Links: PMID-40410338
PubMed:
Citation:
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@article {pmid40410338,
year = {2025},
author = {Li, R and Zhu, L and Zhou, Y},
title = {The conditions of failing and successful plant invasions with free boundary.},
journal = {Scientific reports},
volume = {15},
number = {1},
pages = {17910},
pmid = {40410338},
issn = {2045-2322},
support = {12171418//National Natural Science Foundation of China/ ; KYCX24_3707//Postgraduate Research & Practice Innovation Program of Jiangsu Province/ ; },
mesh = {*Introduced Species ; *Plants ; *Models, Biological ; Models, Theoretical ; Seeds/growth & development ; },
abstract = {In this paper, a reaction-diffusion model is proposed to investigate the growing process of invasive plants. Two free boundaries are introduced to describe the spreading frontiers are caused only by the seeds. The main objective is to realize the variation of the invasive plants and the free boundaries. Similar to the basic reproduction number of epidemic diseases, we define the threshold parameters [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text] to discuss the dynamic behaviors of equilibrium solutions of invasive plants model with free boundary conditions. Based on them, we give the sufficient conditions for whether plants invade successfully or not. We show that the invasive plants will successfully persist in the new environment if [Formula: see text] with large initial values or [Formula: see text], while failing and dying out in the long run if [Formula: see text] with small initial values or [Formula: see text].},
}
MeSH Terms:
show MeSH Terms
hide MeSH Terms
*Introduced Species
*Plants
*Models, Biological
Models, Theoretical
Seeds/growth & development
RevDate: 2025-05-26
CmpDate: 2025-05-23
Recombinase polymerase amplification assay for sensitive and rapid detection of invasive fall armyworm, Spodoptera frugiperda.
Scientific reports, 15(1):18026.
The fall armyworm, Spodoptera frugiperda, is an invasive, polyphagous pest that threatens approximately 353 plant species across 72 families worldwide. Due to morphological similarities with other noctuid pests during the early larval, pupal, and adult stages, traditional identification methods are labour-intensive and require specialist expertise. Rapid, reliable detection is essential given the pest's potential for widespread destruction. Through genome-wide in-silico analysis, this study identified a unique region within a signal peptide gene of S. frugiperda, which served as the basis for developing PCR, LAMP, and RPA-based assays for detection. The PCR assay produced a specific 550 bp amplicon for S. frugiperda, showing no cross-reactivity with negative controls. In the LAMP assay, positive samples exhibited a sky-blue colour, while negative samples turned violet when hydroxynaphthol blue dye was used. The RPA assay, with SYBR green dye, displayed bright green in positive samples and brick-red in negatives. Sensitivity tests demonstrated that PCR detected as low as 1 pg/µL, while LAMP and RPA achieved a higher sensitivity of 100 fg/µL. This study introduces the first RPA colorimetric assay for S. frugiperda, providing a time-efficient, cost-effective option that requires minimal equipment, ideal for field detection, thereby supporting timely pest monitoring and management.
Additional Links: PMID-40410236
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@article {pmid40410236,
year = {2025},
author = {Channappa, M and Thiruvengadam, V and Shivakumar, N and Thammayya, SK and Nayyar, N and Muthugounder, M and Ramasamy, GG and Syamala, RR and Kukreti, A and Karthik, CM and Selvamani, S and Pathak, J and Jha, GK and Sushil, SN},
title = {Recombinase polymerase amplification assay for sensitive and rapid detection of invasive fall armyworm, Spodoptera frugiperda.},
journal = {Scientific reports},
volume = {15},
number = {1},
pages = {18026},
pmid = {40410236},
issn = {2045-2322},
support = {CABIN Project//ICAR/ ; },
mesh = {Animals ; *Spodoptera/genetics ; *Nucleic Acid Amplification Techniques/methods ; *Recombinases/metabolism ; Polymerase Chain Reaction/methods ; Sensitivity and Specificity ; Introduced Species ; Molecular Diagnostic Techniques ; },
abstract = {The fall armyworm, Spodoptera frugiperda, is an invasive, polyphagous pest that threatens approximately 353 plant species across 72 families worldwide. Due to morphological similarities with other noctuid pests during the early larval, pupal, and adult stages, traditional identification methods are labour-intensive and require specialist expertise. Rapid, reliable detection is essential given the pest's potential for widespread destruction. Through genome-wide in-silico analysis, this study identified a unique region within a signal peptide gene of S. frugiperda, which served as the basis for developing PCR, LAMP, and RPA-based assays for detection. The PCR assay produced a specific 550 bp amplicon for S. frugiperda, showing no cross-reactivity with negative controls. In the LAMP assay, positive samples exhibited a sky-blue colour, while negative samples turned violet when hydroxynaphthol blue dye was used. The RPA assay, with SYBR green dye, displayed bright green in positive samples and brick-red in negatives. Sensitivity tests demonstrated that PCR detected as low as 1 pg/µL, while LAMP and RPA achieved a higher sensitivity of 100 fg/µL. This study introduces the first RPA colorimetric assay for S. frugiperda, providing a time-efficient, cost-effective option that requires minimal equipment, ideal for field detection, thereby supporting timely pest monitoring and management.},
}
MeSH Terms:
show MeSH Terms
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Animals
*Spodoptera/genetics
*Nucleic Acid Amplification Techniques/methods
*Recombinases/metabolism
Polymerase Chain Reaction/methods
Sensitivity and Specificity
Introduced Species
Molecular Diagnostic Techniques
RevDate: 2025-05-23
Estuarine fish dynamics associated with polychaete reefs and environmental stressors.
Marine environmental research, 209:107212 pii:S0141-1136(25)00269-7 [Epub ahead of print].
Biogenic reefs serve as important habitats for fish, yet reef-building polychaetes and their functional role for associated estuarine fish communities is not well understood. The aim of this study was to investigate the ecological role of one of the most prominent providers of polychaete reefs, Ficopomatus enigmaticus, in a large temperate estuary in Southern Australia (the Coorong). Fish communities were compared between F. enigmaticus reef and non-reef habitats. The fish community included 22 native species, and dissimilarity between the reef versus non-reef habitats was driven by the abundances of particular estuarine species. The fish community from the reef habitat were characterised by higher abundances of estuarine species of gobies (Pseudogobius olorum, Arenigobius bifrenatus, Tasmanogobius lasti, Afurcagobius tamarensis), smallmouth hardyhead (Atherinosoma microstoma), and black bream (Acanthopagrus butcheri). The functional roles of F. enigmaticus reefs serve as either shelter or feeding habitats for estuarine fish especially during the juvenile life stage. An extreme flood event, one of the highest on record, lowered salinities throughout the estuary and lagoon. Temporal variations in fish communities of both reef and non-reef habitats from the estuary and lagoon were explained by stressors of the flood, heatwave and invasive species, and environmental conditions including the total monthly flow, water temperature and transparency. Reefs built by the polychaete F. enigmaticus deliver ecosystem functions that benefit fish communities and merit conservation.
Additional Links: PMID-40408914
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Citation:
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@article {pmid40408914,
year = {2025},
author = {Schroder, L and Lam-Gordillo, O and Ye, Q and Dittmann, S},
title = {Estuarine fish dynamics associated with polychaete reefs and environmental stressors.},
journal = {Marine environmental research},
volume = {209},
number = {},
pages = {107212},
doi = {10.1016/j.marenvres.2025.107212},
pmid = {40408914},
issn = {1879-0291},
abstract = {Biogenic reefs serve as important habitats for fish, yet reef-building polychaetes and their functional role for associated estuarine fish communities is not well understood. The aim of this study was to investigate the ecological role of one of the most prominent providers of polychaete reefs, Ficopomatus enigmaticus, in a large temperate estuary in Southern Australia (the Coorong). Fish communities were compared between F. enigmaticus reef and non-reef habitats. The fish community included 22 native species, and dissimilarity between the reef versus non-reef habitats was driven by the abundances of particular estuarine species. The fish community from the reef habitat were characterised by higher abundances of estuarine species of gobies (Pseudogobius olorum, Arenigobius bifrenatus, Tasmanogobius lasti, Afurcagobius tamarensis), smallmouth hardyhead (Atherinosoma microstoma), and black bream (Acanthopagrus butcheri). The functional roles of F. enigmaticus reefs serve as either shelter or feeding habitats for estuarine fish especially during the juvenile life stage. An extreme flood event, one of the highest on record, lowered salinities throughout the estuary and lagoon. Temporal variations in fish communities of both reef and non-reef habitats from the estuary and lagoon were explained by stressors of the flood, heatwave and invasive species, and environmental conditions including the total monthly flow, water temperature and transparency. Reefs built by the polychaete F. enigmaticus deliver ecosystem functions that benefit fish communities and merit conservation.},
}
RevDate: 2025-05-25
CmpDate: 2025-05-23
Monitoring a keystone species (Alosa pseudoharengus) with environmental effects: A comparison with direct capture and environmental DNA.
PloS one, 20(5):e0324385.
Keystone species are important drivers of ecological processes. Their ecological importance makes them prime candidates for biological monitoring, both to preserve and restore their populations when facing decline, and to limit their spread as invasive species. To monitor species well requires cost and labor efficient methods that are capable of detecting the target species at low abundances. Traditional sampling methods, or methods of direct capture, can be labor intensive when trying to monitor large areas or species at low abundances. Another method, environmental DNA (eDNA), has emerged as a more cost and time efficient supplement to traditional monitoring methods. Environmental DNA techniques and strategies continue to be developed, but face limitations for some taxonomic groups within certain habitats. Here, we propose a novel method for monitoring keystone species: environmental effects sampling. Keystone species have large effects on their environment relative to their abundance. Measuring their environmental effects-or quantifiable changes in the biotic or abiotic environment due to organism-environment interactions-has potential as a low-effort and low-cost method for detecting keystone species. In this study, we compare the effectiveness of traditional sampling, eDNA methods, and environmental effects sampling as an alternative low cost and time efficient method for monitoring the presence and abundance of an ecologically important keystone species, the alewife, Alosa pseudoharengus, in freshwater lakes. The alewife is a zooplanktivorous fish managed as a species of conservation concern along coastal New England, USA, and an invasive or non-native species throughout the Laurentian Great Lakes watershed. We sampled lakes throughout Michigan and Connecticut from 2018-2020 and compared the three monitoring methods along four axes: alewife presence/absence, alewife abundance, financial cost, and time efficiency. Our results suggest that monitoring alewife with environmental effects is more accurate, more cost efficient, and more time efficient than purse seining and eDNA. Our environmental effects results also led to the discovery that two historically recognized alewife lakes no longer contained alewife, as confirmed by traditional sampling. However, environmental effects monitoring was only useful for determining alewife presence/absence, and was not reliable for determining alewife relative abundance. Environmental effects monitoring presents novel opportunities for efficiently and effectively monitoring keystone species such as alewife for the purpose of restoration or management.
Additional Links: PMID-40408427
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Citation:
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@article {pmid40408427,
year = {2025},
author = {Dougherty, MM and MacDonald, A and York, G and Post, DM},
title = {Monitoring a keystone species (Alosa pseudoharengus) with environmental effects: A comparison with direct capture and environmental DNA.},
journal = {PloS one},
volume = {20},
number = {5},
pages = {e0324385},
pmid = {40408427},
issn = {1932-6203},
mesh = {*DNA, Environmental/analysis/genetics ; Animals ; *Fishes/genetics ; *Environmental Monitoring/methods ; Ecosystem ; Introduced Species ; },
abstract = {Keystone species are important drivers of ecological processes. Their ecological importance makes them prime candidates for biological monitoring, both to preserve and restore their populations when facing decline, and to limit their spread as invasive species. To monitor species well requires cost and labor efficient methods that are capable of detecting the target species at low abundances. Traditional sampling methods, or methods of direct capture, can be labor intensive when trying to monitor large areas or species at low abundances. Another method, environmental DNA (eDNA), has emerged as a more cost and time efficient supplement to traditional monitoring methods. Environmental DNA techniques and strategies continue to be developed, but face limitations for some taxonomic groups within certain habitats. Here, we propose a novel method for monitoring keystone species: environmental effects sampling. Keystone species have large effects on their environment relative to their abundance. Measuring their environmental effects-or quantifiable changes in the biotic or abiotic environment due to organism-environment interactions-has potential as a low-effort and low-cost method for detecting keystone species. In this study, we compare the effectiveness of traditional sampling, eDNA methods, and environmental effects sampling as an alternative low cost and time efficient method for monitoring the presence and abundance of an ecologically important keystone species, the alewife, Alosa pseudoharengus, in freshwater lakes. The alewife is a zooplanktivorous fish managed as a species of conservation concern along coastal New England, USA, and an invasive or non-native species throughout the Laurentian Great Lakes watershed. We sampled lakes throughout Michigan and Connecticut from 2018-2020 and compared the three monitoring methods along four axes: alewife presence/absence, alewife abundance, financial cost, and time efficiency. Our results suggest that monitoring alewife with environmental effects is more accurate, more cost efficient, and more time efficient than purse seining and eDNA. Our environmental effects results also led to the discovery that two historically recognized alewife lakes no longer contained alewife, as confirmed by traditional sampling. However, environmental effects monitoring was only useful for determining alewife presence/absence, and was not reliable for determining alewife relative abundance. Environmental effects monitoring presents novel opportunities for efficiently and effectively monitoring keystone species such as alewife for the purpose of restoration or management.},
}
MeSH Terms:
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*DNA, Environmental/analysis/genetics
Animals
*Fishes/genetics
*Environmental Monitoring/methods
Ecosystem
Introduced Species
RevDate: 2025-05-25
Prioritizing the Risk of Multiple Invasive Species in the Semiarid Rangelands of Iran: An Ecological Approach to Multicriteria Decision-Making.
Ecology and evolution, 15(5):e71287.
Invasive plants pose a threat to production sustainability due to their detrimental effects on soil, food cycles, and hydrology. This study aimed to identify and analyze the effects of five invasive plant species on the rangelands of western Isfahan province, Iran. A random-systematic sampling of vegetation cover and soil was conducted at four rangeland sites, and mean soil characteristics were compared using one-way analysis of variance and Tukey's test. Parametric principal component analysis (PCA) and nonparametric multidimensional scaling (NMDS) analysis in CANOCO and PATN software were used to investigate the relationship between environmental factors and vegetation cover. Cluster analysis was employed for habitat grouping, and the Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP) was utilized to analyze the risk of invasive plants. The analysis involved three main criteria, eight subcriteria, and five options. The compatibility ratio of each criterion was calculated using Expert Choice software to assess the accuracy of criteria weighting. Parametric ordination revealed significant correlations between the first and second principal components and mean annual precipitation, mean annual temperature, altitude, slope, nitrogen, and calcium. NMDS analysis revealed significant correlations between plant species and seven environmental variables in a three-dimensional ordination space (p < 0.05). Among the target species, Eryngium billardieri showed a positive correlation with rainfall, altitude, slope, calcium, nitrogen, and a negative correlation with mean annual temperature, rock, and gravel. However, the relationship of other species with environmental factors was not significant. Notably, Cousinia bachtiarica, Eryngium billardieri, Phlomis persica, Euphorbia decipiense, and Poa bulbosa exhibited the most destructive effects, respectively. The study results can inform targeted efforts to protect rangeland ecosystems against invasive plants. Furthermore, the study method is applicable for assessing the risk of other plant species in semiarid ecosystems.
Additional Links: PMID-40406592
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Citation:
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@article {pmid40406592,
year = {2025},
author = {Bashari, H and Bazgir, F and Vahabi, MR},
title = {Prioritizing the Risk of Multiple Invasive Species in the Semiarid Rangelands of Iran: An Ecological Approach to Multicriteria Decision-Making.},
journal = {Ecology and evolution},
volume = {15},
number = {5},
pages = {e71287},
pmid = {40406592},
issn = {2045-7758},
abstract = {Invasive plants pose a threat to production sustainability due to their detrimental effects on soil, food cycles, and hydrology. This study aimed to identify and analyze the effects of five invasive plant species on the rangelands of western Isfahan province, Iran. A random-systematic sampling of vegetation cover and soil was conducted at four rangeland sites, and mean soil characteristics were compared using one-way analysis of variance and Tukey's test. Parametric principal component analysis (PCA) and nonparametric multidimensional scaling (NMDS) analysis in CANOCO and PATN software were used to investigate the relationship between environmental factors and vegetation cover. Cluster analysis was employed for habitat grouping, and the Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP) was utilized to analyze the risk of invasive plants. The analysis involved three main criteria, eight subcriteria, and five options. The compatibility ratio of each criterion was calculated using Expert Choice software to assess the accuracy of criteria weighting. Parametric ordination revealed significant correlations between the first and second principal components and mean annual precipitation, mean annual temperature, altitude, slope, nitrogen, and calcium. NMDS analysis revealed significant correlations between plant species and seven environmental variables in a three-dimensional ordination space (p < 0.05). Among the target species, Eryngium billardieri showed a positive correlation with rainfall, altitude, slope, calcium, nitrogen, and a negative correlation with mean annual temperature, rock, and gravel. However, the relationship of other species with environmental factors was not significant. Notably, Cousinia bachtiarica, Eryngium billardieri, Phlomis persica, Euphorbia decipiense, and Poa bulbosa exhibited the most destructive effects, respectively. The study results can inform targeted efforts to protect rangeland ecosystems against invasive plants. Furthermore, the study method is applicable for assessing the risk of other plant species in semiarid ecosystems.},
}
RevDate: 2025-05-25
CmpDate: 2025-05-23
Variation in diet concentration and bacterial inoculum size in larval habitats shapes the performance of the Asian tiger mosquito, Aedes albopictus.
Microbiome, 13(1):130.
BACKGROUND: Ecological niches present unique environmental and biological trademarks such as abiotic conditions, nutrient availability, and trophic interactions that may impact the ecology of living organisms. Female mosquitoes deposit their eggs in aquatic niches with fluctuating diet sources and microbial communities. However, how niche's diet and microbial composition impact mosquito performance (i.e., traits that maximize mosquito fitness) are not well understood. In this study, we focused on the Asian tiger mosquito, Aedes albopictus, one of the most invasive species in the world and a competent vector for human pathogens. To remove any external microbes, Ae. albopictus eggs were surface-sterilized then hatching larvae were exposed to a gradient of bacterial inoculum (i.e., initial microbial load) and diet concentrations while their impact on mosquito performance traits during juvenile development was measured.
RESULTS: Our results showed that Ae. albopictus larvae develop faster and give larger adults when exposed to microbiota in rearing water. However, mosquito performance, up to the adult stage, depends on both bacterial inoculum size and diet concentration in the aquatic habitat. Upon low inoculum size, larvae survived better if the diet was in sufficient amounts whereas a higher inoculum size was associated with optimal larvae survival only in the presence of the lower amount of diet. Inoculum size, and to a lesser extent diet concentration, shaped bacterial community structure and composition of larval-rearing water allowing the identification of bacterial taxa for which their abundance in larvae-rearing water correlated with niche parameters and/or larval traits.
CONCLUSIONS: Our work demonstrates that both diet concentration and bacterial inoculum size impact mosquito performance possibly by shaping bacterial community structure in the larval habitat, which accounts for a large part of the juvenile's microbiota. Host-microbe interactions influence several mosquito life-history traits, and our work reveals that niche parameters such as inoculum size and diet concentration could have numerous implications on the microbiota assembly and host evolutionary trajectory. This underlies that host-microbe-environment interactions are an important yet overlooked factor of mosquito adaptation to its local environment, with potential future implications for vector control and vector ecology. Video Abstract.
Additional Links: PMID-40405324
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Citation:
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@article {pmid40405324,
year = {2025},
author = {Raquin, V and Martin, E and Minard, G and Valiente Moro, C},
title = {Variation in diet concentration and bacterial inoculum size in larval habitats shapes the performance of the Asian tiger mosquito, Aedes albopictus.},
journal = {Microbiome},
volume = {13},
number = {1},
pages = {130},
pmid = {40405324},
issn = {2049-2618},
support = {Micro-Be-Have//IDEX Lyon scientific breakthrough project/ ; Micro-Be-Have//IDEX Lyon scientific breakthrough project/ ; },
mesh = {Animals ; *Aedes/microbiology/growth & development/physiology ; Larva/microbiology/growth & development/physiology ; *Bacteria/classification/genetics/isolation & purification ; Ecosystem ; *Diet ; Female ; *Microbiota ; Mosquito Vectors/microbiology ; },
abstract = {BACKGROUND: Ecological niches present unique environmental and biological trademarks such as abiotic conditions, nutrient availability, and trophic interactions that may impact the ecology of living organisms. Female mosquitoes deposit their eggs in aquatic niches with fluctuating diet sources and microbial communities. However, how niche's diet and microbial composition impact mosquito performance (i.e., traits that maximize mosquito fitness) are not well understood. In this study, we focused on the Asian tiger mosquito, Aedes albopictus, one of the most invasive species in the world and a competent vector for human pathogens. To remove any external microbes, Ae. albopictus eggs were surface-sterilized then hatching larvae were exposed to a gradient of bacterial inoculum (i.e., initial microbial load) and diet concentrations while their impact on mosquito performance traits during juvenile development was measured.
RESULTS: Our results showed that Ae. albopictus larvae develop faster and give larger adults when exposed to microbiota in rearing water. However, mosquito performance, up to the adult stage, depends on both bacterial inoculum size and diet concentration in the aquatic habitat. Upon low inoculum size, larvae survived better if the diet was in sufficient amounts whereas a higher inoculum size was associated with optimal larvae survival only in the presence of the lower amount of diet. Inoculum size, and to a lesser extent diet concentration, shaped bacterial community structure and composition of larval-rearing water allowing the identification of bacterial taxa for which their abundance in larvae-rearing water correlated with niche parameters and/or larval traits.
CONCLUSIONS: Our work demonstrates that both diet concentration and bacterial inoculum size impact mosquito performance possibly by shaping bacterial community structure in the larval habitat, which accounts for a large part of the juvenile's microbiota. Host-microbe interactions influence several mosquito life-history traits, and our work reveals that niche parameters such as inoculum size and diet concentration could have numerous implications on the microbiota assembly and host evolutionary trajectory. This underlies that host-microbe-environment interactions are an important yet overlooked factor of mosquito adaptation to its local environment, with potential future implications for vector control and vector ecology. Video Abstract.},
}
MeSH Terms:
show MeSH Terms
hide MeSH Terms
Animals
*Aedes/microbiology/growth & development/physiology
Larva/microbiology/growth & development/physiology
*Bacteria/classification/genetics/isolation & purification
Ecosystem
*Diet
Female
*Microbiota
Mosquito Vectors/microbiology
RevDate: 2025-05-25
CmpDate: 2025-05-22
The distinctive material cycle associated with seabirds and land crabs on a pristine oceanic island: a case study of Minamiiwoto, Ogasawara Islands, subtropical Japan.
Oecologia, 207(6):88.
Seabirds are responsible for transporting marine material to oceanic islands, and attempts are being made to restore their function on many islands where they have become extinct. However, little is known about the original island ecosystems prior to disturbance. Minamiiwoto, located in the Ogasawara Islands, is an uninhabited oceanic island that remains uninvaded by alien animals, and its pristine ecosystem and material cycle should serve as a reference for the restoration of disturbed island ecosystems. We analyzed the food web structure of several of the Ogasawara Islands with different disturbance intensities using stable isotopes (δ[13]C, δ[15]N) and compared the characteristics of the material cycle. We found that seabirds and land crabs are distributed across the entire island of Minamiiwoto, with high δ[15]N values derived from marine resources and a gradient in the δ[15]N of land crabs reflecting differences in seabird species with elevation. In contrast, on islands where forest-nesting seabirds have been extinct for more than 50 years, the nutrient supply to the island interior has been lost, and the δ[15]N of most organisms was significantly lower. Isotopic food niches among predators were clearly partitioned by species (max. 14% overlap) on Minamiiwoto, while on the disturbed islands they tended to be highly similar (max. 53% overlap). Our results confirmed that Minamiiwoto still maintains a pristine ecosystem characterized by material transport by seabirds and decomposition by land crabs. The recovery of these biological functions should be the guide for conservation and restoration of oceanic islands subjected to anthropogenic disturbance.
Additional Links: PMID-40404865
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@article {pmid40404865,
year = {2025},
author = {Sato, N and Nakashita, R and Sasaki, T and Kato, H and Karube, H and Mori, H and Kawakami, K},
title = {The distinctive material cycle associated with seabirds and land crabs on a pristine oceanic island: a case study of Minamiiwoto, Ogasawara Islands, subtropical Japan.},
journal = {Oecologia},
volume = {207},
number = {6},
pages = {88},
pmid = {40404865},
issn = {1432-1939},
support = {16H01794//Japan Society for the Promotion of Science/ ; },
mesh = {Animals ; Japan ; *Brachyura ; Islands ; *Ecosystem ; *Food Chain ; Carbon Isotopes/analysis ; Nitrogen Isotopes/analysis ; *Birds/physiology ; },
abstract = {Seabirds are responsible for transporting marine material to oceanic islands, and attempts are being made to restore their function on many islands where they have become extinct. However, little is known about the original island ecosystems prior to disturbance. Minamiiwoto, located in the Ogasawara Islands, is an uninhabited oceanic island that remains uninvaded by alien animals, and its pristine ecosystem and material cycle should serve as a reference for the restoration of disturbed island ecosystems. We analyzed the food web structure of several of the Ogasawara Islands with different disturbance intensities using stable isotopes (δ[13]C, δ[15]N) and compared the characteristics of the material cycle. We found that seabirds and land crabs are distributed across the entire island of Minamiiwoto, with high δ[15]N values derived from marine resources and a gradient in the δ[15]N of land crabs reflecting differences in seabird species with elevation. In contrast, on islands where forest-nesting seabirds have been extinct for more than 50 years, the nutrient supply to the island interior has been lost, and the δ[15]N of most organisms was significantly lower. Isotopic food niches among predators were clearly partitioned by species (max. 14% overlap) on Minamiiwoto, while on the disturbed islands they tended to be highly similar (max. 53% overlap). Our results confirmed that Minamiiwoto still maintains a pristine ecosystem characterized by material transport by seabirds and decomposition by land crabs. The recovery of these biological functions should be the guide for conservation and restoration of oceanic islands subjected to anthropogenic disturbance.},
}
MeSH Terms:
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Animals
Japan
*Brachyura
Islands
*Ecosystem
*Food Chain
Carbon Isotopes/analysis
Nitrogen Isotopes/analysis
*Birds/physiology
RevDate: 2025-05-25
CmpDate: 2025-05-22
Chromosome-level genome assembly for clubrush (Scirpus × mariqueter) endemic to China.
Scientific data, 12(1):839.
Scirpus × mariqueter (Tang & F.T.Wang) Tatanov, which is endemic to eastern estuaries in China, is a tidal zone-engineering species with great promise for managing greenhouse gases and enhancing ecosystem resilience against invasive species. Although S. mariqueter is widely recognized as a hybrid species derived from Bolboschoenus planiculmis (F. Schmidt) T.V. Egorova and Schoenoplectus triqueter (L.) Palla, its speciation remains highly controversial. The lack of a reference genome is the major cause of this ambiguity. We generated the first chromosome-level genome assembly for S. mariqueter combining PacBio long-reads, Illumina short-reads, and the Hi-C method. The genome assembly consisted of 227.75 Mb (contig N50: 3.89 Mb). We also constructed a haploid karyotype comprising 54 pseudochromosomes. The average size of these pseudochromosomes was small (4.05 Mb). Thirty-two pseudochromosomes were assembled to a telomere to telomere level. Repetitive elements represented approximately 54.12% of the genome. We predicted and annotated 25,239 protein-coding genes. The overall BUSCO score was 95.10%, with notably few duplicated genes (1.70%). This high-quality genome provides critical data for future studies.
Additional Links: PMID-40404652
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@article {pmid40404652,
year = {2025},
author = {Ning, Y and Li, Y and Li, CY and Wang, JZ and Wang, TS and Zheng, YC and Zhan, YY and Xu, SJ and Dong, SB and Wang, YF},
title = {Chromosome-level genome assembly for clubrush (Scirpus × mariqueter) endemic to China.},
journal = {Scientific data},
volume = {12},
number = {1},
pages = {839},
pmid = {40404652},
issn = {2052-4463},
mesh = {China ; *Genome, Plant ; *Chromosomes, Plant ; Karyotype ; },
abstract = {Scirpus × mariqueter (Tang & F.T.Wang) Tatanov, which is endemic to eastern estuaries in China, is a tidal zone-engineering species with great promise for managing greenhouse gases and enhancing ecosystem resilience against invasive species. Although S. mariqueter is widely recognized as a hybrid species derived from Bolboschoenus planiculmis (F. Schmidt) T.V. Egorova and Schoenoplectus triqueter (L.) Palla, its speciation remains highly controversial. The lack of a reference genome is the major cause of this ambiguity. We generated the first chromosome-level genome assembly for S. mariqueter combining PacBio long-reads, Illumina short-reads, and the Hi-C method. The genome assembly consisted of 227.75 Mb (contig N50: 3.89 Mb). We also constructed a haploid karyotype comprising 54 pseudochromosomes. The average size of these pseudochromosomes was small (4.05 Mb). Thirty-two pseudochromosomes were assembled to a telomere to telomere level. Repetitive elements represented approximately 54.12% of the genome. We predicted and annotated 25,239 protein-coding genes. The overall BUSCO score was 95.10%, with notably few duplicated genes (1.70%). This high-quality genome provides critical data for future studies.},
}
MeSH Terms:
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China
*Genome, Plant
*Chromosomes, Plant
Karyotype
RevDate: 2025-05-22
CmpDate: 2025-05-22
A polymicrobial perspective into the ecological role of Enterococcus faecalis in dental root canal infections.
NPJ biofilms and microbiomes, 11(1):83.
Enterococcus faecalis, a non-oral nosocomial pathogen, intriguingly ranks among the most frequently retrieved species from polymicrobial infections of dental root canals. This review integrates findings from the latest omics approaches, alongside emerging evidence of E. faecalis interactions within oral polymicrobial communities, to refine our understanding of its role in these infections. Herein, E. faecalis emerges as an ecologically invasive species and a catalyst of the pathogenicity of entire communities.
Additional Links: PMID-40404644
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@article {pmid40404644,
year = {2025},
author = {Parga, A and Mattu, J and Belibasakis, GN and Kline, KA and Leprince, JG and Manoil, D},
title = {A polymicrobial perspective into the ecological role of Enterococcus faecalis in dental root canal infections.},
journal = {NPJ biofilms and microbiomes},
volume = {11},
number = {1},
pages = {83},
pmid = {40404644},
issn = {2055-5008},
support = {ED6481B-2023/117//Regional Government of Galicia, Spain/ ; Dnr. 4-823/2019//Karolinska Institutet Strategic Funds/ ; FoUI-978687//KI/SLL Styrgruppen för Odontologisk Forskning (SOF)/ ; },
mesh = {*Enterococcus faecalis/genetics/pathogenicity/physiology/isolation & purification ; Humans ; *Dental Pulp Cavity/microbiology ; *Coinfection/microbiology ; *Gram-Positive Bacterial Infections/microbiology ; Biofilms/growth & development ; },
abstract = {Enterococcus faecalis, a non-oral nosocomial pathogen, intriguingly ranks among the most frequently retrieved species from polymicrobial infections of dental root canals. This review integrates findings from the latest omics approaches, alongside emerging evidence of E. faecalis interactions within oral polymicrobial communities, to refine our understanding of its role in these infections. Herein, E. faecalis emerges as an ecologically invasive species and a catalyst of the pathogenicity of entire communities.},
}
MeSH Terms:
show MeSH Terms
hide MeSH Terms
*Enterococcus faecalis/genetics/pathogenicity/physiology/isolation & purification
Humans
*Dental Pulp Cavity/microbiology
*Coinfection/microbiology
*Gram-Positive Bacterial Infections/microbiology
Biofilms/growth & development
RevDate: 2025-05-22
CmpDate: 2025-05-22
Effect of climate on traits of dominant and rare tree species in the world's forests.
Nature communications, 16(1):4773.
Species' traits and environmental conditions determine the abundance of tree species across the globe. The extent to which traits of dominant and rare tree species differ remains untested across a broad environmental range, limiting our understanding of how species traits and the environment shape forest functional composition. We use a global dataset of tree composition of >22,000 forest plots and 11 traits of 1663 tree species to ask how locally dominant and rare species differ in their trait values, and how these differences are driven by climatic gradients in temperature and water availability in forest biomes across the globe. We find three consistent trait differences between locally dominant and rare species across all biomes; dominant species are taller, have softer wood and higher loading on the multivariate stem strategy axis (related to narrow tracheids and thick bark). The difference between traits of dominant and rare species is more strongly driven by temperature compared to water availability, as temperature might affect a larger number of traits. Therefore, climate change driven global temperature rise may have a strong effect on trait differences between dominant and rare tree species and may lead to changes in species abundances and therefore strong community reassembly.
Additional Links: PMID-40404639
PubMed:
Citation:
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@article {pmid40404639,
year = {2025},
author = {Hordijk, I and Poorter, L and Liang, J and Reich, PB and de-Miguel, S and Nabuurs, GJ and Gamarra, JGP and Chen, HYH and Zhou, M and Wiser, SK and Pretzsch, H and Paquette, A and Picard, N and Hérault, B and Bastin, JF and Alberti, G and Abegg, M and Adou Yao, YC and Almeyda Zambrano, AM and Alvarado, BV and Alvarez-Davila, E and Alvarez-Loayza, P and Alves, LF and Amaral, I and Ammer, C and Antón-Fernández, C and Araujo-Murakami, A and Arroyo, L and Avitabile, V and Aymard C, GA and Baker, T and Banki, O and Barroso, J and Bastian, ML and Birigazzi, L and Birnbaum, P and Bitariho, R and Boeckx, P and Bongers, F and Bouriaud, O and Brancalion, PHS and Brandl, S and Brearley, FQ and Brienen, R and Broadbent, EN and Bruelheide, H and Cazzolla Gatti, R and Cesar, RG and Cesljar, G and Chazdon, RL and Chisholm, C and Cienciala, E and Clark, CJ and Clark, DB and Colletta, G and Coomes, D and Cornejo Valverde, F and Corral-Rivas, JJ and Crim, P and Cumming, J and Dayanandan, S and de Gasper, AL and Decuyper, M and Derroire, G and DeVries, B and Djordjevic, I and Dourdain, A and Dolezal, J and Engone Obiang, NL and Enquist, B and Eyre, T and Fandohan, AB and Fayle, TM and Ferreira, LV and Feldpausch, TR and Finér, L and Fischer, M and Fletcher, C and Frizzera, L and Gianelle, D and Glick, HB and Harris, D and Hector, A and Hemp, A and Herbohn, J and Hillers, A and Honorio Coronado, EN and Hui, C and Cho, H and Ibanez, T and Jung, I and Imai, N and Jagodzinski, AM and Jaroszewicz, B and Johannsen, V and Joly, CA and Jucker, T and Karminov, V and Kartawinata, K and Kearsley, E and Kenfack, D and Kennard, D and Kepfer-Rojas, S and Keppel, G and Khan, ML and Killeen, T and Kim, HS and Kitayama, K and Köhl, M and Korjus, H and Kraxner, F and Laarmann, D and Lang, M and Lewis, S and Lu, H and Lukina, N and Maitner, B and Malhi, Y and Marcon, E and Marimon, BS and Marimon-Junior, BH and Marshall, AR and Martin, E and Martynenko, O and Meave, JA and Melo-Cruz, O and Mendoza, C and Merow, C and Miscicki, S and Monteagudo Mendoza, A and Moreno, V and Mukul, SA and Mundhenk, P and Nava-Miranda, MG and Neill, D and Neldner, V and Nevenic, R and Ngugi, M and Niklaus, PA and Oleksyn, J and Ontikov, P and Ortiz-Malavasi, E and Pan, Y and Parada-Gutierrez, A and Parfenova, E and Park, M and Parren, M and Parthasarathy, N and Peri, PL and Pfautsch, S and Phillips, OL and Piedade, MT and Piotto, D and Pitman, NCA and Pollastrini, M and Polo, I and Poulsen, AD and Poulsen, JR and Arevalo, FR and Restrepo-Correa, Z and Rodeghiero, M and Rolim, S and Roopsind, A and Rovero, F and Rutishauser, E and Saikia, P and Salas-Eljatib, C and Schall, P and Schepaschenko, D and Scherer-Lorenzen, M and Schmid, B and Schöngart, J and Searle, EB and Seben, V and Selvi, F and Serra-Diaz, JM and Sheil, D and Shvidenko, A and Silva-Espejo, J and Silveira, M and Singh, J and Sist, P and Slik, F and Sonké, B and Souza, AF and Ter Steege, H and Stereńczak, K and Svenning, JC and Svoboda, M and Swanepoel, B and Targhetta, N and Tchebakova, N and Thomas, R and Tikhonova, E and Umunay, P and Usoltsev, V and Valencia, R and Valladares, F and van der Plas, F and Van Do, T and Van Nuland, ME and Vasquez Martinez, R and Verbeeck, H and Viana, H and Vibrans, AC and Vieira, S and von Gadow, K and Wang, HF and Watson, J and Werner, GDA and Wittmann, F and Wortel, V and Zagt, R and Zawila-Niedzwiecki, T and Zhang, C and Zhao, X and Zhu, ZX and Zo-Bi, IC and Maynard, DS and Crowther, TW},
title = {Effect of climate on traits of dominant and rare tree species in the world's forests.},
journal = {Nature communications},
volume = {16},
number = {1},
pages = {4773},
pmid = {40404639},
issn = {2041-1723},
mesh = {*Forests ; *Trees/physiology/classification/anatomy & histology ; Climate Change ; Temperature ; *Climate ; Wood ; Ecosystem ; Species Specificity ; Water ; },
abstract = {Species' traits and environmental conditions determine the abundance of tree species across the globe. The extent to which traits of dominant and rare tree species differ remains untested across a broad environmental range, limiting our understanding of how species traits and the environment shape forest functional composition. We use a global dataset of tree composition of >22,000 forest plots and 11 traits of 1663 tree species to ask how locally dominant and rare species differ in their trait values, and how these differences are driven by climatic gradients in temperature and water availability in forest biomes across the globe. We find three consistent trait differences between locally dominant and rare species across all biomes; dominant species are taller, have softer wood and higher loading on the multivariate stem strategy axis (related to narrow tracheids and thick bark). The difference between traits of dominant and rare species is more strongly driven by temperature compared to water availability, as temperature might affect a larger number of traits. Therefore, climate change driven global temperature rise may have a strong effect on trait differences between dominant and rare tree species and may lead to changes in species abundances and therefore strong community reassembly.},
}
MeSH Terms:
show MeSH Terms
hide MeSH Terms
*Forests
*Trees/physiology/classification/anatomy & histology
Climate Change
Temperature
*Climate
Wood
Ecosystem
Species Specificity
Water
RevDate: 2025-05-22
Silent invaders: the hidden threat of asymptomatic phytobiomes to forest biosecurity.
The New phytologist [Epub ahead of print].
Populations of diverse, unknown, and potentially pathogenic fungi and fungus-like organisms are continuously introduced into new locations via asymptomatic infections (e.g. as endophytes or latent pathogens) within internationally traded live plants. Interactions between these asymptomatic fungi and novel recipient host trees can be unpredictable, and urban introductions may act as bridgeheads into natural and managed forests. Historical examples of novel, highly destructive forest tree diseases highlight the potential threat of this pathway. As the trade in live plants continues to expand, the likelihood of high-impact incursions increases. This has led to calls for more proactive management, including more stringent treatment and regulatory standards, and even the phasing out of trade in plants determined to be an untenable risk to forest ecosystems. In this review, we discuss how biosecurity systems should consider advances in understanding the diversity and ecology of phytobiomes associated with asymptomatic plants and what measures can be considered to reduce this threat to global forest health.
Additional Links: PMID-40400211
Publisher:
PubMed:
Citation:
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@article {pmid40400211,
year = {2025},
author = {Tanney, JB and Kemler, M and Vivas, M and Wingfield, MJ and Slippers, B},
title = {Silent invaders: the hidden threat of asymptomatic phytobiomes to forest biosecurity.},
journal = {The New phytologist},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1111/nph.70209},
pmid = {40400211},
issn = {1469-8137},
abstract = {Populations of diverse, unknown, and potentially pathogenic fungi and fungus-like organisms are continuously introduced into new locations via asymptomatic infections (e.g. as endophytes or latent pathogens) within internationally traded live plants. Interactions between these asymptomatic fungi and novel recipient host trees can be unpredictable, and urban introductions may act as bridgeheads into natural and managed forests. Historical examples of novel, highly destructive forest tree diseases highlight the potential threat of this pathway. As the trade in live plants continues to expand, the likelihood of high-impact incursions increases. This has led to calls for more proactive management, including more stringent treatment and regulatory standards, and even the phasing out of trade in plants determined to be an untenable risk to forest ecosystems. In this review, we discuss how biosecurity systems should consider advances in understanding the diversity and ecology of phytobiomes associated with asymptomatic plants and what measures can be considered to reduce this threat to global forest health.},
}
RevDate: 2025-05-23
CmpDate: 2025-05-21
Global Impacts Dataset of Invasive Alien Species (GIDIAS).
Scientific data, 12(1):832.
Invasive alien species are a major driver of global change, impacting biodiversity, ecosystem services, and human livelihoods. To document these impacts, we present the Global Impacts Dataset of Invasive Alien Species (GIDIAS), a dataset on the positive, negative and neutral impacts of invasive alien species on nature, nature's contributions to people, and good quality of life. This dataset arises from the Intergovernmental Science-Policy Platform on Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services' (IPBES) thematic assessment report of this topic. Data were compiled from published sources, including grey literature, reporting a direct observation of an invasive alien species' impact. All impact records contain up to 52 fields of contextual information and attempt to link impacts to the global standard "environmental impact classification for alien taxa" (EICAT) and "socio-economic impact classification for alien taxa" (SEICAT). GIDIAS includes more than 22000 records of impacts caused by 3353 invasive alien species (plants, vertebrates, invertebrates, microorganisms) from all continents and realms (terrestrial, freshwater, marine), extracted from over 6700 sources. We intend GIDIAS to be a global resource for investigating and managing the variety of impacts of invasive alien species across taxa and regions.
Additional Links: PMID-40399318
PubMed:
Citation:
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@article {pmid40399318,
year = {2025},
author = {Bacher, S and Ryan-Colton, E and Coiro, M and Cassey, P and Galil, BS and Nuñez, MA and Ansong, M and Dehnen-Schmutz, K and Fayvush, G and Fernandez, RD and Hiremath, AJ and Ikegami, M and Martinou, AF and McDermott, SM and Preda, C and Vilà, M and Weyl, OLF and Aravind, NA and Angelidou, I and Athanasiou, K and Atkore, V and Barney, JN and Blackburn, TM and Brockerhoff, EG and Carbutt, C and Carisio, L and Castro-Díez, P and Céspedes, V and Christopoulou, A and Cisneros-Heredia, DF and Cooling, M and de Groot, M and Demetriou, J and Dickey, JWE and Duboscq-Carra, VG and Early, R and Evans, TE and Flores-Males, PT and Gallardo, B and Gruber, M and Hui, C and Jeschke, JM and Joelson, NZ and Khan, MA and Kumschick, S and Lach, L and Lapin, K and Lioy, S and Liu, C and MacMullen, ZJ and Mazzitelli, MA and Measey, J and Mrugała-Koese, AA and Musseau, CL and Nahrung, HF and Pepori, A and Pertierra, LR and Pienaar, EF and Pyšek, P and Rivas Torres, G and Rojas Martinez, HA and Rojas-Sandoval, J and Ryan-Schofield, NL and Sánchez, RM and Santini, A and Santoro, D and Scalera, R and Schmidt, L and Shivambu, TC and Sohrabi, S and Tricarico, E and Trillo, A and Van't Hof, P and Volery, L and Zengeya, TA},
title = {Global Impacts Dataset of Invasive Alien Species (GIDIAS).},
journal = {Scientific data},
volume = {12},
number = {1},
pages = {832},
pmid = {40399318},
issn = {2052-4463},
support = {31003A_179491//Schweizerischer Nationalfonds zur Förderung der Wissenschaftlichen Forschung (Swiss National Science Foundation)/ ; 31BD30_184114//Schweizerischer Nationalfonds zur Förderung der Wissenschaftlichen Forschung (Swiss National Science Foundation)/ ; },
mesh = {*Introduced Species ; *Biodiversity ; Animals ; Ecosystem ; Humans ; Conservation of Natural Resources ; },
abstract = {Invasive alien species are a major driver of global change, impacting biodiversity, ecosystem services, and human livelihoods. To document these impacts, we present the Global Impacts Dataset of Invasive Alien Species (GIDIAS), a dataset on the positive, negative and neutral impacts of invasive alien species on nature, nature's contributions to people, and good quality of life. This dataset arises from the Intergovernmental Science-Policy Platform on Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services' (IPBES) thematic assessment report of this topic. Data were compiled from published sources, including grey literature, reporting a direct observation of an invasive alien species' impact. All impact records contain up to 52 fields of contextual information and attempt to link impacts to the global standard "environmental impact classification for alien taxa" (EICAT) and "socio-economic impact classification for alien taxa" (SEICAT). GIDIAS includes more than 22000 records of impacts caused by 3353 invasive alien species (plants, vertebrates, invertebrates, microorganisms) from all continents and realms (terrestrial, freshwater, marine), extracted from over 6700 sources. We intend GIDIAS to be a global resource for investigating and managing the variety of impacts of invasive alien species across taxa and regions.},
}
MeSH Terms:
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hide MeSH Terms
*Introduced Species
*Biodiversity
Animals
Ecosystem
Humans
Conservation of Natural Resources
RevDate: 2025-05-21
Relationships among multiple ecosystem services in mountainous regions: A case study of the Gaoligong Mountains.
Journal of environmental management, 387:125765 pii:S0301-4797(25)01741-4 [Epub ahead of print].
Understanding the drivers and ecological implications of trade-offs and synergies among ecosystem services (ESs) is essential for sustainable mountain management. While previous studies have mapped ES relationships, the mechanisms underpinning their spatial heterogeneity in coupled human-natural systems remain underexplored. Here, we integrated gradient-based approaches to assess the distribution patterns of four ESs-water yield (WY), carbon storage (CS), net primary productivity (NPP), and habitat quality (HQ)-in the transboundary Gaoligong Mountains from 2001 to 2020. We found that: (1) Process-based services (WY-NPP) exhibited strong trade-offs, driven by climatic constraints and plantation expansion on southern slopes, where monoculture forests enhanced NPP but reduced infiltration capacity; (2) Synergies between structure-based services (CS-HQ) dominated mid-elevation forests, reflecting the dual role of conserved evergreen broadleaf forests in sequestering carbon and sustaining biodiversity through environmental conditions, complex canopy structures, and minimal human disturbance. Human activities disrupted natural synergies, as CS-HQ relationships shifted to trade-offs in high-intensity zones (e.g., cropland fragmentation and invasive species spread), highlighting conflicts between short-term provisioning and long-term regulating services; (3) Elevation gradients further shaped these dynamics: mid-elevation zones maintained balanced ecosystem service provision, while low-elevation agricultural areas experienced dual declines in net primary productivity (NPP) and habitat quality (HQ) due to cultivated land fragmentation, creating a trade-off between these services. This study contributes significantly to our understanding of ESs and intricate relationships within mountainous regions across temporal and spatial gradients. Our findings underscore the need to prioritize mid-elevation conservation corridors and adaptive agroforestry, providing valuable insights for decision-making processes in transboundary ecosystem conservation.
Additional Links: PMID-40398285
Publisher:
PubMed:
Citation:
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@article {pmid40398285,
year = {2025},
author = {Yang, J and Chen, Z and Zhang, W and Meng, G and Cao, M and Li, J and Xu, C and Wu, R and Leng, H and Wen, Q and Yang, J and Xu, G},
title = {Relationships among multiple ecosystem services in mountainous regions: A case study of the Gaoligong Mountains.},
journal = {Journal of environmental management},
volume = {387},
number = {},
pages = {125765},
doi = {10.1016/j.jenvman.2025.125765},
pmid = {40398285},
issn = {1095-8630},
abstract = {Understanding the drivers and ecological implications of trade-offs and synergies among ecosystem services (ESs) is essential for sustainable mountain management. While previous studies have mapped ES relationships, the mechanisms underpinning their spatial heterogeneity in coupled human-natural systems remain underexplored. Here, we integrated gradient-based approaches to assess the distribution patterns of four ESs-water yield (WY), carbon storage (CS), net primary productivity (NPP), and habitat quality (HQ)-in the transboundary Gaoligong Mountains from 2001 to 2020. We found that: (1) Process-based services (WY-NPP) exhibited strong trade-offs, driven by climatic constraints and plantation expansion on southern slopes, where monoculture forests enhanced NPP but reduced infiltration capacity; (2) Synergies between structure-based services (CS-HQ) dominated mid-elevation forests, reflecting the dual role of conserved evergreen broadleaf forests in sequestering carbon and sustaining biodiversity through environmental conditions, complex canopy structures, and minimal human disturbance. Human activities disrupted natural synergies, as CS-HQ relationships shifted to trade-offs in high-intensity zones (e.g., cropland fragmentation and invasive species spread), highlighting conflicts between short-term provisioning and long-term regulating services; (3) Elevation gradients further shaped these dynamics: mid-elevation zones maintained balanced ecosystem service provision, while low-elevation agricultural areas experienced dual declines in net primary productivity (NPP) and habitat quality (HQ) due to cultivated land fragmentation, creating a trade-off between these services. This study contributes significantly to our understanding of ESs and intricate relationships within mountainous regions across temporal and spatial gradients. Our findings underscore the need to prioritize mid-elevation conservation corridors and adaptive agroforestry, providing valuable insights for decision-making processes in transboundary ecosystem conservation.},
}
RevDate: 2025-05-21
Impacts of almond pollination service and inter-row cover cropping on honey bee colony strength and performance.
The Science of the total environment, 983:179703 pii:S0048-9697(25)01344-0 [Epub ahead of print].
Intensive agriculture has become necessary to meet the growing global demand for food and in some crops, successful fruit and seed production involves the activity of insect pollinators. Among insects, honey bees are one of the most efficient pollinators and in the agriculture industry, worth over 200 billion dollars annually, economic yield of some commodity crops, such as almonds, are heavily reliant upon pollination by honey bees. Almonds are a quintessential example of the commercial application of plant-pollinator dependency. Acreages of almonds mostly comprise of self-incompatible varieties that need bees for transferring pollen from the flowers of 'pollenizer' varieties to those of nut-yielding varieties, facilitating cross-pollination. Early season flowering phenology of almonds, when there are very few other plants in bloom, facilitates honey bee colony growth after the overwintering quiescence. Here, (i) we assessed colony strength and performance before and after almond pollination service and (ii) the impacts of availability of flowering interrow mustard-mix cover crops. Results show that there were consistently more frames of bees, pollen stores, brood, and adult bees in colonies returning from almond pollination service. The availability of mustard-mix cover crops supports increased colony strength through the season, facilitating long lasting positive impacts on honey bee health. Our findings suggest that agroecosystem management practices such as interrow cover cropping, strengthen the immediate and long-term positive impacts from pollination services by improving honey bee colony performance while simultaneously promoting ecosystem function.
Additional Links: PMID-40398168
Publisher:
PubMed:
Citation:
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@article {pmid40398168,
year = {2025},
author = {Mayack, C and Carlson, M and Niño, BD and Niño, EL and Seshadri, A},
title = {Impacts of almond pollination service and inter-row cover cropping on honey bee colony strength and performance.},
journal = {The Science of the total environment},
volume = {983},
number = {},
pages = {179703},
doi = {10.1016/j.scitotenv.2025.179703},
pmid = {40398168},
issn = {1879-1026},
abstract = {Intensive agriculture has become necessary to meet the growing global demand for food and in some crops, successful fruit and seed production involves the activity of insect pollinators. Among insects, honey bees are one of the most efficient pollinators and in the agriculture industry, worth over 200 billion dollars annually, economic yield of some commodity crops, such as almonds, are heavily reliant upon pollination by honey bees. Almonds are a quintessential example of the commercial application of plant-pollinator dependency. Acreages of almonds mostly comprise of self-incompatible varieties that need bees for transferring pollen from the flowers of 'pollenizer' varieties to those of nut-yielding varieties, facilitating cross-pollination. Early season flowering phenology of almonds, when there are very few other plants in bloom, facilitates honey bee colony growth after the overwintering quiescence. Here, (i) we assessed colony strength and performance before and after almond pollination service and (ii) the impacts of availability of flowering interrow mustard-mix cover crops. Results show that there were consistently more frames of bees, pollen stores, brood, and adult bees in colonies returning from almond pollination service. The availability of mustard-mix cover crops supports increased colony strength through the season, facilitating long lasting positive impacts on honey bee health. Our findings suggest that agroecosystem management practices such as interrow cover cropping, strengthen the immediate and long-term positive impacts from pollination services by improving honey bee colony performance while simultaneously promoting ecosystem function.},
}
RevDate: 2025-05-23
CmpDate: 2025-05-21
Acetylcholinesterase-like proteins are a major component of reproductive trail mucus in the invasive pest land snail, Theba pisana.
PloS one, 20(5):e0323380.
Invasive invertebrate pests have become a major threat to food security as global populations increase. Pesticides, often containing organophosphates, have long been used as agents for providing immediate short-term recovery, yet are often broad-spectrum, leading to the development of resistance. In insect species, one mechanism for resistance is known to be driven by mutations in acetylcholinesterase (AChE), an enzyme that catalyses the hydrolysis of acetylcholine. In this study, we explored a potential role for resistance-modified AChE in invasive pest land snails, using the Mediterranean snail Theba pisana. Following tissue transcriptomic investigation, an expanded family of AChE-like genes were identified that clustered phylogenetically into three individual clades, with one clade including vertebrate AChE. The majority of T. pisana AChE-like genes demonstrated the highest expression in the snail mucous gland during its reproductive stage. Subsequent proteomic analysis of trail mucus at the reproductive stage identified four AChE-like proteins as a major component. Immunolocalisation revealed that AChE-like protein(s) were prominent in the mucous gland secretory cells and widespread throughout the reproductive stage trail mucus, yet were largely absent from trail mucus at the non-reproductive stage. In summary, this study established a potential role for resistance-modified AChE-like proteins in pest land snail pesticide resistance via their deployment into trail mucus that may bio-scavenge organophosphates, rendering them ineffective. Their abundance during the reproductive stage is likely due to the snail's increased mobility, following periods of immobile aestivation.
Additional Links: PMID-40397853
PubMed:
Citation:
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@article {pmid40397853,
year = {2025},
author = {Lutschini, IRT and Ballard, KR and Wang, T and Cummins, SF},
title = {Acetylcholinesterase-like proteins are a major component of reproductive trail mucus in the invasive pest land snail, Theba pisana.},
journal = {PloS one},
volume = {20},
number = {5},
pages = {e0323380},
pmid = {40397853},
issn = {1932-6203},
mesh = {Animals ; *Acetylcholinesterase/metabolism/genetics ; *Snails/genetics/enzymology/metabolism ; Introduced Species ; *Mucus/metabolism ; Reproduction ; Phylogeny ; Proteomics ; Transcriptome ; },
abstract = {Invasive invertebrate pests have become a major threat to food security as global populations increase. Pesticides, often containing organophosphates, have long been used as agents for providing immediate short-term recovery, yet are often broad-spectrum, leading to the development of resistance. In insect species, one mechanism for resistance is known to be driven by mutations in acetylcholinesterase (AChE), an enzyme that catalyses the hydrolysis of acetylcholine. In this study, we explored a potential role for resistance-modified AChE in invasive pest land snails, using the Mediterranean snail Theba pisana. Following tissue transcriptomic investigation, an expanded family of AChE-like genes were identified that clustered phylogenetically into three individual clades, with one clade including vertebrate AChE. The majority of T. pisana AChE-like genes demonstrated the highest expression in the snail mucous gland during its reproductive stage. Subsequent proteomic analysis of trail mucus at the reproductive stage identified four AChE-like proteins as a major component. Immunolocalisation revealed that AChE-like protein(s) were prominent in the mucous gland secretory cells and widespread throughout the reproductive stage trail mucus, yet were largely absent from trail mucus at the non-reproductive stage. In summary, this study established a potential role for resistance-modified AChE-like proteins in pest land snail pesticide resistance via their deployment into trail mucus that may bio-scavenge organophosphates, rendering them ineffective. Their abundance during the reproductive stage is likely due to the snail's increased mobility, following periods of immobile aestivation.},
}
MeSH Terms:
show MeSH Terms
hide MeSH Terms
Animals
*Acetylcholinesterase/metabolism/genetics
*Snails/genetics/enzymology/metabolism
Introduced Species
*Mucus/metabolism
Reproduction
Phylogeny
Proteomics
Transcriptome
RevDate: 2025-05-21
CmpDate: 2025-05-21
Role of Trachemys scripta elegans in polystome (Platyhelminthes, Monogenea, Polystomatidae) spillover and spillback following the trade of freshwater turtles in southern Europe and North America.
Parasite (Paris, France), 32:30.
The red-eared slider, Trachemys scripta elegans (Wied, 1938), has been introduced worldwide, partly because of the exotic pet trade in the 1980s and 1990s. When T. s. elegans is released or escapes into natural environments, it often establishes new feral populations due to its tolerance for a variety of aquatic ecosystems. Therefore, it is now considered one of the most invasive species in the world because it can compete with native turtle species. In the present study, our objectives were to identify the potential for polystome spillover and spillback resulting from the introduction of the red-eared slider into new environments in North America. Fieldwork investigations were thus conducted mainly in aquatic habitats in Florida and North Carolina, United States, but also in Connecticut, Indiana, Kansas, Maine, Nebraska and New York. Using DNA barcoding based on cytochrome c oxidase I (COI) sequences, we surveyed the species diversity of polystome within American freshwater turtles. These included T. s. elegans but also Apalone ferox, Apalone spinifera, Chelydra serpentina, Chrysemys picta, Kinosternon baurii, Pseudemys spp., Sternotherus minor and Sternotherus odoratus. Genetic evidence confirmed that invasive populations of T. s. elegans in southern Europe have transmitted their own polystomes to native host species following spillover effects, and revealed here that T. s. elegans in non-indigenous habitats in the United States acts as a new reservoir of infection for native polystomes following spillback effects, thus increasing indigenous parasite transmission in the wild. Together, these findings raise further concern about the spread of non-native turtles and their impact on parasite transmission.
Additional Links: PMID-40396603
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Citation:
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@article {pmid40396603,
year = {2025},
author = {Verneau, O and Quinn, D and Smith, KG and Malone, JH and du Preez, L},
title = {Role of Trachemys scripta elegans in polystome (Platyhelminthes, Monogenea, Polystomatidae) spillover and spillback following the trade of freshwater turtles in southern Europe and North America.},
journal = {Parasite (Paris, France)},
volume = {32},
number = {},
pages = {30},
pmid = {40396603},
issn = {1776-1042},
mesh = {Animals ; *Turtles/parasitology ; *Introduced Species ; Fresh Water ; North America ; Europe ; Phylogeny ; Ecosystem ; Commerce ; *Trematode Infections/veterinary/parasitology/transmission/epidemiology ; DNA Barcoding, Taxonomic ; Electron Transport Complex IV/genetics ; *Trematoda/genetics/classification ; },
abstract = {The red-eared slider, Trachemys scripta elegans (Wied, 1938), has been introduced worldwide, partly because of the exotic pet trade in the 1980s and 1990s. When T. s. elegans is released or escapes into natural environments, it often establishes new feral populations due to its tolerance for a variety of aquatic ecosystems. Therefore, it is now considered one of the most invasive species in the world because it can compete with native turtle species. In the present study, our objectives were to identify the potential for polystome spillover and spillback resulting from the introduction of the red-eared slider into new environments in North America. Fieldwork investigations were thus conducted mainly in aquatic habitats in Florida and North Carolina, United States, but also in Connecticut, Indiana, Kansas, Maine, Nebraska and New York. Using DNA barcoding based on cytochrome c oxidase I (COI) sequences, we surveyed the species diversity of polystome within American freshwater turtles. These included T. s. elegans but also Apalone ferox, Apalone spinifera, Chelydra serpentina, Chrysemys picta, Kinosternon baurii, Pseudemys spp., Sternotherus minor and Sternotherus odoratus. Genetic evidence confirmed that invasive populations of T. s. elegans in southern Europe have transmitted their own polystomes to native host species following spillover effects, and revealed here that T. s. elegans in non-indigenous habitats in the United States acts as a new reservoir of infection for native polystomes following spillback effects, thus increasing indigenous parasite transmission in the wild. Together, these findings raise further concern about the spread of non-native turtles and their impact on parasite transmission.},
}
MeSH Terms:
show MeSH Terms
hide MeSH Terms
Animals
*Turtles/parasitology
*Introduced Species
Fresh Water
North America
Europe
Phylogeny
Ecosystem
Commerce
*Trematode Infections/veterinary/parasitology/transmission/epidemiology
DNA Barcoding, Taxonomic
Electron Transport Complex IV/genetics
*Trematoda/genetics/classification
RevDate: 2025-05-22
Chromosome-level genome assemblies of five Sinocyclocheilus species.
GigaByte (Hong Kong, China), 2025:gigabyte155.
Sinocyclocheilus, a genus of tetraploid fishes endemic to Southwest China's karst regions, are classified as second-class nationally protected species due to their fragile habitat. Limited high-quality genomic resources have hampered studies on their phylogenetic relationships and the origin of their polyploidy. Here, we present a high-quality genome assembly of the most abundant Sinocyclocheilus species, the golden-line barbel (Sinocyclocheilus grahami), by integrating PacBio long-read and Hi-C sequencing. The resulting scaffold-level genome-assembly is 1.6 Gb long, with a scaffold N50 of up to 30.7 Mb. We annotated 42,806 protein-coding genes. Also, 93.1% of the assembled genome sequences (about 1.5 Gb) and 93.8% of the total predicted genes were successfully anchored onto 48 chromosomes. Furthermore, we obtained chromosome-level genome assemblies for four other Sinocyclocheilus species (S. anophthalmus, S. maitianheensis, S. anshuiensis, and S. rhinocerous) based on homologous comparisons. These genomic resources will enable in-depth investigations on cave adaptation, improvement of economic values, and conservation of diverse Sinocyclocheilus fishes.
Additional Links: PMID-40395690
PubMed:
Citation:
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@article {pmid40395690,
year = {2025},
author = {Bian, C and Li, R and Ouyang, Y and Yang, J and Mu, X and Shi, Q},
title = {Chromosome-level genome assemblies of five Sinocyclocheilus species.},
journal = {GigaByte (Hong Kong, China)},
volume = {2025},
number = {},
pages = {gigabyte155},
pmid = {40395690},
issn = {2709-4715},
abstract = {Sinocyclocheilus, a genus of tetraploid fishes endemic to Southwest China's karst regions, are classified as second-class nationally protected species due to their fragile habitat. Limited high-quality genomic resources have hampered studies on their phylogenetic relationships and the origin of their polyploidy. Here, we present a high-quality genome assembly of the most abundant Sinocyclocheilus species, the golden-line barbel (Sinocyclocheilus grahami), by integrating PacBio long-read and Hi-C sequencing. The resulting scaffold-level genome-assembly is 1.6 Gb long, with a scaffold N50 of up to 30.7 Mb. We annotated 42,806 protein-coding genes. Also, 93.1% of the assembled genome sequences (about 1.5 Gb) and 93.8% of the total predicted genes were successfully anchored onto 48 chromosomes. Furthermore, we obtained chromosome-level genome assemblies for four other Sinocyclocheilus species (S. anophthalmus, S. maitianheensis, S. anshuiensis, and S. rhinocerous) based on homologous comparisons. These genomic resources will enable in-depth investigations on cave adaptation, improvement of economic values, and conservation of diverse Sinocyclocheilus fishes.},
}
RevDate: 2025-05-22
Early detection of Citrus Huanglongbing by UAV remote sensing based on MGA-UNet.
Frontiers in plant science, 16:1503645.
Citrus Huanglongbing (HLB), also known as citrus greening, is a severe disease that has caused substantial economic damage to the global citrus industry. Early detection is challenging due to the lack of distinctive early symptoms, making current diagnostic methods often ineffective. Therefore, there is an urgent need for an intelligent and timely detection system for HLB. This study leverages multispectral imagery acquired via unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) and deep convolutional neural networks. This study introduce a novel model, MGA-UNet, specifically designed for HLB recognition. This image segmentation model enhances feature transmission by integrating channel attention and spatial attention within the skip connections. Furthermore, this study evaluate the comparative effectiveness of high-resolution and multispectral images in HLB detection, finding that multispectral imagery offers superior performance. To address data imbalance and augment the dataset, this study employ a generative model, DCGAN, for data augmentation, significantly boosting the model's recognition accuracy. Our proposed model achieved a mIoU of 0.89, a mPA of 0.94, a precision of 0.95, and a recall of 0.94 in identifying diseased trees. The intelligent monitoring method for HLB presented in this study offers a cost-effective and highly accurate solution, holding considerable promise for the early warning of this disease.
Additional Links: PMID-40395280
PubMed:
Citation:
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@article {pmid40395280,
year = {2025},
author = {Ye, N and Mai, W and Qin, F and Yuan, S and Liu, B and Li, Z and Liu, C and Wan, F and Qian, W and Wu, Z and Qiao, X},
title = {Early detection of Citrus Huanglongbing by UAV remote sensing based on MGA-UNet.},
journal = {Frontiers in plant science},
volume = {16},
number = {},
pages = {1503645},
pmid = {40395280},
issn = {1664-462X},
abstract = {Citrus Huanglongbing (HLB), also known as citrus greening, is a severe disease that has caused substantial economic damage to the global citrus industry. Early detection is challenging due to the lack of distinctive early symptoms, making current diagnostic methods often ineffective. Therefore, there is an urgent need for an intelligent and timely detection system for HLB. This study leverages multispectral imagery acquired via unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) and deep convolutional neural networks. This study introduce a novel model, MGA-UNet, specifically designed for HLB recognition. This image segmentation model enhances feature transmission by integrating channel attention and spatial attention within the skip connections. Furthermore, this study evaluate the comparative effectiveness of high-resolution and multispectral images in HLB detection, finding that multispectral imagery offers superior performance. To address data imbalance and augment the dataset, this study employ a generative model, DCGAN, for data augmentation, significantly boosting the model's recognition accuracy. Our proposed model achieved a mIoU of 0.89, a mPA of 0.94, a precision of 0.95, and a recall of 0.94 in identifying diseased trees. The intelligent monitoring method for HLB presented in this study offers a cost-effective and highly accurate solution, holding considerable promise for the early warning of this disease.},
}
RevDate: 2025-05-21
Feline Leukemia Virus in Free-ranging Neotropical Wild Felids and in Domestic Cats Found Inside Protected Areas within Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil.
Journal of wildlife diseases pii:506991 [Epub ahead of print].
Feline leukemia virus (FeLV) and feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV) are retroviruses that cause severe diseases in domestic cats. Recently, they have emerged as a concern for wild felids. The aim of this study was to evaluate the exposure to feline retroviruses in free-ranging Neotropical wild felids from southern Brazil. A total of 48 road-killed wild felids belonging to three species were sampled: Geoffroy's cat (Leopardus geoffroyi), margay (Leopardus wiedii), and Southern tiger cat (Leopardus guttulus). In addition, 28 domestic cats found inside protected areas were investigated. Both the wild and domestic felids were tested for the presence of FeLV and FIV with lateral flow immunoassay (LFA) and molecular methods. Three wild felids (two Geoffroy's cats and one margay) were positive to FeLV by LFA (antigen), PCR (proviral DNA), and quantitative reverse-transcription PCR (viral RNA). From the 28 free-roaming domestic cats sampled inside protected areas, 10 (35%) were positive for FeLV. None of the domestic or wild felids were positive for FIV. In addition to the occurrence of FeLV in two species of free-ranging Neotropical felids, FeLV-positive domestic cats appear to be relatively common in protected areas from southern Brazil, posing an important risk of FeLV transmission to threatened wild felids inside those areas.
Additional Links: PMID-40395123
Publisher:
PubMed:
Citation:
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@article {pmid40395123,
year = {2025},
author = {Reck, J and Gonchoroski, GZ and de Mello, LS and Proença da Silveira, V and Lunge, VR and Kasper, CB and Jardim, M and Trigo, TC},
title = {Feline Leukemia Virus in Free-ranging Neotropical Wild Felids and in Domestic Cats Found Inside Protected Areas within Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil.},
journal = {Journal of wildlife diseases},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.7589/JWD-D-24-00136},
pmid = {40395123},
issn = {1943-3700},
abstract = {Feline leukemia virus (FeLV) and feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV) are retroviruses that cause severe diseases in domestic cats. Recently, they have emerged as a concern for wild felids. The aim of this study was to evaluate the exposure to feline retroviruses in free-ranging Neotropical wild felids from southern Brazil. A total of 48 road-killed wild felids belonging to three species were sampled: Geoffroy's cat (Leopardus geoffroyi), margay (Leopardus wiedii), and Southern tiger cat (Leopardus guttulus). In addition, 28 domestic cats found inside protected areas were investigated. Both the wild and domestic felids were tested for the presence of FeLV and FIV with lateral flow immunoassay (LFA) and molecular methods. Three wild felids (two Geoffroy's cats and one margay) were positive to FeLV by LFA (antigen), PCR (proviral DNA), and quantitative reverse-transcription PCR (viral RNA). From the 28 free-roaming domestic cats sampled inside protected areas, 10 (35%) were positive for FeLV. None of the domestic or wild felids were positive for FIV. In addition to the occurrence of FeLV in two species of free-ranging Neotropical felids, FeLV-positive domestic cats appear to be relatively common in protected areas from southern Brazil, posing an important risk of FeLV transmission to threatened wild felids inside those areas.},
}
RevDate: 2025-05-20
Predicting the Potential Distribution of Aedes albopictus in the Black Sea Region at the Range Edge.
Acta tropica pii:S0001-706X(25)00137-8 [Epub ahead of print].
Aedes albopictus is a globally invasive species and a major vector of multiple arboviruses that cause human disease. The species has been spreading throughout the Black Sea region since 2011, posing an important public health threat. Here, we use a species distribution modeling to predict the potential distribution of Ae. albopictus including updated field collections from the Black Sea region and georeferenced occurrence data from the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control, Global Biodiversity Information Facility, and Mosquito Alert. Temperature and precipitation values from WorldClim Bioclimatic data and LandScan human population density data served as environmental variables, and models were run using a maximum entropy algorithm in the Maxent program. Human population density contributed the greatest to model performance, followed by minimum temperature of the coldest month. In the Black Sea region, we observed patchy but notable increases in predicted suitability compared to previous global models, including in less densely populated areas. In addition to multiple coastal areas, temperate rainforests of the Caucasus and around the Bosphorus were predicted to be highly suitable for Ae. albopictus. Our field collections confirm Ae. albopictus at high elevations (1779 m), highlighting the need to include habitats at the interface of areas predicted environmentally unsuitable in transboundary surveillance efforts. Model outputs provide new information for institutions monitoring the spread of this invasive vector. Results indicate the need for comprehensive, region-focused surveillance and control strategies to mitigate Ae. albopictus expansion in areas previously considered unsuitable in Georgia, Turkey, Ukraine, and their neighboring countries.
Additional Links: PMID-40393535
Publisher:
PubMed:
Citation:
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@article {pmid40393535,
year = {2025},
author = {Gunay, F and Yildirim, A and Zangaladze, E and Burkett-Cadena, N and Kutateladze, T and Pekmezci, Z and Toroslu, AM and Kizgin, AD and Arslanhan, BA and Diop, SD and Sahin, S and Inci, A and Dolidze, N and Rudik, V and Alto, B and Campbell, LP},
title = {Predicting the Potential Distribution of Aedes albopictus in the Black Sea Region at the Range Edge.},
journal = {Acta tropica},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {107661},
doi = {10.1016/j.actatropica.2025.107661},
pmid = {40393535},
issn = {1873-6254},
abstract = {Aedes albopictus is a globally invasive species and a major vector of multiple arboviruses that cause human disease. The species has been spreading throughout the Black Sea region since 2011, posing an important public health threat. Here, we use a species distribution modeling to predict the potential distribution of Ae. albopictus including updated field collections from the Black Sea region and georeferenced occurrence data from the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control, Global Biodiversity Information Facility, and Mosquito Alert. Temperature and precipitation values from WorldClim Bioclimatic data and LandScan human population density data served as environmental variables, and models were run using a maximum entropy algorithm in the Maxent program. Human population density contributed the greatest to model performance, followed by minimum temperature of the coldest month. In the Black Sea region, we observed patchy but notable increases in predicted suitability compared to previous global models, including in less densely populated areas. In addition to multiple coastal areas, temperate rainforests of the Caucasus and around the Bosphorus were predicted to be highly suitable for Ae. albopictus. Our field collections confirm Ae. albopictus at high elevations (1779 m), highlighting the need to include habitats at the interface of areas predicted environmentally unsuitable in transboundary surveillance efforts. Model outputs provide new information for institutions monitoring the spread of this invasive vector. Results indicate the need for comprehensive, region-focused surveillance and control strategies to mitigate Ae. albopictus expansion in areas previously considered unsuitable in Georgia, Turkey, Ukraine, and their neighboring countries.},
}
RevDate: 2025-05-20
CmpDate: 2025-05-21
Ongoing human-mediated spread and hybridization of two major invasive termite species.
Proceedings. Biological sciences, 292(2047):20250413.
Human-mediated biological invasions can lead to introgressive hybridization events between lineages that have evolved independently, with potential for evolutionary, ecological, economic and social impacts. This study provides evidence for the ongoing spread and hybridization between two major invasive and destructive termite pest species, Coptotermes gestroi and C. formosanus in Florida. Heterospecific courtship behaviour between alates (winged reproductive caste) of the two species has led to the establishment of F1 hybrid colonies in the field, which have matured and produced F1 hybrid alates. Laboratory backcross attempts confirmed the possibility for F1 hybrid female alates to establish viable F2 colonies with males of either parental species. With the recent documentation of introgressive hybridization between the two species in Taiwan, the current study confirms its independent occurrence in Florida, demonstrating that both Coptotermes species can hybridize in areas where their distributions overlap. In Florida, the proximity of field-established hybrid colonies to the large leisure boat industry implies that Florida populations of C. gestroi, C. formosanus and their hybrids will continue to serve as a bridgehead source of propagules for further dispersal beyond their current distribution, with a potential for F1 hybrids to spread outside of Florida.
Additional Links: PMID-40393488
PubMed:
Citation:
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@article {pmid40393488,
year = {2025},
author = {Chouvenc, T and Helmick, EE and Brown, A and Velenovsky, JF and Lee, SB and Gordon, JM and Bahder, BW and Su, NY and Li, HF},
title = {Ongoing human-mediated spread and hybridization of two major invasive termite species.},
journal = {Proceedings. Biological sciences},
volume = {292},
number = {2047},
pages = {20250413},
pmid = {40393488},
issn = {1471-2954},
support = {//Central Taiwan University of Science and Technology/ ; //Division of Environmental Biology/ ; //Entomology and Nematology Department, Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences/ ; //National Institute of Food and Agriculture/ ; },
mesh = {Animals ; *Isoptera/genetics/physiology ; *Hybridization, Genetic ; *Introduced Species ; Florida ; Female ; Male ; Humans ; *Animal Distribution ; Taiwan ; },
abstract = {Human-mediated biological invasions can lead to introgressive hybridization events between lineages that have evolved independently, with potential for evolutionary, ecological, economic and social impacts. This study provides evidence for the ongoing spread and hybridization between two major invasive and destructive termite pest species, Coptotermes gestroi and C. formosanus in Florida. Heterospecific courtship behaviour between alates (winged reproductive caste) of the two species has led to the establishment of F1 hybrid colonies in the field, which have matured and produced F1 hybrid alates. Laboratory backcross attempts confirmed the possibility for F1 hybrid female alates to establish viable F2 colonies with males of either parental species. With the recent documentation of introgressive hybridization between the two species in Taiwan, the current study confirms its independent occurrence in Florida, demonstrating that both Coptotermes species can hybridize in areas where their distributions overlap. In Florida, the proximity of field-established hybrid colonies to the large leisure boat industry implies that Florida populations of C. gestroi, C. formosanus and their hybrids will continue to serve as a bridgehead source of propagules for further dispersal beyond their current distribution, with a potential for F1 hybrids to spread outside of Florida.},
}
MeSH Terms:
show MeSH Terms
hide MeSH Terms
Animals
*Isoptera/genetics/physiology
*Hybridization, Genetic
*Introduced Species
Florida
Female
Male
Humans
*Animal Distribution
Taiwan
RevDate: 2025-05-21
Clash of the Invaders: Competition Dynamics of Bromus tectorum and Ventenata dubia in an Addition Series Study.
Ecology and evolution, 15(5):e71458.
Competitive interactions between co-occurring invasive species can have detrimental impacts on native communities and cause counter-effective responses to management. Targeted removal of one invader may allow for the release of a subdominant invader, causing a secondary invasion. The goal of this research was to elucidate competitive dynamics between Bromus tectorum and Ventenata dubia, two invasive winter annual grasses found in the western United States. We quantified the impacts of (1) intraspecific competition on B. tectorum and V. dubia as the density of conspecifics increased and (2) interspecific competition between the two at varying proportions. The two species were grown at increasing densities and proportions (addition series) over 10 weeks in a greenhouse. Aboveground biomass was harvested and weighed. We derived the intraspecific and interspecific competitive effects on each species with a nonlinear analysis and used these coefficients to determine relative competitive ability (RCA). Both species were impacted by interspecific competition and intraspecific competition. More conspecifics were required to cause a decline in both species' biomass relative to the number of allospecifics that caused the same response. Interestingly, the number of allospecific individuals to imposed an impact was similar. The RCA values for both species were < 1, which indicated that interspecific competition had a greater influence on both species than intraspecific competition. This suggests that the replacement of B. tectorum by V. dubia is unlikely to be caused by aboveground competition alone. However, there are differences in germination timing between the two species; both germinate in the fall, but V. dubia also germinates in the spring. Management that targets fall-germinating individuals may reduce B. tectorum and fall-germinating V. dubia but not impact spring-germinating V. dubia, which may release these individuals from competition. Understanding the competitive interactions between these species provides insight into invasive species impacts and management.
Additional Links: PMID-40391118
PubMed:
Citation:
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@article {pmid40391118,
year = {2025},
author = {Sencenbaugh, L and Maxwell, BD and Rew, LJ},
title = {Clash of the Invaders: Competition Dynamics of Bromus tectorum and Ventenata dubia in an Addition Series Study.},
journal = {Ecology and evolution},
volume = {15},
number = {5},
pages = {e71458},
pmid = {40391118},
issn = {2045-7758},
abstract = {Competitive interactions between co-occurring invasive species can have detrimental impacts on native communities and cause counter-effective responses to management. Targeted removal of one invader may allow for the release of a subdominant invader, causing a secondary invasion. The goal of this research was to elucidate competitive dynamics between Bromus tectorum and Ventenata dubia, two invasive winter annual grasses found in the western United States. We quantified the impacts of (1) intraspecific competition on B. tectorum and V. dubia as the density of conspecifics increased and (2) interspecific competition between the two at varying proportions. The two species were grown at increasing densities and proportions (addition series) over 10 weeks in a greenhouse. Aboveground biomass was harvested and weighed. We derived the intraspecific and interspecific competitive effects on each species with a nonlinear analysis and used these coefficients to determine relative competitive ability (RCA). Both species were impacted by interspecific competition and intraspecific competition. More conspecifics were required to cause a decline in both species' biomass relative to the number of allospecifics that caused the same response. Interestingly, the number of allospecific individuals to imposed an impact was similar. The RCA values for both species were < 1, which indicated that interspecific competition had a greater influence on both species than intraspecific competition. This suggests that the replacement of B. tectorum by V. dubia is unlikely to be caused by aboveground competition alone. However, there are differences in germination timing between the two species; both germinate in the fall, but V. dubia also germinates in the spring. Management that targets fall-germinating individuals may reduce B. tectorum and fall-germinating V. dubia but not impact spring-germinating V. dubia, which may release these individuals from competition. Understanding the competitive interactions between these species provides insight into invasive species impacts and management.},
}
RevDate: 2025-05-21
CmpDate: 2025-05-19
Migration extent and potential economic impact of the fall armyworm in Europe.
Scientific reports, 15(1):17405.
The fall armyworm (FAW), Spodoptera frugiperda (J.E. Smith, 1979), is a major agricultural pest native to the Americas that feeds on several crops, particularly maize. Since 2016, FAW has invaded more than 50 African countries, much of Southeast Asia, and Oceania, severely impacting agriculture and posing a threat to global food security. Following its recent detections in Europe in 2023, this study investigates FAW's migratory capacity and potential direct economic impact on European grain maize production under a "no-control" scenario-areas previously unexplored in the context of Europe. We explored FAW's potential distribution across the European continent by incorporating updated climatic data, refined parameter values, and an expanded occurrence dataset into a revised CLIMEX niche model. Our results reveal sizable potential economic impacts with the southern European Member States facing up to €546 ha[- 1] grain maize gross margin annual losses, exceeding €900 million under the worst-case scenario. These member states bear the highest risk since they include areas projected to be climatically suitable for both permanent FAW establishment and transient populations during warmer months. This study provides important insights into the risks posed by FAW to Europe and can inform preparedness and decision-making to mitigate the economic consequences of its invasion.
Additional Links: PMID-40389579
PubMed:
Citation:
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@article {pmid40389579,
year = {2025},
author = {Kartakis, S and Horrocks, KJ and Cingiz, K and Kriticos, DJ and Wesseler, J},
title = {Migration extent and potential economic impact of the fall armyworm in Europe.},
journal = {Scientific reports},
volume = {15},
number = {1},
pages = {17405},
pmid = {40389579},
issn = {2045-2322},
support = {101060634//Horizon 2020 Framework Programme/ ; 101060634//Horizon 2020 Framework Programme/ ; 101060634//Horizon 2020 Framework Programme/ ; 101060634//Horizon 2020 Framework Programme/ ; },
mesh = {Animals ; Europe ; Zea mays/parasitology/growth & development ; *Animal Migration ; *Spodoptera/physiology ; Crops, Agricultural/economics ; Agriculture/economics ; Introduced Species/economics ; },
abstract = {The fall armyworm (FAW), Spodoptera frugiperda (J.E. Smith, 1979), is a major agricultural pest native to the Americas that feeds on several crops, particularly maize. Since 2016, FAW has invaded more than 50 African countries, much of Southeast Asia, and Oceania, severely impacting agriculture and posing a threat to global food security. Following its recent detections in Europe in 2023, this study investigates FAW's migratory capacity and potential direct economic impact on European grain maize production under a "no-control" scenario-areas previously unexplored in the context of Europe. We explored FAW's potential distribution across the European continent by incorporating updated climatic data, refined parameter values, and an expanded occurrence dataset into a revised CLIMEX niche model. Our results reveal sizable potential economic impacts with the southern European Member States facing up to €546 ha[- 1] grain maize gross margin annual losses, exceeding €900 million under the worst-case scenario. These member states bear the highest risk since they include areas projected to be climatically suitable for both permanent FAW establishment and transient populations during warmer months. This study provides important insights into the risks posed by FAW to Europe and can inform preparedness and decision-making to mitigate the economic consequences of its invasion.},
}
MeSH Terms:
show MeSH Terms
hide MeSH Terms
Animals
Europe
Zea mays/parasitology/growth & development
*Animal Migration
*Spodoptera/physiology
Crops, Agricultural/economics
Agriculture/economics
Introduced Species/economics
RevDate: 2025-05-21
CmpDate: 2025-05-19
Conditioning invasive bigheaded carps (Hypophthalmichthys molitrix and H. nobilis)to enhance the efficacy of acoustic and CO2 deterrents.
PloS one, 20(5):e0320395.
Invasive bigheaded carps (Hypophthalmichthys molitrix and H. nobilis) have caused substantial ecological and economic damage throughout the Mississippi River Basin and expanded their range threatening the Laurentian Great Lakes. Broadband acoustic deterrents have shown promise in repelling carp and are currently being assessed in navigational lock chambers on the Mississippi River. These nonphysical deterrents permit vessel navigation while reducing carp passage. However, no single deterrent is 100% effective and fish may habituate to the sound after repeated playback. Carp exhibit aversive behaviors to carbon dioxide, which suggests combining these two stimuli into one deterrent system could extend the effective duration of sound and reduce the frequency of carbon dioxide ([Formula: see text]) application. We conditioned bigheaded carps to associate broadband sound from outboard boat motors (0.06-5 kHz, [Formula: see text]150 dB re. 1 [Formula: see text]Pa) with [Formula: see text] application ([Formula: see text]35,000 ppm) in small (80 L) and large (3475 L) two-choice shuttle tanks. We compared negative phonotaxis responses over one to four weeks between fish conditioned with sound and [Formula: see text], sound and air, or sound alone. Similar [Formula: see text] avoidance thresholds were found across tank sizes and species. Conditioning treatment did not affect time to leave the sound chamber, confirming sound alone remains a deterrent for all fish. Carp conditioned with [Formula: see text] took longer to return to the sound chamber than control treatments. Control fish were closer to the speaker during playback than during the pre-sound period, while fish conditioned with [Formula: see text] were not significantly closer. Conditioning paradigms may extend the effective duration of nonphysical deterrents for bigheaded carps. Conditioning with [Formula: see text] may also increase proactive flight-responses over reactive freeze-responses. Findings could be applied to increase nonphysical barrier effectiveness at locks along the Mississippi River and help protect the Laurentian Great Lakes from invasion.
Additional Links: PMID-40388395
PubMed:
Citation:
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@article {pmid40388395,
year = {2025},
author = {Culotta, JA and Ervin, ML and Vetter, BJ and Mensinger, AF},
title = {Conditioning invasive bigheaded carps (Hypophthalmichthys molitrix and H. nobilis)to enhance the efficacy of acoustic and CO2 deterrents.},
journal = {PloS one},
volume = {20},
number = {5},
pages = {e0320395},
pmid = {40388395},
issn = {1932-6203},
mesh = {Animals ; *Carbon Dioxide ; *Carps/physiology ; Acoustics ; *Introduced Species ; Sound ; Behavior, Animal ; },
abstract = {Invasive bigheaded carps (Hypophthalmichthys molitrix and H. nobilis) have caused substantial ecological and economic damage throughout the Mississippi River Basin and expanded their range threatening the Laurentian Great Lakes. Broadband acoustic deterrents have shown promise in repelling carp and are currently being assessed in navigational lock chambers on the Mississippi River. These nonphysical deterrents permit vessel navigation while reducing carp passage. However, no single deterrent is 100% effective and fish may habituate to the sound after repeated playback. Carp exhibit aversive behaviors to carbon dioxide, which suggests combining these two stimuli into one deterrent system could extend the effective duration of sound and reduce the frequency of carbon dioxide ([Formula: see text]) application. We conditioned bigheaded carps to associate broadband sound from outboard boat motors (0.06-5 kHz, [Formula: see text]150 dB re. 1 [Formula: see text]Pa) with [Formula: see text] application ([Formula: see text]35,000 ppm) in small (80 L) and large (3475 L) two-choice shuttle tanks. We compared negative phonotaxis responses over one to four weeks between fish conditioned with sound and [Formula: see text], sound and air, or sound alone. Similar [Formula: see text] avoidance thresholds were found across tank sizes and species. Conditioning treatment did not affect time to leave the sound chamber, confirming sound alone remains a deterrent for all fish. Carp conditioned with [Formula: see text] took longer to return to the sound chamber than control treatments. Control fish were closer to the speaker during playback than during the pre-sound period, while fish conditioned with [Formula: see text] were not significantly closer. Conditioning paradigms may extend the effective duration of nonphysical deterrents for bigheaded carps. Conditioning with [Formula: see text] may also increase proactive flight-responses over reactive freeze-responses. Findings could be applied to increase nonphysical barrier effectiveness at locks along the Mississippi River and help protect the Laurentian Great Lakes from invasion.},
}
MeSH Terms:
show MeSH Terms
hide MeSH Terms
Animals
*Carbon Dioxide
*Carps/physiology
Acoustics
*Introduced Species
Sound
Behavior, Animal
RevDate: 2025-05-19
Comparison of thermal developmental plasticity among seven recently sympatric Anolis species: insights into the evolution of reaction norms.
Evolution; international journal of organic evolution pii:8137875 [Epub ahead of print].
Theory predicts that thermal developmental plasticity evolves in response to thermal heterogeneity, suggesting that plasticity may be an important trait for establishment in novel climates. However, few studies use multi-species comparisons to examine how plasticity evolves, meaning there is little empirical basis with which to examine key theoretical predictions. We estimate patterns of thermal developmental plasticity in morphological and performance traits for seven Anolis lizard species inhabiting South Florida, USA. We found interspecific differences as well as intraspecific variation in reaction norms across species. Neither temperature heterogeneity in present-day invasive ranges in Florida, nor historical temperature heterogeneity from the contemporary native ranges, predicted reaction norm variation. Phylogeny and species identity typically predicted around 90-95% of reaction norm variation. Overall, these results suggest that thermal developmental plasticity in these traits exhibits variation that could be inconsistent with patterns expected under adaptive evolution to macroclimate. Examining the role of maternal nesting behavior and sampling of additional species can help to distinguish between neutral variation and selection toward multiple adaptive peaks. Our comparative study of thermal developmental plasticity in lizards provides new insight about macroevolutionary dynamics behind the evolution of developmental plasticity and the conditions under which adaptive plasticity is expected to evolve.
Additional Links: PMID-40388298
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@article {pmid40388298,
year = {2025},
author = {Muell, MR and Hall, JM and Smith, KV and Oaks, JR and Wolak, ME and Warner, DA},
title = {Comparison of thermal developmental plasticity among seven recently sympatric Anolis species: insights into the evolution of reaction norms.},
journal = {Evolution; international journal of organic evolution},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1093/evolut/qpaf104},
pmid = {40388298},
issn = {1558-5646},
abstract = {Theory predicts that thermal developmental plasticity evolves in response to thermal heterogeneity, suggesting that plasticity may be an important trait for establishment in novel climates. However, few studies use multi-species comparisons to examine how plasticity evolves, meaning there is little empirical basis with which to examine key theoretical predictions. We estimate patterns of thermal developmental plasticity in morphological and performance traits for seven Anolis lizard species inhabiting South Florida, USA. We found interspecific differences as well as intraspecific variation in reaction norms across species. Neither temperature heterogeneity in present-day invasive ranges in Florida, nor historical temperature heterogeneity from the contemporary native ranges, predicted reaction norm variation. Phylogeny and species identity typically predicted around 90-95% of reaction norm variation. Overall, these results suggest that thermal developmental plasticity in these traits exhibits variation that could be inconsistent with patterns expected under adaptive evolution to macroclimate. Examining the role of maternal nesting behavior and sampling of additional species can help to distinguish between neutral variation and selection toward multiple adaptive peaks. Our comparative study of thermal developmental plasticity in lizards provides new insight about macroevolutionary dynamics behind the evolution of developmental plasticity and the conditions under which adaptive plasticity is expected to evolve.},
}
RevDate: 2025-05-21
CmpDate: 2025-05-19
Global Patterns and Drivers of Freshwater Fish Extinctions: Can We Learn From Our Losses?.
Global change biology, 31(5):e70244.
Nearly one-third of extant freshwater fish species, which account for over 50% of global fish diversity, are at risk of extinction. Despite their crucial ecological and socioeconomic importance, the extinction of freshwater fishes remains under-researched on a global scale. This is a comprehensive assessment of taxonomic, spatial, and temporal patterns of freshwater fish extinctions while identifying key extinction drivers and driver synergies. Using data from the International Union for Conservation of Nature Red List, 89 extinct freshwater fish and 11 extinct in the wild were analyzed. Taxonomic statistical analysis revealed the disproportionate impact on Cyprinidae, Leuciscidae, and Salmonidae. Estimated globally for the period 1851-2016, the modern extinction rate for freshwater fishes stands at 33.47 extinctions per million species-years (E/MSY), more than 100 times greater than the natural background extinction rate of 0.33 E/MSY. Extinction rates, when calculated per continent using the number of extinct species and the total number of species per continent, indicated that North America has the highest extinction rate (225.60 E/MSY), followed by Europe (220.26 E/MSY) and Asia (34.62 E/MSY). Although Africa is less affected, it still shows a 42-fold increase over the background rate. Bayesian modeling, reflecting cumulative species extinctions, indicated a strong association of North America and Asia with species loss (37 and 34 extinctions, respectively), a moderate one for Europe (20 extinctions) and a weak association of Africa (eight extinctions). Natural system modification, pollution, and invasive species emerged as the primary extinction drivers, often acting synergistically. Temporal trends indicate an acceleration in extinctions since the mid-20th century. This study highlights that, despite recent increases in conservation efforts, freshwater fish extinctions continue to rise, indicating the urgent need for integrated conservation strategies. Without immediate action, many species currently at risk may soon follow the same trajectory of extinction as the 100 extinct freshwater fishes of this study.
Additional Links: PMID-40387501
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@article {pmid40387501,
year = {2025},
author = {Vardakas, L and Perdikaris, C and Freyhof, J and Zimmerman, B and Ford, M and Vlachopoulos, K and Koutsikos, N and Karaouzas, I and Chamoglou, M and Kalogianni, E},
title = {Global Patterns and Drivers of Freshwater Fish Extinctions: Can We Learn From Our Losses?.},
journal = {Global change biology},
volume = {31},
number = {5},
pages = {e70244},
pmid = {40387501},
issn = {1365-2486},
mesh = {Animals ; *Extinction, Biological ; *Fishes ; Fresh Water ; *Conservation of Natural Resources ; Biodiversity ; },
abstract = {Nearly one-third of extant freshwater fish species, which account for over 50% of global fish diversity, are at risk of extinction. Despite their crucial ecological and socioeconomic importance, the extinction of freshwater fishes remains under-researched on a global scale. This is a comprehensive assessment of taxonomic, spatial, and temporal patterns of freshwater fish extinctions while identifying key extinction drivers and driver synergies. Using data from the International Union for Conservation of Nature Red List, 89 extinct freshwater fish and 11 extinct in the wild were analyzed. Taxonomic statistical analysis revealed the disproportionate impact on Cyprinidae, Leuciscidae, and Salmonidae. Estimated globally for the period 1851-2016, the modern extinction rate for freshwater fishes stands at 33.47 extinctions per million species-years (E/MSY), more than 100 times greater than the natural background extinction rate of 0.33 E/MSY. Extinction rates, when calculated per continent using the number of extinct species and the total number of species per continent, indicated that North America has the highest extinction rate (225.60 E/MSY), followed by Europe (220.26 E/MSY) and Asia (34.62 E/MSY). Although Africa is less affected, it still shows a 42-fold increase over the background rate. Bayesian modeling, reflecting cumulative species extinctions, indicated a strong association of North America and Asia with species loss (37 and 34 extinctions, respectively), a moderate one for Europe (20 extinctions) and a weak association of Africa (eight extinctions). Natural system modification, pollution, and invasive species emerged as the primary extinction drivers, often acting synergistically. Temporal trends indicate an acceleration in extinctions since the mid-20th century. This study highlights that, despite recent increases in conservation efforts, freshwater fish extinctions continue to rise, indicating the urgent need for integrated conservation strategies. Without immediate action, many species currently at risk may soon follow the same trajectory of extinction as the 100 extinct freshwater fishes of this study.},
}
MeSH Terms:
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Animals
*Extinction, Biological
*Fishes
Fresh Water
*Conservation of Natural Resources
Biodiversity
RevDate: 2025-05-19
CmpDate: 2025-05-19
Native Plant Diversity Provides Resistance to Invasion by an Alien Species in Natural and Experimental Settings.
Ecology letters, 28(5):e70137.
It remains uncertain whether native plant diversity increases resistance to plant invasions at meaningful scales in nature due to contradictions between observational and experimental studies. In a field survey of 253 sites spanning 15 latitudinal degrees in China, we found that the relative abundance of the invader Alternanthera philoxeroides decreased with increasing native plant richness. Results from a 3-year field experiment and a 2-year mesocosm experiment further demonstrated that native diversity can suppress A. philoxeroides population growth (but not dominance) when natives precede the invader, or limit its population size when natives arrive after the invader. Insect herbivores and the soil biota were unlikely to influence diversity-based resistance in the field experiment, as their effects on both A. philoxeroides and native species did not change with native richness. Our results provide solid evidence that native plant diversity can provide resistance against plant invasion in natural ecosystems.
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@article {pmid40387160,
year = {2025},
author = {Liu, Z and Zhu, B and Gao, L and Wei, C and Siemann, E and Liu, W and Lu, X},
title = {Native Plant Diversity Provides Resistance to Invasion by an Alien Species in Natural and Experimental Settings.},
journal = {Ecology letters},
volume = {28},
number = {5},
pages = {e70137},
doi = {10.1111/ele.70137},
pmid = {40387160},
issn = {1461-0248},
support = {31872034 & 32171585//The National Natural Science Foundation of China/ ; },
mesh = {*Introduced Species ; *Biodiversity ; China ; Animals ; *Amaranthaceae/physiology ; Herbivory ; Ecosystem ; *Coleoptera/physiology ; Population Dynamics ; },
abstract = {It remains uncertain whether native plant diversity increases resistance to plant invasions at meaningful scales in nature due to contradictions between observational and experimental studies. In a field survey of 253 sites spanning 15 latitudinal degrees in China, we found that the relative abundance of the invader Alternanthera philoxeroides decreased with increasing native plant richness. Results from a 3-year field experiment and a 2-year mesocosm experiment further demonstrated that native diversity can suppress A. philoxeroides population growth (but not dominance) when natives precede the invader, or limit its population size when natives arrive after the invader. Insect herbivores and the soil biota were unlikely to influence diversity-based resistance in the field experiment, as their effects on both A. philoxeroides and native species did not change with native richness. Our results provide solid evidence that native plant diversity can provide resistance against plant invasion in natural ecosystems.},
}
MeSH Terms:
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*Introduced Species
*Biodiversity
China
Animals
*Amaranthaceae/physiology
Herbivory
Ecosystem
*Coleoptera/physiology
Population Dynamics
RevDate: 2025-05-20
Nitrate nitrogen uptake and metabolism in Mikania micrantha stem: insights into enhanced growth and invasiveness.
Frontiers in plant science, 16:1525303.
The increasing atmospheric nitrogen deposition, characterized by a rising proportion of nitrate nitrogen (NO3[-]-N), is exacerbating the spread of invasive plant species. Despite this trend, the response mechanisms of Mikania micrantha, a highly invasive plant, to NO3[-]-N remain poorly understood. This study investigates the unique adaptation strategies of M. micrantha to elevated NO3[-]-N levels, providing novel insights into its invasive success under changing nitrogen deposition patterns. Field experiments showed that M. micrantha rhizosphere soil contained higher NO3 [-]N content and protease activity compared to companion plants (Paederia scandens, Ipomoea nil, and Ipomoea cairica). Both roots and stems of M. micrantha had higher NO3 [-]N content and demonstrated stronger nitrogen metabolism capabilities. Pot experiments further showed that increasing NO3[-]-N concentrations (0 mM-40 mM) significantly promoted M. micrantha growth, with optimal phenotypic responses (main stem length, leaf number, branch number, and biomass) observed at 5 mM NO3[-]-N. Nitrogen metabolism enzyme assays revealed that nitrate reductase (NR), nitrite reductase (NiR), glutamate dehydrogenase (GDH), and free amino acid content increased progressively with NO3[-]-N concentration. Transcriptome sequencing and qPCR analyses identified upregulation of key genes related to transcription factors, nitrate transporter-related, nitrogen metabolism enzyme, and amino acid synthesis pathway. These findings demonstrate that M. micrantha employs a multifaceted strategy to exploit elevated NO3[-]-N conditions: enhanced NO3[-]-N uptake from soil, efficient transport to stems, and robust nitrogen metabolism facilitated by coordinated gene expression. This study reveals the adaptation mechanisms of M. micrantha to NO3[-]-N enrichment, offering critical insights for predicting and managing invasive species responses to global atmospheric nitrogen deposition changes. The results highlight the importance of considering nitrogen composition, rather than just quantity, in invasive species management strategies.
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@article {pmid40385234,
year = {2025},
author = {Cai, M and Chen, L and Chen, M and Ke, W and Wang, D and Peng, C},
title = {Nitrate nitrogen uptake and metabolism in Mikania micrantha stem: insights into enhanced growth and invasiveness.},
journal = {Frontiers in plant science},
volume = {16},
number = {},
pages = {1525303},
pmid = {40385234},
issn = {1664-462X},
abstract = {The increasing atmospheric nitrogen deposition, characterized by a rising proportion of nitrate nitrogen (NO3[-]-N), is exacerbating the spread of invasive plant species. Despite this trend, the response mechanisms of Mikania micrantha, a highly invasive plant, to NO3[-]-N remain poorly understood. This study investigates the unique adaptation strategies of M. micrantha to elevated NO3[-]-N levels, providing novel insights into its invasive success under changing nitrogen deposition patterns. Field experiments showed that M. micrantha rhizosphere soil contained higher NO3 [-]N content and protease activity compared to companion plants (Paederia scandens, Ipomoea nil, and Ipomoea cairica). Both roots and stems of M. micrantha had higher NO3 [-]N content and demonstrated stronger nitrogen metabolism capabilities. Pot experiments further showed that increasing NO3[-]-N concentrations (0 mM-40 mM) significantly promoted M. micrantha growth, with optimal phenotypic responses (main stem length, leaf number, branch number, and biomass) observed at 5 mM NO3[-]-N. Nitrogen metabolism enzyme assays revealed that nitrate reductase (NR), nitrite reductase (NiR), glutamate dehydrogenase (GDH), and free amino acid content increased progressively with NO3[-]-N concentration. Transcriptome sequencing and qPCR analyses identified upregulation of key genes related to transcription factors, nitrate transporter-related, nitrogen metabolism enzyme, and amino acid synthesis pathway. These findings demonstrate that M. micrantha employs a multifaceted strategy to exploit elevated NO3[-]-N conditions: enhanced NO3[-]-N uptake from soil, efficient transport to stems, and robust nitrogen metabolism facilitated by coordinated gene expression. This study reveals the adaptation mechanisms of M. micrantha to NO3[-]-N enrichment, offering critical insights for predicting and managing invasive species responses to global atmospheric nitrogen deposition changes. The results highlight the importance of considering nitrogen composition, rather than just quantity, in invasive species management strategies.},
}
RevDate: 2025-05-18
CmpDate: 2025-05-18
A survey of the introduction of Rhododendron from China to the United States during 1898-2023.
Ying yong sheng tai xue bao = The journal of applied ecology, 35(12):3369-3376.
The United States has conducted extensive plant introduction activities worldwide since the 19th century. Rhododendron species received particular attention due to their high ornamental value. In the 20th century, the United States focused particularly on Rhododendron resources in China. To clarify the history of the introduction of Rhododendron from China to the United States, we compiled historical records to trace the history of American Rhododendron introductions from China between 1898 and 2023, and verified the botanical names, introduction times, locations, and collectors. The results showed that a total of 1406 records of American Rhododendron introductions from China were compiled, including 215 species (including 27 varieties and 12 subspecies), which accounted for 29.5% of the total number of Rhododendron species in China. The introduction activities covered 20 provincial administrative regions, and 10 collectors were involved, with Wilson and Rock standing out for their significant contributions. The American introductions of Rhododendron from China enriched the diversity of Rhododendron species in the United States and enhancing their application in American gardens.
Additional Links: PMID-40383887
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@article {pmid40383887,
year = {2024},
author = {Xiang, ZB and Wu, RW and Huang, RZ and Yan, H and Liao, S and Bao, ZY},
title = {A survey of the introduction of Rhododendron from China to the United States during 1898-2023.},
journal = {Ying yong sheng tai xue bao = The journal of applied ecology},
volume = {35},
number = {12},
pages = {3369-3376},
doi = {10.13287/j.1001-9332.202412.007},
pmid = {40383887},
issn = {1001-9332},
mesh = {*Rhododendron/growth & development/classification ; China ; United States ; History, 19th Century ; *Introduced Species/history ; Ecosystem ; History, 21st Century ; History, 20th Century ; Biodiversity ; },
abstract = {The United States has conducted extensive plant introduction activities worldwide since the 19th century. Rhododendron species received particular attention due to their high ornamental value. In the 20th century, the United States focused particularly on Rhododendron resources in China. To clarify the history of the introduction of Rhododendron from China to the United States, we compiled historical records to trace the history of American Rhododendron introductions from China between 1898 and 2023, and verified the botanical names, introduction times, locations, and collectors. The results showed that a total of 1406 records of American Rhododendron introductions from China were compiled, including 215 species (including 27 varieties and 12 subspecies), which accounted for 29.5% of the total number of Rhododendron species in China. The introduction activities covered 20 provincial administrative regions, and 10 collectors were involved, with Wilson and Rock standing out for their significant contributions. The American introductions of Rhododendron from China enriched the diversity of Rhododendron species in the United States and enhancing their application in American gardens.},
}
MeSH Terms:
show MeSH Terms
hide MeSH Terms
*Rhododendron/growth & development/classification
China
United States
History, 19th Century
*Introduced Species/history
Ecosystem
History, 21st Century
History, 20th Century
Biodiversity
RevDate: 2025-05-18
CmpDate: 2025-05-18
Genetic and Population Diversity of Temnocephalids Associated with the Invasive Crayfish Cherax quadricarinatus in Malaysia.
Acta parasitologica, 70(3):112.
PURPOSE: A previous study revealed that temnocephalids Diceratocephala boschmai, Craspedella pedum, and Decadidymus sp. were highly prevalent in Cheraq quadricarinatus in Melaka and Johor, Malaysia.
METHODS: Herein, study was conducted to extract temnocephalids from C. quadricarinatus and identified using a molecular approach via two DNA markers: 28S ribosomal DNA and mitochondrial cytochrome c oxidase subunit I (CO1). Thereafter, the population diversity of D. boschmai in Malaysia using the CO1 DNA marker was analysed to visualize the genetic associations among populations.
RESULTS: The analysis of 16 variable (segregating) sites in the CO1 gene alignment of sequence from D. boschmai revealed a calculated haplotype diversity of 0.1266 among populations which indicates genetic variation within the studied groups. Additionally, the determination of nucleotide diversity (II) yielded a value of 0.0035, and Tajima's D neutrality test yielded a negative value for all populations, suggesting no significant departure from neutral evolution.
CONCLUSION: AMOVA analysis indicated that the genetic variation or polymorphism is primarily contributed within populations (95%) compared to between populations (4%).
Additional Links: PMID-40382738
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@article {pmid40382738,
year = {2025},
author = {Azri-Shah, NN and Yusoff, NAH and Abdullah, F and Ishak, AN and Husin, NM and Wee, HB and Jones, JB and Ikhwanuddin, M and Nor, SAM and Hassan, M},
title = {Genetic and Population Diversity of Temnocephalids Associated with the Invasive Crayfish Cherax quadricarinatus in Malaysia.},
journal = {Acta parasitologica},
volume = {70},
number = {3},
pages = {112},
pmid = {40382738},
issn = {1896-1851},
support = {(Vot 63933 and 56053)//This research was also supported by the Ministry of Higher Education, Malaysia, under the Higher Institution Centre of Excellence (HICoE) programme, Institute of Tropical Aquaculture and Fisheries, Universiti Malaysia Terengganu/ ; },
mesh = {Animals ; Malaysia ; *Astacoidea/parasitology ; *Genetic Variation ; Electron Transport Complex IV/genetics ; RNA, Ribosomal, 28S/genetics ; Phylogeny ; Introduced Species ; Haplotypes ; Sequence Analysis, DNA ; },
abstract = {PURPOSE: A previous study revealed that temnocephalids Diceratocephala boschmai, Craspedella pedum, and Decadidymus sp. were highly prevalent in Cheraq quadricarinatus in Melaka and Johor, Malaysia.
METHODS: Herein, study was conducted to extract temnocephalids from C. quadricarinatus and identified using a molecular approach via two DNA markers: 28S ribosomal DNA and mitochondrial cytochrome c oxidase subunit I (CO1). Thereafter, the population diversity of D. boschmai in Malaysia using the CO1 DNA marker was analysed to visualize the genetic associations among populations.
RESULTS: The analysis of 16 variable (segregating) sites in the CO1 gene alignment of sequence from D. boschmai revealed a calculated haplotype diversity of 0.1266 among populations which indicates genetic variation within the studied groups. Additionally, the determination of nucleotide diversity (II) yielded a value of 0.0035, and Tajima's D neutrality test yielded a negative value for all populations, suggesting no significant departure from neutral evolution.
CONCLUSION: AMOVA analysis indicated that the genetic variation or polymorphism is primarily contributed within populations (95%) compared to between populations (4%).},
}
MeSH Terms:
show MeSH Terms
hide MeSH Terms
Animals
Malaysia
*Astacoidea/parasitology
*Genetic Variation
Electron Transport Complex IV/genetics
RNA, Ribosomal, 28S/genetics
Phylogeny
Introduced Species
Haplotypes
Sequence Analysis, DNA
RevDate: 2025-05-16
Multiple source locations and long-distance dispersal explain the rapid spread of a recent amphibian invasion.
Heredity [Epub ahead of print].
Rapid range expansions are characteristic for non-native invasive species when introduced outside their native range. Understanding the dynamics and mechanisms of expanding non-native invasive species is key for regional management. While population genetics and long-term occurrence records are often used in this context, each provides only partial insights, highlighting the need for a combined approach. We demonstrate this synergy using the American bullfrog (Lithobates catesbeianus) invasion in the Grote Nete river valley (Belgium) as a case study. It is commonly believed that this invasion constitutes a single metapopulation established by one primary introduction followed by downstream dispersal. However, recent evidence suggests a more complex scenario, involving introduction at multiple locations and bidirectional dispersal. To differentiate between both scenarios, we analysed nearly three decades of occurrence records and 8592 single nucleotide polymorphisms across 372 individuals from 31 localities, and determined the number of source locations, the range expansion rate, the population genetic structure, and the magnitude and direction of gene flow. We found that invasive spread originated from up to six source locations followed by bidirectional dispersal and downstream long-distance dispersal (LDD) events. Our results suggest that at least two source locations were founded by primary introductions, two from LDD events, while the remaining resulted from secondary introductions. A canal crossing the river was identified as a dispersal barrier, leading to different invasion dynamics on both sides. Our study shows how asynchronous introductions at multiple locations, dispersal barriers, and environmental heterogeneity can lead to distinct spread dynamics within a seemingly continuous and interconnected metapopulation.
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@article {pmid40379971,
year = {2025},
author = {Everts, T and Deflem, I and Van Driessche, C and Neyrinck, S and Ruttink, T and Jacquemyn, H and Brys, R},
title = {Multiple source locations and long-distance dispersal explain the rapid spread of a recent amphibian invasion.},
journal = {Heredity},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
pmid = {40379971},
issn = {1365-2540},
support = {1S23822N//Fonds Wetenschappelijk Onderzoek (Research Foundation Flanders)/ ; 1S23822N//Fonds Wetenschappelijk Onderzoek (Research Foundation Flanders)/ ; },
abstract = {Rapid range expansions are characteristic for non-native invasive species when introduced outside their native range. Understanding the dynamics and mechanisms of expanding non-native invasive species is key for regional management. While population genetics and long-term occurrence records are often used in this context, each provides only partial insights, highlighting the need for a combined approach. We demonstrate this synergy using the American bullfrog (Lithobates catesbeianus) invasion in the Grote Nete river valley (Belgium) as a case study. It is commonly believed that this invasion constitutes a single metapopulation established by one primary introduction followed by downstream dispersal. However, recent evidence suggests a more complex scenario, involving introduction at multiple locations and bidirectional dispersal. To differentiate between both scenarios, we analysed nearly three decades of occurrence records and 8592 single nucleotide polymorphisms across 372 individuals from 31 localities, and determined the number of source locations, the range expansion rate, the population genetic structure, and the magnitude and direction of gene flow. We found that invasive spread originated from up to six source locations followed by bidirectional dispersal and downstream long-distance dispersal (LDD) events. Our results suggest that at least two source locations were founded by primary introductions, two from LDD events, while the remaining resulted from secondary introductions. A canal crossing the river was identified as a dispersal barrier, leading to different invasion dynamics on both sides. Our study shows how asynchronous introductions at multiple locations, dispersal barriers, and environmental heterogeneity can lead to distinct spread dynamics within a seemingly continuous and interconnected metapopulation.},
}
RevDate: 2025-05-17
Slow Invaders Going Fast: New Data of Exotic Slugs (Gastropoda: Eupulmonata) From Spain.
Ecology and evolution, 15(5):e71306.
Invasive species are a major concern in the current scenario of biodiversity loss. Most studies focus on vertebrates and insects, while other groups have been profoundly overlooked. Particularly, terrestrial slugs are among the most understudied taxa. Here, we contribute to expanding the scarce knowledge on exotic invertebrates by reporting the occurrence of two non-native terrestrial slugs in the Iberian Peninsula (northern Spain): Ambigolimax parvipenis, being also the first morphological confirmation for continental Spain, and Boettgerilla pallens, constituting the first record for continental Spain as well. Both species were collected in gardened urban areas or in peri-urban areas with a high presence of exotic ornamental plants. Some individuals were used for anatomical studies, while other ones were subjected to DNA extraction and PCR amplification and sequencing, comparing their sequences with closely related species from GenBank and confirming their previous morphological identification. Early detection of exotic species is crucial to avoid potential future threats. Unfortunately, many non-native species remain understudied or misidentified, leading to a silent invasion. Our findings entail a new step in the understanding of this neglected group and in the implications of urban gardened areas as a source of arrival of exotic fauna.
Additional Links: PMID-40376173
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@article {pmid40376173,
year = {2025},
author = {Sánchez, O and González-García, V and Robla, J and Arias, A},
title = {Slow Invaders Going Fast: New Data of Exotic Slugs (Gastropoda: Eupulmonata) From Spain.},
journal = {Ecology and evolution},
volume = {15},
number = {5},
pages = {e71306},
pmid = {40376173},
issn = {2045-7758},
abstract = {Invasive species are a major concern in the current scenario of biodiversity loss. Most studies focus on vertebrates and insects, while other groups have been profoundly overlooked. Particularly, terrestrial slugs are among the most understudied taxa. Here, we contribute to expanding the scarce knowledge on exotic invertebrates by reporting the occurrence of two non-native terrestrial slugs in the Iberian Peninsula (northern Spain): Ambigolimax parvipenis, being also the first morphological confirmation for continental Spain, and Boettgerilla pallens, constituting the first record for continental Spain as well. Both species were collected in gardened urban areas or in peri-urban areas with a high presence of exotic ornamental plants. Some individuals were used for anatomical studies, while other ones were subjected to DNA extraction and PCR amplification and sequencing, comparing their sequences with closely related species from GenBank and confirming their previous morphological identification. Early detection of exotic species is crucial to avoid potential future threats. Unfortunately, many non-native species remain understudied or misidentified, leading to a silent invasion. Our findings entail a new step in the understanding of this neglected group and in the implications of urban gardened areas as a source of arrival of exotic fauna.},
}
RevDate: 2025-05-20
CmpDate: 2025-05-20
Remediating heavy metal-contaminated soil through invasive alien plant-derived biochar and stinging nettle powder.
Chemosphere, 380:144435.
Invasive alien plant species (IAPS) threaten ecosystem integrity worldwide. IAPS eradication is expensive, and their biomass is considered waste. Producing biochar from IAPS biomasses could turn waste into a resource. At the same time, this material could be used to remediate polluted soils. Also, using widespread native weeds, such as Urtica dioica (U), as an additional amendment could further improve soil remediation. In a phytoremediation experiment, we applied biochar produced from two widespread IAPS' biomass, i.e. Ailanthus altissima (Mill.) (BA) and Solidago gigantea Aiton (BS), at different rates (2 % and 5 % w/w) together with Urtica dioica L. powder (U) (2 % w/w) in an Arsenic (As) and Lead (Pb)-contaminated soil, using Phaseolus vulgaris L. as an indicator plant species. We measured the amendment's effects on soil pore water (SPW) properties, plant and fine root development, and soil enzymatic activities. When BS was added alone, and when BA was combined with U SPW's pH and electrical conductivity (EC) increased and [Pb] diminished, which augmented plant growth and reduced Pb uptake. Combining the biochar types and U increased the soil's enzymatic activities, fine root length, biomass, and specific root length. Finally, both biochar types with U increased As mobility in SPW, leading to higher plant uptake in roots, although without translocation to aboveground organs. Our findings contribute to developing cost-effective and environmentally sustainable practices for managing polluted soil. Simultaneously, they tackle the problem of IAPS, which can be used in the future to provide guidelines for policymakers.
Additional Links: PMID-40319612
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PubMed:
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@article {pmid40319612,
year = {2025},
author = {Ceriani, A and Chafik, Y and Miali, A and Bourgerie, S and Dalle Fratte, M and Cerabolini, BEL and Morabito, D and Montagnoli, A},
title = {Remediating heavy metal-contaminated soil through invasive alien plant-derived biochar and stinging nettle powder.},
journal = {Chemosphere},
volume = {380},
number = {},
pages = {144435},
doi = {10.1016/j.chemosphere.2025.144435},
pmid = {40319612},
issn = {1879-1298},
mesh = {*Soil Pollutants/metabolism/analysis ; *Charcoal/chemistry ; Introduced Species ; Biodegradation, Environmental ; Soil/chemistry ; *Metals, Heavy/analysis/metabolism ; Urtica dioica/chemistry ; Solidago/chemistry ; *Environmental Restoration and Remediation/methods ; Lead/metabolism ; Arsenic/analysis/metabolism ; Biomass ; Phaseolus/metabolism ; },
abstract = {Invasive alien plant species (IAPS) threaten ecosystem integrity worldwide. IAPS eradication is expensive, and their biomass is considered waste. Producing biochar from IAPS biomasses could turn waste into a resource. At the same time, this material could be used to remediate polluted soils. Also, using widespread native weeds, such as Urtica dioica (U), as an additional amendment could further improve soil remediation. In a phytoremediation experiment, we applied biochar produced from two widespread IAPS' biomass, i.e. Ailanthus altissima (Mill.) (BA) and Solidago gigantea Aiton (BS), at different rates (2 % and 5 % w/w) together with Urtica dioica L. powder (U) (2 % w/w) in an Arsenic (As) and Lead (Pb)-contaminated soil, using Phaseolus vulgaris L. as an indicator plant species. We measured the amendment's effects on soil pore water (SPW) properties, plant and fine root development, and soil enzymatic activities. When BS was added alone, and when BA was combined with U SPW's pH and electrical conductivity (EC) increased and [Pb] diminished, which augmented plant growth and reduced Pb uptake. Combining the biochar types and U increased the soil's enzymatic activities, fine root length, biomass, and specific root length. Finally, both biochar types with U increased As mobility in SPW, leading to higher plant uptake in roots, although without translocation to aboveground organs. Our findings contribute to developing cost-effective and environmentally sustainable practices for managing polluted soil. Simultaneously, they tackle the problem of IAPS, which can be used in the future to provide guidelines for policymakers.},
}
MeSH Terms:
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*Soil Pollutants/metabolism/analysis
*Charcoal/chemistry
Introduced Species
Biodegradation, Environmental
Soil/chemistry
*Metals, Heavy/analysis/metabolism
Urtica dioica/chemistry
Solidago/chemistry
*Environmental Restoration and Remediation/methods
Lead/metabolism
Arsenic/analysis/metabolism
Biomass
Phaseolus/metabolism
RevDate: 2025-05-15
Landscape Variables Associated with Toxoplasma gondii Exposure in American Mink (Neogale vison) and Domestic Cats (Felis catus) in the Valdivian Temperate Rainforest, Chile.
Journal of wildlife diseases pii:506930 [Epub ahead of print].
Toxoplasma gondii, a globally distributed protozoan, poses risks to wildlife and public health, with domestic cats playing a significant role in its dissemination. The Valdivian temperate rainforest in southern Chile, known for its biodiversity and endemism, faces threats from human activities and from invasive species such as domestic cats. We evaluated T. gondii seroprevalence in two sympatric introduced carnivores, an intermediate host, the American mink (Neogale vison), and a definitive host, the domestic cat (Felis catus), and we determined landscape variables linked to exposure for both species and identified high T. gondii exposure using ecological niche modeling. Seroprevalence for T. gondii in 180 American minks and 140 domestic cats exceeded 60% in both species, indicating significant exposure to T. gondii within the study area. Spatial analysis highlighted a relationship between low-altitude areas, characterized by floodable forests and slower river flow, and elevated T. gondii exposure in both species. Areas with agricultural activity and higher human and cattle densities, such as croplands and grasslands, exhibited an increased risk of T. gondii exposure. Parasite exposure was higher in the Tolten and Valdivia River basins compared to the other four basins studied. These findings emphasize the importance of considering landscape factors, including altitude, land use, and human activities, when assessing T. gondii exposure patterns. The identified landscape variables associated with exposure and the mapping of high-risk areas can guide public health and conservation management plans.
Additional Links: PMID-40374172
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@article {pmid40374172,
year = {2025},
author = {Calvo-Mac, C and Delgado-Parada, N and Muñoz-Zanzi, C and Medina-Vogel, G},
title = {Landscape Variables Associated with Toxoplasma gondii Exposure in American Mink (Neogale vison) and Domestic Cats (Felis catus) in the Valdivian Temperate Rainforest, Chile.},
journal = {Journal of wildlife diseases},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.7589/JWD-D-24-00099},
pmid = {40374172},
issn = {1943-3700},
abstract = {Toxoplasma gondii, a globally distributed protozoan, poses risks to wildlife and public health, with domestic cats playing a significant role in its dissemination. The Valdivian temperate rainforest in southern Chile, known for its biodiversity and endemism, faces threats from human activities and from invasive species such as domestic cats. We evaluated T. gondii seroprevalence in two sympatric introduced carnivores, an intermediate host, the American mink (Neogale vison), and a definitive host, the domestic cat (Felis catus), and we determined landscape variables linked to exposure for both species and identified high T. gondii exposure using ecological niche modeling. Seroprevalence for T. gondii in 180 American minks and 140 domestic cats exceeded 60% in both species, indicating significant exposure to T. gondii within the study area. Spatial analysis highlighted a relationship between low-altitude areas, characterized by floodable forests and slower river flow, and elevated T. gondii exposure in both species. Areas with agricultural activity and higher human and cattle densities, such as croplands and grasslands, exhibited an increased risk of T. gondii exposure. Parasite exposure was higher in the Tolten and Valdivia River basins compared to the other four basins studied. These findings emphasize the importance of considering landscape factors, including altitude, land use, and human activities, when assessing T. gondii exposure patterns. The identified landscape variables associated with exposure and the mapping of high-risk areas can guide public health and conservation management plans.},
}
RevDate: 2025-05-15
A Chromosome-level genome of the Nicobar pigeon, Caloenas nicobarica.
The Journal of heredity pii:8132812 [Epub ahead of print].
The Nicobar pigeon (Caloenas nicobarica), the closest living relative of the extinct Dodo (Raphus cucullatus), is endemic to Southeast Asia with a fragmented distribution across numerous small islands. It suffers from habitat loss, hunting, and predation from invasive species, resulting in its classification as Near-Threatened by the International Union for the Conservation of Nature (IUCN). We have generated a haplotype-resolved and chromosome-level genome assembly of the Nicobar pigeon using a combination of PacBio HiFi long-read sequencing and Arima Hi-C chromatin interaction mapping. This assembly includes two haplotypes, each spanning approximately 1.2 Gb. Haplotype 1 has a contig N50 of 25.2 Mb and a scaffold N50 of 79.7 Mb, while haplotype 2 has a contig N50 of 24.7 Mb and a scaffold N50 of 107.9 Mb. As the first high-quality genome assembly of any bird in the Columbidae Indo-Pacific clade, this resource provides valuable insights for phylogenetic studies. Furthermore, the phylogenetic proximity of the Nicobar pigeon to the Dodo (Raphus cucullatus) and the Rodrigues Solitaire (Pezophaps solitaria) offers a unique opportunity to study these extinct species, making this assembly a critical resource for evolutionary studies. It also offers a unique model for studying genetic diversity, adaptation, and speciation in island environments. This genomic resource will not only enhance our understanding of the evolutionary history of the Nicobar pigeon but also serves as a valuable tool for future conservation efforts aimed at preserving this unique species and its fragile island ecosystem.
Additional Links: PMID-40371976
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PubMed:
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@article {pmid40371976,
year = {2025},
author = {Alexandre, N and Balacco, J and Tilley, T and Abueg, L and Brajuka, N and Moreira, LR and Whelan, C and Schwarz Taylor, E and Jarvis, ED and Fedrigo, O and Shapiro, B and Keyte, AL},
title = {A Chromosome-level genome of the Nicobar pigeon, Caloenas nicobarica.},
journal = {The Journal of heredity},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1093/jhered/esaf031},
pmid = {40371976},
issn = {1465-7333},
abstract = {The Nicobar pigeon (Caloenas nicobarica), the closest living relative of the extinct Dodo (Raphus cucullatus), is endemic to Southeast Asia with a fragmented distribution across numerous small islands. It suffers from habitat loss, hunting, and predation from invasive species, resulting in its classification as Near-Threatened by the International Union for the Conservation of Nature (IUCN). We have generated a haplotype-resolved and chromosome-level genome assembly of the Nicobar pigeon using a combination of PacBio HiFi long-read sequencing and Arima Hi-C chromatin interaction mapping. This assembly includes two haplotypes, each spanning approximately 1.2 Gb. Haplotype 1 has a contig N50 of 25.2 Mb and a scaffold N50 of 79.7 Mb, while haplotype 2 has a contig N50 of 24.7 Mb and a scaffold N50 of 107.9 Mb. As the first high-quality genome assembly of any bird in the Columbidae Indo-Pacific clade, this resource provides valuable insights for phylogenetic studies. Furthermore, the phylogenetic proximity of the Nicobar pigeon to the Dodo (Raphus cucullatus) and the Rodrigues Solitaire (Pezophaps solitaria) offers a unique opportunity to study these extinct species, making this assembly a critical resource for evolutionary studies. It also offers a unique model for studying genetic diversity, adaptation, and speciation in island environments. This genomic resource will not only enhance our understanding of the evolutionary history of the Nicobar pigeon but also serves as a valuable tool for future conservation efforts aimed at preserving this unique species and its fragile island ecosystem.},
}
RevDate: 2025-05-15
Steaming soil is effective in eliminating invasive alien plants (IAPs) - part II: effect of soil type.
Pest management science [Epub ahead of print].
BACKGROUND: Soil disinfestation by steaming was evaluated due to its efficacy in controlling or potentially eradicating weed seeds. We exposed two soil types containing aggressive weeds to steam using a soil vacuum steaming method. The aim was to examine whether the method could be used to avoid the spreading of viable seeds to new regions when soil is reused.
RESULTS: Dry seeds from two populations of Avena fatua and Echinochloa crus-galli and one population of Bromus sterilis, Lupinus polyphyllus, and Heracleum mantegazzianum were incorporated in a medium sandy soil and a silty coarse sandy soil and examined for thermal sensitivity. Soil temperatures in the target range of 60-99 °C, followed by a 3-min dwelling period, were tested. Increased soil temperature decreased seed germination. The two soil types did not influence the germination or viability response in most cases. For both populations of A. fatua, B. sterilis, and E. crus-galli, a soil temperature of approximately 75 °C followed by a dwelling period of 180 s reduced the germination by about 90%. Heracleum mantegazzianum was more susceptible to heat than L. polyphyllus which required more than 100 °C to reduce seed germination by 90%.
CONCLUSION: Soil steaming using a vacuum was an effective method to kill seeds of invasive alien plants (IAPs) in both soil types. However, the species showed different responses, indicating that steam temperature must be adapted to the specific weeds' susceptibility to heat. A temperature above 100 °C (or longer dwelling periods than 3 min) in the soil matrix might be necessary to kill all seeds. © 2025 The Author(s). Pest Management Science published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of Society of Chemical Industry.
Additional Links: PMID-40371662
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@article {pmid40371662,
year = {2025},
author = {Bitarafan, Z and Kaczmarek-Derda, W and Berge, TW and Fløistad, IS and Andreasen, C},
title = {Steaming soil is effective in eliminating invasive alien plants (IAPs) - part II: effect of soil type.},
journal = {Pest management science},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1002/ps.8903},
pmid = {40371662},
issn = {1526-4998},
support = {//Norges Forskningsråd/ ; },
abstract = {BACKGROUND: Soil disinfestation by steaming was evaluated due to its efficacy in controlling or potentially eradicating weed seeds. We exposed two soil types containing aggressive weeds to steam using a soil vacuum steaming method. The aim was to examine whether the method could be used to avoid the spreading of viable seeds to new regions when soil is reused.
RESULTS: Dry seeds from two populations of Avena fatua and Echinochloa crus-galli and one population of Bromus sterilis, Lupinus polyphyllus, and Heracleum mantegazzianum were incorporated in a medium sandy soil and a silty coarse sandy soil and examined for thermal sensitivity. Soil temperatures in the target range of 60-99 °C, followed by a 3-min dwelling period, were tested. Increased soil temperature decreased seed germination. The two soil types did not influence the germination or viability response in most cases. For both populations of A. fatua, B. sterilis, and E. crus-galli, a soil temperature of approximately 75 °C followed by a dwelling period of 180 s reduced the germination by about 90%. Heracleum mantegazzianum was more susceptible to heat than L. polyphyllus which required more than 100 °C to reduce seed germination by 90%.
CONCLUSION: Soil steaming using a vacuum was an effective method to kill seeds of invasive alien plants (IAPs) in both soil types. However, the species showed different responses, indicating that steam temperature must be adapted to the specific weeds' susceptibility to heat. A temperature above 100 °C (or longer dwelling periods than 3 min) in the soil matrix might be necessary to kill all seeds. © 2025 The Author(s). Pest Management Science published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of Society of Chemical Industry.},
}
RevDate: 2025-05-16
Molecular identification of Coranus spp. in a pregnant patient: A case of misidentified Chagas disease vector in Spain.
Parasite epidemiology and control, 29:e00426.
Chagas disease is a significant public health concern in the Americas, transmitted primarily by vectors of the Triatominae subfamily. While Europe, particularly Spain, is free from endemic vectors, the potential for misidentification of non-hematophagous insects as Chagas vectors exists, leading to unnecessary alarm. We present the case of a 31-year-old pregnant Venezuelan woman residing in Spain, who sought medical attention after being bitten by an arthropod she identified as Triatoma infestans. The patient's awareness of Chagas disease in her country of origin heightened her concern about vertical transmission of Trypanosoma cruzi to her fetus. However, serological testing for T. cruzi antibodies was negative. The insect was initially misidentified as T. infestans but was later confirmed through molecular analysis to be Coranus spp., a non-hematophagous reduviid predator. The 18S rRNA gene sequence revealed a 99.37 % similarity to Coranus spp., ruling out any vectorial capacity for Chagas disease. This case underscores the importance of accurate arthropod identification, especially in non-endemic regions, to prevent misdiagnosis and unnecessary treatment. From a public health perspective, the introduction of a Chagas disease vector into Spain would represent a serious threat, necessitating prompt identification and containment measures. Our findings highlight the challenges posed by invasive species and the need for vigilance in regions where Chagas disease is not endemic. Proper identification of suspected vectors is crucial to ensure appropriate clinical and public health responses, preventing unwarranted anxiety and ensuring accurate disease surveillance.
Additional Links: PMID-40371122
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@article {pmid40371122,
year = {2025},
author = {Ligero-López, J and Bargues, MD and Artigas, P and Colangeli, G and Peiró-Codina, F and Ducons-Márquez, M and López-Alonso, B and Goñi, P and Beltrán-Rosel, A},
title = {Molecular identification of Coranus spp. in a pregnant patient: A case of misidentified Chagas disease vector in Spain.},
journal = {Parasite epidemiology and control},
volume = {29},
number = {},
pages = {e00426},
pmid = {40371122},
issn = {2405-6731},
abstract = {Chagas disease is a significant public health concern in the Americas, transmitted primarily by vectors of the Triatominae subfamily. While Europe, particularly Spain, is free from endemic vectors, the potential for misidentification of non-hematophagous insects as Chagas vectors exists, leading to unnecessary alarm. We present the case of a 31-year-old pregnant Venezuelan woman residing in Spain, who sought medical attention after being bitten by an arthropod she identified as Triatoma infestans. The patient's awareness of Chagas disease in her country of origin heightened her concern about vertical transmission of Trypanosoma cruzi to her fetus. However, serological testing for T. cruzi antibodies was negative. The insect was initially misidentified as T. infestans but was later confirmed through molecular analysis to be Coranus spp., a non-hematophagous reduviid predator. The 18S rRNA gene sequence revealed a 99.37 % similarity to Coranus spp., ruling out any vectorial capacity for Chagas disease. This case underscores the importance of accurate arthropod identification, especially in non-endemic regions, to prevent misdiagnosis and unnecessary treatment. From a public health perspective, the introduction of a Chagas disease vector into Spain would represent a serious threat, necessitating prompt identification and containment measures. Our findings highlight the challenges posed by invasive species and the need for vigilance in regions where Chagas disease is not endemic. Proper identification of suspected vectors is crucial to ensure appropriate clinical and public health responses, preventing unwarranted anxiety and ensuring accurate disease surveillance.},
}
RevDate: 2025-05-16
The Complete Chloroplast Genome Sequence of Callisia fragrans (Lindl.) Woodson (Commelinaceae).
Ecology and evolution, 15(5):e71402.
Callisia fragrans (Lindl.) Woodson (Commelinaceae) is an invasive species in Vietnam but exhibits ornamental and potential medicinal values. However, the genomic data of C. fragrans have not been discovered. In this study, we employed the Illumina sequencing platform to complete the chloroplast genome of C. fragrans, which was 163,887 bp in length. This quadripartite genome consisted of a large single copy region of 90,751 bp, a small single copy region of 18,684 bp, and two inverted repeat regions of 27,226 bp each. Additionally, there were 79 protein-coding genes, 30 transfer RNA genes, and four ribosomal RNA genes in the chloroplast genome of C. fragrans. Comparative genomic analysis revealed a conserved pattern of genome structure and gene content among Callisia species. However, in contrast to the pseudogenization of accD and rpoA in C. repens and C. insignis, these genes were intact in C. fragrans. Comparative genomic analysis revealed seven variable regions in the chloroplast genomes of three Callisia species, including rps16-trnQ_UUG, psbI-trnG_UCC, rpoB-psbM, trnP_UGG-rpl33, ndhF-trnL_UAG, rps15-ycf1, and ycf1. Phylogenetic analysis indicated the monophyly of Callisia species and a close relationship between C. fragrans and C. repens. This study provides initial data of the chloroplast genome for further genomic studies examining genetic populations, phylogeny, and molecular markers of C. fragrans and related species in Commelinaceae.
Additional Links: PMID-40370354
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@article {pmid40370354,
year = {2025},
author = {Vo-Tan, K and Bich, VTT and Thanh, MT and Tien, TT and Do, HDK and Nguyen, NT},
title = {The Complete Chloroplast Genome Sequence of Callisia fragrans (Lindl.) Woodson (Commelinaceae).},
journal = {Ecology and evolution},
volume = {15},
number = {5},
pages = {e71402},
pmid = {40370354},
issn = {2045-7758},
abstract = {Callisia fragrans (Lindl.) Woodson (Commelinaceae) is an invasive species in Vietnam but exhibits ornamental and potential medicinal values. However, the genomic data of C. fragrans have not been discovered. In this study, we employed the Illumina sequencing platform to complete the chloroplast genome of C. fragrans, which was 163,887 bp in length. This quadripartite genome consisted of a large single copy region of 90,751 bp, a small single copy region of 18,684 bp, and two inverted repeat regions of 27,226 bp each. Additionally, there were 79 protein-coding genes, 30 transfer RNA genes, and four ribosomal RNA genes in the chloroplast genome of C. fragrans. Comparative genomic analysis revealed a conserved pattern of genome structure and gene content among Callisia species. However, in contrast to the pseudogenization of accD and rpoA in C. repens and C. insignis, these genes were intact in C. fragrans. Comparative genomic analysis revealed seven variable regions in the chloroplast genomes of three Callisia species, including rps16-trnQ_UUG, psbI-trnG_UCC, rpoB-psbM, trnP_UGG-rpl33, ndhF-trnL_UAG, rps15-ycf1, and ycf1. Phylogenetic analysis indicated the monophyly of Callisia species and a close relationship between C. fragrans and C. repens. This study provides initial data of the chloroplast genome for further genomic studies examining genetic populations, phylogeny, and molecular markers of C. fragrans and related species in Commelinaceae.},
}
RevDate: 2025-05-15
CmpDate: 2025-05-15
Research progress on the application of the MaxEnt model in species habitat prediction.
Ying yong sheng tai xue bao = The journal of applied ecology, 36(2):614-624.
Climate change and anthropogenic activities are profoundly affecting species distribution range and habitat suitability. In recent years, using models to predict potential suitable habitats for different species has become one of the research focuses in this field. The maximum entropy model (MaxEnt), a machine learning model based on the data of species distribution and environmental variables, has been widely used in predicting species habitats. First, we introduced the mechanism, establishment process, optimization method and assessment system of the MaxEnt model. Then, we reviewed the application of the model in potential habitat prediction of endangered species and invasive species, and the simulation of the potential distribution of species under future climate change. Fina-lly, we proposed current challenges and future development prospects of the MaxEnt model, aiming to strengthen its role in predicting the natural distribution of species, and provide technical references for biodiversity conservation and management.
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@article {pmid40370179,
year = {2025},
author = {Yang, JY and Ding, GY and Tian, XJ},
title = {Research progress on the application of the MaxEnt model in species habitat prediction.},
journal = {Ying yong sheng tai xue bao = The journal of applied ecology},
volume = {36},
number = {2},
pages = {614-624},
doi = {10.13287/j.1001-9332.202502.025},
pmid = {40370179},
issn = {1001-9332},
mesh = {*Ecosystem ; *Conservation of Natural Resources/methods ; Climate Change ; *Biodiversity ; Introduced Species ; Endangered Species ; *Machine Learning ; Entropy ; Forecasting ; *Models, Theoretical ; Animals ; *Models, Biological ; },
abstract = {Climate change and anthropogenic activities are profoundly affecting species distribution range and habitat suitability. In recent years, using models to predict potential suitable habitats for different species has become one of the research focuses in this field. The maximum entropy model (MaxEnt), a machine learning model based on the data of species distribution and environmental variables, has been widely used in predicting species habitats. First, we introduced the mechanism, establishment process, optimization method and assessment system of the MaxEnt model. Then, we reviewed the application of the model in potential habitat prediction of endangered species and invasive species, and the simulation of the potential distribution of species under future climate change. Fina-lly, we proposed current challenges and future development prospects of the MaxEnt model, aiming to strengthen its role in predicting the natural distribution of species, and provide technical references for biodiversity conservation and management.},
}
MeSH Terms:
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*Ecosystem
*Conservation of Natural Resources/methods
Climate Change
*Biodiversity
Introduced Species
Endangered Species
*Machine Learning
Entropy
Forecasting
*Models, Theoretical
Animals
*Models, Biological
RevDate: 2025-05-15
CmpDate: 2025-05-15
Litter, soil carbon and nitrogen fractions and enzyme activity in a typical broadleaved forest invaded by Moso bamboo.
Ying yong sheng tai xue bao = The journal of applied ecology, 36(2):489-496.
We investigated the effects of bamboo invasion on the quantity and quality of litter input, soil carbon (C) and nitrogen (N) fractions and enzyme activities across an invasion sequence composed of evergreen broadleaved forest, mixed broadleaved and bamboo forest, and pure Moso bamboo forest. The results showed that stan-ding litter biomass, annual litter production, and the litter C content in mixed broadleaved and Moso bamboo forest was lower than the broadleaved forest by 49.0%, 7.3% and 8.2%, respectively, while that in pure Moso bamboo forest was lower than the broadleaved forest by 59.5%, 48.6%, and 18.7%. Bamboo invasion resulted in a significant decrease in soil organic C in broadleaved forest. Compared with broadleaved forest, soil organic C and total N in pure Moso bamboo forest were decreased by 52.1% and 15.0%. There was no significant difference between the mixed forest and broadleaved forest. Bamboo invasion significantly increased soil microbial biomass C and N, but decreased soil labile and recalcitrant C pools, as well as the proportion of recalcitrant C pool to soil organic C. The activities of soil phenol oxidase, peroxidase and β-glucosidase in mixed forest and pure bamboo forest were generally lower than those in broadleaved forest. The specific enzyme activities (per unit of soil organic C) in bamboo forest was significantly higher than that in the broadleaved forest and mixed forest. Soil organic C content and the recalcitrant C fraction were significantly positively correlated with annual litter production, standing litter biomass, and litter C content, but negatively correlated with the specific enzyme activities of phenol oxidase and peroxidase. Results of structural equation modeling showed that Moso bamboo invasion decreased recalcitrant C pool mainly by reducing litter input and enhancing the specific activities of enzymes involved in organic C degradation. In conclusion, Moso bamboo invasion reduced litter C input, increased the specific activities of soil enzymes involved in soil organic matter decomposition, which was not conducive to the accumulation of soil organic matter in broadleaved forest.
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@article {pmid40370166,
year = {2025},
author = {Sun, R and Zhao, YZ and Chen, Y and Zheng, XL and Zhou, Y and Shao, S and Liang, CF and Qin, H and Chen, JH},
title = {Litter, soil carbon and nitrogen fractions and enzyme activity in a typical broadleaved forest invaded by Moso bamboo.},
journal = {Ying yong sheng tai xue bao = The journal of applied ecology},
volume = {36},
number = {2},
pages = {489-496},
doi = {10.13287/j.1001-9332.202502.012},
pmid = {40370166},
issn = {1001-9332},
mesh = {Soil/chemistry ; *Carbon/analysis ; *Nitrogen/analysis ; *Forests ; *Introduced Species ; China ; Plant Leaves/chemistry ; *Poaceae/growth & development ; *Sasa/growth & development ; },
abstract = {We investigated the effects of bamboo invasion on the quantity and quality of litter input, soil carbon (C) and nitrogen (N) fractions and enzyme activities across an invasion sequence composed of evergreen broadleaved forest, mixed broadleaved and bamboo forest, and pure Moso bamboo forest. The results showed that stan-ding litter biomass, annual litter production, and the litter C content in mixed broadleaved and Moso bamboo forest was lower than the broadleaved forest by 49.0%, 7.3% and 8.2%, respectively, while that in pure Moso bamboo forest was lower than the broadleaved forest by 59.5%, 48.6%, and 18.7%. Bamboo invasion resulted in a significant decrease in soil organic C in broadleaved forest. Compared with broadleaved forest, soil organic C and total N in pure Moso bamboo forest were decreased by 52.1% and 15.0%. There was no significant difference between the mixed forest and broadleaved forest. Bamboo invasion significantly increased soil microbial biomass C and N, but decreased soil labile and recalcitrant C pools, as well as the proportion of recalcitrant C pool to soil organic C. The activities of soil phenol oxidase, peroxidase and β-glucosidase in mixed forest and pure bamboo forest were generally lower than those in broadleaved forest. The specific enzyme activities (per unit of soil organic C) in bamboo forest was significantly higher than that in the broadleaved forest and mixed forest. Soil organic C content and the recalcitrant C fraction were significantly positively correlated with annual litter production, standing litter biomass, and litter C content, but negatively correlated with the specific enzyme activities of phenol oxidase and peroxidase. Results of structural equation modeling showed that Moso bamboo invasion decreased recalcitrant C pool mainly by reducing litter input and enhancing the specific activities of enzymes involved in organic C degradation. In conclusion, Moso bamboo invasion reduced litter C input, increased the specific activities of soil enzymes involved in soil organic matter decomposition, which was not conducive to the accumulation of soil organic matter in broadleaved forest.},
}
MeSH Terms:
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Soil/chemistry
*Carbon/analysis
*Nitrogen/analysis
*Forests
*Introduced Species
China
Plant Leaves/chemistry
*Poaceae/growth & development
*Sasa/growth & development
RevDate: 2025-05-14
CmpDate: 2025-05-14
Optimizing control of a freshwater invader in time and space.
Ecological applications : a publication of the Ecological Society of America, 35(3):e70026.
The global spread of invasive species in aquatic ecosystems has prompted population control efforts to mitigate negative impacts on native species and ecosystem functions. Removal programs that optimally allocate removal effort across space and time offer promise for improving invader suppression or eradication, especially given the limited resources available to these programs. However, science-based guidance to inform such programs remains limited. This study leverages two intensive fish removal programs for nonnative green sunfish (Lepomis cyanellus) in intermittent streams of the Bill Williams River basin in Arizona, USA, to explore alternative management strategies involving variable allocation of removal effort in time and space and compare static versus dynamic decision rules. We used Bayesian hierarchical modeling to estimate demographic parameters using existing removal data, with evidence that both removal programs led to at least a 0.39 probability of eradication. Simulated alternative management strategies revealed that population suppression, but not eradication, could be achieved with reduced effort and that dynamic management practices that respond to species abundance in real time can improve the efficiency of removal efforts. High removal frequency and program duration, including continued monitoring after zero fish were captured, contributed to successful population control. With management efforts struggling to keep pace with the rising spread and impacts of invasive species, this research demonstrates the utility of quantitative removal models to help improve invasive removal programs and robustly evaluate the success of population suppression and eradication.
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@article {pmid40365914,
year = {2025},
author = {Diallo, JO and Converse, SJ and Chmiel, M and Stites, AJ and Olden, JD},
title = {Optimizing control of a freshwater invader in time and space.},
journal = {Ecological applications : a publication of the Ecological Society of America},
volume = {35},
number = {3},
pages = {e70026},
doi = {10.1002/eap.70026},
pmid = {40365914},
issn = {1051-0761},
support = {DGE-2140004//National Science Foundation Graduate Research Fellowship Program/ ; DGE 1922004//National Science Foundation National Research Traineeship award (Future Rivers Program at the University of Washington)/ ; //University of Washington School of Aquatic and Fishery Sciences Richard C. and Lois M. Worthington Endowed Professor in Fisheries Management/ ; },
mesh = {*Introduced Species ; Animals ; *Fishes/physiology ; Time Factors ; Arizona ; *Conservation of Natural Resources/methods ; Rivers ; Fresh Water ; Bayes Theorem ; *Perciformes/physiology ; },
abstract = {The global spread of invasive species in aquatic ecosystems has prompted population control efforts to mitigate negative impacts on native species and ecosystem functions. Removal programs that optimally allocate removal effort across space and time offer promise for improving invader suppression or eradication, especially given the limited resources available to these programs. However, science-based guidance to inform such programs remains limited. This study leverages two intensive fish removal programs for nonnative green sunfish (Lepomis cyanellus) in intermittent streams of the Bill Williams River basin in Arizona, USA, to explore alternative management strategies involving variable allocation of removal effort in time and space and compare static versus dynamic decision rules. We used Bayesian hierarchical modeling to estimate demographic parameters using existing removal data, with evidence that both removal programs led to at least a 0.39 probability of eradication. Simulated alternative management strategies revealed that population suppression, but not eradication, could be achieved with reduced effort and that dynamic management practices that respond to species abundance in real time can improve the efficiency of removal efforts. High removal frequency and program duration, including continued monitoring after zero fish were captured, contributed to successful population control. With management efforts struggling to keep pace with the rising spread and impacts of invasive species, this research demonstrates the utility of quantitative removal models to help improve invasive removal programs and robustly evaluate the success of population suppression and eradication.},
}
MeSH Terms:
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*Introduced Species
Animals
*Fishes/physiology
Time Factors
Arizona
*Conservation of Natural Resources/methods
Rivers
Fresh Water
Bayes Theorem
*Perciformes/physiology
RevDate: 2025-05-14
Functional trait responses of invasive Ludwigia species to contrasting hydrological conditions.
American journal of botany [Epub ahead of print].
PREMISE: Hydrological regime influences wetland plant species distribution and performance. Global warming and extreme weather events are magnifying flooding patterns, and understanding how invasive taxa respond across life stages (establishment vs. established phase) is important for predicting and managing their colonization and spread. Our objective was to measure flood trait responses at contrasting life stages in closely related congeners (Ludwigia peploides, diploid; L. hexapetala, decaploid; Onagraceae) differing in their invasiveness in the field.
METHODS: In the field, we assessed phenological responses to seasonal hydrological changes, and in mesocosms, we assessed flood stress responses of establishing shoot fragments under deep-flooded, shallow-flooded, and gradual drawdown hydrological treatments.
RESULTS: Counter to expectations, establishing L. peploides expressed more flood tolerance traits in mesocosms than L. hexapetala. For example, L. peploides had greater total leaf area and aerenchyma production than L. hexapetala, supporting its growth under flooding, whereas L. hexapetala expressed more flood escape traits (higher shoot elongation rates, trend for longer shoot internode length). Although L. hexapetala expressed some traits associated with drought tolerance, these trends were not significant. In the field, longer-established plants had a reversed pattern for flood escape versus tolerance traits. Ludwigia peploides rapidly shifted to sexual reproduction as soils began to dry, whereas L. hexaetala flowered regardless of soil moisture availability.
CONCLUSIONS: These contrasting patterns of flood tolerance versus escape traits demonstrate that invasive Ludwigia congeners have differing strategies to counter physiological stress induced by flooding and emphasize the importance of life stage in response to environmental variation.
Additional Links: PMID-40365903
Publisher:
PubMed:
Citation:
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@article {pmid40365903,
year = {2025},
author = {Drenovsky, RE and Reicholf, R and Futrell, CJ and Gallego-Tévar, B and Grewell, BJ},
title = {Functional trait responses of invasive Ludwigia species to contrasting hydrological conditions.},
journal = {American journal of botany},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {e70038},
doi = {10.1002/ajb2.70038},
pmid = {40365903},
issn = {1537-2197},
abstract = {PREMISE: Hydrological regime influences wetland plant species distribution and performance. Global warming and extreme weather events are magnifying flooding patterns, and understanding how invasive taxa respond across life stages (establishment vs. established phase) is important for predicting and managing their colonization and spread. Our objective was to measure flood trait responses at contrasting life stages in closely related congeners (Ludwigia peploides, diploid; L. hexapetala, decaploid; Onagraceae) differing in their invasiveness in the field.
METHODS: In the field, we assessed phenological responses to seasonal hydrological changes, and in mesocosms, we assessed flood stress responses of establishing shoot fragments under deep-flooded, shallow-flooded, and gradual drawdown hydrological treatments.
RESULTS: Counter to expectations, establishing L. peploides expressed more flood tolerance traits in mesocosms than L. hexapetala. For example, L. peploides had greater total leaf area and aerenchyma production than L. hexapetala, supporting its growth under flooding, whereas L. hexapetala expressed more flood escape traits (higher shoot elongation rates, trend for longer shoot internode length). Although L. hexapetala expressed some traits associated with drought tolerance, these trends were not significant. In the field, longer-established plants had a reversed pattern for flood escape versus tolerance traits. Ludwigia peploides rapidly shifted to sexual reproduction as soils began to dry, whereas L. hexaetala flowered regardless of soil moisture availability.
CONCLUSIONS: These contrasting patterns of flood tolerance versus escape traits demonstrate that invasive Ludwigia congeners have differing strategies to counter physiological stress induced by flooding and emphasize the importance of life stage in response to environmental variation.},
}
RevDate: 2025-05-15
Identifying Drivers Affecting the Spatial Distribution of Suitable Habitat for the Pine Wood Nematode (Bursaphelenchus xylophilus) in China: Insights From Ensemble Model and Geographical Detector.
Ecology and evolution, 15(5):e71433.
Biological invasions have become an important threat to global ecological security and forest health, and exploring the environmental driving mechanisms of invasive species is important for prevention and control. Bursaphelenchus xylophilus (Steiner and Buhrer, 1934), as a highly destructive invasive species, has its distribution and spread driven by a combination of various environmental factors. The study systematically evaluated the habitat suitability and key driving factors of B. xylophilus in the current period by applying an ensemble model and an optimized parameter-based geographical detector. The results indicate that bioclimatic, vegetation indices, topographical features, and human activities are key environmental factors influencing the distribution of B. xylophilus, with highly suitable areas primarily located in southern, northern, and northeastern China. Meanwhile, the synergistic interaction between slope and population density (PD) significantly enhanced the suitability of B. xylophilus distribution, while the interaction between normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI) and global human influence index (GHII) exhibited a nonlinear weakening effect. Additionally, the habitat suitability of B. xylophilus increased with the expansion of isothermality, mean temperature of the wettest quarter, precipitation of the driest month, global human footprint, GHII, and PD, while it gradually decreased with the increase of UV-B seasonality and NDVI. This study thoroughly explored the mechanisms by which various environmental factors influence the habitat suitability of B. xylophilus, revealing the complexity of regional driving factors. The findings not only provide theoretical support for predicting the ecological suitability of B. xylophilus but also offer scientific evidence for comprehensively analyzing the key factors affecting its distribution.
Additional Links: PMID-40365479
PubMed:
Citation:
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@article {pmid40365479,
year = {2025},
author = {Zhang, L and Li, J and Yang, C and Wang, P and Xie, G and Wang, W},
title = {Identifying Drivers Affecting the Spatial Distribution of Suitable Habitat for the Pine Wood Nematode (Bursaphelenchus xylophilus) in China: Insights From Ensemble Model and Geographical Detector.},
journal = {Ecology and evolution},
volume = {15},
number = {5},
pages = {e71433},
pmid = {40365479},
issn = {2045-7758},
abstract = {Biological invasions have become an important threat to global ecological security and forest health, and exploring the environmental driving mechanisms of invasive species is important for prevention and control. Bursaphelenchus xylophilus (Steiner and Buhrer, 1934), as a highly destructive invasive species, has its distribution and spread driven by a combination of various environmental factors. The study systematically evaluated the habitat suitability and key driving factors of B. xylophilus in the current period by applying an ensemble model and an optimized parameter-based geographical detector. The results indicate that bioclimatic, vegetation indices, topographical features, and human activities are key environmental factors influencing the distribution of B. xylophilus, with highly suitable areas primarily located in southern, northern, and northeastern China. Meanwhile, the synergistic interaction between slope and population density (PD) significantly enhanced the suitability of B. xylophilus distribution, while the interaction between normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI) and global human influence index (GHII) exhibited a nonlinear weakening effect. Additionally, the habitat suitability of B. xylophilus increased with the expansion of isothermality, mean temperature of the wettest quarter, precipitation of the driest month, global human footprint, GHII, and PD, while it gradually decreased with the increase of UV-B seasonality and NDVI. This study thoroughly explored the mechanisms by which various environmental factors influence the habitat suitability of B. xylophilus, revealing the complexity of regional driving factors. The findings not only provide theoretical support for predicting the ecological suitability of B. xylophilus but also offer scientific evidence for comprehensively analyzing the key factors affecting its distribution.},
}
RevDate: 2025-05-15
Fitness and Morphology Support Genetic Differentiation Across Different Geographic Scales in a Native Insect Utilising Native vs. Invasive Host Plants.
Ecology and evolution, 15(5):e71373.
Native species can evolve rapidly in response to utilising invasive species as novel resources. We investigated the genetic and trait differentiation of the Australian soapberry bug Leptocoris tagalicus across three biotypes: those feeding on invasive Cardiospermum grandiflorum in New South Wales (NSW) and Queensland (Qld), invasive C. halicacabum in the Northern Territory (NT), and on the native host Alectryon tomentosus (in Qld). Genetic analyses revealed moderate differentiation between NT insects and those from NSW and Qld (F ST = 0.033). Conversely, insects from NSW and Qld had low genetic differentiation, irrespective of their host plant associations (F ST = 0.008). Field data and data from a multi-generation experiment indicated ongoing adaptation in proboscis length in insects feeding on the two invasive host plant species, likely in response to the sizes of their fruits. Multi-generation hybridisation experiments demonstrated high narrow sense heritability in insect proboscis length and body size (H2 = 0.48 and 0.4, respectively). Crosses involving F1 hybrids of insect biotypes generally outperformed inter-biotype and control crosses. Taken together, these findings support ongoing genetic differentiation among L. tagalicus biotypes across different spatial scales, even in instances of high gene flow.
Additional Links: PMID-40365476
PubMed:
Citation:
show bibtex listing
hide bibtex listing
@article {pmid40365476,
year = {2025},
author = {Le Roux, JJ and Brown, L and Carroll, SP and O'Hare, JA and Herbert, JM and Delamotte, NM and Bersee, N and Iredell, S and Clarke, RM and Kosak, S and Dudaniec, RY and Geraghty, DM},
title = {Fitness and Morphology Support Genetic Differentiation Across Different Geographic Scales in a Native Insect Utilising Native vs. Invasive Host Plants.},
journal = {Ecology and evolution},
volume = {15},
number = {5},
pages = {e71373},
pmid = {40365476},
issn = {2045-7758},
abstract = {Native species can evolve rapidly in response to utilising invasive species as novel resources. We investigated the genetic and trait differentiation of the Australian soapberry bug Leptocoris tagalicus across three biotypes: those feeding on invasive Cardiospermum grandiflorum in New South Wales (NSW) and Queensland (Qld), invasive C. halicacabum in the Northern Territory (NT), and on the native host Alectryon tomentosus (in Qld). Genetic analyses revealed moderate differentiation between NT insects and those from NSW and Qld (F ST = 0.033). Conversely, insects from NSW and Qld had low genetic differentiation, irrespective of their host plant associations (F ST = 0.008). Field data and data from a multi-generation experiment indicated ongoing adaptation in proboscis length in insects feeding on the two invasive host plant species, likely in response to the sizes of their fruits. Multi-generation hybridisation experiments demonstrated high narrow sense heritability in insect proboscis length and body size (H2 = 0.48 and 0.4, respectively). Crosses involving F1 hybrids of insect biotypes generally outperformed inter-biotype and control crosses. Taken together, these findings support ongoing genetic differentiation among L. tagalicus biotypes across different spatial scales, even in instances of high gene flow.},
}
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RJR Experience and Expertise
Researcher
Robbins holds BS, MS, and PhD degrees in the life sciences. He served as a tenured faculty member in the Zoology and Biological Science departments at Michigan State University. He is currently exploring the intersection between genomics, microbial ecology, and biodiversity — an area that promises to transform our understanding of the biosphere.
Educator
Robbins has extensive experience in college-level education: At MSU he taught introductory biology, genetics, and population genetics. At JHU, he was an instructor for a special course on biological database design. At FHCRC, he team-taught a graduate-level course on the history of genetics. At Bellevue College he taught medical informatics.
Administrator
Robbins has been involved in science administration at both the federal and the institutional levels. At NSF he was a program officer for database activities in the life sciences, at DOE he was a program officer for information infrastructure in the human genome project. At the Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, he served as a vice president for fifteen years.
Technologist
Robbins has been involved with information technology since writing his first Fortran program as a college student. At NSF he was the first program officer for database activities in the life sciences. At JHU he held an appointment in the CS department and served as director of the informatics core for the Genome Data Base. At the FHCRC he was VP for Information Technology.
Publisher
While still at Michigan State, Robbins started his first publishing venture, founding a small company that addressed the short-run publishing needs of instructors in very large undergraduate classes. For more than 20 years, Robbins has been operating The Electronic Scholarly Publishing Project, a web site dedicated to the digital publishing of critical works in science, especially classical genetics.
Speaker
Robbins is well-known for his speaking abilities and is often called upon to provide keynote or plenary addresses at international meetings. For example, in July, 2012, he gave a well-received keynote address at the Global Biodiversity Informatics Congress, sponsored by GBIF and held in Copenhagen. The slides from that talk can be seen HERE.
Facilitator
Robbins is a skilled meeting facilitator. He prefers a participatory approach, with part of the meeting involving dynamic breakout groups, created by the participants in real time: (1) individuals propose breakout groups; (2) everyone signs up for one (or more) groups; (3) the groups with the most interested parties then meet, with reports from each group presented and discussed in a subsequent plenary session.
Designer
Robbins has been engaged with photography and design since the 1960s, when he worked for a professional photography laboratory. He now prefers digital photography and tools for their precision and reproducibility. He designed his first web site more than 20 years ago and he personally designed and implemented this web site. He engages in graphic design as a hobby.
RJR Picks from Around the Web (updated 11 MAY 2018 )
Old Science
Weird Science
Treating Disease with Fecal Transplantation
Fossils of miniature humans (hobbits) discovered in Indonesia
Paleontology
Dinosaur tail, complete with feathers, found preserved in amber.
Astronomy
Mysterious fast radio burst (FRB) detected in the distant universe.
Big Data & Informatics
Big Data: Buzzword or Big Deal?
Hacking the genome: Identifying anonymized human subjects using publicly available data.