@article {pmid40561269,
year = {2025},
author = {Souza, CDS and Marins, G and Camargo, IFLG and Lima, LB and Gomes, AS and Borghetti, F},
title = {Allelopathic hypotheses revisited: the interactions between native and exotic species in the Brazilian savanna.},
journal = {Anais da Academia Brasileira de Ciencias},
volume = {97},
number = {3},
pages = {e20240252},
doi = {10.1590/0001-3765202520240252},
pmid = {40561269},
issn = {1678-2690},
mesh = {*Allelopathy/physiology ; Brazil ; *Introduced Species ; *Grassland ; *Poaceae/growth & development ; Species Specificity ; Plant Leaves ; },
abstract = {We investigated allelopathic interactions between native and exotic species of the Cerrado biome. We studied the effects of the exotic Andropogon gayanus and the native A. bicornis on the initial growth of two native (A. fastigiatus and Lepidaploa aurea) and two exotic species (Melinis minutiflora and Stapfochloa elata). Leaves or roots of the donors were each mixed at ratios of 0.75, 1.5 and 3% (litter/soil) with soil samples collected in the same areas where they spontaneously co-occur with their target species. We found that A. gayanus inhibited the growth of all target species, what agrees with the novel weapon hypothesis. The native A. bicornis stimulated the growth of the two native species and of S. elata but inhibited the growth of the exotic M. minutiflora, in line with the homeland security hypothesis. Our studies suggest that allelopathy may have a part in the invasiveness of A. gayanus and that the inhibitory effect of A. bicornis on the growth of M. minutiflora might help to control the spread of this exotic grass. We conclude that allelopathy may be involved in the interactions between species and be used in controlling the spread of exotic species over many areas of the Cerrado.},
}

*Allelopathy/physiology
Brazil
*Introduced Species
*Grassland
*Poaceae/growth & development
Species Specificity
Plant Leaves

@article {pmid40559073,
year = {2025},
author = {Cheng, Y and Zhou, Y and Li, C},
title = {Effects of the Ecdysone Receptor on the Regulation of Reproduction in Coccinella septempunctata.},
journal = {Insects},
volume = {16},
number = {6},
pages = {},
doi = {10.3390/insects16060643},
pmid = {40559073},
issn = {2075-4450},
support = {32460711//National Natural Science Foundation of China/ ; [2023]08//Science and Technology Innovation Project of Guizhou Academy of Agricultural Sciences/ ; [2023] 011//Innovative Capabilities Buildup of Green Prevention and Control for Invasive Species in Agriculture/ ; },
abstract = {The effects of the gene encoding the ecdysone receptor (EcR) on the reproduction of the ladybug Coccinella septempunctata was evaluated. EcR transcription was measured by quantitative real-time PCR in ladybug adults reared on artificial diets with and without 20-hydroxyecdysone (20E). EcR expression levels in 5 d old male and female ladybugs supplied with the 20E-amended artificial diet were lower than expression levels in ladybugs reared on an artificial diet lacking 20E. However, EcR expression levels in 10 d old ladybugs supplied with the 20E artificial diet were higher than those lacking 20E supplementation. The regulatory effects of EcR were studied in female and male ladybugs by RNA interference. EcR expression in female ladybugs injected with EcR-dsRNA was significantly downregulated after 5 d but remained unaffected in 10 d old females. EcR expression levels in males microinjected with EcR-dsRNA were significantly lower at 5 and 10 d after microinjection than GFP-dsRNA-treated males. The ovary volume in females injected with EcR-dsRNA at 5 d was smaller than females microinjected with GFP-dsRNA, but volumes at 10 d were larger than in GFP-dsRNA-treated females. The testes of males injected with EcR-dsRNA were larger than those injected with GFP-dsRNA at 5 d but the testes at 10 d after injection with EcR-dsRNA were smaller than those injected with GFP-dsRNA. When females were microinjected with EcR-dsRNA and mated with noninjected males, egg production decreased by 34.80% for 20 days. When males were microinjected with EcR-dsRNA and mated with noninjected females, egg production decreased by 30.38% for 20 days. Injection of female and male ladybugs with EcR-dsRNA had no significant effect on egg hatching rates. Our results show that EcR plays an important role in the development of reproductive organs and egg development in C. septempunctata.},
}

@article {pmid40559063,
year = {2025},
author = {Zhang, T and Yang, Y and Maggi, F and Jiang, F and Yuan, R and Huang, L and Zhang, X and Cao, Y and Gao, Y},
title = {Electrophysiological and Behavioral Responses of Thrips hawaiiensis (Thysanoptera: Thripidae) to the Floral Volatiles of the Horticultural Plant Magnolia grandiflora (Magnoliales: Magnoliaceae).},
journal = {Insects},
volume = {16},
number = {6},
pages = {},
doi = {10.3390/insects16060633},
pmid = {40559063},
issn = {2075-4450},
support = {GCC[2023]074//Training Project for High-Level Innovative Talent in Guizhou Province/ ; ZK[2022]001//Key Project of the Natural Science Foundation of Guizhou Province/ ; QJJ[2023]024//Program for Natural Science Research in Guizhou Education Department/ ; 043230030//Doctoral Foundation Project of Guizhou University of Traditional Chinese Medicine/ ; },
abstract = {Volatile cues are important in the host detection and discrimination of phytophagous insects, allowing them to find suitable hosts. Here, the electroantennography (EAG) and behavioral responses of female Thrips hawaiiensis to the floral volatiles of different plants, Magnolia grandiflora L. (Magnoliales: Magnoliaceae), Gerbera jamesonii Bolus (Asterales: Asteraceae), Lilium brownii Baker (Liliales: Liliaceae), and Rosa rugosa Thunb. (Rosales: Rosaceae), were studied. Y-tube olfactometer bioassays revealed that M. grandiflora was the preferred host for T. hawaiiensis. Fifty-two compounds were identified from the volatile profile of M. grandiflora by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry analysis, of which β-elemen (15.39%), bicyclogermacren (11.99%), and (E)-α-bisabolene (6.05%) showed the highest relative contents. The EAG bioassays revealed that the antennae of T. hawaiiensis could perceive these tested volatile compounds at different concentrations. In six-arm olfactometer bioassays, T. hawaiiensis showed significant positive responses to β-elemen and (E)-α-bisabolene at various concentrations, and 10 μg/μL was found to be the most attractive concentration for β-elemen, and 50 and 100 μg/μL for (E)-α-bisabolene. Based on the four-arm olfactometer bioassays, β-elemen was more attractive than (E)-α-bisabolene to T. hawaiiensis when compared at their optimal concentrations. Therefore, T. hawaiiensis could perceive and distinguish the floral volatiles from the preferred host plant (M. grandiflora). These findings assist in better understanding the mechanism of host preferences of T. hawaiiensis from a chemoecological perspective. In particular, β-elemen showed the greatest potential to be developed as a novel attractant for the monitoring and control of T. hawaiiensis.},
}

@article {pmid40559005,
year = {2025},
author = {Ahmad, S and Xu, D and Deng, X and He, Z and Ali, H and Zhuo, Z},
title = {Assessing Habitat Suitability for Phloeosinus aubei Perris in China: A MaxEnt-Based Predictive Analysis.},
journal = {Insects},
volume = {16},
number = {6},
pages = {},
doi = {10.3390/insects16060576},
pmid = {40559005},
issn = {2075-4450},
support = {20A007, 20E051, 21E040 and 22kA011//Fundamental Research Funds of China West Normal University/ ; },
abstract = {Climate change reshapes species distributions, necessitating proactive measures to mitigate ecological impacts. This study investigates the potential spread of Phloeosinus aubei, a bark beetle with significant ecological consequences, under future climate scenarios in China. Using the MaxEnt model, we integrated occurrence records and scientific literature with bioclimatic and terrain variables to predict habitat suitability. The results reveal that P. aubei's distribution is highly influenced by precipitation and temperature, with key variables like annual precipitation (bio12, 30.4% contribution) and the minimum temperature of the coldest month (bio6, 29% contribution) driving habitat suitability. Notably, under high-emission scenarios (SSP5-8.5), high-suitability areas could expand by 82.29% by the 2050s due to warming-induced precipitation changes in southwestern China. Model validation confirms a high predictive accuracy, with an AUC value of 0.92, underscoring the reliability of these projections. These findings highlight the beetle's potential to colonize new regions, posing risks to forest ecosystems. The study underscores the need for adaptive management strategies, including early detection and climate-resilient forestry practices, to safeguard vulnerable ecosystems from invasive species under climate change.},
}

@article {pmid40558765,
year = {2025},
author = {Xiong, Y and Cui, J and Liu, X and Shu, H and Cao, P},
title = {Antifouling Mussel-Inspired Hydrogel with Furanone-Loaded ZIF-8 for Quorum Sensing-Mediated Marine Antifouling.},
journal = {Gels (Basel, Switzerland)},
volume = {11},
number = {6},
pages = {},
doi = {10.3390/gels11060466},
pmid = {40558765},
issn = {2310-2861},
support = {2021M702761//China Postdoctoral Science Foundation/ ; CX(24)3066//Jiangsu Agriculture Science and Technology innovation Found/ ; CBGZJJ2023-2-12//Open Fund of State Key Laboratory of Special Materials Surface Engineering/ ; 51905468//National Natural Science Foundation of China/ ; },
abstract = {Marine biofouling, the process of marine microorganisms, algae, and invertebrates attaching to and forming biofilms on ship hulls, underwater infrastructure, and marine equipment in ocean environments, severely impacts shipping and underwater operations by increasing fuel consumption, maintenance costs, and corrosion risks, and by threatening marine ecosystem stability via invasive species transport. This study reports the development of a hydrogel-metal-organic framework (MOF)-quorum sensing inhibitor (QSI) antifouling coating on 304 stainless steel (SS) substrates. Inspired by mussel adhesion, a hydrophilic bionic hydrogel was first constructed via metal ion coordination. The traditional metal ion source was replaced with a zeolitic imidazolate framework-8 (ZIF-8) loaded with 2-(5H)-furanone (HF, a QSI) without altering coating formation. Physicochemical characterization using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), high-resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM), the Brunauer-Emmett-Teller (BET) method, and the diffraction of x-rays (XRD) confirmed successful HF loading into ZIF-8 with intact crystal structures. Antifouling tests showed HF@ZIF-8 enhanced antibacterial inhibition against Staphylococcus aureus (97.28%) and Escherichia coli (>97%) and suppressed Chromobacterium violaceum CV026 pigment synthesis at 0.25 mg/mL (sub-growth concentration). The reconstructed PG/PVP/PEI/HF@ZIF-8 coating achieved 72.47% corrosion inhibition via synergistic anodic protection and physical shielding. This work provides a novel green approach for surface antifouling and drag reduction, highlighting MOF-loaded QSIs as promising additives to enhance the antifouling performance of hydrogel coatings, anti-corrosion performance, and QSI performance for sustainable marine engineering applications.},
}

@article {pmid39961028,
year = {2025},
author = {Kantor, C and Teixeira, M and Kantor, M and Gleason, C},
title = {Tiny Invaders, Big Trouble: Emerging Nematode Threats in the United States.},
journal = {Phytopathology},
volume = {115},
number = {6},
pages = {587-595},
doi = {10.1094/PHYTO-09-24-0290-IA},
pmid = {39961028},
issn = {0031-949X},
mesh = {Animals ; United States ; *Nematoda/physiology ; *Plant Diseases/parasitology ; *Introduced Species ; Climate Change ; Ecosystem ; Crops, Agricultural/parasitology ; Host-Parasite Interactions ; },
abstract = {Plant-parasitic nematodes (PPNs) cause billions of dollars in agricultural losses annually. In the United States, a well-established list of prevalent nematodes serves as a foundation for addressing known threats. However, climate change is expected to trigger significant shifts in nematode populations, behaviors, and host ranges, introducing new risks to agricultural ecosystems. Understanding how nematodes adapt to evolving environments is crucial for predicting their spread to new locations and hosts. Beyond the spread of current PPN populations, there is the ongoing threat of undetected or nonnative PPNs entering the United States, potentially causing severe damage to agriculture and forest ecosystems. Continuous surveillance is vital to track nematode spread, and advancements, such as machine learning for nematode detection and quantification, enhance diagnostic capabilities. Additionally, remote sensing combined with geographic information systems is emerging as a powerful tool for pest management, offering spatial analysis and real-time monitoring. In this review, we highlight a selection of PPN species, including those with currently limited geographic distribution but posing a significant threat if introduced to new environments. We list these nematodes based on their host range, potential economic impact, and current molecular diagnostic methods. We propose the "emergence triangle" to explore how abiotic stresses impact nematode adaptation and how nematologists use innovative technologies to enhance surveillance efforts. Although ongoing diagnostic and monitoring efforts provide valuable insights, continuous surveillance is essential to track nematode spread. Critical questions remain regarding the criteria used by government officials to classify and regulate nematodes and who guides decisions on prioritizing threats. [Formula: see text] Copyright © 2025 The Author(s). This is an open access article distributed under the CC BY 4.0 International license.},
}

Animals
United States
*Nematoda/physiology
*Plant Diseases/parasitology
*Introduced Species
Climate Change
Ecosystem
Crops, Agricultural/parasitology
Host-Parasite Interactions

@article {pmid40552507,
year = {2025},
author = {Blumenthal, DM and Diez, J and Pearse, I and Sofaer, HR and Sorte, CJB and Barnett, D and Beaury, EM and Bradley, BA and Corbin, JD and Dukes, JS and Early, R and Ibáñez, I and Laughlin, DC and Petri, L and Vilà, M},
title = {Why are non-native plants successful? Consistently fast economic traits and novel origin jointly explain abundance across US ecoregions.},
journal = {The New phytologist},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1111/nph.70307},
pmid = {40552507},
issn = {1469-8137},
support = {3012-21610-003-00D//Agricultural Research Service/ ; 2135795//Directorate for Biological Sciences/ ; 19114//National Center for Ecological Analysis and Synthesis/ ; },
abstract = {Are non-native plants abundant because they are non-native, and have advantages over native plants, or because they possess 'fast' resource strategies, and have advantages in disturbed environments? This question is central to invasion biology but remains unanswered. We quantified the relative importance of resource strategy and biogeographic origin in 69 441 plots across the conterminous United States containing 11 280 plant species. Non-native species had faster economic traits than native species in most plant communities (77%, 86% and 82% of plots for leaf nitrogen concentration, specific leaf area, and leaf dry matter content). Non-native species also had distinct patterns of abundance, but these were not explained by their fast traits. Compared with functionally similar native species, non-native species were (1) more abundant in plains and deserts, indicating the importance of biogeographic origin, and less abundant in forested ecoregions, (2) were more abundant where co-occurring species had fast traits, for example due to disturbance, and (3) showed weaker signals of local environmental filtering. These results clarify the nature of plant invasion: Although non-native plants have consistently fast economic traits, other novel characteristics and processes likely explain their abundance and, therefore, impacts.},
}

@article {pmid40546910,
year = {2025},
author = {Smith, K and Hepplewhite, M and San, EDL and Somers, MJ},
title = {Interspecies Haptic Sociality: An Observation of Grooming Between Two Mongoose Species.},
journal = {Ecology and evolution},
volume = {15},
number = {6},
pages = {e71659},
pmid = {40546910},
issn = {2045-7758},
abstract = {Meerkats (Suricata suricatta) and yellow mongooses (Cynictis penicillata) share many behavioural characteristics and are known to, on rare occasions, live in close association through displayed cooperative vigilance and shared burrow use. Here, we describe the first visual observation of tactile social behaviour through grooming between a meerkat and a yellow mongoose in the Rietvlei Nature Reserve, South Africa. We hypothesise that the close relationship between the two species in the reserve may be a response to a combination of phylogenetic ties, shared behavioural traits, and the population collapse of meerkats in the reserve that exposed a vacant social niche. This observation of interspecific sociality further extends our knowledge of cooperation and group augmentation among meerkats, yellow mongooses and carnivores in general.},
}

@article {pmid40543134,
year = {2025},
author = {Li, SH and Ge, ZM and Tan, LS and Xie, LN and Li, YL},
title = {Multiple competitive superiority made a great successful invasion of Spartina alterniflora in Eastern China: hints for management.},
journal = {Journal of environmental management},
volume = {389},
number = {},
pages = {126287},
doi = {10.1016/j.jenvman.2025.126287},
pmid = {40543134},
issn = {1095-8630},
abstract = {Numerous case studies indicate that the successful invasion of alien species involve multiple mechanisms. Spartina alterniflora (Poaceae) has rapidly and extensively encroached on China's coastline over the past decades, however, limited studies have explored multiple invasion mechanisms. Using a combination of greenhouse experiments, field survey, and literature investigations, a cross-scale study of S. alterniflora in Eastern China was conducted to link the multiple invasion mechanisms against the dominant native species, Phragmites australis (Poaceae) and Scirpus mariqueter (Cyperaceae) at high and low coastal habitats, respectively. The results revealed that S. alterniflora was competitive superior to native species at the seed/seedling scale, with a higher seed yield and germination rate, and low risk of seed hunting by crabs. At the individual scale, S. alterniflora showed a stronger tolerance to changing environmental factors impacting photosynthesis, growth parameters, and root architecture, compared with the native P. australis. S. alterniflora were also resilient to insect pests. At the community scale, S. alterniflora showed shading effects on the native S. mariqueter. The multiple competitive advantage led to the successful invasion of S. alterniflora in Eastern China, broadening our understanding of why the exotic species can achieve dominance in whole China's coast. We suggest that the multiple competitive superiority of S. alterniflora can be integrated from the perspectives of the organizational level of life systems to efficaciously forecast invasion trajectories and design control strategies.},
}

@article {pmid40543132,
year = {2025},
author = {Li, Y and Zhang, J and Zhang, J and Du, J and Yang, R and Niu, M and Li, Y},
title = {The high economic cost of biological invasions in China.},
journal = {Journal of environmental management},
volume = {389},
number = {},
pages = {126224},
doi = {10.1016/j.jenvman.2025.126224},
pmid = {40543132},
issn = {1095-8630},
abstract = {China faces challenges to increasing biological invasions as its trade volume increases. However, comprehensive assessments of invasion costs in China are rare, which hinders its green growth for sustainable environments. We estimated economic costs of invasive alien species (IAS) in China using a comprehensive database based on new search phrases. China ranks as the second most economically vulnerable countries (following USA) to IAS. Cumulative costs of IAS reached US$ 3124.66 billion (US$ 2017) (or RMB 21,118.95 billion, with an average of RMB 422.38 billion per year) for total data from 1973 to 2022 and US$ 425.08 billion for robust data, 6.36 times and 3.32 times estimates from Global Invasion Cost Database (InvaCost), respectively. Forests and southeastern coastal regions suffered from higher costs. Damage cost was 184 times management cost for robust data and 73 times that for total data. IAS originating from North America posed greater costs to China than those from other continents. China needs to invest more resources in managing biological invasions.},
}

@article {pmid40543129,
year = {2025},
author = {Zhang, H and Yang, Q and Liu, J and Sun, F and Hu, C and Shen, N and Yuan, P and Gao, H},
title = {Resilient invaders: The exotic species' role in mitigating microplastics and perfluorooctanoic acid pollution.},
journal = {Journal of environmental management},
volume = {389},
number = {},
pages = {126177},
doi = {10.1016/j.jenvman.2025.126177},
pmid = {40543129},
issn = {1095-8630},
abstract = {Does the vector role of invasive species exacerbate the stress risks posed by emerging contaminants during the process of biological colonization? In this study, a 21-day mesocosm experiment was conducted to investigate the effects of polystyrene microplastics (PS) and perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) on the invasive potential, photosynthesis, and water purification capacity of the exotic submerged plant Elodea canadensis. The results demonstrated that PS-PFOA composite pollution exhibited significant synergistic toxic effects, primarily by inhibiting photosynthetic efficiency, disrupting nitrogen metabolism, and exacerbating oxidative stress. This study identified a unique compensatory growth mechanism: exposure to PS (10 mg/L) and PFOA (20 μg/L) significantly increased chlorophyll b (20.47 %), carbon uptake (4.69 %), and phosphorus uptake (18.96 %) in E. canadensis, thereby maintaining growth under stress conditions. Furthermore, E. canadensis contributed to pollutant attenuation through synergistic interactions with dominant microbial taxa, indicating adaptive cooperation between plant and microbial communities. The observed increase in TP levels was attributed to enhanced microbial metabolic activity and associated physicochemical processes. These findings highlight previously underexplored adaptive strategies of invasive plants and microbial collaboration under dual-contaminant stress, offering novel insights into the ecological functions of invasive species and their implications for risk assessment and aquatic ecosystem restoration.},
}

@article {pmid40542513,
year = {2025},
author = {Maciel, JC and Cabral, CM and Silva, JMS and de Abreu, CM and Oliveira, FS and Souza, IM and Francino, DMT and Ferreira, EA and da Silva, RS and Dos Santos, JB},
title = {First Report of a Histological Technique for Observing the Anatomy of the Epidermis of Melinis minutiflora.},
journal = {Microscopy research and technique},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1002/jemt.70010},
pmid = {40542513},
issn = {1097-0029},
abstract = {This article describes precise and unpublished data on leaf anatomy of Melinis minutiflora P. Beauv. This species is an aggressive invasive plant that invades Environmental Protection Areas. Studies on the dissociation of the leaf epidermis using histological techniques could help to identify specific leaf characteristics that can significantly influence the success of invasion into new environments. This study identifies, for the first time, a histological technique that makes it possible to dissociate the entire leaf epidermis of the invasive species M. minutiflora in order to evaluate the anatomical structures in frontal view. The freehand paradermal cut, the hydrochloric acid and sodium hypochlorite methods and the epidermal impression technique were evaluated. The median region of each leaf was sectioned into samples of approximately 1 cm[2] to dissociate the epidermis. The results demonstrate that the method with sodium hypochlorite was the one that best enabled the dissociation of the M. minutiflora epidermis in its entirety and the obtaining of semi-permanent slides. This method is easy to perform, effective and ensures the preservation of the structural integrity of the cells, allowing a clearer and more detailed visualization of the cells and tissues under the microscope. This method also has the potential to be applied to plants that have stomata arranged in longitudinal rows and have morphological characteristics that make it difficult to observe the stomata. The histological technique of printing the epidermis with instant adhesive, although it has presented some negative points, such as distortion and deformation of the cells, is a useful and low-cost technique for measuring characters of interest. These findings provide a better understanding of leaf anatomy and contribute to the accurate identification of invasive plant species and the development of effective control and management strategies.},
}

@article {pmid40540905,
year = {2025},
author = {Chen, K and Xu, J and Chang, L and Luo, Q and Song, J and Zhou, Y and Yi, Y},
title = {Tracking the spatial and temporal evolution of salt marsh vegetation based on UAV sampling and seasonal phenology from Landsat data.},
journal = {Journal of environmental management},
volume = {389},
number = {},
pages = {126204},
doi = {10.1016/j.jenvman.2025.126204},
pmid = {40540905},
issn = {1095-8630},
abstract = {Salt marshes, valued for their ecological importance, have been increasingly degraded in recent decades. Preserving salt marshes necessitates a critical approach that involves monitoring vegetation distribution and species composition. This study presents a high-precision salt marsh mapping framework for the Yellow River Delta (YRD), integrating Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV), machine learning and seasonal phenological features from Landsat data. UAV data facilitate sampling efficiency, while seasonal phenology improves species differentiation in classification models. Among the tested algorithms, the Random Forest algorithm achieved the highest overall accuracy (89 %), outperforming support vector machines, gradient-boosted decision trees and deep neural network, particularly in identifying mixed-vegetation zones. Autumn phenological features emerged as critical discriminators for vegetation type classification. From 1991 to 2022, the salt marsh area exhibited an initial decline, followed by stabilization, and subsequent expansion, reaching 259.15 km[2] in 2022. Notably, the invasive species Spartina alterniflora expanded significantly after 2009, reaching 61.4 km[2] before its eradication in 2021. This research demonstrates that integrating UAV and seasonal phenological data provides a scalable, high-precision approach for long-term salt marsh monitoring. The framework provides robust tools and actionable insights for conservation, invasive species management, and ecosystem restoration.},
}

@article {pmid40540120,
year = {2025},
author = {Barrios-Montivero, AE and Martínez, PA and Ojanguren-Affilastro, AA},
title = {The Ongoing Expansion of the Medically Important Scorpions in Southern South America.},
journal = {EcoHealth},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
pmid = {40540120},
issn = {1612-9210},
support = {PIP 2021-2023 11220200101990CO//Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas/ ; PICT 2019-0597//Agencia Nacional de Promoción Científica y Tecnológica/ ; },
abstract = {We revise the expansion of synanthropic medically important species of Scorpions of genus Tityus in southern South America: Tityus bahiensis (Perty 1833), Tityus carrilloi Ojanguren-Affilastro 2021, Tityus confluens Borelli 1899, Tityus costatus (Karsch, 1879), Tityus serrulatus Lutz & Mello, 1922, and Tityus trivittatus Kraepelin 1898, which due to their synanthropic capabilities we regard as invasive species. We also build species distribution models (SMDs) from bioclimatic variables using Maxent. We also included the human density variable in the model, because medically important species in the area are synanthropic, being more common in urban areas than in natural environments. We present their current suitable areas and the potential future distribution up to 2070. According to our analyses most species will expand in the close future, reaching countries without Scorpionism problems, such as Chile and Uruguay. We conclude that, besides synanthropic capabilities, parthenogenesis is the main factor favoring the expansion of some of these species. We also conclude that interactions between invasive Tityus species may hinder their expansion process due to potential competition or exclusion mechanisms.},
}

@article {pmid40539019,
year = {2025},
author = {Barzaghi, B and Manenti, R and Ficetola, GF and Pennati, R and Melotto, A},
title = {Light in the Darkness: Responses to Light and Diel Activity Rhythm in an Eyeless Cave Flatworm (Dendrocoelum italicum).},
journal = {Ecology and evolution},
volume = {15},
number = {6},
pages = {e71584},
pmid = {40539019},
issn = {2045-7758},
abstract = {Troglobiont species show common traits derived from adaptation to subterranean life. Due to lack of light in cave environments most troglobiont species show eye reduction or even loss, often accompanied by a disruption of diel rhythmicity. Although cave adaptation and eye absence generally imply the loss of capability to perceive light, several cave-adapted species have retained this function, showing some degree of phototaxy or rhythmicity. Flatworms are ubiquitous in natural habitats and the response to light or diel rhythmicity of surface-dwelling species has received considerable scientific attention in the past and is increasingly studied. Conversely, responses to light stimuli have been poorly investigated in eyeless troglobiont flatworms. Here we coupled field monitoring and behavioural experiments to investigate phototactic responses and variation in diel activity patterns in the troglobiont eyeless flatworm Dendrocoelum italicum. We tested 27 D. italicum individuals from 'Bus del Budrio' cave, measuring their response to light stimuli in a semi-obscured experimental arena under different light-exposure treatments: dim light, bright light and darkness. Besides, during a 2-year period we conducted 18 visual-count surveys to monitor daytime and nighttime flatworm abundance in the cave. Behavioural tests showed that flatworms selected the darker side of the arena under both bright and dim light exposure, revealing a marked negative phototaxis. Field surveys revealed that flatworm abundance was significantly affected by the diurnal cycle, with a higher number of individuals visible during the night. These outcomes offer interesting insights on adaptation to cave environments, showing that key functions, such as the capability to respond to light or diurnal cycles, can be retained in troglobiont species and call for future investigation assessing the potential adaptive roles of these traits in mediating their exploitation of subterranean environments or their interface with the surface. Besides, this study proposes an effective in-field method for conducting studies on subterranean fauna responses to light stimuli.},
}

@article {pmid40538492,
year = {2025},
author = {Yang, Y and Zhang, M and Liu, Y and He, F},
title = {Adaptive behavior and connectance of invasive plants mediate community composition in multilayered ecological networks.},
journal = {Biological invasions},
volume = {27},
number = {7},
pages = {156},
pmid = {40538492},
issn = {1387-3547},
abstract = {UNLABELLED: Much evidence has shown that adaptive behavior can greatly modulate the dynamics of food webs, but little is known about how adaptive behaviors of invasive plant species affect community composition in multilayered networks. Following a proven network model, we constructed networks of native communities that are invaded by exotic plant species based on three linkage rules. We examined the effects of both adaptive behavior and network connectance of invasive plant species on the persistence of native species and diversity-invasion success relationship. Results showed that community persistence was mainly affected by the connectance of invasive plant species regardless of adaptive behavior. Given a fixed proportion (F1) of native mutualist species linked to the invasive plant species, community persistence displayed an inverse hump-shaped relationship with the increasing proportion (F2) of native plant species linked to the invasive plant species. Compared to the results without adaptive behavior, the adaptive behavior made most negative diversity-invasion relationship become a nonlinear U-shape at fixed proportion (F1). In addition, the adaptive behavior made most negative diversity-invasion relationship insignificant for some proportion (F1) when proportion (F2) was fixed. It could even reverse this relationship if the invading species was more likely to link to native species already having fewer links than those having higher links. Our results underline the importance of considering adaptive behavior and the network degree of invasive plant species for understanding the effect of invasive species on the structure and composition of ecological networks.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s10530-025-03601-9.},
}

@article {pmid40536911,
year = {2025},
author = {Moroni, B and Meletiadis, A and Di Nicola, MR and Garcia-Vozmediano, A and Pitti, M and Dipietromaria, G and Zoppi, S and Bergagna, S and Pinnelli, V and Guasco, C and Acutis, P and Pastorino, P and Prearo, M and Esposito, G},
title = {Prevalence of Salmonella, Cryptosporidium and Leptospira in Invasive Pond Slider (Trachemys scripta) in North-Western Italy.},
journal = {Veterinary medicine and science},
volume = {11},
number = {4},
pages = {e70439},
pmid = {40536911},
issn = {2053-1095},
mesh = {Animals ; Italy/epidemiology ; Prevalence ; *Cryptosporidium/isolation & purification ; *Turtles/microbiology ; *Cryptosporidiosis/epidemiology/parasitology ; *Salmonella/isolation & purification ; *Salmonella Infections, Animal/epidemiology/microbiology ; *Leptospirosis/epidemiology/veterinary/microbiology ; *Leptospira/isolation & purification ; Introduced Species ; },
abstract = {Natural lakes and ponds typically feature green areas where people engage in recreational and sporting activities. In Italy, these areas are often inhabited by non-native freshwater turtles, even at high densities. However, freshwater turtles have been identified as natural carriers for various pathogens that can be transmitted to humans, making their sanitary monitoring crucial to prevent accidental transmission through direct or indirect contact. In this study, we investigated the presence of three potentially zoonotic pathogens, namely Salmonella, Leptospira and Cryptosporidium, in a group of 83 freshwater turtles (Trachemys scripta) captured in Piedmont, Northwest Italy. Overall infection prevalence was 9.6%. Salmonella spp. was detected in ten specimens of T. s. elegans and Cryptosporidium ducismarci in one specimen of T. s. scripta. Salmonella enterica subsp. diarizonae was confirmed in ten freshwater turtles. No Leptospira DNA was detected. Our findings highlight that turtles, as asymptomatic carriers of zoonotic pathogens, contribute to environmental contamination and public health risks, underscoring the need for sanitary monitoring of invasive alien species under a 'One Health' approach.},
}

Animals
Italy/epidemiology
Prevalence
*Cryptosporidium/isolation & purification
*Turtles/microbiology
*Cryptosporidiosis/epidemiology/parasitology
*Salmonella/isolation & purification
*Salmonella Infections, Animal/epidemiology/microbiology
*Leptospirosis/epidemiology/veterinary/microbiology
*Leptospira/isolation & purification
Introduced Species

@article {pmid40536263,
year = {2025},
author = {Ferguson, PL and Martyn, TE and Downey, MC and Fischer, JM and Burke, IC and Lauenroth, WK},
title = {The effect of mechanical canopy reduction on big sagebrush plant communities.},
journal = {Ecological applications : a publication of the Ecological Society of America},
volume = {35},
number = {4},
pages = {e70056},
pmid = {40536263},
issn = {1939-5582},
support = {//Partnership in Forestry & Rangeland Research Program at the Yale School of the Environment/ ; },
mesh = {*Artemisia/physiology ; *Conservation of Natural Resources/methods ; *Ecosystem ; Colorado ; Time Factors ; },
abstract = {A major conservation challenge in the western United States is implementing management treatments that reduce fire risk, control for invasive species, and maintain herbaceous understories in big sagebrush ecosystems. Studies have found that mechanical treatment of big sagebrush can reduce fire risk and promote herbaceous understories, but a consensus on the long-term impacts of big sagebrush reduction remains unclear. We used a time series (20 years) of treated sites to understand the short- and long-term response of herbaceous plants and shrubs to mastication treatment in big sagebrush plant communities of south-central Colorado. We found that mastication to a height of 15 cm significantly reduced big sagebrush cover and increased perennial grass cover in the short term. The significant increase in perennial grass cover on recently treated (1-2 years) sites was largely attributed to C3 rather than C4 perennial bunchgrasses. Recently treated sites had greater annual plant cover and density than untreated sites. However, on sites treated more than 2 years ago, there was no significant difference between perennial grass and annual plant cover or density. Perennial forb cover and density was not affected by treatments. Initially reduced by nearly 80%, big sagebrush cover returned at a rapid and constant rate over time and returned to a statistically indistinguishable cover from the untreated sites within 8-10 years while height recovered slowly. Our results underscore the resilience of big sagebrush to partial canopy removal and emphasize the long-term dynamics following treatment.},
}

*Artemisia/physiology
*Conservation of Natural Resources/methods
*Ecosystem
Colorado
Time Factors

@article {pmid40536255,
year = {2025},
author = {Cronau, RJT and Lamers, LPM and de Fouw, J and van Katwijk, MM and Bouma, TJ and Heusinkveld, JHT and Poortvliet, T and van der Heide, T},
title = {Combining co-introduction with patch-size optimization as a novel strategy to maximize seagrass restoration.},
journal = {Ecological applications : a publication of the Ecological Society of America},
volume = {35},
number = {4},
pages = {e70055},
pmid = {40536255},
issn = {1939-5582},
support = {//Rijkswaterstaat/ ; },
mesh = {*Zosteraceae/physiology ; Animals ; *Ecosystem ; *Conservation of Natural Resources/methods ; *Environmental Restoration and Remediation/methods ; *Introduced Species ; },
abstract = {Coastal ecosystem engineers, such as mussels, oysters, salt marsh grasses, and seagrasses, typically shape their environment by ameliorating stressors when they grow beyond a critical population size. In doing so, they not only facilitate themselves but also provide habitat for diverse communities, which in turn, can engage in reciprocal interspecific facilitation. Over the last decades, anthropogenic disturbances have caused rapid degradation of coastal ecosystems, emphasizing the need for their restoration. Although the importance of both inter- and intraspecific positive interactions has been confirmed in small-scale experiments, their combined potential remains to be tested in restoration-scale experiments. Here, we examine whether restoration aimed at simultaneous recovery of both facilitation types can increase restoration yields of the seagrass Zostera marina. We conducted a full factorial experiment by manipulating patch size to test for intraspecific facilitation effects and co-introduced the epiphyte-grazing snails Littorina littorea to investigate interspecific facilitation. We found that the effect of including intraspecific facilitation on restoration yields was highly dependent on the hydrodynamic exposure conditions at the restoration site. Large patches in the most exposed sites showed a 40% increase in seagrass restoration yield compared to small patches, while at sheltered sites, large patches counted up to 60% less surviving plants compared to small ones. Interspecific facilitation, on the other hand, increased success yields by 73% on average. Moreover, in some plots where L. littorea survived through the winter, we counted 20 times more shoots than plots without co-introduction. Our study is the first to demonstrate that co-introduction can serve as a successful large-scale restoration strategy. Additionally, we highlight that integration of both inter- and intraspecific facilitation into restoration designs can be a powerful approach to increase coastal restoration success. However, we emphasize that these strategies should be applied specifically to counter environmental stressors as they may have adverse effects themselves in environments without such stressors.},
}

*Zosteraceae/physiology
Animals
*Ecosystem
*Conservation of Natural Resources/methods
*Environmental Restoration and Remediation/methods
*Introduced Species

@article {pmid40534979,
year = {2025},
author = {Wang, JG and Wu, JW and Li, WJ},
title = {Ecological Niche Changes and Risk Regionalization of the Invasive Plant Praxelis clematidea.},
journal = {Ecology and evolution},
volume = {15},
number = {6},
pages = {e71546},
pmid = {40534979},
issn = {2045-7758},
abstract = {Praxelis clematidea is a noxious invasive weed. Understanding the dispersion trends and niche changes inherent to P. clematidea will be helpful for monitoring this invasive species and for providing early warnings of its spread and developing appropriate scientific prevention and control measures. In this study, the invasion risk zones of P. clematidea in Guizhou Province were classified via MaxEnt, Zonation, and ArcGIS. The dispersion trend was predicted, and the ecological niche change was quantified via the R software ecospat package. The results revealed that (1) the current high-risk areas for P. clematidea invasion in Guizhou cover 14,096.03 km[2], concentrated mainly in the western to southern regions (Liupanshui, Anshun, Qianxinan, and Qiannan); the medium-risk areas cover 21,144.04 km[2], concentrated mainly in the southwestern region (Anshun, Qiannan); and the low-risk areas cover 26430.05 km[2], occurring in all cities of Guizhou but concentrated mainly in the small areas outside the high- and medium-risk areas. (2) From the present until the 2050s, the risk areas of P. clematidea will expand mainly toward the southeastern parts; from the 2050s to the 2070s, the risk areas will decrease in the southeast; and from the 2070s to the 2090s, they will expand at a large scale in the central and northeastern parts. Overall, the trend is toward expansion. (3) The degree of ecological niche overlap between P. clematidea in Guizhou Province and its original habitat is very low (Schoener's D= 0.12); the rates of niche expansion, stability, and underfilling are 0.88, 0.12, and 0.96, respectively, indicating niche instability. P. clematidea invades and occupies areas with relatively high precipitation during the warmest season in Guizhou Province. Compared with the temperature preferences in the coldest season in the original area, this species can adapt to low temperatures.},
}

@article {pmid40534718,
year = {2025},
author = {Sedibana, L and Kganyago, M and Jaca, T and Yessoufou, K},
title = {First spectral reflectance dataset of a highly invasive and aggressive alien plant species, Equisetum hyemale (snakegrass), in South Africa: Towards early detection and effective eradication.},
journal = {Data in brief},
volume = {60},
number = {},
pages = {111582},
pmid = {40534718},
issn = {2352-3409},
abstract = {This paper presents the first spectral reflectance dataset of snakegrass (Equisetum hyemale L.) invasive alien species recorded in South Africa. A total of 338 plant specimens were collected in Howick, KwaZulu-Natal province, and carefully stored in a cooler box for less than 24 hours of collection to retain the structural and biochemical state of the specimens and their overall characteristics. Then, spectral reflectance measurements were collected under laboratory conditions using the PSR-300 Spectral Evolution full-range spectrometer, equipped with a bifurbucated cable, a leaf clip and an artificial lighting system. Next, spectral preprocessing was performed in R statistical software to remove noisy spectra and regions and perform averaging per sample. The dataset is critical for early detection of the species and spatial distribution mapping using remotely piloted systems and earth observation satellites, providing essential information for aiding containment and eradication efforts.},
}

@article {pmid40533711,
year = {2025},
author = {Javed, Q and Sun, J and Černe, M and Iqbal, B and Bouhadi, M and Heath, DJ and He, F and Ullah, MS and Akbar, R and Du, D},
title = {The Effect of Native Plant Diversity on the Success of Invasive Species in Polluted Soils.},
journal = {Ecotoxicology (London, England)},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
pmid = {40533711},
issn = {1573-3017},
abstract = {Soil pollution can significantly disrupt native plant communities by weakening native species and giving invasive species a competitive advantage. This study aimed to assess the resistance of native species to invasive species in plant communities with varying species densities, focusing on growth traits and soil properties under the influence of different soil pollutants. Four native experimental communities varying in number of species were established, with each community paired with a distinct invasive species., i.e., C1 (four natives, i.e., Lactuca indica L., Plantago asiatica L., Leonurus japonicus Houtt., Alternanthera sessilis L. + Symphyotrichum subulatum (Michx.) G. L.), C2 (four natives, i.e., L. indica, P. asiatica, L. japonicus, A. sessilis + Sphagneticola trilobata L.), C3 (five natives, i.e., L. indica, P. asiatica, L. japonicus, A. sessilis, Hemistepta lyrata (Bunge) + S. subulatum), C4 (five natives, i.e., L. indica, P. asiatica, L. japonicus, A. sessilis, H. lyrata + S. trilobata). These communities were exposed to four soil pollutant treatments: (i) no pollutants (CK), (ii) PE microplastic particles (MP), (iii) cadmium, representing a heavy metal (HM), and (iv) both MP + HM. An ANOVA showed that MP, HM, and MP + HM significantly affected the biomass of both native and invasive species across all four communities (P < 0.05). Furthermore, microbial biomass carbon, nitrogen, and CO2 emissions were higher in C2 and C4 soils (invaded by S. trilobata) than in C1 and C3 soils (invaded by S. subulatum). The invasion resistance index (IRIN) of the native species increased in C1 compared to C2 by 74.50, 49.86, 18.34, and 24.72% under CK, MP, HM, and MP + HM treatments, respectively. Similarly, the IRIN in C3 increased relative to C4 by 48.30, 30.45, 22.56, and 31.03% under the same treatments. The study concludes that invasion resistance of native species depends on species diversity, the specific invasive competitor, and the type of pollutant.},
}

@article {pmid40531859,
year = {2025},
author = {Bryś, MS and Olszewski, K and Strachecka, A},
title = {The relationship between pollen monodiets and the activities of proteolytic systems in the fat body and hemolymph of honeybee workers.},
journal = {PloS one},
volume = {20},
number = {6},
pages = {e0326175},
pmid = {40531859},
issn = {1932-6203},
mesh = {Bees/physiology/metabolism/enzymology ; Animals ; *Pollen ; *Hemolymph/metabolism/enzymology ; *Fat Body/enzymology/metabolism ; *Peptide Hydrolases/metabolism ; Proteolysis ; },
abstract = {The homogenization of landscapes through the introduction of large-scale farms, the decline of biodiversity conditioned by high summer temperatures and dry weather, as well as the expansion of alien species determine the monodiet feeding of honeybees. In this study, we investigated the effect of monopollen feeding regimens (containing hazel, rapeseed, pine, buckwheat, Phacelia, and goldenrod) on the activity of the proteolytic system in the tergite 3, tergite 5 or sternite apian fat body, and hemolymph. We showed that pollen from rapeseed, Phacelia, buckwheat, and goldenrod increased the activities of acidic, neutral, and alkaline proteases and their inhibitors in the fat body and hemolymph when compared to the group fed with sugar candy only. The activities of proteases and their inhibitors in bees fed with pollen from hazel and pine were usually higher compared to the activities of honeybees fed with sugar candy only, but lower than in workers fed sugar candy with the pollen of entomophilous plants. Moreover, when comparing the proteolytic system activity between localizations/segments, the highest values were observed in tergite 5, regardless of what age the bees were and whether they were fed candy with added pollen. It is important to understand the impact of individual types of pollen in the context of potential future monodiets. Furthermore, the beneficial impact of Phacelia pollen to drive the rise of protease and protease inhibitor activities, helping to counteract negative environmental factors, can be supported by introducing, for example, flower mixtures for the insects or pollen-supplemented sugar candies for bees during periods without access to pollen.},
}

Bees/physiology/metabolism/enzymology
Animals
*Pollen
*Hemolymph/metabolism/enzymology
*Fat Body/enzymology/metabolism
*Peptide Hydrolases/metabolism
Proteolysis

@article {pmid40531411,
year = {2025},
author = {Sarma, D and Khanikor, B},
title = {Potential of Eugenol for Eco-friendly Control of Aedes albopictus (Diptera: Culicidae) in an Integrated Model with Non-target Organism.},
journal = {Neotropical entomology},
volume = {54},
number = {1},
pages = {78},
pmid = {40531411},
issn = {1678-8052},
mesh = {Animals ; *Eugenol ; *Aedes/drug effects ; Larva/drug effects ; *Insecticides ; *Mosquito Control/methods ; },
abstract = {Eugenol, a major constituent of clove and basil essential oils, has gained attention for its insecticidal properties, particularly against Aedes aegypti Linnaeus, suggesting potential effectiveness against other Aedes species. Aedes albopictus (Skuse) (Asian tiger mosquito) is a rapidly spreading invasive species responsible for transmitting serious diseases, including dengue. In the present study, we evaluated eugenol's larvicidal activity against A. albopictus larvae and its impact on the non-target larvivorous fish, Trichogaster fasciata. Eugenol showed larvicidal activity with an LC50 of 149.89 ± 17.38 ppm, while clove oil had a lower LC50 of 77.11 ppm at 24 h. Eugenol exposure resulted in notable larval morphological changes, including melanization of the thorax and anal papillae. Histopathological analysis revealed toxic effects of eugenol on the peritrophic membrane, epithelial layer and microvilli of the larval midgut after 24 h. We also assessed the acute toxicity of eugenol on T. fasciata over 96 h using LC10, LC25 and LC50 concentrations. LC10 and LC25 concentrations were safe for the fish, but LC50 caused immediate mortality. Remarkably, LC25 concentration restored the natural pigmentation of T. fasciata, which had been lost in aquarium acclimatized conditions. Histopathological examination revealed normal gill and liver features in fish exposed to LC25. In an integrated model, eugenol at LC25 effectively killed A. albopictus larvae and did not harm the non-target larvivorous mosquito Toxorhynchites splendens Theobald and fish T. fasciata. Thus, eugenol (LC25) shows promise for controlling A. albopictus larvae in small aquariums and nursery ponds, alongside beneficial larvivorous species.},
}

Animals
*Eugenol
*Aedes/drug effects
Larva/drug effects
*Insecticides
*Mosquito Control/methods

@article {pmid40531279,
year = {2025},
author = {Duarte, S and Ropars, L and Machon, N and Desutter-Grandcolas, L},
title = {Wild Bee Species (Hymenoptera: Apoidea: Anthophila) of Three Western Provinces of Cuba: A Century of Temporal Dynamics.},
journal = {Neotropical entomology},
volume = {54},
number = {1},
pages = {77},
pmid = {40531279},
issn = {1678-8052},
mesh = {Animals ; Cuba ; Bees/classification ; *Biodiversity ; Seasons ; Population Dynamics ; Time Factors ; },
abstract = {Bees, which play a vital role in the reproduction of plant, are in decline due to multiple factors. In tropical islands, despite their growing extent, urban areas are less explored and sampled compared to natural areas. Historical collections and online databases can then provide information on the temporal dynamics of pollinators as well as ecological information, providing a proxy for deficient sampling. This study investigates the diversity and ecological characteristics of the wild bee community and its temporal dynamics in the Havana province of Cuba. Cuba is a biodiversity hotspot in the Caribbean and hosts the highest bee biodiversity in the Antilles. Here, we analyzed 1,322 records (of which 1,067 new) from various sources (online databases, literature, and historical natural collections during the XIX Century). In the studied area our data attest the presence of 52 species (23 genera, 4 families), of which 47 are native (14 endemics) and four are introduced species Three species categorized as "critically endangered" for the country were recorded; 41 species are polylectic (78.8%) and 11 kleptoparasitic (21.2%). Most species were found during the rainy season (49 species vs 39 species recorded in dry season). Regarding the variation of the wild bee population over the years, one third of the recorded species have not been observed since the last century, while about 70% of the species persist. Analysis of a century data underscores the importance of conserving the wild bee community in these provinces.},
}

Animals
Cuba
Bees/classification
*Biodiversity
Seasons
Population Dynamics
Time Factors

@article {pmid40530861,
year = {2025},
author = {Ladouceur, E and Wohlwend, M and Schutzenhofer, MR and Chase, JM and Knight, TM},
title = {Invasion timing affects multiple scales, metrics, and facets of biodiversity outcomes in ecological restoration experiments.},
journal = {Ecological applications : a publication of the Ecological Society of America},
volume = {35},
number = {4},
pages = {e70062},
pmid = {40530861},
issn = {1939-5582},
support = {202548816//German Research Foundation/ ; //Tyson Research Center/ ; //German Centre for Integrative Biodiversity Research/ ; },
mesh = {*Biodiversity ; *Introduced Species ; Time Factors ; *Environmental Restoration and Remediation/methods ; *Grassland ; },
abstract = {The need to develop optimal restoration protocols for degraded grasslands has led to experimental research aimed at determining how different restoration treatments influence outcomes for biodiversity. The magnitude and direction of diversity responses to restoration treatments may depend on the spatial scale at which diversity is measured (local, regional), the metric of diversity used (Hill numbers), and the facet of diversity (taxonomic, functional, phylogenetic) considered. We conducted a long-term factorial experiment in a degraded grassland in Missouri, USA, in which we experimentally applied a regionally appropriate biodiverse seed mixture, added soil nutrients to restore soil fertility, and varied the timing in which the invasive plant Lespedeza cuneata entered the community. We used a unified framework of Hill numbers to evaluate how treatments influenced diversity, considering different spatial scales, metrics, and facets (taxonomic, phylogenetic, functional). We find that the timing in which the invasive L. cuneata entered the community had large effects on diversity, while nutrient addition had more limited effects. This was driven by the high dominance of the focal invasive when allowed to invade early in the growing season, suppressing diversity. The positive effects of late invasion increased in magnitude with spatial grain and were higher for taxonomic than phylogenetic and functional facets of diversity. This was largely due to the dominance of the focal invasive, negatively affecting diversity within specific plant families or functional phenotypes across treatments. Under early invasion, nutrients had a negative effect, particularly at local scales, inflating beta diversity in this treatment and resulting in negative to no effect of late invasion on many aspects of beta diversity. Our results demonstrate the importance of looking at a multitude of different measures of diversity to understand the relative effects of ecological restoration treatments combined with invasion timing. Efforts to keep noxious plant invaders out of a system early in restoration approaches better allow desirable, native plants to establish and can have long-term benefits for multiple aspects of diversity.},
}

*Biodiversity
*Introduced Species
Time Factors
*Environmental Restoration and Remediation/methods
*Grassland

@article {pmid40530444,
year = {2025},
author = {Matsuhashi, S and Sugiura, R and Asai, M and Asami, H and Kowata, Y and Akamatsu, Y and Sasaki, K and Yoshino, N and Ihara, N and Koarai, A},
title = {Field evaluation of an agricultural weed detector using YOLO image recognition: background conditions affect detection performance.},
journal = {Pest management science},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1002/ps.70009},
pmid = {40530444},
issn = {1526-4998},
support = {//a research project for technologies to strengthen the international competitiveness of Japan's agriculture and food industry/ ; },
abstract = {BACKGROUND: Image recognition tools for weed identification, such as smartphone applications, have the potential to enhance user knowledge, provide early invasive weed alerts, and enable site-specific weed management. Although numerous studies have reported product development and model accuracy, few have evaluated these tools in practical environments beyond developmental settings. In this study, we developed a weed detector using the You Only Look Once (YOLO) v3 object detection algorithm to identify six noxious weed species. Specifically, we examined the effects of: (i) image collection locations, (ii) target backgrounds, and (iii) camera devices on detection accuracy, assessing applicability through field verification at 68 sites across Japan and controlled garden experiments.

RESULTS: Detection success was influenced by the background of the target species in images, with significant interaction effects observed between background and target species on detection outcomes. In the most affected combination (background: tray; species: Ipomoea lacunosa), the average precision (AP) value decreased by ~0.2 compared with the other conditions. AP values in field tests were lower than those from test data resembling training data, with no correlation between AP values from test data sets and field verification. No clear effects of land use or camera devices on detection success were detected.

CONCLUSION: This study highlights the importance of background in image-based weed detection and identifies limitations in detector applicability. Our findings are expected to support more-efficient development and underscore the importance of sharing applicability data for improved weed detection tools. © 2025 Society of Chemical Industry.},
}

@article {pmid40527260,
year = {2025},
author = {Rodríguez-Caballero, G and Campoy, M and Torres, P and Díaz, G and Roldán, A and Caravaca, F},
title = {Elevated CO2 enhances mycorrhizal inoculation efficiency in phytostabilization of a heavy metal-contaminated soil using Nicotiana glauca.},
journal = {The Science of the total environment},
volume = {990},
number = {},
pages = {179847},
doi = {10.1016/j.scitotenv.2025.179847},
pmid = {40527260},
issn = {1879-1026},
mesh = {*Soil Pollutants/metabolism/analysis ; *Mycorrhizae/physiology ; *Metals, Heavy/metabolism/analysis ; Biodegradation, Environmental ; *Carbon Dioxide/metabolism ; *Nicotiana/metabolism/microbiology/growth & development ; Soil Microbiology ; Soil/chemistry ; Rhizosphere ; },
abstract = {Elevated atmospheric CO2 levels can influence the effectiveness of phytostabilization assisted by soil microorganisms in metal-contaminated soils. This study evaluated the efficacy of the native AM fungus Funneliformis mosseae in the establishment (3 months) of seedlings of the invasive species Nicotiana glauca R. C. Graham in a semiarid soil contaminated by several heavy metals (HMs), under ambient and elevated levels of CO2 (420 vs. 760 ppm, respectively) and without fertilizer treatment. Thus, we tested the effect of this native AM fungus on the plant growth parameters, the percentage mycorrhizal colonization of roots, bioavailability of HMs in soil, accumulation of HMs in plant, soil structural stability, and the functions of microbial communities (soil enzyme activities) in the rhizosphere of N. glauca in response to elevated CO2. The mycorrhizal inoculation with F. mosseae and elevated CO2 increased synergistically the shoot (about 150 %) and root (about 53 %) dry biomass and shoot P content of N. glauca. Mycorrhizal inoculation was effective in reducing the bioavailability of toxic HMs in the soil, particularly Cd, Cu, and Zn, as well as shoot Cu uptake, and resulted in shoot bioconcentration factors for all metals lower than 1, regardless of the atmospheric CO2 level. Meanwhile, the native AM fungus increased soil biomass C content, dehydrogenase, protease, and alkaline phosphomonoesterase activities, soil aggregate stability, and extractable K. In conclusion, this approach reduces metal mobility and improves soil microbial functioning and structural stability, enhancing long-term soil recovery in climate-stressed mining areas.},
}

*Soil Pollutants/metabolism/analysis
*Mycorrhizae/physiology
*Metals, Heavy/metabolism/analysis
Biodegradation, Environmental
*Carbon Dioxide/metabolism
*Nicotiana/metabolism/microbiology/growth & development
Soil Microbiology
Soil/chemistry
Rhizosphere

@article {pmid40526597,
year = {2025},
author = {Lee, JA and Rahman, MM and Cheon, SJ and Borzée, A and Sung, HC},
title = {The influences of urbanization on breeding behavior of American bullfrog (Aquarana catesbeiana) in South Korea.},
journal = {PloS one},
volume = {20},
number = {6},
pages = {e0326201},
pmid = {40526597},
issn = {1932-6203},
mesh = {Animals ; *Urbanization ; Republic of Korea ; *Rana catesbeiana/physiology ; Breeding ; *Sexual Behavior, Animal/physiology ; Introduced Species ; Ecosystem ; *Vocalization, Animal/physiology ; Reproduction/physiology ; Male ; Temperature ; },
abstract = {Urbanized areas often exhibit high levels of anthropogenic noise, which can mask or interfere with animal communication signals, especially those that use sound to communicate, making it challenging for individuals to detect and interpret acoustic cues. While calling is crucial for anuran breeding and communication, the coping mechanisms of city dwelling and cosmopolitan species in urbanized environments remain understudied. Given that invasive species have higher environmental adaptability than native species (because of habitat specificity and environmental sensitivity), we studied the calling patterns of the invasive American bullfrog (Aquarana catesbeiana) in different levels of urbanized areas in South Korea. In our study, we found an early onset of calling activities in urbanized A. catesbeiana populations, which suggests a change induced by factors related to urbanization on breeding phenology. Additionally, urban populations show more intense diurnal calling activities but shorter breeding periods than non-urban populations. The results indicate water temperature and urban noise as the leading factors influencing calling activities in A. catesbeiana. Urbanization induced changes in breeding and calling activities might have facilitated A. catesbeiana to invade and establish populations outside their natural ecological niches. Thus, this study sheds light on the effect of urbanization on frog breeding activities and how an invasive species copes with modified environments in new areas.},
}

Animals
*Urbanization
Republic of Korea
*Rana catesbeiana/physiology
Breeding
*Sexual Behavior, Animal/physiology
Introduced Species
Ecosystem
*Vocalization, Animal/physiology
Reproduction/physiology
Male
Temperature

@article {pmid40525107,
year = {2025},
author = {Basooma, A and Nakiyende, H and Natugonza, V and Basooma, R},
title = {Harnessing YouTube in advancing biodiversity conservation efforts and awareness across Africa.},
journal = {PeerJ},
volume = {13},
number = {},
pages = {e19545},
pmid = {40525107},
issn = {2167-8359},
mesh = {*Biodiversity ; *Social Media/statistics & numerical data ; Africa ; *Conservation of Natural Resources/methods ; Humans ; *Information Dissemination/methods ; *Video Recording ; *Awareness ; },
abstract = {YouTube (YT), an online video content application, has revolutionized the dissemination of information in various fields, including medicine, entertainment, and conservation science. Its potential in disseminating biodiversity conservation information has not been well assessed, especially in Africa, a biodiversity hotspot. When such assessments are conducted, they are usually species-specific, activity-based, or localized, making broader generalizations difficult. We evaluated the viewership and interaction of the videos posted about Africa across different organism groups, countries (geopolitical units), geographical regions, ecoregions, and channels (content creators). We assessed 431 videos, which collectively garnered 32,630,126 views, 364,700 likes, and 48,839 comments across 274 channels, five regions, and 31 African countries. The mean daily views varied significantly across countries, regions organism groups, and channels. Notably, more views per day were from biodiversity-rich countries, such as Madagascar, and most videos were posted from South Africa. Government and academic institutions posted fewer videos than individually owned and international biodiversity-related non-governmental organization (NGO) channels. Also, most channels posting about African biodiversity are based in the United States of America. Increased attention to biodiversity through social media engagement will likely stimulate external funding, international collaborations, policymaking, and participatory programs, benefiting both the public and organizations such as NGOs and governments. We observed a great need for increased participation by African-based content creators, primarily by government institutions, to effectively adopt a strong social media strategy to communicate information about biodiversity conservation, especially to the growing online population.},
}

*Biodiversity
*Social Media/statistics & numerical data
Africa
*Conservation of Natural Resources/methods
Humans
*Information Dissemination/methods
*Video Recording
*Awareness

@article {pmid40524429,
year = {2025},
author = {Ocampo-Zuleta, K and Paula, S and Pausas, JG and Cavieres, LA and Sierra-Almeida, Á and Gómez-González, S},
title = {Post-fire germination and plant invasion in Mediterranean Chile.},
journal = {American journal of botany},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {e70057},
doi = {10.1002/ajb2.70057},
pmid = {40524429},
issn = {1537-2197},
abstract = {PREMISE: Plants from regions where fire is a novel disturbance typically lack fire-adaptive traits, which may explain the post-fire invasion by alien plants from fire-prone ecosystems. Unlike many Mediterranean-type ecosystems, the Chilean matorral has a limited evolutionary history with fire. We predict that a negative germination response to fire will be more frequent in its native flora than in alien plants, most of which originate from the fire-prone Mediterranean Basin.

METHODS: We compiled a database on the germination responses to fire cues of 70 native and alien plant species from the Chilean matorral using published studies and unpublished data from our own experiments. We then compared the frequency of these responses between native and alien species using generalized linear mixed models.

RESULTS: Negative responses to heat shock were more probable in native than in alien species, while there were no differences in the probability of negative responses to smoke. Species origin did not affect the probability of positive responses to fire cues. When only annual plants were considered, natives and aliens did not differ in their germination responses to fire cues.

CONCLUSIONS: Our findings suggest that the influence of post-fire germination on invasion processes in the Chilean matorral is better explained by the negative effects of heat on the germination of native species (which lack fire-adaptive traits) than by the positive response of alien species to fire cues. The reduced germination of natives creates opportunities for alien species establishment, rather than pre-existing fire adaptive traits driving invasion success.},
}

@article {pmid40522958,
year = {2025},
author = {Lhoumeau, S and Elias, RB and Seidel, D and Gabriel, R and Borges, PAV},
title = {Landscape to microhabitat: Uncovering the multiscale complexity of native and exotic forests on Terceira Island (Azores, Portugal).},
journal = {PloS one},
volume = {20},
number = {6},
pages = {e0326304},
pmid = {40522958},
issn = {1932-6203},
mesh = {*Forests ; *Introduced Species ; Azores ; *Ecosystem ; Conservation of Natural Resources ; *Trees ; Islands ; Biodiversity ; Portugal ; },
abstract = {This study aims to identify the structural and compositional differences between native and exotic woodlands on Terceira Island, Azores. Based on landscape, habitat, and microhabitat analyses, remnants of native forests appeared to be associated with less accessible terrains. A more homogeneous structural complexity is exhibited, derived from the numerous branching patterns of the endemic vascular plant species. In contrast, exotic forests exhibit structural heterogeneity driven by mixed non-indigenous vascular plant species as a result of human actions such as afforestation and latter invasion of exotic tree species, after abandonment of the agricultural use. The ground and canopy layers in exotic forests were more invaded by non-indigenous species, while the understory demonstrated greater resilience by being mostly composed of indigenous species. Our findings highlight the structural and ecological differences between native and exotic woodlands, reflecting the historical transformation of forest cover in the Azores. These insights emphasize the importance of long-term monitoring and structural assessments in informing conservation efforts aimed at preserving native forests and managing invasive species in exotic woodlands.},
}

*Forests
*Introduced Species
Azores
*Ecosystem
Conservation of Natural Resources
*Trees
Islands
Biodiversity
Portugal

@article {pmid40519889,
year = {2025},
author = {Clements, SL and Ackerman, FM and Olensky, IM and White, EC and Rogers, ME and Searcy, CA},
title = {Non-Native Herpetofauna Continue to Proliferate in the World's Most Invaded Herpetofauna Community.},
journal = {Ecology and evolution},
volume = {15},
number = {6},
pages = {e71556},
pmid = {40519889},
issn = {2045-7758},
abstract = {The spread of non-native species continues to increase around the globe, highlighting the importance of understanding both the dynamics of the invaded communities in which non-natives comprise a high percentage of the total fauna and the factors that may influence non-native establishment and spread. As the global hotspot for non-native reptiles and amphibians, South Florida's herpetofaunal community provides a unique opportunity to study native/non-native community dynamics. In addition, despite high levels of development and habitat loss, South Florida has a network of protected natural areas, allowing insight into the impacts of natural vs. anthropogenic areas on native and non-native richness and abundance. Surveys conducted in Miami-Dade County in 2017 demonstrated that non-native species already dominated both natural and anthropogenic parks and provided a baseline to examine dynamic changes in the community. In 2022, we replicated the surveys from 2017 at the same 30 sites. We found that non-native richness and abundance have increased significantly (19% and 33% increase in overall alpha diversity and abundance, respectively) in just 5 years' time. We found no correlation between these non-native increases and decreases in either native species richness or abundance. Notably, non-native species richness increased more rapidly at anthropogenic sites, with two rock-loving species, Agama picticauda and Leiocephalus carinatus, standing out as the most rapidly spreading non-native herpetofauna. Our findings demonstrate that there is continued expansion of non-native herpetofaunal populations even in the highly invaded community of Miami-Dade County and that protection of natural habitat may help slow the spread of non-native species.},
}

@article {pmid40516734,
year = {2025},
author = {Lan, M and Gao, X and Li, L and Zhao, Y and Song, Q and Qin, X and Qin, D and Stanley, D and Hao, X and Zhu, J and Ding, X and Wu, G},
title = {Methyl3-indolyacetate produced by a gut bacterium of the tephritid gall fly is implicated in controlling Crofton weed by reducing its lignin synthesis.},
journal = {International journal of biological macromolecules},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {144974},
doi = {10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2025.144974},
pmid = {40516734},
issn = {1879-0003},
abstract = {Eupatorium adenophorum, an invasive species of global concern, imposes substantial ecological and economic burdens across its introduced range. This study investigates the tripartite interaction between E. adenophorum, its obligate phytophagous insect Procecidochares utilis, and the insect's enteric microbiota. We isolated Kluyvera ascorbata SZLYS-22, a gut-associated bacterium from P. utilis larvae, demonstrating potent herbicidal activity against the host plant. Bioactivity-guided characterization identified methyl indole-3-acetate (MeIAA) as the principal phytotoxin, exhibiting concentration-dependent inhibition of seed germination and induction of systemic morphological aberrations including stem spiralization, petiole epinasty, and eventual plant mortality. Histological examination revealed MeIAA-induced cytological disorganization in vascular tissues, manifesting as cellular pleomorphism and expanded intercellular lacunae. Transcriptomic profiling revealed significant down-regulation of phenylpropanoid pathway genes (PAL, 4CL, LiP), corroborated by enzymatic assays showing lignin reduction versus control. Paradoxical up-regulation of C4H expression suggests compensatory feedback mechanisms insufficient to maintain lignification. These findings establish MeIAA as a novel bioherbicide disrupting lignocellulosic integrity through targeted pathway modulation. Furthermore, this work elucidates the evolutionary arms race between E. adenophorum and P. utilis, highlighting the underappreciated role of insect-associated microbiota in mediating plant-insect interactions. The results provide a framework for developing microbiome-informed biocontrol strategies.},
}

@article {pmid40513277,
year = {2025},
author = {Hawkins, SJ and O'Shaughnessy, KA and Branch, GM and Airoldi, L and Bray, S and Brooks, P and Burrows, MT and Castilla, JC and Crowe, TP and Davies, TW and Firth, LB and Hiscock, K and Jenkins, SR and Knights, AM and Langmead, O and Leung, KMY and Mieszkowska, N and Moschella, P and Steyl, I and Tidau, S and Whittington, M and Thompson, RC},
title = {Hindsight informs foresight: revisiting millennial forecasts of impacts and status of rocky shores in 2025.},
journal = {Marine pollution bulletin},
volume = {219},
number = {},
pages = {118214},
doi = {10.1016/j.marpolbul.2025.118214},
pmid = {40513277},
issn = {1879-3363},
abstract = {Rocky shorelines are characterised by vulnerability to both land- and sea-derived impacts. They face acute impacts such as pollution from shipping accidents, chronic pollution from point sources, run-off and catchments plus disturbances by food gathering, recreation and sediment deposition in sheltered areas. Coastal urbanisation can both impact natural shores and create impoverished artificial rocky shores. Superimposed upon local and regional scale impacts are global environmental changes including warming, sea-level rise, increasing storm frequency, ocean acidification and non-native invasive species. Rocky shores are, however, amenable to long-term ecological monitoring and ecological experimentation. Thompson, Crowe and Hawkins (2002) reviewed anthropogenic impacts on rocky intertidal habitats and forecasted their status for the next 25 years. The paper was critiqued by invited experts (Branch, Castilla) at a subsequent conference in 2003 (Environmental Future of Aquatic Ecosystems, Zurich, 23-27 March 2003), culminating in a consensus chapter in Aquatic Ecosystems: Trends and Global Prospects (Branch et al., 2008). Nearly 25 years later, we revisit and evaluate their predictions to explore implications for the next 25 years as new potential impacts emerge in parallel with societal attempts to transition to net zero carbon outputs. An update is provided on what was largely correct (oil-spills, food harvest, invasive species, sedimentation/run-off, organotins, global-change, artificial habitats, recreation/research/education) and what was partially/completely wrong (eutrophication, aquaculture/GMOs, renewable energy, UV radiation) or omitted (coastal mining, ocean acidification, plastic, light, noise pollution). We also consider the challenges and uncertainties inherent in predicting impacts of environmental changes by using hindsight to inform foresight.},
}

@article {pmid40512852,
year = {2025},
author = {Jiang, F and Pu, X and Schmid, B and Reich, PB and Liang, J and Abbasi, AO and Aguirre-Gutiérrez, J and Zambrano, AMA and Altman, J and Álvarez-González, JG and Alves, LF and Amani, BHK and Ammer, C and Aymard, GA and Babu Kanda, N and Bastian, ML and Bastin, JF and Bauters, M and Boeckx, P and Bondarchuk, SN and Bondarev, A and Brearley, FQ and Brennan, S and Briseño-Reyes, J and Broadbent, EN and Češljar, G and Chen, HYH and Chisholm, C and Choi, W and Cienciala, E and Clark, CJ and Collalti, A and Corral-Rivas, JJ and Dar, JA and Dayanandan, S and de-Miguel, S and Dar, AA and Derroire, G and Djordjevic, I and Van Do, T and Doležal, J and Dourdain, A and Eyre, T and Fandohan, AB and Frizzera, L and Gatti, RC and Gianelle, D and González Elizondo, MS and Grieco, E and Harris, DJ and Hector, A and Hérault, B and Hui, C and Imai, N and Jagodziński, AM and Ji, C and Jiang, L and Joly, CA and Karminov, VN and Kartawinata, K and Kassi, JN and Kearsley, E and Keppel, G and Khan, ML and Klauberg, C and Korznikov, KA and Kothandaraman, S and Kraxner, F and Krivobokov, L and Kucher, D and Kumar, A and Kvashnina, A and Laurin, GV and Leite, RV and Libalah, MB and Lonkina, ES and Lu, H and Luo, S and Luo, Y and Mackintosh, E and Marshall, AR and Martínez, RV and Matula, R and McDonald, W and Narayanan, A and Nava-Miranda, MG and Naveenkumar, J and Mendoza, AM and Miścicki, S and Moskalyuk, T and Mukhortova, L and Mukul, SA and Nabuurs, GJ and Neldner, VJ and Nevenic, R and N'Guessan, AE and Ngugi, M and Paquette, A and Parfenova, EI and Parren, M and Parthasarathy, N and Peri, PL and Pfautsch, S and Piedade, MTF and Polyakova, G and Poulsen, AD and Poulsen, JR and Pretzsch, H and Rodeghiero, M and Rutishauser, E and Saikia, P and Saner, P and Schepaschenko, D and Schöngart, J and Searle, EB and Sheil, D and Shen, Z and Shooner, S and Shvidenko, A and Silva, CA and Sist, P and Slik, F and Song, W and Souza, AF and Stereńczak, K and Sundarapandian, S and Svátek, M and Svoboda, M and Tang, Z and Targhetta, N and Tchebakova, N and Tikhonova, E and Trethowan, L and Vega-Nieva, DJ and Verbeeck, H and Vieira, SA and Volle, C and Vozmishcheva, AS and Vozmitel, FK and Wang, HF and Wang, S and Wang, X and Wittmann, F and Zheng, C and Zhu, B and Zo-Bi, IC and Fang, J and Wang, Z},
title = {Mycorrhizal symbioses and tree diversity in global forest communities.},
journal = {Science advances},
volume = {11},
number = {24},
pages = {eadt5743},
pmid = {40512852},
issn = {2375-2548},
mesh = {*Mycorrhizae/physiology ; *Forests ; *Biodiversity ; *Trees/microbiology ; *Symbiosis ; Soil Microbiology ; },
abstract = {Unraveling the mechanisms underlying the maintenance of species diversity is a central pursuit in ecology. It has been hypothesized that ectomycorrhizal (EcM) in contrast to arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi can reduce tree species diversity in local communities, which remains to be tested at the global scale. To address this gap, we analyzed global forest inventory data and revealed that the relationship between tree species richness and EcM tree proportion varied along environmental gradients. Specifically, the relationship is more negative at low latitudes and in moist conditions but is unimodal at high latitudes and in arid conditions. The negative association of EcM tree proportion on species diversity at low latitudes and in humid conditions is likely due to more negative plant-soil microbial interactions in these regions. These findings extend our knowledge on the mechanisms shaping global patterns in plant species diversity from a belowground view.},
}

*Mycorrhizae/physiology
*Forests
*Biodiversity
*Trees/microbiology
*Symbiosis
Soil Microbiology

@article {pmid40512733,
year = {2025},
author = {Wu, T and Duan, Q and Zhang, H and Xiu, W and Jiang, Z},
title = {Differences in soil nutrient and microbial characteristics between invasive Ageratina adenophora and native plant communities.},
journal = {PloS one},
volume = {20},
number = {6},
pages = {e0325193},
pmid = {40512733},
issn = {1932-6203},
mesh = {*Soil Microbiology ; *Soil/chemistry ; *Ageratina/microbiology ; *Introduced Species ; Phosphorus/analysis ; Nitrogen/analysis ; *Nutrients/analysis ; Ecosystem ; Potassium/analysis ; },
abstract = {Much emphasis has been placed on the negative consequences of alien species on resident ecosystems. Nevertheless, quantitative studies on the effects of invasive and native plant communities on soil nutrients and microbial features were rarely conducted. This study investigated soil microbes and soil nutrients associated with different degrees of Ageratina adenophora invasion and plant communities (Gramineae and Dicotyledons). The correlations between soil microbes and soil nutrients were analyzed. The findings indicated that the invasion of A. adenophora markedly elevated the levels of soil total nitrogen (TN), nitrate nitrogen (NO3--N), ammonium nitrogen (NH4+-N), available potassium (AK) and available phosphorus (AP), while decreasing the concentrations of soil total phosphorus (TP) and total potassium (TK) in comparison with those in non-invaded areas. The concentrations of NO3--N, NH4+-N, and AK in strongly invasive plant communities were significantly greater than those in the Gramineae and Dicotyledon groups. The soil microbial richness of the A. adenophora invasive plant community was higher than that of the native plant community. In contrast, the soil microbial evenness was lower than that of the native plant community, but the soil microbial dominance increased with the increasing degree of A. adenophora invasion. Meanwhile, the number of soil bacteria, fungi, actinomycetes, nitrogen-fixing bacteria, potassium-solubilizing bacteria and phosphate-solubilizing bacteria in the invasive plant community increased significantly with increasing degree of A. adenophora invasion. The soil microbial richness of the invasive plant community dominated by A. adenophora was higher than that of the native plant community. In contrast, soil microbial evenness was reduced in the invasive community compared to the native plant community, while microbial dominance increased with the extent of A. adenophora invasion. The number of bacteria, fungi, actinomycetes, nitrogen-fixing bacteria, potassium-solubilizing bacteria and phosphate-solubilizing bacteria in the soil of the invasive plant community increased significantly. Furthermore, the variation trend of the Simpson diversity index (D) was that of the Shannon diversity index (H) of the soil microbes in this study. The McIntosh diversity index (U) showed a consistent decrease with the increasing degree of A. adenophora invasion. Moreover, after the correlation coefficients between soil microbes and nutrients were analyzed, we found that there was a significant positive correlation between soil nutrients and microbial richness in both the A. adenophora invasive community and the native plant community. Compared with plant communities, A. adenophora invasion can greatly alter the soil nutrient and microbial characteristics and the trade-offs of soil nutrients supply and demand, which may facilitate growth. The soil microbial diversity in different communities may be important factors that led to changes of soil nutrients. A. adenophora altered the trade-offs of soil nutrients supply and demand by changing the composition and diversity of soil microbes, which may be a critical ecological mechanism of the successful invasion of the exotic weed A. adenophora successful invasion.},
}

*Soil Microbiology
*Soil/chemistry
*Ageratina/microbiology
*Introduced Species
Phosphorus/analysis
Nitrogen/analysis
*Nutrients/analysis
Ecosystem
Potassium/analysis

@article {pmid40510631,
year = {2025},
author = {Ernst, AR and Larkin, DJ and Kramer, AT and Glasenhardt, MC and Hipp, AL},
title = {Diverse Ecological Strategies Increase Invasion Resistance in an Experimental Grassland Restoration.},
journal = {Ecology and evolution},
volume = {15},
number = {6},
pages = {e71575},
pmid = {40510631},
issn = {2045-7758},
abstract = {Understanding how the characteristics of native plant communities influence invasion is a pressing question, with implications for theory and management. For decades, the primary native community characteristic used in tests of biotic resistance was species richness. However, previous studies have demonstrated that evolutionary history and functional traits shape the invasion process, as ecological theory predicts. Theoretically, restoration projects would benefit from designing seed mixtures around maximizing resistance to invasion. However, there is little empirical evidence on the importance of evolutionary diversity for management and still less guidance for practitioners on effective application of ecological theories. We empirically tested how several native community characteristics (phylogenetic diversity, functional diversity, phylogenetic relatedness, and mean trait values) affected the survival of three introduced invasive species. We explored this question in experimentally restored 15-species prairie plots with three levels of phylogenetic diversity and two levels of functional diversity. Our experiment also included monocultures of all native species, which were also experimentally invaded. We found evidence that phylogenetic diversity conferred biotic resistance against one invasive species, contributing to reduced biomass in models explaining up to 10% of variance. Tall species better suppressed invaders, with height explaining up to 27% of variation in invader biomass. Surprisingly, we found patterns in leaf and seed traits linked to invasion resistance which were associated with both conservative and resource-acquisitive strategies. We also found evidence in both the diversity and monoculture plots that invaders were more successful with more closely related native species. Taken together, our results indicate that invasion resistance emerges from nuanced interactions between phylogenetic diversity, functional traits, and community composition, rather than from any single community characteristic. Our results underscore the complexity of biotic resistance and suggest that practitioners should prioritize phylogenetic diversity and strategic species selection when designing restoration plantings to enhance invasion resistance.},
}

@article {pmid40509621,
year = {2025},
author = {Rodríguez-Caro, RC and Gumbs, R and Graciá, E and Blomberg, SP and Cayuela, H and Grace, MK and Carmona, CP and Pérez-Mendoza, HA and Giménez, A and Davis, KJ and Salguero-Gómez, R},
title = {Synergistic and Additive Effects of Multiple Threats Erode Phylogenetic and Life History Strategy Diversity in Testudines and Crocodilia.},
journal = {Ecology letters},
volume = {28},
number = {6},
pages = {e70147},
pmid = {40509621},
issn = {1461-0248},
support = {MICIU/AEI/10.13039/501100011033//Spanish Ministry of Innovation, Science and Universities/ ; ZAMBRANO 21-26//European Union-Next Generation EU in Maria Zambrano Program/ ; NE/X013766/1//NERC Pushing the Frontiers grant/ ; MOBERC100//Eesti Teadusagentuur/ ; PRG2142//Eesti Teadusagentuur/ ; },
mesh = {Animals ; *Alligators and Crocodiles/physiology/genetics ; *Phylogeny ; *Biodiversity ; *Conservation of Natural Resources ; Introduced Species ; Climate Change ; Ecosystem ; *Turtles/physiology ; *Life History Traits ; },
abstract = {Understanding how multiple threats interact is crucial for the prioritisation of conservation measures. Here, we investigate how interactions between six common threats (climate change, habitat disturbance, global trade, overconsumption, pollution and emerging diseases/invasive species) reduce the life history strategy diversity and phylogenetic diversity of 230 species of Testudines and 21 of Crocodilia. We classify threat interactions into additive, synergistic and antagonistic according to the reduction of life history strategy and phylogenetic diversity. Most threat interactions are antagonistic; the effect of threats jointly is lower than the sum of the effects of threats separately. However, we find that the interaction between emerging diseases or invasive species with other threats has synergistic and additive effects, meaning that the combined effects are greater than or equal to the effects of threats separately. Our work can help target conservation strategies and detect key places to address multiple threats when they appear together.},
}

Animals
*Alligators and Crocodiles/physiology/genetics
*Phylogeny
*Biodiversity
*Conservation of Natural Resources
Introduced Species
Climate Change
Ecosystem
*Turtles/physiology
*Life History Traits

@article {pmid40509426,
year = {2025},
author = {Paunić, M and Lazarević, J and Škrobot, D and Čabarkapa, I and Šmugović, S and Vidosavljević, M and Županjac, M},
title = {Chefs' Attitudes and Sensory Analysis of Invasive Crayfish (Faxonius limosus) Meat: Psychological and Culinary Aspects.},
journal = {Foods (Basel, Switzerland)},
volume = {14},
number = {11},
pages = {},
pmid = {40509426},
issn = {2304-8158},
support = {7417//Science Fund of Republic Serbia. Reducing the negative impact of invasive crayfish Faxonius limosus in the Danube by smart ex-ploitation of their meat and shells" DANUBEcare/ ; },
abstract = {Considering the growing significance of sustainable gastronomy and the need for controlling the populations of invasive species, the aim of this study is to explore chefs' attitudes toward the sensory and psychological aspects of using invasive crayfish meat (Faxonius limosus) from the Danube. The study was conducted using a survey questionnaire with a sample of 210 respondents, employing a consumption restriction scale based on various psychological aversions to non-traditional food sources. Binary logistic regression indicated a significant impact of psychological aversion on the likelihood of accepting this raw material. Thirty chefs participated in the sensory evaluation of the crayfish meat. The results revealed that the meat has potential for broad application in the preparation of gastronomic products.},
}

@article {pmid40509340,
year = {2025},
author = {Kato-Noguchi, H and Kato, M},
title = {Evolution of the Defense Compounds Against Biotic Stressors in the Invasive Plant Species Leucaena leucocephala.},
journal = {Molecules (Basel, Switzerland)},
volume = {30},
number = {11},
pages = {},
pmid = {40509340},
issn = {1420-3049},
mesh = {*Introduced Species ; *Fabaceae/chemistry/genetics/metabolism ; *Stress, Physiological ; Biological Evolution ; Flavonoids/chemistry ; Animals ; Phytochemicals ; },
abstract = {Leucaena leucocephala (Lam.) de Wit is listed in the world's 100 worst alien invasive species because of the risks it poses to native plant communities. Life history traits, such as high growth and reproductive rates, and a high capacity to adapt to different environmental conditions may contribute to its invasive properties. Biotic stressors, such as herbivores, pathogens, and competing plant species are known to exert significant selective pressure on the plant's survival, distribution, and abundance. L. leucocephala has been reported to contain several compounds involved in the defense functions against these biotic stressors. A large amount of L-mimosine, a non-protein amino acid, was found in all plant parts of L. leucocephala, including its flowers. L-Mimosine is toxic to herbivorous mammals and insects, parasitic nematodes, pathogenic fungi, and neighboring competing plant species by inactivating various essential enzymes and blocking DNA replication, and/or inducing oxidative stress conditions. Several flavonoids, polyphenolic compounds, and/or derivatives of benzoic and cinnamic acids are toxic to parasitic nematodes, pathogenic fungi and bacteria, and competing plant species by disrupting plasma membrane structures and functions, and various metabolic processes. These compounds may represent the invasive traits of L. leucocephala that have undergone natural selection during the evolution of the species. They may contribute to the defense functions against the biotic stressors, and increase its survival, distribution, and abundance in the introduced ranges. This is the first review to focus on the compounds involved in the defense functions against biotic stressors.},
}

*Introduced Species
*Fabaceae/chemistry/genetics/metabolism
*Stress, Physiological
Biological Evolution
Flavonoids/chemistry
Animals
Phytochemicals

@article {pmid40509270,
year = {2025},
author = {Shi, W and An, T and Yang, X and Li, Y and Yimingniyazi, A and Liu, Z and Feng, Y},
title = {Norsesquiterpenes from Lolium perenne and Their Replacement Control of an Invasive Plant, Ageratina adenophora, Through Allelopathy.},
journal = {Molecules (Basel, Switzerland)},
volume = {30},
number = {11},
pages = {},
pmid = {40509270},
issn = {1420-3049},
support = {2023YFC2604500//National Key R&D Program/ ; 32271741//National Natural Science Foundation of China/ ; 2024010101-JH3/101//Liaoning Province Science and Technology Plan Project/ ; },
mesh = {*Lolium/chemistry ; *Allelopathy ; *Ageratina/drug effects/growth & development ; Introduced Species ; *Sesquiterpenes/pharmacology/chemistry/isolation & purification ; Tandem Mass Spectrometry ; Pheromones/pharmacology/chemistry ; Lactuca/drug effects/growth & development ; Plant Extracts/pharmacology/chemistry ; },
abstract = {Lolium perenne (Poaceae), a perennial forage, has high economic and nutritional value. It is often used as a replacement control for some invasive plants, as it has achieved good ecological and economic effects. However, its control effects, allelochemicals, allelopathic effects, release pathways, and contents are still unclear in the process of L. perenne replacement control of an invasive plant, Ageratina adenophora (Asteraceae). Therefore, it is necessary to reveal the mechanism of L. perenne replacement control of A. adenophora from the perspective of allelopathy. In this study, L. perenne could effectively inhibit the growth of A. adenophora in the competition assay. In addition, seven norsesquiterpenes (1-7) were isolated and identified from the whole plant of L. perenne, and most of the compounds exhibited potent allelopathic effects on the growth of A. adenophora and one model plant (Lactuca sativa, Asteraceae). Moreover, some active compounds were released into the environment through root secretion and rainwater leaching, and their contents were determined by UPLC-MS/MS (Ultra Performance Liquid Chromatography Tandem Mass Spectrometry). Our results elucidated the allelopathic mechanism of L. perenne's replacement control, A. adenophora, and provided a theoretical basis for the development of norsesquiterpenes from L. perenne.},
}

*Lolium/chemistry
*Allelopathy
*Ageratina/drug effects/growth & development
Introduced Species
*Sesquiterpenes/pharmacology/chemistry/isolation & purification
Tandem Mass Spectrometry
Pheromones/pharmacology/chemistry
Lactuca/drug effects/growth & development
Plant Extracts/pharmacology/chemistry

@article {pmid40508320,
year = {2025},
author = {Nogales, L and Alías, JC and Blanco-Salas, J and Montero-Fernández, I and Chaves, N},
title = {Allelopathy and Identification of Allelochemicals in the Leaves of Hakea decurrens subsp. physocarpa W.R. Barker.},
journal = {Plants (Basel, Switzerland)},
volume = {14},
number = {11},
pages = {},
pmid = {40508320},
issn = {2223-7747},
support = {"Direct subsidy to the University of Extremadura for the implementation of the LA4 lines of action of the I+D+i program in the area of Biodiversity.//LIA4: Evaluation and mitigation of the impact of global change on biodiversity-FEDER Funds"/LIA4 Complementary Plan, co-financed by the Ministry of Economy, Science and Digital Agenda of the Government of Extremadura and by the European Regional Developme/ ; },
abstract = {Hakea decurrens subsp. physocarpa is an invasive species from Australia, with morphological, physiological and ecological features that help it colonize and settle outside of its natural habitats. One of these characteristics is allelopathy, which is an interaction that grants a clear competitive advantage to invasive species that has not been studied in H. decurrens subsp. physocarpa. With the aim of understanding the ecological relationships that take place in habitats invaded by this species, it is especially important to know the allelopathic potential of H. decurrens subsp. physocarpa and the compounds that would be involved in this interaction. To this end, the present study quantified the allelopathic activity of the aqueous extract of leaves gathered on four different occasions in the year, as well as of the compounds present in these extracts. The obtained results show a negative effect of H. decurrens subsp. physocarpa samples collected in March, June, September, and December on the germination and growth of Lactuca sativa. Although the negative effect was observed with all extracts, the extract of leaves gathered in September showing the greatest effect on germination (I50 = 0.08 g/mL), and that of leaves collected in June presented the greatest effect on root size (I50 = 0.05 g/mL). As for the composition of these extracts, nine compounds were identified and quantified through HPLC: arbutin, mesaconic acid, isotachioside, 1-O-vanilloyl-beta-D-glucose, syringic acid-4-beta-D-glucopyranoside, quercetin 3-robinobioside-7-glucoside, quercetin 3-rhamninoside, rutin, and isorhamnetin-3-O-rutinoside. There is a correlation between the quantified parameters and the quantity of these compounds in the extracts, but it is difficult to attribute the allelopathic activity of H. decurrens subsp. physocarpa to a particular compound, since this activity may depend on the combination of these compounds. In conclusion, this work demonstrates that the leaves of the invasive species H. decurrens subsp. physocarpa have allelopathic potential, and their toxicity could be due to the combined action of these compounds, which should be analyzed in future studies.},
}

@article {pmid40508241,
year = {2025},
author = {Lv, W and Wang, R and Ji, W and Fu, B and Luo, M and Han, J},
title = {A Herpetosiphon llansteffanensis Strain from Forest Soil Exhibits Biocontrol Activity Against Pear Fire Blight.},
journal = {Plants (Basel, Switzerland)},
volume = {14},
number = {11},
pages = {},
pmid = {40508241},
issn = {2223-7747},
support = {202310758001//National Undergraduate Student Innovation Project/ ; 2021YFD1400200//National Key Research and Development Program of China/ ; 2024A02006-2//Major Science and Technology Projects of Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region/ ; },
abstract = {Fire blight, a devastating bacterial disease caused by Erwinia amylovora, has posed significant challenges to apple and pear production for over a century. This study introduces a gliding filamentous bacterium, the strain NSD29, isolated from natural forest soil in Xinjiang, China, as a biological control agent for managing this disease. Comprehensive characterization based on morphological, physiological, biochemical, 16S rRNA gene, and whole-genome analyses identified the strain NSD29 as Herpetosiphon llansteffanensis. The train NSD29 demonstrated potent predatory activity against E. amylovora in vitro. Its biocontrol efficacy was subsequently evaluated on detached leaves, inflorescences, young fruit, and shoots of fragrant pear under controlled greenhouse conditions. Results indicated that applying H. llansteffanensis NSD29 significantly inhibited lesion expansion on pear leaves and young fruit, achieving protective efficacies of 75.2% and 72.0%, respectively. Furthermore, pre-treatment spraying with NSD29 effectively reduced the incidence of blossom blight, with a control efficacy of 61.2%. On detached pear shoots, the application of NSD29 fermentation broth suppressed lesion expansion, demonstrating substantial protective (86.8%) and curative (75.6%) efficacies. This research provides the first evidence for the potential of Herpetosiphon species in the biological control of plant diseases, highlighting H. llansteffanensis NSD29 as a promising candidate for developing strategies to combat fire blight.},
}

@article {pmid40508238,
year = {2025},
author = {Kreća, M and Šajna, N and Šipek, M},
title = {Response of the Invasive Alien Plant Duchesnea indica (Andrews) Teschem. to Different Environmental and Competitive Settings.},
journal = {Plants (Basel, Switzerland)},
volume = {14},
number = {11},
pages = {},
pmid = {40508238},
issn = {2223-7747},
abstract = {Indian mock strawberry (Duchesnea indica, syn. Potentilla indica), a clonal invasive plant native to Asia, has rapidly spread in Europe, where its ecological adaptation allows it to thrive under varying environmental conditions. It is mostly found in urban habitats such as lawns, parks, and urban and peri-urban forests, where it thrives in various plant communities. It can become dominant in certain communities, indicating its competitive advantage over native plants. Due to similar habitat preferences, it often coexists with the native species Glechoma hederacea, with which it shares other characteristics such as clonal growth. This study investigates the effects of light, nutrients, and competition on the growth, morphology, and physiology of D. indica. A controlled pot experiment exposed plants to combinations of sunlight and shade, optimal and increased nutrient levels, and competitive scenarios with the native plant G. hederacea. The plant traits of biomass, leaf and ramet number, stolon and flower production, leaf greenness, the photosynthetic efficiency of Photosystem II, and stomatal conductance were assessed. Results revealed that light and nutrient availability significantly enhanced growth metrics. In shaded conditions, D. indica adapted with elongated petioles and increased specific leaf area. Competition significantly reduced growth, with G. hederacea outperforming D. indica. These findings highlight the complex interplay between abiotic and biotic factors in influencing invasive species impact, providing essential insights for ecosystem management.},
}

@article {pmid40506296,
year = {2025},
author = {Ladau, J and Fahimipour, AK and Newcomer, ME and Brown, JB and Vora, GJ and Melby, MK and Maresca, JA},
title = {Microbial inoculants and invasions: a call to action.},
journal = {Trends in microbiology},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1016/j.tim.2025.04.018},
pmid = {40506296},
issn = {1878-4380},
abstract = {Microbial inoculants are increasingly used for beneficial purposes in agriculture, bioremediation, and medicine, but they can carry risks of generating invasive microbes. Here, we present a roadmap for guarding against these invasions, proposing developing (i) coherent mechanistic understandings of how microbial inoculants can effect invasions, (ii) predictive models forecasting microbial invasion risks, and (iii) effective management strategies. To guide mechanistic understandings, we distill 17 guiding hypotheses. For predictive modeling, we highlight data collection needs and qualitative approaches. For management strategies, we stress the importance of accurately weighing the risks against benefits. The unified approach presented here provides a route toward an effective research and management infrastructure for microbial inoculants in order to avoid potentially catastrophic microbial invasions.},
}

@article {pmid40501344,
year = {2025},
author = {Baer, J and Hüsgen, S and Fromherz, M and Geist, J and Brinker, A},
title = {Drivers of the range expansion of the European catfish (Silurus glanis) within its native distribution.},
journal = {Journal of fish biology},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1111/jfb.70099},
pmid = {40501344},
issn = {1095-8649},
support = {//Fischereiabgabe Baden-Württemberg/ ; },
abstract = {The European catfish Silurus glanis L. continues to spread as an invasive species in Europe. Meanwhile, increasing abundance and range expansions are also suspected within its native distribution. The objective of this study was to characterize the feeding, growth and abundance of S. glanis in 12 lakes and 12 rivers within its European native range in relation to environmental changes that may explain population trends over time. The results suggest a shift in factors limiting the carrying capacity of catfish habitats within this range, leading to increases in growth and abundance. Statistical modelling identified warming and increasing population density of invasive gobies as likely contributors to this shift. Given that catfish predation on native species can be expected to increase dramatically, there is an urgent need for new management strategies. It is recommended that catfish removal rates should be increased, especially in areas of high importance for native fish and crayfish species, such as spawning grounds and at bottlenecks for migration.},
}

@article {pmid40501191,
year = {2025},
author = {Zhang, M and Li, S and Wang, F and Zhu, J and Zhang, Y and Zhan, A},
title = {Multi-dimensional tolerance to low temperature for high-latitude invasion success by the rapidly expanding golden mussel.},
journal = {The Journal of animal ecology},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1111/1365-2656.70078},
pmid = {40501191},
issn = {1365-2656},
support = {5222026//Natural Science Foundation of Beijing Municipality/ ; },
abstract = {Many invasive species are capable of rapidly advancing invasion forefronts, often into areas with challenging or extreme environmental conditions. Understanding the mechanisms driving these invasions is essential for predicting their future spread and developing effective conservation strategies. A notable example is the recent range expansion of the golden mussel (Limnoperna fortunei) from low- to high-latitude regions, which poses significant threats to the integrity of global freshwater ecosystems and socio-economic sustainability. Successful invaders often utilize a variety of physiological, behavioural and ecological strategies to survive and thrive in harsh environments. To investigate the multi-dimensional mechanisms underlying low-temperature tolerance for high-latitude invasion success, we collected golden mussels from their northernmost invasive range. The mussels were exposed to a control temperature of 25°C and low temperatures of 15°C and 5°C. We conducted multi-level analyses, including behavioural (survival and valve activity), morphological (filament ultrastructure), biochemical (enzyme content) and molecular (transcriptome and metabolome) changes in the gill, a key organ involved in low-temperature response. We observed low mortality rates (<30%) across all stressed groups, indicating the golden mussel's tolerance to low temperatures. Upon initial exposure, the golden mussels significantly reduced their valve-opening rate, effectively blocking cold water outside their bodies. Microscopic observations and staining analyses revealed significant changes in the gill filaments, including alterations in cilia, filament cells and junction distances, suggesting functional morphological adjustments following the behavioural response of valve closure. The energy conserved through these morphological changes, along with actively generated energy, was utilized to enhance tolerance at the biochemical and molecular levels. This energy-intensive tolerance mechanism involved apoptosis inhibition, membrane fluidity enhancement, improved antioxidant capacity and elevated immune regulation, as evidenced by enzyme assays and integrated transcriptomic and metabolomic analyses. These adjustments interacted and coordinated, demonstrating highly systematic and complementary responses to the low temperature stress. Our study elucidates the multi-dimensional mechanisms employed by golden mussels to cope with extreme temperature conditions in high-latitude regions, highlighting the integrated strategies that facilitate their survival in harsh environments. These findings offer valuable insights for developing management strategies for regions characterized by extreme environmental conditions for invasive species.},
}

@article {pmid40496998,
year = {2025},
author = {Zhou, ZL and Ling, TC and Zhao, JL and Wang, XZ and Wang, LL and Li, L and Wang, WJ and Jia, DR and Wu, ZK and Sun, XD and Yang, YP and Duan, YW},
title = {Parallel loss of anthocyanins triggers the incipient sympatric speciation in an alpine ginger.},
journal = {Plant diversity},
volume = {47},
number = {3},
pages = {429-439},
pmid = {40496998},
issn = {2468-2659},
abstract = {Change of flower color can readily lead to a shift in pollinators, potentially causing pollinator mediated reproductive isolation or even speciation. Here, we examined the ecological and evolutionary consequences of flower color polymorphism in Roscoea cautleoides, an alpine ginger with sympatric distribution of purple- and yellow-flowered plants. Variations in pollinator visitation and specialization to the flower color contributed greatly to pre-zygotic reproductive isolation, with post-zygotic isolation also observed in reciprocal pollination. Yellow-flowered plants evolved independently from purple-flowered plants in two populations due to the absence of anthocyanins, as supported by metabolic, expression, and genetic analysis. Despite early genetic divergence between the two-flower-colored plants, highly differentiated genes were associated with reproduction and stress, while highly selective genes were enriched in stress. Our results suggest that parallel loss of anthocyanins leads to flower color polymorphism in different populations of R. cautleoides, with pollinator preference contributing to reproductive isolation and subsequent genetic differentiation, indicating the process of incipient speciation triggered by flower color changes with sympatric distribution.},
}

@article {pmid40496219,
year = {2025},
author = {},
title = {Correction to "Balancing Monitoring and Management in the Adaptive Management of an Invasive Species".},
journal = {Ecology and evolution},
volume = {15},
number = {6},
pages = {e71446},
doi = {10.1002/ece3.71446},
pmid = {40496219},
issn = {2045-7758},
abstract = {[This corrects the article DOI: 10.1002/ece3.71176.].},
}

@article {pmid40496218,
year = {2025},
author = {Phuyal, N and Kc, N and Neupane, B and Dhami, B and Miya, MS and Silwal, T and Adhikari, G and Pudasaini, S and Bhandari, B and Adhikari, H},
title = {Diurnal Encounter-Based Size Distribution, Nesting Sites and Habitat Characteristics of the Mugger Crocodile (Crocodylus palustris) in Beeshazari Lake Complex, Nepal.},
journal = {Ecology and evolution},
volume = {15},
number = {6},
pages = {e71486},
pmid = {40496218},
issn = {2045-7758},
abstract = {Mugger crocodiles are the apex predator species of the wetland ecosystem in Nepal, and their conservation could safeguard the entire ecosystem. However, studies on their population status and habitat characteristics are limited, with no scientific research conducted on their nesting ecology to date. Therefore, we selected muggers as a representative species to better understand their daytime sightings, nesting characteristics, and the fine-scale anthropogenic and environmental factors influencing their occurrence in five lakes of the Beeshazari Lake complex (BLC; Beeshazar Lake, Kumal Lake, Tikauli Lake, Kingfisher Lake, and Batuli Pokhari) of Chitwan National Park, Nepal. We conducted a preliminary survey, followed by a daytime sightings survey, a nesting site survey, and a habitat assessment survey in March 2023. A generalised linear model under binary logistic regression was used to analyse the factors influencing the habitat characteristics of muggers. During the research period, 50 detections of muggers were recorded, 66% of which were observed basking and 34% were submerged in the lakes. The Relative Abundance Index of the muggers in the BLC was 3.29 km[-1]. Nesting sites (two from Tikauli Lake and three from Beeshazar Lake) were recorded during the study period. The probability of sighting a mugger was significantly influenced by the slope (moderate slope), substrate type (clay, grass, and sand), mid-lake depth, presence of anthropogenic threats, and presence of invasive species. We recommend that future researchers employ more robust models, such as N-mixture models, to provide up-to-date information on the population abundance of muggers in the BLC. Furthermore, a comprehensive multi-seasonal study focusing on ecological and behavioural aspects of nesting sites alongside environmental aspects influencing nest success rates is critical. Such research will be crucial in guiding the development of targeted conservation strategies aimed at protecting and preserving essential nesting sites. Moreover, we recommend conducting robust studies on the carrying capacity of wetlands in Nepal to provide insights into the sustainable population size that a wetland can support.},
}

@article {pmid40495818,
year = {2025},
author = {Xiao, L and Zhang, H and Oduor, AMO and Liu, Y},
title = {Artificial night-time lighting and herbivory interactively reduce the biomass production of invasive plants while enhancing that of native plants.},
journal = {Proceedings. Biological sciences},
volume = {292},
number = {2048},
pages = {20242811},
pmid = {40495818},
issn = {1471-2954},
support = {//Excellent Youth Foundation of Jilin Province, China/ ; //Chinese Academy of Sciences-President's International Fellowship Initiative/ ; //National Natural Science Foundation of China/ ; //International Partnership Program of Chinese Academy of Sciences/ ; },
mesh = {*Herbivory ; *Introduced Species ; *Biomass ; Animals ; *Lighting ; *Spodoptera/physiology ; Larva/growth & development/physiology ; *Light ; },
abstract = {Artificial light at night (ALAN) can influence plant growth, defence, interactions with herbivores and invasion by exotic plants. However, studies assessing the interactive effects of ALAN, nutrient enrichment and herbivory on invasive and native plant species remain limited. We conducted a greenhouse experiment to investigate the interactive effects of ALAN (no-ALAN versus ALAN), nutrient enrichment (low versus high) and herbivory by a generalist Spodoptera litura (without versus with) on the growth, root allocation and defence of six congeneric pairs of invasive and native plant species. Nutrient enrichment increased total biomass more in native plants than in invasive plants. ALAN enhanced total biomass in both groups of plants without herbivory, but increased native plant biomass and decreased that of invasive plants under herbivory. ALAN reduced root mass fraction, especially under low-nutrient conditions without herbivory. Native plants exhibited greater tolerance to herbivory and higher net photosynthetic rates under ALAN compared to invasive species. Moreover, S. litura larvae grew faster on invasive plants but slower on native plants under ALAN. These findings suggest that ALAN may weaken the competitive advantage of invasive species by enhancing the defence mechanisms and physiological performance of native plants, potentially shifting competitive dynamics in favour of native flora.},
}

*Herbivory
*Introduced Species
*Biomass
Animals
*Lighting
*Spodoptera/physiology
Larva/growth & development/physiology
*Light

@article {pmid40493719,
year = {2025},
author = {Campbell, AM and Kula, AC and Jabaily, RS and Oberle, B and Sidoti, B and Capaldi, A and Bodine, EN},
title = {Predicting potential recovery of the endangered bromeliad Tillandsia utriculata: An agent-based modeling approach.},
journal = {PLoS computational biology},
volume = {21},
number = {6},
pages = {e1013157},
pmid = {40493719},
issn = {1553-7358},
mesh = {Animals ; *Endangered Species ; *Weevils/physiology ; *Models, Biological ; *Bromeliaceae/physiology/parasitology ; Predatory Behavior ; Florida ; Female ; Computational Biology ; Computer Simulation ; Population Dynamics ; Introduced Species ; },
abstract = {Invasive pests and pathogens are a major driver of biodiversity loss. Some rare species may persist through rapid evolution to tolerate or escape new threats, but representing the underlying ecological and evolutionary processes at the appropriate scale is analytically and computationally challenging. Tillandsia utriculata has been classified as endangered in Florida where its population has decreased significantly due to predation by the invasive Mexican weevil Metamasius callizona. Adult female weevils deposit their eggs in leaves of epiphytic bromeliads, preferentially ovipositing in the largest rosettes. Once the eggs hatch, the larvae consume the core of the rosette, often leading to pre-reproductive death. During the past three decades of predation, the T. utriculata population has shifted to initiating the production of inflorescences (to commence its single attempt at sexual reproduction) at smaller rosette sizes. Importantly, the rosette size at induction is correlated with the number of seeds produced. We have constructed an agent-based model to simulate the dynamics of a Florida T. utriculata population over many generations where the minimum rosettes size required to initiate inflorescence production (minimum size of induction or MSI), is an inherited trait. We use the model to explore how predation may have shifted the population's genetic composition and the impact this has on population viability. Our results show that larger germination rates are required for population viability when weevils are present. Parameter uncertainty analysis revealed that in the presence of weevil predation, only a population with a very high germination rate and a short period of predation would sustain its population for 100 years with sizes similar to simulations without weevil predation. Furthermore, uncertainty analysis showed that the mean MSI of the population decreased over a 100-year period without weevil predation, and this trend was exacerbated by the presence of weevil predation.},
}

Animals
*Endangered Species
*Weevils/physiology
*Models, Biological
*Bromeliaceae/physiology/parasitology
Predatory Behavior
Florida
Female
Computational Biology
Computer Simulation
Population Dynamics
Introduced Species

@article {pmid40493213,
year = {2025},
author = {Vila Duplá, M},
title = {Advancements in Algal Microbiome Research: A Game-Changer for Climate Resilience and Invasion Success?.},
journal = {Microbial ecology},
volume = {88},
number = {1},
pages = {63},
pmid = {40493213},
issn = {1432-184X},
mesh = {*Microbiota ; *Climate Change ; *Seaweed/microbiology ; *Introduced Species ; },
abstract = {While marine microbiomes have been getting more attention in recent years, they remain understudied compared to those of terrestrial systems. With the refinement of molecular methods, microbiome research has extended to other key marine organisms such as macroalgae. The microbiome plays a key role in macroalgal health, adaptation to environmental conditions, and resilience to climate stressors. The main factors affecting the algal microbiome are host specificity (genetics, functional profile, phylum and species identity), life stage, morphology, thallus region, and tissue age. Other significant drivers of microbiome community structure include spatiotemporal distribution and environmental conditions, especially as global stressors intensify with climate change. The mechanisms through which the microbiome of invasive seaweeds might enhance their competitiveness over native species are still unclear. However, there is evidence that, like climate resilience, invasive potential is linked to the functional flexibility of associated microbiota, allowing the host to adapt to the new environmental conditions. The main objective of this review was to synthesize the current understanding of the macroalgal microbiome and propose future directions in microbiome research based on identified shortcomings. Based on the knowledge gaps detected, there is an urgent need for multi-factorial experimental studies that link host and microbiome gene expression through chemical signals under future climate change scenarios, standardization of analytical methods, and a focus on underrepresented geographical regions and species. While algal microbiome research holds great promise for predicting and mitigating the effects of climate change and invasive species, embracing new tools and tackling ecologically relevant mechanistic and applied questions will be essential to advancing this field.},
}

*Microbiota
*Climate Change
*Seaweed/microbiology
*Introduced Species

@article {pmid40492279,
year = {2025},
author = {Piccinno, R and Galla, G and Roselli, G and Rodeghiero, M and Mazzoni, V and Stringer, L and Hauffe, HC and Anfora, G and Rota-Stabelli, O},
title = {Overwintering Does Not Affect Microbiota Diversity in Halyomorpha halys: Implications for Its Ecology and Management.},
journal = {Environmental microbiology reports},
volume = {17},
number = {3},
pages = {e70116},
pmid = {40492279},
issn = {1758-2229},
mesh = {Animals ; *Microbiota ; *Bacteria/classification/genetics/isolation & purification ; RNA, Ribosomal, 16S/genetics ; *Heteroptera/microbiology/physiology ; Seasons ; Biodiversity ; Phylogeny ; },
abstract = {Host-associated microbial communities play an important role in regulating many aspects of insect biology, but changes in this microbiota during diapause and overwintering are still largely unknown. Halyomorpha halys is an invasive agricultural pest characterised by a unique overwintering strategy where individuals aggregate and enter a state of dormancy, making it an excellent model to study the relationship between microbiota and diapause. We investigated the bacterial diversity of wild H. halys specimens before and after dormancy using 16S rRNA gene amplicon-sequencing. We found that microbiota varies between geographically neighbouring sampling locations, but there were no significant differences in microbial diversity or composition between populations sampled before and after diapause, despite stressful overwintering conditions. Such stability may relate to the highly specific taxa that dominate the stinkbug-associated microbial community. In addition, we did not detect any strong association of stink bugs with phytopathogens, but we found that two populations harboured Nosema maddoxi, a microsporidian pathogen of stink bugs. Our results are relevant to the assessment of accidental spillovers of microorganisms in newly invaded areas and to the implementation of the sterile insect technique based on mass trapping, irradiation, shipping and release after diapause of wild individuals.},
}

Animals
*Microbiota
*Bacteria/classification/genetics/isolation & purification
RNA, Ribosomal, 16S/genetics
*Heteroptera/microbiology/physiology
Seasons
Biodiversity
Phylogeny

@article {pmid40490975,
year = {2025},
author = {Pulido-Chadid, K and Rahbek, C and Geldmann, J},
title = {Evaluating protected areas' coverage of threats to terrestrial biodiversity.},
journal = {Conservation biology : the journal of the Society for Conservation Biology},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {e70086},
doi = {10.1111/cobi.70086},
pmid = {40490975},
issn = {1523-1739},
support = {0165-00018B//Danmarks Frie Forskningsfond/ ; 25925//Villum Fonden/ ; },
abstract = {Protected areas (PAs) are vital for biodiversity conservation and have expanded globally. However, increasing pressures on biodiversity make it difficult to achieve conservation goals. Using threat probability maps based on the International Union for Conservation of Nature Red List and the World Database of Protected Areas, we analyzed the relationship between PA coverage and the major threats to amphibians, birds, mammals, and reptiles-agriculture, hunting, logging, pollution, invasive species, and urbanization. We included data on 33,379 species and 255,848 protected sites. We analyzed the relationship between threat probabilities and PA coverage with generalized additive models. Then, we grouped grid cells into discrete threat-protection categories and examined global spatial patterns. We focused three types of areas: areas with a high probability of threat that coincided with inadequate PA coverage; areas that had simultaneous threats; and areas with a high concentration of threatened species. We found a potential disconnect between global PAs and threat coverage. Twenty-one percent of areas had a high probability of threat, of which 76% were insufficiently protected. Over half of amphibian and mammal habitat was highly threatened and was insufficiently covered by PAs. Amphibians were subject to the highest proportion of simultaneous threats. Underprotected areas harbored the largest proportion of threatened species across all taxonomic groups. Our results provide crucial insights into the spatial relationship between threats and PA coverage and can be used to inform conservation planning at large scales.},
}

@article {pmid40489606,
year = {2025},
author = {Zarri, LJ and Kraft, CE and McIntyre, PB and Baetscher, DS and Jirka, KJ and Randall, EA and Marcy-Quay, B and St John, CA and Sethi, SA and Airey, ME and Detmer, TM and Flecker, AS and Therkildsen, NO},
title = {Eradication efforts catalyze rapid evolution in an invasive predatory fish.},
journal = {Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the United States of America},
volume = {122},
number = {24},
pages = {e2424067122},
pmid = {40489606},
issn = {1091-6490},
mesh = {Animals ; *Introduced Species ; *Biological Evolution ; *Bass/genetics/physiology/growth & development ; *Predatory Behavior ; Ecosystem ; Lakes ; Gene Frequency ; },
abstract = {Species invasions spur costly and labor-intensive control efforts, yet even local eradication is seldom achieved. When control measures are initially effective, they may drive evolutionary adaptation that prevents full eradication, as has been documented for some chemical and biocontrol approaches. Although the intensity, directionality, and persistence of selection required to increase the frequency of resistant genotypes in complex natural ecosystems remains an open question, theory predicts that high mortality can cause life-history evolution even in the absence of a strong selective agent. Here, we use annually collected ecological and genetic data to show that rapid evolution of introduced smallmouth bass has undermined a 20-y manual suppression effort in a mid-sized lake. Despite nearly doubling annual mortality, our intensive control program produced a larger bass population dominated by young and early-maturing fish. These shifts were accompanied by large allele frequency changes in three genomic regions associated with earlier maturation and increased somatic growth. Our findings bear out the theoretical prediction that high mortality can drive evolutionary adaptation in target species. Controlling species invasions are worldwide practices that typically remove a substantial proportion of a population during each of many successive generations, hence life history adaptation may be commonplace. Such evolutionary responses could be salient in explaining the widespread failure of invasion control efforts. Genetic and phenotypic monitoring to detect cryptic adaptation and preemptive design of invader eradication programs to deliberately disrupt directional selection for resistance could improve invasion control outcomes.},
}

Animals
*Introduced Species
*Biological Evolution
*Bass/genetics/physiology/growth & development
*Predatory Behavior
Ecosystem
Lakes
Gene Frequency

@article {pmid40487454,
year = {2025},
author = {Savvidou, EC and Ioannou, CS and Apocha, L and Terblanche, JS and Papadopoulos, NT},
title = {Desiccation tolerance and possible starvation trade-offs in larvicide resistant Culex and Aedes mosquitoes.},
journal = {iScience},
volume = {28},
number = {6},
pages = {112521},
pmid = {40487454},
issn = {2589-0042},
abstract = {Larvicides are widely used for mosquito control, but resistance development complicates efforts. We investigated the interplay between insecticide resistance and environmental stress in Aedes albopictus, Culex pipiens pipiens, and Culex pipiens molestus. Mosquitoes were selected for resistance to diflubenzuron and Bacillus thuringiensis subsp. israelensis, acclimated at four temperatures, and subjected to desiccation and starvation assays. Desiccation and starvation survival were affected by species, sex, and thermal acclimation, but not by larvicide resistance. Larvicide resistance affected starvation survival in Ae. albopictus, which also exhibited higher thermal plasticity under both stressors. Females outlived males across all species and conditions. These findings highlight ecological consequences of larvicide resistance, as it does not compromise stress resistance and thermal plasticity, complicating mosquito control amid climate change. Trade-offs between starvation and desiccation in Ae. albopictus suggests potential mechanistic links between these traits and larvicide mode-of-action. Species-, context- and trait-specific larvicide resistance responses complicates mosquito control efforts.},
}

@article {pmid40483608,
year = {2025},
author = {Fridley, J and Griffin-Nolan, RJ and Bensaddek, L and Decocq, G and Hikosaka, K and Kichey, T and LeVonne, J and Mishio, M},
title = {Joining the locals: Plant invaders shift leaf defenses to match native neighbors.},
journal = {Ecology},
volume = {106},
number = {6},
pages = {e70129},
pmid = {40483608},
issn = {1939-9170},
support = {IOS-1754273//National Science Foundation/ ; },
mesh = {*Plant Leaves/physiology/chemistry ; *Introduced Species ; *Plants/classification ; Ecosystem ; },
abstract = {Local adaptation is common in invasive plants, but there is no consensus as to whether shifts in functional traits between invader "home" and "away" ranges contribute to their success in competition with native species. Theory based on enemy release suggests that invaders should reallocate limiting resources away from nutritive-based defenses and toward high growth potential. However, empirical studies of home-away trait shifts are typically conducted on a single invader and fail to consider how environmental differences across regions may impact leaf trait syndromes. We measured nine defense-related leaf traits for 27 invasive species across their home and away ranges in France, Japan, and the United States, and compared them to distributions of those same traits for co-occurring native species in both their home and away ranges. Our study included a total of 21 woody species sampled under forest canopies, and 23 herbaceous species sampled in fields and roadsides. Traits included toxic leaf alkaloids and cyanogenic glycosides; structural attributes including cell wall mass and fiber content; carbon (C), nitrogen (N), C:N, and total protein content; and specific leaf area. We found significant overall shifts in both qualitative (alkaloids) and quantitative (fiber, cell wall, N content) defense traits, particularly in woody species that are hypothesized to be more apparent to herbivores. However, the direction of trait shifts was not consistent across regions. Rather, for seven of nine traits, trait means of invaders shifted toward the means of native species in the recipient communities, likely reflecting environmental differences among regions rather than a shift in allocation from defense to growth. We suggest this "join the locals" pattern, whereby trait shifts in invaders match regional differences in native trait syndromes due to environmental variation, is a reasonable null model for studies of adaptive evolution in invasive species. Although the "join the locals" pattern is not mutually exclusive with shifts in functional traits caused by enemy release, our study involving multiple species and habitats suggests environmental gradients override trait shifts driven by varying herbivore communities.},
}

*Plant Leaves/physiology/chemistry
*Introduced Species
*Plants/classification
Ecosystem

@article {pmid40482538,
year = {2025},
author = {Larraechea, M and Dos Santos, A and Cerda, C and Alegría-Morán, R and Briceño, C},
title = {Perceptions and attitudes toward control of invasive monk parakeets (Myiopsitta monachus) in citizens from Santiago metropolis, Chile.},
journal = {Preventive veterinary medicine},
volume = {242},
number = {},
pages = {106577},
doi = {10.1016/j.prevetmed.2025.106577},
pmid = {40482538},
issn = {1873-1716},
abstract = {The monk parakeet, one of the world's most invasive birds, has thrived in urban areas and causes environmental, economic, and health impacts. These challenges underline the need for control measures, though public perception can affect efforts. This study explores attitudes toward monk parakeet management among residents from Santiago, Chile. Five-hundred and four online surveys were applied and distributed through online social networks aimed at inhabitants in the Metropolitan Region. Although most citizens recognize that the parakeets can produce environmental impact, respondents do not consider them as a threat to health or the economy. Seventy percent of participants believe there should be a population control program for monk parakeets in place, and the control method is not significantly related to people's support. Sixty percent of respondents support parakeet eradication if they cause damage to native species or if they transmit pathogens to humans or other animals. However, this acceptability decreased considerably if eradication is conducted due to economic damages. Our results demonstrate that, despite a high level of appreciation to parakeets, there is a general willingness to support its management, including eradication, in pursuit of biodiversity conservation and public health. However, citizens need information to know the threats of this invasive bird, given that management initiatives will receive greater support when society understands the potential parakeet impact on environmental, health, or economic realms and when specific and compelling methods are used. It is important for decision-makers to acknowledge beliefs and concerns that could hinder the management of monk parakeets in order to prevent social conflicts.},
}

@article {pmid40481807,
year = {2025},
author = {Endriss, SB and Nuzzo, V and Blossey, B},
title = {Return of diversity: Wetland plant community recovery following purple loosestrife biocontrol.},
journal = {Ecological applications : a publication of the Ecological Society of America},
volume = {35},
number = {4},
pages = {e70064},
pmid = {40481807},
issn = {1939-5582},
support = {//US Fish and Wildlife Service/ ; //New York State Department of Environmental Conservation/ ; //The Nature Conservancy/ ; },
mesh = {*Wetlands ; *Biodiversity ; *Lythrum/physiology ; Introduced Species ; *Pest Control, Biological ; Animals ; New York ; Conservation of Natural Resources ; },
abstract = {Spread of non-native species can be important drivers of biodiversity declines, leading to precautionary management based on assumptions that (1) non-native biota have negative impacts and are "guilty" of causing harm and (2) reducing a non-native species' abundance will reduce these negative impacts, in turn, benefiting native species. However, we frequently lack data to gauge both negative impacts of non-native species and success or failure of chosen management interventions to benefit native species. Addressing these knowledge gaps is critical to improving management outcomes for native species while maintaining public trust to sustain funding of management activities. Here, we investigated the response of Lythrum salicaria (purple loosestrife) and associated plant communities to implementation of biological control in more than 10 wetland sites in New York State for up to 28 years. Introduced to North America from Europe in the 1800s, L. salicaria is a prime example of a non-native species with a continent-wide distribution that could not be suppressed by mechanical and chemical treatments. In the 1980s, waterfowl biologists, wetland managers, and conservationists alike worried about the loss of diverse wetland plant communities associated with the rapid expansion of L. salicaria. In response, after careful assessments of safety, and potential costs and benefits, four highly host-specific insect herbivores were released in North America in the early 1990s to reduce L. salicaria abundance and its negative ecological impacts. In a companion paper, Blossey et al. documented reduced L. salicaria occupancy and stem densities following insect releases over time (i.e., biological success), irrespective of site-specific differences in starting plant communities or L. salicaria abundance. Here, we show that reduced abundance of L. salicaria leads to the ultimate goal of non-native plant management: increased cover, abundance, and diversity of species, often of native species (i.e., ecological success). We also conduct analyses to provide inference about which plant species are most sensitive to L. salicaria, including changes in L. salicaria stem density. Overall, we provide an important conservation success story: our findings emphasize that biocontrol of non-native plants can be effective and safe, allowing native species to recover as a dominant non-native species gradually declines.},
}

*Wetlands
*Biodiversity
*Lythrum/physiology
Introduced Species
*Pest Control, Biological
Animals
New York
Conservation of Natural Resources

@article {pmid40481090,
year = {2025},
author = {Samake, JN and Athinya, DK and Milanoi, S and Ramaita, E and Muchoki, M and Omondi, S and Abong'o, B and Matoke-Muhia, D and Mbogo, C and Keitany, K and Mukabana, WR and Oyieke, F and Shieshia, M and Mburu, M and Ogoma, S and Nyawira, E and Wekesa, C and Bartilol, B and Rono, M and Maia, M and O'Meara, W and Kahindi, S and Rafferty, C and Schultz, JS and Gutman, JR and Gimnig, JE and Zohdy, S and Ochomo, E},
title = {Spatial distribution and population structure of the invasive Anopheles stephensi in Kenya from 2022 to 2024.},
journal = {Scientific reports},
volume = {15},
number = {1},
pages = {19878},
pmid = {40481090},
issn = {2045-2322},
support = {INV-024969/GATES/Gates Foundation/United States ; INV-024969/GATES/Gates Foundation/United States ; },
mesh = {Animals ; *Anopheles/genetics/classification ; Kenya ; Genetic Variation ; *Introduced Species ; Mosquito Vectors/genetics ; Larva/genetics ; *Animal Distribution ; Haplotypes ; },
abstract = {This study analyzes the distribution, genetic diversity, and spread of Anopheles stephensi in Kenya following initial detection in December 2022. A total of 114 larval and 33 adult An. stephensi samples were confirmed in 7 of 18 surveyed counties majorly along transportation routes. Genetic analyses revealed three distinct genetic compositions with different levels of genetic diversity, suggesting multiple introductions into the country. The genetic composition of mosquitoes in most counties resembled southern Ethiopian populations, while those from Turkana showed a unique haplotype. A species distribution model predicts a more extensive range than currently observed, with low precipitation and minimal seasonal temperature variations as key factors influencing distribution. Challenges in adult sampling were noted, with larval sampling revealing co-occurrence with native Anopheles species. The findings have implications for surveillance and control strategies, emphasizing the need for continued monitoring, refined sampling techniques to inform bionomics, and cross-border collaboration.},
}

Animals
*Anopheles/genetics/classification
Kenya
Genetic Variation
*Introduced Species
Mosquito Vectors/genetics
Larva/genetics
*Animal Distribution
Haplotypes

@article {pmid40476664,
year = {2025},
author = {Samano, A and Kumar, N and Liao, Y and Ishtiaq, F and Chakraborty, M},
title = {Genome Structural Variants Shape Adaptive Success of an Invasive Urban Malaria Vector Anopheles stephensi.},
journal = {Molecular biology and evolution},
volume = {42},
number = {6},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1093/molbev/msaf140},
pmid = {40476664},
issn = {1537-1719},
support = {//Tata Trusts/ ; R00GM129411/NH/NIH HHS/United States ; },
mesh = {Animals ; *Anopheles/genetics ; *Mosquito Vectors/genetics ; *Genomic Structural Variation ; Malaria/transmission ; Insecticide Resistance/genetics ; Genome, Insect ; Introduced Species ; India ; },
abstract = {Global changes are associated with the emergence of several invasive species, although genetic determinants of their adaptive success remain poorly understood. To address this problem, we investigated the role genome structural variants (SVs) play in adaptations of Anopheles stephensi, a primary vector of urban malaria in South Asia and an invasive malaria vector in South Asian islands and Africa. Using whole genome sequencing data, we identified 2,988 duplications and 16,038 deletions of SVs in 115 mosquitoes from invasive island populations and four locations from mainland India, the species' ancestral range. The minor allele frequency of SVs and amino acid polymorphism suggests SVs are more deleterious than the amino acid variants. However, high-frequency SVs are enriched in genomic regions with signatures of selective sweeps, implying a putative adaptive role of some SVs. We revealed three novel candidate duplication mutations for recurrent evolution of resistance to diverse insecticides in An. stephensi populations. These mutations exhibit distinct population genetic signatures of recent adaptive evolution, suggesting different mechanisms of rapid adaptations involving hard and soft sweeps helping the species thwart chemical control strategies. We also identify candidate SVs for the larval tolerance to brackish water, which is likely an adaptation in island and coastal populations. Nearly all high-frequency SVs and the candidate adaptive variants in the island populations are derived from the mainland, suggesting a sizable contribution of existing variation to the success of the island populations. Our results highlight the important role of SVs in the evolutionary success of invasive malaria vector An. stephensi.},
}

Animals
*Anopheles/genetics
*Mosquito Vectors/genetics
*Genomic Structural Variation
Malaria/transmission
Insecticide Resistance/genetics
Genome, Insect
Introduced Species
India

@article {pmid40474285,
year = {2025},
author = {Werner, D and Nehls, H and Eska, C and Kampen, H},
title = {Anopheles hyrcanus (Diptera: Culicidae): yet another invasive mosquito species in Germany.},
journal = {Parasites & vectors},
volume = {18},
number = {1},
pages = {211},
pmid = {40474285},
issn = {1756-3305},
support = {2819107B22//Federal Office for Agriculture and Food (BLE)/ ; 2818SE001//Federal Office for Agriculture and Food (BLE)/ ; },
mesh = {Animals ; *Anopheles/parasitology/physiology/classification ; Germany ; *Mosquito Vectors/parasitology/physiology/classification ; *Introduced Species ; Malaria/transmission ; Female ; },
abstract = {From August to October 2024, 62 specimens of the non-native mosquito species Anopheles hyrcanus were trapped in the federal state of Brandenburg, northeastern Germany. At one site, 59 specimens, and at a second site, 3 specimens were collected, with both sites located in floodplain areas, approximately 25 km apart. The records represent the northernmost collection sites of this species worldwide. Anopheles hyrcanus is considered a potential vector of malaria parasites, dirofilarial worms, and various viruses, although vector capacity appears to be generally low. The findings in Germany follow the recent detections of the species in Hungary, Slovakia, Czechia, Austria, and Poland, suggesting possible establishment in more northern areas as a consequence of climate change.},
}

Animals
*Anopheles/parasitology/physiology/classification
Germany
*Mosquito Vectors/parasitology/physiology/classification
*Introduced Species
Malaria/transmission
Female

@article {pmid40473756,
year = {2025},
author = {Rocha, BS and Rodrigues, AC and Granzotti, RV},
title = {Widespread freshwater non-native fishes exhibit synchronized population dynamics with functionally similar natives.},
journal = {Scientific reports},
volume = {15},
number = {1},
pages = {19753},
pmid = {40473756},
issn = {2045-2322},
mesh = {Animals ; *Fishes/physiology/classification ; Population Dynamics ; *Introduced Species ; Ecosystem ; Phylogeny ; Fresh Water ; Rivers ; },
abstract = {Invasive non-native fish species can profoundly disrupt ecosystems. In invasion ecology, using the functional similarity with native species to help predict demographic rates of non-native species and infer the ecological processes underlying it remains largely unexplored. Utilizing a comprehensive analysis of 2,903 species pairs across 153 sampling sites in rivers distributed in different continents, we evaluated interspecific synchrony patterns among populations of native and non-native fish species and explored their relationship with functional and phylogenetic dissimilarities using a linear mixed model. Our results indicate that non-native fish exhibit higher synchrony with native species that share similar ecological and morphological traits. This finding corroborates our hypothesis that co-occurring non-native and native species that are more functionally similar are more synchronized and emphasizes the importance of environmental filtering significantly shaping population dynamics between native communities and coexisting non-native species. We highlight the potential of widespread non-native species in increasing synchronous patterns and consequently decreasing community stability. By elucidating which type of dissimilarities (ecological, life history, morphological, and phylogenetic) can predict synchrony and which ecological mechanisms facilitate the coexistence of native and non-native species, this research underscores the ecological implications of invasion dynamics in the long term and helps to guide conservation efforts.},
}

Animals
*Fishes/physiology/classification
Population Dynamics
*Introduced Species
Ecosystem
Phylogeny
Fresh Water
Rivers

@article {pmid40472533,
year = {2025},
author = {Gorenz, J and Klarl, M and Nehring, S and Pander, J and Geist, J},
title = {Passage denied: The potential of dispersal barriers to limit the spread of aquatic invasive species through shipping canals.},
journal = {Journal of environmental management},
volume = {389},
number = {},
pages = {126075},
doi = {10.1016/j.jenvman.2025.126075},
pmid = {40472533},
issn = {1095-8630},
abstract = {The spread of aquatic invasive species (AIS) presents a pressing challenge for global biodiversity, with freshwater ecosystems being particularly affected. The connection of watersheds throughout Europe by the construction of artificial shipping canals has created novel invasion pathways, but may also provide critical infrastructure to counter range expansion by implementation of different barrier solutions. Here, we critically review the efficacy, applicability and limitations of dispersal barriers against AIS in shipping canals considering fishes, invertebrates, algae, bacteria and fungi. Despite the wide spread of AIS and their known detrimental effects on aquatic ecosystems, research focusing on barriers for AIS in shipping canals is rather limited and predominantly concentrated on a few species of fish. Out of 180 screened studies, only 32 examined the efficacy of technologies such as electric fields, acoustic signals, strobe light, air-bubble curtains, CO2 and pheromones as non-physical barriers. Efficacy and applicability was mostly tested in laboratory setups and strongly species-dependent, requiring a site-specific identification of the most useful barrier technology. Major limitations to barrier implementation include undesired and unknown side effects on non-target species, humans and the environment. To preserve the ecological integrity of freshwater ecosystems across transboundary and inland watersheds, future research should tackle these challenges by increasing the number of studies under realistic field conditions to allow evidence-based decision making on the management of AIS.},
}

@article {pmid40471946,
year = {2025},
author = {Calado, L and Cosenza, B and Moraes, F and Dias Luko, C and Mizrahi, D and Xavier, FC and Batista, D and Domingos, R and Calazans, S and Araújo, F and Coutinho, R},
title = {Simulated larvae dispersion of the invasive sun-coral (Tubastrea spp.) along Rio de Janeiro's coast: The role of submesoscale filaments on offshore transport and connectivity.},
journal = {PloS one},
volume = {20},
number = {6},
pages = {e0313240},
pmid = {40471946},
issn = {1932-6203},
mesh = {Animals ; Brazil ; *Anthozoa/physiology ; Larva/physiology ; *Introduced Species ; Ecosystem ; *Animal Distribution ; Pacific Ocean ; Wind ; },
abstract = {The spread of invasive species in marine ecosystems is a growing global concern, particularly in regions with high economic and ecological importance. Sun corals (Tubastraea spp.) are native scleractinians from the Pacific Ocean that have spread along most of the Brazilian coast. This invasive species initially established populations in Rio de Janeiro state, SE Brazil, reaching high levels of abundance. Although the ecological aspects and impacts caused by this organism have been studied in detail, the natural mechanisms that drive its dispersal have attracted little attention. In this research, we focus on the coastal dispersion of sun coral larvae between Cabo de São Tomé and Ilha Grande Bay, and the offshore transport of sun coral larvae, investigating how submesoscale oceanographic features such as filaments, fronts and eddies influence connectivity among different sites. A high-resolution numerical model was used to simulate the coastal dynamics, incorporating the influence of the Brazil Current, wind-driven circulation, and submesoscale structures. Larval dispersal was examined under different wind scenarios, including northeasterly winds that drive southward currents and enhance offshore transport via submesoscale filaments. Results show that submesoscale features, particularly filaments emerged from upwelling regions, play a significant role on sun coral larvae dispersion. These features act as pathways that connect larvae from coastal to offshore oil exploration areas, highlighting the importance of both natural and anthropogenic processes for the dispersal of this invasive species. This research provides critical insights into the mechanisms governing the spread of invasive marine species, emphasizing the need for integrated coastal management strategies. Understanding how physical processes drive larval transport is essential for developing targeted control measures to mitigate the impact of invasive species like sun coral on native ecosystems and local economies. Furthermore, the study underscores the importance of monitoring both natural and anthropogenic influences on marine bioinvasions, particularly in regions with significant offshore industrial activities.},
}

Animals
Brazil
*Anthozoa/physiology
Larva/physiology
*Introduced Species
Ecosystem
*Animal Distribution
Pacific Ocean
Wind

@article {pmid40471899,
year = {2025},
author = {Marais, GC and Stratton, IC and Johnson, AJ and Hulcr, J},
title = {Progress in developing a bark beetle identification tool.},
journal = {PloS one},
volume = {20},
number = {6},
pages = {e0310716},
pmid = {40471899},
issn = {1932-6203},
mesh = {Animals ; *Coleoptera/classification ; Deep Learning ; Forests ; Image Processing, Computer-Assisted/methods ; },
abstract = {This study presents an initial model for bark beetle identification, serving as a foundational step toward developing a fully functional and practical identification tool. Bark beetles are known for extensive damage to forests globally, as well as for uniform and homoplastic morphology which poses identification challenges. Utilizing a MaxViT-based deep learning backbone which utilizes local and global attention to classify bark beetles down to the genus level from images containing multiple beetles. The methodology involves a process of image collection, preparation, and model training, leveraging pre-classified beetle species to ensure accuracy and reliability. The model's F1 score estimates of 0.99 and 1.0 indicates a strong ability to accurately classify genera in the collected data, including those previously unknown to the model. This makes it a valuable first step towards building a tool for applications in forest management and ecological research. While the current model distinguishes among 12 genera, further refinement and additional data will be necessary to achieve reliable species-level identification, which is particularly important for detecting new invasive species. Despite the controlled conditions of image collection and potential challenges in real-world application, this study provides the first model capable of identifying the bark beetle genera, and by far the largest training set of images for any comparable insect group. We also designed a function that reports if a species appears to be unknown. Further research is suggested to enhance the model's generalization capabilities and scalability, emphasizing the integration of advanced machine learning techniques for improved species classification and the detection of invasive or undescribed species.},
}

Animals
*Coleoptera/classification
Deep Learning
Forests
Image Processing, Computer-Assisted/methods

@article {pmid40462286,
year = {2025},
author = {Calvo, C and Elgersma, KJ and Goldberg, DE and Currie, WS and Batzer, E and Martina, JP},
title = {Biotic resistance across a nutrient gradient in experimental wetland mesocosms.},
journal = {Ecological applications : a publication of the Ecological Society of America},
volume = {35},
number = {4},
pages = {e70029},
doi = {10.1002/eap.70029},
pmid = {40462286},
issn = {1051-0761},
support = {80NSSC21K1652/NASA/NASA/United States ; NNX11AC72G/NASA/NASA/United States ; },
mesh = {*Wetlands ; *Typhaceae/physiology ; *Nitrogen/chemistry ; Introduced Species ; },
abstract = {Anthropogenic degradation of wetlands often leads to regional biotic homogenization and reduced plant diversity. This reduction is often attributed to the proliferation and dominance of a few generalist, often non-native, species. Biotic resistance from natives can sometimes impede the growth and spread of colonizers, but its dependence on environmental conditions is poorly understood. Based on field and modeling studies, we tested the predictions that (1) biotic resistance declines at higher nitrogen loading and (2) size influences colonization success. In a five-growing season mesocosm experiment, we grew three cattail taxa: Typha latifolia (native, large), Typha angustifolia (non-native, invasive, smallest), and Typha × glauca (hybrid, most invasive, large) as potential colonizers in the presence or absence of pre-established resident vegetation. At two sites differing in climate and growing season length, biotic resistance treatments were crossed with 12 nitrogen levels (inflows 0-45 g N m[-2] year[-1]). Each treatment combination was replicated twice, totaling 48 mesocosms per site. Without residents, colonizers (as total biomass of all three cattail taxa) persisted and expanded clonally across all nitrogen levels. However, their expansion was generally lower when colonizing a pre-established resident community compare to bare ground. The magnitude of biotic resistance, measured as the effect of residents on colonizers' biomass, and its interaction with nitrogen differed between sites. As predicted, biotic resistance decreased with high nitrogen at the northern site, but at the southern site, residents nearly eliminated colonizers. As anticipated, smaller T. angustifolia was a poorer colonizer than the other taxa, while T. × glauca was the strongest colonizer, especially under high nitrogen conditions where biotic resistance was minimal. Our findings partially support the hypothesis that biotic resistance declines with nitrogen loading, indicating that additional research on the factors influencing the magnitude of biotic resistance is needed. Importantly, when combined with our finding that Typha can persist at all nutrient levels when natives are absent, this information could help identify wetlands particularly vulnerable to invasion, especially in environments experiencing concurrent nutrient enrichment and disturbances that expose bare ground.},
}

*Wetlands
*Typhaceae/physiology
*Nitrogen/chemistry
Introduced Species

@article {pmid40461031,
year = {2025},
author = {Ksepka, SP and Walsh, H and Densmore, CL and Truong, TN and Bullard, SA},
title = {TWO NEW SPECIES OF HENNEGUYA THÉLOHAN, 1892 (CNIDARIA: BIVALVULIDA: MYXOBOLIDAE) INFECTING GILL OF BLUE CATFISH, ICTALURUS FURCATUS (RAFINESQUE) (SILURIFORMES: ICTALURIDAE) FROM THE TALLAPOOSA RIVER AND CHESAPEAKE BAY TRIBUTARIES.},
journal = {The Journal of parasitology},
volume = {111},
number = {3},
pages = {287-297},
doi = {10.1645/24-141},
pmid = {40461031},
issn = {1937-2345},
mesh = {Animals ; *Gills/parasitology ; *Fish Diseases/parasitology/epidemiology ; Rivers ; *Ictaluridae/parasitology ; Alabama/epidemiology ; *Parasitic Diseases, Animal/parasitology/epidemiology ; *Myxozoa/classification/genetics/anatomy & histology/ultrastructure/isolation & purification ; Phylogeny ; },
abstract = {We herein describe 2 new species of Henneguya Thélohan, 1892 (Bivalvulida: Myxobolidae), Henneguya auburnensis Ksepka and Bullard n. sp. and Henneguya chesapeakensis Ksepka, Walsh, and Bullard n. sp., infecting the inter-lamellar epithelium of cultured blue catfish (Ictalurus furcatus [Valenciennes, 1840] [Siluriformes: Ictaluridae]) from Saugahatchee Creek (Tallapoosa River; Auburn, Alabama) and the inter-lamellar epithelium of invasive blue catfish captured in Chesapeake Bay tributaries, respectively. Henneguya auburnensis resembles Henneguya mississippiensisRosser, Griffin, Quiniou, Khoo, Greenway, Wise, and Pote, 2015, and Henneguya sutherlandiGriffin, Pote, Wise, Greenway, Mauel, and Camus, 2008, which both infect channel catfish (Ictalurus punctatus [Rafinesque, 1818] [Siluriformes: Ictaluridae]) in Mississippi, but differs from these species by having more polar tubule coils (10-12 vs. 8-9 and 6, respectively). Henneguya chesapeakensis resembles Henneguya longicaudaMinchew, 1977, which infects channel catfish in Mississippi, but differs from this species by having shorter polar capsules (6.0-7.0 vs. 7.0-9.0). A phylogenetic analysis of the small subunit (SSU) rDNA recovered ictalurid-infecting Henneguya spp. as monophyletic, with H. auburnensis sister to a clade of Henneguya spp. that, except for H. chesapeakensis, infect the gill or adipose fin of channel catfish. Henneguya chesapeakensis was recovered sister to Henneguya ictaluriPote, Hanson, and Shivaji, 2000. Histological sections of infected gill filaments revealed that the plasmodia of both new species developed within the inter-lamellar epithelium. The new species comprise the second and third species of Henneguya reported from blue catfish.},
}

Animals
*Gills/parasitology
*Fish Diseases/parasitology/epidemiology
Rivers
*Ictaluridae/parasitology
Alabama/epidemiology
*Parasitic Diseases, Animal/parasitology/epidemiology
*Myxozoa/classification/genetics/anatomy & histology/ultrastructure/isolation & purification
Phylogeny

@article {pmid40460806,
year = {2025},
author = {Gong, L and Song, Y and Zhao, W and Su, L and Li, T and Hu, Y and Li, B and Li, X},
title = {The impact of different Spartina alterniflora eradication strategies on the biological community.},
journal = {Marine pollution bulletin},
volume = {219},
number = {},
pages = {118242},
doi = {10.1016/j.marpolbul.2025.118242},
pmid = {40460806},
issn = {1879-3363},
abstract = {The global invasive species, Spartina alterniflora has caused significant damage to coastal wetland ecosystems in China. This study evaluated the effectiveness and ecological impacts of two S. alterniflora management strategies in the Yangtze River estuary: Haloxyfop-R-methyl application and repeated mowing (once at the early flowering stage and once nine weeks later). The effectiveness of S. alterniflora control, and macrobenthos and bacterial community responses were compared at the Haloxyfop-R-methyl site, repeated mowing site, a control site, and a mud site during 2022-2023, and sediment physicochemical properties were also assessed. One year after Haloxyfop-R-methyl application, the density, aboveground biomass, height, and regenerated S. alterniflora were significantly reduced by 84 %, 94 %, 80 %, and 99 %, respectively. Mowing reduced the density, aboveground biomass, and height by 28 %, 78 %, and 29 %, respectively. At the Haloxyfop-R-methyl site, the biomass and Chao1 index of macrobenthos were significantly decreased compared with the control. There were significant differences in the macrobenthos community structure between the Haloxyfop-R-methyl and mowing sites compared to the control. Haloxyfop-R-methyl application and mowing did not significantly alter the α-diversity of bacterial communities but had an impact on the bacterial community structure, with the main indicator species differing among sites. Vegetation changes, sediment moisture content, total organic carbon content, and ammonium nitrogen concentration were the main factors influencing the composition of macrobenthos and bacterial communities at all sites. In summary, the Haloxyfop-R-methyl strategy better controlled S. alterniflora in coastal wetlands, while the repeated mowing strategy resulted in less disturbance of the major biological groups.},
}

@article {pmid40460685,
year = {2025},
author = {Wang, L and Lucarelli, V and Kralicek, A and Travas-Sejdic, J and Zhu, B},
title = {Electrochemical aptasensor for sensitive, rapid and label-free detection of MUP13.},
journal = {Talanta},
volume = {296},
number = {},
pages = {128418},
doi = {10.1016/j.talanta.2025.128418},
pmid = {40460685},
issn = {1873-3573},
abstract = {Invasive mammalian predators threaten native ecosystems globally, and eradication efforts often fail to fully protect local flora and fauna. Continuous surveillance is crucial to ensure eradication and prevent reinvasion. Rapid detection of invasive species, particularly large mammals, is challenging due to the reliance on labour-intensive methods like traps and baits. A remote sensing device capable of detecting these species could be transformative for ecosystem protection. Here we present an electrochemical aptasensor device that can rapidly detect a protein biomarker, MUP13, from rat urine, as a proof of concept for a new surveillance system able to identify the presence of a pest in an area through detection of species-specific biomarkers. The developed electrochemical sensor provided a linear detection range from 1.68 nM to 16.82 μM, with a LoD of 2.2 nM and a sensitivity of 0.26 [log(M)][-1]. The electrochemical aptasensor exhibited high specificity when tested against structurally related biomarkers and other contaminants present in rat urine.},
}

@article {pmid40459991,
year = {2025},
author = {Lequerica Támara, ME and Latty, T and Threlfall, CG and Hochuli, DF},
title = {Seasonal variation in floral resource use by a hover fly (Melangyna) (Diptera: Syrphidae) and the western honey bee (Apis mellifera) (Hymenoptera: Apidae) in an urban setting.},
journal = {Journal of insect science (Online)},
volume = {25},
number = {3},
pages = {},
pmid = {40459991},
issn = {1536-2442},
mesh = {Animals ; Bees/physiology ; Seasons ; *Flowers ; *Pollination ; *Diptera/physiology ; Cities ; Urbanization ; New South Wales ; },
abstract = {Concerns about the impacts of introduced honey bees (Apis mellifera L.) on native insects and pollination services are prevalent. These impacts may be more pronounced on urban greenspaces, yet research on the use of abundant winter-flowering plants, such as Acacia spp. and Grevillea spp., in subtropical ecosystems is limited. Our study investigated the seasonal use of floral resources by honey bees and native hover flies (Melangyna indet.) in urban greenspaces of varying urbanization levels in Sydney, Australia. We found both insect groups use similar plants, with honey bees having a higher number of interactions with plants in general, but Melangyna interacting with more plant species during some seasons. Particularly in autumn and winter, when native plants flower, Melangyna had more interactions and visited more plant species than honey bees. The overlap in floral resources used by both was higher than expected in various urbanization levels during spring and autumn. This suggests that Melangyna may play a significant role in pollination during autumn and winter, especially in highly urbanized sites. The observed differences in floral resource utilization and seasonal variations indicate that the potential effects of introduced A. mellifera on native pollinators like Melangyna may be difficult to quantify given the high number of variables and complexity of the system. Our findings underscore the importance of considering seasonal patterns and multispecies interactions in studies on the impact of introduced species on native biodiversity.},
}

Animals
Bees/physiology
Seasons
*Flowers
*Pollination
*Diptera/physiology
Cities
Urbanization
New South Wales

@article {pmid40459988,
year = {2025},
author = {DuBose, JG and Hoogshagen, M and de Roode, JC},
title = {The role of a non-native host plant in altering the seasonal dynamics of Danaus plexippus (Lepidoptera: Nymphalidae) development.},
journal = {Journal of insect science (Online)},
volume = {25},
number = {3},
pages = {},
pmid = {40459988},
issn = {1536-2442},
mesh = {Animals ; Seasons ; *Butterflies/growth & development/physiology ; *Asclepias/physiology ; Introduced Species ; Female ; Animal Migration ; Larva/growth & development/physiology ; Male ; },
abstract = {Insect herbivores often experience seasonal fluctuation in food availability, which plays important role in signaling diapause and/or migration. However, the introduction of non-native plants with different seasonal phenologies has the potential to disrupt these dynamics. Some evidence suggests that this may be a developing issue for the annual migration of the monarch butterfly Danaus plexippus (Linnaeus) (Lepidoptera: Nymphalidae). The tropical milkweed Asclepias curassavica (Linnaeus) (Gentianales: Apocynaceae), which does not seasonally senesce to the same extent or rate as native milkweed host plants, has recently been introduced into the North American mainland population. Here, we report an experimental comparison of monarch developmental success when reared on A. curassavica and the native A. incarnata (Linnaeus) (Gentianales: Apocynaceae) in the summer and fall. We found that A. curassavica facilitates monarch development later into their typical migratory and over-wintering season, despite several prolonged periods where the temperature was below requirements for growth and development.},
}

Animals
Seasons
*Butterflies/growth & development/physiology
*Asclepias/physiology
Introduced Species
Female
Animal Migration
Larva/growth & development/physiology
Male

@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.},
}

@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.},
}

@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.},
}

*Introduced Species
Biomass
*Climate Change
Droughts
Salinity
Ecosystem
*Plants

@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.},
}

@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.},
}

Animals
*Introduced Species
Islands
*Nitrogen Isotopes/analysis
New Zealand
Ecosystem
*Birds/physiology
*Charadriiformes/physiology
Time Factors

@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.},
}

Animals
*Diptera/physiology/chemistry
*Feeding Behavior/drug effects
*Pest Control, Biological/methods
Coleoptera/physiology
Larva/chemistry
*Hemiptera/physiology/chemistry

@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.},
}

@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.},
}

@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},
mesh = {Animals ; *DNA, Environmental ; *Bivalvia/genetics ; Introduced Species ; Temperature ; Ecosystem ; Hydrogen-Ion Concentration ; Fresh Water ; Environmental Monitoring/methods ; Biomass ; },
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.},
}

Animals
*DNA, Environmental
*Bivalvia/genetics
Introduced Species
Temperature
Ecosystem
Hydrogen-Ion Concentration
Fresh Water
Environmental Monitoring/methods
Biomass

@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},
mesh = {*Climate Change ; China ; *Introduced Species ; *Wetlands ; Conservation of Natural Resources ; Biodiversity ; Ecosystem ; Environmental Monitoring ; },
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.},
}

*Climate Change
China
*Introduced Species
*Wetlands
Conservation of Natural Resources
Biodiversity
Ecosystem
Environmental Monitoring

@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},
mesh = {*Grassland ; *Nitrogen ; China ; *Carbon/analysis ; *Soil/chemistry ; *Biodiversity ; Biomass ; Poaceae ; Plants ; Ecosystem ; },
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.},
}

*Grassland
*Nitrogen
China
*Carbon/analysis
*Soil/chemistry
*Biodiversity
Biomass
Poaceae
Plants
Ecosystem

@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},
mesh = {Animals ; *Ecosystem ; *Smegmamorpha/physiology ; *Predatory Behavior ; *Food Chain ; Amphipoda ; Introduced Species ; Population Dynamics ; },
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.},
}

Animals
*Ecosystem
*Smegmamorpha/physiology
*Predatory Behavior
*Food Chain
Amphipoda
Introduced Species
Population Dynamics

@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.},
}

@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.},
}

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

@article {pmid40446522,
year = {2025},
author = {Foster, R and Bass, D and Clark, PF and Morritt, D and Stebbing, P},
title = {Qualitative risk analysis of invasive pathogens spreading via raw water transfers in the UK.},
journal = {The Science of the total environment},
volume = {986},
number = {},
pages = {179746},
doi = {10.1016/j.scitotenv.2025.179746},
pmid = {40446522},
issn = {1879-1026},
mesh = {United Kingdom ; Risk Assessment ; *Introduced Species ; *Water Microbiology ; Environmental Monitoring ; Water Supply ; Fresh Water/microbiology ; },
abstract = {Raw water transfers (RWT) are artificial movements of untreated water, often constructed from areas of high supply and low demand to areas of low supply and high demand for potable water, industry and irrigation, but also to meet environmental requirements, such as to maintain river flow. Increasing demands on water infrastructure coupled with climate change mean that the reliance of the water industry on RWT will increase significantly within the next decade. RWTs are recognised as a high-risk pathway for the spread of freshwater invasive non-native species (INNS), however the movement of invasive micro-organisms via RWT is yet to be explored. This study aims to qualitatively assess the risk of transfer and establishment of invasive pathogens as a result of RWTs. Using the Source-Pathway-Receptor-Consequence model, the pathways and processes involved in micro-organism movement due to RWT are mapped, and high and low risk scenarios with respect to pathogen spread via RWT are presented. The biological factors affecting the survival and persistence of pathogens are discussed, and how these interact with the physical parameters of RWT. We have highlighted potential freshwater diseases of importance to the UK and demonstrated their potential for transmission via RWT due to their to persistence within the environment. This risk analysis provides evidence that a more detailed study of pathogen interactions with RWT variables is required to enable quantitative risk assessments to be made, in anticipation of future legislative policy.},
}

United Kingdom
Risk Assessment
*Introduced Species
*Water Microbiology
Environmental Monitoring
Water Supply
Fresh Water/microbiology

@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.},
}

Animals
*Introduced Species
*Ecosystem
Japan
Feces/chemistry
*Mustelidae/physiology
Islands
Population Density

@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.},
}

Animals
*Introduced Species
*Moths/physiology
Forests
*Animal Distribution
Climate
Population Growth
Spatio-Temporal Analysis
Models, Biological
Population Dynamics

@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.},
}

@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.},
}

*Soil/chemistry
*Nanoparticles/chemistry
Photosynthesis/drug effects
Antioxidants/metabolism
Silicon Dioxide/chemistry
Nitrogen/metabolism
Chlorophyll/metabolism
Titanium/chemistry

@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.},
}

Animals
*Fishes/genetics/classification
*DNA Barcoding, Taxonomic/methods
*DNA, Environmental/genetics
Biodiversity
Republic of Korea
*Introduced Species
Ecosystem

@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.},
}

Poland
*Selenium/analysis/metabolism
Montenegro
*Ecosystem
Soil/chemistry
*Bidens/metabolism/chemistry
Bioaccumulation
Introduced Species
*Soil Pollutants/analysis/metabolism
Environmental Monitoring

@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.},
}

Animals
*Cyprinidae/genetics
*Haplotypes
*Genome
*Chromosomes
Zebrafish/genetics

@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.},
}

Animals
*Paracoccus/genetics
*Genome, Insect
Genomics

@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.},
}

@article {pmid40441127,
year = {2025},
author = {Ge, B and Wang, W and Wang, S and Jia, P and Sun, X and Li, H and Yang, L},
title = {Shift in the distribution of native species Littoraria intermedia in response to Spartina alterniflora invasion.},
journal = {Marine environmental research},
volume = {209},
number = {},
pages = {107235},
doi = {10.1016/j.marenvres.2025.107235},
pmid = {40441127},
issn = {1879-0291},
mesh = {*Introduced Species ; Animals ; *Poaceae/physiology ; China ; *Gastropoda/physiology ; Ecosystem ; Seasons ; *Environmental Monitoring ; Population Dynamics ; },
abstract = {The progression of Spartina alterniflora invasion profoundly reshapes coastal ecosystems, yet the impacts of its invasion stage-specific on native species remain understudied. The field investigation along China's Yellow Sea coast was conducted to examine how invasion stages (initial to senescing) and seasons jointly drove population dynamics of the native gastropod Littoraria intermedia. Through systematic sampling of 160 quadrats across four seasons, we quantified density shifts of L. intermedia, environmental properties, and spatial aggregation patterns using Morisita's index. The results revealed a nonlinear density response that L. intermedia peaked at 15.9 ± 4.48 ind/m[2] in autumn of the mature invasion stage, but declined in winter and spring across all stages. Invasion-induced environmental shifts exhibited stage dependency; sediment organic matter increased by 203 % (5.70 ± 0.11 to 17.31 ± 0.63 g/kg) while Chlorophyll a decreased 40 % (2.90 ± 1.19 to 1.74 ± 0.96 μg/g) from initial to senescing stages. The effects of season and invasion stage on L. intermedia density indicated that the highest density was observed in summer of the mature invasion stage of S. alterniflora. According to the Morisita index analysis, L. intermedia exhibited an aggregated distribution pattern overall; however, the spatial distribution showed a tendency toward random dispersion at both the initial and senescing invasion stages. S. alterniflora stem density and vegetation coverage were identified as primary drivers on the density of L. intermedia through stepwise regression. These findings demonstrated a "facilitation-suppression" paradox: dense S. alterniflora initially enhanced L. intermedia survival via predator refuge and microhabitat stability, yet prolonged invasion degrades habitat suitability through sediment compaction and food resource depletion.},
}

*Introduced Species
Animals
*Poaceae/physiology
China
*Gastropoda/physiology
Ecosystem
Seasons
*Environmental Monitoring
Population Dynamics

@article {pmid40440935,
year = {2025},
author = {Raheem, A and Iqbal, B and Wang, Y and Lou, J and Tang, Y and Li, J and Zhang, Q and Xu, S and Dai, Z and Zheng, X and Ren, G and Li, G and Du, D},
title = {Concurrent alien plant invasion and biodiversity loss enhance soil microbial carbon use efficiency by shifting the balance between microbial carbon and nitrogen acquisition.},
journal = {Journal of environmental management},
volume = {388},
number = {},
pages = {125819},
doi = {10.1016/j.jenvman.2025.125819},
pmid = {40440935},
issn = {1095-8630},
mesh = {*Nitrogen/metabolism ; *Introduced Species ; *Carbon/metabolism ; *Soil Microbiology ; *Biodiversity ; Soil/chemistry ; Solidago ; },
abstract = {The proliferation of invasive alien plants (IAPs), coupled with the decline in native biodiversity, poses a significant threat to global ecological stability. These processes disrupt native plant communities and trigger cascading effects on vital soil functions, such as carbon cycling. While IAPs are known to alter soil properties, the mechanisms driving these changes, particularly in the context of simultaneous biodiversity loss, remain poorly understood. This pot-based study simulated the reduction in native plant biodiversity caused by Solidago canadensis L. invasion, a highly aggressive IAP, to explore its impact on soil microbial resource acquisition strategies and carbon use efficiency (CUE). Four treatments were established: early invasion with high native plant diversity, moderate invasion with moderate diversity, high invasion with low diversity, and complete invasion with no native diversity. The soil microbial nutrient acquisition strategies and CUE were analyzed using eco-enzymatic stoichiometry within the frameworks of ecological stoichiometry and metabolic ecology theories. Our results revealed a significant depletion of inorganic nitrogen and dissolved organic nitrogen in high invasion with low diversity treatment soils (p < 0.05), leading to nitrogen limitation. Microbial nutrient acquisition strategies shifted toward nitrogen prioritization with increasing S. canadensis invasion, reflected by reduced eco-enzymatic carbon-to-nitrogen stoichiometry. CUE increased significantly along the S. canadensis invasion gradient, rising by 55.7%-63.5% (p < 0.05), driven by shifts in microbial nutrient acquisition strategies. These findings demonstrate that S. canadensis invasion-induced biodiversity loss disrupts nutrient dynamics and enhances CUE, potentially accelerating soil fertility degradation and ecosystem instability.},
}

*Nitrogen/metabolism
*Introduced Species
*Carbon/metabolism
*Soil Microbiology
*Biodiversity
Soil/chemistry
Solidago