@article {pmid40115274,
year = {2025},
author = {Díaz, AC and Martin, SM},
title = {Use and application of iNaturalist on land snails from Argentina.},
journal = {PeerJ},
volume = {13},
number = {},
pages = {e19152},
pmid = {40115274},
issn = {2167-8359},
mesh = {Argentina ; Animals ; *Snails/classification ; *Biodiversity ; Introduced Species ; Animal Distribution ; Citizen Science ; },
abstract = {Gastropods are a large and diverse taxonomic group, and South America has an impressive diversity of land snails. However, there are no accurate and complete lists or estimates of native species' richness in South America. The aim of this work is to evaluate the use of iNaturalist in Argentina for terrestrial gastropods and its potential to contribute to the knowledge of malacofauna. A search was performed for Argentina on 15 June 2024, filtering observations for terrestrial gastropods, yielding 3,758 records, of which about 10% were of interest for this work. Exotic species represented between 60-63% of the observations in iNaturalist, and native species represented between 37-40%, with post-validation and pre-validation respectively. The geographical distribution of exotic species was mostly concentrated in the urban areas of the capital cities, and the observations of native species were concentrated in a few provinces. It was possible to detect and expand the distribution area of exotic species such as Rumina decollata, Limacus flavus, Bradybaena similaris, Deroceras laeve, Deroceras reticulatum, Deroceras invadens, Arion intermedius, Milax gagates, Limax maximus, Vallonia pulchella, possibly Laevicaulis alte; native species such as Phyllocaulis soleiformis, Drymaeus poecilus, Drymaeus papyraceus. Potential species not recorded in Argentina were identified as Helix pomatia, Mesembrinus gereti. We also recorded species within the known range, potential new species not described by science, a possible case of accidental transfer of Mesembrinus interpunctus, and the prediction of the distribution of Megalobulimus lorentzianus was verified. Through the development of this study, we were able to demonstrate the relevance of citizen science in providing interesting contributions to the knowledge of terrestrial mollusks biodiversity in Argentina.},
}

Argentina
Animals
*Snails/classification
*Biodiversity
Introduced Species
Animal Distribution
Citizen Science

@article {pmid40114664,
year = {2025},
author = {Austad, B and Závorka, L and Cucherousset, J and Höjesjö, J},
title = {Effects of Brook Trout Invasion on Behavioral and Dietary Shifts in Brown Trout.},
journal = {Ecology and evolution},
volume = {15},
number = {3},
pages = {e70995},
pmid = {40114664},
issn = {2045-7758},
abstract = {Behavioral variation within a population is generally maintained by frequency dependent selection, allowing various personalities to coexist. Bolder individuals usually engage in more risky behaviors that can gain fitness benefits such as growth under certain conditions. Therefore, it has been suggested that there should be a link between personality and dietary niches, but the results so far are inconsistent. In addition, the equilibrium of the distribution of behavioral traits and the trophic niche of native populations may shift following the introduction of an invasive species. Here, using the invasive brook trout (Salvelinus fontinalis) and native brown trout (Salmo trutta) as model species in two different natural streams in Sweden, we aimed to test whether (1) the trophic niche of native brown trout living in allopatry and brown trout living in sympatry with brook trout differ and (2) bolder brown trout individuals utilize a different foraging niche. Our results suggest that there is a dietary niche convergence between brown trout and brook trout, which likely is a result of brook trout invasion, but that the trophic niche of native brown trout varies across streams, possibly due to differing invasion impacts (varying ratio of brook trout to brown trout). We also found a strong positive correlation between trophic position and personality of brown trout irrespective of the presence of brook trout.},
}

@article {pmid40110734,
year = {2025},
author = {Lavoie, DR and Oliveira, K},
title = {Non-lethal detection of the invasive American eel parasite Anguillicola crassus.},
journal = {Diseases of aquatic organisms},
volume = {161},
number = {},
pages = {87-93},
doi = {10.3354/dao03849},
pmid = {40110734},
issn = {0177-5103},
mesh = {Animals ; *Air Sacs/parasitology ; *Fish Diseases/parasitology ; *Anguilla/parasitology ; Spirurida Infections/veterinary/parasitology ; Introduced Species ; Dracunculoidea ; },
abstract = {The invasive species Anguillicola crassus is a nematode that infects the swimbladders of anguillid eels. Heavy, repeated infections cause the swimbladder to become thickened and scarred, which can alter swimbladder gas volume, increase energy demands of buoyancy regulation, and influence normal function. Silver-phase (sexually maturing) eels migrate up to thousands of kilometers to the Sargasso Sea to reproduce, and increased energetic requirements may be detrimental to migration and breeding success. Currently, the best practice to confirm A. crassus infection is to dissect an eel and examine the swimbladder. We used a portable digital X-ray system to determine the presence of A. crassus in American eels Anguilla rostrata. Silver-phase eels were anesthetized and radiographed. Post-imaging, individuals were dissected to compare the contents of the swimbladder to the radiographs. Infections appeared opaque on radiographs. Results showed no false positives and an accuracy of 74.8%. Out of 193 X-rayed eels, 107 contained parasites; 27 infections were undetectable on radiographs (false negatives). Detection was influenced by the intensity, size, and location of parasites within the swimbladder. This digital X-ray method is a quick and non-lethal process that could be incorporated into existing monitoring programs.},
}

Animals
*Air Sacs/parasitology
*Fish Diseases/parasitology
*Anguilla/parasitology
Spirurida Infections/veterinary/parasitology
Introduced Species
Dracunculoidea

@article {pmid38710469,
year = {2025},
author = {Adams, B and Mbarak Khamis, F and Ahmed Yusuf, A and Torto, B},
title = {Zoophytophagous predator sex pheromone and visual cues of opposing reflectance spectra lure predator and invasive prey.},
journal = {Journal of advanced research},
volume = {70},
number = {},
pages = {15-27},
doi = {10.1016/j.jare.2024.05.005},
pmid = {38710469},
issn = {2090-1224},
mesh = {Animals ; Female ; *Predatory Behavior/physiology ; Male ; *Sex Attractants ; *Solanum lycopersicum ; *Cues ; *Pest Control, Biological/methods ; Heteroptera/physiology ; Moths/physiology ; Introduced Species ; Volatile Organic Compounds/analysis ; Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry/methods ; },
abstract = {INTRODUCTION: In sub-Saharan Africa, the invasive South American leafminer Phthorimaea absoluta is the most damaging tomato pest. Females of the pest can reproduce both sexually and through parthenogenesis and lay their eggs on all tomato plant parts. The mirid predator Nesidiocoris tenuis, a biological control agent for the pest, is also a tomato pest when prey population is low. To date, however, no study has developed an eco-friendly solution that targets both the predator and its host in a tomato farming system.

OBJECTIVE: To develop a bio-based management system for both pest and predator based on the combined use of sexual communication in the predator and visual cues.

METHODS: We collected volatiles from both sexes of the Kenyan population of the predator N. tenuis and identified candidate sex pheromone components by coupled gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS). We used electrophysiological assays to identify antennally-active odorants in the volatiles, followed by field trials with different pheromone-baited colored traps to validate the responses of both predator and prey. Thereafter, we compared the reflectance spectra of the colored traps with those of different tomato plant tissues.

RESULTS: Our results reveal an interplay between different sensory cues which in the predator-prey interaction may favor the predator. Antennae of both sexes of predator and prey detect the predator sex pheromone identified as 1-octanol and hexyl hexanoate. Unexpectedly, our field experiments led to the discovery of a lure for P. absoluta females, which were lured distinctly into a pheromone-baited trap whose reflectance spectrum mimicked that of ripe tomato fruit (long wavelength), an egg-laying site for females. Contrastingly, N. tenuis males were lured into baited white trap (short wavelength) when the predator is actively searching for prey.

CONCLUSION: Our results demonstrate the novel use of a predator sex pheromone and different visual cues to assess complex trophic interactions on tomatoes.},
}

Animals
Female
*Predatory Behavior/physiology
Male
*Sex Attractants
*Solanum lycopersicum
*Cues
*Pest Control, Biological/methods
Heteroptera/physiology
Moths/physiology
Introduced Species
Volatile Organic Compounds/analysis
Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry/methods

@article {pmid40110622,
year = {2025},
author = {Miroshnyk, N and Grabovska, T and Roubík, H},
title = {The spread of the invasive species Reynoutria japonica Houtt. will both expand and contract with climate change: results of climate modelling for 14 European countries.},
journal = {Pest management science},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1002/ps.8732},
pmid = {40110622},
issn = {1526-4998},
support = {//The Research Institute for Sustainability (RIFS) Potsdam, Germany/ ; },
abstract = {BACKGROUND: The study of invasive plant species distribution involves changes in their ranges and ecological niches under the projected global temperature increase until 2100. However, climate modeling of habitat suitability for Reynoutria japonica in Europe remains limited, hindering risk assessment and effective management of its spread. We used the MaxEnt model to assess the potential distribution of R. japonica in 14 European countries.

RESULTS: It was found that the range of the taxon will expand into northern regions by 13.6% or 17.0%, depending on the scenario. However, range contraction in southern and central regions is expected to reach 26%. As a result, by 2100, a slight overall reduction in range (by 9-13%) is projected due to the decrease in distribution areas in southern parts of Europe, where maximum air temperatures will rise. Temperature variability throughout the year and precipitation during the warmest quarter are limiting factors for the spread. The minimum temperature of the growing season will influence distribution projections for 2060, whereas under current climate conditions, this parameter does not have a limiting effect. A general framework for controlling invasions of Reynoutria Houtt. taxa has been developed for both national and international levels.

CONCLUSION: The study identified the dynamics of the invasive species' spread in Europe in relation to global climate change, assessed the risks of colonization in new areas, and provided tools for regulation and management to improve the prediction of potential distribution. © 2025 The Author(s). Pest Management Science published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of Society of Chemical Industry.},
}

@article {pmid40108258,
year = {2025},
author = {Szymkowiak, P and Konecka, E and Rutkowski, T and Pecyna, A and Szwajkowski, P},
title = {Alien spiders in a palm house with the first report of parthenogenetic Triaeris stenaspis (Araneae: Oonopidae) infected by Wolbachia from new supergroup X.},
journal = {Scientific reports},
volume = {15},
number = {1},
pages = {9512},
pmid = {40108258},
issn = {2045-2322},
mesh = {Animals ; *Spiders/microbiology/physiology ; *Phylogeny ; *Wolbachia/genetics/physiology/classification ; RNA, Ribosomal, 16S/genetics ; Symbiosis ; Poland ; Parthenogenesis ; },
abstract = {Palm houses in Europe serve as urban biodiversity hot spots for alien spiders. As a result of several years of research in the Poznań Palm House, we documented the occurrence of 14 spider species, 9 of which were alien to Europe: Coleosoma floridanum, Hasarius adansoni, Howaia mogera, Ostearius melanopygius, Parasteatoda tabulata, Parasteatoda tepidariorum, Scytodes fusca, Spermophora kerinci and Triaeris stenaspis. The most abundant species was C. floridanum (39.9%). Three spider species were recorded for the first time in Poland: C. floridanum, S. fusca and S. kerinci. We studied the occurrence of endosymbiotic Wolbachia and Cardinium in parthenogenetic T. stenaspis and recorded for the first time the occurrence of Wolbachia in this spider. The endosymbiont was characterized based on the sequences of six bacterial housekeeping genes: 16S rRNA, coxA, fbpA, ftsZ, gatB and hcpA. Our phylogenetic reconstruction of Wolbachia supergroups revealed that the bacteria recovered from the spider formed distinct lineages in relation to all known supergroups. We assigned it to a novel supergroup X with unique sequences within the 16S rRNA and ftsZ genes. We discussed faunistic results in terms of long-term survival rates and the risk of invasion of alien species of spiders.},
}

Animals
*Spiders/microbiology/physiology
*Phylogeny
*Wolbachia/genetics/physiology/classification
RNA, Ribosomal, 16S/genetics
Symbiosis
Poland
Parthenogenesis

@article {pmid40108247,
year = {2025},
author = {Halabowski, D and Pyrzanowski, K and Zięba, G and Grabowska, J and Przybylski, M and Smith, C and Reichard, M},
title = {The impact of invasive Sinanodonta woodiana (Bivalvia, Unionidae) and mussel macroparasites on the egg distribution of parasitic bitterling fish in host mussels.},
journal = {Scientific reports},
volume = {15},
number = {1},
pages = {9417},
pmid = {40108247},
issn = {2045-2322},
support = {2021/41/B/NZ8/02567//Narodowe Centrum Nauki/ ; 2021/41/B/NZ8/02567//Narodowe Centrum Nauki/ ; 2021/41/B/NZ8/02567//Narodowe Centrum Nauki/ ; 2021/41/B/NZ8/02567//Narodowe Centrum Nauki/ ; 2021/41/B/NZ8/02567//Narodowe Centrum Nauki/ ; 2021/41/B/NZ8/02567//Narodowe Centrum Nauki/ ; 2021/41/B/NZ8/02567//Narodowe Centrum Nauki/ ; },
mesh = {Animals ; *Host-Parasite Interactions ; *Introduced Species ; Unionidae/parasitology ; Bivalvia/parasitology ; Cyprinidae/parasitology ; Ovum ; Fish Diseases/parasitology ; },
abstract = {Facilitative and competitive interactions among coexisting parasite species, as well as among alternative host species, produce considerable ecological and evolutionary responses to host-parasite relationships. Such effects can be illuminated by impacts of non-native species on relationships in local communities. We used the association between parasitic European bitterling fish (Rhodeus amarus) and unionid mussels (which host bitterling eggs in their gills) to test the effects of the invasive Chinese pond mussel (Sinanodonta woodiana) and the presence of non-bitterling mussel macroparasites on the pattern of host mussel use by the bitterling across 12 unionid mussel communities with the absence or presence of S. woodiana (and variation in duration of coexistence with local species). While all six European mussel species were used by the bitterling (with the prevalence of > 30% in Unio spp.), no S. woodiana individual was infected by the bitterling. The presence of S. woodiana did not affect bitterling eggs distribution in native mussels. Large native mussels hosted more bitterling. Infection by non-bitterling parasites, mostly water mites (prevalence 47%) and trematodes (25%), did not affect rates of bitterling parasitism. We discuss our results in the context of the rapid evolution of non-native species in their new range and its implication on mussel conservation.},
}

Animals
*Host-Parasite Interactions
*Introduced Species
Unionidae/parasitology
Bivalvia/parasitology
Cyprinidae/parasitology
Ovum
Fish Diseases/parasitology

@article {pmid40108076,
year = {2025},
author = {Hollett, L and Padgett, T and Canuti, M and White, C and Brenton, C and Wight, J and Chapman, T and Lang, A and Whitney, H and Carson, K and Finnis, J and Sarkar, A},
title = {Citizen Science Detection and Characterization of Mosquito-Borne Viruses.},
journal = {EcoHealth},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
pmid = {40108076},
issn = {1612-9210},
abstract = {Citizen science has long been applied to collect data on mosquito abundance and distribution and thereby provide critical information on the movements of invasive species and potentially associated human pathogens. This study, conducted in the Canadian province of Newfoundland and Labrador and in Saint-Pierre and Miquelon, showed that citizen scientists can provide mosquito samples from remote locations in a very cost-effective manner, and, thereby, contribute to the development of a comprehensive spatial database on native and invasive species. However, there have been some concerns about the quality of such data, and the reliability and sustainability of such means of conducting surveillance. Virological screening allowed us to identify 6.2% (17/274) of the tested mosquito pools as positive for either snowshoe hare virus (SHV, 14 pools) or Jamestown Canyon virus (JCV)-like viruses (3 pools). Additionally, we found evidence of clear geographic patterns in SHV circulation and identified a novel and likely reassortant JCV-like virus. The detection of viruses in native species from remote rural locations clearly validated the importance of public participation in mosquito surveillance. Despite several potential issues, citizen science can become an indispensable means of enabling ecological research in the context of public and animal health.},
}

@article {pmid40108004,
year = {2025},
author = {Almaazmi, A and Al-Ruzouq, R and Shanableh, A and El-Keblawy, A and Jena, R and Gibril, MBA and Hammouri, NA and Talib, MA},
title = {Machine learning-based habitat mapping of the invasive Prosopis juliflora in Sharjah, UAE.},
journal = {Environmental monitoring and assessment},
volume = {197},
number = {4},
pages = {440},
doi = {10.1007/s10661-025-13876-z},
pmid = {40108004},
issn = {1573-2959},
mesh = {*Prosopis ; *Machine Learning ; United Arab Emirates ; *Ecosystem ; *Introduced Species ; *Environmental Monitoring/methods ; Conservation of Natural Resources/methods ; Biodiversity ; },
abstract = {Prosopis juliflora, one of the most invasive trees, adversely affects the ecosystem and native plant communities in arid lands. This disrupts biodiversity and depletes water resources, posing significant ecological and economic challenges. Several attempts have been made to control this species in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) deserts but with little success. This study identifies and maps environmental variables influencing P. juliflora habitats using machine learning (ML); employs maximum entropy (MaxEnt) and statistical techniques to estimate its presence in Sharjah, UAE, home to one of its most intense populations; and conducts validation and sensitivity analysis. Eleven environmental variables representing geological, geomorphological, hydrological, eco-indicators, and climatological factors were selected to map the spread of the associated P. juliflora hazard. Variables were selected using collinearity and variance inflation factor (VIF) to eliminate bias, and ML techniques assigned weights based on overall accuracy (OA) and the Kappa coefficient before model implementation. Finally, a statistical comparison with MaxEnt was conducted to map P. juliflora habitats, classifying suitability as very high, high, low, and very low while estimating model accuracy. The results indicated that MaxEnt achieved a higher area under the curve (AUC 0.98) and more logical outcomes than statistical models (AUC 0.85) due to its superior handling of collinearity, complex environmental interactions, and capability of minimizing overfitting. The main findings show that the variable weights for MaxEnt and statistical models are primarily influenced by precipitation (27.0% and 18.18%), groundwater depth (14.9% and 26.8%), and total dissolved solids (TDS) (20.9% and 26.22%), respectively, indicating a shift in habitat distribution towards the eastern regions of the study area. Habitat mapping of P. juliflora is essential for local stakeholders and policymakers in decision-making regarding species conservation, sustainable land use, and climate adaptation. The findings conclude that ML offers a viable approach for habitat modeling of invasive species in similar arid regions worldwide.},
}

*Prosopis
*Machine Learning
United Arab Emirates
*Ecosystem
*Introduced Species
*Environmental Monitoring/methods
Conservation of Natural Resources/methods
Biodiversity

@article {pmid39967423,
year = {2025},
author = {Wang, S and Liao, ZY and Cao, P and Schmid, MW and Zhang, L and Bi, J and Endriss, SB and Zhao, Y and Parepa, M and Hu, W and Akamine, H and Wu, J and Ju, RT and Bossdorf, O and Richards, CL and Li, B},
title = {General-purpose genotypes and evolution of higher plasticity in clonality underlie knotweed invasion.},
journal = {The New phytologist},
volume = {246},
number = {2},
pages = {758-768},
doi = {10.1111/nph.20452},
pmid = {39967423},
issn = {1469-8137},
support = {2022YFC2601100//National Key Research and Development Program of China/ ; 31961133028,32071663//National Natural Science Foundation of China/ ; 202405AS350011//Department of Science and Technology of Yunnan Province/ ; 306055//Bundesministerium für Bildung und Forschung/ ; 431595342//Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft/ ; 2023VBB0012//Chinese Academy of Sciences President's International Fellowship Initiative/ ; XDYC-QNRC-2022-0014//Yunnan Revitalization Talent Support Program/ ; },
mesh = {*Introduced Species ; *Biological Evolution ; *Genotype ; Phenotype ; Araceae/genetics/physiology ; Quantitative Trait, Heritable ; China ; Clone Cells ; Japan ; },
abstract = {Many widespread invasive plant species express high phenotypic variation across novel environments, providing a unique opportunity to examine ecological and evolutionary dynamics under global change. However, studies often lack information about the origin of introduced populations, limiting our understanding of post-introduction evolution. We assessed the responses of Reynoutria japonica from 128 populations spanning latitudinal transects in the native (China and Japan), and introduced (North America and Europe) ranges when grown in two common gardens. Plants from introduced populations differed in almost all traits from those from Chinese populations, but were similar to plants from the putative origin in Japan. Compared to Chinese populations, North American, European and Japanese populations expressed lower trait values and plasticity in most traits. However, plants from both introduced and Japanese populations expressed higher clonality and plasticity in clonality than plants from Chinese populations. Further, introduced populations expressed higher plasticity in clonality but lower plasticity in basal diameter compared to Japanese populations. Our findings emphasize the potential role of clonality and plasticity in clonality for invasion success. In addition, our study highlights the importance of comparisons to source populations within the native range to identify evolutionary responses of introduced plants to novel environments.},
}

*Introduced Species
*Biological Evolution
*Genotype
Phenotype
Araceae/genetics/physiology
Quantitative Trait, Heritable
China
Clone Cells
Japan

@article {pmid40105693,
year = {2025},
author = {Flores, AM and Christensen, KA and Godin, T and Palti, Y and Campbell, MR and Waldbieser, GC and Simpson, SA and Scheffler, BE and Smith, SR and Whiteley, AR and Kovach, RP and Luikart, G and Boyer, MC and Kardos, M and Relyea, S and Wells, C and Koop, BF},
title = {The genome assembly of the westslope cutthroat trout, Oncorhynchus lewisi, reveals interspecific chromosomal rearrangements with the rainbow trout, Oncorhynchus mykiss.},
journal = {G3 (Bethesda, Md.)},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1093/g3journal/jkaf064},
pmid = {40105693},
issn = {2160-1836},
abstract = {Cutthroat trout (Oncorhynchus clarkii) are popular among anglers throughout their native range along the West Coast and interior of North America. As they colonized the interior of North America, cutthroat trout diverged into several genetically distinct groups. Many of these groups are now threatened by habitat destruction, hybridization with rainbow trout (O. mykiss), and competition from introduced species. These groups were previously classified as subspecies, but recent research suggests they may represent distinct species. In this study, we produced a chromosomal-level genome assembly and a genetic map for one of the species in the cutthroat trout species complex, the westslope cutthroat trout (O. lewisi-formerly O. clarkii lewisi). We also constructed haplotype-resolved assemblies from a westslope cutthroat-rainbow trout F1 hybrid. We used the new genome assemblies to identify major interspecific chromosomal rearrangements between the two sister species, including fusions, fissions, and inversions. These genome assemblies and chromosome data provide valuable insights regarding genetic variation within cutthroat trout and in hybrids between rainbow and cutthroat trout.},
}

@article {pmid40105638,
year = {2025},
author = {Sousa, JWG and Falkenberg, JM and Lima, VMM and Winkeler, IE and Ramos, TPA and Lustosa-Costa, SY and Menezes, RF and Lacerda, ACF},
title = {Revealing the first records of endoparasitic interactions in the non-native fish Moenkhausia costae within a reservoir in Northeastern Brazil.},
journal = {Anais da Academia Brasileira de Ciencias},
volume = {97},
number = {1},
pages = {e20240651},
doi = {10.1590/0001-3765202520240651},
pmid = {40105638},
issn = {1678-2690},
mesh = {Animals ; Brazil ; *Host-Parasite Interactions ; Introduced Species ; Fish Diseases/parasitology ; Rivers ; Fishes/parasitology ; Nematoda/classification/isolation & purification ; Biodiversity ; },
abstract = {Parasites are an important part of ecosystems, but are frequently ignored in studies on major anthropogenic impacts on aquatic environments. Biological invasions are responsible for biodiversity loss, and are one of the possible consequences of water transfer projects. In addition, there is a possibility that the non-native species brings, at least in part, its parasite fauna to the invaded area, or acquire new parasites in the new environment. Here, we investigated the endoparasites of a non-native fish species that was recently recorded in the upper Paraíba River basin, Northeastern Brazil, after a major water transfer project. Fifty specimens of Moenkhausia costae were collected from the Poções reservoir, Monteiro municipality, Paraíba State. Forty-two hosts were parasitized (84%), and 179 parasite specimens were collected. The endoparasite community was composed of six species of nematodes. There was no significant correlation between parasitism and the size of the hosts, nor the host's condition factor. Although the size of parasitized and non-parasitized fish did not differ, the relative condition factor was significantly higher for parasitized fish. Future studies should investigate which parasites were introduced with M. costae, and which ones were part of the invaded environment.},
}

Animals
Brazil
*Host-Parasite Interactions
Introduced Species
Fish Diseases/parasitology
Rivers
Fishes/parasitology
Nematoda/classification/isolation & purification
Biodiversity

@article {pmid40105592,
year = {2025},
author = {López-Rojas, JJ and Villegas, DA and Prieto, HJP and Garcia-Grandez, KE and Aguirre-Gil, OJ},
title = {New report of Cerambycidae beetles captured using synthetic pheromones in Alto Mayo, Peru: Filling gap.},
journal = {Anais da Academia Brasileira de Ciencias},
volume = {97},
number = {1},
pages = {e20240874},
doi = {10.1590/0001-3765202520240874},
pmid = {40105592},
issn = {1678-2690},
mesh = {Animals ; *Coleoptera/classification/physiology ; Peru ; *Pheromones/pharmacology ; Male ; Female ; },
abstract = {We report the capture of several new species of longhorn beetles from Peruvian fauna using synthetic pheromones, syn-2,3-hexanediol, fuscumol, and fuscumol acetate. A total of seven species of longhorn beetles from the subfamily Lamiinae were captured. These longhorn beetles were distributed into the following tribes and species: Acanthocinini (Hylettus spilotus, Leptostylus sp., Nealcidion emeritum, and Paroecus charpentierae), Acanthoderini (Oreodera bituberculata), Colobotheini (Colobothea osculatii), and Compsosomatini (Aerenea brunnea). All specimens were captured in traps baited with fuscumol, either alone or in blend. Our findings suggest that blends of pheromones containing fuscumol are crucial for monitoring potential invasive species in new agricultural and forestry environments.},
}

Animals
*Coleoptera/classification/physiology
Peru
*Pheromones/pharmacology
Male
Female

@article {pmid40104882,
year = {2025},
author = {Zhou, H and Xu, F and Wei, L and Lin, J and Zhao, C and Mei, H and Shan, Q and Wang, Q and Mu, Y and Yin, Y},
title = {Determination of diazepam and its active metabolites in aquatic products and aquaculture environments using modified QuEChERS-based UPLC-MS/MS.},
journal = {Analytical methods : advancing methods and applications},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1039/d4ay02144d},
pmid = {40104882},
issn = {1759-9679},
abstract = {In recent years, the residue of psychotropic drugs such as diazepam in aquatic products has attracted widespread attention and is one of the important hidden dangers to the quality and safety of agricultural products. This study developed a modified QuEChERS method combined with UPLC-MS/MS to determine the residues of diazepam and its active metabolites, nordiazepam, oxazepam, and temazepam, in aquatic products and aquaculture environments. The important variables of the QuEChERS procedure were screened and optimized through single-factor experiments and response surface methodology. The recoveries of analytes in five aquatic products, pond water, and sediment were 87.4-97.8%, 90.4-96.4%, and 85.2-94.7%, respectively, with relative standard deviations of less than 15%. The limits of quantification were 0.1 μg kg[-1] for the four analytes in aquatic products and sediments, and 5 ng L[-1] in pond water. This method has been successfully applied to the analysis of diazepam and its active metabolite residues in 28 freshwater aquaculture farms in South China. The detected concentrations of the four analytes in aquatic products, sediments and pond water were 0.18-3.03 μg kg[-1], 0.21-17.5 μg kg[-1] and 5.56-391 ng L[-1], respectively. The illegal abuse of diazepam in fishing bait may be an important source of pollution in aquatic products. The risk assessment results showed that the residues of diazepam in aquaculture posed an acceptable risk to human health and a medium risk to the ecosystem. These results confirmed that the established method is suitable for the simultaneous analysis of diazepam and its active metabolites in aquatic products and aquaculture environments.},
}

@article {pmid40104628,
year = {2025},
author = {Bischoff, KE and Katz, D and Rittenhouse, CD and Rittenhouse, TAG},
title = {High Overlap in Niches and Suitable Habitat Between an Imperiled and Introduced Cottontail.},
journal = {Ecology and evolution},
volume = {15},
number = {3},
pages = {e71083},
pmid = {40104628},
issn = {2045-7758},
abstract = {When introduced species invade new environments, they often overlap with native species currently occupying those spaces, either spatially through suitable habitat or environmentally through their realized niches. The goal of this research is to determine the overlap between native New England cottontail (Sylvilagus transitionalis) and introduced eastern cottontail (Sylvilagus floridanus) to identify potential areas of invasion by the eastern cottontail and potential areas of refuge for the New England cottontail from the eastern cottontail (Connecticut, USA). Using presence data from a regional, standardized monitoring protocol, we developed habitat suitability models using Maxent and conducted niche overlap analyses using environmental principal component analysis. We used several covariates that reflected proximity to habitat characteristics, such as young forest, shrubland, and understory, as well as proximity to threats, such as development. We also included topographic and climatic covariates. We used the Guidos software to categorize the spatial arrangement of young forest, shrubland, and understory vegetation. We found that the overlap in both niches and suitable habitat was high for two species. Only areas of low precipitation and high elevation shifted niches in favor of the New England cottontail. We also found that habitat suitability for the New England cottontail was higher when patches of mature forest without understory were within complexes of young forest, shrubland, and mature forest with understory. Increasing habitat heterogeneity could improve the habitat suitability of existing patches or create new patches for New England cottontail. However, habitat management alone is likely not enough to discourage eastern cottontail; thus, direct species management, such as removal of eastern cottontail and augmentation of New England cottontail populations, should be explored.},
}

@article {pmid39932861,
year = {2025},
author = {Phillips, PM and Fahey, J and Behm, JE},
title = {An investigation of Haemaphysalis longicornis (Ixodida:Ixodidae) habitat and pathogen overlap with resident tick species in Southeastern Pennsylvania forests.},
journal = {Journal of medical entomology},
volume = {62},
number = {2},
pages = {465-470},
doi = {10.1093/jme/tjae159},
pmid = {39932861},
issn = {1938-2928},
support = {#C940000835//Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture/ ; },
mesh = {Animals ; *Ixodidae/physiology ; Pennsylvania ; *Ecosystem ; *Forests ; Nymph/growth & development/physiology ; Female ; Introduced Species ; Arachnid Vectors/microbiology ; Male ; Haemaphysalis longicornis ; },
abstract = {The long-horned tick, Haemaphysalis longicornis Neumann (Ixodida: Ixodidae) was recently introduced to the United States from its native range in Asia. Although H. longicornis transmits numerous disease-causing pathogens in its native range, it is unclear to what extent H. longicornis will act as a disease vector in the United States. The ability of H. longicornis to acquire pathogens likely depends on overlap with resident tick species in both habitat and pathogens transmitted within its introduced range. To assess the potential overlap in habitat and pathogens between invasive H. longicornis and resident tick species, we field-collected ticks across southeastern Pennsylvania and tested them for pathogens. We then contextualized the risk of pathogen transmission to and by H. longicornis at sites where it overlaps with the current vector species using a network of vectored pathogens. None of the collected H. longicornis individuals tested positive for any pathogens. However, we found significant overlap in habitat use among H. longicornis and resident tick nymphs, as well as several overlaps in the pathogens vectored by resident ticks and those carried by H. longicornis in Asia. These findings indicate a high but yet-to-be-realized potential for H. longicornis to acquire North American tick-borne pathogens.},
}

Animals
*Ixodidae/physiology
Pennsylvania
*Ecosystem
*Forests
Nymph/growth & development/physiology
Female
Introduced Species
Arachnid Vectors/microbiology
Male
Haemaphysalis longicornis

@article {pmid40100717,
year = {2025},
author = {Tomma, G},
title = {Smelling Trouble: Dogs play pivotal roles in finding invasive species.},
journal = {Scientific American},
volume = {332},
number = {4},
pages = {20},
doi = {10.1038/scientificamerican042025-4rp9JxFuKqpZHe0drFxVyC},
pmid = {40100717},
issn = {0036-8733},
}

@article {pmid40099941,
year = {2025},
author = {Dao, PD and He, Y and Lu, B and Axiotis, A},
title = {Imaging spectroscopy reveals topographic variability effects on grassland functional traits and drought responses.},
journal = {Ecology},
volume = {106},
number = {3},
pages = {e70006},
doi = {10.1002/ecy.70006},
pmid = {40099941},
issn = {1939-9170},
support = {RGPIN-386183//Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada/ ; },
mesh = {*Droughts ; *Grassland ; Spectrum Analysis ; Chlorophyll ; },
abstract = {Functional traits and their variations are essential indicators of plant metabolism, growth, distribution, and survival and determine how a plant and an ecosystem function. Under the same climatic condition, traits can vary significantly between species and within the same species growing in different topographic conditions. When drought stress occurs, plants growing in these conditions may respond in various ways as their tolerance and adaptability are influenced by differences in topography. Insights into topographic variability-driven trait variation and drought response can improve our prediction of ecosystem functioning and ecological impacts. Imaging spectroscopy enables accurate identification of plant species, extraction of functional traits, and characterization of topography-driven and drought-related impacts on trait variation across spatial scales. However, applying these data in a heterogeneous grassland ecosystem is challenging as species are small, highly mixed, spectrally and texturally similar, and highly varied with small-scale variation in topography. This paper presents the first study to explore the use of high-resolution airborne imaging spectroscopy for characterizing the variation of key traits-such as chlorophylls (Chl), carotenoids (Car), Chl/Car ratio, water content (WC), and leaf area index (LAI)-across topographic gradients and under drought stress at the species level in a heterogeneous grassland. The results demonstrate significant relationships between functional traits and topographic variability, with the strength of these relationships varying among species and across different environmental conditions. Additionally, drought-induced trait responses differed notably both within and between species, particularly between drought-tolerant invasive species and drought-sensitive native species, as well as between lower and upper slope positions. The study makes a significant contribution to advancing our understanding of biological and ecological processes, enhancing the ability to predict plant invasion mechanism and ecosystem functioning under stressed environments.},
}

*Droughts
*Grassland
Spectrum Analysis
Chlorophyll

@article {pmid40099306,
year = {2025},
author = {Cheng, ZL and Ma, TT and Gao, ZS and Ming, WH and Yang, MR and Wang, XY},
title = {Global Ragweed Allergy: Molecular Allergens and Integrated Control Strategies.},
journal = {Journal of asthma and allergy},
volume = {18},
number = {},
pages = {403-416},
pmid = {40099306},
issn = {1178-6965},
abstract = {Originally native to North America, ragweed has become a pervasive invasive species worldwide over the past century, posing a substantial public health risk as a potent allergen. This review explores the key allergens found in common ragweed, assesses global trends in ragweed sensitization, particularly in China, and examines various therapeutic and biological control methods. There are currently 11 identified ragweed allergens, with Amb a 1 and 11 recognized as the primary triggers. Epidemiological data indicate higher rates of sensitization in North America and Europe, with a growing trend observed in China. Ragweed-induced type I hypersensitivity typically presents as seasonal allergic rhinitis, conjunctivitis, and asthma symptoms. Strategies for managing ragweed allergy include allergen avoidance, pharmacotherapy, and allergen immunotherapy (AIT). Biological control using Ophraella communa and Epiblema strenuana effectively limits ragweed proliferation. Accurate allergen identification and personalized treatment can significantly reduce the health burden associated with ragweed. An in-depth understanding of ragweed sensitization patterns and biological control measures is essential for the long-term prevention of ragweed allergies.},
}

@article {pmid40097820,
year = {2025},
author = {Blanchette, RA and Rajtar, NN and Lochridge, AG and Held, BW},
title = {Intercontinental movement of exotic fungi on decorative wood used in aquatic and terrestrial aquariums.},
journal = {Scientific reports},
volume = {15},
number = {1},
pages = {9142},
pmid = {40097820},
issn = {2045-2322},
support = {no number//Minnesota Invasive Terrestrial Plants and Pests Center, University of Minnesota/ ; },
mesh = {*Wood/microbiology ; *Fungi/classification/isolation & purification ; Introduced Species ; United States ; Asia ; Phylogeny ; },
abstract = {The intercontinental movement of fungi or fungus-like organisms brings nonnative species into areas where they may become invasive pathogens of trees and other plants. In the past century, many examples such as Dutch elm disease, sudden oak death, laurel wilt, and others have resulted in large economic losses and ecological disasters. Although various safeguards to prevent the transport of potential pathogens have been in effect, new avenues of introduction have occurred causing new disease outbreaks. This study examined fungi in wood shipped from Asia that is used for decorative purposes in aquatic and terrestrial aquariums. From 44 imported wood samples, 202 cultures representing 123 different fungal taxa were obtained and identified using molecular methods. These included 31 species not previously reported in the United States, 21 potential plant pathogens, 37 species of wood decay fungi and 24 taxa with a 97% sequence match or less to known isolates suggesting these are unknown species. The results demonstrate that wood used for decorative purposes in aquariums harbor large numbers of diverse fungi that remain viable during shipping and storage. These fungi are currently being imported into areas where they are not native, and they may pose serious biosecurity threats to the United States and other countries around the world.},
}

*Wood/microbiology
*Fungi/classification/isolation & purification
Introduced Species
United States
Asia
Phylogeny

@article {pmid40097386,
year = {2025},
author = {Li, W and Zhang, Q and Wang, Z and Liu, X},
title = {Three-quarters of species' ranges have not been covered by protected areas in global borders.},
journal = {Nature communications},
volume = {16},
number = {1},
pages = {2608},
pmid = {40097386},
issn = {2041-1723},
mesh = {*Conservation of Natural Resources ; *Biodiversity ; Animals ; Humans ; Climate Change ; Asia, Southeastern ; Africa, Western ; Vertebrates ; Population Density ; Animal Distribution ; Introduced Species/statistics & numerical data ; Ecosystem ; },
abstract = {Borderlands are increasingly recognized as critically important for biodiversity conservation owing to their ecological significance and high political profile. However, the species ranges covered by protected areas and their influencing factors in transboundary areas are still largely unknown worldwide. Here, based on the distributional ranges of 19,039 terrestrial vertebrates, we find that three-quarters of species' ranges in global borders remain uncovered by protected areas, particularly in tropical areas of Southeast Asia and West Africa. The average protected area coverage of species ranges is lower in transboundary areas than non-transboundary areas after accounting for geographical differences in sampling efforts. We also observe that protected area coverage of species ranges increases with governance effectiveness, collaboration abilities, protection levels, sizes and establishment years of protected areas, and topographic complexity, but decreases with human population density, human development index, and cropland expansion. Furthermore, protected areas simultaneously face threats of ongoing global challenges from climate change, land-use modification, and alien species invasion, and the proportions of borderlands threatened by global changes are higher than elsewhere. All these findings demonstrate that cross-border cooperation is urgently needed to achieve the ambitious goal of global biodiversity conservation by 2050.},
}

*Conservation of Natural Resources
*Biodiversity
Animals
Humans
Climate Change
Asia, Southeastern
Africa, Western
Vertebrates
Population Density
Animal Distribution
Introduced Species/statistics & numerical data
Ecosystem

@article {pmid39969199,
year = {2025},
author = {Vilanova-Cuevas, B and DeRito, CM and Ritchie, IT and Kellogg, CA and Evans, JS and Zimmerman, A and Williams, SM and Brandt, M and Sevier, M and Gittens, S and Budd, KA and Warham, M and Sharp, WC and Delgado, GA and Hylkema, A and Kitson-Walters, K and Quod, J-P and Breitbart, M and Hewson, I},
title = {Investigating the influence of Diadematidae scuticociliatosis on host microbiome composition.},
journal = {mSystems},
volume = {10},
number = {3},
pages = {e0141824},
doi = {10.1128/msystems.01418-24},
pmid = {39969199},
issn = {2379-5077},
support = {OCE-2049225//National Science Foundation (NSF)/ ; 1650441//NSF | National Science Foundation Graduate Research Fellowship Program (GRFP)/ ; 2136515//NSF | National Science Foundation Graduate Research Fellowship Program (GRFP)/ ; //Von Rosenstiel Fellowship and Von Rosentiel Innovation Fund for Marine Science/ ; //CU | David R. Atkinson Center for a Sustainable Future, Cornell University (ACSF)/ ; //U.S. Geological Survey Ecosystems Mission Area Biological Threats and Invasive Species Research Program/ ; //U.S. Geological Survey Ecosystems Mission Area Biological Threats and Invasive Species Research Program/ ; },
mesh = {Animals ; *Microbiota ; *RNA, Ribosomal, 16S/genetics/analysis ; *Sea Urchins/microbiology ; Ciliophora Infections/microbiology/veterinary/parasitology ; Oligohymenophorea/isolation & purification/genetics ; Bacteria/genetics/classification/isolation & purification ; Indian Ocean ; },
abstract = {Mass mortality of Diadematidae urchins, caused by the Diadema antillarum scuticociliatosis Philaster clade (DScPc), affected the Caribbean in spring 2022 and subsequently spread to the eastern Mediterranean, Red Sea, and western Indian Ocean. A key question around Diadematidae scuticociliatosis (DSc), the disease caused by the scuticociliate, is whether the urchin microbiome varies between scuticociliatosis-affected and grossly normal urchins. Tissue samples from both grossly normal and abnormal Diadema antillarum were collected in the field during the initial assessment of the DSc causative agent and from an experimental challenge of DScPc culture on aquacultured D. antillarum. Specimens were analyzed using 16S rRNA gene amplicon sequencing. Additional abnormal urchin samples were collected from the most recent outbreak site in the western Indian Ocean (Réunion Island). At reference (i.e., unaffected by DSc) sites, Kistimonas spp., Propionigenium spp., and Endozoicomonas spp. were highly represented in amplicon libraries. DSc-affected urchin amplicon libraries had lower taxonomic richness and a greater representation of taxa related to Fangia hongkongensis and Psychrobium spp. Amplicon libraries of urchins experimentally challenged with the DSc pathogen had some shifts in microbial composition, but F. hongkongensis was not a part of the core bacteria in DSc-challenged specimens. DSc-affected Echinothrix diadema from Réunion Island showed a similar high representation of F. hongkongensis as that seen on Caribbean D. antillarum. Our results suggest that DSc alters Diadematidae microbiomes and that F. hongkongensis may be a candidate bacterial biomarker for DSc in environmental samples. The mechanism driving microbiome variation in host-pathogen interactions remains to be explored.IMPORTANCEThe mass mortality of Diadematidae urchins due to Diadema antillarum scuticociliatosis (DSc) has had significant ecological impacts, spreading from the Caribbean to the eastern Mediterranean, Red Sea, and western Indian Ocean. This study investigates whether the microbiome of urchins varies between those affected by DSc and those that are not. Using 16S rRNA gene amplicon sequencing, researchers found that DSc-affected urchins had lower taxonomic richness and a greater representation of Fangia hongkongensis and Psychrobium spp. The findings indicate that F. hongkongensis could serve as a bacterial biomarker for DSc in environmental samples, providing a potential tool for early detection and management of the disease. Understanding these microbiome changes is crucial for developing strategies to mitigate the spread and impact of DSc on marine ecosystems.},
}

Animals
*Microbiota
*RNA, Ribosomal, 16S/genetics/analysis
*Sea Urchins/microbiology
Ciliophora Infections/microbiology/veterinary/parasitology
Oligohymenophorea/isolation & purification/genetics
Bacteria/genetics/classification/isolation & purification
Indian Ocean

@article {pmid39642094,
year = {2025},
author = {Bonomi-Barufi, J and Figueroa, FL and Vega, J and Huesa, R and Harb, TB and Avilés, A and Mercado, JM and Korbee, N},
title = {Physiological responses of the alien macroalga Rugulopteryx okamurae (Phaeophyceae, Heterokontophyta) to changes in nutrients and temperature.},
journal = {Journal of phycology},
volume = {61},
number = {1},
pages = {44-60},
doi = {10.1111/jpy.13528},
pmid = {39642094},
issn = {1529-8817},
support = {PID2020-116136RB-I00//Agencia Estatal de Investigación/ ; 88887.374403/2019-00//Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior/ ; },
mesh = {*Temperature ; *Phaeophyceae/physiology/growth & development ; *Nitrates/metabolism ; Photosynthesis/physiology ; Phosphates/metabolism ; Seaweed/physiology/growth & development/metabolism ; Biomass ; Introduced Species ; Nutrients/metabolism ; },
abstract = {The Asian brown macroalga Rugulopteryx okamurae has invaded the oligotrophic areas of Mediterranean coasts since 2015, with drastic impacts on environmental conditions and socioeconomic activities in coastal areas in Europe. Therefore, it is intriguing how this species is able to grow and expand at the observed rates. In this context, the physiological responses of R. okamurae to changing nutrient concentrations and temperature were analyzed. Two experiments were conducted, evaluating six combinations of nitrate and phosphate concentrations and their potential interaction with temperature. Nutrient uptake efficiency (NUE) and rates (NUR), photosynthetic responses, growth rates, and biomass composition were evaluated. Photosynthesis parameters, soluble proteins, and N O 3 - -NUR increased with increasing N:P ratio; however, P O 4 3 - -NUR was very similar in all treatments. The species showed high capacity for nitrate assimilation, which was rapidly modulated by its external concentration and temperature (more than 90% of NO3-NUE after 5 days in treatments with N:P rations of 5, 10, 16, 25, and 40 N to 1 P). Consequently, N-nutrients were removed from the water by R. okamurae and likely stored inside the cells. This process will allow the alga to maintain high growth rates if thalli are moved to oligotrophic areas, favoring its spreading to many marine environments. Additionally, fucoxanthin was the predominant carotenoid in this species, although its content was lower than in other brown macroalgae species (mean value of 0.51 ± 0.05 mg · g[-1] DW). However, since a huge amount of R. okamurae is observed recurrently on beaches, the use of this biomass might be proposed to compensate partially for its impacts.},
}

*Temperature
*Phaeophyceae/physiology/growth & development
*Nitrates/metabolism
Photosynthesis/physiology
Phosphates/metabolism
Seaweed/physiology/growth & development/metabolism
Biomass
Introduced Species
Nutrients/metabolism

@article {pmid40097327,
year = {2025},
author = {Halmschlager, E and Dauth, B and Maschek, O and Simovski, B and Voglmayr, H and Kirisits, T},
title = {First Report of Verticillium Wilt on Ailanthus altissima (Tree-of-Heaven) in North Macedonia caused by Verticillium dahliae.},
journal = {Plant disease},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1094/PDIS-01-25-0206-PDN},
pmid = {40097327},
issn = {0191-2917},
abstract = {Tree-of-Heaven, a highly invasive species on all continents except Antarctica, is frequently found on the Balkan Peninsula. In 2019, Ailanthus altissima has been put on the "List of invasive alien species of Union concern"; thus, measures for eradication and control are mandatory in all EU member countries. Verticillium wilt of A. altissima, which has been reported in the USA (Schall and Davis 2009; Kasson et al. 2014; Rebbeck et al. 2013) and in Europe (Maschek and Halmschlager 2016; Moragrega et al. 2021) in the last decade, has already been successfully used for biological control of Ailanthus. In the course of an excursion of the international REUFIS meeting, young symptomatic A. altissima trees, exhibiting severe foliar wilt symptoms, brownish vascular discoloration, dieback, and premature death, were observed at two different sites in the southern part of Skopje, North Macedonia (Kluchka Sonchev: 41.973155N, 21.428846E; Vidikovec (Panorama): 41.977671N, 21.421135E) in June 2024. To identify the causal organism, 50-cm-long branch samples were taken from symptomatic A. altissima and cut into 5-cm pieces, surface sterilized by dipping into 96% ethanol for 1 min, and then breamed. After removing the bark, 23 (Kluchka Sonchev) and 8 (Vidikovec) tissue samples of about 5 mm in length were excised from discolored sapwood and placed onto 2% malt extract agar plates supplemented with 100 mg/l streptomycin sulphate. Plates were incubated at 22°C in the dark for 10 days. Fungal colonies emerged from all plated tissue samples of both sites, all of which were putatively identified as Verticillium dahliae Kleb. based on the abundant formation of microsclerotia and the hyaline, non-septate, cylindrical or ellipsoid conidia developing on verticillate conidiophores. Morphological identification was confirmed by DNA sequencing of two selected isolates (one from each site), using primers coding for ribosomal internal transcribed spacer (ITS1) and elongation factor 1-alpha (TEF) (Inderbitzin et al. 2011) and a BLAST search against the reference sequences of the type strain of V. dahliae PD322 (GenBank Accession No. NR_126124 (ITS) and HQ414624.1 (TEF)) at NCBI NLM, which revealed 100% homology (ITS1: 492 matching base pairs; TEF: 579 matching base pairs) between the type strain and the two North Macedonian isolates. Aligned sequences of both isolates (Vd-NM01, Vd-NM02) were deposited in GenBank (Accession Nos. PQ615325, PQ615358, PQ858706, PQ858707). To confirm pathogenicity, 10 two-year-old potted Ailanthus seedlings were stem-inoculated with a conidial suspension (1 x 10[7] spores/ml, 1 ml/tree) of V. dahliae isolate Vd-NM01 and 10 with isolate Vd-NM02 on September 12, 2024; 5 seedlings treated with sterile water and 3 untreated seedlings served as controls. Following maintenance in the greenhouse, all V. dahliae-inoculated trees developed wilting symptoms two to three weeks after inoculation and were completely defoliated or showed heavy wilting symptoms on October 31, 2024, whereas all 8 control trees remained asymptomatic or displayed minor wilting symptoms related to autumn senescence. V. dahliae was re-isolated from all treated trees, but no control tree, thus confirming Koch's postulates. Despite of the high disease severity on infected trees, natural V. dahliae infections will not allow efficient control of A. altissima without human intervention on these affected sites in North Macedonia, due to the low disease incidence (<5%) on both sites.},
}

@article {pmid40095408,
year = {2025},
author = {Vahsen, ML and Maxwell, TM and Blumenthal, DM and Gamba, D and Germino, MJ and Hooten, MB and Lasky, JR and Leger, EA and Pirtel, N and Porensky, LM and Romero, S and Van Ee, JJ and Copeland, SM and Ensing, DJ and Adler, PB},
title = {Phenological sensitivity of Bromus tectorum genotypes depends on current and source environments.},
journal = {Ecology},
volume = {106},
number = {3},
pages = {e70025},
doi = {10.1002/ecy.70025},
pmid = {40095408},
issn = {1939-9170},
support = {1927009//National Science Foundation/ ; 1927177//National Science Foundation/ ; 1927282//National Science Foundation/ ; 2222525//National Science Foundation/ ; //Utah Agricultural Experimental Station, Utah State University/ ; J-001818//British Columbia Ministry of Forests' Invasive Species Program/ ; J-002569//British Columbia Ministry of Forests' Invasive Species Program/ ; //USDA-ARS/ ; //Oregon State Agricultural Experiment Station/ ; },
mesh = {*Bromus/physiology/genetics ; *Genotype ; Flowers/physiology/genetics ; Adaptation, Physiological/genetics ; },
abstract = {Plants respond to their environment with both short-term, within-generation trait plasticity, and long-term, between-generation evolutionary changes. However, the relative magnitude of plant responses to short- and long-term changes in the environment remains poorly understood. Shifts in phenological traits can serve as harbingers for responses to environmental change, and both a plant's current and source (i.e., genotype origin) environment can affect plant phenology via plasticity and local adaptation, respectively. To assess the role of current and source environments in explaining variation in flowering phenology of Bromus tectorum, an invasive annual grass, we conducted a replicated common garden experiment using 92 genotypes collected across western North America. Replicates of each genotype were planted in two densities (low = 100 seeds/1 m[2], high = 100 seeds/0.04 m[2]) under two different temperature treatments (low = white gravel; high = black gravel; 2.1°C average difference) in a factorial design, replicated across four common garden locations in Idaho and Wyoming, USA. We tested for the effect of current environment (i.e., density treatment, temperature treatment, and common garden location), source environment (i.e., genotype source climate), and their interaction on each plant's flowering phenology. Flowering timing was strongly influenced by a plant's current environment, with plants that experienced warmer current climates and higher densities flowering earlier than those that experienced cooler current climates and lower densities. Genotypes from hot and dry source climates flowered consistently earlier than those from cool and wet source climates, even after accounting for genotype relatedness, suggesting that this genetically based climate cline is a product of natural selection. We found minimal evidence of interactions between current and source environments or genotype-by-environment interactions. Phenology was more sensitive to variation in the current climate than to variation in source climate. These results indicate that cheatgrass phenology reflects high levels of plasticity as well as rapid local adaptation. Both processes likely contribute to its current success as a biological invader and its capacity to respond to future environmental change.},
}

*Bromus/physiology/genetics
*Genotype
Flowers/physiology/genetics
Adaptation, Physiological/genetics

@article {pmid40094819,
year = {2025},
author = {Yang, X and Li, H and Xie, H and Ma, Y and Yu, Y and Liu, Q and Kuang, J and Zhang, M and Liu, J and Zhao, B},
title = {Mangrove Against Invasive Snails: Aegiceras corniculatum Shows a Molluscicidal Effect on Exotic Apple Snails (Pomacea canaliculata) in Mangroves.},
journal = {Plants (Basel, Switzerland)},
volume = {14},
number = {5},
pages = {},
doi = {10.3390/plants14050823},
pmid = {40094819},
issn = {2223-7747},
support = {SL2023B03J1314//Science and Technology Program of Guangzhou/ ; 32001237, 31770484//National Natural Science Foundation of China/ ; 2023ZDZX4041//Key Realm Project of Ordinary Universities in Guangdong Province/ ; 2021B1212040008//Guangdong Provincial Science and Technology Plan Project/ ; 2019A1515110719//Guangdong Natural Science Foundation/ ; 202410564061//Undergraduate Innovation Programs/ ; HXKJHT20242507//Project of Zhuhai Modern Agriculture Development Center/ ; },
abstract = {Apple snails (Pomacea canaliculata), one of the 100 most serious invasive species in the world, have invaded mangrove wetlands due to their salinity tolerance. We firstly prepared a plant molluscicide against apple snails based on the mangrove Aegiceras corniculatum in coastal wetland. The effects of four mangrove extracts from A. corniculatum, including ethanol extract (EE), petroleum ether extract (PEE), ethyl acetate extract (EAE), and n-butanol extract (BE), were studied for molluscicidal activity against apple snails in a saline environment. The LC50 values at 48 h of EE, PEE, EAE, and BE were 25 mg/L, 123 mg/L, 170 mg/L, and 14 mg/L, respectively. BE had the highest molluscicidal value (96.7%) against apple snails at 48 h. At 48 h, BE of A. corniculatum leaves significantly decreased the soluble sugar content, soluble protein content, acetylcholinesterase, and glutathione of apple snails to 4.25 mg/g, 29.50 mg/g, 947.1 U/gprot, and 6.22 U/gprot, respectively, compared to those in the control. The increased BE concentration significantly enhanced the malondialdehyde and aspartate aminotransferase contents to 4.18 mmol/gprot and 18.9 U/gprot at 48 h. Furthermore, the damage in the hepatopancreas tissue of apple snails increased, and the cellular structure became necrotic as the concentration of BE from A. corniculatum increased. The content of palmitic acid in BE of A. corniculatum leaves was the highest (10.9%), possibly be a toxic ingredient against apple snails. The n-butanol extract of A. corniculatum leaves showed a potential to control apple snails in the brackish water, and its plantation was beneficial to control the further spread of apple snails in mangrove wetlands.},
}

@article {pmid40094769,
year = {2025},
author = {Khwarahm, NR},
title = {MaxEnt-Based Distribution Modeling of the Invasive Species Phragmites australis Under Climate Change Conditions in Iraq.},
journal = {Plants (Basel, Switzerland)},
volume = {14},
number = {5},
pages = {},
doi = {10.3390/plants14050768},
pmid = {40094769},
issn = {2223-7747},
abstract = {Phragmites australis (common reed), a recently introduced invasive species in Iraq, has swiftly established itself as a vigorous perennial plant, significantly impacting the biodiversity and ecosystem functions of Iraqi ecoregions with alarming consequences. There is an insufficient understanding of both the current distribution and possible future trends under climate change scenarios. Consequently, this study seeks to model the current and future potential distribution of this invasive species in Iraq using machine learning techniques (i.e., MaxEnt) alongside geospatial tools integrated within a GIS framework. Land-cover features, such as herbaceous zones, wetlands, annual precipitation, and elevation, emerged as optimal conditioning factors for supporting the species' invasiveness and habitat through vegetation cover and moisture retention. These factors collectively contributed by nearly 85% to the distribution of P. australis in Iraq. In addition, the results indicate a net decline in high-suitability habitats for P. australis under both the SSP126 (moderate mitigation; 5.33% habitat loss) and SSP585 (high emissions; 6.74% habitat loss) scenarios, with losses concentrated in southern and northern Iraq. The model demonstrated robust reliability, achieving an AUC score of 0.9 ± 0.012, which reflects high predictive accuracy. The study area covers approximately 430,632.17 km[2], of which 64,065.66 km[2] (14.87% of the total region) was classified as the optimal habitat for P. australis. While climate projections indicate an overall decline (i.e., SSP126 (5.33% loss) and SSP585 (6.74% loss)) in suitable habitats for P. australis across Iraq, certain localized regions may experience increased habitat suitability, reflecting potential gains (i.e., SSP126 (3.58% gain) and SSP585 (1.82% gain)) in specific areas. Policymakers should focus on regions with emerging suitability risks for proactive monitoring and management. Additionally, areas already infested by the species require enhanced surveillance and containment measures to mitigate ecological and socioeconomic impacts.},
}

@article {pmid40094722,
year = {2025},
author = {Di Gristina, E and Barone, G and Domina, G and Badalamenti, E and Gargano, ML and Venturella, G and Pardi, R},
title = {A Checklist of the Ornamental Vascular Flora of Sicily.},
journal = {Plants (Basel, Switzerland)},
volume = {14},
number = {5},
pages = {},
doi = {10.3390/plants14050795},
pmid = {40094722},
issn = {2223-7747},
support = {CN_00000033//National Recovery and Resilience Plan (NRRP), Mission 4, Component 2, Investment 1.4, funded by the European Union-NextGenerationEU Project Code CN_00000033, CUP B73C22000790001, "National Bio-diversity Future Center-NBFC"./ ; },
abstract = {Based on literature data and new field investigations, a checklist of the ornamental vascular flora of Sicily is presented. Trees, shrubs, herbaceous, and succulent plants growing in street trees, parks, private gardens, and historic villas of Sicily are included in the checklist. For each taxon, information on growth forms, geographical and biome origin, resident time, and status (native/alien) in Italy is provided. A total of 928 taxa (including 823 species s. str., 33 cultivars, 31 hybrids, 24 varieties, 9 subspecies, and 8 forms), belonging to 486 genera included in 138 families, were recorded. Fabaceae, Rosaceae, Asteraceae, Cactaceae, Asparagaceae, Arecaceae, and Malvaceae are the richest families in taxa. Phanerophytes are the prevalent growth form, and the main part of such flora consists of Asiatic and American taxa. Taxa from subtropical and tropical biomes showed a prevalent presence; this is a peculiarity which characterizes the Sicilian ornamental flora. Delonix regia emerges as a peculiar case, representing the only documented cases of open-air cultivation in both Sicily and the entire country. A significant percentage of taxa (41%) is included in the list of alien vascular flora of Italy, showing a strong predominance of casual and naturalized neophytes alien species.},
}

@article {pmid40094517,
year = {2025},
author = {Rubal, M and Fernández-Gutiérrez, J and Carreira-Flores, D and Gomes, PT and Veiga, P},
title = {Current Distribution of the Invasive Kelp Undaria pinnatifida (Harvey) Suringar, 1873 Along Artificial and Natural Habitats in North Portugal-Impacts and Mitigation Initiatives.},
journal = {Plants (Basel, Switzerland)},
volume = {14},
number = {5},
pages = {},
doi = {10.3390/plants14050658},
pmid = {40094517},
issn = {2223-7747},
support = {10.54499/2022.06806.PTDC//Foundation for Science and Technology (FCT)/ ; UIDB/04423/2020//Foundation for Science and Technology (FCT)/ ; UIDP/04423/2020//Foundation for Science and Technology (FCT)/ ; LA/P/ 0069/2020//Foundation for Science and Technology (FCT)/ ; 10.54499/UIDB/ 04050/2020//Foundation for Science and Technology (FCT)/ ; 2023.08939.CEECIND//Foundation for Science and Technology (FCT)/ ; 10.54499/CEECINST/00018/2021/ CP2806/CT0021//Foundation for Science and Technology (FCT)/ ; 2023.04100.BD//Foundation for Science and Technology (FCT)/ ; },
abstract = {The kelp Undaria pinnatifida is considered one of the 100 worst invasive species in the world. The presence of Undaria in Portugal was reported more than 20 years ago, but there is not recent detailed information about its distribution and impacts. The aims of this study are to provide updated data about the distribution of Undaria in marinas and natural habitats along the north Portuguese coast, to afford insights about Undaria impacts on native macroalgae and to test the efficiency of mitigation actions based on Undaria removal. Mitigation measures were implemented in a marina where a native kelp was recently displaced by Undaria. The results showed stable populations of Undaria in marinas, but few ephemeral ones on natural rocky shores. The observed distribution pattern suggests an important role of salinity and wave exposure in shaping the distribution of Undaria. Moreover, Undaria was able to displace a native kelp and overgrow mussels in marinas, while on natural rocky shores, it was able to overgrow Gongolaria baccata but not native kelps. Finally, mitigation actions resulted in a partial recolonization by the native kelp.},
}

@article {pmid40094360,
year = {2025},
author = {Liu, Y and Li, X and He, Q and Zuo, M and Guo, Y and Liu, L and Yin, J and He, L and Li, X and Shan, J and Liu, W and Lin, C and Miao, W},
title = {Plant salicylic acid signaling is inhibited by a cooperative strategy of two powdery mildew effectors.},
journal = {mBio},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {e0395924},
doi = {10.1128/mbio.03959-24},
pmid = {40094360},
issn = {2150-7511},
abstract = {UNLABELLED: Powdery mildew is a global threat to crops and economically valuable plants. Salicylic acid (SA) signaling plays a significant role in plant resistance to biotrophic parasites; however, the mechanisms behind how powdery mildew fungi circumvent SA-mediated resistance remain unclear. Many phytopathogenic microbes deliver effectors into the host to sustain infection. In this study, we showed that the rubber tree powdery mildew fungus Erysiphe quercicola inhibits host SA biosynthesis by employing two effector proteins, EqCmu and EqPdt. These effector proteins can be delivered into plant cells to hydrolyze chorismate, the main precursor of SA, through their enzymatic activities. Notably, EqCmu and EqPdt can interact with each other, providing mutual protection against protein degradation mediated by the plant ubiquitin-proteasome system. This interaction enhances their activities in the hydrolysis of chorismate. Our study reveals a new pathogenic strategy by which two powdery mildew effector proteins cooperate to evade recognition by dampening the host immune system.

IMPORTANCE: Powdery mildew fungi may develop diverse strategies to disturb salicylic acid (SA) signaling in plants, which plays an important role in activating immunity, and little is known about these strategies. Our results suggest that the Erysiphe quercicola effector protein EqCmu can be translocated into host cells and inhibit host SA levels during the infection stage; however, it is targeted by the plant ubiquitin-proteasome system (UPS) and ubiquitinated, which induces EqCmu degradation. To evade the UPS, EqCmu interacts with EqPdt, another E. quercicola effector protein, to prevent that ubiquitination. EqPdt also inhibits host SA biosynthesis through its prephenate dehydratase activity. Taken together, these two powdery mildew effector proteins cause a synergistic effect in disturbing host SA signaling. Our study also suggests that enhancing SA signaling is required for boosting immunity against powdery mildew fungus.},
}

@article {pmid40093686,
year = {2025},
author = {Gargominy, O and Fontaine, B and Tercerie, S and Zuccon, D},
title = {New species and new records of families, genera and species of land snails (Mollusca, Gastropoda) from French Guiana.},
journal = {ZooKeys},
volume = {1230},
number = {},
pages = {155-194},
pmid = {40093686},
issn = {1313-2989},
abstract = {This paper presents an investigation of material collected during four intensive collecting trips of land snails in French Guiana from 1995 to 2020 and deposited in the French National Museum of Natural History collections. This material forms the basis of the following novelties: four families are reported for the first time from French Guiana: Diplommatinidae, Cystopeltidae, Thysanophoridae and Strobilopsidae; three native species: Lyroconusplagioptycha (Helicoidea, Thysanophoridae), Pupisomamacneilli (Pupilloidea, Valloniidae) and Strobilopsmorsei (Pupilloidea, Strobilopsidae) and one introduced species Diplosolenodesoccidentalis (Veronicelloidea, Veronicellidae) are reported for the first time from French Guiana; five new species are described: Adelopomaquasimodo Gargominy, sp. nov. (Cyclophoroidea, Diplommatinidae), Lilloiconchagalbao Gargominy, sp. nov. (Punctoidea, Cystopeltidae), Protoglyptusbernicolae Gargominy, sp. nov. (Orthalicoidea, Bulimulidae), Pseudosubulinasanti Gargominy, sp. nov. (Testacelloidea, Spiraxidae), and Happiadecaensi Gargominy, sp. nov. (Scolodontoidea, Scolodontidae). Finally, Drymaeussurinamensis Vernhout, 1914, syn. nov. is considered as a new synonym of Mesembrinuslusorius (L. Pfeiffer, 1855), and Drymaeusarcuatostriatus (L. Pfeiffer, 1855) is proposed as the new identification of Drymaeusmeesi sensu Tillier, 1980 non Breure, 1976.},
}

@article {pmid40091613,
year = {2025},
author = {Cheng, C and Liu, F and Wu, Y and Li, P and Chen, W and Wu, C and Sun, J},
title = {Positive Linkage in Bacterial Microbiota at the Plant-Insect Interface Benefits an Invasive Bark Beetle.},
journal = {Plant, cell & environment},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1111/pce.15470},
pmid = {40091613},
issn = {1365-3040},
support = {//This work is funded by the National Key Research and Development Program of China (2021YFC2600100), the National Natural Science Foundation of China (31702018, 32088102, 32061123002 and 32101537), and the Hebei Natural Science Foundation (C2023201034)./ ; },
abstract = {Symbiotic microbes facilitate rapid adaptation of invasive insects on novel plants via multifaceted function provisions, but little was known on the importance of cross linkages in symbiotic microbiota to insect invasiveness. Novel host pine Pinus tabuliformis is inherently unsuitable for invasive red turpentine beetle (RTB) in China; however, Novosphingobium and Erwinia/Serratia in gallery microbiota (at the interface between RTB larvae and pine phloem) have been discovered to help beetles via biodegrading pine detrimental compounds naringenin and pinitol, respectively. Here, we further revealed significant positive linkage of the two functions, with higher activity level conferring more growth benefit to RTB larvae. Abundance of Erwinia/Serratia was remarkably increased in response to pinitol, while naringenin-biodegrading Novosphingobium was unable to utilize this main phloem carbohydrate directly. High-activity bacterial microbiota produced nutritive metabolites (sucrose and hexadecanoic acid) from pinitol consumption that facilitated growth of both Novosphingobium and beetle larvae. Functional proteins of several bacterial taxa were enriched in high-activity microbiota that appeared to form a metabolic network collectively to regulate the nutrient production. Our results indicate that positive interaction between Erwinia/Serratia and Novosphingobium is critical for RTB invasion success, while Bacilli bacteria might restrict this linkage, providing new insights into symbiotic microbial interactions for insect herbivores.},
}

@article {pmid40090088,
year = {2025},
author = {Rawat, YS and Tekleyohannes, AT},
title = {Ecological assessment and sustainable utilization of plant resources in the periphery of George, Garden route area, South Africa.},
journal = {Journal of environmental management},
volume = {380},
number = {},
pages = {124828},
doi = {10.1016/j.jenvman.2025.124828},
pmid = {40090088},
issn = {1095-8630},
abstract = {Plant resources are vital components of urban and peri-urban ecosystems, yet research on their sustainable utilization remains limited. These resources provide a wide array of benefits to local communities, particularly those are located in the peripheries of urban areas, where they serve as critical sources of firewood, construction materials, and livelihood support. However, the growing demand for these resources, coupled with the pressure of urbanization, threatens their availability and the ecological stability of the regions they inhabit. This study, therefore, aimed to conduct a comprehensive ecological assessment of plant resources, examining plant stem harvesting, the sustainability of their utilization and the observed changes in plant density and diversity in the peri-urban areas of George, South Africa. The study focused on three selected sites: Saasveld Rd, Thembalethu, and Saiuwerfountain are chosen based on their proximity to woody patches and the visual evidence of resource use for firewood, fencing, and construction in low-income suburbs. Key ecological parameters such as species density, basal area, and importance value indices (IVIs) were analyzed to understand species composition and utilization patterns. The golden ratio (Φ) and Fibonacci sequencing were employed to detect self-organizing trends and optimality within the plant communities, revealing insights into ecosystem dynamics, resilience and resource management. Results indicated a higher tree density at Saasveld Rd (78.53%) and Thembalethu (58.33%), while shrubs and trees were nearly equally distributed at Saiuwerfountain (50.83% shrubs vs. 49.17% trees). The high demand for plant resources, particularly in the low-income areas of Thembalethu and Saiuwerfountain, had significantly reduced plant density. Acacia mearnsii was identified as the most harvested species across all sites due to its abundance, rapid regeneration, and suitability for firewood and construction purposes. The maximum number of harvested stems (51.15%) was recorded at Saiuwerfountain, reflecting the heavy dependence of local communities on these resources for their daily needs. The current study demonstrated the importance of managing both native and invasive species for sustainable utilization and biodiversity conservation. While invasive species like Acacia mearnsii offer immediate benefits to local communities, their unchecked proliferation poses significant risks to native biodiversity and ecosystem health. The findings call for the establishment of sustainable energy plantations and woodlots to address the escalating wood-based needs of low-income communities, alongside policies promoting sustainable harvesting practices and biodiversity conservation thereby contributing to a region specific conservation and energy strategies for a long-term sustainability. Additionally, the identification of self-organizing trends, an indicative of ecological optimization through signatures of the golden ratio, highlights the inherent resilience and adaptive capacity of these ecosystems, reinforcing the need for adaptation oriented restorative management approaches. Results of this study generally supported the relevance of conservation by utilization strategy of invasive alien plant species control and management in similar global cases for environmental sustainability.},
}

@article {pmid40089776,
year = {2025},
author = {Steindorf, V and K B, HM and Stollenwerk, N and Cevidanes, A and Barandika, JF and Vazquez, P and García-Pérez, AL and Aguiar, M},
title = {Forecasting invasive mosquito abundance in the Basque Country, Spain using machine learning techniques.},
journal = {Parasites & vectors},
volume = {18},
number = {1},
pages = {109},
pmid = {40089776},
issn = {1756-3305},
support = {BERC 2022-2025//Basque Government/ ; CEX2021-001142-S / MICIN / AEI / 10.13039/501100011033//Spanish Ministry of Sciences, Innovation and Universities: BCAM Severo Ochoa/ ; t EU-LIFE 18 IPC/ES/000001 (Urban Klima 2050)//Department of Food, Rural Development, Agriculture and Fisheries, and the Department of Health of the Basque Government, the Ministry of Health, Social Policy, and Equality of the Government of Spain/ ; RYC2021-033084-I//Ministerio de Ciencia e Innovacion (MICINN) of the Spanish Government and European Union Next Generation EU/PRTR/ ; RYC2021-031380-I//Ministerio de Ciencia e Innovacion (MICINN) of the Spanish Government/ ; },
mesh = {Spain ; Animals ; *Machine Learning ; *Mosquito Vectors/physiology/growth & development ; *Aedes/physiology/growth & development ; *Forecasting ; Weather ; Introduced Species ; Temperature ; Seasons ; Dengue/transmission/epidemiology ; Climate ; Humans ; },
abstract = {BACKGROUND: Mosquito-borne diseases cause millions of deaths each year and are increasingly spreading from tropical and subtropical regions into temperate zones, posing significant public health risks. In the Basque Country region of Spain, changing climatic conditions have driven the spread of invasive mosquitoes, increasing the potential for local transmission of diseases such as dengue, Zika, and chikungunya. The establishment of mosquito species in new areas, coupled with rising mosquito populations and viremic imported cases, presents challenges for public health systems in non-endemic regions.

METHODS: This study uses models that capture the complexities of the mosquito life cycle, driven by interactions with weather variables, including temperature, precipitation, and humidity. Leveraging machine learning techniques, we aimed to forecast Aedes invasive mosquito abundance in the provinces of the Basque Country, using egg count as a proxy and weather features as key independent variables. A Spearman correlation was used to assess relationships between climate variables and mosquito egg counts, as well as their lagged time series versions. Forecasting models, including random forest (RF) and seasonal autoregressive integrated moving average (SARIMAX), were evaluated using root mean squared error (RMSE) and mean absolute error (MAE) metrics.

RESULTS: Statistical analysis revealed significant impacts of temperature, precipitation, and humidity on mosquito egg abundance. The random forest (RF) model demonstrated the highest forecasting accuracy, followed by the SARIMAX model. Incorporating lagged climate variables and ovitrap egg counts into the models improved predictions, enabling more accurate forecasts of Aedes invasive mosquito abundance.

CONCLUSIONS: The findings emphasize the importance of integrating climate-driven forecasting tools to predict the abundance of mosquitoes where data are available. Furthermore, this study highlights the critical need for ongoing entomological surveillance to enhance mosquito spread forecasting and contribute to the development and assessment of effective vector control strategies in regions of mosquito expansion.},
}

Spain
Animals
*Machine Learning
*Mosquito Vectors/physiology/growth & development
*Aedes/physiology/growth & development
*Forecasting
Weather
Introduced Species
Temperature
Seasons
Dengue/transmission/epidemiology
Climate
Humans

@article {pmid40089144,
year = {2025},
author = {Frett, M and Kozarek, JL and Berry, A and Mensinger, AF},
title = {Evaluating CO2 and Sound as an Invasive Bigheaded Carp Deterrent in a Model Lock and Dam.},
journal = {Environmental pollution (Barking, Essex : 1987)},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {126056},
doi = {10.1016/j.envpol.2025.126056},
pmid = {40089144},
issn = {1873-6424},
abstract = {Several deterrents are currently being investigated to block the upstream migration of invasive silver (Hypophthalmichthys molitrix) and bighead carp (H. nobilis). Broadband sound (100 hp outboard boat motor recording) and dissolved CO2 both show potential for restricting the upstream movement of invasive bigheaded carp through contained environments such as lock chambers. This study examined the effect of combining both broadband sound and CO2 into a multimodal deterrent to restrict upstream passage via the lock chamber in a 10,000 L flow through model lock and dam system. Bigheaded carp schools were classically conditioned to associate broadband sound with elevated levels of CO2 in the lock chamber. After conditioning, broadband sound alone was 100% effective in restricting the upstream passage of bigheaded carp under standard lock chamber operations, and bigheaded carp were deterred from entering and transiting the lock chamber for 28 consecutive trials over a one-week period. These results could help inform field deployments of non-physical deterrents within lock chambers for restricting the upstream movement of invasive bigheaded carp.},
}

@article {pmid40088282,
year = {2025},
author = {Korkmaz, Y and Bełka, M and Blumenstein, K},
title = {How cryptic animal vectors of fungi can influence forest health in a changing climate and how to anticipate them.},
journal = {Applied microbiology and biotechnology},
volume = {109},
number = {1},
pages = {65},
pmid = {40088282},
issn = {1432-0614},
mesh = {Animals ; *Climate Change ; *Forests ; *Fungi/genetics ; *Disease Vectors ; *Mycoses/microbiology/veterinary ; Birds/microbiology ; Trees/microbiology ; },
abstract = {Fungal spores are usually dispersed by wind, water, and animal vectors. Climate change is accelerating the spread of pathogens to new regions. While well-studied vectors like bark beetles and moths contribute to pathogen transmission, other, less-recognized animal species play a crucial role at different scales. Small-scale dispersers, such as mites, rodents, squirrels, and woodpeckers, facilitate fungal spread within trees or entire forest regions. On a larger scale, birds contribute significantly to long-distance fungal dispersal, potentially aiding the establishment of invasive species across continents. These vectors remain underexplored and are often overlooked in fungal disease studies and are therefore called cryptic vectors. Understanding the full range of dispersal mechanisms is critical as climate change drive shifts in species distributions and increases vector activity. Expanding monitoring and detection tools to include these hidden carriers will improve our ability to track the distribution of fungal pathogens. Integrating targeted research, innovative technologies, and collaborative efforts across disciplines and borders is essential for enhancing disease management and mitigating fungal disease's ecological and economic impacts. KEY POINTS: • Cryptic animal vectors play a critical role in fungal spore dispersal across forests and continents. • Climate change accelerates fungal pathogen spread by altering species distributions, increasing vector activity, and facilitating long-distance dispersal. • Innovative monitoring tools, like eDNA sampling and predictive modelling, are essential to uncover cryptic vector contributions and mitigate fungal disease impacts.},
}

Animals
*Climate Change
*Forests
*Fungi/genetics
*Disease Vectors
*Mycoses/microbiology/veterinary
Birds/microbiology
Trees/microbiology

@article {pmid39903396,
year = {2025},
author = {Song, XJ and Li, XD and Chen, Y and Wang, J and Zou, JB and Zhu, ZH and Liu, G},
title = {Differences in plant responses to nitrogen addition between the central and edge populations of invasive Galinsoga quadriradiata in China.},
journal = {Journal of plant research},
volume = {138},
number = {2},
pages = {243-251},
pmid = {39903396},
issn = {1618-0860},
support = {32271584;31600445//National Natural Science Foundation of China/ ; 2020JM-286//Natural Science Basic Research Program of Shaanxi Province/ ; GK202103072;GK202103073//Fundamental Research Funds for the Central Universities/ ; 2022HZ1795//Special Research Project in Philosophy and Social Sciences of Shaanxi Province/ ; },
mesh = {*Nitrogen/metabolism ; *Introduced Species ; China ; Biomass ; Climate Change ; Plant Roots/growth & development/physiology ; },
abstract = {Increased nitrogen deposition significantly impacts invasive plants, leading to population differentiation due to different environmental pressures during expansion. However, various populations respond differently to elevated nitrogen levels. This study explores the responses of central and edge populations of the annual invasive plant Galinsoga quadriradiata to different levels of nitrogen addition. The results indicate that the central population has a stronger need for nitrogen, with nitrogen addition promoting the growth of its aboveground parts, reducing intraspecific competition, and increasing reproductive allocation and total biomass. Specifically, nitrogen addition provides more nutritional resources, easing resource competition among plants, reducing intraspecific competitive pressure, and allowing plants to allocate more energy to growth and reproduction, thereby enhancing their expansion potential. In contrast, the edge populations respond differently to nitrogen. Although nitrogen addition promotes the growth of their underground parts and enhances root development, the impact on aboveground parts is smaller. The enhancement of underground parts helps edge populations better adapt to barren environments, improving their survival and competitive ability in new environments, thus increasing their expansion potential. Overall, the growth impact on edge populations due to nitrogen addition is smaller, possibly indicating they have exceeded their nitrogen limit. The study demonstrates that the degree of population differentiation in invasive plants at different invasion stages is a critical factor in studying their spread potential, aiding in predicting plant invasion trends under climate change and providing theoretical support for formulating targeted management strategies.},
}

*Nitrogen/metabolism
*Introduced Species
China
Biomass
Climate Change
Plant Roots/growth & development/physiology

@article {pmid40083734,
year = {2025},
author = {Schmid, SA and Lázaro-Lobo, A and Shoemaker, CM and Sample, A and Cade, M and Ervin, GN and Turnage, G},
title = {Latitude and Community Diversity Primarily Explain Invasion Patterns of Widespread Invasive Plants in Small, Subtropical Lakes.},
journal = {Ecology and evolution},
volume = {15},
number = {3},
pages = {e71115},
pmid = {40083734},
issn = {2045-7758},
abstract = {Within the study of aquatic invasive species, small aquatic ecosystems are often neglected, despite representing most global freshwater bodies. This study uses community composition and environmental and geographic factors to explain the occurrence of invasive species in small lakes in the southeastern United States. Four invasive species widespread in the southeastern United States were selected as the focus of this study: Alternanthera philoxeroides, Cyperus blepharoleptos, Panicum repens, and Triadica sebifera. The aquatic plant communities of the lakes were surveyed using littoral zone point sampling. Generalized linear models for each species were fit with the probability of occurrence (P occ) as the response variable and Secchi depth, plant species diversity (α-diversity), point richness, perimeter, latitude, and longitude as potential predictors; all predictors were subjected to model selection to define the best-fit models. All best-fit models were strongly predictive with area under the receiver operating characteristic curve values > 0.80. Plant species diversity was positively correlated with P occ of A. philoxeroides, P. repens, and T. sebifera. Latitude was negatively correlated with P occ of P. repens and T. sebifera. Perimeter was negatively related to P occ of A. philoxeroides. Secchi depth was negatively related to the P occ of C. blepharoleptos. Although plant species diversity and latitude were most commonly predictive, P occ was usually explained by multiple predictors, suggesting that these relationships are best explained with multiple environmental factors.},
}

@article {pmid40083728,
year = {2025},
author = {Walsh-Antzak, CR and Erickson, PA},
title = {Strength of Enemy Release From Parasitoids Is Context Dependent in the Invasive African Fig Fly, Zaprionus indianus.},
journal = {Ecology and evolution},
volume = {15},
number = {3},
pages = {e70754},
pmid = {40083728},
issn = {2045-7758},
abstract = {Understanding the mechanisms underlying the success of biological invasions is essential to employ effective prediction and management strategies. Escape from natural enemies in invaded regions (enemy release hypothesis, ERH) and increased competitive ability are hallmarks of invasive species; however, these two processes are rarely studied within the same context. Here, we examined the effect of enemy release on the competition outcomes of a successful invasive insect pest in North America, the African fig fly (Zaprionus indianus). Parasitoid wasps such as Leptopilina heterotoma that parasitize drosophilid larvae may seek out established species with known host suitability over a novel species, so we hypothesized Z. indianus may have low susceptibility to parasitoids, giving them a competitive advantage over co-occurring drosophilids. We tested this hypothesis by comparing the adult emergence rates from Z. indianus larvae reared alone or in competition with Drosophila hydei or D. simulans larvae in the presence and absence of parasitoid wasps under low and high larval densities. At low larval densities, Z. indianus emerged at equal rates to D. hydei but outcompeted D. simulans, and these outcomes were not affected by parasitoids. However, at high densities, the addition of parasitoids shifted competition outcomes in favor of Z. indianus, suggesting enemy release provides a competitive advantage under some circumstances. These results indicate that the strength of enemy release in Z. indianus is widely dependent on contextual factors such as density and competitor species. This study emphasizes how a community approach to testing the ERH is vital as the overall interpretation of the presence and strength of enemy release differed between intraspecific and interspecific experiments. Further investigation of how these results apply to field environments could offer insight into how Z. indianus alters ecosystems and how productive biological control may limit the spread of Z. indianus.},
}

@article {pmid40083284,
year = {2025},
author = {Banerjee, A and Verma, U and Lewis, MT and Parshad, RD},
title = {Two species competition with a "non-smooth" Allee mechanism: applications to soybean aphid population dynamics under climate change.},
journal = {Mathematical biosciences and engineering : MBE},
volume = {22},
number = {3},
pages = {604-651},
doi = {10.3934/mbe.2025023},
pmid = {40083284},
issn = {1551-0018},
mesh = {*Aphids/physiology ; Animals ; *Climate Change ; *Glycine max/parasitology ; *Population Dynamics ; Models, Biological ; Computer Simulation ; Competitive Behavior ; Introduced Species ; Ecosystem ; Floods ; },
abstract = {The soybean aphid (Aphis glycines) is an invasive insect pest that continues to cause large-scale damage to soybean crops in the North Central United States. Recent empirical evidence points to differential fitness in the pestiferous aphid biotypes under abiotic stresses such as flooding. As climate change predicts increased flooding in the North Central United States, mathematical models that incorporate such factors are required to better inform pest management strategies. Motivated by these empirical results, we considered the effect of non-smooth Allee type mechanisms, for the two species Lotka-Volterra competition model. We showed that this mechanism can alter classical competitive dynamics in both the ordinary differential equation (ODE) as well as the spatially explicit setting. In particular, an Allee effect present in the weaker competitor could lead to bi-stability dynamics, as well as competitive exclusion reversal. We discuss applications of our results to pest management strategies for soybean aphids in the context of a changing climate.},
}

*Aphids/physiology
Animals
*Climate Change
*Glycine max/parasitology
*Population Dynamics
Models, Biological
Computer Simulation
Competitive Behavior
Introduced Species
Ecosystem
Floods

@article {pmid40081542,
year = {2025},
author = {Salvesen, HA and Dearden, PK},
title = {Genome Editing in Hymenoptera.},
journal = {Insect biochemistry and molecular biology},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {104300},
doi = {10.1016/j.ibmb.2025.104300},
pmid = {40081542},
issn = {1879-0240},
abstract = {The application of genome editing tools in Hymenoptera has transformative potential for functional genetics and understanding their unique biology. Hymenoptera comprise one of the most diverse Orders of animals, and the development of methods for efficiently creating precise genome modifications could have applications in conservation, pest management and agriculture. To date, sex determination, DNA methylation, taste and smell sensory systems as well as phenotypic markers have been selected for gene editing investigations. From these data, insights into eusociality, the nature of haplodiploidy and the complex communication systems that Hymenoptera possess have provided an understanding of their evolutionary history that has led them to become so diverse and successful. Insights from these functional genetics analyses have been supported by the ever-improving suite of CRIPSR tools and further expansion will allow more specific biological hypotheses to be tested and applications beyond the lab. Looking ahead, genome editing tools have potential for Hymenopteran applications in modifying biocontrol agents of agricultural pests and for use in managing invasive species through the development of technologies such as gene drives. This review provides accessibility to information regarding the status of Hymenopteran genome editing, intending to support the considered development of CRISPR tools in novel species as well as innovation and refinement of methods in species in which it has already been achieved.},
}

@article {pmid40081033,
year = {2025},
author = {Mou, W and Jin, C and Hu, S and Zhou, L and Luo, M and Long, Y and Yang, Y},
title = {Human activities affect the future suitability of alien urban landscape species in China under climate change.},
journal = {Journal of environmental management},
volume = {380},
number = {},
pages = {124899},
doi = {10.1016/j.jenvman.2025.124899},
pmid = {40081033},
issn = {1095-8630},
abstract = {Ecologists have paid considerable attention to the adaptation and distribution of urban landscape species in China amid rapid urbanization and climate change, given the essential role of urban species in human activities, urban planning, and sustainable development. However, existing studies primarily concentrate on the effects of climate change on the distribution of native species, creating a research gap regarding alien species. We compiled 5261 distribution data points for 538 alien woody landscape species (WLS) (non-native to China) from 179 cities with populations over one million in China and utilized the MaxEnt model to assess the future distribution and migration patterns of 27 most commonly introduced evergreen broad-leaved, evergreen coniferous, and deciduous broad-leaved species under present, 2041-2060, and 2081-2100 periods according to the Representative Concentration Pathway (RCP) 4.5 and RCP 8.5 climate scenarios. The results indicated that deciduous broad-leaved species were widely distributed in Southwest China, East China, Central China and North China regions, had a broad climate niche and greater adaptability to climate change, while the suitable area of evergreen species were expected to be lower than that of the present stage after 2100. The preserved suitable areas of evergreen species were mainly concentrated in the East China and Central China regions, and the lost suitable areas of evergreen coniferous species were in South China and southern East China regions. We also noted that human activities were the most important factor influencing the species distribution, not only in terms of the differences in suitable areas, but also the spatial diversity patterns. Our study revealed the future distribution patterns of three vegetation types and highlighted the importance of preventing the transformation of alien WLS into invasive species, which can provide valuable guidance for urban planning and development.},
}

@article {pmid40078829,
year = {2025},
author = {Sennikov, A and Lazkov, G and German, DA},
title = {The first checklist of alien vascular plants of Kyrgyzstan, with new records and critical evaluation of earlier data. Contribution 3.},
journal = {Biodiversity data journal},
volume = {13},
number = {},
pages = {e145624},
doi = {10.3897/BDJ.13.e145624},
pmid = {40078829},
issn = {1314-2828},
abstract = {BACKGROUND: We continue the series of detailed treatments of alien vascular plants of Kyrgyzstan. The complete background for every species occurrence (herbarium specimens, documented observations, published literature) is uncovered and critically evaluated in a wide context of plant invasions in Central Asia with a reference to Eastern Europe and Northern Asia, based on events in the political and economic history. Complete point distribution maps are provided for each species in Central Asia, in general and Kyrgyzstan, in particular.

NEW INFORMATION: All records of Hesperismatronalis in Central Asia (including Kyrgyzstan) belong to H.pycnotricha; the latter species is newly reported as a locally naturalised alien in Kazakhstan. The previous record of Sisymbriumirio from Kyrgyzstan is rejected as based on a misidentified specimen of S.loeselii, but the species is newly recorded here as a recent casual alien. Hirschfeldiaincana is presumably native in south-western Turkmenistan; its second record in Central Asia was caused by the import of contaminated wheat grain in the times of the Soviet grain crisis and its recent expansion may be linked to the increasing import of forage grain. The introduction of Crambeorientalis was connected with its cultivation for fodder and as an ornamental plant and its further broad dispersal was aided by winds. Rorippaaustriaca is native in the steppes of north-western Kazakhstan, but alien in the mountains of Central Asia. The occurrences of three alien species originated directly from cultivation (Hesperispycnotricha as an ornamental, Armoraciarusticana as an edible plant, Crambeorientalis as an ornamental and fodder plant), three species (Hirschfeldiaincana, Mutardaarvensis, Sisymbriumirio) were imported as grain contaminants, whereas two others (Rorippaaustriaca, R.sylvestris) have arrived with contaminated soil on ornamental plants or arboreous saplings. The arrival period is inferred as the Neolithic period (Mutardaarvensis), the Imperial times (Armoraciarusticana, Hesperispycnotricha), the post-war Soviet times (Crambeorientalis, Rorippaaustriaca, R.sylvestris) and the independence times (Hirschfeldiaincana, Sisymbriumirio). All the treated species, but two, increase their frequency in Kyrgyzstan; Mutardaarvensis has already reached its complete distribution, being an ubiquitous weed, whereas Armoraciarusticana experiences a projected decline because its common cultivation has ceased. No species is invasive in natural habitats. A new combination, Mutardaarvensisvar.orientalis (L.) Sennikov, is proposed for a variant with pubescent pods.},
}

@article {pmid40077962,
year = {2025},
author = {Fenollosa, E and Arqués-Viver, I and de la Torre, J and Munné-Bosch, S},
title = {Machine Learning and digital Imaging for Spatiotemporal Monitoring of Stress Dynamics in the clonal plant Carpobrotus edulis: Uncovering a Functional Mosaic.},
journal = {Annals of botany},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1093/aob/mcaf043},
pmid = {40077962},
issn = {1095-8290},
abstract = {BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Rapid, large-scale monitoring is critical to understanding spatiotemporal plant stress dynamics, but current physiological stress markers are costly, destructive, and time-consuming. This study aimed to evaluate the potential of machine learning to non-destructively predict leaf betalains-yellow to reddish pigments unique to Caryophyllales species-for the first time, and to explore betalains' intra-individual variation on a clonal species and its role to respond to stressful periods.

METHODS: We characterized the betalainic profile of an invasive clonal plant for the first time, Carpobrotus edulis (L.) NE Br. (the cape fig), via HPLC. We measured multiple stress markers over a year, including betalain content using our optimized method, where the species is spreading. Additionally, 3,735 digital images at the leaf level were taken. Machine learning regression algorithms were trained to predict betalain accumulation from digital images, outperforming classic spectroradiometer measurements.

KEY RESULTS: Betalain content increased sharply in non-reproductive ramets during extreme abiotic conditions in summer and during senescence in reproductive ramets. The stress markers revealed a strong intra-individual functional mosaic, underscoring the importance of spatiotemporal dimensions in stress tolerance.

CONCLUSIONS: We developed a scalable, non-destructive tool for betalain research that integrates digital imaging with machine learning. This approach opens new possibilities for understanding spatiotemporal stress responses, particularly in clonal plant systems, using artificial intelligence.},
}

@article {pmid40077856,
year = {2025},
author = {Vetere, A and Ablondi, M and Gavezzoli, M and Di Ianni, F},
title = {Comparison of conventional vs. electrosurgical ovariosalpingectomy with the EnSeal[®] tissue sealer in pond sliders (Trachemys scripta): impacts on procedure time, surgical access, and recovery time according to follicular stage.},
journal = {The veterinary quarterly},
volume = {45},
number = {1},
pages = {1-9},
doi = {10.1080/01652176.2025.2473743},
pmid = {40077856},
issn = {1875-5941},
mesh = {Female ; Animals ; *Electrosurgery/veterinary/methods/instrumentation ; *Ovariectomy/veterinary/methods ; Ovarian Follicle ; Operative Time ; },
abstract = {Pond sliders (Trachemys scripta) is a common pet and invasive species in many countries. Its ability to thrive and reproduce in Mediterranean climates necessitates population control to prevent overpopulation. Ovariectomy is considered as a preventive strategy to limit reproduction and protect local biodiversity. This study compares two spaying techniques in Trachemys scripta: electrosurgery using the EnSeal[®] tissue sealer (group E) and a conventional approach with manual ligation of blood vessels (group C). Statistical tests evaluated procedural differences, including ANOVA for duration (factoring in follicular stage, surgery type, and their interaction) and Chi-squared tests for the likelihood of single surgical access via the prefemoral fossa and post-surgical feeding. Pearson's Chi-squared test with Yates' correction was used to assess complications by surgery type and follicular stage. ANOVA assessed the effect of follicular stage on surgery time, with follicles classified as Class I (n = 17), Class II (n = 12), and Class III (n = 7). Both follicular stage and surgery type significantly impacted surgery time, while their interaction was not significant, indicating independent effects. The likelihood of single-access procedures was significantly linked to surgery type, with EnSeal[®] procedures being faster and associated with earlier post-surgical feeding. Complications were not significantly linked to surgery type or follicular stage.},
}

Female
Animals
*Electrosurgery/veterinary/methods/instrumentation
*Ovariectomy/veterinary/methods
Ovarian Follicle
Operative Time

@article {pmid40075941,
year = {2025},
author = {Kim, SH and Lee, SI and Lee, SH and Jo, SE and Kim, KY},
title = {The Molecular Monitoring of an Invasive Freshwater Fish, Brown Trout (Salmo trutta), Using Real-Time PCR Assay and Environmental Water Samples.},
journal = {Animals : an open access journal from MDPI},
volume = {15},
number = {5},
pages = {},
doi = {10.3390/ani15050659},
pmid = {40075941},
issn = {2076-2615},
abstract = {Salmo trutta, commonly known as brown trout, is an invasive species that has established itself in various regions, including South Korea, where it poses ecological risks to native freshwater fish populations. To enable natural habitat restoration, S. trutta needs to be monitored, but traditional monitoring techniques are associated with several limitations. Therefore, in this study, we aimed to apply a sensitive and specific real-time PCR (qPCR) assay using a set of primers and a hydrolysis probe specific to the mitochondrial cytochrome b gene of S. trutta. Environmental DNA (eDNA) was extracted from river-water samples collected downstream of the Soyang Reservoir and around the Uiam Reservoir between January and March 2023. The qPCR assays successfully detected S. trutta eDNA in 11 of the 24 samples, with high concentrations found upstream and downstream of the Soyang River. Our results demonstrate the effectiveness of qPCR assay for the S. trutta detection in aquatic environments and highlight its potential for monitoring the spread of this species, especially in areas that are difficult to survey using traditional methods. This molecular approach offers a more efficient tool for S. trutta population management, mitigating its impact on native biodiversity.},
}

@article {pmid40075263,
year = {2025},
author = {Zhu, XX and Shi, LN and Shi, HM and Ye, JR},
title = {Characterization of the Priestia megaterium ZS-3 siderophore and studies on its growth-promoting effects.},
journal = {BMC microbiology},
volume = {25},
number = {1},
pages = {133},
pmid = {40075263},
issn = {1471-2180},
mesh = {*Siderophores/metabolism ; *Arabidopsis/growth & development/microbiology/metabolism/genetics ; Iron/metabolism ; Chlorophyll/metabolism ; Arabidopsis Proteins/genetics/metabolism ; Plant Roots/microbiology/growth & development/metabolism ; },
abstract = {BACKGROUND: The ability of plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR) to alleviate iron deficiency-induced chlorosis in plants has been widely reported, but the role of siderophores in the re-greening process has rarely been investigated. In this study, the Priestia megaterium ZS-3 (ZS-3) siderophore was first characterized, and a 100-fold concentration of the crude extract of the siderophore was extracted by solid-phase extraction and used to inoculate Arabidopsis thaliana to investigate whether the ZS-3 siderophore could alleviate plant iron deficiency-induced chlorosis in the presence of an insoluble iron source and to determine how it promoted plant growth.

RESULTS: The results indicated that -Fe + Fe2O3 (Fe2O3) treatment induced a decrease in plant growth and iron nutritional status compared with those in the 1/2 MS (one-half-strength Murashige and Skoog medium). Expression levels of representative genes for chlorophyll synthesis, CHLM and CHLG, increased by 85.41% and 77.05% compared to Fe2O3 treatment; the IRT1 and FRO2 in Fe2O3 inoculated with the ZS-3 siderophore (T2 treatment) were upregulated by 88.1% and 87.20%, respectively. These results indicate that the ZS-3 siderophore upregulates the expressions of chlorophyll genes to increases photosynthesis and helps plants increase the transcription of iron and the activity of ferric-chelate reductase. Compared with the Fe2O3 treatment, the T2 group increased the soluble protein and chlorophyll contents by 2.64- and 3.47-fold, and improved the activities of ferric-chelate reductase and peroxidase (POD) by 3.69- and 2.9-fold, respectively, indicating that the ZS-3 siderophore maintained normal plant growth under Fe2O3 stress by increasing the activity of antioxidant enzymes.

CONCLUSIONS: This study revealed that the ZS-3 siderophore Ferrioxamine E [M + Fe-2 H] enhances plant iron uptake and transport activity at the transcriptional level, confirming the important role of the ZS-3 siderophore in plant iron deficiency status, and the results suggest that the ZS-3 siderophore helps plants acquire iron, alleviates plant chlorosis and promotes plant growth through mechanism I of plant iron acquisition. In this study, we closely linked the structural characterization and quantification of siderophores with Fe deficiency-induced chlorosis to elucidate the promotional mechanism of siderophores in Fe-deficient environments.},
}

*Siderophores/metabolism
*Arabidopsis/growth & development/microbiology/metabolism/genetics
Iron/metabolism
Chlorophyll/metabolism
Arabidopsis Proteins/genetics/metabolism
Plant Roots/microbiology/growth & development/metabolism

@article {pmid40078694,
year = {2023},
author = {Brockett, C and Woolaston, K and Deane, F and Humphries, F and Kumar, E and Kennedy, A and Bell-James, J},
title = {Best practice mechanisms for biodiversity conservation law and policy.},
journal = {Cambridge prisms. Extinction},
volume = {1},
number = {},
pages = {e16},
doi = {10.1017/ext.2023.14},
pmid = {40078694},
issn = {2755-0958},
abstract = {Around the world, countries have introduced laws and policies designed to prevent species extinction. While there have been some success stories, overall, these laws and policies are routinely failing. Extinction rates continue to climb. However, the law is necessary to regulate the human-environment interactions that form the basis of the drivers of extinction and biodiversity loss, including land-clearing, the discharge of greenhouse gases and the introduction of invasive species. The purpose of this paper is to evaluate the literature specifically on biodiversity conservation law, to review and describe the commonalities in laws and legal systems that can be considered successful, or unsuccessful. Laws for the conservation of biodiversity form a critical component for minimising the drivers of extinction, with species extinction being an extreme outcome of biodiversity loss. We reviewed 128 publications from around the world to ascertain and synthesise best practices in law and policy that aim to protect and conserve biodiversity (herein termed 'biodiversity conservation law'). The literature demonstrated that when it comes to biodiversity conservation law, the concept of 'best practice' is elusive, and does not necessarily equate to a reversal in species decline. Further, most western countries utilise the same legal mechanisms (also known as policy tools) for biodiversity conservation, although some countries implement these laws more effectively than others. In this paper, we explore and explain several common legal mechanisms discussed across the range of literature, including species listing and recovery plans, protected area regulation, stewardship, restoration, and offset and no net loss schemes. We also explore the necessity of biodiversity and climate mainstreaming across all laws and highlight the need to engage in genuine partnerships and collaborations with First Nations communities. This paper, and the principles explored herein, should assist law and policymakers to regulate more effectively and explain to those in the conservation sciences where research should be directed to improve the science-policy interface.},
}

@article {pmid40078683,
year = {2023},
author = {Hinsley, A and Willis, J and Dent, AR and Oyanedel, R and Kubo, T and Challender, DWS},
title = {Trading species to extinction: evidence of extinction linked to the wildlife trade.},
journal = {Cambridge prisms. Extinction},
volume = {1},
number = {},
pages = {e10},
doi = {10.1017/ext.2023.7},
pmid = {40078683},
issn = {2755-0958},
abstract = {The link between unsustainable harvest of species for the wildlife trade and extinction is clear in some cases, but little is known about the number of species across taxonomic groups that have gone extinct because of trade-related factors, or future risks for traded species. We conducted a rapid review of published articles and species assessments on the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species with the aim of recording examples of extinctions that were attributed to trade. We found reports of extinctions linked, at least in part, to wildlife trade for 511 unique taxa. These include 294 reports of global extinctions, 25 extinctions in the wild, and 192 local extinctions. The majority of global/in the wild extinctions linked to trade (230) involved ray-finned fishes, primarily due to predation by introduced commercial species. Seventy-one of the 175 reported local extinctions of animal taxa linked to trade were mammals. Twenty-two global/in the wild extinctions and 16 local extinctions of plants were reportedly linked to trade. One fungal species was reported locally extinct due to over-harvesting for trade. Furthermore, 340 species were reported to be near-extinct linked to trade, 269 of which were animals, including several high-profile megafauna. Extinctions were linked to direct harvesting and/or indirect threats such as bycatch or invasive species introduced for trade, but often it was not possible to determine the relative role of trade-related threats in extinctions. Our results highlight the need for better data collection on trade-related extinction risk to understand its impacts and to inform more effective wildlife trade policy.},
}

@article {pmid40078686,
year = {2023},
author = {Ramsey, DSL and Anderson, DP and Gormley, AM},
title = {Invasive species eradication: How do we declare success?.},
journal = {Cambridge prisms. Extinction},
volume = {1},
number = {},
pages = {e4},
doi = {10.1017/ext.2023.1},
pmid = {40078686},
issn = {2755-0958},
abstract = {Deciding whether or not eradication of an invasive species has been successful is one of the main dilemmas facing managers of eradication programmes. When the species is no longer being detected, a decision must be made about when to stop the eradication programme and declare success. In practice, this decision is usually based on ad hoc rules, which may be inefficient. Since surveillance undertaken to confirm species absence is imperfect, any declaration of eradication success must consider the risk and the consequences of being wrong. If surveillance is insufficient, then eradication may be falsely declared (a Type I error), whereas continuation of surveillance when eradication has already occurred wastes resources (a Type II error). We review the various methods that have been developed for quantifying these errors and incorporating them into the decision-making process. We conclude with an overview of future developments likely to improve the practice of determining invasive species eradication success.},
}

@article {pmid40073483,
year = {2025},
author = {Gu, D and Zhang, C and Li, G and Xu, M and Wei, H and Fang, M and Shu, L and Wang, X and Peng, K and Jiang, Z and Yu, F},
title = {Longitudinal reconfiguration of multifaceted fish α and β diversity triggered by non-native species invasion in tropic rivers of Hainan Island.},
journal = {Journal of environmental management},
volume = {380},
number = {},
pages = {124902},
doi = {10.1016/j.jenvman.2025.124902},
pmid = {40073483},
issn = {1095-8630},
abstract = {Human-mediated fish invasions have reconfigured the native fish faunas throughout the freshwater ecosystems worldwide. Beyond the well-documented homogenization reported in temperate basins, our knowledge on how multifaceted biodiversity response to fish invasions in tropic rivers remains poorly understood. It is also hanged in doubt that how fish invasions modify the longitudinal patterns of fish faunas under the concept of river continuum. Here, we applied one-way permutational multivariate analysis of variance to test how fish invasion influenced the longitudinal patterns of multifaceted α and β diversity of fish assemblages in three largest rivers of Hainan Island, China. Meanwhile, we employed multiple regression analysis to examine the relationships between the invasion degree and multiple α diversity indices as well as functional traits of native fishes. We found non-significant longitudinal variations for all multifaceted α diversity for native fish assemblages. However, our results demonstrated significantly longitudinal variations for multifaceted overall β diversity and its turnover components to the upstream-downstream gradient. Considering the consequence of non-native species invasion, we recorded tough homogenization in all the multifaceted aspects, as all the overall β diversity and its turnover components were concurrently significantly decreased after invasions. In comparation with upper reaches, the middle-lower reaches exhibited more significant homogeneous patterns incurred by invasions. In terms of biotic acceptance/resistance hypothesis, we found native fish faunas with higher richness, evenness and trophic level tented to resistant invaders, whereas with even phylogenetic compositions and late maturation showed acceptance to invasions.},
}

@article {pmid40069281,
year = {2025},
author = {Yu, J and Li, L and Yu, H and Zhu, W and Hou, M and Yu, J and Yuan, M and Yu, Z},
title = {Modeling current and future distributions of invasive Asteraceae species in Northeast China.},
journal = {Scientific reports},
volume = {15},
number = {1},
pages = {8379},
pmid = {40069281},
issn = {2045-2322},
support = {YDZJ202501ZYTS551//Jilin Province Science and Technology Development Plan/ ; YDZJ202201ZYTS478//Jilin Province Science and Technology Development Plan/ ; 42461017//National Natural Science Foundation of China/ ; 2019FY101703//Ministry of Science and Technology of the People's Republic of China/ ; },
mesh = {*Introduced Species/trends ; *Asteraceae ; China ; *Climate Change ; Ecosystem ; Biodiversity ; },
abstract = {The ecological balance and agricultural productivity of northeastern China are seriously threatened by the long-term invasion and spread of Asteraceae plants, which have severely disrupted the region's biodiversity and ecosystem stability. Ambrosia artemisiifolia L., Ambrosia trifida L., and Erigeron canadensis L. are Class 1 malignant invasive species widely distributed across northeastern China. In this context, we selected 36 predictor variables and utilized the MaxEnt model to investigate the influence of current climate on their distribution patterns. Using future climate data, we projected shifts in the distribution dynamics of these three Asteraceae species for two time periods (2041-2060 and 2061-2080) under three climate change scenarios (SSP126, SSP245, and SSP585). The MaxEnt model demonstrated a good predictive impact, with an average area under the curve (AUC) of 0.918. Currently, the three Asteraceae species are primarily found in the southern part of northeastern China. However, due to future climatic changes, their distribution centroids are gradually shifting southwest, leading to an increase in the area of highly suitable zones for these species. Moreover, trend analysis revealed that the potential distribution changes of highly suitable zones for the three Asteraceae species in the southwestern northeastern China are likely to experience an increasing invasive trend under various future climate models. This study provides initial insights into the distribution dynamics of Asteraceae species in northeastern China under climate change, enabling the formulation of plans for managing and preventing the risks and impacts of invasive species.},
}

*Introduced Species/trends
*Asteraceae
China
*Climate Change
Ecosystem
Biodiversity

@article {pmid40068658,
year = {2025},
author = {Romanenko, SA and Prokopov, DY and Marchenko, SA and Kulak, MM and Ilina, AV and Serdyukova, NA and Galkina, SA and Trifonov, VA},
title = {In situ and in silico localization of major satellite DNAs in the genome of the red-eared slider (Trachemys scripta elegans, Emydidae, Testudines).},
journal = {Cytogenetic and genome research},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {1-20},
doi = {10.1159/000544908},
pmid = {40068658},
issn = {1424-859X},
abstract = {INTRODUCTION: Satellite DNA is an important component of the eukaryotic genome. Some satellite DNAs plays an important role in various biological processes. The red-eared slider (Trachemys scripta elegans, 2n=50, C=1.43 pg) belongs to the American freshwater turtle family and is recognised as one of the world's most invasive species. In the T. s. elegans chromosome-level genome assembly, which has been recently published, satellite DNAs comprise only 0.1%. From the repetitive repertoire of the T. elegans genome, only ribosomal DNA genes and telomeric repeats have been localised on the species' chromosomes.

METHODS: Using publicly available short-read sequencing data, we conducted de novo identification of the most abundant satellite DNAs in T. s. elegans using TAREAN pipeline. We combined bioinformatics (using blastn) and chromosome mapping by fluorescence in situ hybridization to describe the distribution of major tandem repetitive DNAs. The diversity and distribution of satDNA in the assembled genome of T. s. elegans were explored using the SatXplor pipeline.

RESULTS: Six major satellite sequences occupying approximately 0.8% of the genome were identified in the genome data, all of which were successfully localised both in situ and in silico on T. s. elegans chromosomes and in silico on chromosomal scaffolds. We revealed a complex structural organisation of these sequences: monomers may be moderately or highly variable and they may contain regions homologous to retrotransposons. Cytogenetic mapping showed the accumulation of satellite DNAs in the pericentromeric regions of most chromosomes and in the distal regions of the short arms of submetacentric chromosomes. Comparisons between cytogenetic maps and genome assembly data revealed discrepancies in the number and chromosomal locations of the identified satellite DNA clusters.

CONCLUSION: The red-eared slider genome has a greater proportion of satellite DNA than was previously reported. These satellites demonstrate no specificity for either macrochromosomes or microchromosomes. Differences between in situ and in silico results indicate the challenges of repetitive sequence assembly, as well as discrepancies between chromosome numbering in the current chromosome-level genome assembly and the physical chromosome map.},
}

@article {pmid38864281,
year = {2025},
author = {Shalom, I and Calfayan, LM and Rospide, M and Thornton, L and Burgos, EF and Gómez Villafañe, IE},
title = {Do exotic invasive mammals disturb the native fauna? Spatiotemporal distribution and overlap between species in a national park of Argentina.},
journal = {Integrative zoology},
volume = {20},
number = {2},
pages = {344-360},
doi = {10.1111/1749-4877.12848},
pmid = {38864281},
issn = {1749-4877},
support = {//CONICET/ ; //Universidad de Buenos Aires/ ; },
mesh = {Animals ; *Introduced Species ; Argentina ; *Mammals/physiology ; Parks, Recreational ; Animal Distribution ; Seasons ; },
abstract = {Monitoring the invasive exotic species and their effect on native fauna is fundamental for their effective control. The objective of this research is to evaluate the spatiotemporal distribution and overlap of medium-large-sized fauna in El Palmar National Park, Argentina, to consider potential negative interactions between native and exotic species. Camera traps were distributed in 27 sites between 2017 and 2019. Spatial and temporal overlap was estimated for every pair of exotic-native taxa. With 2673 camera days, two exotic and seven native taxa were recorded. All species were distributed along the extension of the National Park but in different numbers of sites. Exotic axis deer (Axis axis) was recorded in all sites but one, and exotic wild boar (Sus scrofa) occurred at only one-third of the sites surveyed. The occurrence of native mammals ranged between 26% (Geoffroy's cat, Leopardus geoffroyi) and 67% (capybara, Hydrochoerus hydrochaeris). Spatial overlap between native and exotic species was high overall and was higher in winter when species moved over larger areas to look for limited resources. Except for greater rhea (Rhea americana), which was diurnal, all species had crepuscular or nocturnal patterns. Both exotic species had an intermediate/high overlap in their activity pattern with almost all native species, including some species with similar diets, but the hours of their maximum activities did not strictly coincide. However, the existence of differences in the exotic species' activity patterns compared to their patterns in other areas where they inhabit could indicate segregation in daily activity to relax competition.},
}

Animals
*Introduced Species
Argentina
*Mammals/physiology
Parks, Recreational
Animal Distribution
Seasons

@article {pmid40064996,
year = {2025},
author = {Reymondet, E and Grimond, J and Beisel, JN and Jacquet, S},
title = {Photogrammetric assessment of quagga mussel growth shows no winter cessation in lake Geneva.},
journal = {Scientific reports},
volume = {15},
number = {1},
pages = {8309},
pmid = {40064996},
issn = {2045-2322},
mesh = {Animals ; *Lakes ; *Seasons ; *Ecosystem ; Switzerland ; *Photogrammetry/methods ; *Introduced Species ; Dreissena/growth & development/physiology ; Temperature ; Bivalvia/growth & development/physiology ; },
abstract = {The quagga mussel (Dreissena rostriformis bugensis) is an invasive alien species present in many aquatic ecosystems. Although this species is known for its ecological and economic impacts, there are still significant gaps in our knowledge of its ecophysiology. This is particularly true when its growth rate under natural conditions is considered. Using a photogrammetry-based approach, we assessed bivalve growth in Lake Geneva during different seasons and for a variety of habitats. Based on the recorded changes in maximum shell length analysed during the period of this study (winter and spring 2023-2024), we measured average growth rates ranging from 0.142 ± 0.099 mm day[-1] for individuals smaller than 10 mm to 0.089 ± 0.071 mm day[-1] for larger individuals. The size class-dependent growth rate was analysed on the basis of the time of year, the type of environment (depth, substrate) or, again, the temperature. Our results reveal that the growth rate, obtained in situ and without manipulation, primarily depends on size and is independent of temperature or habitat within the studied range. This growth capacity in Lake Geneva is the highest found to date and is likely to explain the invasion success of this species.},
}

Animals
*Lakes
*Seasons
*Ecosystem
Switzerland
*Photogrammetry/methods
*Introduced Species
Dreissena/growth & development/physiology
Temperature
Bivalvia/growth & development/physiology

@article {pmid39762572,
year = {2025},
author = {Hu, J and Barbier, M and Bunin, G and Gore, J},
title = {Collective dynamical regimes predict invasion success and impacts in microbial communities.},
journal = {Nature ecology & evolution},
volume = {9},
number = {3},
pages = {406-416},
pmid = {39762572},
issn = {2397-334X},
mesh = {*Introduced Species ; *Microbiota ; *Models, Biological ; Biodiversity ; },
abstract = {The outcomes of ecological invasions may depend on either characteristics of the invading species or attributes of the resident community. Here we use a combination of experiments and theory to show that the interplay between dynamics, interaction strength and diversity determine the invasion outcome in microbial communities. We find that the communities with fluctuating species abundances are more invasible and diverse than stable communities, leading to a positive diversity-invasibility relationship among communities assembled in the same environment. As predicted by theory, increasing interspecies interaction strength and species pool size leads to a decrease of invasion probability in our experiment. Our results show a positive correspondence between invasibility and survival fraction of resident species across all conditions. Communities composed of strongly interacting species can exhibit an emergent priority effect in which invader species are less likely to colonize than species in the original pool. However, if an invasion is successful, its ecological effects on the resident community are greater when interspecies interactions are strong. Our findings provide a unified perspective on the diversity-invasibility debate by showing that invasibility and invasion effect are emergent properties of interacting species, which can be predicted by simple community-level features.},
}

*Introduced Species
*Microbiota
*Models, Biological
Biodiversity

@article {pmid40063808,
year = {2025},
author = {Goldman, DA and Xue, KS and Parrott, AB and Lopez, JA and Vila, JCC and Jeeda, RR and Franzese, LR and Porter, RL and Gray, IJ and DeFelice, BC and Petrov, DA and Good, BH and Relman, DA and Huang, KC},
title = {Competition for shared resources increases dependence on initial population size during coalescence of gut microbial communities.},
journal = {Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the United States of America},
volume = {122},
number = {11},
pages = {e2322440122},
doi = {10.1073/pnas.2322440122},
pmid = {40063808},
issn = {1091-6490},
support = {R01 AI147023/GF/NIH HHS/United States ; },
mesh = {*Gastrointestinal Microbiome ; Models, Biological ; Bacteria/classification/metabolism ; Coculture Techniques ; Humans ; },
abstract = {The long-term success of introduced populations depends on both their initial size and ability to compete against existing residents, but it remains unclear how these factors collectively shape colonization dynamics. Here, we investigate how initial population (propagule) size shapes the outcome of community coalescence by systematically mixing eight pairs of in vitro microbial communities at ratios that vary over six orders of magnitude, and we compare our results to neutral ecological theory. Although the composition of the resulting cocultures deviated substantially from neutral expectations, each coculture contained species whose relative abundance depended on propagule size even after ~40 generations of growth. Using a consumer-resource model, we show that this dose-dependent colonization can arise when resident and introduced species have high niche overlap and consume shared resources at similar rates. Strain isolates displayed longer-lasting dose dependence when introduced into diverse communities than in pairwise cocultures, consistent with our model's prediction that propagule size should have larger, more persistent effects in diverse communities. Our model also successfully predicted that species with similar resource-utilization profiles, as inferred from growth in spent media and untargeted metabolomics, would show stronger dose dependence in pairwise coculture. This work demonstrates that transient, dose-dependent colonization dynamics can emerge from resource competition and exert long-term effects on the outcomes of community coalescence.},
}

*Gastrointestinal Microbiome
Models, Biological
Bacteria/classification/metabolism
Coculture Techniques
Humans

@article {pmid40061223,
year = {2025},
author = {von Ammon, U and Jeunen, GJ and Laroche, O and Pochon, X and Gemmell, NJ and Stanton, JL and Zaiko, A},
title = {Investigating passive eDNA samplers and submergence times for marine surveillance.},
journal = {PeerJ},
volume = {13},
number = {},
pages = {e19043},
pmid = {40061223},
issn = {2167-8359},
mesh = {*DNA, Environmental/analysis/genetics ; *Environmental Monitoring/methods/instrumentation ; *Biodiversity ; Animals ; Introduced Species ; RNA, Ribosomal, 18S/genetics/analysis ; DNA Barcoding, Taxonomic/methods ; Polymerase Chain Reaction/methods ; Aquatic Organisms/genetics ; },
abstract = {Passive environmental DNA (eDNA) samplers offer a cost-effective and scalable approach to marine biodiversity monitoring, potentially aiding detections of non-indigenous species. This study explored the efficiency of passive eDNA samplers to detect a variety of globally problematic marine invasive species in field conditions: Sabella spallanzanii, Styela clava, Bugula neritina and Undaria pinnatifida. Four passive sampler substrates, nylon filters, positively charged nylon discs, nylon mesh, and artificial sponges, were tested across six submergence times, ranging from 10 to 720 min, against standard filtration-based approaches. Our results demonstrated that passive samplers could achieve comparable or even higher eDNA yields than traditional active filtration methods, indicating their potential for biosecurity surveillance. Species-specific droplet-digital PCR (ddPCR) assays provided sensitive and quantifiable eDNA signals, though assay validation remains crucial to avoid false negatives. Significant variation in eDNA signal detection highlighted the importance of considering both material selection and submersion time, depending on the targeted organisms. Furthermore, 18S rRNA metabarcoding was undertaken to assess how the overall detected biodiversity might interfere with species-specific detections. Certain sessile organisms, such as ascidians and polychaetes, dominated early representation on the passive filters but did not interfere with species-specific detection. By optimizing material selection, submersion time, and assay validation, passive eDNA sampling can enhance the sensitivity and reliability of eDNA-based monitoring, contributing to improved marine biosecurity and conservation efforts.},
}

*DNA, Environmental/analysis/genetics
*Environmental Monitoring/methods/instrumentation
*Biodiversity
Animals
Introduced Species
RNA, Ribosomal, 18S/genetics/analysis
DNA Barcoding, Taxonomic/methods
Polymerase Chain Reaction/methods
Aquatic Organisms/genetics

@article {pmid40060725,
year = {2025},
author = {Corley, MK and Cosme, LV and Armbruster, PA and Beebe, N and Bega, A and Boyer, S and Caputo, B and Chen, CH and Crawford, JE and Della Torre, A and Eritja, R and Fontaine, MC and Gill, RJ and Huynh, T and Kadriaj, P and Maringer, K and Martins, AJ and Maynard, A and Mukherjee, S and Munstermann, LE and Pichler, V and Sharakhova, M and Surendran, SN and Urbanelli, S and Velo, E and Wahid, I and Akiner, MM and Balatsos, G and Besnard, G and Borg, ML and Bravo-Barriga, D and Bueno Marí, R and Collantes, F and Horvath, C and Kavran, M and Medialdea-Carrera, R and Melillo, T and Michaelakis, A and Mikov, O and Puggioli, A and Rogozi, E and Schaffner, F and Hackett, K and Johnson, T and Wu, T and Pinto, J and Valadas, V and Caccone, A},
title = {Population Structure of the Invasive Asian Tiger Mosquito, Aedes albopictus, in Europe.},
journal = {Ecology and evolution},
volume = {15},
number = {3},
pages = {e71009},
pmid = {40060725},
issn = {2045-7758},
abstract = {The Asian tiger mosquito, Aedes albopictus, is currently the most widespread invasive mosquito species in the world. It poses a significant threat to human health, as it is a vector for several arboviruses. We used a SNP chip to genotype 748 Ae. albopictus mosquitoes from 41 localities across Europe, 28 localities in the native range in Asia, and 4 in the Americas. Using multiple algorithms, we examined population genetic structure and differentiation within Europe and across our global dataset to gain insight into the origin of the invasive European populations. We also compared results from our SNP data to those obtained using genotypes from 11 microsatellite loci (N = 637 mosquitoes from 25 European localities) to explore how sampling effort and the type of genetic marker used may influence conclusions about Ae. albopictus population structure. While some analyses detected more than 20 clusters worldwide, we found mosquitoes could be grouped into 7 distinct genetic clusters, with most European populations originating in East Asia (Japan or China). Interestingly, some populations in Eastern Europe did not share genetic ancestry with any populations from the native range or Americas, indicating that these populations originated from areas not sampled in this study. The SNP and microsatellite datasets found similar patterns of genetic differentiation in Europe, but the microsatellite dataset could not detect the more subtle genetic structure revealed using SNPs. Overall, data from the SNP chip offered a higher resolution for detecting the genetic structure and the potential origins of invasions.},
}

@article {pmid40060715,
year = {2025},
author = {Moura, CJ and Wirtz, P and Nhanquê, FT and Barbosa, C and Serrão, E},
title = {Hotspot of Exotic Benthic Marine Invertebrates Discovered in the Tropical East Atlantic: DNA Barcoding Insights From the Bijagós Archipelago, Guinea-Bissau.},
journal = {Ecology and evolution},
volume = {15},
number = {3},
pages = {e70964},
pmid = {40060715},
issn = {2045-7758},
abstract = {This study aimed to explore and document putative exotic marine benthic invertebrate species in the Bijagós Archipelago, Guinea-Bissau, to enhance understanding of marine biodiversity and address the extent of marine species introductions. The research was conducted in the Bijagós Archipelago, a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve located in Guinea-Bissau. The study involved the region's first scuba-diving survey of marine biodiversity. DNA barcoding was employed to assist in the identification of benthic invertebrate species. Molecular phylogenetic analyses were conducted with the available DNA barcodes to ensure accurate taxonomic assignments, detect cryptic species, and investigate the phylogeography of the taxa. The survey resulted in the discovery of 28 new species records for the Bijagós Archipelago, including octocorals, scleractinians, hydroids, bryozoans, barnacles, and ascidians. Among these, six species were documented for the first time in the East Atlantic: Stragulum bicolor, Nemalecium lighti, Diphasia sp., Amathia alternata, A. distans, and Symplegma rubra. Molecular analyses revealed pervasive cryptic diversity within species previously listed as exotic, suggesting that some, such as the hydroids Plumularia setacea, Obelia geniculata, and Dynamena disticha, are not exotic due to their restricted biogeographic distributions. Many other species reported as introduced present only a few genetic lineages capable of long-distance dispersal due to human activities. The study highlights considerable gaps in the knowledge of West African marine biodiversity and suggests a substantial underestimation of the anthropogenic trade in exotic marine species between the Tropical East Atlantic and the Americas, and between the Indo-Pacific, Mediterranean, and West Africa. Detailed taxonomic and genomic analyses are necessary for understanding marine exotic species' biogeography and adaptive traits. Our findings challenge current classifications of exotic species and underscore the need for improved monitoring and management to prevent the spread of non-native marine species.},
}

@article {pmid40058322,
year = {2025},
author = {van Elden, S and Fasca, H and Meeuwig, JJ},
title = {Conservation implications of dominant species associated with ocean infrastructure: The genus Tubastraea (Dendrophyllidae).},
journal = {Marine pollution bulletin},
volume = {214},
number = {},
pages = {117789},
doi = {10.1016/j.marpolbul.2025.117789},
pmid = {40058322},
issn = {1879-3363},
abstract = {More than 28,000 fixed structures are found throughout the world's continental shelf waters. This infrastructure can have significant ecological value but can also facilitate dominant invasive species. One such taxon is Tubastraea (Dendrophyllidae), several species of which are found throughout the Indian and Pacific Oceans and have invaded the Atlantic Ocean, where their impacts are well-studied. High abundances of Tubastraea on ocean infrastructure have been documented in their native range, particularly in Australia, where we argue Tubastraea should be classified as native dominant invaders. It is critical that we gain a better understanding of the ecological role played by Tubastraea, as this may have significant implications for the decommissioning of ocean infrastructure in both the non-native and native ranges of these species. Countries where Tubastraea are native should be alert to these dominant invasive species, and consider how new habitats such as ocean infrastructure can facilitate native invasions.},
}

@article {pmid40057940,
year = {2025},
author = {Akbar, MN and Moskoff, DR and Barrett, SCH and Colautti, RI},
title = {Latitudinal clines in the phenology of floral display associated with adaptive evolution during a biological invasion.},
journal = {American journal of botany},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {e70015},
doi = {10.1002/ajb2.70015},
pmid = {40057940},
issn = {1537-2197},
abstract = {PREMISE: Flowering phenology strongly influences reproductive success in plants. Days to first flower is easy to quantify and widely used to characterize phenology, but reproductive fitness depends on the full schedule of flower production over time. We investigated flowering schedules in relation to the onset and duration of flowering and tested for latitudinal clines in schedule shape associated with rapid evolution and range expansion of an invasive plant.

METHODS: We examined floral display traits among 13 populations of Lythrum salicaria, sampled along a 10-degree latitudinal gradient in eastern North America. We grew these collections in a common garden field experiment at a mid-latitude site and quantified variation in flowering schedule shape using principal coordinate analysis (PCoA) and quantitative metrics analogous to central moments of probability distributions (i.e., mean, variance, skew, and kurtosis).

RESULTS: Consistent with earlier evidence for adaptation to shorter growing seasons, we found that populations from higher latitudes had earlier start and mean flowering day, on average, when compared to populations from southern latitudes. Flowering skew increased with latitude, whereas kurtosis decreased, consistent with a bet-hedging strategy in biotic environments with more herbivores and greater competition for pollinators.

CONCLUSIONS: Heritable clines in flowering schedules are consistent with adaptive evolution in response to a predicted shift toward weaker biotic interactions and less variable but more stressful abiotic environments at higher latitudes, potentially contributing to rapid evolution and range expansion of this invasive species.},
}

@article {pmid40055932,
year = {2025},
author = {Shan, Q and Huang, X and Ye, S and Zhou, H and Xu, F and Li, J and Lin, J and Li, L and Yin, Y},
title = {Residue Behavior and Risk Assessment of Diazepam and Its Metabolites in Crucian Carp (Carassius auratus) After Oral Administration.},
journal = {Journal of veterinary pharmacology and therapeutics},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1111/jvp.13505},
pmid = {40055932},
issn = {1365-2885},
support = {2023sdr006//the Zhongshan City 2023 Provincial Science and Technology Innovation Strategy Special Municipal and County Science and Technology Innovation Support Project/ ; },
abstract = {Diazepam (DZP), a benzodiazepine medication, is extensively utilized in both human and veterinary medicine and has been frequently detected in fish populations. The use of DZP-laced bait is identified as a predominant contributor to drug residue contamination in fish. Nonetheless, our understanding of the residue profile of DZP in fish and its potential implications for human health remains constrained. This study investigated the residue behavior and dietary intake risks of DZP and its primary metabolites in crucian carp (Carassius auratus) following oral administration. A rapid and sensitive UHPLC-MS/MS method was developed and validated for the reliable quantification of DZP and its identified metabolites. The findings revealed rapid absorption and extensive distribution of DZP in crucian carp, with peak concentrations in plasma and tissues occurring at 1 h. The distribution pattern of DZP, based on calculated AUC, was kidney > liver > plasma > gill > muscle plus skin. The distribution of DZP in plasma and tested tissues followed the decreasing order of kidney > liver > plasma > gill > muscle plus skin according to the calculated AUC. DZP elimination was notably slow, particularly in muscle plus skin, with an elimination half-life of 619.31 h, necessitating at least 70 days for concentrations to fall below the limit of quantitation, suggesting a high likelihood of residue formation in fish from oral DZP administration. DZP was metabolized into nordiazepam and temazepam in crucian carp; nordiazepam is the main metabolite of DZP, which is gradually higher than the parent drug in the elimination phase. The dietary risk assessment suggested that a possible health risk (HQ ≥ 0.1) was found within 1 day via ingestion of crucian carp after an oral dose of DZP, suggesting that frequent consumption of high-residue crucian carp may cause harm to human health.},
}

@article {pmid40055331,
year = {2025},
author = {Guerrero, PC and Contador, T and Díaz, A and Escobar, C and Orlando, J and Marín, C and Medina, P},
title = {Southern Islands Vascular Flora (SIVFLORA) dataset: A global plant database from Southern Ocean islands.},
journal = {Scientific data},
volume = {12},
number = {1},
pages = {397},
pmid = {40055331},
issn = {2052-4463},
mesh = {*Biodiversity ; *Islands ; *Plants ; Databases, Factual ; Ecosystem ; Climate Change ; Oceans and Seas ; },
abstract = {The Southern Islands Vascular Flora (SIVFLORA) dataset is a globally significant, open-access resource that compiles essential biodiversity data on vascular plants from islands across the Southern Ocean. The SIVFLORA dataset was generated through five steps: study area delimitation, compiling the dataset, validating and harmonizing taxonomy, structuring dataset attributes, and establishing file format and open access. Covering major taxonomic divisions, SIVFLORA offers a comprehensive overview of plant occurrences, comprising 14,589 records representing 886 species, 95 families, and 42 orders. This dataset documents that 58.62% of the taxa are native, 9.61% are endemic, and 31.77% are alien species. The Falkland/Malvinas Archipelago, the most species-rich, contrast sharply with less diverse islands like the South Orkney Archipelago. SIVFLORA serves as a taxonomically harmonized, interoperable resource for investigating plant diversity patterns, ecosystem responses to climate change in extreme environments, island biogeography, endemism, and the effects of anthropogenic pressures on Southern Ocean flora.},
}

*Biodiversity
*Islands
*Plants
Databases, Factual
Ecosystem
Climate Change
Oceans and Seas

@article {pmid40052297,
year = {2025},
author = {Sun, Y and Silvestro, D and Mathes, GH and van der Heijden, MGA and Müller-Schärer, H},
title = {Eco-Evolutionary Dynamics of Plant-Soil Feedbacks Explain the Spread Potential of a Plant Invader Under Climate Warming and Biocontrol Herbivory.},
journal = {Global change biology},
volume = {31},
number = {3},
pages = {e70110},
doi = {10.1111/gcb.70110},
pmid = {40052297},
issn = {1365-2486},
support = {F 2022/1448//Swedish Foundation for Strategic Environmental Research MISTRA/ ; 31003A_166448/SNSF_/Swiss National Science Foundation/Switzerland ; PCEFP3_187012/SNSF_/Swiss National Science Foundation/Switzerland ; 2019-04739//Swedish Research Council/ ; 32201438//National Natural Science Foundation of China/ ; 11042110026//Scientific Research Foundation for Returned Scholars, Huazhong Agricultural University/ ; },
mesh = {*Herbivory ; *Climate Change ; *Soil Microbiology ; Animals ; *Introduced Species ; Soil/chemistry ; Biological Evolution ; Pest Control, Biological ; },
abstract = {Plant-soil feedbacks (PSFs) can contribute to the success of invasive plants. Despite strong evidence that plant genetic traits influence soil microbial communities and vice versa, empirical evidence exploring these feedbacks over evolutionary timescales, especially under climate change, remains limited. We conducted a 5-year field study of the annual invasive plant, Ambrosia artemisiifolia L., to examine how selection under climate warming and biocontrol insect herbivory shapes plant population genetics, soil properties, and microbial communities. After four generations under warming and herbivory, we collected seeds of the F4 plant populations together with their conditioned soil for a common garden PSF experiment to explore how resulting PSFs patterns are influencing the performance and spread potential of Ambrosia under changing environmental conditions. This is especially relevant because our recent predictions point to a northward spread of Ambrosia in Europe and Asia under climate change, outpacing the spread of its insect biocontrol agent. We discovered that warming and herbivory significantly but differentially altered plant genetic composition and its soil microbial communities, with less pronounced effects on soil physicochemical properties. Our results indicate that both herbivory and warming generated negative PSFs. These negative PSFs favored plant growth of the seeds from the persistent soil seed bank growing in the conditioned soil under insect herbivory, and by this maintaining the Ambrosia population genetic diversity. They also enhanced the spread potential of warming-selected plant offspring, especially from warmer (southern) to colder (northern) climates. This can be explained by the observed decrease in soil pathogens occurrence under insect herbivory and by the especially strong genetic changes in plant populations under climate warming. Our findings provide insights into how climate warming and biocontrol management affect eco-evolutionary interactions between invasive plant populations and their soil environments, which are critical for predicting invasion dynamics in the context of global change.},
}

*Herbivory
*Climate Change
*Soil Microbiology
Animals
*Introduced Species
Soil/chemistry
Biological Evolution
Pest Control, Biological

@article {pmid40051553,
year = {2025},
author = {Garcia, RA and Clusella-Trullas, S},
title = {Microclimatic changes caused by plant invasions and warming: uncovering thermal costs and benefits to a tortoise.},
journal = {Conservation physiology},
volume = {13},
number = {1},
pages = {coaf016},
pmid = {40051553},
issn = {2051-1434},
abstract = {Non-native plant invasions and climate warming alter the microclimatic conditions that organisms experience in their habitats, with potential implications for the fitness of native faunal species, particularly ectotherms. Predictions for species conservation increasingly use microclimate data at fine spatial scales relevant to organisms, but they typically overlook the modulating effect that vegetation changes have on the microclimates available in the habitat. Here we quantify the microclimatic changes imposed by invasive trees and simultaneous warming on native habitats and assess the resulting thermal benefits and costs to a small tortoise species (Homopus areolatus) from an organismal perspective and throughout its life cycle. We logged operative temperature above- and belowground in the field, covering the diversity of microhabitats across the four seasons of the year, and assessed the species' optimal temperature in the laboratory. Moving beyond the common use of averages, we applied a range of metrics to quantify differences between invaded and native areas in spatio-temporal temperature distributions, combined effects with warming and thermal habitat suitability for the species. We found that invaded areas became cooler and less exposed to temperatures above the species' optimal in summer. This buffering effect is expected to become more pronounced with further climate warming, turning invaded areas into potential thermal refugia. However, reduced spatial thermal heterogeneity during warm periods, more prevalent sub-optimal low temperatures in winter and colder underground incubation conditions in invaded areas could be detrimental to the species' long-term performance. Our results reveal the mixed nature of thermal effects of invasive plants on ectotherms, underscoring the importance of applying a suite of metrics to assess microclimate distribution changes. The approach used here illustrates the value of integrating thermal physiological and microclimatic information for a more mechanistic understanding of conservation problems.},
}

@article {pmid40050509,
year = {2025},
author = {Wang, HY and Huang, J and Zhang, L and Qiu, G and Bu, R and Tang, KW and Marrs, RH and Tong, C},
title = {Comparison of seed traits between an invasive plant and its native competitor along a latitudinal gradient.},
journal = {Oecologia},
volume = {207},
number = {3},
pages = {49},
pmid = {40050509},
issn = {1432-1939},
support = {2019FY100600//National Science and Technology Program during the Twelfth Five-year Plan Period/ ; 2021FKJ30//Fujian Forest Science and Technology Project (CN)/ ; },
mesh = {*Seeds ; *Introduced Species ; Poaceae ; Soil ; Nitrogen ; },
abstract = {Seeds are crucial for plant population maintenance and dispersal. Invasive species often exhibit seed traits that enhance their colonization success, such as increased dispersal potential, earlier germination, or greater resource reserves. However, few studies have compared seed traits between invasive and native plant species along environmental gradients. Here, we compared morphological traits and nutrient concentrations of the seeds of two competing species, the native common reed (Phragmites australis) and the invasive saltmarsh cordgrass (Spartina alterniflora), along a 20° latitudinal gradient of the Chinese coast, and their relationships with environmental factors. Significant differences were found between the two species for 11 of the 13 traits with respect to latitude. Specifically, the seed size of S. alterniflora decreased with increasing latitude, but P. australis showed a slight curvilinear relationship with latitude, reducing to a minimum between 30 and 35° N. The latitudinal variation in seed set showed the opposite trends in both species at high latitudes. Seed nitrogen concentration decreased with latitude in both species, while seed phosphorus concentration declined only in P. australis. We also identified that temperature-dependent climatic variables were more important than soil properties in affecting the latitudinal variations of seed traits for both species, especially for S. alterniflora. Based on the results, we predict that the greater fecundity of S. alterniflora populations poses an increasing threat to P. australis at the higher latitudes as temperature rises due to climate change.},
}

*Seeds
*Introduced Species
Poaceae
Soil
Nitrogen

@article {pmid40048863,
year = {2025},
author = {Chen, YJ and Fenton, H and Hall, J and Rose, K and Peddemors, VM and Šlapeta, J},
title = {Dolphins share Toxoplasma gondii Type II genotypes with terrestrial animals: Evidence of terrestrial T. gondii contamination in marine environments.},
journal = {Veterinary parasitology},
volume = {335},
number = {},
pages = {110439},
doi = {10.1016/j.vetpar.2025.110439},
pmid = {40048863},
issn = {1873-2550},
abstract = {Toxoplasma gondii is a protozoan parasite that can infect all warm-blooded animals, leading to toxoplasmosis. Dolphins are invaluable sentinel species informing potential risks of zoonotic pathogen infection in humans through raw or undercooked seafood consumption. Between 2019 and 2023, 14 dolphins from coastal New South Wales, Australia were examined as part of ongoing marine animal health monitoring programs. Based on the histological lesions of inflammation associated with protozoal structures, Toxoplasma gondii infection is interpreted to have contributed to morbidity and mortality of four of these dolphins as identified via real-time PCR for B1 and REP genes on genetic material extracted from lung and brain samples. Additional genetic characterisation was performed on three T. gondii dolphin samples utilising multiplex multilocus nested PCR-RFLP (Mn-PCR-RFLP) targeting 13 genetic markers: B1, SAG1, 5' and 3' SAG2, alt. SAG2, SAG3, BTUB, GRA6, c22-8, c29-2, L358, PK1, and Apico. A Type II variant genotype, also called ToxoDB PCR-RFLP genotype #3, was identified in four tissues. Three of the samples displayed a unique genotype on the SAG3 marker, and one of the samples showed unique genotypes on both B1 and c22-8 markers. Our findings suggest that T. gondii of the same genotype has been circulating in New South Wales for the past decade. Although temporal data is limited, all examined animals were found stranded during multi-year La Niña events. The notable increase in rainfall in 2022 is considered a potential factor leading to T. gondii infections in these dolphins, likely due to run-off containing feline faecal contamination highlighting the widespread impact of invasive species in Australia.},
}

@article {pmid40045410,
year = {2025},
author = {Franco Martins, J and Dina Troco, A and Marques, C and Chipepa, V and Seixas, G and Pinto, J and Garcia, L and Pedro Jorge, C and Manuel, E and Alves, G},
title = {Asian tiger mosquito in the oil-producing city of Soyo: the first report of Aedes (Stegomyia) albopictus (Skuse, 1894) in Angola.},
journal = {Parasites & vectors},
volume = {18},
number = {1},
pages = {90},
pmid = {40045410},
issn = {1756-3305},
mesh = {Animals ; Angola ; *Aedes/genetics/classification/physiology ; *Mosquito Vectors/genetics/classification/physiology ; *Phylogeny ; Larva/genetics ; Electron Transport Complex IV/genetics ; Humans ; DNA Barcoding, Taxonomic ; Introduced Species ; Cities ; Female ; },
abstract = {BACKGROUND: The Asian tiger mosquito, Aedes albopictus (Skuse, 1894), is a highly invasive species that has successfully colonized many tropical and temperate regions worldwide. Its rapid global spread is strongly associated with human activities and has created favorable conditions for the emergence of human arboviruses in new geographic areas.

METHODS: Mosquito larvae were collected by community health workers from different breeding sites and reared to adults in a field insectary. Adult mosquitoes were morphologically identified to species level. Species identification was confirmed by cytochrome oxidase subunit I DNA barcoding.

RESULTS: We report the first detection of Aedes albopictus in Angola during an Anopheles stephensi survey conducted in Soyo, Zaire Province. Phylogenetic analysis indicated that the Angolan Ae. albopictus population clusters with sequences from Central African countries, suggesting an introduction from within the continent.

CONCLUSIONS: The presence of Ae. albopictus in Angola highlights the need for enhanced vector surveillance and control measures to prevent the emergence of arboviral diseases. This finding emphasizes the relevance of collaboration between local health authorities, communities, and international organizations in monitoring the spread of invasive mosquito species.},
}

Animals
Angola
*Aedes/genetics/classification/physiology
*Mosquito Vectors/genetics/classification/physiology
*Phylogeny
Larva/genetics
Electron Transport Complex IV/genetics
Humans
DNA Barcoding, Taxonomic
Introduced Species
Cities
Female

@article {pmid39952221,
year = {2025},
author = {Peidro-Devesa, MJ and Faria, J and Costa, AC and Botelho, AZ and Martins, GM},
title = {Shifts in patterns of shell utilization by the hermit crab Clibanarius erythropus following the arrival of a non-native gastropod.},
journal = {Marine environmental research},
volume = {205},
number = {},
pages = {107004},
doi = {10.1016/j.marenvres.2025.107004},
pmid = {39952221},
issn = {1879-0291},
mesh = {Animals ; *Anomura/physiology ; *Gastropoda/physiology ; *Animal Shells ; *Introduced Species ; *Ecosystem ; Azores ; },
abstract = {Hermit crabs rely on gastropod shells for protection and survival in rocky coastal habitats. This study evaluates the arrival of the non-native Phorcus sauciatus influences patterns of shell selection of the hermit crab Clibanarius erythropus along the southern coast of São Miguel Island, Azores (NE Atlantic). Field sampling from four intertidal sites revealed that P. sauciatus accounted for 22.4% of the shells occupied by hermit crabs, marking a significant shift in shell utilization since the species introduction in 2013. Morphometric analyses compared P. sauciatus shells with four others commonly used gastropod shells, revealing that P. sauciatus provides favorable characteristics, such as a high internal-to-mass ratio, which likely enhances hermit crab survival and motility. Temporal comparisons with studies from 2000 and 2009 indicate substantial changes in shell utilization, with P. sauciatus becoming a key resource. P. sauciatus establishment provides a greater diversity of shells available to C. erythropus. This study underscores the ecological consequences of non-native species, showing how they can alter resource availability and create new exploitable niches for native species, such as hermit crabs on the rocky shores of São Miguel.},
}

Animals
*Anomura/physiology
*Gastropoda/physiology
*Animal Shells
*Introduced Species
*Ecosystem
Azores

@article {pmid39936504,
year = {2025},
author = {Wang, J and Shen, Y and Chen, Y and Gao, S and Xue, W and Chen, X and Chen, T and Li, J},
title = {Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi regulate the diversity-invasion resistance relationship by influencing the role of complementarity and selection effects.},
journal = {The New phytologist},
volume = {246},
number = {1},
pages = {317-330},
doi = {10.1111/nph.20441},
pmid = {39936504},
issn = {1469-8137},
support = {31870504//the National Natural Science Foundation of China/ ; LY22C030001//the Natural Science Foundation of Zhejiang Province/ ; },
mesh = {*Mycorrhizae/physiology ; *Introduced Species ; *Biodiversity ; Biomass ; Plant Roots/microbiology ; Species Specificity ; Solidago/microbiology/physiology ; },
abstract = {Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) play a crucial role in influencing plant community dynamics, yet their impact on the relationship between plant diversity and resistance, especially resistance to plant invasion, remains largely unclear. We conducted an experiment using plant communities with varying species richness (one, three and six species) and subjected them to invasion by Solidago canadensis and AMF inoculation. We measured community resistance by comparing the biomass of invaded communities to uninvaded communities and investigated the effect of AMF inoculation on the diversity-resistance relationship. Our results indicate that communities with higher plant species richness displayed greater resistance to invasion, and this effect was stronger in the presence of AMF than in its absence. AMF inoculation weakened the positive complementarity effect-resistance relationship (i.e. a decreasing species asynchrony) due to AMF-induced alterations in community composition, but shifted the negative selection effect-resistance relationship to neutral (i.e. a negative-to-neutral sampling effect) due to the enhanced role of the dominant species Mosla scabra. Furthermore, the AMF-induced changes in plant species resistance were positively correlated with their relative growth rate and specific root surface area. These findings suggest that AMF inoculation alters the mechanisms underlying diversity-resistance relationships, with implications for how plant communities respond to disturbances such as invasion.},
}

*Mycorrhizae/physiology
*Introduced Species
*Biodiversity
Biomass
Plant Roots/microbiology
Species Specificity
Solidago/microbiology/physiology

@article {pmid39667987,
year = {2025},
author = {Schwartz, MK and Dunn, SL and Gendron, WAC and Helm, JE and Kamau, WS and Mark-Shadbolt, M and Moehrenschlager, A and Redford, KH and Russell, G and Sandler, RL and Schultz, CA and Wiedenheft, B and Emmel, AS and Brodie, JF},
title = {Principles for introducing new genes and species for conservation.},
journal = {Trends in ecology & evolution},
volume = {40},
number = {3},
pages = {296-307},
doi = {10.1016/j.tree.2024.11.011},
pmid = {39667987},
issn = {1872-8383},
mesh = {*Conservation of Natural Resources/methods ; Introduced Species ; Synthetic Biology/methods ; Animals ; Ecosystem ; },
abstract = {Introducing new genes and new species into ecosystems where they have not previously existed presents opportunities and complex, multivalue decisions for conservation biologists and the public. Both synthetic biology and conservation introductions offer potential benefits, such as avoiding extinctions and restoring ecological function, but also carry risks of unintended ecological consequences and raise social and moral concerns. Although the conservation community has attempted to establish guidelines for each new tool, there is a need for comprehensive principles that will enable conservation managers to navigate emerging technologies. Here, we combine biological, legal, social, cultural, and ethical considerations into an inclusive set of principles designed to facilitate the efforts of managers facing high-consequence conservation decisions by clarifying the stakes of inaction and action, along with the use of decision frameworks to integrate multiple considerations.},
}

*Conservation of Natural Resources/methods
Introduced Species
Synthetic Biology/methods
Animals
Ecosystem

@article {pmid40043025,
year = {2025},
author = {Sanyal, S and Subba Rao, AVM and Timmanna, H and Baradevanal, G and Bal, SK and Chandran, MAS and Shashank, PR and Singh, VK and Ghosh, PK},
title = {The global invasion risk of rice yellow stem borer Scirpophaga incertulas Walker (Lepidoptera:Crambidae) under current and future climate scenarios.},
journal = {PloS one},
volume = {20},
number = {3},
pages = {e0310234},
doi = {10.1371/journal.pone.0310234},
pmid = {40043025},
issn = {1932-6203},
mesh = {Animals ; *Climate Change ; *Oryza/parasitology ; Ecosystem ; India ; Introduced Species ; Lepidoptera/physiology ; Moths/physiology ; },
abstract = {Rice yellow stem borer, Scirpophaga incertulas (Walker) (Lepidoptera: Crambidae) is a serious pest, that causes significant yield loss (10-40%) to rice crop in India and other parts of the world. This study emphasizes the prediction of the potential invasion risk, distribution, and further spread of S. incertulas during current and future climate change scenarios in India and the world. The pest identity was confirmed with morphological taxonomy, and the possible habitat distribution and further spread in future climate scenarios were modelled using the MaxEnt algorithm. The climate niche for S. incertulas was also established by analyzing the correlation between the pest occurrence data of 143 locations in India and seven bioclimatic variables viz., bio01, bio02, bio03, bio05, bio12, bio13, and bio15, were chosen for predicting the distribution of S. incertulas. The model performance was good as it exhibited a strong Receiver Operating Characteristic Curve value of 0.949. Based on the Jackknife test, the Bio 13 (precipitation of the wettest month), exhibited the highest gain value and emerged as the primary abiotic factor exerting influence on the potential habitat distribution of this borer. The study demonstrated that bioclimatic variables annual mean temperature (30 °C), and annual precipitation (10-700 mm) favour its multiplication, infestation, and further spread to new areas. As the anticipated habitat range of S. incertulas is of considerable importance for researchers and other stakeholders involved in plant protection, the data generated here may be useful for researchers, policymakers, and farmers for designing better management strategies to mitigate this pest and curtail its spread to new rice growing areas in a rapidly changing global environment.},
}

Animals
*Climate Change
*Oryza/parasitology
Ecosystem
India
Introduced Species
Lepidoptera/physiology
Moths/physiology

@article {pmid40041937,
year = {2025},
author = {Dolan, EJ and Soto, I and Dick, JTA and He, F and Cuthbert, RN},
title = {Riverine Barrier Removals Could Proliferate Biological Invasions.},
journal = {Global change biology},
volume = {31},
number = {3},
pages = {e70093},
doi = {10.1111/gcb.70093},
pmid = {40041937},
issn = {1365-2486},
support = {E355S122//Chinese Academy of Sciences/ ; ECF-2021-001//Leverhulme Trust/ ; //Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs, UK Government/ ; },
mesh = {*Introduced Species ; *Rivers ; Animals ; Ecosystem ; Conservation of Natural Resources ; Climate Change ; },
abstract = {Multiple stressors, such as pollution, climate change, invasive species and fragmentation, threaten global ecosystems, requiring holistic management actions. Freshwater ecosystems are disproportionately biodiverse and particularly impacted by fragmentation and biological invasions. Artificial barriers, such as dams and weirs, are long-standing features of global landscapes, with a divergence of views on their benefits and disbenefits. Recognition of the negative impacts of barriers on the river continuum and native biota, particularly for migratory aquatic species, has led to a rapid rate of barrier removals in recent decades, especially in North America and Europe. However, since the rise in riverine barrier construction centuries ago, global biological invasion rates have concurrently surged. Artificial barriers can paradoxically slow the spread of invasive species through freshwaters, and barrier removal efforts thus risk proliferating invasive species that disperse rapidly through connected habitats. Despite well-intended plans for river restoration through barrier removals, the subsequent spread and colonisation of invasive species have been largely overlooked. This presents a 'connectivity conundrum': the removal of barriers intuitively addresses the issues of native species migrations and dispersals, but could perversely exacerbate the spread of invasive species. Basin-scale data collection around the short- and long-term impacts on invasive species will help to underpin future restoration projects and maximise the potential beneficial outcomes of barrier removals for native species.},
}

*Introduced Species
*Rivers
Animals
Ecosystem
Conservation of Natural Resources
Climate Change

@article {pmid40041550,
year = {2025},
author = {Calado, HRMG and Soares, AO and Heleno, R and Borges, PAV},
title = {Arthropod communities of insular (São Miguel Island, Azores) and mainland (Portugal) coastal grasslands.},
journal = {Biodiversity data journal},
volume = {13},
number = {},
pages = {e144915},
pmid = {40041550},
issn = {1314-2828},
abstract = {BACKGROUND: The data presented here is part of a doctoral project aimed at characterising and comparing arthropod diversity across biotic communities in coastal ecosystems. The present work provides an inventory of the arthropods recorded in two coastal grasslands ecosystems: the Portugal mainland and the Azores. Sampling was conducted on São Miguel Island (Azores Archipelago) as well as in the Sesimbra and Sines regions (Setúbal District, mainland Portugal). Thirty-one plots were set and visited four times, in spring and summer of 2022.

NEW INFORMATION: The specimens collected were sorted and catalogued into a total of 534 arthropod species and morphospecies. In total, 67 species were common to both ecosystems. A total of 13,515 specimens were counted in the two coastal grasslands. We registered three new records for the Azores (in São Miguel Island), all being exotic: Aritranisdirector (Thumberg, 1822) (Hymenoptera, Ichneumonidae), Draeculacephalabradleyi, Van Duzee, 1915 (Hemiptera, Cicadellidae) and Isodontia sp. Patton, 1880 (Hymenoptera, Sphecidae). This publication demonstrates the importance of coastal grasslands as reservoirs for some potentially invasive arthropod species.},
}

@article {pmid40038433,
year = {2025},
author = {Yang, B and Crawford, M and Portman, TA and Fehmi, JS and Rasmussen, C and Hoyt, DW and Toyoda, J and Chu, RK and Clendinen, CS and Veličković, D and Arnold, AE and Tfaily, MM},
title = {Metabolite-driven mechanisms reveal chemical ecology of Lehmann Lovegrass (Eragrostis lehmanniana) invasion in North American semi-arid ecosystems.},
journal = {Communications biology},
volume = {8},
number = {1},
pages = {364},
pmid = {40038433},
issn = {2399-3642},
support = {DE-SC0023297//DOE | SC | Biological and Environmental Research (BER)/ ; },
mesh = {*Introduced Species ; *Metabolomics ; *Ecosystem ; Eragrostis/metabolism ; Adaptation, Physiological ; North America ; Metabolome ; Plant Roots/metabolism ; },
abstract = {Invasive plants threaten global ecosystems, yet traditional analyses of functional traits cannot fully explain their dominance over co-occurring natives. Metabolomics offers insights into plant invasions, but single-technique studies often miss critical biochemical mechanisms. We employ a multimodal metabolomics approach ([1]H NMR, LC MS/MS, FT-ICR-MS, and MALDI-MSI) to investigate the biochemical basis of Lehmann lovegrass (Eragrostis lehmanniana) invasion in semi-arid North America, comparing it with a co-occurring native grass, Arizona cottontop (Digitaria californica). Our analysis reveals three metabolomic traits of Lehmann lovegrass compared to Arizona cottontop: Enhanced nitrogen allocation in shoots, reduced defensive metabolites in root layers; and increased root exudate modulation under stress conditions. These traits suggest Lehmann lovegrass succeeds through adaptation to increasing aridity rather than direct competition, demonstrating adaptation to nutrient-poor environments and high phenotypic plasticity in response to increasing aridity. This integrated metabolomic approach provides new mechanistic insights into invasion ecology and plant adaptation under environmental change.},
}

*Introduced Species
*Metabolomics
*Ecosystem
Eragrostis/metabolism
Adaptation, Physiological
North America
Metabolome
Plant Roots/metabolism

@article {pmid40038213,
year = {2025},
author = {Young, NE and Williams, DA and Shadwell, KS and Pearse, IS and Jarnevich, CS},
title = {How to model a new invader? US-invaded range models outperform global or combined range models after 100 occurrences.},
journal = {Ecological applications : a publication of the Ecological Society of America},
volume = {35},
number = {2},
pages = {e70010},
doi = {10.1002/eap.70010},
pmid = {40038213},
issn = {1051-0761},
support = {//U.S. Geological Survey, Biogeographic Science/ ; 009732-00002//U.S. Geological Survey/ ; },
mesh = {*Introduced Species ; *Models, Biological ; United States ; Plant Dispersal ; Ecosystem ; North America ; },
abstract = {Invasive species are an economic and ecological burden, and efforts to limit their impact are greatly improved with reliable maps based on species distribution models (SDMs). However, the potential distribution of new invaders is difficult to anticipate because they are still spreading with few observations in their invaded habitat. Therefore, an accepted practice in predicting the distribution of invasive species has been to incorporate habitat information from its entire geographic distribution (invaded and native ranges) into SDMs. Yet, this approach, due to niche shifts, niche expansions, and data deficiencies, commonly misrepresents where an invasive species is found in its new range. Here, we use time series records (invasion stages) from 13 invasive plant species in North America to explore the tension between modeling invasive species using global range and invaded range data and to determine if there is a "tipping point" at which one SDM strategy performs better than the other in predicting the ultimate distribution. At the earliest invasion stage, models developed using both invaded range and global occurrences on average performed better and had less variability across species than other model strategies at this stage. However, after as few as 100 observations of an invasive plant had been made, US-invaded range models, on average, outperformed global range models and models that combined occurrences. By building models with global and US-scale predictors, we show that higher performance of invaded range models was in part because of greater data quality at the invaded-range scale. Our work demonstrates that after relatively few observations of an invasive species in its invaded range, it is more accurate to model its potential distribution using only information from the invaded range while disregarding information from other regions. This work develops a robust and comprehensive approach to modeling novel distributions of newly observed invasive species.},
}

*Introduced Species
*Models, Biological
United States
Plant Dispersal
Ecosystem
North America

@article {pmid40037968,
year = {2025},
author = {Pedersen, S and Kennedy, PJ and O'Shea-Wheller, TA and Poidatz, J and Christie, A and Osborne, JL and Tyler, CR},
title = {Broad ecological threats of an invasive hornet revealed through a deep sequencing approach.},
journal = {The Science of the total environment},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {178978},
doi = {10.1016/j.scitotenv.2025.178978},
pmid = {40037968},
issn = {1879-1026},
abstract = {Most terrestrial invertebrates are in considerable decline, and the range expansion of the invasive hornet, Vespa velutina nigrithorax, poses an additional threat. Although now found in much of western Europe, the full extent of the hornet's predatory activity remains unexplored. While impacts on honey bees are well-documented, evidence of a wider dietary spectrum is emerging, indicating potentially broad ecological ramifications. Here, we conduct the first large-scale study of the diet of V. velutina, utilising deep sequencing to characterise the larval gut contents of over 1500 samples from Jersey, France, Spain, and the UK. Our results indicate that V. velutina is a highly flexible predator, enabling its continued range expansion capacity. Analyses detected 1449 taxa, with greater prey richness in samples from southern latitudes, and considerable spatiotemporal variation in dietary composition. Hymenoptera, Diptera, Hemiptera, Coleoptera, Lepidoptera, and Araneae were the most frequently occurring orders predated, each characterised by high taxonomic diversity. The honey bee Apis mellifera was the most abundant species, being found in all sampled nests and showing greater relative read numbers with increasing apiary density and proximity, supporting concerns for the impact of V. velutina on apiculture. Notably, 43 of the 50 most commonly predated invertebrates were also flower visitors, including 4 common bumblebee species, indicating potentially substantial risks to wild pollinators. These data provide wide and deep evidence to support risk evaluation of this species and its potential environmental impact as it spreads across Europe.},
}

@article {pmid40037253,
year = {2025},
author = {Wunderlich, RF and Jamoneau, A and Boutry, S and Hosni, M and Bertrin, V},
title = {Model-based management of macrophytes in shallow lakes under warming.},
journal = {Journal of environmental management},
volume = {378},
number = {},
pages = {124543},
doi = {10.1016/j.jenvman.2025.124543},
pmid = {40037253},
issn = {1095-8630},
abstract = {Macrophytes are a critical component of freshwater ecosystems, harboring significant biodiversity and providing essential resources and services. However, their habitat faces multifaceted challenges from climate change, local anthropogenic disturbance, and biological invasions. Here, we aim to provide local management suggestions under both current and future higher temperature regimes. Using joint species distribution modeling (JSDM), we integrate comprehensive presence-absence data with environmental variables and ecological traits to predict the distributions and diversity of 44 vascular aquatic plant and charophyte species in three shallow lakes (435 sites in total) in southwestern France. The environmental variables considered included physical properties (including current surface temperature and a 2 °C warming scenario), anthropogenic disturbance, shoreline curvature, underwater topography, and the occurrence rate (temporary or permanent) of water and wetness. Subsequently, we use percentile-threshold-based spatial prioritization to identify conservation management hotspots. Our results show that macrophyte habitat suitability is largely influenced by land-use and human accessibility. Moreover, macrophyte habitat suitability and native species diversity generally decrease across lakes under warming. However, the decrease in habitat suitability is greater for native isoetid species than for invasive species-suggesting a potential forthcoming cascade of changing community composition, higher lacustrine trophic states, and impaired provisioning of ecosystem services. Therefore, we suggest immediately adopting adaptive management principles at the identified conservation management hotspots, including the control of and targeted monitoring for invasives as well as conservation and restoration measures for native species, in particular isoetids.},
}

@article {pmid40037252,
year = {2025},
author = {Zong, H and Yao, YN and Chen, MK and Li, H and Huang, XJ and Jiao, C},
title = {Influence of habitat types and seasons on the composition and diversity of spontaneous species in the rural-urban fringe of Chengdu City, China.},
journal = {Journal of environmental management},
volume = {378},
number = {},
pages = {124727},
doi = {10.1016/j.jenvman.2025.124727},
pmid = {40037252},
issn = {1095-8630},
abstract = {The rural-urban fringe (RUF) is the indistinct boundary zone outside the urban area. It is also a highly vulnerable, sensitive, and ecologically valuable space, owing to the complex demographic composition, unbalanced economic development, and dramatic changes in land use and ecosystems. Different plants spontaneously emerge across RUF areas, playing an important ecological role in regulating climate and providing varied habitats for plants and animals. Few studies on urban sprawl have examined the plant diversity of RUF areas. Thus, more information is needed about the composition, diversity, and variability of spontaneous RUF species. Accordingly, this research implemented a field study across 248 survey plots in the RUF of Chengdu City, China. The composition and diversity of spontaneous species in five RUF habitat types during different seasons were analyzed. The effects of habitat types and seasons on α-diversity and species composition dissimilarities were evaluated using two-way analysis of variance, Principal coordinates analysis, and pairwise permutational multivariate analysis of variance, respectively. Across the seasons, 313 species of spontaneous vascular plant were recorded in RUF plots. Escaped medical and edible species accounted for 53.04% of species, consistent with the RUF inhabitants' needs. Among exotic plants, 41 of 74 were invasive species posing a high risk of species invasion. Trees were the dominant vegetation type only in autumn; herbs were the dominant vegetation in other seasons. Both season and habitat types significantly affected spontaneous species composition and α-diversity; moreover, habitat type had a greater effect than season. Farmland, with the highest α- and β-diversity levels, had the optimal resilience under environmental change. Its species composition was most similar to that of building land. Furthermore, both farmland and road land exhibited a significantly elevated proportion of exotic species in comparison to other habitats. Exotic species easily spread to cities and villages through the connectivity of road lands and farmland. In contrast, woodland had the lowest adaptive capacity under environmental change, with the lowest α- and β-diversity levels. With the escalation of anthropogenic disturbance, the prominence of the dominant species within the community markedly increased. However, as the foundation of occasional species conservation, it is the most important habitat type to protect. This study contributes to the understanding of changes in ecological processes in the RUF of megacities caused by urbanization and provides an important reference for RUF habitat conservation.},
}

@article {pmid40036822,
year = {2025},
author = {Han, Y and Champer, J},
title = {A comparative assessment of self-limiting genetic control strategies for population suppression.},
journal = {Molecular biology and evolution},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1093/molbev/msaf048},
pmid = {40036822},
issn = {1537-1719},
abstract = {Genetic control strategies are promising solutions for control of pest populations and invasive species. Methods utilizing repeated releases of males such as Sterile Insect Technique (SIT), Release of Insects carrying a Dominant Lethal (RIDL), self-limiting gene drives, and gene disruptors are highly controllable methods, ensuring biosafety. Although models of these strategies have been built, detailed comparisons are lacking, particularly for some of the newer strategies. Here, we conducted a thorough comparative assessment of self-limiting genetic control strategies by individual-based simulation models. Specifically, we find that repeated releases greatly enhance suppression power of weak and self-limiting gene drives, enabling population elimination with even low efficiency and high fitness costs. Moreover, dominant female sterility further strengthens self-limiting systems that can either use gene drive or disruptors that target genes without a mechanism to bias their own inheritance. Some of these strategies are highly persistent, resulting in relatively low release ratios even when released males suffer high fitness costs. To quantitively evaluate different strategies independent from ecological impact, we proposed constant-population genetic load, which achieves over 95% accuracy in predicting simulation outcomes for most strategies, though it is not as precise in a few frequency-dependent systems. Our results suggest that many new self-limiting strategies are safe, flexible, and more cost-effective than traditional SIT and RIDL, and thus have great potential for population suppression of insects and other pests.},
}

@article {pmid40036187,
year = {2025},
author = {Rideout, E and Alston, DG and Bentz, BJ},
title = {A degree day model for predicting voltinism of the invasive balsam woolly adelgid (Hemiptera: Adelgidae) in northern Utah.},
journal = {Journal of economic entomology},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1093/jee/toaf034},
pmid = {40036187},
issn = {1938-291X},
abstract = {Balsam woolly adelgid, Adelges piceae (Ratz.) (BWA), invasive in North America, was first detected on subalpine fir [Abies lasiocarpa (Hook.) Nutt.] in several northern Utah counties in 2017. BWA phenology is known to vary by elevation and climate; a degree-day (DD) model focused on population expansion into the Intermountain West is needed. Bark samples were collected weekly from infested subalpine fir in early summer through late fall at 5 northern Utah sites from August 2020 to December 2022. At a single site, additional samples were collected biweekly to monthly during winter and spring. The presence of live individuals of all life stages in winter through early summer samples confirmed that life stages other than crawlers can successfully overwinter in northern Utah. Two generations were observed at all sites. Degree-day models were developed by fitting proportional adult counts and local air temperatures to Weibull distributions. Model fit was optimized with a 0 °C lower threshold, 30 °C upper threshold, and 1 Jan biofix. Completion of the first generation required 1,104 DD and 2 generations required 2,412 DD. Using the models and historical (1980 to 2020) temperatures, study sites were predicted to have thermal suitability for 2 generations at least 2 to 3 decades prior to detection in northern Utah, depending on site. Although upper estimates of future (2025 to 2099) predictions forecast a doubling of generations by 2060, knowledge of potential dormancies that may be disrupted in a changing climate is needed. The degree-day model will be a useful tool for predicting thermal suitability for future BWA expansion.},
}

@article {pmid39987825,
year = {2025},
author = {Huang, X and Yang, J and Yang, X and Wang, T and Meng, J and Guo, X and Wang, Y and Xiong, W and Zeng, J and Wu, Z and Li, K and Jeppesen, E},
title = {Leaf metabolomic traits decipher the invasiveness of Alternanthera philoxeroides in urban wetlands.},
journal = {The Science of the total environment},
volume = {968},
number = {},
pages = {178888},
doi = {10.1016/j.scitotenv.2025.178888},
pmid = {39987825},
issn = {1879-1026},
mesh = {*Amaranthaceae/metabolism ; *Introduced Species ; *Wetlands ; *Plant Leaves/metabolism ; China ; Metabolomics ; Metabolome ; Urbanization ; Cities ; },
abstract = {Urbanisation has been considered to promote exotic plant invasion. Ecophysiology predicts phenotypic variation and potential evolution following urbanisation and can be used to evaluate plant invasiveness. However, few studies have included the role of ecophysiological traits for such invasiveness in urban ecosystems. Traditional plant functional traits have been used but have their limitations. Novel approaches such as metabolomics may potentially be useful. The present study explored the invasiveness of the cosmopolitan noxious invasive plant Alternanthera philoxeroides in urban and periurban areas of a megacity city in China using both traditional leaf functional traits and novel leaf metabolome as indicators. We found that traditional leaf functional traits, including specific leaf area, nitrogen concentration, carbon:nitrogen ratio and construction costs, did not differ between urban and periurban A. philoxeroides populations. However, metabolomic profiling showed that the urban populations had an up-regulated expression of zeatin and purine, two cytokinins correlated with plant growth and a down-regulated expression of isoflavonoids, a defensive metabolite for herbivory. Leaf metabolome may, therefore, be sensitive in deciphering the facilitative effects of urbanisation on plant invasion. We also found that the urban populations of A. philoxeroides accumulated more beneficial microbes, which might enhance their invasiveness. Urbanisation likely promotes exotic plants invasion through generation of metabolites, which stimulates growth via modification of the soil microbiome. Our results indicate that leaf metabolome may be used for interpreting plant invasiveness and predicting plant invasion.},
}

*Amaranthaceae/metabolism
*Introduced Species
*Wetlands
*Plant Leaves/metabolism
China
Metabolomics
Metabolome
Urbanization
Cities

@article {pmid40030023,
year = {2025},
author = {Wilson, J and Bieker, VC and Boheemen, LV and Connallon, T and Martin, MD and Battlay, P and Hodgins, KA},
title = {Copy number variation contributes to parallel local adaptation in an invasive plant.},
journal = {Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the United States of America},
volume = {122},
number = {10},
pages = {e2413587122},
doi = {10.1073/pnas.2413587122},
pmid = {40030023},
issn = {1091-6490},
support = {DP220102362//Australian Research Council/ ; DP180102531//Australian Research Council/ ; },
mesh = {*DNA Copy Number Variations ; *Introduced Species ; *Adaptation, Physiological/genetics ; *Genome, Plant ; North America ; Plant Weeds/genetics ; },
abstract = {Adaptation is a critical determinant of the diversification, persistence, and geographic range limits of species. Yet the genetic basis of adaptation is often unknown and potentially underpinned by a wide range of mutational types-from single nucleotide changes to large-scale alterations of chromosome structure. Copy number variation (CNV) is thought to be an important source of adaptive genetic variation, as indicated by decades of candidate gene studies that point to CNVs underlying rapid adaptation to strong selective pressures. Nevertheless, population-genomic studies of CNVs face unique logistical challenges not encountered by other forms of genetic variation. Consequently, few studies have systematically investigated the contributions of CNVs to adaptation at a genome-wide scale. We present a genome-wide analysis of CNV contributing to the adaptation of an invasive weed, Ambrosia artemisiifolia. CNVs show clear signatures of parallel local adaptation between North American (native) and European (invaded) ranges, implying widespread reuse of CNVs during adaptation to shared heterogeneous patterns of selection. We used a local principal component analysis (PCA) to genotype CNV regions in whole-genome sequences of samples collected over the last two centuries. We identified 16 large CNV regions of up to 11.85 megabases in length, eight of which show signals of rapid evolutionary change, with pronounced frequency shifts between historic and modern populations. Our results provide compelling genome-wide evidence that CNV underlies rapid adaptation over contemporary timescales of natural populations.},
}

*DNA Copy Number Variations
*Introduced Species
*Adaptation, Physiological/genetics
*Genome, Plant
North America
Plant Weeds/genetics

@article {pmid40028759,
year = {2025},
author = {Mantoani, MC and Sweeney, C and Osborne, BA},
title = {Complex and Dynamic Effects of an Extreme Low Temperature Weather Event on Invasive Plant Populations and Resident Communities.},
journal = {Global change biology},
volume = {31},
number = {3},
pages = {e70113},
doi = {10.1111/gcb.70113},
pmid = {40028759},
issn = {1365-2486},
support = {205031/2014-5//Brazilian National Council for Scientific and Technological Development/ ; },
mesh = {*Introduced Species ; Cold Temperature ; Extreme Weather ; Climate Change ; },
abstract = {Whilst it is often assumed that invasive plant species may benefit more from climate change than native species, there is little empirical data on how they, and the communities they invade, respond to extreme weather events (EWEs). Here, we show that the effects of a low temperature EWE can result in a dramatic reduction in both vegetative and reproductive growth of invasive populations of Gunnera tinctoria, although a significant recovery was found within 1 year after its occurrence. Whilst the EWE decreased both the leaf/petiole numbers of mature plants, the major impact was on leaf expansion and a decrease in the size/number of inflorescences. Concomitant with the reduction in growth of G. tinctoria, there was a 5-fold increase in the number of resident species emerging in invaded areas, which largely persisted after the recovery of the invasive populations. Although the growth of G. tinctoria seedlings was also reduced, this was relatively small, and growth and development resumed almost immediately after the EWE. In comparison, the resident plant community was largely unaffected by the EWE either due to the later initiation of growth and/or because of their greater resilience to episodic low temperature events. Our results show that an EWE of this magnitude can have complex time-dependent effects on plant invasions and invaded communities, with a greater impact on the established invasive plants compared to newly recruited seedlings. Based on an assessment of historical climatic data, these long-lived populations have been exposed to EWEs of a similar or greater magnitude in the past, which have not constrained their spread or compromised recruitment. Given the likelihood of an almost complete absence of low temperature EWEs of similar magnitude in the future, any temporary restrictions on the growth of invasive G. tinctoria and other similar invasive species populations are likely to be small.},
}

*Introduced Species
Cold Temperature
Extreme Weather
Climate Change

@article {pmid40028751,
year = {2025},
author = {Petri, L and Ibáñez, I},
title = {Successful recovery of native plants post-invasive removal in forest understories is driven by native community features.},
journal = {Ecological applications : a publication of the Ecological Society of America},
volume = {35},
number = {2},
pages = {e70012},
doi = {10.1002/eap.70012},
pmid = {40028751},
issn = {1051-0761},
support = {DEB-1252664//NSF/ ; //Matthaei Botanical Gardens and Nichols Arboretum/ ; },
mesh = {*Introduced Species ; *Forests ; Biodiversity ; Trees/physiology ; Conservation of Natural Resources/methods ; Plants/classification ; },
abstract = {Temperate forest understories hold the majority of the plant diversity present in these ecosystems and play an essential role in the recruitment and establishment of native trees. However, the long-term persistence of diverse and functional forest understories is threatened by the impacts of invasive plants. As a result, a common practice is the removal of the agent of invasion. Despite this, we know little about the success of these practices and lack a comprehensive understanding of what intrinsic and extrinsic factors shape the recovery. In a multiyear field experiment, we investigated (Q1) whether native propagule availability drove native community recovery, (Q2) what the characteristics of successfully recovering communities were, and (Q3) under which environmental conditions native community recovery rates were faster. After initial removal of invasives, we seeded native species to manipulate assembly history and mimic restoration practices, we also implemented a repeated, versus once, removal treatment, all in a full-factorial design. We collected data on plant species composition and abundance (i.e., species level percent cover) and on environmental conditions (i.e., light and soil water availability) in the three subsequent summers. Our results show that native community recovery rates were independent of seeding additions or frequency of invasive plant removal. The fastest rates of recovery were associated with high native species richness, native communities with higher values of specific leaf area (SLA), and low drought stress years. Our results suggest that restoration practices post-invasive plant removal should be tailored to enhance natural dispersal, or artificial addition if the resident community is species-poor, of native species with traits compatible with high resource availability, such as species with high SLA. In addition to the importance of the native community characteristics, our results underscore the need for assessing environmental conditions, favoring management practices during years of low drought stress to maximize native community recovery.},
}

*Introduced Species
*Forests
Biodiversity
Trees/physiology
Conservation of Natural Resources/methods
Plants/classification

@article {pmid40028675,
year = {2025},
author = {Clarke, GS and Shine, R and Brown, GP and Phillips, BL},
title = {Rapid geographic divergence in competitive ability of cane toad larvae (Rhinella marina) during a biological invasion.},
journal = {Ecology},
volume = {106},
number = {3},
pages = {e70022},
doi = {10.1002/ecy.70022},
pmid = {40028675},
issn = {1939-9170},
support = {FT120100095//Australian Research Council/ ; FT160100198//Australian Research Council/ ; },
mesh = {Animals ; *Larva/physiology/growth & development ; *Introduced Species ; *Bufo marinus/physiology ; Time Factors ; Demography ; Australia ; },
abstract = {Low population densities at the expanding edge of a biological invasion are predicted to reduce intraspecific competition such that invading organisms evolve to prioritize adaptations for rapid rates of population growth and dispersal over those that facilitate success in competitive interactions. The larvae (tadpoles) of anuran species that breed in isolated waterbodies provide excellent models with which to test this prediction, because they compete for limited food resources and are unable to disperse until after metamorphosis. Consistent with our predictions, experiments with captive-raised larvae of cane toads (Rhinella marina) show that tadpoles from range core populations were more effective competitors (based on rates of growth and development), especially against tadpoles from invasion front populations, and especially when food was limited (intensifying competition for resources). By contrast, response to predators-a selection pressure presumed constant regardless of invasion history-was largely unchanged between core and edge populations. Limiting food availability reduced survival rate and size at metamorphosis by similar amounts in both core and edge populations. The spread of cane toads across tropical Australia thus has been accompanied by a reduction in the competitive ability of tadpoles, as predicted under the hypothesis that competitive ability will decrease at an expanding range edge. Other traits, associated with response to predation and food limitation, appeared unchanged.},
}

Animals
*Larva/physiology/growth & development
*Introduced Species
*Bufo marinus/physiology
Time Factors
Demography
Australia

@article {pmid40028447,
year = {2024},
author = {Deschepper, P and Vanbergen, S and Esselens, L and Terblanche, JS and Karsten, M and Snyman, M and Cugala, D and Canhanga, L and Bota, L and Mwatawala, M and Ramadhani, M and Kudra, A and Tairo, J and Bakengesa, J and Addison, P and Manrakhan, A and Gledel, C and Delatte, H and De Meyer, M and Virgilio, M},
title = {A new genome sequence resource for five invasive fruit flies of agricultural concern: Ceratitis capitata, C. quilicii, C. rosa, Zeugodacus cucurbitae and Bactrocera zonata (Diptera, Tephritidae).},
journal = {F1000Research},
volume = {13},
number = {},
pages = {1492},
pmid = {40028447},
issn = {2046-1402},
mesh = {Animals ; *Tephritidae/genetics ; Genome, Insect ; Ceratitis capitata/genetics ; Introduced Species ; Agriculture ; },
abstract = {Here, we present novel high quality genome assemblies for five invasive tephritid species of agricultural concern: Ceratitis capitata, C. quilicii, C. rosa, Zeugodacus cucurbitae and Bactrocera zonata (read depths between 65 and 78x). Three assemblies (C. capitata, C. quilicii and Z. cucurbitae) were scaffolded with chromosome conformation data and annotated using RNAseq reads. For some species this is the first reference genome available (B. zonata, C. quilicii and C. rosa), for others we have published improved annotated genomes (C. capitata and Z. cucurbitae). Together, the new references provide an important resource to advance research on genetic techniques for population control, develop rapid species identification methods, and explore eco-evolutionary studies.},
}

Animals
*Tephritidae/genetics
Genome, Insect
Ceratitis capitata/genetics
Introduced Species
Agriculture

@article {pmid40027489,
year = {2025},
author = {Bai, D and Chen, T and Xun, J and Ma, C and Luo, H and Yang, H and Cao, C and Cao, X and Cui, J and Deng, YP and Deng, Z and Dong, W and Dong, W and Du, J and Fang, Q and Fang, W and Fang, Y and Fu, F and Fu, M and Fu, YT and Gao, H and Ge, J and Gong, Q and Gu, L and Guo, P and Guo, Y and Hai, T and Liu, H and He, J and He, ZY and Hou, H and Huang, C and Ji, S and Jiang, C and Jiang, GL and Jiang, L and Jin, LN and Kan, Y and Kang, D and Kou, J and Lam, KL and Li, C and Li, C and Li, F and Li, L and Li, M and Li, X and Li, Y and Li, ZT and Liang, J and Lin, Y and Liu, C and Liu, D and Liu, F and Liu, J and Liu, T and Liu, T and Liu, X and Liu, Y and Liu, B and Liu, M and Lou, W and Luan, Y and Luo, Y and Lv, H and Ma, T and Mai, Z and Mo, J and Niu, D and Pan, Z and Qi, H and Shi, Z and Song, C and Sun, F and Sun, Y and Tian, S and Wan, X and Wang, G and Wang, H and Wang, H and Wang, H and Wang, J and Wang, J and Wang, K and Wang, L and Wang, SK and Wang, X and Wang, Y and Xiao, Z and Xing, H and Xu, Y and Yan, SY and Yang, L and Yang, S and Yang, Y and Yao, X and Yousuf, S and Yu, H and Lei, Y and Yuan, Z and Zeng, M and Zhang, C and Zhang, C and Zhang, H and Zhang, J and Zhang, N and Zhang, T and Zhang, YB and Zhang, Y and Zhang, Z and Zhou, M and Zhou, Y and Zhu, C and Zhu, L and Zhu, Y and Zhu, Z and Zou, H and Zuo, A and Dong, W and Wen, T and Chen, S and Li, G and Gao, Y and Liu, YX},
title = {EasyMetagenome: A user-friendly and flexible pipeline for shotgun metagenomic analysis in microbiome research.},
journal = {iMeta},
volume = {4},
number = {1},
pages = {e70001},
pmid = {40027489},
issn = {2770-596X},
abstract = {Shotgun metagenomics has become a pivotal technology in microbiome research, enabling in-depth analysis of microbial communities at both the high-resolution taxonomic and functional levels. This approach provides valuable insights of microbial diversity, interactions, and their roles in health and disease. However, the complexity of data processing and the need for reproducibility pose significant challenges to researchers. To address these challenges, we developed EasyMetagenome, a user-friendly pipeline that supports multiple analysis methods, including quality control and host removal, read-based, assembly-based, and binning, along with advanced genome analysis. The pipeline also features customizable settings, comprehensive data visualizations, and detailed parameter explanations, ensuring its adaptability across a wide range of data scenarios. Looking forward, we aim to refine the pipeline by addressing host contamination issues, optimizing workflows for third-generation sequencing data, and integrating emerging technologies like deep learning and network analysis, to further enhance microbiome insights and data accuracy. EasyMetageonome is freely available at https://github.com/YongxinLiu/EasyMetagenome.},
}

@article {pmid40026362,
year = {2025},
author = {Wu, SR and Wang, H and Zhao, CJ and Xiong, Y and Ren, JH},
title = {Effect of sex ratio on the life history traits of an important invasive species, Spodoptera frugiperda.},
journal = {Open life sciences},
volume = {20},
number = {1},
pages = {20220873},
pmid = {40026362},
issn = {2391-5412},
abstract = {The fall armyworm (FAW), Spodoptera frugiperda, is a dangerous migratory pest. Evaluating the effect of sex ratio on the FAW offspring population is particularly important for field control. In this study, five different sex ratio treatments (female/male = 3:1, 2:1, 1:1, 1:2, and 1:3) were conducted to investigate the effects of sex ratio on the life history traits of FAW. The results showed that sex ratio significantly affected lifetime fecundity, developmental duration of the preadult stage, hatch rate, and emergence rate but had no effect on longevity of parental and offspring adults, larval duration, pupation rate, or number of eggs/moth of offspring. The lifetime fecundity and hatch rate of parental adults and the number of adult offspring/moth were the lowest when the sex ratio was 3:1, while the lifetime fecundity and number of adult offspring/moth were the highest and pupation duration was the shortest when the sex ratio was 1:1. The number of eggs/moth of parental adults and total adults in the F1 generation were higher in male-biased groups than in female-biased groups, and male annihilation appears to be a more effective control strategy. These findings have implications for improving laboratory rearing, population forecasting, and control of FAW in the field.},
}

@article {pmid40025797,
year = {2025},
author = {He, Y and Li, J and Siemann, E and Li, B and Xu, Y and Wang, Y},
title = {Plant Invasion Increases Soil Microbial Biomass Carbon: Meta-Analysis and Empirical Tests.},
journal = {Global change biology},
volume = {31},
number = {3},
pages = {e70109},
doi = {10.1111/gcb.70109},
pmid = {40025797},
issn = {1365-2486},
support = {32471750//National Natural Science Foundation of China/ ; //Yunnan University Donglu Young Talent Program/ ; ZC-24249943//Postgraduate Research and Innovation Program/ ; 2022YFC2601100//National Key Research and Development Program of China/ ; 2023YFC2604500//National Key Research and Development Program of China/ ; //Double Top University Fund of Yunnan University/ ; //Young Talent Promotion Project by the Ecological Society of China/ ; //Yunnan Revitalization Talent Support Program/ ; },
mesh = {*Carbon/analysis/metabolism ; *Biomass ; *Soil Microbiology ; *Introduced Species ; *Soil/chemistry ; Ecosystem ; Plants ; },
abstract = {Soil organic carbon (SOC) is a vital component of the global carbon cycle. SOC influences soil fertility and structure and is controlled by various factors, including land use, land management practices, and climate change. Biological invasion is a significant yet controversial factor that can alter SOC levels. We conducted a meta-analysis of 445 observations from 61 published reports and followed up with field surveys to clarify the impact of plant invasion on SOC. Our results indicated that plant invasion leads to a 29% increase in microbial biomass carbon (MBC), which is one of the key fractions of SOC. Specifically, among different ecosystems, plant invasion caused MBC increases of 59% in estuaries, 59% in alluvial land, 53% in wetlands, and 80% in orchards. Furthermore, invasion by plants from the Asteraceae family resulted in a 33% increase in MBC, whereas invasion by plants from the Lythraceae family caused a 72% increase in MBC. Our field survey also revealed that plant invasion elevated the soil MBC content relative to the occurrence of native plants or bare ground. Overall, these findings suggest that plant invasion impacts soil carbon, especially by increasing MBC, which may in turn affect future invasions. These effects are influenced by the type of invasive species, ecosystem type, and soil layer depth, highlighting the complex role of biological invasion in the global carbon cycle.},
}

*Carbon/analysis/metabolism
*Biomass
*Soil Microbiology
*Introduced Species
*Soil/chemistry
Ecosystem
Plants

@article {pmid39884430,
year = {2025},
author = {Lester, PJ},
title = {Recent advances and avenues for the pest management of invasive social wasps and hornets.},
journal = {Current opinion in insect science},
volume = {68},
number = {},
pages = {101336},
doi = {10.1016/j.cois.2025.101336},
pmid = {39884430},
issn = {2214-5753},
mesh = {Animals ; *Wasps/physiology ; *Introduced Species ; *Insect Control/methods ; Pest Control, Biological/methods ; },
abstract = {Invasive social wasps and hornets pose significant threats to biodiversity, ecosystem services, and animal and human health. This review evaluates recent advances in invasive wasp and hornet management using criteria developed for assessing the feasibility of eradication and control programmes. I emphasise the importance and methods of early detection, citizen science, public involvement, and the role of advanced technologies, such as artificial intelligence, drones, and radio telemetry for nest detection. Toxic baits remain a vital tool for population suppression, although improvements in their efficacy and selectivity are needed to mitigate nontarget impacts. The review explores the development of targeted control tools, including emerging biological and genetic control methods, which promise potential solutions but require careful consideration of ecological risks. Genetic interventions include gene drives that offer future potential for sustained long-term control but require robust regulatory frameworks. Global collaboration to standardise management is essential, as invasion and control efforts in one region can affect neighbouring countries. The integration of international best practices with legal frameworks, public engagement, and adaptive management strategies will be critical to the success of future management programmes.},
}

Animals
*Wasps/physiology
*Introduced Species
*Insect Control/methods
Pest Control, Biological/methods

@article {pmid39580074,
year = {2025},
author = {Khamis, FM and Ajene, IJ},
title = {Anthropogenic influences on parasitoid wasps' biocontrol of invasive insect pest species in Africa.},
journal = {Current opinion in insect science},
volume = {68},
number = {},
pages = {101300},
doi = {10.1016/j.cois.2024.101300},
pmid = {39580074},
issn = {2214-5753},
mesh = {Animals ; *Wasps/physiology ; Africa ; *Introduced Species ; *Pest Control, Biological/methods ; Insecta/physiology/parasitology ; Agriculture/methods ; Insect Control/methods ; },
abstract = {Sustainable agriculture is crucial to ensuring food and nutritional security and improving livelihoods of millions across Africa. However, agricultural production is constrained by native and invasive pests. Indiscriminate insecticide use is often the first line of action to manage these pests, harming human and animal health, and impacting biodiversity. Thus, shifting to more ecologically sustainable alternatives is key to biodiversity conservation and sustainable agriculture. Biological control is a core component of integrated pest management strategies, and natural enemies, like parasitoid wasps, are considered one of the most environmentally sustainable means of managing pests. However, the Anthropocene plays a significant role in the success and sustainability of this approach. Therefore, here, we provide a look at the influence of anthropological activities, the scope of the application of parasitoids as biocontrol agents of invasive pests, and the current trends in parasitoid utilization in Africa.},
}

Animals
*Wasps/physiology
Africa
*Introduced Species
*Pest Control, Biological/methods
Insecta/physiology/parasitology
Agriculture/methods
Insect Control/methods

@article {pmid39338907,
year = {2024},
author = {Langer, GJ and Bien, S and Bußkamp, J},
title = {Filamentous Fungi Associated with Disease Symptoms in Non-Native Giant Sequoia (Sequoiadendron giganteum) in Germany-A Gateway for Alien Fungal Pathogens?.},
journal = {Pathogens (Basel, Switzerland)},
volume = {13},
number = {9},
pages = {},
pmid = {39338907},
issn = {2076-0817},
mesh = {Germany ; *Phylogeny ; *Plant Diseases/microbiology ; *Fungi/isolation & purification/genetics/classification/pathogenicity ; Introduced Species ; },
abstract = {Filamentous fungi associated with disease symptoms in non-native giant sequoia (Sequoiadendron giganteum) in Germany were investigated in ten cases of disease in Northwest Germany. During the study period from 2018 to 2023, a total of 81 species of Dikaria were isolated from woody tissue and needles of giant sequoia and morphotyped. Morphotypes were assigned to species designations based on ITS-sequence comparison and, in part, multi-locus phylogenetic analyses. Nine species were recognised as new reports for Germany or on giant sequoia: Amycosphaerella africana, Botryosphaeria parva, Coniochaeta acaciae, C. velutina, Muriformistrickeria rubi, Pestalotiopsis australis, P. monochaeta, Phacidiopycnis washingtonensis, and Rhizosphaera minteri. The threat posed to giant sequoia and other forest trees in Germany by certain, especially newly reported, fungal species is being discussed. The detection of a considerable number of new fungal records in the trees studied suggests that giant sequoia cultivation may be a gateway for alien fungal species in Germany.},
}

Germany
*Phylogeny
*Plant Diseases/microbiology
*Fungi/isolation & purification/genetics/classification/pathogenicity
Introduced Species

@article {pmid40025140,
year = {2025},
author = {Zhao, R and Nuske, SJ and Nuñez, MA and Fajardo, A and Moyano, J and McIntosh, ACS and Nilsson, MC and Gundale, MJ},
title = {Distinct foliar fungal communities in Pinus contorta across native and introduced ranges: evidence for context dependency of pathogen release.},
journal = {Scientific reports},
volume = {15},
number = {1},
pages = {7273},
pmid = {40025140},
issn = {2045-2322},
mesh = {*Pinus/microbiology ; *Introduced Species ; *Fungi/genetics/classification ; *Plant Leaves/microbiology ; Plant Diseases/microbiology ; North America ; Mycobiome/genetics ; Phylogeny ; },
abstract = {Inter-continental study systems are crucial for testing ecological hypotheses, such as the widely cited Enemy Release Hypothesis (ERH), which seeks to explain the superior performance of plant species when they are introduced to new regions. Pinus contorta (lodgepole pine), native to North America, has been extensively introduced to Europe and the Southern Hemisphere, making it an ideal tree species for studying invasion hypotheses from a biogeographical perspective. We compared foliar fungal communities, especially pathogens, of P. contorta across two native-introduced region pairs (NIRPs): a northern NIRP (from Canada to Sweden) and a southern NIRP (from the USA to Patagonia), while also examining the differences between source plantations and invasion fronts within Patagonia. P. contorta underwent significant fungal community shifts and experienced pathogen release during its large-scale introduction from North America to Sweden and Patagonia. The fungal richness and relative abundance changes were more pronounced for the southern NIRP pair, where no closely related tree species to P. contorta are present in Patagonia. In Sweden, the presence of the phylogenetically related P. sylvestris and its associated local fungal community appears to play a role in influencing the foliar fungal communities associated with introduced P. contorta. In Patagonia, the incomplete co-invasion of fungal taxa from the USA emerges as a principal driver of the observed variability in fungal community composition and pathogen release following the introduction of P. contorta. In Patagonia, fungal community composition differences between source plantations and invasion fronts provided insufficient evidence that pathogen release occurs at this local scale. Integrating both biogeographical and phylogenetic perspectives, our study suggests that priority effects of local fungi appear to be a dominant community assembly process when introduction is done in a phylogenetically similar community; whereas, co-invasion of fungal communities is the dominant process in phylogenetically distant communities.},
}

*Pinus/microbiology
*Introduced Species
*Fungi/genetics/classification
*Plant Leaves/microbiology
Plant Diseases/microbiology
North America
Mycobiome/genetics
Phylogeny

@article {pmid40018302,
year = {2025},
author = {Koralewski, TE and Brewer, MJ and Deleon, LL and Elliott, NC and Giles, K and Szczepaniec, A and Faris, AM},
title = {Activity of sorghum aphid and its natural enemies in the context of agroecological and weather conditions.},
journal = {Frontiers in insect science},
volume = {5},
number = {},
pages = {1503044},
pmid = {40018302},
issn = {2673-8600},
abstract = {Agroecological-oriented areawide pest management leverages the innate ability of agroecosystem to suppress pests, and thus to utilize ecosystem services, a key component of sustainable agriculture. A growing body of knowledge on interactions between pests and their natural enemies allows us to recognize the complexity of these interactions that often depend on environmental circumstances. Sorghum aphid, Melanaphis sorghi (Theobald) (Hemiptera: Aphididae), is a recent but established pest of sorghum in the Great Plains of North America. Both predators and parasitoids prey on sorghum aphid but their activity and impact change throughout the area and throughout the year. Both landscape and weather factors have been shown to affect the abundance and numerical responses of these insects, consistent with observations in other aphid species. In this study we used data on counts of sorghum aphids, lady beetles (Coleoptera: Coccinellidae), and parasitoid wasps Aphelinus nigritus Howard (Hymenoptera: Aphelinidae) and Lysiphlebus testaceipes (Cresson) (Hymenoptera: Braconidae) collected in Kansas, Oklahoma and Texas states of the United States. We analyzed insect dynamics in the context of landscape and weather factors. We built multiple regression models using data from the years 2017-2019 for metrics such as maximum number of insects per leaf, response time of natural enemies to pest presence, and speed of increase in insect abundance. Our results indicate that various aspects of landscape composition, landscape configuration, and weather affect various insect groups and various aspects of insect dynamics in the field. Moreover, characteristics of specific landscape categories seemed to be more informative than overall measure of landscape diversity. Our study provides insights on interactions along both spatial and temporal scales, with the latter considered understudied.},
}

@article {pmid40016497,
year = {2025},
author = {Wang, J and Huang, X and Chen, Z and Chen, N and Yang, M and Liang, C and Yu, Y and Shi, D},
title = {Extraction and purification of total flavonoids from Zanthoxylum planispinum Var. Dintanensis leaves and effect of altitude on total flavonoids content.},
journal = {Scientific reports},
volume = {15},
number = {1},
pages = {7080},
pmid = {40016497},
issn = {2045-2322},
support = {QJJ-[2023]-024//the 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[2023]071//the program of Excellent Innovation Talents in Guizhou Province/ ; },
mesh = {*Flavonoids/analysis/isolation & purification/chemistry ; *Zanthoxylum/chemistry ; *Plant Leaves/chemistry ; *Altitude ; *Plant Extracts/chemistry/isolation & purification ; Antioxidants/chemistry/isolation & purification/pharmacology ; Chromatography, Liquid/methods ; Solvents/chemistry ; },
abstract = {To investigate the impact of varying altitudes on the functional components of the leaves of Zanthoxylum planispinum var. Dintanensis, this research collected leaf samples from three different elevations: 610 m, 833 m, and 1083 m. Utilizing water and ethanol as extraction solvents, the study optimized extraction parameters via an ultrasonic-assisted technique to maximize the yield of total flavonoids. Following extraction, five types of macroporous adsorption resins were employed for purification. Significant flavonoid constituents within the purified extracts were qualitatively analyzed using liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS). The antioxidant activity of the extracts was also assessed pre- and post-purification. Findings indicated that water was a more effective solvent than ethanol for flavonoid extraction, yielding optimal results at 70 °C, with a solid-to-liquid ratio of 1:70, 30 min, and 480 W. Conversely, ethanol extraction yielded optimal results at a concentration of 65%, a liquid-to-solid ratio of 1:30, 60 °C, 30 min, and 360 W. Among the tested resins, AB-8 demonstrated the highest efficacy for purifying flavonoid extracts, with adsorption data conforming best to the Freundlich isotherm model. Optimal conditions for AB-8 purification included a crude extract concentration of 2.50 mg/mL, pH 5, and temperature 25 °C, eluted with 10 mL of 60% (v/v) ethanol. A notable increase in total flavonoid content was observed, rising from an average of 3.43-16.00%, with a recovery yield of 82.12%. Leaves collected at 830 m contained the highest total flavonoid content, with rutin predominating over naringenin chalcone and naringenin. At 1083 m, naringenin chalcone was most abundant, while the highest concentration of naringenin was recorded at 610 m. This study provides optimized protocols for the extraction and purification of total flavonoids from Z. planispinum var. Dintanensis leaves, contributing to the development of potential applications for these bioactive compounds in various fields.},
}

*Flavonoids/analysis/isolation & purification/chemistry
*Zanthoxylum/chemistry
*Plant Leaves/chemistry
*Altitude
*Plant Extracts/chemistry/isolation & purification
Antioxidants/chemistry/isolation & purification/pharmacology
Chromatography, Liquid/methods
Solvents/chemistry

@article {pmid40016222,
year = {2025},
author = {Veríssimo, J and Curto, M and Alves, MJ and de Almeida, PR and Aparicio, E and Clavero, M and Chaves, C and Fernandez-Delgado, C and Hernández, J and Jentoft, S and Kalous, L and Magalhães, MF and Martins, FM and Mateus, CS and Nogueira, JG and Oliveira, I and Perdices, A and Rocaspana, R and Ribeiro, F and Risueño, P and Pou I Rovira, Q and Queirós, J and Santos, CD and Teixeira, A and Veríssimo, A and Volta, P and Beja, P and Gante, HF and Lopes-Lima, M},
title = {The mitochondrial genomes of Iberian freshwater and diadromous fishes.},
journal = {Scientific data},
volume = {12},
number = {1},
pages = {349},
pmid = {40016222},
issn = {2052-4463},
support = {SFRH/BD/133159/2017//Ministry of Education and Science | Fundação para a Ciência e a Tecnologia (Portuguese Science and Technology Foundation)/ ; COVID/BD/152600/2022//Ministry of Education and Science | Fundação para a Ciência e a Tecnologia (Portuguese Science and Technology Foundation)/ ; 2020.04637.BD//Ministry of Education and Science | Fundação para a Ciência e a Tecnologia (Portuguese Science and Technology Foundation)/ ; CEEC/0482/2020//Ministry of Education and Science | Fundação para a Ciência e a Tecnologia (Portuguese Science and Technology Foundation)/ ; 2020.03608.CEECIND//Ministry of Education and Science | Fundação para a Ciência e a Tecnologia (Portuguese Science and Technology Foundation)/ ; },
mesh = {Animals ; *Genome, Mitochondrial ; *Fishes/genetics/classification ; *Phylogeny ; *Fresh Water ; Spain ; },
abstract = {The Iberian Peninsula, in southwestern Europe, is home to a distinctive freshwater fish fauna, predominantly composed of endemic species. This is a consequence of the prolonged isolation from western Europe caused by the Pyrenees, the diverse geological and climatic gradients, and the isolation of river basins. Freshwater and diadromous fishes have diversified in the Iberian Peninsula and include 72 currently recognized native species, 50 of which are endemic to the region. Habitat loss and degradation, the introduction of invasive species, and climate change have placed Iberian freshwater and diadromous fishes among the most threatened groups of vertebrates, with some species on the brink of extinction. Here, we present 60 new complete mitochondrial genome assemblies out of the 109 freshwater and diadromous fish species found in the Iberian Peninsula, including the mitogenomes of 37 endemics. These resources are crucial for characterising the mitochondrial evolution of species, reconstructing phylogeny and paleogeography, advancing species identification, delineation, and monitoring, and ultimately supporting conservation planning.},
}

Animals
*Genome, Mitochondrial
*Fishes/genetics/classification
*Phylogeny
*Fresh Water
Spain

@article {pmid40016000,
year = {2025},
author = {Rivers, ML and McKenzie, CH and McGaw, IJ},
title = {Effects of low temperature exposure and acclimation on the behavioural responses of the green crab (Carcinus maenas) from Newfoundland, Canada.},
journal = {Journal of thermal biology},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {104071},
doi = {10.1016/j.jtherbio.2025.104071},
pmid = {40016000},
issn = {0306-4565},
abstract = {European green crab (Carcinus maenas) are a highly successful invasive species of intertidal crustacean. The northern most limit of their invasive range on the east coast of North America is the island of Newfoundland (NL), Canada, where they can experience water temperatures as low as -1 °C during the winter. Green crabs' ability to tolerate a large temperate range is one of the most important characteristics responsible for their invasive success. We investigated the behavioural responses of the green crab to a temperature reduction regime, and long-term acclimation to winter (2 °C) and summer (12 °C) water temperatures in NL. Locomotor activity declined as temperature decreased with a concomitant increase in time spent buried, showing a marked change in these parameters at approximately 4 °C. There was also a marked reduction in activity after long-term exposure to cold temperatures (2 °C) compared to controls (12 °C). However, locomotor activity did not cease completely, even after long-term exposure to 2 °C, indicating that crabs remained responsive to their environment. Crabs took longer to respond to food items and consumed less food after long-term acclimation to 2 °C, compared to 12 °C; however feeding did not cease completely. Collectively, these responses suggest that the green crab enters a dormant state below 5 °C, rather than true torpor, in which they continue to move and feed, albeit more slowly and at lower rates. The green crab population in NL is a genetically hybridized population with both southern and cold-resistant northern haplotypes, however, they react in a similar way to most other populations across their native and invasive range and so the observed behavior may be an inherent reaction to cold.},
}

@article {pmid40013303,
year = {2025},
author = {Ngcobo, NB and Burnett, MJ and Downs, CT},
title = {Influence of habitat structures on fish abundances and diversity: comparing mainstream and tributary communities in the urban uMsunduze Catchment, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa.},
journal = {Urban ecosystems},
volume = {28},
number = {2},
pages = {86},
pmid = {40013303},
issn = {1083-8155},
abstract = {Various factors drive the decline of freshwater vertebrate biodiversity. These include changing landscape and urbanisation, introduced invasive species, altered habitat, water quality deterioration, instream barriers, and climate change. In the present study, we evaluated the impact of different habitat features on the fish assemblages in an urban river using catch per unit effort (CPUE) as a proxy for fish assemblage per site and season. We sampled 17 main sites and 21 ad-hoc sites in the uMsunduze Catchment in Pietermaritzburg, uMgungundlovu District, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa, during 2022-2023. We collected data using an electro-shocker, fyke nets, and gill nets, and we also recorded and calculated habitat features such as substrate types, hydraulic biotopes, in-situ water quality, ecohydraulics, average depth, and velocity. We used Generalised Linear Models to determine the habitat features driving fish communities. We calculated the Shannon-Weiner and Pielou diversity indices to compare between rivers. We used the Fish Response Assessment Index (FRAI) tool to understand each site's ecological integrity per season. Our results indicated that various features, including substrate (mud, sand, gravel), fast intermediate and fast deep ecohydraulics, electrical conductivity, habitat (glide, pool), and average velocity significantly impacted the CPUE of fish. There was no variation in diversity indices between tributaries, but there was a significant difference in fish diversity between the uMsunduze mainstream and its tributaries. The FRAI scores showed great deterioration in the system's ecological health, and most sites, especially the mainstream sites, were critically or extremely modified. We suggest that the relevant authorities take action to mitigate the pressures compromising the uMsunduze Catchment's ecological integrity. There is an urgent need for conservation measures for the two "near threatened" species, Enteromius gurneyi and Amphilius natalensis, the former now extirpated as per our study.},
}