@article {pmid40841038,
year = {2025},
author = {Tang, Z and Zhang, Y and Shangguan, H and Xie, A and Xu, X and Jiang, Y and Breed, MF and Sun, X},
title = {Urban organic manure application enhances antibiotic resistance gene diversity and potential human pathogen abundance in invasive giant African snails.},
journal = {Journal of environmental sciences (China)},
volume = {158},
number = {},
pages = {610-620},
doi = {10.1016/j.jes.2025.02.028},
pmid = {40841038},
issn = {1001-0742},
mesh = {Animals ; *Manure ; *Drug Resistance, Microbial/genetics ; *Snails/microbiology ; Humans ; Introduced Species ; Gastrointestinal Microbiome ; Soil Microbiology ; Environmental Monitoring ; RNA, Ribosomal, 16S ; Feces/microbiology ; },
abstract = {The giant African snail (Achatina fulica) is an invasive species served as potential vectors for antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs) and potential human bacterial pathogens. Currently, urban green spaces receive extensive organic manure additions as part of their management, may intensify the biological contamination potential of these snail vectors, thereby increasing the risk of biological pollution in green spaces. However, the specific impacts of this practice on the microbial ecology of these invasive species remain poorly understood. Here, we investigated the effects of organic manure application on the gut microbiome of giant African snails, focusing on ARGs, bacterial community structure, and potential human bacterial pathogens. Microcosm experiments compared snail gut microbiomes in different treatments (Soil: soil samples collected after manure amendment, before any snail exposure. Feces: fecal samples collected from snails that lived on manure-amended soil. Control: fecal samples collected from snails that lived on unamended soil) using 16S rRNA high-throughput sequencing and metagenomic analysis. Our results show that manure application significantly altered gut bacterial community structure and increased ARG diversity by enriching specific high-risk ARGs (such as sul1 and sul2 in the Feces group increased by 2.89 and 2.43 times, respectively, compared to the Control group), and the introduction of eight novel ARG subtypes, despite decreasing overall ARG abundance. Moreover, the relative abundance of potential human pathogens, particularly Pseudomonadaceae, was greatly increased by manure application. These findings reveal that organic manure application in urban green spaces can potentially enhances their role as reservoirs and vectors of ARGs and human pathogens.},
}

Animals
*Manure
*Drug Resistance, Microbial/genetics
*Snails/microbiology
Humans
Introduced Species
Gastrointestinal Microbiome
Soil Microbiology
Environmental Monitoring
RNA, Ribosomal, 16S
Feces/microbiology

@article {pmid40840321,
year = {2025},
author = {Piazza, A and Mikac, B and Colangelo, MA and Costantini, F},
title = {ARMS in ports: monitoring non-indigenous species through Autonomous Reef Monitoring Structures.},
journal = {Marine pollution bulletin},
volume = {222},
number = {Pt 1},
pages = {118545},
doi = {10.1016/j.marpolbul.2025.118545},
pmid = {40840321},
issn = {1879-3363},
abstract = {Harbors and marinas are considered Non-Indigenous Species (NIS) hotspots, being departure and arrival points for numerous vessels and providing environments with less complex artificial substrates that promote NIS colonization. Monitoring changes in the structure of benthic communities allows to early detect the arrival of new NIS. In this study, we used Autonomous Reef Monitoring Structures, ARMS, 3D standardized passive collectors of benthic organisms, to monitor NIS presence and abundance in ports with different uses, a commercial harbor, and a touristic marina, in the northern Adriatic Sea, over one year. The sessile organisms growing on each ARMS plate were identify by photo analysis while the motile ones were morphologically recognized and counted using stereomicroscope. Benthic communities grown on ARMS were characterized by many taxa typical of coastal urbanized areas and showed high seasonal variability, being richer in spring and summer than in winter. Distinct benthic and NIS communities were found in the harbor and marina, with the marina hosting higher numbers of both native and NIS. This is likely due to the different environmental conditions, port structural complexity, and performed economic activities. Of the 86 macrofaunal taxa detected, nearly 19 % were NIS, mostly belonging to crustaceans, polychaetes, bivalves, and ascidians. Our results indicate that ARMS represent an efficient tool for monitoring NIS and suggest that they should be deployed in the spring season and in environments with different levels of urbanization to capture higher NIS diversity and enable their early detection.},
}

@article {pmid40837557,
year = {2025},
author = {Aung, YL and Aung, MH and Tan, Y and Jin, X},
title = {An updated checklist of vascular plants of Myanmar.},
journal = {PhytoKeys},
volume = {261},
number = {},
pages = {135-164},
pmid = {40837557},
issn = {1314-2011},
abstract = {Myanmar is one of the Southeast Asian countries where biodiversity richness is very high as well as under various anthropogenic threats. Its broad latitudinal range, heterogeneous topography, and tropical monsoonal climate make the country exceptionally rich in plant biodiversity. However, botanical exploration in Myanmar still lags, hindering a full understanding of the floristic diversity of the country and leading to a large gap in taxonomic knowledge of its flora. The latest checklist of Myanmar plants (including 11,800 species) was published over 20 years ago and clearly needs significant and comprehensive revisions to be in line with modern taxonomic classification systems. In this regard, the present study investigated the species richness of Myanmar flora based on herbarium specimens, taxonomic literature, and online databases. Therefore, it resulted in an updated checklist consisting of 14,020 species in 2,701 genera and 292 families of vascular plants known from Myanmar. Among them, there are 13,314 native species and 706 introduced species in Myanmar. In Myanmar, there are 864 endemic species which need proper conservation actions. In comparison, the number of species in the updated checklist has increased by 2,220 species more than those of the previous checklist, mainly due to the discovery of new species and new records for the country. The updated checklist has been taxonomically verified with voucher specimen-based comparisons, which will be useful for subsequent analyses of biodiversity research and conservation action.},
}

@article {pmid40836636,
year = {2025},
author = {Gallagher, RV},
title = {Traits and biogeography are key to non-native plant abundance, but in surprising ways.},
journal = {The New phytologist},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1111/nph.70483},
pmid = {40836636},
issn = {1469-8137},
}

@article {pmid40834194,
year = {2025},
author = {Rodrigues, AJS and Gomes, GMD and Neves, RAF and Caetano, CHS and Miyahira, IC},
title = {Population dynamics of Brachidontes darwinianus (Mytilidae) occurring in sympatry with the invasive Mytilopsis leucophaeata (Dreissenidae) in a coastal lagoon (Rio de Janeiro, Brazil).},
journal = {Anais da Academia Brasileira de Ciencias},
volume = {97},
number = {3},
pages = {e20241535},
doi = {10.1590/0001-3765202520241535},
pmid = {40834194},
issn = {1678-2690},
mesh = {Animals ; Brazil ; Population Dynamics ; *Introduced Species ; *Mytilidae/classification/growth & development/physiology ; *Sympatry/physiology ; Population Density ; Seasons ; *Bivalvia/classification/growth & development ; },
abstract = {The native bivalve Brachidontes darwinianus occurs in sympatry with the invasive bivalve Mytilopsis leucophaeata in Rodrigo de Freitas Lagoon, an urban coastal lagoon located in the city of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Both species are found in hard substrates and form clusters around the lagoon. This study aimed to evaluate the population aspects, such as growth and mortality rates, of the native bivalve B. darwinianus and compare with data available for M. leucophaeata for this lagoon. Population data were analyzed and compared between bivalve species over two years: 2016-2017 and 2017-2018. In both years, the growth rate of B. darwinianus remained similar (K = 0.5), while the mortality rate showed a slight increase in the second year (Z2016-2017 = 2.25; Z2017-2018 = 2.9). The densities of M. leucophaeata were significantly higher than those of B. darwinianus regardless of the year analyzed. However, an increasing trend in the densities of the native bivalve was observed in the second year, suggesting a coexistence of native and invasive bivalves in the lagoon. Therefore, more studies are needed to understand the ecological interactions between these species, given that the invasive bivalve is established and can induce changes in the benthic community of this environment.},
}

Animals
Brazil
Population Dynamics
*Introduced Species
*Mytilidae/classification/growth & development/physiology
*Sympatry/physiology
Population Density
Seasons
*Bivalvia/classification/growth & development

@article {pmid40831447,
year = {2025},
author = {Brijs, J and Tran, LL and Moore, C and Souza, T and Schakmann, M and Grellman, K and Johansen, JL},
title = {Outlasting the Heat: Collapse of Herbivorous Fish Control of Invasive Algae During Marine Heatwaves.},
journal = {Global change biology},
volume = {31},
number = {8},
pages = {e70438},
doi = {10.1111/gcb.70438},
pmid = {40831447},
issn = {1365-2486},
support = {2210070 to Jacob L. Johansen//Division of Ocean Sciences/ ; 009454 to Jacob L. Johansen//University of Hawaii at Manoa startup grant/ ; },
mesh = {Animals ; *Introduced Species ; *Coral Reefs ; *Herbivory ; *Hot Temperature ; *Fishes/physiology ; *Caulerpa/physiology ; *Perciformes/physiology ; },
abstract = {Marine heatwaves (MHWs), coral bleaching, and chronic local stressors such as eutrophication are accelerating regime shifts from coral- to algae-dominated reefs, increasingly favoring the proliferation of invasive, fast-growing, and often more grazing-resistant turf and macroalgae. A central tenet of global reef management strategies is that herbivorous fishes can sustain critical top-down control of algal proliferation as oceans warm. Here, we challenge this tenet by experimentally evaluating, under controlled laboratory conditions, whether herbivorous coral reef fishes across three key functional groups-browser (Naso lituratus), grazer (Acanthurus triostegus), and scraper (Chlorurus spilurus)-can maintain effective algal control across present-day (24.0°C-27.5°C) temperatures and into projected MHWs (31°C). We assessed (1) whether individuals evacuated thermally stressed conditions, effectively abandoning algal control, and (2) for those that remained, whether they could meet elevated energetic demands by foraging ad libitum on a mixture of Caulerpa spp.-a rapidly spreading and archetypal group of invasive algae in the Indo-Pacific. All species gained body mass while foraging exclusively on these algae during winter and summer (~0.18%-0.62% per day). However, despite remaining in thermally stressed conditions and maintaining stable foraging rates, all species experienced consistent body mass declines (~0.41%-1.62% per day) under MHW exposure. This precipitous decline in body mass was driven by ~54%-60% increases in basal energetic demands without corresponding increases in food intake. Survival estimates based on body mass loss ranged from ~20-81 days, which is substantially shorter than the projected ~126-152-day average duration of future MHWs. Our findings reveal that while short-term algal control may persist during thermal stress, prolonged exposure appears to erode herbivore physiological condition, effectively undermining top-down control of some algal types. Consequently, as ocean warming intensifies, herbivore protection strategies may become increasingly less effective at staving off algae proliferation and dominance in threatened reef ecosystems.},
}

Animals
*Introduced Species
*Coral Reefs
*Herbivory
*Hot Temperature
*Fishes/physiology
*Caulerpa/physiology
*Perciformes/physiology

@article {pmid40831276,
year = {2025},
author = {Radici, A and Hammami, P and Cannet, A and L'Ambert, G and Lacour, G and Fournet, F and Garros, C and Guis, H and Fontenille, D and Caminade, C},
title = {Aedes albopictus Is Rapidly Invading Its Climatic Niche in France: Wider Implications for Biting Nuisance and Arbovirus Control in Western Europe.},
journal = {Global change biology},
volume = {31},
number = {8},
pages = {e70414},
doi = {10.1111/gcb.70414},
pmid = {40831276},
issn = {1365-2486},
support = {//Région Occitanie Pyrénées-Méditerranée RIVOC intiative/ ; },
mesh = {*Aedes/physiology/virology ; Animals ; France/epidemiology ; *Climate Change ; *Mosquito Vectors/physiology/virology ; *Introduced Species ; *Dengue/transmission/epidemiology ; *Animal Distribution ; Humans ; Europe ; Arboviruses/physiology ; },
abstract = {The Asian tiger mosquito, Aedes albopictus, is a competent vector of arboviruses, such as dengue. After its introduction into southern Europe, this invasive species has been rapidly spreading as well as causing autochthonous cases of arboviral diseases. Both Ae. albopictus presence and potential to transmit arboviruses are facilitated at warm temperatures; hence, global warming is expected to affect their presence in temperate regions. We use a climate- and environmental-driven mechanistic modeling framework to investigate the impact of recent climate change on Ae. albopictus range expansion and its potential to transmit dengue in Western Europe. We simulate climatic suitability, adult density, and dengue transmission risk, which we compare with a large ensemble of entomological and epidemiological observations over the past 20 years. Most importantly, we analyze a novel spatiotemporal dataset of colonized municipalities in metropolitan France to estimate the spread rate of Ae. albopictus and compare it with model predictions. Lastly, we analyze the sensitivity of entomological and epidemiological risk to changes in temperature, rainfall, and human density. Distribution of simulated mosquito populations and dengue transmission risk satisfactorily match entomological and dengue observations for Western Europe (AUC = 0.90 and 0.75 respectively). While lowlands in southern Europe were already climatically suitable for hosting Ae. albopictus around 2010, Western France, together with large populated cities, such as London, Zagreb, and Vienna, has become suitable recently. Importantly, the accelerating colonization of Ae. albopictus in France may be approaching the limit of its theoretical climatic niche; future expansion will depend on the climate-driven enlargement of suitable areas. The area at risk of dengue transmission has recently expanded from the Mediterranean coasts over northern Spain and Western France. The sensitivity analysis suggests that climate change may expose medium-sized cities to the highest epidemiological risk; this finding is consistent with recently reported dengue outbreaks in Europe.},
}

*Aedes/physiology/virology
Animals
France/epidemiology
*Climate Change
*Mosquito Vectors/physiology/virology
*Introduced Species
*Dengue/transmission/epidemiology
*Animal Distribution
Humans
Europe
Arboviruses/physiology

@article {pmid40654299,
year = {2025},
author = {Duval, BD and Carabotta, E and de Tomas-Marin, S and Lightfoot, DC},
title = {Coincident shifts in riparian ground-active arthropod diversity and soil nutrients under an introduced symbiotic N2-fixing tree.},
journal = {Environmental entomology},
volume = {54},
number = {4},
pages = {773-789},
doi = {10.1093/ee/nvaf025},
pmid = {40654299},
issn = {1938-2936},
support = {//New Mexico Game and Fish/ ; },
mesh = {Animals ; *Arthropods/physiology ; *Soil/chemistry ; *Biodiversity ; Nitrogen/analysis ; Phosphorus/analysis ; Nitrogen Fixation ; *Olea/physiology ; Symbiosis ; Introduced Species ; },
abstract = {Symbiotic nitrogen-fixing plants such as Russian olive can significantly impact soil chemistry and invertebrate biodiversity in riparian ecosystems. Here, the effects of Russian olive on soil chemical properties and invertebrate communities in riparian zones of the southwestern United States were investigated. Russian olive stands were compared to native cottonwood stands and restoration sites by analyzing soil nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), and moisture levels, and arthropod diversity and abundance. Sites where Russian olive is present led to a net increase in soil nitrogen, a decrease in soil phosphorus, and greater soil moisture compared to both native cottonwood stands and restoration sites. Native cottonwood stands showed lower soil N and higher P levels, as well as higher arthropod diversity. This increased diversity could be linked to the soil's nutrient stoichiometry, as there is a negative correlation between taxonomic diversity and the soil N:P ratio. Moreover, there was a greater abundance of detritivorous arthropods in Russian olive stands compared to native vegetation. Soil nitrate (NO3-) levels showed a strong positive correlation with detritivorous arthropod abundance (r2 = 0.98), but only a moderate correlation with herbivores (r2 = 0.38), and NO3- was unrelated to predator abundance (r2 = 0.01). These results suggest that Russian olive stands can alter soil chemistry in ways that disproportionately benefit detritivores, potentially disrupting the balance of arthropod communities and reducing overall biodiversity in riparian ecosystems. The study underscores the need for careful management of invasive, symbiotic N2-fixing plant species to preserve the ecological integrity of riparian habitats.},
}

Animals
*Arthropods/physiology
*Soil/chemistry
*Biodiversity
Nitrogen/analysis
Phosphorus/analysis
Nitrogen Fixation
*Olea/physiology
Symbiosis
Introduced Species

@article {pmid40577797,
year = {2025},
author = {Hajek, AE and Clifton, EH and Solter, LF},
title = {Entomopathogens for control of Asian longhorned beetles (Coleoptera: Cerambycidae).},
journal = {Environmental entomology},
volume = {54},
number = {4},
pages = {669-678},
doi = {10.1093/ee/nvaf016},
pmid = {40577797},
issn = {1938-2936},
mesh = {Animals ; *Coleoptera/microbiology ; *Pest Control, Biological/methods ; *Metarhizium/physiology ; Female ; Introduced Species ; Male ; Beauveria/physiology ; },
abstract = {Asian longhorned beetles, Anoplophora glabripennis (Motschulsky) (ALB), are native to China and Korea but invasive populations now threaten hardwood forests in North America and Europe where eradication is the main tactic. In North America, invasive ALB were first found in the New York City area in 1996 and, since then, infestations were detected in 5 additional states. Beginning in 1998, studies of fungal entomopathogens for ALB control were begun, followed by studies with entomopathogenic nematodes, Bacillus thuringiensis Berliner, and microsporidia. Studies with entomopathogenic fungi initially focused on a commercialized method used for application of Beauveria asiatica against adult cerambycids in Japanese orchards: cerambycids walk across bands covered with infective spores of entomopathogenic fungi that are attached around trees. For use in the United States, Metarhizium brunneum Petch F52 was grown in fungal bands and tested against adult ALB in US quarantine labs as well as in the field in China. Fungal infection reduced female longevity, fitness, and flight. Long-lived M. brunneum microsclerotia formulated in hydromulch were investigated as an alternative application method. Several species of entomopathogenic nematodes applied to ALB emergence holes showed promise for infecting and killing ALB larvae. The pathogens that have been investigated and developed are considered part of the arsenal of methods for ALB control and not "stand-alone" tactics. While no pathogens have been used operationally in the United States, information gained about these pathogens is available and could be used as situations warrant more tools for managing ALB.},
}

Animals
*Coleoptera/microbiology
*Pest Control, Biological/methods
*Metarhizium/physiology
Female
Introduced Species
Male
Beauveria/physiology

@article {pmid40569795,
year = {2025},
author = {Yang, K and Hu, H and Hao, Z and He, H},
title = {Differential susceptibility of local and introduced chestnuts to a chestnut weevil Curculio davidi (Coleoptera: Curculionidae) in the Qinling Mountains.},
journal = {Environmental entomology},
volume = {54},
number = {4},
pages = {931-937},
doi = {10.1093/ee/nvaf056},
pmid = {40569795},
issn = {1938-2936},
support = {2023YFD1401301//National Key R & D Program of China/ ; 2022M712603//Postdoctoral Science Foundation of China/ ; },
mesh = {Animals ; *Weevils/physiology ; Female ; *Introduced Species ; China ; *Herbivory ; *Aesculus/chemistry/physiology ; *Fraxinus ; },
abstract = {The chestnut weevil, Curculio davidi Fairmaire (Coleoptera: Curculionidae) is a major pest of chestnuts. Damage caused by C. davidi has increased as beetle populations have expanded. To promote effective C. davidi management practices based on its host plant, we compared the susceptibility of local chestnut cultivar 'Qinli 2'(QL2) and introduced chestnut cultivar 'Hongli' (HL) in Qinling Mountains to this weevil. Number of eggs laid by C. davidi females in HL was significantly higher than that of QL2. Chestnut weevil females laid 6.25-fold and 3-fold more eggs in HL than QL2 in the choice tests and no-choice tests, respectively. From 2021 to 2023, C. davidi infestation rates of HL were significantly higher than that of QL2 in the field. HL was smaller, softer, and have lower cellulose content as compared with QL2. HL contained 4.61%, 13.76%, 10.09%, 26.53%, 9.24%, 18.4%, 6.28%, and 23.26% higher amounts of N, K, Ca, Mg, S, Na, Mn, and Cu respectively, than QL2. In contrast, QL2 contained 25.28%, 19.80%, and 16.83% higher amounts of Al, B, and Fe, than HL. Our results revealed that the introduced chestnut cultivar is more susceptible to C. davidi compared to the local chestnut cultivar in Qinling Mountain, which was associated with several physico-chemical changes in chestnuts. These findings may contribute to the future efforts for breeding of C. davidi-resistant chestnut cultivars.},
}

Animals
*Weevils/physiology
Female
*Introduced Species
China
*Herbivory
*Aesculus/chemistry/physiology
*Fraxinus

@article {pmid40830392,
year = {2025},
author = {Pinochet, J and Rivera, R and Brante, A},
title = {Network-based risk assessment of ship-mediated dispersal of non-native species across Chilean and international ports.},
journal = {Scientific reports},
volume = {15},
number = {1},
pages = {30482},
pmid = {40830392},
issn = {2045-2322},
support = {AIM23-0003//Grant the Millennium Institute of Oceanography/ ; 11250355//Fondo Nacional de Desarrollo Científico y Tecnológico/ ; 1230158//Fondo Nacional de Desarrollo Científico y Tecnológico/ ; },
mesh = {Chile ; *Ships ; *Introduced Species ; Risk Assessment ; Biodiversity ; Animals ; Ecosystem ; },
abstract = {Marine biological invasions threaten global biodiversity, making it essential to identify high-risk areas for effective management and prevention. This study assesses the risk of non-native species (NNS) dispersal through maritime transport using network analysis to examine connectivity patterns among Chilean and international ports, complemented by an environmental similarity approach for estimation. The results highlight San Antonio, San Vicente, and Concepción Bay as key nodes within the national network, facilitating maritime traffic redistribution and linking the Central Chile and Araucanian ecoregions, identified as critical corridors for NNS introduction and spread. In contrast, secondary ports such as Corral and Mejillones have limited connectivity and play minor roles in the network. Internationally, Chilean ports maintain frequent connections with global hubs such as Panama and Shanghai, emphasizing their role in global maritime traffic. Procrustes analysis reveals strong environmental similarity between connected regions, suggesting that shared conditions enhance NNS survival and establishment. Alluvial diagrams and network illustrate high-risk routes and port, aiding in the identification of critical areas for monitoring and management. This study underscores the importance of integrating network analysis with environmental data as a key tool for assessing invasion risk, prioritizing strategic areas, and strengthening preventive strategies.},
}

Chile
*Ships
*Introduced Species
Risk Assessment
Biodiversity
Animals
Ecosystem

@article {pmid40829225,
year = {2025},
author = {Sun, Z and Zhang, L and Yu, H and Lai, Y and Zhang, H and Liu, Y and Wang, J and Kuang, Y},
title = {Nighttime warming impedes invasion of Chromolaena odorata into tropical coral islands.},
journal = {Journal of environmental management},
volume = {393},
number = {},
pages = {126991},
doi = {10.1016/j.jenvman.2025.126991},
pmid = {40829225},
issn = {1095-8630},
abstract = {Nighttime warming, resulted from asymmetric global warming, is recognized as narrow diurnal temperature range (DTR). However, consensus on the effects of reduced DTR on plant's invasion remains elusive. Tropical coral islands in China, characterized as narrow DTR, are more and more intensively affected by plant invasion. In this study, we simulated a tropical coral island habitat by applying nighttime warming experiment (3 °C) and detected the responses of 19 plant functional traits of an invasive species Chromolaena odorata and a native species Scaevola sericea to this warming. Under mono-culture, C. odorata mainly adjusted water-use efficiency (WUE) to reduce water loss, while S. sericea mainly adjusted gas exchange to maintain relative growth rate (RGR) by altering leaf structural traits, in responses to nighttime warming. Under mixing-culture, nighttime warming decreased and increased resource utilization capacity of C. odorata and S. sericea, respectively. These results highlight that nighttime warming may impede the invasion of C. odorata to tropical coral islands. The recovery and construction of plantation preferentially selecting S. sericea can benefit inhibiting the spread of C. odorata at tropical coral islands.},
}

@article {pmid40828273,
year = {2025},
author = {Lozada-Chávez, AN and Bonizzoni, M},
title = {Identification of Single Nucleotide Polymorphism from Insect Genomic Data.},
journal = {Methods in molecular biology (Clifton, N.J.)},
volume = {2935},
number = {},
pages = {29-49},
pmid = {40828273},
issn = {1940-6029},
abstract = {Single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) are the most common type of genetic variation among individuals. SNPs are widely used to estimate genomic divergence, population structure, and natural selection, as well as to identify associations between genomic variants and phenotypic traits. However, the identification of SNPs in non-model species or from field-derived samples may still be challenging and would benefit from standardized protocols. The identification of SNPs from raw sequencing data, such as those obtained from a standard Illumina library, involves many processing steps and the use of diverse sets of tools, where the choice of different parameters significantly affects the results. Here, we present a pipeline for a genome-wide identification of SNPs from raw Illumina reads. This pipeline is composed of three major steps that encompass the GATK Best Practices and include quality control of the raw reads, mapping of short reads to a reference genome, recalibration of the alignment, variant calling, quality control for variant calling, and filtering of candidate SNPs. The steps of this pipeline are accompanied by publicly available scripts and datasets used for the identification of SNPs in the genome of the mosquito Aedes aegypti, an invasive species and a major arboviral vector worldwide.},
}

@article {pmid40827793,
year = {2025},
author = {Hanson-Regan, W and Leasi, F and Alda, F},
title = {Geographical, Ecological, and Genetic Drivers of Gut Microbial Diversity in Native and Invasive Minnows (Leuciscidae: Cyprinella).},
journal = {Molecular ecology},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {e70011},
doi = {10.1111/mec.70011},
pmid = {40827793},
issn = {1365-294X},
support = {//Center of Excellence in Applied Computational Science and Engineering (CEACSE), University of Tennessee at Chattanooga/ ; },
abstract = {The gut microbiome is important for many physiological processes that are critical in the adaptation of an animal to its environment. Conversely, abrupt ecological changes, as in the colonisation of a new territory, may also influence the microbiome. Therefore, anthropogenic introductions of invasive species offer a natural model in which to study these relationships. We compared the gut microbiomes (16S rRNA gene) of four freshwater fish species of the genus Cyprinella, including both native and introduced populations of the prolific invader C. lutrensis, to investigate if differences in their diversity and structure are determined by their host or depend more on the ecology and geographical location where they occur. Our results suggest that at this taxonomic level, the external environment of the fish is the strongest corollary of microbial diversity and community composition of the gut, followed to a lesser extent by species identity and genetic factors. Our findings emphasise the dynamic nature of the minnow gut microbiome, with high individual variation and rapid changes over time. We also found that new invasions may reduce the invader's gut microbiome alpha diversity while not conferring any clear distinction compared with cohabiting native species. This research addresses the perennial question of whether nature or nurture plays a greater role in shaping the gut microbiome, revealing the intricate interplay of factors and scales involved.},
}

@article {pmid40827212,
year = {2025},
author = {Buchanan, AEV and Gillingham, PK and Andreou, D and Hodder, KH and Toups, MA and Butler, H and Hardouin, EA},
title = {Climate Change Does Not Directly Influence Red Squirrel (Sciurus vulgaris) Distribution in Western Europe.},
journal = {microPublication biology},
volume = {2025},
number = {},
pages = {},
pmid = {40827212},
issn = {2578-9430},
abstract = {Climate change presents ongoing risks to species like the red squirrel, which, despite its wide range, faces pressures from multiple threats (fragmentation, invasive species, among others). This study assesses the relationship of red squirrel distribution across Western Europe with bioclimatic variables to predict future climate impacts. However, our results suggest that bioclimatic factors have limited predictive power, with no direct impacts identified. Indirect effects, such as the expansion of grey squirrels, may still worsen challenges for red squirrel populations. Addressing these by maintaining habitat quality and connectivity through targeted conservation measures will be crucial for ensuring red squirrel persistence.},
}

@article {pmid40826961,
year = {2025},
author = {Mo, L and Jiang, X and Lin, M and Zhou, Z and Wu, Z and Huang, J},
title = {Integrating Metabolomics and Behavioral Assays to Identify 4-Hydroxyphenylacetic Acid as a Candidate Component of Sex Pheromone in Invasive Pomacea canaliculata.},
journal = {Journal of agricultural and food chemistry},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1021/acs.jafc.5c06394},
pmid = {40826961},
issn = {1520-5118},
abstract = {Pomacea canaliculata, a destructive invasive species, threatens agriculture and ecosystems globally. Environmentally safe control methods like sex pheromones remain unexplored for this snail. Integrating behavioral tests, metabolomics, and field trials, we identified key chemical ecology traits. Male P. canaliculata were strongly attracted to virgin female-conditioned water, specifically its medium ultrafiltrate, but unresponsive to male or mated female samples. Nontargeted metabolomics of 135 up-regulated metabolites in virgin females pinpointed 4-hydroxyphenylacetic acid as a critical attractant. Behavioral assays confirmed its unique efficacy in luring males, while structural analogs failed, indicating specificity. Field trials validated its practical trapping potential, with optimal performance at a concentration of 1 mol/L. This study identifies 4-hydroxyphenylacetic acid as a candidate component of sex pheromone in P. canaliculata, offering a targeted strategy for eco-friendly population control. These findings advance invasive species management by enabling pheromone-based traps, reducing reliance on chemical pesticides and mitigating ecological impacts.},
}

@article {pmid40820899,
year = {2025},
author = {Ullah, F and Güncan, A and Gul, H and Li, X and Guedes, RNC and Desneux, N and Lu, Y},
title = {Cyantraniliprole-mediated transgenerational hormesis in the invasive tomato pinworm, Tuta absoluta.},
journal = {Pest management science},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1002/ps.70136},
pmid = {40820899},
issn = {1526-4998},
support = {2023A02006//Major Science and Technology Projects in Xinjiang/ ; 2023R5249//Zhejiang High-level Talents Special Support Program/ ; 2024SSYS0105//Key R&D Program of Zhejiang/ ; },
abstract = {BACKGROUND: Hormesis, a biphasic dose-response phenomenon, is gaining recognition for its bioregulatory and practical implications. Invasive species present a critical context for studying hormesis, because sublethal population-level responses may facilitate establishment and spread, particularly when transgenerational effects are involved. The invasive South American tomato pinworm, Tuta absoluta Meyrick, a global agricultural pest, exemplifies this scenario. Despite its relevance, the role of hormesis, particularly in response to novel insecticides like cyantraniliprole, a second-generation anthranilic diamide widely used against lepidopteran pests, remains underexplored. Thus, using age-stage, two-sex life table analyses and nanocarrier-mediated RNA interference, we examined the sublethal effects of cyantraniliprole on T. absoluta.

RESULTS: Cyantraniliprole exhibited high toxicity to third-instar larvae, with a median lethal concentration (LC50) of 0.72 mg L[-1] after 72 h of exposure. Sublethal and low lethal concentrations (LC10 and LC30) prolonged developmental times and reduced adult longevity and fecundity in exposed individuals. Intriguingly, exposure to LC10 in subsequent generations (F1 and F2) shortened developmental times and increased survival, reproduction and life table parameters, whereas exposure to LC30 significantly impaired these traits. Gene expression analyses revealed reduced levels of development and reproduction-related genes (Vg, VgR and JHBP) in parental insects but increased levels in F1 and F2 at LC10, whereas the levels of expression remained consistent at LC30. Overexpression of detoxification-related P450 genes (CYP4M116, CYP6AW1 and CYP9A307v2) persisted over generations, whereas nanomaterial-encapsulated dsRNA targeting these genes significantly increased susceptibility to cyantraniliprole.

CONCLUSION: Cyantraniliprole induces a transgenerational hormesis-like response in T. absoluta. These findings highlight the need to evaluate the hormetic-like effects when designing ecologically sound pest management strategies for this invasive pest species. © 2025 Society of Chemical Industry.},
}

@article {pmid40820352,
year = {2025},
author = {Le, H and Vilà, M and Zhao, C and Xiong, G and Xu, W and Xie, Z},
title = {Temporal and Spatial Changes of Native and Alien Plant Assemblages Ecological Strategies in Response to Chronic Disturbances.},
journal = {Annals of botany},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1093/aob/mcaf187},
pmid = {40820352},
issn = {1095-8290},
abstract = {BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Successional theory predicts directional shifts in plant community composition following disturbance. However, the long-term effects of chronic, recurring disturbances on plant ecological strategies at the community-level in human-altered landscapes, and how they differ between the assemblages of native and alien species, remain poorly understood.

METHODS: Using Grime's competitor, stress-tolerator, ruderal (CSR) framework, we examine temporal and spatial changes in plant strategies at the community-level in the Three Gorges Reservoir Area, China. Based on repeated plant community surveys in 2012 and 2018 at the same localities, we assess the differences in the assemblages of native and alien strategies in response to chronic disturbances by extreme hydrological fluctuations and intense human activities over time and along a shoreline-to-upland disturbance gradient.

KEY RESULTS: Our results reveal a temporal shift in native assemblages, with a decline in R-score and an increase in C- and S-scores, while alien assemblages maintained a strong R-strategy. Spatial patterns show that native assemblages adopted a mid-elevation peak in C-strategy, with S- and R-strategies dominating at higher and lower elevations, respectively. In contrast, there is no spatial variation in the CSR strategies of alien plant assemblages.

CONCLUSIONS: Our findings demonstrate that chronic disturbances (e.g., water fluctuations and human activities) drive a spatiotemporal decoupling of the CSR strategies between native and alien plant assemblages. This divergence requires targeted management by prioritizing suppression of ruderal alien species and promoting competitive and stress-tolerant native species to guide succession dynamics.},
}

@article {pmid40817650,
year = {2025},
author = {Fenollosa, E and Munné-Bosch, S and Pintó-Marijuan, M},
title = {Invasion Amid the Shadows: Ecophysiological Dissimilarity and Microhabitat Constraints on an Exotic Succulent in a Mediterranean Ecosystem.},
journal = {Physiologia plantarum},
volume = {177},
number = {4},
pages = {e70455},
pmid = {40817650},
issn = {1399-3054},
support = {//Generalitat de Catalunya/ ; //Ministerio de Ciencia, Innovación y Universidades/ ; //Universitat de Barcelona/ ; },
abstract = {Prevention is the most cost-effective strategy for managing plant invasions, which includes defining the potential of exotic species to inhabit different environmental conditions. The limiting similarity hypothesis suggests that resemblance to native species facilitates the establishment and spread of exotics in a non-native range. However, this similarity has rarely been quantified in terms of the physiological strategies used to cope with seasonal environmental variability. Here, we explored for the first time the multivariate ecophysiological similarity between an exotic species and the native community to assess where the invader might succeed. Specifically, we contrasted the physiological annual response of the declared potential invader Aptenia cordifolia relative to six coexistent native species in two contrasting environmental conditions (under canopy and at high irradiance) in a Mediterranean-type ecosystem. The invasive species exhibited distinct physiological responses, demonstrating partial alignment with native traits under specific conditions. At the high irradiance site, the exotic species was the least efficient at counteracting both summer and winter stresses; whereas in the under-canopy habitat, it exhibited greater ecophysiological dissimilarity from the native community. Our results score the potential of multivariate physiological analysis for guiding habitat prioritization in invasion management and biodiversity conservation in Mediterranean-type ecosystems.},
}

@article {pmid40814410,
year = {2025},
author = {Niederman, TE and Aronson, JN and Gainsbury, AM and Nunes, LA and Dreiss, LM},
title = {US Imperiled species and the five drivers of biodiversity loss.},
journal = {Bioscience},
volume = {75},
number = {7},
pages = {524-533},
pmid = {40814410},
issn = {0006-3568},
abstract = {We synthesized reported threats to US imperiled species to identify which of the five predominant drivers of biodiversity loss-climate change, invasive species, land and sea use change, pollution, and overexploitation-negatively influence species persistence across taxa. Using threats identified at listing under the Endangered Species Act (ESA), International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) assessments, and novel climate sensitivity assessments, we document which drivers affect the 2766 imperiled species analyzed. Our results are the first in which climate change has been identified as the leading threat to species listed under the ESA. We found that updated climate sensitivity assessments are essential for understanding the breadth of this threat. We also show that the majority of US imperiled species experience multiple threats, with some groups such as cnidarians, bivalves, and amphibians facing a higher total number than average. As climate change rapidly accelerates, we emphasize the need for up-to-date assessments and highlight existing data gaps.},
}

@article {pmid40812282,
year = {2025},
author = {Zhang, X and Wang, Q and Fei, J and Zhang, S and Zhang, Q and Ma, B and Xu, S},
title = {Assessment of imazapyr's control effects and soil environmental safety in salt marsh wetlands invaded by Spartina alterniflora.},
journal = {Marine pollution bulletin},
volume = {221},
number = {},
pages = {118551},
doi = {10.1016/j.marpolbul.2025.118551},
pmid = {40812282},
issn = {1879-3363},
abstract = {Spartina alterniflora is a prevalent invasive species in the estuarine coastal wetlands of China. Effective control and management of S. alterniflora are crucial for preserving and enhancing the biodiversity and ecosystem functions of these wetlands. However, there is limited knowledge regarding the ecological impacts of control measures for S. alterniflora. Therefore, this study aimed to assess the effectiveness of imazapyr in removing S. alterniflora in salt marsh wetlands and to evaluate its ecological safety concerning the soil environment. The results showed that the herbicidal effect of imazapyr was significant one month after application, but imazapyr has a long soil residual activity, with trace residues still present one month after application at higher concentrations (dilution factor: 11.00). Thirty days after imazapyr application, most soil nutrients and bacterial diversity remained stable, but the fungal shannon index significantly increased. The relative abundance of Proteobacteria increased notably, while the abundance of Bacteroidota, Actinobacteriota, and other phylum-level bacteria was inhibited by imazapyr. The fungal community structure, however, was not significantly impacted. Additionally, the spraying of imazapyr reduced the robustness of the microbial ecological network, making it more vulnerable. Interestingly, imazapyr application improved the soil health index in one month. This study provides valuable insights into the dynamic changes in soil nutrients, microbial communities, and the overall soil health index following imazapyr application, thereby deepening our understanding of the soil environment after disturbance.},
}

@article {pmid40811509,
year = {2025},
author = {Pen, IAM and Benedict, C and Broe, MB and Delgado, A and Glon, H and Zhang, M and Daly, M},
title = {Resolving Acuticulata (Metridioidea: Enthemonae: Actiniaria), a clade containing many invasive species of sea anemones.},
journal = {PloS one},
volume = {20},
number = {8},
pages = {e0328544},
pmid = {40811509},
issn = {1932-6203},
abstract = {Acuticulata is a globally distributed group in the actiniarian superfamily Metridioidea comprised of taxa with ecological, economic, and scientific significance. Prominent members such as Exaiptasia diaphana and Diadumene lineata serve as model organisms for studying coral symbiosis, bleaching phenomena, and ecological invasions. Despite their importance, unresolved phylogenetic relationships and outdated taxonomic frameworks hinder a full understanding of the diversity and evolution of the taxa in this clade. In this study, we employ a targeted sequence-capture approach to construct a robust phylogeny for Acuticulata, addressing long-standing questions about familial monophyly and comparing the results to results from a more conventional five-gene dataset. Specimens from previously underrepresented families and global regions, including the Falkland Islands, were included to elucidate evolutionary interrelationships and improve resolution. Our results support the monophyly of Aliciidae, Boloceroididae, Diadumenidae, Gonactiniidae, and Metridiidae. Our results reiterate the need for taxonomic revision within the family Sagartiidae, as the specimens we included from this family were recovered in four distinct clades. Based on our results, we transfer Paraiptasia from Aiptasiidae to Sagartiidae. These findings emphasize the utility of genome-scale data for resolving phylogenetic ambiguities for morphologically problematic taxa and suggest a framework for future integrative taxonomic and ecological studies within Acuticulata.},
}

@article {pmid40810866,
year = {2025},
author = {Hamman, E},
title = {Cumulative effects assessment under the World Heritage and Ramsar regimes.},
journal = {Environmental management},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
pmid = {40810866},
issn = {1432-1009},
abstract = {Managing cumulative pressures on socio-ecological systems presents as one of the foremost policy challenges of our time. Climate change, invasive species, development and pollution all have the potential to individually, and collectively, degrade the earth's natural and cultural resources. International environmental law, a crucial element of global environmental governance, has a role to play in prompting and coordinating a response to cumulative effects. Hitherto, however, international approaches have been fragmented and unfocused, further complicating the already challenging application of Cumulative Effects Assessment (CEA) at the local level. This article examines how the two primary protected area treaties-the World Heritage Convention and the Ramsar Convention on Wetlands-have evolved to address the concepts of CEA and cumulative effects. It uncovers instances of ambiguity and fragmentation in treaty guidance material and concludes with a suggestion for further empirical research into how CEA could (or should) apply in the context of internationally protected areas.},
}

@article {pmid40809540,
year = {2025},
author = {Broadway, MS and Todaro, HM and Koeck, MM and Dotterweich, CN and Cain, SA and Buehler, L and Chitwood, MC and Lonsinger, RC},
title = {Interspecific effects of invasive wild pigs (Sus scrofa) on native nine-banded armadillos (Dasypus novemcinctus).},
journal = {Journal of mammalogy},
volume = {106},
number = {4},
pages = {976-988},
pmid = {40809540},
issn = {0022-2372},
abstract = {Biological invasions pose significant risks to ecosystems and native species. Wild pigs (Sus scrofa) are a highly detrimental invasive species in North America, directly and indirectly affecting native species. Co-occurrence of wild pigs and native species may lead to interspecific interactions that alter ecological communities. Accordingly, we investigated spatial and temporal factors influencing detection and occupancy of Eurasian Wild Pig and Nine-banded Armadillo (Dasypus novemcinctus) before examining interspecific effects. We analyzed camera-trap data collected from August to September 2021 using a hierarchical modeling framework to estimate detection and occupancy of both species individually (single-species analyses) and concurrently (conditional co-occurrence analyses). We observed higher Wild Pig detection rates and space use in late summer and in areas with greater riparian cover, respectively. Armadillo detection increased linearly throughout our sampling season and in response to precipitation. Moreover, armadillo detection was 3.5 to 5.1× higher at sites used by wild pigs, regardless of whether wild pigs were detected during a survey period. Occupancy of armadillo was best explained by a quadratic trend in site elevation but did not depend on the presence of wild pigs. Our results indicate that wild pigs may influence armadillo detection (or site-use intensity), but not occupancy, therefore revealing nuanced interspecific interactions. Between species, we observed high overlap in diel activity but significantly different activity peaks, with armadillos being strictly nocturnal and wild pigs being crepuscular but with more cathemeral activity, suggesting that fine-scale temporal partitioning may have occurred. Our results provide insights into the influence of a large-bodied and destructive invasive species (Wild Pig) on a smaller, ecologically important native species (Nine-banded Armadillo).},
}

@article {pmid40808644,
year = {2025},
author = {Cayen, SC and Outha, KA and Audate, PP},
title = {Ecosystem services of urban food forests and their contributions to health and sustainability of North American cities: a narrative review.},
journal = {International journal of environmental health research},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {1-17},
doi = {10.1080/09603123.2025.2546646},
pmid = {40808644},
issn = {1369-1619},
abstract = {This narrative review synthesizes the ecosystem services of urban food forests and their contributions to urban health and food sustainability in North American cities. The study selection and analysis processes were inspired by scoping review methodologies, with predefined inclusion criteria for empirical peer-reviewed studies on urban food forests in Canada and the United States. This review is based on 13 studies published between 2018 and 2023, using case studies, policy analyses and both quantitative and qualitative methods. The review identifies key ecosystem services of urban food forests - sustainable food production, climate regulation, water management, carbon sequestration and air quality improvement - which enhance environmental health. Urban food forests also promote food security, biodiversity, and provide recreational and educational spaces that foster community engagement, resilience and social equity. However, their implementation faces challenges, including public space governance, maintenance costs, regulatory barriers and ecological risks such as invasive species. The review highlights the importance of governance approaches that integrate ecological integrity, public health and community needs, alongside adaptive policies to support their development. Future research should prioritize longitudinal studies that evaluate long-term impacts and develop evidence-based practices for sustainable and equitable implementation of urban food forests.},
}

@article {pmid40806368,
year = {2025},
author = {Costantini, M and Guida, F and Amorim, CG and da Nóbrega, LB and Esposito, R and Zupo, V and Fleury, BG},
title = {Isolation and Identification of Inter-Correlated Genes from the Invasive Sun Corals Tubastraea Coccinea and Tubastraea Tagusensis (Scleractinia, Cnidaria).},
journal = {International journal of molecular sciences},
volume = {26},
number = {15},
pages = {},
pmid = {40806368},
issn = {1422-0067},
abstract = {Tubastraea coccinea and T. tagusensis, commonly known as sun corals, are two species of stony corals (Scleractinia, Dendrophylliidae) native to the Indo-Pacific region (T. coccinea) and the Galapagos Islands (T. tagusensis), respectively. They are considered highly invasive species, particularly in the Western Atlantic Ocean, due to high adaptability to various ecological conditions and notable resilience. Given their demonstrated invasiveness, it is important to delve into their physiology and the molecular bases supporting their resilience. However, to date, only a few molecular tools are available for the study of these organisms. The primary objective of the present study was the development of an efficient RNA extraction protocol for Tubastraea coccinea and T.a tagusensis samples collected off Ilha Grande Bay, Rio de Janeiro (Brazil). The quantity of isolated RNA was evaluated using NanoDrop, while its purity and quality were determined by evaluating the A260/A280 and A260/230 ratios. Subsequently, based on genes known for T. coccinea, two housekeeping genes and seven stress response-related genes were isolated and characterized, for the first time for both species, using a molecular approach. An interactomic analysis was also conducted, which revealed functional interactions among these genes. This study represents the first report on gene networks in Tubastraea spp., opening new perspectives for understanding the chemical ecology and the cellular mechanisms underlying the invasiveness of these species. The results obtained will be useful for ecological conservation purposes, contributing to the formulation of strategies to limit their further expansion.},
}

@article {pmid40805712,
year = {2025},
author = {Lin, M and Ye, X and Zhao, Z and Chen, S and Liu, B},
title = {Comparative Analysis of Habitat Expansion Mechanisms for Four Invasive Amaranthaceae Plants Under Current and Future Climates Using MaxEnt.},
journal = {Plants (Basel, Switzerland)},
volume = {14},
number = {15},
pages = {},
pmid = {40805712},
issn = {2223-7747},
abstract = {As China's first systematic assessment of high-risk Amaranthaceae invaders, this study addresses a critical knowledge gap identified in the National Invasive Species Inventory, in which four invasive Amaranthaceae species (Dysphania ambrosioides, Celosia argentea, Amaranthus palmeri, and Amaranthus spinosus) are prioritized due to CNY 2.6 billion annual ecosystem damages in China. By coupling multi-species comparative analysis with a parameter-optimized Maximum Entropy (MaxEnt) model integrating climate, soil, and topographical variables in China under Shared Socioeconomic Pathways (SSP) 126/245/585 scenarios, we reveal divergent expansion mechanisms (e.g., 247 km faster northward shift in A. palmeri than D. ambrosioides) that redefine invasion corridors in the North China Plain. Under current conditions, the suitable habitats of these species span from 92° E to 129° E and 18° N to 49° N, with high-risk zones concentrated in central and southern China, including the Yunnan-Guizhou-Sichuan region and the North China Plain. Temperature variables (Bio: Bioclimatic Variables; Bio6, Bio11) were the primary contributors based on permutation importance (e.g., Bio11 explained 56.4% for C. argentea), while altitude (e.g., 27.3% for A. palmeri) and UV-B (e.g., 16.2% for A. palmeri) exerted lower influence. Model validation confirmed high accuracy (mean area under the curve (AUC) > 0.86 and true skill statistic (TSS) > 0.6). By the 2090s, all species showed net habitat expansion overall, although D. ambrosioides exhibited net total contractions during mid-century under the SSP126/245 scenarios, C. argentea experienced reduced total suitability during the 2050s-2070s despite high-suitability growth, and A. palmeri and A. spinosus expanded significantly in both total and highly suitable habitat. All species shifted their distribution centroids northward, aligning with warming trends. Overall, these findings highlight the critical role of temperature in driving range dynamics and underscore the need for latitude-specific monitoring strategies to mitigate invasion risks, providing a scientific basis for adaptive management under global climate change.},
}

@article {pmid40801741,
year = {2025},
author = {Millavithanachchi, SS and Gunasena, MDKM and Galpaya, GDCP and Priyadarshana, HVV and Indupama, SVAA and Induranga, DKA and Kariyawasam, WACN and Kaluthanthri, DVS and Koswattage, KR},
title = {Green Synthesis, Optimization, and Characterization of CuO Nanoparticles Using Tithonia diversifolia Leaf Extract.},
journal = {Nanomaterials (Basel, Switzerland)},
volume = {15},
number = {15},
pages = {},
pmid = {40801741},
issn = {2079-4991},
support = {CRG-R2-SB-1//Science and Technology Human Resource Development Project, Ministry of Education, Sri Lanka, funded by the Asian Development Bank/ ; },
abstract = {Green synthesis of copper oxide (CuO) nanoparticles offers a sustainable alternative to conventional chemical methods that often involve toxic reagents and harsh conditions. This study investigates the use of Tithonia diversifolia, an invasive species in Sri Lanka, as a bioreductant for the eco-friendly fabrication of CuO nanoparticles. Using copper sulfate (CuSO4·5H2O) as a precursor, eight treatments were conducted by varying precursor concentration, temperature, and reaction time to determine optimal conditions. A visible color change in the reaction mixture initially indicated nanoparticle formation. Among all the conditions, treatment T4 (5 mM CuSO4, 80 °C, 2 h) yielded the most favorable results in terms of stability, morphology, and crystallinity. UV-Vis spectroscopic analysis confirmed the synthesis, with absorbance peaks between 265 and 285 nm. FTIR analysis revealed organic functional groups and characteristic metal-oxygen vibrations in the fingerprint region (500-650 cm[-1]), confirming formation. SEM imaging showed that particles were mainly spherical to polygonal, averaging 125-150 nm. However, dynamic light scattering showed larger diameters (~240 nm) due to surface capping agents. Zeta potential values ranged from -16.0 to -28.0 mV, indicating stability. XRD data revealed partial crystallinity with CuO-specific peaks. These findings support the potential of T. diversifolia in green nanoparticle synthesis, suggesting a low-cost, eco-conscious strategy for future applications.},
}

@article {pmid40794690,
year = {2025},
author = {Masoto, NZ and Bester, PA and Snyman, LP and Govender, N and van Jaarsveldt, D and Burt, FJ},
title = {Identification of arboviruses in mosquito populations in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa and the first record of Wyeomyia mitchellii in the Old World.},
journal = {PLoS neglected tropical diseases},
volume = {19},
number = {8},
pages = {e0013093},
pmid = {40794690},
issn = {1935-2735},
mesh = {Animals ; South Africa/epidemiology ; *Arboviruses/isolation & purification/genetics/classification ; *Culicidae/virology/classification ; *Mosquito Vectors/virology ; Phylogeny ; RNA, Viral/genetics ; },
abstract = {Mosquito-borne viruses have the potential to spread and cause outbreaks with significant public and veterinary health consequences. Although historically a significant number of arboviruses were identified in South Africa with potential to cause sporadic outbreaks, there is limited information on the current situation in some regions of the country. Hence a study was initiated to investigate which arboviruses are currently circulating within mosquito populations in a major metropolitan area, eThekwini, KwaZulu-Natal Province. Mosquitoes were collected from seven sites throughout the metropole and a subset were screened for arboviruses from the families Togaviridae, Phenuiviridae and Peribunyaviridae. The subset of 1831 mosquitoes were collected between October 2020 and July 2021, identified morphologically, and pooled according to species, collection site and collection date. RNA was extracted from a total of 261 mosquito pools and screened using in-house nested and hemi-nested reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). Primers targeting conserved genes for each viral genus were used in a nested or hemi-nested two-step RT-PCR. Amplicons were sequenced to determine the virus species. Arboviral RNA was detected from 15/261 mosquito pools. The amplicons were subsequently sequenced using the Oxford Nanopore MinION. The positive samples included a Sindbis virus (SINV) isolate, three isolates of Witwatersrand virus (WITV), and 11 isolates of Bunyamwera virus (BUNV). Phylogenetic analysis of partial sequence data suggested that none were newly introduced but closely related isolates previously detected in the country. SINV is known to cause outbreaks of human disease after heavy rainfall, favoring an increase in mosquito populations. Bunyamwera virus has been associated with human febrile disease, but severe disease and regular outbreaks have not been reported previously and requires further investigation. The medical significance of WITV is currently unknown. Wyeomyia mitchellii, a New World species, is for the first time confirmed as an introduced species in South Africa and highlights the importance of vector surveillance. Identification of circulating viruses and raising the awareness of the presence of these viruses is important for early detection and determining the public health significance.},
}

Animals
South Africa/epidemiology
*Arboviruses/isolation & purification/genetics/classification
*Culicidae/virology/classification
*Mosquito Vectors/virology
Phylogeny
RNA, Viral/genetics

@article {pmid40790814,
year = {2025},
author = {Ni, J and Li, Z and Hu, X and Zhou, H and Gong, Z},
title = {Chikungunya's global rebound and Asia's growing vulnerability: Implications for integrated vector control and pandemic preparedness.},
journal = {Bioscience trends},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.5582/bst.2025.01239},
pmid = {40790814},
issn = {1881-7823},
abstract = {Chikungunya fever is a mosquito-borne disease caused by an RNA virus of the Alphavirus genus and is characterized by fever and severe joint pain. The disease is primarily transmitted by Aedes aegypti and Ae. albopictus mosquitoes. Since its re-emergence in 2005, chikungunya has spread extensively, affecting more than 2.8 billion people across 119 countries worldwide. This article reviews the global epidemiological features of chikungunya, with a focus on its transmission dynamics, the characteristics of the virus and its vectors, as well as the influence of ecological and climatic factors. The article also discusses public health response measures, including the Wolbachia strategy, vaccine development, and integrated vector management. Despite China being a non-epidemic area, imported cases have led to localized outbreaks, prompting the implementation of the 'Four Pests-free Village' initiative to reduce mosquito density and improve public health. Notably, as of July 31, 2025, Guangdong Province in China has reported over 5,158 chikungunya cases and has initiated a Level 3 emergency response in the City of Foshan. In the face of global challenges such as climate change and the spread of invasive species, establishing a normalized rapid response system and enhancing monitoring, early warning, and inter-departmental collaboration are crucial to controlling the spread of mosquito-borne diseases and protecting public health.},
}

@article {pmid40784230,
year = {2025},
author = {Fanfarillo, E and Angiolini, C and de Simone, L and Bacaro, G and Castaldini, M and Fiaschi, T and Mocali, S and Pafumi, E and Vitali, F and Maccherini, S},
title = {Different control strategies of the invasive plant Arundo donax L. have taxon-specific effects on above- and belowground biodiversity.},
journal = {Journal of environmental management},
volume = {392},
number = {},
pages = {126833},
doi = {10.1016/j.jenvman.2025.126833},
pmid = {40784230},
issn = {1095-8630},
abstract = {We assessed the short-term effects of different management strategies to control the invasive plant Arundo donax on biotic communities along a channelled stream in central Italy. We applied four treatments ordered by increasing management intensity: no management (C), one-cut per year (OC), three cuts per year (TC), and plastic mulching (M). Treatments started in June 2021 and ended in May 2022. Presence and abundance of vascular plants and soil bacteria and fungi were recorded from 24 plots immediately after the end of the treatments (May 2022) and five months later (October 2022). We tested the responses of A. donax and of the biotic communities to management intensity using generalized linear modeling and permutational analysis of variance. In May, M completely suppressed A. donax and plant communities, also reducing bacterial richness compared to C. However, plant communities under M recovered in richness by October, while A. donax under M and bacterial richness did not recover in such a timespan. Fungal richness was unaffected by treatments in both sampling seasons and decreased in October under all treatments. Management intensity had negative impacts on plant and bacterial functional diversity in both sampling seasons but did not affect fungal functional diversity. We highlighted that effective control of invasive species may imply short-term negative impacts on biotic communities. However, such impacts did not consistently affect different taxonomic groups. Plastic mulching should be used only in areas where rapid suppression of the invasive species is a priority, due to the short-term negative impacts on biodiversity of such practice.},
}

@article {pmid40783367,
year = {2025},
author = {Camacho-Cervantes, M and Macías Garcia, C},
title = {Reproductive interference: a hidden threat of biological invasions.},
journal = {Trends in ecology & evolution},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1016/j.tree.2025.07.005},
pmid = {40783367},
issn = {1872-8383},
abstract = {Invasive species threaten native populations in various ways, including through reproductive interference, but this remains understudied. Here, we present evidence that this interference reduces native fitness through courtship and mating. We emphasize the need for further research and highlight potential risks of using this mechanism as a management tool.},
}

@article {pmid40778230,
year = {2025},
author = {Rathnayaka, AR and Chethana, KWT and Manowong, A and Bhagya, AT and Win, H and Tun, ZL and Mapook, A and Hyde, KD},
title = {Taxonomy, phylogeny, and bioactive potential of Xylariales (Sordariomycetes, Ascomycota) from Thailand: novel species discovery, new host and geographical records, and antibacterial properties.},
journal = {MycoKeys},
volume = {120},
number = {},
pages = {35-117},
pmid = {40778230},
issn = {1314-4049},
abstract = {Xylariales (Sordariomycetes, Ascomycota) comprise a wide range of species that exhibit considerable variation in stromatic characteristics, including conspicuous to inconspicuous perithecia and unitunicate asci. Most known species are endophytes and saprobes, recognized for producing secondary metabolites of fundamental importance in the pharmaceutical and chemical industries. The main objectives of this study were to identify novel species, document new host and geographical records within the families Diatrypaceae, Hypoxylaceae, and Xylariaceae in northern and central Thailand, and explore the bioactive properties of secondary metabolites produced by selected Xylariales species. Taxa were identified through morphological examination, supported by phylogenetic analyses using maximum likelihood and Bayesian inference based on LSU, ITS, rpb2, and β-tub gene sequences. These taxa are accompanied by comprehensive descriptions and illustrations. Xylariales cultures were screened for preliminary antibacterial activity against the bacterial pathogens Bacillussubtilis (Gram-positive) and Escherichiacoli (Gram-negative). Based on the screening results, two newly introduced species (Annulohypoxylonchiangraiense and Hypoxylonthailandicum) and two known species (Xylariachrysanthum and Daldiniaeschscholtzii), which exhibited antibacterial activity, were selected for secondary metabolite extraction. Crude extracts from these isolates were chemically profiled using high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) and Q-TOF analyses, revealing a variety of potential compounds. The present study enhances our understanding of the taxonomic diversity and bioactive potential of Xylariales by introducing five new species, reporting nine new host records-including one new geographical record-and evaluating the bioactive properties of selected Xylariales cultures.},
}

@article {pmid40763703,
year = {2025},
author = {Keller, N and Anthony, MA and van der Voort, TS and Binte Mohamed Ramdzan, KN and Mills, MB and Raczka, NC and Koh, LP},
title = {Soil carbon as a blind spot in tropical rainforest restoration.},
journal = {Current biology : CB},
volume = {35},
number = {15},
pages = {R765-R781},
doi = {10.1016/j.cub.2025.05.060},
pmid = {40763703},
issn = {1879-0445},
mesh = {*Rainforest ; *Soil/chemistry ; *Carbon/analysis ; Tropical Climate ; *Conservation of Natural Resources ; Trees ; Carbon Cycle ; },
abstract = {Following years of degradation, tropical forests are now a key focus for active ecosystem restoration, which involves strategies such as tree planting to maximize aboveground biomass. The impact of active restoration on soil carbon storage has, however, been overlooked in restoration management and carbon offsetting projects despite its substantial contribution to ecosystem carbon budgets. In this review, we examine how active restoration in tropical rainforests can affect soil carbon storage from all major tropical regions (i.e., Southeast Asia, Central Africa, and Neotropics) and formulate testable research avenues for specific pathways of carbon gain and loss. We investigate direct and indirect impacts of active forest restoration on soil carbon related to forest structure and tree planting. We conclude that increases in aboveground biomass and biodiversity, along with the enhancement of trees with particular mycorrhizal fungal partners, could promote soil carbon storage. Silvicultural site preparation measures preceding tree planting are unlikely to significantly affect soil carbon storage, despite altering forest structure and nutrient availability. Conversely, invasive species management could decrease soil carbon storage, but this remains one of the least studied pathways in tropical rainforest restoration. The substantial amount of carbon stored in soil means net changes in soil carbon storage bear significant implications for carbon cycling and offsetting initiatives, even if changes following active restoration measures may be small. We encourage targeted belowground field campaigns in tropical regions where data are particularly sparse to test these pathways and provide much needed information for carbon offsetting programs and restoration management.},
}

*Rainforest
*Soil/chemistry
*Carbon/analysis
Tropical Climate
*Conservation of Natural Resources
Trees
Carbon Cycle

@article {pmid40758403,
year = {2025},
author = {Koziol, L and McKenna, TP and Duell, EB and Bever, JD},
title = {Seven years later: native AMF inoculation improves grassland successional stage, floristic quality index, and diversity, while suppressing weeds.},
journal = {FEMS microbiology letters},
volume = {372},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1093/femsle/fnaf079},
pmid = {40758403},
issn = {1574-6968},
support = {DBI-2120153//National Science Foundation/ ; BII-2120153//National Science Foundation/ ; PFI 2016549//National Science Foundation/ ; NIFA-AFRI-1003475//United States Department of Agriculture/ ; },
abstract = {Reintroducing key soil microbes, such as arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) fungi, can enhance prairie restoration, but the long-term persistence of these effects is unclear. In 2017, a tallgrass prairie restoration experiment was established that applied an inoculation gradient of native AM fungal inoculant ranging from 0 to 8192 kg/ha. Here, we sample the resulting prairie community establishment and spread seven growing seasons later (72 months). We found that AM fungal application increased total diversity, floristic quality index, and average coefficient of conservatism scores-metrics that assess an area's ecological integrity based on plant species. Moreover, high application densities of native AM fungi reduced non-native plant abundance. Furthermore, inoculated prairie plots were more likely to extend 1.5 m into adjacent nonseeded old-field plots, enhancing native diversity and reducing invasion in marginal lands. These findings highlight the lasting benefits of native AM fungal inoculation in prairie restoration and their potential to facilitate long-term ecosystem recovery, aligning with global biodiversity conservation efforts such as the UN Sustainable Development Goal 15 (Life on Land). Given that land managers spend ~25% of their time and considerable economic input managing invasive species, these findings demonstrate that the reintroducing native AM fungi from reference ecosystems during grassland restoration could provide a cost-effective means of enhancing ecological outcomes.},
}

@article {pmid40753927,
year = {2025},
author = {Oiry, S and Davies, BFR and Stiger-Pouvreau, V and Gernez, P and Barillé, L},
title = {Mapping the distribution of the alien invasive Gracilaria vermiculophylla at the site of its first European introduction.},
journal = {Journal of environmental management},
volume = {392},
number = {},
pages = {126726},
doi = {10.1016/j.jenvman.2025.126726},
pmid = {40753927},
issn = {1095-8630},
abstract = {The invasive red macroalga Gracilaria vermiculophylla has significantly impacted intertidal ecosystems in temperate estuaries globally. This study utilized drone-based multispectral remote sensing to map the spatial and temporal distribution of G. vermiculophylla in its first documented European site, the Belon Estuary, alongside additional sites in Spain and France. By adapting the neural network classification model DISCOV, trained with a comprehensive dataset, we achieved 91.1 % accuracy in distinguishing G. vermiculophylla from other macroalgal taxa. Historical aerial imagery revealed a progressive expansion of G. vermiculophylla from its initial appearance in 1976, approximately 20 years before its first description in the literature, to extensive colonization by 2024. Concurrent LiDAR data enabled precise characterization of intertidal topography, demonstrating a strong association between algal cover, elevation, and slope. Dense mats were consistently observed in flat, elevated mudflat areas, with reduced presence in steeper or lower zones. These patterns indicate that G. vermiculophylla is able to persist in stable, fine-sediment environments where hydrodynamic forces are relatively low. Temporal analyses also linked its spread to anthropogenic activities, notably aquaculture. Our findings emphasize the utility of high-resolution drone imaging for invasive species monitoring and habitat mapping, offering critical insights into the ecological dynamics of G. vermiculophylla and its drivers. This scalable method facilitates proactive management strategies by enabling early detection and detailed assessment of invasion patterns. The integration of remote sensing and in situ validation establishes a robust framework for ecological monitoring, contributing to the understanding of biological invasions and their environmental consequences. This approach can inform management interventions to mitigate the impacts of G. vermiculophylla and similar invasive species.},
}

@article {pmid40736075,
year = {2025},
author = {El-Sabrout, AM and Moreno, C and Temperville, M and Ferreira, EA and Ogereau, D and Hassani, IM and Raveloson Ravaomanarivo, LH and Bastide, H and Abou-Youssef, AY and Yassin, A},
title = {Divergence and Parallelism in Two Tropical Drosophilids Simultaneously Invading a Desert Environment.},
journal = {Genome biology and evolution},
volume = {17},
number = {8},
pages = {},
pmid = {40736075},
issn = {1759-6653},
support = {ANR-18-CE02-0008//Agence Nationale de la Recherche/ ; ANR-19-CE34-0011//Agence Nationale de la Recherche/ ; },
abstract = {Invasive species have once been called a "grand experiment in evolution" but natural replicates of such experiments are often scarce. When two allied species acquire invasive capacities and coinvade a new environment, it remains unclear if similar genetic basis underlies adaptation to the new environment and how the two species can coexist in that environment. Here, we investigate the parallel adaptation of two tropical drosophilid species of the genus Zaprionus, Zaprionus indianus (the African fig fly) and Zaprionus tuberculatus, to arid agrarian environments following their introduction in Egypt during the last four decades. We found the two species to have distinct spatial distribution. Population genomic analyses showed correlated differentiation levels at orthologous genes before and after introduction in both species, mostly in genes associated with thermal adaptations and circadian rhythms. Species-specific outliers contained on the other hand multiple chemoreceptor and xenobiotic detoxification genes indicating that adaptations to different host fruits may promote species coexistence. In agreement with these findings, we found the Egyptian populations to have parallel higher resistance to desiccation in both species and the two species to have distinct fruit preference. These results provide a significant step toward understanding the mechanisms underlying the simultaneous invasive success of both species, which have also recently invaded the Americas and Europe, and of which one at least is a notorious pest.},
}

@article {pmid40675277,
year = {2025},
author = {Li, S and Hussain, M and Wu, M and Luo, R and Li, C and Yin, D and Shi, C and Gao, X and Wu, G and Qin, D},
title = {Fungal CeRNase T2 from Cunninghamella echinulata disrupts detoxification pathways and cause behavioral inhibition in invasive ant Solenopsis invicta (Buren).},
journal = {International journal of biological macromolecules},
volume = {320},
number = {Pt 3},
pages = {145937},
doi = {10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2025.145937},
pmid = {40675277},
issn = {1879-0003},
abstract = {Solenopsis invicta known as one of the most dangerous invasive species due to its severe impacts on the human health, agricultural systems and biodiversity. This study investigates the insecticidal potential of Cunninghamella echinulata-derived crude proteins against S. invicta. Proteomic profiling identified RNase T2 as a cytotoxic effector with conserved roles in RNA metabolism and immune modulation, driving its selection for mechanistic evaluation. Crude protein extracts and purified CeRNase T2 were evaluated through bioassays, proteomics, and detoxification enzyme activity assays. CeRNase T2 exhibited superior toxicity, with 72 h LC50 values of 13.94 mg/L compared to 243 mg/L for crude extracts. At 250 mg/L, CeRNase T2 induced 100 % mortality within 72 h, accompanied by complete loss of aggregation, climbing, and locomotion behaviors. Proteomic profiling revealed CeRNase T2's structural stability (30.32 kDa, pI 7.57) and secretion via an N-terminal signal peptide. Mechanistically, CeRNase T2 disrupted redox homeostasis, elevating superoxide dismutase (21.3 U/mL, 1.4× control), peroxidase (22.6 U/mL, 4.3×), and catalase (61 U/mL, 5.8×) activities while suppressing glutathione S-transferase and cytochrome P450. Metabolomic analysis identified 672 differentially expressed metabolites in treated ants, including dysregulated purine/nucleotide metabolism and FoxO signaling intermediates linked to energy collapse and DNA damage [Data are available via ProteomeXchange (PXD064403) and MetaboLights (MTBLS12540)]. Behavioral assays confirmed dose-dependent impairment of aggression-related traits (e.g., 71.6 % vs. 98.3 % control aggregation at 12.5 mg/L). These findings suggest CeRNase T2 as a multi-target mycoinsecticide with potential for sustainable fire ant management.},
}

@article {pmid40661908,
year = {2025},
author = {Lardner, B and Cade, BS and Savidge, JA and Rodda, GH and Reed, RN and Yackel Adams, AA},
title = {Growth Rate Variation in Brown Treesnakes (Boiga irregularis): An Invasive Species of Conservation Concern.},
journal = {Ecology and evolution},
volume = {15},
number = {7},
pages = {e71695},
pmid = {40661908},
issn = {2045-7758},
abstract = {Somatic growth rate is a fundamental trait that influences metabolism, lifespan and reproductive maturity and is critical for understanding population dynamics and informing management actions. Brown Treesnakes (Boiga irregularis) introduced to Guam are highly invasive and can reproduce year-round without discrete cohorts. We compared snake size trajectories described by the conventionally used von Bertalanffy growth function versus the Gompertz model. Using quantile regression with a regularized effect for individual snakes we modeled growth rates of 270 marked, wild snakes as a function of size. The Gompertz model explained more of the variation in growth and rendered more realistic predictions of asymptotic sizes than did the von Bertalanffy model. With the Gompertz model, growth rates were 1.05-1.16× faster in males than in females. Females reached asymptotic sizes at shorter snout-vent lengths than males. Growth rate was positively correlated with amount of precipitation, and modeling wet-dry seasonality on Guam as a sinusoidal function identified a growth peak in September-October. Effects of seasonality and precipitation, however, were minor compared to individual and sex related differences in size-adjusted growth rates. We estimated that the 50th (and 5th, 95th) growth-rate percentile males in our study population become sexually mature at an age of 33 (∞, 15) months, while females mature at 41 (∞, 18) months, where ∞ indicates that the slowest growing snakes never reach maturity. However, 50% of the snakes mature at a size below the median, and age at maturity may be as low as 10.4 (males) and 13.7 (females) months for average-sized hatchlings that grow fast. Our results have implications for the timing of management options for this species and our approach can be broadly applied to animals where repeated growth data are obtained and age is unknown.},
}

@article {pmid40660041,
year = {2025},
author = {Sithole, H and Motitsoe, SN and Mutshekwa, T and Mlambo, MC},
title = {Unravelling the long-term river health status of Kruger National Park Rivers using macroinvertebrate-based monitoring.},
journal = {Environmental monitoring and assessment},
volume = {197},
number = {8},
pages = {914},
pmid = {40660041},
issn = {1573-2959},
mesh = {*Rivers/chemistry ; *Environmental Monitoring/methods ; *Invertebrates ; Animals ; South Africa ; Parks, Recreational ; Ecosystem ; Water Quality ; Biodiversity ; Water Pollutants, Chemical/analysis ; },
abstract = {The burgeoning population growth and landscape developments over the last decades have had a profound effect on natural resources including riverine water quality and quantity. This resulted in increased pollution events, loss of aquatic biodiversity and the introduction of alien invasive species, which cumulatively have transformed freshwater ecosystem structure, processes and functions. Macroinvertebrate-based biomonitoring, like the South African Scoring System version 5 (SASS5), is a fast and effective way to assess water and habitat quality. However, studies reporting long-term biomonitoring are rare in many Global South systems. Also, river health within protected areas is generally regarded better than those outside, with the park potentially offering refugium and ideal conditions for rivers to recover. However, Kruger National Park (KNP) rivers get impacted by mining and domestic sewage upstream, before entering the park, and it is not clear how much remediation happens as the rivers flows downstream within the park. The current study was initiated to investigate the long-term river health status of four major river systems flowing across the iconic KNP, using SASS5 biomonitoring and selected physico-chemical parameters. Our results showed that SASS5 indices showed difference in their sensitive to anthropogenic impacts, both in space and time. Long-term dataset revealed that the ability of the rivers to recover from poor to good quality (and vice versa) was quite rapid, and also some rivers were progressively declining (e.g. Olifants and Crocodile rivers) while others were improving (e.g. Luvuvhu and Sabie rivers). Consequently, SASS5 appeared to be a useful tool in assessing the long-term health of KNP rivers, providing valuable insights into the overall ecological conditions and water quality of these important aquatic ecosystems that will assist in the park water resource management strategies. Further, our results demonstrated high sensitivity and quick response of macroinvertebrates to disturbance, and an improvement potential as the rivers transversed the park.},
}

*Rivers/chemistry
*Environmental Monitoring/methods
*Invertebrates
Animals
South Africa
Parks, Recreational
Ecosystem
Water Quality
Biodiversity
Water Pollutants, Chemical/analysis

@article {pmid40650889,
year = {2025},
author = {Payseur, BA and Jing, P and Howell, EK and Frayer, ME and Jones, EP and Magnussen, E and Jensen, JK and Chan, YF and Searle, JB},
title = {Population Genomics of Giant Mice from the Faroe Islands: Hybridization, Colonization, and a Novel Challenge to Identifying Genomic Targets of Selection.},
journal = {Genome biology and evolution},
volume = {17},
number = {8},
pages = {},
pmid = {40650889},
issn = {1759-6653},
support = {R01 GM100426/GM/NIGMS NIH HHS/United States ; T32GM007133//University of Wisconsin-Madison/ ; R01GM100426/GF/NIH HHS/United States ; T32 GM007133/GM/NIGMS NIH HHS/United States ; R35GM139412/GF/NIH HHS/United States ; R35 GM139412/GM/NIGMS NIH HHS/United States ; },
abstract = {Populations that colonize islands provide unique insights into demography, adaptation, and the spread of invasive species. House mice on the Faroe Islands evolved exceptionally large bodies after colonization, generating longstanding interest from biologists. To reconstruct the evolutionary history of these mice, we sequenced genomes of population samples from three Faroe Islands (Sandoy, Nólsoy, and Mykines) and Norway as a mainland comparison. Mice from the Faroe Islands are hybrids between the subspecies Mus musculus domesticus and M. m. musculus, with ancestry alternating along the genome. Analyses based on the site frequency spectrum of single nucleotide polymorphisms and the ancestral recombination graph (ARG) indicate that mice arrived on the Faroe Islands on a timescale consistent with transport by Norwegian Vikings, with colonization of Sandoy likely preceding colonization of Nólsoy. Substantial reductions in nucleotide diversity and effective population size associated with colonization suggest that mice on the Faroe Islands evolved large body size during periods of heightened genetic drift. Genomic scans for positive selection uncover windows with unusual site frequency spectra, but this pattern is mostly generated by clusters of singletons in individual mice. Three genomic regions show evidence for selection on islands based on the ARG, including variants located in transcription factor binding sites. Our findings reveal a dynamic evolutionary history for the enigmatic mice from Faroe Island and emphasize the challenges that accompany population genomic inferences in island populations.},
}

@article {pmid40648061,
year = {2025},
author = {Kornienko, V and Reuckaya, V and Shkirenko, A and Meskhi, B and Olshevskaya, A and Odabashyan, M and Shevchenko, V and Teplyakova, S},
title = {Silvicultural and Ecological Characteristics of Populus bolleana Lauche as a Key Introduced Species in the Urban Dendroflora of Industrial Cities.},
journal = {Plants (Basel, Switzerland)},
volume = {14},
number = {13},
pages = {},
pmid = {40648061},
issn = {2223-7747},
abstract = {In this work, we evaluated the silvicultural and ecological parameters of Populus bolleana Lauche trees growing in conditions of anthropogenic pollution, using the example of one of the largest megacities of the Donetsk ridge, the city of Donetsk. The objectives of this study included determining the level of anthropogenic load of the territory; conducting dendrological studies to assess morphometric and allometric parameters, age structure, and condition of P. bolleana stands under the influence of environmental factors; as well as completing biomechanical studies to assess and predict the mechanical stability of stands. A total of 1109 plants growing in areas with increased anthropogenic load and in the control areas were studied. The model territories of the study were located in the city of Donetsk on Fallen Communards Avenue (length of field routes: 2.6 km) and Ilyicha Avenue (length of field routes: 9.7 km). Control plantings grew on the territory of the Donetsk botanical garden and residential (dormitory) districts of the city. The age structure of P. bolleana plantations remained uniform throughout the city for 50-55 years due to the fact that the landscaping was under a single state program. In the steppe zone in the south of the East European Plain, with a high level of anthropogenic load and severe natural climatic factors, the critical age of P. bolleana (55 years) was determined. The condition of plantations and their morphometric indices correlate with the level of anthropogenic load of the city (H, Dbase, DBH). Under control conditions, the plants are in good condition with signs of weakening (2 points). Under conditions of increased anthropogenic load, the plants are in a severely weakened condition (3 points). A total of 25% of the plants in the sample are in critical condition (4-5 points). The main damages to the crowns and trunks of plants include core rot, mechanical damage to bark and tissues, the development of core rot through the affected skeletal branch, crown thinning, and drying. P. bolleana trees are valued for their crown area and ability to retain dust particles from the air. The analysis of experimentally obtained data on the crown area showed that in the initial phases of ontogenesis, the average deviation in the crown area of plants does not depend on the place of growth. Due to artificial narrowing and sanitary pruning of the crown, as well as skeletal branches dying along the busiest highways, the values do not exceed 22-23 m[2] on average, with an allometric coefficient of 0.35-0.37. When comparing this coefficient in the control areas, the crown area in areas with a high level of anthropogenic load is 36 ± 11% lower. For trees growing under the conditions of the anthropogenic load of an industrial city and having reached the critical age, mechanical resistance varied depending on the study area and load level. At sites with a high level of pollution of the territory, a significant decrease in indicators was revealed in comparison with the control (mcr-71%, EI-75%, RRB-43%). Having analyzed all the obtained data, we can conclude that, until the age of 50-55 years, P. bolleana retains good viability, mechanical resistance, and general allometric ratios, upon which the stability of the whole plant depends. Even with modern approaches and tendencies toward landscaping with exotic introductions, it is necessary to keep P. bolleana as the main species in dendrobanocenoses.},
}

@article {pmid40625329,
year = {2025},
author = {Chen, Y and Yao, F and Shi, Z and Zhang, C and Liu, J and Zhang, J and Qin, Z},
title = {Integrated Analysis of Survival, Physiological-Biochemical, and Transcriptomic Changes Reveals the Impact of Saline Stress on the Freshwater Snail Pomacea canaliculata.},
journal = {Ecology and evolution},
volume = {15},
number = {7},
pages = {e71581},
pmid = {40625329},
issn = {2045-7758},
abstract = {Salinity is an important abiotic stress that affects metabolic and physiological activities, breeding, development, and growth of mollusks. In this study, we investigated the effects of a range of water salinity on the apple snail Pomacea canaliculata, a highly invasive species and an important pest of rice. To examine the molecular response of P. canaliculata to salinity, we recorded young snails grown in a saline water environment for 4 months and compared their physiological and biochemical parameters with those of freshwater snails. We used RNA-seq analysis to identify genes and biological processes involved in response to salinity. The results showed that saline water stress reduced the survival rate of the snail population, increased their feeding rate and snail weight, and led to an increase in shell strength and thickness, as well as a significant widening of the overall shell morphology. In female snails, the activities of CAT, SOD, and T-AOC were significantly enhanced, while GSH activity, MDA content, and NOS activity showed significant decreases. In male snails, only MDA content exhibited a significant decrease, while ACHE activity showed a significant increase. Based on transcriptome analysis conducted for the liver and gills of the snails, a total of 1,569,678,584 raw reads were obtained from the nine libraries on the Illumina Novaseq 6000 platform. After preprocessing and the removal of low-quality sequences, 1,560,932,792 clean reads were generated. The number of upregulated and downregulated differentially expressed genes (DEGs) in male snails after the saline stress was higher than that in female snails. The DEGs mainly involved oxidative stress, cellular regulation, and response. Saline concentration inhibited the hatching of eggs to a certain extent. Different levels of saline stress significantly affected the contents of free water, bound water, and enzyme activity of their eggs at different hatching stages. These findings provide theoretical support for understanding the saline tolerance of snails.},
}

@article {pmid40385234,
year = {2025},
author = {Cai, M and Chen, L and Chen, M and Ke, W and Wang, D and Peng, C},
title = {Nitrate nitrogen uptake and metabolism in Mikania micrantha stem: insights into enhanced growth and invasiveness.},
journal = {Frontiers in plant science},
volume = {16},
number = {},
pages = {1525303},
pmid = {40385234},
issn = {1664-462X},
abstract = {The increasing atmospheric nitrogen deposition, characterized by a rising proportion of nitrate nitrogen (NO3[-]-N), is exacerbating the spread of invasive plant species. Despite this trend, the response mechanisms of Mikania micrantha, a highly invasive plant, to NO3[-]-N remain poorly understood. This study investigates the unique adaptation strategies of M. micrantha to elevated NO3[-]-N levels, providing novel insights into its invasive success under changing nitrogen deposition patterns. Field experiments showed that M. micrantha rhizosphere soil contained higher NO3 [-]N content and protease activity compared to companion plants (Paederia scandens, Ipomoea nil, and Ipomoea cairica). Both roots and stems of M. micrantha had higher NO3 [-]N content and demonstrated stronger nitrogen metabolism capabilities. Pot experiments further showed that increasing NO3[-]-N concentrations (0 mM-40 mM) significantly promoted M. micrantha growth, with optimal phenotypic responses (main stem length, leaf number, branch number, and biomass) observed at 5 mM NO3[-]-N. Nitrogen metabolism enzyme assays revealed that nitrate reductase (NR), nitrite reductase (NiR), glutamate dehydrogenase (GDH), and free amino acid content increased progressively with NO3[-]-N concentration. Transcriptome sequencing and qPCR analyses identified upregulation of key genes related to transcription factors, nitrate transporter-related, nitrogen metabolism enzyme, and amino acid synthesis pathway. These findings demonstrate that M. micrantha employs a multifaceted strategy to exploit elevated NO3[-]-N conditions: enhanced NO3[-]-N uptake from soil, efficient transport to stems, and robust nitrogen metabolism facilitated by coordinated gene expression. This study reveals the adaptation mechanisms of M. micrantha to NO3[-]-N enrichment, offering critical insights for predicting and managing invasive species responses to global atmospheric nitrogen deposition changes. The results highlight the importance of considering nitrogen composition, rather than just quantity, in invasive species management strategies.},
}

@article {pmid40140403,
year = {2025},
author = {Chen, X and Han, W and Chang, X and Tang, C and Chen, K and Bao, L and Zhang, L and Hu, J and Wang, S and Bao, Z},
title = {High-quality genome assembly of the azooxanthellate coral Tubastraea coccinea (Lesson, 1829).},
journal = {Scientific data},
volume = {12},
number = {1},
pages = {507},
pmid = {40140403},
issn = {2052-4463},
mesh = {*Anthozoa/genetics ; Animals ; *Genome ; Coral Reefs ; },
abstract = {Coral reefs are among the most biodiverse and economically significant ecosystems globally, yet they are increasingly degrading due to global climate change and local human activities. The sun coral Tubastraea coccinea (T. coccinea) an obligate heterotroph lacking symbiotic zooxanthellae, exhibits remarkable tolerance to conditions that cause bleaching and mortality in zooxanthellate species. With its extensive low-latitude distribution across multiple oceans, T. coccinea has become a highly invasive species, adversely impacting native species, degrading local ecosystems, and causing significant socio-economic challenges that demand effective management. Despite substantial research efforts, the molecular biology of T. coccinea remains insufficiently characterized. To address this gap, we generated a draft genome assembly for T. coccinea using PacBio Hi-Fi long-read sequencing. The assembly spans 875.9 Mb with a scaffold N50 of 694.3 kb and demonstrates high completeness, with a BUSCO score of 97.4%. A total of 37,307 protein-coding sequences were identified, 95.2% of which were functionally annotated through comparisons with established protein databases. This reference genome provides a valuable resource for understanding the genetic structure of T. coccinea, advancing research into its adaptive mechanism to environmental changes, and informing conservation and management strategies to mitigate its invasive impact.},
}

*Anthozoa/genetics
Animals
*Genome
Coral Reefs

@article {pmid40005162,
year = {2025},
author = {Ramírez, J and Armijos, C and Espinosa-Ortega, N and Castillo, LN and Vidari, G},
title = {Ethnobotany, Phytochemistry, and Biological Activity of Extracts and Non-Volatile Compounds from Lantana camara L. and Semisynthetic Derivatives-An Updated Review.},
journal = {Molecules (Basel, Switzerland)},
volume = {30},
number = {4},
pages = {},
pmid = {40005162},
issn = {1420-3049},
support = {PROY_PROY_ARTIC_QU_2022_3652.//Universidad Técnica Particular de Loja (UTPL)/ ; },
mesh = {*Plant Extracts/chemistry/pharmacology ; *Lantana/chemistry ; *Phytochemicals/chemistry/pharmacology ; *Ethnobotany ; Humans ; Animals ; Antioxidants/chemistry/pharmacology ; },
abstract = {Lantana camara L., commonly known as pigeon berry, is a herbaceous plant of growing scientific interest due to the high medicinal value. In fact, despite being categorized as an invasive species, it has been used for a long time to treat different diseases thanks to the many biological activities. Triterpenes, flavonoids, phenylpropanoids, and iridoid glycosides are the bioactive compounds naturally occurring in L. camara that have demonstrated anticancer, antifilarial, nematocidal, antibacterial, insecticidal, antileishmanial, antifungal, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant properties. The aim of this review is to update the information concerning the chemistry and biological activity of L. camara extracts and their constituents, including semisynthetic derivatives, revising the literature until June 2024. We believe that the data reported in this review clearly demonstrate the importance of the plant as a promising source of medicines and will therefore stimulate further investigations.},
}

*Plant Extracts/chemistry/pharmacology
*Lantana/chemistry
*Phytochemicals/chemistry/pharmacology
*Ethnobotany
Humans
Animals
Antioxidants/chemistry/pharmacology

@article {pmid40002943,
year = {2025},
author = {Feng, S and Pan, X and Wang, J and Liu, W and Hui, Y and Wang, G and Liu, K and Li, J and Xu, H and Lin, L and Wang, X and Wu, Z and Huang, L and Ji, F},
title = {Risk Screening of the Non-Native Fish in the Jiulong River Basin of Southeast China.},
journal = {Animals : an open access journal from MDPI},
volume = {15},
number = {4},
pages = {},
pmid = {40002943},
issn = {2076-2615},
abstract = {Non-native fish species introduced into new areas, especially when they develop into large populations, pose a threat to native fauna. Understanding the current status of the fish community and invasion risks of non-native fish are essential for invasive species control and diversity conservation. The community structure of fish and a risk assessment on 10 non-native fish species were systematically assessed in the Jiulong River Basin, China, in January, April, and July of 2024. The species richness, with 105 species, showed a notable decrease compared to the 124 species recorded in 1975, while the number of non-native species has increased from zero to ten. Furthermore, the non-native fish species, Coptodon zillii and Sarotherodon galilaeus, have become dominant species, with IRI values of 4038.43 and 1180.30, respectively. The AS-ISK established risk thresholds for BRA and BRA + CCA as 29.5 and 35.5, respectively, identifying 70% of the non-native fish species as high-risk species, including C. zillii, S. galilaeus, Oreochromis niloticus, Clarias batrachus, Hypostomus plecostomus, and Oreochromis aureus. This study indicates that the fish species richness in the Jiulong River Basin has declined, with C. zillii and S. galilaeus becoming dominant and posing high ecological risks to the native fish community. In addition, targeted fishing during the breeding season should be used to control the population of tilapia and restore fish diversity.},
}

@article {pmid39997893,
year = {2025},
author = {Ucros-Rodríguez, S and Araque-Romany, F and Montero-Mendoza, L and Sarmiento-Nater, VC and Calvo-Carrillo, OM and Johnson-Restrepo, B and Gallego, JL and Romero-Murillo, P},
title = {Analysis of Pollutant Accumulation in the Invasive Bivalve Perna viridis: Current Status in the Colombian Caribbean 2020-2023.},
journal = {Toxics},
volume = {13},
number = {2},
pages = {},
pmid = {39997893},
issn = {2305-6304},
support = {BPIN- 2020000100427//Ministry of Science, Technology, and Innovation (MinCiencias) and Sistema General de Regalías de Colombia in Colombia/ ; },
abstract = {The Colombian Caribbean faces environmental challenges due to urbanization, industrialization, and maritime activities, which introduce pollutants such as heavy metals, hydrocarbons, and microplastics into aquatic ecosystems. Perna viridis (Asian green mussel), an invasive species that has been established in Cartagena Bay since 2009, exhibits potential bioaccumulation capacity, making it a promising biomonitor. This study assessed the concentrations of mercury (Hg), cadmium (Cd), lead (Pb), and selenium (Se) in P. viridis across two key sites-a port area at the Cartagena Bay (CB) and Virgen marsh (VM) in Colombia-from 2020 to 2023. Seasonal variations driven by La Niña and El Niño phenomena significantly influenced metal concentrations, with transitional periods modulating pollutant accumulation. The levels of trace metals in soft tissue of P. viridis (dry weight) ranged from 0.0003 to 0.0039 µg/g (Cd), 0.04 to 0.21 µg/g (Hg), 0.05 to 1.18 µg/g (Pb), and 0.0029 to 0.0103 µg/g (Se). In suspended particulate matter (SPM), Cd ranged from 0.07 to 0.33 µg/g; Pb ranged from 4.94 to 25.66 µg/g; and Hg ranged from 0.18 to 1.20 µg/g. Results revealed differences in metal concentrations between sites and seasons, highlighting the role of environmental and anthropogenic factors in pollutant distribution. The findings confirm P. viridis as an effective biomonitor of complex pollution scenarios in Cartagena Bay. However, its invasive status highlights ecological risks to be addressed, such as interaction with native bivalves and benthic community structures. These results emphasize the need for ongoing monitoring efforts to mitigate pollution and preserve marine biodiversity in the Colombian Caribbean.},
}

@article {pmid39795317,
year = {2024},
author = {Wang, P and Zeng, Q and Zhao, Y and Sun, X and Han, Y and Zeng, R and Song, Y and Chen, D and Lin, Y},
title = {Maize Herbivore-Induced Volatiles Enhance Xenobiotic Detoxification in Larvae of Spodoptera frugiperda and S. litura.},
journal = {Plants (Basel, Switzerland)},
volume = {14},
number = {1},
pages = {},
pmid = {39795317},
issn = {2223-7747},
support = {U2005208//National Natural Science Foundation of China/ ; },
abstract = {The release of herbivore-induced plant volatiles (HIPVs) has been recognized to be an important strategy for plant adaptation to herbivore attack. However, whether these induced volatiles are beneficial to insect herbivores, particularly insect larvae, is largely unknown. We used the two important highly polyphagous lepidopteran pests Spodoptera frugiperda and S. litura to evaluate the benefit on xenobiotic detoxification of larval exposure to HIPVs released by the host plant maize (Zea mays). Larval exposure of the invasive alien species S. frugiperda to maize HIPVs significantly enhanced their tolerance to all three of the well-known defensive compounds 2,4-dihydroxy-7-methoxy-1,4-benzoxazin-3-one (DIMBOA), chlorogenic acid, and tannic acid in maize and the two commonly used insecticides methomyl and chlorpyrifos. HIPV exposure also improved the larval tolerance of S. litura third instars to chlorogenic and tannic acids. Furthermore, larval exposure to either maize HIPVs or DIMBOA induced the activities of cytochrome P450 enzymes (P450s), glutathione-s-transferase (GST), and carboxylesterase (CarE) in the midguts and fat bodies of the two insects, while the induction was significantly higher by the two components together. In addition, the expression of four genes encoding uridine diphosphate (UDP)-glycosyltransferases (UGT33F28, UGT40L8) and P450s (CYP4d8, CYP4V2) showed similar induction patterns in S. frugiperda. Cis-3-hexen-1-ol, an important component in maize HIPVs, also showed the same functions as maize HIPVs, and its exposure increased larval xenobiotic tolerance and induced the detoxification enzymes and gene expression. Our findings demonstrate that HIPVs released by the pest-infested host plants are conductive to the xenobiotic tolerance of lepidopteran insect larvae. Hijacking the host plant HIPVs is an important strategy of the invasive alien polyphagous lepidopteran pest to counter-defend against the host plant's chemical defense.},
}

@article {pmid39720205,
year = {2024},
author = {Shashkov, M and Ivanova, N and Ermolov, S},
title = {Earthworm occurrence dataset extracted from Russian-language literature.},
journal = {Biodiversity data journal},
volume = {12},
number = {},
pages = {e130897},
pmid = {39720205},
issn = {1314-2828},
abstract = {BACKGROUND: Earthworms are one of the most important components of temperate ecosystems and groups of soil animals globally, but data on their distribution around the world are still incomplete and uneven. Northern Eurasia is a region for which available data on earthworm distribution is extremely poor. At the same time, generations of Soviet and Russian researchers have performed extensive research and accumulated a large amount of data on the distribution of earthworms in this vast region. Most of this information was published in Russian, not digitised and, therefore, hardly accessible to researchers. Our dataset fills this gap and provides occurrence data extracted from 159 literature sources in Russian published between 1868 and 2022. The dataset contains 5,304 occurrences of 109 species and 14 subspecies. The collected data cover the territory of 27 countries.

NEW INFORMATION: The dataset extends the data available through GBIF.org on earthworm distribution in Russia, Belarus, and Ukraine. For Transcaucasia and Central Asia countries, our resource has become the main GBIF source on earthworm diversity distribution. On a global scale, our dataset contributes to filling gaps in biodiversity, which facilitates more accurate estimates of the response of biodiversity to global climate change as well as the spreading of invasive species.},
}

@article {pmid39467898,
year = {2024},
author = {Chedadi, M and Moussaoui, AE and Bassouya, M and Jawhari, FZ and Zoufri, I and Barnossi, AE and Asmi, HE and Ammari, M and Merzouki, M and Bari, A},
title = {Capacity of an aquatic macrophyte, Pistia stratiotes L., for removing heavy metals from water in the Oued Fez River and their accumulation in its tissues.},
journal = {Environmental monitoring and assessment},
volume = {196},
number = {11},
pages = {1114},
pmid = {39467898},
issn = {1573-2959},
mesh = {*Metals, Heavy/metabolism/analysis ; *Water Pollutants, Chemical/metabolism/analysis ; *Araceae/metabolism ; *Biodegradation, Environmental ; *Rivers/chemistry ; *Environmental Monitoring ; Bioaccumulation ; },
abstract = {Water resources, particularly rivers, are increasingly exposed to pollutants, especially heavy metals of chemical origin, which are difficult to monitor and can pose risks to both ecosystems and human health. This study assesses heavy metal contamination in the Oued Fez River, focusing on the bioaccumulation by the invasive plant Pistia stratiotes. The methodology involves measuring and comparing metal concentrations in water and plant tissues. Results revealed that while aluminium (Al) slightly exceeded recommended levels at 0.2978 mg L[-1], other metals like zinc (Zn), iron (Fe), copper (Cu), lead (Pb) and cadmium (Cd) remained within acceptable limits. The study demonstrates P. stratiotes' effectiveness in heavy metal phytoremediation, with its roots showing high bioaccumulation up to 19,726 mg kg[-1] for Fe and 15,128 mg kg[-1] for Al, indicating its potential for water decontamination. Eco-toxicological assessments, including bioconcentration and translocation factors, confirm the plant's capacity to mobilize toxic metals. Statistical analysis also points to possible industrial, urban, or agricultural contamination sources based on correlations between Al, Fe and Zn. The study underscores P. stratiotes' role in phytoremediation while emphasizing the need for monitoring and controlling contamination sources and managing the spread of this invasive species to ensure sustainable water resources.},
}

*Metals, Heavy/metabolism/analysis
*Water Pollutants, Chemical/metabolism/analysis
*Araceae/metabolism
*Biodegradation, Environmental
*Rivers/chemistry
*Environmental Monitoring
Bioaccumulation

@article {pmid39386550,
year = {2025},
author = {Erickson, PA and Stellwagen, A and Bangerter, A and Gunter, A and Polizos, NT and Bergland, AO},
title = {Limited population structure but signals of recent selection in introduced African Fig Fly (Zaprionus indianus) in North America.},
journal = {bioRxiv : the preprint server for biology},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1101/2024.09.20.614190},
pmid = {39386550},
issn = {2692-8205},
support = {R15 GM146208/GM/NIGMS NIH HHS/United States ; R35 GM119686/GM/NIGMS NIH HHS/United States ; },
abstract = {Invasive species have devastating consequences for human health, food security, and the environment. Many invasive species adapt to new ecological niches following invasion, but little is known about the early steps of adaptation. Here we examine population genomics of a recently introduced drosophilid in North America, the African Fig Fly, Zaprionus indianus. This species is likely intolerant of subfreezing temperatures and recolonizes temperate environments yearly. We generated a new chromosome-level genome assembly for Z. indianus. Using resequencing of over 200 North American individuals collected over four years in temperate Virginia, plus a single collection from subtropical Florida, we tested for signatures of population structure and adaptation within invasive populations. We show founding populations are sometimes small and contain close genetic relatives, yet temporal population structure and differentiation of populations is mostly absent across North America. However, we identify two haplotypes that are differentiated between African and invasive populations and show signatures of selective sweeps. Both haplotypes contain genes in the cytochrome P450 pathway, indicating these sweeps may be related to pesticide resistance. X chromosome evolution in invasive populations is strikingly different from the autosomes, and a haplotype on the X chromosome that is highly differentiated between Virginia and Florida populations is a candidate for temperate adaptation. These results show that despite limited population structure, populations may rapidly evolve genetic differences early in an invasion. Further uncovering how these genomic regions influence invasive potential and success in new environments will advance our understanding of how organisms evolve in changing environments.},
}

@article {pmid39220436,
year = {2024},
author = {Gjedde, P and Carrer, F and Pettersen, JB and Verones, F},
title = {Effect factors for marine invasion impacts on biodiversity.},
journal = {The international journal of life cycle assessment},
volume = {29},
number = {9},
pages = {1756-1763},
pmid = {39220436},
issn = {0948-3349},
abstract = {PURPOSE: Marine vertebrate populations have halved in the past decades, and invasive species are a major driver for this loss. While many model the spread of invasive species, a model to assess impacts of marine invasions, after introduction, has hitherto been missing. We present the first regionalized effect factors for marine invasions. These factors gauge differences in biodiversity impacts after invasions, enabling life cycle impact assessments to highlight biodiversity impacts from invasive species.

METHODS: Alien species are species that are introduced by humans to ecosystems where they are not native. We combine data from the IUCN red list and the MarINvaders database to identify the potentially disappeared fraction of native species within each marine coastal ecoregion after alien introduction. The effect factors indicate the biodiversity impact from invasions per alien introduction. However, the IUCN red list has a performance bias between taxonomic groups, and both the IUCN and the harmonized citizen science data from MarINvaders have a geographic observer's bias. We address some of this bias by evaluating the number of threatened species per number of assessed species, as well as including machine-learning derived data for data deficient species.

RESULTS AND DISCUSSION: The resulting regional effect factors demonstrate high effects of invasions at high latitudes, which is in line with other findings. Our approach is founded on continuously growing citizen science data and so reflects the biases and uncertainties that follow with this uneven way of data sampling. On the other hand, the continuous data collection by citizen scientists will improve data coverage and thus improve the model. Vice versa, the model itself may be motivation for citizens scientists to collect more data.

CONCLUSION: The effect of marine invasions presented herein reflects current global information on the issue viewed in a perspective relevant for life cycle impact assessments. The developed effect factors can be used for further assessments that will aid decision-making for policies, industries, and consumers to work towards minimizing impacts of marine invasions and are developed to be compatible with different relevant fate factors.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s11367-024-02325-7.},
}

@article {pmid39055354,
year = {2024},
author = {Zhai, J and Hou, B and Hu, F and Yu, G and Li, Z and Palmer-Young, EC and Xiang, H and Gao, L},
title = {Active defense strategies for invasive plants may alter the distribution pattern of pests in the invaded area.},
journal = {Frontiers in plant science},
volume = {15},
number = {},
pages = {1428752},
pmid = {39055354},
issn = {1664-462X},
abstract = {INTRODUCTION: In the invaded areas, it is believed that invasive species reduce their investment in defense due to the absence of natural enemies.

METHODS: By field investigation and a series of laboratory assays, This study explored the defense strategies of invasive plants.

RESULTS: Field investigation indicated that invasive plants have a antifeedant effect on herbivorous pests, and the distribution frequency of wormholes of native plants shows a peak at a distance of 2-3 m from the invasive species. The feeding preference experiment conducted with two generalist herbivorous insects (native insect Spodoptera litura and invasive insect Spodoptera frugiperda) showed that the invasive plants have a stronger antifeedant effect than native plants. By analyzing the content of secondary metabolites in the leaves of three invasive plants (Sphagneticola trilobata, Mikania micrantha, Ipomoea cairica) and three native plants (Ipomoea nil, Paederia foetida, Polygonum chinense), the leaves of invasive plants had higher concentrations of substances associated with defenses, including total phenols, flavonoids, jasmonic acid, tannin, H2O2, and total antioxidant capacity (TAC), and lower soluble protein concentrations than native plants. After leaf damage, compared to native plants, the leaves of invasive plants showed an overall increase in substances associated with defense, except for soluble sugar.

DISCUSSION: These results suggest that invasive plants maintain active defense strategies in invaded areas, leading to changes in the distribution patterns of herbivorous insects in a manner that facilitates invasion.},
}

@article {pmid38394143,
year = {2024},
author = {Amer, NR and Stoks, R and Antoł, A and Sniegula, S},
title = {Microgeographic differentiation in thermal and antipredator responses and their carry-over effects across life stages in a damselfly.},
journal = {PloS one},
volume = {19},
number = {2},
pages = {e0295707},
pmid = {38394143},
issn = {1932-6203},
mesh = {Animals ; *Odonata/physiology ; Larva/physiology ; Temperature ; Predatory Behavior/physiology ; },
abstract = {Global warming and invasive species, separately or combined, can impose a large impact on the condition of native species. However, we know relatively little about how these two factors, individually and in combination, shape phenotypes in ectotherms across life stages and how this can differ between populations. We investigated the non-consumptive predator effects (NCEs) imposed by native (perch) and invasive (signal crayfish) predators experienced only during the egg stage or during both the egg and larval stages in combination with warming on adult life history traits of the damselfly Ischnura elegans. To explore microgeographic differentiation, we compared two nearby populations differing in thermal conditions and predator history. In the absence of predator cues, warming positively affected damselfly survival, possibly because the warmer temperature was closer to the optimal temperature. In the presence of predator cues, warming decreased survival, indicating a synergistic effect of these two variables on survival. In one population, predator cues from perch led to increased survival, especially under the current temperature, likely because of predator stress acclimation phenomena. While warming decreased, predator cues increased larval development time with a proportionally stronger effect of signal crayfish cues experienced during the egg stage, indicating a negative carry-over effect from egg to larva. Warming and predator cues increased mass at emergence, with the predator effect driven mainly by exposure to signal crayfish cues during the egg stage, indicating a positive carry-over effect from egg to adult. Notably, warming and predator effects were not consistent across the two studied populations, suggesting a phenotypic signal of adaptation at a microgeographic scale to thermal conditions and predator history. We also observed pronounced shifts during ontogeny from synergistic (egg and early larval stage) toward additive (late larval stage up to emergence) effects between warming and predator stress. The results point out that population- and life-stage-specific responses in life-history traits to NCEs are needed to predict fitness consequences of exposure to native and invasive predators and warming in prey at a microgeographic scale.},
}

Animals
*Odonata/physiology
Larva/physiology
Temperature
Predatory Behavior/physiology

@article {pmid38384340,
year = {2024},
author = {Akomolafe, GF and Rosazlina, R and Omomoh, B},
title = {Soil seed bank dynamics of two invasive alien plants in Nigeria: implications for ecosystem restoration.},
journal = {AoB PLANTS},
volume = {16},
number = {2},
pages = {plae003},
pmid = {38384340},
issn = {2041-2851},
abstract = {The assessment of seed banks could provide useful hints towards ensuring restoration planning and invasive species management. In this study, the impacts of two invaders such as Hyptis suaveolens and Urena lobata on the soil seed banks were investigated. We also assessed the seed characteristics of the invaders at the invaded sites. This was achieved using 10 sites each for H. suaveolens- and U. lobata-invaded habitats and -non-invaded habitats making a total of 30 sites. We collected 200 soil samples from each habitat type. A seedling emergence method was used to determine the seed bank recruitment of both invasive plants. The diversity indices of the above-ground vegetation of sites invaded by the two plants were significantly lower than those of the non-invaded sites. Only two plant species emerged from the seed banks of H. suaveolens and five plants from those of U. lobata when compared with non-invaded sites where 53 species emerged. A larger portion of the seeds was located in the soil's lower layer at all the sites invaded by H. suaveolens while those of U. lobata and non-invaded sites were found in the upper layers and there are significant associations between the habitats. The lower soil layers of the two species have the highest percentage of viable seeds. These results help us to understand more about the invasiveness of both species as related to their impacts on the seed banks and native vegetation. It also indicates that the native species that emerged from the invaded seed banks could be used for the restoration of the invaded habitats.},
}

@article {pmid38034734,
year = {2023},
author = {Wang, X and Guo, X and Ding, W and Du, N and Guo, W and Pang, J},
title = {Precipitation pattern alters the effects of nitrogen deposition on the growth of alien species Robinia pseudoacacia.},
journal = {Heliyon},
volume = {9},
number = {11},
pages = {e21822},
pmid = {38034734},
issn = {2405-8440},
abstract = {AIMS: Nitrogen (N) supply and precipitation pattern (amount and frequency) both affect plant growth. However, N deposition is increasing and precipitation regimes are changing in the context of global change. An experiment was conducted to access how the growth of Robinia pseudoacacia, a widely distributed and cultivated N2-fixing alien species, is affected by both the pattern of precipitation and N supplies.

METHODS: Seedlings were grown in a glasshouse at four different N levels combined with different precipitation regimes, including three precipitation amounts, and two precipitation frequencies. After treatment for 75 days, plant height, biomass allocation, leaf and soil nutrient concentrations were measured.

RESULTS: Plants under high precipitation frequency had greater biomass compared with plants lower precipitation frequency, despite receiving the same amount of precipitation. Higher N supply reduced biomass allocation to nodules. Under low precipitation level, nodule growth and N2 fixation of R. pseudoacacia was more inhibited by high N deposition compared with plants under higher precipitation level. Even slightly N deposition under higher precipitation inhibited N2 fixation but it was insufficient to meet the N needs of the plants.

CONCLUSIONS: Even at low levels, N deposition might inhibit N2 fixation of plants but low N in soil cannot meet the N requirements of plants, and caused N2 fixation limitation in plants during seedling stage. There was likely a transition from N2 fixation to acquisition of N from soil directly with root when N supply was increased.},
}

@article {pmid37462084,
year = {2023},
author = {Treichler, JW and VerCauteren, KC and Taylor, CR and Beasley, JC},
title = {Changes in wild pig (Sus scrofa) relative abundance, crop damage, and environmental impacts in response to control efforts.},
journal = {Pest management science},
volume = {79},
number = {12},
pages = {4765-4773},
doi = {10.1002/ps.7671},
pmid = {37462084},
issn = {1526-4998},
support = {//Natural Resources Conservation Service/ ; //U.S. Department of Energy/ ; },
mesh = {Animals ; Swine ; *Ecosystem ; *Agriculture ; Pest Control ; North America ; Sus scrofa ; Animals, Wild/physiology ; },
abstract = {BACKGROUND: As the population and range of wild pigs (Sus scrofa) continue to grow across North America, there has been an increase in environmental and economic damages caused by this invasive species, and control efforts to reduce damages have increased concomitantly. Despite the expanding impacts and costs associated with population control of wild pigs, the extent to which wild pig control reduces populations and diminishes environmental and agricultural damages are rarely quantified. The goal of this study is to quantify changes in wild pig relative abundance and subsequent changes in damages caused by invasive wild pigs in response to control.

RESULTS: Using a combination of wild pig population surveys, agricultural damage assessments, and environmental rooting surveys across 19 mixed forest-agricultural properties in South Carolina, USA, we quantified changes in wild pig relative abundance and associated damages over a 3-year period following implementation of a professional control program. Following implementation of control efforts, both the number of wild pig detections and estimated abundance decreased markedly. Within 24 months relative abundance was reduced by an average of ~70%, which resulted in a corresponding decline in environmental rooting damage by ~99%.

CONCLUSION: Our findings suggest that sustained wild pig control efforts can substantially reduce wild pig relative abundance, which in turn resulted in a reduction in environmental rooting damage by wild pigs. Ultimately this study will help fill critical knowledge gaps regarding the efficacy of wild pig control programs and the effort needed to reduce impacts to native ecosystems, livestock, and crops. © 2023 The Authors. Pest Management Science published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of Society of Chemical Industry.},
}

Animals
Swine
*Ecosystem
*Agriculture
Pest Control
North America
Sus scrofa
Animals, Wild/physiology

@article {pmid37182835,
year = {2023},
author = {Herskowitz, Y and Bunimovich-Mendrazitsky, S and Lazebnik, T},
title = {Mathematical model of coffee tree's rust control using snails as biological agents.},
journal = {Bio Systems},
volume = {229},
number = {},
pages = {104916},
doi = {10.1016/j.biosystems.2023.104916},
pmid = {37182835},
issn = {1872-8324},
mesh = {Ecosystem ; *Coffea ; Biological Factors ; Models, Theoretical ; *Basidiomycota ; },
abstract = {Coffee rust is one of the main diseases that affect coffee plantations worldwide, causing large-scale ecological and economic damage. While multiple methods have been proposed to tackle this challenge, using snails as biological agents have shown to be the most consistent and promising approach. However, snails are an invasive species, and overusing them can cause devastating outcomes. In this paper, we develop and explore an ecological-epidemiological mathematical model for the coffee tree rust pandemic control using snails as biological agents. We analyze the equilibria of the proposed system with their stability properties. In addition, we perform numerical analysis to obtain the sensitivity of the system to different changes and manipulation of the snails pandemic control, under specific conditions. Finally, we propose an in silico mechanism to obtain an analytical connection between the system's initial condition and the number of snails needed to optimally control the rust pandemic spread while preventing the snail population to grow unmanageably. Our model can be used to optimize the usage of snails as biological agents to control the rust pandemic in spatially-small areas, by predicting the number of snails one needs to introduce to the ecosystem in order to obtain a desired outcome.},
}

Ecosystem
*Coffea
Biological Factors
Models, Theoretical
*Basidiomycota

@article {pmid36985252,
year = {2023},
author = {Ren, X and Zhang, G and Jin, M and Wan, F and Day, MD and Qian, W and Liu, B},
title = {Metabolomics and Transcriptomics Reveal the Response Mechanisms of Mikania micrantha to Puccinia spegazzinii Infection.},
journal = {Microorganisms},
volume = {11},
number = {3},
pages = {},
pmid = {36985252},
issn = {2076-2607},
support = {2021YFC2600100; KJYF202001-03//National key research and development program of China；Science technology innovation and industrial development of Shenzhen Dapeng New District/ ; },
abstract = {Mikania micrantha is one of the worst invasive species globally and can cause significant negative impacts on agricultural and forestry economics, particularly in Asia and the Pacific region. The rust Puccinia spegazzinii has been used successfully as a biological control agent in several countries to help manage M. micrantha. However, the response mechanisms of M. micrantha to P. spegazzinii infection have never been studied. To investigate the response of M. micrantha to infection by P. spegazzinii, an integrated analysis of metabolomics and transcriptomics was performed. The levels of 74 metabolites, including organic acids, amino acids, and secondary metabolites in M. micrantha infected with P. spegazzinii, were significantly different compared to those in plants that were not infected. After P. spegazzinii infection, the expression of the TCA cycle gene was significantly induced to participate in energy biosynthesis and produce more ATP. The content of most amino acids, such as L-isoleucine, L-tryptophan and L-citrulline, increased. In addition, phytoalexins, such as maackiain, nobiletin, vasicin, arachidonic acid, and JA-Ile, accumulated in M. micrantha. A total of 4978 differentially expressed genes were identified in M. micrantha infected by P. spegazzinii. Many key genes of M. micrantha in the PTI (pattern-triggered immunity) and ETI (effector-triggered immunity) pathways showed significantly higher expression under P. spegazzinii infection. Through these reactions, M. micrantha is able to resist the infection of P. spegazzinii and maintain its growth. These results are helpful for us to understand the changes in metabolites and gene expression in M. micrantha after being infected by P. spegazzinii. Our results can provide a theoretical basis for weakening the defense response of M. micrantha to P. spegazzinii, and for P. spegazzinii as a long-term biological control agent of M. micrantha.},
}

@article {pmid36676066,
year = {2022},
author = {Alekseev, V and Sukhikh, N},
title = {Ust-Luga Seaport of Russia: Biological Invasions and Resting Stages Accumulation.},
journal = {Life (Basel, Switzerland)},
volume = {13},
number = {1},
pages = {},
pmid = {36676066},
issn = {2075-1729},
support = {05-04-90588-ННС_а//Russian Science Support Foundation/ ; 122031100274-7//The Ministry of Education and Science of the Russian Federation/ ; },
abstract = {This article describes the results of a three-year study of invasive species of aquatic ecosystems in the vicinity of Ust-Luga, the largest Russian seaport in the Baltic. Taking into account the great importance of the participation of marine vessels in the dispersal of invasive species, an experimental study of the seasonality of accumulation of resting stages of aquatic invertebrates in the ballast compartments of a vessel located in the Baltic Sea of the Gulf of Finland was carried out. Experiments show that the time of filling the ballast compartments in late summer and autumn poses the greatest risk for the spread of aquatic invertebrates with ship ballast water. In the Baltic Russian port, 11 invasive species of zooplankton and zoobenthos were found, which comprises 15% of the biodiversity in the samples. Copepoda demonstrated the highest presence of invasive species in class among zooplankton groups (14%) and Malacostraca among benthos groups (80%). Alien species findings correspond to the main vectors of invasive species dispersal for the Baltic Sea: North America, Indochina, and the Ponto-Caspian region.},
}

@article {pmid36188510,
year = {2022},
author = {Hodel, RGJ and Soltis, DE and Soltis, PS},
title = {Hindcast-validated species distribution models reveal future vulnerabilities of mangroves and salt marsh species.},
journal = {Ecology and evolution},
volume = {12},
number = {9},
pages = {e9252},
pmid = {36188510},
issn = {2045-7758},
abstract = {Rapid climate change is threatening biodiversity via habitat loss, range shifts, increases in invasive species, novel species interactions, and other unforeseen changes. Coastal and estuarine species are especially vulnerable to the impacts of climate change due to sea level rise and may be severely impacted in the next several decades. Species distribution modeling can project the potential future distributions of species under scenarios of climate change using bioclimatic data and georeferenced occurrence data. However, models projecting suitable habitat into the future are impossible to ground truth. One solution is to develop species distribution models for the present and project them to periods in the recent past where distributions are known to test model performance before making projections into the future. Here, we develop models using abiotic environmental variables to quantify the current suitable habitat available to eight Neotropical coastal species: four mangrove species and four salt marsh species. Using a novel model validation approach that leverages newly available monthly climatic data from 1960 to 2018, we project these niche models into two time periods in the recent past (i.e., within the past half century) when either mangrove or salt marsh dominance was documented via other data sources. Models were hindcast-validated and then used to project the suitable habitat of all species at four time periods in the future under a model of climate change. For all future time periods, the projected suitable habitat of mangrove species decreased, and suitable habitat declined more severely in salt marsh species.},
}

@article {pmid36177142,
year = {2022},
author = {Ali, HE and Bucher, SF},
title = {Effect of drought and nutrient availability on invaded plant communities in a semi-arid ecosystem.},
journal = {Ecology and evolution},
volume = {12},
number = {9},
pages = {e9296},
pmid = {36177142},
issn = {2045-7758},
abstract = {Ecosystem functions are heavily dependent on the functional composition of the plant community, i.e., the functional traits of plants forming the community. This, on the one hand, depends on plant occurrence, but on the other hand, depends on the intraspecific variability of functional traits of the species, which are influenced by climate and nutrient availability and affected by plant-plant interactions. To illustrate that, we studied the effects of drought and nitrogen addition (+ N), two important abiotic variables which are changing with ongoing global change, as well as their combined effect on the functional responses of grassland communities in semi-arid environments of Northern Africa comprising of natural and invasive species. We conducted an experiment where we planted three native species and one invasive plant species in artificial communities of five individuals per species per plot. We exposed these communities to four different treatments: a drought treatment, an N-addition treatment, the combination between drought and N-addition, as well as a control. To assess the performance of plants within treatments, we measured selected plant functional traits (plant height, specific leaf area [SLA], leaf dry matter content [LDMC], N content of the leaves [Nmass], specific root length [SRL], and root diameter) for all individuals occurring in our plots, and additionally assessed the above and belowground biomass for each plant individual. We found that the invasive species showed a higher performance (higher biomass accumulation, taller plants, higher SLA, Nmass, SRL, and root diameter as well as lower LDMC) than the native species under drought conditions. The invasive species was especially successful with the combined impact of drought + N, which is a likely scenario in ongoing global change for our research area. Thus, plant functional traits might be a key factor for the invasion success of plant species which will be even more pronounced under ongoing global change.},
}

@article {pmid36177140,
year = {2022},
author = {Cuthbert, RN and Kotronaki, SG and Hütt, JC and Renk, E and Warlo, N and Briski, E},
title = {Do alternative resources dampen functional responses of native but not alien gammarids?.},
journal = {Ecology and evolution},
volume = {12},
number = {9},
pages = {},
pmid = {36177140},
issn = {2045-7758},
abstract = {While aquatic invasive predators are among the most impactful trophic groups, we lack the understanding of whether alternative food resources mediate adverse predatory effects and stabilize native prey communities. Here, we use comparative functional responses to examine the influence of alternative food resources (Fucus sp.) on predator-prey interaction strengths from three gammarid crustaceans, with one native (Gammarus locusta) and two existing and emerging invasive (Gammarus tigrinus, Pontogammarus maeoticus, respectively) species, towards larval chironomid prey. All gammarids exhibited Type II functional responses, irrespective of the presence of alternative seaweed disks. Fucus sp. disks significantly reduced predation rates overall; however, significant reductions in maximum feeding rates (i.e., functional response magnitudes) were only evident in the native species and not for the two invaders. Our results thus may suggest that alternative resources dampen the predatory interaction strength of native but not invasive alien species, concerning these three study organisms. This potentially exacerbates the impacts of invasive predators relative to natives in diverse communities. Studies should increasingly consider alternative resources when quantifying ecological impacts of current and future invasive alien species compared with natives.},
}

@article {pmid35894697,
year = {2022},
author = {Jiang, F and Wang, S and Wang, H and Wang, A and Xu, D and Liu, H and Yang, B and Yuan, L and Lei, L and Chen, R and Li, W and Fan, W},
title = {A chromosome-level reference genome of a Convolvulaceae species Ipomoea cairica.},
journal = {G3 (Bethesda, Md.)},
volume = {12},
number = {9},
pages = {},
pmid = {35894697},
issn = {2160-1836},
mesh = {Chromosomes ; *Convolvulaceae/genetics ; DNA Transposable Elements ; *Ipomoea/genetics ; Phylogeny ; },
abstract = {Ipomoea cairica is a perennial creeper that has been widely introduced as a garden ornamental across tropical, subtropical, and temperate regions. Because it grows extremely fast and spreads easily, it has been listed as an invasive species in many countries. Here, we constructed the chromosome-level reference genome of Ipomoea cairica by Pacific Biosciences HiFi and Hi-C sequencing, with the assembly size of 733.0 Mb, the contig N50 of 43.8 Mb, the scaffold N50 of 45.7 Mb, and the Benchmarking Universal Single-Copy Orthologs complete rate of 98.0%. Hi-C scaffolding assigned 97.9% of the contigs to 15 pseudo-chromosomes. Telomeric repeat analysis reveals that 7 of the 15 pseudo-chromosomes are gapless and telomere to telomere. The transposable element content of Ipomoea cairica is 73.4%, obviously higher than that of other Ipomoea species. A total of 38,115 protein-coding genes were predicted, with the Benchmarking Universal Single-Copy Orthologs complete rate of 98.5%, comparable to that of the genome assembly, and 92.6% of genes were functional annotated. In addition, we identified 3,039 tRNA genes and 2,403 rRNA genes in the assembled genome. Phylogenetic analysis showed that Ipomoea cairica formed a clade with Ipomoea aquatica, and they diverged from each other 8.1 million years ago. Through comparative genome analysis, we reconfirmed that a whole genome triplication event occurred specific to Convolvulaceae family and in the ancestor of the genus Ipomoea and Cuscuta. This high-quality reference genome of Ipomoea cairica will greatly facilitate the studies on the molecular mechanisms of its rapid growth and invasiveness.},
}

Chromosomes
*Convolvulaceae/genetics
DNA Transposable Elements
*Ipomoea/genetics
Phylogeny

@article {pmid35309395,
year = {2022},
author = {Kurniawan, SB and Pambudi, DSA and Ahmad, MM and Alfanda, BD and Imron, MF and Abdullah, SRS},
title = {Ecological impacts of ballast water loading and discharge: insight into the toxicity and accumulation of disinfection by-products.},
journal = {Heliyon},
volume = {8},
number = {3},
pages = {e09107},
pmid = {35309395},
issn = {2405-8440},
abstract = {Since the implementation of the International Maritime Organization 2004 regulation, most ships have been equipped with on-dock ballast water treatment. While this method is effective in solving the invasive alien species problem, concerns are raised due to the potential release of disinfection by-products (DBPs) as the result of the chemical treatment. This review paper aims to summarize the history of ballast water management (BWM) and the currently used on-dock technology. Chlorination, oxidation, and ozonation are highlighted as the most currently applied methods to treat ballast water on-dock. This paper then focuses on the potential release of toxic DBPs as the result of the selected corresponding treatment methods. Tri-halo methane, haloacetic acid, and several acetic acid-related compounds are emphasized as toxic DBPs with concentrations reaching more than 10 μg/L. The potential toxicities of DBPs, including acute toxicity, carcinogenicity, genotoxicity, and mutagenicity, to aquatic organisms, are then discussed in detail. Future research directions related to the advanced treatment of DBPs before final discharge and analysis of DBPs in coastal sediments, which are barely studied at present, are suggested to enhance the current knowledge on the fate and the ecological impact of BWM.},
}

@article {pmid34884421,
year = {2021},
author = {Yang, Z and Bai, C and Wang, P and Fu, W and Wang, L and Song, Z and Xi, X and Wu, H and Zhang, G and Wu, J},
title = {Sandbur Drought Tolerance Reflects Phenotypic Plasticity Based on the Accumulation of Sugars, Lipids, and Flavonoid Intermediates and the Scavenging of Reactive Oxygen Species in the Root.},
journal = {International journal of molecular sciences},
volume = {22},
number = {23},
pages = {},
pmid = {34884421},
issn = {1422-0067},
support = {2016YFSF03//the National Key Research and Development Project/ ; 41807404//National Natural Science Foundation of China/ ; 31471544//National Natural Science Foundation of China/ ; },
mesh = {Adaptation, Physiological ; Ascorbic Acid/*metabolism ; Cenchrus/metabolism/*physiology ; Chromatography, Liquid ; Droughts ; Fatty Acids/metabolism ; Flavonoids/metabolism ; *Metabolic Networks and Pathways ; Oxidative Stress ; Plant Proteins/metabolism ; Plant Roots/metabolism/physiology ; Proteomics/*methods ; Reactive Oxygen Species/metabolism ; Tandem Mass Spectrometry ; },
abstract = {The perennial grass Cenchrus spinifex (common sandbur) is an invasive species that grows in arid and semi-arid regions due to its remarkable phenotypic plasticity, which confers the ability to withstand drought and other forms of abiotic stress. Exploring the molecular mechanisms of drought tolerance in common sandbur could lead to the development of new strategies for the protection of natural and agricultural environments from this weed. To determine the molecular basis of drought tolerance in C. spinifex, we used isobaric tags for relative and absolute quantitation (iTRAQ) to identify proteins differing in abundance between roots growing in normal soil and roots subjected to moderate or severe drought stress. The analysis of these proteins revealed that drought tolerance in C. spinifex primarily reflects the modulation of core physiological activities such as protein synthesis, transport and energy utilization as well as the accumulation of flavonoid intermediates and the scavenging of reactive oxygen species. Accordingly, plants subjected to drought stress accumulated sucrose, fatty acids, and ascorbate, shifted their redox potential (as determined by the NADH/NAD ratio), accumulated flavonoid intermediates at the expense of anthocyanins and lignin, and produced less actin, indicating fundamental reorganization of the cytoskeleton. Our results show that C. spinifex responds to drought stress by coordinating multiple metabolic pathways along with other adaptations. It is likely that the underlying metabolic plasticity of this species plays a key role in its invasive success, particularly in semi-arid and arid environments.},
}

Adaptation, Physiological
Ascorbic Acid/*metabolism
Cenchrus/metabolism/*physiology
Chromatography, Liquid
Droughts
Fatty Acids/metabolism
Flavonoids/metabolism
*Metabolic Networks and Pathways
Oxidative Stress
Plant Proteins/metabolism
Plant Roots/metabolism/physiology
Proteomics/*methods
Reactive Oxygen Species/metabolism
Tandem Mass Spectrometry

@article {pmid34717554,
year = {2021},
author = {Najberek, K and Kosior, A and Solarz, W},
title = {Alien balsams, strawberries and their pollinators in a warmer world.},
journal = {BMC plant biology},
volume = {21},
number = {1},
pages = {500},
pmid = {34717554},
issn = {1471-2229},
mesh = {Animals ; Bees/*physiology ; Crops, Agricultural/*growth & development ; Flowers/*growth & development ; Fragaria/*growth & development ; Impatiens/*growth & development ; Plant Weeds/*physiology ; Pollination/*physiology ; },
abstract = {BACKGROUND: Strawberries are a common crop whose yield success depends on the availability of pollinators. Invasive alien plants, such as Impatiens glandulifera and I. parviflora, are also attractive for bees and hoverflies, respectively, and occur in close proximity to strawberry cultivation areas. The aim of the study was to test whether alien plants may decrease pollination of strawberry cultivation. However, even if the pollinators are abundant, efficiency of their pollination may decrease as a result of revisits of flowers that were already probed. It is addressed by pollinators by scent marking. Moreover, such revisits can be determined by nectar replenishment, which may occur rapidly in nectar-rich flowers. We studied revisits to I. glandulifera by bumblebees and defined the factors that influence the probability of revisits (air temperature; pollinator species; family caste and size; flower area; sun radiation; and time of day).

RESULTS: We found that the two alien species decreased the number of pollinators visiting strawberries. Apoidea, Bombini and Syrphidae significantly decreased on Fragaria × ananassa when alien Impatiens were present. We also revealed the influence of increasing air temperature on bumblebee foraging, which was particularly significant for female workers. At very high temperatures (> 37°C), bumblebee males revisited probed flowers less often than female workers.

CONCLUSIONS: Our results demonstrate that in experimental conditions attractive alien species decrease pollination of strawberries, which may negatively affect production of this crop. Although the results have not been verified in real-life strawberry fields yet, we recommend that alien plant species that share the same pollinators and occur in close proximity of strawberries are controlled. Moreover, we found that revisits of probed flowers may weaken feeding efficiency of bumblebees. If revisits are not induced by nectar replenishment, then global warming may pose a serious threat to the survival of colonies, which may have consequences also for the plants that attract them, e.g., for strawberries.},
}

Animals
Bees/*physiology
Crops, Agricultural/*growth & development
Flowers/*growth & development
Fragaria/*growth & development
Impatiens/*growth & development
Plant Weeds/*physiology
Pollination/*physiology

@article {pmid34659333,
year = {2021},
author = {McGreevy, TJ and Michaelides, S and Djan, M and Sullivan, M and Beltrán, DM and Buffum, B and Husband, T},
title = {Location and Species Matters: Variable Influence of the Environment on the Gene Flow of Imperiled, Native and Invasive Cottontails.},
journal = {Frontiers in genetics},
volume = {12},
number = {},
pages = {708871},
pmid = {34659333},
issn = {1664-8021},
abstract = {The environment plays an important role in the movement of individuals and their associated genes among populations, which facilitates gene flow. Gene flow can help maintain the genetic diversity both within and between populations and counter the negative impact of genetic drift, which can decrease the fitness of individuals. Sympatric species can have different habitat preferences, and thus can exhibit different patterns of genetic variability and population structure. The specialist-generalist variation hypothesis (SGVH) predicts that specialists will have lower genetic diversity, lower effective population sizes (Ne), and less gene flow among populations. In this study, we used spatially explicit, individual-based comparative approaches to test SGVH predictions in two sympatric cottontail species and identify environmental variables that influence their gene flow. New England cottontail (Sylvilagus transitionalis) is the only native cottontail in the Northeast US, an early successional habitat specialist, and a species of conservation concern. Eastern cottontail (S. floridanus) is an invasive species in the Northeast US and a habitat generalist. We characterized each species' genomic variation by developing double-digest Restriction-site Associated DNA sequence single nucleotide polymorphism markers, quantified their habitat with Geographic Information System environmental variables, and conducted our analyses at multiple scales. Surprisingly, both species had similar levels of genetic diversity and eastern cottontail's Ne was only higher than New England cottontail in one of three subregions. At a regional level, the population clusters of New England cottontail were more distinct than eastern cottontail, but the subregional levels showed more geographic areas of restricted gene flow for eastern cottontail than New England cottontail. In general, the environmental variables had the predicted effect on each species' gene flow. However, the most important environmental variable varied by subregion and species, which shows that location and species matter. Our results provide partial support for the SGVH and the identification of environmental variables that facilitate or impede gene flow can be used to help inform management decisions to conserve New England cottontail.},
}

@article {pmid34361966,
year = {2021},
author = {Azami-Conesa, I and Sansano-Maestre, J and Martínez-Díaz, RA and Gómez-Muñoz, MT},
title = {Invasive Species as Hosts of Zoonotic Infections: The Case of American Mink (Neovison vison) and Leishmania infantum.},
journal = {Microorganisms},
volume = {9},
number = {7},
pages = {},
pmid = {34361966},
issn = {2076-2607},
support = {established groups anual funding//Universidad Complutense de Madrid/ ; },
abstract = {Leishmania infantum produces an endemic disease in the Mediterranean Basin that affects humans and domestic and wild mammals, which can act as reservoir or minor host. In this study, we analyzed the presence of the parasite in wild American minks, an invasive species in Spain. We screened for L. infantum DNA by PCR using five primer pairs: Two targeting kinetoplast DNA (kDNA), and the rest targeting the ITS1 region, the small subunit of ribosomal RNA (SSU) and a repetitive sequence (Repeat region). The detection limit was determined for each method using a strain of L. infantum and a bone marrow sample from an infected dog. PCR approaches employing the Repeat region and kDNA (RV1/RV2 primers) showed higher sensitivity than the other PCR methods when control samples were employed. However, only PCR of the Repeat region and nested PCR of SSU (LnSSU) detected the parasite in the samples, while the other three were unable to do so. The majority of the analyzed animals (90.1%) tested positive. American mink may act as an incidental host of the disease for other mammals and should be further investigated, not only for their negative impact on the local fauna, but also as carriers of zoonotic diseases.},
}

@article {pmid34235726,
year = {2021},
author = {Aguirre, WE and Alvarez-Mieles, G and Anaguano-Yancha, F and Burgos Morán, R and Cucalón, RV and Escobar-Camacho, D and Jácome-Negrete, I and Jiménez Prado, P and Laaz, E and Miranda-Troya, K and Navarrete-Amaya, R and Nugra Salazar, F and Revelo, W and Rivadeneira, JF and Valdiviezo Rivera, J and Zárate Hugo, E},
title = {Conservation threats and future prospects for the freshwater fishes of Ecuador: A hotspot of Neotropical fish diversity.},
journal = {Journal of fish biology},
volume = {99},
number = {4},
pages = {1158-1189},
pmid = {34235726},
issn = {1095-8649},
support = {//Wildlife Conservation Society/ ; },
mesh = {Animals ; Biodiversity ; *Conservation of Natural Resources ; *Ecosystem ; Ecuador ; Fisheries ; Fishes ; Fresh Water ; },
abstract = {Freshwater fish communities in Ecuador exhibit some of the highest levels of diversity and endemism in the Neotropics. Unfortunately, aquatic ecosystems in the country are under serious threat and conditions are deteriorating. In 2018-19, the government of Ecuador sponsored a series of workshops to examine the conservation status of Ecuador's freshwater fishes. Concerns were identified for 35 species, most of which are native to the Amazon region, and overfishing of Amazonian pimelodid catfishes emerged as a major issue. However, much of the information needed to make decisions across fish groups and regions was not available, hindering the process and highlighting the need for a review of the conservation threats to Ecuador's freshwater fishes. Here, we review how the physical alteration of rivers, deforestation, wetland and floodplain degradation, agricultural and urban water pollution, mining, oil extraction, dams, overfishing, introduced species and climate change are affecting freshwater fishes in Ecuador. Although many of these factors affect fishes throughout the Neotropics, the lack of data on Ecuadorian fish communities is staggering and highlights the urgent need for more research. We also make recommendations, including the need for proper enforcement of existing environmental laws, restoration of degraded aquatic ecosystems, establishment of a national monitoring system for freshwater ecosystems, investment in research to fill gaps in knowledge, and encouragement of public engagement in citizen science and conservation efforts. Freshwater fishes are an important component of the cultural and biological legacy of the Ecuadorian people. Conserving them for future generations is critical.},
}

Animals
Biodiversity
*Conservation of Natural Resources
*Ecosystem
Ecuador
Fisheries
Fishes
Fresh Water

@article {pmid33946603,
year = {2021},
author = {Scolari, F and Valerio, F and Benelli, G and Papadopoulos, NT and Vaníčková, L},
title = {Tephritid Fruit Fly Semiochemicals: Current Knowledge and Future Perspectives.},
journal = {Insects},
volume = {12},
number = {5},
pages = {},
pmid = {33946603},
issn = {2075-4450},
abstract = {The Dipteran family Tephritidae (true fruit flies) comprises more than 5000 species classified in 500 genera distributed worldwide. Tephritidae include devastating agricultural pests and highly invasive species whose spread is currently facilitated by globalization, international trade and human mobility. The ability to identify and exploit a wide range of host plants for oviposition, as well as effective and diversified reproductive strategies, are among the key features supporting tephritid biological success. Intraspecific communication involves the exchange of a complex set of sensory cues that are species- and sex-specific. Chemical signals, which are standing out in tephritid communication, comprise long-distance pheromones emitted by one or both sexes, cuticular hydrocarbons with limited volatility deposited on the surrounding substrate or on the insect body regulating medium- to short-distance communication, and host-marking compounds deposited on the fruit after oviposition. In this review, the current knowledge on tephritid chemical communication was analysed with a special emphasis on fruit fly pest species belonging to the Anastrepha, Bactrocera, Ceratitis, and Rhagoletis genera. The multidisciplinary approaches adopted for characterising tephritid semiochemicals, and the real-world applications and challenges for Integrated Pest Management (IPM) and biological control strategies are critically discussed. Future perspectives for targeted research on fruit fly chemical communication are highlighted.},
}

@article {pmid33767834,
year = {2021},
author = {Gardiner, MM and Perry, KI and Riley, CB and Turo, KJ and Delgado de la Flor, YA and Sivakoff, FS},
title = {Community science data suggests that urbanization and forest habitat loss threaten aphidophagous native lady beetles.},
journal = {Ecology and evolution},
volume = {11},
number = {6},
pages = {2761-2774},
pmid = {33767834},
issn = {2045-7758},
abstract = {Community scientists have illustrated rapid declines of several aphidophagous lady beetle (Coccinellidae) species. These declines coincide with the establishment of alien coccinellids. We established the Buckeye Lady Beetle Blitz program to measure the seasonal occupancy of coccinellids within gardens across a wide range of landscape contexts. Following the Habitat Compression Hypothesis, we predicted that gardens within agricultural landscapes would be alien-dominated, whereas captures of natives would be higher within landscapes encompassing a high concentration of natural habitat.Within the state of Ohio, USA, community scientists collected lady beetles for a 7-day period across 4 years in June and August using yellow sticky card traps. All identifications were verified by professional scientists and beetles were classified by three traits: status (alien or native), mean body length, and primary diet. We compared the relative abundance and diversity of coccinellids seasonally and determined if the distribution of beetles by size, status, and diet was related to landscape features.Alien species dominated the aphidophagous fauna. Native aphidophagous coccinellid abundance was positively correlated with forest habitat while alien species were more common when gardens were embedded within agricultural landscapes. Urbanization was negatively associated with both aphidophagous alien and native coccinellids. Synthesis and Applications: Our census of native coccinellid species within residential gardens-a widespread and understudied habitat-was enabled by volunteers. These data will serve as an important baseline to track future changes within coccinellid communities within this region. We found that native coccinellid species richness and native aphidophagous coccinellid abundance in gardens were positively associated with forest habitat at a landscape scale of 2 km. However, our understanding of when and why (overwintering, summer foraging, or both) forest habitats are important remains unclear. Our findings highlight the need to understand how declining aphidophagous native species utilize forest habitats as a conservation priority.},
}

@article {pmid33479296,
year = {2021},
author = {Vázquez-Barrios, V and Boege, K and Sosa-Fuentes, TG and Rojas, P and Wegier, A},
title = {Ongoing ecological and evolutionary consequences by the presence of transgenes in a wild cotton population.},
journal = {Scientific reports},
volume = {11},
number = {1},
pages = {1959},
pmid = {33479296},
issn = {2045-2322},
mesh = {Animals ; Ants/physiology ; *Ecology ; *Evolution, Molecular ; Gene Expression Regulation, Plant ; Gene Flow ; *Genes, Plant ; Gossypium/*genetics/physiology ; Herbivory ; Mexico ; Plant Nectar ; Plants, Genetically Modified/*genetics ; *Transgenes ; },
abstract = {After 25 years of genetically modified cotton cultivation in Mexico, gene flow between transgenic individuals and their wild relatives represents an opportunity for analysing the impacts of the presence of novel genes in ecological and evolutionary processes in natural conditions. We show comprehensive empirical evidence on the physiological, metabolic, and ecological effects of transgene introgression in wild cotton, Gossypium hirsutum. We report that the expression of both the cry and cp4-epsps genes in wild cotton under natural conditions altered extrafloral nectar inducibility and thus, its association with different ant species: the dominance of the defensive species Camponotus planatus in Bt plants, the presence of cp4-epsps without defence role of Monomorium ebeninum ants, and of the invasive species Paratrechina longicornis in wild plants without transgenes. Moreover, we found an increase in herbivore damage to cp4-epsps plants. Our results reveal the influence of transgene expression on native ecological interactions. These findings can be useful in the design of risk assessment methodologies for genetically modified organisms and the in situ conservation of G. hirsutum metapopulations.},
}

Animals
Ants/physiology
*Ecology
*Evolution, Molecular
Gene Expression Regulation, Plant
Gene Flow
*Genes, Plant
Gossypium/*genetics/physiology
Herbivory
Mexico
Plant Nectar
Plants, Genetically Modified/*genetics
*Transgenes

@article {pmid33472872,
year = {2021},
author = {Clutton, EA and Alurralde, G and Repolho, T},
title = {Early developmental stages of native populations of Ciona intestinalis under increased temperature are affected by local habitat history.},
journal = {The Journal of experimental biology},
volume = {224},
number = {Pt 5},
pages = {},
pmid = {33472872},
issn = {1477-9145},
mesh = {Animals ; *Ciona intestinalis ; Ecosystem ; Larva ; Metamorphosis, Biological ; Temperature ; },
abstract = {Temperature modulates marine ectotherm physiology, influencing survival, abundance and species distribution. While native species could be susceptible to ocean warming, thermal tolerance might favour the spread of non-native species. Determining the success of invasive species in response to climate change is confounded by the cumulative, synergistic or antagonistic effects of environmental drivers, which vary at a geographical and temporal scale. Thus, an organism's acclimation or adaptive potential could play an important evolutionary role by enabling or conditioning species tolerance to stressful environmental conditions. We investigated developmental performance of early life stages of the ascidian Ciona intestinalis (derived from populations of anthropogenically impacted and control sites) to an extreme weather event (i.e. marine heatwave). Fertilization rate, embryo and larval development, settlement, metamorphosis success and juvenile heart rate were assessed as experimental endpoints. With the exception of fertilization and heart rates, temperature influenced all analysed endpoints. C. intestinalis derived from control sites were the most negatively affected by increased temperature conditions. By contrast, C. intestinalis from anthropogenically impacted sites showed a positive response to thermal stress, with a higher proportion of larvae development, settlement and metamorphosis success being observed under increased temperature conditions. No differences were observed for heart rates between sampled populations and experimental temperature conditions. Moreover, interaction between temperature and populations was statistically significant for embryo and larvae development, and metamorphosis. We hypothesize that selection resulting from anthropogenic forcing could shape stress resilience of species in their native range and subsequently confer advantageous traits underlying their invasive potential.},
}

Animals
*Ciona intestinalis
Ecosystem
Larva
Metamorphosis, Biological
Temperature

@article {pmid33424318,
year = {2021},
author = {Alharthi, AS and Abd-ElGawad, AM and Assaeed, AM},
title = {Influence of the invasive shrub Nicotiana glauca Graham on the plant seed bank in various locations in Taif region, western of Saudi Arabia.},
journal = {Saudi journal of biological sciences},
volume = {28},
number = {1},
pages = {360-370},
pmid = {33424318},
issn = {1319-562X},
abstract = {Invasive species have been considered as one of the most serious threats to the biodiversity of various ecosystems, particularly in arid regions. The present study aimed to assess the influence of the invasive shrub Nicotiana glauca on the biodiversity of different habitats in Taif region, Saudi Arabia as well as to determine the highest habitat with seed bank of N. glauca. Soil samples were collected from three locations (Alwaht, Ash-shafa, and Ar Ruddaf), invaded with N. glauca, and analyzed for the soil seed bank. A soil seed experiment was designed in a greenhouse, whereby emerged plant seedlings were left to grow for three months and identified as well as the species density and biodiversity were assessed under and outside the canopy of N. glauca. Also, the floristic composition, life forms, and chorotype spectra of the plant species of the seed bank were analyzed. A total of 42 species, belonging to 23 families, were recorded in the soil seed bank. Asteraceae, Poaceae, and Cyperaceae were the major families (42.9%). The life form spectra of the recorded species were dominated by Therophytes (59.5%). Chorotype spectra analysis revealed that Mediterranean, Saharo-Arabian, and Irano-Turanian were the most represented elements. The species richness and evenness were higher outside the canopy, which indicates a negative effect of the invasive shrub N. glauca on the plant biodiversity in the study area, particularly in Ar Ruddaf location. This could be attributed to the competition or allelopathic effect of N. glauca. In contrast, the density of N. glauca seeds was higher under the canopy compared to outside. The soil nutrients and moisture under the canopy were higher than outside canopy. The present study provides a deeper understanding of the most susceptible habitats or communities to the invasion by N. glauca and thereby open the challenge toward control of this noxious plant and vegetation restoration.},
}

@article {pmid32997384,
year = {2021},
author = {Landis, WG},
title = {The Origin, Development, Application, Lessons Learned, and Future Regarding the Bayesian Network Relative Risk Model for Ecological Risk Assessment.},
journal = {Integrated environmental assessment and management},
volume = {17},
number = {1},
pages = {79-94},
doi = {10.1002/ieam.4351},
pmid = {32997384},
issn = {1551-3793},
support = {MWD Agreement No. 189788//California Metropolitan Water District/ ; 1935018//National Science Foundation/ ; 19-C0030//California Department of Pesticide Regulation/ ; },
mesh = {Bayes Theorem ; *Environmental Monitoring ; Humans ; *Risk Assessment ; Rivers ; *Water Pollutants, Chemical/analysis/toxicity ; },
abstract = {In 2012, a regional risk assessment was published that applied Bayesian networks (BN) to the structure of the relative risk model. The original structure of the relative risk model (RRM) was published in the late 1990s and developed during the next decade. The RRM coupled with a Monte Carlo analysis was applied to calculating risk to a number of sites and a variety of questions. The sites included watersheds, terrestrial systems, and marine environments and included stressors such as nonindigenous species, effluents, pesticides, nutrients, and management options. However, it became apparent that there were limits to the original approach. In 2009, the relative risk model was transitioned into the structure of a BN. Bayesian networks had several clear advantages. First, BNs innately incorporated categories and, as in the case of the relative risk model, ranks to describe systems. Second, interactions between multiple stressors can be combined using several pathways and the conditional probability tables (CPT) to calculate outcomes. Entropy analysis was the method used to document model sensitivity. As with the RRM, the method has now been applied to a wide series of sites and questions, from forestry management, to invasive species, to disease, the interaction of ecological and human health endpoints, the flows of large rivers, and now the efficacy and risks of synthetic biology. The application of both methods have pointed to the incompleteness of the fields of environmental chemistry, toxicology, and risk assessment. The low frequency of exposure-response experiments and proper analysis have limited the available outputs for building appropriate CPTs. Interactions between multiple chemicals, landscape characteristics, population dynamics and community structure have been poorly characterized even for critical environments. A better strategy might have been to first look at the requirements of modern risk assessment approaches and then set research priorities. Integr Environ Assess Manag 2021;17:79-94. © 2020 SETAC.},
}

Bayes Theorem
*Environmental Monitoring
Humans
*Risk Assessment
Rivers
*Water Pollutants, Chemical/analysis/toxicity

@article {pmid32989855,
year = {2021},
author = {Thusithana, V and Amarasekara, RWK and Gehan Jayasuriya, KMG and Gama-Arachchige, NS and Baskin, CC and Baskin, JM},
title = {Seed dormancy of Cardiospermum halicacabum (Sapindaceae) from three precipitation zones in Sri Lanka.},
journal = {Plant biology (Stuttgart, Germany)},
volume = {23},
number = {1},
pages = {148-155},
doi = {10.1111/plb.13189},
pmid = {32989855},
issn = {1438-8677},
mesh = {*Climate ; Germination ; *Plant Dormancy ; Rain ; Sapindaceae/*physiology ; Seeds/*physiology ; Sri Lanka ; },
abstract = {This study investigated seed germination of Cardiospermum halicacabum, a medicinally important invasive species. We compared mass, moisture content (MC), dormancy and dormancy-breaking treatments and imbibition and germination of scarified and non-scarified seeds of C. halicacabum from a low-elevation dry zone (DZ), low-elevation wet zone (WZ1) and mid-elevation wet zone (WZ2) in Sri Lanka to test the hypothesis that the percentage of seeds with water-impermeable seed coats (physical dormancy, PY) decreases with increased precipitation. Seed mass was higher in WZ2 than in DZ and WZ1, while seed MC did not vary among the zones. All scarified DZ, WZ1 and WZ2 and non-scarified DZ and WZ1 seeds imbibed water, but only a few non-scarified WZ2 seeds did so. When DZ and WZ1 seeds were desiccated, MC and percentage imbibition decreased, showing that these seeds have the ability to develop PY. GA3 promoted germination of embryos excised from fresh DZ and WZ1 seeds and of scarified WZ2 seeds. At maturity, seeds from DZ and WZ1 had only physiological dormancy (PD), while those from WZ2 had combinational dormancy (PY+PD). Thus, our hypothesis was not supported. Since a high percentage of excised embryos developed into normal seedlings; this is a low-cost method to produce C. halicacabum plants for medicinal and ornamental purposes.},
}

*Climate
Germination
*Plant Dormancy
Rain
Sapindaceae/*physiology
Seeds/*physiology
Sri Lanka

@article {pmid32431739,
year = {2020},
author = {Pabijan, M and Palomar, G and Antunes, B and Antoł, W and Zieliński, P and Babik, W},
title = {Evolutionary principles guiding amphibian conservation.},
journal = {Evolutionary applications},
volume = {13},
number = {5},
pages = {857-878},
pmid = {32431739},
issn = {1752-4571},
abstract = {The Anthropocene has witnessed catastrophic amphibian declines across the globe. A multitude of new, primarily human-induced drivers of decline may lead to extinction, but can also push species onto novel evolutionary trajectories. If these are recognized by amphibian biologists, they can be engaged in conservation actions. Here, we summarize how principles stemming from evolutionary concepts have been applied for conservation purposes, and address emerging ideas at the vanguard of amphibian conservation science. In particular, we examine the consequences of increased drift and inbreeding in small populations and their implications for practical conservation. We then review studies of connectivity between populations at the landscape level, which have emphasized the limiting influence of anthropogenic structures and degraded habitat on genetic cohesion. The rapid pace of environmental changes leads to the central question of whether amphibian populations can cope either by adapting to new conditions or by shifting their ranges. We gloomily conclude that extinction seems far more likely than adaptation or range shifts for most species. That said, conservation strategies employing evolutionary principles, such as selective breeding, introduction of adaptive variants through translocations, ecosystem interventions aimed at decreasing phenotype-environment mismatch, or genetic engineering, may effectively counter amphibian decline in some areas or for some species. The spread of invasive species and infectious diseases has often had disastrous consequences, but has also provided some premier examples of rapid evolution with conservation implications. Much can be done in terms of setting aside valuable amphibian habitat that should encompass both natural and agricultural areas, as well as designing protected areas to maximize the phylogenetic and functional diversity of the amphibian community. We conclude that an explicit consideration and application of evolutionary principles, although certainly not a silver bullet, should increase effectiveness of amphibian conservation in both the short and long term.},
}

@article {pmid32244271,
year = {2020},
author = {Lucardi, RD and Wallace, LE and Ervin, GN},
title = {Patterns of Genetic Diversity in Highly Invasive Species: Cogongrass (Imperata cylindrica) Expansion in the Invaded Range of the Southern United States (US).},
journal = {Plants (Basel, Switzerland)},
volume = {9},
number = {4},
pages = {},
pmid = {32244271},
issn = {2223-7747},
support = {04HQAG0135//U.S. Geological Survey/ ; 2006-03613//U.S. Department of Agriculture/ ; 2008-35320-18679//U.S. Department of Agriculture/ ; },
abstract = {The spatial expansions of invasive organisms in the novel range are generally expected to follow an isolation-by-distance relationship (IBD) if the invasion is biologically driven; however, many invasions are facilitated anthropogenically. This research focused on the extant expansion patterns of cogongrass (Imperata cylindrica). Cogongrass is a widespread invasive species throughout the southern United States (US). Patterns of infestation vary among US states. Cogongrass is pyrogenic, and its invasion threatens softwood (Pinus spp.) plantations, a substantial economic market for this US region. Over 600 individuals were sampled from seven invaded US states, using amplified fragment length polymorphisms (AFLPs) to assess genetic diversity and population structure. We suspected that differences in historical management efforts among US states influenced differences in genetic diversity and structure. We detected two genetic lineages at the highest level of analysis. One genetic lineage was locally restricted, whereas the other was found throughout the study region. Admixed individuals were found in all US states and consistently co-occurred with the dominant lineage, suggesting that secondary contact and hybridization may have facilitated expansion. The widespread prevalence of only one of the two detected genetic lineages suggests a primary genetic lineage responsible for on-going population expansion in the US.},
}

@article {pmid32032396,
year = {2020},
author = {Froehly, JL and Beane, NR and Evans, DE and Cagle, KE and Jachowski, DS},
title = {Using multi-scale behavioral investigations to inform wild pig (Sus scrofa) population management.},
journal = {PloS one},
volume = {15},
number = {2},
pages = {e0228705},
pmid = {32032396},
issn = {1932-6203},
mesh = {Animals ; Animals, Wild/physiology ; *Behavior, Animal ; Diet/veterinary ; Ecosystem ; Female ; Male ; Proportional Hazards Models ; Seasons ; Swine ; Temperature ; },
abstract = {Assessing invasive species ecology at multiple scales is needed to understand how to focus ecological monitoring and population control. As a widespread invasive species, wild pigs (Sus scrofa) frequently disrupt land management programs. We provide a detailed, multi-scaled view of the behavior of wild pigs at Fort Hood, Texas, USA by assessing seasonal and daily movement patterns, and diet. First, we quantified movement behavior through assessment of both seasonal home range size and first passage time movement behavior from 16 GPS-collared wild pigs. Home ranges were relatively large (mean: 10.472 km2, SD: 0.472 km2), and Cox proportional hazard models predicted that pigs moved slowest at temperature extremes (15< °C <30), in the spring, in rougher terrain, and in grassland communities. Secondly, we analyzed wild pig stomach contents to determine diet throughout the year. Diet was primarily plant-based, and showed seasonal variation in such items as hard and soft mast, and the foliage of forbs and woody plants. Integration of both movement and diet analyses indicate that wild pigs are more likely to be lured into baited traps in the winter when movement rates are highest and plant-based food resources are likely less abundant. Wild pigs are likely to have the greatest impact on vegetative communities in grassland habitats during the spring season when movement is restricted. Collectively, this multi-scaled approach provided detailed information on wild pig behavioral ecology in this area that would not have been apparent by looking at any single measure individually or only at a large spatial scale (i.e., home range), and could be a useful approach in other invasive species management programs.},
}

Animals
Animals, Wild/physiology
*Behavior, Animal
Diet/veterinary
Ecosystem
Female
Male
Proportional Hazards Models
Seasons
Swine
Temperature

@article {pmid29698123,
year = {2018},
author = {Lama, JK and Bachoon, DS},
title = {Detection of Brucella suis, Campylobacter jejuni, and Escherichia coli Strains in Feral Pig (Sus scrofa) Communities of Georgia.},
journal = {Vector borne and zoonotic diseases (Larchmont, N.Y.)},
volume = {18},
number = {7},
pages = {350-355},
doi = {10.1089/vbz.2017.2187},
pmid = {29698123},
issn = {1557-7759},
mesh = {Animals ; *Animals, Wild ; Brucella suis/*isolation & purification ; Brucellosis/epidemiology/microbiology/veterinary ; Campylobacter Infections/epidemiology/microbiology/veterinary ; Campylobacter jejuni/*isolation & purification ; Escherichia coli/*isolation & purification ; Escherichia coli Infections/epidemiology/microbiology/veterinary ; Feces/microbiology ; Swine ; Swine Diseases/epidemiology/*microbiology ; Zoonoses ; },
abstract = {Feral pigs (Sus scrofa) are an environmentally destructive invasive species that act as a reservoir for zoonotic pathogens. The aim of this study was to determine the presence of Brucella suis, Campylobacter jejuni, and of Escherichia coli in feces of feral pigs from Georgia. Fecal samples were collected from 87 feral pigs from forested and agricultural regions of Georgia. DNA was extracted from the fecal samples and quantitative PCR (qPCR) was used to screen for each of the four pathogens. The qPCR assays indicated that B. suis and eaeA-containing strains of E. coli was present in about 22% and 28% of the samples, respectively. C. jejuni was undetected in any of the feral pig fecal samples. The incidence of B. suis was higher in the pigs from forested region, whereas E. coli strains possessing eaeA gene incidence was higher in the pigs from agricultural regions. In Georgia, feral pigs harbor infectious agents and are a growing threat to the transmission of pathogens to native wildlife, humans, and food crops.},
}

Animals
*Animals, Wild
Brucella suis/*isolation & purification
Brucellosis/epidemiology/microbiology/veterinary
Campylobacter Infections/epidemiology/microbiology/veterinary
Campylobacter jejuni/*isolation & purification
Escherichia coli/*isolation & purification
Escherichia coli Infections/epidemiology/microbiology/veterinary
Feces/microbiology
Swine
Swine Diseases/epidemiology/*microbiology
Zoonoses

@article {pmid29321862,
year = {2018},
author = {Robeson, MS and Khanipov, K and Golovko, G and Wisely, SM and White, MD and Bodenchuck, M and Smyser, TJ and Fofanov, Y and Fierer, N and Piaggio, AJ},
title = {Assessing the utility of metabarcoding for diet analyses of the omnivorous wild pig (Sus scrofa).},
journal = {Ecology and evolution},
volume = {8},
number = {1},
pages = {185-196},
pmid = {29321862},
issn = {2045-7758},
abstract = {Wild pigs (Sus scrofa) are an invasive species descended from both domestic swine and Eurasian wild boar that was introduced to North America during the early 1500s. Wild pigs have since become the most abundant free-ranging exotic ungulate in the United States. Large and ever-increasing populations of wild pigs negatively impact agriculture, sport hunting, and native ecosystems with costs estimated to exceed $1.5 billion/year within the United States. Wild pigs are recognized as generalist feeders, able to exploit a broad array of locally available food resources, yet their feeding behaviors remain poorly understood as partially digested material is often unidentifiable through traditional stomach content analyses. To overcome the limitation of stomach content analyses, we developed a DNA sequencing-based protocol to describe the plant and animal diet composition of wild pigs. Additionally, we developed and evaluated blocking primers to reduce the amplification and sequencing of host DNA, thus providing greater returns of sequences from diet items. We demonstrate that the use of blocking primers produces significantly more sequencing reads per sample from diet items, which increases the robustness of ascertaining animal diet composition with molecular tools. Further, we show that the overall plant and animal diet composition is significantly different between the three areas sampled, demonstrating this approach is suitable for describing differences in diet composition among the locations.},
}

@article {pmid28837610,
year = {2017},
author = {Pepin, KM and Davis, AJ and Cunningham, FL and VerCauteren, KC and Eckery, DC},
title = {Potential effects of incorporating fertility control into typical culling regimes in wild pig populations.},
journal = {PloS one},
volume = {12},
number = {8},
pages = {e0183441},
pmid = {28837610},
issn = {1932-6203},
mesh = {Animals ; *Animals, Wild ; *Contraception ; Stochastic Processes ; Swine/*physiology ; },
abstract = {Effective management of widespread invasive species such as wild pigs (Sus scrofa) is limited by resources available to devote to the effort. Better insight of the effectiveness of different management strategies on population dynamics is important for guiding decisions of resource allocation over space and time. Using a dynamic population model, we quantified effects of culling intensities and time between culling events on population dynamics of wild pigs in the USA using empirical culling patterns and data-based demographic parameters. In simulated populations closed to immigration, substantial population declines (50-100%) occurred within 4 years when 20-60% of the population was culled annually, but when immigration from surrounding areas occurred, there was a maximum of 50% reduction, even with the maximum culling intensity of 60%. Incorporating hypothetical levels of fertility control with realistic culling intensities was most effective in reducing populations when they were closed to immigration and when intrinsic population growth rate was too high (> = 1.78) to be controlled by culling alone. However, substantial benefits from fertility control used in conjunction with culling may only occur over a narrow range of net population growth rates (i.e., where net is the result of intrinsic growth rates and culling) that varies depending on intrinsic population growth rate. The management implications are that the decision to use fertility control in conjunction with culling should rely on concurrent consideration of achievable culling intensity, underlying demographic parameters, and costs of culling and fertility control. The addition of fertility control reduced abundance substantially more than culling alone, however the effects of fertility control were weaker than in populations without immigration. Because these populations were not being reduced substantially by culling alone, fertility control could be an especially helpful enhancement to culling for reducing abundance to target levels in areas where immigration can't be prevented.},
}

Animals
*Animals, Wild
*Contraception
Stochastic Processes
Swine/*physiology

@article {pmid28612702,
year = {2017},
author = {Mar, TB and Xavier, CAD and Lima, ATM and Nogueira, AM and Silva, JCF and Ramos-Sobrinho, R and Lau, D and Zerbini, FM},
title = {Genetic variability and population structure of the New World begomovirus Euphorbia yellow mosaic virus.},
journal = {The Journal of general virology},
volume = {98},
number = {6},
pages = {1537-1551},
doi = {10.1099/jgv.0.000784},
pmid = {28612702},
issn = {1465-2099},
mesh = {Begomovirus/*classification/*genetics/isolation & purification ; Brazil ; Euphorbia/*virology ; Evolution, Molecular ; *Genetic Variation ; Haplotypes ; *Phylogeography ; Plant Diseases/*virology ; },
abstract = {The emergence of begomoviruses (whitefly-transmitted viruses classified in the genus Begomovirus, family Geminiviridae) in Brazil probably occurred by horizontal transfer from non-cultivated plants after the introduction of Bemisia tabaci MEAM1. The centre of diversity of Euphorbia heterophylla (Euphorbiaceae) is located in Brazil and Paraguay, where it is an invasive species in soybean and other crops. Reports of possible begomovirus infection of E. heterophylla in Brazil date back to the 1950s. In 2011, Euphorbia yellow mosaic virus (EuYMV) was described in symptomatic plants collected in the Brazilian state of Goiás. Here we assess the genetic variability and population structure of begomoviruses infecting E. heterophylla in samples collected throughout nine Brazilian states from 2009 to 2014. A total of 158 and 57 haplotypes were compared in DNA-A and DNA-B datasets, respectively. Analysis comparing population structure in a large sampled area enabled us to differentiate two subpopulations. Further, the application of discriminant analysis of principal components allowed the differentiation of six subpopulations according to sampling locations and in agreement with phylogenetic analysis. In general, negative selection was predominant in all six subpopulations. Interestingly, we were able to reconstruct the phylogeny based on the information from the 23 sites that contributed most to the geographical structure proposed, demonstrating that these polymorphisms hold supporting information to discriminate between subpopulations. These sites were mapped in the genome and compared at the level of amino acid changes, providing insights into how genetic drift and selection contribute to maintain the patterns of begomovirus population variability from a geographical structuring point of view.},
}

Begomovirus/*classification/*genetics/isolation & purification
Brazil
Euphorbia/*virology
Evolution, Molecular
*Genetic Variation
Haplotypes
*Phylogeography
Plant Diseases/*virology

@article {pmid27168647,
year = {2016},
author = {Torrini, G and Mazza, G and Strangi, A and Barabaschi, D and Landi, S and Mori, E and Menchetti, M and Sposimo, P and Giuliani, C and Zoccola, A and Lazzaro, L and Ferretti, G and Foggi, B and Roversi, PF},
title = {Oscheius tipulae in Italy: Evidence of an Alien Isolate in the Integral Natural Reserve of Montecristo Island (Tuscany).},
journal = {Journal of nematology},
volume = {48},
number = {1},
pages = {8-13},
pmid = {27168647},
issn = {0022-300X},
abstract = {Montecristo Island is an integral natural reserve of the Tuscan Archipelago National Park (Central Italy), characterized by a peculiar assemblage of flora and fauna, with several endemic taxa, and also with a high number of alien species. During a soil survey, we found an alien Oscheius tipulae Lam & Webster, 1971 isolate, phylogenetically close to others from South America. In this article, we examined the possible pathways of introduction of this nematode. Because of the high number of alien plants in this protected area and the low desiccation survival ability of O. tipulae, we hypothesized that the presence of this alien nematode isolate may be related to the soil of introduced plants, although historical association with plant-associated invertebrates is also possible. Further studies with more populations and marker molecules are necessary to investigate the distribution of O. tipulae and the possible impact on this natural reserve.},
}

@article {pmid26045054,
year = {2015},
author = {Costa, MI and dos Anjos, L},
title = {Integrated Pest Management in a Predator-Prey System with Allee Effects.},
journal = {Neotropical entomology},
volume = {44},
number = {4},
pages = {385-391},
pmid = {26045054},
issn = {1678-8052},
mesh = {Animals ; *Models, Theoretical ; Pest Control, Biological/*methods ; *Predatory Behavior ; },
abstract = {A commonly used biocontrol strategy to control invasive pests with Allee effects consists of the deliberate introduction of natural enemies. To enhance the effectiveness of this strategy, several tactics of control of invasive species (e.g., mass-trapping, manual removal of individuals, and pesticide spraying) are combined so as to impair pest outbreaks. This combination of strategies to control pest species dynamics are usually named integrated pest management (IPM). In this work, we devise a predator-prey dynamical model in order to assess the influence of the intensity of chemical killing on the success of an IPM. The biological and mathematical framework presented in this study can also be analyzed in the light of species conservation and food web dynamics theory.},
}

Animals
*Models, Theoretical
Pest Control, Biological/*methods
*Predatory Behavior

@article {pmid25878545,
year = {2015},
author = {van Noort, S and Buffington, ML and Forshage, M},
title = {Afrotropical cynipoidea (hymenoptera).},
journal = {ZooKeys},
volume = {},
number = {493},
pages = {1-176},
pmid = {25878545},
issn = {1313-2989},
abstract = {The Afrotropical Cynipoidea are represented by 306 described species and 54 genera in four families: Cynipidae, Figitidae, Liopteridae and Ibaliidae, the latter represented by a single introduced species. Seven of these genera are only represented by undescribed species in the region. Seven new genus-level synonymies, one genus resurrected from synonymy, 54 new combinations, one combination reinstated, and one new replacement name are presented. We provide identification keys to the families, subfamilies and genera of cynipoid wasps occurring in the Afrotropical region (Africa south of the Sahara, including Madagascar and southern Arabian Peninsula). Online interactive Lucid Phoenix and Lucid matrix keys are available at: http://www.waspweb.org/Cynipoidea/Keys/index.htm. An overview of the biology and checklists of species for each genus are provided. This paper constitutes the first contributory chapter to the book on Afrotropical Hymenoptera.},
}

@article {pmid25558352,
year = {2014},
author = {Guo, WY and Lambertini, C and Nguyen, LX and Li, XZ and Brix, H},
title = {Preadaptation and post-introduction evolution facilitate the invasion of Phragmites australis in North America.},
journal = {Ecology and evolution},
volume = {4},
number = {24},
pages = {4567-4577},
pmid = {25558352},
issn = {2045-7758},
abstract = {Compared with non-invasive species, invasive plant species may benefit from certain advantageous traits, for example, higher photosynthesis capacity and resource/energy-use efficiency. These traits can be preadapted prior to introduction, but can also be acquired through evolution following introduction to the new range. Disentangling the origins of these advantageous traits is a fundamental and emerging question in invasion ecology. We conducted a multiple comparative experiment under identical environmental condition with the invasive haplotype M lineage of the wetland grass Phragmites australis and compared the ecophysiological traits of this invasive haplotype M in North America with those of the European ancestor and the conspecific North American native haplotype E lineage, P. australis ssp. americanus. The invasive haplotype M differed significantly from the native North American conspecific haplotype E in several ecophysiological and morphological traits, and the European haplotype M had a more efficient photosynthetic apparatus than the native North American P. australis ssp. americanus. Within the haplotype M lineage, the introduced North American P. australis exhibited different biomass allocation patterns and resource/energy-use strategies compared to its European ancestor group. A discriminant analysis of principal components separated the haplotype M and the haplotype E lineages completely along the first canonical axis, highly related to photosynthetic gas-exchange parameters, photosynthetic energy-use efficiency and payback time. The second canonical axis, highly related to photosynthetic nitrogen use efficiency and construction costs, significantly separated the introduced P. australis in North America from its European ancestor. Synthesis. We conclude that the European P. australis lineage was preadapted to be invasive prior to its introduction, and that the invasion in North America is further stimulated by rapid post-introduction evolution in several advantageous traits. The multicomparison approach used in this study could be an effective approach for distinguishing preadaptation and post-introduction evolution of invasive species. Further research is needed to link the observed changes in invasive traits to the genetic variation and the interaction with the environment.},
}

@article {pmid25436968,
year = {2014},
author = {Lei, J and Booth, DT},
title = {Temperature, field activity and post-feeding metabolic response in the Asian house gecko, Hemidactylus frenatus.},
journal = {Journal of thermal biology},
volume = {45},
number = {},
pages = {175-180},
doi = {10.1016/j.jtherbio.2014.09.006},
pmid = {25436968},
issn = {0306-4565},
mesh = {Acclimatization ; Animals ; *Basal Metabolism ; *Body Temperature ; Cold Temperature ; Digestion ; *Eating ; Lizards/metabolism/*physiology ; },
abstract = {Temperature has significant effects on physiological activities and geographical distribution of ectotherms. The Asian house gecko Hemidactylus frenatus has become one of the most widely distributed reptiles in the world and is an invasive species in Australia. Since being introduced into northern Australia, Asian house geckos have spread rapidly and expanded into south-east Queensland and northern New South Wales. Despite their rapid spread, there have been few studies that address thermal adaptability of this species. In order to understand how temperature might limit the distribution and feeding behavior of H. frenatus we observed gecko foraging activities in the wild over the winter period, measured the temperature at which voluntary feeding ceases, and assessed the effect of temperature (30, 25, 20, and 18 °C) on post-feeding metabolic rate. Resting metabolic rate and post-feeding peak in metabolic rate decreased with low temperature, while the duration of elevated metabolic rate after feeding increased at lower temperature. The SDA coefficient (a ratio of the energy expended due to the post-feeding rise in metabolic rate to the energy contained within the meal) did not change systematically with ambient temperature. Field observations and voluntary feeding experiments showed that H. frenatus stop feeding when ambient temperature drops below 17 °C, so that persistent night time temperatures below 17 °C may be limiting the distribution of this species.},
}

Acclimatization
Animals
*Basal Metabolism
*Body Temperature
Cold Temperature
Digestion
*Eating
Lizards/metabolism/*physiology

@article {pmid25000771,
year = {2014},
author = {Fritschie, KJ and Cardinale, BJ and Alexandrou, MA and Oakley, TH},
title = {Evolutionary history and the strength of species interactions: testing the phylogenetic limiting similarity hypothesis.},
journal = {Ecology},
volume = {95},
number = {5},
pages = {1407-1417},
doi = {10.1890/13-0986.1},
pmid = {25000771},
issn = {0012-9658},
mesh = {*Biological Evolution ; Models, Biological ; *Phylogeny ; Phytoplankton/*genetics/*physiology ; Species Specificity ; },
abstract = {A longstanding concept in community ecology is that closely related species compete more strongly than distant relatives. Ecologists have invoked this "limiting similarity hypothesis" to explain patterns in the structure and function of biological communities and to inform conservation, restoration, and invasive-species management. However, few studies have empirically tested the validity of the limiting similarity hypothesis. Here we report the results of a laboratory microcosm experiment in which we used a model system of 23 common, co-occurring North American freshwater green algae to quantify the strength of 216 pairwise species' interactions (the difference in population density when grown alone vs. in the presence of another species) along a manipulated gradient of evolutionary relatedness (phylogenetic distance, as the sum of branch lengths separating species on a molecular phylogeny). Interspecific interactions varied widely in these bicultures of phytoplankton, ranging from strong competition (ratio of relative yield in polyculture vs. monoculture << 1) to moderate facilitation (relative yield > 1). Yet, we found no evidence that the strength of species' interactions was influenced by their evolutionary relatedness. There was no relationship between phylogenetic distance and the average, minimum (inferior competitor), nor maximum (superior competitor) interaction strength across all biculture communities (respectively, P = 0.19, P = 0.17, P = 0.14; N = 428). When we examined each individual species, only 17% of individual species' interactions strengths varied as a function of phylogenetic distance, and none of these relationships remained significant after Bonferoni correction for multiple tests (N = 23). Last, when we grouped interactions into five qualitatively different types, the frequency of these types was not related to phylogenetic distance among species pairs (F4,422 = 1.63, P = 0.15). Our empirical study adds to several others that suggest the biological underpinnings of competition may not be evolutionarily conserved, and thus, ecologists may need to re-evaluate the previously assumed generality of the limiting similarity hypothesis.},
}

*Biological Evolution
Models, Biological
*Phylogeny
Phytoplankton/*genetics/*physiology
Species Specificity

@article {pmid22879960,
year = {2012},
author = {Cook, DC and Liu, S and Edwards, J and Villalta, ON and Aurambout, JP and Kriticos, DJ and Drenth, A and De Barro, PJ},
title = {Predicting the benefits of banana bunchy top virus exclusion from commercial plantations in Australia.},
journal = {PloS one},
volume = {7},
number = {8},
pages = {e42391},
pmid = {22879960},
issn = {1932-6203},
mesh = {Australia ; Babuvirus/*isolation & purification/*physiology ; Models, Biological ; Musa/*virology ; Time Factors ; },
abstract = {Benefit cost analysis is a tried and tested analytical framework that can clearly communicate likely net changes in producer welfare from investment decisions to diverse stakeholder audiences. However, in a plant biosecurity context, it is often difficult to predict policy benefits over time due to complex biophysical interactions between invasive species, their hosts, and the environment. In this paper, we demonstrate how a break-even style benefit cost analysis remains highly relevant to biosecurity decision-makers using the example of banana bunchy top virus, a plant pathogen targeted for eradication from banana growing regions of Australia. We develop an analytical approach using a stratified diffusion spread model to simulate the likely benefits of exclusion of this virus from commercial banana plantations over time relative to a nil management scenario in which no surveillance or containment activities take place. Using Monte Carlo simulation to generate a range of possible future incursion scenarios, we predict the exclusion benefits of the disease will avoid Aus$15.9-27.0 million in annual losses for the banana industry. For these exclusion benefits to be reduced to zero would require a bunchy top re-establishment event in commercial banana plantations three years in every four. Sensitivity analysis indicates that exclusion benefits can be greatly enhanced through improvements in disease surveillance and incursion response.},
}

Australia
Babuvirus/*isolation & purification/*physiology
Models, Biological
Musa/*virology
Time Factors

@article {pmid20653904,
year = {2010},
author = {Krebs, C and Mahy, G and Matthies, D and Schaffner, U and Tiébré, MS and Bizoux, JP},
title = {Taxa distribution and RAPD markers indicate different origin and regional differentiation of hybrids in the invasive Fallopia complex in central-western Europe.},
journal = {Plant biology (Stuttgart, Germany)},
volume = {12},
number = {1},
pages = {215-223},
doi = {10.1111/j.1438-8677.2009.00219.x},
pmid = {20653904},
issn = {1438-8677},
mesh = {Bayes Theorem ; *Chimera ; Cluster Analysis ; DNA, Plant/genetics ; Genetic Variation ; Genotype ; Geography ; Germany ; *Hybridization, Genetic ; Phenotype ; Polygonaceae/classification/*genetics ; *Random Amplified Polymorphic DNA Technique ; Sequence Analysis, DNA ; Switzerland ; },
abstract = {Interspecific hybridization can be a driving force for evolutionary processes during plant invasions, by increasing genetic variation and creating novel gene combinations, thereby promoting genetic differentiation among populations of invasive species in the introduced range. We examined regional genetic structure in the invasive Fallopia complex, consisting of F. japonica var. japonica, F. sachalinensis and their hybrid F. x bohemica, in seven regions in Germany and Switzerland using RAPD analysis and flow cytometry. All individuals identified as F. japonica var. japonica had the same RAPD phenotype, while F. sachalinensis (11 RAPD phenotypes for 11 sampled individuals) and F. x bohemica (24 RAPD phenotypes for 32 sampled individuals) showed high genotypic diversity. Bayesian cluster analysis revealed three distinct genetic clusters. The majority of F. x bohemica individuals were assigned to a unique genetic cluster that differed from those of the parental species, while the other F. x bohemica individuals had different degrees of admixture to the three genetic clusters. At the regional scale, the occurrence of male-fertile F. sachalinensis coincided with the distribution of F. x bohemica plants showing a high percentage of assignment to both parental species, suggesting that they originated from hybridization between the parental species. In contrast, in regions where male-fertile F. sachalinensis were absent, F. x bohemica belonged to the non-admixed genetic group, indicating multiple introductions of hybrids or sexual reproduction among hybrids. We also found regional differentiation in the gene pool of F. x bohemica, with individuals within the same region more similar to each other than to individuals from different regions.},
}

Bayes Theorem
*Chimera
Cluster Analysis
DNA, Plant/genetics
Genetic Variation
Genotype
Geography
Germany
*Hybridization, Genetic
Phenotype
Polygonaceae/classification/*genetics
*Random Amplified Polymorphic DNA Technique
Sequence Analysis, DNA
Switzerland

@article {pmid18828658,
year = {2008},
author = {Shimatani, Y and Takeshita, T and Tatsuzawa, S and Ikeda, T and Masuda, R},
title = {Genetic identification of mammalian carnivore species in the Kushiro Wetland, eastern Hokkaido, Japan, by analysis of fecal DNA.},
journal = {Zoological science},
volume = {25},
number = {7},
pages = {714-720},
doi = {10.2108/zsj.25.714},
pmid = {18828658},
issn = {0289-0003},
mesh = {Animals ; Astacoidea/genetics ; Carnivora/*classification/*genetics ; DNA/*analysis/genetics ; Feces/chemistry ; *Food Chain ; Japan ; Mammals ; Polymerase Chain Reaction ; Species Specificity ; *Wetlands ; },
abstract = {To identify mammalian carnivore species distributed in the Kushiro Wetland, eastern Hokkaido, Japan, we developed molecular-genetic methods for identification of the species from fecal samples collected from the field. Species-specific primers and PCR programs were established for five native and six alien species of carnivores: Martes zibellina, Mustela nivalis, Mustela erminea, Vulpes vulpes, and Nyctereutes procyonoides as native species, and Neovison vison, Martes melampus, Mustela itatsi, Canis familiaris, Felis catus, and Procyon lotor as alien species in Hokkaido. Touchdown PCR, in which the annealing temperature is decreased 1 degrees C every cycle, was more effective for some species from which fecal DNA was not amplified species-specifically with standard PCR programs. Of 405 fecal samples collected from the Kushiro Wetland, the species of origin of 246 samples were successfully identified: 88 samples for N. vison, 140 for M. zibellina, 13 for V. vulpes, four for C. familiaris and one for F. catus. The results show the particular applicability of this method to monitoring M. zibellina and N. vison. In addition, methods to PCR-amplify DNA from two crayfish species (Pacifastacus leniusculus and Cambaroides japonicus) were developed to determine whether the carnivore fecal samples contained detectable DNA from the prey crayfishes. DNA from P. leniusculus was amplified from feces of N. vison identified in the present study, but no DNA from C. japonicus was detected. This indicates that N. vison preys on the alien species P. leniusculus.},
}

Animals
Astacoidea/genetics
Carnivora/*classification/*genetics
DNA/*analysis/genetics
Feces/chemistry
*Food Chain
Japan
Mammals
Polymerase Chain Reaction
Species Specificity
*Wetlands

@article {pmid17203341,
year = {2007},
author = {Smith, PG},
title = {Characteristics of urban natural areas influencing winter bird use in southern Ontario, Canada.},
journal = {Environmental management},
volume = {39},
number = {3},
pages = {338-352},
pmid = {17203341},
issn = {0364-152X},
mesh = {Animals ; *Birds ; *Ecosystem ; Ontario ; Population Dynamics ; *Seasons ; Species Specificity ; *Urbanization ; },
abstract = {Characteristics of urban natural areas and surrounding landscapes were identified that best explain winter bird use for 28 urban natural areas in southern Ontario, Canada. The research confirms for winter birds the importance of area (size) and natural vegetation, rather than managed, horticultural parkland, within urban natural areas as well as percent urban land use and natural habitat in surrounding landscapes. Alien bird density and percent ground feeding species increased with percent surrounding urban land use. Higher percent forest cover was associated with higher percentages of forest, bark feeding, small (<20 g) and insectivorous species. Natural area size (ha) was related to higher species richness, lower evenness and higher percentages of insectivorous, forest interior, area-sensitive, upper canopy, bark feeding, and non-resident species. Higher number of habitat types within natural areas and percent natural habitat in surrounding landscapes were also associated with higher species richness. Common, resident bird species dominated small areas (<6.5 ha), while less common non-residents increased with area, indicative of a nested distribution. Areas at least 6.5 ha and more generally >20 ha start to support some area-sensitive species. Areas similar to rural forests had >25% insectivores, >25% forest interior species, >25% small species, and <5% alien species. Indicator species separated urban natural areas from rural habitats and ordination placed urban natural areas along a gradient between urban development and undisturbed, rural forests. More attention is needed on issues of winter bird conservation in urban landscapes.},
}

Animals
*Birds
*Ecosystem
Ontario
Population Dynamics
*Seasons
Species Specificity
*Urbanization

@article {pmid14557868,
year = {2004},
author = {Huxman, TE and Cable, JM and Ignace, DD and Eilts, JA and English, NB and Weltzin, J and Williams, DG},
title = {Response of net ecosystem gas exchange to a simulated precipitation pulse in a semi-arid grassland: the role of native versus non-native grasses and soil texture.},
journal = {Oecologia},
volume = {141},
number = {2},
pages = {295-305},
pmid = {14557868},
issn = {0029-8549},
mesh = {Analysis of Variance ; Arizona ; Carbon/*metabolism ; Carbon Dioxide/metabolism ; *Ecosystem ; Particle Size ; Photosynthesis/physiology ; Plant Transpiration/physiology ; Poaceae/metabolism/*physiology ; *Rain ; Seasons ; *Soil ; Time Factors ; Water/metabolism ; },
abstract = {Physiological activity and structural dynamics in arid and semi-arid ecosystems are driven by discrete inputs or "pulses" of growing season precipitation. Here we describe the short-term dynamics of ecosystem physiology in experimental stands of native (Heteropogon contortus) and invasive (Eragrostis lehmanniana) grasses to an irrigation pulse across two geomorphic surfaces with distinctly different soils: a Pleistocene-aged surface with high clay content in a strongly horizonated soil, and a Holocene-aged surface with low clay content in homogenously structured soils. We evaluated whole-ecosystem and leaf-level CO2 and H2O exchange, soil CO2 efflux, along with plant and soil water status to understand potential constraints on whole-ecosystem carbon exchange during the initiation of the summer monsoon season. Prior to the irrigation pulse, both invasive and native grasses had less negative pre-dawn water potentials (Psipd), greater leaf photosynthetic rates (Anet) and stomatal conductance (gs), and greater rates of net ecosystem carbon exchange (NEE) on the Pleistocene surface than on the Holocene. Twenty-four hours following the experimental application of a 39 mm irrigation pulse, soil CO2 efflux increased leading to all plots losing CO2 to the atmosphere over the course of a day. Invasive species stands had greater evapotranspiration rates (ET) immediately following the precipitation pulse than did native stands, while maximum instantaneous NEE increased for both species and surfaces at roughly the same rate. The differential ET patterns through time were correlated with an earlier decline in NEE in the invasive species as compared to the native species plots. Plots with invasive species accumulated between 5% and 33% of the carbon that plots with the native species accumulated over the 15-day pulse period. Taken together, these results indicate that system CO2 efflux (both the physical displacement of soil CO2 by water along with plant and microbial respiration) strongly controls whole-ecosystem carbon exchange during precipitation pulses. Since CO2 and H2O loss to the atmosphere was partially driven by species effects on soil microclimate, understanding the mechanistic relationships between the soil characteristics, plant ecophysiological responses, and canopy structural dynamics will be important for understanding the effects of shifting precipitation and vegetation patterns in semi-arid environments.},
}

Analysis of Variance
Arizona
Carbon/*metabolism
Carbon Dioxide/metabolism
*Ecosystem
Particle Size
Photosynthesis/physiology
Plant Transpiration/physiology
Poaceae/metabolism/*physiology
*Rain
Seasons
*Soil
Time Factors
Water/metabolism

@article {pmid9109202,
year = {1997},
author = {Moore, HD and Jenkins, NM and Wong, C},
title = {Immunocontraception in rodents: a review of the development of a sperm-based immunocontraceptive vaccine for the grey squirrel (Sciurus carolinensis).},
journal = {Reproduction, fertility, and development},
volume = {9},
number = {1},
pages = {125-129},
doi = {10.1071/r96053},
pmid = {9109202},
issn = {1031-3613},
mesh = {Administration, Oral ; Animals ; Antigens/genetics/immunology ; Contraception, Immunologic/*veterinary ; Female ; Humans ; Male ; Pest Control/*methods ; *Sciuridae ; Spermatozoa/*immunology ; *Vaccines/administration & dosage ; },
abstract = {The strategy for developing contraceptive vaccines for wild rodents will depend on the species. In rats and mice, high all-year birth rates, high levels of dispersal and promiscous mating systems suggest that, if immunocontraception was used alone, > 90% of the population would have to sterilized to achieve the desired control. In Britain, the grey squirrel (Sciurus carolinensis) may be a better candidate to investigate the feasibility of a contraceptive vaccine in rodents. This introduced species is a seasonal breeder with a much lower population turnover than rats or mice. As well as causing damage to woodland, it has ousted the native red squirrel (S. valgaris) from most of the UK. A human and selective method for the control of grey squirrels is therefore highly desirable. Numerous sperm-specific antigens have been identified on rodent spermatozoa. Monoclonal antibodies to particular components block sperm-egg interactions in laboratory animals and cross-react with grey squirrel spermatozoa. In vitro fertilization assays indicate that squirrel sperm-egg binding may be inhibited also. Currently, a cDNA library obtained from grey squirrel testis is being screened to identify genes encoding specific sperm antigens involved in fertilization. Methods of enhancing immunogenicity after oral immunization using microparticle carriers and immune-stimulating complexes are currently under investigation.},
}

Administration, Oral
Animals
Antigens/genetics/immunology
Contraception, Immunologic/*veterinary
Female
Humans
Male
Pest Control/*methods
*Sciuridae
Spermatozoa/*immunology
*Vaccines/administration & dosage

@article {pmid40826163,
year = {2025},
author = {Abiy, E and Degefa, T and Balkew, M and Merga, H and Alemayehu, E and Mitiku, A and Lee, MC and Yan, G and Yewhalaw, D},
title = {Susceptibility of the invasive malaria vector Anopheles stephensi in Ethiopia to novel chemical insecticides and insect growth regulator.},
journal = {Scientific reports},
volume = {15},
number = {1},
pages = {30268},
pmid = {40826163},
issn = {2045-2322},
support = {D43 TW001505, R01 A1050243 and U19 AI129326//NIH,USA/ ; },
}

@article {pmid40824309,
year = {2025},
author = {Schantz, AV and Stutz, R and Steinhoff, A and Peter, N and Klimpel, S},
title = {Metazoan parasite fauna of the American mink (Neogale vison) in comparison with the closely related European mink (Mustela lutreola) in Europe.},
journal = {Parasitology research},
volume = {124},
number = {8},
pages = {92},
pmid = {40824309},
issn = {1432-1955},
abstract = {The American mink Neogale vison is native to North America and was introduced to Europe at the beginning of the twentieth century. Although N. vison is not yet listed as an invasive species in Europe, it is suspected of having negative impacts on native ecosystems. The native European mink Mustela lutreola is considered highly endangered in Europe and the population is continuously declining. It is assumed that the American mink is having an impact on the remaining populations. 50 American mink from Central Europe (Hesse/Germany) were comprehensively examined parasitologically through necropsy and fecal analysis. Further, an extensive literature search on parasitization was done to compare the American and European mink in Europe. Nine parasite species (two ecto- and seven endoparasites) could be identified parasitizing N. vison in this study. Through necropsy, the highest prevalence was achieved by Ixodes ticks with > 65.0%, the most common endoparasite was Isthmiophiora melis with 24.0%. Capillaria putorii and C. aerophila were detected in American mink in Germany for the first time by this investigation. The literature search resulted in the identification of 65 parasite species in twelve European countries for N. vison and 37 parasite species in six European countries for M. lutreola. Neogale vison is superior in body size, establishing well in Europe, appears to carry a more diverse parasite fauna and seems to be in direct competition to the disappearing European mink.},
}

@article {pmid40823256,
year = {2025},
author = {Rohrbach, C and Wallentin, G and Bila Dubaić, J and Lanner, J},
title = {Leveraging sequential least-cost modelling to uncover multiple introductions: a case study of an invasive wild bee species.},
journal = {Landscape ecology},
volume = {40},
number = {8},
pages = {177},
pmid = {40823256},
issn = {0921-2973},
abstract = {CONTEXT: Invasive species pose a significant threat to biodiversity, creating a need for accurate methods to assess their spread. Although multiple introductions are common, estimates of expansion rates often assume a single introduction site due to limited knowledge of population structure.

OBJECTIVES: This multidisciplinary study aimed to develop a novel spatio-temporal approach to delineate potential populations without prior knowledge of population structure. We applied this approach to the Sculptured Resin Bee, Europe's first non-native bee species, providing regional expansion rate estimates for its spread across Europe.

METHODS: Observation data from 2008 to 2024 were analysed. Based on an environmental suitability map, sequential least-cost modelling was applied in annual time steps, linking each new observation to the nearest known observation via a least-cost path. Populations were delineated by excluding high-cost paths and analysing the connectivity of the remaining paths, and expansion rates were calculated using the distance regression method.

RESULTS: We identified two populations, which align with known genetic groups in the area of France, Switzerland and Austria. Our modelling results also indicate two additional populations introduced to Italy and Serbia. Expansion rates ranged from 13.3 km/year to 58.6 km/year and peaked at 89.7 km/year during expansion phases, exhibiting a consistent sigmoidal expansion pattern.

CONCLUSIONS: Our spatio-temporal approach delineates introduced populations without prior genetic knowledge, improving expansion rate estimation and informing targeted genetic sampling, monitoring, and management efforts of invasive species.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s10980-025-02188-9.},
}