@article {pmid36994381, year = {2023}, author = {Mattingly, KZ and Braasch, BN and Hovick, SM}, title = {Greater flowering and response to flooding in Lythrum virgatum than L. salicaria (purple loosestrife).}, journal = {AoB PLANTS}, volume = {15}, number = {2}, pages = {plad009}, pmid = {36994381}, issn = {2041-2851}, abstract = {Newly introduced trait diversity can spur rapid evolution and facilitate local adaptation in the introduced plant Lythrum salicaria. The horticultural plant L. virgatum might further introduce meaningful trait variation by escaping into established L. salicaria populations or by hybridizing with L. salicaria. Although many experiments have focused on L. salicaria genotypes, relatively little is known about L. virgatum ecology. We used a greenhouse common garden to compare traits and flood response of L. salicaria and L. virgatum collected from two sources each in their native range. We tested the hypotheses that these two wetland taxa have comparable responses to flooding (inundation), and that flood tolerance correlated to higher fitness. Flooding produced stronger stress responses in L. virgatum. Compared to L. salicaria, L. virgatum shifted more aboveground allocation away from reproduction, decreased inflorescence biomass by 40% more, and produced 7% more stem aerenchymatous phellum, a specialized tissue that maintains aeration. Despite these more pronounced responses to flooding stress, L. virgatum had higher fitness (inflorescence biomass and reproductive allocation) than L. salicaria. Overall, L. virgatum differed from L. salicaria in functionally important ways. Lythrum virgatum persisted under flooding and produced more reproductive biomass than L. salicaria under both flooded and non-flooded conditions. However, inundation stressed L. virgatum more than L. salicaria. Lythrum virgatum is likely able to establish into the wetland habitats in which L. salicaria prevails but may possess broader habitat tolerances.}, }
@article {pmid36992943, year = {2023}, author = {Diagne, C and Ballesteros-Mejia, L and Cuthbert, RN and Bodey, TW and Fantle-Lepczyk, J and Angulo, E and Bang, A and Dobigny, G and Courchamp, F}, title = {Economic costs of invasive rodents worldwide: the tip of the iceberg.}, journal = {PeerJ}, volume = {11}, number = {}, pages = {e14935}, pmid = {36992943}, issn = {2167-8359}, abstract = {BACKGROUND: Rodents are among the most notorious invasive alien species worldwide. These invaders have substantially impacted native ecosystems, food production and storage, local infrastructures, human health and well-being. However, the lack of standardized and understandable estimation of their impacts is a serious barrier to raising societal awareness, and hampers effective management interventions at relevant scales.<br><br>METHODS: Here, we assessed the economic costs of invasive alien rodents globally in order to help overcome these obstacles. For this purpose, we combined and analysed economic cost data from the InvaCost database-the most up-to-date and comprehensive synthesis of reported invasion costs-and specific complementary searches within and beyond the published literature.<br><br>RESULTS: Our conservative analysis showed that reported costs of rodent invasions reached a conservative total of US$ 3.6 billion between 1930 and 2022 (annually US$ 87.5 million between 1980 and 2022), and were significantly increasing through time. The highest cost reported was for muskrat Ondatra zibethicus (US$ 377.5 million), then unspecified Rattus spp. (US$ 327.8 million), followed by Rattus norvegicus specifically (US$ 156.6 million) and Castor canadensis (US$ 150.4 million). Of the total costs, 87% were damage-related, principally impacting agriculture and predominantly reported in Asia (60%), Europe (19%) and North America (9%). Our study evidenced obvious cost underreporting with only 99 documents gathered globally, clear taxonomic gaps, reliability issues for cost assessment, and skewed breakdowns of costs among regions, sectors and contexts. As a consequence, these reported costs represent only a very small fraction of the expected true cost of rodent invasions (e.g., using a less conservative analytic approach would have led to a global amount more than 80-times higher than estimated here).<br><br>CONCLUSIONS: These findings strongly suggest that available information represents a substantial underestimation of the global costs incurred. We offer recommendations for improving estimates of costs to fill these knowledge gaps including: systematic distinction between native and invasive rodents' impacts; monetizing indirect impacts on human health; and greater integrative and concerted research effort between scientists and stakeholders. Finally, we discuss why and how this approach will stimulate and provide support for proactive and sustainable management strategies in the context of alien rodent invasions, for which biosecurity measures should be amplified globally.}, }
@article {pmid36988560, year = {2023}, author = {Rau, J and Fischer, S and Werner, D and Kampen, H}, title = {Impact of larvae of the Asian tiger mosquito Aedes albopictus on larvae of the Culex pipiens complex from Germany in laboratory co-breeding studies.}, journal = {Medical and veterinary entomology}, volume = {}, number = {}, pages = {}, doi = {10.1111/mve.12650}, pmid = {36988560}, issn = {1365-2915}, abstract = {Since the first detection of the Asian tiger mosquito Aedes albopictus (Diptera: Culicidae) eggs in Germany in 2007, several populations of this species have established in Germany. Although colloquially Ae. albopictus is called an 'invasive species', it is not considered 'invasive' and therefore to be controlled according to the European Union (EU) Environmental and Nature Protection Act since evidence of displacement of native species is missing. To test the competitive potential of Ae. albopictus towards mosquito species native to Germany, laboratory experiments were conducted with larvae of this species and indigenous Cx. pipiens complex species/biotypes. First instar larvae of Ae. albopictus and of one of the native taxa were exposed to different temperatures and fed with different food sources. The ratio of individuals developing into adults as well as the time the larvae needed for development were taken as a measure of competitive outcome. In addition, the size of emerging adults was compared between control and experimental groups. Regarding developmental time, no significant differences were found between treatments and controls while significant differences were found regarding developmental rate and average wing size of individuals. Because no evidence of competitive repression of the native species was found, Ae. albopictus cannot be included in the EU list of invasive species.}, }
@article {pmid36988091, year = {2023}, author = {Matthews, TJ and Wayman, JP and Whittaker, RJ and Cardoso, P and Hume, JP and Sayol, F and Proios, K and Martin, TE and Baiser, B and Borges, PAV and Kubota, Y and Dos Anjos, L and Tobias, JA and Soares, FC and Si, X and Ding, P and Mendenhall, CD and Sin, YCK and Rheindt, FE and Triantis, KA and Guilhaumon, F and Watson, DM and Brotons, L and Battisti, C and Chu, O and Rigal, F}, title = {A global analysis of avian island diversity-area relationships in the Anthropocene.}, journal = {Ecology letters}, volume = {}, number = {}, pages = {}, doi = {10.1111/ele.14203}, pmid = {36988091}, issn = {1461-0248}, abstract = {Research on island species-area relationships (ISAR) has expanded to incorporate functional (IFDAR) and phylogenetic (IPDAR) diversity. However, relative to the ISAR, we know little about IFDARs and IPDARs, and lack synthetic global analyses of variation in form of these three categories of island diversity-area relationship (IDAR). Here, we undertake the first comparative evaluation of IDARs at the global scale using 51 avian archipelagic data sets representing true and habitat islands. Using null models, we explore how richness-corrected functional and phylogenetic diversity scale with island area. We also provide the largest global assessment of the impacts of species introductions and extinctions on the IDAR. Results show that increasing richness with area is the primary driver of the (non-richness corrected) IPDAR and IFDAR for many data sets. However, for several archipelagos, richness-corrected functional and phylogenetic diversity changes linearly with island area, suggesting that the dominant community assembly processes shift along the island area gradient. We also find that archipelagos with the steepest ISARs exhibit the biggest differences in slope between IDARs, indicating increased functional and phylogenetic redundancy on larger islands in these archipelagos. In several cases introduced species seem to have 're-calibrated' the IDARs such that they resemble the historic period prior to recent extinctions.}, }
@article {pmid36987640, year = {2023}, author = {Marino, C and Bellard, C}, title = {When origin, reproduction ability and diet define the role of birds in invasions.}, journal = {Proceedings. Biological sciences}, volume = {290}, number = {1995}, pages = {20230196}, doi = {10.1098/rspb.2023.0196}, pmid = {36987640}, issn = {1471-2954}, abstract = {The ecological impacts of invasive alien species (IAS) are increasingly documented; however, they are usually studied through the lens of either the IAS or the affected species (IAS-threatened species). A clear understanding of how both protagonists of biological invasions are characterized is still lacking. We investigated the morphology, life history and ecology of birds involved in biological invasions. Evaluating the distribution of 450 IAS-threatened birds and 400 alien birds in a functional space, we found that both groups retained various strategies. Aliens had larger clutches and were more likely to be herbivores than IAS-threatened and worldwide birds, while IAS-threatened birds were more insular endemic from the Australia region than alien and worldwide birds. IAS-threatened species showed opposite strategies to aliens regarding traits related to diet, origin and reproduction. Further comparing traits associated with impact magnitude, we found that even if aliens were mostly herbivorous, those with high impact had more a generalist behaviour and an animal-based diet compared to aliens with low impact. By emphasizing differences relating to the distribution of bird groups in a functional space, we opened new opportunities to identify the role of birds in biological invasions.}, }
@article {pmid36987614, year = {2023}, author = {Gossner, MM and Menzel, F and Simons, NK}, title = {Less overall, but more of the same: drivers of insect population trends lead to community homogenization.}, journal = {Biology letters}, volume = {19}, number = {3}, pages = {20230007}, doi = {10.1098/rsbl.2023.0007}, pmid = {36987614}, issn = {1744-957X}, }
@article {pmid36987069, year = {2023}, author = {Shabbir, A and Zalucki, MP and Dhileepan, K and Khan, N and Adkins, SW}, title = {The Current and Potential Distribution of Parthenium Weed and Its Biological Control Agent in Pakistan.}, journal = {Plants (Basel, Switzerland)}, volume = {12}, number = {6}, pages = {}, doi = {10.3390/plants12061381}, pmid = {36987069}, issn = {2223-7747}, abstract = {Parthenium hysterophorus L. (Asteraceae), commonly known as parthenium weed, is a highly invasive weed spreading rapidly from northern to southern parts of Pakistan. The persistence of parthenium weed in the hot and dry southern districts suggests that the weed can survive under more extreme conditions than previously thought. The development of a CLIMEX distribution model, which considered this increased tolerance to drier and warmer conditions, predicted that the weed could still spread to many other parts of Pakistan as well as to other regions of south Asia. This CLIMEX model satisfied the present distribution of parthenium weed within Pakistan. When an irrigation scenario was added to the CLIMEX program, more parts of the southern districts of Pakistan (Indus River basin) became suitable for parthenium weed growth, as well as the growth of its biological control agent, Zygogramma bicolorata Pallister. This expansion from the initially predicted range was due to irrigation producing extra moisture to support its establishment. In addition to the weed moving south in Pakistan due to irrigation, it will also move north due to temperature increases. The CLIMEX model indicated that there are many more areas within South Asia that are suitable for parthenium weed growth, both under the present and a future climate scenario. Most of the south-western and north-eastern parts of Afghanistan are suitable under the current climate, but more areas are likely to become suitable under climate change scenarios. Under climate change, the suitability of southern parts of Pakistan is likely to decrease.}, }
@article {pmid36987058, year = {2023}, author = {Cui, M and Yang, B and Ren, G and Yu, H and Dai, Z and Li, J and Ran, Q and Stevanato, P and Wan, J and Du, D}, title = {Effects of Warming, Phosphorous Deposition, and Both Treatments on the Growth and Physiology of Invasive Solidago canadensis and Native Artemisia argyi.}, journal = {Plants (Basel, Switzerland)}, volume = {12}, number = {6}, pages = {}, doi = {10.3390/plants12061370}, pmid = {36987058}, issn = {2223-7747}, abstract = {Anthropogenic climate change and species invasion are two major threats to biodiversity, affecting the survival and distribution of many species around the world. Studying the responses of invasive species under climate change can help better understand the ecological and genetic mechanisms of their invasion. However, the effects of warming and phosphorus deposition on the phenotype of native and invasive plants are unknown. To address the problem, we applied warming (+2.03 °C), phosphorus deposition (4 g m[-2] yr[-1] NaH2PO4), and warming × phosphorus deposition to Solidago canadensis and Artemisia argyi to measure the direct effects of environmental changes on growth and physiology at the seedling stage. Our results reveal that the physiology parameters of A. argyi and S. canadensis did not change significantly with the external environment. Under phosphorus deposition, S. canadensis had higher plant height, root length, and total biomass compared to A. argyi. Interestingly, warming has an inhibitory effect on the growth of both A. argyi and S. canadensis, but overall, the reduction in total biomass for S. canadensis (78%) is significantly higher than A. argyi (52%). When the two plants are treated with warming combined with phosphorus deposition, the advantage gained by S. canadensis from phosphorus deposition is offset by the negative effects of warming. Therefore, under elevated phosphorus, warming has a negative effect on the invasive S. canadensis and reduces its growth advantage.}, }
@article {pmid36986995, year = {2023}, author = {Adams, LD and Giovannoni, D and Clark, VR and Steenhuisen, SL and Martin, GD}, title = {Reproductive Ecology of the Invasive Alien Shrub Pyracantha angustifolia in the Grassland Biome, South Africa.}, journal = {Plants (Basel, Switzerland)}, volume = {12}, number = {6}, pages = {}, doi = {10.3390/plants12061308}, pmid = {36986995}, issn = {2223-7747}, abstract = {Knowledge on reproductive traits of problematic invasive alien plants, such as the woody invasive shrub Pyracantha angustifolia of temperate Chinese origin, can help better manage invasive species. To determine factors contributing to its invasion, we investigated floral visitors and pollen loads, self-compatibility, seed set, seed rain, soil seed banks, and seed longevity in the soil. Generalist insects were recorded visiting flowers and all carried pollen loads of high purity (>70%). Floral visitor exclusion experiments showed that P. angustifolia can set seed (66%) without pollen vectors, although natural pollination resulted in higher fruit set (91%). Fruit count surveys and seed set showed an exponentially increased relationship between seed set and plant size with high natural seed yield (±2 million seeds m[-2]). Soil core samples revealed a high seed density of 46,400 ± (SE) 8934 m[-2] under shrubs, decreasing with distance away from the shrub. Bowl traps stationed under trees and fences confirmed that seeds were efficiently dispersed by animals. Buried seeds survived for less than six months in the soil. Due to high seed production, self-compatibility augmented by generalist pollen vectors, and effective seed dispersal by local frugivores, it is difficult to manage the spread manually. Management of this species should focus on the short life span of seeds.}, }
@article {pmid36986968, year = {2023}, author = {Jones, SA and DeKeyser, ES and Dixon, C and Kobiela, B}, title = {Invasive Species Change Plant Community Composition of Preserved Prairie Pothole Wetlands.}, journal = {Plants (Basel, Switzerland)}, volume = {12}, number = {6}, pages = {}, doi = {10.3390/plants12061281}, pmid = {36986968}, issn = {2223-7747}, abstract = {Plant communities in North American prairie pothole wetlands vary depending on hydrology, salinity, and anthropogenic disturbance in and around the wetland. We assessed prairie pothole conditions on United States Fish and Wildlife Service fee-title lands in North Dakota and South Dakota to improve our understanding of current conditions and plant community composition. Species-level data were collected at 200 randomly chosen temporary and seasonal wetland sites located on native prairie remnants (n = 48) and previously cultivated lands that were reseeded into perennial grassland (n = 152). The majority of species surveyed appeared infrequently and were low in relative cover. The four most frequently observed species were introduced invasive species common to the Prairie Pothole Region of North America. Our results suggested relative cover of a few invasive species (i.e., Bromus inermis Leyss., Phalaris arundinacea L., and Typha ×glauca Godr. (pro sp.) [angustifolia or domingensis × latifolia]) affect patterns of plant community composition. Wetlands in native and reseeded grasslands possessed distinct plant community composition related to invasive species' relative cover. Invasive species continue to be prevalent throughout the region and pose a major threat to biological diversity, even in protected native prairie remnants. Despite efforts to convert past agricultural land into biologically diverse, productive ecosystems, invasive species continue to dominate these landscapes and are becoming prominent in prairie potholes located in native areas.}, }
@article {pmid36986920, year = {2023}, author = {Abbas, AM and Soliman, WS and Alomran, MM and Alotaibi, NM and Novak, SJ}, title = {Four Invasive Plant Species in Southwest Saudi Arabia Have Variable Effects on Soil Dynamics.}, journal = {Plants (Basel, Switzerland)}, volume = {12}, number = {6}, pages = {}, doi = {10.3390/plants12061231}, pmid = {36986920}, issn = {2223-7747}, abstract = {Predicting the direction and magnitude of change in soil dynamics caused by invasive plant species has proven to be difficult because these changes are often reported to be species- and habitat-specific. This study was conducted to determine changes in three soil properties, eight soil ions, and seven soil microelements under established stands of four invasive plants, Prosopis juliflora, Ipomoea carnea, Leucaena leucocephala, and Opuntia ficus-indica. Soil properties, ions, and microelements were measured in sites invaded by these four species in southwest Saudi Arabia, and these values were compared to the results for the same 18 parameters from adjacent sites with native vegetation. Because this study was conducted in an arid ecosystem, we predict that these four invasive plants will significantly alter the soil properties, ions, and microelements in the areas they invaded. While the soils of sites with the four invasive plant species generally had higher values for soil properties and ions compared to sites with native vegetation, in most instances these differences were not statistically significant. However, the soils within sites invaded by I. carnea, L. leucocephala, and P. juliflora had statistically significant differences for some soil parameters. For sites invaded by O. puntia ficus-indica, no soil properties, ions, or microelements were significantly different compared to adjacent sites with native vegetation. Sites invaded by the four plant species generally exhibited differences in the 11 soil properties, but in no instance were these differences statistically significant. All three soil properties and one soil ion (Ca) were significantly different across the four stands of native vegetation. For the seven soil microelements, significantly different values were detected for Co and Ni, but only among stands of the four invasive plant species. These results indicate that the four invasive plant species altered soil properties, ions, and microelements, but for most of the parameters we assessed, not significantly. Our results do not support our initial prediction, but are in general agreement with previous published findings, which indicate that the effects of invasive plants on soil dynamics vary idiosyncratically among invasive species and among invaded habitats.}, }
@article {pmid36985605, year = {2023}, author = {de Moraes, &#xc2;AB and Cascaes, MM and do Nascimento, LD and de Jesus Pereira Franco, C and Ferreira, OO and Anjos, TOD and Karakoti, H and Kumar, R and da Silva Souza-Filho, AP and de Oliveira, MS and de Aguiar Andrade, EH}, title = {Chemical Evaluation, Phytotoxic Potential, and In Silico Study of Essential Oils from Leaves of Guatteria schomburgkiana Mart. and Xylopia frutescens Aubl. (Annonaceae) from the Brazilian Amazon.}, journal = {Molecules (Basel, Switzerland)}, volume = {28}, number = {6}, pages = {}, doi = {10.3390/molecules28062633}, pmid = {36985605}, issn = {1420-3049}, abstract = {The essential oils (EOs) of Guatteria schomburgkiana (Gsch) and Xylopia frutescens (Xfru) (Annonaceae) were obtained by hydrodistillation, and their chemical composition was evaluated by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC/MS). Herbicide activity was measured by analyzing the seed germination percentage and root and hypocotyl elongation of two invasive species: Mimosa pudica and Senna obtusifolia. The highest yield was obtained for the EO of Xfru (1.06%). The chemical composition of Gsch was characterized by the presence of the oxygenated sesquiterpenes spathulenol (22.40%) and caryophyllene oxide (14.70%). Regarding the EO of Xfru, the hydrocarbon monoterpenes α-pinene (35.73%) and β-pinene (18.90%) were the components identified with the highest concentrations. The germination of seeds of S. obtusifolia (13.33 ± 5.77%) showed higher resistance than that of seeds of M. pudica (86.67 ± 5.77%). S. obtusifolia was also more sensitive to the EO of Xfru in terms of radicle (55.22 ± 2.72%) and hypocotyl (71.12 ± 3.80%) elongation, while M. pudica showed greater sensitivity to the EO of Gsch. To screen the herbicidal activity, the molecular docking study of the major and potent compounds was performed against 4-hydroxyphenylpyruvate dioxygenase (HPPD) protein. Results showed good binding affinities and attributed the strongest inhibitory activity to δ-cadinene for the target protein. This work contributes to the study of the herbicidal properties of the EOs of species of Annonaceae from the Amazon region.}, }
@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 = {}, doi = {10.3390/microorganisms11030678}, pmid = {36985252}, issn = {2076-2607}, 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 {pmid36983545, year = {2023}, author = {Bamisile, BS and Siddiqui, JA and Nie, L and Idrees, A and Aguila, LCR and Jia, C and Xu, Y}, title = {Baseline Analysis of Endophytic Fungal Associates of Solenopsis invicta Buren from Mounds across Five Counties of Guangdong Province, China.}, journal = {Journal of fungi (Basel, Switzerland)}, volume = {9}, number = {3}, pages = {}, doi = {10.3390/jof9030377}, pmid = {36983545}, issn = {2309-608X}, abstract = {Red imported fire ants mounds have been suggested as a potential reservoir for beneficial entomopathogenic fungal species that are vital for more complex roles in the ecosystem aside from infecting the insects. In the current study, the assemblage of fungal symbionts of the red imported fire ants (RIFA) were obtained across five cities in Guangdong Province, China. The sampling areas were selected because of high occurrence of fire ants mounds in the regions. Mound soils, plant debris within mounds, and ants were collected from three sampling locations in each city for potential isolation of entomopathogenic fungal associates of RIFA. All samples were collected during the spring of 2021. Following successful isolation from substrates, the patterns of fungal species composition, and richness were evaluated. In total, 843 isolates were recovered, and based on their phenotypic distinctiveness and molecular characterization based on DNA sequences of multiple loci including the ITS, SSU, and LSU regions, 46 fungal taxa were obtained, including 12 that were unidentified. Species richness and abundance was highest in the mound soils, while the lowest value was recorded from the ant body. As per the different locations, the highest abundance level was recorded in Zhuhai, where 15 fungal taxa were cultivated. The most common taxa across all substrates and locations was Talaromyces diversus. A baseline analysis of the fungal community composition of RIFA would better our understanding on the interactions between these social ants and their associated microbial organisms, and this knowledge in turn would be important for the successful management of the RIFA.}, }
@article {pmid36979174, year = {2023}, author = {Schoeman, S and Simon, CA}, title = {Live to Die Another Day: Regeneration in Diopatra aciculata Knox and Cameron, 1971 (Annelida: Onuphidae) Collected as Bait in Knysna Estuary, South Africa.}, journal = {Biology}, volume = {12}, number = {3}, pages = {}, doi = {10.3390/biology12030483}, pmid = {36979174}, issn = {2079-7737}, abstract = {Regeneration is critical for survivorship after injury, sublethal predation, and asexual reproduction; it allows individuals to recover, potentially enabling populations of bait species to overcome the effects of bait collection through incidental asexual reproduction. Opportunities for regeneration are created when worms break during collection (which happens more often than not) and are thrown back into the estuary. Additionally, the trade and movement of bait could result in the range expansion of invasive species. This study investigated bait collection habits of local fishermen and the in situ incidence of regeneration in the estuarine moonshine worm, Diopatra aciculata. The evidence shows that this species is capable of anterior and posterior regeneration. The disproportionately small percentage of worms that seem to be recovering from the degree of damage that may be inflicted during bait collection suggests that regeneration may not help worms to withstand the effects of bait collection. However, the continuous movement and discarding of even small numbers of bait in other estuaries can lead to range expansion through incremental build-up, forming new populations, if these fragments are large enough to regenerate.}, }
@article {pmid36979127, year = {2023}, author = {Wang, BX and Zhu, L and Ma, G and Najar-Rodriguez, A and Zhang, JP and Zhang, F and Avila, GA and Ma, CS}, title = {Current and Potential Future Global Distribution of the Raisin Moth Cadra figulilella (Lepidoptera: Pyralidae) under Two Different Climate Change Scenarios.}, journal = {Biology}, volume = {12}, number = {3}, pages = {}, doi = {10.3390/biology12030435}, pmid = {36979127}, issn = {2079-7737}, abstract = {Global trade facilitates the introduction of invasive species that can cause irreversible damage to agriculture and the environment, as well as stored food products. The raisin moth (Cadra figulilella) is an invasive pest that poses a significant threat to fruits and dried foods. Climate change may exacerbate this threat by expanding moth's distribution to new areas. In this study, we used CLIMEX and MaxEnt niche modeling tools to assess the potential global distribution of the raisin moth under current and future climate change scenarios. Our models projected that the area of suitable distribution for the raisin moth could increase by up to 36.37% by the end of this century under high emission scenario. We also found that excessive precipitation decreased the probability of raisin moth establishment and that the optimum temperature range for the species during the wettest quarter of the year was 0-18 °C. These findings highlight the need for future research to utilize a combined modeling approach to predict the distribution of the raisin moth under current and future climate conditions more accurately. Our results could be used for environmental risk assessments, as well as to inform international trade decisions and negotiations on phytosanitary measures with regards to this invasive species.}, }
@article {pmid36978633, year = {2023}, author = {Bonaffini, G and Serpieri, M and Ottino, C and Scandone, L and Quaranta, G and Mauthe von Degerfeld, M}, title = {Laparoscopic Salpingectomy and Vasectomy to Inhibit Fertility in Free-Ranging Nutrias (Myocastor coypus).}, journal = {Animals : an open access journal from MDPI}, volume = {13}, number = {6}, pages = {}, doi = {10.3390/ani13061092}, pmid = {36978633}, issn = {2076-2615}, abstract = {The nutria (Myocastor coypus), an invasive alien species, is widely spread in Europe. Pursuant to regulation (EU) no. 1143/2014, the nutria is subject to management programs to reduce its spread. Surgical fertility control is considered an acceptable method, particularly in urban circumstances, avoiding euthanasia. To maintain the hormonal patterns and the social and behavioral dynamics, surgical infertilization preserving the gonads (i.e., salpingectomy and vasectomy) is recommended. Mini-invasive surgery is an eligible choice when dealing with wildlife, allowing reduced captivation time. For these reasons, 77 free-ranging nutrias, captured in urban nuclei in Italy, underwent infertilization under general anesthesia; laparoscopic salpingectomy and vasectomy were performed on 32 animals and traditional surgery on the remainder, leaving the gonads in place. A three-port technique was used, with two paramedian trocars (5 mm) for the instruments and a median one for the telescope. Ablation was obtained through Onemytis[®] plasma device, allowing a rapid surgical time with no need to place visceral sutures; the skin was surgically closed. After recovery, the animals were released, and no overt complications were noted. No modification of the behavioral patterns was noted, and the population decreased during the following months.}, }
@article {pmid36978565, year = {2023}, author = {Sladonja, B and Tlak Gajger, I and Uzelac, M and Poljuha, D and Garau, C and Landeka, N and Barták, M and Bacaro, G}, title = {The Impact of Beehive Proximity, Human Activity and Agricultural Intensity on Diptera Diversity in a Mediterranean Mosaic of Agroecosystems, with a Focus on Pest Species.}, journal = {Animals : an open access journal from MDPI}, volume = {13}, number = {6}, pages = {}, doi = {10.3390/ani13061024}, pmid = {36978565}, issn = {2076-2615}, abstract = {Diptera, with their participation in pollination, significantly contribute to the maintenance of plant diversity, and they also have great potential for assessing habitat health and preserving it. A decline in their abundance and diversity has been recorded worldwide as a consequence of biotic, abiotic, and anthropic alterations. In addition to pollinators, these orders include agricultural and forestry pests, which are a threat to both cultivated and wild plants that are very important to the economy. Many pests have escaped from their native areas, and it is important to monitor their spread to implement sustainable means of control. Our study provides baseline information on Diptera and Vespidae diversity in the Mediterranean mosaic of agroecosystems, giving information on the importance of human influence on insect diversity. We carried out an insect inventory in Istria, Croatia, using a set of traps placed in the proximity of beehives. This study was also important in determining the presence of pests and newly introduced species. A total of 94 species from 24 families were recorded-7 important agricultural pests of Diptera and 17 new records for Croatia. The correlation between species diversity and environmental and anthropogenic factors leads to the conclusion that total insect species richness, pest species richness, and the first findings depend on human activities. The number of honeybee colonies negatively correlated with species richness, while anthropic influence positively affected total and pest species richness.}, }
@article {pmid36977969, year = {2023}, author = {Martínez, AS and Buteler, M and Villacide, JM and Serra, MN and Masciocchi, M}, title = {Honeydew production by the Giant Willow Aphid (Tuberolachnus salignus, Hemiptera: Aphididae) and its effect on foraging yellowjackets (Hymenoptera: Vespidae).}, journal = {Pest management science}, volume = {}, number = {}, pages = {}, doi = {10.1002/ps.7468}, pmid = {36977969}, issn = {1526-4998}, abstract = {BACKGROUND: Understanding the factors that promote the success of invasive species is important for managing biological invasions. Interactions between invasives and other species (e.g., competitors, pathogens, or predators), could favor or limit their success. In recent decades, yellowjacket wasps, including Vespula germanica and V. vulgaris, have successfully established in Patagonia. Additionally, the invasive willow Salix fragilis has invaded areas next to watercourses, which in turn are typically colonized by the giant willow aphid (GWA, Tuberolagnus salignus), an additional species characterized as a successful invader in many regions worldwide. Aphid exudate (honeydew) has been reported to be used as a carbohydrate source by social wasps. The aim of our study was to gain a better understanding of the infestation pattern of the GWA in northwestern Patagonia, its effect on exudate availability and its relationship with yellowjacket foraging patterns. The study was conducted under the working hypothesis that the increase in the size of GWA colonies and resulting honeydew production, will fuel an increase in local Vespula spp.<br><br>RESULTS: We found that the aphid honeydew is produced in relatively high amounts in the region (estimated at 1517 &#xb1; 139 Kg/ha/season), with strong indications that it is used by yellowjackets because of the significantly higher abundance levels of yellowjackets foraging on honeydew.<br><br>CONCLUSION: The interaction of three invasive species, willows, GWA and yellowjackets, needs to receive special attention to develop future environmentally-sound mitigation tools of these nuisance pest.}, }
@article {pmid36976314, year = {2023}, author = {Wen, TY and Wu, XQ and Ye, JR and Qiu, YJ and Rui, L and Zhang, Y}, title = {Two Novel Bursaphelenchus xylophilus Kunitz Effector Proteins Using Different Infection and Survival Strategies to Suppress Immunity in Pine.}, journal = {Phytopathology}, volume = {}, number = {}, pages = {PHYTO04220127R}, doi = {10.1094/PHYTO-04-22-0127-R}, pmid = {36976314}, issn = {0031-949X}, abstract = {Pine wilt disease, caused by Bursaphelenchus xylophilus, results in tremendous economic loss in conifer production every year. To disturb the host immune responses, plant pathogens secrete a mass of effector proteins that facilitate the infection process. Although several effectors of B. xylophilus have been identified, detailed mechanisms of their functions remain largely unexplored. Here, we reveal two novel B. xylophilus Kunitz effectors, named BxKU1 and BxKU2, using different infection strategies to suppress immunity in Pinus thunbergii. We found that both BxKU1 and BxKU2 could suppress PsXEG1-triggered cell death and were present in the nucleus and cytoplasm in Nicotiana benthamiana. However, they had different three-dimensional structures and various expression patterns in B. xylophilus infection. In situ hybridization experiments showed that BxKU2 was expressed in the esophageal glands and ovaries, whereas BxKU1 was only expressed in the esophageal glands of females. We further confirmed that the morbidity was significantly decreased in P. thunbergii infected with B. xylophilus when BxKU1 and BxKU2 were silenced. The silenced BxKU2I, but not BxKU1, affected the reproduction and feeding rate of B. xylophilus. Moreover, BxKU1 and BxKU2 targeted to different proteins in P. thunbergii, but they all interacted with thaumatin-like protein 4 (TLP4) according to yeast two-hybrid screening. Collectively, our study showed that B. xylophilus could incorporate two Kunitz effectors in a multilayer strategy to counter immune response in P. thunbergii, which could help us better understand the interaction between plant and B. xylophilus.}, }
@article {pmid36975982, year = {2023}, author = {Shin, J and Rahman, MM and Kim, J and Marcombe, S and Jung, J}, title = {Genetic Diversity of Dengue Vector Aedes albopictus Collected from South Korea, Japan, and Laos.}, journal = {Insects}, volume = {14}, number = {3}, pages = {}, doi = {10.3390/insects14030297}, pmid = {36975982}, issn = {2075-4450}, abstract = {Aedes albopictus is native to Southeast Asia and has emerged as a major vector for vector-borne diseases that are spreading rapidly worldwide. Recent studies have shown that Ae. albopictus populations have different genetic groups dependent on their thermal adaptations; however, studies on Korean populations are limited. In this study, we analyzed the genetic diversity and structure of two mitochondrial genes (COI and ND5) and sixteen microsatellites in mosquitoes inhabiting Korea, Japan, and Laos. The results indicate that the Korean population has low genetic diversity, with an independent cluster distinct from the Laos population. Mixed clusters have also been observed in the Korean population. On the basis of these findings, two hypotheses are proposed. First, certain Korean populations are native. Second, some subpopulations that descended from the metapopulation (East Asian countries) were introduced to Japan before migrating to Korea. Furthermore, we previously demonstrated that Ae. albopictus appears to have been imported to Korea. In conclusion, the dengue-virus-carrying mosquitoes could migrate to Korea from Southeast Asian epidemic regions, where they can survive during the severe winter months. The key findings can be used to establish an integrated pest management strategy based on population genetics for the Korean Ae. albopictus population.}, }
@article {pmid36975952, year = {2023}, author = {Jung, S and Kim, J and Balvín, O and Yamada, K}, title = {Molecular Phylogeny of Cimicoidea (Heteroptera: Cimicomorpha) Revisited: Increased Taxon Sampling Reveals Evolution of Traumatic Insemination and Paragenitalia.}, journal = {Insects}, volume = {14}, number = {3}, pages = {}, doi = {10.3390/insects14030267}, pmid = {36975952}, issn = {2075-4450}, abstract = {The molecular phylogeny of the Cimicoidea was reconstructed from an expanded sampling based on mitochondrial (16S, COI) and nuclear (18S, 28SD3) genes. The data were analyzed using maximum likelihood (ML), maximum parsimony (MP), and Bayesian inference (BI) phylogenetic frameworks. The phylogenetic relationships inferred by the model-based analyses (ML and BI) were largely congruent with those inferred by the MP analysis in terms of the monophyly of most of the higher taxonomic groups and the species-level relationships. The following clades were recovered in all analyses: Cimiciformes; Nabidae: Prostemmatinae; Nabidae: Nabinae; Plokiophilidae; Microphysidae; Lasiochilidae; Cimicidae: Cacodminae; Cimicidae; Lyctocoridae; Anthocoridae s. str.; Cardiastethini excluding Amphiareus; Almeidini; Scolopini; Anthocorini; Oriini; Curaliidae + Lasiochilidae; Almeidini + Xylocorini; Oriini + Cardiastethini; and Anthocorini + Amphiareus. Reconstructions of ancestral copulation states based on Bayesian and parsimony inference indicated that at least one shift from standard insemination (SI) to traumatic insemination (TI) occurred within Cimicoidea, and an investigation of the evolutionary correlation between TI and paragenitalia (PG) revealed that the acquisition of PG in cimicoid females was correlated with the TI habit. Additionally, our morphological examination of various types of PG suggested that even the same PG type may not constitute a homologous feature at various taxonomic levels, indicating the convergent evolution of female morphology to adapt to TI.}, }
@article {pmid36975948, year = {2023}, author = {Sarkar, SC and Hatt, S and Philips, A and Akter, M and Milroy, SP and Xu, W}, title = {Tomato Potato Psyllid Bactericera cockerelli (Hemiptera: Triozidae) in Australia: Incursion, Potential Impact and Opportunities for Biological Control.}, journal = {Insects}, volume = {14}, number = {3}, pages = {}, doi = {10.3390/insects14030263}, pmid = {36975948}, issn = {2075-4450}, abstract = {Incursion and establishment of an exotic pest may threaten natural habitats and disrupt ecosystems. On the other hand, resident natural enemies may play an important role in invasive pest control. Bactericera cockerelli, commonly known as the tomato-potato psyllid, is an exotic pest, first detected on mainland Australia in Perth, Western Australia, in early 2017. B. cockerelli causes direct damage to crops by feeding and indirectly by acting as the vector of the pathogen that causes zebra chip disease in potatoes, although the latter is not present in mainland Australia. At present, Australian growers rely on the frequent use of insecticides to control B. cockerelli, which may lead to a series of negative economic and environmental consequences. The incursion of B. cockerelli also provides a unique opportunity to develop a conservation biological control strategy through strategically targeting existing natural enemy communities. In this review, we consider opportunities to develop biological control strategies for B. cockerelli to alleviate the dependence on synthetic insecticides. We highlight the potential of existing natural enemies to contribute toward regulating populations of B. cockerelli in the field and discuss the challenges ahead to strengthen the key role they can play through conservation biological control.}, }
@article {pmid36975941, year = {2023}, author = {Eleftheriadou, N and Lubanga, UK and Lefoe, GK and Seehausen, ML and Kenis, M and Kavallieratos, NG and Avtzis, DN}, title = {Uncovering the Male Presence in Parthenogenetic Marchalina hellenica (Hemiptera: Marchalinidae): Insights into Its mtDNA Divergence and Reproduction Strategy.}, journal = {Insects}, volume = {14}, number = {3}, pages = {}, doi = {10.3390/insects14030256}, pmid = {36975941}, issn = {2075-4450}, abstract = {Marchalina hellenica (Hemiptera: Marchalinidae), an endemic species in Greece and Turkey, is a major contributor to the annual honey production in its native range. However, in the areas that it invades, lacking natural enemies, it has detrimental effects on pine trees and potentially contributes to tree mortality. Although it was originally reported as thelytokous, males were later reported in Turkey and on several of the islands of Greece. To further disambiguate the exact parthenogenetic reproduction strategy of M. hellenica, we studied the emergence pattern of male individuals in Greece for two consecutive years (2021 and 2022). Furthermore, we examined the genetic variation among 15 geographically distant populations of M. hellenica in Greece using a mitochondrial DNA marker and compared the results with data from Turkey. The findings of this study document the existence of an additional M. hellenica population in its native range that repeatedly produces males, apart from the areas of Greece and Turkey in which they were initially reported, suggesting that males play a major, so far unknown role in the reproduction of this species. The populations in Greece and Turkey exhibited a strong genetic affinity, while human-aided dispersal seems to have obscured the genetic pattern acquired.}, }
@article {pmid36975937, year = {2023}, author = {Li, H and Jiang, Z and Zhou, J and Liu, X and Zhang, Y and Chu, D}, title = {Ecological Factors Associated with the Distribution of Bemisia tabaci Cryptic Species and Their Facultative Endosymbionts.}, journal = {Insects}, volume = {14}, number = {3}, pages = {}, doi = {10.3390/insects14030252}, pmid = {36975937}, issn = {2075-4450}, abstract = {The sweetpotato whitefly, Bemisia tabaci species complex, comprises at least 44 morphologically indistinguishable cryptic species, whose endosymbiont infection patterns often varied at the spatial and temporal dimension. However, the effects of ecological factors (e.g., climatic or geographical factors) on the distribution of whitefly and the infection frequencies of their endosymbionts have not been fully elucidated. We, here, analyzed the associations between ecological factors and the distribution of whitefly and their three facultative endosymbionts (Candidatus Cardinium hertigii, Candidatus Hamiltonella defensa, and Rickettsia sp.) by screening 665 individuals collected from 29 geographical localities across China. The study identified eight B. tabaci species via mitochondrial cytochrome oxidase I (mtCOI) gene sequence alignment: two invasive species, MED (66.9%) and MEAM1 (12.2%), and six native cryptic species (20.9%), which differed in distribution patterns, ecological niches, and high suitability areas. The infection frequencies of the three endosymbionts in different cryptic species were distinct and multiple infections were relatively common in B. tabaci MED populations. Furthermore, the annual mean temperature positively affected Cardinium sp. and Rickettsia sp. infection frequencies in B. tabaci MED but negatively affected the quantitative distribution of B. tabaci MED, which indicates that Cardinium sp. and Rickettsia sp. maybe play a crucial role in the thermotolerance of B. tabaci MED, although the host whitefly per se exhibits no resistance to high temperature. Our findings revealed the complex effects of ecological factors on the expansion of the invasive whitefly.}, }
@article {pmid36975933, year = {2023}, author = {Mermer, S and Maslen, EA and Dalton, DT and Nielsen, AL and Rucker, A and Lowenstein, D and Wiman, N and Bhattarai, M and Soohoo-Hui, A and Harris, ET and Pfab, F and Walton, VM}, title = {Temperature-Dependent Life Table Parameters of Brown Marmorated Stink Bug, Halyomorpha halys (Stål) (Hemiptera: Pentatomidae) in the United States.}, journal = {Insects}, volume = {14}, number = {3}, pages = {}, doi = {10.3390/insects14030248}, pmid = {36975933}, issn = {2075-4450}, abstract = {Brown marmorated stink bug, Halyomorpha halys (Stål) (Hemiptera: Pentatomidae), is a generalist pest that causes serious injury to a variety of crops around the world. After the first detection in the USA, H. halys became a serious threat to growers resulting in significant crop damage. Understanding the effect of temperature on H. halys development will help to achieve successful control by predicting the phenological timing of the pest. Here, life table parameters (survival, development, reproduction, and daily mortality) of H. halys were evaluated for New Jersey and Oregon populations in the US. Parameters were determined from field-collected and laboratory-reared individuals. The results indicated that New Jersey populations had higher levels of egg-laying than Oregon populations and exhibited higher and earlier fecundity peaks. Survival levels were similar between populations. Linear and nonlinear fit were used to estimate the minimum (14.3 °C), optimal (27.8 °C), and maximum (35.9 °C) temperatures where development of H. halys can take place. An age-specific fecundity peak (Mx = 36.63) was recorded at 936 degree days for New Jersey populations, while maximum fecundity (Mx = 11.85) occurred at 1145 degree days in Oregon. No oviposition was recorded at the lowest (15 °C) or highest (35 °C) trialed temperatures. Developmental periods increased at temperatures above 30 °C, indicating that such higher temperatures are suboptimal for H. halys development. Altogether the most optimal temperatures for population increase (rm) ranged from 25 to 30 °C. Survival rates of H. halys at suboptimal low temperatures of 8 °C (i.e., 61%) is comparable to previous reports. The present paper provides additional data and context from a range of experimental conditions and populations. Such temperature-related H. halys life table parameters can be used to provide determine the risk to susceptible crops.}, }
@article {pmid36975931, year = {2023}, author = {Dalmaso, G and Ioriatti, C and Gualandri, V and Zapponi, L and Mazzoni, V and Mori, N and Baldessari, M}, title = {Orientus ishidae (Hemiptera: Cicadellidae): Biology, Direct Damage and Preliminary Studies on Apple Proliferation Infection in Apple Orchard.}, journal = {Insects}, volume = {14}, number = {3}, pages = {}, doi = {10.3390/insects14030246}, pmid = {36975931}, issn = {2075-4450}, abstract = {The mosaic leafhopper, Orientus ishidae (Matsumura), is an Asian species widespread in Europe that can cause leaf damage in wild trees and transmit disease phytoplasmas to grapevines. Following an O. ishidae outbreak reported in 2019 in an apple orchard in northern Italy, the biology and damage caused by this species to apples were investigated during 2020 and 2021. Our studies included observations on the O. ishidae life cycle, leaf symptoms associated to its trophic activity, and its capability to acquire "Candidatus Phytoplasma mali," a causal agent of Apple Proliferation (AP). The results indicate that O. ishidae can complete the life cycle on apple trees. Nymphs emerged between May and June, and adults were present from early July to late October, with the peak of flight between July and early August. Semi-field observations allowed for an accurate description of leaf symptoms that appeared as a distinct yellowing after a one-day exposure. In field experiments, 23% of the leaves were found damaged. In addition, 16-18% of the collected leafhoppers were found carrying AP phytoplasma. We conclude that O. ishidae has the potential to be a new apple tree pest. However, further studies are required to better understand the economic impact of the infestations.}, }
@article {pmid36972520, year = {2023}, author = {Nguyen, V and Weaver-Romero, AL and Wang, X and Tavares, Y and Bauer, A and McDowell, RC and Dorsainvil, C and Eason, MD and Malcolm, AN and Raz, CD and Byrd, BD and Riegel, C and Clark, M and Ber, J and Harrison, RL and Evans, CL and Zohdy, S and Allen, B and Campbell, LP and Killingsworth, D and Grey, EW and Riles, MT and Lee, Y and Giordano, BV}, title = {SURVEY OF INVASIVE MOSQUITO SURVEILLANCE AND CONTROL CAPACITY IN SOUTHEASTERN USA REVEALS TRAINING AND RESOURCE NEEDS.}, journal = {Journal of the American Mosquito Control Association}, volume = {}, number = {}, pages = {}, doi = {10.2987/22-7107}, pmid = {36972520}, issn = {1943-6270}, abstract = {Several invasive mosquito species that are nuisances or of medical and veterinary importance have been introduced into the Southeastern region of the USA, posing a threat to other species and the local ecosystems and/or increasing the risk of pathogen transmission to people, livestock, and domestic pets. Prompt and effective monitoring and control of invasive species is essential to prevent them from spreading and causing harmful effects. However, the capacity for invasive mosquito species surveillance is highly variable among mosquito control programs in the Southeast, depending on a combination of factors such as regional geography and climate, access to resources, and the ability to interact with other programs. To facilitate the development of invasive mosquito surveillance in the region, we, the Mosquito BEACONS (Biodiversity Enhancement and Control of Non-native Species) working group, conducted a survey on the capacities of various public health agencies and pest control agencies engaged in mosquito surveillance and control in seven Southeastern states (Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Louisiana, Mississippi, North Carolina, and South Carolina). Ninety control programs completed the survey, representing an overall response rate of 25.8%. We report key findings from our survey, emphasizing the training and resource needs, and discuss their implications for future invasive mosquito surveillance and control capacity building. By increasing communication and collaboration opportunities (e.g., real-time sharing of collection records, coordinated multistate programs), the establishment of Mosquito BEACONS and the implementation of this survey can accelerate knowledge transfer and improve decision support capacity in response to or in preparation for invasive mosquito surveillance and can establish infrastructure that can be used to inform programs around the world.}, }
@article {pmid36878062, year = {2023}, author = {Bereza, D and Grey, E and Shenkar, N}, title = {Prioritizing management of high-risk routes and ports by vessel type to improve marine biosecurity efforts.}, journal = {Journal of environmental management}, volume = {336}, number = {}, pages = {117597}, doi = {10.1016/j.jenvman.2023.117597}, pmid = {36878062}, issn = {1095-8630}, mesh = {*Biosecurity ; Ships ; Travel ; *Biofouling ; Risk Assessment ; Introduced Species ; }, abstract = {The shipping industry constitutes the main vector of marine bioinvasions. Over 90,000 vessels world-wide create a highly complex shipping network that requires appropriate management tools. Here we characterized a novel vessel category, Ultra Large Container Vessels (ULCV), in terms of potential contribution to the dispersal of Non-Indigenous Species (NIS) in comparison to smaller vessels traveling similar routes. Such approach is essential for providing precise information-based risk analysis necessary to enforce biosecurity regulations and reduce the adverse global effects of marine NIS. We used Automatic Identification System (AIS) based websites to extract shipping data that will enable us to test for differences in two vessel behaviors linked to NIS dispersal: port visit durations and voyage sailing times. We then examined the geographic spread of ULCVs and small vessels, quantifying the accumulation of new port visits, countries, and ecoregions for each vessel category. Finally, Higher Order Network (HON) analysis revealed emergent patterns within shipping traffic, species flow, and invasion risk networks of these two categories. Compared to the smaller vessels, ULCVs spent significantly longer time in 20% of the ports and were more geographically constrained, with fewer port visits, countries, and regions. HON analysis revealed that the ULCV shipping species flow and invasion risk networks were more similar to each other than to those of the smaller vessels. However, HON port importance shifts were discernible for both vessel categories, with major shipping hubs not necessarily being major invasion hubs. Overall, compared to smaller vessels, ULCVs behave differently in ways that potentially increase biofouling risk, albeit in a smaller set of ports. Future studies using HON analysis of other dispersal vectors appears critical for prioritizing management of high-risk routes and ports.}, }
@article {pmid36969137, year = {2023}, author = {Picq, S and Wu, Y and Martemyanov, VV and Pouliot, E and Pfister, SE and Hamelin, R and Cusson, M}, title = {Range-wide population genomics of the spongy moth, Lymantria dispar (Erebidae): Implications for biosurveillance, subspecies classification and phylogeography of a destructive moth.}, journal = {Evolutionary applications}, volume = {16}, number = {3}, pages = {638-656}, pmid = {36969137}, issn = {1752-4571}, abstract = {The spongy moth, Lymantria dispar, is an irruptive forest pest native to Eurasia where its range extends from coast to coast and overspills into northern Africa. Accidentally introduced from Europe in Massachusetts in 1868-1869, it is now established in North America where it is considered a highly destructive invasive pest. A fine-scale characterization of its population genetic structure would facilitate identification of source populations for specimens intercepted during ship inspections in North America and would enable mapping of introduction pathways to help prevent future incursions into novel environments. In addition, detailed knowledge of L. dispar's global population structure would provide new insight into the adequacy of its current subspecies classification system and its phylogeographic history. To address these issues, we generated >2000 genotyping-by-sequencing-derived SNPs from 1445 contemporary specimens sampled at 65 locations in 25 countries/3 continents. Using multiple analytical approaches, we identified eight subpopulations that could be further partitioned into 28 groups, achieving unprecedented resolution for this species' population structure. Although reconciliation between these groupings and the three currently recognized subspecies proved to be challenging, our genetic data confirmed circumscription of the japonica subspecies to Japan. However, the genetic cline observed across continental Eurasia, from L. dispar asiatica in East Asia to L. d. dispar in Western Europe, points to the absence of a sharp geographical boundary (e.g., the Ural Mountains) between these two subspecies, as suggested earlier. Importantly, moths from North America and the Caucasus/Middle East displayed high enough genetic distances from other populations to warrant their consideration as separate subspecies of L. dispar. Finally, in contrast with earlier mtDNA-based investigations that identified the Caucasus as L. dispar's place of origin, our analyses suggest continental East Asia as its evolutionary cradle, from where it spread to Central Asia and Europe, and to Japan through Korea.}, }
@article {pmid36966457, year = {2023}, author = {Kilgo, JC and Vukovich, M and Cox, KJ and Larsen, M and Mims, TT and Garabedian, JE}, title = {Assessing whole-sounder removal versus traditional control for reducing invasive wild pig (Sus scrofa) populations.}, journal = {Pest management science}, volume = {}, number = {}, pages = {}, doi = {10.1002/ps.7478}, pmid = {36966457}, issn = {1526-4998}, abstract = {BACKGROUND: Trapping is commonly used as the primary management tool in attempts to reduce invasive wild pigs (Sus scrofa), but traditional trapping techniques are often ineffective. However, recently developed traps permit the capture of entire social groups (sounders) of wild pigs, and the strategy of whole-sounder removal may achieve more effective control. Our objective was to experimentally compare traditional control (TC; primarily traditional trapping, but including hunting with dogs, and opportunistic shooting) and whole-sounder removal (WSR) strategies by assessing density reduction and removal rate after 1 and 2 years of treatment.<br><br>RESULTS: After one year of trapping, average wild pig density on WSR units declined 53% and remained stable after the second year, whereas on TC units, pig density did not differ after trapping, although it declined 33% and remained stable after the second year of trapping. The median removal rate (percentage of uniquely marked pigs present at the beginning of each year that were removed) was 42.5% for WSR units and 0.0% for TC units during 2018 and were 29.6% from WSR units and 5.3% from TC units during 2019.<br><br>CONCLUSIONS: WSR removal was more effective at reducing wild pig density than TC, but factors such as previous exposure of this population to traditional traps and the lack of barriers to recolonization from surrounding areas may have reduced WSR efficacy. Whole-sounder removal can effectively reduce wild pig density to a greater extent than TC, but managers should recognize the additional time and expense necessary for implementation. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.}, }
@article {pmid36966383, year = {2023}, author = {Tolo, IE and Bajer, PG and Mor, SK and Phelps, NBD}, title = {Disease ecology and host range of Cyprinid herpesvirus 3 (CyHV-3) in CyHV-3 endemic lakes of North America.}, journal = {Journal of fish diseases}, volume = {}, number = {}, pages = {}, doi = {10.1111/jfd.13778}, pmid = {36966383}, issn = {1365-2761}, abstract = {Cyprinid herpesvirus-3 (CyHV-3) is an important pathogen of common carp (Cyprinus carpio, carp) causing significant economic and ecological impacts worldwide. The recent emergence of CyHV-3 in the Upper Midwest region of the United States has raised questions related to the disease ecology and host specificity of CyHV-3 in wild carp populations. To determine the prevalence of CyHV-3 in wild populations of fishes in Minnesota, we surveyed five lakes in 2019 in which the virus was known to have caused mass mortality events in carp from 2017 to 2018. A total of 28 species (n = 756 total fish) of native fishes and 730 carp were screened for the presence of CyHV-3 DNA using specific qPCR. None of the native fish tissues tested positive for CyHV-3 although the prevalence of CyHV-3 in carp was 10%-50% in the five lakes. A single lake (Lake Elysian) with a 50% DNA detection rate and evidence of ongoing transmission and CyHV-3-associated mortality was surveyed again in 2020 from April to September. During this period, none of the tissues from 24 species (n = 607 total fish) tested positive for CyHV-3 though CyHV-3 DNA and mRNA (indicating viral replication) was detected in carp tissues during the sampling period. CyHV-3 DNA was detected most often in brain samples without evidence of replication, potentially indicating that brain tissue is a site for CyHV-3 latency. Paired qPCR and ELISA testing for Lake Elysian in 2019-2020 identified young carp (especially males) to be the primary group impacted by CyHV-3-associated mortality and acute infections, but with no positive detections in juvenile carp. Seroprevalence of carp from Lake Elysian was 57% in 2019, 92% in April of 2020 and 97% in September 2020. These results further corroborate the host specificity of CyHV-3 to carp in mixed wild populations of fishes in Minnesota and provide additional insights into the ecological niche of CyHV-3 in shallow lake populations of carp in North America.}, }
@article {pmid36966160, year = {2023}, author = {Ruzzier, E and Ortis, G and Vallotto, D and Faccoli, M and Martinez-Sañudo, I and Marchioro, M}, title = {The first full host plant dataset of Curculionidae Scolytinae of the world: tribe Xyleborini LeConte, 1876.}, journal = {Scientific data}, volume = {10}, number = {1}, pages = {166}, pmid = {36966160}, issn = {2052-4463}, abstract = {Xyleborini is the largest tribe of Scolytinae accounting for about 1300 species worldwide; all species are primarily xylomycetophagous, developing on symbiotic fungi farmed in plant woody tissues. Xyleborini wood-boring action, associated with the inoculum of symbiotic fungi, can lead, sometimes, to the emergence of host plant dieback, wood damage and death; for this reason, multiple Xyleborini are major pests on both cultivated, forest and ornamental trees. Many Xyleborini are invasive worldwide and great effort is expended to manage their biological invasions or prevent new arrivals. Imports of host plants often have a primary role as a pathway for introduction and are frequently responsible for the establishment of species in non-native environments. In this context, data availability on Xyleborini host plants is a major limiting factor in the development of effective detection and monitoring strategies as well as a fundamental variable to consider in risk assessment of plant pests and invasive species. This contribution provides updated host records and the hosts economic categorization for the 1293 Xyleborini known worldwide to date.}, }
@article {pmid36964580, year = {2023}, author = {Andriamanantena, M and Pithon, S and Dijoux, M and Hoareau, M and Fontaine, C and Ferrard, J and Lavergne, C and Petit, T and Caro, Y}, title = {A survey on the potential contribution of Reunion Island dye plant species diversity to the market demand for bioactive plant-based dyes and pigments.}, journal = {Journal of ethnobiology and ethnomedicine}, volume = {19}, number = {1}, pages = {8}, pmid = {36964580}, issn = {1746-4269}, abstract = {BACKGROUND: Proven toxicity and environmental burdens caused by artificial dyes have motivated dyeing industries to turn to natural alternatives. Plant-based dyestuffs are an interesting group of alternative crops. Reunion Island located in the Indian Ocean is the only European region in the southern hemisphere. It has a great number of assets to find new molecules in the abundant plant biodiversity. However, the dye-producing plants diversity in this island had not been documented to date.<br><br>METHODOLOGY: The assessment of the Reunion Island's plant biodiversity through the "PLANTIN" project allowed us to establish here the first ethnobotanical inventory of plants growing on Reunion Island which may have promising properties as a new alternative source of dyes or colorants for the industries. First, an ethnobotanical survey focused on the uses of plants traditionally used in dyeing was conducted on local stakeholders. Then, the importance of different criteria (e.g., endemicity, accessibility and cultivability, plant organs used for the extraction, industrial interests of the species, etc.) has been considered to establish a classification method of the species, to finally select the most interesting plants which have been further harvested and investigated for their coloring property and dyeing application on natural fibers.<br><br>RESULTS: The results showed that local people have accumulated traditional knowledge of dyeing plants, but that this approach had been discontinued in Reunion. The uses of 194 plant species potentially rich in dyes or pigments, belonging to 72 different families, with diverse botanical status (endemic, native, introduced or alien-invasive species) have been recorded. Then, 43 species were harvested and their coloring property were investigated. It demonstrated that dyes extracted from promising species, e.g., Terminalia bentzoe, Weinmannia tinctoria, Thespesia populnea, Erythroxylum laurifolium, Morinda citrifolia, Leea guinensis, Ochrosia borbonica, Danais fragrans, Terminalia cattapa, Casuarina equisetifolia, and Coccoloba uvifera, amongst others, could be used as new textile dyes. Their efficacy in the wool and cotton dyeing has been successfully demonstrated here.<br><br>CONCLUSION: These plant-based dyestuffs showed promising coloring properties with different shades that could meet industrial application requirement. It's an area that could promote local cultural inheritance, create opportunity for business and farmers, and that can make a significant contribution to preserving endangered native species by supporting reforestation schemes. Additional researches are in progress to evaluate the safety of these plant-based colored extracts, their chemical composition and biological activities.}, }
@article {pmid36960319, year = {2020}, author = {Bailey, SA and Brown, L and Campbell, ML and Canning-Clode, J and Carlton, JT and Castro, N and Chinho, P and Chan, FT and Creed, JC and Curd, A and Darling, J and Fofonoff, P and Galil, BS and Hewitt, CL and Inglis, GJ and Keith, I and Mandrak, NE and Marchini, A and McKenzie, CH and Occhipinti-Ambrogi, A and Ojaveer, H and Pires-Teixeira, LM and Robinson, TB and Ruiz, GM and Seaward, K and Schwindt, E and Son, MO and Therriault, TW and Zhan, A}, title = {Trends in the detection of aquatic non-indigenous species across global marine, estuarine and freshwater ecosystems: A 50-year perspective.}, journal = {Diversity &amp; distributions}, volume = {26}, number = {12}, pages = {1780-1797}, pmid = {36960319}, issn = {1366-9516}, support = {EPA999999/ImEPA/Intramural EPA/United States ; }, abstract = {AIM: The introduction of aquatic non-indigenous species (ANS) has become a major driver for global changes in species biogeography. We examined spatial patterns and temporal trends of ANS detections since 1965 to inform conservation policy and management.<br><br>LOCATION: Global.<br><br>METHODS: We assembled an extensive dataset of first records of detection of ANS (1965-2015) across 49 aquatic ecosystems, including the (a) year of first collection, (b) population status and (c) potential pathway(s) of introduction. Data were analysed at global and regional levels to assess patterns of detection rate, richness and transport pathways.<br><br>RESULTS: An annual mean of 43 (&#xb1;16 SD) primary detections of ANS occurred-one new detection every 8.4 days for 50 years. The global rate of detections was relatively stable during 1965-1995, but increased rapidly after this time, peaking at roughly 66 primary detections per year during 2005-2010 and then declining marginally. Detection rates were variable within and across regions through time. Arthropods, molluscs and fishes were the most frequently reported ANS. Most ANS were likely introduced as stowaways in ships' ballast water or biofouling, although direct evidence is typically absent.<br><br>MAIN CONCLUSIONS: This synthesis highlights the magnitude of recent ANS detections, yet almost certainly represents an underestimate as many ANS go unreported due to limited search effort and diminishing taxonomic expertise. Temporal rates of detection are also confounded by reporting lags, likely contributing to the lower detection rate observed in recent years. There is a critical need to implement standardized, repeated methods across regions and taxa to improve the quality of global-scale comparisons and sustain core measures over longer time-scales. It will be fundamental to fill in knowledge gaps given that invasion data representing broad regions of the world's oceans are not yet readily available and to maintain knowledge pipelines for adaptive management.}, }
@article {pmid36958810, year = {2023}, author = {Walentowitz, A and Lenzner, B and Essl, F and Strandberg, N and Castilla-Beltrán, A and Fernández-Palacios, JM and Björck, S and Connor, S and Haberle, SG and Ljung, K and Prebble, M and Wilmshurst, JM and Froyd, CA and de Boer, EJ and de Nascimento, L and Edwards, ME and Stevenson, J and Beierkuhnlein, C and Steinbauer, MJ and Nogué, S}, title = {Long-term trajectories of non-native vegetation on islands globally.}, journal = {Ecology letters}, volume = {}, number = {}, pages = {}, doi = {10.1111/ele.14196}, pmid = {36958810}, issn = {1461-0248}, abstract = {Human-mediated changes in island vegetation are, among others, largely caused by the introduction and establishment of non-native species. However, data on past changes in non-native plant species abundance that predate historical documentation and censuses are scarce. Islands are among the few places where we can track human arrival in natural systems allowing us to reveal changes in vegetation dynamics with the arrival of non-native species. We matched fossil pollen data with botanical status information (native, non-native), and quantified the timing, trajectories and magnitude of non-native plant vegetational change on 29 islands over the past 5000 years. We recorded a proportional increase in pollen of non-native plant taxa within the last 1000 years. Individual island trajectories are context-dependent and linked to island settlement histories. Our data show that non-native plant introductions have a longer and more dynamic history than is generally recognized, with critical implications for biodiversity baselines and invasion biology.}, }
@article {pmid36949607, year = {2023}, author = {Irshad, MS and Arshad, N and Liu, G and Mushtaq, N and Lashari, AA and Qin, W and Asghar, MS and Li, H and Wang, X}, title = {Biomass-Printed Hybrid Solar Evaporator Derived from Bio-polluted Invasive Species, a Potential Step toward Carbon Neutrality.}, journal = {ACS applied materials &amp; interfaces}, volume = {}, number = {}, pages = {}, doi = {10.1021/acsami.2c20207}, pmid = {36949607}, issn = {1944-8252}, abstract = {Biomass-based photothermal conversion is of great importance for solar energy utilization toward carbon neutrality. Herein, a hybrid solar evaporator is innovatively designed via UV-induced printing of pyrolyzed Kudzu biochar on hydrophilic cotton fabric (KB@CF) to integrate all parameters in a single evaporator, such as solar evaporation, salt collection, waste heat recovery for thermoelectricity, sieving oil emulsions, and water disinfection from microorganisms. The UV-induced printed fabric demonstrates stronger material adhesion as compared to the conventional dip-dry technique. The hybrid solar evaporator gives an enhanced evaporation rate (2.32 kg/m[2] h), and the complementary waste heat recovery system generates maximum open-circuit voltage (Vout ∼ 143.9 mV) and solar to vapor conversion efficiency (92%), excluding heat losses under one sun illumination. More importantly, 99.98% of photothermal-induced bacterial killing efficiency was achieved within 20 min under 1 kW m[-2] using the hyperthermia effect of Kudzu biochar. Furthermore, numerical heat-transfer simulations were performed successfully to analyze the enhanced interfacial heat accumulation (75.3 °C) and heat flux distribution of the thermoelectric generators under one sun. We firmly believe that the safe use of bio-polluted invasive species in hybrid solar-driven evaporation systems eases the environmental pressure toward carbon neutrality.}, }
@article {pmid36949138, year = {2023}, author = {Wrońska-Pilarek, D and Maciejewska-Rutkowska, I and Lechowicz, K and Bocianowski, J and Hauke-Kowalska, M and Baranowska, M and Korzeniewicz, R}, title = {The effect of herbicides on morphological features of pollen grains in Prunus serotina Ehrh. in the context of elimination of this invasive species from European forests.}, journal = {Scientific reports}, volume = {13}, number = {1}, pages = {4657}, pmid = {36949138}, issn = {2045-2322}, abstract = {Prunus serotina Ehrh. is an alien invasive neophyte widespread in European forests. So far, no effective methods of its elimination have been developed. For this reason, the aim of our study was to determine how herbicides affect the morphological characteristics of pollen grains. This knowledge may be crucial to control this invasive species. The current study was carried out in a research area of 2.7 ha located in the Zielonka Forest near Poznań, Poland (N 52°31'58.016″, E 17°05'55.588″). We tested morphological differences among ten features of P. serotina pollen, based on the samples collected from 15 control trees compared to the 50 trees treated with five different herbicides. In total 1950 pollen grains were measured. We confirmed the adopted hypotheses of long-term herbicide influence on P. serotina pollen. Pollen grains from the control trees had a longer equatorial axis, were more elongated in shape and had the largest range of exine thickness compared to the pollen from the herbicide-treated samples. Exine thickness in the control sample was on average 0.74 µm, ranging from 0.42 to 1.19 µm. The average values and the ranges of this trait in the samples treated with herbicides were larger (e.g. average exine thickness was from 0.90 to 0.95 µm). There were differences in the P/E ranges of variability between the control and herbicide-treated samples. In the control sample the P/E ratio was 1.32-2.04 and elongated forms of pollen shapes prevailed, while in the herbicide-treated samples it ranged from 1.03 to 1.47. The share of deformed pollen grains in the herbicide-treated samples was lower than expected, ranging from 8.7 to 25.3%, while in the control samples it was 6%. Logo and Mustang turned out to be the most effective among the herbicides used in the described research. The two used application methods were found to have an effect on pollen quality.}, }
@article {pmid36948323, year = {2023}, author = {Lozano, V and Di Febbraro, M and Brundu, G and Carranza, ML and Alessandrini, A and Ardenghi, NMG and Barni, E and Bedini, G and Celesti-Grapow, L and Cianfaglione, K and Cogoni, A and Domina, G and Fascetti, S and Ferretti, G and Foggi, B and Iberite, M and Lastrucci, L and Lazzaro, L and Mainetti, A and Marinangeli, F and Montagnani, C and Musarella, CM and Orsenigo, S and Peccenini, S and Peruzzi, L and Poggio, L and Proietti, C and Prosser, F and Ranfa, A and Rosati, L and Santangelo, A and Selvaggi, A and Spampinato, G and Stinca, A and Vacca, G and Villani, M and Siniscalco, C}, title = {Plant invasion risk inside and outside protected areas: Propagule pressure, abiotic and biotic factors definitively matter.}, journal = {The Science of the total environment}, volume = {}, number = {}, pages = {162993}, doi = {10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.162993}, pmid = {36948323}, issn = {1879-1026}, abstract = {Invasive alien species are among the main global drivers of biodiversity loss posing major challenges to nature conservation and to managers of protected areas. The present study applied a methodological framework that combined invasive Species Distribution Models, based on propagule pressure, abiotic and biotic factors for 14 invasive alien plants of Union concern in Italy, with the local interpretable model-agnostic explanation analysis aiming to map, evaluate and analyse the risk of plant invasions across the country, inside and outside the network of protected areas. Using a hierarchical invasive Species Distribution Model, we explored the combined effect of propagule pressure, abiotic and biotic factors on shaping invasive alien plant occurrence across three biogeographic regions (Alpine, Continental, and Mediterranean) and realms (terrestrial and aquatic) in Italy. We disentangled the role of propagule pressure, abiotic and biotic factors on invasive alien plant distribution and projected invasion risk maps. We compared the risk posed by invasive alien plants inside and outside protected areas. Invasive alien plant distribution varied across biogeographic regions and realms and unevenly threatens protected areas. As an alien's occurrence and risk on a national scale are linked with abiotic factors followed by propagule pressure, their local distribution in protected areas is shaped by propagule pressure and biotic filters. The proposed modelling framework for the assessment of the risk posed by invasive alien plants across spatial scales and under different protection regimes represents an attempt to fill the gap between theory and practice in conservation planning helping to identify scale, site, and species-specific priorities of management, monitoring and control actions. Based on solid theory and on free geographic information, it has great potential for application to wider networks of protected areas in the world and to any invasive alien plant, aiding improved management strategies claimed by the environmental legislation and national and global strategies.}, }
@article {pmid36946141, year = {2023}, author = {Case, SB and Tarwater, CE}, title = {Exploitation competition between seed predators and dispersers introduced to Hawaiian forests.}, journal = {Ecology}, volume = {}, number = {}, pages = {e4038}, doi = {10.1002/ecy.4038}, pmid = {36946141}, issn = {1939-9170}, abstract = {Exploitation competition occurs when one group of organisms reduces the availability of a resource for another group of organisms. For instance, plants produce a certain number of fruits for seed dispersal by fruit-eating animals (hereafter frugivores), and fruit consumption by one group of frugivores can reduce the number of fruits available for other frugivores. However, it is uncertain whether exploitation competition is common among frugivores, particularly in novel ecosystems, where food resources are generally thought to be abundant and invasive species are dietary generalists. In a novel ecosystem in Hawai'i, we used gut passage experiments with captive birds to identify roles of introduced frugivores and found they were either distinctly seed dispersers or predators. We then experimentally tested how frugivory by seed predators influenced frugivory by seed dispersers. Specifically, we used exclosures around fruiting plants that blocked seed predator access, while permitting seed disperser access, and we had two control treatments that allowed for access by all frugivores (n=139 plants). When seed predators were excluded from plants, there was more frugivory by dispersers compared to controls, and results varied by year and plant species. Overall, we show that introduced frugivores occupied distinct ecological roles (seed predator or seed disperser), exploitation competition occurred between these introduced frugivore groups, and seed predators had both direct (via seed destruction) and indirect (via reduction in frugivory by dispersers) effects on seed dispersal. Thus, in this novel ecosystem, multiple frugivory is subtractive, and competition for fruit between introduced seed predators and seed dispersers scales up to affect invasions and the conservation of native flora.}, }
@article {pmid36944500, year = {2023}, author = {Reeves, LE and Sloyer, KE and Tyler-Julian, K and Heinig, R and Rosales, A and Domingo, C and Burkett-Cadena, ND}, title = {Culex (Phenacomyia) lactator (Diptera: Culicidae) in southern Florida, USA: a new subgenus and species country record.}, journal = {Journal of medical entomology}, volume = {}, number = {}, pages = {}, doi = {10.1093/jme/tjad023}, pmid = {36944500}, issn = {1938-2928}, abstract = {The Culex subgenus Phenacomyia is a small and poorly studied group of three mosquito species native to the American tropics. Here, we report the first detections of established populations of Culex (Phenacomyia) lactator Dyar &amp; Knab in three counties of southern Florida. Culex lactator was first detected in May 2018 in southern Miami-Dade County, and, at this locality, was collected in subsequent years from 2018 to 2022 as both adults and immatures. Larvae and adults were subsequently collected in 2022, ~175 km northwest of the initial locality at nine sites in Collier and Lee Counties. Identification of specimens collected in these counties as Cx. lactator is supported by molecular analysis and morphological characters of the adult female, male genitalia, and larva. The host associations and vector competence of Cx. lactator have not been extensively studied, and the public health implications, if any, of the addition of this species to Florida's mosquito fauna are unclear. These collections represent the first detections of Cx. lactator, or any Phenacomyia species, in the United States, adding to a trend in which detections of established populations of mosquito species from the American tropics in Florida appear to be increasing.}, }
@article {pmid36932085, year = {2023}, author = {Hocking, S and Toop, T and Jones, D and Graham, I and Eastwood, D}, title = {Assessing the relative impacts and economic costs of Japanese knotweed management methods.}, journal = {Scientific reports}, volume = {13}, number = {1}, pages = {3872}, pmid = {36932085}, issn = {2045-2322}, mesh = {Ecosystem ; Environment ; *Fallopia japonica ; *Herbicides ; *Introduced Species ; }, abstract = {Sustainable land management encompasses a range of activity that balance land use requirements with wider conservation and ecosystem impact considerations. Perennial invasive alien plants (IAPs), such as Japanese knotweed, cause severe ecological and socio-economic impacts, and methods to control their spread also come at a cost. Synthetic herbicides are generally viewed as less sustainable and more ecologically damaging than alternative approaches. Here we used a comparative Life Cycle Assessment to evaluate the sustainability of herbicide-based management approaches and physical alternatives, using a large-scale Japanese knotweed field study as a model IAP system. Glyphosate-based methods elicited the lowest environmental impacts and economic costs during production. Geomembrane covering and integrated physiochemical methods were the costliest and imposed the greatest impacts. We discuss the costs and benefits of chemical and physical approaches for the sustainable management of invaded land and question how sustainable environmental stewardship is defined for the control of IAPs.}, }
@article {pmid36944039, year = {2023}, author = {Masetti, A and Rathé, A and Robertson, N and Anderson, D and Walker, J and Pasqualini, E and Depalo, L}, title = {Effects of three chitin synthesis inhibitors on egg masses, nymphs and adults of Halyomorpha halys (Hemiptera: Pentatomidae).}, journal = {Pest management science}, volume = {}, number = {}, pages = {}, doi = {10.1002/ps.7465}, pmid = {36944039}, issn = {1526-4998}, abstract = {BACKGROUND: Halyomorpha halys, (brown marmorated stink bug, BMSB), is a high-concern invasive species causing severe damage to orchards in many countries outside its native Asian range. Management methods other than frequent sprays of broad-spectrum insecticides are needed to restore integrated pest management (IPM) practices in orchards. Chitin synthesis inhibitors are usually regarded as desirable options in IPM programs because of lower toxicity to beneficial insects and non-target organisms compared to neurotoxic insecticides. In this study, the activity of three chitin synthesis inhibitors (namely buprofezin, novaluron and triflumuron) was investigated on BMSB egg masses, 3[rd] instars and adults by means of laboratory bioassays.<br><br>RESULTS: Novaluron and to a lesser extent triflumuron were detrimental to BMSB nymphs exposed to residues on potted peach plants. Novaluron caused high mortality among early instars emerged from sprayed egg masses. No significant differences were found between buprofezin and water control on eggs or 3[rd] instars. When sprayed on BMSB adults, none of the chitin synthesis inhibitors affected survival, fecundity or egg hatching.<br><br>CONCLUSION: Given the activity on nymphs, but the lack of effects on adults, novaluron and triflumuron might be considered for field applications only as a tool in a wider management strategy along with other methods aimed at preventing the invasion of crops by BMSB adults. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.}, }
@article {pmid36938535, year = {2023}, author = {Foster, WJ and Allen, BJ and Kitzmann, NH and Münchmeyer, J and Rettelbach, T and Witts, JD and Whittle, RJ and Larina, E and Clapham, ME and Dunhill, AM}, title = {How predictable are mass extinction events?.}, journal = {Royal Society open science}, volume = {10}, number = {3}, pages = {221507}, pmid = {36938535}, issn = {2054-5703}, abstract = {Many modern extinction drivers are shared with past mass extinction events, such as rapid climate warming, habitat loss, pollution and invasive species. This commonality presents a key question: can the extinction risk of species during past mass extinction events inform our predictions for a modern biodiversity crisis? To investigate if it is possible to establish which species were more likely to go extinct during mass extinctions, we applied a functional trait-based model of extinction risk using a machine learning algorithm to datasets of marine fossils for the end-Permian, end-Triassic and end-Cretaceous mass extinctions. Extinction selectivity was inferred across each individual mass extinction event, before testing whether the selectivity patterns obtained could be used to 'predict' the extinction selectivity exhibited during the other mass extinctions. Our analyses show that, despite some similarities in extinction selectivity patterns between ancient crises, the selectivity of mass extinction events is inconsistent, which leads to a poor predictive performance. This lack of predictability is attributed to evolution in marine ecosystems, particularly during the Mesozoic Marine Revolution, associated with shifts in community structure alongside coincident Earth system changes. Our results suggest that past extinctions are unlikely to be informative for predicting extinction risk during a projected mass extinction.}, }
@article {pmid36936381, year = {2023}, author = {Meeus, S and Silva-Rocha, I and Adriaens, T and Brown, PMJ and Chartosia, N and Claramunt-López, B and Martinou, AF and Pocock, MJO and Preda, C and Roy, HE and Tricarico, E and Groom, QJ}, title = {More than a Bit of Fun: The Multiple Outcomes of a Bioblitz.}, journal = {Bioscience}, volume = {73}, number = {3}, pages = {168-181}, pmid = {36936381}, issn = {0006-3568}, abstract = {Bioblitzes are a popular approach to engage people and collect biodiversity data. Despite this, few studies have actually evaluated the multiple outcomes of bioblitz activities. We used a systematic review, an analysis of data from more than 1000 bioblitzes, and a detailed analysis of one specific bioblitz to inform our inquiry. We evaluated five possible bioblitz outcomes, which were creating a species inventory, engaging people in biological recording, enhancing learning about nature, discovering a species new to an area, and promoting an organization. We conclude that bioblitzes are diverse but overall effective at their aims and have advantages over unstructured biodiversity recording. We demonstrate for the first time that bioblitzes increase the recording activity of the participants for several months after the event. In addition, we provide evidence that bioblitzes are effective at bringing people and organizations together to build communities of professionals and amateurs, critical for conserving and protecting biodiversity.}, }
@article {pmid36934941, year = {2023}, author = {Karpowicz, M and Feniova, IY and Sakharova, EG and Gorelysheva, ZI and Więcko, A and Górniak, A and Dzialowski, AR}, title = {Top-down and bottom-up control of phytoplankton communities by zebra mussels Dreissena polymorpha (Pallas, 1771).}, journal = {The Science of the total environment}, volume = {}, number = {}, pages = {162899}, doi = {10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.162899}, pmid = {36934941}, issn = {1879-1026}, abstract = {Zebra mussels (ZM), Dreissena polymorpha (Pallas, 1771), are one of the most aggressive invasive species. ZM have a strong bidirectional impact on phytoplankton because of their high nutrient excretion rates and high grazing pressure. Furthermore, the interactions between excretion and selective grazing are related to the trophic status of a waterbody and could cause unpredictable changes in phytoplankton. We performed three types of experiments: (i) bottom-up where we measured ZM excretion rates; (ii) top-down where we analyzed the effects of ZM on phytoplankton taxonomic structure via grazing in different trophic conditions; (iii) mesocosm experiment where we estimated the combined top-down and bottom-up effects of ZM on phytoplankton assemblages under different trophic conditions. Our first experiment confirmed high excretion rates of dissolved nutrients (PO4[3-] and NH4[+]) and DOC by ZM. The other experiments revealed selective grazing by ZM, where diatoms were mostly selectively rejected, while green algae were preferred. In the top-down experiment, ZM decreased the total biomass of phytoplankton, while in mesocosm experiments where top-down and bottom-up controls acted simultaneously, we observed increased phytoplankton biomass mainly through increases in filamentous green algae. Our experiments show that ZM can influence phytoplankton through a combination of bottom-up and top-down effects that vary with trophic state.}, }
@article {pmid36934311, year = {2023}, author = {Schatz, AM and Park, AW}, title = {Patterns of host-parasite co-invasion promote enemy release and specialist parasite spillover.}, journal = {The Journal of animal ecology}, volume = {}, number = {}, pages = {}, doi = {10.1111/1365-2656.13910}, pmid = {36934311}, issn = {1365-2656}, abstract = {Species invasion and redistribution, driven by climate change and other anthropogenic influences, alter global biodiversity patterns and disrupt ecosystems. As host species move, they can bring their associated parasites with them, potentially infecting resident species, or leave their parasites behind, enhancing their competitive ability in their new ranges. General rules to predict why invading hosts will retain some parasites but not others are relatively unexplored, and the potential predictors are numerous, ranging from parasite life history to host community composition. In this study, we focus on the parasite retention process during host invasion. We used the Global Mammal Parasite Database to identify terrestrial mammal hosts sampled for parasites in both native and non-native ranges. We then selected predictors likely to play a role in parasite retention, such as parasite type, parasite specialism, species composition of the invaded community, and the invading host's phylogenetic or trait-based similarity to the new community. We modeled parasite retention using boosted regression trees, with a suite of 25 predictors describing parasite and host community traits. We further tested the generality of our predictions by cross-validating models on data for other hosts and invasion locations. Our results show that parasite retention is non-random and predictable across hosts and invasions. It is broadly shaped by parasite type and parasite specialism, with more specialist parasites that infect many closely related hosts more likely to be retained. This trend is pronounced across parasite types; helminths, however, show a more uniform likelihood of retention regardless of specificity. Overall, we see that most parasites are not retained (11% retained), meaning many invasive species may benefit from enemy release. However, species redistribution does have the potential to spread parasites, and this also has great relevance to understanding conservation implications of species invasions. We see that specialist parasites are most likely to co-invade with their hosts, which suggests that species closely related to the invasive hosts are most likely to be affected by parasite spillover.}, }
@article {pmid36933722, year = {2023}, author = {Courtois, P and Martinez, C and Thomas, A}, title = {Spatial priorities for invasive alien species control in protected areas.}, journal = {The Science of the total environment}, volume = {}, number = {}, pages = {162675}, doi = {10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.162675}, pmid = {36933722}, issn = {1879-1026}, abstract = {Given the limited funds available for the management of invasive alien species (IASs), there is a need to design cost-effective strategies to prioritize their control. In this paper, we propose a cost-benefit optimization framework that incorporates the spatially explicit costs and benefits of invasion control, as well as the spatial invasion dynamics. Our framework offers a simple yet operational priority-setting criterion for the spatially explicit management of IASs under budget constraints. We applied this criterion to the control of the invasion of primrose willow (genus Ludwigia) in a protected area in France. Using a unique geographic information system panel dataset on control costs and invasion levels through space for a 20-year period, we estimated the costs of invasion control and a spatial econometric model of primrose willow invasion dynamics. Next, we used a field choice experiment to estimate the spatially explicit benefits of invasion control. Applying our priority criterion, we show that, unlike the current management strategy that controls the invasion in a spatially homogeneous manner, the criterion recommends targeted control on heavily invaded areas that are highly valued by users. We also show that the returns on investment are high, justifying the need to increase the allocated budgets and to treat the invasion more drastically. We conclude with policy recommendations and possible extensions, including the development of operational cost-benefit decision-support tools to assist local decision-makers in setting management priorities.}, }
@article {pmid36933097, year = {2023}, author = {Takyi, EM and Bhattacharyya, J and Parshad, RD}, title = {A Gender-Selective Harvesting Strategy: Weak Allee Effects and a Non-hyperbolic Extinction Boundary.}, journal = {Acta biotheoretica}, volume = {71}, number = {2}, pages = {11}, pmid = {36933097}, issn = {1572-8358}, abstract = {Recently a gender-selective harvesting strategy has been proposed for possible control of aquatic invasive species, wherein females of the invasive species are harvested, whilst stocking the males (abbreviated as FHMS strategy) (Lyu et al. in Nat Resour Model 33(2):e12252, 2020). We consider the FHMS strategy with a weak Allee effect, and show that its extinction boundary need not be hyperbolic. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first example of a non-hyperbolic extinction boundary in two-compartment mating models structured by sex. The model possesses a rich dynamical structure, with several local co-dimension one bifurcations occurring. We also show the occurrence of a global homoclinic bifurcation, which has applicability for large scale strategic bio-control.}, }
@article {pmid36932847, year = {2023}, author = {Riegl, B and Walentowitz, A and Sevilla, C and Chango, R and Jäger, H}, title = {Invasive blackberry outcompetes the endemic Galapagos tree daisy Scalesia pedunculata.}, journal = {Ecological applications : a publication of the Ecological Society of America}, volume = {}, number = {}, pages = {e2846}, doi = {10.1002/eap.2846}, pmid = {36932847}, issn = {1051-0761}, abstract = {Island florae are under threat from habitat loss and competition with introduced species worldwide. In the Galapagos Islands, the endemic tree daisy Scalesia pedunculata (Asteraceae) is the dominant tree in the cloud forest of Santa Cruz Island but suffers from competition with the invasive blackberry Rubus niveus. At the site Los Gemelos, a S. pedunculata population was monitored from 2014 to 2021 following mechanical and chemical removal of R. niveus from 17 plots and compared with 17 additional plots where R. niveus remained. The aim of this study was to evaluate the impacts of the R. niveus invasion on S. pedunculata by characterizing the effects of R. niveus removal. Parameters measured in S. pedunculata were diameter at breast height (DBH, from which annual growth rates were determined), total height, survival of individual plants, and recruitment. In the presence of R. niveus, S. pedunculata trees had smaller DBH stems and shorter asymptotic maximum heights, growth rates declined for thin trees, the mortality of larger trees was elevated, and S. pedunculata recruitment was absent. R. niveus removal resulted in DBH ratios of S. pedunculata more frequently meeting our threshold for fast growth (1.2), trees growing significantly thicker and taller, annual mortality being lower (12.5 vs. 16.2% per year), and recruitment being successful. In the presence of R. niveus, lower survival, growth, and absent recruitment suggested that S. pedunculata could reach quasi-extinction in ~20 years. Swift and decisive management action is needed to prevent the Scalesia forest on Santa Cruz Island from disappearing in less than two decades.}, }
@article {pmid36930698, year = {2023}, author = {Schall, JJ and Nouri-Aiin, M and Görres, J}, title = {APOLOCYSTIS BOSANQUETI N. SP. (APICOMPLEXA: EUGREGARINORIDA) FROM THE INVASIVE EARTHWORM AMYNTHAS AGRESTIS (ANNELIDA: MEGASCOLECIDAE), WITH SIGNIFICANCE FOR THE MONOPHYLY OF THE FAMILY MONOCYSTIDAE.}, journal = {The Journal of parasitology}, volume = {109}, number = {2}, pages = {56-64}, doi = {10.1645/22-66}, pmid = {36930698}, issn = {1937-2345}, abstract = {Apolocystis bosanqueti n. sp., a parasite of an important invasive earthworm in North America, Amynthas agrestis, is described from a site in northern Vermont. The earthworm host follows an annual life cycle in Vermont, so the entire life cycle of the parasite can be observed in 7 mo. In spring, the parasites were first seen in juvenile worms as paired gamonts (suggesting precocious association). These paired gamonts mature into gametocytes that form an opaque structure, with a thick gelatinous envelope (epicyst), that becomes full of zygotes. The resulting gametocyst becomes packed with ∼105 fusiform oocysts. The mature orbicular gametocysts are large (∼1 mm in diameter) and visible to the naked eye through the body wall of the host's anterior segments. The new species most resembles Apolocystis herculea described from many lumbricid earthworm species in Europe but differs from that parasite because Ap. herculea infects the intestinal wall in the posterior of the host rather than the anterior segments. A survey of 9 other earthworm species sympatric with Am. agrestis revealed that only Amynthas tokioensis, also an invasive species, was infected with Ap. bosanqueti, albeit much less commonly. Diagnosis for the family Monocystidae is problematic because cardinal characters are lacking, and the commonly cited character, a trophozoite with no anterior differentiation, is violated in most genera placed in the family. For the first time, a molecular phylogeny is presented that includes 3 genera of monocystids with diverse cell morphology (including the new species) and supports the monophyly of the family. The only morphological character that may be used to diagnose the Monocystidae is the morphology of oocysts, which are fusiform with extended terminal tips. A comparison of oocysts from 7 parasites recovered from local earthworms, including from 3 monocystid species in the phylogeny, confirms the utility of this diagnostic trait. The 2 hosts of the new species were most likely introduced from Japan, so the range of Apolocystis likely extends into East Asia.}, }
@article {pmid36929483, year = {2023}, author = {Herlevi, H and Wallin Kihlberg, I and Aarnio, K and Bonsdorff, E and Florin, AB and Ljung, A and Lundström, K and Mattila, J and Östman, &#xd6;}, title = {Environmental abundances of the non-native round goby Neogobius melanostomus influence feeding of native fish predators.}, journal = {Journal of fish biology}, volume = {}, number = {}, pages = {}, doi = {10.1111/jfb.15380}, pmid = {36929483}, issn = {1095-8649}, abstract = {We assessed the importance of the round goby Neogobius melanostomus as prey for three native predatory fish species, Atlantic cod Gadus morhua, European perch Perca fluviatilis and Northern pike Esox lucius, in a northern and southern area of the Baltic Proper, using a combination of visual analysis and DNA metabarcoding of predator stomach contents. To explore the influence of environmental abundances of N. melanostomus on predation, we related the occurrence of N. melanostomus in predator diets to its abundance in survey fishing. Gadus morhua and E. lucius in the southern area showed the highest tendency to feed on N. melanostomus when it was abundant, as N. melanostomus occurred in up to 100% of stomachs and constituted up to 88% of the total diet volume proportion. The diet contribution of N. melanostomus was associated with N. melanostomus abundances for G. morhua and E. lucius, and when N. melanostomus was abundant, these predators exhibited lower prey richness and a higher degree of piscivory. G. morhua and P. fluviatilis also fed less on crustacean prey when N. melanostomus was abundant. The high importance of N. melanostomus in diets of native fish predators may modify indirect interactions between N. melanostomus and native prey species in invaded coastal communities.}, }
@article {pmid36928355, year = {2023}, author = {Walter, M and Mondal, P}, title = {Mapping of Phragmites in estuarine wetlands using high-resolution aerial imagery.}, journal = {Environmental monitoring and assessment}, volume = {195}, number = {4}, pages = {478}, pmid = {36928355}, issn = {1573-2959}, abstract = {Phragmites australis is a widespread invasive plant species in the USA that greatly impacts estuarine wetlands by creating dense patches and outcompeting other plants. The invasion of Phragmites into wetland ecosystems is known to decrease biodiversity, destroy the habitat of threatened and endangered bird species, and alter biogeochemistry. While the impact of Phragmites is known, the spatial extent of this species is challenging to document due to its fragmented occurrence. Using high-resolution imagery from the National Agriculture Imagery Program (NAIP) from 2017, we evaluated a geospatial method of mapping the spatial extent of Phragmites across the state of DE. Normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI) and principal component analysis (PCA) bands are generated from the NAIP data and used as inputs in a random forest classifier to achieve a high overall accuracy for the Phragmites classification of around 95%. The classified gridded dataset has a spatial resolution of 1 m and documents the spatial distribution of Phragmites throughout the state's estuarine wetlands (around 11%). Such detailed classification could aid in monitoring the spread of this invasive species over space and time and would inform the decision-making process for landscape managers.}, }
@article {pmid36924970, year = {2023}, author = {Haubrock, PJ and Cuthbert, RN and Haase, P}, title = {Long-term trends and drivers of biological invasion in Central European streams.}, journal = {The Science of the total environment}, volume = {}, number = {}, pages = {162817}, doi = {10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.162817}, pmid = {36924970}, issn = {1879-1026}, abstract = {Rates of biological invasion continue to accelerate and threaten the structure and function of ecosystems worldwide. High habitat connectivity, multiple pathways, and inadequate monitoring have rendered aquatic ecosystems vulnerable to species introductions going unnoticed. Past riverine invasion dynamics were largely restricted to large rivers, leaving out smaller rivers that commonly harbour high freshwater biodiversity. Moreover, biodiversity time series have rarely been used to investigate invasions across larger spatial-temporal scales, limiting our understanding of aquatic invasion dynamics. Here, we used 6067 benthic invertebrate samples from streams and small rivers from the EU Water Framework Directive monitoring program collected across Central Europe between 2000 and 2018 to assess temporal changes to benthic invertebrate communities as well as non-native species. We assessed invasion rates according to temperature, precipitation, elevation, latitude, longitude, and stream type. Overall, average daily temperatures significantly increased by 0.02 °C per annum (0.34 °C in total) while annual precipitation significantly decreased by 0.01 mm per annum (-67.8 mm over the study period), paralleled with significant increases in overall species richness (12.3 %) and abundance (14.9 %); water quality was relatively stable. Non-native species richness increased 5-fold and abundance 40-fold, indicating an ongoing community shift from native to non-native species. The observed increase in invasions was stronger in low mountain rivers compared to low mountain streams, with the share of non-native species abundance and richness declining with increasing elevation and latitude but increasing with temperature. We found thermophilic non-native species invasion success was greatest in larger sized streams, at lower latitudes, lower elevations and higher temperatures. These results indicate that widespread environmental characteristics (i.e., temperature) could heighten invasion success and confer refuge effects (i.e., elevation and latitude) in higher elevation sites. High altitude and latitude environments should be prioritised for prevention efforts, while biosecurity and management should be improved in lowland areas subject to greater anthropogenic pressure, where non-native introductions are more likely.}, }
@article {pmid36924139, year = {2023}, author = {Krause, LMK and Manderfeld, E and Gnutt, P and Vogler, L and Wassick, A and Richard, K and Rudolph, M and Hunsucker, KZ and Swain, GW and Rosenhahn, B and Rosenhahn, A}, title = {Semantic segmentation for fully automated macrofouling analysis on coatings after field exposure.}, journal = {Biofouling}, volume = {}, number = {}, pages = {1-16}, doi = {10.1080/08927014.2023.2185143}, pmid = {36924139}, issn = {1029-2454}, abstract = {Biofouling is a major challenge for sustainable shipping, filter membranes, heat exchangers, and medical devices. The development of fouling-resistant coatings requires the evaluation of their effectiveness. Such an evaluation is usually based on the assessment of fouling progression after different exposure times to the target medium (e.g. salt water). The manual assessment of macrofouling requires expert knowledge about local fouling communities due to high variances in phenotypical appearance, has single-image sampling inaccuracies for certain species, and lacks spatial information. Here an approach for automatic image-based macrofouling analysis was presented. A dataset with dense labels prepared from field panel images was made and a convolutional network (adapted U-Net) for the semantic segmentation of different macrofouling classes was proposed. The establishment of macrofouling localization allows for the generation of a successional model which enables the determination of direct surface attachment and in-depth epibiotic studies.}, }
@article {pmid36924007, year = {2023}, author = {Li, J and Jiang, M and Pei, J and Fang, C and Li, B and Nie, M}, title = {Convergence of carbon sink magnitude and water table depth in global wetlands.}, journal = {Ecology letters}, volume = {}, number = {}, pages = {}, doi = {10.1111/ele.14199}, pmid = {36924007}, issn = {1461-0248}, abstract = {Wetlands are strategic areas for carbon uptake, but accurate assessments of their sequestration ability are limited by the uncertainty and variability in their carbon balances. Based on 2385 observations of annual net ecosystem production from global wetlands, we show that the mean net carbon sinks of inland wetlands, peatlands and coastal wetlands are 0.57, 0.29 and 1.88 tons of carbon per hectare per year, respectively, with a mean value of 0.57 tons of carbon per hectare per year weighted by the distribution area of different wetland types. Carbon sinks are mainly in Asia and North America. Within and across wetland types, we find that water table depth (WTD) exerts greater control than climate- and ecosystem-related variables, and an increase in WTD results in a stronger carbon sink. Our results highlight an urgent need to sustain wetland hydrology under global change; otherwise, wetlands are at high risk of becoming carbon sources to the atmosphere.}, }
@article {pmid36923130, year = {2023}, author = {Zarraonaindia, I and Cretazzo, E and Mena-Petite, A and Díez-Navajas, AM and Pérez-López, U and Lacuesta, M and Pérez-Álvarez, EP and Puertas, B and Fernandez-Diaz, C and Bertazzon, N and Cantos-Villar, E}, title = {Holistic understanding of the response of grapevines to foliar application of seaweed extracts.}, journal = {Frontiers in plant science}, volume = {14}, number = {}, pages = {1119854}, pmid = {36923130}, issn = {1664-462X}, abstract = {Viticulture is highly dependent on phytochemicals to maintain good vineyard health. However, to reduce their accumulation in the environment, green regulations are driving the development of eco-friendly strategies. In this respect, seaweeds have proven to be one of the marine resources with the highest potential as plant protective agents, representing an environmentally-friendly alternative approach for sustainable wine production. The current work follows an interdisciplinary framework to evaluate the capacity of Ulva ohnoi and Rugulopteryx okamurae seaweeds to induce defense mechanisms in grapevine plants. To our knowledge, this is the first study to evaluate Rugulopteryx okamurae as a biostimulator . This macroalgae is relevant since it is an invasive species on the Atlantic and Mediterranean coast causing incalculable economic and environmental burdens. Four extracts (UL1, UL2, RU1 and RU2 developed from Ulva and Rugulopteryx, respectively) were foliar applied to Tempranillo plants cultivated under greenhouse conditions. UL1 and RU2 stood out for their capacity to induce defense genes, such as a PR10, PAL, STS48 and GST1, mainly 24 hours after the first application. The increased expression level of these genes agreed with i) an increase in trans-piceid and trans-resveratrol content, mainly in the RU2 treated leaves, and, ii) an increase in jasmonic acid and decrease in salicylic acid. Moreover, an induction of the activity of the antioxidant enzymes was observed at the end of the experiment, with an increase in superoxide dismutase and catalase in the RU2-treated leaves in particular. Interestingly, while foliar fungal diversity was not influenced by the treatments, alga extract amendment modified fungal composition, RU2 application enriching the content of various groups known for their biocontrol activity. Overall, the results evidenced the capacity of Rugulopteryx okamurae for grapevine biostimulation, inducing the activation of several secondary metabolite pathways and promoting the abundance of beneficial microbiota involved in grapevine protection. While further studies are needed to unravel the bioactive compound(s) involved, including conducting field experiments etc., the current findings are the first steps towards the inclusion of Rugulopteryx okamurae in a circular scheme that would reduce its accumulation on the coast and benefit the viticulture sector at the same time.}, }
@article {pmid36921381, year = {2023}, author = {Meo-Filho, P and Hood, J and Lee, MRF and Fleming, H and Meethal, ME and Misselbrook, T}, title = {Performance and enteric methane emissions from housed beef cattle fed silage produced on pastures with different forage profiles.}, journal = {Animal : an international journal of animal bioscience}, volume = {17}, number = {4}, pages = {100726}, doi = {10.1016/j.animal.2023.100726}, pmid = {36921381}, issn = {1751-732X}, abstract = {Methane (CH4) produced by ruminants is a significant source of greenhouse gases from agriculture in the United Kingdom (UK), accounting for approximately 50% of the emissions in this sector. Ration modification is linked to changes in rumen fermentation and can be an effective means of CH4 abatement. In temperate climate countries, forage silage represents a major feed component for cattle during the housing period. The objective of this study was, therefore, to compare enteric CH4 emission from cattle offered silage produced from different types of grassland. Beef cattle, steers (n = 89) and heifers (n = 88) with average liveweight (LW) of 328 ± 57.1 kg were evaluated during two housing seasons (2016-2017 and 2017-2018) from November to April, at the Rothamsted Research North Wyke Farm Platform (UK). The treatments corresponded to three diet types, comprising silage harvested from three different pastures: MRG, monoculture of perennial ryegrass (PRG, Lolium perenne L.cv. AberMagic), bred to express the high-sugar phenotype; RG-WC, a mixed sward comprised of the same perennial ryegrass cultivar with white clover (Trifolium repens L.) with a target clover proportion of 30% as land cover; and permanent pasture (PP) dominated by PRG and a small number of non-introduced species. MRG and PP received 160-200 kg N/ha/year. Cattle were weighed every 30 days, and the enteric CH4 emission was determined using GreenFeed automated systems. No significant differences in enteric CH4 emission per head or per kg LW were observed between treatments. However, emission expressed per average daily gain (ADG) in LW was greater (P < 0.001) for MRG compared with RG-WC and PP, at 270, 248 and 235 g CH4/kg ADG, respectively. This related to a lower ADG (P = 0.041) for the animals fed MRG silage compared with RG-WC and PP which were similar, with respective values of 0.67, 0.71 and 0.74 kg/day. The forages compared in this study showed little or no potential to reduce enteric CH4 emission when fed as silage to growing beef cattle during the winter housing period.}, }
@article {pmid36864146, year = {2023}, author = {Mega, ER}, title = {Pablo Escobar's 'cocaine hippos' spark conservation row.}, journal = {Nature}, volume = {615}, number = {7952}, pages = {382-383}, pmid = {36864146}, issn = {1476-4687}, mesh = {*Conservation of Natural Resources ; *Artiodactyla ; Cocaine ; *Dissent and Disputes ; Colombia ; Introduced Species/legislation &amp; jurisprudence ; Animals ; *Research Personnel ; }, }
@article {pmid36920898, year = {2023}, author = {Helmer, EH and Kay, S and Marcano-Vega, H and Powers, JS and Wood, TE and Zhu, X and Gwenzi, D and Ruzycki, TS}, title = {Multiscale predictors of small tree survival across a heterogeneous tropical landscape.}, journal = {PloS one}, volume = {18}, number = {3}, pages = {e0280322}, doi = {10.1371/journal.pone.0280322}, pmid = {36920898}, issn = {1932-6203}, abstract = {Uncertainties about controls on tree mortality make forest responses to land-use and climate change difficult to predict. We tracked biomass of tree functional groups in tropical forest inventories across Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands, and with random forests we ranked 86 potential predictors of small tree survival (young or mature stems 2.5-12.6 cm diameter at breast height). Forests span dry to cloud forests, range in age, geology and past land use and experienced severe drought and storms. When excluding species as a predictor, top predictors are tree crown ratio and height, two to three species traits and stand to regional factors reflecting local disturbance and the system state (widespread recovery, drought, hurricanes). Native species, and species with denser wood, taller maximum height, or medium typical height survive longer, but short trees and species survive hurricanes better. Trees survive longer in older stands and with less disturbed canopies, harsher geoclimates (dry, edaphically dry, e.g., serpentine substrates, and highest-elevation cloud forest), or in intervals removed from hurricanes. Satellite image phenology and bands, even from past decades, are top predictors, being sensitive to vegetation type and disturbance. Covariation between stand-level species traits and geoclimate, disturbance and neighboring species types may explain why most neighbor variables, including introduced vs. native species, had low or no importance, despite univariate correlations with survival. As forests recovered from a hurricane in 1998 and earlier deforestation, small trees of introduced species, which on average have lighter wood, died at twice the rate of natives. After hurricanes in 2017, the total biomass of trees ≥12.7 cm dbh of the introduced species Spathodea campanulata spiked, suggesting that more frequent hurricanes might perpetuate this light-wooded species commonness. If hurricane recovery favors light-wooded species while drought favors others, climate change influences on forest composition and ecosystem services may depend on the frequency and severity of extreme climate events.}, }
@article {pmid36920234, year = {2023}, author = {Rehm, EM and D'Antonio, C and Yelenik, S}, title = {Crossing the threshold: Invasive grasses inhibit forest restoration on Hawaiian Islands.}, journal = {Ecological applications : a publication of the Ecological Society of America}, volume = {}, number = {}, pages = {e2841}, doi = {10.1002/eap.2841}, pmid = {36920234}, issn = {1051-0761}, abstract = {Forest removal for livestock grazing is a striking example of human-caused state change leading to a stable, undesirable invasive grass system that is resistant to restoration efforts. Understanding which factors lead to resilience the alternative grass state can greatly benefit managers when planning forest restoration. We address how thresholds of grass cover and seed rain might influence forest recovery in a restoration project on Hawai'i Island, USA. Since the 1980s, over 400,000 Acacia koa (koa) trees were planted across degraded pasture and invasive grasses still dominate the understory with no native woody-plant recruitment. Between this koa/grass matrix are remnant native Metrosideros polymorpha ('ōhi'a) trees beneath which native woody plants naturally recruit. We tested whether there were threshold levels of native woody understory that accelerate recruitment under both tree species by monitoring seed rain at 40 trees (20 koa and 'ōhi'a) with a range of native woody understory basal area (BA). We found a positive relationship between total seed rain (but not bird-dispersed seed rain) and native woody BA, and a negative relationship between native woody BA and grass cover, with no indication of threshold dynamics. We also experimentally combined grass removal levels with seed rain density (6 levels) of two common understory species in plots under koa (n = 9) and remnant 'ōhi'a (n = 9). Few seedlings emerged when no grass was removed despite adding seeds at densities 2-75 times higher than naturally occurring. However, seedling recruitment increased 2 to 3 times once at least 50% of grass was removed. Existing survey data of naturally occurring seedlings also supported a threshold of grass cover below which seedlings were able to establish. Thus, removal of all grasses are not necessary to achieve system responses: even moderate reductions (~50%) can increase rates of native woody recruitment. The non-linear thresholds found here highlight how incremental changes to an inhibitory factor lead to limited restoration success until a threshold is crossed. The resources needed to fully eradicate an invasive species may be unwarranted for state change, making understanding where thresholds lie of the utmost importance to prioritize resources. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.}, }
@article {pmid36919167, year = {2023}, author = {Zhang, X and Wang, G and Peng, P and Zhou, Y and Chen, Z and Feng, Y and Wang, Y and Shi, S and Li, J}, title = {Influences of environment, human activity, and climate on the invasion of Ageratina adenophora (Spreng.) in Southwest China.}, journal = {PeerJ}, volume = {11}, number = {}, pages = {e14902}, doi = {10.7717/peerj.14902}, pmid = {36919167}, issn = {2167-8359}, abstract = {With economic and social globalization, invasive alien species have significantly threatened local ecological security. Identifying the invasive mechanisms of invasive alien species can aid in preventing species invasions and protecting local ecological and economic security. As a globally invasive plant, Ageratina adenophora (Asteraceae) has spread to many parts of the world and had a seriously impacted the ecology and economy of its invaded areas. Using observational data and Landsat OLI images in an arid valley region in southwest China, this study examined how climate, human activity and environmental factors influence the invasion of A. adenophora and its underlying mechanism. Our results showed that the invasion abundance of A. adenophora was significantly affected by environmental factors (the relative importance was 87.2%), but was less influenced by human activity and climate factors (the relative importance was 2% and 10.8%, respectively). The A. adenophora abundance significantly decreased with aspect, community canopy density, shrub layer coverage, herb layer coverage, Simpson diversity index of shrub and herb layers, the shortest distance to residential areas and temperature seasonality, whereas it increased with soil moisture, temperature annual range, precipitation of wettest month and precipitation of driest month. We conclude that biotic competition is the most influential factor in the invasion of this plant in the arid valley regions. Our results are of great significance for invasion prevention and forest conservation and management in southwest China. Our work emphasized that optimizing the community structure, such as by increasing canopy and shrub coverage and species biodiversity, may help control and mitigate the A. adenophora invasion in southwest China.}, }
@article {pmid36918476, year = {2023}, author = {Shen, C and Chen, P and Zhang, K and He, M and Wan, J and Wang, Y and Tao, Z and Huang, W and Siemann, E}, title = {Dynamics and mechanisms of secondary invasion following biological control of an invasive plant.}, journal = {The New phytologist}, volume = {}, number = {}, pages = {}, doi = {10.1111/nph.18878}, pmid = {36918476}, issn = {1469-8137}, abstract = {Secondary invasions in which non-target invaders expand following eradication of a target invader commonly occur in habitats with multiple invasive plant species and can prevent recovery of native communities. However, the dynamics and mechanisms of secondary invasion remain unclear. Here, we conducted a common garden experiment to test underlying mechanisms of secondary invasion for 14 non-target invaders after biological control of Ambrosia artemisiifolia in two consecutive years. We found secondary invasion for all tested non-target invaders, but secondary invasiveness (change relative to natives) varied with species and time. Specifically, secondary invasiveness depended most strongly on phylogenetic relatedness between the target and non-target invaders in the first year with closely related non-target invaders being most invasive. In contrast, secondary invasiveness in the second year was mostly driven by functional traits with taller non-target invaders or those with higher SLA, or smaller seeds especially invasive. Our study indicates that secondary invasion is likely to occur wherever other invasive plants co-occur with an invasive species targeted for control. Furthermore, the most problematic invaders will initially be species closely related to the target invader but then species with rapid growth and high reproduction are most likely to be more aggressive secondary invaders.}, }
@article {pmid36917579, year = {2023}, author = {Crichton, BRJ and Hickford, MJH and McIntosh, AR and Schiel, DR}, title = {Predicting biomass of resident kōkopu (Galaxias) populations using local habitat characteristics.}, journal = {PloS one}, volume = {18}, number = {3}, pages = {e0261993}, doi = {10.1371/journal.pone.0261993}, pmid = {36917579}, issn = {1932-6203}, abstract = {With the global decline of freshwater fishes, quantifying the body size-specific habitat use of vulnerable species is crucial for accurately evaluating population health, identifying the effects of anthropogenic stressors, and directing effective habitat restoration. Populations of New Zealand's endemic kōkopu species (Galaxias fasciatus, G. argenteus, and G. postvectis) have declined substantially over the last century in response to anthropogenic stressors, including habitat loss, migratory barriers, and invasive species. Despite well-understood habitat associations, key within-habitat features underpinning the reach-scale biomass of small and large kōkopu remain unclear. Here, we investigated whether the total biomass of large (> 90 mm) size classes of each kōkopu species and the composite biomass of all small (≤ 90 mm) kōkopu were associated with components of the physical environment that provided refuge and prey resources across fifty-seven 50-m stream reaches. Because kōkopu are nocturnal, populations were sampled by removal at night using headlamps and hand-nets until reaches were visually depleted. Based on Akaike's information criterion, greater large banded kōkopu biomass was most parsimoniously explained by greater pool volume and forest cover, greater large giant kōkopu biomass by greater bank cover and pool volume, and greater large shortjaw kōkopu biomass by greater substrate size and pool volume. In contrast, greater composite small kōkopu biomass was best explained by smaller substrate size, reduced bank cover, and greater pool volume. Local habitat associations therefore varied among kōkopu species and size classes. Our study demonstrates the importance of considering the ontogenetic shift in species' habitat use and provides an effective modelling approach for quantifying size-specific local habitat use of stream-dwelling fish.}, }
@article {pmid36914973, year = {2023}, author = {Sarabian, C and Wilkinson, A and Sigaud, M and Kano, F and Tobajas, J and Darmaillacq, AS and Kalema-Zikusoka, G and Plotnik, JM and MacIntosh, AJJ}, title = {Disgust in animals and the application of disease avoidance to wildlife management and conservation.}, journal = {The Journal of animal ecology}, volume = {}, number = {}, pages = {}, doi = {10.1111/1365-2656.13903}, pmid = {36914973}, issn = {1365-2656}, abstract = {Disgust is an adaptive system hypothesized to have evolved to reduce the risk of becoming sick. It is associated with behavioural, cognitive and physiological responses tuned to allow animals to avoid and/or get rid of parasites, pathogens and toxins. Little is known about the mechanisms and outcomes of disease avoidance in wild animals. Furthermore, given the escalation of negative human-wildlife interactions, the translation of such knowledge into the design of evolutionarily relevant conservation and wildlife management strategies is becoming urgent. Contemporary methods in animal ecology and related fields, using direct (sensory cues) or indirect (remote sensing technologies and machine learning) means, provide a flexible toolbox for testing and applying disgust at individual and collective levels. In this review/perspective paper, we provide an empirical framework for testing the adaptive function of disgust and its associated disease avoidance behaviours across species, from the least to the most social, in different habitats. We predict various trade-offs to be at play depending on the social system and ecology of the species. We propose five contexts in which disgust-related avoidance behaviours could be applied, including endangered species rehabilitation, invasive species, crop-raiding, urban pests and animal tourism. We highlight some of the perspectives and current challenges of testing disgust in the wild. In particular, we recommend future studies to consider together disease, predation and competition risks. We discuss the ethics associated with disgust experiments in the above contexts. Finally, we promote the creation of a database gathering disease avoidance evidence in animals and its applications.}, }
@article {pmid36913856, year = {2023}, author = {Bergamo, TF and de Lima, RS and Kull, T and Ward, RD and Sepp, K and Villoslada, M}, title = {From UAV to PlanetScope: Upscaling fractional cover of an invasive species Rosa rugosa.}, journal = {Journal of environmental management}, volume = {336}, number = {}, pages = {117693}, doi = {10.1016/j.jenvman.2023.117693}, pmid = {36913856}, issn = {1095-8630}, abstract = {Invasive plant species pose a direct threat to biodiversity and ecosystem services. Among these, Rosa rugosa has had a severe impact on Baltic coastal ecosystems in recent decades. Accurate mapping and monitoring tools are essential to quantify the location and spatial extent of invasive plant species to support eradication programs. In this paper we combined RGB images obtained using an Unoccupied Aerial Vehicle, with multispectral PlanetScope images to map the extent of R. rugosa at seven locations along the Estonian coastline. We used RGB-based vegetation indices and 3D canopy metrics in combination with a random forest algorithm to map R. rugosa thickets, obtaining high mapping accuracies (Sensitivity = 0.92, specificity = 0.96). We then used the R. rugosa presence/absence maps as a training dataset to predict the fractional cover based on multispectral vegetation indices derived from the PlanetScope constellation and an Extreme Gradient Boosting algorithm (XGBoost). The XGBoost algorithm yielded high fractional cover prediction accuracies (RMSE = 0.11, R[2] = 0.70). An in-depth accuracy assessment based on site-specific validations revealed notable differences in accuracy between study sites (highest R[2] = 0.74, lowest R[2] = 0.03). We attribute these differences to the various stages of R. rugosa invasion and the density of thickets. In conclusion, the combination of RGB UAV images and multispectral PlanetScope images is a cost-effective method to map R. rugosa in highly heterogeneous coastal ecosystems. We propose this approach as a valuable tool to extend the highly local geographical scope of UAV assessments into wider areas and regional evaluations.}, }
@article {pmid36912967, year = {2023}, author = {Matzrafi, M and Wolberg, S and Abu-Nassar, J and Zelinger, E and Bar, E and Cafri, D and Lewinsohn, E and Shtein, I}, title = {Distinctive foliar features and volatile profiles in three Ambrosia species (Asteraceae).}, journal = {Planta}, volume = {257}, number = {4}, pages = {79}, pmid = {36912967}, issn = {1432-2048}, abstract = {Ambrosia species differ both in their trichome types and in metabolic profiles of leaf volatiles. The current study provides tools for easier taxonomic identification of ragweed species. The genus Ambrosia (Asteraceae) includes some of the most noxious allergenic invasive weeds in the world. Due to high polymorphism in this genus, identification of species is often difficult. This study focuses on microscopic investigation of foliar features and GC-MS identification of the main leaf volatile components of three Ambrosia species currently found in Israel-invasive species Ambrosia confertiflora and A. tenuifolia, and transient A. grayi. A. confertiflora and A. tenuifolia have three trichome types: non-glandular trichomes, capitate glandular trichomes and linear glandular trichomes. Their non-glandular trichomes and capitate trichomes have distinct structures and can serve as taxonomic characters. A. grayi (the least successful invader) has only very dense covering trichomes. All three Ambrosia species have secretory structures in their leaf midrib. A. confertiflora, the most problematic invasive plant in Israel, had a ten times higher volatiles content than the other two species. In A. confertiflora, the most abundant volatiles were chrysanthenone (25.5%), borneol (18%), germacrene D and (E)-caryophyllene (both around 12%). In A. tenuifolia, the most abundant volatiles were β-myrcene (32.9%), (2E)-hexenal (13%) and 1,8-cineole (11.7%). In A. grayi, the most abundant volatiles were β-myrcene (17.9%), germacrene D (17.8%) and limonene (14%). The three examined species have distinct trichome types and metabolic profiles. Non-glandular trichomes show structural diversification between species and are a good descriptive character. Considering the anthropocentric significance of this highly problematic genus, the current study provides tools for easier identification of ragweed species.}, }
@article {pmid36912726, year = {2023}, author = {Larrue, S and Baray, JL and Chadeyron, J and Meyer, JY and Mazal, L and Daehler, CC and Fumanal, B}, title = {Modeling long-distance seed dispersal of the invasive tree Spathodea campanulata in the Society Islands.}, journal = {Ecological applications : a publication of the Ecological Society of America}, volume = {}, number = {}, pages = {e2839}, doi = {10.1002/eap.2839}, pmid = {36912726}, issn = {1051-0761}, abstract = {Long-distance dispersal is a key factor explaining the success of invasive alien species, particularly across oceanic islands. However, it is often not feasible to reliably measure long-distance seed dispersal over many kilometers in the field. Here, we used a 3-D kinematic trajectory model (Computing Atmospheric Trajectory tool (CAT)) initiated from regional wind field data to assess the potential for long-distance seed dispersal (LDD) of a wind-dispersed invasive tree, Spathodea campanulata (African tulip tree) across the Society Islands (French Polynesia, South Pacific Ocean) following its initial planting and spread on the island of Tahiti. The main objective of our study was to determine whether S. campanulata can be expected to spread naturally among islands. Atmospheric dynamics, seed terminal velocity, precipitation and temperature of air masses were considered to assess the potential for LDD between oceanic islands, with the island of Tahiti serving as the island source for multiple, geographically distant invasions. Aerial trajectories of modeled S. campanulata seeds indicated that wind-dispersed seeds originating from trees on the island of Tahiti could reach most of the Society Islands and disperse as far as 1364 km. This result suggests that Spathodea can be expected to spread naturally among the Society Islands. When rainfall events were modeled as causal agents of seed settlement, fewer seeds reached distant islands, but more seeds settled on the closest island (20 km away). Including effects of island topography ("barrier effects") also resulted in more seeds settling on the closest island and fewer seeds reaching the most distant islands. Overall, our findings suggest that recent atmospheric models can provide valuable insights into LDD and invasion patterns of wind dispersed invasive species. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.}, }
@article {pmid36911981, year = {2023}, author = {Staton, T and Girling, RD and Redak, RA and Smith, SM and Allison, JD}, title = {Can morphological traits explain species-specific differences in meta-analyses? A case study of forest beetles.}, journal = {Ecological applications : a publication of the Ecological Society of America}, volume = {}, number = {}, pages = {e2838}, doi = {10.1002/eap.2838}, pmid = {36911981}, issn = {1051-0761}, abstract = {Meta-analyses have become a valuable tool with which to synthesise effects across studies, but in ecology and evolution, they are often characterised by high heterogeneity, where effect sizes vary between studies. Much of this heterogeneity can be attributed to species-specific differences in responses to predictor variables. Here, we aimed to incorporate a novel trait-based approach to explain species-specific differences in a meta-analysis by testing the ability of morphological traits to explain why the effectiveness of flight-intercept trap design varies according to beetle species, a critical issue in forest pest management. An existing morphological trait database for forest beetles was supplemented, providing trait data for 97 species, while data from a previous meta-analysis on capture rates of bark or woodboring beetles according to different trap designs was updated. We combined these sources by including nine morphological traits as moderators in meta-analysis models, for five different components of trap design. Traits were selected based on theoretical hypotheses relating to beetle movement, manoeuvrability, and sensory perception. We compared the performance of morphological traits as moderators, versus guild, taxonomic family, and null meta-analysis models. Morphological traits for the effect of trap type (panel vs multiple-funnel) on beetle capture rates improved model fit (AICc), reduced within-study variance (σ[2]), and explained more variation (McFadden's pseudo-R[2]) compared with null, guild, and taxonomic family models. For example, morphological trait models explained 10% more of the variance (pseudo-R[2]) when compared with a null model. However, using traits was less informative to explain how detailed elements of trap design such as surface treatment and colour influence capture rates. The reduction of within-study variance when accounting for morphological traits demonstrates their potential value for explaining species-specific differences. Morphological traits associated with flight efficiency, manoeuvrability, and eye size were particularly informative for explaining the effectiveness of trap type. This could lead to improved predictability of optimal trap design according to species. Therefore, morphological traits could be a valuable tool for understanding species-specific differences in community ecology, but other causes of heterogeneity across studies, such as forest type and structure, require further investigation.}, }
@article {pmid36911387, year = {2023}, author = {Zhao, Y and Hu, J and Wu, J and Li, Z}, title = {ChIP-seq profiling of H3K4me3 and H3K27me3 in an invasive insect, Bactrocera dorsalis.}, journal = {Frontiers in genetics}, volume = {14}, number = {}, pages = {1108104}, pmid = {36911387}, issn = {1664-8021}, abstract = {Introduction: While it has been suggested that histone modifications can facilitate animal responses to rapidly changing environments, few studies have profiled whole-genome histone modification patterns in invasive species, leaving the regulatory landscape of histone modifications in invasive species unclear. Methods: Here, we screen genome-wide patterns of two important histone modifications, trimethylated Histone H3 Lysine 4 (H3K4me3) and trimethylated Histone H3 Lysine 27 (H3K27me3), in adult thorax muscles of a notorious invasive pest, the Oriental fruit fly Bactrocera dorsalis (Hendel) (Diptera: Tephritidae), using Chromatin Immunoprecipitation with high-throughput sequencing (ChIP-seq). Results: We identified promoters featured by the occupancy of H3K4me3, H3K27me3 or bivalent histone modifications that were respectively annotated with unique genes key to muscle development and structure maintenance. In addition, we found H3K27me3 occupied the entire body of genes, where the average enrichment was almost constant. Transcriptomic analysis indicated that H3K4me3 is associated with active gene transcription, and H3K27me3 is mostly associated with transcriptional repression. Importantly, we identified genes and putative motifs modified by distinct histone modification patterns that may possibly regulate flight activity. Discussion: These findings provide the first evidence of histone modification signature in B. dorsalis, and will be useful for future studies of epigenetic signature in other invasive insect species.}, }
@article {pmid36911316, year = {2023}, author = {Deane, DC and Hui, C and McGeoch, M}, title = {Two dominant forms of multisite similarity decline - Their origins and interpretation.}, journal = {Ecology and evolution}, volume = {13}, number = {3}, pages = {e9859}, pmid = {36911316}, issn = {2045-7758}, abstract = {The number of species shared by two or more sites is a fundamental measure of spatial variation in species composition. As more sites are included in the comparison of species composition, the average number of species shared across them declines, with a rate increasingly dependent on only the most widespread species. In over 80% of empirical communities, models of decline in shared species across multiple sites (multisite similarity decline) follow one of two distinct forms. An exponential form is assumed to reflect stochastic assembly and a power law form niche-based sorting, yet these explanations are largely untested, and little is known of how the two forms arise in nature. Using simulations, we first show that the distribution of the most widespread species largely differentiates the two forms, with the power law increasingly favored where such species occupy more than ~75% of sites. We reasoned the less cosmopolitan distribution of widespread species within exponential communities would manifest as differences in community biodiversity properties, specifically more aggregated within-species distributions, less even relative abundance distributions, and weaker between-species spatial associations. We tested and largely confirmed these relationships using 80 empirical datasets, suggesting that the form of multisite similarity decline offers a basis to predict how landscape-scale loss or gain of widespread species is reflected in different local-scale community structures. Such understanding could, for example, be used to predict changes in local-scale competitive interactions following shifts in widespread species' distributions. We propose multiple explanations for the origin of exponential decline, including high among-site abiotic variation, sampling of highly specialized (narrow niche width) taxa, and strong dispersal limitation. We recommend these are evaluated as alternative hypotheses to stochastic assembly.}, }
@article {pmid36909462, year = {2023}, author = {Barrett, CF and Corbett, CW and Thixton-Nolan, HL and , }, title = {A lack of population structure characterizes the invasive Lonicera japonica in West Virginia and across eastern North America.}, journal = {bioRxiv : the preprint server for biology}, volume = {}, number = {}, pages = {}, doi = {10.1101/2023.03.01.530604}, pmid = {36909462}, abstract = {Invasive plant species cause massive ecosystem damage globally, yet represent powerful case studies in population genetics and rapid adaptation to new habitats. The availability of digitized herbarium collections data, and the ubiquity of invasive species across the landscape make them highly accessible for studies of invasion history and population dynamics associated with their introduction, establishment, spread, and ecological interactions. Here we focus on Lonicera japonica , one of the most damaging invasive vine species in North America. We leveraged digitized collections data and contemporary field collections to reconstruct the invasion history and characterize patterns of genomic variation in the eastern USA, using a straightforward method for generating nucleotide polymorphism data and a recently published, chromosome-level genome for the species. We found an overall lack of population structure among sites in northern West Virginia, USA, as well as across sites in the central and eastern USA. Heterozygosity and population differentiation were both low based on Fst , analysis of molecular variance, principal components analysis, and cluster-based analyses. We also found evidence of high inbreeding coefficients and significant linkage disequilibrium, in line with the ability of this otherwise outcrossing, perennial species to propagate vegetatively. Our findings corroborate earlier studies based on allozyme data, and suggest that intentional, human-assisted spread explains the lack of population structure, as this species was planted for erosion control and as an ornamental, escaping cultivation repeatedly across the USA. Finally, we discuss how plant invasion genomics can be incorporated into experiential undergraduate education as a way to integrate teaching and research.}, }
@article {pmid36907404, year = {2023}, author = {Bueno, ML and Heringer, G and de Carvalho, DR and Robinson, TB and Pompeu, PS and Zenni, RD}, title = {Ecosystem variables importance in the presence and abundance of a globally invasive fish.}, journal = {The Science of the total environment}, volume = {876}, number = {}, pages = {162795}, doi = {10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.162795}, pmid = {36907404}, issn = {1879-1026}, abstract = {Changes in physical habitat that are associated with anthropogenic disturbances facilitate the establishment and expansion of non-native species in receiving environments. Here, we evaluated the relative importance of ecosystem variables for the presence and abundance of the invasive fish Poecilia reticulata in Brazil. We collected fish species and assessed environmental variables through an established physical habitat protocol in 220 stream sites located in southeastern and midwestern Brazil. A total of 14,816 P. reticulata individuals were collected in 43 stream sites, and 258 variables that describe the physical characteristics of streams were assessed, including measures of channel morphology, substrate size and type, habitat complexity and cover, riparian vegetation cover and structure, and human influence. Dimensionality reduction methods were employed to limit redundancy, resulting in a smaller set of the most relevant environmental variables. Subsequently, we used random forest models to assess the relative importance of these variables in determining the presence and abundance of P. reticulata. The presence of this invasive fish was primarily explained by human disturbance variables related to urbanization (total impact, pavement, artificial structure areal cover, riparian canopy cover, electrical conductivity, mean thalweg depth, and sand), whereas channel morphology (mean bank full height) and fish cover variables (natural fish cover, and aquatic macrophyte areal cover) were important predictors of its abundance. Identifying which ecosystem variables are favorable to the establishment of non-native species is an important step in preventing future biological invasions, as well as managing those that already occur.}, }
@article {pmid36893236, year = {2023}, author = {Stokstad, E}, title = {China battles alien weed at unprecedented scale.}, journal = {Science (New York, N.Y.)}, volume = {379}, number = {6636}, pages = {972}, doi = {10.1126/science.adh4966}, pmid = {36893236}, issn = {1095-9203}, mesh = {Animals ; *Birds ; China ; *Introduced Species ; }, abstract = {"Mammoth" plan to control a coastal invader would benefit migratory birds.}, }
@article {pmid36702858, year = {2023}, author = {Iseli, E and Chisholm, C and Lenoir, J and Haider, S and Seipel, T and Barros, A and Hargreaves, AL and Kardol, P and Lembrechts, JJ and McDougall, K and Rashid, I and Rumpf, SB and Arévalo, JR and Cavieres, L and Daehler, C and Dar, PA and Endress, B and Jakobs, G and Jiménez, A and Küffer, C and Mihoc, M and Milbau, A and Morgan, JW and Naylor, BJ and Pauchard, A and Ratier Backes, A and Reshi, ZA and Rew, LJ and Righetti, D and Shannon, JM and Valencia, G and Walsh, N and Wright, GT and Alexander, JM}, title = {Rapid upwards spread of non-native plants in mountains across continents.}, journal = {Nature ecology &amp; evolution}, volume = {7}, number = {3}, pages = {405-413}, pmid = {36702858}, issn = {2397-334X}, mesh = {*Ecosystem ; *Altitude ; Introduced Species ; Plants ; Plant Dispersal ; }, abstract = {High-elevation ecosystems are among the few ecosystems worldwide that are not yet heavily invaded by non-native plants. This is expected to change as species expand their range limits upwards to fill their climatic niches and respond to ongoing anthropogenic disturbances. Yet, whether and how quickly these changes are happening has only been assessed in a few isolated cases. Starting in 2007, we conducted repeated surveys of non-native plant distributions along mountain roads in 11 regions from 5 continents. We show that over a 5- to 10-year period, the number of non-native species increased on average by approximately 16% per decade across regions. The direction and magnitude of upper range limit shifts depended on elevation across all regions. Supported by a null-model approach accounting for range changes expected by chance alone, we found greater than expected upward shifts at lower/mid elevations in at least seven regions. After accounting for elevation dependence, significant average upward shifts were detected in a further three regions (revealing evidence for upward shifts in 10 of 11 regions). Together, our results show that mountain environments are becoming increasingly exposed to biological invasions, emphasizing the need to monitor and prevent potential biosecurity issues emerging in high-elevation ecosystems.}, }
@article {pmid36904052, year = {2023}, author = {Bhatt, A and Chen, X and Pompelli, MF and Jamal, A and Mancinelli, R and Radicetti, E}, title = {Characterization of Invasiveness, Thermotolerance and Light Requirement of Nine Invasive Species in China.}, journal = {Plants (Basel, Switzerland)}, volume = {12}, number = {5}, pages = {}, doi = {10.3390/plants12051192}, pmid = {36904052}, issn = {2223-7747}, abstract = {Understanding responsible functional traits for promoting plant invasiveness could be important to aid in the development of adequate management strategies for invasive species. Seed traits play an important role in the plant life cycle by affecting dispersal ability, formation of the soil seed bank, type and level of dormancy, germination, survival and/or competitive ability. We assessed seed traits and germination strategies of nine invasive species under five temperature regimes and light/dark treatments. Our results showed a considerable level of interspecific variation in germination percentage among the tested species. Both cooler (5/10 °C) and warmer (35/40 °C) temperatures tended to inhibit germination. All study species were considered small-seeded, and seed size did not affect germination in the light. Yet, a slightly negative correlation was found between germination in the dark and seed dimensions. We classified the species into three categories according to their germination strategies: (i) risk-avoiders, mostly displaying dormant seeds with low G%; (ii) risk-takers, reaching a high G% in a broad range of temperatures; (iii) intermediate species, showing moderate G% values, which could be enhanced in specific temperature regimes. Variability in germination requirements could be important to explain species coexistence and invasion ability of plants to colonize different ecosystems.}, }
@article {pmid36903875, year = {2023}, author = {Barta, C&#xc9; and Jenkins, BC and Lindstrom, DS and Zahnd, AK and Székely, G}, title = {The First Evidence of Gibberellic Acid's Ability to Modulate Target Species' Sensitivity to Honeysuckle (Lonicera maackii) Allelochemicals.}, journal = {Plants (Basel, Switzerland)}, volume = {12}, number = {5}, pages = {}, doi = {10.3390/plants12051014}, pmid = {36903875}, issn = {2223-7747}, abstract = {Invasive species employ competitive strategies such as releasing allelopathic chemicals into the environment that negatively impact native species. Decomposing Amur honeysuckle (Lonicera maackii) leaves leach various allelopathic phenolics into the soil, decreasing the vigor of several native species. Notable differences in the net negative impacts of L. maackii metabolites on target species were argued to depend on soil properties, the microbiome, the proximity to the allelochemical source, the allelochemical concentration, or environmental conditions. This study is the first to address the role of target species' metabolic properties in determining their net sensitivity to allelopathic inhibition by L. maackii. Gibberellic acid (GA3) is a critical regulator of seed germination and early development. We hypothesized that GA3 levels might affect the target sensitivity to allelopathic inhibitors and evaluated differences in the response of a standard (control, Rbr), a GA3-overproducing (ein), and a GA3-deficient (ros) Brassica rapa variety to L. maackii allelochemicals. Our results demonstrate that high GA3 concentrations substantially alleviate the inhibitory effects of L. maackii allelochemicals. A better understanding of the importance of target species' metabolic properties in their responses to allelochemicals will contribute to developing novel invasive species control and biodiversity conservation protocols and may contribute to applications in agriculture.}, }
@article {pmid36902324, year = {2023}, author = {Au, MFF and Williams, GA and Hui, JHL}, title = {Status Quo and Future Perspectives of Molecular and Genomic Studies on the Genus Biomphalaria-The Intermediate Snail Host of Schistosoma mansoni.}, journal = {International journal of molecular sciences}, volume = {24}, number = {5}, pages = {}, doi = {10.3390/ijms24054895}, pmid = {36902324}, issn = {1422-0067}, abstract = {Schistosomiasis, or also generally known as bilharzia or snail fever, is a parasitic disease that is caused by trematode flatworms of the genus Schistosoma. It is considered by the World Health Organisation as the second most prevalent parasitic disease after malaria and affects more than 230 million people in over 70 countries. People are infected via a variety of activities ranging from agricultural, domestic, occupational to recreational activities, where the freshwater snails Biomphalaria release Schistosoma cercariae larvae that penetrate the skin of humans when exposed in water. Understanding the biology of the intermediate host snail Biomphalaria is thus important to reveal the potential spread of schistosomiasis. In this article, we present an overview of the latest molecular studies focused on the snail Biomphalaria, including its ecology, evolution, and immune response; and propose using genomics as a foundation to further understand and control this disease vector and thus the transmission of schistosomiasis.}, }
@article {pmid36901319, year = {2023}, author = {Liu, J and Duan, X and Li, G and Cai, Z and Wei, S and Song, Q and Zheng, Z}, title = {Changes in Bacterial Communities and Their Effects on Soil Carbon Storage in Spartina alterniflora Invasion Areas, Coastal Wetland Bare Flats, and Sueada salsa Areas.}, journal = {International journal of environmental research and public health}, volume = {20}, number = {5}, pages = {}, doi = {10.3390/ijerph20054308}, pmid = {36901319}, issn = {1660-4601}, abstract = {Spartina alterniflora is considered an invasive species that has affected the biogeochemical circle of carbon in coastal wetlands around the world. Nevertheless, it is still unclear how S. alternation invasion affects the carbon storage capacity of coastal wetlands as carbon pools through bacterial changes. Herein, bacterial communities and soil carbon content in coastal wetland native areas and S. alterniflora invasion areas were detected. It was found that an S. alterniflora invasion brought more organic carbon and resulted in the increase in Proteobacteria in bare flats and Sueada salsa areas. When decomposition capacity was not sufficient, large amounts of organic carbon may be stored in specific chemical forms, such as monosaccharides, carboxylic acids, alcohols, etc. The results have also shown that soil bacterial communities were highly similar between the bare flat and S. alterniflora invasion area, which is extremely conducive to the rapid growth of S. alterniflora. However, an S. alterniflora invasion would decrease total carbon contents and inorganic carbon contents in the Sueada salsa area. This is not conducive to the stability of the soil carbon pool and soil health. These findings may complement, to some extent, the shortcomings of the interaction between S. alterniflora and bacterial communities, and their joint effect on soil carbon storage.}, }
@article {pmid36898302, year = {2023}, author = {López-Reyes, K and Osorio-Olvera, L and Rojas-Soto, O and Chiappa-Carrara, X and Patrón-Rivero, C and Yáñez-Arenas, C}, title = {An exhaustive evaluation of modeling ecological niches above species level to predict marine biological invasions.}, journal = {Marine environmental research}, volume = {186}, number = {}, pages = {105926}, doi = {10.1016/j.marenvres.2023.105926}, pmid = {36898302}, issn = {1879-0291}, abstract = {Identifying the areas of the world with suitable environmental conditions for the establishment of invasive species represents a fundamental basis for preventing their impacts. One of the most widely used tools for this is ecological niche modeling. Nonetheless, this approach may underestimate the specie's physiological tolerances (it's potential niche) since wildlife populations of species usually do not occupy their entire environmental tolerance. Recently, it has been suggested that incorporating occurrences of phylogenetically related species improves the prediction of biological invasions. However, the reproducibility of this technique remains unclear. Here, we evaluated the generality of this protocol by assessing whether the construction of modeling units above species level improves the capacity of niche models to predict the distribution of 26 target marine invasive species. For each, we constructed supraspecific modeling units based on published phylogenies by grouping the native occurrence records of each invasive species with the records of its phylogenetically closest relative. We also considered units at species level, including only the presence of records in the native areas of the target species. We generated ecological niche models for each unit with three modeling methods (minimum volume ellipsoids - MVE, machine learning algorithms - Maxent and a presence-absence method - GLM). In addition, we grouped the 26 target species based on whether or not the species are in environmental pseudo-equilibrium (i.e., it occupies all habitats where it can disperse) and have any geographical or biological constraints. Our results suggest that the construction of supraspecific units improves the predictive capacity of correlative models to estimate the invasion area of our target species. This modeling approach consistently generated models with a higher predictive ability for species in non-environmental pseudo-equilibrium and with geographical constraints.}, }
@article {pmid36894073, year = {2023}, author = {Worischka, S and Schöll, F and Winkelmann, C and Petzoldt, T}, title = {Twenty-eight years of ecosystem recovery and destabilisation: Impacts of biological invasions and climate change on a temperate river.}, journal = {The Science of the total environment}, volume = {}, number = {}, pages = {162678}, doi = {10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.162678}, pmid = {36894073}, issn = {1879-1026}, abstract = {Most river ecosystems are exposed to multiple anthropogenic stressors affecting the composition and functionality of benthic communities. Identifying main causes and detecting potentially alarming trends in time depends on the availability of long-term monitoring data sets. Our study aimed to improve the knowledge about community effects of multiple stressors that is needed for effective, sustainable management and conservation. We conducted a causal analysis to detect the dominant stressors and hypothesised that multiple stressors, such as climate change and multiple biological invasions, reduce biodiversity and thus endanger ecosystem stability. Using a data set from 1992 to 2019 for the benthic macroinvertebrate community of a 65-km stretch of the upper Elbe river in Germany, we evaluated the effects of alien species, temperature, discharge, phosphorus, pH and abiotic conditional variables on the taxonomic and functional composition of the benthic community and analysed the temporal behaviour of biodiversity metrics. We observed fundamental taxonomic and functional changes in the community, with a shift from collectors/gatherers to filter feeders and feeding opportunists preferring warm temperatures. A partial dbRDA revealed significant effects of temperature and alien species abundance and richness. The occurrence of distinct phases in the development of community metrics suggests a temporally varying impact of different stressors. Taxonomic and functional richness responded more sensitively than the diversity metrics whereas the functional redundancy metric remained unchanged. Especially the last 10-year phase, however, showed a decline in richness metrics and an unsaturated, linear relationship between taxonomic and functional richness, which rather indicates reduced functional redundancy. We conclude that the varying anthropogenic stressors over three decades, mainly biological invasions and climate change, affected the community severely enough to increase its vulnerability to future stressors. Our study highlights the importance of long-term monitoring data and emphasises a careful use of biodiversity metrics, preferably considering also community composition.}, }
@article {pmid36881709, year = {2023}, author = {Nixon, LJ and Barnes, C and Deecher, E and Madalinska, K and Nielsen, A and Urban, J and Leskey, TC}, title = {Evaluating deployment strategies for spotted lanternfly (Lycorma delicatula Hemiptera: Fulgoridae) traps.}, journal = {Journal of economic entomology}, volume = {}, number = {}, pages = {}, doi = {10.1093/jee/toad038}, pmid = {36881709}, issn = {1938-291X}, abstract = {The spotted lanternfly, Lycorma delicatula (White) (Hemiptera: Fulgoridae), is an invasive planthopper that was first detected in the United States in Berks County, PA, in 2014, and has since spread to 13 states in the Eastern United States. This phloem-feeding pest has a broad host range, including economically important crops such as grapevine, Vitis spp. Monitoring presence and relative abundance of L. delicatula is essential to develop pest management tools. Here, we compared deployment strategies to optimize use of L. delicatula monitoring traps. Standard circle traps, sticky bands, and circle traps with replaceable bag tops were deployed at sites with either high or low populations present. Trap deployment at different heights and on different host tree species and trap sampling intervals were evaluated for standard circle traps only. Circle traps captured significantly more L. delicatula adults at low-density sites compared with other trap types in 2021, and no differences were detected at high-density sights. Traps deployed 1 m from the ground captured significantly more adults than those deployed at 0.5 m; no differences were detected for nymphs. While no significant differences in captures were found among intervals, weekly or biweekly sampling prevented specimen degradation. Although traps deployed on Ailanthus altissima (Mill.) Swingle (Sapindales: Simaroubaceae) captured significantly or numerically more L. delicatula at most sites, traps deployed on other hosts also yielded consistent captures. We were also able to alter the construction of circle trap skirts to allow for deployment on different sized tree trunks.}, }
@article {pmid36881623, year = {2023}, author = {Rohwer, RR and Hale, RJ and Vander Zanden, MJ and Miller, TR and McMahon, KD}, title = {Species invasions shift microbial phenology in a two-decade freshwater time series.}, journal = {Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the United States of America}, volume = {120}, number = {11}, pages = {e2211796120}, doi = {10.1073/pnas.2211796120}, pmid = {36881623}, issn = {1091-6490}, abstract = {Invasive species impart abrupt changes on ecosystems, but their impacts on microbial communities are often overlooked. We paired a 20 y freshwater microbial community time series with zooplankton and phytoplankton counts, rich environmental data, and a 6 y cyanotoxin time series. We observed strong microbial phenological patterns that were disrupted by the invasions of spiny water flea (Bythotrephes cederströmii) and zebra mussels (Dreissena polymorpha). First, we detected shifts in Cyanobacteria phenology. After the spiny water flea invasion, Cyanobacteria dominance crept earlier into clearwater; and after the zebra mussel invasion, Cyanobacteria abundance crept even earlier into the diatom-dominated spring. During summer, the spiny water flea invasion sparked a cascade of shifting diversity where zooplankton diversity decreased and Cyanobacteria diversity increased. Second, we detected shifts in cyanotoxin phenology. After the zebra mussel invasion, microcystin increased in early summer and the duration of toxin production increased by over a month. Third, we observed shifts in heterotrophic bacteria phenology. The Bacteroidota phylum and members of the acI Nanopelagicales lineage were differentially more abundant. The proportion of the bacterial community that changed differed by season; spring and clearwater communities changed most following the spiny water flea invasion that lessened clearwater intensity, while summer communities changed least following the zebra mussel invasion despite the shifts in Cyanobacteria diversity and toxicity. A modeling framework identified the invasions as primary drivers of the observed phenological changes. These long-term invasion-mediated shifts in microbial phenology demonstrate the interconnectedness of microbes with the broader food web and their susceptibility to long-term environmental change.}, }
@article {pmid36881607, year = {2023}, author = {Salomé-Díaz, J and Golubov, J and Díaz-Segura, O and Ramírez-Gutiérrez, MC and Sifuentes de la Torre, S and Koleff, P and Quintero, E and Martínez, AJ}, title = {Practice makes the expert: The importance of training volunteers in the generation of phenological data from photographs of biodiversity observation platforms.}, journal = {PloS one}, volume = {18}, number = {3}, pages = {e0282750}, doi = {10.1371/journal.pone.0282750}, pmid = {36881607}, issn = {1932-6203}, abstract = {Phenology studies the time at which events in the life cycle of a species occur sand how they are related to environmental cues. Patterns of change in phenology at different scales can be used as an indicator of ecosystem changes and climate change, but the data necessary to detect these changes can be difficult to obtain due to their temporal and regional dimensions. Citizen science can contribute to generate large amounts of data on phenological changes at wide geographical scales that would be almost impossible for professional scientists to generate, but the quality and reliability of these data are often questioned. The objective of this study was to evaluate the use of a biodiversity observation citizen science platform based on photographic information as a potential source of large-scale phenological information, and to identify the key benefits and limitations of this type of information source. We used the Naturalista photographic databases for two invasive species in a tropical region: Leonotis nepetifolia and Nicotiana glauca. The photographs were classified into different phenophases (initial growth, immature flower, mature flower, dry fruit) by three groups of volunteers: a group of experts, a trained group with information on the biology and phenology of both species, and an untrained group. The degree of reliability of the phenological classifications was estimated for each group of volunteers and each phenophase. The degree of reliability of the phenological classification of the untrained group was generally very low for all phenophases. The group of trained volunteers showed accuracy levels for the reproductive phenophases that equaled the degree of reliability among the expert group, regardless of species, and was consistent across phenophases. We conclude that volunteer classification of photographic information contained in biodiversity observation platforms can provide phenological information with high geographic coverage and an increasing temporal coverage on general phenological patterns of species with wide distributions but has limited applicability in the identification of exact start and end dates. and peaks of the different phenophases.}, }
@article {pmid36874980, year = {2023}, author = {Goode, K and Weber, MJ and Dixon, PM}, title = {WhoseEgg: classification software for invasive carp eggs.}, journal = {PeerJ}, volume = {11}, number = {}, pages = {e14787}, pmid = {36874980}, issn = {2167-8359}, mesh = {Animals ; *Carps ; Eggs ; Knowledge ; Language ; Software ; }, abstract = {The collection of fish eggs is a commonly used technique for monitoring invasive carp. Genetic identification is the most trusted method for identifying fish eggs but is expensive and slow. Recent work suggests random forest models could provide an inexpensive method for identifying invasive carp eggs based on morphometric egg characteristics. While random forests provide accurate predictions, they do not produce a simple formula for obtaining new predictions. Instead, individuals must have knowledge of the R coding language, limiting the individuals who can use the random forests for resource management. We present WhoseEgg: a web-based point-and-click application that allows non-R users to access random forests via a point and click interface to rapidly identify fish eggs with an objective of detecting invasive carp (Bighead, Grass, and Silver Carp) in the Upper Mississippi River basin. This article provides an overview of WhoseEgg, an example application, and future research directions.}, }
@article {pmid36874973, year = {2023}, author = {Peñafiel-Ricaurte, A and Price, SJ and Leung, WTM and Alvarado-Rybak, M and Espinoza-Zambrano, A and Valdivia, C and Cunningham, AA and Azat, C}, title = {Is Xenopus laevis introduction linked with Ranavirus incursion, persistence and spread in Chile?.}, journal = {PeerJ}, volume = {11}, number = {}, pages = {e14497}, pmid = {36874973}, issn = {2167-8359}, mesh = {Animals ; Chile ; Phylogeny ; *Ranavirus ; Xenopus laevis ; Anura ; Introduced Species ; }, abstract = {Ranaviruses have been associated with amphibian, fish and reptile mortality events worldwide and with amphibian population declines in parts of Europe. Xenopus laevis is a widespread invasive amphibian species in Chile. Recently, Frog virus 3 (FV3), the type species of the Ranavirus genus, was detected in two wild populations of this frog near Santiago in Chile, however, the extent of ranavirus infection in this country remains unknown. To obtain more information about the origin of ranavirus in Chile, its distribution, species affected, and the role of invasive amphibians and freshwater fish in the epidemiology of ranavirus, a surveillance study comprising wild and farmed amphibians and wild fish over a large latitudinal gradient (2,500 km) was carried out in 2015-2017. In total, 1,752 amphibians and 496 fish were tested using a ranavirus-specific qPCR assay, and positive samples were analyzed for virus characterization through whole genome sequencing of viral DNA obtained from infected tissue. Ranavirus was detected at low viral loads in nine of 1,011 X. laevis from four populations in central Chile. No other amphibian or fish species tested were positive for ranavirus, suggesting ranavirus is not threatening native Chilean species yet. Phylogenetic analysis of partial ranavirus sequences showed 100% similarity with FV3. Our results show a restricted range of ranavirus infection in central Chile, coinciding with X. laevis presence, and suggest that FV3 may have entered the country through infected X. laevis, which appears to act as a competent reservoir host, and may contribute to the spread the virus locally as it invades new areas, and globally through the pet trade.}, }
@article {pmid36801685, year = {2023}, author = {Li, X and Yang, W and Ma, X and Zhu, Z and Sun, T and Cui, B and Yang, Z}, title = {Invasive Spartina alterniflora habitat forms high energy fluxes but low food web stability compared to adjacent native vegetated habitats.}, journal = {Journal of environmental management}, volume = {334}, number = {}, pages = {117487}, doi = {10.1016/j.jenvman.2023.117487}, pmid = {36801685}, issn = {1095-8630}, mesh = {Animals ; *Ecosystem ; *Food Chain ; Introduced Species ; Poaceae ; Wetlands ; China ; }, abstract = {Invasive Spartina spp. mostly colonizes a bare tidal flat and then establishes a new vegetated habitat, where it promotes the productivity of local ecosystems. However, it was unclear whether the invasive habitat could well exhibit ecosystem functioning, e.g. how its high productivity propagates throughout the food web and whether it thereby develops a high food web stability relative to native vegetated habitats. By developing quantitative food webs for a long-established invasive Spartina alterniflora habitat and adjacent native salt marsh (Suaeda salsa) and seagrass (Zostera japonica) habitats in China's Yellow River Delta, we investigated the distributions of energy fluxes, assessed the stability of food webs, and investigated the net trophic effects between trophic groups by combining all direct and indirect trophic interactions. Results showed that the total energy flux in the invasive S. alterniflora habitat was comparable to that in the Z. japonica habitat, whereas 4.5 times higher than that in the S. salsa habitat. While, the invasive habitat had the lowest trophic transfer efficiencies. Food web stability in the invasive habitat was about 3 and 40 times lower than that in the S. salsa and Z. japonica habitats, respectively. Additionally, there were strong net effects caused by intermediate invertebrate species in the invasive habitat rather than by fish species in both native habitats. This study revealed the contradiction between the promotion of energy fluxes and the decrease of food web stability resulting from the invasion of S. alterniflora, which provides new insights into the community-based management of plant invasions.}, }
@article {pmid36793230, year = {2023}, author = {Vogel, S and Taraschewski, H}, title = {Intermediate host patterns of acanthocephalans in the Weser river system: co-invasion vs host capture.}, journal = {Parasitology}, volume = {}, number = {}, pages = {1-8}, doi = {10.1017/S0031182023000124}, pmid = {36793230}, issn = {1469-8161}, abstract = {Anthropogenic interference is a major driver of ecological change in freshwater ecosystems. Pollution and the introduction of new species not only alter macrozoobenthic community structures, but can also affect their respective parasite communities. The ecology of the Weser river system experienced a drastic decline in biodiversity over the past century due to salinization caused by the local potash industry. As a response, the amphipod Gammarus tigrinus was released into the Werra in 1957. A few decades after the introduction and subsequent spread of this North American species, its natural acanthocephalan Paratenuisentis ambiguus was recorded in the Weser in 1988, where it had captured the European eel Anguilla anguilla as a novel host. To assess the recent ecological changes in the acanthocephalan parasite community, we investigated gammarids and eel in the Weser river system. In addition to P. ambiguus, 3 Pomphorhynchus species and Polymorphus cf. minutus were discovered. The introduced G. tigrinus serves as a novel intermediate host for the acanthocephalans Pomphorhynchus tereticollis and P. cf. minutus in the tributary Werra. Pomphorhynchus laevis is persistent in the tributary Fulda in its indigenous host Gammarus pulex. Pomphorhynchus bosniacus colonized the Weser with its Ponto-Caspian intermediate host Dikerogammarus villosus. This study highlights the anthropogenically driven changes in ecology and evolution in the Weser river system. Based on morphological and phylogenetic identification, the shifts in distribution and host usage described here for the first time contribute to the puzzling taxonomy of the genus Pomphorhynchus in times of ecological globalization.}, }
@article {pmid36872956, year = {2023}, author = {Doiron, G}, title = {Invasive Plant Relations in a Global Pandemic: Caring for a "Problematic Pesto".}, journal = {Environment and planning. E, Nature and space}, volume = {6}, number = {1}, pages = {600-616}, pmid = {36872956}, issn = {2514-8494}, abstract = {In Spring 2020, amidst a COVID-19 state of emergency, the City of Toronto's Parks &amp; Urban Forestry department posted signs in the city's remaining Black Oak Savannahs to announce the cancellation of the yearly 'prescribed burn' practice, citing fears it would exacerbate pandemic conditions. With this activity and other nature management events on hold, many invasive plants continued to establish and proliferate. This paper confronts dominant attitudes in invasion ecology with Indigenous epistemologies and ideas of transformative justice, asking what can be learned from building a relationship with a much-maligned invasive plant like garlic mustard. Written in isolation as the plant began to flower in the Black Oak savannahs and beyond, this paper situates the plant's abundance and gifts within pandemic-related 'cancelled care' and 'cultivation activism' as a means of exploring human-nature relations in the settler-colonial city. It also asks what transformative lessons garlic mustard can offer about precarity, non-linear temporalities, contamination, multispecies entanglements, and the impacts of colonial property regimes on possible relations. Highlighting the entanglements of historical and ongoing violences with invasion ecology, this paper presents 'caring for invasives' as a path toward more liveable futures.}, }
@article {pmid36872563, year = {2023}, author = {Baecher, JA and Johnson, SA and Roznik, EA and Scheffers, BR}, title = {Experimental evaluation of how biological invasions and climate change interact to alter the vertical assembly of an amphibian community.}, journal = {The Journal of animal ecology}, volume = {}, number = {}, pages = {}, doi = {10.1111/1365-2656.13899}, pmid = {36872563}, issn = {1365-2656}, abstract = {While biotic-abiotic interactions are increasingly documented in nature, a process-based understanding of how such interactions influence community assembly is lacking in the ecological literature. Perhaps the most emblematic and pervasive example of such interactions is the synergistic threat to biodiversity posed by climate change and invasive species. Invasive species often out-compete or prey on native species. Despite this long-standing and widespread issue, little is known about how abiotic conditions, such as climate change, will influence the frequency and severity of negative biotic interactions that threaten the persistence of native fauna. Treefrogs are a globally diverse group of amphibians that climb to complete life-cycle processes, such as foraging and reproduction, as well as to evade predators and competitors, resulting in frog communities that are vertically partitioned. Furthermore, treefrogs adjust their vertical position to maintain optimal body temperature and hydration in response to environmental change. Here, utilizing this model group, we designed a novel experiment to determine how extrinsic abiotic and biotic factors (changes to water availability and an introduced predator, respectively) interact with intrinsic biological traits, such as individual physiology and behaviour, to influence treefrogs' vertical niche. Our study found that treefrogs adjusted their vertical niche through displacement behaviours in accordance with abiotic resources. However, biotic interactions resulted in native treefrogs distancing themselves from abiotic resources to avoid the non-native species. Importantly, under altered abiotic conditions, both native species avoided the non-native species 33 $$ 33 $$ %- 70 % $$ 70\% $$ more than they avoided their native counterpart. Additionally, exposure to the non-native species resulted in native species altering their tree climbing behaviours by 56 % - 78 % $$ 56\%\hbox{--} 78\% $$ and becoming more vertically dynamic to avoid the non-native antagonist. Our experiment determined that vertical niche selection and community interactions were most accurately represented by a biotic-abiotic interaction model, rather than a model that considers these factors to operate in an isolated (singular) or even additive manner. Our study provides evidence that native species may be resilient to interacting disturbances via physiological adaptations to local climate and plasticity in space-use behaviours that mediate the impact of the introduced predator.}, }
@article {pmid36867968, year = {2023}, author = {Acosta-Coley, I and Cabarcas-Montalvo, M and Hernandez-Lambraño, RE and Sierra-Marquez, L and Valcarcel-Castellanos, C and Duque, D and Martinez-Silva, S and Marrugo, M and Benavides-Serrato, M}, title = {Mercury assessment in invasive Lionfish Pterois (Oken, 1817) from marine protected areas in the Colombian Caribbean.}, journal = {Marine pollution bulletin}, volume = {189}, number = {}, pages = {114753}, doi = {10.1016/j.marpolbul.2023.114753}, pmid = {36867968}, issn = {1879-3363}, abstract = {Lionfish (Pterois spp.) are invasive species reported since 2009 in the Corales del Rosario y San Bernardo National Natural Park in the Caribbean. Their capture and consumption are strategies to control their dispersion and limit ecological damage. The natural park is influenced by the vicinity of Cartagena's residential, industrial, and touristic activities, as well as sediments loaded with mercury from the Dique Channel. For the first time, total mercury levels in muscle from 58 lionfish were determined, with values ranging from 0.01 to 0.38 μg/g (mean = 0.11 ± 0.01 μg/g). Fish length ranged from 17.4 to 44.0 cm (mean = 28.0 ± 0.63 cm). Mercury levels did not increase proportionally to fish length for pooled data, but the relationship was significant for specimens from Rosario Island. Mercury levels comply with legislation for fish consumption, but the risk to human health may appear if it occurs daily. Therefore, precautionary approach and a permanent monitoring strategy are strongly advised.}, }
@article {pmid36864292, year = {2023}, author = {Zhang, M and Ni, Y and Li, M}, title = {Evaluation of the growth, adaption, and ecosystem services of two potentially-introduced urban tree species in Guangzhou under drought stress.}, journal = {Scientific reports}, volume = {13}, number = {1}, pages = {3563}, pmid = {36864292}, issn = {2045-2322}, mesh = {*Ecosystem ; *Trees ; Droughts ; Forests ; Biomass ; Introduced Species ; }, abstract = {Under rapid urbanization and agglomeration of population, cities are facing various environmental challenges. As urban forests play a crucial role in mitigating native environmental problems and providing ecosystem services, cities might enhance their urban forest construction through multiple approaches, of which the introduction of exotic tree species could be an effective way. Under the background of constructing a high-quality forest city, Guangzhou was considering introducing a series of exotic tree species to improve the local urban greening, among which Tilia cordata Mill. and Tilia tomentosa Moench became the potential objects. As Guangzhou was reported to experience higher temperatures with less precipitation and face drought events with increasing frequency and intensity, whether the two tree species could survive in the dry environment required to be investigated profoundly. Thus, we launched a drought-simulation experiment and measured their above- and below-ground growth in 2020. In addition, their ecosystem services were also simulated and evaluated for their future adaption. Furthermore, a congeneric native tree species Tilia miqueliana Maxim was also measured in the same experiment as a comparison. Our results showed that Tilia miqueliana exhibited moderate patterns of growth and advantages in evapotranspiration and cooling. Besides, its investment in root development at horizontal level could account for its special strategy against drought stress. Tilia tomentosa's vigorous root growth could be the most positive behavior of coping with water deficit, which explained its maintenance of carbon fixation and implied a well adaption. Tilia cordata showed a complete decrease in above- and below-ground growth, especially for its fine root biomass. In addition, its ecosystem services were significantly reduced, reflecting a comprehensive failure when it faced a long-term scarcity of water. Therefore, it was necessary to supply sufficient water and under-ground space for their living in Guangzhou, especially for Tilia cordata. In the future, long-time observation of their growth under different stresses can be practical approaches to amplify their multiple ecosystem services.}, }
@article {pmid36864075, year = {2023}, author = {Licata, F and Ficetola, GF and Falaschi, M and Muller, BJ and Andreone, F and Harison, RF and Freeman, K and Monteiro, AT and Rosa, S and Crottini, A}, title = {Spatial ecology of the invasive Asian common toad in Madagascar and its implications for invasion dynamics.}, journal = {Scientific reports}, volume = {13}, number = {1}, pages = {3526}, pmid = {36864075}, issn = {2045-2322}, mesh = {Animals ; *Bufo bufo ; Ecology ; Madagascar ; *Introduced Species ; }, abstract = {Invasion dynamics are determined, among other aspects, by the spatial behaviour of invasive populations. The invasive toad Duttaphrynus melanostictus is spreading inland from the eastern coast of Madagascar, causing considerable ecological impacts. Understanding the basic factors determining the spread dynamics can inform management strategies and provide insights into spatial evolutionary processes. We radio-tracked 91 adult toads in three localities along the invasion gradient to determine whether spatial sorting of dispersive phenotypes is occurring, and investigate intrinsic and extrinsic determinants of spatial behaviour. Overall, toads in our study appeared as habitat generalists, and their sheltering behaviour was tied to water proximity, with toads changing shelter more frequently closer to waterbodies. Toads showed low displacement rates (mean = 4.12 m/day) and quite a philopatric behaviour but were able to perform daily movements of over 50 m. We did not detect any spatial sorting of dispersal-relevant traits nor sex- or size-biased dispersal. Our results suggest that toads are more likely to expand their range during the wet season, and that the range expansion is probably dominated by short-distance dispersal at this stage of the invasion, although a future increase in invasion speed is expected, due to the capacity for long-distance movements of this species.}, }
@article {pmid36867967, year = {2023}, author = {Cannarozzi, L and Paoli, C and Vassallo, P and Cilenti, L and Bevilacqua, S and Lago, N and Scirocco, T and Rigo, I}, title = {Donor-side and user-side evaluation of the Atlantic blue crab invasion on a Mediterranean lagoon.}, journal = {Marine pollution bulletin}, volume = {189}, number = {}, pages = {114758}, doi = {10.1016/j.marpolbul.2023.114758}, pmid = {36867967}, issn = {1879-3363}, abstract = {The recent invasion of Callinectes sapidus in the Lesina Lagoon has raised great concern about its potential impacts on the ecosystem and on local fisheries. The effects of the blue crab presence on the receiving ecosystem were evaluated from both a donor-side perspective, through the application of emergy analysis, and a user-side perspective, by means of interviews to the local fishermen. While emergy analysis showed that C. sapidus brings to an increase of both natural capital and ecosystem functions values, results from interviews highlighted that the major problem caused by the presence of the blue crab in the lagoon concerned the local economy. As the first quantitative assessment of the ecological and economic impact of C. sapidus in invaded habitats, the present investigation provided original and useful information for a comprehensive risk assessment of the species in European waters and in Mediterranean Sea.}, }
@article {pmid36867207, year = {2023}, author = {Gervazoni, P and Minuti, G and Fuentes-Rodriguez, D and Coetzee, J and Sosa, A and Sabater, L and Franceschini, C}, title = {Citizen Science Improves the Known and Potential Distribution of a Strong Wetland Invader: Implications for Niche Modeling and Invasion Management.}, journal = {Environmental management}, volume = {}, number = {}, pages = {}, pmid = {36867207}, issn = {1432-1009}, abstract = {Invasive alien species are one of the main causes of biodiversity loss and ecosystem alteration. Obtaining up-to-date occurrence records and accurate invasion risk maps has become crucial to develop timely and effective management strategies. Unfortunately, gathering and validating distribution data can be labor-intensive and time-consuming, with different data sources unavoidably leading to biases in the results. In this study, we evaluated the performance of a tailored citizen science project compared with other data sources, in mapping the current and potential distribution of Iris pseudacorus, a strong invasive alien plant in Argentina. To do so, we used geographic information systems and ecological niche modeling with Maxent, and compared data from: i) a citizen science tailored project; ii) the Global Biodiversity Information Facility (GBIF); and iii) an exhaustive professional data collection (i.e. field samplings across Argentina, literature and collections review). Results suggest that the citizen science tailored project provided a larger and more diversified amount of data compared to the other sources. All data-sources showed good performance in the ecological niche models, however, data from the tailored citizen science project predicted a greater suitable area, including regions not yet reported. This allowed us to better identify critical and vulnerable areas, where management and prevention strategies are necessary. Professional data provided more reports in non-urban areas, whereas citizen science based data sources (i.e. GBIF and the citizen science project conducted in this study) reported more sites in urban areas, which indicates that different data-sources are complementary and there is a big potential in combining methods. We encourage the use of tailored citizen science campaigns to gather a more diverse amount of data, generating better knowledge about aquatic invasive species and helping decision-making in ecosystem management.}, }
@article {pmid36864737, year = {2023}, author = {Farrell, HL and Munson, SM and Butterfield, BJ and Duniway, MC and Faist, AM and Gornish, ES and Havrilla, CA and Larios, L and Reed, SC and Rowe, HI and Laushman, KM and McCormick, ML}, title = {Soil surface treatments and precipitation timing determine seedling development across southwestern US restoration sites.}, journal = {Ecological applications : a publication of the Ecological Society of America}, volume = {}, number = {}, pages = {e2834}, doi = {10.1002/eap.2834}, pmid = {36864737}, issn = {1051-0761}, abstract = {Restoration in dryland ecosystems often has poor success due to low and variable water availability, degraded soil conditions, and slow plant community recovery rates. Restoration treatments can mitigate these constraints, but because treatments and subsequent monitoring are typically limited in space and time, our understanding of their applicability across broader environmental gradients remains limited. To address this limitation, we implemented and monitored a standardized set of seeding and soil surface treatments (pits, mulch, and ConMod artificial nurse plants) designed to enhance soil moisture and seedling establishment across RestoreNet, a growing network of 21 diverse dryland restoration sites in the southwestern US over 3 years. Generally, we found that the timing of precipitation relative to seeding and the use of soil surface treatments were more important in determining seeded species emergence, survival, and growth than site-specific characteristics. Using soil surface treatments in tandem with seeding promoted up to 3x greater seedling emergence densities, compared with seeding alone. The positive effect of soil surface treatments became more prominent with increased cumulative precipitation since seeding. The seed mix type with species currently found within or near a site and adapted to the historical climate promoted greater seedling emergence densities compared to the seed mix type with species from warmer, drier conditions expected to perform well under climate change. Seed mix and soil surface treatments had a diminishing effect as plants developed beyond the first season of establishment. However, we found strong effects of the initial period seeded and precipitation leading up to each monitoring date on seedling survival over time, especially for annual and perennial forbs. The presence of exotic species exerted a negative influence on seedling survival and growth, but not initial emergence. Our findings suggest that seeded species recruitment across drylands can generally be promoted, regardless of location, by: 1) incorporation of soil surface treatments, 2) employment of near-term seasonal climate forecasts, 3) suppression of exotic species, and 4) seeding at multiple times. Taken together, these results point to a multi-faceted approach to ameliorate harsh environmental conditions for improved seeding success in drylands, both now and under expected aridification.}, }
@article {pmid36864722, year = {2023}, author = {Banerjee, AK and Lee, TM and Feng, H and Liang, X and Lin, Y and Wang, J and Yin, M and Peng, H and Huang, Y}, title = {Implications for biological invasion of non-native plants for sale in the world's largest online market.}, journal = {Conservation biology : the journal of the Society for Conservation Biology}, volume = {}, number = {}, pages = {e14055}, doi = {10.1111/cobi.14055}, pmid = {36864722}, issn = {1523-1739}, abstract = {Internet trade is increasingly recognized as a dispersal pathway of non-native plant species that is difficult to monitor. We sought to identify non-native flora present in the Chinese online market, the largest e-commerce market globally, and to decipher the effect of existing trade regulations, among other variables, on e-trading patterns and to inform policy. We used a comprehensive list of 811 non-native plant species in China present in 1 of the 3 phases of the invasion continuum (i.e., introduced, naturalized, and invasive). The price, propagule types, and quantities of the species offered for sale were retrieved from 9 online stores, including 2 of the largest platforms. Over 30% of the non-native species were offered for sale in the online marketplaces; invasive non-native species dominated the list (45.53%). No significant price difference was observed across the non-native species of the 3 invasion categories. Among the 5 propagule types, a significantly higher number of non-native species were offered for sale as seeds. The regression models and path analyses consistently revealed a direct positive effect of the number of uses and species' minimum residence time and an indirect effect of biogeography on the pattern of trade in non-native plant species when minimal phylogenetic signal was detected. A review of the existing phytosanitary regulations in China revealed their inadequacy in managing e-trading of non-native plant species. To address the problem, we propose integration of a standardized risk assessment framework that considers perceptions of stakeholders and is adaptable based on continuous surveillance of the trade network. If implemented successfully, the measures could provide a template for other countries to strengthen trading regulations for non-native plant species and take proactive management measures.}, }
@article {pmid36864680, year = {2023}, author = {Sujeeun, L and Thomas, SC}, title = {Biochar mitigates allelopathic effects in temperate trees.}, journal = {Ecological applications : a publication of the Ecological Society of America}, volume = {}, number = {}, pages = {e2832}, doi = {10.1002/eap.2832}, pmid = {36864680}, issn = {1051-0761}, abstract = {Many invasive and some native tree species in North America exhibit strong allelopathic effects that may contribute to their local dominance. Pyrogenic carbon (PyC; including soot, charcoal, and black carbon) is produced by the incomplete combustion of organic matter and is widespread in forest soils. Many forms of PyC have sorptive properties that can reduce the bioavailability of allelochemicals. We investigated the potential for PyC produced by controlled pyrolysis of biomass ("biochar") to reduce the allelopathic effects of black walnut (Juglans nigra) and Norway maple (Acer platanoides), a common native tree species and a widespread invasive species in North America, respectively. Seedling growth of two native tree species (Acer saccharinum (silver maple) and Betula papyrifera (paper birch)) in response to leaf-litter-incubated soils were examined; litter incubation treatments included leaves of black walnut, Norway maple, and a non-allelopathic species (Tilia americana (American basswood)) in a factorial design with varying dosages; responses to the known primary allelochemical of black walnut (juglone) were also examined. Juglone and leaf litter of both allelopathic species strongly suppressed seedling growth. Biochar treatments substantially mitigated these effects, consistent with sorption of allelochemicals; in contrast no positive effects of biochar were observed in leaf litter treatments involving controls or additions of non-allelopathic leaf litter. Treatments of leaf litter and juglone with biochar increased the total biomass of silver maple by ~35% and in some cases more than doubled the biomass of paper birch. We conclude that biochars have the capacity to largely counteract allelopathic effects in temperate forest systems, suggesting effects of natural PyC in determining forest community structure, and also applied use of biochar as a soil amendment to mitigate allelopathic effects of invasive tree species.}, }
@article {pmid36863580, year = {2023}, author = {Chen, B and Ma, J and Yang, C and Xiao, X and Kou, W and Wu, Z and Yun, T and Zaw, ZN and Nawan, P and Sengprakhon, R and Zhou, J and Wang, J and Sun, R and Zhang, X and Xie, G and Lan, G}, title = {Diversified land conversion deepens understanding of impacts of rapid rubber plantation expansion on plant diversity in the tropics.}, journal = {The Science of the total environment}, volume = {}, number = {}, pages = {162505}, doi = {10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.162505}, pmid = {36863580}, issn = {1879-1026}, abstract = {Understanding the status and changes of plant diversity in rubber (Hevea brasiliensis) plantations is essential for sustainable plantation management in the context of rapid rubber expansion in the tropics, but remains very limited at the continental scale. In this study, we investigated plant diversity from 10-meter quadrats in 240 different rubber plantations in the six countries of the Great Mekong Subregion (GMS)-where nearly half of the world's rubber plantations are located-and analyzed the influence of original land cover types and stand age on plant diversity using Landsat and Sentinel-2 satellite imagery since the late 1980s. The results indicate that the average plant species richness of rubber plantations is 28.69 ± 7.35 (1061 species in total, of which 11.22 % are invasive), approximating half the species richness of tropical forests but roughly double that of the intensively managed croplands. Time-series satellite imagery analysis revealed that rubber plantations were primarily established in place of cropland (RPC, 37.72 %), old rubber plantations (RPORP, 27.63 %), and tropical forests (RPTF, 24.12 %). Plant species richness in RPTF (34.02 ± 7.62) was significantly (p < 0.001) higher than that in RPORP (26.41 ± 7.02) and RPC (26.34 ± 5.37). More importantly, species richness can be maintained for the duration of the 30-year economic cycle, and the number of invasive species decreases as the stand ages. Given diverse land conversions and changes in stand age, the total loss of species richness due to rapid rubber expansion in the GMS was 7.29 %, which is far below the traditional estimates that only consider tropical forest conversion. In general, maintaining higher species richness at the earliest stages of cultivation has significant implications for biodiversity conservation in rubber plantations.}, }
@article {pmid36716544, year = {2023}, author = {Vacek, Z and Vacek, S and Cukor, J}, title = {European forests under global climate change: Review of tree growth processes, crises and management strategies.}, journal = {Journal of environmental management}, volume = {332}, number = {}, pages = {117353}, doi = {10.1016/j.jenvman.2023.117353}, pmid = {36716544}, issn = {1095-8630}, mesh = {*Trees ; *Ecosystem ; Climate Change ; Forests ; Forestry/methods ; Introduced Species ; }, abstract = {The ongoing global climate change is challenging all sectors, forestry notwithstanding. On the one hand, forest ecosystems are exposed to and threatened by climate change, but on the other hand, forests can influence the course of climate change by regulating the water regime, air quality, carbon sequestration, and even reduce climate extremes. Therefore, it is crucial to see climate change not only as a risk causing forest disturbances and economic consequences but also as an opportunity for innovative approaches to forest management, conservation, and silviculture based on the results of long-term research. We reviewed 365 studies evaluating the impact of climate change on European forest ecosystems, all published during the last 30 years (1993-2022). The most significant consequences of climate change include more frequent and destructive large-scale forest disturbances (wildfire, windstorm, drought, flood, bark beetle, root rot), and tree species migration. Species distribution shifts and changes in tree growth rate have substantial effects on ecosystem carbon storage. Diameter/volume increment changed from -1 to +99% in Central and Northern Europe, while it decreased from -12 to -49% in Southern Europe across tree species over the last ca. 50 years. However, it is important to sharply focus on the causes of climate change and subsequently, on adaptive strategies, which can successfully include the creation of species-diverse, spatially and age-wise structured stands (decrease drought stress and increase production), prolongation of the regenerative period, or the use of suitable introduced tree species (e.g., Douglas fir, black pine, and Mediterranean oaks). But the desired changes are based on increasing diversity and the mitigation of climate change, and will require significantly higher initial costs for silviculture practices. In conclusion, the scope and complexity of the topic require further comprehensive and long-term studies focusing on international cooperation. We see a critical gap in the transfer of research results into actual forest practice, which will be the key factor influencing afforestation of forest stands and forest growth in the following decades. What our forests will look like for future generations and what the resulting impact of climate change will be on forestry is in the hands of forest managers, depending on supportive forestry research and climate change policy, including adaptive and mitigation strategies.}, }
@article {pmid36394506, year = {2023}, author = {Moseby, K and Van der Weyde, L and Letnic, M and Blumstein, DT and West, R and Bannister, H}, title = {Addressing prey naivety in native mammals by accelerating selection for antipredator traits.}, journal = {Ecological applications : a publication of the Ecological Society of America}, volume = {33}, number = {2}, pages = {e2780}, doi = {10.1002/eap.2780}, pmid = {36394506}, issn = {1051-0761}, mesh = {Cats ; Animals ; *Mammals ; *Biological Evolution ; Predatory Behavior/physiology ; Introduced Species ; }, abstract = {Harnessing natural selection to improve conservation outcomes is a recent concept in ecology and evolutionary biology and a potentially powerful tool in species conservation. One possible application is the use of natural selection to improve antipredator responses of mammal species that are threatened by predation from novel predators. We investigated whether long-term exposure of an evolutionary naïve prey species to a novel predator would lead to phenotypic changes in a suite of physical and behavioral traits. We exposed a founder population of 353 burrowing bettongs (Bettongia lesueur) to feral cats (Felis catus) over 5 years and compared the physical and behavioral traits of this population (including offspring) to a control (non-predator exposed) population. We used selection analysis to investigate whether changes in the traits of bettongs were likely due to phenotypic plasticity or natural selection. We also quantified selection in both populations before and during major population crashes caused by drought (control) and high predation pressure (predator-exposed). Results showed that predator-exposed bettongs had longer flight initiation distances, larger hind feet, and larger heads than control bettongs. Trait divergence began soon after exposure and continued to intensify over time for flight initiation distance and hind foot length relative to control bettongs. Selection analysis found indicators of selection for larger hind feet and longer head length in predator-exposed populations. Results of a common garden experiment showed that the progeny of predator-exposed bettongs had larger feet than control bettongs. Results suggest that long-term, low-level exposure of naïve prey to novel predators can drive phenotypic changes that may assist with future conservation efforts.}, }
@article {pmid36860480, year = {2023}, author = {Richards, ZT and Kise, H and West, KM}, title = {The complete mitochondrial genome of the invasive cyanobacteriosponge Terpios hoshinota (Demospongiae, Suberitida, Suberitidae).}, journal = {Mitochondrial DNA. Part B, Resources}, volume = {8}, number = {2}, pages = {319-323}, pmid = {36860480}, issn = {2380-2359}, abstract = {The cyanobacteriosponge Terpios hoshinota occurs on tropical reefs throughout the Indo-Pacific. The species encrusts live coral, and other benthos, and is considered a pest species that can threaten the health and productivity of locally native benthic communities on coral reefs. Here we assemble a complete mitochondrial genome to aid further research into the range expansion of this species. The circular genome was 20,504 bp in length and encoded 14 protein-coding genes, two ribosomal RNA (rRNA) genes, and 25 transfer RNA (tRNA) genes. A phylogenetic analysis based on the concatenated sequences of 14 protein-coding genes of 12 members of the subclass Heteroscleromorpha including the newly sequenced T. hoshinota, suggests further taxonomic revisions within the order Suberitida may be warranted.}, }
@article {pmid36860184, year = {2023}, author = {Xin, Y and Yang, Z and Du, Y and Cui, R and Xi, Y and Liu, X}, title = {Vulnerability of protected areas to future climate change, land use modification and biological invasions in China.}, journal = {Ecological applications : a publication of the Ecological Society of America}, volume = {}, number = {}, pages = {e2831}, doi = {10.1002/eap.2831}, pmid = {36860184}, issn = {1051-0761}, abstract = {Anthropogenic climate change, land use modifications, and alien species invasions are major threats to global biodiversity. Protected areas (PAs) are regarded as the cornerstone of biodiversity conservation, however, few studies have quantified the vulnerability of PAs to these global change factors together. Here, we overlay the risks of climate change, land use change, and alien vertebrate establishment within boundaries of a total of 1,020 PAs with different administrative levels in China to quantify their vulnerabilities. Our results show that 56.6% of PAs will face at least one stress factor, and 21 PAs are threatened under the highest risk with three stressors simultaneously. PAs designed for forest conservation in Southwest and South China are most sensitive to the three global change factors. In addition, wildlife and wetland PAs are predicted to mainly experience climate change and high land use anthropogenetic modifications, and many wildlife PAs can also provide suitable habitats for alien vertebrate establishment. Our study highlights the urgent need for proactive conservation and management planning of Chinese PAs by considering different global change factors together.}, }
@article {pmid36857395, year = {2023}, author = {Matzrafi, M and Abu-Nassar, J and Klap, C and Shtarkman, M and Smith, E and Dombrovsky, A}, title = {Solanum elaeagnifolium and S. rostratum as potential hosts of the tomato brown rugose fruit virus.}, journal = {PloS one}, volume = {18}, number = {3}, pages = {e0282441}, pmid = {36857395}, issn = {1932-6203}, abstract = {Invasive weeds cause significant crop yield and economic losses in agriculture. The highest indirect impact may be attributed to the role of invasive weeds as virus reservoirs within commercial growing areas. The new tobamovirus tomato brown rugose fruit virus (ToBRFV), first identified in the Middle East, overcame the Tm-22 resistance allele of cultivated tomato varieties and caused severe damage to crops. In this study, we determined the role of invasive weed species as potential hosts of ToBRFV and a mild strain of pepino mosaic virus (PepMV-IL). Of newly tested weed species, only the invasive species Solanum elaeagnifolium and S. rostratum, sap inoculated with ToBRFV, were susceptible to ToBRFV infection. S. rostratum was also susceptible to PepMV-IL infection. No phenotype was observed on ToBRFV-infected S. elaeagnifolium grown in the wild or following ToBRFV sap inoculation. S. rostratum plants inoculated with ToBRFV contained a high ToBRFV titer compared to ToBRFV-infected S. elaeagnifolium plants. Mixed infection with ToBRFV and PepMV-IL of S. rostratum plants, as well as S. nigrum plants (a known host of ToBRFV and PepMV), displayed synergism between the two viruses, manifested by increasing PepMV-IL levels. Additionally, when inoculated with either ToBRFV or PepMV-IL, disease symptoms were apparent in S. rostratum plants and the symptoms were exacerbated upon mixed infections with both viruses. In a bioassay, ToBRFV-inoculated S. elaeagnifolium, S. rostratum and S. nigrum plants infected tomato plants harboring the Tm-22 resistant allele with ToBRFV. The distribution and abundance of these Solanaceae species increase the risks of virus transmission between species.}, }
@article {pmid36856200, year = {2023}, author = {Mofu, L and Dalu, T and Wasserman, RJ and Woodford, DJ and Weyl, OL}, title = {Trophic ecology of co-occurring fishes in the Sundays River Valley irrigation ponds, assessed using stable isotope and gut content analyses.}, journal = {Journal of fish biology}, volume = {}, number = {}, pages = {}, doi = {10.1111/jfb.15360}, pmid = {36856200}, issn = {1095-8649}, abstract = {The analysis of food web structures has increased our understanding of the dynamics of organisms belonging to different trophic levels. Here, the diet of two native species, Glossogobius callidus and Gilchristella aestuaria were assessed in the presence of two non-native species, Oreochromis mossambicus and Gambusia affinis in irrigation ponds, Eastern Cape province, South Africa. The proportion of dietary items consumed and assimilated by the four fish species were inferred from gut contents and carbon and nitrogen stable isotope analysis. Stable isotope analysis revealed that both G. affinis and O. mossambicus had a larger isotopic niche size than G. callidus and G. aestuaria. While G. callidus fed on benthic resources and G. aestuaria fed on phytoplankton. Gut content analysis showed that G. callidus, O. mossambicus and G. affinis fed predominantly on benthic resources, while G. aestuaria fed mainly on plankton resources. Considerable niche overlap corroborates the view that resource competition is a major factor shaping the composition of the four fish species. This study highlighted the low diversity of the food web within the Sundays River Valley irrigation ponds, where food items are shared by all the small-bodied fishes.}, }
@article {pmid36855906, year = {2023}, author = {Verhelst, P and Verreycken, H}, title = {First record in Europe of the Asian gobiid, shimofuri (marbled) goby Tridentiger bifasciatus Steindachner, 1881.}, journal = {Journal of fish biology}, volume = {}, number = {}, pages = {}, doi = {10.1111/jfb.15362}, pmid = {36855906}, issn = {1095-8649}, abstract = {In November 2022, two shimofuri (marbled) gobies Tridentiger bifasciatus Steindachner, 1881 were caught in the Gent-Terneuzen shipping canal, Belgium. It is the first record of the species in Europe. Outside its native distribution area in Japan, China and South Korea, thus far the shimofuri goby has only been observed on the west coast of the USA, where established populations exist. The introduction vector potentially was ballast water exchange. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.}, }
@article {pmid36852917, year = {2023}, author = {Baichman-Kass, A and Song, T and Friedman, J}, title = {Competitive interactions between culturable bacteria are highly non-additive.}, journal = {eLife}, volume = {12}, number = {}, pages = {}, doi = {10.7554/eLife.83398}, pmid = {36852917}, issn = {2050-084X}, abstract = {Microorganisms are found in diverse communities whose structure and function are determined by interspecific interactions. Just as single species seldom exist in isolation, communities as a whole are also constantly challenged and affected by external species. Though much work has been done on characterizing how individual species affect each other through pairwise interactions, the joint effects of multiple species on a single (focal) species, remain under explored. As such, it is still unclear how single species effects combine to a community-level effect on a species of interest. To explore this relationship, we assayed thousands of communities of two, three, and four bacterial species, measuring the effect of single, pairs of, and trios of 61 affecting species on six different focal species. We found that when multiple species each have a negative effect on a focal species, their joint effect is typically not given by the sum of the effects of individual affecting species. Rather, they are dominated by the strongest individual-species effect. Therefore, while joint effects of multiple species are often non-additive, they can still be derived from the effects of individual species, making it plausible to map complex interaction networks based on pairwise measurements. This finding is important for understanding the fate of species introduced into an occupied environment, and is relevant for applications in medicine and agriculture, such as probiotics and biocontrol agents, as well as for ecological questions surrounding migrating and invasive species.}, }
@article {pmid36851475, year = {2023}, author = {Lombardo, A and Diano, M and Brocherel, G and Palmerini, L and Giovannini, S and Mezher, Z and Iurescia, M and Cerci, T and Caprioli, A and Eleni, C and Raso, C and Mariacher, A and Del Lesto, I and Cappai, N and Mattioli, L and De Liberato, C and Fichi, G}, title = {Detection of Endoparasites in Non-Native Raccoons from Central Italy.}, journal = {Veterinary sciences}, volume = {10}, number = {2}, pages = {}, doi = {10.3390/vetsci10020171}, pmid = {36851475}, issn = {2306-7381}, abstract = {The raccoon (Procyon lotor) is a carnivore native to North and Central America, gradually introduced into Asia and Europe, including Italy. It is an important carrier of multiple endoparasites, both Protozoa and Helminths, some of them being zoonotic. The aim of this study was to investigate the endoparasites of the non-native raccoon population of Central Italy. Sixty-two raccoons were collected by local competent authorities (sixty trapped and euthanized, two found dead) and subjected to necroscopic examination. Carcasses underwent a broad parasitological investigation, including coprological techniques (macroscopic examination of the gastrointestinal tract, lungs, trachea, and heart, Flotac[®], Baermann test, and immunofluorescence for Giardia duodenalis and Cryptosporidium spp.), research on respiratory/urinary capillariosis and artificial digestion for Trichinella spp. larvae, and a histopathological examination of the ileum. Ascarid parasites were further identified at the species level using a next-generation sequencing-based amplicon sequencing approach. The results showed the presence of different Protozoa and Nematodes: Baylisascaris procyonis (26/62; 41.9%), Pearsonema sp. (6/62; 9.6%), Capillariidae (6/62; 9.6%), Eimeria sp. (2/62; 3.2%), Cryptosporidium sp. (2/62; 3.2%), and Ancylostomatidae (2/62; 3.2%). B. procyonis is an emerging helminthic zoonotic agent considered a serious concern for public and animal health, given the possibility of its transmission to paratenic hosts, including humans and pets. The demonstrated role of the raccoon as a multi-parasite carrier should be an incentive to continuing the eradication/control of this alien species, and supports the need to implement related disease surveillance programs.}, }
@article {pmid36851068, year = {2023}, author = {Yan, ZG and Zheng, X and Zhang, YZ and Yang, ZH and Zhou, Q and Men, SH and Du, JZ}, title = {Chinese Technical Guideline for Deriving Water Quality Criteria for Protection of Freshwater Organisms.}, journal = {Toxics}, volume = {11}, number = {2}, pages = {}, doi = {10.3390/toxics11020194}, pmid = {36851068}, issn = {2305-6304}, abstract = {In recent years, China has determined the national goal of "developing national environmental criteria", thereby promoting the rapid development of environmental quality criteria research in China. In 2017, the Ministry of Ecology and Environment of China (MEEC, formerly the Ministry of Environmental Protection of China) issued the technical guideline for deriving water quality criteria (WQC) for protection of freshwater organisms (HJ 831-2017), and in 2022, they organized the guideline revision and issued an updated version (HJ 831-2022). The primary contents of the revision included the following. The minimum toxicity data requirements were upgraded from 6 to 10, and the species mean toxicity value was replaced by the same effect toxicity value for the criteria calculation. It is now required that the tested organisms must be distributed in China's natural fresh waters, and the toxicity data of non-native model species will no longer be used. The list of freshwater invasive species in China that cannot be used as test species was added into the guideline. The acute/chronic ratio (ACR) method for the criteria derivation and the extreme value model were deleted, and the provisions for testing the toxicity data distribution were also deleted. The exposure time of the toxicity test of various tested organisms was refined, and the priority of the toxicity data was clearly specified. This paper introduces the framework and specific technical requirements of HJ 831-2022 in detail, including data collection, pre-processing of toxicity data, criteria derivation, fitting models, and quality control. This introduction is helpful for international peers to understand the latest research progress of China's WQC.}, }
@article {pmid36846446, year = {2023}, author = {Singh, M and Daehler, CC}, title = {Meta-analytic evidence that allelopathy may increase the success and impact of invasive grasses.}, journal = {PeerJ}, volume = {11}, number = {}, pages = {e14858}, pmid = {36846446}, issn = {2167-8359}, mesh = {*Poaceae ; Phylogeny ; *Allelopathy ; Bayes Theorem ; Introduced Species ; Pheromones/metabolism ; Soil ; }, abstract = {BACKGROUND: In the grass family, a disproportionate number of species have been designated as being invasive. Various growth traits have been proposed to explain the invasiveness of grasses; however, the possibility that allelopathy gives invasive grasses a competitive advantage has attracted relatively little attention. Recent research has isolated plant allelochemicals that are mostly specific to the grass family that can breakdown into relatively stable, toxic byproducts.<br><br>METHODS: We conducted a meta-analysis of studies on grass allelopathy to test three prominent hypotheses from invasion biology and competition theory: (1) on native recipients, non-native grasses will have a significantly more negative effect compared to native grasses (Novel Weapons Hypothesis); (2) among native grasses, their effect on non-native recipients will be significantly more negative compared to their effect on native recipients (Biotic Resistance Hypothesis); and (3) allelopathic impacts will increase with phylogenetic distance (Phylogenetic Distance Hypothesis). From 23 studies, we gathered a dataset of 524 observed effect sizes (delta log response ratios) measuring the allelopathic impact of grasses on growth and germination of recipient species, and we used non-linear mixed-effects Bayesian modeling to test the hypotheses.<br><br>RESULTS: We found support for the Novel Weapons Hypothesis: on native recipients, non-native grasses were twice as suppressive as native grasses (22% vs 11%, respectively). The Phylogenetic Distance Hypothesis was supported by our finding of a significant correlation between phylogenetic distance and allelopathic impact. The Biotic Resistance Hypothesis was not supported. Overall, this meta-analysis adds to the evidence that allelochemicals may commonly contribute to successful or high impact invasions in the grass family. Increased awareness of the role of allelopathy in soil legacy effects associated with grass invasions may improve restoration outcomes through implementation of allelopathy-informed restoration practices. Examples of allelopathy-informed practices, and the knowledge needed to utilize them effectively, are discussed, including the use of activated carbon to neutralize allelochemicals and modify the soil microbial community.}, }
@article {pmid35157108, year = {2023}, author = {Mo, S and He, S and Sang, Y and Li, J and Kashif, M and Zhang, Z and Su, G and Jiang, C}, title = {Integration of Microbial Transformation Mechanism of Polyphosphate Accumulation and Sulfur Cycle in Subtropical Marine Mangrove Ecosystems with Spartina alterniflora Invasion.}, journal = {Microbial ecology}, volume = {85}, number = {2}, pages = {478-494}, pmid = {35157108}, issn = {1432-184X}, mesh = {*Wetlands ; Polyphosphates/analysis/metabolism ; Phylogeny ; Introduced Species ; Nitrogen/metabolism ; Phosphorus/metabolism ; Poaceae ; *Microbiota ; Sulfur/metabolism ; Sulfates/metabolism ; China ; }, abstract = {Excessive phosphorus can lead to eutrophication in marine and coastal ecosystems. Sulfur metabolism-associated microorganisms stimulate biological phosphorous removal. However, the integrating co-biotransformation mechanism of phosphorus and sulfur in subtropical marine mangrove ecosystems with Spartina alterniflora invasion is poorly understood. In this study, an ecological model of the coupling biotransformation of sulfur and phosphorus is constructed using metagenomic analysis and quantitative polymerase chain reaction strategies. Phylogenetic analysis profiling, a distinctive microbiome with high frequencies of Gammaproteobacteria and Deltaproteobacteria, appears to be an adaptive characteristic of microbial structures in subtropical mangrove ecosystems. Functional analysis reveals that the levels of sulfate reduction, sulfur oxidation, and poly-phosphate (Poly-P) aggregation decrease with increasing depth. However, at depths of 25-50 cm in the mangrove ecosystems with S. alterniflora invasion, the abundance of sulfate reduction genes, sulfur oxidation genes, and polyphosphate kinase (ppk) significantly increased. A strong positive correlation was found among ppk, sulfate reduction, sulfur oxidation, and sulfur metabolizing microorganisms, and the content of sulfide was significantly and positively correlated with the abundance of ppk. Further microbial identification suggested that Desulfobacterales, Anaerolineales, and Chromatiales potentially drove the coupling biotransformation of phosphorus and sulfur cycling. In particular, Desulfobacterales exhibited dominance in the microbial community structure. Our findings provided insights into the simultaneous co-biotransformation of phosphorus and sulfur bioconversions in subtropical marine mangrove ecosystems with S. alterniflora invasion.}, }
@article {pmid36846041, year = {2022}, author = {Antonio Orden, J and Martínez-Rodrigo, A and Isabel Vela, A and Francisco Fernández-Garayzábal, J and Hurtado-Morillas, C and Mas, A and Domínguez-Bernal, G}, title = {Detection and Antimicrobial Resistance of Enterobacteriaceae other than Escherichia Coli in Raccoons from the Madrid Region of Spain.}, journal = {Journal of veterinary research}, volume = {66}, number = {4}, pages = {565-569}, pmid = {36846041}, issn = {2450-7393}, abstract = {INTRODUCTION: Raccoons are an invasive alien species widely distributed in the Madrid region of Spain. These animals can carry a variety of enteric bacteria with associated antimicrobial resistance, which can infect humans and livestock. However, to our knowledge, the presence of non-E. coli Enterobacteriaceae in raccoons has not been previously studied.<br><br>MATERIAL AND METHODS: We conducted a study to examine the species distribution of Enterobacteriaceae isolates other than E. coli, as well as their antimicrobial resistance, in the faeces of 83 raccoons in the Madrid region.<br><br>RESULTS: We detected 12 Enterobacteriaceae isolates other than E. coli belonging to seven different species: Citrobacter freundii (1 isolate), Citrobacter gillenii (3 isolates), Citrobacter murliniae (1 isolate), Citrobacter portucalensis (2 isolates), Enterobacter hormaechei subsp. hoffmannii (1 isolate), Hafnia paralvei (2 isolates) and Raoultella ornithinolytica (2 isolates). These isolates were found in 7 of the 83 (8.4%) animals studied. To our knowledge, this study is the first report of the presence of non-E. coli Enterobacteriaceae in raccoon faeces. All isolates but one were resistant to at least one of the 14 antimicrobials tested. Resistance to ampicillin (83.3%), amoxicillinclavulanic acid (50%) and cefoxitin (33.3%) was the most frequent.<br><br>CONCLUSION: Our study indicates that raccoons are a potential source of infection with Enterobacteriaceae other than E. coli for humans and livestock in the Madrid region.}, }
@article {pmid36842586, year = {2023}, author = {Pérez-Diz, M and Rodríguez-Addesso, B and Hussain, MI and Rodríguez, J and Novoa, A and González, L}, title = {Stable carbon and nitrogen isotope compositions provide new insights into the phenotypic plasticity of the invasive species Carpobrotus sp. pl. in different coastal habitats.}, journal = {The Science of the total environment}, volume = {}, number = {}, pages = {162470}, doi = {10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.162470}, pmid = {36842586}, issn = {1879-1026}, abstract = {The genus Carpobrotus N.E.Br. comprises several aggressive invasive species that threaten biodiversity in coastal areas worldwide. We studied the phenotypic plasticity of Carpobrotus sp. pl. invading four coastal habitats in the north-western Iberian Peninsula (coastal cliffs, disturbed areas, dunes and coastal forests). We measured morphological traits and carbon (δ[13]C) and nitrogen (δ[15]N) stable isotope ratios of Carpobrotus sp. pl. individuals collected in each habitat. Our results indicated that leaf carbon content (% C) and dry shoot weight were higher on cliffs and lower in mixed forests. In contrast, leaf water content was higher in mixed forests and lower on cliffs. Leaf nitrogen content (% N) was higher in forests, which might be due to the presence of Acacia longifolia, an alien tree that accumulates N in the soil through symbiotic associations with N fixing bacteria. Differences in δ[15]N showed the use of different N sources in each habitat. Values were higher in disturbed areas with greater human activity and lower on cliffs and forests. δ[13]C was higher in cliffs and dunes, suggesting CAM activity where drought and salinity are more intense. Water use efficiency (iWUE) and δ[13]C were higher on cliffs and dunes, suggesting an adaptation and high tolerance of Carpobrotus sp. pl. to unfavourable conditions such as drought or salinity in the invaded areas.}, }
@article {pmid36642049, year = {2023}, author = {Zhang, G and Jia, J and Zhao, Q and Wang, W and Wang, D and Bai, J}, title = {Seasonality and assembly of soil microbial communities in coastal salt marshes invaded by a perennial grass.}, journal = {Journal of environmental management}, volume = {331}, number = {}, pages = {117247}, doi = {10.1016/j.jenvman.2023.117247}, pmid = {36642049}, issn = {1095-8630}, mesh = {*Wetlands ; Poaceae ; Soil/chemistry ; RNA, Ribosomal, 16S ; Introduced Species ; *Microbiota ; Plants ; Soil Microbiology ; China ; Bacteria ; Carbon ; Nitrogen ; }, abstract = {Plant invasion profoundly changes the microbial-driven processes in the ecosystem; however, the seasonality of soil microbial communities and their assembly under plant invasion is poorly understood. In this study, coastal salt marshes with native Suaeda salsa (L.) Pall. and exotic Spartina alterniflora Loisel. in the Yellow River Estuary, North China, were selected, and soil bacterial and fungal communities and their seasonal variance were characterized by metabarcoding sequencing of the 16S rRNA gene and ITS2 regions, respectively. The importance of deterministic and stochastic processes in shaping bacterial and fungal seasonal assembly was explored by the null model. Results showed that soil microbes exhibited the lowest diversities in spring, while their diversity significantly improved in summer and autumn with the increase in organic carbon and nitrogen content in soils. Strong seasonal variances in microbial communities were observed, but plant invasion reduced the seasonal variation strength of soil bacteria. For the microbial assembly, the seasonal variability of soil bacterial community was mainly controlled by homogeneous selection, whereas soil fungal community was dominantly structured by stochastic processes. Among the selected variables, soil pH was the key abiotic factor driving the seasonal changes in bacteria and fungi. The microbial function annotation derived from taxonomy-based inference suggested that carbon metabolism was relatively stronger in spring, but nitrogen and sulfur metabolism increased evidently in summer and autumn, and the proportion of saprophytic fungi increased substantially after plant invasion. The seasonal turnover of bacterial and fungal groups were tightly associated with the seasonal variation in soil carbon and nitrogen contents. Collectively, these findings reveal the strong seasonal variability of different soil microbial constituents in plant-invaded coastal salt marshes and suggest the linkage between microbial community assembly and microbial-mediated functions in the context of plant invasions.}, }
@article {pmid36842575, year = {2023}, author = {Avigliano, E and Niklitschek, E and Chung, MT and Diaz, B and Chalde, T and Di Prinzio, C and Solimano, P and Llompart, F and Garcés, C and Ochoa, JD and Aldea, C and Huang, KF and Duquenoy, C and Leisen, M and Volpedo, A}, title = {Isotope geochemistry as a natural tag of fish in Patagonian freshwater environments: The invasive Chinook salmon case.}, journal = {The Science of the total environment}, volume = {}, number = {}, pages = {162395}, doi = {10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.162395}, pmid = {36842575}, issn = {1879-1026}, abstract = {Patagonian aquatic environments have been invaded since the end of the last century by different species of salmonids. Knowing the natal origin and homing/straying rate of the salmonids in colonised environments is essential to understanding the dispersal mechanisms and developing management plans. In the last two decades, Chinook salmon Oncorhynchus tshawytscha showed the greatest natural dispersal capacity in Patagonia. The main goal of this study was to evaluate the environmental strontium isotope ratio ([87]Sr/[86]Sr) as a potential natural tag to infer the natal origin and ontogenetic habitat use of salmonids in Patagonia, specifically Chinook salmon. [87]Sr/[86]Sr ratio was determined in water samples from 26 sites distributed in 14 Atlantic and Pacific basins in low and high water seasons. Environmental [87]Sr/[86]Sr showed greater spatial than temporal variation, revealing great potential as a tool to infer the natal origin and life history of several migratory fish species in Patagonia. Otolith core-to-edge [87]Sr/[86]Sr profiles were also analysed in 108 Chinook salmon from six basins. A cluster analysis based on the Unweighted Pair Group method (UPGMA) and Euclidean distances without prior classification grouped the sampled rivers into five main groups with significantly different (p < 0.05) isotopic ratios, sometimes integrated basins with different slopes (Atlantic or Pacific). The cluster analysis (UPGMA) based on the natal [87]Sr/[86]Sr period in otolith (~natal origin) showed clear segregation between the Atlantic and Pacific samples. A mismatch between water and otolith natal [87]Sr/[86]Sr ratio was detected in some Atlantic (e.g. De las Vueltas River in Santa Cruz Basin) and Pacific (e.g. Liquiñe Basin) basins and, which could be explained either by straying behaviours or by large geochemical variability between tributaries, within river systems. Our results showed that [87]Sr/[86]Sr is a useful natural tag to trace the life history of migratory fishes in Patagonia, especially for invasive species such as Chinook salmon.}, }
@article {pmid36841407, year = {2023}, author = {Rowan, NJ}, title = {Current decontamination challenges and potentially complementary solutions to safeguard the vulnerable seafood industry from recalcitrant human norovirus in live shellfish: Quo Vadis?.}, journal = {The Science of the total environment}, volume = {}, number = {}, pages = {162380}, doi = {10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.162380}, pmid = {36841407}, issn = {1879-1026}, abstract = {Safeguarding the seafood industry is important given its contribution to supporting our growing global population. However, shellfish are filter feeders that bioaccumulate microbial contaminants in their tissue from wastewater discharged into the same coastal growing environments leading to significant human disease outbreaks unless appropriately mitigated. Removal or inactivation of enteric viruses is very challenging particularly as human norovirus (hNoV) binds to specific histo-blood ligands in live oyster tissue that are consumed raw or lightly cooked. The regulatory framework that sets out use of clean seawater and UV disinfection is appropriate for bacterial decontamination at the post-harvest land-based depuration (cleaning) stage. However, additional non-thermal technologies are required to eliminate hNoV in live shellfish (particularly oysters) where published genomic studies report that low-pressure UV has limited effectiveness in inactivating hNoV. The use of the standard genomic detection method (ISO 15, 216-1:2017) is not appropriate for assessing the loss of infectious hNoV in treated live shellfish. The use of surrogate viral infectivity methods appear to offer some insight into the loss of hNoV infectiousness in live shellfish during decontamination. This paper reviews the use of existing and potentially other combinational treatment approaches to enhance the removal or inactivation of enteric viruses in live shellfish. The use of alternative and complementary novel diagnostic approaches to discern viable hNoV are discussed. The effectiveness and virological safety of new affordable hNoV intervention(s) require testing and validating at commercial shellfish production in conjunction with laboratory-based research. Appropriate risk management planning should encompass key stakeholders including a partnership with local government and the wastewater industry. Gaining a mechanistic understanding of the relationship between hNoV response at molecular and structural levels in individually treated oysters as a unit will inform predictive modeling and appropriate treatment technologies. Global warming of coastal growing environments may introduce additional contaminant challenges (such as invasive species); thus, underscoring need to develop real-time ecosystem monitoring of growing environments to alert shellfish producers to appropriately mitigate these threats.}, }
@article {pmid36840320, year = {2023}, author = {Chaves Lobón, N and González Félix, M and Alías Gallego, JC}, title = {Comparison of the Allelopathic Potential of Non-Native and Native Species of Mediterranean Ecosystems.}, journal = {Plants (Basel, Switzerland)}, volume = {12}, number = {4}, pages = {}, doi = {10.3390/plants12040972}, pmid = {36840320}, issn = {2223-7747}, abstract = {Allelopathy is a frequent interaction between species in Mediterranean ecosystems and it is also one of the proposed strategies to explain the colonisation of invasive species. To confirm the importance of allelopathic potential as a mechanism of invasion of non-native species in Mediterranean ecosystems, it would be advisable to compare the allelopathic effects of non-native plants with native plants on the same target species and thus avoid overestimating the role of phytotoxicity in the invasion process. The main objective of this work was to compare the allelopathic activity of native species typical of Mediterranean ecosystems, classified as allelopathic, with the allelopathic activity of non-native species that may have an invasive character in these ecosystems. To this end, we selected three native species (Cistus ladanifer, Pistacia lentiscus, and Pistacia terebithus) and three non-native species (Acacia dealbata, Acer negundo, and Salix babylonica), and we analysed their effect on the species Lactuca sativa and the native species Lavandula stoechas and Echium plantagineum. The tests on L. sativa showed that all species have allelopathic activity. The tests on L. stoechas and E. plantagineum revealed that P. terebinthus exerted the greatest effect, being the only species that maintained an inhibitory effect at extract concentrations of 50% and 25% in all the analysed parameters, except in germination and cotyledon emergence for E. plantagineum. There were no significant differences in the effect on germination between non-native and native species, although significant differences were found in the effect on root size in the three analysed concentrations, with the native species producing greater inhibition. In conclusion, these species exert a negative effect on the selected native target species, but the negative effect of the native species is greater than that of the non-native species. These results indicate that it is important to compare the allelopathic effects of invasive and native species to correctly estimate the phytotoxic effect of invasive species on their invasiveness.}, }
@article {pmid36840268, year = {2023}, author = {Andonova, T and Muhovski, Y and Slavov, I and Vrancheva, R and Georgiev, V and Apostolova, E and Naimov, S and Mladenov, R and Pavlov, A and Dimitrova-Dyulgerova, I}, title = {Phenolic Profile, Antioxidant and DNA-Protective Capacity, and Microscopic Characters of Ailanthus altissima Aerial Substances.}, journal = {Plants (Basel, Switzerland)}, volume = {12}, number = {4}, pages = {}, doi = {10.3390/plants12040920}, pmid = {36840268}, issn = {2223-7747}, abstract = {Invasive species as sources of natural components are of increasing interest for scientific research. This is the case of Ailanthus altissima, which belongs to the top 100 of the most dangerous invasive plant species in Europe, and which is the subject of the present study. The purpose of the research was to analyze the main phenolic compounds in the flowers, leaves, and stem bark of A. altissima and determine the DNA-protective and antioxidant potential of their ethanolic extracts. HPLC profiling revealed the presence of 6 flavonoids and 10 phenolic acids, of which 15 were found in flowers, 14 in leaves, and 11 in the stem bark. Rutin (5.68 mg/g dw in flowers), hesperidin (2.67 mg/g dw in leaves) and (+)-catechin (2.15 mg/g dw in stem bark) were the best-represented flavonoids. Rosmarinic (10.32 mg/g dw in leaves) and salicylic (6.19 mg/g dw in leaves) acids were predominant among phenolic acids. All plant extracts tested showed in vitro antioxidant activity (determined by DPPH, ABTS, FRAP, and CUPRAC assays) and DNA-protection capacity (assay with supercoiled plasmid DNA-pUC19). The highest antioxidant activity was recorded in the flower parts (in the range from 661 to 893 mmol TE/g dw), followed by the leaves. A DNA protective potential for A. altissima leaf and flower extracts has not been established to date. In addition, the main microscopic diagnostic features of studied plant substances were described, with data for the flower parts being reported for the first time. The present study proves that A. altissima could be a natural source of DNA protection and antioxidants.}, }
@article {pmid36840203, year = {2023}, author = {Visztra, GV and Frei, K and Hábenczyus, AA and Soóky, A and Bátori, Z and Laborczi, A and Csikós, N and Szatmári, G and Szilassi, P}, title = {Applicability of Point- and Polygon-Based Vegetation Monitoring Data to Identify Soil, Hydrological and Climatic Driving Forces of Biological Invasions-A Case Study of Ailanthus altissima, Elaeagnus angustifolia and Robinia pseudoacacia.}, journal = {Plants (Basel, Switzerland)}, volume = {12}, number = {4}, pages = {}, doi = {10.3390/plants12040855}, pmid = {36840203}, issn = {2223-7747}, abstract = {Invasive tree species are a significant threat to native flora. They modify the environment with their allelopathic substances and inhibit the growth of native species by shading, thus reducing diversity. The most effective way to control invasive plants is to prevent their spread which requires identifying the environmental parameters promoting it. Since there are several types of invasive plant databases available, determining which database type is the most relevant for investigating the occurrence of alien plants is of great importance. In this study, we compared the efficiency and reliability of point-based (EUROSTAT Land Use and Coverage Area Frame Survey (LUCAS)) and polygon-based (National Forestry Database (NFD)) databases using geostatistical methods in ArcGIS software. We also investigated the occurrence of three invasive tree species (Ailanthus altissima, Elaeagnus angustifolia, and Robinia pseudoacacia) and their relationships with soil, hydrological, and climatic parameters such as soil organic matter content, pH, calcium carbonate content, rooting depth, water-holding capacity, distance from the nearest surface water, groundwater depth, mean annual temperature, and mean annual precipitation with generalized linear models in R-studio software. Our results show that the invasion levels of the tree species under study are generally over-represented in the LUCAS point-based vegetation maps, and the point-based database requires a dataset with a larger number of samples to be reliable. Regarding the polygon-based database, we found that the occurrence of the invasive species is generally related to the investigated soil and hydrological and climatic factors.}, }
@article {pmid36840146, year = {2023}, author = {Valicharla, SK and Li, X and Greenleaf, J and Turcotte, R and Hayes, C and Park, YL}, title = {Precision Detection and Assessment of Ash Death and Decline Caused by the Emerald Ash Borer Using Drones and Deep Learning.}, journal = {Plants (Basel, Switzerland)}, volume = {12}, number = {4}, pages = {}, doi = {10.3390/plants12040798}, pmid = {36840146}, issn = {2223-7747}, abstract = {Emerald ash borer (Agrilus planipennis) is an invasive pest that has killed millions of ash trees (Fraxinus spp.) in the USA since its first detection in 2002. Although the current methods for trapping emerald ash borers (e.g., sticky traps and trap trees) and visual ground and aerial surveys are generally effective, they are inefficient for precisely locating and assessing the declining and dead ash trees in large or hard-to-access areas. This study was conducted to develop and evaluate a new tool for safe, efficient, and precise detection and assessment of ash decline and death caused by emerald ash borer by using aerial surveys with unmanned aerial systems (a.k.a., drones) and a deep learning model. Aerial surveys with drones were conducted to obtain 6174 aerial images including ash decline in the deciduous forests in West Virginia and Pennsylvania, USA. The ash trees in each image were manually annotated for training and validating deep learning models. The models were evaluated using the object recognition metrics: mean average precisions (mAP) and two average precisions (AP50 and AP75). Our comprehensive analyses with instance segmentation models showed that Mask2former was the most effective model for detecting declining and dead ash trees with 0.789, 0.617, and 0.542 for AP50, AP75, and mAP, respectively, on the validation dataset. A follow-up in-situ field study conducted in nine locations with various levels of ash decline and death demonstrated that deep learning along with aerial survey using drones could be an innovative tool for rapid, safe, and efficient detection and assessment of ash decline and death in large or hard-to-access areas.}, }
@article {pmid36840097, year = {2023}, author = {Jacobson, TKB and Gerber, D and Azevedo, JC}, title = {Invasiveness, Monitoring and Control of Hakea sericea: A Systematic Review.}, journal = {Plants (Basel, Switzerland)}, volume = {12}, number = {4}, pages = {}, doi = {10.3390/plants12040751}, pmid = {36840097}, issn = {2223-7747}, abstract = {Solutions for ecological and economic problems posed by Hakea sericea invasions rely on scientific knowledge. We conducted a systematic review to analyze and synthesize the past and current scientific knowledge concerning H. sericea invasion processes and mechanisms, as well as monitoring and control techniques. We used ISI Web of Science, Scopus, and CAPES Periodicals to look for publications on the ecological and environmental factors involved in H. sericea establishment (question 1); responses of H. sericea to fire in native and invaded ecosystems (question 2); and H. sericea monitoring and control methods (question 3). We identified 207 publications, 47.4% of which related to question 1, mainly from Australia and South Africa, with an increasing trend in the number of publications on monitoring and modeling. The traits identified in our systematic review, such as adaptations to dystrophic environments, drought resistance, sclerophylly, low transpiration rates, high nutrient use efficiency, stomatal conductance and photosynthetic rates, strong serotiny, proteoid roots and high post-fire seed survival and seedling recruitment, highlighted that H. sericea is a successful invader species due to its long adaptive history mediated by an arsenal of ecophysiological mechanisms that place it at a superior competitive level, especially in fire-prone ecosystems. Integrated cost-effective control methods in selected areas and the incorporation of information on the temporal invasion dynamics can significantly improve invasion control and mitigate H. sericea impacts while maintaining the supply of ecosystem services in invaded areas.}, }
@article {pmid36840049, year = {2023}, author = {Garcia-Murillo, P}, title = {Hydrocharis laevigata in Europe.}, journal = {Plants (Basel, Switzerland)}, volume = {12}, number = {4}, pages = {}, doi = {10.3390/plants12040701}, pmid = {36840049}, issn = {2223-7747}, abstract = {Hydrocharis laevigata (Humb. &amp; Bonpl. ex Willd.) Byng &amp; Christenh. [= Limnobium laevigatum (Humb. &amp; Bonpl. ex Willd.) Heine], Hydrocharitaceae, is a floating-leaf aquatic plant that is native to inland South America. It is an invasive species in several parts of the world. Reports of its presence in Europe have been recently published: naturalised populations occur in three locations on the Iberian Peninsula. The literature also contains records of the species in Hungary and Poland. In addition, it has been observed in Sweden, Belgium, and the Netherlands. H. laevigata is highly adaptable and can profoundly transform habitat conditions in its invasive range, causing major issues for ecosystem conservation and human activities. Until recently, H. laevigata was not to be found in natural environments in Europe. Factors explaining its spread include its use as an ornamental plant, the eutrophication of inland waters, and the effects of global warming. With a focus on Europe, this short communication provides information on the species' distribution, taxonomy, biology, habitat, and negative impacts.}, }
@article {pmid36839469, year = {2023}, author = {Perec-Matysiak, A and Hildebrand, J and Popiołek, M and Buńkowska-Gawlik, K}, title = {The Occurrence of Cryptosporidium spp. in Wild-Living Carnivores in Poland-A Question Concerning Its Host Specificity.}, journal = {Pathogens (Basel, Switzerland)}, volume = {12}, number = {2}, pages = {}, doi = {10.3390/pathogens12020198}, pmid = {36839469}, issn = {2076-0817}, abstract = {Cryptosporidium is an apicomplexan protozoan parasite that primarily infects the gastrointestinal epithelium in humans and domestic and wild animals. The majority of studies have been focused on human, livestock, and pet infections. Hence, Cryptosporidium spp. in wildlife, including wild carnivores, remained neglected. There are several studies reporting the occurrence of Cryptosporidium spp. in wild foxes, but these are only a few molecular surveys; no data is available concerning the occurrence of this parasite in raccoon dogs and martens in Europe, and to the best of our knowledge to date, only one study has reported Cryptosporidium from badgers in Spain. Therefore, we used molecular analyses to identify and genotype Cryptosporidium spp. in wild-living mesocarnivores in Poland. A total of 322 individual fecal samples from six carnivore species, i.e., raccoon, raccoon dog, red fox, European badger, pine, and beech martens were collected and then analyzed for the presence of Cryptosporidium spp. using the nested PCR method. The appearance of PCR products in the reaction with Cryptosporidium-specific primers against the 18S rRNA and actin genes demonstrated that Cryptosporidium spp. occurred in 23.0% of all examined species of animals. Performed sequence analyses showed the presence of the Cryptosporidium skunk genotype, Cryptosporidium vole genotype II, Cryptosporidium canis dog and fox genotypes, as well as Cryptosporidium erinacei, Cryptosporidium ditrichi, Cryptosporidium suis, and Cryptosporidium alticolis, in these hosts. Molecular data presented here indicate that examined mesocarnivores may be a significant reservoir of specific and non-specific Cryptosporidium species, including those with zoonotic potential. Most studies of carnivores have described the presence of non-specific Cryptosporidium spp. in carnivore hosts, and this is probably the result of the transfer of these parasites from prey species through the digestive tract or the transfer of the parasite from a contaminated environment.}, }
@article {pmid36839450, year = {2023}, author = {Veronesi, F and Deak, G and Diakou, A}, title = {Wild Mesocarnivores as Reservoirs of Endoparasites Causing Important Zoonoses and Emerging Bridging Infections across Europe.}, journal = {Pathogens (Basel, Switzerland)}, volume = {12}, number = {2}, pages = {}, doi = {10.3390/pathogens12020178}, pmid = {36839450}, issn = {2076-0817}, abstract = {Mesocarnivores are small- or mid-sized carnivore species that display a variety of ecologies and behaviours. In Europe, wild mesocarnivores are represented by the red fox (Vulpes vulpes), the golden jackal (Canis aureus), the European wildcat (Felis silvestris), the Mustelidae of the genera Meles, Martes, Mustela, Lutra, the invasive species of raccoon dog (Nyctereutes procyonoides), raccoons (Procyon lotor), and American mink (Neogale vison). These abundant animals thrive in various habitats and often develop their activity close to human settlements. Thus, they may play an important role in the introduction, maintenance, and transmission of major parasitic zoonoses and promote bridging infections with domestic animals. Against this background, this article reports and discusses some of the most important endoparasites of wild mesocarnivores living in Europe, on the basis of their actual role as reservoirs, spreaders, or sentinels. The data derived from epizootiological studies in different European countries, and the proven or speculated implications of the detected endoparasites in human and domestic animals' health, are discussed. Through older and recent literature review, the state-of-the-art knowledge on the occurrence and prevalence of the parasites under consideration is presented, showing further, warranted investigations and the need for surveillance and vigilance.}, }
@article {pmid36839447, year = {2023}, author = {Perin, PP and Lapera, IM and Arias-Pacheco, CA and Mendonça, TO and Oliveira, WJ and de Souza Pollo, A and Dos Santos Silva, C and Tebaldi, JH and da Silva, B and Lux-Hoppe, EG}, title = {Epidemiology and Integrative Taxonomy of Helminths of Invasive Wild Boars, Brazil.}, journal = {Pathogens (Basel, Switzerland)}, volume = {12}, number = {2}, pages = {}, doi = {10.3390/pathogens12020175}, pmid = {36839447}, issn = {2076-0817}, abstract = {Wild boars (Sus scrofa) are a significant invasive species in Brazil. We evaluated the helminth diversity of 96 wild boars in São Paulo state. Helminth infection descriptors were calculated, the species were identified and their 18S, 28S rDNA and internal transcribed spacer (ITS) regions were amplified for phylogenetic analyses. Ascarops strongylina, Strongyloides ransomi, Globocephalus urosubulatus, Oesophagostomum dentatum, Trichuris suis, Metastrongylus salmi, Metastrongylus pudendotecus, Ascaris suum and Stephanurus dentatus and Macracanthorhynchus hirudinaceus were identified. Globocephalus urosubulatus had the highest prevalence and mean abundance, and most animals had mixed infections with three parasite species. There was no association between parasite intensity and prevalence and host sex and body condition index (p > 0.05). Novel DNA sequences were obtained from G. urosubulatus, A. strongylina, and S. dentatus. This is the first study on the helmint diversity of non-captive wild boars in Brazil, and the first report of the occurrence of M. hirudinaceus, G. urosubulatus and S. dentatus in Brazilian wild boars. Non-captive wild boars of São Paulo State did not act as capture hosts for native helminth species but maintained their typical parasites, common to domestic pigs. They may act as parasite dispersers for low-tech subsistence pig farming and for native Tayassuidae.}, }
@article {pmid36835779, year = {2023}, author = {Li, JY and Gao, YX and Li, CY and Jin, YL and Yang, SQ and Xia, JH and Zhang, YF and Bu, Y and Li, K}, title = {Effects of Species Invasion and Inundation on the Collembola Community in Coastal Mudflat Wetland from the Perspective of Functional Traits.}, journal = {Insects}, volume = {14}, number = {2}, pages = {}, doi = {10.3390/insects14020210}, pmid = {36835779}, issn = {2075-4450}, abstract = {The group of soil arthropods known as Collembola is characterized by its abundance and sensitivity to environmental changes. They are ideal an species for soil indicators. In order to clarify the effects of species invasion and inundation on the Collembola community in coastal mudflat wetlands, the correlation between the collembolan functional traits and environmental factors was studied in Shanghai Jiuduansha Wetland National Nature Reserve for the first time. Five sample plots, including three vegetations-Spartina alterniflora (an invasive species), Phragmites australis, and Zizania latifolia-were set up following the differences in vegetation types and between high and low tidal flats. Data on the diversity of the Collembolan species and their functional traits were collected and combined with the soil physicochemical properties and vegetation environment factors in different tidal flats. The key findings and conclusions of the study are as follows: a total of 18 species, four families, and three orders make up the obtained Collembola, two species of Proisotoma are dominant species that account for 49.59% and 24.91% of the total, respectively. The maintenance of the species diversity of Collembola is disturbed by the higher conversion efficiency of Spartina alterniflora rather than Phragmites australis with lower organic carbon (C) content and higher total nitrogen (N) content. The primary environmental variables influencing species distribution were the C/N ratio, total N, and bulk soil density. The bulk density of the soil impacts the movement and dispersal of the functional traits. The depth of the soil layer is related to the functional traits of the sensory ability. The analysis of the functional traits and environment is fairly helpful in exploring how species respond to their environment and offers a better explanation for the habitat selection of Collembola.}, }
@article {pmid36835766, year = {2023}, author = {McCarthy, J and Khadka, A and Hakanoglu, H and Sun, Q}, title = {Influence of Soldiers on Exploratory Foraging Behavior in the Formosan Subterranean Termite, Coptotermes formosanus (Blattodea: Rhinotermitidae).}, journal = {Insects}, volume = {14}, number = {2}, pages = {}, doi = {10.3390/insects14020198}, pmid = {36835766}, issn = {2075-4450}, abstract = {Termites are eusocial insects that live in organized colonies consisting of reproductives, workers, and soldiers. Soldiers are specialized for defense but are expensive to maintain, as they are incapable of husbandry and must be fed and groomed by workers. The soldiers of several species influence foraging behavior by acting as scouts that initiate foraging or by mediating worker behavioral plasticity during food exploration. These behaviors imply that soldiers may play a keystone role in termite colony function, apart from defense. Subterranean termite workers tunnel through soil in search of food while accompanied by varying proportions of soldiers, depending on the species and colony conditions. Previous studies have shown that soldiers accelerate worker exploratory tunneling behavior in two Reticulitermes species, the colonies of which contain fewer than 2% soldiers. This effect, however, is unknown in other subterranean species with different soldier proportions. In this study, we examined the influence of soldiers on exploratory foraging behavior in the Formosan subterranean termite, Coptotermes formosanus Shiraki, which is an economically devastating invasive species that maintains a relatively high soldier proportion (about 10%). When 100 foraging workers were grouped with 0, 2, 10, or 30 soldiers in two-dimensional foraging arenas, we found no significant effect of soldiers on the tunnel length, branch pattern, food source interception, or food collected within 96 h. These results suggest that C. formosanus colonies maintain food exploration efficiency regardless of soldier proportion variation.}, }
@article {pmid36835739, year = {2023}, author = {Yasui, H and Uechi, N and Fujiwara-Tsujii, N}, title = {Differences in Male Mate Recognition between the Invasive Anoplophora glabripennis (Coleoptera: Cerambycidae) and Japanese Native A. malasiaca.}, journal = {Insects}, volume = {14}, number = {2}, pages = {}, doi = {10.3390/insects14020171}, pmid = {36835739}, issn = {2075-4450}, abstract = {The Asian longicorn beetle Anoplophora glabripennis is a recently arrived invasive species to Japan. The Japanese native A. malasiaca shows an extensive overlap with A. glabripennis with host plants, niches, and emergence season. Hybridization between these two species is suspected in Japan. The surface of the female is covered with contact sex pheromones that elicit male mating behavior within species. We evaluated the contact pheromonal activity of crude extract and fractions of female A. glabripennis coated on a black glass model and revealed a hydrocarbon fraction and a blend of fractions to show activity but relatively weak, suggesting the presence of other unknown active compounds. Few male A. glabripennis showed mating behavior when they were exposed to a crude extract of female A. malasiaca. However, a considerable number of A. malasiaca males mounted and showed abdominal bending behavior when presented with glass models that were coated with each extract of female A. glabripennis and A. malasiaca. Gomadalactones are essential contact pheromone components that elicit mating behavior in male A. malasiaca; however, we could not detect them in female A. glabripennis extract. Here, we investigated the possible reasons for this phenomenon and the difference in male mate recognition systems between these two species.}, }
@article {pmid36835694, year = {2023}, author = {Richardson, KV and Alston, DG and Spears, LR}, title = {Efficacy of Kairomone Lures to Attract Parasitoids of Halyomorpha halys.}, journal = {Insects}, volume = {14}, number = {2}, pages = {}, doi = {10.3390/insects14020125}, pmid = {36835694}, issn = {2075-4450}, abstract = {In its native range, Halyomorpha halys (Stål) is suppressed by parasitoids in the genus Trissolcus (Hymenoptera: Scelionidae). Trissolcus native to Utah have demonstrated low parasitism of H. halys, while adventive Trissolcus japonicus (Ashmead) have shown parasitism of up to 20%. Custom rubber septa lures containing stink bug kairomones, n-tridecane (attractant), and (E)-2-decenal (repellent), at 100%, 90%, and 80% levels of attractant (10 mg load rate), were placed adjacent to sentinel H. halys egg masses in northern Utah field trials. Egg masses were evaluated for the presence and intensity (proportion of parasitized eggs) of parasitism. Parasitism by T. japonicus and T. euschisti (Ashmead) was low; however, the 100% lure showed double the parasitism of the control and more than three times that of the 90% and 80%. Two-way choice mesocosm trials in the laboratory evaluated previous lures and a lower load rate of 5 mg-100% attractant treatment. Lures of 10 mg at 100% and 80% were more attractive to T. japonicus than the control, while 5 mg at 100% and 10 mg at 90% showed no significant attraction. Our results support a proof-of-concept of rubber septa as release devices for kairomones to attract T. japonicus and provide a baseline for future field-based studies.}, }
@article {pmid36835687, year = {2023}, author = {Zollota, S and Perez, P and Allen, J and Argenti, T and Read, QD and Ascunce, MS}, title = {Are Ants Good Organisms to Teach Elementary Students about Invasive Species in Florida?.}, journal = {Insects}, volume = {14}, number = {2}, pages = {}, doi = {10.3390/insects14020118}, pmid = {36835687}, issn = {2075-4450}, abstract = {This study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of our outreach program "The ImportANTs of ANTs" in communicating scientific topics to elementary school children, using ants as example organisms. In this program's first phase, we focused on the concepts of native and invasive species and how invasive species affect ecosystems. The program included various active learning approaches, including presentations, handouts, crafts, and live colony viewings. At two schools (one in rural and one in suburban areas), 210 students from 5th grade were assessed using short, anonymous pre- and post-surveys. We analyzed the students' responses to questions from the following categories: general feelings about ants, ant knowledge, general care for the environment, general impact knowledge, and native/invasive species knowledge. The school populations displayed distinct opinion changes and knowledge gains; however, there was a significant increase in knowledge of native and invasive species in both populations. Our study demonstrates that ants are good models to teach children about the impact of invasive species. The project aims to drive universal responsibility by forging proactive attitudes toward protecting the environment and native species early.}, }
@article {pmid36833307, year = {2023}, author = {Pinho, CJ and Cardoso, L and Rocha, S and Vasconcelos, R}, title = {Aliens on Boats? The Eastern and Western Expansion of the African House Gecko.}, journal = {Genes}, volume = {14}, number = {2}, pages = {}, doi = {10.3390/genes14020381}, pmid = {36833307}, issn = {2073-4425}, abstract = {Invasive species disrupt relations between endemics and their ecosystem and are an increasing biodiversity conservation problem. The Hemidactylus genus comprises the most successful invasive reptile species, including the worldwide-distributed Hemidactylus mabouia. In this study, we used 12S and ND2 sequences to taxonomically identify and tentatively determine the diversity and origin of these invaders in Cabo Verde while also clarifying this for several Western Indian Ocean (WIO) populations. By comparing our sequences to recently published ones, we showed, for the first time, that Cabo Verde individuals belong to the H. mabouia sensu stricto lineage and that both of its sublineages (a and b) occur there. Both haplotypes are also in Madeira, which indicates a connection between these archipelagos, possibly related to the past Portuguese trading routes. Across the WIO, results clarified the identity of many island and coastal populations, showing that this likely invasive H. mabouia lineage is widespread in the region, including northern Madagascar, with important conservation implications. Colonisation origins were difficult to access due to the wide geographical spread of these haplotypes; thus, several possible scenarios were outlined. The introduction of this species throughout western and eastern Africa may threaten endemic taxa and needs to be closely monitored.}, }
@article {pmid36830533, year = {2023}, author = {Göttert, T and Perry, G}, title = {Going Wild in the City-Animal Feralization and Its Impacts on Biodiversity in Urban Environments.}, journal = {Animals : an open access journal from MDPI}, volume = {13}, number = {4}, pages = {}, doi = {10.3390/ani13040747}, pmid = {36830533}, issn = {2076-2615}, abstract = {Domestication describes a range of changes to wild species as they are increasingly brought under human selection and husbandry. Feralization is the process whereby a species leaves the human sphere and undergoes increasing natural selection in a wild context, which may or may not be geographically adjacent to where the originator wild species evolved prior to domestication. Distinguishing between domestic, feral, and wild species can be difficult, since some populations of so-called "wild species" are at least partly descended from domesticated "populations" (e.g., junglefowl, European wild sheep) and because transitions in both directions are gradual rather than abrupt. In urban settings, prior selection for coexistence with humans provides particular benefit for a domestic organism that undergoes feralization. One risk is that such taxa can become invasive not just at the site of release/escape but far away. As humanity becomes increasingly urban and pristine environments rapidly diminish, we believe that feralized populations also hold conservation value.}, }
@article {pmid36830468, year = {2023}, author = {Sanz, N and Franch, N and Araguas, RM and Viñas, J and Vidal, O}, title = {Environmental DNA Assay for the Detection of the American Bullfrog (Lithobates catesbeianus) in the Early Stages of the Invasion in the Ebre Delta.}, journal = {Animals : an open access journal from MDPI}, volume = {13}, number = {4}, pages = {}, doi = {10.3390/ani13040683}, pmid = {36830468}, issn = {2076-2615}, abstract = {The American bullfrog (Lithobates catesbeianus) is considered to be one of the most harmful invasive species. In the Iberian Peninsula, this species had been cited occasionally until the year 2018, when L. catesbeianus appeared in the Ebre Delta, and, for the first time, it started breeding in a territory of the Peninsula. Using environmental DNA (eDNA) analysis and visual surveys, the American bullfrog invasion in the Ebre Delta was monitored across two consecutive years (2019-2020). No specimens were observed in 2019, and results for the eDNA survey also failed to detect this species in the Delta. In 2020, two individuals were captured and, under the most conservative criteria to constrain the number of positive detections, eDNA analyses detected the presence of the American bullfrog in at least five locations. Performing an eDNA assay yielded a higher sensitivity with a lower sampling effort than traditional methods. Although the American bullfrog does not appear to still be well-established in the Ebre Delta, only a few bullfrog individuals could be enough for their establishment in suitable habitats. In this context, eDNA assays are essential tools to facilitate the detection, control, and eradication of this species in the first stage of the invasion process.}, }
@article {pmid36829588, year = {2023}, author = {Scoparo, M and Cardinali, I and La Porta, G and Caldaroni, B and Magara, G and Dörr, AJM and Elia, AC and Lancioni, H}, title = {Phylogenetic Diversity of the Red Swamp Crayfish Procambarus clarkii and Its Dispersal Pattern in Northern and Central Italy.}, journal = {Biology}, volume = {12}, number = {2}, pages = {}, doi = {10.3390/biology12020313}, pmid = {36829588}, issn = {2079-7737}, abstract = {The red swamp crayfish Procambarus clarkii is one of the most threatening freshwater species in the world. The aim of this study is to provide a better understanding of the phylogeography and the invasion routes of P. clarkii populations in the Italian Peninsula through the analysis of mitochondrial phylogeny. Mitochondrial control region and cytochrome c oxidase subunit I (COI) sequences of 153 samples collected from six Italian basins were analyzed and compared to worldwide data. Except for the lakes Bolsena and Posta Fibreno, a high genetic variability was found in the other basins. The mitochondrial DNA pattern of P. clarkii from the lakes Candia and Massaciuccoli confirmed the hypothesis of double introduction events. Another entry point could be represented by Lake Trasimeno, which shows haplotypes originating from Louisiana and not shared with other Italian basins. Moreover, unique lineages were also found in the Stella River, thus enhancing the hypothesis that multiple introductions of P. clarkii occurred in northern and Central Italy and strengthening the idea that knowledge about the dispersion routes of this alien species can be useful to predict its invasiveness and elaborate control strategies to preserve biodiversity.}, }
@article {pmid36829530, year = {2023}, author = {Li, J and Leng, Z and Jia, H and Wei, L and Yuguda, TK and Du, D}, title = {Effect of Seawall Embankment Reclamation on the Distribution of Cr, Cu, Pb and Zn Pollution in Invasive Spartina alterniflora and Native Phragmites australis Coastal Saltmarshes of East China.}, journal = {Biology}, volume = {12}, number = {2}, pages = {}, doi = {10.3390/biology12020253}, pmid = {36829530}, issn = {2079-7737}, abstract = {Coastal reclamation by seawall embankments and the spread of invasive C4 perennial grass Spartina alterniflora have recently become more prevalent in eastern China's coastal wetlands. While trace metals (TMs), carbon, and nitrogen dynamics concerning reclamation have extensively been explored across China's coastal wetlands, to date, the impact of reclamation by coastal embankment and exotic plant invasion on TMs' pollution dynamics in coastal marshes remains largely unexplored. We compared TMs Cr, Cu, Pb, and Zn cumulation in coastal embankment-reclaimed versus unreclaimed S. alterniflora and Phragmites australis saltmarshes in eastern China coastal wetlands. In both S. alterniflora and P. australis marshes, coastal embankment reclamation spurred an increase in Cr, Cu, Pb, and Zn concentrations by 31.66%, 53.85%, 32.14%, 33.96% and by 59.18%, 87.50%, 55.55%, 36.84%, respectively, in both marsh types. Reclamation also reduced plant biomass, soil moisture, and soil salinity in both plants' marshes. Our findings suggest that the impact of coastal embankment reclamation and replacement of native saltmarshes by invasive S. alterniflora had a synergistic effect on TM accumulation in the P. australis marshes, as corroborated by bioaccumulation and translocation factors. Reclamation by coastal embankments and invasive alien plants could significantly impair the physico-chemical properties of native plant saltmarsh and essentially weaken the accumulation of Cr, Cu, Pb, and Zn potential of the coastal saltmarshes. Our findings provide policymakers with an enhanced knowledge of the relationship between reclamation, plant invasiveness, and TM pollution dynamics in coastal wetlands, providing a baseline for attaining future goals and strategies related to the tradeoffs of various wetland reclamation types.}, }
@article {pmid36829491, year = {2023}, author = {Sherwood, AR and Guiry, MD}, title = {Inventory of the Seaweeds and Seagrasses of the Hawaiian Islands.}, journal = {Biology}, volume = {12}, number = {2}, pages = {}, doi = {10.3390/biology12020215}, pmid = {36829491}, issn = {2079-7737}, abstract = {This updated list is composed of a total of 661 records, which includes 71 brown algae, 450 red algae, 137 green algae, and three seagrasses, with an overall rate of endemism of 13.2%. Almost half (46.7%) of the Hawaiian records presented here are represented by at least one DNA sequence, while 16.3% are confirmed through a DNA sequence match to a topotype, and 6.7% are confirmed through a DNA sequence match to a type specimen. The data are presented in the context of the natural history of the Hawaiian Islands, which is heavily influenced by the volcanic hotspot origin of the archipelago in the middle of the Pacific Ocean, as well as the important cultural role of seaweeds and other marine plants in Hawai'i, and the current threats to marine ecosystems, which include the introduction and proliferation of a number of invasive marine macroalgae.}, }
@article {pmid36828223, year = {2023}, author = {Clagnan, E and Dell'Orto, M and Štěrbová, K and Grivalský, T and Artur Câmara Manoel, J and Masojídek, J and D'Imporzano, G and Gabriel Acién-Fernández, F and Adani, F}, title = {Impact of photobioreactor design on microalgae-bacteria communities grown on wastewater: differences between thin-layer cascade and thin-layer raceway ponds.}, journal = {Bioresource technology}, volume = {}, number = {}, pages = {128781}, doi = {10.1016/j.biortech.2023.128781}, pmid = {36828223}, issn = {1873-2976}, abstract = {Thin-layer (TL) photobioreactors (PBRs) are characterised by high productivity. However, their use is limited to lab/pilot-scale, and a deeper level of characterisation is needed to reach industrial scale and test the resistance of multiple microalgae. Here, the performance and composition of eight microalgal communities cultivated in the two main TLs design (thin-layer cascade (TLC) and thin-layer raceway pond (RW)) were investigated through Illumina sequencing. Chlorella vulgaris showed robustness in both designs and often acted as an "invasive" species. Inoculum and reactor type brought variability. Eukaryotic microalgae inocula led to a more robust and stable community (higher similarity), however, RWs were characterised by a higher variability and did not favour the eukaryotic microalgae. The only cyanobacterial inoculum, Nostoc piscinale, was maintained, however the community was variable between designs. The reactor design had an effect on the N cycle with the TLC and RW configurations, enhancing nitrification and denitrification respectively.}, }
@article {pmid36827463, year = {2023}, author = {Davis, JS and Sim, S and Geib, S and Sheffler, B and Linnen, CR}, title = {Whole-genome resequencing data support a single introduction of the invasive white pine sawfly, Diprion similis.}, journal = {The Journal of heredity}, volume = {}, number = {}, pages = {}, doi = {10.1093/jhered/esad012}, pmid = {36827463}, issn = {1465-7333}, abstract = {Biological introductions are unintended "natural experiments" that provide unique insights into evolutionary processes. Invasive phytophagous insects are of particular interest to evolutionary biologists studying adaptation, as introductions often require rapid adaptation to novel host plants. However, adaptive potential of invasive populations may be limited by reduced genetic diversity-a problem known as the "genetic paradox of invasions". One potential solution to this paradox is if there are multiple invasive waves that bolster genetic variation in invasive populations. Evaluating this hypothesis requires characterizing genetic variation and population structure in the invaded range. To this end, we assemble a reference genome and describe patterns of genetic variation in the introduced white pine sawfly, Diprion similis. This species was introduced to North America in 1914, where it has rapidly colonized the thin-needled eastern white pine (Pinus strobus), making it an ideal invasion system for studying adaptation to novel environments. To evaluate evidence of multiple introductions, we generated whole-genome resequencing data for 64 D. similis females sampled across the North American range. Both model-based and model-free clustering analyses supported a single population for North American D. similis. Within this population, we found evidence of isolation-by-distance and a pattern of declining heterozygosity with distance from the hypothesized introduction site. Together, these results support a single-introduction event. We consider implications of these findings for the genetic paradox of invasion and discuss priorities for future research in D. similis, a promising model system for invasion biology.}, }
@article {pmid36827303, year = {2023}, author = {Glassic, HC and Guy, CS and Tronstad, LM and Lujan, DR and Briggs, MA and Albertson, LK and Koel, TM}, title = {Invasive predator diet plasticity has implications for native fish conservation and invasive species suppression.}, journal = {PloS one}, volume = {18}, number = {2}, pages = {e0279099}, doi = {10.1371/journal.pone.0279099}, pmid = {36827303}, issn = {1932-6203}, abstract = {Diet plasticity is a common behavior exhibited by piscivores to sustain predator biomass when preferred prey biomass is reduced. Invasive piscivore diet plasticity could complicate suppression success; thus, understanding invasive predator consumption is insightful to meeting conservation targets. Here, we determine if diet plasticity exists in an invasive apex piscivore and whether plasticity could influence native species recovery benchmarks and invasive species suppression goals. We compared diet and stable isotope signatures of invasive lake trout and native Yellowstone cutthroat trout (cutthroat trout) from Yellowstone Lake, Wyoming, U.S.A. as a function of no, low-, moderate-, and high-lake trout density states. Lake trout exhibited plasticity in relation to their density; consumption of cutthroat trout decreased 5-fold (diet proportion from 0.89 to 0.18) from low- to high-density state. During the high-density state, lake trout switched to amphipods, which were also consumed by cutthroat trout, resulting in high diet overlap (Schoener's index value, D = 0.68) between the species. As suppression reduced lake trout densities (moderate-density state), more cutthroat trout were consumed (proportion of cutthroat trout = 0.42), and diet overlap was released between the species (D = 0.30). A shift in lake trout δ13C signatures from the high- to the moderate-density state also corroborated increased consumption of cutthroat trout and lake trout diet plasticity. Observed declines in lake trout are not commensurate with expected cutthroat trout recovery due to lake trout diet plasticity. The abundance of the native species in need of conservation may take longer to recover due to the diet plasticity of the invasive species. The changes observed in diet, diet overlap, and isotopes associated with predator suppression provides more insight into conservation and suppression dynamics than using predator and prey biomass alone. By understanding these dynamics, we can better prepare conservation programs for potential feedbacks caused by invasive species suppression.}, }
@article {pmid36825354, year = {2023}, author = {Zhu, Y and Champer, J}, title = {Simulations Reveal High Efficiency and Confinement of a Population Suppression CRISPR Toxin-Antidote Gene Drive.}, journal = {ACS synthetic biology}, volume = {}, number = {}, pages = {}, doi = {10.1021/acssynbio.2c00611}, pmid = {36825354}, issn = {2161-5063}, abstract = {Though engineered gene drives hold great promise for spreading through and suppressing populations of disease vectors or invasive species, complications such as resistance alleles and spatial population structure can prevent their success. Additionally, most forms of suppression drives, such as homing drives or driving Y chromosomes, will generally spread uncontrollably between populations with even small levels of migration. The previously proposed CRISPR-based toxin-antidote system called toxin-antidote dominant embryo (TADE) suppression drive could potentially address the issues of confinement and resistance. However, it is a relatively weak form of drive compared to homing drives, which might make it particularly vulnerable to spatial population structure. In this study, we investigate TADE suppression drive using individual-based simulations in a continuous spatial landscape. We find that the drive is actually more confined than in simple models without space, even in its most efficient form with low cleavage rate in embryos from maternally deposited Cas9. Furthermore, the drive performed well in continuous space scenarios if the initial release requirements were met, suppressing the population in a timely manner without being severely affected by chasing, a phenomenon in which wild-type individuals avoid the drive by recolonizing empty areas. At higher embryo cut rates, the drive loses its ability to spread, but a single, widespread release can often still induce rapid population collapse. Thus, if TADE suppression gene drives can be successfully constructed, they may play an important role in control of disease vectors and invasive species when stringent confinement to target populations is desired.}, }
@article {pmid36824515, year = {2022}, author = {Van Bortel, W and Versteirt, V and Dekoninck, W and Hance, T and Brosens, D and Hendrickx, G}, title = {MODIRISK: Mosquito vectors of disease, collection, monitoring and longitudinal data from Belgium.}, journal = {GigaByte (Hong Kong, China)}, volume = {2022}, number = {}, pages = {gigabyte58}, doi = {10.46471/gigabyte.58}, pmid = {36824515}, issn = {2709-4715}, abstract = {The MODIRISK project studied mosquito biodiversity and monitored and predicted biodiversity changes, to actively prepare to address issues of biodiversity change, especially invasive species and new pathogen risks. This work is essential given continuing global changes that may create suitable conditions for invasive species spread and the (re-)emergence of vector-borne diseases in Europe. Key strengths of MODIRISK, in the context of sustainable development, were the links between biodiversity and health and the environment, and its contribution to the development of tools for describing the spatial distribution of mosquito biodiversity. MODIRISK addressed key topics of the global Diversitas initiative, which was a main driver of the Belspo 'Science for a Sustainable Development' research program. Three different MODIRISK datasets were published in the Global Biodiversity Information Facility (GBIF): the Collection dataset (the Culicidae collection of the Museum of Natural History in Brussels); the Inventory dataset (data from the MODIRISK inventory effort); and the Longitudinal dataset (experiment data used for risk assessments).}, }
@article {pmid36824207, year = {2023}, author = {Silva, CP and López, DN and Naulin, PI and Estay, SA}, title = {Can suitability indices predict plant growth in the invaded range? The case of Acacias species.}, journal = {Frontiers in plant science}, volume = {14}, number = {}, pages = {1125019}, doi = {10.3389/fpls.2023.1125019}, pmid = {36824207}, issn = {1664-462X}, abstract = {INTRODUCTION: Forestry in many parts of the world depends on exotic species, making this industry a source of invasions in some countries. Among others, plantations of the genus Pinus, Eucalyptus, Acacia, Populus, and Pseudotsuga underpin the forestry industry and are a vital component of many countries economies. Among woody plants, the cosmopolitan genus Acacia includes some of the most commonly planted trees worldwide. In order to prevent, manage and control invasive plant species, one of the most used tools is species distribution models. The output of these models can also be used to obtain information about population characteristics, such as spatial abundance patterns or species performance. Although ecological theory suggests a direct link between fitness and suitability, this link is often absent. The reasons behind the lack of this relationship are multiple. Chile is one of the countries where Acacia species, in particular, A. dealbata and A. melanoxylon, have become invaders.<br><br>METHODS: Here, we used climatic and edaphic variables to predict thepotentially suitable habitats for A. dealbata and A. melanoxylon in continental Chile and evaluate if the suitability indices obtained from these models are associated with the observed performance of the trees along the country.<br><br>RESULTS: Our models show that variable importance showed significant similarities between the variables that characterize each species' niche. However, despite the high accuracy of our models, we did not observe an association between suitability and tree growth.<br><br>DISCUSSION: This disconnection between suitability and performance can result from multiple causes, from structural limitations, like the lack of biotic interactions in the models, to methodological issues, like the usefulness of the performance metric used. Whatever the scenario, our results suggest that plans to control invasive species should be cautious in assuming this relationship in their design and consider other indicators such as species establishment success.}, }
@article {pmid36823195, year = {2023}, author = {Heinen, JH and Florens, FBV and Baider, C and Hume, JP and Kissling, WD and Whittaker, RJ and Rahbek, C and Borregaard, MK}, title = {Novel plant-frugivore network on Mauritius is unlikely to compensate for the extinction of seed dispersers.}, journal = {Nature communications}, volume = {14}, number = {1}, pages = {1019}, pmid = {36823195}, issn = {2041-1723}, abstract = {Insular communities are particularly vulnerable to anthropogenic extinctions and introductions. Changes in composition of island frugivore communities may affect seed dispersal within the native plant community, risking ecological shifts and ultimately co-extinction cascades. Introduced species could potentially mitigate these risks by replacing ecological functions of extinct species, but conclusive evidence is lacking. Here, we investigate changes in plant-frugivore interactions involving frugivorous birds, mammals and reptiles in Mauritius, an oceanic island with an exceptionally well-specified frugivore community and well-described species introduction history. We demonstrate substantial losses of binary interaction partnerships (at the species level) resulting from native species extinctions, but also gains of equal numbers of novel interactions with introduced species, potentially supporting the idea that non-native species might compensate for lost seed dispersal. However, closer investigation of animal seed handling behaviour reveals that most interactions with seed dispersers are replaced by ecologically different interactions with seed predators. Therefore, restoration of seed dispersal functionality in this novel plant-frugivore community is unlikely.}, }
@article {pmid36634777, year = {2023}, author = {Zhang, M and Schwarz, C and Lin, W and Naing, H and Cai, H and Zhu, Z}, title = {A new perspective on the impacts of Spartina alterniflora invasion on Chinese wetlands in the context of climate change: A case study of the Jiuduansha Shoals, Yangtze Estuary.}, journal = {The Science of the total environment}, volume = {868}, number = {}, pages = {161477}, doi = {10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.161477}, pmid = {36634777}, issn = {1879-1026}, mesh = {China ; Climate Change ; *Estuaries ; *Introduced Species ; *Poaceae ; *Wetlands ; }, abstract = {Spartina alterniflora, an invasive plant, was introduced to the Chinese coastal zone in the early 90s. As an eco-engineering species, S. alterniflora not only alters saltmarsh species distributions, previously described as habitat degradation, but it also plays a vital role in coastal protection, especially for the development of recently emerged intertidal shoals. To provide a reference for coastal management under global change, we quantified the impact of the invasion process on provided ecological and coastal protection functions, exemplified at the emerging Jiuduansha Shoals (JDS) in the Yangtze Estuary. Results obtained by high-precision satellite monitoring and numerical modelling showed that the establishment and growth of S. alterniflora can exert considerable changes on local environment. The invasion of S. alterniflora to JDS wetland can be divided into three distinct phases, (1) establishment 1998-2003, (2) expansion 2003-2009, and (3) dominant 2009-2018 stages according to the changes in saltmarsh composition. Spatially, S. alterniflora continuously replaced Scirpus mariqueter, forcing S. mariqueter and Phragmites australis slowly to the lower and higher intertidal habitats, respectively. Notably, S. alterniflora expansion was the main driver that contributed to over 70 % of recent JDS wetland expansion even under sediment deficit conditions. Established S. alterniflora marsh (directly) dampens more waves because of aboveground stems, but it also causes more accretion and indirectly leads to higher "morphological" wave dampening. Thus, it increases coastal defense provided by the saltmarsh in the context of sea-level rise and strengthening storms. In conclusion, the role of S. alterniflora invasion to the local environment under global changes is controversial. For sustainable coastal management, we need context-dependent S. alterniflora management to maximize the benefit of coastal protection and minimize the impact on local ecology, especially in sediment-starving estuaries with expected coastline retreat.}, }
@article {pmid36416762, year = {2023}, author = {Cowan, ZL and Brooker, RM and Gasc, J and Gache, C and Lecchini, D and Feeney, WE}, title = {Targeted census of lionfishes (Scorpaenidae) reveals high densities in their native range.}, journal = {Journal of fish biology}, volume = {102}, number = {2}, pages = {532-536}, doi = {10.1111/jfb.15277}, pmid = {36416762}, issn = {1095-8649}, mesh = {Animals ; *Censuses ; Introduced Species ; *Perciformes ; Coral Reefs ; Predatory Behavior ; }, abstract = {Indo-Pacific lionfishes generally exhibit cryptic behaviours and so can be missed when conducting non-targeted surveys. Here, the authors report the results from targeted surveys of lionfish at Moorea, French Polynesia. Lionfish from three species (Pterois antennata, Pterois radiata, Dendrochirus biocellatus) were observed at a mean density of 267 individuals ha[-1] . This is substantially higher than previous estimates from the same area (Moorea) and represents the highest reported density of lionfishes from their Pacific range. Overall, this study highlights the importance of targeted survey techniques for detecting cryptic species on coral reefs.}, }
@article {pmid36824336, year = {2021}, author = {Lehmann, P and Javal, M and Du Plessis, A and Tshibalanganda, M and Terblanche, JS}, title = {X-ray micro-tomographic data of live larvae of the beetle Cacosceles newmannii.}, journal = {GigaByte (Hong Kong, China)}, volume = {2021}, number = {}, pages = {gigabyte18}, doi = {10.46471/gigabyte.18}, pmid = {36824336}, issn = {2709-4715}, abstract = {Quantifying insect respiratory structures and their variation has remained challenging due to their microscopic size. Here we measure insect tracheal volume using X-ray micro-tomography (μCT) scanning (at 15 μm resolution) on living, sedated larvae of the cerambycid beetle Cacosceles newmannii across a range of body sizes. In this paper we provide the full volumetric data and 3D models for 12 scans, providing novel data on repeatability of imaging analyses and structural tracheal trait differences provided by different image segmentation methods. The volume data is provided here with segmented tracheal regions as 3D models.}, }
@article {pmid36814414, year = {2023}, author = {Stuart, KC and Edwards, RJ and Sherwin, WB and Rollins, LA}, title = {Contrasting patterns of single nucleotide polymorphisms and structural variation across multiple invasions.}, journal = {Molecular biology and evolution}, volume = {}, number = {}, pages = {}, doi = {10.1093/molbev/msad046}, pmid = {36814414}, issn = {1537-1719}, abstract = {Genetic divergence is the fundamental process that drives evolution and ultimately speciation. Structural variants (SVs) are large-scale genomic differences within a species or population, and can cause functionally important phenotypic differences. Characterising SVs across invasive species will fill knowledge gaps regarding how patterns of genetic diversity and genetic architecture shape rapid adaptation under new selection regimes. Here, we seek to understand patterns in genetic diversity within the globally invasive European starling, Sturnus vulgaris. Using whole genome sequencing of eight native United Kingdom (UK), eight invasive North America (NA), and 33 invasive Australian (AU) starlings, we examine patterns in genome-wide SNPs and SVs between populations and within Australia. Our findings detail the landscape of standing genetic variation across recently diverged continental populations of this invasive avian. We demonstrate that patterns of genetic diversity estimated from SVs do not necessarily reflect relative patterns from SNP data, either when considering patterns of diversity along the length of the organism's chromosomes (owing to enrichment of SVs in sub telomeric repeat regions), or interpopulation diversity patterns (possibly a result of altered selection regimes or introduction history). Finally, we find that levels of balancing selection within the native range differ across SNP and SV of different classes and outlier classifications. Overall, our results demonstrate that the processes that shape allelic diversity within populations is complex and supports the need for further investigation of SVs across a range of taxa to better understand correlations between often well studied SNP diversity and that of SVs.}, }
@article {pmid36811388, year = {2023}, author = {DeVos, TB and Bock, DG and Kolbe, JJ}, title = {Rapid introgression of non-native alleles following hybridization between a native Anolis lizard species and a cryptic invader across an urban landscape.}, journal = {Molecular ecology}, volume = {}, number = {}, pages = {}, doi = {10.1111/mec.16897}, pmid = {36811388}, issn = {1365-294X}, abstract = {Invasive species can impact native populations through competition, predation, habitat alteration, and disease transmission, but also genetically through hybridization. Potential outcomes of hybridization span the continuum from extinction to hybrid speciation and can be further complicated by anthropogenic habitat disturbance. Hybridization between the native green anole lizard (Anolis carolinensis) and a morphologically similar invader (A. porcatus) in south Florida provides an ideal opportunity to study interspecific admixture across a heterogeneous landscape. We used reduced-representation sequencing to describe introgression in this hybrid system and to test for a relationship between urbanization and non-native ancestry. Our findings indicate that hybridization between green anole lineages was likely a limited, historic event, producing a hybrid population characterized by a diverse continuum of ancestry proportions. Genomic cline analyses revealed rapid introgression and disproportionate representation of non-native alleles at many loci and no evidence for reproductive isolation between parental species. Three loci were associated with urban habitat characteristics; urbanization and non-native ancestry were positively correlated, although this relationship did not remain significant when accounting for spatial nonindependence. Ultimately, our study demonstrates the persistence of non-native genetic material even in the absence of ongoing immigration, indicating that selection favoring non-native alleles can override the demographic limitation of low propagule pressure. We also note that not all outcomes of admixture between native and non-native species should be considered intrinsically negative. Hybridization with ecologically robust invaders can lead to adaptive introgression, which may facilitate the long-term survival of native populations otherwise unable to adapt to anthropogenically mediated global change.}, }
@article {pmid36811274, year = {2023}, author = {Falagiarda, M and Carnio, V and Chiesa, SG and Pignalosa, A and Anfora, G and Angeli, G and Ioriatti, C and Mazzoni, V and Schmidt, S and Zapponi, L}, title = {Factors influencing short term parasitoid establishment and efficacy for the biological control of Halyomorpha halys with the samurai wasp Trissolcus japonicus.}, journal = {Pest management science}, volume = {}, number = {}, pages = {}, doi = {10.1002/ps.7423}, pmid = {36811274}, issn = {1526-4998}, abstract = {BACKGROUND: Classical biological control has been identified as the most promising approach to limit the impact of the invasive pest species Halyomorpha halys (Heteroptera: Pentatomidae). This study investigated the parasitism rate at sites where the biocontrol agent Trissolcus japonicus (Hymenoptera: Scelionidae) was released and where its unintentional introduction took place, in the Trentino-South Tyrol region. The effect of land use composition was studied to understand which factors favor the establishment of hosts and parasitoids, including native and exotic species.<br><br>RESULTS: The released T. japonicus were detected a year after the start of the program, with a significant parasitoid impact and discovery, compared to control sites. Trissolcus japonicus was the most abundant H. halys parasitoid, Trissolcus mitsukurii and Anastatus bifasciatus were recorded as well. The efficacy of T. mitsukurii was lower in sites where T. japonicus was successfully established, suggesting a possible competitive interaction. Parasitism level by T. japonicus at the release sites was 12.5% in 2020 and 16.4% in 2021. The combined effect of predation and parasitization increased H. halys mortality up to 50% at the release sites. Landscape composition analysis showed that both H. halys and T. japonicus were more likely found at sites with lower altitude and with permanent crops, while other hosts and parasitoids preferred different conditions.<br><br>CONCLUSION: Trissolcus japonicus showed a promising impact on H. halys, at release and adventive sites, with minor non-target effects, mediated by landscape heterogeneity. The prevalence of T. japonicus in landscapes with permanent crops could support IPM in the future. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.}, }
@article {pmid36807984, year = {2023}, author = {Wang, XY and Wu, XQ and Wen, TY and Feng, YQ and Zhang, Y}, title = {Transcriptomic Analysis Reveals Differentially Expressed Genes Associated with Pine Wood Nematode Resistance in Resistant Pinus thunbergii.}, journal = {Tree physiology}, volume = {}, number = {}, pages = {}, doi = {10.1093/treephys/tpad018}, pmid = {36807984}, issn = {1758-4469}, abstract = {Pine wilt disease (PWD) (caused by the nematode Bursaphelenchus xylophilus) is extremely harmful to pine forests in East Asia. As a low-resistance pine species, Pinus thunbergii is more vulnerable to pine wood nematode (PWN) than Pinus densiflora and Pinus massoniana. Field inoculation experiments were conducted on PWN-resistant and susceptible P. thunbergii, and the difference in transcription profiles 24 hours after inoculation was analyzed. We identified 2,603 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) in PWN-susceptible P. thunbergii, while 2,559 DEGs were identified in PWN-resistant P. thunbergii. Before inoculation, DEGs between PWN-resistant and PWN-susceptible P. thunbergii were enriched in the REDOX activity pathway (152 DEGs), followed by the oxidoreductase activity pathway (106 DEGs); After inoculation with PWN, however, the opposite was observed, DEGs were enriched in the oxidoreductase activity pathway (119 DEGs), followed by the REDOX activity pathway (84 DEGs). Before inoculation, according to the metabolic pathway analysis results, we found more genes upregulated in phenylpropanoid metabolic pathways and enriched in lignin synthesis pathways; cinnamoyl-CoA reductase (CCR)-coding genes related to lignin synthesis were upregulated in PWN-resistant P. thunbergii and downregulated in PWN-susceptible P. thunbergii, and the lignin content was always higher in resistant than in susceptible P. thunbergii. These results reveal distinctive strategies of resistant and susceptible P. thunbergii in dealing with PWN infections.}, }
@article {pmid36806368, year = {2023}, author = {Ibáñez, I and Petri, L and Barnett, DT and Beaury, EM and Blumenthal, DM and Corbin, JD and Diez, J and Dukes, JS and Early, R and Pearse, IS and Sorte, CJB and Vilà, M and Bradley, B}, title = {Combining local, landscape, and regional geographies to assess plant community vulnerability to invasion impact.}, journal = {Ecological applications : a publication of the Ecological Society of America}, volume = {}, number = {}, pages = {e2821}, doi = {10.1002/eap.2821}, pmid = {36806368}, issn = {1051-0761}, abstract = {Invasive species science has heavily focused on the invasive agent. However, management to protect native species also requires a proactive approach focused on resident communities, and the features affecting their vulnerability to invasion impacts. Vulnerability is likely the result of factors acting across spatial scales, from local to regional, and it is the combined effects of these factors that will determine the magnitude of vulnerability. Here, we introduce an analytical framework that quantifies the scale-dependent impact of biological invasions on native richness from the shape of the native species-area-relationship (SAR). We leveraged newly available, biogeographically extensive vegetation data from the U.S. National Ecological Observatory Network to assess plant community vulnerability to invasion impact as a function of factors acting across scales. We analyzed more than 1,000 SARs widely distributed across the USA along environmental gradients and under different levels of non-native plant cover. Decreases in native richness were consistently associated with non-native species cover, but native richness was compromised only at relatively high levels of non-native cover. After accounting for variation in baseline ecosystem diversity, net primary productivity, and human modification, ecoregions that were colder and wetter were most vulnerable to losses of native plant species at the local level, while warmer and wetter areas were most susceptible at the landscape level. We also document how the combined effects of cross-scale factors result in a heterogenous spatial pattern of vulnerability. This pattern could not be predicted by analyses at any single scale, underscoring the importance of accounting for factors acting across scales. Simultaneously assessing differences in vulnerability between distinct plant communities at local, landscape and regional scales provided outputs that can be used to inform policy and management aimed at reducing vulnerability to the impact of plant invasions.}, }
@article {pmid36805144, year = {2023}, author = {Reed, EMX and Schenk, T and Brown, BL and Rogers, H and Haak, DC and Drake, JC and Barney, JN}, title = {Holistic valuation of non-native species requires broadening the tent.}, journal = {Trends in ecology &amp; evolution}, volume = {}, number = {}, pages = {}, doi = {10.1016/j.tree.2023.01.004}, pmid = {36805144}, issn = {1872-8383}, }
@article {pmid36804015, year = {2023}, author = {Raiyemo, DA and Bobadilla, LK and Tranel, PJ}, title = {Genomic profiling of dioecious Amaranthus species provides novel insights into species relatedness and sex genes.}, journal = {BMC biology}, volume = {21}, number = {1}, pages = {37}, pmid = {36804015}, issn = {1741-7007}, abstract = {BACKGROUND: Amaranthus L. is a diverse genus consisting of domesticated, weedy, and non-invasive species distributed around the world. Nine species are dioecious, of which Amaranthus palmeri S. Watson and Amaranthus tuberculatus (Moq.) J.D. Sauer are troublesome weeds of agronomic crops in the USA and elsewhere. Shallow relationships among the dioecious Amaranthus species and the conservation of candidate genes within previously identified A. palmeri and A. tuberculatus male-specific regions of the Y (MSYs) in other dioecious species are poorly understood. In this study, seven genomes of dioecious amaranths were obtained by paired-end short-read sequencing and combined with short reads of seventeen species in the family Amaranthaceae from NCBI database. The species were phylogenomically analyzed to understand their relatedness. Genome characteristics for the dioecious species were evaluated and coverage analysis was used to investigate the conservation of sequences within the MSY regions.<br><br>RESULTS: We provide genome size, heterozygosity, and ploidy level inference for seven newly sequenced dioecious Amaranthus species and two additional dioecious species from the NCBI database. We report a pattern of transposable element proliferation in the species, in which seven species had more Ty3 elements than copia elements while A. palmeri and A. watsonii had more copia elements than Ty3 elements, similar to the TE pattern in some monoecious amaranths. Using a Mash-based phylogenomic analysis, we accurately recovered taxonomic relationships among the dioecious Amaranthus species that were previously identified based on comparative morphology. Coverage analysis revealed eleven candidate gene models within the A. palmeri MSY region with male-enriched coverages, as well as regions on scaffold 19 with female-enriched coverage, based on A. watsonii read alignments. A previously reported FLOWERING LOCUS T (FT) within A. tuberculatus MSY contig was also found to exhibit male-enriched coverages for three species closely related to A. tuberculatus but not for A. watsonii reads. Additional characterization of the A. palmeri MSY region revealed that 78% of the region is made of repetitive elements, typical of a sex determination region with reduced recombination.<br><br>CONCLUSIONS: The results of this study further increase our understanding of the relationships among the dioecious species of the Amaranthus genus as well as revealed genes with potential roles in sex function in the species.}, }
@article {pmid36801313, year = {2023}, author = {Soto, I and Ahmed, DA and Balzani, P and Cuthbert, RN and Haubrock, PJ}, title = {Sigmoidal curves reflect impacts and dynamics of aquatic invasive species.}, journal = {The Science of the total environment}, volume = {}, number = {}, pages = {161818}, doi = {10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.161818}, pmid = {36801313}, issn = {1879-1026}, abstract = {Identifying general patterns and trends underlying the impacts and dynamics of biological invasions has proven elusive for scientists. Recently, the impact curve was proposed as a means to predict temporal impacts of invasive alien species, characterised by a sigmoidal growth pattern with an initial exponential increase, followed by a subsequent rate of decline and approaching a saturation level in the long-term where impact is maximised. While the impact curve has been empirically demonstrated with monitoring data of a single invasive alien species (the New Zealand mud snail, Potamopyrgus antipodarum), however, broadscale applicability remains to be tested for other taxa. Here, we examined whether the impact curve can adequately describe the invasion dynamics of 13 other aquatic species (Amphipoda, Bivalvia, Gastropoda, Hirudinea, Isopoda, Mysida, and Platyhelminthes) at the European level, employing multi-decadal time series of macroinvertebrate abundances from regular benthic monitoring efforts. For all except one tested species (the killer shrimp, Dikerogammarus villosus), the sigmoidal impact curve was strongly supported (R[2] > 0.95) on a sufficiently long enough time-scale. For D. villosus, the impact had not yet reached saturation, likely reflecting the early phase of an ongoing European invasion. The impact curve facilitated estimation of introduction years and lag phases, as well as parameterisation of growth rates and carrying capacities, providing strong support for the boom-bust dynamics typically observed in several invader populations. These findings suggest that impact can grow rapidly before saturating at a high level, with timely monitoring often lacking for the detection of invasive species post-introduction. We further confirm the applicability of the impact curve to determine trends in invasion stages, population dynamics, and impacts of pertinent invaders, ultimately helping inform the timing of management interventions. We hence call for improved monitoring and reporting of invasive alien species over broad spatio-temporal scales to permit further testing of large-scale impact consistencies across various habitat types.}, }
@article {pmid36799406, year = {2023}, author = {Woyda-Ploszczyca, AM}, title = {Direct and indirect targets of carboxyatractyloside, including overlooked toxicity toward nucleoside diphosphate kinase (NDPK) and mitochondrial H[+] leak.}, journal = {Pharmaceutical biology}, volume = {61}, number = {1}, pages = {372-390}, doi = {10.1080/13880209.2023.2168704}, pmid = {36799406}, issn = {1744-5116}, mesh = {Animals ; Atractyloside/toxicity ; *Nucleoside-Diphosphate Kinase ; Glycosides/toxicity ; Adenosine Diphosphate ; Mammals ; }, abstract = {CONTEXT: The toxicity of atractyloside/carboxyatractyloside is generally well recognized and commonly ascribed to the inhibition of mitochondrial ADP/ATP carriers, which are pivotal for oxidative phosphorylation. However, these glycosides may 'paralyze' additional target proteins.<br><br>OBJECTIVE: This review presents many facts about atractyloside/carboxyatractyloside and their plant producers, such as Xanthium spp. (Asteraceae), named cockleburs.<br><br>METHODS: Published studies and other information were obtained from databases, such as 'CABI - Invasive Species Compendium', 'PubMed', and 'The World Checklist of Vascular Plants', from 1957 to December 2022. The following major keywords were used: 'carboxyatractyloside', 'cockleburs', 'hepatotoxicity', 'mitochondria', 'nephrotoxicity', and 'Xanthium'.<br><br>RESULTS: In the third decade of the twenty first century, public awareness of the severe toxicity of cockleburs is still limited. Such toxicity is often only perceived by specialists in Europe and other continents. Interestingly, cocklebur is among the most widely distributed invasive plants worldwide, and the recognition of new European stands of Xanthium spp. is provided here. The findings arising from field and laboratory research conducted by the author revealed that (i) some livestock populations may instinctively avoid eating cocklebur while grazing, (ii) carboxyatractyloside inhibits ADP/GDP metabolism, and (iii) the direct/indirect target proteins of carboxyatractyloside are ambiguous.<br><br>CONCLUSIONS: Many aspects of the Xanthium genus still require substantial investigation/revision in the future, such as the unification of the Latin nomenclature of currently distinguished species, bur morphology status, true fruit (achene) description and biogeography of cockleburs, and a detailed description of the physiological roles of atractyloside/carboxyatractyloside and the toxicity of these glycosides, mainly toward mammals. Therefore, a more careful interpretation of atractyloside/carboxyatractyloside data, including laboratory tests using Xanthium-derived extracts and purified toxins, is needed.}, }
@article {pmid36200166, year = {2023}, author = {Gao, L and Wei, C and He, Y and Tang, X and Chen, W and Xu, H and Wu, Y and Wilschut, RA and Lu, X}, title = {Aboveground herbivory can promote exotic plant invasion through intra- and interspecific aboveground-belowground interactions.}, journal = {The New phytologist}, volume = {237}, number = {6}, pages = {2347-2359}, doi = {10.1111/nph.18520}, pmid = {36200166}, issn = {1469-8137}, mesh = {Animals ; Herbivory ; Introduced Species ; Plants ; Larva ; *Coleoptera ; Soil ; *Amaranthaceae ; }, abstract = {Aboveground herbivores and soil biota profoundly affect plant invasions. However, how they interactively affect plant invasions through plant-soil feedbacks (PSFs) remains unclear. To explore how herbivory by the introduced beetle Agasicles hygrophila affects Alternanthera philoxeroides invasions in China, we integrated multiyear field surveys and a 2-yr PSF experiment, in which we examined how herbivory affects PSFs on the performance of native and invasive plants and the introduced beetles. Despite increased herbivory from A. hygrophila, A. philoxeroides dominance over co-occurring congeneric native Alternanthera sessilis remained constant from 2014 to 2019. While occurring at lower abundances, A. sessilis experienced similar herbivore damage, suggesting apparent competitive effects. Our experiments revealed that herbivory on A. philoxeroides altered soil microbial communities, prolonged its negative PSF on A. sessilis, and decreased A. hygrophila larvae performance on the next-generation invasive plants. Consequently, A. hygrophila larvae performed better on leaves of natives than those of invasives when grown in soils conditioned by invasive plants defoliated by the introduced beetles. Our findings suggest that aboveground herbivory might promote rather than suppress A. philoxeroides invasion by enhancing its soil-mediated self-reinforcement, providing a novel mechanistic understanding of plant invasions. These findings highlight the need to incorporate an aboveground-belowground perspective during the assessment of potential biocontrol agents.}, }
@article {pmid36799015, year = {2023}, author = {Andrés, J and Czechowski, P and Grey, E and Saebi, M and Andres, K and Brown, C and Chawla, N and Corbett, JJ and Brys, R and Cassey, P and Correa, N and Deveney, MR and Egan, SP and Fisher, JP and Vanden Hooff, R and Knapp, CR and Leong, SCY and Neilson, BJ and Paolucci, EM and Pfrender, ME and Pochardt, MR and Prowse, TAA and Rumrill, SS and Scianni, C and Sylvester, F and Tamburri, MN and Therriault, TW and Yeo, DCJ and Lodge, DM}, title = {Environment and shipping drive eDNA beta-diversity among commercial ports.}, journal = {Molecular ecology}, volume = {}, number = {}, pages = {}, doi = {10.1111/mec.16888}, pmid = {36799015}, issn = {1365-294X}, abstract = {Spread of nonindigenous species by shipping is a large and growing global problem that harms coastal ecosystems and economies and may blur coastal biogeographic patterns. This study coupled eukaryotic environmental DNA (eDNA) metabarcoding with dissimilarity regression to test the hypothesis that ship-borne species spread homogenizes port communities. We first collected and metabarcoded water samples from ports in Europe, Asia, Australia, and the Americas. We then calculated community dissimilarities between port pairs and tested for effects of environmental dissimilarity, biogeographic region, and four alternative measures of ship-borne species transport risk. We predicted that higher shipping between ports would decrease community dissimilarity, that shipping's effect would be small compared to that of environment dissimilarity and shared biogeography, and that more complex shipping risk metrics (which account for ballast water and stepping-stone spread) would perform better. Consistent with our hypotheses, community dissimilarities significantly increased with environmental dissimilarity and, to a lesser extent, decreased with ship-borne species transport risks, particularly if the ports had similar environments and stepping-stone risks were considered. Unexpectedly, we found no clear effect of shared biogeography, and that risk metrics incorporating estimates of ballast discharge did not offer more explanatory power than simpler traffic-based risks. Overall, we found that shipping homogenizes eukaryotic communities between ports in predictable ways, which could inform improvements in invasive species policy and management. We demonstrated the usefulness of eDNA metabarcoding and dissimilarity regression for disentangling the drivers of large-scale biodiversity patterns. We conclude by outlining logistical considerations and recommendations for future studies using this approach.}, }
@article {pmid36798355, year = {2023}, author = {Barrett, CF and Ramachandran, D and Chen, CH and Corbett, CW and Huebner, CD and Sinn, BT and Yu, WB and Suetsugu, K}, title = {Mitochondrial genome sequencing and analysis of the invasive Microstegium vimineum : a resource for systematics, invasion history, and management.}, journal = {bioRxiv : the preprint server for biology}, volume = {}, number = {}, pages = {}, doi = {10.1101/2023.02.10.527995}, pmid = {36798355}, abstract = {PREMISE OF THE RESEARCH: Plants remain underrepresented among species with sequenced mitochondrial genomes (mitogenomes), due to the difficulty in assembly with short-read technology. Invasive species lag behind crops and other economically important species in this respect, representing a lack of tools for management and land conservation efforts.<br><br>METHODOLOGY: The mitogenome of Microstegium vimineum , one of the most damaging invasive plant species in North America, was sequenced and analyzed using long-read data, providing a resource for biologists and managers. We conducted analyses of genome content, phylogenomic analyses among grasses and relatives based on mitochondrial coding regions, and an analysis of mitochondrial single nucleotide polymorphism in this invasive grass species.<br><br>PIVOTAL RESULTS: The assembly is 478,010 bp in length and characterized by two large, inverted repeats, and a large, direct repeat. However, the genome could not be circularized, arguing against a "master circle" structure. Long-read assemblies with data subsets revealed several alternative genomic conformations, predominantly associated with large repeats. Plastid-like sequences comprise 2.4% of the genome, with further evidence of Class I and Class II transposable element-like sequences. Phylogenetic analysis placed M. vimineum with other Microstegium species, excluding M. nudum , but with weak support. Analysis of polymorphic sites across 112 accessions of M. vimineum from the native and invasive ranges revealed a complex invasion history.<br><br>CONCLUSIONS: We present an in-depth analysis of mitogenome structure, content, phylogenetic relationships, and range-wide genomic variation in M. vimineum's invasive US range. The mitogenome of M. vimineum is typical of other andropogonoid grasses, yet mitochondrial sequence variation across the invasive and native ranges is extensive. Our findings suggest multiple introductions to the US over the last century, with subsequent spread, secondary contact, long-distance dispersal, and possibly post-invasion selection on awn phenotypes. Efforts to produce genomic resources for invasive species, including sequenced mitochondrial genomes, will continue to provide tools for their effective management, and to help predict and prevent future invasions.}, }
@article {pmid36797315, year = {2023}, author = {Liu, Y and Thomas, ML and Coupland, GT and Wang, P and Zheng, D and McKirdy, SJ}, title = {Info-gap theory to determine cost-effective eradication of invasive species.}, journal = {Scientific reports}, volume = {13}, number = {1}, pages = {2744}, pmid = {36797315}, issn = {2045-2322}, abstract = {Invasive species eradication campaigns often fail due to stochastic arrival events, unpredictable detectability and incorrect resource allocation. Severe uncertainty in model parameter estimates may skew the eradication policy results. Using info-gap decision theory, this research aims to provide managers with a method to quantify their confidence in realizing successful eradication of particular invasive species within their specified eradication budgets (i.e. allowed eradication cost) in face of information-gaps. The potential introduction of the Asian house gecko Hemidactylus frenatus to Barrow Island, Australia is used as a case study to illustrate the model. Results of this research demonstrate that, more robustness to uncertainty in the model parameters can be earnt by (1) increasing the allowed eradication cost (2) investment in pre-border quarantine and border inspection (i.e. prevention) or (3) investment in post-border detection surveillance. The combination of a post-border spatial dispersal model and info-gap decision theory demonstrates a novel and spatially efficient method for managers to evaluate the robustness of eradication policies for incursion of invasive species with unexpected behaviour. These methods can be used to provide insight into the success of management goals, in particular the eradication of invasive species on islands or in broader mainland areas. These insights will assist in avoiding eradication failure and wasteful budget allocation and labour investment.}, }
@article {pmid36795686, year = {2023}, author = {Cheon, SJ and Rahman, MM and Lee, JA and Park, SM and Park, JH and Lee, DH and Sung, HC}, title = {Confirmation of the local establishment of alien invasive turtle, Pseudemys peninsularis, in South Korea, using eggshell DNA.}, journal = {PloS one}, volume = {18}, number = {2}, pages = {e0281808}, doi = {10.1371/journal.pone.0281808}, pmid = {36795686}, issn = {1932-6203}, abstract = {Alien invasive species are posing conservation challenges worldwide. Pet trade, one of the many ways, is worsening the situation. Especially, pet turtles have been released into nature due to their longer life span and peoples' religious and traditional beliefs. In addition, unwanted and undesired pets are also released. While information on the successful local establishment and subsequent dispersal into new habitats is required to designate an invasive and ecosystem-disturbing species, alien freshwater turtle nests have always been hard to find and identify in nature. Because one should identify nests by the eggs, which do not always guide properly, as adults abandon the sites quickly. We thought the recent advancement in DNA technology may help improve the situation. We studied Pseudemys peninsularis, one of the most traded freshwater turtle pet species, which has already been reported from a wide range of wild areas in South Korea. Yet, it is not designated as ecosystem-disturbing species due to a lack of adequate information on their local reproduction and establishment. We conducted surveys and found two nests in Jeonpyeongje Neighborhood Park, Maewol-dong, Seo-gu, Gwangju. We developed the methodology for extracting DNA from the eggshells and successfully identified the nests by phylogenetic analysis and verified through egg characteristics and morphological features of artificially hatched juveniles. This was the first successful initiative to extract DNA from freshwater turtle eggshells. We believe it will help future researchers identify the alien invasive turtle nests and develop their control and management policies. In addition, our study also included comparative descriptions and schematic diagrams of the eggs of eight freshwater turtles, including a native and three ecosystem-disturbing species, from South Korea. We urged an immediate designation of P. peninsularis as an ecosystem-disturbing species considering its local establishment, distribution range, and potential negative impact on native ecosystems.}, }
@article {pmid36795473, year = {2023}, author = {Madeira Antunes, P}, title = {Uncovering subtle mechanisms hindering the efficacy of biological control in plant invasions.}, journal = {The New phytologist}, volume = {237}, number = {6}, pages = {1941-1942}, doi = {10.1111/nph.18721}, pmid = {36795473}, issn = {1469-8137}, }
@article {pmid36795266, year = {2023}, author = {Duarte, ME and Lewandowski, M and de Mendonça, RS and Simoni, S and Navia, D}, title = {Genetic analysis of the tomato russet mite provides evidence of oligophagy and a widespread pestiferous haplotype.}, journal = {Experimental &amp; applied acarology}, volume = {}, number = {}, pages = {}, pmid = {36795266}, issn = {1572-9702}, abstract = {Worldwide, the tomato russet mite (TRM), Aculops lycopersici (Eriophyidae), is a key pest on cultivated tomato in addition to infesting other cultivated and wild Solanaceae; however, basic information on TRM supporting effective control strategies is still lacking, mainly regarding its taxonomic status and genetic diversity and structure. As A. lycopersici is reported on different species and genera of host plants, populations associated with different host plants may constitute specialized cryptic species, as shown for other eriophyids previously considered generalists. The main aims of this study were to (i) confirm the TRM taxonomic unity of populations from different host plants and localities as well as the species' oligophagy, and (ii) to advance the understanding of TRM host relationship and invasion history. For this purpose, we evaluated the genetic variability and structure of populations from different host plants along crucial areas of occurrence, including the area of potential origin, based on DNA sequences of mitochondrial (cytochrome c oxidase subunit I) and nuclear (internal transcribed spacer, D2 28S) genomic regions. Specimens from South America (Brazil) and Europe (France, Italy, Poland, The Netherlands) were collected from tomato and other solanaceous species from the genera Solanum and Physalis. Final TRM datasets were composed of 101, 82 and 50 sequences from the COI (672 bp), ITS (553 bp) and D2 (605 bp) regions, respectively. Distributions and frequencies of haplotypes (COI) and genotypes (D2 and ITS1) were inferred; pairwise genetic distance comparisons, and phylogenetic analysis were performed, including Bayesian Inference (BI) combined analysis. Our results showed that genetic divergences for mitochondrial and nuclear genomic regions from TRM associated with different host plants were lower than those observed in other eriophyid taxa, confirming conspecificity of TRM populations and oligophagy of this eriophyid mite. Four haplotypes (cH) were identified from the COI sequences with cH1 being the most frequent, representing 90% of all sequences occurring in all host plants studied (Brazil, France, The Netherlands); the other haplotypes were present exclusively in Brazilian populations. Six variants (I) were identified from the ITS sequences: I-1 was the most frequent (76.5% of all sequences), spread in all countries and associated with all host plants, except S. nigrum. Just one D2 sequence variant was found in all studied countries. The genetic homogeneity among populations highlights the occurrence of a highly invasive and oligophagous haplotype. These results failed to corroborate the hypothesis that differential symptomatology or damage intensity among tomato varieties and solanaceous host plants could be due to the genetic diversity of the associated mite populations. The genetic evidence, along with the history of spread of cultivated tomato, corroborates the hypothesis of a South American origin of TRM.}, }
@article {pmid36794841, year = {2023}, author = {Flechas, SV and Urbina, J and Crawford, AJ and Gutiérrez, K and Corrales, K and Castellanos, LA and González, MA and Cuervo, AM and Catenazzi, A}, title = {First evidence of ranavirus in native and invasive amphibians in Colombia.}, journal = {Diseases of aquatic organisms}, volume = {153}, number = {}, pages = {51-58}, doi = {10.3354/dao03717}, pmid = {36794841}, issn = {0177-5103}, abstract = {Ranaviruses can cause mass mortality events in amphibians, thereby becoming a threat to populations that are already facing dramatic declines. Ranaviruses affect all life stages and persist in multiple amphibian hosts. The detrimental effects of ranavirus infections to amphibian populations have already been observed in the UK and in North America. In Central and South America, the virus has been reported in several countries, but the presence of the genus Ranavirus (Rv) in Colombia is unknown. To help fill this knowledge gap, we surveyed for Rv in 60 species of frogs (including one invasive species) in Colombia. We also tested for co-infection with Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis (Bd) in a subset of individuals. For Rv, we sampled 274 vouchered liver tissue samples collected between 2014 and 2019 from 41 localities covering lowlands to mountaintop páramo habitat across the country. Using quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) and end-point PCR, we detected Rv in 14 individuals from 8 localities, representing 6 species, including 5 native frogs of the genera Osornophryne, Pristimantis and Leptodactylus, and the invasive American bullfrog Rana catesbeiana. Bd was detected in 7 of 140 individuals, with 1 co-infection of Rv and Bd in an R. catesbeiana specimen collected in 2018. This constitutes the first report of ranavirus in Colombia and should set off alarms about this new emerging threat to amphibian populations in the country. Our findings provide some preliminary clues about how and when Rv may have spread and contribute to understanding how the pathogen is distributed globally.}, }
@article {pmid36793678, year = {2023}, author = {Touchard, F and Simon, A and Bierne, N and Viard, F}, title = {Urban rendezvous along the seashore: Ports as Darwinian field labs for studying marine evolution in the Anthropocene.}, journal = {Evolutionary applications}, volume = {16}, number = {2}, pages = {560-579}, pmid = {36793678}, issn = {1752-4571}, abstract = {Humans have built ports on all the coasts of the world, allowing people to travel, exploit the sea, and develop trade. The proliferation of these artificial habitats and the associated maritime traffic is not predicted to fade in the coming decades. Ports share common characteristics: Species find themselves in novel singular environments, with particular abiotic properties-e.g., pollutants, shading, protection from wave action-within novel communities in a melting pot of invasive and native taxa. Here, we discuss how this drives evolution, including setting up of new connectivity hubs and gateways, adaptive responses to exposure to new chemicals or new biotic communities, and hybridization between lineages that would have never come into contact naturally. There are still important knowledge gaps, however, such as the lack of experimental tests to distinguish adaptation from acclimation processes, the lack of studies to understand the putative threats of port lineages to natural populations or to better understand the outcomes and fitness effects of anthropogenic hybridization. We thus call for further research examining "biological portuarization," defined as the repeated evolution of marine species in port ecosystems under human-altered selective pressures. Furthermore, we argue that ports act as giant mesocosms often isolated from the open sea by seawalls and locks and so provide replicated life-size evolutionary experiments essential to support predictive evolutionary sciences.}, }
@article {pmid36793187, year = {2023}, author = {Gu, D and Jia, T and Wei, H and Fang, M and Yu, F and Shu, L and Wang, X and Li, G and Cai, X and Mu, X and Xu, M and Wang, J and Hu, Y}, title = {Biotic resistance to fish invasions in southern China: Evidence from biomass, habitat, and fertility limitation.}, journal = {Ecological applications : a publication of the Ecological Society of America}, volume = {}, number = {}, pages = {e2819}, doi = {10.1002/eap.2819}, pmid = {36793187}, issn = {1051-0761}, abstract = {Understanding the mechanisms underlying the invasion success or failure of alien species can help predict future invasions and cope with the invaders. The biotic resistance hypothesis posits that diverse communities are more resistant to invasion. While many studies have examined this hypothesis, the majority of them have focused on the relationship between alien and native species richness in plant communities, and results have been often inconsistent. In Southern China, many rivers have been invaded by alien fish species, providing an opportunity to test the resistance of native fish communities to alien fish invasions. Using survey data for 60,155 freshwater fish collected from five main rivers of Southern China for three years, we assessed the relationships between native fish richness and the richness and biomass of alien fishes at river and reach spatial scales, respectively. Based on two manipulative experiments, we further examined the impact of native fish richness on habitat selection and reproductive ability of an exotic model species Coptodon zillii. We found that there was no apparent relationship between alien and native fish richness while biomass of alien fish significantly decreased with increasing native fish richness. In experiments, C. zillii preferred to invade those habitats that have low native fish richness given evenly distributed food resources; reproduction of C. zillii was strongly depressed by a native carnivorous fish Channa maculata. Together, our results indicate that native fish diversity can continue to provide biotic resistance to alien fish species in terms of limiting their growth, habitat selection and reproduction while these aliens have successfully invaded in Southern China. We thus advocate for fish biodiversity conservation, especially for key species, to mitigate against the population development and ecological impact of alien fish species.}, }
@article {pmid36792531, year = {2023}, author = {Wang, BX and Hof, AR and Matson, KD and Langevelde, FV and Ma, CS}, title = {Climate change, host plant availability, and irrigation shape future region-specific distributions of the Sitobion grain aphid complex.}, journal = {Pest management science}, volume = {}, number = {}, pages = {}, doi = {10.1002/ps.7409}, pmid = {36792531}, issn = {1526-4998}, abstract = {BACKGROUND: Understanding where species occur using species distribution models has become fundamental to ecology. Although much attention has been paid to invasive species, questions about climate change related range shifts of widespread insect pests remain unanswered. Here, we incorporated bioclimatic factors and host plant availability into CLIMEX models to predict distributions under future climate scenarios of major cereal pests of the Sitobion grain aphid complex (Sitobion avenae, S. miscanthi, and S. akebiae). Additionally, we incorporated the application of irrigation in our models to explore the relevance of a frequently used management practice that may interact with effects of climate change of the pest distributions.<br><br>RESULTS: Our models predicted that the area potentially at high risk of outbreaks of the Sitobion grain aphid complex would increase from 41.3% to 53.3% of the global land mass. This expansion was underlined by regional shifts in both directions: expansion of risk areas in North America, Europe, most of Asia, and Oceania, and contraction of risk areas in South America, Africa, and Australia. In addition, we found that host plant availability limited the potential distribution of pests, while the application of irrigation expanded it.<br><br>CONCLUSION: Our study provides insights into potential risk areas of insect pests and how climate, host plant availability, and irrigation affect the occurrence of the Sitobion grain aphid complex. Our results thereby support agricultural policy makers, farmers, and other stakeholders in their development and application of management practices aimed at maximizing crop yields and minimizing economic losses.}, }
@article {pmid36789581, year = {2023}, author = {Smith, ERC and Heal, R and Wood, LE}, title = {Understanding and improving biosecurity among recreational anglers in Great Britain.}, journal = {Journal of fish biology}, volume = {}, number = {}, pages = {}, doi = {10.1111/jfb.15345}, pmid = {36789581}, issn = {1095-8649}, abstract = {Recreational fishing with the principal motivation of leisure is associated with important economic, social, and conservation values. However, it is also a primary pathway of invasive non-native species and aquatic animal disease introduction and spread. Several studies have explored the overall biosecurity risk posed by recreational anglers based on self-reported behaviours and awareness of biosecurity campaigns. However, there has been little in-depth exploration of the characteristics of key stakeholders that are implementing biosecurity best practice and the barriers that prevent anglers from undertaking biosecurity measures in the field. This study addresses this knowledge gap, using an online questionnaire to collect information on angler socio-demographic characteristics, voluntary biosecurity behaviour, and barriers affecting the implementation of biosecurity best practices in Great Britain in 2018. Results indicated that cleaning behaviours vary considerably amongst anglers, with angling frequency and the number of pieces of equipment affecting how likely anglers were to clean and dry these items. High levels of disinfectant use were reported among anglers; potentially attributed to the concurrent advocation of disinfectant to prevent the spread of aquatic animal disease. Barriers affecting the implementation of correct cleaning behaviours included a combination of factors such as practicality, disability, lack of available information and individual values. These findings illustrate the importance for fishery managers, water companies and policymakers to tailor prevention measures and facilities for anglers to maximise practicality and encourage long-term implementation of best practice.}, }
@article {pmid36786043, year = {2023}, author = {Botrel, M and Maranger, R}, title = {Global historical trends and drivers of submerged aquatic vegetation quantities in lakes.}, journal = {Global change biology}, volume = {}, number = {}, pages = {}, doi = {10.1111/gcb.16619}, pmid = {36786043}, issn = {1365-2486}, abstract = {Submerged aquatic vegetation (SAV) in lake littoral zones is an inland water wetland type that provides numerous essential ecosystem services, such as supplying food and habitat for fauna, regulating nutrient fluxes, stabilizing sediments, and maintaining a clear water state. However, little is known on how inland SAV quantities are changing globally in response to human activities, where loss threatens the provisioning of these ecosystem services. In this study, we generate a comprehensive global synthesis of trends in SAV quantities using time series (>10 years) in lakes and identify their main drivers. We compiled trends across methods and metrics, integrating both observational and paleolimnological approaches as well as diverse measures of SAV quantities, including areal extent, density, or abundance classes. The compilation revealed that knowledge on SAV is mostly derived from temperate regions, with major gaps in tropical, boreal, and mountainous lake-rich regions. Similar to other wetland types, we found that 41% of SAV times series are largely decreasing mostly due to land use change and resulting eutrophication. SAV is, however, increasing in 28% of cases, primarily since the 1980s. We show that trends and drivers of SAV quantities vary regionally, with increases in Europe explained mainly by management, decreases in Asia due to eutrophication and land use change, and variable trends in North America consistent with invasive species arrival. By providing a quantitative portrait of trends in SAV quantities worldwide, we identify knowledge gaps and future SAV research priorities. By considering the drivers of different trends, we also offer insight to future lake management related to climate, positive restoration actions, and change in community structure on SAV quantities.}, }
@article {pmid36640879, year = {2023}, author = {Soto, I and Ahmed, DA and Beidas, A and Oficialdegui, FJ and Tricarico, E and Angeler, DG and Amatulli, G and Briski, E and Datry, T and Dohet, A and Domisch, S and England, J and Feio, MJ and Forcellini, M and Johnson, RK and Jones, JI and Larrañaga, A and L'Hoste, L and Murphy, JF and Schäfer, RB and Shen, LQ and Kouba, A and Haubrock, PJ}, title = {Long-term trends in crayfish invasions across European rivers.}, journal = {The Science of the total environment}, volume = {867}, number = {}, pages = {161537}, doi = {10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.161537}, pmid = {36640879}, issn = {1879-1026}, mesh = {Animals ; *Astacoidea ; *Ecosystem ; Introduced Species ; Biodiversity ; Rivers ; }, abstract = {Europe has experienced a substantial increase in non-indigenous crayfish species (NICS) since the mid-20th century due to their extensive use in fisheries, aquaculture and, more recently, pet trade. Despite relatively long invasion histories of some NICS and negative impacts on biodiversity and ecosystem functioning, large spatio-temporal analyses of their occurrences are lacking. Here, we used a large freshwater macroinvertebrate database to evaluate what information on NICS can be obtained from widely applied biomonitoring approaches and how usable such data is for descriptions of trends in identified NICS species. We found 160 time-series containing NICS between 1983 and 2019, to infer temporal patterns and environmental drivers of species and region-specific trends. Using a combination of meta-regression and generalized linear models, we found no significant temporal trend for the abundance of any species (Procambarus clarkii, Pacifastacus leniusculus or Faxonius limosus) at the European scale, but identified species-specific predictors of abundances. While analysis of the spatial range expansion of NICS was positive (i.e. increasing spread) in England and negative (significant retreat) in northern Spain, no trend was detected in Hungary and the Dutch-German-Luxembourg region. The average invasion velocity varied among countries, ranging from 30 km/year in England to 90 km/year in Hungary. The average invasion velocity gradually decreased over time in the long term, with declines being fastest in the Dutch-German-Luxembourg region, and much slower in England. Considering that NICS pose a substantial threat to aquatic biodiversity across Europe, our study highlights the utility and importance of collecting high resolution (i.e. annual) biomonitoring data using a sampling protocol that is able to estimate crayfish abundance, enabling a more profound understanding of NICS impacts on biodiversity.}, }
@article {pmid36400900, year = {2023}, author = {Bharti, M and Khurana, H and Sharma, M and Choksket, S and Nagar, S and Yadav, S and Modeel, S and Korpole, S and Negi, RK}, title = {Taxonomic and genomic characterization of Sporosarcina cyprini sp. nov., moderately tolerant of Cr[+6] and Cd[+2] isolated from the gut of invasive fish Cyprinus carpio var. communis (Linn., 1758).}, journal = {Antonie van Leeuwenhoek}, volume = {116}, number = {3}, pages = {193-206}, pmid = {36400900}, issn = {1572-9699}, mesh = {Animals ; Phospholipids/analysis ; *Sporosarcina/genetics ; *Carps ; Cadmium ; Introduced Species ; Sequence Analysis, DNA ; Phylogeny ; RNA, Ribosomal, 16S/genetics ; Fatty Acids/analysis ; Genomics ; DNA ; DNA, Bacterial/genetics/chemistry ; Bacterial Typing Techniques ; }, abstract = {A Gram-stain-positive, motile, and rod-shaped bacterium, designated as strain MB25[T], was isolated from the gut of Cyprinus carpio from the highly polluted river Yamuna, India. Phylogenetic analysis based on 16S rRNA gene sequence revealed that strain MB25[T] belonged to the genus Sporosarcina, sharing the highest sequence similarity with S. luteola Y1[T] (98.98%) and S. koreensis S-K12[T] (98.91%). Digital DNA-DNA hybridization and average nucleotide identity values of strain MB25[T] with strain Y1[T] and S-K12[T] were 18.9, 77.69, and 18.2, 76.80 respectively. Genome analysis of strain MB25[T] revealed its biotechnological properties such as tolerance to potent heavy metals, genes for the production of carbohydrate-active enzymes, antimicrobial compounds, and also degradation of aromatic compounds. The G + C content of strain MB25[T] genome was 45%. Growth observed at 10-40 °C (optimum, 28-30 °C), pH 6.0-8.5 (optimum pH 7.5-8.0); NaCl concentrations up to 6.0% (w/v). The dominant respiratory quinone was MK-7, cell wall peptidoglycan is of the A-4 type containing amino acids Lys-Glu and the major fatty acids are anteiso-C11:0 and iso-C15: 0. The major polar lipids of strain MB25[T] are diphosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylglycerol, and phosphatidylethanolamine. On the basis of phenotypic, chemotaxonomic, phylogenetic, and phylogenomic data, strain MB25[T] represents a novel species of the genus Sporosarcina, for which the name Sporosarcina cyprini sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is MB25[T] (= MCC 4366[ T] = JCM 34521[ T] = CCM 9113[ T]).}, }
@article {pmid36778144, year = {2023}, author = {Lin, TH and Chan, KW and Hsu, FC and Lin, CC and Tseng, HY}, title = {Putative source and niche shift pattern of a new alien ant species (Odontomachus troglodytes) in Taiwan.}, journal = {PeerJ}, volume = {11}, number = {}, pages = {e14718}, pmid = {36778144}, issn = {2167-8359}, mesh = {Animals ; *Introduced Species ; *Ants ; Phylogeny ; Taiwan ; Commerce ; Internationality ; }, abstract = {Alien species may pose substantial impacts on biodiversity around the globe through international trade and travel. A niche shift hypothesis was proposed to explain the adaptive change of alien or invasive species in new habitats. However, whether niche shifts occur in alien species likely depends on both characteristics inherent to the species itself and its original distribution. Here we identified a newly exotic trap-jaw ant (Odontomachus troglodytes) in Taiwan by morphological and phylogenetic analyses. The possible distribution range and the niche shift pattern were evaluated using ecological niche modelling. The results indicated that exotic O. troglodytes in the newly distributed area displayed a significant niche shift with low niche overlap and high niche expansion. This study reveals a long-distance invasive event from central Africa to Southeast Asia (more than 10,000 km) and predicts the potential distribution range of this new alien species in Taiwan.}, }
@article {pmid36777104, year = {2023}, author = {Yarita, S and Morgan-Richards, M and Trewick, SA}, title = {Genotypic detection of barriers to rat dispersal: Rattus rattus behind a peninsula predator-proof fence.}, journal = {Biological invasions}, volume = {}, number = {}, pages = {1-16}, pmid = {36777104}, issn = {1387-3547}, abstract = {UNLABELLED: Clear delimitation of management units is essential for effective management of invasive species. Analysis of population genetic structure of target species can improve identification and interpretation of natural and artificial barriers to dispersal. In Aotearoa New Zealand where the introduced ship rat (Rattus rattus) is a major threat to native biodiversity, effective suppression of pest numbers requires removal and limitation of reinvasion from outside the managed population. We contrasted population genetic structure in rat populations over a wide scale without known barriers, with structure over a fine scale with potential barriers to dispersal. MtDNA D-loop sequences and microsatellite genotypes resolved little genetic structure in southern North Island population samples of ship rat 100 km apart. In contrast, samples from major islands differed significantly for both mtDNA and nuclear markers. We also compared ship rats collected within a small peninsula reserve bounded by sea, suburbs and, more recently, a predator fence with rats in the surrounding forest. Here, mtDNA did not differ but genotypes from 14 nuclear loci were sufficient to distinguish the fenced population. This suggests that natural (sea) and artificial barriers (town, fence) are effectively limiting gene flow among ship rat populations over the short distance (~ 500 m) between the peninsula reserve and surrounding forest. The effectiveness of the fence alone is not clear given it is a recent feature and no historical samples exist; resampling population genetic diversity over time will improve understanding. Nonetheless, the current genetic isolation of the fenced rat population suggests that rat eradication is a sensible management option given that reinvasion appears to be limited and could probably be managed with a biosecurity programme.<br><br>SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s10530-023-03004-8.}, }
@article {pmid36773576, year = {2023}, author = {De León, LF and Silva, B and Avilés-Rodríguez, KJ and Buitrago-Rosas, D}, title = {Harnessing the omics revolution to address the global biodiversity crisis.}, journal = {Current opinion in biotechnology}, volume = {80}, number = {}, pages = {102901}, doi = {10.1016/j.copbio.2023.102901}, pmid = {36773576}, issn = {1879-0429}, abstract = {Human disturbances are altering global biodiversity in unprecedented ways. We identify three fundamental challenges underpinning our understanding of global biodiversity (namely discovery, loss, and preservation), and discuss how the omics revolution (e.g. genomics, transcriptomics, proteomics, metabolomics, and meta-omics) can help address these challenges. We also discuss how omics tools can illuminate the major drivers of biodiversity loss, including invasive species, pollution, urbanization, overexploitation, and climate change, with a special focus on highly diverse tropical environments. Although omics tools are transforming the traditional toolkit of biodiversity research, their application to addressing the current biodiversity crisis remains limited and may not suffice to offset current rates of biodiversity loss. Despite technical and logistical challenges, omics tools need to be fully integrated into global biodiversity research, and better strategies are needed to improve their translation into biodiversity policy and practice. It is also important to recognize that although the omics revolution can be considered the biologist's dream, socioeconomic disparity limits their application in biodiversity research.}, }
@article {pmid36772970, year = {2023}, author = {Szydlowski, DK and Elgin, AK and Lodge, DM and Tiemann, JS and Larson, ER}, title = {Long-term macrophyte and snail community responses to population declines of invasive rusty crayfish (Faxonius rusticus).}, journal = {Ecological applications : a publication of the Ecological Society of America}, volume = {}, number = {}, pages = {e2818}, doi = {10.1002/eap.2818}, pmid = {36772970}, issn = {1051-0761}, abstract = {A central focus of invasive species research has been on human efforts to eradicate invaders or reduce their abundance to mitigate the worst of their impacts. In some cases, however, populations of invasive species decline without human intervention, which may inform management responses to these invaders. Such is the case of the invasive rusty crayfish (Faxonius rusticus) in northern Wisconsin, USA where systematic population monitoring since 1975 has revealed population declines in approximately half of the lakes surveyed. Population declines of invasive species without human intervention remain understudied, but there is even less research on how communities respond following such declines. Using ten lakes in Vilas County, Wisconsin, we investigated community recovery of habitat (macrophytes) and prey (freshwater snails) of F. rusticus following up to 33 years of declines of this invader in some lakes using a dataset with a rare, long-term span over which consistent data were collected (1987, 2002, 2011, and 2020). We compared community responses in lakes where F. rusticus populations reached a peak and subsequently declined (boom-bust lakes) and lakes where our dataset only captured the decline of F. rusticus (bust lakes) to reference lakes with consistently high or low crayfish abundance over time. We found partial recovery of macrophytes and snails in the bust and boom-bust lakes where F. rusticus has declined, with recovery of macrophyte abundance and richness in the boom-bust lakes achieving levels observed in the low-crayfish reference lakes. Snail abundance and richness increased after declines of F. rusticus, though not to the level of the low-crayfish reference lakes, suggesting that snail recovery may lag macrophyte recovery because snails are dependent on macrophytes and associated periphyton for habitat. The recovery we document potentially represents long-term ecosystem resilience of lakes to biological invasions. Our results suggest that lake communities may recover without active restoration interventions after invasive crayfish population declines, although identifying which lakes experience these natural declines remains a priority for future research and management. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.}, }
@article {pmid36771745, year = {2023}, author = {Denóbile, C and Chiba de Castro, WA and Silva Matos, DMD}, title = {Public Health Implications of Invasive Plants: A Scientometric Study.}, journal = {Plants (Basel, Switzerland)}, volume = {12}, number = {3}, pages = {}, doi = {10.3390/plants12030661}, pmid = {36771745}, issn = {2223-7747}, abstract = {Movements of organisms through distinct places can change the dynamics of ecological interactions and make the habitat conducive to the spread of diseases. Faced with a cyclical scenario of invasions and threats in a One Health context, we conducted a scientometric study to understand how disturbances in environments with invaded vegetation affect the incidence of parasites and disease prevalence rates. The search was carried out in Web of Science and Scopus databases, with keywords delimited by Boolean operators and based on the PRISMA protocol. Thirty-sixarticles were full-read to clarify the interaction between diseases and invaded areas. The analysis covered publications from 2005 to 2022, with a considerable increase in the last ten years and a significant participation of the USA on the world stage. Trends were found in scientific activities, and we explored how invasive species can indirectly damage health, as higher concentrations of pathogens, vectors, and hosts were related to structurally altered communities. This paper reveals invaded plants threats that enhance disease transmission risks. It is likely that, with frequent growth in the number of introduced species worldwide due to environmental disturbances and human interventions, the negative implications will be intensified in the coming years.}, }
@article {pmid36771666, year = {2023}, author = {Troia, A}, title = {Macrophytes in Inland Waters: From Knowledge to Management.}, journal = {Plants (Basel, Switzerland)}, volume = {12}, number = {3}, pages = {}, doi = {10.3390/plants12030582}, pmid = {36771666}, issn = {2223-7747}, abstract = {The huge biodiversity of inland waters and the many different aquatic habitats or ecosystems occurring there are particularly threatened by human impacts. In this Special Issue, ten articles have been collected that show new data on the distribution and ecology of some rare aquatic macrophytes, including both vascular plants and charophytes, but also on the use of these organisms for the monitoring, management, and restoration of wetlands.}, }
@article {pmid36771607, year = {2023}, author = {Kato-Noguchi, H and Kato, M}, title = {Evolution of the Secondary Metabolites in Invasive Plant Species Chromolaena odorata for the Defense and Allelopathic Functions.}, journal = {Plants (Basel, Switzerland)}, volume = {12}, number = {3}, pages = {}, doi = {10.3390/plants12030521}, pmid = {36771607}, issn = {2223-7747}, abstract = {Chromolaena odorata (L.) R.M. King &amp; H. Robinson is native to tropical America, and has naturalized in many other countries in tropical Asia, Austria, and West Africa. The species often forms dense thickets and reduces the native species diversity and population in the invasive ranges. The species is also considered as a noxious weed in agriculture fields, and listed in the 100 of the world's worst invasive alien species. The characteristics of its life-history such as the seed production rate, growth pattern, and adaptative ability to the environmental conditions may contribute to the invasiveness of the species. Possible evidence of the defense capacity against the natural enemy, and the allelopathic potential against the competitive plant species for C. odorata has been accumulated in the literature over three decades. The extracts, residues, and/or rhizosphere soil of C. odorata increased the mortality of various insects and parasitic nematodes, and decreased their population. The extracts, residues, and/or rhizosphere soil of C. odorata also inhibited the germination and growth of several plant species including the indigenous plant species in the invasive ranges of C. odorata. Toxic substances, pyrrolizidine alkaloids were found in the leaves and flowers of C. odorata. These pyrrolizidine alkaloids may work as the defense agents against the natural enemies. Several potential allelochemicals such as flavonoids, phenolic acids, and terpenoids were also found in the plant extracts of C. odorata. Some of these compounds may work as allelopathic agents of C. odorata and inhibit the germination and growth of the competitive plant species. These characteristics of C. odorata for the defense function against their natural enemies such as insects and parasitic nematodes, and allelopathic potential against the competitive native plant species may contribute to the invasiveness and naturalization of C. odorata in the new habitats as invasive plant species. However, it is necessary to determine the concentration of these allelochemicals in the neighboring environment of C. odorata such as the rhizosphere soil since allelochemicals are able to work only when they are released into the neighboring environment. It is the first review article focusing on the defense function and allelopathy of C. odorata.}, }
@article {pmid36766400, year = {2023}, author = {Stainton, K and McGreig, S and Conyers, C and Ponting, S and Butler, L and Brown, P and Jones, EP}, title = {Molecular Identification of Asian Hornet Vespa velutina nigrithorax Prey from Larval Gut Contents: A Promising Method to Study the Diet of an Invasive Pest.}, journal = {Animals : an open access journal from MDPI}, volume = {13}, number = {3}, pages = {}, doi = {10.3390/ani13030511}, pmid = {36766400}, issn = {2076-2615}, abstract = {The Asian hornet, Vespa velutina nigrithorax (Hymenoptera: Vespidae), is an invasive hornet that was accidentally introduced into Europe in 2004. It mainly preys on other invertebrates and arthropod species, and often targets honey bee (Apis mellifera) colonies. The introduction of these hornets may damage indigenous fauna and apiculture. Knowledge of V. velutina prey preference and the species composition of their diet is relatively limited. In this study, we assessed methodologies for the molecular identification of prey using dissected larvae from destroyed nests. Ten larval samples were taken from five nests in areas where the hornets had not yet established: two from the Channel Islands and three in the mainland UK. DNA was extracted from the gut contents and sequenced and analysed by metabarcoding with Oxford Nanopore Technologies' Flongle and MinION devices. Numerous taxa were detected in each larval sample with the species composition varying by individual and by nest. Between 15 and 26 species were found per nest, with wasps (Vespula spp.), spiders, honey bees and blow flies being the most abundant taxa. These results demonstrate that metabarcoding larval gut contents can be used to study the Asian hornet diet and give a first snapshot of the prey items captured by V. v. nigrithorax in the UK. This method could be used for future large-scale testing of the gut contents of hornet nests, in order to provide a greater insight into the foraging behaviour of this predator across Europe and elsewhere.}, }
@article {pmid36766350, year = {2023}, author = {Rørbæk, RW and Andersen, TA and Pertoldi, C and Jørgensen, A and Pagh, S}, title = {Diet of Free Ranging American Mink (Neovison vison) in Denmark.}, journal = {Animals : an open access journal from MDPI}, volume = {13}, number = {3}, pages = {}, doi = {10.3390/ani13030461}, pmid = {36766350}, issn = {2076-2615}, abstract = {Non-native American mink (Neovison vison) is a widely spread predator in Denmark. The feral population in mainland Denmark consists of captive-born mink that escaped from fur farms and wild mink born in nature, whereas the population on Bornholm is almost all wild-born mink. In this study, the diets of feral mink in mainland Denmark and on the island of Bornholm are analyzed. The aim of this study was to examine (1) whether the diet of the larger captive-born mink differs from that of the smaller wild-born mink, (2) assess the regional variations between the diets of mink in mainland Denmark and on Bornholm, and (3) investigate the seasonal variation in the diet composition of mink. The stomach contents of 364 mink (243 wild-born and 114 captive-born) culled in the years 2019-2022 were analyzed. Of these, 203 mink were from mainland Denmark, and 154 were from Bornholm. No significant differences were found between the diets of captive-born mink and wild-born mink or the mink found in mainland Denmark and on the island of Bornholm. Significantly more empty stomachs were found during spring than during the summer and autumn, suggesting a bottleneck in the diet during spring.}, }
@article {pmid36766326, year = {2023}, author = {Marks, CA and Trought, K and Brown, S and Arrow, J and Hopkins, B}, title = {Sensitivity of High Conservation Value Birds to Para-Aminopropiophenone (PAPP) Determined by Sub-Lethal Dose-Response Assay.}, journal = {Animals : an open access journal from MDPI}, volume = {13}, number = {3}, pages = {}, doi = {10.3390/ani13030433}, pmid = {36766326}, issn = {2076-2615}, abstract = {Para-aminopropiophenone (PAPP) is a methaemoglobin (MetHb) forming compound used for the lethal control of invasive carnivores and mustelids. By measuring the dose-dependent inhibition of O2 transport arising from the oxidation of haemoglobin (HbFe[2+]) to MetHb (HbFe[3+]), we determined the sensitivity of nine bird species to PAPP. A methaemoglobinaemia absorbance index (MAI) was validated in five common bird species to determine thresholds associated with a 99% probability of survival (ST99) and a 50% probability of mortality (LT50). Dose-response trials in high conservation value birds sought MAI values below the ST99 threshold, projecting the LT50 value and avoiding the need for lethal outcomes. Black-backed gull (LT50 = 1784.7) and eastern rosella (LT50 = 1074 mg kg[-1]) were the most tolerant species, while brown kiwi (LT50 = 8.4 mg kg[-1]) and weka (LT50 = 9.3 mg kg[-1]) were the most sensitive. Takahē were of intermediate acute sensitivity (LT50 = 51 mg kg[-1]), although protracted impacts on haemoglobin were observed in takahē up to 72 h later and associated with PAPP doses as low as 25.6 mg kg[-1]. In pukeko (LT50 = 138.4 mg kg[-1]), protracted declines in haemoglobin 72 h later occurred at doses as low as 29.5 mg kg[-1], while at higher doses (253 and 112 mg kg[-1]), deaths resulted after 4-6 days. Based upon PAPP doses that caused acute and protracted responses, we provide estimates for the lowest observable adverse effect level (LOAEL) and no observable effects level (NOEL) for nine bird species.}, }
@article {pmid36766304, year = {2023}, author = {Abreu-Acosta, N and Pino-Vera, R and Izquierdo-Rodríguez, E and Afonso, O and Foronda, P}, title = {Zoonotic Bacteria in Anolis sp., an Invasive Species Introduced to the Canary Islands (Spain).}, journal = {Animals : an open access journal from MDPI}, volume = {13}, number = {3}, pages = {}, doi = {10.3390/ani13030414}, pmid = {36766304}, issn = {2076-2615}, abstract = {Lizards belonging to the genus Anolis are native to America and have been introduced in many parts of the world. In this work, a gastrointestinal microbiological analysis from Anolis sp. introduced to Tenerife, Canary Island, was carried out. A total of 74 individuals were analyzed by culture and molecular tools. Pseudomonas spp. was the most prevalent bacteria isolated (64.3%), followed by enteropathogenic Escherichia coli with at least one of the investigated virulent genes (stx1, stx2, and eae) (44.6%). The stx2 gene was more prevalent which differs to that reported in other reptiles, probably due to wastewater transmission. Campylobacter spp. was detected in 32.4% of the animals, highlighting the detection of C. jejuni and C. fetus by their relevance to public health. The zoonotic Staphylococcus lugdunensis, found in 14.9% of the animals, was firstly detected in reptiles. Vibrio sp. which is more associated with aquatic environments was found in 10.8% of the lizards in this study, with Vibrio cholerae being found in two of the animals. The prevalence of Salmonella sp. (5.4%) was low, compared with other studies carried out in reptiles. These results indicate that Anolis sp. in Tenerife could be playing a role in the maintenance and spread of the pathogens detected, being a possible risk factor for public health and biodiversity conservation.}, }
@article {pmid36766269, year = {2023}, author = {Casu, M and Azzena, I and Scarpa, F and Locci, C and Niffoi, A and Delmastro, GB and Lo Conte, P and Varcasia, A and Bovero, S and Candiotto, A and Sanna, D and Cossu, P}, title = {Appraising the Genetic Makeup of an Allochthonous Southern Pike Population: An Opportunity to Predict the Evolution of Introgressive Hybridization in Isolated Populations?.}, journal = {Animals : an open access journal from MDPI}, volume = {13}, number = {3}, pages = {}, doi = {10.3390/ani13030380}, pmid = {36766269}, issn = {2076-2615}, abstract = {Biological invasions are a major threat to the conservation of biodiversity, as invasive species affect native biota through competition, predation, pathogen introduction, habitat alteration, and hybridisation. The present study focuses on a southern pike population, Esox cisalpinus (Teleostei: Esocidae), that has been introduced outside the species' native range. Using microsatellite markers, this study's objective was to gather baseline genetic information and assess the presence of hybrids between this species and E. lucius in the introduced population. The resulting estimates of genetic diversity and effective population size are comparable to those observed in the species' native range. Although different methods yield contrasting and uncertain evidence regarding introgressive hybridization, the presence of late-generation hybrids cannot be completely ruled out. Large numbers of breeders as well as multiple introductions of genetically divergent cohorts and introgressive hybridisation may explain the high genetic diversity of this recently introduced southern pike population. The present study issues a warning that the conservation of southern pike' introgressive hybridisation between northern and southern pike might be underestimated. The genetic information gathered herein may unravel the origin, number of introduction events, and evolutionary trajectory of the introduced population. This information may help us understand the evolution of introgressive hybridisation in the southern pike's native areas.}, }
@article {pmid36765405, year = {2023}, author = {Marrone, PG}, title = {Status of the biopesticide market and prospects for new bioherbicides.}, journal = {Pest management science}, volume = {}, number = {}, pages = {}, doi = {10.1002/ps.7403}, pmid = {36765405}, issn = {1526-4998}, abstract = {Biopesticides (commonly called Biocontrol or more recently bioprotection) have been experiencing double digit growth and now comprise about 10% of the global pesticide market driven by increased return on investment, restrictions on chemical pesticides, and pesticide resistance and residue management. However, despite the large need for new herbicides due to widespread and increasing resistance to herbicides with almost most of the chemical modes of action, bioherbicides are an insignificant percentage of the total. The technical difficulty in finding bioherbicides that can compete with the spectrum and price of chemical herbicides has left agriculture with a paucity of new bioherbicides. Billions of dollars of investment capital is being invested in new, innovative startups, but only a small number focus on bioherbicide discovery and development, due to the perceived higher risk than plant biotech, biostimulants, bionutrients and other categories of biopesticides. However, the exciting new technologies that these startups are developing such as RNAi, sterile pollen, and systemic metabolites have potential to impact the market in ten years or less. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.}, }
@article {pmid36762237, year = {2022}, author = {Douglas, HB and Dumont, S and Savard, K and Thurston, GS and Light, MHS}, title = {Palaearctic seed beetle Bruchusaffinis (Coleoptera, Chrysomelidae, Bruchinae) new to North America, arrival, distribution, and autecology.}, journal = {ZooKeys}, volume = {1128}, number = {}, pages = {19-31}, pmid = {36762237}, issn = {1313-2989}, abstract = {First North American records are presented for Bruchusaffinis Frölich, 1799 (Coleoptera, Chrysomelidae, Bruchinae), as confirmed by morphology from multiple sites in Canada: British Columbia, Ontario, and Québec. Diagnostic information is presented for B.affinis in North America. This insect is expected to reduce plant reproductive output in infested Lathyruslatifolius L., Lathyrussylvestris L., and other potential Lathyrus (Fabaceae) hosts. Impacts on broad bean (Viciafaba L.) production are expected to be small. Potential reproductive impact on native North American Lathyrus species remains unknown. The United States of America and Canada are now known to be home to 69-79 species of adventive Chrysomelidae including 16-18 Bruchinae. We have found two dead, teneral B.affinis individuals inside Lathyrus seeds imported from Europe, and we hypothesise that this species was introduced to Canada from Europe via seeds for planting sometime before 2007. At our study sites, Lathyrus flowering began in mid June followed by oviposition in late June with first adults emerging in late August, requiring about 60 days from egg to adult stage. Dinarmusbasalis (Rodani, 1877) (Hymenoptera, Pteromalidae) was newly recorded as parasitoid of Bruchusaffinis in Canada, and caused about 10% mortality in B.affinis at our sites.}, }
@article {pmid36761821, year = {2022}, author = {Sukhorukov, AP and Kushunina, M and Sennikov, AN}, title = {A new classification of C4- Atriplex species in Russia, with the first alien record of Atriplexflabellum (Chenopodiaceae, Amaranthaceae) from North Siberia.}, journal = {PhytoKeys}, volume = {202}, number = {}, pages = {59-72}, pmid = {36761821}, issn = {1314-2011}, abstract = {For a long time, the systematics of Atriplex was based solely on morphological characters and leaf anatomy. The latest worldwide phylogenetic study of Atriplex significantly improved our knowledge about the relationships within the genus, but a new classification has not been put forward thus far. Here we re-evaluate the taxonomy of C4-species of Atriplex that are native to Russia. Seven species are classified into two sections, A.sect.Obione (incl. A.sect.Sclerocalymma, syn. nov.) (A.altaica, A.centralasiatica, A.rosea, A.sibirica, and A.sphaeromorpha), and A.sect.Obionopsis (incl. A.sect.Psammophila, syn. nov.) (A.fominii and A.tatarica). Although the majority of Eurasian C4-species have similar morphology, leafy inflorescence is a typical character for A.sect.Obione. The members of A.sect.Obionopsis are characterised mostly by aphyllous inflorescences, but some species (A.laciniata, A.pratovii, and A.tornabenei) have leafy inflorescences. Geographically, almost all members of A.sect.Obione are confined to Central Asia, although A.rosea is a typical Mediterranean element and A.argentea occurs in North America. The representatives of A.sect.Obionopsis are distributed mostly in the Mediterranean and the Irano-Turanian floristic region. The alien status of A.rosea, A.sibirica and A.tatarica is discussed. Atriplexflabellum, a desert species from the Irano-Turanian region, is reported for the first time from Russia (Yamalo-Nenets Autonomous District, North Siberia) as a casual alien. This species occupies a phylogenetic position distant from both aforementioned sections. An identification key to all C4-species of the genus growing in Russia is given, and a sectional checklist with updated nomenclature and revised synonymy is provided.}, }
@article {pmid36761646, year = {2022}, author = {Hrivnák, R and Jarčuška, B and Jarolímek, I and Kochjarová, J and Májeková, J and Hegedüšová Vantarová, K and Slezák, M}, title = {Comparative diversity of vascular plants in black alder floodplain and swamp forests of Central European biogeographical regions.}, journal = {Biodiversity data journal}, volume = {10}, number = {}, pages = {e90281}, pmid = {36761646}, issn = {1314-2828}, abstract = {Plant species diversity of black alder-dominated forests was studied in three biogeographical regions (Alpine, Continental and Pannonian) of Central Europe. They were represented by regions of the Polish Plain (Continental), the High Western Carpathians and Matricum of the Western Carpathians (Alpine) and the Pannonian lowland (Pannonian). We analysed 35 plots per region in order to identify: i) local alpha (α) diversity defined as the counted number of plant taxa occurring in a single sampling plot, ii) amongst-site beta (β) diversity, iii) regional (γ) diversity defined as the total species richness of all sampling plots and iv) zeta diversity (ζ) as a generalisation of beta diversity. We recorded a total of 432 vascular plant taxa in all bioregions; more than 13% were alien plants. Statistically significant differences in species richness (α) of both native and alien plants were found between assemblages of the regions. The High Western Carpathians showed the highest native and the lowest alien plant species richness. Total β-diversity was high in all regions, but significantly differed amongst regions only for alien plant species. Cumulative native and alien species richness (γ) was the highest and lowest in the High Western Carpathians and Matricum of Western Carpathians, respectively. Our results identified the High Western Carpathians as a hotspot for diversity of native plants in Central European black alder-dominated forests.}, }
@article {pmid36761629, year = {2022}, author = {Di Muri, C and Alcorlo, P and Bardelli, R and Catalan, J and Gacia, E and Guerra, MT and Rosati, I and Soto, DX and Vizzini, S and Mancinelli, G}, title = {Individual and population-scale carbon and nitrogen isotopic values of Procambarusclarkii in invaded freshwater ecosystems.}, journal = {Biodiversity data journal}, volume = {10}, number = {}, pages = {e94411}, pmid = {36761629}, issn = {1314-2828}, abstract = {BACKGROUND: Freshwater ecosystems are amongst the most threatened habitats on Earth; nevertheless, they support about 9.5% of the known global biodiversity while covering less than 1% of the globe's surface. A number of anthropogenic pressures are impacting species diversity in inland waters and, amongst them, the spread of invasive alien species is considered one of the main drivers of biodiversity loss and homogenisation in freshwater habitats.Crayfish species are widely distributed freshwater invaders and, while alien species introductions occur mostly accidentally, alien crayfish are often released deliberately into new areas for commercial purposes. After their initial introduction, crayfish species can rapidly establish and reach high-density populations as a result of their adaptive functional traits, such as their generalist diet.The Louisiana crayfish Procambarusclarkii (Girard, 1852) is globally considered one of the worst invaders and its impact on recipient freshwater communities can vary from predation and competition with native species, to modification of food webs and habitat structure and introduction of pathogens. Native to the south United States and north Mexico, P.clarkii has been introduced in Europe, Asia and Africa, determining negative ecological and economic impacts in the majority of invaded habitats where it became dominant within the receiving benthic food webs. Due to its flexible feeding strategy, P.clarkii exerts adverse effects at different trophic levels, ultimately affecting the structure and dynamics of invaded food webs. It is, therefore, paramount to evaluate the ecological consequences of P.clarkii invasion and to quantify its impact in a spatially explicit context.<br><br>NEW INFORMATION: In the past decades, the analysis of stable isotopes of carbon, nitrogen and other elements has become a popular methodology in food web ecology. Notably, stable isotope analysis has emerged as a primary tool for addressing applied issues in biodiversity conservation and management, such as the assessment of the trophic ecology of non-indigenous species in invaded habitats. Here, we built two geo-referenced datasets, resolved respectively at the population and individual scale, by collating information on &#x3b4;[13]C and &#x3b4;[15]N values of P.clarkii within invaded inland waters. The population-scale dataset consists of 160 carbon and nitrogen isotopic values of the Louisiana crayfish and its potential prey, including living and non-living primary producers and benthic invertebrates. The dataset resolved at individual scale consists of 1,168 isotopic records of P.clarkii. The isotopic values included within the two datasets were gathered from 10 countries located in Europe, Asia, Africa and North America, for a total of 41 studies published between 2005 and 2021. To the best of the authors' knowledge, this effort represents the first attempt to collate in standardised datasets the sparse isotopic information of P.clarkii available in literature. The datasets lend themselves to being used for providing a spatially explicit resolution of the trophic ecology of P.clarkii and to address a variety of ecological questions concerning its ecological impact on recipient aquatic food webs.}, }
@article {pmid36761623, year = {2022}, author = {Luz, R and Cordeiro, R and Fonseca, A and Raposeiro, PM and Gonçalves, V}, title = {Distribution and diversity of cyanobacteria in the Azores Archipelago: An annotated checklist.}, journal = {Biodiversity data journal}, volume = {10}, number = {}, pages = {e87638}, pmid = {36761623}, issn = {1314-2828}, abstract = {BACKGROUND: Knowledge about cyanobacteria diversity in the Azores is spread over several publications, dating from 1874, with some of them not generally available to the scientific community due to their restricted access. The dispersion and sometimes inaccessibility of this information hinder a deeper analysis and a better understanding of the biodiversity of the Azores Islands and more general ecological processes in oceanic islands. Here we present the first checklist of cyanobacteria for the Azores Archipelago with updated taxonomy of all recorded taxa.<br><br>NEW INFORMATION: This work provides a compiled and annotated checklist of all known cyanobacteria from the Azores Archipelago with morphological identification from preserved samples and cultures, based on published literature. All records of taxa known to occur in the Azores were taxonomically updated. The present checklist comprises 225 taxa distributed by six orders (Chroococcales, Nostocales, Oscillatoriales, Pleurocapsales, Spirulinales and Synechococcales). Our literature review reveals that the Azores Archipelago hosts a high diversity of cyanobacteria, despite several overlooked habitats that may present great potential regarding cyanobacteria diversity. Increasing efforts to study these neglected habitats could contribute to the knowledge of cyanobacteria taxonomy. This checklist provides the basis for future works on the taxonomy and taxa richness of cyanobacteria in the Azores and the Atlantic Islands, as also for understanding and monitoring non-indigenous and invasive species.}, }
@article {pmid36761611, year = {2022}, author = {Itsukushima, R and Maruoka, K}, title = {Database of fish fauna in a highly urbanised river (Tsurumi River Basin, Kanagawa, Japan).}, journal = {Biodiversity data journal}, volume = {10}, number = {}, pages = {e83527}, pmid = {36761611}, issn = {1314-2828}, abstract = {BACKGROUND: Urbanisation has facilitated changes in the hydrological cycle, sediment dynamics and habitat loss and it has had a tremendous impact on river ecosystems. Moreover, the invasion of non-native species reduces the number of native species with the progress of urbanisation, thereby resulting in the homogenisation of fish fauna and significant decrease in diversity. However, the effects of urbanisation on fish fauna vary depending on the region, degree of urbanisation and number of years since the construction of the city. Hence, it is necessary to collect information on how fish fauna changes due to urbanisation in different regions. The target site of the present study is the Tsurumi River, of which approximately 85% of the basin is urbanised and many of the river channels have been affected by straightening and concrete channelling. Monitoring of biota has been conducted mainly in downstream areas; however, data on fish fauna in upstream areas and tributaries of the river, which have been substantially affected by urbanisation, are lacking.<br><br>NEW INFORMATION: Surveys were conducted at 71 sites in the Tsurumi River Basin during summers and winters, focusing on river channels that have been straightened or converted to concrete channels due to urbanisation. As a result of this investigation, 10 families, 28 species and 9,335 individuals were collected. Some of the fish collected included rare species, such as Tanakialanceolata, Lefuaechigonia and Pseudobagrustokiensis, indicating that, even in rivers that have been severely impacted by human activities, there are still rare indigenous species living there, albeit in limited numbers. In addition, Misgurnus sp. (clade B2), Micropterussalmoides, Lepomismacrochirus and Poeciliareticulata were confirmed to be non-native species. Misgurnus sp. (clade B2) was widespread; however, populations of carnivorous non-native alien species were small. The data are all accessible from the document "database_fish_urban_tsurumi" (https://ipt.pensoft.net/manage/resource?r=database_fish_urban_tsurumi).}, }
@article {pmid36761597, year = {2022}, author = {Lieungh, E and Bjureke, K and Evju, M and Johaadien, RS and Olsen, SL and Skarpaas, O and Stabbetorp, OE and Wollan, AK}, title = {Presence-absence of plant habitat specialists in 15 patches of dry calcareous grassland.}, journal = {Biodiversity data journal}, volume = {10}, number = {}, pages = {e94057}, pmid = {36761597}, issn = {1314-2828}, abstract = {BACKGROUND: Dry grasslands on calcareous bedrock in warm climates around the Oslo Fjord are naturally fragmented biodiversity hotspots. This habitat geographically coincides with the most densely populated area of Norway. Many habitat specialists, along with the habitat itself, are red-listed because of land-use change, forest encroachment, and invasive species that cause habitat loss and greater isolation of remaining patches. To ensure effective conservation, data on species presences and absences are necessary to quantify states, changes, and extinction risks in specific populations and habitat patches.<br><br>NEW INFORMATION: We present presence-absence data of 49 vascular plant species in 15 patches of dry calcareous grassland habitat, surveyed in 2009, 2019, and in 2020. The species are considered to be habitat specialists and, thus, unlikely to occur between the patches.}, }
@article {pmid36761596, year = {2022}, author = {Tsafack, N and Gabriel, R and Elias, RB and Boieiro, M and Ferreira, MT and Borges, PAV}, title = {Arthropods and other biota associated with the Azorean trees and shrubs: Laurusazorica (Seub) Franco (Magnoliophyta, Magnoliopsida, Laurales, Lauraceae).}, journal = {Biodiversity data journal}, volume = {10}, number = {}, pages = {e80088}, pmid = {36761596}, issn = {1314-2828}, abstract = {This study explores the composition and structure of species communities associated with the native Azorean tree species Laurusazorica (Seub) Franco (Magnoliophyta, Magnoliopsida, Laurales, Lauraceae). Communities were sampled in six Islands covering the occidental (Flores), central (Faial, Pico, Terceira) and eastern (São Miguel, Santa Maria) groups of Azores Archipelago during the BALA project, using standardised sampling protocols for surveying canopy arthropod fauna. In addition, the study characterises the distribution of species regarding their colonisation status and feeding modes and, finally, compares communities of different Islands. Ninety-four arthropod species totalling 10,313 specimens were collected on L.azorica. The Arthropod community was dominated by Hemiptera species, most of them being herbivores. Endemic and native species showed a very high abundance representing about 94% of the total species abundance. However, despite introduced species being represented by few individuals (6% of the total abundance), their diversity was remarkable (28 species and no significant difference with diversity found in endemic and native species communities). Analysis of rarity patterns revealed a stable community of endemic species (alpha gambin SAD model approaching a log-normal shape), intermediate stable community of native species (alpha SAD gambin model approaching a poisson log-normal) and a less stable community of introduced species (alpha SAD gambin model approaching a log-series shape). A dissimilarity analysis revealed high similarity between communities of Terceira and Pico and high dissimilarity between Flores and Faial communities. We observed a clear individualisation of the different islands when considering endemic species, whereas we observed high overlap when considering native and introduced species groups. Canopy community distribution confirms the results obtained in a previous study which suggest the stability of native and endemic arthropods species communities over introduced species community in native forests fragments. Arthropod species were richer than bryophytes, lichens and vascular plants species. We found that L.azorica serve as the substrate for very few vascular plants species (four epiphytes species), which were present in all Islands, except Elaphoglossumsemicylindricum, which does not occur in Santa Maria. L.azorica shelters a significant number of bryophytes and lichens species. Thirty-two lichens and 92 bryophyte species, including 57 liverworts and 35 mosses, are referred to this phorophyte. Five bryophyte species, all Azorean endemics, are considered Endangered by IUCN Criteria. L.azorica harbours a poor community of epiphyte vascular plant species and all of them were ferns, but the community of bryophytes and lichens are not negligible although very low compared to the community found on other previously studied Azorean trees, the Azorean cedar Juniperusbrevifolia. The present study shows that most islands present particular species distribution patterns without geographical correlation and that conservation programmes should be adapted to each Island. The study, therefore, calls for a specialisation of conservation programmes for each of the Islands.}, }
@article {pmid36761583, year = {2022}, author = {Kim, D and Lee, MJ and Lee, H and Ban, YG and Kim, DE}, title = {The current status of invasive alien insect species in South Korea.}, journal = {Biodiversity data journal}, volume = {10}, number = {}, pages = {e81941}, pmid = {36761583}, issn = {1314-2828}, abstract = {We investigated the identity and distribution of the invasive alien insect species inhabiting Korean ecosystems, targeting 3,249 locations in nine regions between 2015 and 2018. In natural ecosystems, we identified 63 species in 43 families and nine orders of invasive alien insect species, respectively. We observed that the order Hemiptera exhibited the highest species diversity with 20 species. Gyeonggi-do was where the highest number of invasive alien insect species were identified (45 species). Species richness analysis revealed that Jeju-do showed the highest Dominance Index (0.8), whereas Gyeongsangnam-do had the highest Diversity Index (2.8). Corythuchamarmorata (Hemiptera: Tingidae), Lycormadelicatula (Hemiptera: Fulgoridae), Ophraellacommuna (Coleoptera: Chrysomeridae), Metcalfapruinosa (Say) (Hemiptera: Flatidae) and Pochaziashantungensis (Hemiptera: Ricaniidae) were distributed in more than 300 locations of the country. Invasive alien insect species inhabited the roadsides (31.3%), farmlands (18.3%) and parks (16.6%). In this study, we list the invasive alien insect species in Korean ecosystems and provide a basis for selecting primary management target species.}, }
@article {pmid36761554, year = {2022}, author = {Delabye, S and Gaona, FP and Potocký, P and Foxcroft, LC and Halamová, P and Hejda, M and MacFadyen, S and Pyšková, K and Sedláček, O and Staňková, M and Storch, D and Pyšek, P and Tropek, R}, title = {Thirteen moth species (Lepidoptera, Erebidae, Noctuidae) newly recorded in South Africa, with comments on their distribution.}, journal = {Biodiversity data journal}, volume = {10}, number = {}, pages = {e89729}, pmid = {36761554}, issn = {1314-2828}, abstract = {BACKGROUND: Thanks to the high diversity of ecosystems and habitats, South Africa harbours tremendous diversity of insects. The Kruger National Park, due to its position close to the border between two biogeographic regions and high heterogeneity of environmental conditions, represents an insufficiently studied hotspot of lepidopteran diversity. During our ecological research in the Kruger National Park, we collected abundant moth material, including several interesting faunistic records reported in this study.<br><br>NEW INFORMATION: We reported 13 species of moths which had not yet been recorded in South Africa. In many cases, our records represented an important extension of the species' known distribution, including two species (Ozarbagaedei and O.persinua) whose distribution ranges extended into the Zambezian biogeographic region. Such findings confirmed the poor regional knowledge of lepidopteran diversity.}, }
@article {pmid36761538, year = {2022}, author = {Lhoumeau, S and Cardoso, P and Boieiro, M and Ros-Prieto, A and Costa, R and Lamelas-Lopez, L and Leite, A and Amorim do Rosário, I and Gabriel, R and Malumbres-Olarte, J and Rigal, F and Santos, AMC and Tsafack, N and Ferreira, MT and Borges, PAV}, title = {SLAM Project - Long Term Ecological Study of the Impacts of Climate Change in the natural forests of Azores: V - New records of terrestrial arthropods after ten years of SLAM sampling.}, journal = {Biodiversity data journal}, volume = {10}, number = {}, pages = {e97952}, pmid = {36761538}, issn = {1314-2828}, abstract = {BACKGROUND: A long-term study monitoring arthropods (Arthropoda) is being conducted since 2012 in the forests of Azorean Islands. Named "SLAM - Long Term Ecological Study of the Impacts of Climate Change in the natural forest of Azores", this project aims to understand the impact of biodiversity erosion drivers in the distribution, abundance and diversity of Azorean arthropods. The current dataset represents arthropods that have been recorded using a total of 42 passive SLAM traps (Sea, Land and Air Malaise) deployed in native, mixed and exotic forest fragments in seven Azorean Islands (Flores, Faial, Pico, Graciosa, Terceira, São Miguel and Santa Maria). This manuscript is the fifth data-paper contribution, based on data from this long-term monitoring project.<br><br>NEW INFORMATION: We targeted taxa for species identification belonging to Arachnida (excluding Acari), Chilopoda, Diplopoda, Hexapoda (excluding Collembola, Lepidoptera, Diptera and Hymenoptera (but including only Formicidae)). Specimens were sampled over seven Azorean Islands during the 2012-2021 period. Spiders (Araneae) data from Pico and Terceira Islands are not included since they have been already published elsewhere (Costa and Borges 2021, Lhoumeau et al. 2022). We collected a total of 176007 specimens, of which 168565 (95.7%) were identified to the species or subspecies level. For Araneae and some Hemiptera species, juveniles are also included in this paper, since the low diversity in the Azores allows a relatively precise species-level identification of this life-stage. We recorded a total of 316 named species and subspecies, belonging to 25 orders, 106 families and 260 genera. The ten most abundant species were mostly endemic or native non-endemic (one Opiliones, one Archaeognatha and seven Hemiptera) and only one exotic species, the Julida Ommatoiulusmoreleti (Lucas, 1860). These ten species represent 107330 individuals (60%) of all sampled specimens and can be considered as the dominant species in the Azorean native forests for the target studied taxa. The Hemiptera were the most abundant taxa, with 90127 (50.4%) specimens. The Coleoptera were the most diverse with 30 (28.6%) families.We registered 72 new records for many of the islands (two for Flores, eight for Faial, 24 for Graciosa, 23 for Pico, eight for Terceira, three for S&#xe3;o Miguel and four for Santa Maria). These records represent 58 species. None of them is new to the Azores Archipelago. Most of the new records are introduced species, all still with low abundance on the studied islands. This publication contributes to increasing the baseline information for future long-term comparisons of the arthropods of the studied sites and the knowledge of the arthropod fauna of the native forests of the Azores, in terms of species abundance, distribution and diversity throughout seasons and years.}, }
@article {pmid36761513, year = {2022}, author = {Lhoumeau, S and Cardoso, P and Costa, R and Boieiro, M and Malumbres-Olarte, J and Amorim, IR and Rigal, F and Santos, AMC and Gabriel, R and Borges, PAV}, title = {SLAM Project - Long Term Ecological Study of the Impacts of Climate Change in the natural forest of Azores: IV - The spiders of Terceira and Pico Islands (2019-2021) and general diversity patterns after ten years of sampling.}, journal = {Biodiversity data journal}, volume = {10}, number = {}, pages = {e96442}, pmid = {36761513}, issn = {1314-2828}, abstract = {BACKGROUND: Long-term studies are key to understand the drivers of biodiversity erosion, such as land-use change and habitat degradation, climate change, invasive species or pollution. The long-term project SLAM (Long Term Ecological Study of the Impacts of Climate Change in the natural forest of Azores) started in 2012 and focuses on arthropod monitoring, using SLAM (Sea, Land and Air Malaise) traps, aiming to understand the impact of the drivers of biodiversity erosion on Azorean native forests (Azores, Portugal). This is the fourth contribution including SLAM project data and the second focused on the spider fauna (Arachnida, Araneae) of native forests on two islands (Pico and Terceira). In this contribution, we describe data collected between 2019 and 2021 and we analyse them together with a previously published database that covered the 2012-2019 period, in order to describe changes in species abundance patterns over the last ten years.<br><br>NEW INFORMATION: We present abundance data of Azorean spider species for the 2019-2021 period in two Azorean Islands (Terceira and Pico). We also present analyses of species distribution and abundance of the whole sampling period. In the period of 2019-2021, we collected a total of 5110 spider specimens, of which 2449 (48%) were adults. Most juveniles, with the exception of some exotic Erigoninae, were also included in the data presented in this paper, since the low diversity of spiders in the Azores allows a relatively precise species-level identification of this life-stage. We recorded a total of 45 species, belonging to 39 genera and 16 families. The ten most abundant species were composed mostly of endemic or native non-endemic species and only two exotic species (Tenuiphantestenuis (Blackwall, 1852) and Dysderacrocata C. L. Koch, 1838). They included 4308 individuals (84%) of all sampled specimens and were the dominant species in Azorean native forests. The family Linyphiidae was the richest and most abundant taxon, with 15 (33%) species and 2630 (51%) specimens. We report Cheiracanthiummildei L. Koch, 1864, a non-native species, from Pico Island for the first time. We found no new species records on Terceira Island. This publication contributes to increasing the baseline information for future long-term comparisons of the spiders on the studied sites and the knowledge of the arachnofauna of the native forests of Terceira and Pico, in terms of species abundance, distribution and diversity across seasons for a 10 years period.}, }
@article {pmid36761456, year = {2022}, author = {Manconi, R and Copeland, J and Kunigelis, S and Pronzato, R}, title = {Biodiversity of Nearctic inland water: discovery of the genus Heterorotula (Porifera, Spongillida, Spongillidae) in the Appalachian Mountains, with biogeographical implications and description of new species.}, journal = {ZooKeys}, volume = {1110}, number = {}, pages = {103-120}, pmid = {36761456}, issn = {1313-2989}, abstract = {This paper reports the discovery of a small population of sponges in the Pigeon River of eastern Tennessee, USA, which were morphologically distinct from Spongillida of North America. A morphological comparative analysis resulted in the first Nearctic record of the genus Heterorotula with the description of a new species Heterorotulalucasi sp. nov. diverging from all other known species by its unique combinations of diagnostic morphotraits of spicules and gemmules. The new record enlarges the geographic range of the genus which has been known until now only from Australia, New Zealand, New Caledonia, Japan (as an alien species), and from subequatorial Brazil (as subfossil remains). The discovery of a biogeographic enclave of Heterorotula in the southeastern United States contributes to the understanding of Porifera inland water biodiversity, biogeographic patterns, and adaptive morphotraits in the Nearctic and globally. Data confirm that the Appalachian region (Ordovician-Permian origin) of Tennessee and, in general, of North America have high levels of diversity and endemicity.}, }
@article {pmid36761101, year = {2023}, author = {Fast, KM and Rakestraw, AW and Sandel, MW}, title = {Complete mitochondrial genome of a livebearing freshwater fish (Cyprinodontiformes: Poeciliidae): Poecilia parae.}, journal = {Mitochondrial DNA. Part B, Resources}, volume = {8}, number = {2}, pages = {215-219}, pmid = {36761101}, issn = {2380-2359}, abstract = {Members of the fish family Poeciliidae (livebearing 'tooth-carps') have historically been used as models in medical research, behavior ecology, and biological control. This group of primarily freshwater fishes is highly tolerant to environmental factors such as salinity and warm temperatures and includes some invasive species. Here, we present the mitochondrial genome of Poecilia parae. A representative of this species was obtained from Suriname. The complete mitochondrial genome was sequenced using Oxford Nanopore technology and is 16,559 bp long. The genome contains 13 protein-coding genes, two ribosomal RNAs (rRNAs), 22 transfer RNAs (tRNAs), and one control region (D-loop). Phylogenetic analysis yielded topologies similar to those previously published. The data generated here will be useful in future studies of comparative biology and those utilizing environmental DNA (eDNA).}, }
@article {pmid36761074, year = {2022}, author = {Tsukamoto, S and Shimano, S and Eguchi, K}, title = {Two new species of the dwarf centipede genus Nannarrup Foddai, Bonato, Pereira &amp; Minelli, 2003 (Chilopoda, Geophilomorpha, Mecistocephalidae) from Japan.}, journal = {ZooKeys}, volume = {1115}, number = {}, pages = {117-150}, pmid = {36761074}, issn = {1313-2989}, abstract = {The genus Nannarrup Foddai, Bonato, Pereira &amp; Minelli, 2003 is a monotypic genus established on the basis of the possibly introduced species N.hoffmani Foddai, Bonato, Pereira &amp; Minelli, 2003, from New York, USA. In the present study, in a field survey conducted throughout Japan, Nannarrup-like specimens were collected from Honshu, Shikoku, and Kyushu. These specimens clearly showed the diagnostic characteristics of the genus but were morphologically distinct from N.hoffmani. Furthermore, morphological analysis and DNA barcoding revealed that these specimens could be assigned to two distinct undescribed species. On the basis of these results, N.innuptus Tsukamoto, sp. nov. and N.oyamensis Tsukamoto, sp. nov. are described. The three Nannarrup species can be distinguished from each other on the basis of the following combination of characteristics: presence or absence of a pair of smooth or weakly areolate areas along the posterior part of the paraclypeal sutures; the width-to-length ratio of the denticle on the trochanteroprefemur; the pigmentation of the denticle on the tarsungulum. Moreover, the field survey resulted in the collection of exclusively female specimens of N.innuptus Tsukamoto, sp. nov., which shows the possibility of parthenogenesis of this species.}, }
@article {pmid36760991, year = {2022}, author = {Aubriot, X and Knapp, S}, title = {A revision of the "spiny solanums" of Tropical Asia (Solanum, the Leptostemonum Clade, Solanaceae).}, journal = {PhytoKeys}, volume = {198}, number = {}, pages = {1-270}, pmid = {36760991}, issn = {1314-2011}, abstract = {The Leptostemonum Clade, or the "spiny solanums", is the most species-rich monophyletic clade of the large cosmopolitan genus Solanum (Solanaceae) and represents almost half the species diversity of the genus. Species diversity in the clade is highest in the Americas, but significant clusters of endemic taxa occur in the Eastern Hemisphere. We present here a taxonomic revision of the 51 species of spiny solanums occurring in tropical Asia (excluding the island of New Guinea, and the lowlands of Nepal and Bhutan). Three species are described as new: Solanumkachinense X.Aubriot &amp; S.Knapp, sp. nov. from northern Myanmar, S.peikuoense S.S.Ying, sp. nov. from Taiwan, and S.sulawesi X.Aubriot &amp; S.Knapp, sp. nov. from northern Sulawesi, Indonesia. Of the spiny solanums occurring in the region, 38 are native and 13 are introduced from the Americas or Africa, either as adventive weeds or as cultivated plants. Phylogenetic resolution amongst these taxa is still a work in progress, so we have chosen to treat these taxa in a geographical context to aid with identification and further taxon discovery. For the native species we provide complete nomenclatural details for all recognised species and their synonyms, complete descriptions, distributions including maps, common names and uses, and preliminary conservation assessments. For the introduced taxa that have been treated in detail elsewhere we provide details of types, synonyms based on tropical Asian material, general distributions, and common names for the region. We provide lecto- or neotypifications for 67 names; 63 for native and 4 for introduced taxa. All taxa are discussed and compared to similar species; keys are provided for all taxa. We illustrate all native species with herbarium and field photographs and introduced species with field photographs only. All specimens examined for this treatment are included in Suppl. materials 1-3 as searchable files.}, }
@article {pmid36760698, year = {2022}, author = {Chen, X and Wang, M and Zhang, E}, title = {Updated species checklist of fishes from Lake Dongting in Hunan Province, South China: Species diversity and conservation.}, journal = {ZooKeys}, volume = {1108}, number = {}, pages = {51-88}, pmid = {36760698}, issn = {1313-2989}, abstract = {A lack of an updated checklist of freshwater fish species from Lake Dongting is a great hindrance to further biodiversity analysis. A seasonal survey of fishes in the lake was conducted from October 2017 to January 2019. Based on the data obtained during the field survey and coupled with known literature and the latest taxonomic development of relevant taxa, the species checklist of fishes from Lake Dongting was updated. A total of 130 species from 12 orders, 30 families and 76 genera has been documented, containing 126 native species and four alien species. Its fish fauna is dominated by the Xenocyprididae that has the highest number of included species (30), followed by the Gobionidae (25) and Acheilognathidae (11). This checklist comprises 20 species undergoing nomenclatural changes and 11 new records, eight of which are native and three exotic. It excludes 20 species, which have been reported in error in historical works, due to synonyms, erroneous records, taxonomic changes and unconfirmed records. Unsampled in this survey were 34 species that are ecologically specialised: migratory, rheophilic, predatory, shellfish-dependent or pelagic-egg-spawning. While some of these species eluded capture likely due to the paucity of population, others may have been extirpated in Lake Dongting perhaps owing to human perturbations, such as river damming across affluents or the Chang-Jiang mainstem, sand dredging, overfishing or water pollution. The updated checklist lays a sound foundation for biodiversity conservation of fishes in Lake Dongting.}, }
@article {pmid36759955, year = {2023}, author = {Manenti, R and Kristensen, N and Cogliati, P and Barzaghi, B and Melotto, A and Ficetola, GF}, title = {Larval development and poor trophic resource availability: Local adaptations and plasticity in a widespread amphibian species.}, journal = {Journal of evolutionary biology}, volume = {}, number = {}, pages = {}, doi = {10.1111/jeb.14155}, pmid = {36759955}, issn = {1420-9101}, abstract = {Theory predicts that, in organisms with complex life cycles, if the earlier-stage limiting factor induces weak later-stage phenotypes, the development of the later-stage trait should evolve to reduce carry-over effects. Local adaptations could thus favour decoupling of later stages. However, decoupling is not always possible. In this study, we used a widespread amphibian, the European fire salamander (Salamandra salamandra), to assess the role of local adaptations to environmental stressful conditions experienced at the larval stage. We exposed 150 larvae from different altitudes to two conditions: rich food and poor food condition. Conditions in early life stages can affect an individual's traits, either as a direct effect or mediated through outcomes in successive life stages. To distinguish between effects of rearing conditions and local adaptation, we searched for a causal model. The causal model detected effects of both food treatment and population origin (altitude) on all life stages. Larvae reared under rich food condition metamorphosed earlier, had higher growth rates and reached smaller size at metamorphosis. Significant differences occurred between larvae of different origin: low-altitude individuals performed poorly under the poor food treatment. Moreover, larvae from higher altitudes were slower with rich food and faster with poor food compared to those from lower altitudes. Our results underline that environmental conditions and local adaptation can interplay in determining the plasticity of larval stages, still adaptations can maximize the growth efficiency of early stages in oligotrophic environments, leading to divergent pathways across populations and environmental conditions.}, }
@article {pmid36761996, year = {2021}, author = {Chatzinikolaou, E and Damianidis, P and Pavloudi, C and Vasileiadou, A and Faulwetter, S and Keklikoglou, K and Plaitis, W and Mavraki, D and Nikolopoulou, S and Arvanitidis, C}, title = {Benthic communities in three Mediterranean touristic ports: MAPMED project.}, journal = {Biodiversity data journal}, volume = {9}, number = {}, pages = {e66420}, pmid = {36761996}, issn = {1314-2828}, abstract = {BACKGROUND: Mediterranean ports are sources of significant economic activity and at the same time they act as recipients of considerable anthropogenic disturbance and pollution. Polluted and low-in-oxygen sediments can negatively impact benthic biodiversity and favour recruitment of opportunistic or invasive species. Macrobenthic communities are an important component of the port biota and can be used as environmental quality indicators. However, a baseline database for benthic biodiversity in Mediterranean ports has not yet been widely established.<br><br>NEW INFORMATION: Macrobenthic assemblages were recorded in three Mediterranean touristic ports under the framework of the ENPI CBC MED project MAPMED (MAnagement of Port Areas in the MEDiterranean Sea Basin). Samples were collected from Cagliari (Sardinia, Italy), Heraklion (Crete, Greece) and El Kantaoui (Tunisia) ports during February, May and September 2012. The sampling stations were selected according to the different sectors within each port (i.e. leisure, fishing, passenger/cargo vessels and shipyard). A total of 277 taxa belonging to 12 phyla were found, of which the 96 taxa were present in all three ports. El Kantaoui port hosted the highest number of macrobenthic taxa. Mollusca were the most abundant group (34%) in all ports. The highest percentage of opportunistic taxa per station was found before the touristic period in the shipyard of Heraklion port (89.3%).}, }
@article {pmid36717715, year = {2023}, author = {Witze, A}, title = {Will an AI be the first to discover alien life?.}, journal = {Nature}, volume = {614}, number = {7947}, pages = {208}, pmid = {36717715}, issn = {1476-4687}, mesh = {*Ecosystem ; *Biodiversity ; Artificial Intelligence ; Introduced Species ; }, }
@article {pmid36750415, year = {2022}, author = {Gioria, M and Hulme, PE and Richardson, DM and Pyšek, P}, title = {Why Are Invasive Plants Successful?.}, journal = {Annual review of plant biology}, volume = {}, number = {}, pages = {}, doi = {10.1146/annurev-arplant-070522-071021}, pmid = {36750415}, issn = {1545-2123}, abstract = {Plant invasions, a byproduct of globalization, are increasing worldwide. Because of their ecological and economic impacts, considerable efforts have been made to understand and predict the success of non-native plants. Numerous frameworks, hypotheses, and theories have been advanced to conceptualize the interactions of multiple drivers and context dependence of invasion success with the aim of achieving robust explanations with predictive power. We review these efforts from a community-level perspective rather than a biogeographical one, focusing on terrestrial systems, and explore the roles of intrinsic plant properties in determining species invasiveness, as well as the effects of biotic and abiotic conditions in mediating ecosystem invasibility (or resistance) and ecological and evolutionary processes. We also consider the fundamental influences of human-induced changes at scales ranging from local to global in triggering, promoting, and sustaining plant invasions and discuss how these changes could alter future invasion trajectories. Expected final online publication date for the Annual Review of Plant Biology, Volume 74 is May 2023. Please see http://www.annualreviews.org/page/journal/pubdates for revised estimates.}, }
@article {pmid36642256, year = {2023}, author = {Giunti, G and Becker, N and Benelli, G}, title = {Invasive mosquito vectors in Europe: From bioecology to surveillance and management.}, journal = {Acta tropica}, volume = {239}, number = {}, pages = {106832}, doi = {10.1016/j.actatropica.2023.106832}, pmid = {36642256}, issn = {1873-6254}, mesh = {Animals ; *Mosquito Vectors ; Europe/epidemiology ; *Aedes ; Climate ; Public Health ; Introduced Species ; }, abstract = {Invasive mosquitoes (Diptera: Culicidae) play a key role in the spread of a number of mosquito-borne diseases worldwide. Anthropogenic changes play a significant role in affecting their distribution. Invasive mosquitoes usually take advantage from biotic homogenization and biodiversity reduction, therefore expanding in their distribution range and abundance. In Europe, climate warming and increasing urbanization are boosting the spread of several mosquito species of high public health importance. The present article contains a literature review focused on the biology and ecology of Aedes albopictus, Ae. aegypti, Ae. japonicus japonicus, Ae. koreicus, Ae. atropalpus and Ae. triseriatus, outlining their distribution and public health relevance in Europe. Bioecology insights were tightly connected with vector surveillance and control programs targeting these species. In the final section, a research agenda aiming for the effective and sustainable monitoring and control of invasive mosquitoes in the framework of Integrated Vector Management and One Health is presented. The WHO Vector Control Advisory Group recommends priority should be given to vector control tools with proven epidemiological impact.}, }
@article {pmid36747078, year = {2023}, author = {Echeverri, A and Furumo, PR and Moss, S and Figot Kuthy, AG and García Aguirre, D and Mandle, L and Valencia, ID and Ruckelshaus, M and Daily, GC and Lambin, EF}, title = {Colombian biodiversity is governed by a rich and diverse policy mix.}, journal = {Nature ecology &amp; evolution}, volume = {}, number = {}, pages = {}, pmid = {36747078}, issn = {2397-334X}, abstract = {We lack an understanding of how diverse policymakers interact to govern biodiversity. Taking Colombia as a focal case, we examined six decades of biodiversity governance (1959-2018). Here we analysed the composition of the policy mix, and how it has evolved over time, how policies differ among lead actors and ecosystems, and whether the policy mix addresses the primary threats to biodiversity. We identified 186 biodiversity-related policies that govern multiple ecosystems, use different instruments and address the main threats to biodiversity (that is, agriculture and aquaculture, and biological resource use). We found policy gaps in the governance of invasive species and wildlife trade. Biodiversity policy integration into some sectoral policies, such as climate change, poverty and pollution, has become more common in the past decade. Our results point to an increased need for effective coordination across sectors and actors, as new ones influence and implement the policy mix.}, }
@article {pmid36746224, year = {2023}, author = {Martel, SI and Zamora, CA and Behrens, CA and Rezende, EL and Bozinovic, F}, title = {Phenotypic specialization of the pea aphid in its southern limit of distribution.}, journal = {Comparative biochemistry and physiology. Part A, Molecular &amp; integrative physiology}, volume = {}, number = {}, pages = {111388}, doi = {10.1016/j.cbpa.2023.111388}, pmid = {36746224}, issn = {1531-4332}, abstract = {The success of biological invasions ultimately relies on phenotypic traits of the invasive species. Aphids, which include many important pests worldwide, may have been successful invading new environments partly because they can maximize reproductive output by becoming parthenogenetic and losing the sexual phase of their reproductive cycle. However, invasive populations of aphids invading wide ranges can face contrasting environmental conditions and requiring different phenotypic strategies. Besides transitions in their reproductive cycle, it is only partially known which phenotypic traits might be associated to the invasion success of aphid populations in extended novel ranges. Here, we used four genotypes of the pea aphid Acyrthosiphon pisum from two localities in Chile to test for phenotypic specialization that might explain their establishment and spread in habitats exhibiting contrasting environmental conditions. We show that lineages living at a higher latitude with low temperatures show, in addition to facultative sexual reproduction, smaller body sizes, lower metabolic rates and a higher tolerance to the cold than the obligate asexual lineages living in a mild weather, at the expense of fecundity. Conversely, at higher temperatures only asexual lineages were found, which exhibit larger body sizes, higher reproductive outputs and consequently enhanced demographic ability. As a result, in conjunction with the reproductive mode, lineage specialization in physiological and life-history traits could be taken into account as an important strategy for populations of pea aphid to effectively invade extended novel ranges comprising different climatic conditions.}, }
@article {pmid36745217, year = {2023}, author = {Florianová, A and Hanzelková, V and Drtinová, L and Pánková, H and Cajthaml, T and Münzbergová, Z}, title = {Plant-soil interactions in the native range of two congeneric species with contrasting invasive success.}, journal = {Oecologia}, volume = {}, number = {}, pages = {}, pmid = {36745217}, issn = {1432-1939}, abstract = {The aim of this study was to compare plant-soil interactions in the native range of two congeneric European species differing in their invasive success in the world: a globally invasive Cirsium vulgare and non-invasive C. oleraceum. We assessed changes in soil nutrients and soil biota following soil conditioning by each species and compared performance of plants grown in self-conditioned and unconditioned soil, from which all, some or no biota was excluded. The invasive species depleted more nutrients than the non-invasive species and coped better with altered nutrient levels. The invasive species had higher seedling establishment which benefited from the presence of unconditioned biota transferred by soil filtrate. Biomass of both species increased in soil with self-conditioned soil filtrate and decreased in soil with self-conditioned whole-soil inoculum compared to unconditioned filtrate and inoculum. However, the increase was smaller and the decrease greater for the invasive species. The invasive species allocated less biomass to roots when associated with harmful biota, reducing negative effects of the biota on its performance. The results show that in the native range the invasive species is more limited by self-conditioned pathogens and benefits more from unconditioned mutualists and thus may benefit more from loss of effectively specialized soil biota in a secondary range. Our study highlights the utility of detailed plant-soil feedback research in species native range for understanding factors regulating species performance in their native range and pinpointing the types of biota involved in their regulation.}, }
@article {pmid36745034, year = {2023}, author = {Weitzman, CL and Kaestli, M and Rose, A and Hudson, CM and Gibb, K and Brown, GP and Shine, R and Christian, K}, title = {Geographic variation in bacterial assemblages on cane toad skin is influenced more by local environments than by evolved changes in host traits.}, journal = {Biology open}, volume = {12}, number = {2}, pages = {}, doi = {10.1242/bio.059641}, pmid = {36745034}, issn = {2046-6390}, abstract = {Bacterial assemblages on amphibian skin may play an important role in protecting hosts against infection. In hosts that occur over a range of environments, geographic variation in composition of bacterial assemblages might be due to direct effects of local factors and/or to evolved characteristics of the host. Invasive cane toads (Rhinella marina) are an ideal candidate to evaluate environmental and genetic mechanisms, because toads have evolved major shifts in physiology, morphology, and behavior during their brief history in Australia. We used samples from free-ranging toads to quantify site-level differences in bacterial assemblages and a common-garden experiment to see if those differences disappeared when toads were raised under standardised conditions at one site. The large differences in bacterial communities on toads from different regions were not seen in offspring raised in a common environment. Relaxing bacterial clustering to operational taxonomic units in place of amplicon sequence variants likewise revealed high similarity among bacterial assemblages on toads in the common-garden study, and with free-ranging toads captured nearby. Thus, the marked geographic divergence in bacterial assemblages on wild-caught cane toads across their Australian invasion appears to result primarily from local environmental effects rather than evolved shifts in the host.}, }
@article {pmid36744697, year = {2023}, author = {Piazza, YG and Lozano, IE and Vegh, SL and Lo Nostro, FL and Fuentes, CM}, title = {Integrative study of the reproductive biology and growth of Acestrorhynchus pantaneiro Menezes, 1992 (Characiformes, Acestrorhynchidae).}, journal = {Journal of fish biology}, volume = {}, number = {}, pages = {}, doi = {10.1111/jfb.15338}, pmid = {36744697}, issn = {1095-8649}, abstract = {In this contribution, we studied the reproductive strategy, sexual system and growth of dientudo paraguayo Acestrorhynchus pantaneiro. After two years of monitoring in shallow areas of a floodplain lake from the lower Paraná basin (Argentina), it was evidenced that water temperature modulated gonadal maturation, but it was river water level the synchronizing stimulus that triggered spawning. This species exhibited a single annual breeding period from October to January, with most spawning activity in November. According to the von Bertalanffy growth curve, fish would reach autumn to winter months with approximately 120 mm LS , already being mature males. The first mature females were found at 210 mm LS being sexually mature between the second and third breeding seasons. This is the first integrative study that includes the body-length frequency distribution, sex differential size at first maturity and growth; and reports the presence of intersex gonads questioning its status from gonochoristic to sequential hermaphrodite species. The sexual pattern, the multiple spawning behavior, and a medium to high absolute fecundity support the opportunistic description that goes along with the invasive behavior observed in previous contributions for this characiform species. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.}, }
@article {pmid36743958, year = {2023}, author = {Hsu, YF and Shen, ZY and Huang, HC and Huang, CW and Lu, CC}, title = {Alien species revises systematic status: integrative species delimitation of two similar taxa of Symbrenthia Hübner, [1819] (Lepidoptera, Nymphalidae).}, journal = {PeerJ}, volume = {11}, number = {}, pages = {e14644}, pmid = {36743958}, issn = {2167-8359}, abstract = {Introduction of organisms to new range may impose detrimental effects on local organisms, especially when closely related species are involved. Species delimitation employing an integrative taxonomy approach may provide a quick assessment for the species status between taxa of interest, and to infer ecological competition and/or introgression that may be associated with the introduction. A nymphalid butterfly, Symbrenthia lilaea lunica, was recently introduced to Taiwan, where a closely related local taxon, S. l. formosanus, can be found. We employed multiple species delimitation methods to study the species status between the two taxa, and the results revealed that they can be recognized as two distinct species, revised to S. l. lilaea (syn. nov.) and S. formosanus (stat. rev.) respectively. We further performed a niche modeling approach to investigate the ecological interaction between the two species. The taxonomic status of the two taxa, now elevated to species, has been revised and conservation facing rapid expansion of the introduced species discussed.}, }
@article {pmid36741683, year = {2023}, author = {Hoelmer, KA and Sforza, RFH and Cristofaro, M}, title = {Accessing biological control genetic resources: the United States perspective.}, journal = {BioControl (Dordrecht, Netherlands)}, volume = {}, number = {}, pages = {1-12}, pmid = {36741683}, issn = {1386-6141}, abstract = {The USA has been actively involved in classical biological control projects against invasive insect pests and weeds since 1888. Classical (importation) biological control relies upon natural enemies associated through coevolution with their target species at their geographic origin to also provide long-term, self-sustaining management where the pest/weed has become invasive. Biological control agents are a form of genetic resources and fall under the purview of the 1993 Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) and its Nagoya Protocol (NP), which entered into force in 2014 to address equitable sharing of benefits arising from utilization of genetic resources. Safe and effective classical biological control agents have historically been shared among countries experiencing problems with invasive species. However, a feature of the Nagoya Protocol is that countries are expected to develop processes governing access to their genetic resources to ensure that the benefits are shared equitably-a concept referred to as "access and benefit sharing" (ABS). Although the USA is not party to the CBD nor the NP, US biological control programs are affected by these international agreements. Surveying, collecting, exporting and importing of natural enemies may be covered by new ABS regulatory processes. Challenges of ABS have arisen as various countries enact new regulations (or not) governing access to genetic resources, and the processes for gaining access and sharing the benefits from these resources have become increasingly complex. In the absence of an overarching national US policy, individual government agencies and institutions follow their own internal procedures. Biological control practitioners in the USA have been encouraged in recent years to observe best practices developed by the biological community for insect and weed biological control.}, }
@article {pmid36741432, year = {2022}, author = {Weir, JL and Vacura, K and Bagga, J and Berland, A and Hyder, K and Skov, C and Attby, J and Venturelli, PA}, title = {Big data from a popular app reveals that fishing creates superhighways for aquatic invaders.}, journal = {PNAS nexus}, volume = {1}, number = {3}, pages = {pgac075}, pmid = {36741432}, issn = {2752-6542}, abstract = {Human activities are the leading cause of biological invasions that cause ecologic and economic damage around the world. Aquatic invasive species (AIS) are often spread by recreational anglers who visit two or more bodies of water within a short time frame. Movement data from anglers are, therefore, critical to predicting, preventing, and monitoring the spread of AIS. However, the lack of broad-scale movement data has restricted efforts to large and popular lakes or small geographic extents. Here, we show that recreational fishing apps are an abundant, convenient, and relatively comprehensive source of "big" movement data across the contiguous United States. Our analyses revealed a dense network of angler movements that was dramatically more interconnected and extensive than the network that is formed naturally by rivers and streams. Short-distanced movements by anglers combined to form invasion superhighways that spanned the contiguous United States. We also identified possible invasion fronts and invaded hub lakes that may be superspreaders for two relatively common aquatic invaders. Our results provide unique insight into the national network through which AIS may be spread, increase opportunities for interjurisdictional coordination that is essential to addressing the problem of AIS, and highlight the important role that anglers can play in providing accurate data and preventing invasions. The advantages of mobile devices as both sources of data and a means of engaging the public in their shared responsibility to prevent invasions are probably general to all forms of tourism and recreation that contribute to the spread of invasive species.}, }
@article {pmid36743230, year = {2022}, author = {Hernández-Brito, D and Tella, JL and Blanco, G and Carrete, M}, title = {Nesting innovations allow population growth in an invasive population of rose-ringed parakeets.}, journal = {Current zoology}, volume = {68}, number = {6}, pages = {617-626}, pmid = {36743230}, issn = {1674-5507}, abstract = {Certain traits of recipient environments, such as the availability of limiting resources, strongly determine the establishment success and spread of non-native species. These limitations may be overcome through behavioral plasticity, allowing them to exploit alternative resources. Here, we show how a secondary cavity nester bird, the rose-ringed parakeet Psittacula krameri, innovates its nesting behavior as a response to the shortage of tree cavities for nesting in its invasive range in Tenerife (Canary Islands). We observed that some breeding pairs excavated their own nest cavities in palms, thus becoming primary cavity nester, whereas others occupied nests built with wood sticks by another invasive species, the monk parakeet Myiopsitta monachus. The use of these novel nesting strategies increased the number of breeding pairs by up to 52% over 6 years, contributing to a 128.8% increase of the whole population. Innovative nests were located at greater heights above ground and were more aggregated around conspecifics but did not result in greater breeding success than natural cavities. Occupation of monk parakeet colonies by rose-ringed parakeets also benefited the former species through a protective-nesting association against nest predators. Our results show how an invasive species innovate nesting behaviors and increase nest-site availability in the recipient environment, thus facilitating its population growth and invasion process. Potential behavioral innovations in other invasive rose-ringed parakeet populations may be overlooked, and should be considered for effective management plans.}, }
@article {pmid36736640, year = {2023}, author = {Estêvão, J and Osorio, H and Costas, B and Cruz, A and Fernández-Boo, S}, title = {Search for new biomarkers of tolerance to Perkinsus olseni parasite infection in Ruditapes decussatus clams.}, journal = {Fish &amp; shellfish immunology}, volume = {134}, number = {}, pages = {108566}, doi = {10.1016/j.fsi.2023.108566}, pmid = {36736640}, issn = {1095-9947}, abstract = {The grooved carpet shell (Ruditapes decussatus) is a clam species with high economic and social importance in several European and Mediterranean countries. Production of this species suffered a decline caused by biotic (parasite infection) and abiotic factors (environmental factors, stress, poor management methods and intensive culture of the introduced species Ruditapes philippinarum). The protozoan parasite Perkinsus olseni is also responsible for the decline of production, being nowadays one of the major issues for clam culture. Molecular biomarkers that might represent tolerance of R. decussatus to P. olseni have already been uncovered, shedding light in a possible production improvement by selecting those clams with a strongest immune response. In the present study, new tolerance biomarkers to P. olseni infection in R. decussatus were identified. The haemolymph proteomic profiles of naturally non/low-infected (tolerant) and highly-infected (susceptible) clams by the parasite across several heavy affected areas of Europe were characterized through a shotgun proteomics approach. Also, the mechanisms that might be involved in the responses against the disease in chronic infections were explored. Proteins related to energy restoration and balance, metabolic regulation, energy accumulation, ROS production, lysosomal activity, amino acid synthesis, proteolytic activity, iron regulation, iron withholding, and immune response modulation were significantly regulated in susceptible clams. In the tolerant group, proteins related to phagocytosis regulation, control of cell growth and proliferation, gonadal maturation, regulation of apoptosis, growth modulation, response to oxidative stress, iron regulation, shell development and metabolic regulation were significantly expressed. In summary, the protein expression profile of tolerant individuals suggests that an efficient pathogen elimination mechanism coupled to a better metabolic regulation leads to a tolerance to the parasite infection by limiting the spread through the tissues.}, }
@article {pmid36736255, year = {2023}, author = {Hoeksema, BW and Meijer Zu Schlochtern, MP and Samimi-Namin, K and McFadden, CS}, title = {In the aftermath of Hurricane Irma: Colonization of a 4-year-old shipwreck by native and non-native corals, including a new cryptogenic species for the Caribbean.}, journal = {Marine pollution bulletin}, volume = {188}, number = {}, pages = {114649}, doi = {10.1016/j.marpolbul.2023.114649}, pmid = {36736255}, issn = {1879-3363}, abstract = {Little is known about early coral settlement on shipwrecks with regard to their species and size compositions. Hurricanes in the Caribbean have a long history of sinking ships but a link with new coral settlement is understudied. In 2017, Hurricane Irma caused the sinking of over 300 vessels in the coastal waters of Saint Martin, eastern Caribbean. In 2021, coral settlement was studied on one of them, which included two native, one non-native, and two cryptogenic species. The corals were smaller than 8 cm in diameter. The invasive Tubastraea coccinea was the most abundant scleractinian and was predominantly represented by juveniles. A cryptogenic species, Stragulum bicolor, new for the Caribbean, was the most common octocoral. Because they can be harmful to the environment, shipwrecks should be monitored frequently for the occurrence of non-native species, especially when they are only a few years old.}, }
@article {pmid36736086, year = {2023}, author = {Carrillo, CC and Charbonneau, BR and Altman, S and Keele, JA and Pucherelli, SF and Passamaneck, YJ and Murphy, AC and Swannack, TM}, title = {Patterns of dreissenid mussel invasions in western US lakes within an integrated gravity model framework.}, journal = {Journal of environmental management}, volume = {332}, number = {}, pages = {117383}, doi = {10.1016/j.jenvman.2023.117383}, pmid = {36736086}, issn = {1095-8630}, abstract = {Freshwater invasive species, such as the quagga mussel (Dreissena rostriformis bugensis), are causing over $1 billion USD annually in damages to water infrastructure, recreation, and the environment. Once established, quagga and other dreissenid mussels are extremely difficult to eradicate. Preventing the spread of these invasives is critical and of high management concern. Invasive dreissenid establishment is predicated upon both successful dispersal from a source and suitable habitat in the uninfested waterbody to which they are transported. Recreational boaters have become predominant dispersal vectors making it possible to forecast the risk of invasion of waterbodies for more targeted management and prevention. We developed an integrated mussel dispersal model that couples a constrained gravity model and habitat suitability model to forecast future invasions. The model simulates boater movement between lakes, the likelihood of boats transporting mussels, and the likelihood that those mussels survive in the environmental conditions of the new lake. Model output was most sensitive to changes in boater threshold, then buffer zones, while not as sensitive to changes in habitat suitability. From an initial infested source pool of 11 among 402 Western inland US lakes, we forecast additional lakes infested in several possible simulation scenarios. Constraining movement reduced connectivity between waterbodies with amplifying effects at different distance levels. This model can be used to determine waterbodies most at risk for dreissenid mussel invasion and to highlight the importance of multifactor integrated models in environmental management.}, }
@article {pmid36733292, year = {2023}, author = {Bennett, JJR and Gomes, AS and Ferré, MA and Bera, BK and Borghetti, F and Callaway, RM and Meron, E}, title = {Evidence for scale-dependent root-antation feedback and its role in halting the spread of a pantropical shrub into an endemic sedge.}, journal = {PNAS nexus}, volume = {2}, number = {1}, pages = {pgac294}, pmid = {36733292}, issn = {2752-6542}, abstract = {Vegetation pattern formation is a widespread phenomenon in resource-limited environments, but the driving mechanisms are largely unconfirmed empirically. Combining results of field studies and mathematical modeling, empirical evidence for a generic pattern-formation mechanism is demonstrated with the clonal shrub Guilandina bonduc L. (hereafter Guilandina) on the Brazilian island of Trindade. The mechanism is associated with water conduction by laterally spread roots and root augmentation as the shoot grows-a crucial element in the positive feedback loop that drives spatial patterning. Assuming precipitation-dependent root-shoot relations, the model accounts for the major vegetation landscapes on Trindade Island, substantiating lateral root augmentation as the driving mechanism of Guilandina patterning. Guilandina expands into surrounding communities dominated by the Trindade endemic, Cyperus atlanticus Hemsl. (hereafter Cyperus). It appears to do so by decreasing the water potential in soils below Cyperus through its dense lateral roots, leaving behind a patchy Guilandina-only landscape. We use this system to highlight a novel form of invasion, likely to apply to many other systems where the invasive species is pattern-forming. Depending on the level of water stress, the invasion can take two distinct forms: (i) a complete invasion at low stress that culminates in a patchy Guilandina-only landscape through a spot-replication process, and (ii) an incomplete invasion at high stress that begins but does not spread, forming isolated Guilandina spots of fixed size, surrounded by bare-soil halos, in an otherwise uniform Cyperus grassland. Thus, drier climates may act selectively on pattern-forming invasive species, imposing incomplete invasion and reducing the negative effects on native species.}, }
@article {pmid36474092, year = {2023}, author = {Londe, DW and Joshi, O and York, BC and Davis, CA and Loss, SR and Robertson, EP and Hovick, TJ}, title = {Climate Change and Wetlands in the Southern Great Plains: How Are Managers Dealing with an Uncertain Future?.}, journal = {Environmental management}, volume = {71}, number = {2}, pages = {379-392}, doi = {10.1007/s00267-022-01758-w}, pmid = {36474092}, issn = {1432-1009}, mesh = {*Wetlands ; *Climate Change ; Uncertainty ; Water ; Introduced Species ; }, abstract = {Little guidance is available to assist wetland managers in developing climate adaptation plans. To facilitate development of recommendations for adaptation strategies, it is essential to first determine if or how wetland managers are addressing these challenges. We used an online survey to solicit feedback from wetland managers and biologists in the Southern Great Plains of North America to gain information on perceptions of wetland managers regarding climate change; assess how the effects of climate change are being addressed through management; and identify barriers to implementing climate change adaptation. The majority of wetland managers (63%) agreed they are currently experiencing effects of climate change in wetlands, and most respondents (76%) reported that changes in the timing of water availability throughout the year was the most likely impact. Managers reported using a diversity of approaches in managing for changing precipitation, with management of native and invasive plant species being the two most common practices. Lack of funding and personnel were the most commonly identified factors limiting manager's response to changing precipitation patterns. In addition, >50% of managers indicated uncertainty about the effects of climate change on wetlands as a barrier to management, which may relate to limited access to peer-reviewed science. While most of the management practices reported were short-term measures and may not reflect long-term adaptation for climate change, the fact that many managers are considering climate change in their management suggests that there is considerable opportunities to continue developing capacity for climate change adaptation in the region.}, }
@article {pmid36729322, year = {2023}, author = {Valles, SM and Zhao, C and Rivers, AR and Iwata, RL and Oi, DH and Cha, DH and Collignon, RM and Cox, NA and Morton, GJ and Calcaterra, LA}, title = {RNA virus discoveries in the electric ant, Wasmannia auropunctata.}, journal = {Virus genes}, volume = {}, number = {}, pages = {}, doi = {10.1007/s11262-023-01969-1}, pmid = {36729322}, issn = {1572-994X}, abstract = {Despite being one of the most destructive invasive species of ants, only two natural enemies are known currently for Wasmannia auropunctata, commonly known as the electric ant or little fire ant. Because viruses can be effective biological control agents against many insect pests, including ants, a metagenomics/next-generation sequencing approach was used to facilitate discovery of virus sequences from the transcriptomes of W. auropunctata. Five new and complete positive sense, single-stranded RNA virus genomes, and one new negative sense, single-stranded RNA virus genome were identified, sequenced, and characterized from W. auropunctata collected in Argentina by this approach, including a dicistrovirus (Electric ant dicistrovirus), two polycipiviruses (Electric ant polycipivirus 1; Electric ant polycipivirus 2), a solinvivirus (Electric ant solinvivirus), a divergent genome with similarity to an unclassified group in the Picornavirales (Electric ant virus 1), and a rhabdovirus (Electric ant rhabdovirus). An additional virus genome was detected that is likely Solenopsis invicta virus 10 (MH727527). The virus genome sequences were absent from the transcriptomes of W. auropunctata collected in the USA (Hawaii and Florida). Additional limited field surveys corroborated the absence of these viruses in regions where the electric ant is invasive (the USA and Australia). The replicative genome strand of four of the viruses (Electric ant polycipivirus 2, Electric ant solinvivirus, Electric ant virus 1, and Solenopsis invicta virus 10 (in the electric ant) was detected in Argentinean-collected W. auropunctata indicating that the ant is a host for these viruses. These are the first virus discoveries to be made from W. auropunctata.}, }
@article {pmid36720334, year = {2023}, author = {Beleri, S and Balatsos, G and Tegos, N and Papachristos, D and Mouchtouri, V and Hadjichristodoulou, C and Michaelakis, A and Papadopoulos, NT and Patsoula, E}, title = {Winter survival of adults of two geographically distant populations of Aedes albopictus in a microclimatic environment of Athens, Greece.}, journal = {Acta tropica}, volume = {}, number = {}, pages = {106847}, doi = {10.1016/j.actatropica.2023.106847}, pmid = {36720334}, issn = {1873-6254}, abstract = {Overwintering capacity is a major step towards establishment of invasive mosquitoes from the tropics in temperate zone areas and one of the main elements determining next seasons' population size that regulates disease transmission of competent invasive vector species. The Asian tiger mosquito, Aedes albopictus (Skuse) (Diptera: Culiciidae) is an aggressive invasive species that has greatly expanded its geographical boundaries over the last few decades. The species' ability to induce photoperiodic-based egg diapause allows its overwintering in temperate regions, which favors its establishment in higher latitudes. In warmer temperate areas winter survival can be accomplished in the adult stage as well especially in human-made shelters. Aedes albopictus is already showing signs of adaptation to colder climates which may result in disease transmission in new areas. Although the Asian tiger mosquito has invaded Greece since 2003-4, little is known regarding its overwintering capacity in the country, especially as far as adults are regarded. We studied the survival of Ae. albopictus adults during winter in a protected shelter in Athens, the capital city of Greece. The study involved two geographically isolated populations originating from Chania (Crete, most southern part of Greece), and Palaio Faliro (Athens, Central Greece). We exposed different cohorts of F3 adults of the above two populations that emerged from field collected eggs to "winter condition" from November 2018 to beginning of January 2019. in a protected microclimatic environment. Adult mortality was recorded systematically until the death of the last individual in the cohort. Results demonstrated evidence of winter survival of adults for both populations. Longevity of both females and males of the Palaio Faliro population was longer than that of the Chania population for almost all installation dates. Survival curves, regardless of the date of installation, were steeper for females of the Chania population compared to those from Palaio Faliro. In conclusion, overwinter survival of both populations in the adult stage highlights the need for future studies, considering local and microclimatic condition that vary significantly between regions. Winter climatic conditions play vital role in adult survival of this highly important public health species concerning distribution limits and knowledge on winter survival of Ae. albopictus transmitted viruses.}, }
@article {pmid36717606, year = {2023}, author = {Meiborg, AB and Faber, NR and Taylor, BA and Harpur, BA and Gorjanc, G}, title = {The suppressive potential of a gene drive in populations of invasive social wasps is currently limited.}, journal = {Scientific reports}, volume = {13}, number = {1}, pages = {1640}, pmid = {36717606}, issn = {2045-2322}, support = {BBS/E/D/30002275/BB_/Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council/United Kingdom ; }, abstract = {Social insects are very successful invasive species, and the continued increase of global trade and transportation has exacerbated this problem. The yellow-legged hornet, Vespa velutina nigrithorax (henceforth Asian hornet), is drastically expanding its range in Western Europe. As an apex insect predator, this hornet poses a serious threat to the honey bee industry and endemic pollinators. Current suppression methods have proven too inefficient and expensive to limit its spread. Gene drives might be an effective tool to control this species, but their use has not yet been thoroughly investigated in social insects. Here, we built a model that matches the hornet's life history and modelled the effect of different gene drive scenarios on an established invasive population. To test the broader applicability and sensitivity of the model, we also incorporated the invasive European paper wasp Polistes dominula. We find that, due to the haplodiploidy of social hymenopterans, only a gene drive targeting female fertility is promising for population control. Our results show that although a gene drive can suppress a social wasp population, it can only do so under fairly stringent gene drive-specific conditions. This is due to a combination of two factors: first, the large number of surviving offspring that social wasp colonies produce make it possible that, even with very limited formation of resistance alleles, such alleles can quickly spread and rescue the population. Second, due to social wasp life history, infertile individuals do not compete with fertile ones, allowing fertile individuals to maintain a large population size even when drive alleles are widespread. Nevertheless, continued improvements in gene drive technology may make it a promising method for the control of invasive social insects in the future.}, }
@article {pmid36716929, year = {2023}, author = {Paolo Barzanti, G and Enkerli, J and Benvenuti, C and Strangi, A and Mazza, G and Torrini, G and Simoncini, S and Paoli, F and Marianelli, L}, title = {Genetic variability of Metarhizium isolates from the Ticino Valley Natural Park (Northern Italy) as a possible microbiological resource for the management of Popillia japonica.}, journal = {Journal of invertebrate pathology}, volume = {}, number = {}, pages = {107891}, doi = {10.1016/j.jip.2023.107891}, pmid = {36716929}, issn = {1096-0805}, abstract = {The natural occurrence of entomopathogenic fungi (EPF) was investigated along the Ticino River (Ticino River Natural Park, Novara Province, Piedmont, Italy), at the center of the area of the first settlement of the invasive alien pest Popillia japonica. Using Zimmermann's "Galleria bait method", EPF were successfully isolated from 83 out of 155 soil samples from different habitats (perennial, cultivated, or uncultivated meadows, woodlands, and riverbanks). Sequencing of the 5' end of the Translation Elongation Factor 1 alfa (5'-TEF) region allowed the assignment of 94% of the isolates to Metarhizium spp., while 8% and 7% were assigned to Beauveria spp. and Paecilomyces spp., respectively. Four Metarhizium species were identified: Metarhizium robertsii was the most common one (61.5% of the isolates), followed by M. brunneum (24.4%), M. lepidiotae (9%), and M. guizhouense (5.1%). Microsatellite marker analysis of the Metarhizium isolates revealed the presence of 27 different genotypes, i.e., 10 genotypes among M. robertsii, 8 among M. brunneum, 5 among M. lepidiotae, and 4 among M. guizhouense. Metarhizium brunneum appeared to be associated with woodlands and more acid soils, while the other species showed no clear association with a particular habitat. Laboratory virulence tests against P. japonica 3[rd] instar larvae allowed the identification of one M. robertsii isolate that showed efficacy as high as 80.3%. The importance of this kind of study in the frame of eco-friendly microbiological control is discussed.}, }
@article {pmid36715608, year = {2023}, author = {Lum, JY and Chiu, MC and Tseng, SP and Scotty Yang, CC and Lee, CY}, title = {Anthropogenic Influence on the Distribution of the Longlegged Ant (Hymenoptera: Formicidae).}, journal = {Journal of economic entomology}, volume = {}, number = {}, pages = {}, doi = {10.1093/jee/toad010}, pmid = {36715608}, issn = {1938-291X}, abstract = {The longlegged ant Anoplolepis gracilipes (Smith) is a highly invasive tramp ant species known for its deleterious effects on native ecosystems. While tramp ants are associated with human activity, information on how different intensities of human activity affect their distribution is limited. This study investigated how anthropogenic activities affected the distribution of A. gracilipes in Penang, a tropical island in northern peninsular Malaysia. Three study sites (Youth Park, Sungai Ara, and Bukit Jambul/Relau) were selected, containing four sub-locations corresponding to different levels of human activity (low, moderate, high, and very high), determined by the average number of passersby observed over 30 min. Baited index cards were placed at each sub-location to evaluate ant abundance and distribution. The results demonstrated that A. gracilipes worker abundance was highest in areas of moderate human activity, as opposed to areas with low and higher human activity. The low abundance of A. gracilipes in comparatively undisturbed localities may be attributed to unsuitable microclimate, lack of propagule pressure, and diminished honeydew availability. In contrast, its exclusion from more urbanized localities could be explained by high interspecific competition with other tramp species and the absence of preferred nesting sites.}, }
@article {pmid36713485, year = {2023}, author = {Bonthond, G and Neu, AK and Bayer, T and Krueger-Hadfield, SA and Künzel, S and Weinberger, F}, title = {Non-native hosts of an invasive seaweed holobiont have more stable microbial communities compared to native hosts in response to thermal stress.}, journal = {Ecology and evolution}, volume = {13}, number = {1}, pages = {e9753}, pmid = {36713485}, issn = {2045-7758}, abstract = {Seaweeds are colonized by a microbial community, which can be directly linked to their performance. This community is shaped by an interplay of stochastic and deterministic processes, including mechanisms which the holobiont host deploys to manipulate its associated microbiota. The Anna Karenina principle predicts that when a holobiont is exposed to suboptimal or stressful conditions, these host mechanisms may be compromised. This leads to a relative increase of stochastic processes that may potentially result in the succession of a microbial community harmful to the host. Based on this principle, we used the variability in microbial communities (i.e., beta diversity) as a proxy for stability within the invasive holobiont Gracilaria vermiculophylla during a simulated invasion in a common garden experiment. Independent of host range, host performance declined at elevated temperature (22°C) and disease incidence and beta diversity increased. Under thermally stressful conditions, beta diversity increased more in epibiota from native populations, suggesting that epibiota from non-native holobionts are thermally more stable. This pattern reflects an increase in deterministic processes acting on epibiota associated with non-native hosts, which in the setting of a common garden can be assumed to originate from the host itself. Therefore, these experimental data suggest that the invasion process may have selected for hosts better able to maintain stable microbiota during stress. Future studies are needed to identify the underlying host mechanisms.}, }
@article {pmid36708137, year = {2023}, author = {Dong, R and Dong, BC and Fu, QY and Yang, Q and Dai, ZC and Luo, FL and Gao, JQ and Yu, FH and van Kleunen, M}, title = {Cultivated alien plants with high invasion potential are more likely to be traded online in China.}, journal = {Ecological applications : a publication of the Ecological Society of America}, volume = {}, number = {}, pages = {e2811}, doi = {10.1002/eap.2811}, pmid = {36708137}, issn = {1051-0761}, abstract = {Biological invasions have become a worldwide problem, and measures to efficiently prevent and control invasions are still being developed. Like many other parts of the world, China is undergoing a dramatic increase in plant invasions. Most of the currently 933 established (i.e., naturalized) plant species, of which 214 are categorized as invasive, have been introduced into China for cultivation. It is likely that many of those species are still being traded, particularly online, by plant nurseries. However, studies assessing whether naturalized and invasive species are currently being traded more or less than non-naturalized aliens are rare. We extracted online-trade information for 13,718 cultivated alien plant taxa on 1688.com, the largest website for domestic B2B in China. We analyzed how the presence in online-nursery catalogues, the number of online nurseries that offer the species for sale, and the product type (i.e., seeds, live plants and vegetative organs) differed among non-naturalized, naturalized non-invasive and invasive species. Compared to non-naturalized taxa, naturalized non-invasive and invasive taxa were 3.7 to 5.2 times more likely available for sale. Naturalized non-invasive and invasive taxa were more frequently offered as seeds by online nurseries, whereas non-naturalized taxa were more frequently offered as live plants. Based on these findings, we propose that, to reduce the further spread of invasive and potentially invasive plants, implementation of plant-trade regulations and a monitoring system of the online horticultural supply chain will be essential.}, }
@article {pmid36708094, year = {2023}, author = {Ning, Z and Cui, B and Chen, C and Xie, T and Gao, W and Zhang, Y and Zhu, Z and Shao, D and Li, D and Bai, J}, title = {Tidal channel meanders serve as stepping-stones to facilitate cordgrass landward spread by creating invasion windows.}, journal = {Ecological applications : a publication of the Ecological Society of America}, volume = {}, number = {}, pages = {e2813}, doi = {10.1002/eap.2813}, pmid = {36708094}, issn = {1051-0761}, abstract = {Understanding the mechanisms by which the geomorphic structures affect habitat invasibility by mediating various abiotic and biotic factors is essential for predicting whether these geomorphic structures may provide spatial windows of opportunity to facilitate range-expansion of invasive species in salt marshes. Many studies have linked geomorphic landscape features such as tidal channels to invasion by exotic plants, but the role of tidal channel meanders (i.e., convex and concave sides) in regulating the Spartina alterniflora invasion remains unclear. Here, we examined the combined effects of tidal channel meander-mediated hydrodynamic variables, soil abiotic stresses and propagule pressure on the colonization of Spartina in the Yellow River Delta, China, by conducting field observations and experiments. The results showed that lower hydrodynamic disturbance, bed shear stress, and higher propagule pressure triggered by eddies due to the convex structure of channel meanders facilitated Spartina seedling establishment and growth, whereas the concave side considerably inhibited the Spartina invasion. Lower soil abiotic stresses also significantly promoted the invasibility of the channel meanders by Spartina. Based on these findings, we propose a conceptual framework to illustrate the effects of the meandering geomorphology of tidal channels on the mechanisms that might allow the landward spread of Spartina and related processes. Our results demonstrate that the meandering geomorphic structures of tidal channels could act as stepping-stones to significantly facilitate the landward invasion of Spartina along tidal channels. This implies that geomorphic characteristics of tidal channels should be integrated into invasive species control and salt marsh management strategies.}, }
@article {pmid36708029, year = {2023}, author = {Wang, N and Song, M and Zhang, Y and Liu, X and Wu, P and Qi, L and Song, H and Du, N and Wang, H and Zheng, P and Wang, R}, title = {Physiological responses of Quercus acutissima and Quercus rubra seedlings to drought and defoliation treatments.}, journal = {Tree physiology}, volume = {}, number = {}, pages = {}, doi = {10.1093/treephys/tpad005}, pmid = {36708029}, issn = {1758-4469}, abstract = {Ongoing global climate change is increasing the risk of drought stress in some areas, which may compromise forest health. Such drought events also increase outbreaks of insect herbivores, resulting in plant defoliation. Interactions between drought and defoliation are poorly understood. In a greenhouse experiment, we selected a native species, Quercus acutissima, and an alien species, Quercus rubra, to explore their physiological responses to drought and defoliation treatments. After the treatments, we determined the seedlings' physiological responses on days 10 and 60. Our results showed that the defoliation treatment accelerated the carbon reserve consumption of plants under drought stress and inhibited the growth of both seedling types. Under the drought condition, Q. rubra maintained normal stem-specific hydraulic conductivity and normal growth parameters during the early stage of stress, while Q. acutissima used less water and grew more slowly during the experiment. Sixty days after defoliation treatment, the stem starch concentration of Q. acutissima was higher than that of the control group, but the stem biomass was lower. This indicates that Q. acutissima adopted a 'slow strategy' after stress, and more resources were used for storage rather than growth, which was conducive to the ability of these seedlings to resist recurrent biotic attack. Thus, Q. acutissima may be more tolerant to drought and defoliation than Q. rubra. The resource acquisition strategies of Quercus in this study suggest that the native Quercus species may be more successful at a long-term resource-poor site than the alien Quercus species.}, }
@article {pmid36706547, year = {2023}, author = {Brandler, KG and Carlton, JT}, title = {First report of marine debris as a species dispersal vector in the temperate Northwest Atlantic Ocean.}, journal = {Marine pollution bulletin}, volume = {188}, number = {}, pages = {114631}, doi = {10.1016/j.marpolbul.2023.114631}, pmid = {36706547}, issn = {1879-3363}, abstract = {We provide the first report of the role of marine debris in transporting native and introduced species in the temperate Northwest Atlantic Ocean. Plastic was the most frequent biofouled material. Thirty-three attached species (five non-native) were found on rafted debris, 16 of which have not been previously reported as rafters. Forty-six percent of the attached invertebrate rafters (including three of the introduced species, the bryozoans Fenestrulina delicia and Tricellaria inopinata and the spirorbid Janua heterostropha) detected in this study reproduce by either direct development or produce larvae of short-term planktonic existence, suggesting that rafting on long-term, non-biodegradable debris may enhance their dispersal potential. We suggest that a prominent non-native species, the green alga Codium fragile fragile, may play a previously undetected role in the transport of marine debris and associated biofouling. Marine debris may further be a potentially significant source of biodiversity records; we detected two bryozoan species in our study region that were either previously unknown or had not been found for >75 years.}, }
@article {pmid36566728, year = {2023}, author = {Qu, X and Olden, JD and Xia, W and Liu, H and Xie, Z and Hughes, RM and Chen, Y}, title = {Hydrology and water quality shape macroinvertebrate patterns and facilitate non-native species dispersals in an inter-basin water transfer system.}, journal = {Journal of environmental management}, volume = {329}, number = {}, pages = {117111}, doi = {10.1016/j.jenvman.2022.117111}, pmid = {36566728}, issn = {1095-8630}, mesh = {Animals ; *Water Quality ; *Ecosystem ; Invertebrates ; Introduced Species ; Environmental Monitoring ; Hydrology ; Rivers ; }, abstract = {Understanding biotic assemblage variations resulting from water diversions and other pressures is critical for aquatic ecosystem conservation, but hampered by limited research. Mechanisms driving macroinvertebrate assemblages were determined across five lakes along China's South-to-North Water Diversion Project, an over 900-km water transfer system connecting four river basins. We assessed macroinvertebrate patterns from 59 sites in relation to water quality, climatic, spatial, and hydrologic factors. Macroinvertebrate density, biomass, and species richness increased from upriver to downriver lakes, and were higher during the water transfer period than in the non-water transfer period. Non-native species including Nephtys sp., Paranthura japonica, Potamillacf acuminata, Capitekkidae spp. and Novaculina chinensis, were distributed along the entire study system, some become dominant in upriver lakes. High species turnover occurred in two upriver lakes. Hydrology and water quality are critical factors in shaping these macroinvertebrate patterns. Hydrological disturbance by water transfer boosted macroinvertebrate abundance during the water transfer period while facilitated non-native species dispersals and increased biotic homogenization. This study indicates the need for: 1) an effective ecosystem monitoring system; 2) unified system management standards; 3) external pollution controls; and 4) limiting the dispersal of non-native species.}, }
@article {pmid36703236, year = {2023}, author = {Liu, W and An, S and Cheng, P and Zhang, K and Gong, M and Zhang, Z and Zhang, R}, title = {Whole-transcriptome profiling across different developmental stages of Aedes albopictus (Diptera: Culicidae) provides insights into chitin-related non-coding RNA and competing endogenous RNA networks.}, journal = {Parasites &amp; vectors}, volume = {16}, number = {1}, pages = {33}, pmid = {36703236}, issn = {1756-3305}, abstract = {BACKGROUND: The Asian tiger mosquito, Aedes albopictus, is one of the most invasive species and a vector of numerous arboviruses. The deleterious effects of long-term and inappropriate use of chemical pesticides have stimulated the exploration of new, environmentally friendly control strategies. Non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs) have been proven to participate in almost all biological processes of insects.<br><br>METHODS: In this study, circular RNAs (circRNAs) and microRNAs (miRNAs) covering five developmental stages [egg, early larvae, late larvae, pupae, adult (female and male)] of A. albopictus were obtained using whole-transcriptome sequencing technology. Combined with long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) from previous research, circRNA/lncRNA&#x2012;miRNA&#x2012;mitochondrial RNA (mRNA) networks were constructed.<br><br>RESULTS: A total of 1434 circRNAs and 208 miRNAs were identified. More differentially expressed circRNAs (DE circRNAs) and miRNAs (DE miRNAs) were found in the egg versus early larvae comparison group. Functional enrichment analysis demonstrated that most of the circRNA/lncRNA&#x2012;miRNA&#x2012;mRNA networks were involved in chitin metabolism. Hub genes of each circRNA/lncRNA&#x2012;miRNA&#x2012;mRNA network were screened out, which can be used as novel targets to disturb the molting process of A. albopictus.<br><br>CONCLUSIONS: Regulatory relationships obtained from competing endogenous RNA (ceRNA) networks provide more information to manipulate the metamorphosis process and are helpful for developing effective and sustainable methods to control mosquitoes.}, }
@article {pmid36702272, year = {2023}, author = {Oficialdegui, FJ and Zamora-Marín, JM and Guareschi, S and Anastácio, PM and García-Murillo, P and Ribeiro, F and Miranda, R and Cobo, F and Gallardo, B and García-Berthou, E and Boix, D and Arias, A and Cuesta, JA and Medina, L and Almeida, D and Banha, F and Barca, S and Biurrun, I and Cabezas, MP and Calero, S and Campos, JA and Capdevila-Argüelles, L and Capinha, C and Casals, F and Clavero, M and Encarnação, J and Fernández-Delgado, C and Franco, J and Guillén, A and Hermoso, V and Machordom, A and Martelo, J and Mellado-Díaz, A and Morcillo, F and Oscoz, J and Perdices, A and Pou-Rovira, Q and Rodríguez-Merino, A and Ros, M and Ruiz-Navarro, A and Sánchez, MI and Sánchez-Fernández, D and Sánchez-González, JR and Sánchez-Gullón, E and Teodósio, MA and Torralva, M and Vieira-Lanero, R and Oliva-Paterna, FJ}, title = {A horizon scan exercise for aquatic invasive alien species in Iberian inland waters.}, journal = {The Science of the total environment}, volume = {}, number = {}, pages = {161798}, doi = {10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.161798}, pmid = {36702272}, issn = {1879-1026}, abstract = {As the number of introduced species keeps increasing unabatedly, identifying and prioritising current and potential Invasive Alien Species (IAS) has become essential to manage them. Horizon Scanning (HS), defined as an exploration of potential threats, is considered a fundamental component of IAS management. By combining scientific knowledge on taxa with expert opinion, we identified the most relevant aquatic IAS in the Iberian Peninsula, i.e., those with the greatest geographic extent (or probability of introduction), severe ecological, economic and human health impacts, greatest difficulty and acceptability of management. We highlighted the 126 most relevant IAS already present in Iberian inland waters (i.e., Concern list) and 89 with a high probability of being introduced in the near future (i.e., Alert list), of which 24 and 10 IAS, respectively, were considered as a management priority after receiving the highest scores in the expert assessment (i.e., top-ranked IAS). In both lists, aquatic IAS belonging to the four thematic groups (plants, freshwater invertebrates, estuarine invertebrates, and vertebrates) were identified as having been introduced through various pathways from different regions of the world and classified according to their main functional feeding groups. Also, the latest update of the list of IAS of Union concern pursuant to Regulation (EU) No 1143/2014 includes only 12 top-ranked IAS identified for the Iberian Peninsula, while the national lists incorporate the vast majority of them. This fact underlines the great importance of taxa prioritisation exercises at biogeographical scales as a step prior to risk analyses and their inclusion in national lists. This HS provides a robust assessment and a cost-effective strategy for decision-makers and stakeholders to prioritise the use of limited resources for IAS prevention and management. Although applied at a transnational level in a European biodiversity hotspot, this approach is designed for potential application at any geographical or administrative scale, including the continental one.}, }
@article {pmid36699674, year = {2022}, author = {Siddiqui, JA and Fan, R and Naz, H and Bamisile, BS and Hafeez, M and Ghani, MI and Wei, Y and Xu, Y and Chen, X}, title = {Insights into insecticide-resistance mechanisms in invasive species: Challenges and control strategies.}, journal = {Frontiers in physiology}, volume = {13}, number = {}, pages = {1112278}, pmid = {36699674}, issn = {1664-042X}, abstract = {Threatening the global community is a wide variety of potential threats, most notably invasive pest species. Invasive pest species are non-native organisms that humans have either accidentally or intentionally spread to new regions. One of the most effective and first lines of control strategies for controlling pests is the application of insecticides. These toxic chemicals are employed to get rid of pests, but they pose great risks to people, animals, and plants. Pesticides are heavily used in managing invasive pests in the current era. Due to the overuse of synthetic chemicals, numerous invasive species have already developed resistance. The resistance development is the main reason for the failure to manage the invasive species. Developing pesticide resistance management techniques necessitates a thorough understanding of the mechanisms through which insects acquire insecticide resistance. Insects use a variety of behavioral, biochemical, physiological, genetic, and metabolic methods to deal with toxic chemicals, which can lead to resistance through continuous overexpression of detoxifying enzymes. An overabundance of enzymes causes metabolic resistance, detoxifying pesticides and rendering them ineffective against pests. A key factor in the development of metabolic resistance is the amplification of certain metabolic enzymes, specifically esterases, Glutathione S-transferase, Cytochromes p450 monooxygenase, and hydrolyses. Additionally, insect guts offer unique habitats for microbial colonization, and gut bacteria may serve their hosts a variety of useful services. Most importantly, the detoxification of insecticides leads to resistance development. The complete knowledge of invasive pest species and their mechanisms of resistance development could be very helpful in coping with the challenges and effectively developing effective strategies for the control of invasive species. Integrated Pest Management is particularly effective at lowering the risk of chemical and environmental contaminants and the resulting health issues, and it may also offer the most effective ways to control insect pests.}, }
@article {pmid36699573, year = {2023}, author = {Chiu, JH and Chong, KY and Lum, SKY and Wardle, DA}, title = {Trends in the direction of global plant invasion biology research over the past two decades.}, journal = {Ecology and evolution}, volume = {13}, number = {1}, pages = {e9690}, pmid = {36699573}, issn = {2045-7758}, abstract = {Invasive plants are a growing ecological problem worldwide, but biases and patterns within invasive plant research may affect our understanding of invasive plant ecology. In this study, we analyzed 458 invasive plant papers sampled from the two journals dedicated entirely to the field of invasion biology, i.e., Biological Invasions and Neobiota. From these papers, we collected information on geographic coverage, climate, habitat, taxonomic coverage, plant functional type, and research topic to examine trends across a 21-year time period from 1999 to 2020. Our analysis found that invasive plant research was consistently biased toward temperate grassland and forest ecosystems particularly within the Americas, Europe, and Australia, and toward smaller, herbaceous invasive plant species (i.e., forbs, grasses, and shrubs), with an increase in interest in invasive nitrogen-fixing legumes over time. Our analysis also identified "hot" research topics in invasive plant research at specific time periods, such as a peak in the use of genetic analysis methods in 2014-2015 and a more recent focus on plant physiological and functional traits. While current models, concepts, and understanding of plant invasion ecology are still driven by such biases, this has been partially offset by recent increased research in understudied systems, as well as increasing awareness that plant invasion is heavily affected by their growth types, physiological traits, and soil interactions. As the field of invasion biology becomes ever increasingly important over time, focusing invasive plant research on understudied ecosystems and plant groups will allow us to develop a more holistic understanding of the ecology of invasive plants. In particular, given the outsized importance of the tropics to global biodiversity, the threats they face, and the dearth of studies, it is of critical importance that more invasive plant research is conducted within the tropics to develop a more globally representative understanding of invasive plant ecology.}, }
@article {pmid36699132, year = {2023}, author = {Konopiński, MK and Fijarczyk, AM and Biedrzycka, A}, title = {Complex patterns shape immune genes diversity during invasion of common raccoon in Europe - Selection in action despite genetic drift.}, journal = {Evolutionary applications}, volume = {16}, number = {1}, pages = {134-151}, pmid = {36699132}, issn = {1752-4571}, abstract = {Rapid adaptation is common in invasive populations and is crucial to their long-term success. The primary target of selection in the invasive species' new range is standing genetic variation. Therefore, genetic drift and natural selection acting on existing variation are key evolutionary processes through which invaders will evolve over a short timescale. In this study, we used the case of the raccoon Procyon lotor invasion in Europe to identify the forces shaping the diversity of immune genes during invasion. The genes involved in the defence against infection should be under intense selection pressure in the invasive range where novel pathogens are expected to occur. To disentangle the selective and demographic processes shaping the adaptive immune diversity of its invasive and expanding populations, we have developed species-specific single-nucleotide polymorphism markers located in the coding regions of targeted immune-related genes. We characterised the genetic diversity of 110 functionally important immune genes in two invasive and one native raccoon genetic clusters, each presenting a different demographic history. Despite the strong effect of demographic processes in the invasive clusters, we detected a subset of genes exhibiting the diversity pattern suggestive of selection. The most likely process shaping the variation in those genes was balancing selection. The selected genes belong to toll-like receptors and cytokine-related genes. Our results suggest that the prevalence of selection depends on the level of diversity, that is - less genetically diverse invasive population from the Czech Republic displayed fewer signs of selection. Our results highlight the role of standing genetic variation in adapting to new environment. Understanding the evolutionary mechanisms behind invasion success would enable predicting how populations may respond to environmental change.}, }
@article {pmid36699130, year = {2023}, author = {Deschepper, P and Vanbergen, S and Zhang, Y and Li, Z and Hassani, IM and Patel, NA and Rasolofoarivao, H and Singh, S and Wee, SL and De Meyer, M and Virgilio, M and Delatte, H}, title = {Bactrocera dorsalis in the Indian Ocean: A tale of two invasions.}, journal = {Evolutionary applications}, volume = {16}, number = {1}, pages = {48-61}, pmid = {36699130}, issn = {1752-4571}, abstract = {An increasing number of invasive fruit fly pests are colonizing new grounds. With this study, we aimed to uncover the invasion pathways of the oriental fruit fly, Bactrocera dorsalis into the islands of the Indian Ocean. By using genome-wide SNP data and a multipronged approach consisting of PCA, ancestry analysis, phylogenetic inference, and kinship networks, we were able to resolve two independent invasion pathways. A western invasion pathway involved the stepping-stone migration of B. dorsalis from the east African coast into the Comoros, along Mayotte and into Madagascar with a decreasing genetic diversity. The Mascarene islands (Reunion and Mauritius), on the contrary, were colonized directly from Asia and formed a distinct cluster. The low nucleotide diversity suggests that only a few genotypes invaded the Mascarenes. The presence of many long runs of homozygosity (ROH) in the introduced populations is indicative of population bottlenecks, with evidence of a more severe bottleneck for populations along the western migration pathway than on the Mascarene islands. More strict phytosanitary regulations are recommended in order to prevent the further spread of B. dorsalis.}, }
@article {pmid36698490, year = {2023}, author = {,  and Bragard, C and Baptista, P and Chatzivassiliou, E and Di Serio, F and Gonthier, P and Jaques Miret, JA and Justesen, AF and Magnusson, CS and Milonas, P and Navas-Cortes, JA and Parnell, S and Potting, R and Reignault, PL and Stefani, E and Thulke, HH and Van der Werf, W and Vicent Civera, A and Yuen, J and Zappalà, L and Grégoire, JC and Malumphy, C and Kertesz, V and Maiorano, A and MacLeod, A}, title = {Pest categorisation of Nipaecoccus viridis.}, journal = {EFSA journal. European Food Safety Authority}, volume = {21}, number = {1}, pages = {e07770}, pmid = {36698490}, issn = {1831-4732}, abstract = {The EFSA Panel on Plant Health performed a pest categorisation of Nipaecoccus viridis (Hemiptera: Sternorrhyncha: Pseudococcidae), the spherical scale, for the EU. It is of Asian origin and occurs widely in southern Asia, Africa and tropical Australia. It has been introduced to a few countries in the Americas. In the Mediterranean basin it is found in Algeria, Egypt, Israel, Syria and Turkey, where it is limited to the Marmara region. It has not been reported within the EU. It is not listed in Annex II of Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2019/2072. It reproduces sexually, has three generations each year in citrus orchards in South Africa, and all stages can overwinter. First instar nymphs may move to neighbouring plants by crawling or be passively dispersed by wind or hitchhiking on clothing, equipment or animals. It is highly polyphagous, feeding on plants in 115 genera and 46 families. It is an important pest of citrus (Citrus spp.), cotton (Gossypium spp.), mango (Mangifera indica), avocado (Persea americana) and stored potatoes (Solanum tuberosum). It also feeds on a wide range of other fruit (apple Malus domestica, olive Olea europea, pear Pyrus communis and grape Vitis vinifera) and vegetable crops (tomato Solanum lycopersicum), and ornamental plants (roses, Rosa spp.) that are widely grown in the EU. Plants for planting, fruits, vegetables, and cut flowers are the main potential pathways for entry of N. viridis into the EU. Climatic conditions and availability of host plants in southern parts of the EU where there are few days of frost each year would likely allow this species to successfully establish and spread. Reductions in yield and quality of cultivated hosts including avocado, citrus, cotton and mango is anticipated if establishment occurs. Phytosanitary measures are available to reduce the likelihood of entry and spread. N. viridis meets the criteria that are within the remit of EFSA to assess for this species to be regarded as a potential Union quarantine pest.}, }
@article {pmid36689420, year = {2023}, author = {Hu, SY and Gao, H and Li, J and Wang, YH and Gao, AG and Wen, JH and Balah, MA and Wu, AP}, title = {The latitudinal and longitudinal allelopathic patterns of an invasive alligator weed (Alternanthera philoxeroides) in China.}, journal = {PloS one}, volume = {18}, number = {1}, pages = {e0280866}, pmid = {36689420}, issn = {1932-6203}, mesh = {Animals ; Plant Weeds ; Introduced Species ; *Alligators and Crocodiles ; Allelopathy ; *Amaranthaceae ; China ; Plant Extracts ; }, abstract = {Allelopathy has been considered a good explanation for the successful invasion of some invasive plants. However, the real latitudinal and longitudinal allelopathic effects on native species have rarely been documented since many exotics have spread widely. We conducted a Petri dish experiment to determine the latitudinal and longitudinal allelopathic patterns of an invasive alligator weed (Alternanthera philoxeroides) on a common crop (Lactuca sativa) in China, and find what determines the allelopathic intensity. The results showed that the allelopathic effects of A. philoxeroides increased with the latitude while decreased with the longitude. This indicated that A. philoxeroides used its allelopathy to gain competitive advantages more in its recent invaded communities than that in its early invaded ones as A. philoxeroides is expanding from southeast China to northwest China. Furthermore, we found that the allelopathic intensity of A. philoxeroide was negatively correlated to the leaf contents of soluble carbohydrate (SC), carbon (C) and nitrogen (N), but that was positively correlated to the leaf contents of soluble protein (SP), free amino acids (FAA), plant polyphenol (PP), phosphorus (P) and potassium (K). These results suggested that the allelopathic intensity of A. philoxeroide was more determined by the limited P and K nutrients as well as the intermediate allelochemicals (SP, FAA, PP) rather than the unlimited C, N and SC. Thus, we can speculate that the negative or positive effects of plant aqueous extracts are a function of not only the extract concentrations but also the trade-offs between inhibition and promotion of all components in the extracts. Then we could reduce the allelopathic effects of A. philoxeroide by controlling the component contents in the plant tissues, by fertilization or other managements, especially in the plant recent invaded communities.}, }
@article {pmid36198403, year = {2023}, author = {Nahrung, HF and Liebhold, AM and Brockerhoff, EG and Rassati, D}, title = {Forest Insect Biosecurity: Processes, Patterns, Predictions, Pitfalls.}, journal = {Annual review of entomology}, volume = {68}, number = {}, pages = {211-229}, doi = {10.1146/annurev-ento-120220-010854}, pmid = {36198403}, issn = {1545-4487}, mesh = {Animals ; *Biosecurity ; *Introduced Species ; Forests ; Internationality ; Insecta ; }, abstract = {The economic and environmental threats posed by non-native forest insects are ever increasing with the continuing globalization of trade and travel; thus, the need for mitigation through effective biosecurity is greater than ever. However, despite decades of research and implementation of preborder, border, and postborder preventative measures, insect invasions continue to occur, with no evidence of saturation, and are even predicted to accelerate. In this article, we review biosecurity measures used to mitigate the arrival, establishment, spread, and impacts of non-native forest insects and possible impediments to the successful implementation of these measures. Biosecurity successes are likely under-recognized because they are difficult to detect and quantify, whereas failures are more evident in the continued establishment of additional non-native species. There are limitations in existing biosecurity systems at global and country scales (for example, inspecting all imports is impossible, no phytosanitary measures are perfect, knownunknowns cannot be regulated against, and noncompliance is an ongoing problem). Biosecurity should be a shared responsibility across countries, governments, stakeholders, and individuals.}, }
@article {pmid36693815, year = {2023}, author = {Hoffmann, BD and Tessmann, A and Quinn, G and Lawton, F}, title = {Quantification of flight times of aerial treatments targeting invasive species: The interplay of helicopter or drone with bait delivery systems, flight speed and bait form.}, journal = {Pest management science}, volume = {}, number = {}, pages = {}, doi = {10.1002/ps.7379}, pmid = {36693815}, issn = {1526-4998}, abstract = {BACKGROUND: Aerial treatments for invasive species management are now common, but we are unaware of any work published in the scientific literature quantifying how the interplay of numerous factors affects flight times and therefore operational costs. Here we analyse aerial treatment data collected from two ant eradication programs, quantifying how the relationships between flight time and area are influenced by numerous aircraft/delivery system/bait/flight speed combinations.<br><br>RESULTS: For bait dispersal by helicopters, and when swath widths are equivalent, using side-mounted Isolair was significantly more efficient than simultaneous use of two underslung buckets, and using two buckets was slightly but not significantly more efficient than using just one bucket. In this scenario delivery by Isolair was, on average, 39.8% and 31.5% more efficient than the use of either one or two buckets respectively. But when the swath width used with the Isolair was halved to 10&#x2009;m and the flight speed increased slightly, the flight time was significantly greater compared to both other configurations. For bait dispersed by drone, flights conducted using an upgraded flight management system (FMS) and higher flight speed but smaller swath width were significantly more efficient than those using the older FMS and lower flight speed. Over 10&#x2009;ha and 50&#x2009;ha the helicopter was 2.87 and 4.82 times more time efficient than the drone.<br><br>CONCLUSION: We highly encourage practitioners to publish data of their aerial treatments, as well as to try new methods, to enable an acceleration of improving efficiencies and reducing costs of aerial treatments. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.}, }
@article {pmid36693571, year = {2023}, author = {Stock, A and Murray, CC and Gregr, E and Steenbeek, J and Woodburn, E and Micheli, F and Christensen, V and Chan, KMA}, title = {Exploring multiple stressor effects with Ecopath, Ecosim, and Ecospace: Research designs, modeling techniques, and future directions.}, journal = {The Science of the total environment}, volume = {}, number = {}, pages = {161719}, doi = {10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.161719}, pmid = {36693571}, issn = {1879-1026}, abstract = {Understanding the cumulative effects of multiple stressors is a research priority in environmental science. Ecological models are a key component of tackling this challenge because they can simulate interactions between the components of an ecosystem. Here, we ask, how has the popular modeling platform Ecopath with Ecosim (EwE) been used to model human impacts related to climate change, land and sea use, pollution, and invasive species? We conducted a literature review encompassing 166 studies covering stressors other than fishing mostly in aquatic ecosystems. The most modeled stressors were physical climate change (60 studies), species introductions (22), habitat loss (21), and eutrophication (20), using a range of modeling techniques. Despite this comprehensive coverage, we identified four gaps that must be filled to harness the potential of EwE for studying multiple stressor effects. First, only 12% of studies investigated three or more stressors, with most studies focusing on single stressors. Furthermore, many studies modeled only one of many pathways through which each stressor is known to affect ecosystems. Second, various methods have been applied to define environmental response functions representing the effects of single stressors on species groups. These functions can have a large effect on the simulated ecological changes, but best practices for deriving them are yet to emerge. Third, human dimensions of environmental change - except for fisheries - were rarely considered. Fourth, only 3% of studies used statistical research designs that allow attribution of simulated ecosystem changes to stressors' direct effects and interactions, such as factorial (computational) experiments. None made full use of the statistical possibilities that arise when simulations can be repeated many times with controlled changes to the inputs. We argue that all four gaps are feasibly filled by integrating ecological modeling with advances in other subfields of environmental science and in computational statistics.}, }
@article {pmid36693350, year = {2023}, author = {Wolf, S and Collatz, J and Enkerli, J and Widmer, F and Romeis, J}, title = {Assessing potential hybridization between a hypothetical gene drive-modified Drosophila suzukii and nontarget Drosophila species.}, journal = {Risk analysis : an official publication of the Society for Risk Analysis}, volume = {}, number = {}, pages = {}, doi = {10.1111/risa.14096}, pmid = {36693350}, issn = {1539-6924}, abstract = {Genetically engineered gene drives (geGD) are potentially powerful tools for suppressing or even eradicating populations of pest insects. Before living geGD insects can be released into the environment, they must pass an environmental risk assessment to ensure that their release will not cause unacceptable harm to non-targeted entities of the environment. A key research question concerns the likelihood that nontarget species will acquire the functional GD elements; such acquisition could lead to reduced abundance or loss of those species and to a disruption of the ecosystem services they provide. The main route for gene flow is through hybridization between the geGD insect strain and closely related species that co-occur in the area of release and its expected dispersal. Using the invasive spotted-wing drosophila, Drosophila suzukii, as a case study, we provide a generally applicable strategy on how a combination of interspecific hybridization experiments, behavioral observations, and molecular genetic analyses can be used to assess the potential for hybridization.}, }
@article {pmid36692691, year = {2023}, author = {Zaninotto, V and Thebault, E and Dajoz, I}, title = {Native and exotic plants play different roles in urban pollination networks across seasons.}, journal = {Oecologia}, volume = {}, number = {}, pages = {}, pmid = {36692691}, issn = {1432-1939}, abstract = {Urban areas often host exotic plant species, whether managed or spontaneous. These plants are suspected of affecting pollinator diversity and the structure of pollination networks. However, in dense cityscapes, exotic plants also provide additional flower resources during periods of scarcity, and the consequences for the seasonal dynamics of networks still need to be investigated. For two consecutive years, we monitored monthly plant-pollinator networks in 12 green spaces in Paris, France. We focused on seasonal variations in the availability and attractiveness of flower resources, comparing native and exotic plants at both the species and community levels. We also considered their respective contributions to network properties over time (specialization and nestedness). Exotic plants provided more abundant and diverse flower resources than native plants, especially from late summer on. However, native plants received more visits and attracted more pollinator species at the community level; and during certain times of the year at the species level as well. Exotic plants were involved in more generalist interactions, increasingly so over the seasons. In addition, they contributed more to network nestedness than native plants. These results show that exotic plants are major components of plant-pollinator interactions in a dense urban landscape, even though they are less attractive than natives. They constitute a core of generalist interactions that increase nestedness and can participate in the overall stability of the network. However, most exotic species were seldom visited by insects. Pollinator communities may benefit from including more native species when managing urban green spaces.}, }
@article {pmid36691856, year = {2023}, author = {Li, Y and Xu, X}, title = {No evidence that modification of soil microbiota by woody invader facilitates subsequent invasion by herbaceous species.}, journal = {Ecological applications : a publication of the Ecological Society of America}, volume = {}, number = {}, pages = {e2807}, doi = {10.1002/eap.2807}, pmid = {36691856}, issn = {1051-0761}, abstract = {Many terrestrial ecosystems are co-invaded by multiple exotic species. The "invasional meltdown" hypothesis predicts that an initial invasive species will facilitate secondary invasions. In the plant kingdom, the potential underlying mechanisms of this hypothesis may be that modification of the soil properties by the initial invaders benefits for the subsequent exotic species invasion. In this study, we analyzed the composition of soil microbial communities and soil chemical properties from sites invaded by woody Rhus typhina, as well as uninvaded sites, to assess the impact of R. typhina invasion. Furthermore, we conducted a greenhouse experiment with multiple native-invasive pairs of herbaceous species to test whether R. typhina invasion facilitates subsequent exotic herb invasion. Our results showed that R. typthian invasion significantly altered the composition of soil fungal communities, especially pathogenic, endophytic, and arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi. However, this change in microbial composition led to neither direction nor magnitude changes in negative plant-soil feedback effects on both native and invasive species. This indicates that initial R. typhina invasion does not facilitate subsequent herb invasion, which does not support the "invasional meltdown" hypothesis. Additionally, R. typthian invasion significantly decreased soil total nitrogen and organic carbon contents, which may explain the significantly lower biomass of herbaceous roots grown in invaded soils than uninvaded soils. Alternately, although invasive herb growth was significantly more inhibited by soil microbiota than native herb growth, such inhibition cannot completely eliminate the risk of exotic herb invasion because of their innate growth advantages. Therefore, microbial biocontrol agents for plant invasion management should be combined with another approach to suppress the innate growth advantages of exotic species.}, }
@article {pmid36690109, year = {2023}, author = {Deshpande, P and Sharma, R and Lehikoinen, A and Thorogood, R}, title = {Native fauna interact differently with native and alien trees in a tropical megacity.}, journal = {The Science of the total environment}, volume = {}, number = {}, pages = {161683}, doi = {10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.161683}, pmid = {36690109}, issn = {1879-1026}, abstract = {The negative effects of invasive alien plant species on natural ecosystems are well known. However, in rapidly growing cities, alien plants can provide native fauna with resources otherwise lost due to the biotic homogenization, which is common to urban ecosystems. Interactions of native fauna with alien flora have thus far focused largely on invertebrate pollinators in temperate cities in the northern hemisphere. Cities in tropical areas, however, are larger and are growing more rapidly, and host a variety of vertebrate pollinators. Understanding how birds and mammals interact with native and alien flora in these megacities could improve management of urban ecosystems in highly biodiverse regions while limiting invasion potential. Therefore, here we investigate whether native diurnal birds and mammals interact differently with native versus alien trees in Bengaluru, India where historical planting has led to an abundance of alien tree species. We find that tree origin alone was not an important predictor for bird species richness and abundance, but taller native trees with large floral display sizes were more species rich than alien trees of similar floral displays. As expected from their shared evolutionary history, nectarivorous birds fed from native trees more often in a manner that could facilitate pollination, but engaged in nectar theft more often with alien trees. Squirrels (the mammal observed most frequently to interact with flowers) were more likely, however, to depredate flowers of native trees. Our results suggest alien trees can be an important resource for fauna in expanding urban areas, and that nectar theft by birds could reduce the seed set of alien trees.}, }
@article {pmid36689844, year = {2023}, author = {Bae, S and Kim, P and Yi, CH}, title = {Biodiversity and spatial distribution of ascidian using environmental DNA metabarcoding.}, journal = {Marine environmental research}, volume = {185}, number = {}, pages = {105893}, doi = {10.1016/j.marenvres.2023.105893}, pmid = {36689844}, issn = {1879-0291}, abstract = {Monitoring studies are necessary to understand the biodiversity of marine ecosystems and are useful for identifying and managing rare or invasive species. Because monitoring has traditionally relied only on visual surveys (e.g., trapping, netting, electrofishing, and SCUBA diving) with limited time and physical resources, environmental DNA (eDNA) analysis is being applied as an efficient monitoring method. This study compared whether the eDNA metabarcoding technique can replace the traditional visual survey in an ascidian fauna study. We designed ascidian-specific primers and identified a clear gap (3.75%) by barcoding gap analysis. Then, we collected seawater samples for eDNA analysis during the summer (August-September) of 2021 at three sites (Mokpo, Yeosu, and Uljin) in South Korea. In the survey sites of this study, 25 species were observed through literature and visual survey, among which 9 species were detected by metabarcoding and 16 species were not detected. On the other hand, 10 species were detected only by metabarcoding, and one of them was identified as Pyura mirabilis, an unrecorded species in South Korea. This study succeeded in detecting cryptic or rare species with one seawater collection, which can be used to determine their unexplored habitat. Therefore, we conclude that monitoring using eDNA is more efficient than visual surveys for detecting rare or cryptic ascidian species. We also suggest that, when combined with traditional monitoring methods, it could be a tool to complement ascidian fauna studies.}, }
@article {pmid36688078, year = {2023}, author = {Peter, N and Dörge, DD and Cunze, S and Schantz, AV and Skaljic, A and Rueckert, S and Klimpel, S}, title = {Raccoons contraband - The metazoan parasite fauna of free-ranging raccoons in central Europe.}, journal = {International journal for parasitology. Parasites and wildlife}, volume = {20}, number = {}, pages = {79-88}, pmid = {36688078}, issn = {2213-2244}, abstract = {The invasive raccoon (Procyon lotor) is an abundant carnivore and considered as an important potential vector of infectious diseases and parasites in Europe. Raccoons show a broad, opportunistic, omnivorous food spectrum. Food supply and habitat quality in urban areas are very attractive for the generalist raccoon. This inevitably leads to increased interaction with humans, domestic animals and livestock, making the raccoon a potentially suitable zoonosis vector. In its autochthonous range, especially in the Eastern and Midwestern United States, the raccoon has been studied very intensively since the beginning of the 20th century. Whereas, basic field biology and parasitology studies in Germany and Europe are lacking and have only been conducted sporadically, regionally and on small sample sizes. In the presented study 234 raccoons from central Germany were comprehensively examined for their metazoan parasite fauna. The present study shows for the first time an extremely diverse parasite fauna in raccoons outside their native range and proves their essential role as intermediate hosts and hosts for ecto- and endoparasites. A total of 23 different parasite species were identified, five of which are human pathogens, 14 of which are new for the parasite fauna of raccoons in Europe. The human pathogenic raccoon roundworm Baylisascaris procyonis is the most common parasite species in this study, with a prevalence of up to 95%. The digenetic trematode Plagiorchis muris, another human pathogenic parasite species, was detected for the first time in raccoons. The ongoing spread of invasive carnivores and the associated spread and transmission of their parasites and other pathogens increases the potential health risk of wild and farmed animals as well as humans. An increase in parasitic diseases in humans (e.g. raccoon roundworm) is to be expected, especially in urban areas, where raccoons are becoming more and more abundant.}, }
@article {pmid36685646, year = {2023}, author = {Seok, S and Jacobsen, CM and Romero-Weaver, AL and Wang, X and Nguyen, VT and Collier, TC and Riles, MT and Akbari, OS and Lee, Y}, title = {Complete mitogenome sequence of Aedes (Hulecoeteomyia) japonicus japonicus from Hawai'i Island.}, journal = {Mitochondrial DNA. Part B, Resources}, volume = {8}, number = {1}, pages = {64-68}, pmid = {36685646}, issn = {2380-2359}, abstract = {We report the first complete mitogenome (Mt) sequence of Aedes japonicus japonicus (Diptera: Culicidae). The sequence was extracted from one adult from the Big Island of Hawai'i Island. The length of the Ae. japonicus japonicus Mt was 16,528bp with 78.1% AT content. Its sequence is most similar to the Mt sequence of Aedes koreicus with 90.81% sequence identity. This is the first full Mt sequence available for this species and provides important genetic resource for studying population genetics and dynamics of this important invasive mosquito species.}, }
@article {pmid36685188, year = {2022}, author = {Garcia-Rueda, AL and Mascaro, M and Rodriguez-Fuentes, G and Caamal-Monsreal, CP and Diaz, F and Paschke, K and Rosas, C}, title = {Moderate hypoxia mitigates the physiological effects of high temperature on the tropical blue crab Callinectes sapidus.}, journal = {Frontiers in physiology}, volume = {13}, number = {}, pages = {1089164}, pmid = {36685188}, issn = {1664-042X}, abstract = {Dissolved oxygen (DO) and water temperature vary in coastal environments. In tropical regions, the ability of aquatic ectotherms to cope with hypoxia and high-temperature interactive effects is fundamental for their survival. The mechanisms underlying both hypoxia and thermal tolerance are known to be interconnected, therefore, the idea of cross-tolerance between both environmental stressors has been put forward. We investigated the combined role of hypoxia and temperature changes on the physiological responses of blue crab Callinectes sapidus living in the southern Gulf of Mexico. We measured oxygen consumption, plasmatic biochemical indicators, total hemocyte count (THC), and antioxidant activity biomarkers in muscle and gill tissues of blue crab acclimated to moderate hypoxia or normoxia and exposed to a thermal fluctuation or a constant temperature, the former including a temperature beyond the optimum range. Animals recovered their routine metabolic rate (RMR) after experiencing thermal stress in normoxia, reflecting physiological plasticity to temperature changes. In hypoxia, the effect of increasing temperature was modulated as reflected in the RMR and plasmatic biochemical indicators concentration, and the THC did not suggest significant alterations in the health status. In both DO, the antioxidant defense system was active against oxidative (OX) damage to lipids and proteins. However, hypoxia was associated with an increase in the amelioration of OX damage. These results show that C. sapidus can modulate its thermal response in a stringent dependency with DO, supporting the idea of local acclimatization to tropical conditions, and providing insights into its potential as invasive species.}, }
@article {pmid36684796, year = {2022}, author = {Liu, YY and Yang, QF and Li, Z and Zhou, ZX and Shi, XP and Wang, YJ}, title = {Parallel genetic and phenotypic differentiation of Erigeron annuus invasion in China.}, journal = {Frontiers in plant science}, volume = {13}, number = {}, pages = {994367}, pmid = {36684796}, issn = {1664-462X}, abstract = {INTRODUCTION: The factors that determine the growth and spread advantages of an alien plant during the invasion process remain open to debate. The genetic diversity and differentiation of an invasive plant population might be closely related to its growth adaptation and spread in the introduced range. However, little is known about whether phenotypic and genetic variation in invasive plant populations covary during the invasion process along invaded geographic distances.<br><br>METHODS: In a wild experiment, we examined the genetic variation in populations of the aggressively invasive species Erigeron annuus at different geographical distances from the first recorded point of introduction (FRPI) in China. We also measured growth traits in the wild and common garden experiments, and the coefficient of variation (CV) of populations in the common garden experiments.<br><br>RESULTS AND DISCUSSION: We found that E. annuus populations had better growth performance (i.e., height and biomass) and genetic diversity, and less trait variation, in the long-term introduced region (east) than in the short-term introduced region (west). Furthermore, population growth performance was significantly positively or negatively correlated with genetic diversity or genetic variation. Our results indicate that there was parallel genetic and phenotypic differentiation along the invaded geographic distance in response to adaptation and spread, and populations that entered introduced regions earlier had consistently high genetic diversity and high growth dominance. Growth and reproduction traits can be used as reliable predictors of the adaptation and genetic variation of invasive plants.}, }
@article {pmid36683956, year = {2022}, author = {Huisamen, EJ and Karsten, M and Terblanche, JS}, title = {Are Signals of Local Environmental Adaptation Diluted by Laboratory Culture?.}, journal = {Current research in insect science}, volume = {2}, number = {}, pages = {100048}, pmid = {36683956}, issn = {2666-5158}, abstract = {Insects have the ability to readily adapt to changes in environmental conditions, however the strength of local environmental adaptation signals under divergent conditions and the occurrence of trait inertia after relaxation of selection, remains poorly understood, especially for traits of climate stress resistance (CSR) and their phenotypic plasticity. The strength of environmental adaptation signals depend on several selection pressures present in the local environment, while trait inertia often occurs when there is a weakening or removal of a source of selection. Here, using Drosophila melanogaster, we asked whether signals of adaptation in CSR traits (critical thermal limits, heat and chill survival and, desiccation and starvation resistance) persist after exposure to laboratory culture for different durations (two vs. ten generations) across four climatically distinct populations. We show that culture duration has large effects on CSR traits and can both amplify or dilute signals of local adaptation. Effects were however dependent upon interactions between the source population, acclimation (adult acclimation at either 18 °C, 23 °C or 28 °C) conditions and the sex of the flies. Trait plasticity is markedly affected by the interaction between the source population, the specific acclimation conditions employed, and the duration in the laboratory. Therefore, a complex matrix of dynamic CSR trait responses is shown in space and time. Given these strong interaction effects, 'snapshot' estimates of environmental adaptation can result in misleading conclusions about the fitness consequences of climate variability.}, }
@article {pmid36683955, year = {2022}, author = {Beet, CR and Hogg, ID and Cary, SC and McDonald, IR and Sinclair, BJ}, title = {The Resilience of Polar Collembola (Springtails) in a Changing Climate.}, journal = {Current research in insect science}, volume = {2}, number = {}, pages = {100046}, pmid = {36683955}, issn = {2666-5158}, abstract = {Assessing the resilience of polar biota to climate change is essential for predicting the effects of changing environmental conditions for ecosystems. Collembola are abundant in terrestrial polar ecosystems and are integral to food-webs and soil nutrient cycling. Using available literature, we consider resistance (genetic diversity; behavioural avoidance and physiological tolerances; biotic interactions) and recovery potential for polar Collembola. Polar Collembola have high levels of genetic diversity, considerable capacity for behavioural avoidance, wide thermal tolerance ranges, physiological plasticity, generalist-opportunistic feeding habits and broad ecological niches. The biggest threats to the ongoing resistance of polar Collembola are increasing levels of dispersal (gene flow), increased mean and extreme temperatures, drought, changing biotic interactions, and the arrival and spread of invasive species. If resistance capacities are insufficient, numerous studies have highlighted that while some species can recover from disturbances quickly, complete community-level recovery is exceedingly slow. Species dwelling deeper in the soil profile may be less able to resist climate change and may not recover in ecologically realistic timescales given the current rate of climate change. Ultimately, diverse communities are more likely to have species or populations that are able to resist or recover from disturbances. While much of the Arctic has comparatively high levels of diversity and phenotypic plasticity; areas of Antarctica have extremely low levels of diversity and are potentially much more vulnerable to climate change.}, }
@article {pmid36683876, year = {2023}, author = {Guiaşu, RC and Tindale, CW}, title = {Logical fallacies persist in invasion biology and blaming the messengers will not improve accountability in this field: a response to Frank et al.}, journal = {Biology &amp; philosophy}, volume = {38}, number = {1}, pages = {3}, pmid = {36683876}, issn = {0169-3867}, abstract = {We analyze the "Logical fallacies and reasonable debates in invasion biology: a response to Guiaşu and Tindale" article by Frank et al., and also discuss this work in the context of recent intense debates in invasion biology, and reactions by leading invasion biologists to critics of aspects of their field. While we acknowledge the attempt by Frank et al., at least in the second half of their paper, to take into account more diverse points of view about non-native species and their complex roles in ecosystems, we also find the accusations of misrepresenting invasion biology, for instance by "cherry-picking" and "constructing 'straw people'", directed at the Guiaşu and Tindale study to be unwarranted. Despite the sometimes harsh responses by leading invasion biologists to critics of their field, we believe that persistent and fundamental problems remain in invasion biology, and we discuss some of these problems in this article. Failing to recognize these problems, and simply dismissing or minimizing legitimate criticisms, will not advance the cause, or enhance the general appeal, of invasion biology and will prevent meaningful progress in understanding the multiple contributions non-native species can bring to various ecosystems worldwide. We recommend taking a more open-minded and pragmatic approach towards non-native species and the novel ecosystems they are an integral part of.}, }
@article {pmid36682197, year = {2023}, author = {Rochlin, I and Egizi, A and Narvaez, Z and Bonilla, DL and Gallagher, M and Williams, GM and Rainey, T and Price, DC and Fonseca, DM}, title = {Microhabitat modeling of the invasive Asian longhorned tick (Haemaphysalis longicornis) in New Jersey, USA.}, journal = {Ticks and tick-borne diseases}, volume = {14}, number = {2}, pages = {102126}, doi = {10.1016/j.ttbdis.2023.102126}, pmid = {36682197}, issn = {1877-9603}, abstract = {The Asian longhorned tick (Haemaphysalis longicornis) is a vector of multiple arboviral and bacterial pathogens in its native East Asia and expanded distribution in Australasia. This species has both bisexual and parthenogenetic populations that can reach high population densities under favorable conditions. Established populations of parthenogenetic H. longicornis were detected in the eastern United States in 2017 and the possible range of this species at the continental level (North America) based on climatic conditions has been modeled. However, little is known about factors influencing the distribution of H. longicornis at geographic scales relevant to local surveillance and control. To examine the importance of local physiogeographic conditions such as geology, soil characteristics, and land cover on the distribution of H. longicornis we employed ecological niche modeling using three machine learning algorithms - Maxent, Random Forest (RF), and Generalized Boosting Method (GBM) to estimate probability of finding H. longicornis in a particular location in New Jersey (USA), based on environmental predictors. The presence of H. longicornis in New Jersey was positively associated with Piedmont physiogeographic province and two soil types - Alfisols and Inceptisols. Soil hydraulic conductivity was the most important predictor explaining H. longicornis habitat suitability, with more permeable sandy soils with higher hydraulic conductivity being less suitable than clay or loam soils. The models were projected over the state of New Jersey creating a probabilistic map of H. longicornis habitat suitability at a high spatial resolution of 90×90 meters. The model's sensitivity was 87% for locations sampled in 2017-2019 adding to the growing evidence of the importance of soil characteristics to the survival of ticks. For the 2020-2022 dataset the model fit was 57%, suggestive of spillover to less optimal habitats or, alternatively, heterogeneity in soil characteristics at the edges of broad physiographic zones. Further modeling should incorporate abundance and life-stage information as well as detailed characterization of the soil at collection sites. Once critical parameters that drive the survival and abundance of H. longicornis are identified they can be used to guide surveillance and control strategies for this invasive species.}, }
@article {pmid36681694, year = {2023}, author = {Diller, JGP and Hüftlein, F and Lücker, D and Feldhaar, H and Laforsch, C}, title = {Allelochemical run-off from the invasive terrestrial plant Impatiens glandulifera decreases defensibility in Daphnia.}, journal = {Scientific reports}, volume = {13}, number = {1}, pages = {1207}, pmid = {36681694}, issn = {2045-2322}, abstract = {Invasive species are a major threat for native ecosystems and organisms living within. They are reducing the biodiversity in invaded ecosystems, by outcompeting native species with e. g. novel substances. Invasive terrestrial plants can release allelochemicals, thereby reducing biodiversity due to the suppression of growth of native plants in invaded habitats. Aside from negative effects on plants, allelochemicals can affect other organisms such as mycorrhiza fungi and invertebrates in terrestrial ecosystems. When invasive plants grow in riparian zones, it is very likely that terrestrial borne allelochemicals can leach into the aquatic ecosystem. There, the often highly reactive compounds may not only elicit toxic effects to aquatic organisms, but they may also interfere with biotic interactions. Here we show that the allelochemical 2-methoxy-1,4-naphthoquinone (2-MNQ), produced by the ubiquitously occurring invasive terrestrial plant Impatiens glandulifera, interferes with the ability of Daphnia to defend itself against predators with morphological defences. Daphnia magna and Daphnia longicephala responded with morphological defences induced by chemical cues released by their corresponding predators, Triops cancriformis or Notonecta sp. However, predator cues in combination with 2-MNQ led to a reduction in the morphological defensive traits, body- and tail-spine length, in D. magna. In D. longicephala all tested inducible defensive traits were not significantly affected by 2-MNQ but indicate similar patterns, highlighting the importance to study different species to assess the risks for aquatic ecosystems. Since it is essential for Daphnia to adapt defences to the current predation risk, a maladaptation in defensive traits when simultaneously exposed to allelochemicals released by I. glandulifera, may therefore have knock-on effects on population dynamics across multiple trophic levels, as Daphnia is a key species in lentic ecosystems.}, }
@article {pmid36680811, year = {2022}, author = {Gauff, RPM and Joubert, E and Curd, A and Carlier, A and Chavanon, F and Ravel, C and Bouchoucha, M}, title = {The elephant in the room: Introduced species also profit from refuge creation by artificial fish habitats.}, journal = {Marine environmental research}, volume = {185}, number = {}, pages = {105859}, doi = {10.1016/j.marenvres.2022.105859}, pmid = {36680811}, issn = {1879-0291}, abstract = {Increasingly, ecological rehabilitation is envisioned to mitigate and revert impacts of ocean sprawl on coastal marine biodiversity. While in the past studies have demonstrated the positive effects of artificial fish habitats in port areas on fish abundance and diversity, benthic colonization of these structures has not yet been taken into consideration. This could be problematic as they may provide suitable habitat for Non-Indigenous Species (NIS) and hence facilitate their spreading. The present study aimed to examine communities developing on artificial fish habitats and to observe if the number of NIS was higher than in surrounding equivalent habitats. The structures were colonized by communities that were significantly different compared to those surrounding the control habitat, and they were home to a greater number of NIS. As NIS can cause severe ecological and economical damages, our results imply that in conjunction with the ecosystem services provided by artificial fish habitats, an ecosystem disservice in the form of facilitated NIS colonization may be present. These effects have not been shown before and need to be considered to effectively decide in which situations artificial structures may be used for fish rehabilitation.}, }
@article {pmid36680327, year = {2023}, author = {Nicolosi, G and Mammola, S and Verbrugge, L and Isaia, M}, title = {Aliens in caves: the global dimension of biological invasions in subterranean ecosystems.}, journal = {Biological reviews of the Cambridge Philosophical Society}, volume = {}, number = {}, pages = {}, doi = {10.1111/brv.12933}, pmid = {36680327}, issn = {1469-185X}, abstract = {Alien species are a significant threat to natural ecosystems and human economies. Despite global efforts to address this challenge, the documented number of alien species is rapidly increasing worldwide. However, the magnitude of the impact of alien species may vary significantly across habitats. For example, some habitats are naturally less prone to biological invasions due to stringent abiotic and biotic characteristics, selecting for a limited number of introduced species possessing traits closely related to the native organisms. Subterranean ecosystems are quintessential examples of habitats with strong environmental filters (e.g. lack of light and scarcity of food), driving convergent adaptations in species that have successfully adapted to life in darkness. Despite these stringent environmental constraints, the number of records of alien species in subterranean ecosystems has increased in recent decades, but the relevant literature remains largely fragmented and mostly anecdotal. Therefore, even though caves are generally considered very fragile ecosystems, their susceptibility to impacts by alien species remains untested other than for some very specific cases. We provide the first systematic literature survey to synthesise available knowledge on alien species in subterranean ecosystems globally. This review is supported by a database summarising the available literature, aiming to identify gaps in the distribution and spread of alien invertebrate species in subterranean habitats, and laying the foundations for future management practices and interventions. First, we quantitatively assessed the current knowledge of alien species in subterranean ecosystems to shed light on broader questions about taxonomic biases, geographical patterns, modes of dispersal, pathways for introductions and potential impacts. Secondly, we collected species-specific traits for each recorded alien species and tested whether subterranean habitats act as ecological filters for their establishment, favouring organisms with pre-adaptive traits suitable for subterranean life. We found information on the presence of 246 subterranean alien species belonging to 18 different classes. The dominant alien species were invertebrates, especially insects and arachnids. Most species were reported in terrestrial subterranean habitats from all continents except Antarctica. Palaearctic and Nearctic biogeographic regions represented the main source of alien species. The main routes of introductions into the recipient country are linked to commercial activities (84.3% of cases for which there was information available). Negative impacts have been documented for a small number of case studies (22.7%), mostly related to increased competition with native species. For a limited number of case studies (6.1%), management strategies were reported but the effectiveness of these interventions has rarely been quantified. Accordingly, information on costs is very limited. Approximately half of the species in our database can be considered established in subterranean habitats. According to our results, the presence of suitable traits grants access to the stringent environmental filter posed by subterranean environments, facilitating establishment in the new habitat. We recommend that future studies deepen the understanding of invasiveness into subterranean habitats, raising public and scientific community awareness of preserving these fragile ecosystems.}, }
@article {pmid36680062, year = {2022}, author = {Pacioni, C and Hall, RN and Strive, T and Ramsey, DSL and Gill, MS and Vaughan, TG}, title = {Comparative Epidemiology of Rabbit Haemorrhagic Disease Virus Strains from Viral Sequence Data.}, journal = {Viruses}, volume = {15}, number = {1}, pages = {}, doi = {10.3390/v15010021}, pmid = {36680062}, issn = {1999-4915}, abstract = {Since their introduction in 1859, European rabbits (Oryctolagus cuniculus) have had a devastating impact on agricultural production and biodiversity in Australia, with competition and land degradation by rabbits being one of the key threats to agricultural and biodiversity values in Australia. Biocontrol agents, with the most important being the rabbit haemorrhagic disease virus 1 (RHDV1), constitute the most important landscape-scale control strategies for rabbits in Australia. Monitoring field strain dynamics is complex and labour-intensive. Here, using phylodynamic models to analyse the available RHDV molecular data, we aimed to: investigate the epidemiology of various strains, use molecular data to date the emergence of new variants and evaluate whether different strains are outcompeting one another. We determined that the two main pathogenic lagoviruses variants in Australia (RHDV1 and RHDV2) have had similar dynamics since their release, although over different timeframes (substantially shorter for RHDV2). We also found a strong geographic difference in their activities and evidence of overall competition between the two viruses.}, }
@article {pmid36678974, year = {2023}, author = {Cordero, S and Gálvez, F and Fontúrbel, FE}, title = {Ecological Impacts of Exotic Species on Native Seed Dispersal Systems: A Systematic Review.}, journal = {Plants (Basel, Switzerland)}, volume = {12}, number = {2}, pages = {}, doi = {10.3390/plants12020261}, pmid = {36678974}, issn = {2223-7747}, abstract = {Exotic species are one of the main threats to biodiversity, leading to alterations in the structure and functioning of natural ecosystems. However, they can sometimes also provide ecological services, such as seed dispersal. Therefore, we assessed the ecological impacts of exotic species on native dispersal systems and the mechanisms underlying the disruption of mutualistic plant-disperser interactions. Exotic species negatively affect dispersal mutualisms by (i) altering dispersal behavior and visitation rates of native dispersers, (ii) predating native dispersers, (iii) transmitting forest pathogens, and (iv) predating seeds. Conversely, positive impacts include the dispersal of native plants, forest regeneration, and native habitat restoration via (i) increasing the visitation rates of frugivorous birds, (ii) facilitating the colonization and establishment of native forest trees, (iii) enhancing forest species seedling survival, and (iv) facilitating seed rain and seedling recruitment of early and late successional native plants. The reviewed studies provide similar results in some cases and opposite results in others, even within the same taxa. In almost all cases, exotic species cause negative impacts, although sometimes they are necessary to ensure native species' persistence. Therefore, exotic species management requires a comprehensive understanding of their ecological roles, since the resulting effects rely on the complexity of native-exotic species interactions.}, }
@article {pmid36677342, year = {2022}, author = {Prado-Tarango, DE and Mata-Gonzalez, R and Hovland, M}, title = {Drought and Competition Mediate Mycorrhizal Colonization, Growth Rate, and Nutrient Uptake in Three Artemisia Species.}, journal = {Microorganisms}, volume = {11}, number = {1}, pages = {}, doi = {10.3390/microorganisms11010050}, pmid = {36677342}, issn = {2076-2607}, abstract = {The genus Artemisia includes several keystone shrub species that dominate the North American sagebrush steppe. Their growth, survival, and establishment are negatively affected by exotic invasive grasses such as Taeniatherum caput-medusae. While the outcomes of symbiotic relationships between Artemisia spp. and arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) are ambiguous, the benefits of ameliorated nutrient and drought stress may be cryptic and better revealed under competition. We evaluated the effects of a commercial AMF inoculum on ameliorating biotic (competition with T. caput-medusae) and abiotic (drought) stress of Artemisia tridentata ssp. wyomingensis, Artemisia arbuscula, and Artemisia nova when grown in sterile and microbially active field soil. Stress amelioration was measured as an increase in biomass production and nutrient acquisition. Mycorrhizal colonization of roots was lower in Artemisia plants grown in competition, while T. caput-medusae colonization was higher in plants with greater moisture. Both types of stress negatively affected plant biomass. Commercial AMF inoculation did not increase biomass. Colonization from field soil increased average phosphorous concentration under drought for A. tridentata ssp. wyomingensis by 36% and A. nova by 125%. While commercial inoculum and live soil led to AMF colonization of T. caput-medusae, only the commercial inoculum increased average phosphorus uptake by 71%.}, }
@article {pmid36676105, year = {2023}, author = {King, C}, title = {Abundance and Dynamics of Small Mammals in New Zealand: Sequential Invasions into an Island Ecosystem Like No Other.}, journal = {Life (Basel, Switzerland)}, volume = {13}, number = {1}, pages = {}, doi = {10.3390/life13010156}, pmid = {36676105}, issn = {2075-1729}, abstract = {New Zealand had no people or four-footed mammals of any size until it was colonised by Polynesian voyagers and Pacific rats in c. 1280 AD. Between 1769 and 1920 AD, Europeans brought three more species of commensal rats and mice, and three predatory mustelids, plus rabbits, house cats hedgehogs and Australian brushtail possums. All have in turn invaded the whole country and many offshore islands in huge abundance, at least initially. Three species are now reduced to remnant populations, but the other eight remain widely distributed. They comprise an artificial but interacting and fully functional bottom-up predator-prey system, responding at all levels to interspecific competition, habitat quality and periodic resource pulsing.}, }
@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 = {}, doi = {10.3390/life13010117}, pmid = {36676066}, issn = {2075-1729}, 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 {pmid36672903, year = {2023}, author = {Yu, G and Lai, S and Liao, S and Cao, Y and Li, W and Long, C and Tarno, H and Wang, J}, title = {Complete Mitochondrial Genome of Scolytoplatypodini Species (Coleoptera: Curculionidae: Scolytinae) and Phylogenetic Implications.}, journal = {Genes}, volume = {14}, number = {1}, pages = {}, doi = {10.3390/genes14010162}, pmid = {36672903}, issn = {2073-4425}, abstract = {The complete mitochondrial genomes (mitogenomes) of beetles in the tribe Scolytoplatypodini (genus Scolytoplatypus) were sequenced and annotated. These included Scolytoplatypus raja (15,324 bp), Scolytoplatypus sinensis (15,394 bp), Scolytoplatypus skyliuae (15,167 bp), and Scolytoplatypus wugongshanensis (15,267 bp). The four mitogenomes contained 37 typical genes, including 13 protein-coding genes (PCGs), 22 transfer RNA genes (tRNAs), and 2 ribosomal RNA genes (rRNAs). The gene orientation and arrangement of the four mitogenomes were similar to other Coleoptera mitogenomes. PCGs mostly started with ATN and terminated with TAA. The Ka/Ks ratio of 13 PCGs in the four species revealed that cox1 had the slowest evolutionary rate and atp8 and nad6 had a higher evolutionary rate. All tRNAs had typical cloverleaf secondary structures, but trnS1 lacked dihydrouridine arm. Partial tRNAs lost the discriminator nucleotide. The trnY did not possess the discriminator nucleotide and also lost three bases, showing a special amino-acyl arm. Bayesian inference (BI) and maximum likelihood (ML) methods were conducted for phylogenetic analyses using 13 PCGs. Scolytoplatypodini was clustered with Hylurgini and Hylastini, and the monophyly of Scolytoplatypodini was supported. The four newly sequenced mitogenomes increase understanding of the evolutionary relationships of Scolytoplatypodini and other Scolytinae species.}, }
@article {pmid36671789, year = {2023}, author = {Shan, B and Yu, G and Wang, L and Liu, Y and Yang, C and Liu, M and Sun, D}, title = {Genetic Signature of Pinctada fucata Inferred from Population Genomics: Source Tracking of the Invasion in Mischief Reef of Nansha Islands.}, journal = {Biology}, volume = {12}, number = {1}, pages = {}, doi = {10.3390/biology12010097}, pmid = {36671789}, issn = {2079-7737}, abstract = {Among the anthropogenic stresses that marine ecosystems face, biological invasions are one of the major threats. Recently, as a result of increasingly intense anthropogenic disturbance, numerous marine species have been introduced to their non-native ranges. However, many introduced species have uncertain original sources. This prevents the design and establishment of methods for controlling or preventing these introduced species. In the present study, genomic sequencing and population genetic analysis were performed to detect the geographic origin of the introduced Pinctada fucata population in the Mischief Reef of the South China Sea. The results of population genetic structure analysis showed a close relationship between the Mischief Reef introduced population and the Lingshui population, indicating that Lingshui may be the potential geographical origin. Furthermore, lower heterozygosity and nucleotide diversity were observed in the introduced population in Mischief Reef, indicating lower genetic diversity than in other native populations. We also identified some selected genomic regions and genes of the introduced population, including genes related to temperature and salinity tolerance. These genes may play important roles in the adaptation of the introduced population. Our study will improve our understanding of the invasion history of the P. fucata population. Furthermore, the results of the present study will also facilitate further control and prevention of invasion in Mischief Reef, South China Sea.}, }
@article {pmid36671776, year = {2023}, author = {Adhikari, P and Lee, YH and Poudel, A and Lee, G and Hong, SH and Park, YS}, title = {Predicting the Impact of Climate Change on the Habitat Distribution of Parthenium&amp;nbsp;hysterophorus around the World and in South Korea.}, journal = {Biology}, volume = {12}, number = {1}, pages = {}, doi = {10.3390/biology12010084}, pmid = {36671776}, issn = {2079-7737}, abstract = {The global climate change, including increases in temperature and precipitation, may exacerbate the invasion by P. hysterophorus. Here, MaxEnt modeling was performed to predict P. hysterophorus distribution worldwide and in South Korea under the current and future climate global climate changes, including increases in temperature and precipitation. Under the current climate, P. hysterophorus was estimated to occupy 91.26%, 83.26%, and 62.75% of the total land area of Australia, South America, and Oceania, respectively. However, under future climate scenarios, the habitat distribution of P. hysterophorus would show the greatest change in Europe (56.65%) and would extend up to 65°N by 2081-2100 in South Korea, P. hysterophorus currently potentially colonizing 2.24% of the land area, particularly in six administrative divisions. In the future, P. hysterophorus would spread rapidly, colonizing all administrative divisions, except Incheon, by 2081-2100. Additionally, the southern and central regions of South Korea showed greater habitat suitability than the northern region. These findings suggest that future climate change will increase P. hysterophorus distribution both globally and locally. Therefore, effective control and management strategies should be employed around the world and in South Korea to restrict the habitat expansion of P. hysterophorus.}, }
@article {pmid36671728, year = {2022}, author = {Schubart, CD and Deli, T and Mancinelli, G and Cilenti, L and Gil Fernández, A and Falco, S and Berger, S}, title = {Phylogeography of the Atlantic Blue Crab Callinectes sapidus (Brachyura: Portunidae) in the Americas versus the Mediterranean Sea: Determining Origins and Genetic Connectivity of a Large-Scale Invasion.}, journal = {Biology}, volume = {12}, number = {1}, pages = {}, doi = {10.3390/biology12010035}, pmid = {36671728}, issn = {2079-7737}, abstract = {The American blue crab Callinectes sapidus is a particularly successful invader in estuarine ecosystems worldwide. Despite increasing awareness of its potential harm, the invasion history and underlying genetic diversity of this species within the Mediterranean Sea remain unknown. This study constitutes the first large-scale approach to study phylogeographic patterns of C. sapidus in Europe, facilitated by the first comparison of all currently available COI sequence data. For this investigation, 71 individuals of C. sapidus were newly analyzed and the entire COI gene was sequenced and used for a comparative phylogeographic analyses. For the first time, two separately used adjacent regions of this gene were combined in a single dataset. This allowed emphasizing the prevalence of three geographically defined lineages within the native range: (1) eastern North America, including the Gulf of Mexico, (2) the Caribbean, and (3) Brazil. New data from the Mediterranean reveal that non-native populations of C. sapidus are characterized by a conspicuously low genetic diversity (except for Turkey, where stocking took place), and that there is surprisingly low connectivity among established populations. The occurrence of strong genetic bottlenecks suggests few founder individuals. This confirms that, even under a scenario of restricted large-scale gene flow, a very limited number of invasive individuals is sufficient for a massive impact.}, }
@article {pmid36671720, year = {2022}, author = {Awad, M and Ben Gharsa, H and ElKraly, OA and Leclerque, A and Elnagdy, SM}, title = {COI Haplotyping and Comparative Microbiomics of the Peach Fruit Fly, an Emerging Pest of Egyptian Olive Orchards.}, journal = {Biology}, volume = {12}, number = {1}, pages = {}, doi = {10.3390/biology12010027}, pmid = {36671720}, issn = {2079-7737}, abstract = {The peach fruit fly, Bactrocera zonata (Tephritidae), is economically relevant as a highly polyphagous pest infesting over 50 host plants including commercial fruit and horticultural crops. As an invasive species, B. zonata was firmly established in Egypt and holds potential to spread further across the Mediterranean basin. The present study demonstrated that the peach fruit fly was found multiplying in olive orchards at two distant locations in Egypt. This is the first report of B. zonata developing in olives. COI barcoding has revealed evidence for high diversity across these peach fruit fly populations. These data are consistent with multiple rather than a single event leading to both peach fruit fly invasion to Egypt and its adaptation to olive. Comparative microbiomics data for B. zonata developing on different host plants were indicative for microbiome dynamics being involved in the adaptation to olive as a new niche with a potential adaptive role for Erwinia or Providencia bacteria. The possibility of symbiont transfer from the olive fruit fly to the peach fruit fly is discussed. Potentially host switch relevant bacterial symbionts might be preferred targets of symbiosis disruption strategies for integrated pest management or biological control of B. zonata.}, }
@article {pmid36670814, year = {2023}, author = {Stope, MB}, title = {The Raccoon (Procyon lotor) as a Neozoon in Europe.}, journal = {Animals : an open access journal from MDPI}, volume = {13}, number = {2}, pages = {}, doi = {10.3390/ani13020273}, pmid = {36670814}, issn = {2076-2615}, abstract = {The raccoon (Procyon lotor) is a North American half-bear that is present in much of Europe and Asia as a result of both accidental and planned releases. In Europe, raccoons were introduced primarily as a source of fur for the fur industry. In the 1930s, raccoons were released into the wild in Central Europe. At the same time, animals from fur farms and private holdings continued to enter the wild. In the following decades, the raccoon spread over large parts of Europe. In addition to the invasive spread of the Central European initial population, individual releases of raccoons occurred frequently, mainly in Southern Europe. The high adaptability of the raccoon favors its expansion into new habitats. It has a high reproductive rate, is very mobile, and encounters few predators in Europe. Raccoons have recently become a topic of interest when large raccoon populations have colonized suburban and urban areas. Despite the proximity of raccoons and humans, however, there have been hardly any conflicts to date, unlike in North America. A significant negative impact on the native fauna has been suspected but not proven. Raccoons have been identified as vectors of zoonotic diseases. Nevertheless, monitoring of the increasing numbers of raccoons in Europe seems advisable.}, }
@article {pmid36668972, year = {2023}, author = {Ivanescu, LM and Bodale, I and Grigore-Hristodorescu, S and Martinescu, G and Andronic, B and Matiut, S and Azoicai, D and Miron, L}, title = {The Risk of Emerging of Dengue Fever in Romania, in the Context of Global Warming.}, journal = {Tropical medicine and infectious disease}, volume = {8}, number = {1}, pages = {}, doi = {10.3390/tropicalmed8010065}, pmid = {36668972}, issn = {2414-6366}, abstract = {(1) Background: Few studies to date have assessed the influences induced by climate change on the spatial distribution and population abundance of Aedes albopictus using the latest climate scenarios. In this study, we updated the current distribution of Ae. albopictus mosquitoes and evaluated the changes in their distribution under future climate conditions, as well as the risk of dengue virus emergence in Romania. (2) Methods: Under the two scenarios: High scenario (HS) when no drastic measures to reduce the effects of global warming will be taken, or they are not effective and low scenario (LS) when very stringent greenhouse control measures will be implemented. (3) Results: The results estimate an increase in temperatures in Romania of up to 2.6 °C in HS and up to 0.4 °C in LS, with an increase in the period of virus replication within the vector from June to October in HS and from May to September in LS. Moreover, in 2022, Ae. albopictus was reported in a new county, where it was not identified at the last monitoring in 2020. (4) Conclusions: The rapid spread of this invasive species and the need to implement monitoring and control programs for the Aedes population in Romania are emphasized.}, }
@article {pmid36668963, year = {2023}, author = {Ng, YL and Lee, WC and Lau, YL and Fong, MY}, title = {The Impact of Geographical Variation in Plasmodium knowlesi Apical Membrane Protein 1 (PkAMA-1) on Invasion Dynamics of P. knowlesi.}, journal = {Tropical medicine and infectious disease}, volume = {8}, number = {1}, pages = {}, doi = {10.3390/tropicalmed8010056}, pmid = {36668963}, issn = {2414-6366}, abstract = {Plasmodium knowlesi has emerged as an important zoonotic parasite that causes persistent symptomatic malaria in humans. The signs and symptoms of malaria are attributed to the blood stages of the parasites, which start from the invasion of erythrocytes by the blood stage merozoites. The apical membrane protein 1 (AMA-1) plays an important role in the invasion. In this study, we constructed and expressed recombinant PkAMA-1 domain II (PkAMA-1-DII) representing the predominant haplotypes from Peninsular Malaysia and Malaysian Borneo and raised specific antibodies against the recombinant proteins in rabbits. Despite the minor amino acid sequence variation, antibodies raised against haplotypes from Peninsular Malaysia and Malaysian Borneo demonstrated different invasion inhibition (46.81% and 39.45%, respectively) to P. knowlesi A1-H.1, a reference strain derived from Peninsular Malaysia. Here, we demonstrated how a minor variation in a conserved parasite protein could cast a significant impact on parasite invasion biology, suggesting a complex host-switching of P. knowlesi from different locations. This may challenge the implementation of a standardized One Health approach against the transmission of knowlesi malaria.}, }
@article {pmid36662213, year = {2023}, author = {Barcellos, L and Pham, CK and Menezes, G and Bettencourt, R and Rocha, N and Carvalho, M and Felgueiras, HP}, title = {A Concise Review on the Potential Applications of Rugulopteryx okamurae Macroalgae.}, journal = {Marine drugs}, volume = {21}, number = {1}, pages = {}, doi = {10.3390/md21010040}, pmid = {36662213}, issn = {1660-3397}, abstract = {The brown macroalgae of the species Rugulopteryx okamurae has reached European waters and the Strait of Gibraltar as an invasive species. The proliferation and colonization of the species in subtidal and intertidal zones of these regions imposes significant threats to local ecosystems and additionally represents a significant socioeconomic burden related to the large amounts of biomass accumulated as waste. As a way to minimize the effects caused by the accumulation of algae biomass, investigations have been made to employ this biomass as a raw material in value-added products or technologies. The present review explores the potential uses of R. okamurae, focusing on its impact for biogas production, composting, bioplastic and pharmaceutical purposes, with potential anti-inflammatory, antibacterial and α-glucosity inhibitory activities being highlighted. Overall, this species appears to present many attributes, with remarkable potential for uses in several fields of research and in various industries.}, }
@article {pmid36662178, year = {2022}, author = {Vega, J and Catalá, TS and García-Márquez, J and Speidel, LG and Arijo, S and Cornelius Kunz, N and Geisler, C and Figueroa, FL}, title = {Molecular Diversity and Biochemical Content in Two Invasive Alien Species: Looking for Chemical Similarities and Bioactivities.}, journal = {Marine drugs}, volume = {21}, number = {1}, pages = {}, doi = {10.3390/md21010005}, pmid = {36662178}, issn = {1660-3397}, abstract = {The biochemical composition, molecular diversity, and two different bioactivities of Asparagopsis armata and Rugulopteryx okamurae (two alien species with different invasive patterns in the southern Iberian Peninsula) were analyzed through spectrophotometric methods and Fourier transform ion cyclotron mass spectroscopy (FT-ICR-MS). A total of 3042 molecular formulas were identified from the different extracts. The dH2O extracts were the most molecularly different. A. armata presented the highest content of nitrogenous compounds (proteins, CHON) and sulphur content, whereas R. okamurae was rich in carbonated compounds (total carbon, lipids, CHO, and CHOP). Antioxidant capacity and phenolic content were higher in R. okamurae than in A. armata. Antimicrobial activity was detected from both species. A. armata showed capacity to inhibit human and fish pathogens (e.g., Staphylococcus aureus or Vibrio anguillarum), whereas R. okamurae only showed inhibition against human bacteria (Staphylococcus aureus and Cutibacterium acnes). In R. okamurae, molecules with a great number of pharmaceutical activities (e.g., anti-inflammatory or antitumoral), antibacterial, biomaterial, and other utilities were found. The main molecules of A. armata had also pharmaceutical applications (e.g., antimalarian, antithrombotic, anti-inflammatory, or antiarthritis). The valorization of these species can help to counteract the environmental effects of the bioinvasions.}, }
@article {pmid36661987, year = {2023}, author = {de la Hera, O and Alonso, ML and Alonso, RM}, title = {Behaviour of Vespa velutina nigrithorax (Hymenoptera: Vespidae) under Controlled Environmental Conditions.}, journal = {Insects}, volume = {14}, number = {1}, pages = {}, doi = {10.3390/insects14010059}, pmid = {36661987}, issn = {2075-4450}, abstract = {From its introduction in Europe, Vespa velutina nigrithorax has become an invasive species, since it is a predator of native fruits and insects, most of the latter being honeybees. Despite the knowledge on the life cycle of this hornet, Asian hornet behaviour is not well understood, since in vivo studies on this species are quite difficult to perform. In this work, an observational study of the behaviour of this invasive species in captivity has been carried out. Two secondary and one embryo nests were caught and kept under controlled environmental conditions, up to 13 weeks for the secondary nest and 6 weeks for the embryo nest. Captivity adaptation, defence against perturbations, evolution of the colony and overwintering were the different behaviours studied. The study has shown the importance of avoiding disturbances to the nest from the beginning of the experiments, since they tend to destroy the colony. The aggressive behaviour observed in the embryo nest was lower than in the secondary nests. Results of this research will allow obtaining additional information on this species, which is crucial to develop effective control methods.}, }
@article {pmid36661974, year = {2023}, author = {Di Sora, N and Mannu, R and Rossini, L and Contarini, M and Gallego, D and Speranza, S}, title = {Using Species Distribution Models (SDMs) to Estimate the Suitability of European Mediterranean Non-Native Area for the Establishment of Toumeyella Parvicornis (Hemiptera: Coccidae).}, journal = {Insects}, volume = {14}, number = {1}, pages = {}, doi = {10.3390/insects14010046}, pmid = {36661974}, issn = {2075-4450}, abstract = {The pine tortoise scale, Toumeyella parvicornis, is an insect native to the Nearctic region that is able to infest several Pinus species. It can cause weakening, defoliation and, at high infestation levels, tree death. After its first report in Italy in 2015, the pest spread rapidly over the surrounding areas and was reported in France in 2021. Due to the threat that this pest poses to pine trees, the suitability of European Mediterranean basin areas for T. parvicornis at different spatial scales was estimated by constructing species distribution models (SDMs) using bioclimatic variables. Our results showed that several coastal areas of the Mediterranean basin area could be suitable for T. parvicornis. Based on performance assessment, all the SDMs tested provided a good representation of the suitability of European Mediterranean non-native area for T. parvicornis at different spatial scales. In particular, most of the areas with a medium or high level of suitability corresponded to the geographical range of distribution of different Pinus spp. in Europe. Predicting the suitability of European Mediterranean areas for T. parvicornis provides a fundamental tool for early detection and management of the spread of this pest in Europe.}, }
@article {pmid36661971, year = {2022}, author = {Mastore, M and Quadroni, S and Rezzonico, A and Brivio, MF}, title = {The Influence of Daily Temperature Fluctuation on the Efficacy of Bioinsecticides on Spotted Wing Drosophila Larvae.}, journal = {Insects}, volume = {14}, number = {1}, pages = {}, doi = {10.3390/insects14010043}, pmid = {36661971}, issn = {2075-4450}, abstract = {Global climate change is allowing the invasion of insect pests into new areas without natural competitors and/or predators. The dipteran Drosophila suzukii has invaded both the Americas and Europe, becoming a serious problem for fruit crops. Control methods for this pest are still based on the use of pesticides, but less invasive and more sustainable methods, such as biocontrol, are needed. Variations in environmental conditions can affect the efficacy of bioinsecticides influencing their behavior and physiology besides that of the target insects. In this work, we developed a system that simulates the daily temperature fluctuations (DTFs) detected in the environment, with the aim of studying the influence of temperature on biocontrol processes. We investigated the effects of DTFs on the efficacy of four bioinsecticides. Results showed that DTFs modify the efficacy of some entomopathogens while they are ineffective on others. Specifically, the bacterium Bacillus thuringiensis is the most effective bioinsecticide under all conditions tested, i.e., low DTF (11-22 °C) and high DTF (17-33 °C) compared to constant temperature (25 °C). In contrast, nematodes are more sensitive to changes in temperature: Steinernema carpocapsae loses efficacy at low DTF, while Steinernema feltiae and Heterorhabditis&amp;nbsp;bacteriophora are not effective in controlling the target dipteran. This work provides a basis for reviewing biological control methods against invasive species in the current context of climate change.}, }
@article {pmid36661939, year = {2022}, author = {Wright, C and Helms, AM and Bernal, JS and Grunseich, JM and Medina, RF}, title = {Aphelinus nigritus Howard (Hymenoptera: Aphelinidae) Preference for Sorghum Aphid, Melanaphis sorghi (Theobald, 1904) (Hemiptera: Aphididae), Honeydew Is Stronger in Johnson Grass, Sorghum halepense, Than in Grain Sorghum, Sorghum bicolor.}, journal = {Insects}, volume = {14}, number = {1}, pages = {}, doi = {10.3390/insects14010010}, pmid = {36661939}, issn = {2075-4450}, abstract = {How aphid parasitoids of recent invasive species interact with their hosts can affect the feasibility of biological control. In this study, we focus on a recent invasive pest of US grain sorghum, Sorghum bicolor, the sorghum aphid (SA), Melanaphis sorghi. Understanding this pest's ecology in the grain sorghum agroecosystem is critical to develop effective control strategies. As parasitoids often use aphid honeydew as a sugar resource, and honeydew is known to mediate parasitoid-aphid interactions, we investigated the ability of SA honeydew to retain the parasitoid Aphelinus nigritus. Since SAs in the US have multiple plant hosts, and host-plant diet can modulate parasitoid retention (a major component in host foraging), we measured SA honeydew sugar, organic acid, and amino acid profiles, then assessed via retention time A. nigritus preference for honeydew produced on grain sorghum or Johnson grass, Sorghum halepense. Compared to a water control, A. nigritus spent more time on SA honeydew produced on either host plant. Despite similar honeydew profiles from both plant species, A. nigritus preferred honeydew produced on Johnson grass. Our results suggest the potential for SA honeydew to facilitate augmentation strategies aimed at maintaining A. nigritus on Johnson grass to suppress SAs before grain sorghum is planted.}, }
@article {pmid36661935, year = {2022}, author = {Rodríguez-Flores, MS and Mazzei, M and Felicioli, A and Diéguez-Antón, A and Seijo, MC}, title = {Emerging Risk of Cross-Species Transmission of Honey Bee Viruses in the Presence of Invasive Vespid Species.}, journal = {Insects}, volume = {14}, number = {1}, pages = {}, doi = {10.3390/insects14010006}, pmid = {36661935}, issn = {2075-4450}, abstract = {The increase in invasive alien species is a concern for the environment. The establishment of some of these species may be changing the balance between pathogenicity and host factors, which could alter the defense strategies of native host species. Vespid species are among the most successful invasive animals, such as the genera Vespa, Vespula and Polistes. Bee viruses have been extensively studied as an important cause of honey bee population losses. However, knowledge about the transmission of honey bee viruses in Vespids is a relevant and under-researched aspect. The role of some mites such as Varroa in the transmission of honey bee viruses is clearer than in the case of Vespidae. This type of transmission by vectors has not yet been clarified in Vespidae, with interspecific relationships being the main hypotheses accepted for the transmission of bee viruses. A majority of studies describe the presence of viruses or their replicability, but aspects such as the symptomatology in Vespids or the ability to infect other hosts from Vespids are scarcely discussed. Highlighting the case of Vespa velutina as an invader, which is causing huge losses in European beekeeping, is of special interest. The pressure caused by V. velutina leads to weakened hives that become susceptible to pathogens. Gathering this information is necessary to promote further research on the spread of bee viruses in ecosystems invaded by invasive species of Vespids, as well as to prevent the decline of bee populations due to bee viruses.}, }
@article {pmid36661930, year = {2022}, author = {Yang, CH and Qiao, FJ and Lu, Z and Li, CY and Liu, TX and Gao, YL and Zhang, B}, title = {Interspecific Competitions between Frankliniella intonsa and Frankliniella occidentalis on Fresh Lentil Bean Pods and Pepper Plants.}, journal = {Insects}, volume = {14}, number = {1}, pages = {}, doi = {10.3390/insects14010001}, pmid = {36661930}, issn = {2075-4450}, abstract = {BACKGROUND: Flower thrips (Frankliniella intonsa, IFT) and west flower thrips (Frankliniella occidentalis, WFT) are often found together on the host plant in China. WFT is an important invasive species that seems to outcompete the native IFT. In order to clarify the interspecific competitions between the two thrips, this study measured the population development of IFT and WFT under sexual and parthenogenetic reproductive modes on two hosts (fresh lentil bean pods with/without honey and pepper plants at seedling/flowering stages) in the laboratory.<br><br>RESULTS: When reared on fresh lentil bean pods (with/without honey), WFT population size was lower in mixed species populations compared to single species populations but the presence of WFT had nor negative effect on IFT population size. These results were dependent of the reproductive mode. When honey was supplied, the ratio of female-to-male in the progeny of WFT produced under sexual reproductive mode increased significantly in the presence of IFT. On pepper seedlings, mixed populations were more favorable to the population development of IFT at the seedling stage, but more favorable to WFT at the flowering stage.<br><br>CONCLUSIONS: In the early stage of WFT invasion and colonization, the emergence of flowering and honey (nectar) sources may have a positive effect on the population development of WFT.}, }
@article {pmid36661083, year = {2023}, author = {Philippe-Lesaffre, M and Thibault, M and Caut, S and Bourgeois, K and Berr, T and Ravache, A and Vidal, E and Courchamp, F and Bonnaud, E}, title = {Recovery of insular seabird populations years after rodent eradication.}, journal = {Conservation biology : the journal of the Society for Conservation Biology}, volume = {}, number = {}, pages = {}, doi = {10.1111/cobi.14042}, pmid = {36661083}, issn = {1523-1739}, abstract = {Seabirds have been particularly affected by invasive alien species (IAS), which has led to the implementation of numerous eradication campaigns for the conservation of these keystone and highly vulnerable species. Although the benefits of IAS eradications for seabird conservation have been demonstrated, the recovery kinetics of different seabird populations on islands after eradication remains poorly evaluated. Here we present the results of an original long-term monitoring of the number of breeding pairs of seven seabird species on a small atoll, Surprise Island, New Caledonia (southwestern tropical Pacific). This long-term monitoring consists in a yearly core survey of the marine avifauna of the island conducted from 4 years before to 4 years after rodent eradication (conducted in 2005) combined with multiple one-time surveys from ∼10 years before and ∼15 years after eradication. This study was designed to evaluate how different seabird species responded to the eradication of invasive rodents in an insular environment. We found that three species responded positively to eradication with differences in lag-timing and sensitivity. The number of breeding pairs increased for two species in the four year post eradication due to immigration while one species showed a longer response time with an increase in pairs more than 10 years after eradication. Furthermore, we showed that long-term sampling is necessary to observe the responses of the seabird populations on the island. Our study confirms the positive effects of IAS eradication on seabirds and emphasizes both the importance of mid/long-term pre- and post-eradication surveys to decipher the mechanisms of seabird recovery and confirm the benefits of eradication for conservation purposes. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.}, }
@article {pmid36660794, year = {2023}, author = {Pretorius, I and Schou, WC and Richardson, B and Ross, SD and Withers, TM and Schmale, DG and Strand, TM}, title = {In the wind: Invasive species travel along predictable atmospheric pathways.}, journal = {Ecological applications : a publication of the Ecological Society of America}, volume = {}, number = {}, pages = {e2806}, doi = {10.1002/eap.2806}, pmid = {36660794}, issn = {1051-0761}, abstract = {Invasive species such as insects, pathogens and weeds reaching new environments by travelling with the wind, represents unquantified and difficult-to-manage biosecurity threats to human, animal, and plant health in managed and natural ecosystems. Despite the importance of these invasion events, their complexity is reflected by the lack of tools to predict them. Here, we provide the first known evidence showing that the long-distance aerial dispersal of invasive insects and wildfire smoke, a potential carrier of invasive species, is driven by atmospheric pathways known as Lagrangian coherent structures (LCS). An aerobiological modelling system combining LCS modelling with species biology and atmospheric survival has the potential to transform the understanding and prediction of atmospheric invasions. The proposed modelling system run in forecast or hindcast modes can inform high-risk invasion events and invasion source locations, making it possible to locate them early, improving the chances of eradication success. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.}, }
@article {pmid36658159, year = {2023}, author = {Ladin, ZS and Eggen, DA and Trammell, TLE and D'Amico, V}, title = {Human-mediated dispersal drives the spread of the spotted lanternfly (Lycorma delicatula).}, journal = {Scientific reports}, volume = {13}, number = {1}, pages = {1098}, pmid = {36658159}, issn = {2045-2322}, abstract = {The spotted lanternfly (Lycorma delicatula) is a novel invasive insect from Asia now established and spreading throughout the United States. This species is of particular concern given its ability to decimate important crops such as grapes, fruit trees, as well as native hardwood trees. Since its initial detection in Berks County, Pennsylvania in 2014, spotted lanternfly infestations have been detected in 130 counties (87 under quarantine) within Connecticut, Delaware, Indiana, Maryland, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Virginia, and West Virginia. Compounding this invasion is the associated proliferation and widespread distribution of the spotted lanternfly's preferred host plant, the tree-of-heaven (Ailanthus altissima). While alternate host plant species have been observed, the tree-of-heaven which thrives in disturbed and human-dominated areas (e.g., along roads and railways) is likely facilitating the population growth rates of spotted lanternfly. We simulated the population and spread dynamics of the spotted lanternfly throughout the mid-Atlantic USA to help determine areas of risk and inform continued monitoring and control efforts. We tested the prediction that spotted lanternfly spread is driven by human-mediated dispersal using agent-based models that incorporated information on its life-history traits, habitat suitability, and movement and natural dispersal behavior. Overwhelmingly, our results suggest that human-mediated dispersal (e.g., cars, trucks, and trains) is driving the observed spread dynamics and distribution of the spotted lanternfly throughout the eastern USA. Our findings should encourage future surveys to focus on human-mediated dispersal of egg masses and adult spotted lanternflies (e.g., attachment to car or transported substrates) to better monitor and control this economically and ecologically important invasive species.}, }
@article {pmid36657068, year = {2023}, author = {Fazekas, S and Livoti, D and Reeves, L}, title = {FIRST RECORDS OF AEDEOMYIA SQUAMIPENNIS IN PALM BEACH COUNTY, FLORIDA, USA.}, journal = {Journal of the American Mosquito Control Association}, volume = {}, number = {}, pages = {}, doi = {10.2987/22-7097}, pmid = {36657068}, issn = {1943-6270}, abstract = {Continuous surveillance, trained personnel, and coordination with other agencies are critical elements of effective nuisance and vector mosquito control. Palm Beach County Mosquito Control, FL, has used routine surveillance to make control decisions and note changes in mosquito populations since the 1940s. In the fall and winter of 2021-2022, Palm Beach County Mosquito Control's surveillance program detected the presence of Aedeomyia squamipennis. This represented the first collection of specimens of Ad. squamipennis in Palm Beach County and the second finding of this species beyond the initial site of detection in Miami-Dade County, FL. Identity was confirmed by morphology and DNA sequencing. Sequenced Ad. squamipennis specimens collected in Palm Beach County were identical (100% sequence similarity) to specimens collected and sequenced from Homestead, Miami-Dade County in 2016. It is suspected that Ad. squamipennis has expanded its range northward from Miami-Dade County into Palm Beach County, a distance of approximately 140 km.}, }
@article {pmid36654525, year = {2023}, author = {Gugliuzzo, A and Giuliano, G and Rizzo, R and Tropea Garzia, G and Biondi, A}, title = {Lethal and sublethal effects of synthetic and bioinsecticides toward the invasive ambrosia beetle Xylosandrus compactus.}, journal = {Pest management science}, volume = {}, number = {}, pages = {}, doi = {10.1002/ps.7365}, pmid = {36654525}, issn = {1526-4998}, abstract = {BACKGROUND: Exotic ambrosia beetles are emerging widespread pests of several wild and managed trees and shrubs. Xylosandrus compactus (Eichhoff) is one of the most invasive species causing damage to a broad range of host plants. Little information is available on its control including the impact of insecticides. Bioassays were conducted for evaluating the potential of four bioinsecticides and seven synthetic insecticides in controlling X. compactus. The beetle mortality and the sublethal effects on tunneling, cultivation of the mutualist fungus and reproduction were assessed.<br><br>RESULTS: Concentration-mortality curves were determined for all tested insecticides. Lambda-cyhalothrin was the most toxic insecticide showing the lowest estimated lethal concentrations (LC90 and LC50), followed by deltamethrin and thiamethoxam. Acetamiprid caused the highest levels of mortality and brood size reduction under extended laboratory conditions. Moreover, acetamiprid, thiamethoxam and lambda-cyhalothrin caused the highest mortalities and, together with deltamethrin, strongly affected the progeny occurrence inside infested galleries and the beetle brood size. Among bioinsecticides, pyrethrins significantly affected the beetle survival under laboratory conditions, but not the brood size in extended laboratory bioassays. Some of the tested insecticides caused significant lethal and sublethal effects only when beetles were exposed to fresher residues, highlighting differences in the toxicity persistence.<br><br>CONCLUSION: This study provides first baseline toxicity data of synthetic insecticides and bioinsecticides with different Modes of Action and origin toward X. compactus and the first evidence that several insecticides can cause multiple sublethal effects to this pest. These findings can help building suitable Integrated Pest Management packages against this pest.}, }
@article {pmid36653974, year = {2023}, author = {Wang, X and Xiao, X and Zhang, X and Wu, J and Li, B}, title = {Rapid and large changes in coastal wetland structure in China's four major river deltas.}, journal = {Global change biology}, volume = {}, number = {}, pages = {}, doi = {10.1111/gcb.16583}, pmid = {36653974}, issn = {1365-2486}, abstract = {Coastal wetlands provide essential ecosystem goods and services but are extremely vulnerable to sea-level rise, extreme climate, and human activities, especially the coastal wetlands in large river deltas, which are regarded as "natural recorders" of changes in estuarine environments. In addition to the area (loss or gain) and quality (degradation or improvement) of coastal wetlands, the information on coastal wetland structure (e.g., patch size and number) are also major metrics for coastal restoration and biodiversity protection, but remain very limited in China's four major river deltas. In this study, we quantified the spatial-temporal dynamics of total area (TA) and patch number (PN) of coastal wetlands with different sizes in the four deltas and the protected areas (PAs) and assessed the effects of major driving factors during 1984-2020. We also investigated the effectiveness of PAs through the comparison of TA and PN of coastal wetlands before and after the years in which PAs were listed as Ramsar Sites. We found both TA and PN experienced substantial losses in the Liaohe River Delta and Yellow River Delta but recent recoveries in the Yangtze River Delta. The coastal wetlands had a relatively stable and variable trend in TA but had a continually increasing trend in PN in the Pearl River Delta. Furthermore, reduced coastal reclamation, ecological restoration projects, and rapid expansion of invasive plants had great impacts on the coastal wetland structure in various ways. We also found that PAs were effective in halting the decreasing trends in coastal wetland areas and slowing the expansion of reclamation, but the success of PAs is being counteracted by soaring exotic plant invasions. Our findings provide vital information for the government and the public to address increasing challenges of coastal restoration, management, and sustainability in large river deltas.}, }
@article {pmid36526186, year = {2023}, author = {Nie, S and Mo, S and Gao, T and Yan, B and Shen, P and Kashif, M and Zhang, Z and Li, J and Jiang, C}, title = {Coupling effects of nitrate reduction and sulfur oxidation in a subtropical marine mangrove ecosystem with Spartina alterniflora invasion.}, journal = {The Science of the total environment}, volume = {862}, number = {}, pages = {160930}, doi = {10.1016/j.scitotenv.2022.160930}, pmid = {36526186}, issn = {1879-1026}, mesh = {*Ecosystem ; *Wetlands ; Nitrates/metabolism ; Introduced Species ; Poaceae/metabolism ; Nitrogen/analysis ; Sulfur/metabolism ; China ; }, abstract = {The mangrove ecosystem has a high nitrate reduction capacity, which significantly alleviates severe nitrogen pollution. However, current research on nitrate reduction mechanisms in the mangrove ecosystem is limited. Furthermore, Spartina alterniflora invasion has disrupted the balance of the mangrove ecosystem and the effect of S. alterniflora on nitrate reduction has not yet been fully elucidated. Nitrate reduction was comprehensively investigated in a subtropical mangrove ecosystem in this study, which has been invaded by S. alterniflora for 40 years. Results showed that S. alterniflora significantly increased the relative and absolute abundance of nitrate reduction genes, especially nirS (nitrite reductase), in the mangrove ecosystem. Dissimilatory nitrate reduction to ammonium was the main pathway of nitrate reduction in the mangrove ecosystem. Nitrate reduction was mainly performed by Desulfobacterales and occurred in the shallow layers (0-10 cm) of mangrove sediments. A strong positive correlation was found between nitrate reduction and sulfur oxidation (especially sulfide oxidation), and the sulfide content was significantly positively correlated with the relative abundance of nitrate reduction genes. Moreover, 207 metagenomic assembled genomes (MAGs) were constructed, including 50 MAGs with high numbers (≥ 10) of nitrate reduction genes. This finding indicates that the dominant microbes had strong nitrate reduction potential in mangrove sediments. Our findings highlight the impact of S. alterniflora invasion on nitrate reduction in a subtropical marine mangrove ecosystem. This study provides new insights into our understanding of nitrogen pollution control and contributes to the exploration of new nitrogen-degrading microbes in mangrove ecosystems.}, }
@article {pmid36502977, year = {2023}, author = {Haoxiang, Z and Xiaoqing, X and Nianwan, Y and Yongjun, Z and Hui, L and Fanghao, W and Jianyang, G and Wanxue, L}, title = {Insights from the biogeographic approach for biocontrol of invasive alien pests: Estimating the ecological niche overlap of three egg parasitoids against Spodoptera frugiperda in China.}, journal = {The Science of the total environment}, volume = {862}, number = {}, pages = {160785}, doi = {10.1016/j.scitotenv.2022.160785}, pmid = {36502977}, issn = {1879-1026}, mesh = {Animals ; Spodoptera ; Introduced Species ; *Moths ; *Hymenoptera ; Ecosystem ; Zea mays ; }, abstract = {Spodoptera frugiperda, the fall armyworm, causes major damage to maize and >80 other crops worldwide. Since S. frugiperda successfully invaded China in 2018 via long-distance migration from Myanmar, it has caused major maize yield losses and posed a severe threat to maize production and food security. The biocontrol approach for S. frugiperda using natural enemies is environmentally safe and effective. Estimating the potential suitable area (PSA) for S. frugiperda and its natural enemies can provide insights for its biocontrol and management. Therefore, based on the global distribution records and bioclimatic variables, we modeled the PSA of S. frugiperda and three egg parasitoids in China using an ensemble model (EM). We found that the prediction results of the EM were more reliable than those of a single model. The PSAs of S. frugiperda and its three egg parasitoids were mainly attributed to temperature variables. The PSA of S. frugiperda was divided into migratory and overwintering areas using the mean January 10 °C isotherm from 2018 to 2022. In the overwintering area, Trichogramma chilonis had the largest PSA overlap with S. frugiperda (94.57 %), followed by Telenomus remus (68.64 %) and Trichogramma dendrolimi (67.53 %). Telenomus remus and Tr. chilonis were the most effective egg parasitoids against S. frugiperda in the overwintering area. In the migratory area, Tr. chilonis had the largest PSA overlap with S. frugiperda (91.36 %), followed by Tr. dendrolimi (81.70 %) and Te. remus (15.23 %). Trichogramma dendrolimi would be the most effective egg parasitoid against S. frugiperda in the Yangtze River Basin and northeastern China. Trichogramma chilonis was the most effective egg parasitoid against S. frugiperda in central China. Our findings indicate that the three native egg parasitoids would be "good regulators" of S. frugiperda outbreaks in China.}, }
@article {pmid36651032, year = {2023}, author = {Godfrey, EJ and Cameron, EZ and Hickling, GJ}, title = {Social learning in a nocturnal marsupial: is it a possum-ability?.}, journal = {Biology letters}, volume = {19}, number = {1}, pages = {20220460}, doi = {10.1098/rsbl.2022.0460}, pmid = {36651032}, issn = {1744-957X}, abstract = {Social learning can reduce the costs associated with trial-and-error learning. There is speculation that social learning could contribute to trap and bait avoidance in invasive species like the common brushtail possum (Trichosurus vulpecula)-a marsupial for which social learning has not previously been investigated. In large outdoor pens, we presented wild-caught 'demonstrator' possums with puzzle devices containing an attractive food reward; 2 of 8 demonstrators accessed the reward the first night the puzzle was presented and another three succeeded on later nights. Meanwhile, 'observer' possums in adjacent pens watched the demonstrators for five nights and then were given the opportunity to solve the puzzle themselves; 15 of 15 succeeded on their first night (a highly significant improvement). This experiment thus provides strong evidence of social learning by common brushtail possums. Future research should investigate whether information about aversive stimuli (such as traps and toxic baits) can similarly be transmitted between possums by social learning; if so, this could have important implications for possum pest control.}, }
@article {pmid36651030, year = {2023}, author = {Dobelmann, J and Felden, A and Lester, PJ}, title = {An invasive ant increases deformed wing virus loads in honey bees.}, journal = {Biology letters}, volume = {19}, number = {1}, pages = {20220416}, doi = {10.1098/rsbl.2022.0416}, pmid = {36651030}, issn = {1744-957X}, abstract = {The majority of invasive species are best known for their effects as predators. However, many introduced predators may also be substantial reservoirs for pathogens. Honey bee-associated viruses are found in various arthropod species including invasive ants. We examined how the globally invasive Argentine ant (Linepithema humile), which can reach high densities and infest beehives, is associated with pathogen dynamics in honey bees. Viral loads of deformed wing virus (DWV), which has been linked to millions of beehive deaths around the globe, and black queen cell virus significantly increased in bees when invasive ants were present. Microsporidian and trypanosomatid infections, which are more bee-specific, were not affected by ant invasion. The bee virome in autumn revealed that DWV was the predominant virus with the highest infection levels and that no ant-associated viruses were infecting bees. Viral spillback from ants could increase infections in bees. In addition, ant attacks could pose a significant stressor to bee colonies that may affect virus susceptibility. These viral dynamics are a hidden effect of ant pests, which could have a significant impact on disease emergence in this economically important pollinator. Our study highlights a perhaps overlooked effect of species invasions: changes in pathogen dynamics.}, }
@article {pmid36650141, year = {2023}, author = {Street, SE and Gutiérrez, JS and Allen, WL and Capellini, I}, title = {Human activities favour prolific life histories in both traded and introduced vertebrates.}, journal = {Nature communications}, volume = {14}, number = {1}, pages = {262}, pmid = {36650141}, issn = {2041-1723}, abstract = {Species' life histories determine population demographics and thus the probability that introduced populations establish and spread. Life histories also influence which species are most likely to be introduced, but how such 'introduction biases' arise remains unclear. Here, we investigate how life histories affect the probability of trade and introduction in phylogenetic comparative analyses across three vertebrate classes: mammals, reptiles and amphibians. We find that traded species have relatively high reproductive rates and long reproductive lifespans. Within traded species, introduced species have a more extreme version of this same life history profile. Species in the pet trade also have long reproductive lifespans but lack 'fast' traits, likely reflecting demand for rare species which tend to have slow life histories. We identify multiple species not yet traded or introduced but with life histories indicative of high risk of future trade, introduction and potentially invasion. Our findings suggest that species with high invasion potential are favoured in the wildlife trade and therefore that trade regulation is crucial for preventing future invasions.}, }
@article {pmid36649804, year = {2023}, author = {Cêtre-Sossah, C and Lebon, C and Rabarison, P and Cardinale, E and Mavingui, P and Atyame, C}, title = {Evidence of Eretmapodites subsimplicipes and Aedes albopictus as competent vectors for Rift Valley fever virus transmission in Mayotte.}, journal = {Acta tropica}, volume = {}, number = {}, pages = {106835}, doi = {10.1016/j.actatropica.2023.106835}, pmid = {36649804}, issn = {1873-6254}, abstract = {Rift Valley fever (RVF) recently re-emerged in Mayotte. We described, for the first time, that the mosquito species Eretmapodites subsimplicipes, a highly abundant species in Mayotte, is a competent vector for the transmission of RVF virus using three distinct populations native to Mayotte. We also showed that Aedes albopictus specimens are able to transmit RVF virus (RVFV) as previously observed in mosquito populations of other countries emphasizing the need of the increase vigilance for this highly invasive species of global distribution. Altogether, these results underline the epidemiological importance of both species for RVFV transmission in Mayotte and contribute to better understand the RVF epidemiological cycle and help to implement efficient prevention measures.}, }
@article {pmid36635481, year = {2023}, author = {Rane, R and Walsh, TK and Lenancker, P and Gock, A and Dao, TH and Nguyen, VL and Khin, TN and Amalin, D and Chittarath, K and Faheem, M and Annamalai, S and Thanarajoo, SS and Trisyono, YA and Khay, S and Kim, J and Kuniata, L and Powell, K and Kalyebi, A and Otim, MH and Nam, K and d'Alençon, E and Gordon, KHJ and Tay, WT}, title = {Complex multiple introductions drive fall armyworm invasions into Asia and Australia.}, journal = {Scientific reports}, volume = {13}, number = {1}, pages = {660}, pmid = {36635481}, issn = {2045-2322}, mesh = {Animals ; Asia ; Australia ; *Commerce ; Genetic Markers ; *Spodoptera/genetics ; Genetics, Population ; Gene Flow ; Polymorphism, Single Nucleotide ; Introduced Species ; }, abstract = {The fall armyworm (FAW) Spodoptera frugiperda is thought to have undergone a rapid 'west-to-east' spread since 2016 when it was first identified in western Africa. Between 2018 and 2020, it was recorded from South Asia (SA), Southeast Asia (SEA), East Asia (EA), and Pacific/Australia (PA). Population genomic analyses enabled the understanding of pathways, population sources, and gene flow in this notorious agricultural pest species. Using neutral single nucleotide polymorphic (SNP) DNA markers, we detected genome introgression that suggested most populations in this study were overwhelmingly C- and R-strain hybrids (n = 252/262). SNP and mitochondrial DNA markers identified multiple introductions that were most parsimoniously explained by anthropogenic-assisted spread, i.e., associated with international trade of live/fresh plants and plant products, and involved 'bridgehead populations' in countries to enable successful pest establishment in neighbouring countries. Distinct population genomic signatures between Myanmar and China do not support the 'African origin spread' nor the 'Myanmar source population to China' hypotheses. Significant genetic differentiation between populations from different Australian states supported multiple pathways involving distinct SEA populations. Our study identified Asia as a biosecurity hotspot and a FAW genetic melting pot, and demonstrated the use of genome analysis to disentangle preventable human-assisted pest introductions from unpreventable natural pest spread.}, }
@article {pmid36645469, year = {2023}, author = {Schneider, I and Rannow, B and Gupta, A and Russell, M and Windmuller-Campione, M}, title = {What Really Works? Testing Augmented and Virtual Reality Messaging in Terrestrial Invasive Species Management Communications to Impact Visitor Preferences and Deter Visitor Displacement.}, journal = {Environmental management}, volume = {}, number = {}, pages = {}, pmid = {36645469}, issn = {1432-1009}, abstract = {Natural resource management is rapidly shifting to incorporate a deeper understanding of ecological processes and functioning, including attention to invasive species. The shift to understand public perceptions of resource management and invasives is much slower. Information influences both landscape preference and behaviors. Theory suggests that increasingly engaging information should have concurrently greater impacts. This research tested the effect of increasingly engaging information on visitor preferences and intentions to return to landscapes treated in response to emerald ash borer (EAB; Agrilus planipennis). Park visitors in a midwestern-U.S. state randomly received one of four messages about forest management in response to EAB (control, photo, augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR)). Messaging impacted preferences for three of the four management approaches, but significant changes in displacement intentions emerged in only one of the four. Specifically, VR and AR increased preferences for complete harvest compared to photos/text, but not differently from those who received no information. VR significantly lowered preferences for select harvest with natural regeneration. The photo/text treatment increased preference for select harvest with planted trees over no information. Any information reduced displacement in response to a photo depicting "select harvest, planted trees." Subsequently judicious use of advanced communications like VR can optimize increasing scarce resources and maintain or optimize ecological services. Future research directions across geographic and content areas are recommended.}, }
@article {pmid36643651, year = {2023}, author = {Collado, GA and Salvador, RB and Vidal, M and Parra Aravena, F and Delgado, V and Torres-Díaz, C}, title = {Distribution, conservation status and proposed measures for preservation of Radiodiscus microgastropods in Chile.}, journal = {PeerJ}, volume = {11}, number = {}, pages = {e14027}, pmid = {36643651}, issn = {2167-8359}, abstract = {The genus Radiodiscus includes minute terrestrial snails occurring throughout the American continent. We assessed the conservation status of eight poorly known Chilean Radiodiscus species using the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) and NatureServe categories and criteria. Under the IUCN guidelines the species were assessed using the Criterion B of geographic range, which considers the extent of occurrence (EOO) and area of occupancy (AOO) as subcriteria. For NatureServe we used these two parameters plus the number of occurrences, ecological viability, and threats. Considering species rarity and possible sampling bias, we also used ecological niche modeling to determine climate and environmental tolerances and predict potential species distributions analyzing bioclimatic and geographical layers. Radiodiscus australis, R. coarctatus and R. quillajicola were listed as Critically Endangered by IUCN and NatureServe standards; R. coppingeri, R. flammulatus, R. magellanicus and R. villarricensis as Endangered by both methods; while R. riochicoensis as Endangered by IUCN standards and Vulnerable by NatureServe standards. Niche modeling results indicated that Radiodiscus species respond to different environmental conditions and that the predicted distribution areas contain suitable habitats beyond the current ranges, which may be helpful for future management plans. Nature-based sport tourism, forestry activities, urbanization, roads, pollution, mining, forest fires, livestock, volcanism, tsunamis, soil erosion and introduced species are among the major threats affecting these snails. Based on the low number of occurrences and the threats identified, the most at-risk species are R. coarctatus and R. quillajicola (one record), R. australis (two records) and R. villarricensis (three records); the latter two lacking occurrences within protected areas. Compiling our findings, we propose a list of actions to preserve Chilean Radiodiscus species.}, }
@article {pmid35919404, year = {2022}, author = {Kraaij, T and Msweli, ST and Potts, AJ}, title = {Fuel trait effects on flammability of native and invasive alien shrubs in coastal fynbos and thicket (Cape Floristic Region).}, journal = {PeerJ}, volume = {10}, number = {}, pages = {e13765}, pmid = {35919404}, issn = {2167-8359}, mesh = {*Fires ; Plants ; Biomass ; Temperature ; Introduced Species ; *Burns ; }, abstract = {In June 2017, extreme fires along the southern Cape coast of South Africa burnt native fynbos and thicket vegetation and caused extensive damage to plantations and residential properties. Invasive alien plants (IAPs) occur commonly in the area and were thought to have changed the behaviour of these fires through their modification of fuel properties relative to that of native vegetation. This study experimentally compared various measures of flammability across groups of native and alien invasive shrub species in relation to their fuel traits. Live plant shoots of 30 species (10 species each of native fynbos, native thicket, and IAPs) were sampled to measure live fuel moisture, dry biomass, fuel bed porosity and the proportions of fine-, coarse- and dead fuels. These shoots were burnt experimentally, and flammability measured in terms of maximum temperature (combustibility), completeness of burn (consumability), and time-to-ignition (ignitability). Multiple regression models were used to assess the relationships between flammability responses and fuel traits, while the Kruskal-Wallis H test was used to establish if differences existed in flammability measures and fuel traits among the vegetation groups. Dry biomass significantly enhanced, while live fuel moisture significantly reduced, maximum temperature, whereas the proportion of fine fuels significantly increased completeness of burn. Unlike other similar studies, the proportion of dead fuels and fuel bed porosity were not retained by any of the models to account for variation in flammability. Species of fynbos and IAPs generally exhibited greater flammability in the form of higher completeness of burn and more rapid ignition than species of thicket. Little distinction in flammability and fuel traits could be made between species of fynbos and IAPs, except that fynbos species had a greater proportion of fine fuels. Thicket species had higher proportions of coarse fuels and greater dry biomass (~fuel loading) than species of fynbos and IAPs. Live fuel moisture did not differ among the vegetation groups, contrary to the literature often ascribing variation in flammability to fuel moisture differences. The fuel traits investigated only explained 21-53% of the variation in flammability and large variation was evident among species within vegetation groups suggesting that species-specific and in situ community-level investigations are warranted, particularly in regard fuel moisture and chemical contents.}, }
@article {pmid36641462, year = {2023}, author = {Filip, T and Michal, &#x160; and Radoslava, J and Ivan, B and Michal, A and Lucia, Z and Gyözö, H}, title = {The impact of the striped field mouse's range expansion on communities of native small mammals.}, journal = {Scientific reports}, volume = {13}, number = {1}, pages = {753}, pmid = {36641462}, issn = {2045-2322}, abstract = {Understanding species expansion as an element of the dispersal process is crucial to gaining a better comprehension of the functioning of the populations and the communities. Populations of the same species that are native in one area could be considered nonindigenous, naturalised or invasive somewhere else. The striped field mouse has been expanding its range in south-western Slovakia since 2010, although the origin of the spread has still not been clarified. In light of the striped field mouse's life history, the recent range expansion is considered to be the expansion of a native species. This study analyses the impact of the striped field mouse's expansion on the native population and small mammal communities and confronts the documented stages of striped field mouse expansion with the stages of invasion biology. Our research replicates the design and compares results from past research of small mammals prior to this expansion at the same three study areas with the same 20 study sites and control sites. Several years after expansion, the striped field mouse has a 100% frequency of occurrence in all study sites and has become the dominant species in two of the study areas. The native community is significantly affected by the striped field mouse's increasing dominance, specifically: (i) we found a re-ordering of the species rank, mainly in areas with higher dominance, and (ii) an initial positive impact on diversity and evenness during low dominance of the striped field mouse turned markedly negative after crossing the 25% dominance threshold. Results suggested that the variation in the striped field mouse's dominance is affected by the northern direction of its spread. Our findings show that establishment in a new area, spread and impact on the native community are stages possibly shared by both invasive and native species during their range expansion.}, }
@article {pmid36635782, year = {2023}, author = {Holcomb, KM and Mathis, S and Staples, JE and Fischer, M and Barker, CM and Beard, CB and Nett, RJ and Keyel, AC and Marcantonio, M and Childs, ML and Gorris, ME and Rochlin, I and Hamins-Puértolas, M and Ray, EL and Uelmen, JA and DeFelice, N and Freedman, AS and Hollingsworth, BD and Das, P and Osthus, D and Humphreys, JM and Nova, N and Mordecai, EA and Cohnstaedt, LW and Kirk, D and Kramer, LD and Harris, MJ and Kain, MP and Reed, EMX and Johansson, MA}, title = {Evaluation of an open forecasting challenge to assess skill of West Nile virus neuroinvasive disease prediction.}, journal = {Parasites &amp; vectors}, volume = {16}, number = {1}, pages = {11}, pmid = {36635782}, issn = {1756-3305}, support = {Cooperative Agreement 1U01CK000516/CC/CDC HHS/United States ; Cooperative Agreement 1U01CK000509-01/CC/CDC HHS/United States ; R35GM133439/NH/NIH HHS/United States ; DEB-2011147/TW/FIC NIH HHS/United States ; }, abstract = {BACKGROUND: West Nile virus (WNV) is the leading cause of mosquito-borne illness in the continental USA. WNV occurrence has high spatiotemporal variation, and current approaches to targeted control of the virus are limited, making forecasting a public health priority. However, little research has been done to compare strengths and weaknesses of WNV disease forecasting approaches on the national scale. We used forecasts submitted to the 2020 WNV Forecasting Challenge, an open challenge organized by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, to assess the status of WNV neuroinvasive disease (WNND) prediction and identify avenues for improvement.<br><br>METHODS: We performed a multi-model comparative assessment of probabilistic forecasts submitted by 15 teams for annual WNND cases in US counties for 2020 and assessed forecast accuracy, calibration, and discriminatory power. In the evaluation, we included forecasts produced by comparison models of varying complexity as benchmarks of forecast performance. We also used regression analysis to identify modeling approaches and contextual factors that were associated with forecast skill.<br><br>RESULTS: Simple models based on historical WNND cases generally scored better than more complex models and combined higher discriminatory power with better calibration of uncertainty. Forecast skill improved across updated forecast submissions submitted during the 2020 season. Among models using additional data, inclusion of climate or human demographic data was associated with higher skill, while inclusion of mosquito or land use data was associated with lower skill. We also identified population size, extreme minimum winter temperature, and interannual variation in WNND cases as county-level characteristics associated with variation in forecast skill.<br><br>CONCLUSIONS: Historical WNND cases were strong predictors of future cases with minimal increase in skill achieved by models that included other factors. Although opportunities might exist to specifically improve predictions for areas with large populations and low or high winter temperatures, areas with high case-count variability are intrinsically more difficult to predict. Also, the prediction of outbreaks, which are outliers relative to typical case numbers, remains difficult. Further improvements to prediction could be obtained with improved calibration of forecast uncertainty and access to real-time data streams (e.g. current weather and preliminary human cases).}, }
@article {pmid36635483, year = {2023}, author = {Taszakowski, A and Masłowski, A and Daane, KM and Brożek, J}, title = {Closer view of antennal sensory organs of two Leptoglossus species (Insecta, Hemiptera, Coreidae).}, journal = {Scientific reports}, volume = {13}, number = {1}, pages = {617}, pmid = {36635483}, issn = {2045-2322}, abstract = {Detailed description of antennal sensory organs of Leptoglossus occidentalis Heidemann, 1910 (Insecta: Hemiptera: Heteroptera: Coreidae) and a comparison with L. zonatus (Dallas, 1852) are presented. A novel approach that combines the advantages of field emission scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM) and atomic force microscope (AFM) was used to detail micromorphological structures. A simplified classification system for sensilla that eliminates the subjective aspects of morphology, such as their shape, is proposed. Fourteen sensory organs have been classified into three main groups: (a) aporous sensilla with a flexible socket, (b) porous sensilla with a flexible socket and (c) porous sensilla with an inflexible socket. A large variety of sensory organs (nine types) with olfactory functions are described. The antennal sensory organs have been recognized as one of the factors responsible for the evolutionary success of Leptoglossus spp. and their status as important pests and invasive species.}, }
@article {pmid36635341, year = {2023}, author = {Zhang, Y and Li, JT and Xu, X and Chen, HY and Zhu, T and Xu, JJ and Xu, XN and Li, JQ and Liang, C and Li, B and Fang, CM and Nie, M}, title = {Temperature fluctuation promotes the thermal adaptation of soil microbial respiration.}, journal = {Nature ecology &amp; evolution}, volume = {}, number = {}, pages = {}, pmid = {36635341}, issn = {2397-334X}, abstract = {The magnitude of the feedback between soil microbial respiration and increased mean temperature may decrease (a process called thermal adaptation) or increase over time, and accurately representing this feedback in models improves predictions of soil carbon loss rates. However, climate change entails changes not only in mean temperature but also in temperature fluctuation, and how this fluctuation regulates the thermal response of microbial respiration has never been systematically evaluated. By analysing subtropical forest soils from a 2,000 km transect across China, we showed that although a positive relationship between soil microbial biomass-specific respiration and temperature was observed under increased constant incubation temperature, an increasing temperature fluctuation had a stronger negative effect. Our results further indicated that changes in bacterial community composition and reduced activities of carbon degradation enzymes promoted the effect of temperature fluctuation. This adaptive response of soil microbial respiration suggests that climate warming may have a lesser exacerbating effect on atmospheric CO2 concentrations than predicted.}, }
@article {pmid36634536, year = {2023}, author = {Ben-Haddad, M and Abelouah, MR and Hajji, S and Rangel-Buitrago, N and Alla, AA}, title = {The halophyte Cakile maritima Scop. 1772 as a trap of plastic litter on the Moroccan coast.}, journal = {Marine pollution bulletin}, volume = {187}, number = {}, pages = {114574}, doi = {10.1016/j.marpolbul.2023.114574}, pmid = {36634536}, issn = {1879-3363}, abstract = {Some plant communities of coastal dunes may affect the magnitude and distribution of litter on the ecosystem. In this study, the aim is to assess the aptitude of the halophyte Cakile maritima Scop. 1772 to be a trap and sink of plastic litter on the Moroccan Atlantic coast. Overall, a significant difference was noted between plastic litter trapped in C. maritima patches (1173 items) and control plots (502 items). Food containers and ropes were the most common trapped items. Shoreline and recreational activities, followed by dumping and ocean/waterway activities are the main sources of the trapped plastic items. The findings suggest the expansion of the cleaning operations to include coastal dunes, the need to change behavior among beachgoers in regard to food plastics disposal, as well the control of C. maritima distribution in the study area, and similar plant species in other regions.}, }
@article {pmid36629665, year = {2023}, author = {Carrera-Játiva, PD and Torres, C and Figueroa-Sandoval, F and Beltrami, E and Verdugo, C and Landaeta-Aqueveque, C and Acosta-Jamett, G}, title = {Gastrointestinal parasites in wild rodents in Chiloé Island-Chile.}, journal = {Revista brasileira de parasitologia veterinaria = Brazilian journal of veterinary parasitology : Orgao Oficial do Colegio Brasileiro de Parasitologia Veterinaria}, volume = {32}, number = {1}, pages = {e017022}, doi = {10.1590/S1984-29612023002}, pmid = {36629665}, issn = {1984-2961}, abstract = {Gastrointestinal parasites are well-documented in small mammals from north-central Chile, but little is known about endoparasites of rodents in southern Chile. A survey was conducted between January and February 2018 to evaluate gastrointestinal parasites and risk factors of wild rodents that live in rural areas in Northern Chiloé Island, Chile. A total of 174 fecal samples from rodents of six native and one introduced species were collected and examined using the Mini-FLOTAC method. Also, 41 individuals of four native wild rodent species were examined furtherly to determinate adult parasites from gastrointestinal tracts. The overall prevalence of endoparasites was 89.65% (156). Helminth egg types included: Rodentolepis spp., Capillariidae, Trichuris sp., Syphacia sp., oxyurid-type eggs, Strongyloides sp., Spirurid-type eggs, Strongilid-type eggs, Moniliformis sp., and an unidentified nematode egg and larvae. Protozoa comprised coccidia, amoeba, and unidentified cysts. From necropsies, adult parasites involved Syphacia sp. Trichuris sp., Protospirura sp. and Physaloptera sp. In Abrothrix olivacea, individuals with low-body-mass index exhibited reduced infection probability for Spirurid-type and Strongilid-type eggs. Some parasites in this study may affect human health. In rural settings where environmental conditions are changing, more research should be undertaken to understand parasitic infections in wildlife and implications for public health and conservation.}, }
@article {pmid36629100, year = {2023}, author = {Santana-Garcon, J and Bennett, S and Marbà, N and Vergés, A and Arthur, R and Alcoverro, T}, title = {Tropicalization shifts herbivore pressure from seagrass to rocky reef communities.}, journal = {Proceedings. Biological sciences}, volume = {290}, number = {1990}, pages = {20221744}, doi = {10.1098/rspb.2022.1744}, pmid = {36629100}, issn = {1471-2954}, abstract = {Climate-driven species redistributions are reshuffling the composition of marine ecosystems. How these changes alter ecosystem functions, however, remains poorly understood. Here we examine how impacts of herbivory change across a gradient of tropicalization in the Mediterranean Sea, which includes a steep climatic gradient and marked changes in plant nutritional quality and fish herbivore composition. We quantified individual feeding rates and behaviour of 755 fishes of the native Sarpa salpa, and non-native Siganus rivulatus and Siganus luridus. We measured herbivore and benthic assemblage composition across 20 sites along the gradient, spanning 30° of longitude and 8° of latitude. We coupled patterns in behaviour and composition with temperature measurements and nutrient concentrations to assess changes in herbivory under tropicalization. We found a transition in ecological impacts by fish herbivory across the Mediterranean from a predominance of seagrass herbivory in the west to a dominance of macroalgal herbivory in the east. Underlying this shift were changes in both individual feeding behaviour (i.e. food choice) and fish assemblage composition. The shift in feeding selectivity was consistent among temperate and warm-affiliated herbivores. Our findings suggest herbivory can contribute to the increased vulnerability of seaweed communities and reduced vulnerability of seagrass meadows in tropicalized ecosystems.}, }
@article {pmid36626996, year = {2023}, author = {Pandey, HP and Aryal, K and Aryal, S and Maraseni, TN}, title = {Understanding local ecosystem dynamics in three provinces of the lowlands of Nepal.}, journal = {The Science of the total environment}, volume = {}, number = {}, pages = {161501}, doi = {10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.161501}, pmid = {36626996}, issn = {1879-1026}, abstract = {Incidences of failure of sustainable ecosystem management policies, especially in the developing world are partly attributable due to a lack of political will and inadequate understanding of ecosystem dynamics (ED) at the local levels. In this study, we endeavor to comprehend the dynamics of two ecosystems - forest and agriculture - by employing a resource-friendly participatory approach based on stake-taking the experiences of indigenous and forest-dependent local stakeholders in three lowland provinces of Nepal and is guided by the theory of socio-ecological concept. An in-depth survey (n = 136) was conducted using semi-structured questionnaires, key informant interviews (n = 9), and focus group discussions (n = 4) for data generation, and generalized linear models were used to test whether understanding of ED is uniform across the socio-ecological landscape. We identified that various attributes of forests and agricultural ecosystems have altered substantially earlier than 30 years (hereafter, earlier decade) relative to the present (hereafter, later decade). Apart from the natural processes including anthropogenic and climatic factors, technological innovations played a significant role in altering ecosystems in the later decade. Understanding of ED among forest-dependent stakeholders significantly varied with respect to gender, occupation, age group, gender-based water fetching responsibility, and water-fetching duration, however, no significant correlation was observed with their level of education across the landscape. The studied ecosystem attributes significantly correlate with water regime changes, signifying that water-centric ecosystem management is crucial. The attributes that observed significant dynamics in the forest ecosystem include changes in forest cover, structure and species composition, the severity of invasive species, wildfires, water regimes, and abundance and behavioral changes in mammals and avifauna. The alteration of crop cultivation and harvesting season which results in a decrease in yield, increased use of chemicals (fertilizers and pesticides) an increase in fallow land, and the proliferation of hybrid variety cultivation in the later decade are significant disparities in the dynamics of the agriculture ecosystem. To withstand the accelerated ED, stakeholders adopt various strategies, however, these strategies are either obtained from unsustainable sources entail high costs and technology, or are detrimental to the ecosystems. In relation, we present specific examples of ecosystem attributes that significantly experience changes in the later decade compared to the earlier decade along with plausible future pathways for policy decisions sustaining and stewardship of dynamic ecosystems across the socio-ecological landscape.}, }
@article {pmid36626991, year = {2023}, author = {Le Hen, G and Balzani, P and Haase, P and Kouba, A and Liu, C and Nagelkerke, LAJ and Theissen, N and Renault, D and Soto, I and Haubrock, PJ}, title = {Alien species and climate change drive shifts in a riverine fish community and trait compositions over 35 years.}, journal = {The Science of the total environment}, volume = {}, number = {}, pages = {161486}, doi = {10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.161486}, pmid = {36626991}, issn = {1879-1026}, abstract = {Alien fish substantially impact aquatic communities. However, their effects on trait composition remain poorly understood, especially at large spatiotemporal scales. Here, we used long-term biomonitoring data (1984-2018) from 31 fish communities of the Rhine river in Germany to investigate compositional and functional changes over time. Average total community richness increased by 49 %: it was stable until 2004, then declined until 2010, before increasing until 2018. Average abundance decreased by 9 %. Starting from 198 individuals/m[2] in 1984 abundance largely declined to 23 individuals/m[2] in 2010 (-88 %), and then consequently increased by 678 % up to 180 individuals/m[2] until 2018. Increases in abundance and richness starting around 2010 were mainly driven by the establishment of alien species: while alien species represented 5 % of all species and 0.1 % of total individuals in 1993, it increased to 30 % (7 species) and 32 % of individuals in 2018. Concomitant to the increase in alien species, average native species richness and abundance declined by 26 % and 50 % respectively. We identified increases in temperature, precipitation, abundance and richness of alien fish driving compositional changes after 2010. To get more insights on the impacts of alien species on fish communities, we used 12 biological and 13 ecological traits to compute four trait metrics each. Ecological trait dispersion increased before 2010, probably due to diminishing ecologically similar native species. No changes in trait metrics were measured after 2010, albeit relative shares of expressed trait modalities significantly changing. The observed shift in trait modalities suggested the introduction of new species carrying similar and novel trait modalities. Our results revealed significant changes in taxonomic and trait compositions following alien fish introductions and climatic change. To conclude, our analyses show taxonomic and functional changes in the Rhine river over 35 years, likely indicative of future changes in ecosystem services.}, }
@article {pmid36625679, year = {2022}, author = {Baeckens, S and Losos, JB and Irschick, DJ and Kolbe, JJ and Bock, DG}, title = {Introduction history and hybridization determine the hydric balance of an invasive lizard facing a recent climate niche shift.}, journal = {Evolution; international journal of organic evolution}, volume = {}, number = {}, pages = {}, doi = {10.1093/evolut/qpac017}, pmid = {36625679}, issn = {1558-5646}, abstract = {As anthropogenic activities are increasing the frequency and severity of droughts, understanding whether and how fast populations can adapt to sudden changes in their hydric environment is critically important. Here, we capitalize on the introduction of the Cuban brown anole lizard (Anolis sagrei) in North America to assess the contemporary evolution of a widespread terrestrial vertebrate to an abrupt climatic niche shift. We characterized hydric balance in 30 populations along a large climatic gradient. We found that while evaporative and cutaneous water loss varied widely, there was no climatic cline, as would be expected under adaptation. Furthermore, the skin of lizards from more arid environments was covered with smaller scales, a condition thought to limit water conservation and thus be maladaptive. In contrast to environmental conditions, genome-averaged ancestry was a significant predictor of water loss. This was reinforced by our genome-wide association analyses, which indicated a significant ancestry-specific effect for water loss at one locus. Thus, our study indicates that the water balance of invasive brown anoles is dictated by an environment-independent introduction and hybridization history and highlights genetic interactions or genetic correlations as factors that might forestall adaptation. Alternative water conservation strategies, including behavioral mitigation, may influence the brown anole invasion success and require future examination.}, }
@article {pmid35251785, year = {2022}, author = {Li, YX and Dong, XF and Yang, AL and Zhang, HB}, title = {Diversity and pathogenicity of Alternaria species associated with the invasive plant Ageratina adenophora and local plants.}, journal = {PeerJ}, volume = {10}, number = {}, pages = {e13012}, pmid = {35251785}, issn = {2167-8359}, mesh = {*Ageratina ; Alternaria/genetics ; Ecosystem ; Introduced Species ; Virulence/genetics ; China ; Plants ; }, abstract = {Pathogen accumulation after introduction is unavoidable for exotic plants over a long period of time. Therefore, it is important to understand whether plant invasion promotes novel pathogen emergence and increases the risk of pathogen movement among agricultural, horticultural, and wild native plants. In this study, we used multiple gene analysis to characterize the species composition of 104 isolates of Alternaria obtained from the invasive plant Ageratina adenophora and native plants from Yunnan, Hubei, Guizhou, Sichuan, and Guangxi in China. Phylogenetically, these strains were from A. alternata (88.5%), A. gossypina (10.6%) and A. steviae (0.9%). There was a high amount of sharing between strains associated with A. adenophora and with local plants. Pathogenicity tests indicated that most of these Alternaria strains are generalists; the isolates with a wider host range were more virulent to the plant. Woody plants were more resistant to these strains than herbaceous plants and vines. However, the invasive plant A. adenophora was highly sensitive to these strains. Our data are valuable for understanding how A. adenophora invasion impacts the Alternaria species composition of the native plant and whether A. adenophora invasion causes potential disease risks in invaded ecosystems.}, }
@article {pmid36621499, year = {2023}, author = {Mukherjee, T and Sharma, LK and Thakur, M and Banerjee, D and Chandra, K}, title = {Whether curse or blessing: A counterintuitive perspective on global pest thrips infestation under climatic change with implications to agricultural economics.}, journal = {The Science of the total environment}, volume = {}, number = {}, pages = {161349}, doi = {10.1016/j.scitotenv.2022.161349}, pmid = {36621499}, issn = {1879-1026}, abstract = {The improvement and application of pest models to predict yield losses is still a challenge for the scientific community. However, pest models were targeted chiefly towards scheduling scouting or pesticide applications to deal with pest infestation. Thysanoptera (thrips) significantly impact the productivity of many economically important crops worldwide. Until now, no comprehensive study is available on the global distribution of pest thrips, as well as on the extent of cropland vulnerability worldwide. Further, nothing is known about the climate change impacts on these insects. Thus the present study was designed to map the global distribution and quantify the extent of cropland vulnerability in the present and future climate scenarios using data of identified pest thrips within the genus, i.e., Thrips, Frankliniella, and Scirtothrips. Our found significant niche contraction under the climate change scenarios and thrips may reside primarily in their thermal tolerance thresholds. About 3,98,160 km[2] of cropland globally was found to be affected in the present scenario. However, it may significantly reduce to 5530 Km[2] by 2050 and 1990 km[2] by 2070. Further, the thrips distribution mostly getting restricted to Eastern North America, the North-western of the Indian sub-continent, and the north of Europe. Among all realms, thrips may lose ground in the Indo-Malayan realm at the most and get restricted to only 27 out of 825 terrestrial ecoregions. The agrarian communities of the infested regions may get benefit if these pests get wiped out, but on the contrary, we may lose species diversity. Moreover, the vacated niche may attract other invasive species, which may seriously impact the species composition and agricultural productivity. The present study findings can be used in making informed decisions about prioritizing future economic and research investments on the thrips in light of anticipated climate change impacts.}, }
@article {pmid36620396, year = {2023}, author = {Xie, Y and Li, J and Zhao, L and Liu, W and Gong, Q and Deng, M and Zhao, M and Huang, S}, title = {Naturalization of an alien ancient fruit tree at a fine scale: Community structure and population dynamics of Cydonia oblonga in China.}, journal = {Ecology and evolution}, volume = {13}, number = {1}, pages = {e9703}, pmid = {36620396}, issn = {2045-7758}, abstract = {Naturalized plants play pivotal roles in local plant biodiversity and ecological functions; however, the drivers of naturalization remain poorly understood at a fine scale. Thus, understanding the processes of the development and dominance of alien plants in local natural habitats is of paramount importance. In the present study, we report for the first time the naturalization of Cydonia oblonga in China based on community structure and population dynamics at a fine scale. We conducted a comprehensive survey of the species through field community investigations, interviews, and a literature review. Cydonia oblonga is an ancient fruit tree with a long introduction history of over 4500 years worldwide and a cultivation history of over 2500 years in China. We analyzed C. oblonga community structure using the spatiotemporal substitution method and quantitatively analyzed population dynamics using a static life table, survivorship curve, and time series model to explore the naturalization processes. The following results were obtained. (i) The community comprised 31 coexisting vascular plant species (16 woody and 15 herbaceous species) belonging to 28 genera in 20 families. Rosaceae and Asteraceae were the two most dominant families. (ii) All individuals in the shrub layer as well as the C. oblonga population exhibited a roughly inverted J-shaped basal diameter distribution. A complete age structure was noted, and the survival curve was classified as Deevey type II. According to time series analysis, the population is estimated to increase in the future, specifically of medium and large individuals. (iii) Religious exchange, potent resource competitiveness, and similarity with the native habitat may be the major drivers of the introduction and successful naturalization of C. oblonga. These results suggest that alien species closely related to native ones are more likely to invade, naturalize, and dominate communities in local habitats.}, }
@article {pmid36617677, year = {2023}, author = {Browett, SS and Synnott, R and O'Meara, DB and Antwis, RE and Browett, SS and Bown, KJ and Wangensteen, OS and Dawson, DA and Searle, JB and Yearsley, JM and McDevitt, AD}, title = {Resource competition drives an invasion-replacement event among shrew species on an island.}, journal = {The Journal of animal ecology}, volume = {}, number = {}, pages = {}, doi = {10.1111/1365-2656.13855}, pmid = {36617677}, issn = {1365-2656}, abstract = {Invasive mammals are responsible for the majority of native species extinctions on islands. While most of these extinction events will be due to novel interactions between species (e.g. exotic predators and naive prey), it is more unusual to find incidences where a newly invasive species causes the decline/extinction of a native species on an island when they normally coexist elsewhere in their overlapping mainland ranges. We investigated if resource competition between two insectivorous small mammals was playing a significant role in the rapid replacement of the native pygmy shrew Sorex minutus in the presence of the recently invading greater white-toothed shrew Crocidura russula on the island of Ireland. We used DNA metabarcoding of gut contents from >300 individuals of both species to determine each species' diet and measured the body size (weight and length) during different stages of the invasion in Ireland (before, during and after the species come into contact with one another) and on a French island where both species have long coexisted (acting as a natural 'control' site). Dietary composition, niche width and overlap and body size were compared in these different stages. The body size of the invasive C. russula and composition of its diet changes between when it first invades an area and after it becomes established. During the initial stages of the invasion, individual shrews are larger and consume larger sized invertebrate prey species. During later stages of the invasion, C. russula switches to consuming smaller prey taxa that are more essential for the native species. As a result, the level of interspecific dietary overlap increases from between 11% and 14% when they first come into contact with each other to between 39% and 46% after the invasion. Here we show that an invasive species can quickly alter its dietary niche in a new environment, ultimately causing the replacement of a native species. In addition, the invasive shrew could also be potentially exhausting local resources of larger invertebrate species. These subsequent changes in terrestrial invertebrate communities could have severe impacts further downstream on ecosystem functioning and services.}, }
@article {pmid36375773, year = {2023}, author = {Sokolov, SG and Ieshko, EP and Gorbach, VV}, title = {Parasites of Perccottus glenii Dybowski, 1877 (Actinopterygii: Odontobutidae) in the native and the introduced host range: Abundance-occupancy and abundance-variance relationships.}, journal = {Parasitology international}, volume = {93}, number = {}, pages = {102699}, doi = {10.1016/j.parint.2022.102699}, pmid = {36375773}, issn = {1873-0329}, mesh = {Animals ; *Parasites ; Fishes ; *Perciformes/parasitology ; *Cestoda ; Introduced Species ; }, abstract = {The Chinese sleeper Perccottus glenii Dybowski, 1877 is an invasive fish species rapidly expanding in Siberia and Europe. Its native range encompasses the Far East region of Russia, northeastern China and northern North Korea. We studied species composition, prevalence, mean abundance and variance of mean abundance of macroparasites of the Chinese sleeper in the native and the introduced range. The species composition of the parasite component communities differed considerably in the native and the introduced range. The frequency distributions of prevalence, mean abundance and variance of mean abundance of the parasites did not demonstrate any significant differentiation between the two parts of the host range. However, an analysis of the abundance-occupancy and the abundance-variance relationships revealed that the parasite component communities in the two parts of the host range were quite distinct. In the native range, prevalence increased faster and variance increased more slowly with the increasing abundance of the parasites than in the introduced range. These features are mostly associated with considerably increased prevalence, abundance and aggregation of the host-specific cestode Nippotaenia mogurndae in recipient water bodies as compared with the native habitats.}, }
@article {pmid36616387, year = {2022}, author = {Aguilera Flores, MM and Valdivia Cabral, GI and Medellín Castillo, NA and Ávila Vázquez, V and Sánchez Mata, O and García Torres, J}, title = {Study on the Effectiveness of Two Biopolymer Coagulants on Turbidity and Chemical Oxygen Demand Removal in Urban Wastewater.}, journal = {Polymers}, volume = {15}, number = {1}, pages = {}, doi = {10.3390/polym15010037}, pmid = {36616387}, issn = {2073-4360}, abstract = {The present study investigated the effectiveness of two biopolymer coagulants on turbidity and chemical oxygen demand removal in urban wastewater. The biopolymers were produced from vegetal biomass using the mucilage extracted from Opuntia robusta cladodes, and Uncaria tomentosa leaves. Opuntia robusta is an abundant species in Mexico, which is not edible. Uncaria tomentosa is an exotic invasive species in Mexico and other countries, which negatively affects the ecosystems where it is introduced. A combined experimental design of mixture-process was selected to evaluate the effectiveness of both biopolymer coagulants regarding aluminum sulfate (conventional chemical coagulant). Results showed turbidity and chemical oxygen demand removal efficiencies of 42.3% and 69.6% for Opuntia robusta and 17.2% and 39.4% for Uncaria tomentosa biopolymer coagulant, respectively, at a dose of 200 mg/L. Furthermore, optimum conditions from the experimental design to reach the maximum turbidity and chemical oxygen demand removal were obtained at an Opuntia robusta biopolymer coagulant concentration of 10 mg/L, showing removal efficiencies of 68.7 ± 1.7% and 86.1 ± 1.4%, respectively. These results support using Opuntia robusta as an alternative biopolymer coagulant in urban wastewater treatment.}, }
@article {pmid36616257, year = {2022}, author = {Yang, B and Cui, M and Dai, Z and Li, J and Yu, H and Fan, X and Rutherford, S and Du, D}, title = {Non-Additive Effects of Environmental Factors on Growth and Physiology of Invasive Solidago canadensis and a Co-Occurring Native Species (Artemisia argyi).}, journal = {Plants (Basel, Switzerland)}, volume = {12}, number = {1}, pages = {}, doi = {10.3390/plants12010128}, pmid = {36616257}, issn = {2223-7747}, abstract = {Changes in environmental factors, such as temperature and UV, have significant impacts on the growth and development of both native and invasive plant species. However, few studies examine the combined effects of warming and enhanced UV on plant growth and performance in invasive species. Here, we investigated single and combined effects of warming and UV radiation on growth, leaf functional and photosynthesis traits, and nutrient content (i.e., total organic carbon, nitrogen and phosphorous) of invasive Solidago canadensis and its co-occurring native species, Artemisia argyi, when grown in culture racks in the greenhouse. The species were grown in monoculture and together in a mixed community, with and without warming, and with and without increased UV in a full factorial design. We found that growth in S. canadensis and A. argyi were inhibited and more affected by warming than UV-B radiation. Additionally, there were both antagonistic and synergistic interactions between warming and UV-B on growth and performance in both species. Overall, our results suggested that S. canadensis was more tolerant to elevated temperatures and high UV radiation compared to the native species. Therefore, substantial increases in temperature and UV-B may favour invasive S. canadensis over native A. argyi. Research focusing on the effects of a wider range of temperatures and UV levels is required to improve our understanding of the responses of these two species to greater environmental variability and the impacts of climate change.}, }
@article {pmid36616243, year = {2022}, author = {de Vahl, E and Mattalia, G and Svanberg, I}, title = {"Cow Healers Use It for Both Horses and Cattle": The Rise and Fall of the Ethnoveterinary Use of Peucedanum ostruthium (L.) Koch (fam. Apiaceae) in Sweden.}, journal = {Plants (Basel, Switzerland)}, volume = {12}, number = {1}, pages = {}, doi = {10.3390/plants12010116}, pmid = {36616243}, issn = {2223-7747}, abstract = {Masterwort, Peucedanum ostruthium (L.) Koch, is an Apiaceae species originally native to the mountain areas of central and southern Europe. Written sources show that it was used in northern Europe. This study explores the cultivation history of masterwort and its past use in Sweden. Although only few details are known about the history of this taxon, it represents a cultural relict plant of an intentionally introduced species known in Sweden as early as the Middle Ages. In Sweden, the masterwort was mainly used as an ethnoveterinary herbal remedy from the seventeenth to nineteenth centuries. However, medicinal manuals, pharmacopoeias and some ethnographical records indicate that it was once also used in remedies for humans. Today, this species remains as a living biocultural heritage in rural areas, especially on the surviving shielings, which were once used as mountain pastures in Dalecarlia, and at former crofts that were inhabited by cattle owners in the forest areas of southern Sweden.}, }
@article {pmid36611634, year = {2022}, author = {Zevgolis, YG and Christopoulos, A and Kalargalis, II and Zannetos, SP and Botetzagias, I and Dimitrakopoulos, PG}, title = {An (Un)Expected Threat for a Regionally Near-Threatened Species: A Predation Case of a Persian Squirrel on an Insular Ecosystem.}, journal = {Animals : an open access journal from MDPI}, volume = {13}, number = {1}, pages = {}, doi = {10.3390/ani13010024}, pmid = {36611634}, issn = {2076-2615}, abstract = {One of the most successful predators on island ecosystems is the domestic cat, which is considered responsible for the decline of numerous species' populations. This can be estimated by the analysis of cats' dietary habits, yet prey identification is not always possible, and thus, in cases where precise prey identification is required, one of the most accurate methods derives from observing the hunting process. However, the cryptic nature of the feral cats and the constant vigilance of the species that are preyed upon make the observation process difficult, especially when the prey has a low population density. Here, we report for the first time such a case: a feral cat that has ambushed, killed, and consumed a regionally near-threatened species, the Persian squirrel. This incidental observation happened in the squirrel's westernmost end of its distribution, the island of Lesvos, Greece. Due to the unexpectedness of the event, in the following days, we estimated both the squirrels' and cats' population density. Results showed that while the density of the squirrels is moderate, the population density of the feral cats is almost fifteen times higher. For this reason, management actions need to be taken in an effort to minimize the impacts of feral cats on the native species of the island.}, }
@article {pmid36610403, year = {2023}, author = {Horne, GM and Manderino, R and Jaffe, SP}, title = {Specialist Herbivore Performance on Introduced Plants During Native Host Decline.}, journal = {Environmental entomology}, volume = {}, number = {}, pages = {}, doi = {10.1093/ee/nvac107}, pmid = {36610403}, issn = {1938-2936}, abstract = {Ash (Fraxinus spp.) is in rapid decline across the northeastern USA due to the invasive emerald ash borer (Agrilus planipennis Fairmaire). Three recently co-occurring confamilial species may serve as alternative larval host plants for ash-reliant Lepidoptera. These prospective hosts are nonnative shrubs often planted in managed suburban landscapes and are sometimes invasive or naturalized in North America. Given the imminent decline of ash trees, we considered potential downstream effects on insect herbivores historically specialized on ash foliage. We measured the performance of three ash-specialist hawkmoths (Lepidoptera: Sphingidae) on native white ash (Fraxinus americana L.) and alternative host plants: common lilac (Syringa vulgaris L.), weeping forsythia [Forsythia suspensa (Thunb.) Vahl], and European privet (Ligustrum vulgare L.). We found the nonnative host plants provided varied support for larval survival to pupation, with biomass and growth rate affected differently by both plant and insect identity. Nearly all caterpillars reared on one alternative host, European privet, exhibited distinct malformations of the wing buds at pupation. Given caterpillar presence on privet in the field, privet may constitute an ecological trap (i.e., when female moths select a sub-optimal host, offspring survival and fitness are reduced). This work demonstrates how performance testing can reveal species-specific effects of host plant loss on mono- or oligophagous insects. For some ash specialists, alternative nonnative host plants may be suboptimal, but some cultivated host plants may be able to support certain specialist insects during native host decline. We suggest that landscaping decisions can be tailored to support threatened insect species.}, }
@article {pmid36610395, year = {2022}, author = {Wong, MKL and Economo, EP and Guénard, B}, title = {The global spread and invasion capacities of alien ants.}, journal = {Current biology : CB}, volume = {}, number = {}, pages = {}, doi = {10.1016/j.cub.2022.12.020}, pmid = {36610395}, issn = {1879-0445}, abstract = {Many alien species are neither cultivated nor traded but spread unintentionally, and their global movements, capacities to invade ecosystems, and susceptibility to detection by biosecurity measures are poorly known.[1][,][2][,][3][,][4] We addressed these key knowledge gaps for ants, a ubiquitous group of stowaway and contaminant organisms that include some of the world's most damaging invasive species.[5][,][6][,][7][,][8][,][9][,][10] We assembled a dataset of over 146,000 occurrence records to comprehensively map the human-mediated spread of 520 alien ant species across 525 regions globally. From descriptions of the environments in which species were collected within individual regions-such as in imported cargoes, buildings, and outdoor settings-we determined whether different barriers to invasion had been overcome[11] and classified alien ant species under three levels of invasion capacity corresponding to increasing biosecurity threat. We found that alien species of different invasion capacities had different sources and sinks globally. For instance, although the diversity of indoor-confined species peaked in the Palearctic realm, that of species able to establish outdoors peaked in the Nearctic and Oceanian realms, and these mainly originated from the Neotropical and Oriental realms. We also found that border interceptions worldwide missed two-thirds of alien species with naturalization capacity, many associated with litter and soil. Our study documents the vast spread of alien ants globally while highlighting avenues for more targeted biosecurity responses, such as prioritizing the screening of imports from regions that are diversity hotspots for species of high invasion capacity and improving the detection of cryptic alien invertebrates dwelling in substrates.}, }
@article {pmid36610082, year = {2023}, author = {Thiele, T and Morf, N and Grimm, F and Kipar, A and Hetzel, U}, title = {A Muskrat (Ondatra zibethicus) with alveolar echinococcosis bitten to death by a dog - a challenge for the forensic pathologist as an expert witness.}, journal = {Journal of comparative pathology}, volume = {200}, number = {}, pages = {12-17}, doi = {10.1016/j.jcpa.2022.11.005}, pmid = {36610082}, issn = {1532-3129}, abstract = {We present a case that illustrates the complex contexts in which forensic veterinary pathology examinations may be carried out. A wild muskrat (Ondatra zibethicus) had died after a putative bite attack from a domestic dog. Bite attacks by privately owned dogs on wild animals in Switzerland violate the Swiss civil (and/or hunting) laws, and dog owners are generally punished with a monetary fine; hence, this case appeared to be straightforward. However, the results of the subsequent post-mortem examination of the muskrat not only confirmed the presence of injuries related to the bite attack, but also detected alveolar echinococcosis (ie, infestation with Echinococcus multilocularis). Therefore, as an intermediate host of the parasite, the muskrat could have contributed to further spread of a severe helminthic zoonosis had it not been killed by the dog. It was probably an easy prey for the dog as it probably had been weakened by the disease. Furthermore, muskrats are considered as pests and invasive species, and are non-indigenous huntable game in Switzerland and other European countries in which programmes for the prevention of their further spread and endangerment of native wildlife are established. The role of the forensic veterinary pathologist in such a complex scenario is to adopt an unbiased approach and establish the facts, which in this case was to determine the cause of death and suspected perpetrator, identify any concomitant and/or underlying diseases and consider potential animal welfare issues.}, }
@article {pmid36607463, year = {2023}, author = {Wang, Y and Zhou, H and Yang, Y and Sun, J and Liu, Y and Liu, C and Xia, S and Mu, X}, title = {Intrageneric Relationship of Datnioides (Lobotiformes) Inferred from the Complete Nuclear Ribosomal DNA Operon.}, journal = {Biochemical genetics}, volume = {}, number = {}, pages = {}, pmid = {36607463}, issn = {1573-4927}, abstract = {Tiger fish (genus Datnioides) are critical ornamental and economic fish and are valuable freshwater fish worldwide, belonging to the order Lobotiformes. Currently, there are five extant species (Datnioides campbelli, D. microlepis, D. polota, D. pulcher, and D. undecimradiatus) of Datnioides in the world, usually inhabiting in south and southeast Asia. Due to the decline of wild population sizes of tiger fish and the lack of molecular research on them, in the present study, we sequenced, assembled, and characterized the complete nuclear ribosomal DNA (nrDNA) operon of all five extant tiger fish species, in order to elucidate the phylogenetic relationship among the genus Datnioides. The nrDNA sequences of five tiger fish species were 8548-9182 bp in length, encompassing complete 18S rDNA, ITS1, 5.8S rDNA, ITS2, 28S rDNA, and IGS regions. Numerous repetitive sequences were detected, substantially influencing the sequence length of different regions in each species. We employed maximum-likelihood (ML) method and Bayesian inference (BI) method to construct phylogenetic trees for Datnioides. Phylogenetic analyses indicated that each region in nrDNA operon is not sufficiently phylogenetically informative to delineate the species in Datnioides; nevertheless, the whole operon is able to delineate five tiger fish species much better, three of five species were successfully partitioned. Particularly, regardless of employed markers, it was strongly supported that D. campbelli was considerably partitioned from the other four species, possibly due to the geographical separation. In spite of the fact that discrimination of Datnioides species requires further investigation, our study provides reference genome resources for the Lobotiformes, as well as insights into the phylogenetic position of Lobotiformes and further biological conservation.}, }
@article {pmid36606148, year = {2021}, author = {Sharma, AD and Kaur, J and Chand, TSP}, title = {Spectral fingerprinting revealed modulation of plant secondary metabolites in providing abiotic stress tolerance to invasive alien plants Lantana camara (L.), Parthenium hysterophorous (L.), Ricinus communis (L.), and Ageratum conyzoides (L.) (plant metabolites in stress tolerance to invasive plants).}, journal = {Biotechnologia}, volume = {102}, number = {3}, pages = {307-319}, pmid = {36606148}, issn = {2353-9461}, abstract = {Invasive alien species are non-native plant species that displace native species and pose adverse effects to environment, ecosystem, economy, and human health by diminishing the growth of native plants and by exhibiting higher stress tolerance. In our present study, four invasive alien species, namely Lantana camara, Parthenium hysterophorous, Ricinus communis, and Ageratum conyzoides, were studied from different locations. Plants growing under natural environmental conditions were sampled at random in the vicinity of Jalandhar. To gain insights into the biochemical basis of invasiveness of these plants, the samples were subjected to chemical fingerprinting by using UV-Vis, fluorescent, and Fourier transform-infrared (FT-IR) techniques under natural abiotic stress conditions (moderate and hot conditions). Indices of oxidative stress, such as malondialdehyde (MDA), were also studied. MDA levels were enhanced under hot conditions. Elevated peaks (major and minor) were observed in UV fingerprinting during adverse abiotic conditions. Fluorescent spectroscopy also validated the enhanced levels of secondary metabolites. FT-IR spectroscopy confirmed the presence of alkaloids and phenolics during stress conditions. Peaks were identified as rutin, vanillic acid, ascorbic acid, and glutathione reduced. The obtained results showed that under stressful conditions, the studied plants may produce an increased level of metabolites that might play a role in minimizing the oxidative stress faced by these plants. It was concluded that the studied plants, namely P. hysterophorus, L. camara, R. communis, and A. conyzoides, have the potential to cope with abiotic stress such as high temperature, which could be the reason for their invasiveness and vast adaptability.}, }
@article {pmid36604551, year = {2023}, author = {Gunn, RL and Benkwitt, CE and Graham, NAJ and Hartley, IR and Algar, AC and Keith, SA}, title = {Terrestrial invasive species alter marine vertebrate behaviour.}, journal = {Nature ecology &amp; evolution}, volume = {}, number = {}, pages = {}, pmid = {36604551}, issn = {2397-334X}, abstract = {Human-induced environmental changes, such as the introduction of invasive species, are driving declines in the movement of nutrients across ecosystems with negative consequences for ecosystem function. Declines in nutrient inputs could thus have knock-on effects at higher trophic levels and broader ecological scales, yet these interconnections remain relatively unknown. Here we show that a terrestrial invasive species (black rats, Rattus rattus) disrupts a nutrient pathway provided by seabirds, ultimately altering the territorial behaviour of coral reef fish. In a replicated ecosystem-scale natural experiment, we found that reef fish territories were larger and the time invested in aggression lower on reefs adjacent to rat-infested islands compared with rat-free islands. This response reflected changes in the economic defendability of lower-quality resources, with reef fish obtaining less nutritional gain per unit foraging effort adjacent to rat-infested islands with low seabird populations. These results provide a novel insight into how the disruption of nutrient flows by invasive species can affect variation in territorial behaviour. Rat eradication as a conservation strategy therefore has the potential to restore species interactions via territoriality, which can scale up to influence populations and communities at higher ecological levels.}, }
@article {pmid36602275, year = {2023}, author = {Skóra, ME and Jones, JI and Youngson, AF and Robertson, S and Wells, A and Lauridsen, RB and Copp, GH}, title = {Evidence of potential establishment of pink salmon Oncorhynchus gorbuscha in Scotland.}, journal = {Journal of fish biology}, volume = {}, number = {}, pages = {}, doi = {10.1111/jfb.15304}, pmid = {36602275}, issn = {1095-8649}, abstract = {In spring 2022, pink salmon Oncorhynchus gorbuscha smolts were recorded in the UK. Fish were caught in the Rivers Thurso and Oykel in Scotland between 13 and 17 March. To our knowledge, this is the first observation of O. gorbuscha smolts in Europe outside the Scandinavian and Kola peninsulas including other tributaries of the White and Barents Seas. It also provides evidence of successful spawning in 2021, completion of the freshwater phase of the life cycle, and indicates the possibility for potential establishment of an O. gorbuscha population in Great Britain. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.}, }
@article {pmid36598562, year = {2023}, author = {Rembelski, M and Fraterrigo, J}, title = {Drought reduces invasive grass performance by disrupting plant-microbe interactions that enhance plant nitrogen supply.}, journal = {Oecologia}, volume = {}, number = {}, pages = {}, pmid = {36598562}, issn = {1432-1939}, abstract = {Non-native invasive plants can promote their dominance in novel ecosystems by accelerating soil nutrient cycling via interactions with decomposer microbes. Changes in abiotic conditions associated with frequent or prolonged drought may disrupt these interactions, but the effects of disruption on invasive plant performance and the underpinning mechanisms are poorly understood. Here, we used rainout shelters in an experimental field setting to test the hypothesis that drought reduces invasive plant performance by reducing microbial metabolic activity, resulting in decreased nitrogen flow to plants. We imposed growing season drought on populations of the exotic grass Microstegium vimineum, a widespread invasive plant in eastern deciduous forests, and quantified effects on aboveground and belowground biomass, and carbon (C) and nitrogen (N) cycling among plants, decomposers, and soil. Drought resulted in a 24% decrease in soil respiration, a 16% decrease in phenol oxidase enzyme activity, a 12% decrease in dissolved organic N concentration, and a decrease in the C:N ratio of particulate organic matter, suggesting reduced microbial metabolic activity and nutrient mining of soil organic matter. Drought also reduced aboveground Microstegium biomass 33% and increased Microstegium leaf C:N ratio, consistent with a decline in plant N uptake. We conclude that drought can reduce the performance of existing invasive species populations by suppressing plant-microbe interactions that increase nitrogen supply to plants, which may have consequences for the persistence of invasive plants under hydrologic change.}, }
@article {pmid36173233, year = {2023}, author = {Wang, J and Li, SP and Ge, Y and Wang, XY and Gao, S and Chen, T and Yu, FH}, title = {Darwin's naturalization conundrum reconciled by changes of species interactions.}, journal = {Ecology}, volume = {104}, number = {1}, pages = {e3850}, doi = {10.1002/ecy.3850}, pmid = {36173233}, issn = {1939-9170}, mesh = {Phylogeny ; *Ecosystem ; Citizenship ; Biomass ; *Mycorrhizae ; Introduced Species ; }, abstract = {Although phylogenetic distance between native and exotic species has a close link with their interactions, it is still unclear how environmental stresses and species interactions influence the relationship between phylogenetic distance and biological invasions. Here we assessed the effect of invader-native phylogenetic distance on the growth of the invader (Symphyotrichum subulatum) under three levels of drought (no, moderate, or intense drought). Under no drought, interspecific competition between close relatives was the dominant process and native communities more closely related to the invader showed higher resistance to invasion, supporting Darwin's naturalization hypothesis. In contrast, under intense drought, facilitation between close relatives by mutualism with arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) became more important, and the invader became more successful in their more closely related native communities, supporting the preadaptation hypothesis. The colonization rate of AMF of the invader was higher in more closely related native communities regardless of the drought treatment, but it was only positively related to invader biomass under intense drought. Therefore, the shift of species interactions from competition to facilitation may be ascribed to the promotion of AMF to invasion occurring under intense drought, which leads to the effect of closely related natives on the invader shifting from negative to positive. Our results provide a new angle to resolve Darwin's naturalization conundrum from the change of species interactions along a stress gradient, and provide important clues for invasion management when species interactions change in response to global climatic change.}, }
@article {pmid36596650, year = {2023}, author = {Hoffmann, BD and Ducarme, F and Bradford, D and Martinez, S}, title = {Spread of stinging ants to oceanic islands, and the need to raise awareness of prevention and treatment of ant stings.}, journal = {Emergency medicine Australasia : EMA}, volume = {}, number = {}, pages = {}, doi = {10.1111/1742-6723.14165}, pmid = {36596650}, issn = {1742-6723}, abstract = {OBJECTIVE: Venomous invasive ants are rapidly dispersing throughout oceanic islands. Medics unfamiliar with envenomation or venom-induced anaphylaxis may be unprepared for the range of possible reactions and corresponding treatments. We detail the suboptimal treatment of a patient suffering anaphylaxis from an ant sting on a remote island and describe what treatment should have been provided.<br><br>METHODS: The patient experienced stings on his feet from an ant later identified as tropical fire ant, Solenopsis geminata. Clinical examination revealed throat swelling without obstruction of the airway or pharynx.<br><br>RESULTS: The patient was provided the following suboptimal treatment: intravenously-administered antihistamine and saline perfusion. Injected epinephrine should be the standard first line of treatment for anaphylaxis, even when not all symptoms are present.<br><br>CONCLUSION: A rise in invasive hymenopteran stings on oceanic islands is inevitable, and proactively improving public awareness and medical training could save lives.}, }
@article {pmid36595091, year = {2023}, author = {Paul, TT and Sarkar, UK and C, AA and D, VG and Das, BK}, title = {Exploring vulnerabilities of inland fisheries in Indian context with special reference to climate change and their mitigation and adaptation: a review.}, journal = {International journal of biometeorology}, volume = {}, number = {}, pages = {}, pmid = {36595091}, issn = {1432-1254}, abstract = {Tropical inland capture fisheries are susceptible to a series of vulnerabilities such as habitat destruction, biodiversity loss, pollution, overfishing, invasive species and anthropogenic climate change. A comprehensive review of the impact of climatic uncertainties on Indian inland fisheries has not been adequately attempted yet. Recent approaches emphasizing ecosystem-based management in a regional context, specific to inland fisheries for combating climatic changes, have not been reported to date. The paper presents a critical bibliometric review of the climatic vulnerabilities faced by Indian inland fishery resources and various adaptive and mitigation strategies put forward by the country for the sustainability of the resources. In this communication, a systematic review of the impact of climate change and other stressors on various inland ecosystems of the subcontinent and the ecosystem-based management strategies adopted in India is presented and discussed.}, }
@article {pmid36591563, year = {2023}, author = {Chown, SL and Janion-Scheepers, C and Marshall, A and Aitkenhead, IJ and Hallas, R and Amy Liu, WP and Phillips, LM}, title = {Indigenous and introduced Collembola differ in desiccation resistance but not its plasticity in response to temperature.}, journal = {Current research in insect science}, volume = {3}, number = {}, pages = {100051}, pmid = {36591563}, issn = {2666-5158}, abstract = {Biological invasions have significant ecological and economic impacts. Much attention is therefore focussed on predicting establishment and invasion success. Trait-based approaches are showing much promise, but are mostly restricted to investigations of plants. Although the application of these approaches to animals is growing rapidly, it is rare for arthropods and restricted mostly to investigations of thermal tolerance. Here we study the extent to which desiccation tolerance and its phenotypic plasticity differ between introduced (nine species) and indigenous (seven species) Collembola, specifically testing predictions of the 'ideal weed' and 'phenotypic plasticity' hypotheses of invasion biology. We do so on the F2 generation of adults in a full factorial design across two temperatures, to elicit desiccation responses, for the phenotypic plasticity trials. We also determine whether basal desiccation resistance responds to thermal laboratory natural selection. We first show experimentally that acclimation to different temperatures elicits changes to cuticular structure and function that are typically associated with water balance, justifying our experimental approach. Our main findings reveal that basal desiccation resistance differs, on average, between the indigenous and introduced species, but that this difference is weaker at higher temperatures, and is driven by particular taxa, as revealed by phylogenetic generalised least squares approaches. By contrast, the extent or form of phenotypic plasticity does not differ between the two groups, with a 'hotter is better' response being most common. Beneficial acclimation is characteristic of only a single species. Laboratory natural selection had little influence on desiccation resistance over 8-12 generations, suggesting that environmental filtering rather than adaptation to new environments may be an important factor influencing Collembola invasions.}, }
@article {pmid36591376, year = {2023}, author = {Allen, ML and Saelao, P and Miles, GP and Cross, DC and Hill, JG and Vargo, EL and Grodowitz, MJ}, title = {Complete chromosome-level genome assembly data from the tawny crazy ant, Nylanderia fulva (Mayr) (Hymenoptera: Formicidae).}, journal = {Data in brief}, volume = {46}, number = {}, pages = {108833}, pmid = {36591376}, issn = {2352-3409}, abstract = {The tawny crazy ant, Nylanderia fulva (Mayr) (Hymenoptera: Formicidae) has a native range that extends from northern Argentina to southern Brazil. In the U.S.A. this species has often been misidentified as Nylanderia (Paratrechina) pubens or N. cf. pubens and has likely been present in Florida and Texas for several decades [1]. In the early 2000's explosive population growth in Texas and neighboring states drew renewed taxonomic focus. Genetic analyses [2,3] aided in identifying the pest species as N. fulva. This species poses an invasive threat to native flora and fauna and human structures. In its invasive range it has been reported to displace another invasive species, the red imported fire ant. The specimens used for genome sequencing were obtained from the coastal region of Mississippi. DNA was extracted from pupae. The genome data set was deposited to the National Center for Biotechnology Information as submission ID: SUB10775679, Project ID: PRJNA796544, Accession IDs: SAMN24895442 and JAKFQQ000000000. The organism taxid is 613905, locus tag prefixes are L1K79. The assembly, USDA_Nfulva_1.0, was generated in collaboration with Dovetail Genomics (now Cantata Bio) to yield a chromosome-level assembly of 375 Mb with a 15.67 Mb N50 and 78X coverage and revealing 16 putative chromosomes. This high-quality chromosome-level genome assembly was released prior to publication as a public service to the research community.}, }
@article {pmid36481716, year = {2023}, author = {Sun, Z and Wang, J and Chen, B and Zhang, D and Wang, H}, title = {Potential impacts of siltation by Spartina alterniflora on nutrient dynamics in its decomposing litters in coastal marsh of the Min River estuary, southeast China.}, journal = {Marine environmental research}, volume = {183}, number = {}, pages = {105840}, doi = {10.1016/j.marenvres.2022.105840}, pmid = {36481716}, issn = {1879-0291}, mesh = {*Wetlands ; *Estuaries ; Rivers/chemistry ; Introduced Species ; Carbon/analysis ; Phosphorus/analysis ; Nitrogen/analysis ; Sulfur ; Poaceae ; China ; }, abstract = {The Spartina alterniflora started to invade the Min River estuary (Southeast China) in 2002 and, thereafter, its invasion area showed an increasing trend. Since the siltation depths caused by S. alterniflora in the Min River estuary were much higher (4.8-7.2 cm yr[-1]) than the values reported in other coastal regions of China (3.5-6.5 cm yr[-1]), the impacts of siltation on nutrient cycle processes in this region might be more evident. In order to explore the potential effects of siltation by S. alterniflora on nutrient ((carbon (C), nitrogen (N), phosphorous (P) and sulfur (S)) variations in its decaying litters, three one-off siltation treatments (no siltation scenario (0 cm yr[-1], NSS), current siltation scenario (5 cm yr[-1], CSS) and strong siltation scenario (10 cm yr[-1], SSS)) were designed in coastal marsh of the Min River estuary and the in-situ decomposition experiment was conducted from February 2016 to February 2017 by litterbag technique. Results showed that the siltation caused by S. alterniflora showed significant impact on its decomposition rate, following the sequence of NSS (0.005638 d[-1]) > SSS (0.003005 d[-1]) > CSS (0.002478 d[-1]) (p < 0.05). The total carbon (TC) contents in decomposing litters in the three siltation treatments showed dissimilar fluctuations and significantly higher values were observed in the CSS and SSS treatments compared to the NSS treatment. The contents of total nitrogen (TN) and total sulfur (TS) in decomposing detritus in the three siltation treatments generally showed increasing trend during the whole decomposition, while those of total phosphorus (TP) showed increasing trend after decomposing for 30 days. The differences in nutrient variations among the three siltation treatments, to a great extent, rested with the alterations of substrate quality in detritus during the experiment. Although the stocks of C, N, P and S in detritus in the three siltation treatments evidenced the release from litters to the surroundings during decomposition, the release amounts of these nutrients in some periods were at a lower level. With increasing siltation depths, the release of C, N and P from detritus was generally restrained during the whole decomposition, while that of S from decaying litters was inhibited only at the late stage of decomposition. This paper found that the siltation caused by S. alterniflora reduced the nutrient return (particularly for C, N and P) from its detritus, which, in turn, might greatly alter the nutrient cycle in S. alterniflora marsh.}, }
@article {pmid36585828, year = {2022}, author = {Cooper, WR and Esparza-Diaz, G and Wildung, MR and Horton, DR and Badillo-Vargas, IE and Halbert, SE}, title = {Association of Two Bactericera Species (Hemiptera: Triozidae) With Native Lycium spp. (Solanales: Solanaceae) in the Potato Growing Regions of the Rio Grande Valley of Texas.}, journal = {Environmental entomology}, volume = {}, number = {}, pages = {}, doi = {10.1093/ee/nvac109}, pmid = {36585828}, issn = {1938-2936}, abstract = {Bactericera cockerelli (Šulc) (Hemiptera: Triozidae) is a vector of 'Candidatus Liberibacter solanacearum' (Lso), the pathogen that causes potato zebra chip. Zebra chip incidence varies regionally, perhaps because of geographic differences in species of noncrop hosts available to the vector and in susceptibility of those hosts to Lso. Native and introduced species of Lycium (Solanales: Solanaceae) are important noncrop hosts of B. cockerelli in some regions of North America. Susceptibility of native Lycium species to Lso is uncertain. We investigated the use of two native species of Lycium by B. cockerelli in South Texas and tested whether they are susceptible to Lso. Bactericera cockerelli adults and nymphs were collected frequently from L. berlandieri Dunal and L. carolinianum Walter. Greenhouse assays confirmed that B. cockerelli develops on both species and showed that Lso infects L. carolinianum. Molecular gut content analysis provided evidence that B. cockerelli adults disperse between potato and Lycium. These results demonstrate that L. berlandieri and L. carolinianum are likely noncrop sources of potato-colonizing B. cockerelli in South Texas and that L. carolinianum is a potential source of Lso-infected psyllids. We also routinely collected the congeneric psyllid, Bactericera dorsalis (Crawford), from both Lycium species. These records are the first for this psyllid in Texas. Bactericera dorsalis completed development on both native Lycium species, albeit with high rates of mortality on L. berlandieri. B. dorsalis acquired and transmitted Lso on L. carolinianum under greenhouse conditions but did not transmit Lso to potato. These results document a previously unknown vector of Lso.}, }
@article {pmid36585081, year = {2023}, author = {Nelson, RA and MacArthur-Waltz, DJ and Gordon, DM}, title = {Critical thermal limits and temperature-dependent walking speed may mediate coexistence between the native winter ant (Prenolepis imparis) and the invasive Argentine ant (Linepithemahumile).}, journal = {Journal of thermal biology}, volume = {111}, number = {}, pages = {103392}, doi = {10.1016/j.jtherbio.2022.103392}, pmid = {36585081}, issn = {0306-4565}, abstract = {Comparing the thermal tolerance and performance of native and invasive species from varying climatic origins may explain why some native and invasive species can coexist. We compared the thermal niches of an invasive and native ant species. The Argentine ant (Linepithema humile) is an invasive species that has spread to Mediterranean climates worldwide, where it is associated with losses in native arthropod biodiversity. In northern California, long-term surveys of ant biodiversity have shown that the winter ant (Prenolepis imparis) is the native species best able to coexist with Argentine ants. Both species tend hemipteran scales for food, and previous research suggests that these species' coexistence may depend on seasonal partitioning: winter ants are active primarily in the colder winter months, while Argentine ants are active primarily in the warmer months in northern California. We investigated the physiological basis of seasonal partitioning in Argentine and winter ants by a) measuring critical thermal limits, and b) comparing how ant walking speed varies with temperature. While both species had similar CTmax values, we found differences between the two species' critical thermal minima that may allow winter ants to remain functional at ecologically relevant temperatures between 0 and 2.5 °C. We also found that winter ants' walking speeds are significantly less temperature-dependent than those of Argentine ants. Winter ants walk faster than Argentine ants at low temperatures, which may allow the winter ants to remain active and forage at lower winter temperatures. These results suggest that partitioning based on differences in temperature tolerance promotes the winter ant's continued occupation of areas invaded by the Argentine ant.}, }
@article {pmid36583831, year = {2022}, author = {Ehlers Smith, DA and Ehlers Smith, YC and Davies-Mostert, HT and Thompson, LJ and Parker, DM and de Villiers, D and Ricketts, D and Coverdale, B and Roberts, PJ and Kelly, C and Macfadyen, DN and Manqele, NS and Power, RJ and Downs, CT}, title = {The impacts of a global pandemic on the efficacy and stability of contemporary wildlife conservation: South Africa as a case study.}, journal = {Ambio}, volume = {}, number = {}, pages = {}, pmid = {36583831}, issn = {1654-7209}, abstract = {Conservationists speculated on potential benefits to wildlife of lockdown restrictions because of the COVID-19 pandemic but voiced concern that restrictions impeded nature conservation. We assessed the effects of lockdown restrictions on biodiversity conservation in South Africa, a biodiverse country with economic inequality and reliance on wildlife resources. We solicited expert opinion using the IUCN's Threats Classification Scheme to structure a questionnaire and illustrated responses with individual case studies from government parastatal and non-governmental conservation organisations. The most highly reported threats were biological resource use, residential/commercial developments, invasive species, and human intrusions. The trends reported by 90 survey respondents were supported by case studies using environmental compliance data from parastatal conservation organisations. Lack of tourism revenue and funding were cited as hindrances to conservation. Mechanisms to prevent environmental degradation in the face of global emergencies must be implemented and 'ring-fenced' to ensure conservation is not a casualty during future global crises.}, }
@article {pmid36583375, year = {2022}, author = {Nie, L and Bamisile, BS and Li, Y and Ran, H and Wang, S and Wang, L and Xu, Y}, title = {Interspecific competition predicts the potential impact of little fire ant Wasmannia auropunctata (Roger) (Hymenoptera: Formicidae) invasion on resident ants in southern China.}, journal = {Insect science}, volume = {}, number = {}, pages = {}, doi = {10.1111/1744-7917.13170}, pmid = {36583375}, issn = {1744-7917}, abstract = {The little fire ant Wasmannia auropunctata (Roger) is a major invasive species that seriously threatens the biodiversity of invaded areas. W. auropunctata was first reported in Chinese mainland in 2022 and its impact on native species is still unknown. To evaluate the impact of W. auropunctata invasion on the ant communities in southern China, a series of interspecific competition experiments were conducted in this study. The individual aggression index and group aggression experiments showed the advantage of W. auropunctata in competition with 5 resident ants under equal worker numbers. When encountering Anoplolepis gracilipes, Camponotus nicobarensis, Tetramorium bicarinatum, Polyrhachis dives, and Solenopsis invicta, W. auropunctata gradually gained a competitive advantage with an increase in its number of workers. In the group aggression experiments with equal worker numbers, there was a negative correlation between the body length and mortality rate of resident ants. The results of the foraging behavior experiments showed that W. auropunctata was able to dominate food resources under competition with Carebara diversa, which also displayed weak competition in the group aggression bioassay. In addition, the abilities to recruit workers and retrieve food were inhibited under competition with S. invicta and T. bicarinatum. The results of the nesting behavior experiments showed that in the 24-hour bout of space resource competition, W. auropunctata was dominant over C. diversa, S. invicta, and T. bicarinatum. The results of this study show that W. auropunctata has certain advantages in competition for food and space resources over resident ants in southern China, and some resident ant species may be replaced in the future. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.}, }
@article {pmid36582779, year = {2022}, author = {Liu, KL and Tseng, SP and Tatsuta, H and Tsuji, K and Tay, JW and Singham, GV and Yang, CS and Neoh, KB}, title = {Population genetic structure of the globally introduced big-headed ant in Taiwan.}, journal = {Ecology and evolution}, volume = {12}, number = {12}, pages = {e9660}, pmid = {36582779}, issn = {2045-7758}, abstract = {Global commerce and transportation facilitate the spread of invasive species. The African big-headed ant, Pheidole megacephala (Fabricius), has achieved worldwide distribution through globalization. Since the late 19th century, Taiwan has served as a major seaport because of its strategic location. The population genetic structure of P. megacephala in Taiwan is likely to be shaped by international trade and migration between neighboring islands. In this study, we investigated the population genetics of P. megacephala colonies sampled from four geographical regions in Taiwan and elucidated the population genetic structures of P. megacephala sampled from Taiwan, Okinawa, and Hawaii. We observed a low genetic diversity of P. megacephala across regions in Taiwan. Moreover, we noted low regional genetic differentiation and did not observe isolation by distance, implying that long-distance jump dispersal might have played a crucial role in the spread of P. megacephala. We sequenced the partial cytochrome oxidase I gene and observed three mitochondrial haplotypes (TW1-TW3). TW1 and TW3 most likely originated from populations within the species' known invasive range, suggesting that secondary introduction is the predominant mode of introduction for this invasive ant. TW2 represents a novel haplotype that was previously unreported in other regions. P. megacephala populations from Taiwan, Okinawa, and Hawaii exhibited remarkable genetic similarity, which may reflect their relative geographic proximity and the historical connectedness of the Asia-Pacific region.}, }
@article {pmid36582503, year = {2022}, author = {Valente, MC and Prakoso, D and Vittor, AY and Blosser, EM and Abid, N and Pu, R and Beachboard, SE and Long, MT and Burkett-Cadena, ND and Mavian, CN}, title = {Everglades virus evolution: Genome sequence analysis of the envelope 1 protein reveals recent mutation and divergence in South Florida wetlands.}, journal = {Virus evolution}, volume = {8}, number = {2}, pages = {veac111}, pmid = {36582503}, issn = {2057-1577}, abstract = {Everglades virus (EVEV) is a subtype (II) of Venezuelan equine encephalitis virus (VEEV), endemic in southern Florida, USA. EVEV has caused clinical encephalitis in humans, and antibodies have been found in a variety of wild and domesticated mammals. Over 29,000 Culex cedecei females, the main vector of EVEV, were collected in 2017 from Big Cypress and Fakahatchee Strand Preserves in Florida and pool-screened for the presence of EVEV using reverse transcription real-time polymerase chain reaction. The entire 1 E1 protein gene was successfully sequenced from fifteen positive pools. Phylogenetic analysis showed that isolates clustered, based on the location of sampling, into two monophyletic clades that diverged in 2009. Structural analyses revealed two mutations of interest, A116V and H441R, which were shared among all isolates obtained after its first isolation of EVEV in 1963, possibly reflecting adaptation to a new host. Alterations of the Everglades ecosystem may have contributed to the evolution of EVEV and its geographic compartmentalization. This is the first report that shows in detail the evolution of EVEV in South Florida. This zoonotic pathogen warrants inclusion into routine surveillance given the high natural infection rate in the vectors. Invasive species, increasing urbanization, the Everglades restoration, and modifications to the ecosystem due to climate change and habitat fragmentation in South Florida may increase rates of EVEV spillover to the human population.}, }
@article {pmid36582981, year = {2021}, author = {Curti, JN and Fergus, CE and De Palma-Dow, AA}, title = {State of the ART: Using artificial refuge traps to control invasive crayfish in southern California streams.}, journal = {Freshwater science (Print)}, volume = {40}, number = {3}, pages = {429-565}, pmid = {36582981}, issn = {2161-9549}, abstract = {Invasive species are a widespread threat to stream ecosystems across the planet. In Southern California, USA, the invasive red swamp crayfish Procambarus clarkii (Girard, 1852) poses a significant threat to native aquatic fauna. Studies have suggested that artificial refuge traps (ARTs) resembling crayfish burrows can be used to remove invasive crayfish, but, to date, no studies have focused on optimizing ART design and deployment to maximize crayfish catch. This month-long study tested the effect of modifications on ART diameter, color, and soak time on P. clarkii catch effectiveness across 160 traps. We evaluated catch data by creating multiple candidate generalized linear mixed models predicting P. clarkii catches with different modeling parameterizations and a priori hypothesized predictor variables. During the study period, ARTs removed a total of 240 red swamp crayfish with no incidental bycatch. Larger P. clarkii (2-6-cm carapace length) were found more frequently in 5.1-cm-diameter traps, and smaller P. clarkii (1-4 cm) were found more frequently in 2.5-cm-diameter traps. Catch numbers varied between trap types, with black-colored 5.1-cm-diameter traps removing the greatest amount of the total P. clarkii caught in the study (mean = 0.27, SD = 0.29; 35% of the total caught) and black-colored 2.5-cm-diameter traps removing the least amount (mean = 0.09, SD = 0.55; 12% of the total). Further, ART deployment duration was an important predictor variable for candidate models, where ARTs with 4-d and 7-d deployment durations had lower catch/unit effort than traps with 1-d and 2-d deployments. This factorial experiment is the 1st study to suggest specific design modifications to ARTs that optimize invasive red swamp crayfish removal without incurring non-target incidental bycatch. This study demonstrates that ARTs can be a valuable tool for conservation managers interested in restoring streams through invasive crayfish removal, especially where there are sensitive biological resources.}, }
@article {pmid36581620, year = {2022}, author = {Pisuttu, C and Sarrocco, S and Cotrozzi, L and Baroncelli, R and Lorenzini, G}, title = {Genome Resources of Verticillium dahliae VdGL16: The Causal Agent of Vascular Wilt on the Invasive Species Ailanthus altissima.}, journal = {Plant disease}, volume = {}, number = {}, pages = {PDIS05221028A}, doi = {10.1094/PDIS-05-22-1028-A}, pmid = {36581620}, issn = {0191-2917}, abstract = {Verticillium species are known as plant pathogens responsible for wilt diseases in a large variety of dicotyledon plants and crops in many parts of the world. Here we present the draft genome sequence of Verticillium dahliae Kleb. (strain VdGL16) isolated in Italy from the invasive alien species Ailanthus altissima (Mill.; commonly known as tree-of-heaven) showing Verticillium wilt symptoms. The comparison between the newly sequenced genome with those publicly available revealed candidate genes putatively involved in pathogenicity. The genome represents a new useful source for future research on Verticillium genetics and biology as well as research on novel approaches in the control of A. altissima.}, }
@article {pmid36574645, year = {2023}, author = {Capinha, C and Essl, F and Porto, M and Seebens, H}, title = {The worldwide networks of spread of recorded alien species.}, journal = {Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the United States of America}, volume = {120}, number = {1}, pages = {e2201911120}, doi = {10.1073/pnas.2201911120}, pmid = {36574645}, issn = {1091-6490}, abstract = {Our ability to predict the spread of alien species is largely based on knowledge of previous invasion dynamics of individual species. However, in view of the large and growing number of alien species, understanding universal spread patterns common among taxa but specific to regions would considerably improve our ability to predict future dynamics of biological invasions. Here, using a comprehensive dataset of years of first record of alien species for four major biological groups (birds, nonmarine fishes, insects, and vascular plants), we applied a network approach to uncover frequent sequential patterns of first recordings of alien species across countries worldwide. Our analysis identified a few countries as consistent early recorders of alien species, with many subsequent records reported from countries in close geographic vicinity. These findings indicate that the spread network of alien species consists of two levels, a backbone of main dispersal hubs, driving intercontinental species movement, and subsequent intracontinental radiative spread in their vicinity. Geographical proximity and climatic similarity were significant predictors of same-species recording among countries. International trade was a significant predictor of the relative timing of species recordings, with countries having higher levels of trade flows consistently recording the species earlier. Targeting the countries that have emerged as hubs for the early spread of alien species may have substantial cascading effects on the global spread network of alien species, significantly reducing biological invasions. Furthermore, using these countries as early-warning system of upcoming invasions may also boost national prevention and invasion preparedness efforts.}, }
@article {pmid36573922, year = {2022}, author = {Thia, JA and Korhonen, PK and Young, ND and Gasser, RB and Umina, PA and Yang, Q and Edwards, O and Walsh, T and Hoffmann, AA}, title = {The redlegged earth mite draft genome provides new insights into pesticide resistance evolution and demography in its invasive Australian range.}, journal = {Journal of evolutionary biology}, volume = {}, number = {}, pages = {}, doi = {10.1111/jeb.14144}, pmid = {36573922}, issn = {1420-9101}, abstract = {Genomic data provide valuable insights into pest management issues such as resistance evolution, historical patterns of pest invasions and ongoing population dynamics. We assembled the first reference genome for the redlegged earth mite, Halotydeus destructor (Tucker, 1925), to investigate adaptation to pesticide pressures and demography in its invasive Australian range using whole-genome pool-seq data from regionally distributed populations. Our reference genome comprises 132 autosomal contigs, with a total length of 48.90 Mb. We observed a large complex of ace genes, which has presumably evolved from a long history of organophosphate selection in H. destructor and may contribute towards organophosphate resistance through copy number variation, target-site mutations and structural variants. In the putative ancestral H. destructor ace gene, we identified three target-site mutations (G119S, A201S and F331Y) segregating in organophosphate-resistant populations. Additionally, we identified two new para sodium channel gene mutations (L925I and F1020Y) that may contribute to pyrethroid resistance. Regional structuring observed in population genomic analyses indicates that gene flow in H. destructor does not homogenize populations across large geographic distances. However, our demographic analyses were equivocal on the magnitude of gene flow; the short invasion history of H. destructor makes it difficult to distinguish scenarios of complete isolation vs. ongoing migration. Nonetheless, we identified clear signatures of reduced genetic diversity and smaller inferred effective population sizes in eastern vs. western populations, which is consistent with the stepping-stone invasion pathway of this pest in Australia. These new insights will inform development of diagnostic genetic markers of resistance, further investigation into the multifaceted organophosphate resistance mechanism and predictive modelling of resistance evolution and spread.}, }
@article {pmid36573521, year = {2023}, author = {Singh, OP and Kaur, T and Sharma, G and Kona, MP and Mishra, S and Kapoor, N and Mallick, PK}, title = {Molecular Tools for Early Detection of Invasive Malaria Vector Anopheles stephensi Mosquitoes.}, journal = {Emerging infectious diseases}, volume = {29}, number = {1}, pages = {36-44}, doi = {10.3201/eid2901.220786}, pmid = {36573521}, issn = {1080-6059}, abstract = {Reports of the expansion of the Asia malaria vector Anopheles stephensi mosquito into new geographic areas are increasing, which poses a threat to the elimination of urban malaria. Efficient surveillance of this vector in affected areas and early detection in new geographic areas is key to containing and controlling this species. To overcome the practical difficulties associated with the morphological identification of immature stages and adults of An. stephensi mosquitoes, we developed a species-specific PCR and a real-time PCR targeting a unique segment of the second internal transcribed spacer lacking homology to any other organism. Both PCRs can be used to identify An. stephensi mosquitoes individually or in pooled samples of mixed species, including when present in extremely low proportions (1:500). This study also reports a method for selective amplification and sequencing of partial ribosomal DNA from An. stephensi mosquitoes for their confirmation in pooled samples of mixed species.}, }
@article {pmid36572536, year = {2022}, author = {Hughes, LJ and Morton, O and Scheffers, BR and Edwards, DP}, title = {The ecological drivers and consequences of wildlife trade.}, journal = {Biological reviews of the Cambridge Philosophical Society}, volume = {}, number = {}, pages = {}, doi = {10.1111/brv.12929}, pmid = {36572536}, issn = {1469-185X}, abstract = {Wildlife trade is a key driver of extinction risk, affecting at least 24% of terrestrial vertebrates. The persistent removal of species can have profound impacts on species extinction risk and selection within populations. We draw together the first review of characteristics known to drive species use - identifying species with larger body sizes, greater abundance, increased rarity or certain morphological traits valued by consumers as being particularly prevalent in trade. We then review the ecological implications of this trade-driven selection, revealing direct effects of trade on natural selection and populations for traded species, which includes selection against desirable traits. Additionally, there exists a positive feedback loop between rarity and trade and depleted populations tend to have easy human access points, which can result in species being harvested to extinction and has the potential to alter source-sink dynamics. Wider cascading ecosystem repercussions from trade-induced declines include altered seed dispersal networks, trophic cascades, long-term compositional changes in plant communities, altered forest carbon stocks, and the introduction of harmful invasive species. Because it occurs across multiple scales with diverse drivers, wildlife trade requires multi-faceted conservation actions to maintain biodiversity and ecological function, including regulatory and enforcement approaches, bottom-up and community-based interventions, captive breeding or wildlife farming, and conservation translocations and trophic rewilding. We highlight three emergent research themes at the intersection of trade and community ecology: (1) functional impacts of trade; (2) altered provisioning of ecosystem services; and (3) prevalence of trade-dispersed diseases. Outside of the primary objective that exploitation is sustainable for traded species, we must urgently incorporate consideration of the broader consequences for other species and ecosystem processes when quantifying sustainability.}, }
@article {pmid36571486, year = {2022}, author = {Yeung, EJ and Klemet-N'Guessan, S and Hossie, TJ and Fox, MG}, title = {Boldness, movement and exploration tendency in round goby (Neogobius melanostomus) in southern Ontario.}, journal = {Journal of fish biology}, volume = {}, number = {}, pages = {}, doi = {10.1111/jfb.15297}, pmid = {36571486}, issn = {1095-8649}, abstract = {Invasive species have the potential to damage ecosystems outside of their native range. At an invasion front, individuals are faced with the unfamiliar conditions of a novel environment. Therefore, certain behavioural traits such as boldness and movement likely play a role in invasion ecology. If behavioural traits of this kind are influenced by differing selection pressures between demographic groups of the same species, this could have broad implications for the management of expanding invasion fronts. To determine whether the invasive round goby (Neogobius melanostomus, Pallas, 1814) exhibits sex and habitat-based differences in boldness and movement across the invasion front, we assessed individual movement and exploration tendency under controlled lab settings using video analysis in a behavioural assay. N. melanostomus from lakes tended to be bolder than those from streams, and females tended to be bolder than males. This study provides evidence for sex and habitat-based differences in behaviour in this globally invasive species that we hope will assist in forming the foundation for contextually appropriate management strategies. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.}, }
@article {pmid36570096, year = {2022}, author = {Roy, HE and Tricarico, E and Hassall, R and Johns, CA and Roy, KA and Scalera, R and Smith, KG and Purse, BV}, title = {The role of invasive alien species in the emergence and spread of zoonoses.}, journal = {Biological invasions}, volume = {}, number = {}, pages = {1-16}, pmid = {36570096}, issn = {1387-3547}, abstract = {UNLABELLED: The role of invasive alien species in the transmission dynamics of zoonotic pathogens is often overlooked, despite the rapid escalation in biological invasions globally. Here we synthesise available information on the influence of invasive alien species on zoonotic pathogen dynamics in invaded ranges, focussing on Europe, and identify key associated knowledge gaps. We identified 272 documented interactions between alien species and zoonotic pathogens within invaded ranges. The majority of these involved invasive alien mammals followed by birds with only a few occurrences of other taxa documented. A wide range of potential interactions between invasive alien species and zoonotic pathogens were identified but few studies considered transmission to humans and so there was limited evidence of actual impacts on human health. However, there is an urgent need to raise awareness of the potential risks posed to human health by the transmission of zoonotic diseases by invasive alien species; the role of invasive alien species in zoonotic disease transmission may exceed that of native wildlife and occur in a relatively short period following the arrival of an invasive alien species within a new region. Ecological and social mechanisms govern the dynamics of zoonotic disease transmission but wildlife diseases are not consistently included within animal, plant and human policies. Rapid advances in the development of systems frameworks that integrate the ecological, economic and social processes promoting spillover in rapidly changing environments will increase understanding to inform decision-making.<br><br>SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s10530-022-02978-1.}, }
@article {pmid36570095, year = {2022}, author = {Diga, R and Gilboa, M and Moskovich, R and Darmon, N and Amit, T and Belmaker, J and Yahel, G}, title = {Invading bivalves replaced native Mediterranean bivalves, with little effect on the local benthic community.}, journal = {Biological invasions}, volume = {}, number = {}, pages = {1-19}, pmid = {36570095}, issn = {1387-3547}, abstract = {UNLABELLED: The construction of the Suez Canal connected the Red Sea and the Mediterranean Sea, which allowed rapid marine bio-invasion. Over the last century, several bivalve species have invaded the Levantine basin, yet their distribution and impact on the benthic community have not been thoroughly studied. Large-scale benthic surveys along the rocky substrate of the Israeli Mediterranean coastline indicate that invading bivalves, such as Spondylus spinosus, Brachidontes pharaonis, and Pinctada radiata, now dominate the rocky environment, with densities of tens to hundreds of individuals per m[2]. No native bivalve specimens were found in any of the transects surveyed. The small-scale ecological effects of the established invading populations on the benthic community were examined over a year using an in-situ exclusion experiment where all invading bivalves were either physically removed or poisoned and kept in place to maintain the physical effect of the shells. Surprisingly, the experimental exclusion showed a little measurable effect of bivalve presence on the invertebrate community in close vicinity (~ 1 m). Bivalve presence had a small, but statistically significant, effect only on the community composition of macroalgae, increasing the abundance of some filamentous macroalgae and reducing the cover of turf. The generally low impact of bivalves removal could be due to (1) wave activity and local currents dispersing the bivalve excreta, (2) high grazing pressure, possibly by invading herbivorous fish, reducing the bottom-up effect of increased nutrient input by the bivalves, or (3) the natural complexity of the rocky habitat masking the contribution of the increased complexity associated with the bivalve's shell. We found that established invading bivalves have replaced native bivalve species, yet their exclusion has a negligible small-scale effect on the local benthic community.<br><br>SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s10530-022-02986-1.}, }
@article {pmid36568826, year = {2022}, author = {Wu, HW and Lu, DJ and Lin, CL and Cheng, HC and Juan, CH and Shen, TJ and Lin, HC and Chen, SF}, title = {Population and Conservation Status of the Flying Fox Pteropus dasymallus in Taiwan.}, journal = {Zoological studies}, volume = {61}, number = {}, pages = {e34}, pmid = {36568826}, issn = {1810-522X}, abstract = {Pteropus dasymallus is widely distributed on islands throughout the western edge of the Pacific Ocean. The Formosan flying fox, P. d. formosus, is an endemic subspecies in Taiwan found mainly on Lyudao; it was previously thought to have been extirpated. Since 2005, intensive surveys have been conducted to investigate the residency, population size and plant resource utilization of P. dasymallus in Taiwan. Interviews were carried out to investigate its former abundance and the causes of population decline. In Taiwan, P. dasymallus is in a state of ongoing oceanic dispersal and colonization and has considerably expanded its geographic range. In addition to remaining in its historic habitat on Lyudao, P. dasymallus has also established colonies on Gueishan Island and in Hualien on Taiwan's main island in the past few decades. The total population size is estimated to be 240 individuals, and this number is on the rise. Approximately three-quarters of the entire population (73.64%) was found on Gueishan Island. The sex ratio was strongly skewed toward males. A total of 40 plant species were recorded as being used by the flying fox for food, roosts or perches. More agricultural and horticultural plant species were used by the flying fox in urban Hualien. According to the interviews, flying foxes were abundant on Lyudao, but their number dramatically declined from the 1970s to the mid-1980s, mainly due to commercial hunting. Maintaining a sufficient population size and genetic variability is fundamental to the long-term survival of the flying fox. Enforcing conservation laws, restoring habitats, controlling invasive species and improving public awareness are the main steps in the recovery and sustainability of the flying fox population.}, }
@article {pmid36566730, year = {2022}, author = {Gill, K and Chenier, KA and Free, A and Goff, J and Pitchford, JL and Cressman, K and Posten, M and Brunden, E and Shelton, M and Swanson, K and Cunningham, SR and Garland, J and Snyder, C and Lamb, M and Schauwecker, T and Sparks, EL}, title = {Research needs, environmental concerns, and logistical considerations for incorporating livestock grazing into coastal upland habitat management.}, journal = {Journal of environmental management}, volume = {329}, number = {}, pages = {117119}, doi = {10.1016/j.jenvman.2022.117119}, pmid = {36566730}, issn = {1095-8630}, abstract = {Along the Gulf of Mexico (GoM) coast, natural resource managers continually struggle with managing coastal uplands due to front-end costs, prolonged maintenance, and habitat-specific ecological needs. Prescribed fire, mechanical removal, and chemical treatments are common habitat management techniques used to remove invasive species, clear understory, and achieve other management goals. However, rapid development and changing climate exacerbate the difficulty in using these techniques. A potential alternative or complementary technique is using livestock for habitat management (i.e., targeted or controlled grazing). In other regions of the world, using livestock for conservation or restoration of managed lands has shown to be a less intrusive and more financially viable alternative. To better understand the research needs, logistical, and environmental concerns related to using livestock for habitat management in the coastal uplands of the GoM, we developed and distributed a survey to three groups of land users, including natural resource managers, researchers, and livestock producers in the region. Survey results show that over 96% of respondents are interested in using livestock for habitat management, but less than 10% of respondents were aware of any information that could be used to inform grazing practices for coastal upland habitat management along the Gulf of Mexico coast. There were differences among surveyed groups, but generally small-sized cattle breeds and goats were identified as the livestock with the most potential for environmental benefit and ease of containment. General concerns and areas for further investigation were implementation (e.g., which livestock type to use and grazing intensity), logistical considerations (e.g., fencing and rotational frequency), impacts of grazing on water quality, wildlife, vegetation, and livestock nutrition. Survey respondents overwhelmingly (at least 75% of each group) indicated that livestock grazing ideally would not be a standalone management practice and should be used in conjunction with other habitat management techniques such as prescribed burns, mechanical clearing, or chemical treatments. The results of the survey could be used to develop applied research projects and guidance documents that directly address informational needs related to using livestock for habitat management of coastal uplands along the Gulf of Mexico coast.}, }
@article {pmid36565577, year = {2022}, author = {Crist, MR}, title = {Rethinking the focus on forest fires in federal wildland fire management: Landscape patterns and trends of non-forest and forest burned area.}, journal = {Journal of environmental management}, volume = {327}, number = {}, pages = {116718}, doi = {10.1016/j.jenvman.2022.116718}, pmid = {36565577}, issn = {1095-8630}, abstract = {For most of the 20th century and beyond, national wildland fire policies concerning fire suppression and fuels management have primarily focused on forested lands. Using summary statistics and landscape metrics, wildfire spatial patterns and trends for non-forest and forest burned area over the past two decades were examined across the U.S, and federal agency jurisdictions. This study found that wildfires burned more area of non-forest lands than forest lands at the scale of the conterminous and western U.S. and the Department of Interior (DOI). In an agency comparison, 74% of DOI burned area occurred on non-forest lands and 78% of U.S. Forest Service burned area occurred on forested lands. Landscape metrics revealed key differences between forest and non-forest fire patterns and trends in total burned area, burned patch size, distribution, and aggregation over time across the western U.S. Opposite fire patterns emerged between non-forest and forest burns when analyzed at the scale of federal agency jurisdictions. In addition, a fire regime departure analysis comparing current large fire probability with historic fire trends identified certain vegetation types and locations experiencing more fire than historically. These patterns were especially pronounced for cold desert shrublands, such as sagebrush where increases in annual area burned, and fire frequency, size, and juxtaposition have resulted in substantial losses over a twenty-year period. The emerging non-forest fire patterns are primarily due to the rapid expansion of non-native invasive grasses that increase fuel connectivity and fire spread. These invasions promote uncharacteristic frequent fire and loss of native ecosystems at large-scales, accelerating the need to place greater focus on managing invasive species in wildland fire management. Results can be used to inform wildfire management and policy aimed at reducing uncharacteristic wildfire processes and patterns for both non-forest and forest ecosystems as well as identify differing management strategies needed to address the unique wildfire issues each federal agency faces.}, }
@article {pmid36565243, year = {2022}, author = {Lewin, A and Erinjery, JJ and Nissim, D and Iwamura, T}, title = {Social-ecological cascade effects of land use on vertebrate pest dynamics in arid agricultural communities.}, journal = {Ecological applications : a publication of the Ecological Society of America}, volume = {}, number = {}, pages = {e2804}, doi = {10.1002/eap.2804}, pmid = {36565243}, issn = {1051-0761}, abstract = {Extensive land conversion to agriculture in drylands and associated resource use have wide-ranging impacts on desert ecosystems globally. Incorporating the impacts of human-social aspects is thus imperative in examining ecological interactions. The provision of agricultural inputs in these resource-scarce regions supports invasive and pest species, negatively impacting both agricultural productivity and native desert ecosystems. Understanding the spatial dynamics of invasive and pest species requires analyzing both bottom-up resource availability factors underlying animal distributions and top-down biological controls. Here, we evaluate the social-ecological cascading effects of dryland agriculture on vertebrate pest communities in dryland agricultural communities of Israel. Our study region is characterized by 18 agricultural cooperatives with distinct crop regimes due to contrasting social decision-making and resource allocation schemes (i.e., communal Kibbutzim vs. privatized Moshavim). Crop choices further affect land management (e.g., enclosed vs. open farm systems) and resource intensity. This system is ideal to study trophic mechanisms underlying animal assemblages between agricultural regimes. We examine the role of agricultural land-use practices on pest spatial distributions based on multi-year vertebrate pest observations with agricultural datasets. We use structural equation modelling (SEM) to quantify the relative importance of added agricultural resources underlying bottom-up and top-down trophic processes regulating vertebrate pest assemblages. Results reveal that crop choices determine pest distributions through bottom-up processes directly, while simultaneously driving pest competitive interactions through indirect top-down cascades impacting pest communities. For example, due to the indirect negative effect of wolves on meso-predators (foxes and jackals) mediated by livestock, the total positive effect of livestock on the abundance of meso-predators is reduced. Our study illustrates the social-ecological cascading effects of agricultural regimes on pest community assemblages mediated by contrasting agricultural land-use practices. Considering the expansion of dryland agro-ecological systems globally, understanding the intricate cascading pathways of predator- and prey-pest communities has important implications for agricultural management, biological invasions in drylands and fragile desert environments.}, }
@article {pmid36560729, year = {2022}, author = {Tillis, SB and Josimovich, JM and Miller, MA and Hoon-Hanks, LL and Hartmann, AM and Claunch, NM and Iredale, ME and Logan, TD and Yackel Adams, AA and Bartoszek, IA and Humphrey, JS and Kluever, BM and Stenglein, MD and Reed, RN and Romagosa, CM and Wellehan, JFX and Ossiboff, RJ}, title = {Divergent Serpentoviruses in Free-Ranging Invasive Pythons and Native Colubrids in Southern Florida, United States.}, journal = {Viruses}, volume = {14}, number = {12}, pages = {}, doi = {10.3390/v14122726}, pmid = {36560729}, issn = {1999-4915}, abstract = {Burmese python (Python bivittatus) is an invasive snake that has significantly affected ecosystems in southern Florida, United States. Aside from direct predation and competition, invasive species can also introduce nonnative pathogens that can adversely affect native species. The subfamily Serpentovirinae (order Nidovirales) is composed of positive-sense RNA viruses primarily found in reptiles. Some serpentoviruses, such as shingleback nidovirus, are associated with mortalities in wild populations, while others, including ball python nidovirus and green tree python nidovirus can be a major cause of disease and mortality in captive animals. To determine if serpentoviruses were present in invasive Burmese pythons in southern Florida, oral swabs were collected from both free-ranging and long-term captive snakes. Swabs were screened for the presence of serpentovirus by reverse transcription PCR and sequenced. A total serpentovirus prevalence of 27.8% was detected in 318 python samples. Of the initial swabs from 172 free-ranging pythons, 42 (24.4%) were positive for multiple divergent viral sequences comprising four clades across the sampling range. Both sex and snout-vent length were statistically significant factors in virus prevalence, with larger male snakes having the highest prevalence. Sampling location was statistically significant in circulating virus sequence. Mild clinical signs and lesions consistent with serpentovirus infection were observed in a subset of sampled pythons. Testing of native snakes (n = 219, 18 species) in part of the python range found no evidence of python virus spillover; however, five individual native snakes (2.3%) representing three species were PCR positive for unique, divergent serpentoviruses. Calculated pairwise uncorrected distance analysis indicated the newly discovered virus sequences likely represent three novel genera in the subfamily Serpentovirinae. This study is the first to characterize serpentovirus in wild free-ranging pythons or in any free-ranging North America reptile. Though the risk these viruses pose to the invasive and native species is unknown, the potential for spillover to native herpetofauna warrants further investigation.}, }
@article {pmid36559580, year = {2022}, author = {Chadha, A and Florentine, SK and Dhileepan, K and Turville, C}, title = {Assessing Seed Longevity of the Invasive Weed Navua Sedge (Cyperus aromaticus), by Artificial Ageing.}, journal = {Plants (Basel, Switzerland)}, volume = {11}, number = {24}, pages = {}, doi = {10.3390/plants11243469}, pmid = {36559580}, issn = {2223-7747}, abstract = {Navua sedge (Cyperus aromaticus (Ridley) Mattf. &amp; Kukenth) is a significant agricultural and environmental weed found in tropical island countries including north Queensland, Australia. It is a prolific seed producer and consequently forms a high-density seedbank, and therefore understanding the longevity and persistence of the seeds can provide critical information required for the management of this species. A laboratory-controlled artificial ageing experiment was conducted where the seeds were exposed to a temperature of 45 °C and 60% relative humidity for 125 days. Seeds were removed at various times (1, 2, 5, 9, 20, 30, 50, 75, 100 and 125 days) and their viability determined through standard germination tests. It took 20 days in the artificial ageing environment for the seeds to decline to 50% viability which indicates that Navua sedge has relatively short-lived persistent seeds. These findings will assist in developing a better understanding of the seedbank dynamics of this invasive species, allowing managers to tactically implement control strategies and prepare budgets for ongoing treatments, and have implications for the duration and success of management programs.}, }
@article {pmid36559577, year = {2022}, author = {Pádua, L and Duarte, L and Antão-Geraldes, AM and Sousa, JJ and Castro, JP}, title = {Spatio-Temporal Water Hyacinth Monitoring in the Lower Mondego (Portugal) Using Remote Sensing Data.}, journal = {Plants (Basel, Switzerland)}, volume = {11}, number = {24}, pages = {}, doi = {10.3390/plants11243465}, pmid = {36559577}, issn = {2223-7747}, abstract = {Monitoring invasive plant species is a crucial task to assess their presence in affected ecosystems. However, it is a laborious and complex task as it requires vast surface areas, with difficult access, to be surveyed. Remotely sensed data can be a great contribution to such operations, especially for clearly visible and predominant species. In the scope of this study, water hyacinth (Eichhornia crassipes) was monitored in the Lower Mondego region (Portugal). For this purpose, Sentinel-2 satellite data were explored enabling us to follow spatial patterns in three water channels from 2018 to 2021. By applying a straightforward and effective methodology, it was possible to estimate areas that could contain water hyacinth and to obtain the total surface area occupied by this invasive species. The normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI) was used for this purpose. It was verified that the occupation of this invasive species over the study area exponentially increases from May to October. However, this increase was not verified in 2021, which could be a consequence of the adopted mitigation measures. To provide the results of this study, the methodology was applied through a semi-automatic geographic information system (GIS) application. This tool enables researchers and ecologists to apply the same approach in monitoring water hyacinth or any other invasive plant species in similar or different contexts. This methodology proved to be more effective than machine learning approaches when applied to multispectral data acquired with an unmanned aerial vehicle. In fact, a global accuracy greater than 97% was achieved using the NDVI-based approach, versus 93% when using the machine learning approach (above 93%).}, }
@article {pmid36557953, year = {2022}, author = {Turillazzi, F and Pieraccini, G and Turillazzi, S and Orsi Battaglini, N and Severino, M}, title = {Venom Collection by Electrical Stimulation in the Invasive Species Polistes dominula Reared Using a Vespiculture Regime.}, journal = {Molecules (Basel, Switzerland)}, volume = {27}, number = {24}, pages = {}, doi = {10.3390/molecules27248821}, pmid = {36557953}, issn = {1420-3049}, support = {1/CX/CSRD VA/United States ; }, abstract = {Specific Venom Immunotherapy (VIT) is practiced with venom extracted from insects, and is the specific therapy used for patients highly allergic to social insect (Hymenoptera) stings. Due to the dramatic shortage of vespid species in the local environment, we coupled vespiculture techniques of Polistes paper wasps with a venom collection procedure based on the electrical stimulation of individuals from entire colonies. The procedure involves little to no disturbance of the individual insects, and at the same time, successfully allows for the extraction of venom containing all allergens necessary for VIT.}, }
@article {pmid36557620, year = {2022}, author = {Ouarti, B and Sall, M and Ndiaye, EHI and Diatta, G and Zan Diarra, A and Berenger, JM and Sokhna, C and Granjon, L and Le Fur, J and Parola, P}, title = {Pathogen Detection in Ornithodoros sonrai Ticks and Invasive House Mice Mus musculus domesticus in Senegal.}, journal = {Microorganisms}, volume = {10}, number = {12}, pages = {}, doi = {10.3390/microorganisms10122367}, pmid = {36557620}, issn = {2076-2607}, abstract = {Ornithodoros sonrai (O. sonrai) ticks are the only known vectors of Borrelia crocidurae, an agent of tick-borne relapsing fever (TBRF) borreliosis. Rodents serve as principal natural reservoirs for Borrelia. Our research objective was to detect TBRF Borrelia and other zoonotic bacterial infections in ticks and in house mice Mus musculus domesticus, an invasive species currently expanding in rural northern Senegal. Real-time and conventional PCR were utilized for detecting Borrelia and other bacterial taxa. The analyses were performed on 253 specimens of O. sonrai and 150 samples of brain and spleen tissue from rodents. Borrelia crocidurae was found in one O. sonrai tick and 18 Mus musculus domesticus samples, with prevalences of 0.39 percent and 12 percent, respectively, as well as Ehrlichia sp. in one Mus musculus domesticus. Further, we were able to detect the presence of a potentially infectious novel species belonging to the Anaplasmataceae family for the first time in O. sonrai ticks. More attention should be paid to the house mouse and O. sonrai ticks, as they can be potential hosts for novel species of pathogenic bacteria in humans.}, }
@article {pmid36556335, year = {2022}, author = {Zhang, L and Chen, A and Li, Y and Li, D and Cheng, S and Cheng, L and Liu, Y}, title = {Differences in Phenotypic Plasticity between Invasive and Native Plants Responding to Three Environmental Factors.}, journal = {Life (Basel, Switzerland)}, volume = {12}, number = {12}, pages = {}, doi = {10.3390/life12121970}, pmid = {36556335}, issn = {2075-1729}, abstract = {The phenotypic plasticity hypothesis suggests that exotic plants may have greater phenotypic plasticity than native plants. However, whether phenotypic changes vary according to different environmental factors has not been well studied. We conducted a multi-species greenhouse experiment to study the responses of six different phenotypic traits, namely height, leaf number, specific leaf area, total biomass, root mass fraction, and leaf mass fraction, of native and invasive species to nutrients, water, and light. Each treatment was divided into two levels: high and low. In the nutrient addition experiment, only the leaf mass fraction and root mass fraction of the plants supported the phenotypic plasticity hypothesis. Then, none of the six traits supported the phenotypic plasticity hypothesis in the water or light treatment experiments. The results show that, for different environmental factors and phenotypes, the phenotypic plasticity hypothesis of plant invasion is inconsistent. When using the phenotypic plasticity hypothesis to explain plant invasion, variations in environmental factors and phenotypes should be considered.}, }
@article {pmid36555047, year = {2022}, author = {Frizzi, F and Buonafede, L and Masoni, A and Balzani, P and Santini, G}, title = {Comparative Analysis of Facial Coloration between Introduced and Source Populations of the Red Wood Ant Formica paralugubris.}, journal = {Insects}, volume = {13}, number = {12}, pages = {}, doi = {10.3390/insects13121137}, pmid = {36555047}, issn = {2075-4450}, abstract = {The variation in the typical black-reddish color of red wood ants (Formica&amp;nbsp;rufa group) has been recently suggested as a good indicator of habitat quality, being dependent on environmental conditions. However, the relative contribution of external factors and heritability in shaping this trait is poorly investigated. In this study, we compared the facial coloration of workers from four introduced populations of Formica paralugubris with those of the two Alpine populations from which they had been taken. We used a Relative Warp Analysis to describe the variations in the shape of this trait. We expected each introduced population to be more similar to its population of origin if the color pattern was predominantly genetically determined. On the contrary, due to the considerable differences in habitat type and climate between the Alps and the Apennines, we expected to observe differences between the introduced population and their origin population if the coloration was mostly environmentally determined. With one exception that we discuss, the results showed that ants from the two source populations had different phenotypes, and that the introduced populations had a shape similar to the population of origin, suggesting a stable genetic background. Surprisingly, the habitat type seems to have a less clear effect, even if within-population differences suggest the influence of very localized environmental factors. Finally, we found that the facial coloration shape is affected by the ant's size, a result in line with previous studies.}, }
@article {pmid36555039, year = {2022}, author = {Ellsworth, E and Li, Y and Chari, LD and Kron, A and Moyo, S}, title = {Tangled in a Web: Management Type and Vegetation Shape the Occurrence of Web-Building Spiders in Protected Areas.}, journal = {Insects}, volume = {13}, number = {12}, pages = {}, doi = {10.3390/insects13121129}, pmid = {36555039}, issn = {2075-4450}, abstract = {Land management of parks and vegetation complexity can affect arthropod diversity and subsequently alter trophic interactions between predators and their prey. In this study, we examined spiders in five parks with varying management histories and intensities to determine whether certain spider species were associated with particular plants. We also determined whether web architecture influenced spider occurrence. Our results showed that humpbacked orb-weavers (Eustala anastera) were associated with an invasive plant, Chinese privet (Ligustrum sinense). This study revealed how invasive plants can potentially influence certain spider communities, as evidenced by this native spider species only occurring on invasive plants. Knowing more about spider populations-including species makeup and plants they populate-will give insights into how spider populations are dealing with various ecosystem changes. While we did not assess the effect of invasive plants on the behavior of spiders, it is possible that invasive species may not always be harmful to ecosystems; in the case of spiders, invasive plants may serve as a useful environment to live in. More studies are needed to ascertain whether invasive plants can have adverse effects on spider ecology in the long term.}, }
@article {pmid36554991, year = {2022}, author = {Xue, Y and Lin, C and Wang, Y and Liu, W and Wan, F and Zhang, Y and Ji, L}, title = {Predicting Climate Change Effects on the Potential Distribution of Two Invasive Cryptic Species of the Bemisia tabaci Species Complex in China.}, journal = {Insects}, volume = {13}, number = {12}, pages = {}, doi = {10.3390/insects13121081}, pmid = {36554991}, issn = {2075-4450}, abstract = {Middle East-Asia Minor 1 (MEAM1) and Mediterranean (MED) are two invasive cryptic species of the Bemisia tabaci species complex (Hemiptera: Aleyrodidae) that cause serious damage to agricultural and horticultural crops worldwide. To explore the possible impact of climate change on their distribution, the maximum entropy (MaxEnt) model was used to predict the potential distribution ranges of MEAM1 and MED in China under current and four future climate scenarios, using shared socioeconomic pathways (SSPs), namely SSP1-2.6, SSP2-4.5, SSP3-7.0, and SSP5-8.5, over four time periods (2021-2040, 2041-2060, 2061-2080, and 2081-2100). The distribution ranges of MEAM1 and MED were extensive and similar in China under current climatic conditions, while their moderately and highly suitable habitat ranges differed. Under future climate scenarios, the areas of suitable habitat of different levels for MEAM1 and MED were predicted to increase to different degrees. However, the predicted expansion of suitable habitats varied between them, suggesting that these invasive cryptic species respond differently to climate change. Our results illustrate the difference in the effects of climate change on the geographical distribution of different cryptic species of B. tabaci and provide insightful information for further forecasting and managing the two invasive cryptic species in China.}, }
@article {pmid36554449, year = {2022}, author = {Bănăduc, D and Simić, V and Cianfaglione, K and Barinova, S and Afanasyev, S and Öktener, A and McCall, G and Simić, S and Curtean-Bănăduc, A}, title = {Freshwater as a Sustainable Resource and Generator of Secondary Resources in the 21st Century: Stressors, Threats, Risks, Management and Protection Strategies, and Conservation Approaches.}, journal = {International journal of environmental research and public health}, volume = {19}, number = {24}, pages = {}, doi = {10.3390/ijerph192416570}, pmid = {36554449}, issn = {1660-4601}, abstract = {This paper is a synthetic overview of some of the threats, risks, and integrated water management elements in freshwater ecosystems. The paper provides some discussion of human needs and water conservation issues related to freshwater systems: (1) introduction and background; (2) water basics and natural cycles; (3) freshwater roles in human cultures and civilizations; (4) water as a biosphere cornerstone; (5) climate as a hydrospheric 'game changer' from the perspective of freshwater; (6) human-induced stressors' effects on freshwater ecosystem changes (pollution, habitat fragmentation, etc.); (7) freshwater ecosystems' biological resources in the context of unsustainable exploitation/overexploitation; (8) invasive species, parasites, and diseases in freshwater systems; (9) freshwater ecosystems' vegetation; (10) the relationship between human warfare and water. All of these issues and more create an extremely complex matrix of stressors that plays a driving role in changing freshwater ecosystems both qualitatively and quantitatively, as well as their capacity to offer sustainable products and services to human societies. Only internationally integrated policies, strategies, assessment, monitoring, management, protection, and conservation initiatives can diminish and hopefully stop the long-term deterioration of Earth's freshwater resources and their associated secondary resources.}, }
@article {pmid36552314, year = {2022}, author = {Careddu, G and Botti, M and Cristofaro, M and Sporta Caputi, S and Calizza, E and Rossi, L and Costantini, ML}, title = {The Feeding Behaviour of Gall Midge Larvae and Its Implications for Biocontrol of the Giant Reed: Insights from Stable Isotope Analysis.}, journal = {Biology}, volume = {11}, number = {12}, pages = {}, doi = {10.3390/biology11121805}, pmid = {36552314}, issn = {2079-7737}, abstract = {The gall midge Lasioptera donacis, whose larval stage interferes with the reed's leaf development, is a potential candidate agent for the biological control of Arundo donax. Reed infestation is always associated with the presence of a saprophytic fungus, Arthrinium arundinis, which is believed to provide food for the larvae. Larvae also interact with a parasitic nematode, Tripius gyraloura, which can be considered its natural enemy. To deepen our knowledge of the plant-fungus-insect trophic interactions and to understand the effects of the nematode on midge larval feeding behaviour, we applied stable isotope analysis, one of the most effective methods for investigating animal feeding preferences in various contexts. The results showed that on average the fungus accounted for 65% of the diet of the midge larvae, which however consumed the reed and the fungus in variable proportions depending on reed quality (expressed as the C:N ratio). No differences in feeding behaviour were observed between parasitised and non-parasitised midge larvae, indicating that nematodes have no effect in this regard. Due to its trophic habits, L. donacis could be an effective control agent of A. donax and these results need to be considered when implementing biological control measures.}, }
@article {pmid36550286, year = {2022}, author = {Rantala, HM and Branstrator, DK and Hirsch, JK and Jones, TS and Montz, G}, title = {Simultaneous invasion decouples zebra mussels and water clarity.}, journal = {Communications biology}, volume = {5}, number = {1}, pages = {1405}, pmid = {36550286}, issn = {2399-3642}, abstract = {Species invasions are a leading threat to ecosystems globally, but our understanding of interactions among multiple invasive species and their outcomes on ecosystem properties is undeveloped despite their significance to conservation and management. Here we studied a large lake in Minnesota, USA, that experienced a simultaneous surge in invasive zebra mussel and spiny water flea populations. A long-term (2000-2018) dataset offered a rare opportunity to assess whole-ecosystem shifts following the co-invasion. Within two years, the native crustacean zooplankton community declined abruptly in density and productivity (-93% and -91%, respectively). Summer phytoplankton abundance and water clarity remained stable across the time series, an unexpected outcome given the high density of zebra mussels in the lake. Observational data and modeling indicate that removal of native herbivorous zooplankton by the predatory spiny water flea reduced zooplankton grazing pressure enough to compensate new grazing losses due to zebra mussels, resulting in a zero net effect on phytoplankton abundance and water clarity despite a wholesale shift in secondary production from the pelagic to the benthic food web. This study reveals the extent of direct and indirect effects of two aquatic invaders on food-web processes that cancel shifts in water clarity, a highly valued ecosystem service.}, }
@article {pmid36549544, year = {2022}, author = {O'Neil, CM and Guo, Y and Pierre, S and Boughton, EH and Qiu, J}, title = {Invasive snails alter multiple ecosystem functions in subtropical wetlands.}, journal = {The Science of the total environment}, volume = {}, number = {}, pages = {160939}, doi = {10.1016/j.scitotenv.2022.160939}, pmid = {36549544}, issn = {1879-1026}, abstract = {Invasive species that compromise ecosystem functioning through direct and indirect (or cascading) pathways are a rising global threat. Apple snails (Pomacea spp.) are semi-aquatic freshwater invaders that have exerted devastating ecological and economic impacts on agricultural wetlands and are emerging as a major threat to the structures and functions of natural wetlands. In this research, we conducted a field mesocosm experiment in subtropical wetlands in Florida, USA to investigate how P. maculata alter a suite of wetland vegetation, water, and soil processes and how these effects vary across wetlands under two different management intensities. Overall, we found that invasive snails substantially decreased aboveground biomass and vegetation cover and exhibited preferential feeding on wetland plant species. In addition, snails increased water nutrients (e.g., total carbon, nitrogen, phosphorous and dissolved solids), but showed minimal impacts on soil pools and processes. While most effects of invasive P. maculata were similar across wetland types, certain responses (e.g., algal biomass) were divergent. Our study provides holistic evidence on multiple direct and indirect consequences of invasive apple snails along the wetland plant-water-soil continuum. By altering plant assemblages and nutrient cycling (e.g., via consumption, egestion, and excretion), P. maculata invasion could hamper vital wetland services, which is concerning for these globally vulnerable ecosystems. Differential snail effects across management intensities further suggest the need for tailored actions to mitigate apple snail impacts and conserve wetland ecosystems.}, }
@article {pmid36549005, year = {2022}, author = {Su, T and Cui, G and Man, Z and Li, W and Huang, Z and Chen, J and Zhao, M}, title = {Interspecific Association of Sika Deer in Terrestrial Animal Communities of Liancheng National Nature Reserve, China.}, journal = {Integrative zoology}, volume = {}, number = {}, pages = {}, doi = {10.1111/1749-4877.12700}, pmid = {36549005}, issn = {1749-4877}, abstract = {The prevention and control of invasive of alien species is an important work for nature reserves. This study analyzes the development trend of the alien species sika deer in Liancheng National Nature Reserve. From October 2019 to June 2020, 3,523 valid photos and videos of terrestrial animals were acquired using 130 infrared cameras, and sika deer were recorded in 21 photos from 13 sites. The survival of the sika deer population was investigated by means of morphological identification, population structure analysis, species relative abundance indices, and species spatial association analysis. A total of 13 sika deer individuals were identified using infrared camera trapping, including two kids and three sub-adults representing the reproductive capacity of the population. Spatially, sika deer is not associated with any local species, and was outside the spatial association network of terrestrial animals in Liancheng National Nature Reserve, indicating that the sika deer population has not been integrated into the local community and has failed to perform its ecological function. It is worth noting that the reserve provides habitat suitable for sika deer and that the population has adequate reproductive capacity. Due to the lack of large apex predators in the reserve, the population size of ungulates such as sika deer, red deer, and Siberian roe deer may expand and lead to population outbreaks and the associated problems for the ecosystem. To restore large- and medium-sized carnivores and avoid the population outbreak of the species, present challenges require immediate attention in Liancheng National Nature Reserve. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.}, }
@article {pmid36548385, year = {2022}, author = {Ballari, SA and Barrios-García, MN}, title = {Mismatch between media coverage and research on invasive species: The case of wild boar (Sus scrofa) in Argentina.}, journal = {PloS one}, volume = {17}, number = {12}, pages = {e0279601}, doi = {10.1371/journal.pone.0279601}, pmid = {36548385}, issn = {1932-6203}, abstract = {Invasive species are a pervasive driver of global change with increasing media coverage. Media coverage and framing can influence both invasive species management and policies, as well as shed light on research needs. Using the wild boar (Sus scrofa) invasion in Argentina as a case study, we conducted a content analysis of media coverage and scientific articles. Specifically, we compared news and scientific articles based on their emphasis: ecological, economic, and health impacts and the overall perception portrayed in the news: "positive" when the articles emphasized benefits from wild boar and "negative" when focused on damage and/or loss. A literature search using Google news, Web of Science, Scielo, and Google Scholar yielded a total of 194 news articles and 37 research papers on wild boar in Argentina. More than half of the news articles focused on economic impacts of wild boar (56%) such as sport hunting, illegal hunting, and road accidents; while 27% focused on ecological impacts, and 10% on health impacts. In contrast, the majority of the scientific articles (65%) focused on ecological impacts of wild boar on native species and ecosystems; while 21% were related to health impacts and only 8.3% of scientific articles were related to economic impacts. This mismatch between media and science reveals a disconnection between social and scientific interests in wild boar and their management in Argentina, and it provides insights to research needs and prevention of management conflicts. Additionally, we found that 66.8% of news articles focused on "negative" aspects of wild boar, while 33.2% of news articles portrayed "positive" perceptions. This finding is very important because the management of invasive species such as wild boar usually requires lethal techniques, and the success of the programs depend on favorable social and political support. Good science communication is therefore key to helping scientists and managers perform more effective management actions.}, }
@article {pmid36548240, year = {2022}, author = {Lee, JR and Terauds, A and Carwardine, J and Shaw, JD and Fuller, RA and Possingham, HP and Chown, SL and Convey, P and Gilbert, N and Hughes, KA and McIvor, E and Robinson, SA and Ropert-Coudert, Y and Bergstrom, DM and Biersma, EM and Christian, C and Cowan, DA and Frenot, Y and Jenouvrier, S and Kelley, L and Lee, MJ and Lynch, HJ and Njåstad, B and Quesada, A and Roura, RM and Shaw, EA and Stanwell-Smith, D and Tsujimoto, M and Wall, DH and Wilmotte, A and Chadès, I}, title = {Threat management priorities for conserving Antarctic biodiversity.}, journal = {PLoS biology}, volume = {20}, number = {12}, pages = {e3001921}, doi = {10.1371/journal.pbio.3001921}, pmid = {36548240}, issn = {1545-7885}, abstract = {Antarctic terrestrial biodiversity faces multiple threats, from invasive species to climate change. Yet no large-scale assessments of threat management strategies exist. Applying a structured participatory approach, we demonstrate that existing conservation efforts are insufficient in a changing world, estimating that 65% (at best 37%, at worst 97%) of native terrestrial taxa and land-associated seabirds are likely to decline by 2100 under current trajectories. Emperor penguins are identified as the most vulnerable taxon, followed by other seabirds and dry soil nematodes. We find that implementing 10 key threat management strategies in parallel, at an estimated present-day equivalent annual cost of US$23 million, could benefit up to 84% of Antarctic taxa. Climate change is identified as the most pervasive threat to Antarctic biodiversity and influencing global policy to effectively limit climate change is the most beneficial conservation strategy. However, minimising impacts of human activities and improved planning and management of new infrastructure projects are cost-effective and will help to minimise regional threats. Simultaneous global and regional efforts are critical to secure Antarctic biodiversity for future generations.}, }
@article {pmid36547904, year = {2022}, author = {Mert-Ozupek, N and Calibasi-Kocal, G and Olgun, N and Basbinar, Y and Cavas, L and Ellidokuz, H}, title = {An Efficient and Quick Analytical Method for the Quantification of an Algal Alkaloid Caulerpin Showed In-Vitro Anticancer Activity against Colorectal Cancer.}, journal = {Marine drugs}, volume = {20}, number = {12}, pages = {}, doi = {10.3390/md20120757}, pmid = {36547904}, issn = {1660-3397}, abstract = {Biological invasion is the successful spread and establishment of a species in a novel environment that adversely affects the biodiversity, ecology, and economy. Both invasive and non-invasive species of the Caulerpa genus secrete more than thirty different secondary metabolites. Caulerpin is one of the most common secondary metabolites in genus Caulerpa. In this study, caulerpin found in invasive Caulerpa cylindracea and non-invasive Caulerpa lentillifera extracts were analyzed, quantified, and compared using high-performance thin layer chromatography (HPTLC) for the first time. The anticancer activities of caulerpin against HCT-116 and HT-29 colorectal cancer (CRC) cell lines were also tested. Caulerpin levels were found higher in the invasive form (108.83 ± 5.07 µg mL[-1] and 96.49 ± 4.54 µg mL[-1]). Furthermore, caulerpin isolated from invasive Caulerpa decreased cell viability in a concentration-dependent manner (IC50 values were found between 119 and 179 µM), inhibited invasion-migration, and induced apoptosis in CRC cells. In comparison, no cytotoxic effects on the normal cell lines (HDF and NIH-3T3) were observed. In conclusion, HPTLC is a quick and novel method to investigate the caulerpin levels found in Caulerpa extracts, and this paper proposes an alternative utilization method for invasive C. cylindracea due to significant caulerpin content compared to non-invasive C. lentillifera.}, }
@article {pmid36545824, year = {2022}, author = {Wu, S and Chen, L and Zhou, Y and Xiao, F and Liu, D and Wang, Y}, title = {Invasive Plants Have Higher Resistance to Native Generalist Herbivores Than Exotic Noninvasive Congeners.}, journal = {Environmental entomology}, volume = {}, number = {}, pages = {}, doi = {10.1093/ee/nvac108}, pmid = {36545824}, issn = {1938-2936}, abstract = {Research on the invasive plant Phytolacca americana (L.) mostly focuses on its medicinal value and enrichment of heavy metals. However, little is known regarding its impact on native herbivorous insects. In this study, we explored the effects of P. americana and the exotic noninvasive Phytolacca icosandra (L.) on the Spodoptera litura (Fabricius) (native tobacco cutworm) via bioassay, oviposition preference, detoxifying enzyme activity analysis, and phytochemical determination. We found that the oviposition preference index (OPI) of S. litura feeding on P. icosandra was higher than that of P. americana. The developmental duration of S. litura feeding on P. icosandra was shorter than that of P. americana. Additionally, the Acetylcholinesterase (AchE) and Glutathione-S-transferase (GST) activities of S. litura feeding on P. americana were higher than that of S. litura feeding on artificial diets or P. icosandra. The content of lignin and flavonoids in P. americana was relatively high, whereas starch content was relatively low. These findings suggest invasive plants have higher resistance to herbivores, thereby suffering less damage than exotic noninvasive plants.}, }
@article {pmid36540633, year = {2022}, author = {Deflem, IS and Calboli, FCF and Christiansen, H and Hellemans, B and Raeymaekers, JAM and Volckaert, FAM}, title = {Contrasting population genetic responses to migration barriers in two native and an invasive freshwater fish.}, journal = {Evolutionary applications}, volume = {15}, number = {12}, pages = {2010-2027}, pmid = {36540633}, issn = {1752-4571}, abstract = {Habitat fragmentation impacts the distribution of genetic diversity and population genetic structure. Therefore, protecting the evolutionary potential of species, especially in the context of the current rate of human-induced environmental change, is an important goal. In riverine ecosystems, migration barriers affect the genetic structure of native species, while also influencing the spread of invasive species. In this study, we compare genetic patterns of two native and one highly invasive riverine fish species in a Belgian river basin, namely the native three-spined stickleback (Gasterosteus aculeatus) and stone loach (Barbatula barbatula), and the non-native and invasive topmouth gudgeon (Pseudorasbora parva). We aimed to characterize both natural and anthropogenic determinants of genetic diversity and population genetic connectivity. Genetic diversity was highest in topmouth gudgeon, followed by stone loach and three-spined stickleback. The correlation between downstream distance and genetic diversity, a pattern often observed in riverine systems, was only marginally significant in stone loach and three-spined stickleback, while genetic diversity strongly declined with increasing number of barriers in topmouth gudgeon. An Isolation-By-Distance pattern characterizes the population genetic structure of each species. Population differentiation was only associated with migration barriers in the invasive topmouth gudgeon, while genetic composition of all species seemed at least partially determined by the presence of migration barriers. Among the six barrier types considered (watermills, sluices, tunnels, weirs, riverbed obstructions, and others), the presence of watermills was the strongest driver of genetic structure and composition. Our results indicate that conservation and restoration actions, focusing on conserving genetic patterns, cannot be generalized across species. Moreover, measures might target either on restoring connectivity, while risking a rapid spread of the invasive topmouth gudgeon, or not restoring connectivity, while risking native species extinction in upstream populations.}, }
@article {pmid36526668, year = {2022}, author = {Liegertová, M and Semerádtová, A and Kocholatá, M and Průšová, M and Němcová, L and Štofik, M and Kříženecká, S and Malý, J and Janoušková, O}, title = {Mucus-derived exosome-like vesicles from the Spanish slug (Arion vulgaris): taking advantage of invasive pest species in biotechnology.}, journal = {Scientific reports}, volume = {12}, number = {1}, pages = {21768}, pmid = {36526668}, issn = {2045-2322}, mesh = {Animals ; Humans ; *Gastropoda ; Introduced Species ; *Exosomes/metabolism ; Biotechnology ; Mucus ; Mammals ; }, abstract = {The slug Arion vulgaris has attracted major attention as one of the worst invasive herbivore pests in Europe and is renowned for the stiff mucus it secretes for locomotion. In this study we focused on the isolation and characterisation of extracellular vesicles, specifically exosomes and exosome-like vesicles, from Arion secretions. We developed a method for slug mucus collection and subsequent vesicle isolation by ultracentrifugation. The isolated vesicles with an average diameter of ~ 100 nm carry abundant proteins and short RNAs, as well as adhesion molecules similar to mammalian galectins. We demonstrated that the slug extracellular vesicles are internalised by plant cells and human cancer cells in in vitro assays and are loadable by bioactive compounds, which makes them an interesting tool for utilisation in biotechnology.}, }
@article {pmid36531348, year = {2022}, author = {Zhang, XM and He, LX and Xiao, X and Lei, JP and Tang, M and Lei, NF and Yu, FH and Chen, JS}, title = {Clonal integration benefits an invader in heterogeneous environments with reciprocal patchiness of resources, but not its native congener.}, journal = {Frontiers in plant science}, volume = {13}, number = {}, pages = {1080674}, pmid = {36531348}, issn = {1664-462X}, abstract = {Many of the world's most invasive plants are clonal, and clonal functional traits are suggested to contribute to their invasiveness. Clonal integration is one of the most important clonal functional traits, but it is still unclear whether clonal integration can benefit invasive alien clonal plants more than native ones in heterogeneous environments with reciprocal patchiness of resources and whether invasive plants show a higher capacity of division of labor than native ones in such environments. We grew connected (allowing clonal integration) and disconnected (preventing clonal integration) ramet pairs of an invasive plant Wedelia trilobata and its occurring native congener W. chinensis in the environment consisting of reciprocal patches of light and soil nutrients (i.e., a high-light but low-nutrient patch and a low-light but high-nutrient patch). Clonal integration greatly promoted the growth of the invasive species, but had no significant effect on the native one. Both invasive and native species showed division of labor in terms of morphology, biomass allocation, and/or photosynthetic physiology, but the capacity of labor division did not differ between the invasive and the native species. We conclude that in heterogeneous environments consisting of reciprocal patches of resources, which are common in nature, clonal integration can confer invasive plants a competitive advantage over natives, but this difference is not related to their capacity of labor division. This study highlights the importance of clonal integration for plants in heterogeneous environments and suggests that clonal integration can contribute to the invasion success of alien clonal plants.}, }
@article {pmid36530409, year = {2022}, author = {Holt, JR and Malacrinò, A and Medina, RF}, title = {Quantifying the impacts of symbiotic interactions between two invasive species: the tawny crazy ant (Nylanderia fulva) tending the sorghum aphid (Melanaphis sorghi).}, journal = {PeerJ}, volume = {10}, number = {}, pages = {e14448}, pmid = {36530409}, issn = {2167-8359}, abstract = {The establishment of new symbiotic interactions between introduced species may facilitate invasion success. For instance, tawny crazy ant (Nylanderia fulva Mayr) is known to be an opportunistic tender of honeydew producing insects and this ants' symbiotic interactions have exacerbated agricultural damage in some invaded regions of the world. The invasive sorghum aphid (Melanaphis sorghi Theobald) was first reported as a pest in the continental United States-in Texas and Louisiana-as recent as 2013, and tawny crazy ant (TCA) was reported in Texas in the early 2000s. Although these introductions are relatively recent, TCA workers tend sorghum aphids in field and greenhouse settings. This study quantified the tending duration of TCA workers to sorghum aphids and the impact of TCA tending on aphid biomass. For this study aphids were collected from three different host plant species (i.e., sugarcane, Johnson grass, and sorghum) and clone colonies were established. Sorghum is the main economic crop in which these aphids occur, hence we focused our study on the potential impacts of interactions on sorghum. Quantification of invasive ant-aphid interactions, on either stems or leaves of sorghum plants, were conducted in greenhouse conditions. Our results show that although these two invasive insect species do not have a long coevolutionary history, TCA developed a tending interaction with sorghum aphid, and aphids were observed excreting honeydew after being antennated by TCA workers. Interestingly, this relatively recent symbiotic interaction significantly increased overall aphid biomass for aphids that were positioned on stems and collected from Johnson grass. It is recommended to continue monitoring the interaction between TCA and sorghum aphid in field conditions due to its potential to increase aphid populations and sorghum plant damage.}, }
@article {pmid36480611, year = {2022}, author = {Figueroa-Muñoz, G and Correa-Araneda, F and Cid-Aguayo, B and Henríquez, A and Arias, L and Arismendi, I and Gomez-Uchida, D}, title = {Co-management of Chile's escaped farmed salmon.}, journal = {Science (New York, N.Y.)}, volume = {378}, number = {6624}, pages = {1060-1061}, doi = {10.1126/science.adf6211}, pmid = {36480611}, issn = {1095-9203}, mesh = {Animals ; *Salmon ; Seafood ; Chile ; *Aquaculture ; Introduced Species ; *Conservation of Natural Resources ; }, }
@article {pmid36287246, year = {2022}, author = {Biancheri, MJB and Suárez, L and Kirschbaum, DS and Garcia, FRM and Funes, CF and Ovruski, SM}, title = {Natural Parasitism Influences Biological Control Strategies Against Both Global Invasive Pests Ceratitis capitata (Diptera: Tephritidae) and Drosophila suzukii (Diptera: Drosophilidae), and the Neotropical-Native Pest Anastrepha fraterculus (Diptera: Tephritidae).}, journal = {Environmental entomology}, volume = {51}, number = {6}, pages = {1120-1135}, doi = {10.1093/ee/nvac085}, pmid = {36287246}, issn = {1938-2936}, mesh = {Animals ; *Ceratitis capitata ; *Tephritidae ; Introduced Species ; Drosophila ; Pupa ; *Hymenoptera ; Pest Control, Biological ; }, abstract = {Ceratitis capitata (Wiedemann) and Drosophila suzukii (Matsumura) are two severe invasive pests widespread in all Argentinean fruit-producing regions. Both coexist with the Neotropical pest Anastrepha fraterculus (Wiedemann) in northern Argentina. The northwestern region shelters major soft fruit and Citrus producing and exporting industries, which are heavily affected by these dipterans. Eco-friendly strategies are under assessment in Argentina. This study mainly assessed D. suzukii, C. capitata, and A. fraterculus temporal abundance variations and their natural parasitism levels on a 1.5-ha-patch of feral peach trees within a disturbed secondary subtropical rainforest of northwestern Argentina. Fly puparia were mainly collected from the soil under fallen peach. Sampling was performed over three peach fruiting seasons. The most abundant pest species was C. capitata. Drosophila suzukii was only found in the last collecting period, but outnumbered A. fraterculus. Natural parasitism distinctly affected the temporal abundance of these dipterans: it significantly depressed C. capitata abundance in last sampling weeks, it did not substantially affect D. suzukii abundance, but it increased synchronously with the increase in the A. fraterculus abundance. Parasitism on C. capitata was mostly exerted by a combination of both a cosmopolitan pupal and a native larval parasitoid, while A. fraterculus was mainly parasitized by two indigenous larval parasitoids. Only three resident pupal parasitoids were associated with D. suzukii, of which the cosmopolitan Pachycrepoideus vindemiae Rondani (Hymenoptera: Pteromalidae) was the most significant. Data on the resident parasitoid impact are relevant for designing biocontrol strategies in noncrop habitats.}, }
@article {pmid36528931, year = {2022}, author = {Walker, WB and Mori, BA and Cattaneo, AM and Gonzalez, F and Witzgall, P and Becher, PG}, title = {Comparative transcriptomic assessment of the chemosensory receptor repertoire of Drosophila suzukii adult and larval olfactory organs.}, journal = {Comparative biochemistry and physiology. Part D, Genomics &amp; proteomics}, volume = {45}, number = {}, pages = {101049}, doi = {10.1016/j.cbd.2022.101049}, pmid = {36528931}, issn = {1878-0407}, abstract = {The spotted wing Drosophila, Drosophila suzukii, has emerged within the past decade as an invasive species on a global scale, and is one of the most economically important pests in fruit and berry production in Europe and North America. Insect ecology, to a strong degree, depends on the chemosensory modalities of smell and taste. Extensive research on the sensory receptors of the olfactory and gustatory systems in Drosophila melanogaster provide an excellent frame of reference to better understand the fundamentals of the chemosensory systems of D. suzukii. This knowledge may enhance the development of semiochemicals for sustainable management of D. suzukii, which is urgently needed. Here, using a transcriptomic approach we report the chemosensory receptor expression profiles in D. suzukii female and male antennae, and for the first time, in larval heads including the dorsal organ that houses larval olfactory sensory neurons. In D. suzukii adults, we generally observed a lack of sexually dimorphic expression levels in male and female antennae. While there was generally conservation of antennal expression of odorant and ionotropic receptor orthologues for D. melanogaster and D. suzukii, gustatory receptors showed more distinct species-specific profiles. In larval head tissues, for all three receptor gene families, there was also a greater degree of species-specific gene expression patterns. Analysis of chemosensory receptor repertoires in the pest species, D. suzukii relative to those of the genetic model D. melanogaster enables comparative studies of the chemosensory, physiology, and ecology of D. suzukii.}, }
@article {pmid36527320, year = {2022}, author = {Tseng, SP and Darras, H and Hsu, PW and Yoshimura, T and Lee, CY and Wetterer, JK and Keller, L and Yang, CS}, title = {Genetic analysis reveals the putative native range and widespread double-clonal reproduction in the invasive longhorn crazy ant.}, journal = {Molecular ecology}, volume = {}, number = {}, pages = {}, doi = {10.1111/mec.16827}, pmid = {36527320}, issn = {1365-294X}, abstract = {Clonal reproduction can provide an advantage for invasive species to establish as it can circumvent inbreeding depression which often plagues introduced populations. The world's most widespread invasive ant, Paratrechina longicornis, was previously found to display a double-clonal reproduction system, whereby both males and queens are produced clonally, resulting in separate male and queen lineages, while workers are produced sexually. Under this unusual reproduction mode, inbreeding is avoided in workers as they carry hybrid inter-lineage genomes. Despite the ubiquitous distribution of P. longicornis, the significance of this reproductive system for the ant's remarkable success remains unclear, as its prevalence is still unknown. Further investigation into the controversial native origin of P. longicornis is also required to reconstruct the evolutionary histories of double-clonal lineages. Here, we examine genetic variation and characterize the reproduction mode of P. longicornis populations sampled worldwide using microsatellites and mitochondrial DNA sequences to infer the ant's putative native range and the distribution of the double-clonal reproductive system. Analyses of global genetic variations indicate that the Indian subcontinent is a genetic diversity hotspot of this species, suggesting that P. longicornis probably originates from this geographic area. Our analyses revealed that both the inferred native and introduced populations exhibit double-clonal reproduction, with queens and males around the globe belonging to two separate, non-recombining clonal lineages. By contrast, workers are highly heterozygous because they are first-generation inter-lineage hybrids. Overall, these data indicate worldwide prevalence of double clonality in P. longicornis and support the prediction that the unusual genetic system may have preadapted this ant for global colonization by maintaining heterozygosity in the worker force and alleviating genetic bottlenecks.}, }
@article {pmid36524354, year = {2022}, author = {Premachandra, T and Cauret, CMS and Conradie, W and Measey, J and Evans, BJ}, title = {Population genomics and subgenome evolution of the allotetraploid frog Xenopus laevis in southern Africa.}, journal = {G3 (Bethesda, Md.)}, volume = {}, number = {}, pages = {}, doi = {10.1093/g3journal/jkac325}, pmid = {36524354}, issn = {2160-1836}, abstract = {Allotetraploid genomes have two distinct genomic components called subgenomes that are derived from separate diploid ancestral species. Many genomic characteristics such as gene function, expression, recombination and transposable element mobility may differ significantly between subgenomes. To explore the possibility that subgenome population structure and gene flow may differ as well, we examined genetic variation in an allotetraploid frog - the African clawed frog (Xenopus laevis) - over the dynamic and varied habitat of its native range in southern Africa. Using reduced representation genome sequences from 91 samples from 12 localities, we found no strong evidence that population structure and gene flow differed substantially by subgenome. We then compared patterns of population structure in the nuclear genome to the mitochondrial genome using Sanger sequences from 455 samples from 183 localities. Our results provide further resolution to the geographic distribution of mitochondrial and nuclear diversity in this species and illustrate that population structure in both genomes corresponds roughly with variation in seasonal rainfall and with the topography of southern Africa.}, }
@article {pmid36523520, year = {2022}, author = {Whatmore, R and Wood, PJ and Dwyer, C and Millett, J}, title = {Prey capture by the non-native carnivorous pitcher plant Sarracenia purpurea across sites in Britain and Ireland.}, journal = {Ecology and evolution}, volume = {12}, number = {12}, pages = {e9588}, pmid = {36523520}, issn = {2045-7758}, abstract = {The carnivorous pitcher plant Sarracenia purpurea is native to North America, but has been introduced into Europe, where it is now widespread. Understanding of how this species functions in its non-native range is limited. We measured pitcher morphology and prey capture by S. purpurea in its non-native range in Britain and Ireland. Pitchers were removed from different plants at each of six bogs covering the species range in Britain and Ireland (n = 10 pitchers per site). For each pitcher we counted and identified every prey item and took measurements of morphology. We also compiled prey capture data for existing studies in Europe and North America. Prey capture characteristics varied between sites in Britain and Ireland. The amount of prey captured varied 20-fold between sites and was partially explained by differences in pitcher size; larger pitchers caught more prey. The primary prey was Formicidae, Diptera and Coleoptera. At the rank of order, prey composition varied between bogs, some contained mainly Formicidae, some mainly Diptera and some a mix. Prey capture was less evenly distributed at some bogs compared to others, suggesting more specialization. There was no overall difference in prey capture (composition or evenness) at the rank of order between plants in Europe compared to those in North America. At the rank of species, prey capture varied between populations even within the same order. This study demonstrates a large amount of variability between sites in prey capture characteristics. This may reflect different site characteristics and/or plant strategies, which will likely impact plant function, and may impact the inquiline community. In terms of prey capture at the rank of order, S. purpurea functions identically in its non-native range. This supports its use as a model system in a natural experiment for understanding food webs.}, }
@article {pmid36523516, year = {2022}, author = {Larson, JH and Bailey, SW and Evans, MA}, title = {Biofouling of a unionid mussel by dreissenid mussels in nearshore zones of the Great Lakes.}, journal = {Ecology and evolution}, volume = {12}, number = {12}, pages = {e9557}, pmid = {36523516}, issn = {2045-7758}, abstract = {In North America, native unionid mussels are imperiled due to factors such as habitat degradation, pollution, and invasive species. One of the most substantial threats is that posed by dreissenid mussels, which are invasive mussels that attach to hard substrates including unionid shells and can restrict movement and feeding of unionids. This dreissenid mussel biofouling of unionids varies spatially in large ecosystems, such as the Great Lakes, with some areas having low enough biofouling to form effective refugia where unionid mussels might persist. Here, we measured biofouling on mussels suspended in cages over the growing season (generally first week in June to last week of August) over 3 years in nearshore areas in Lake Erie (2014-2016), Lake Michigan (Grand Traverse Bay, 2015 and Green Bay, 2016), and Lake Huron (2015). Biofouling varied substantially by years within Lake Erie, with increasingly higher biofouling rates each year. Although dreissenid mussels are present throughout these lakes, we observed very low biofouling in Grand Traverse Bay (Lake Michigan) and Saginaw Bay (Lake Huron), with no dreissenid mussels in 8 of 9 sites across these two bays. Sampling in the rivermouth of the Fox River (Wisconsin) and the Maumee River (Ohio) both showed very high biofouling in areas adjacent to the outlet of these tributaries into Green Bay and Maumee Bay (Lake Erie), respectively. These watersheds are dominated by agriculture, and we would expect high growth of primary producers (i.e., mussel food) and primary consumers (unionids and zebra mussels) in these areas compared to the other sampled bays or the open waters of the Great Lakes.}, }
@article {pmid36520005, year = {2022}, author = {Levey, DR and Patten, MA and Estrada, A}, title = {Bird species occupancy trends in southeast Mexico over 1900-2020: Accounting for sighting record absences.}, journal = {The Journal of animal ecology}, volume = {}, number = {}, pages = {}, doi = {10.1111/1365-2656.13871}, pmid = {36520005}, issn = {1365-2656}, abstract = {Long-term land-use change impacts tropical bird communities through population-level and functional diversity effects from habitat loss, degradation, and fragmentation, leading to land management and conservation challenges. Assessing the temporal impacts of land-use change on occupancy patterns, population change, and functional traits of bird species in tropical areas are limited by the treatment of non-detections as true absences or artifacts of low sampling effort during and throughout years. With this in mind, we developed a novel Bayesian species occupancy framework to account for species absences to evaluate bird community changes in Palenque, Chiapas, Mexico, where there is opportunity for study given exceptional records of change across habitats from rainforest to urban centers. We created a novel dataset of population trends for 244 bird species over the years 1900 to 2020 from published short-term field studies, expert field notes, and community science pages. Our results show that open area species had higher population increases than forest specialists over time, represented most evidently by the turnover of rainforest specialists for urban species. Modeled influence of functional traits displayed the importance of main habitat types, body mass, and habitat and dietary breadth as factors that associated with bird population trends. On average, species with body masses <6.6 g and >948.4 g showed decreasing trends, while all other species showed increasing or stable trends. Our findings illuminate the value of accounting for species absences from several data sources to discover long-term species population trends and affiliated functional traits whose preservation requires conservation and land management action to protect bird ecosystem services. Primary forest conservation is key to maintaining populations of habitat and dietary specialists, such as small understory insectivorous and large frugivorous species. Protecting rare natural savannah patches from conversion to cattle pasture is vital to prevent further extirpation of native granivores and to slow colonization by exotic and invasive species.}, }
@article {pmid36518272, year = {2022}, author = {MacIvor, JS and de Keyzer, CW and Marshall, MS and Thurston, GS and Onuferko, TM}, title = {Establishment of the non-native horned-face bee Osmia cornifrons and the taurus mason bee Osmia taurus (Hymenoptera: Megachilidae) in Canada.}, journal = {PeerJ}, volume = {10}, number = {}, pages = {e14216}, doi = {10.7717/peerj.14216}, pmid = {36518272}, issn = {2167-8359}, abstract = {Established populations of the non-native horned-face bee, Osmia cornifrons (Radoszkowski, 1887), and the taurus mason bee, Osmia taurus Smith, 1873 (Hymenoptera: Megachilidae), have been identified from Canada for the first time. In the US, the importation of O. cornifrons, beginning in the 1970s, led to its release for agricultural crop pollination and spread across the country. In this article, we report on O. cornifrons captured while sampling wild bees in Toronto, Ontario using hand nets, bug vacuums, and vane traps, as well as established populations in trap nests, from 2017-2020. The morphologically similar O. taurus, which was accidentally introduced to the US with shipments of imported O. cornifrons, was also recorded in our samples. Recently, a few individual O. taurus specimens have been identified from Ontario and Quebec; however, the extent of our sampling included nests, indicating it is also established in Canada. Others have shown its population growth to have been associated with concordant declines in abundances of native mason bee species in the US, and similar impacts are possible in Canada if action is not taken. We propose three non-mutually exclusive possible pathways for the arrival of O. cornifrons, as well as O. taurus, in Canada: (1) natural migration northward from non-native populations in the US, (2) international importation in the 1980s-2000s to support agricultural research programs, and (3) unintentional release of mason bee cocoons purchased from non-local vendors. We argue that a focus on enhancing populations of locally occurring native bees and stronger policy on the importation and sale of non-native bees are needed.}, }
@article {pmid36517541, year = {2022}, author = {Sedláková, V and Stará, J and Čílová, D and Melounová, M and Vašek, J and Vejl, P and Doležal, P and Kocourek, F and Hausvater, E and Sedlák, P}, title = {Bias in sex ratios and polyandry rate in reproduction of Leptinotarsa decemlineata.}, journal = {Scientific reports}, volume = {12}, number = {1}, pages = {21637}, pmid = {36517541}, issn = {2045-2322}, abstract = {The Colorado potato beetle (CPB, Leptinotarsa decemlineata Slechtd.) is an invasive pest with economic importance worldwide. Sex ratios during egg-hatching and a frequency of polyandry in single-female families were analysed to clarify the reproduction strategy of CPB, which was still known only in fragments. 1296 just hatching 1st instar CPB larvae were collected from 19 single-female families, of which 13 were random families collected from potato fields and 6 were families produced by laboratory farming of naturally fertilised females. All larvae were analysed to detect a sex using a qPCR-based method and to detect polymorphisms in genotypes of 9 microsatellite (SSR) markers. The bias in sex ratio in favour of females was confirmed using linear mixed-effects model in both experimental groups of families: field collections (F = 36.39; P = 0.0001) and laboratory farming (F = 13.74; P = 0.0139). The analysis of diversity in microsatellites proved the polyandry in all progenies as 73% of analysed segregation patterns did not match with the patterns expected for full-sib progenies; on average per locus, 46% of allelic and 49.7% of genotype ratios showed irregular segregation. Both findings contribute toward understanding CPB success rate as an invasive species, as the preferential bearing of females with polyandry has a great potential to keep fitness of progenies, to maintain and operate population diversity, and to accelerate the reproduction of the pest.}, }
@article {pmid36517148, year = {2022}, author = {Nie, P and Feng, J}, title = {Global niche and range shifts of Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis, a highly virulent amphibian-killing fungus.}, journal = {Fungal biology}, volume = {126}, number = {11-12}, pages = {809-816}, doi = {10.1016/j.funbio.2022.10.004}, pmid = {36517148}, issn = {1878-6146}, abstract = {Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis (Bd) is one of the world's most invasive species, and is responsible for chytridiomycosis, an emerging infectious disease that has caused huge losses of global amphibian biodiversity. Few studies have investigated invasive Bd's niche and range relative to those of native Bd. In the present study, we applied niche and range dynamic models to investigate global niche and range dynamics between native and invasive Bd. Invasive Bd occupied wider and different niche positions than did native Bd. Additionally, invasive Bd was observed in hotter, colder, wetter, drier, and more labile climatic conditions. Contrast to most relevant studies presuming Bd's niche remaining stable, we found that invasive Bd rejected niche conservatism hypotheses, suggesting its high lability in niche, and huge invasion potential. Bd's niche non-conservatism may result in range lability, and small niche expansions could induce large increases in range. Niche shifts may therefore be a more sensitive indicator of invasion than are range shifts. Our findings indicate that Bd is a high-risk invasive fungus not only due to its high infection and mortality rates, but also due to its high niche and range lability, which enhance its ability to adapt to novel climatic conditions. Therefore, invasive Bd should be a high-priority focus species in strategizing against biological invasions.}, }
@article {pmid36517143, year = {2022}, author = {van der Linde, EJ and Píchová, K and Pažoutová, S and Stodůlková, E and Flieger, M and Novák, P and Kolařík, M}, title = {Pre-invasion assessment on African invasive grasses revealed five new species of ergot fungi, Claviceps section Pusillae.}, journal = {Fungal biology}, volume = {126}, number = {11-12}, pages = {752-763}, doi = {10.1016/j.funbio.2022.09.004}, pmid = {36517143}, issn = {1878-6146}, abstract = {Ergot, the genus Claviceps comprises several deeply diverged lineages, recently classified as sections. Among them, the section Pusillae, is the most speciose, with a centre of distribution in Africa but occurring worldwide, often as a consequence of its invasive potential. This section includes the most severe plant pathogens such as Claviceps africana and C. gigantea, responsible for toxicoses and a significant reduction in the seed yields of Sorghum and Zea. In this study we surveyed ergot diversity in South Africa, focusing on grasses native to this region, but known for their high potential of invasiveness. The revision based on molecular and phenotypic markers revealed 16 species, with a high proportion of undescribed diversity, confirming Africa as a hot spot for this section. Five new species, Claviceps tulasnei, Claviceps eulaliae, Claviceps hypertheliae, Claviceps fredericksoniae and Claviceps arundinellae were described from Setaria, Eulalia, Hyperthelia, Miscanthus and Arundinella respectively. Claviceps texensis infecting Cenchrus, previously only identified from the same host in Texas, USA, was confirmed to be present in Africa, which is assumed to be its primary area of distribution. In addition, the host grass genus Anthephora is newly reported as a host of Claviceps digitariae. The most of the taxa were negligible concerning alkaloid production, with the exception of C. fredericksoniae, which is a sister of potent alkaloid producer C. africana, and produces mainly DH-ergosine, together with traces of DH-ergocornine. The host/parasite associations within Pusillae section is very narrow, suggesting that co-speciation is the major speciation driver in this group. Host grasses of the described species are already recognised invasive species and their ovarial parasites need to be monitored. This is highlighted by the fact that all Pusillae produced air-borne secondary conidia, which is autapomorphy of this section and considered to be important for their invasive abilities.}, }
@article {pmid36515256, year = {2022}, author = {Grossi, V and Severino, M and Massolo, A and Infantino, M and Laureti, F and Macchia, D and Meucci, E and Francescato, E and Pantera, B and Ebbli, A and Fumagalli, F and Lari, B and Perri, A and Liotti, I and Ciotta, G and Terenzi, G and Valeva, SV and Consolati, M and Folgore, T and Manfredi, M}, title = {Vespa velutina nigrithorax venom allergy: inhibition studies approach for the choice of specific immunotherapy.}, journal = {European annals of allergy and clinical immunology}, volume = {}, number = {}, pages = {}, doi = {10.23822/EurAnnACI.1764-1489.277}, pmid = {36515256}, issn = {1764-1489}, abstract = {Vespa velutina nigrithorax (VVN), commonly known as Asian wasp because endemic in Asia, represents an alien species in Europe. VVN can induce allergic reactions similar to those caused by other Hymenoptera and deaths after VVN stings, presumably due to fatal allergic reactions, were reported. In the treatment of Hymenoptera venom hypersensitivity, specific immunotherapy (VIT) is highly effective, and the vaccine allergen-specificity plays a crucial role. Currently, there is no specific available VIT for VVN, so VVN stung patients with severe systemic reactions are treated with Vespula spp (Vspp) venom. It is also relevant to assess if patients stung by VVN and showing allergic reactions could be treated with the Hymenoptera commercially available extracts Vespa crabro (VC) and Vspp, or if they need the specific VIT with VVN venom extract. Our results suggested that both Vspp and VC venoms were able to inhibit the specific IgE for VVN, although the VC venom, compared to the venom of Vspp showed a higher inhibition.}, }
@article {pmid36515109, year = {2022}, author = {Tay, WT and Rane, RV and James, W and Gordon, KHJ and Downes, S and Kim, J and Kuniata, L and Walsh, TK}, title = {Resistance Bioassays and Allele Characterization Inform Analysis of Spodoptera frugiperda (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) Introduction Pathways in Asia and Australia.}, journal = {Journal of economic entomology}, volume = {115}, number = {6}, pages = {1790-1805}, doi = {10.1093/jee/toac151}, pmid = {36515109}, issn = {1938-291X}, mesh = {Animals ; Spodoptera/genetics ; Hemolysin Proteins/pharmacology ; Alleles ; Endotoxins/genetics ; Insecticide Resistance/genetics ; Bacterial Proteins/genetics ; Australia ; *Moths ; *Insecticides/pharmacology ; Larva ; Biological Assay ; Zea mays/genetics ; }, abstract = {The fall armyworm (FAW) Spodoptera frugiperda (Smith; Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) is present in over 70 countries in Africa, Asia, and Oceania. Its rapid dispersal since 2016 when it was first reported in western Africa, and associated devastation to agricultural productivity, highlight the challenges posed by this pest. Currently, its management largely relies on insecticide sprays and transgenic Bacillus thuringiensis toxins, therefore understanding their responses to these agents and characteristics of any resistance genes enables adaptive strategies. In Australia, S. frugiperda was reported at the end of January 2020 in northern Queensland and by March 2020, also in northern Western Australia. As an urgent first response we undertook bioassays on two Australian populations, one each from these initial points of establishment. To assist with preliminary sensitivity assessment, two endemic noctuid pest species, Helicoverpa armigera (Hübner; Lepidoptera, Noctuidae) and Spodoptera litura (Fabricius; Lepidoptera, Noctuidae), were concurrently screened to obtain larval LC50 estimates against various insecticides. We characterized known resistance alleles from the VGSC, ACE-1, RyR, and ABCC2 genes to compare with published allele frequencies and bioassay responses from native and invasive S. frugiperda populations. An approximately 10× LC50 difference for indoxacarb was detected between Australian populations, which was approximately 28× higher than that reported from an Indian population. Characterization of ACE-1 and VGSC alleles provided further evidence of multiple introductions in Asia, and multiple pathways involving genetically distinct individuals in Australia. The preliminary bioassay results and resistance allele patterns from invasive S. frugiperda populations suggest multiple introductions have contributed to the pest's spread and challenge the axiom of its rapid 'west-to-east' spread.}, }
@article {pmid36515107, year = {2022}, author = {Volp, TM and Zalucki, MP and Furlong, MJ}, title = {What Defines a Host? Oviposition Behavior and Larval Performance of Spodoptera frugiperda (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) on Five Putative Host Plants.}, journal = {Journal of economic entomology}, volume = {115}, number = {6}, pages = {1744-1751}, doi = {10.1093/jee/toac056}, pmid = {36515107}, issn = {1938-291X}, mesh = {Female ; Animals ; Spodoptera ; Larva ; *Oviposition ; *Moths ; Zea mays ; }, abstract = {When an invasive species first breaches quarantine and establishes in yet another country, it invariably causes consternation for growers, in part because of incomplete understanding of the plants that are at risk. The Fall Armyworm, Spodoptera frugiperda (J.E. Smith) is the most recent example in Australia. The number of plants that this polyphagous noctuid is reported to attack is vast, including many crop species. Consequently, initial reactions from grower industry groups that perceived themselves at risk were to demand emergency use of insecticides. Yet the field evidence suggests that many crops might not be at risk and since S. frugiperda arrived in Australia, maize crops have suffered most damage, followed by sorghum. We question the accuracy of some of the claims of reported host plants of S. frugiperda and report experiments that compared oviposition behavior, neonate silking behavior, and larval performance on five crops: the known hosts maize and sorghum, and the putative hosts cotton, peanut, and pigeon pea. Maize ranked highest in all preference and performance measures, followed by sorghum and peanut, with pigeon pea and cotton ranking lowest. Although S. frugiperda can survive, develop, and pupate on the crop species we examined, cotton and pigeon pea are not preferred by the pest in either the larval or adult stages. We suggest that before a plant is listed as a host for a given insect that the evidence should be fully reported and carefully evaluated. Collecting an immature insect from a plant does not make that plant a host!}, }
@article {pmid36515106, year = {2022}, author = {Babendreier, D and Toepfer, S and Bateman, M and Kenis, M}, title = {Potential Management Options for the Invasive Moth Spodoptera frugiperda in Europe.}, journal = {Journal of economic entomology}, volume = {115}, number = {6}, pages = {1772-1782}, doi = {10.1093/jee/toac089}, pmid = {36515106}, issn = {1938-291X}, mesh = {Animals ; Spodoptera/physiology ; *Moths ; *Insecticides ; Ecosystem ; Bacillus thuringiensis Toxins ; Zea mays ; Crops, Agricultural ; }, abstract = {We here review and discuss management options that growers in Europe could take in response to the expected invasion of the fall armyworm, Spodoptera frugiperda (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae). The focus is put on maize but the information provided is also relevant for other crops potentially affected. A sound forecasting system for fall armyworm both on a regional as well as at local scale should be established to alert growers as early as possible. Whilst a number of cultural control methods are adopted by maize growers in different regions globally to fight fall armyworm, many of them may either not be highly effective, too laborious, or otherwise unfeasible within the mechanized crop production systems used in Europe. Potential is seen in the stimulation of natural enemies through conservation biocontrol approaches, e.g., the planting of flower strips or intermediate cover crops, reducing tillage intensity, and avoiding broad-spectrum insecticides. To manage fall armyworm infestations, several effective biologically-based products are available globally, and some in Europe, e.g., based on specific baculoviruses, certain Bacillus thuringiensis strains, few entomopathogenic nematodes, and a number of botanicals. These should be given priority to avoid a major influx of insecticides into the maize agro-ecosystem once the fall armyworm arrives and in case growers are not prepared. Plant protection companies, particularly biocontrol companies should act proactively in starting registration of ingredients and products against fall armyworm in Europe. European maize growers should be made aware, in time, of key features of this new invasive pest and appropriate control options.}, }
@article {pmid36515103, year = {2022}, author = {Van den Berg, J and Brewer, MJ and Reisig, DD}, title = {A Special Collection: Spodoptera frugiperda (Fall Armyworm): Ecology and Management of its World-Scale Invasion Outside of the Americas.}, journal = {Journal of economic entomology}, volume = {115}, number = {6}, pages = {1725-1728}, doi = {10.1093/jee/toac143}, pmid = {36515103}, issn = {1938-291X}, mesh = {Animals ; Spodoptera ; *Hemolysin Proteins ; *Endotoxins ; Insecticide Resistance ; Zea mays ; }, abstract = {The Special Collection 'Spodoptera frugiperda (fall armyworm): Ecology and Management of its World-scale Invasion Outside of the Americas' presents reviews and research that address topics of overarching interest and contributes to a better understanding of this pest and its management, now that it has spread outside the Americas. The collection is a combination of invited articles presenting new information published for the first time, invited review papers, and a selection of relevant high-quality articles previously published in Journal of Economic Entomology (JEE). Articles in the Collection, as well as selected citations of articles in other publications, reflect the increase in research on S. frugiperda (J.E. Smith) (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae), which became the most important pest of maize in the world during recent years. This Special Collection addresses a wide range of topics, including pest behavior, host strains, insecticide and Bt protein resistance, biological control, host plant resistance, and yield loss estimates. Topics are presented in context of research primarily conducted in regions outside of the Americas where S. frugiperda has invaded and disrupted crop production to varying degrees. In recognition of further spread, the threat of a S. frugiperda invasion into Europe and potential management options are also presented.}, }
@article {pmid36511887, year = {2022}, author = {Mair, L and Amorim, E and Bicalho, M and Brooks, TM and Calfo, V and de T Capellão, R and Clubbe, C and Evju, M and Fernandez, EP and Ferreira, GC and Hawkins, F and Jiménez, RR and Jordão, LSB and Kyrkjeeide, MO and Macfarlane, NBW and Mattos, BC and de Melo, PHA and Monteiro, LM and Nic Lughadha, E and Pougy, N and Raimondo, DC and Setsaas, TH and Shen, X and de Siqueira, MF and Strassburg, BBN and McGowan, PJK}, title = {Quantifying and mapping species threat abatement opportunities to support national target setting.}, journal = {Conservation biology : the journal of the Society for Conservation Biology}, volume = {}, number = {}, pages = {e14046}, doi = {10.1111/cobi.14046}, pmid = {36511887}, issn = {1523-1739}, abstract = {The successful implementation of the Convention on Biological Diversity's post-2020 Global Biodiversity Framework will rely on effective translation of targets from global to national level and increased engagement across diverse sectors of society. Species conservation targets require policy support measures that can be applied to a diversity of taxonomic groups, that link action targets to outcome goals, and that can be applied to both global and national data sets to account for national context, which the species threat abatement and restoration (STAR) metric does. To test the flexibility of STAR, we applied the metric to vascular plants listed on national red lists of Brazil, Norway, and South Africa. The STAR metric uses data on species' extinction risk, distributions, and threats, which we obtained from national red lists to quantify the contribution that threat abatement and habitat restoration activities could make to reducing species' extinction risk. Across all 3 countries, the greatest opportunity for reducing plant species' extinction risk was from abating threats from agricultural activities, which could reduce species' extinction risk by 54% in Norway, 36% in South Africa, and 29% in Brazil. Species extinction risk could be reduced by a further 21% in South Africa by abating threats from invasive species and by 21% in Brazil by abating threats from urban expansion. Even with different approaches to red-listing among countries, the STAR metric yielded informative results that identified where the greatest conservation gains could be made for species through threat-abatement and restoration activities. Quantifiably linking local taxonomic coverage and data collection to global processes with STAR would allow national target setting to align with global targets and enable state and nonstate actors to measure and report on their potential contributions to species conservation.}, }
@article {pmid36511663, year = {2022}, author = {Wang, L and Li, Q and Li, C and Wu, C and Chen, F and Chen, X and Zhang, F}, title = {Nitrate Nitrogen and pH Correlate with Changes in Rhizosphere Microbial Community Assemblages during Invasion of Ambrosia artemisiifolia and Bidens pilosa.}, journal = {Microbiology spectrum}, volume = {}, number = {}, pages = {e0364922}, doi = {10.1128/spectrum.03649-22}, pmid = {36511663}, issn = {2165-0497}, abstract = {The rhizosphere of invasive plants presumably develops different soil microbial assemblages compared with native plants, which may hinder or promote their invasion. However, to date, no studies have clearly explored rhizosphere microbial community assemblages during invasion. The invasive species Ambrosia artemisiifolia L. and Bidens pilosa L. are widely distributed in China and are known to reduce local biodiversity and cause agricultural losses. Monoculture of A. artemisiifolia or B. pilosa, a mixture of each invasive and native species, and monoculture of native species were established to simulate different degrees of invasion. Metagenomic sequencing techniques were used to test microbial community structure and function. The aim was to explore the drivers of the assembly of peculiar functional microbes in the rhizosphere soil of invasive species during the long-term invasive-native species interaction. Compared with the native species, the relative abundance of 34 microbial genera was higher in the rhizosphere soil of the invasive species. The NO3-N concentration in the rhizosphere soil from the A. artemisiifolia and B. pilosa monocultures was lower than that from monocultures of the three native plants, whereas pH followed the opposite trend. The NO3-N concentration was significantly and negatively correlated with Sporichthya, Afipia, Actinokineospora, and Pseudolabrys. pH was positively correlated with Bradyrhizobium, Actinoplanes, Micromonospora, Steroidobacter, Burkholderia, and Labilithrix. The differences in soil microbes, NO3-N concentrations, and pH between native and invasive species suggest that the rhizosphere soil microbial assemblages may vary. The reduced NO3-N concentration and increased pH corelated with changes in rhizosphere microbial community during A. artemisiifolia and B. pilosa invasion. IMPORTANCE Soil microbial communities play a vital role in the growth of invasive plants. Invasive species may shape peculiar functional microbes in the rhizosphere soil of an invasive species to benefit its growth. However, the drivers of the assembly of soil microbial communities in the rhizosphere soil of invasive species remain unclear. Our study established the relationship between soil microbial communities and soil chemical properties during invasion by A. artemisiifolia and B. pilosa. Additionally, it showed that the presence of the invasive plants correlated with changes in NO3-N and pH, as well as in rhizosphere microbial community assemblage. Furthermore, the study provided important insights into the difference in the microbial community assembly between native and invasive plant species.}, }
@article {pmid36427731, year = {2023}, author = {Xian, X and Zhao, H and Wang, R and Huang, H and Chen, B and Zhang, G and Liu, W and Wan, F}, title = {Climate change has increased the global threats posed by three ragweeds (Ambrosia L.) in the Anthropocene.}, journal = {The Science of the total environment}, volume = {859}, number = {Pt 2}, pages = {160252}, doi = {10.1016/j.scitotenv.2022.160252}, pmid = {36427731}, issn = {1879-1026}, mesh = {Humans ; *Ambrosia ; *Climate Change ; Introduced Species ; Ecosystem ; Europe ; }, abstract = {Invasive alien plants (IAPs) substantially affect the native biodiversity, agriculture, industry, and human health worldwide. Ambrosia (ragweed) species, which are major IAPs globally, produce a significant impact on human health and the natural environment. In particular, invasion of A. artemisiifolia, A. psilostachya, and A. trifida in non-native continents is more extensive and severe than that of other species. Here, we used biomod2 ensemble model based on environmental and species occurrence data to predict the potential geographical distribution, overlapping geographical distribution areas, and the ecological niche dynamics of these three ragweeds and further explored the environmental variables shaping the observed patterns to assess the impact of these IAPs on the natural environment and public health. The ecological niche has shifted in the invasive area compared with that in the native area, which increased the invasion risk of three Ambrosia species during the invasion process in the world. The potential geographical distribution and overlapping geographical distribution areas of the three Ambrosia species are primarily distributed in Asia, North America, and Europe, and are expected to increase under four representative concentration pathways in the 2050s. The centers of potential geographical distributions of the three Ambrosia species showed a tendency to shift poleward from the current time to the 2050s. Bioclimatic variables and the human influence index were more significant in shaping these patterns than other factors. In brief, climate change has facilitated the expansion of the geographical distribution and overlapping geographical distribution areas of the three Ambrosia species. Ecomanagement and cross-country management strategies are warranted to mitigate the future effects of the expansion of these ragweed species worldwide in the Anthropocene on the natural environment and public health.}, }
@article {pmid36410481, year = {2023}, author = {Meng, QY and Mo, DM and Li, H and Wang, WL and Lu, HL}, title = {Divergent responses in the gut microbiome and liver metabolome to ammonia stress in three freshwater turtles.}, journal = {The Science of the total environment}, volume = {859}, number = {Pt 2}, pages = {160372}, doi = {10.1016/j.scitotenv.2022.160372}, pmid = {36410481}, issn = {1879-1026}, mesh = {Animals ; *Turtles/metabolism ; Ammonia/toxicity/metabolism ; *Gastrointestinal Microbiome ; Fresh Water ; Introduced Species ; Liver ; }, abstract = {Ammonia is a common pollutant in aquaculture system, and toxic to all aquatic animals. However, different aquatic animals exhibit diverse physiological responses to high-level ammonia exposure, potentially indicating their divergent resistance to ammonia stress. In this study, juveniles of three freshwater turtles (Mauremys reevesii, Pseudemys nelsoni and Trachemys scripta elegans) were exposed to different concentrations of ammonia (0, 0.3 and 3.0 mg/L) for 30 days, and their swimming, growth performance, gut microbiota, and hepatic metabolites were measured to evaluate the interspecific difference in physiological responses to ammonia stress. Despite no differences in swimming ability, growth rate, and gut microbial diversity, observable changes in microbial community composition and hepatic metabolite profiles were shown in ammonia-exposed turtles. A relatively higher abundance of potentially pathogenic bacteria was found in M. reevesii than in the other two species. Moreover, microbial compositions and metabolic responses differed significantly among the three species. M. reevesii was, out of the three tested species, the one in which exposure to ammonia had the greatest effect on changes in bacterial genera and hepatic metabolites. Conversely, only a few metabolites were significantly changed in T. scripta elegans. Integrating these findings, we speculated that native M. reevesii should be more vulnerable to ammonia stress compared to the invasive turtle species. Our results plausibly reflected divergent potential resistance to ammonia among these turtles, in view of differential physiological responses to ammonia exposure at environmentally relevant concentrations.}, }
@article {pmid36400847, year = {2023}, author = {Du Toit, A}, title = {Viral spillback.}, journal = {Nature reviews. Microbiology}, volume = {21}, number = {1}, pages = {2}, pmid = {36400847}, issn = {1740-1534}, mesh = {*Introduced Species ; *Host-Parasite Interactions ; }, abstract = {This study reports the identification of a highly divergent lineage of SARS-CoV-2 in white-tailed deer and provides evidence of deer-to-human transmission.}, }
@article {pmid36347283, year = {2023}, author = {Ojaveer, H and Einberg, H and Lehtiniemi, M and Outinen, O and Zaiko, A and Jelmert, A and Kotta, J}, title = {Quantifying impacts of human pressures on ecosystem services: Effects of widespread non-indigenous species in the Baltic Sea.}, journal = {The Science of the total environment}, volume = {858}, number = {Pt 2}, pages = {159975}, doi = {10.1016/j.scitotenv.2022.159975}, pmid = {36347283}, issn = {1879-1026}, mesh = {Humans ; Climate ; Conservation of Natural Resources ; *Ecosystem ; *Introduced Species ; Oceans and Seas ; *Anthropogenic Effects ; }, abstract = {Ecosystem services (ES) are the benefits natural ecosystems provide to society, such as food provisioning, water supply, climate regulation and recreational benefits. Biological invasions are a major driver of global change, and several non-indigenous species (NIS) may alter key ecological feedbacks with ultimate consequences to ES, livelihoods and human wellbeing. Nonetheless, the effects of NIS on ES supply remain largely unquantified. Here we present the first quantitative case study assessing the impacts of widespread NIS on ES in the Baltic Sea, by developing and employing a robust and repeatable data-driven approach. All NIS with a sufficient knowledge base pose large and highly significant effects on ES, resulting on average 55 % change in the intensity of ES. Most impacts affected regulation services, concerning both abiotic and biotic realms, with little evidence on cultural and provisioning services. The methodology can be easily employed beyond the current study realm e.g. to better understand the roles of human pressures on ES in any ecosystem. Importantly, the study also identified major biases not only in the availability of taxonomic and sub-regional evidence, but also in the different study types employed to create the evidence base.}, }
@article {pmid36510844, year = {2022}, author = {Bierman, A and Karsten, M and Terblanche, JS}, title = {Genome assembly of Thaumatotibia leucotreta, a major polyphagous pest of agriculture in sub-Saharan Africa.}, journal = {G3 (Bethesda, Md.)}, volume = {}, number = {}, pages = {}, doi = {10.1093/g3journal/jkac328}, pmid = {36510844}, issn = {2160-1836}, abstract = {The False Codling Moth (FCM) (Meyrick) (Thaumatotibia leucotreta; Lepidoptera: Tortricidae) is a highly polyphagous, major agricultural pest indigenous to sub-Saharan Africa. With growing international trade there is increasing concern about introducing this pest into other countries. In South Africa, FCM poses a risk to multiple crops, and is currently suppressed through a combination of chemical, microbial, cultural, augmentative biological control and the sterile insect technique. Compared to other lepidopteran agricultural pests, such as codling moth Cydia pomonella, genetic and other -omic resources for FCM have not been as well developed and/or not made publicly available to date. The need to develop genomic resources to address questions around insecticide resistance, chemosensory capabilities and, ultimately, develop novel control (e.g. gene editing) of this pest is highlighted. In this study, an adult male was sequenced using longread PacBio Sequel II reads and Illumina NextSeq short reads and assembled using a hybrid assembly pipeline and Pilon error correction. Using the chromosome-level genome assembly of C. pomonella we performed comparative analysis, and arranged FCM scaffolds to chromosomes, and investigated genetic variation related to insecticide resistance and chemosensory capabilities. This work provides a platform upon which to build future genomic research on this economically-important agricultural pest.}, }
@article {pmid36510432, year = {2022}, author = {Greatens, N and Klejeski, N and Szabo, L and Jin, Y and Olivera Firpo, PD}, title = {Puccinia coronata var. coronata, a crown rust pathogen of two highly invasive species, is detected across the Midwest and Northeastern United States.}, journal = {Plant disease}, volume = {}, number = {}, pages = {}, doi = {10.1094/PDIS-07-22-1711-RE}, pmid = {36510432}, issn = {0191-2917}, abstract = {Puccinia coronata var. coronata (Pcc) causes crown rust disease of glossy buckthorn (Frangula alnus) and reed canarygrass (Phalaris arundinacea), two highly invasive plant species in North America. Pcc is closely related to major pathogens of cereals, turfgrasses, and forage grasses. It occurs throughout Europe but was first recorded in North America in 2013. Where its hosts co-occur, such as in wetlands in the Twin Cities metro area in Minnesota, we have observed Pcc causing significant infection that results in defoliation and fruit loss in glossy buckthorns and premature leaf senescence in reed canarygrass. In this research, we mapped the distribution of this likely recently introduced rust fungus and provide a description of disease signs and symptoms and pathogen morphology. Samples were acquired by two primary means: by surveys in Minnesota and by correspondence with users of iNaturalist.org, a social network for nature enthusiasts and community scientists. With an Oxford Nanopore MinION, we sequenced two to four loci from twenty-two samples across thirteen states and identified samples by phylogenetic analysis and sequence similarity. Notably, four pure isolates appear to have intragenomic variation of the ITS region. We find that Pcc is present throughout the range of glossy buckthorn in the eastern United States. In Minnesota, Pcc is not common outside the range of glossy buckthorn, however, despite the presence of susceptible grass hosts.}, }
@article {pmid36509281, year = {2022}, author = {Shiferaw, H and Alamirew, T and Dzikiti, S and Bewket, W and Zeleke, G and Teketay, D and Schaffner, U}, title = {Water abstraction of invasive Prosopis juliflora and native Senegalia senegal trees: A comparative study in the Great Rift Valley Area, Ethiopia.}, journal = {The Science of the total environment}, volume = {}, number = {}, pages = {160833}, doi = {10.1016/j.scitotenv.2022.160833}, pmid = {36509281}, issn = {1879-1026}, abstract = {Besides direct water abstraction, natural water scarcity in semi-arid and arid regions may be further exacerbated by human-assisted changes in vegetation composition, including the invasion by non-native plant species. Water abstraction by the invasive Prosopis juliflora with native Senegalia senegal species was compared in the dry Great Rift Valley, Ethiopia. Transpiration rates were quantified using the heat ratio method on six trees each of P. julifora and S. senegal, where they found adjacent to each other in the same agroecology. Water use for P. juliflora trees ranges from 1 to 26 L/day (an average of 4.74 ± 1.97), and that of S. senegal trees from 1 to 38 L/day (an average of 5.48 ± 5.29 during two study years). For both species, soil heat, latent heat, and soil moisture status influenced the rates of sap flows of trees; in addition, water use by P. juliflora trees was related to vapor pressure deficit, indicating that the higher vapor pressure deficit caused in the higher water abstraction by P. juliflora. Stands densities of pure P. juliflora and S. senegal, were 1200-1600 trees and 400-600 trees per ha, respectively. At the stand scale, P. juliflora consumed approximately 6636 L/day/ha (transpiration: 242 mm per year) and S. senegal stands consumed 2723 L/day/ha (transpiration: 87 mm per year). That is, P. juliflora consumed three times more water than S. senegal, because of two reasons: (1) P. juliflora stands are multi-stemmed than S. senegal stands, and then denser stands consumed more water than less density of native species, and (2) P. juliflora is evergreen and uses water all year-round while S. senegal sheds its leaves during the peak dry seasons. Our findings suggest that compared to S. senegal, P. juliflora invasion resulted in severe impacts on groundwater resources of the drylands of Ethiopia, with direct and indirect consequences to ecosystem services and rural livelihoods.}, }
@article {pmid36508667, year = {2022}, author = {Sandin, SA and Becker, PA and Becker, C and Brown, K and Erazo, NG and Figuerola, C and Fisher, RN and Friedlander, AM and Fukami, T and Graham, NAJ and Gruner, DS and Holmes, ND and Holthuijzen, WA and Jones, HP and Rios, M and Samaniego, A and Sechrest, W and Semmens, BX and Thornton, HE and Vega Thurber, R and Wails, CN and Wolf, CA and Zgliczynski, BJ}, title = {Harnessing island-ocean connections to maximize marine benefits of island conservation.}, journal = {Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the United States of America}, volume = {119}, number = {51}, pages = {e2122354119}, doi = {10.1073/pnas.2122354119}, pmid = {36508667}, issn = {1091-6490}, abstract = {Islands support unique plants, animals, and human societies found nowhere else on the Earth. Local and global stressors threaten the persistence of island ecosystems, with invasive species being among the most damaging, yet solvable, stressors. While the threat of invasive terrestrial mammals on island flora and fauna is well recognized, recent studies have begun to illustrate their extended and destructive impacts on adjacent marine environments. Eradication of invasive mammals and restoration of native biota are promising tools to address both island and ocean management goals. The magnitude of the marine benefits of island restoration, however, is unlikely to be consistent across the globe. We propose a list of six environmental characteristics most likely to affect the strength of land-sea linkages: precipitation, elevation, vegetation cover, soil hydrology, oceanographic productivity, and wave energy. Global databases allow for the calculation of comparable metrics describing each environmental character across islands. Such metrics can be used today to evaluate relative potential for coupled land-sea conservation efforts and, with sustained investment in monitoring on land and sea, can be used in the future to refine science-based planning tools for integrated land-sea management. As conservation practitioners work to address the effects of climate change, ocean stressors, and biodiversity crises, it is essential that we maximize returns from our management investments. Linking efforts on land, including eradication of island invasive mammals, with marine restoration and protection should offer multiplied benefits to achieve concurrent global conservation goals.}, }
@article {pmid36508148, year = {2022}, author = {Grez, AA and Zaviezo, T and Orellana, I and Pino, L and Roy, HE and Torres, F and Rebolledo, C}, title = {Citizen Science and Phytosanitary Surveillance Systems Are Complementary Tools to Follow the Invasion of Harmonia axyridis.}, journal = {Neotropical entomology}, volume = {}, number = {}, pages = {}, pmid = {36508148}, issn = {1678-8052}, abstract = {Citizen science is a valuable tool for early detection, distribution, and spread of invasive alien species (IAS). Nevertheless, citizen science initiatives have several potential biases and may be complemented with long-term structured monitoring schemes. We analyzed the spatial-temporal dynamics of the invasion of Harmonia axyridis (Pallas) (Coleoptera: Coccinellidae) in Chile, based upon two citizen sciences databases (WEB and INAT) and one structured monitoring (SAG). We collected 8638 H. axyridis occurrences between 2009 and 2020. WEB had a higher number of records than SAG and INAT, and in all databases, the number of records has increased over time. The three databases showed that the invasion started in central Chile and then spread toward the north and south. The WEB and SAG recorded occurrences in the extreme north and south, whereas INAT concentrated all the occurrences in a more limited area, included in WEB and SAG. Both citizen science initiatives concentrated their records in areas of high human populations whereas SAG records had a more even distribution across regions. At 2020, WEB accounted for 55%, SAG 54%, and INAT 8% of the total area accumulated with H. axyridis, with only 16% of area shared among databases. WEB and INAT obtained most of their records in urban and industrial land cover types, while SAG records were more evenly represented in different land cover types. Our results confirm that combined methods, including citizen science initiatives, national surveillance system, and localized samplings, complement each other in providing knowledge to understand the patterns, processes, and consequences of this invasion.}, }
@article {pmid36502976, year = {2022}, author = {Díaz-Morales, DM and Bommarito, C and Knol, J and Grabner, DS and Noè, S and Rilov, G and Wahl, M and Guy-Haim, T and Sures, B}, title = {Parasitism enhances gastropod feeding on invasive and native algae while altering essential energy reserves for organismal homeostasis upon warming.}, journal = {The Science of the total environment}, volume = {}, number = {}, pages = {160727}, doi = {10.1016/j.scitotenv.2022.160727}, pmid = {36502976}, issn = {1879-1026}, abstract = {Marine bioinvasions are of increasing attention due to their potential of causing ecological and economic loss. The seaweed Gracilaria vermiculophylla has recently invaded the Baltic Sea, where, under certain conditions, it was found to outcompete the native alga Fucus vesiculosus. Parasites of grazers and temperature are among the potential factors which might indirectly modulate the interactions between these co-occurring algae through their single and combined effects on grazing rates. We tested the temperature and parasitism effects on the feeding of the gastropod Littorina littorea on F. vesiculosus vs. G. vermiculophylla. Uninfected and trematode-infected gastropods were exposed to 10, 16, 22, and 28 °C for 4 days while fed with either algae. Faeces production was determined as a proxy for grazing rate, and HSP70 expression, glycogen and lipid concentrations were used to assess the gastropod's biochemical condition. Gracilaria vermiculophylla was grazed more than F. vesiculosus. Trematode infection significantly enhanced faeces production, decreased glycogen concentrations, and increased lipid concentrations in the gastropod. Warming significantly affected glycogen and lipid concentrations, with glycogen peaking at 16 °C and lipids at 22 °C. Although not significant, warming and trematode infection increased HSP70 levels. Increased faeces production in infected snails and higher faeces production by L. littorea fed with G. vermiculophylla compared to those which fed on F. vesiculosus, suggest parasitism as an important indirect modulator of the interaction between these algae. The changes in the gastropod's biochemical condition indicate that thermal stress induced the mobilization of energy reserves, suggesting a possible onset of compensatory metabolism. Finally, glycogen decrease in infected snails compared to uninfected ones might make them more susceptible to thermal stress.}, }
@article {pmid36502293, year = {2022}, author = {Lampert, A and Liebhold, AM}, title = {Optimizing the use of suppression zones for containment of invasive species.}, journal = {Ecological applications : a publication of the Ecological Society of America}, volume = {}, number = {}, pages = {e2797}, doi = {10.1002/eap.2797}, pmid = {36502293}, issn = {1051-0761}, abstract = {Despite efforts to prevent their establishment, many invasive species continue to spread and threaten food production, human health, and natural biodiversity. Slowing the spread of established species is often a preferred strategy; however, it is also expensive and necessitates treatment over large areas. Therefore, it is critical to examine how to distribute management efforts over space cost-effectively. Here we consider a continuous-space bioeconomic model and we develop a novel algorithm to find the most cost-effective allocation of treatment efforts throughout a landscape. We show that the optimal strategy often comprises eradication in the yet-uninvaded area, and under certain conditions, it also comprises maintaining a "suppression zone" - an area between the invaded and the uninvaded areas, where treatment reduces the invading population but without eliminating it. We examine how the optimal strategy depends on the demographic characteristics of the species and reveal general criteria for deciding when a suppression zone is cost-effective. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.}, }
@article {pmid36501431, year = {2022}, author = {Šipek, M and Kutnar, L and Marinšek, A and Šajna, N}, title = {Contrasting Responses of Alien and Ancient Forest Indicator Plant Species to Fragmentation Process in the Temperate Lowland Forests.}, journal = {Plants (Basel, Switzerland)}, volume = {11}, number = {23}, pages = {}, doi = {10.3390/plants11233392}, pmid = {36501431}, issn = {2223-7747}, abstract = {Fragmentation is one of the major threats to biodiversity. In a fragmented landscape, forest specialists are losing suitable forest habitats with specific site and microclimate conditions, which results in their local extinction. Conversely, the invasion of alien species is facilitated by open forest areas and increased boundaries between forest fragments and adjacent land. We studied the effect of fragmentation in terms of fragment size impact on overall plant species richness and on selected ecologically important groups' richness, composition, and diversity. We surveyed vegetation in the interior of 47 fragments of various sizes and one unfragmented reference forest. Our results reveal that the effect of fragmentation is complex and differs for studied plant groups. Decreasing fragment size negatively affects the overall plant richness and richness of native and ancient forest indicator plants as well as their diversity, while the effect is positive for alien plants. The highest proportion of ancient forest indicator plant species and the lowest proportion of alien plants in the unfragmented forest underline the great conservation value of forest fragments. At the same time, our results reveal that large and diverse forest ecosystems are susceptible to biological invasions as well.}, }
@article {pmid36501368, year = {2022}, author = {Friedjung Yosef, A and Ghazaryan, L and Klamann, L and Kaufman, KS and Baubin, C and Poodiack, B and Ran, N and Gabay, T and Didi-Cohen, S and Bog, M and Khozin-Goldberg, I and Gillor, O}, title = {Diversity and Differentiation of Duckweed Species from Israel.}, journal = {Plants (Basel, Switzerland)}, volume = {11}, number = {23}, pages = {}, doi = {10.3390/plants11233326}, pmid = {36501368}, issn = {2223-7747}, abstract = {Duckweeds (Lemnaceae) are tiny plants that float on aquatic surfaces and are typically isolated from temperate and equatorial regions. Yet, duckweed diversity in Mediterranean and arid regions has been seldom explored. To address this gap in knowledge, we surveyed duckweed diversity in Israel, an ecological junction between Mediterranean and arid climates. We searched for duckweeds in the north and center of Israel on the surface of streams, ponds and waterholes. We collected and isolated 27 duckweeds and characterized their morphology, molecular barcodes (atpF-atpH and psbK-psbI) and biochemical features (protein content and fatty acids composition). Six species were identified-Lemna minor, L. gibba and Wolffia arrhiza dominated the duckweed populations, and together with past sightings, are suggested to be native to Israel. The fatty acid profiles and protein content further suggest that diverged functions have attributed to different haplotypes among the identified species. Spirodela polyrhiza, W. globosa and L. minuta were also identified but were rarer. S. polyrhiza was previously reported in our region, thus, its current low abundance should be revisited. However, L. minuta and W. globosa are native to America and Far East Asia, respectively, and are invasive in Europe. We hypothesize that they may be invasive species to our region as well, carried by migratory birds that disperse them through their migration routes. This study indicates that the duckweed population in Israel's aquatic environments consists of both native and transient species.}, }
@article {pmid36501292, year = {2022}, author = {Kesel, E and Hudson, AO and Osier, MV}, title = {Whole-Genome Sequence, Assembly and Annotation of an Invasive Plant, Lonicera maackii (Amur Honeysuckle).}, journal = {Plants (Basel, Switzerland)}, volume = {11}, number = {23}, pages = {}, doi = {10.3390/plants11233253}, pmid = {36501292}, issn = {2223-7747}, abstract = {The invasive species Lonicera maackii (Amur Honeysuckle) is an increasing problem sweeping from the eastern United States toward the west, impacting normal forest development and animal survival across multiple taxa. Little is known about the genomics of this species, although a related invasive, Lonicera japonica, has been sequenced. Understanding the genomic foundation of the Lonicera maackii species could help us understand the biochemistry and life history that are the underpinnings of invasive success, as well as potential vulnerabilities and strengths which could guide research and development to control its spread. Here we present a draft, but high-quality, short-read whole-genome sequence, assembly, and annotation of Lonicera maackii, demonstrating that inexpensive and rapid short-read technologies can be successfully used in invasive species research. Despite being a short-read assembly, the genome length (7.93 × 10[8]) and completeness (estimated as 90.2-92.1% by BUSCO and Merqury) are close to the previously published chromosome-level sequencing of L. japonica. No bias, by means of a Gene Ontology analysis, was identified among missing BUSCOs. A duplication of the 5-enolpyruvylshikimate-3-phosphate (EPSP) synthase gene in both Lonicera species is identified, and the potential impact on controlling these invasive species is discussed. Future prospects for a diversity analysis of invasive species is also discussed.}, }
@article {pmid36501288, year = {2022}, author = {Qi, Y and Xian, X and Zhao, H and Wang, R and Huang, H and Zhang, Y and Yang, M and Liu, W}, title = {Increased Invasion Risk of Tagetes minuta L. in China under Climate Change: A Study of the Potential Geographical Distributions.}, journal = {Plants (Basel, Switzerland)}, volume = {11}, number = {23}, pages = {}, doi = {10.3390/plants11233248}, pmid = {36501288}, issn = {2223-7747}, abstract = {Tagetes minuta L., a member of the Tageftes genus belonging to the Asteraceae family, is a well-documented exotic plant native to South America that has become established in China. In this study, 784 occurrence records and 12 environmental variables were used to predict the potential geographical distributions (PGDs) of T. minuta under current and future climatic changes using an optimized MaxEnt model. The results showed that (1) three out of the twelve variables contributed the most to the model performance: isothermality (bio3), precipitation in the driest quarter (bio17), and precipitation in the warmest quarter (bio18); (2) the PGDs of T. minuta under the current climate covered 62.06 × 10[4] km[2], mainly in North, South, and Southwest China; and (3) climate changes will facilitate the expansion of the PGDs of T. minuta under three shared socioeconomic pathways (SSP 1-2.6, SSP2-4.5, and SSP5-8.5) in both the 2030s and 2050s. The centroid of suitable habitats under SSP2-4.5 moved the longest distance. T. minuta has the capacity to expand in China, especially in Yunnan, where there exist no occurrence records. Customs, ports, and adjacent regions should strengthen the quarantine of imported goods and mobile personnel for T. minuta, and introduced seedlings should be isolated to minimize their introduction risk.}, }
@article {pmid36501274, year = {2022}, author = {Kato-Noguchi, H and Kato, M}, title = {Allelopathy and Allelochemicals of Solidago canadensis L. and S. altissima L. for Their Naturalization.}, journal = {Plants (Basel, Switzerland)}, volume = {11}, number = {23}, pages = {}, doi = {10.3390/plants11233235}, pmid = {36501274}, issn = {2223-7747}, abstract = {Solidago canadensis L. and Solidago altissima L. are native to North America and have naturalized many other continents including Europa and Asia. Their species is an aggressive colonizer and forms thick monospecific stands. The evidence of the allelopathy for S. canadensis and S. altissima has accumulated in the literature since the late 20th century. The root exudates, extracts, essential oil and rhizosphere soil of S. canadensis suppressed the germination, growth and the arbuscular mycorrhizal colonization of several plants, including native plant species. Allelochemicals such as fatty acids, terpenes, flavonoids, polyphenols and their related compounds were identified in the extracts and essential oil of S. canadensis. The concentrations of total phenolics, total flavonoids and total saponins in the rhizosphere soil of S. canadensis obtained from the invasive ranges were greater than those from the native ranges. Allelochemicals such as terpenes, flavonoids, polyacetylene and phenols were also identified in the extracts, essential oil and the rhizosphere soil in S. altissima. Among the identified allelochemicals of S. altissima, the cis-dehydromatricaria ester may be involved in the allelopathy considering its growth inhibitory activity and its concentration in the rhizosphere soil. Therefore, the allelopathy of S. canadensis and S. altissima may support their invasiveness, naturalization and formation of thick monospecific stands. This is the first review article focusing on the allelopathy of both of S. canadensis and S. altissima.}, }
@article {pmid36499649, year = {2022}, author = {Ding, X and Zhao, R and Dai, Y and Zhang, Y and Lin, S and Ye, J}, title = {Comprehensive Analysis of Copy Number Variations on Glycoside Hydrolase 45 Genes among Different Bursaphelenchus xylophilus Strains.}, journal = {International journal of molecular sciences}, volume = {23}, number = {23}, pages = {}, doi = {10.3390/ijms232315323}, pmid = {36499649}, issn = {1422-0067}, abstract = {Bursaphelenchus xylophilus is considered the most dangerous quarantine pest in China. It causes enormous economic and ecological losses in many countries from Asia and Europe. The glycoside hydrolase 45 gene family has been demonstrated in early studies to contribute to the cell wall degradation ability of B. xylophilus during its infection. However, the copy number variation (CNV) of the GH45 gene and its association with B. xylophilus pathogenicity were not fully elucidated. In this study, we found that the GH45 gene with two copies is the most predominant type among 259 B. xylophilus strains collected from China and Japan. Additionally, 18 strains are identified as GH45 genes with a single copy, and only two strains are verified to have three copies. Subsequent expression analysis and inoculation test suggest that the copy numbers of the GH45 gene are correlated with gene expression as well as the B. xylophilus pathogenicity. B. xylophilus strains with more copies of the GH45 gene usually exhibit more abundant expression and cause more severe wilt symptoms on pine trees. The aforementioned results indicated the potential regulatory effects of CNV in B. xylophilus and provided novel information to better understand the molecular pathogenesis of this devastating pest.}, }
@article {pmid36499385, year = {2022}, author = {Wen, TY and Zhang, Y and Wu, XQ and Ye, JR and Qiu, YJ and Rui, L}, title = {Studies on the Requirement of Transthyretin Protein (BxTTR-52) for the Suppression of Host Innate Immunity in Bursaphelenchus xylophilus.}, journal = {International journal of molecular sciences}, volume = {23}, number = {23}, pages = {}, doi = {10.3390/ijms232315058}, pmid = {36499385}, issn = {1422-0067}, abstract = {The pinewood nematode, Bursaphelenchus xylophilus, has been determined as one of the world's top ten plant-parasitic nematodes. It causes pine wilt, a progressive disease that affects the economy and ecologically sustainable development in East Asia. B. xylophilus secretes pathogenic proteins into host plant tissues to promote infection. However, little is known about the interaction between B. xylophilus and pines. Previous studies reported transthyretin proteins in some species and their strong correlation with immune evasion, which has also been poorly studied in B. xylophilus. In this study, we cloned and functionally validated the B. xylophilus pathogenic protein BxTTR-52, containing a transthyretin domain. An in situ hybridization assay demonstrated that BxTTR-52 was expressed mainly in the esophageal glands of B. xylophilus. Confocal microscopy revealed that BxTTR-52-RFP localized to the nucleus, cytoplasm, and plasma membrane. BxTTR-52 recombinant proteins produced by Escherichia coli could be suppressed by hydrogen peroxide and antioxidant enzymes in pines. Moreover, silencing BxTTR-52 significantly attenuated the morbidity of Pinus thunbergii infected with B. xylophilus. It also suppressed the expression of pathogenesis-related genes in P. thunbergii. These results suggest that BxTTR-52 suppresses the plant immune response in the host pines and might contribute to the pathogenicity of B. xylophilus in the early infection stages.}, }
@article {pmid36497518, year = {2022}, author = {Xu, S and Li, K and Li, G and Hu, Z and Zhang, J and Iqbal, B and Du, D}, title = {Canada Goldenrod Invasion Regulates the Effects of Soil Moisture on Soil Respiration.}, journal = {International journal of environmental research and public health}, volume = {19}, number = {23}, pages = {}, doi = {10.3390/ijerph192315446}, pmid = {36497518}, issn = {1660-4601}, abstract = {Canada goldenrod (Solidago canadensis L.) is considered one of the most deleterious and invasive species worldwide, and invasion of riparian wetlands by S. canadensis can reduce vegetation diversity and alter soil nutrient cycling. However, little is known about how S. canadensis invasion affects soil carbon cycle processes, such as soil respiration, in a riparian wetland. This study was conducted to investigate the effects of different degrees of S. canadensis invasion on soil respiration under different moisture conditions. Soil respiration rate (heterotrophic and autotrophic respiration) was measured using a closed-chamber method. S. canadensis invasion considerably reduced soil respiration under all moisture conditions. The inhibition effect on autotrophic respiration was higher than that on heterotrophic respiration. The water level gradient affects the soil autotrophic respiration, thereby affecting the soil respiration rate. The changes in soil respiration may be related to the alteration in the effective substrate of the soil substrate induced by the invasion of S. canadensis. While the effects of S. canadensis invasion were regulated by the fluctuation in moisture conditions. Our results implied that S. canadensis invasion could reduce the soil respiration, which further potentially affect the carbon sequestration in the riparian wetlands. Thus, the present study provided a reference for predicting the dynamics of carbon cycling during S. canadensis invasion and constituted a scientific basis for the sustainable development and management of riparian wetlands invaded by alien plants.}, }
@article {pmid36496757, year = {2022}, author = {Villero, D and Montori, A and Llorente, GA and Roura-Pascual, N and Geniez, P and Brotons, L}, title = {Global Warming and Long-Distance Spread of Invasive Discoglossus pictus (Amphibia, Alytidae): Conservation Implications for Protected Amphibians in the Iberian Peninsula.}, journal = {Animals : an open access journal from MDPI}, volume = {12}, number = {23}, pages = {}, doi = {10.3390/ani12233236}, pmid = {36496757}, issn = {2076-2615}, abstract = {Discoglossus pictus is a North African amphibian that was introduced in southern France early the 20th century and has spread south and north along the Mediterranean coastal plains up to 170 km. In order to disentangle the conservation implications of the spread of D. pictus for sensitive native species, we examined the impact of long-term climate warming on the basis of niche overlap analysis, taking into account abiotic factors. The study area covered the distribution ranges of all genus Discoglossus species in northwestern Africa (659,784 km[2]), Sicily (27,711 km[2]), the Iberian Peninsula, and southern France (699,546 km[2]). Niche overlap was measured from species environmental spaces extracted via PCA, including climate and relief environmental variables. Current and future climatic suitability for each species was assessed in an ensemble-forecasting framework of species distribution models, built using contemporary species data and climate predictors and projected to 2070's climatic conditions. Our results show a strong climatic niche overlap between D. pictus and native and endemic species in the Iberian Peninsula. In this context, all species will experience an increase in climatic suitability over the next decades, with the only exception being Pelodytes punctatus, which could be negatively affected by synergies between global warming and cohabitation with D. pictus.}, }
@article {pmid36494921, year = {2018}, author = {Borisevich, SV and Stovba, LF and Paveliev, DI}, title = {POXVIRUS DISEASE OF SQUIRRELS (POXVIRIDAE, CHORDOPOXVIRINAE, SQPV - SQUIRREL POXVIRUS).}, journal = {Voprosy virusologii}, volume = {63}, number = {2}, pages = {53-57}, doi = {10.18821/0507-4088-2018-63-2-53-57}, pmid = {36494921}, issn = {2411-2097}, abstract = {A new taxon of the subfamily Chordopoxvirinae that may represent a new genus of smallpox viruses is considered in this review. The distribution of gray squirrels (Sciurus carolinensis) throughout the UK during the 20th century and the decrease in the population of red squirrels (Sciurus vulgaris) is one of the most well-documented cases of ecological change of local fauna by the introduced species. The tendency to expand the distribution of the smallpox virus from Great Britain to the Western part of Europe has been noted. The genetic peculiarities of the genome of the poxvirus of squirrels, which determine its biological properties, as well as evolutionary relationships with other poxviruses, are separately described. Determination of the size of the genome by restriction analysis, sequencing of the whole genome, determination of the content of G/C nucleotide pairs, and functional mapping of the majority of genes made it possible to construct a phylogenetic tree. Phylogenetic analysis shows that this is a new representative of the subfamily Chordоpoxvirinae located between the viruses of the molluscum contagiosum and parapoxviruses. Serological and molecular biological methods are used to reveal and identify the causative agent of smallpox. The use of electron microscopy is limited in grey squirrels, due to the absence of organ damage and reproduction of the virus. Identification of the DNA of the causative agent of poxvirus of squirrels based on the use of different types of polymerase chain reaction (nested and in real time) overcomes all these limitations.}, }
@article {pmid36494323, year = {2022}, author = {Petri, L and Beaury, EM and Corbin, J and Peach, K and Sofaer, H and Pearse, IS and Early, R and Barnett, DT and Ibáñez, I and Peet, RK and Schafale, M and Wentworth, TR and Vanderhorst, JP and Zaya, DN and Spyreas, G and Bradley, BA}, title = {SPCIS: Standardized Plant Community with Introduced Status database.}, journal = {Ecology}, volume = {}, number = {}, pages = {e3947}, doi = {10.1002/ecy.3947}, pmid = {36494323}, issn = {1939-9170}, abstract = {The movement of plant species across the globe exposes native communities to new species introductions. While introductions are pervasive, two aspects of variability underlie patterns and processes of biological invasions at macroecological scales. First, only a portion of introduced species become invaders capable of substantially impacting ecosystems. Second, species that do become invasive at one location may not be invasive in others; impacts depend on invader abundance and recipient species and conditions. Accounting for these phenomena is essential to accurately understand patterns of plant invasion and explain the idiosyncratic results reflected in the literature on biological invasions. The lack of community-level richness and abundance data spanning broad scales and environmental conditions has until now hindered our understanding of invasions at a macroecological scale. To address this limitation, we leveraged quantitative surveys of plant communities in the United States and integrated and harmonized nine datasets into the Standardized Plant Community with Introduced Status (SPCIS) database. The database contains 14,056 unique taxa identified within 83,391 sampling units, of which 52.6% have at least one introduced species. The SPCIS database includes comparable information of plant species occurrence, abundance and native status across the 50 U.S. states and Puerto Rico. SPCIS can be used to answer macro-scale questions about native plant communities and interactions with invasive plants. There are no copyright restrictions on the data, and we ask the users of this dataset to cite this paper, the respective paper(s) corresponding to the dataset sampling design (all references are provided in Data S1: Metadata S1: Class II-B-2), and the references described in Data S1: Metadata S1: Class III-B-4 as applicable to the dataset being utilized. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.}, }
@article {pmid36482783, year = {2022}, author = {Shan, L and Oduor, AMO and Huang, W and Liu, Y}, title = {Nutrient enrichment promotes invasion success of alien plants via increased growth and suppression of chemical defense.}, journal = {Ecological applications : a publication of the Ecological Society of America}, volume = {}, number = {}, pages = {e2791}, doi = {10.1002/eap.2791}, pmid = {36482783}, issn = {1051-0761}, abstract = {In support of the prediction of Enemy Release Hypothesis regarding growth-defense trade-off, invasive alien plants often exhibit greater growth and lower anti-herbivory defenses than native plants. However, it remains unclear how nutrient enrichment of invaded habitats may influence competitive interactions between invasive alien and co-occurring native plants, as well as production of anti-herbivore defense compounds, growth-promoting hormones, and defense-regulating hormones by the two groups of plants. Here, we tested whether: (i) Nutrient enrichment causes invasive alien plants to produce greater biomass and lower concentrations of defense compounds flavonoids and tannins than native plants. (ii) Invasive alien plants produce lower concentrations of a defense-regulating hormone jasmonic acid (JA) and higher concentrations of a growth-promoting hormone gibberellic acid (GA3). In a greenhouse experiment, we grew five congeneric pairs of invasive alien and native plant species under two levels each of nutrient enrichment (low vs. high), simulated herbivory (leaf clipping vs. no-clipping), and competition (alone vs. competition) in 2.5-L pots. In the absence of competition, high-nutrient treatment induced a greater increase in total biomass of invasive alien species than that of native species, whereas the reverse was true under competition as native species benefitted more from nutrient enrichment than invasive alien species. Moreover, high-nutrient treatment caused a greater increase in total biomass of invasive alien species than that of native species in the presence of simulated herbivory. Competition induced higher production of flavonoids and tannins. Simulated herbivory induced higher flavonoid expression in invasive alien plants under low-nutrient than high-nutrient treatments. However, flavonoid concentrations of native plants did not change under nutrient enrichment and simulated herbivory treatments. Invasive alien plants produced higher concentrations of GA3 than native plants. Taken together, these results suggest that impact of nutrient enrichment on growth of invasive alien and co-occuring native plants may depend on the level of competition that they experience. Moreover, invasive alien plants might adjust their flavonoids-based defense more efficiently than native plants in response to soil nutrient availability and herbivore pressure. Our findings suggest that large-scale efforts to reduce nutrient enrichment of invaded habitats may help to control future invasiveness of target alien plant species.}, }
@article {pmid36482098, year = {2022}, author = {Salis, P and Peyran, C and Morage, T and de Bernard, S and Nourikyan, J and Coupé, S and Bunet, R and Planes, S}, title = {RNA-Seq comparative study reveals molecular effectors linked to the resistance of Pinna nobilis to Haplosporidium pinnae parasite.}, journal = {Scientific reports}, volume = {12}, number = {1}, pages = {21229}, pmid = {36482098}, issn = {2045-2322}, abstract = {With the intensification of maritime traffic, recently emerged infectious diseases have become major drivers in the decline and extinction of species. Since 2016, mass mortality events have decimated the endemic Mediterranean Sea bivalve Pinna nobilis, affecting ca. 100% of individuals. These events have largely been driven by Haplosporidium pinnae's infection, an invasive species which was likely introduced by shipping. While monitoring wild populations of P. nobilis, we observed individuals that survived such a mass mortality event during the summer of 2018 (France). We considered these individuals resistant, as they did not show any symptoms of the disease, while the rest of the population in the area was devastated. Furthermore, the parasite was not detected when we conducted a PCR amplification of a species-specific fragment of the small subunit ribosomal DNA. In parallel, the transcriptomic analysis showed evidence of some parasite RNA indicating that the resistant individuals had been exposed to the parasite without proliferating. To understand the underlying mechanisms of resistance in these individuals, we compared their gene expression with that of susceptible individuals. We performed de novo transcriptome assembly and annotated the expressed genes. A comparison of the transcriptomes in resistant and susceptible individuals highlighted a gene expression signature of the resistant phenotype. We found significant differential expressions of genes involved in immunity and cell architecture. This data provides the first insights into how individuals escape the pathogenicity associated with infection.}, }
@article {pmid36482091, year = {2022}, author = {Dahal, N and Glyshaw, P and Carter, G and Vanderploeg, HA and Denef, VJ}, title = {Impacts of an invasive filter-feeder on bacterial biodiversity are context dependent.}, journal = {FEMS microbiology ecology}, volume = {}, number = {}, pages = {}, doi = {10.1093/femsec/fiac149}, pmid = {36482091}, issn = {1574-6941}, abstract = {Bacteria represent most of the biodiversity and play key roles in virtually every ecosystem. In doing so, bacteria act as part of complex communities shaped by interactions across all domains of life. Here, we report on direct interactions between bacteria and dreissenid mussels, a group of invasive filter-feeders threatening global aquatic systems due to high filtration rates. Previous studies showed that dreissenids can impact bacterial community structure by changing trait distributions and abundances of specific taxa. However, studies on bacterial community effects were conducted using water from Lake Michigan (an oligotrophic lake) only, and it is unknown whether similar patterns are observed in systems with differing nutrient regimes. We conducted ten short-term dreissenid grazing experiments in 2019 using water from two eutrophic lake regions-the western basin of Lake Erie and Saginaw Bay in Lake Huron. Predation by dreissenids led to decline in overall bacterial abundance and diversity in both lakes. However, feeding on bacteria was not observed during every experiment. We also found that traits related to feeding resistance are less phylogenetically conserved than previously thought. Our results highlight the role of temporal, spatial, and genomic heterogeneity in bacterial response dynamics to a globally important invasive filter feeder.}, }
@article {pmid36482050, year = {2022}, author = {Cove, MV and Herrmann, V and Herrera, DJ and Augustine, BC and Flockhart, DTT and McShea, WJ}, title = {Counting the Capital's cats: Estimating drivers of abundance of free-roaming cats with a novel hierarchical model.}, journal = {Ecological applications : a publication of the Ecological Society of America}, volume = {}, number = {}, pages = {e2790}, doi = {10.1002/eap.2790}, pmid = {36482050}, issn = {1051-0761}, abstract = {Free-roaming cats are a conservation concern in many areas but identifying their impacts and developing mitigation strategies requires a robust understanding of their distribution and density patterns. Urban and residential areas may be especially relevant in this process because free-roaming cats are abundant in these anthropogenic landscapes. Here, we estimate the occupancy and density of free-roaming cats in Washington D.C. and relate these metrics to known landscape and social factors. We conducted an extended camera trap survey of public and private spaces across D.C., and analyzed data collected from 1,483 camera deployments from 2018-2020. We estimated citywide cat distribution by fitting hierarchical occupancy models and further estimated cat abundance using a novel random thinning spatial capture-recapture model that allows for the use of photos that can and cannot be identified to individual. Within this model, we utilized individual covariates that provided identity exclusions between photos of unidentifiable cats with inconsistent coat patterns, thus increasing the precision of abundance estimates. This combined model also allowed for unbiased estimation of density when animals cannot be identified to individual at the same rate as for free-roaming cats whose identifiability depended on their coat characteristics. Cat occupancy and abundance declined with increasing distance from residential areas, an effect that was more pronounced in wealthier neighborhoods. There was noteworthy absence of cats detected in larger public spaces and forests. Realized densities ranged from 0.02-1.75 cats/ha in sampled areas, resulting in a district-wide estimate of ~ 7,296 free-roaming cats. Ninety percent of cat detections lacked collars and nearly 35% of known individuals were ear-tipped, indicative of district Trap-Neuter-Return (TNR) programs. These results suggest that we mainly sampled and estimated the unowned cat subpopulation, such that indoor/outdoor housecats were not well represented. The precise estimation of cat population densities is difficult due to the varied behavior of subpopulations within free-roaming cat populations (housecats, stray and feral cats), but our methods provide a first step in establishing citywide baselines to inform data-driven management plans for free-roaming cats in urban environments. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.}, }
@article {pmid36478292, year = {2022}, author = {Hossack, BR and Oja, EB and Owens, AK and Hall, D and Cobos, C and Crawford, CL and Goldberg, CS and Hedwall, S and Howell, PE and Lemos-Espinal, JA and MacVean, SK and McCaffery, M and Mosley, C and Muths, E and Sigafus, BH and Sredl, MJ and Rorabaugh, JC}, title = {Empirical evidence for effects of invasive American Bullfrogs on occurrence of native amphibians and emerging pathogens.}, journal = {Ecological applications : a publication of the Ecological Society of America}, volume = {}, number = {}, pages = {e2785}, doi = {10.1002/eap.2785}, pmid = {36478292}, issn = {1051-0761}, abstract = {Invasive species and emerging infectious diseases are two of the greatest threats to biodiversity. American Bullfrogs (Rana [Lithobates] catesbeiana), which have been introduced to many parts of the world, are often linked with declines of native amphibians via predation and spreading emerging pathogens such as amphibian chytrid fungus (Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis [Bd]) and ranaviruses. Although many studies have investigated the potential role of bullfrogs in declines of native amphibians, analyses that account for shared habitat affinities and imperfect detection have found limited support for clear effects. Similarly, the role of bullfrogs in shaping the patch-level distribution of pathogens is unclear. We used eDNA methods to sample 233 sites in the southwestern USA and Sonora, Mexico (2016-2018) to estimate how presence of bullfrogs affects occurrence of 4 native amphibians, Bd, and ranaviruses. Based on 2-species, dominant-subordinate occupancy models fitted in a Bayesian context, federally threatened Chiricahua Leopard Frogs (R. chiricahuensis) and Western Tiger Salamanders (Ambystoma mavortium) were 8 times (32% vs. 4%) and 2 times (36% vs. 18%), respectively, less likely to occur at sites where bullfrogs occurred. Evidence for negative effects of bullfrogs on Lowland Leopard Frogs (R. yavapaiensis) and Northern Leopard Frogs (R. pipiens) was less clear, possibly because of smaller numbers of sites where these native species still occur and because bullfrogs often occur at lower densities in streams, the primary habitat for Lowland Leopard Frogs. At the community level, Bd was most likely to occur where bullfrogs co-occurred with native amphibians, which could increase risk to native species. Ranaviruses were estimated to occur at 33% of bullfrog-only sites, 10% of sites where bullfrogs and native amphibians co-occurred, and only 3% of sites where only native amphibians occurred. Of the 85 sites where we did not detect any of the 5 target amphibian species, we also did not detect Bd or ranaviruses; this suggests other hosts do not drive the distribution of these pathogens in our study area. Our results provide landscape-scale evidence that bullfrogs reduce occurrence of native amphibians and increase occurrence of pathogens, information that can clarify risks and aid the prioritization of conservation actions. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.}, }
@article {pmid36478264, year = {2022}, author = {Mairal, M and García-Verdugo, C and Le Roux, JJ and Chau, JH and Jansen van Vuuren, B and Hui, C and Münzbergová, Z and Chown, SL and Shaw, JD}, title = {Multiple introductions, polyploidy, and mixed reproductive strategies are linked to genetic diversity and structure in the most widespread invasive plant across Southern Ocean archipelagos.}, journal = {Molecular ecology}, volume = {}, number = {}, pages = {}, doi = {10.1111/mec.16809}, pmid = {36478264}, issn = {1365-294X}, abstract = {Biological invasions in remote areas that experience low human activity provide unique opportunities to elucidate processes responsible for invasion success. Here we study the most widespread invasive plant species across the isolated islands of the Southern Ocean, the annual bluegrass, Poa annua. To analyze geographic variation in genome size, genetic diversity, and reproductive strategies, we sampled all major sub-Antarctic archipelagos in this region and generated microsatellite data for 470 individual plants representing 31 populations. We also estimated genome sizes for a subset of individuals using flow cytometry. Occasional events of island colonization are expected to result in high genetic structure among islands, overall low genetic diversity, and increased self-fertilization, but we show that this is not the case for Poa annua. Microsatellite data indicated low population genetic structure and lack of isolation-by-distance among the sub-Antarctic archipelagos we sampled, but high population structure within each archipelago. We identified high levels of genetic diversity, low clonality, and low selfing rates in sub-Antarctic P. annua populations (contrary to rates typical of continental populations). In turn, estimates of selfing declined in populations as genetic diversity increased. Additionally, we found that most P. annua individuals are likely tetraploid and that only slight variation exists in genome size across the Southern Ocean. Our findings suggest multiple independent introductions of P. annua into the sub-Antarctic, which promoted the establishment of genetically diverse populations. Despite multiple introductions, the adoption of convergent reproductive strategies (outcrossing) happened independently in each major archipelago. The combination of polyploidy and a mixed reproductive strategy likely benefited P. annua in the Southern Ocean by increasing genetic diversity and its ability to cope with the novel environmental conditions.}, }
@article {pmid36474645, year = {2023}, author = {Piczak, ML and Brooks, JL and Boston, C and Doka, SE and Portiss, R and Lapointe, NWR and Midwood, JD and Cooke, SJ}, title = {Spatial ecology of non-native common carp (Cyprinus carpio) in Lake Ontario with implications for management.}, journal = {Aquatic sciences}, volume = {85}, number = {1}, pages = {20}, doi = {10.1007/s00027-022-00917-9}, pmid = {36474645}, issn = {1015-1621}, abstract = {UNLABELLED: Common carp, Cyprinus carpio, are a non-native species that established within the Laurentian Great Lakes more than a century ago and are abundant in some locations. Common carp have negatively impacted freshwater ecosystems, including in the Great Lakes, by increasing turbidity and uprooting vegetation through foraging and/or spawning activities. Knowledge of spatial ecology is necessary to effectively manage non-native species and aid in the development of remediation strategies. The aim of this study was to examine the spatial ecology of common carp across multiple spatial scales within Lake Ontario using passive acoustic telemetry. First, Residency Index (RI), as a metric for habitat preference, was calculated for common carp in Toronto Harbour (TH) and Hamilton Harbour (HH). Linear mixed modelling revealed that season, as well as the interaction between season and physical habitat conditions significantly affected RI. Specifically, during spring and summer common carp had significantly higher RI at sites with increased submerged aquatic vegetation, which could be associated with spawning activities. All common carp tagged in HH were resident, compared to half of individuals tagged in TH. Larger individuals tagged in TH were more likely to be absent from the array during summer. Non-resident common carp tagged at TH made extensive movements in spring and summer along the nearshore of Lake Ontario and were detected throughout the entire basin. Knowledge of spawning habitat could inform efforts to exclude common carp from these specific locations. Based on our findings, common carp should be managed at a regional level, as opposed to single sites, owing to their extensive movements.<br><br>SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s00027-022-00917-9.}, }
@article {pmid36470387, year = {2022}, author = {Eleni, K and Nicholas, K and Ioannis, K and Evangelia, S and Yiannis, K and Sofia, L and Elias, D and Leonidas, V}, title = {REVIVE: A feasibility assessment tool for freshwater fish conservation translocations in Mediterranean rivers.}, journal = {The Science of the total environment}, volume = {}, number = {}, pages = {160595}, doi = {10.1016/j.scitotenv.2022.160595}, pmid = {36470387}, issn = {1879-1026}, abstract = {Conservation translocation is a management action applied for population recovery of threatened freshwater fishes, often however with partially successful outcome, mainly due to inadequate feasibility assessment prior to the translocation. Up to date, feasibility assessments have been mainly focused on economically important species (e.g., salmonids) inhabiting perennial rivers, while little attention has been given to fish translocations in rivers in Mediterranean climate areas. In this study, we developed a robust feasibility assessment tool for freshwater fish translocations in Mediterranean-type riverine ecosystems within an interdisciplinary, multispecies approach. The REVIVE tool, integrates quantitative and semi-quantitative data and incorporates uncertainty, consists of two main components. Firstly, the evaluation of the potential release water bodies (R-WBs) for their suitability for the planned translocation, incorporating a number of criteria that are essential for Mediterranean rivers, with emphasis on flow regime and habitat quantity. Additional criteria include the current and historical presence of the target species, water and biological quality, habitat suitability in terms of the ecological requirements of the target species, alien invasive species' pressure, and hydromorphological pressures, including their mitigation potential. Secondly, the evaluation of the potential source water bodies (S-WBs) in terms of genetic compatibility and provision of a sufficient number of propagules. A trial application in a Mediterranean basin (Vassilopotamos River, Southern Greece) for the potential translocation of two threatened cyprinids in five R-WBs indicated the robustness of the tool. This integrative, flexible tool combines several elements identified as essential in reintroduction biology and can have wider applications, for a multitude of freshwater fish taxa and riverine systems, maximizing the success of planned translocation actions by natural resources' managers. Modifications to enable its transferability to other river types or fish taxa are also discussed.}, }
@article {pmid36467510, year = {2022}, author = {Saeki, I and Li, Y}, title = {Restoration Contributes to Maintain Ecosystem Services and Bio-Cultural Linkages Between Wetlands and Local Communities: a Case from a Botanical Diversity Hotspot in Japan.}, journal = {Wetlands (Wilmington, N.C.)}, volume = {42}, number = {8}, pages = {117}, pmid = {36467510}, issn = {0277-5212}, abstract = {UNLABELLED: The Circum-Ise Bay region in central Japan is characterized by a high concentration of species-rich seepage wetlands that provide various ecosystem services to local communities. However, the non-native conifers Cryptomeria japonica and Chamaecyparis obtusa have been widely introduced to the wetlands and compete with native plants. Here, we report the results of a 4-year restoration experiment that involved removing the conifers from a seepage wetland and observing the effects on plant composition, diversity, and ecosystem services to local communities. The experiment was conducted at a seepage wetland in Nakatsugawa city, Japan. The wetland includes many threatened and endemic plants but is also dominated by the conifers. We established three experimental plots within the wetland and removed the conifers from two of them. The stem density of overstory (i.e., canopy-tree) and understory (i.e., sub-canopy to shrub) layers in the conifer-removal plots decreased by 50% while simultaneously increasing the proportion of threatened woody plants by 14.3-50.0%. Despite these changes, plant species diversity in the groundcover layer remained high, and threatened and culturally important species became more concentrated on removal plots than on the control. We did not observe any negative regime shift, such as the establishment of introduced species. The restoration appeared to promote the occurrence of plants associated with bio-cultural linkages between the seepage wetland and local communities and that supply multiple ecosystem services.<br><br>SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s13157-022-01639-2.}, }
@article {pmid36462487, year = {2022}, author = {Haight, RG and Yemshanov, D and Kao, SY and Phelps, NBD and Kinsley, AC}, title = {A bi-level model for state and county aquatic invasive species prevention decisions.}, journal = {Journal of environmental management}, volume = {327}, number = {}, pages = {116855}, doi = {10.1016/j.jenvman.2022.116855}, pmid = {36462487}, issn = {1095-8630}, abstract = {Recreational boats are important vectors of spread of aquatic invasive species (AIS) among waterbodies of the United States. To limit AIS spread, state and county agencies fund watercraft inspection and decontamination stations at lake access points. We present a bi-level model for determining how a state planner can efficiently allocate inspection resources to county managers, who independently decide where to locate inspection stations. In our formulation, each county manager determines a set of optimal plans for the locations of inspection stations under various resource constraints. Each plan maximizes inspections of risky boats that may carry AIS from infested to uninfested lakes within the county. Then, the state planner selects the set of county plans (i.e., one plan for each county) that maximizes the number of risky boats inspected throughout the state subject to a statewide resource constraint. We apply the model using information from Minnesota, USA, including the infestation status of 9182 lakes and estimates of annual numbers of boat movements from infested to uninfested lakes. Comparison of solutions of the bi-level model with solutions of a state-level model where a state planner selects lakes for inspection stations statewide shows that when state and county objectives are not aligned, the loss in efficiency at the state-level can be substantial.}, }
@article {pmid36462420, year = {2022}, author = {de Carvalho-Junior, L and Neves, LM and Teixeira-Neves, TP and Cardoso, SJ}, title = {Long-term changes in benthic communities following the invasion by an alien octocoral in the Southwest Atlantic, Brazil.}, journal = {Marine pollution bulletin}, volume = {186}, number = {}, pages = {114386}, doi = {10.1016/j.marpolbul.2022.114386}, pmid = {36462420}, issn = {1879-3363}, abstract = {Invasive alien species are considered one of the main threats to marine biodiversity. We used a BACI design to investigate the changes in rocky reef benthic communities related to the invasion of the octocoral Latissimia ningalooensis in the Southwest Atlantic. Drastic changes in benthic community structure were restricted to the invaded site and associated with the growth of L. ningalooensis on turf algae. Conversely, the zoanthid Palythoa caribaeorum remained stable coverage along the 9-year study period, indicating a greater biotic resistance against the octocoral. Latissimia ningalooensis spread from large and well-established patches to new areas of the reef, increasing turf-octocoral interactions. This study warns of the great invasive potential of the octocoral, due to its high abundance, competitive and expansion ability. The decline in abundance of turf-forming algae following the emergence of L. ningalooensis threatens the structure and functioning of macroalgal-dominated rocky reefs.}, }
@article {pmid36459770, year = {2022}, author = {Barry, PJ and Beraud, C and Wood, LE and Tidbury, HJ}, title = {Modelling of marine debris pathways into UK waters: Example of non-native crustaceans transported across the Atlantic Ocean on floating marine debris.}, journal = {Marine pollution bulletin}, volume = {186}, number = {}, pages = {114388}, doi = {10.1016/j.marpolbul.2022.114388}, pmid = {36459770}, issn = {1879-3363}, abstract = {The long-distance transfer of non-native, potentially invasive species via floating marine debris is an increasing threat to biodiversity and conservation efforts. To address the lack of understanding around mechanisms and pathways of species transfer via marine debris, a novel modelling approach was applied to recreate the likely trajectory and source of a large piece of debris fouled by non-native species collected from UK marine waters. This approach applied the Oil Spill Contingency and Response (OSCAR) simulation tool, an adapted oil spill modelling programme, which was informed by a combination of biological trait information for the foulant species, marine debris characteristics and hydrodynamic data. The modelling output suggested an origin in the Western Atlantic, a scenario concurrent with the known distribution of the foulant species. This modelling approach represents a valuable tool with which to determine the origin and trajectory of invasive species transferred via marine debris.}, }
@article {pmid36457533, year = {2022}, author = {Lee, SR and Son, DC}, title = {Genetic diversity pattern reveals the primary determinant of burcucumber (Sicyos angulatus L.) invasion in Korea.}, journal = {Frontiers in plant science}, volume = {13}, number = {}, pages = {997521}, pmid = {36457533}, issn = {1664-462X}, abstract = {Biological invasion is a complex process associated with propagule pressure, dispersal ability, environmental constraints, and human interventions, which leave genetic signatures. The population genetics of an invasive species thus provides invaluable insights into the patterns of invasion. Burcucumber, one of the most detrimental weeds for soybean production in US, has recently colonized Korea and rapidly spread posing a great threat to the natural ecosystem. We aim to infer the determinants of the rapid burcucumber invasion by examining the genetic diversity, demography, and spread pattern with advanced genomic tools. We employed 2,696 genome-wide single-nucleotide polymorphisms to assess the level of diversity and the spatial pattern associated with the landscape factors and to infer the demographic changes of 24 populations (364 genotypes) across four major river basins with the east coastal streams in South Korea. Through the approximate Bayesian computation, we inferred the likely invasion scenario of burcucumber in Korea. The landscape genetics approach adopting the circuit theory and MaxEnt model was applied to determine the landscape contributors. Our data suggested that most populations have experienced population bottlenecks, which led to lowered within-population genetic diversity and inflated population divergences. Burcucumber colonization in Korea has strongly been affected by demographic bottlenecks and multiple introductions, whereas environmental factors were not the primary determinant of the invasion. Our work highlighted the significance of preventing secondary introductions, particularly for aggressive weedy plants such as the burcucumber.}, }
@article {pmid36457280, year = {2022}, author = {Page, ML and Williams, NM}, title = {Honey bee introductions displace native bees and decrease pollination of a native wildflower.}, journal = {Ecology}, volume = {}, number = {}, pages = {e3939}, doi = {10.1002/ecy.3939}, pmid = {36457280}, issn = {1939-9170}, abstract = {Introduced species can have cascading effects on ecological communities, but indirect effects of species introductions are rarely the focus of ecological studies. For example, managed honey bees (Apis mellifera) have been widely introduced outside their native range and are increasingly dominant floral visitors. Multiple studies have documented how honey bees impact native bee communities through floral resource competition, but few have quantified how these competitive interactions indirectly affect pollination and plant reproduction. Such indirect effects are hard to detect because honey bees are themselves pollinators and may directly impact pollination through their own floral visits. The potentially huge but poorly understood impacts that non-native honey bees have on native plant populations combined with increased pressure from beekeepers to place hives in U.S. National Parks and Forests makes exploring impacts of honey bee introductions on native plant pollination of pressing concern. In this study, we used experimental hive additions, field observations, as well as single-visit and multiple-visit pollination effectiveness trials across multiple years to untangle the direct and indirect impacts of increasing honey bee abundance on the pollination of an ecologically important wildflower, Camassia quamash. We found compelling evidence that honey bee introductions indirectly decrease pollination by reducing nectar and pollen availability and competitively excluding visits from more effective native bees. In contrast, the direct impact of honey bee visits on pollination was negligible, and, if anything, negative. Honey bees were ineffective pollinators and increasing visit quantity could not compensate for inferior visit quality. Indeed, although the effect was not statistically significant, increased honey bee visits had a marginally negative impact on seed production. Thus, honey bee introductions may erode longstanding plant-pollinator mutualisms, with negative consequences for plant reproduction. Our study calls for a more thorough understanding of the indirect effects of species introductions and more careful coordination of hive placements.}, }
@article {pmid36455731, year = {2022}, author = {Saemi-Komsari, M and Esmaeili, HR and Keshavarzi, B and Abbasi, K and Birami, FA and Nematollahi, MJ and Tayefeh, FH and Busquets, R}, title = {Characterization of ingested MPs and their relation with growth parameters of endemic and invasive fish from a coastal wetland.}, journal = {The Science of the total environment}, volume = {}, number = {}, pages = {160495}, doi = {10.1016/j.scitotenv.2022.160495}, pmid = {36455731}, issn = {1879-1026}, abstract = {Microplastic (MP) contamination is a persistent and ubiquitous threat to aquatic ecosystems. This study quantifies MP ingestion by fish inhabiting the Anzali Wetland (Iran), a hotspot of biodiversity. Growth parameters have been monitored in endemic demersal fish (Caspian spined loach, Sabanejewia caspia), and invasive benthopelagic species (Prussian carp, Carassius gibelio) in the wetland and compared with their internal content of MPs. MPs were extracted from the gastrointestinal (GI) tracts following digestion of the samples in alkaline medium and observation of the extracts with microscopy (Scanning Electron Microscopy equipped with an Energy-Dispersive X-ray microanalyzer (SEM-EDS) and confocal Raman microscopy). A total of 84.6 % of the study fish (n = 26) were contaminated with MPs. Fibres were the only type of MPs found in the GI tracts, and these were mainly dark blue and made of polycarbonate and nylon in both investigated species. The mean numbers of MPs in the GI tracts of the carp and the loach were 3.6 and 3.7 respectively. MPs had smooth surfaces in most cases although some presented brittle, fragmented, and uneven surfaces and signs of degradation. The growth rates of Carassius gibelio and Sabanejewia caspia, measured with the b value (growth factor), were 2.91 and 2.15 respectively. Carassius gibelio can play a significant role in the transport of MPs to other aquatic organisms inhabiting the Anzali wetland, and hence can cause potential harm to them. Carassius gibelio MP contamination was more pronounced with increasing gut mass in older specimens. Due to the presence of MPs and in fish that can be consumed, there could be a trophic transfer to humans. Regarding Sabanejewia caspia, although not statistically significant, their uptake of MPs tends to increase in older specimens with smaller size and body weight. This can imply that MP pollution causes inappropriate conditions and results in negative growth. The findings of this work provide new insights into MP contamination in the Anzali wetland, specifically in endemic fish. These results will be important in conservation and management programs.}, }
@article {pmid36454841, year = {2022}, author = {Wang, X and Xiao, X and He, Q and Zhang, X and Wu, J and Li, B}, title = {Biological invasions in China's coastal zone.}, journal = {Science (New York, N.Y.)}, volume = {378}, number = {6623}, pages = {957}, doi = {10.1126/science.ade9665}, pmid = {36454841}, issn = {1095-9203}, mesh = {China ; *Introduced Species ; *Poaceae ; *Wetlands ; Animals ; Birds ; Animal Migration ; }, }
@article {pmid36454026, year = {2022}, author = {Silva, GM and Thiengo, SC and Sierpe Jeraldo, VL and Rego, MIF and Silva, ABP and Rodrigues, PS and Gomes, SR}, title = {The invasive giant African land snail, Achatina fulica (Gastropoda: Pulmonata): global geographical distribution of this species as host of nematodes of medical and veterinary importance.}, journal = {Journal of helminthology}, volume = {96}, number = {}, pages = {e86}, doi = {10.1017/S0022149X22000761}, pmid = {36454026}, issn = {1475-2697}, mesh = {Adult ; Humans ; Animals ; Cats ; Birds ; *Angiostrongylus cantonensis ; Food ; *Strongylida Infections/veterinary ; Larva ; Snails ; }, abstract = {The giant African land snail, Achatina fulica, is an important invasive species in many countries, where it causes losses in biodiversity and agriculture, as well as impacting the health of both humans and animals, as the intermediate host of medically important nematodes. The present study is based on a comprehensive review of the literature on the nematodes that have been found in association with A. fulica, worldwide. We searched a number of different databases and used the findings to investigate the methods used to extract and identify the nematodes, their larval stages, and environment and collecting procedures of the infected molluscs. Between 1965 and 2021, 11 nematode species were recorded in association with A. fulica in 21 countries. Most of the studies recorded associations between A. fulica and Angiostrongylus cantonensis, which causes cerebral angiostrongyliasis in humans and Aelurostrongylus abstrusus, which provokes pneumonia in felines. The nematodes were extracted primarily by artificial digestion with hydrochloric acid or pepsin, and identified based on their morphology or through experimental infection to obtain the adult. In most cases, the nematodes were at larval stage L3, and the infected A. fulica were collected from anthropogenic environments. The results demonstrate the importance of A. fulica as a host of nematodes of medical and veterinary importance, as well the contribution of anthropogenic environments to the occurrence of the parasites, and give information about the different methods used to collect and identify the nematodes found associated with this species.}, }
@article {pmid36452108, year = {2022}, author = {Lee, SR}, title = {Adaptive divergence for a drought resistance related trait among invasive Saltcedar (Tamarix L.) populations in southwestern US: Inferences from QCT - FCT.}, journal = {Frontiers in plant science}, volume = {13}, number = {}, pages = {997805}, pmid = {36452108}, issn = {1664-462X}, abstract = {Biological invasion poses several biotic and abiotic challenges due to abrupt distribution shifts. Invasive species may benefit from local adaptation responding to environmental stresses during colonization. Saltcedar (Tamarix), a notorious invasive shrub in the western US introduced from Eurasia may have adapted to low rainfall as the species widely occupies the arid land throughout the southwestern US. We investigated variation of quantitative traits in saltcedar between two regions exhibiting opposing average annual precipitations under experimentally manipulated water treatments to test local adaptation. We measured eight quantitative traits, proxies for fitness and genotyped 64 individual samples using genotype by sequencing technique. To test local adaptation, we applied QCT - FCT test based on null distribution of FCT estimated from 2,697 genome-wide SNPs and QCT estimated for the eight phenotypic traits measured. Saltcedar in the southwestern US exhibited a significant interaction between the degree of leaf loss (biomass loss by senesced leaves to total biomass) under simulated drought conditions and the origins from which the genotypes were collected, either relatively high or low rainfall regimes. The divergence found in leaf loss was significantly greater among regions than the expected given the genetic divergence on neutral loci suggesting signature of local adaptation responding to drought. The results demonstrate adaptive potential of saltcedar populations to extreme drought. As extreme aridity is often predicted in climate models across the southwestern US, the western saltcedar genotypes locally adapted to drought may further expand their ranges in this region.}, }
@article {pmid36450768, year = {2022}, author = {Lucati, F and Delacour, S and Palmer, JRB and Caner, J and Oltra, A and Paredes-Esquivel, C and Mariani, S and Escartin, S and Roiz, D and Collantes, F and Bengoa, M and Montalvo, T and Delgado, JA and Eritja, R and Lucientes, J and Albó Timor, A and Bartumeus, F and Ventura, M}, title = {Multiple invasions, Wolbachia and human-aided transport drive the genetic variability of Aedes albopictus in the Iberian Peninsula.}, journal = {Scientific reports}, volume = {12}, number = {1}, pages = {20682}, pmid = {36450768}, issn = {2045-2322}, mesh = {Animals ; Humans ; *Wolbachia/genetics ; *Aedes/genetics ; Bayes Theorem ; Mosquito Vectors/genetics ; Disease Vectors ; Hydrolases ; }, abstract = {The Asian tiger mosquito, Aedes albopictus, is one of the most invasive species in the world. Native to the tropical forests of Southeast Asia, over the past 30 years it has rapidly spread throughout tropical and temperate regions of the world. Its dramatic expansion has resulted in public health concerns as a consequence of its vector competence for at least 16 viruses. Previous studies showed that Ae. albopictus spread has been facilitated by human-mediated transportation, but much remains unknown about how this has affected its genetic attributes. Here we examined the factors that contributed to shaping the current genetic constitution of Ae. albopictus in the Iberian Peninsula, where the species was first found in 2004, by combining population genetics and Bayesian modelling. We found that both mitochondrial and nuclear DNA markers showed a lack of genetic structure and the presence of worldwide dominant haplotypes, suggesting regular introductions from abroad. Mitochondrial DNA showed little genetic diversity compared to nuclear DNA, likely explained by infection with maternally transmitted bacteria of the genus Wolbachia. Multilevel models revealed that greater mosquito fluxes (estimated from commuting patterns and tiger mosquito population distribution) and spatial proximity between sampling sites were associated with lower nuclear genetic distance, suggesting that rapid short- and medium-distance dispersal is facilitated by humans through vehicular traffic. This study highlights the significant role of human transportation in shaping the genetic attributes of Ae. albopictus and promoting regional gene flow, and underscores the need for a territorially integrated surveillance across scales of this disease-carrying mosquito.}, }
@article {pmid36449453, year = {2022}, author = {Tsutsumi, M and Hiradate, S and Yokogawa, M and Yamakita, E and Inoue, M and Takahashi, Y}, title = {A single application of fertilizer can affect semi-natural grassland vegetation over half a century.}, journal = {PloS one}, volume = {17}, number = {11}, pages = {e0275808}, doi = {10.1371/journal.pone.0275808}, pmid = {36449453}, issn = {1932-6203}, mesh = {*Fertilizers ; *Grassland ; Soil ; Nutrients ; Poaceae ; }, abstract = {Restoration of species-rich semi-natural grassland requires not only a seed source but also appropriate soil properties. In Europe, approximately 10 years are required for the properties of fertilized soils to reach suitable conditions and be considered successfully restored. However, restoration may require additional time in Japan because heavier precipitation causes leaching of basic cations from soils, resulting in soil acidification; volcanic ejecta also forms active Al and Fe hydroxides with high phosphate sorption. Within this context, we aimed to answer the following questions: i) whether and how the impacts of fertilization remain in the soil properties after half a century in Japan; and ii) how fertilization affects the restoration of semi-natural grasslands in Japan. We investigated the vegetation and soil properties of a Zoysia japonica pasture improved half a century ago with a single application of fertilizer and an adjacent semi-natural grassland (native pasture) in Japan, and found the following: (1) the two pastures had similar dominance of Z. japonica, but differed in the species composition; (2) the improved pasture exhibited lower species richness than the native pasture; (3) soil nutrients, including N, P, K, Mg, and Ca, were higher in the improved pasture than in the native pasture; and (4) many chemical properties of the soils were associated with species composition; namely, the vegetation on nutrient-rich soil had more alien species and fewer native species. We conclude that a single dose of fertilization can affect soil properties in semi-natural grasslands over half a century in Japan, leading to species loss and changing the species composition. We suggest that fertilized soils under grazing in Japan may require more than half a century to restore the nutrients to suitable levels for the establishment of a species-diverse grassland.}, }
@article {pmid36448733, year = {2022}, author = {García-Longoria, L and Ahrén, D and Berthomieu, A and Kalbskopf, V and Rivero, A and Hellgren, O}, title = {Immune gene expression in the mosquito vector Culex quinquefasciatus during an avian malaria infection.}, journal = {Molecular ecology}, volume = {}, number = {}, pages = {}, doi = {10.1111/mec.16799}, pmid = {36448733}, issn = {1365-294X}, abstract = {Plasmodium relictum is the most widespread avian malaria parasite in the world. It is listed as one of the 100 most dangerous invasive species, having been responsible for the extinction of several endemic bird species, and the near-demise of several others. Here we present the first transcriptomic study focused on the effect of P. relictum on the immune system of its vector (the mosquito Culex quinquefasciatus) at different times post-infection. We show that over 50% of immune genes identified as being part of the Toll pathway and 30-40% of the immune genes identified within the Imd pathway are overexpressed during the critical period spanning the parasite's oocyst and sporozoite formation (8-12 days), revealing the crucial role played by both these pathways in this natural mosquito-Plasmodium combination. Comparison of infected mosquitoes with their uninfected counterparts also revealed some unexpected immune RNA expression patterns earlier and later in the infection: Significant differences in expression of several immune effectors were observed as early as 30 minutes after the ingestion of the infected blood meal. In addition, in the later stages of the infection (towards the end of the mosquito lifespan), we observed an unexpected increase in immune investment in uninfected, but not in infected, mosquitoes. In conclusion, our work extends the comparative transcriptomic analyses of malaria-infected mosquitoes beyond human and rodent parasites and provides insights into the degree of conservation of immune pathways and into the selective pressures exerted by Plasmodium parasites on their vectors.}, }
@article {pmid36439632, year = {2022}, author = {Mason, NWH and Kirk, NA and Price, RJ and Law, R and Bowman, R and Sprague, RI}, title = {Science for social licence to arrest an ecosystem-transforming invasion.}, journal = {Biological invasions}, volume = {}, number = {}, pages = {1-16}, pmid = {36439632}, issn = {1387-3547}, abstract = {The primary role for scientific information in addressing complex environmental problems, such as biological invasions, is generally assumed to be as a guide for management decisions. However, scientific information often plays a minor role in decision-making, with practitioners instead relying on professional experience and local knowledge. We explore alternative pathways by which scientific information could help reduce the spread and impacts of invasive species. Our study centred on attempts to understand the main motivations and constraints of three local governance bodies responsible for the management of invasive (wilding) conifer species in the southern South Island of New Zealand in achieving strategic and operational goals. We used a combination of workshop discussions, questionnaire responses and visits to field sites to elicit feedback from study participants. We applied a mixed inductive-deductive thematic analysis approach to derive themes from the feedback received. The three main themes identified were: (1) impacts of wilding conifers and goals for wilding conifer control, (2) barriers to achieving medium- and long-term goals, and (3) science needed to support wilding conifer control. Participants identified reversal and prevention of both instrumental (e.g. reduced water availability for agriculture) and intrinsic (e.g. loss of biodiversity and landscape values) impacts of wilding conifer invasions as primary motivators behind wilding conifer control. Barriers to achieving goals were overwhelmingly social, relating either to unwillingness of landowners to participate or poorly designed regulatory frameworks. Consequently, science needs related primarily to gaining social licence to remove wilding conifers from private land and for more appropriate regulations. Scientific information provided via spread and impacts forecasting models was viewed as a key source of scientific information in gaining social licence. International experience suggests that invasive species control programmes often face significant external social barriers. Thus, for many biological invasions, the primary role of science might be to achieve social licence and regulatory support for the long-term goals of invasive species control programmes and the management interventions required to achieve those goals.}, }
@article {pmid36438226, year = {2022}, author = {Wei, Y and He, S and Wang, J and Fan, P and He, Y and Hu, K and Chen, Y and Zhou, G and Zhong, D and Zheng, X}, title = {Genome-wide SNPs reveal novel patterns of spatial genetic structure in Aedes albopictus (Diptera Culicidae) population in China.}, journal = {Frontiers in public health}, volume = {10}, number = {}, pages = {1028026}, pmid = {36438226}, issn = {2296-2565}, mesh = {Animals ; Female ; *Aedes/genetics ; Polymorphism, Single Nucleotide ; Mosquito Vectors/genetics ; Genetic Variation ; China ; Genetic Structures ; }, abstract = {INTRODUCTION: Since the second half of the 20th century, Aedes albopictus, a vector for more than 20 arboviruses, has spread worldwide. Aedes albopictus is the main vector of infectious diseases transmitted by Aedes mosquitoes in China, and it has caused concerns regarding public health. A comprehensive understanding of the spatial genetic structure of this vector species at a genomic level is essential for effective vector control and the prevention of vector-borne diseases.<br><br>METHODS: During 2016-2018, adult female Ae. albopictus mosquitoes were collected from eight different geographical locations across China. Restriction site-associated DNA sequencing (RAD-seq) was used for high-throughput identification of single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) and genotyping of the Ae. albopictus population. The spatial genetic structure was analyzed and compared to those exhibited by mitochondrial cytochrome c oxidase subunit 1 (cox1) and microsatellites in the Ae. albopictus population.<br><br>RESULTS: A total of 9,103 genome-wide SNP loci in 101 specimens and 32 haplotypes of cox1 in 231 specimens were identified in the samples from eight locations in China. Principal component analysis revealed that samples from Lingshui and Zhanjiang were more genetically different than those from the other locations. The SNPs provided a better resolution and stronger signals for novel spatial population genetic structures than those from the cox1 data and a set of previously genotyped microsatellites. The fixation indexes from the SNP dataset showed shallow but significant genetic differentiation in the population. The Mantel test indicated a positive correlation between genetic distance and geographical distance. However, the asymmetric gene flow was detected among the populations, and it was higher from south to north and west to east than in the opposite directions.<br><br>CONCLUSIONS: The genome-wide SNPs revealed seven gene pools and fine spatial genetic structure of the Ae. albopictus population in China. The RAD-seq approach has great potential to increase our understanding of the spatial dynamics of population spread and establishment, which will help us to design new strategies for controlling vectors and mosquito-borne diseases.}, }
@article {pmid36437493, year = {2022}, author = {Ollard, I and Aldridge, DC}, title = {Declines in freshwater mussel density, size and productivity in the River Thames over the past half century.}, journal = {The Journal of animal ecology}, volume = {}, number = {}, pages = {}, doi = {10.1111/1365-2656.13835}, pmid = {36437493}, issn = {1365-2656}, abstract = {A pioneering, quantitative study published in Journal of Animal Ecology in 1966 on freshwater mussel populations in the River Thames, UK, continues to be cited extensively as evidence of the major contribution that mussels make to benthic biomass and ecosystem functioning in global river ecosystems. Ecological alteration, as well as declines in freshwater mussel populations elsewhere, suggest that changes to mussel populations in the River Thames are likely to have occurred over the half century since this study. We resurveyed the site reported in Negus (1966) and quantified the changes in mussel population density, species composition, growth patterns and productivity. We found large declines in population density for all unionid species. The duck mussel Anodonta anatina decreased to 1.1% of 1964 density. The painter's mussel Unio pictorum fell to 3.2% of 1964 density. The swollen river mussel Unio tumidus showed statistically nonsignificant declines. In contrast to 1964, in 2020 we found no living specimens of the depressed river mussel Pseudanodonta complanata (classified as Vulnerable by the IUCN Red List) but found new records of the invasive, nonnative zebra mussel Dreissena polymorpha and Asian clam Corbicula fluminea. Additionally, we found strong decreases in size-at-age for all species, which now grow to 65-90% of maximum lengths in 1964. As a result of reduced density and size, estimated annual biomass production fell to 7.5% of 1964 levels. Since mussels can be important to ecosystem functioning, providing key regulating and provisioning services, the declines we found imply substantial degradation of freshwater ecosystem services in the River Thames, one of the UK's largest rivers. Our study also highlights the importance to conservationists and ecologists of updating and validating assumptions and data about wild populations, which in the present era of anthropogenic ecosystem alteration are undergoing significant and rapid changes. Regular population surveys of key species are essential to maintain an accurate picture of ecosystem health and to guide management.}, }
@article {pmid36436907, year = {2022}, author = {Langner, T and Hamedy, A and Wellner, H and Johne, A and Mayer-Scholl, A and Birka, S}, title = {First detection of Trichinella spiralis in raccoon (Procyon lotor) in Germany.}, journal = {Veterinary parasitology, regional studies and reports}, volume = {36}, number = {}, pages = {100800}, doi = {10.1016/j.vprsr.2022.100800}, pmid = {36436907}, issn = {2405-9390}, mesh = {Humans ; Animals ; Raccoons/parasitology ; *Trichinella spiralis ; *Trichinellosis/diagnosis/epidemiology/veterinary ; *Trichinella ; Raccoon Dogs/parasitology ; Foxes/parasitology ; Germany/epidemiology ; }, abstract = {Trichinella spp. are foodborne parasites that can cause severe and potentially fatal disease in humans. Infections occur through consumption of meat containing the infectious stage (L1). In Germany the domestic cycle has been eradicated. In wild animals sporadic occurrence is observed in species such as wild boar, red foxes and raccoon dogs. The omnivore raccoon which is an invasive species in Europe is known as a potential host but has not been studied intensely regarding this parasite in Germany until now, thus resulting in a lack of knowledge about its role in the sylvatic cycle. Raccoons from the urban area of Leipzig were investigated for several pathogens including Trichinella spp. in a cooperative project. Muscle samples of 88 individuals were examined using the artificial digestion method (ADM). One animal was found positive, which is the first detection of this parasite in a raccoon in Germany.}, }
@article {pmid36436902, year = {2022}, author = {Sanjuán, CG and Aguirre, JI and Villaverde, S and Banda, E and Hernandez, SM and Yabsley, MJ}, title = {Surveillance for gastrointestinal, subcutaneous, and ectoparasites of invasive North American raccoons (Procyon lotor) in central Spain.}, journal = {Veterinary parasitology, regional studies and reports}, volume = {36}, number = {}, pages = {100793}, doi = {10.1016/j.vprsr.2022.100793}, pmid = {36436902}, issn = {2405-9390}, mesh = {Male ; Animals ; United States ; Raccoons/parasitology ; Spain/epidemiology ; *Ascaridoidea ; *Flea Infestations/epidemiology/veterinary ; *Siphonaptera ; North America ; }, abstract = {The American raccoon (Procyon lotor) is an invasive meso-carnivore which has been introduced and established in many European countries. Although the presence of the raccoon in the Iberian Peninsula was confirmed around 20 years ago, there are few data on pathogens of these animals in this region. For this work, 72 American raccoons from two subpopulations in the central region of the Iberian Peninsula were examined for selected parasites. Ectoparasite species richness (both fleas and ticks) increased during the sampling season and was highest in the Henares subpopulation and on males. Similarly, ectoparasite abundance increased during the sampling season and was highest in Henares and on adult raccoons. Four species of ticks were detected including Rhipicephalus pusillus (71%), followed by R. sanguineus sensu lato (24%), Ixodes ventalloi (3%), and Dermacentor marginatus (1.4%). Four species of fleas were detected including Pulex irritans (44%), Ctenocephalides felis (3%), C. canis (1.4%), and Paraceras melis (1.4%) infestations. A subset of raccoons (n = 56) was examined for intestinal parasites; low prevalence and diversity were found including Strongyloides procyonis (4%), Dilepis sp. (5%), Plagiorchis sp. (2%), and Moniliformis moniliformis (2%). Importantly, Baylisascaris procyonis was not found. Finally, no subcutaneous nematodes (i.e., Dracunculus and Dirofilaria spp.) were found in the 56 raccoons examined. The results of this work show that the invasive North American raccoons currently are infected with few endoparasites but are commonly infested with native ectoparasites, several of which can transmit pathogens relevant for public and veterinary health. However, the geographically distinct populations of raccoons in Spain have different introduction histories, thus additional surveillance for parasites is warranted.}, }
@article {pmid36435881, year = {2022}, author = {Verma, AK and Nayak, R and Manika, N and Bargali, K and Pandey, VN and Chaudhary, LB and Behera, SK}, title = {Monitoring the distribution pattern and invasion status of Ageratina adenophora across elevational gradients in Sikkim Himalaya, India.}, journal = {Environmental monitoring and assessment}, volume = {195}, number = {1}, pages = {152}, pmid = {36435881}, issn = {1573-2959}, mesh = {Humans ; *Ecosystem ; *Ageratina ; Biodiversity ; Sikkim ; Altitude ; Environmental Monitoring ; Introduced Species ; India ; Plants ; }, abstract = {Understanding the spread intensity and population dynamics of invasive plant species is a prerequisite for developing management strategies in the Himalayan Forest ecosystems that are experiencing an accelerated rate of climate change. Although there are studies on the occurrence of few invasive species in the Himalayan ecosystems, systematic information on their intensity of spread and species association is still missing. Considering existing data gaps, we aimed to assess the intensity of spread and distribution pattern of A. adenophora, one of the high-concern invasive species (HiCIS) of India that is causing havoc in the Himalayas, across an elevational gradient. Field data were collected in 2018 and 2021 in the Indian federal state of Sikkim, located in the Eastern Himalayas. We analyzed the population status and species association of A. adenophora along an elevational gradient ranging from > 600 m to 2700 m above sea level, which was divided into seven gradients of 300 m width, and each gradient was further randomly sampled. Overall, 81 species were present in association with A. adenophora, including 58 herbs, 19 shrubs, and 4 climbers, belonging to 30 families and 67 genera in the region. No other species continuously co-occurred along with A. adenophora throughout the elevation ranging from > 600 m to 2700 m. The species observed increased frequency (100%), density (40.51 ind./100 m[2]), and basal cover (11.25 cm[2]/m[2]) in the elevational gradient 1500-1800 m in 2018. In 2021, A. adenophora dominated the highest elevational gradient (< 2400-2700 m) with increased frequency (99.96%), density (58.41 ind./100m[2]), and basal cover (42.54 cm[2]/100m[2]), which demonstrated rapid invasion and improved plant health and reproductive vigor in comparison to the lower elevational gradient in Sikkim Himalaya. Despite being completely absent at the highest elevation (< 2400-2700 m), in 2018, it observed gregarious spread at the highest elevation in 2021, which is of serious concern to ecologists. The presence of the targeted species in all seven studied altitudinal gradients reflects stage III of the species invasion. An enormous shift in the distribution pattern along elevational gradients within a short time span is alarming for the Himalayan ecosystem since it is becoming a thriving habitat for invasive species owing to anthropogenic activity. We mapped the potential geographical extent using the species distribution model (SDM) and predicted the suitable habitat of distribution in Sikkim Himalaya. In order to curtail the spread and counteract the negative impact of this species on native vegetation in Sikkim Himalaya and ultimately reverse the process, local and regional initiatives for its biological control and management must be taken.}, }
@article {pmid36435282, year = {2023}, author = {Menicagli, V and Balestri, E and Fulignati, S and Raspolli Galletti, AM and Lardicci, C}, title = {Plastic litter in coastal sand dunes: Degradation behavior and impact on native and non-native invasive plants.}, journal = {Environmental pollution (Barking, Essex : 1987)}, volume = {316}, number = {Pt 2}, pages = {120738}, doi = {10.1016/j.envpol.2022.120738}, pmid = {36435282}, issn = {1873-6424}, mesh = {Humans ; *Plastics ; *Sand ; Ecosystem ; Plant Development ; Introduced Species ; }, abstract = {Pollution associated to marine plastic litter is raising increasing concerns due to its potential harmful effects on human health, biota, and coastal ecosystems. However, limited information is available on the degradation behavior of plastics, especially biodegradable ones, in dune habitats. Moreover, the effects of plastics on dune plant growth and ability to withstand environmental stresses and invasion by non-native plants have been largely neglected. This is a particularly relevant issue since biological invasions are major threats to dune ecosystems. In this 18-month study, we examined the degradation behavior of two plastic bags, non-biodegradable (NBP) or biodegradable/compostable (BP), in the dune environment by visual observations and analytical techniques. Concomitantly, we investigated the individual and combined effects of bag type and sand burial (no burial vs. partial burial) on the performance of a native dune plant (Thinopyrum junceum) and an invasive plant (Carpobrotus sp.) and on their interaction. NBP did not show relevant degradation signs over the experimental period as expected. BP exhibited gradual surface modifications and changes in chemical functionality and were almost disintegrated after 18 months. Bags and burial reduced independently T. junceum survival and growth, and most plants died within 8 months of plastic exposure. Bags and burial did not affect Carpobrotus survival. However, burial decreased Carpobrotus growth while NBP increased it. Both plastics increased Carpobrotus competitive ability, and no T. junceum plants survived to co-occurrent Carpobrotus, BP, and burial. These findings indicate that removing all littered plastics from beach-dune systems not only is critical to reduce plastic pollution but also to prevent further spread of invasive species in coastal dunes.}, }
@article {pmid36432837, year = {2022}, author = {Zhang, Y and Liao, Z and Jiang, H and Tu, W and Wu, N and Qiu, X and Zhang, Y}, title = {Climatic Variability Caused by Topographic Barrier Prevents the Northward Spread of Invasive Ageratina adenophora.}, journal = {Plants (Basel, Switzerland)}, volume = {11}, number = {22}, pages = {}, doi = {10.3390/plants11223108}, pmid = {36432837}, issn = {2223-7747}, abstract = {Ageratina adenophora (Spreng.) R.M.King &amp; H.Rob. is one of the most threatening invasive alien plants in China. Since its initial invasion into Yunnan in the 1940s, it spread rapidly northward to southern Mount Nyba in Sichuan, which lies on the eastern edge of the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau. During fieldwork, we found an interesting phenomenon: A. adenophora failed to expand northward across Mount Nyba, even after the opening of the 10 km tunnel, which could have served as a potential corridor for its spread. In this work, to explore the key factors influencing its distribution and spread patterns, we used a combination of ensemble species distribution models with the MigClim model. We found that the temperature annual range (TAR), precipitation of driest month (PDM), highway density (HW), and wind speed (WS) were the most predominant factors affecting its distribution. The north of Mount Nyba is not suitable for A. adenophora survival due to higher TAR. The spatial-temporal dynamic invasion simulation using MigClim further illustrated that the northward invasion of A. adenophora was stopped by Mount Nyba. Overall, Mount Nyba may act as a topographic barrier that causes environmental differences between its south and north sides, preventing the northward invasion of A. adenophora. However, other suitable habitats on the northern side of the mountain still face challenges because A. adenophora is likely to invade via other routes. Therefore, long-term monitoring is needed to prevent human-induced long-distance spread events.}, }
@article {pmid36428986, year = {2022}, author = {Gu, J and Wang, J and Bi, H and Li, X and Merchant, A and Zhang, P and Zhang, Q and Zhou, X}, title = {CRISPR/Cas9-Mediated Mutagenesis of Sex-Specific Doublesex Splicing Variants Leads to Sterility in Spodoptera frugiperda, a Global Invasive Pest.}, journal = {Cells}, volume = {11}, number = {22}, pages = {}, doi = {10.3390/cells11223557}, pmid = {36428986}, issn = {2073-4409}, mesh = {Animals ; Female ; Male ; Spodoptera/genetics ; *Introduced Species ; CRISPR-Cas Systems/genetics ; *Infertility/genetics ; Mutagenesis ; }, abstract = {Spodoptera frugiperda (J. E. Smith), an emerging invasive pest worldwide, has posed a serious agricultural threat to the newly invaded areas. Although somatic sex differentiation is fundamentally conserved among insects, the sex determination cascade in S. frugiperda is largely unknown. In this study, we cloned and functionally characterized Doublesex (dsx), a "molecular switch" modulating sexual dimorphism in S. frugiperda using male- and female-specific isoforms. Given that Lepidoptera is recalcitrant to RNAi, CRISPR/Cas9-mediated mutagenesis was employed to construct S. frugiperda mutants. Specifically, we designed target sites on exons 2, 4, and 5 to eliminate the common, female-specific, and male-specific regions of S. frugiperda dsx (Sfdsx), respectively. As expected, abnormal development of both the external and internal genitalia was observed during the pupal and adult stages. Interestingly, knocking out sex-specific dsx variants in S. frugiperda led to significantly reduced fecundity and fertility in adults of corresponding sex. Our combined results not only confirm the conserved function of dsx in S. frugiperda sex differentiation but also provide empirical evidence for dsx as a potential target for the Sterile Insect Technique (SIT) to combat this globally invasive pest in a sustainable and environmentally friendly way.}, }
@article {pmid36428391, year = {2022}, author = {Masoni, A and Coppi, A and Balzani, P and Frizzi, F and Fani, R and Zaccaroni, M and Santini, G}, title = {Assessing Molecular Diversity in Native and Introduced Populations of Red Wood Ant Formica paralugubris.}, journal = {Animals : an open access journal from MDPI}, volume = {12}, number = {22}, pages = {}, doi = {10.3390/ani12223165}, pmid = {36428391}, issn = {2076-2615}, abstract = {The Formica rufa group comprises several ant species which are collectively referred to as "red wood ants" and play key roles in boreal forest ecosystems, where they are ecologically dominant and greatly influence habitat dynamics. Owing to their intense predatory activity, some of these species are used as biocontrol agents against several forest insect pests and for this aim in Italy, nearly 6000 ant nests were introduced from their native areas in the Alps to several Appeninic sites during the last century. In this work, we assessed and compared the genetic variability and structure of native and introduced populations of F. paralugubris, thus evaluating the extent of genetic drift that may have occurred since the time of introduction, using amplified fragment length polymorphism (AFLP) markers. PCR amplification with a fam_EcoRI-TAC/MseI-ATG primers combination produced a total of 147 scorable bands, with 17 identified as outlier loci. The genetic variation was higher in the introduced population compared to the native ones that, on the other hand, showed a higher diversity between nests. AMOVA results clearly pointed out that the overall genetic structure was dominated by among-worker variation, considering all populations, the Alpine vs. Apennine groups and the comparison among native and related introduced populations (all ranging between 77.84% and 79.84%). Genetic analyses unveiled the existence of six main different groups that do not entirely mirror their geographic subdivision, pointing towards a wide admixture between populations, but, at the same time, rapid diversification of some Apennine populations. Future studies based on high-throughput genomic methods are needed to obtain a thorough understanding of the effects of environmental pressure on the genetic structure and mating system of these populations.}, }
@article {pmid36427577, year = {2022}, author = {Deyris, PA and Pelissier, F and Grison, CM and Hesemann, P and Petit, E and Grison, C}, title = {Efficient removal of persistent and emerging organic pollutants by biosorption using abundant biomass wastes.}, journal = {Chemosphere}, volume = {313}, number = {}, pages = {137307}, doi = {10.1016/j.chemosphere.2022.137307}, pmid = {36427577}, issn = {1879-1298}, abstract = {Persistent and emerging organic pollutants represent a serious and global threat to human health and ecosystems. We describe here a simple, efficient and affordable technology for removing such organic pollutants from aquatic systems. Biosorption process was chosen, meeting these three criteria, and so that biosorbents should be biomass wastes combining the following characteristics: natural, cheap and abundant. Powdered dead roots from invasive alien species (Eichhornia crassipes, Pistia stratiotes and Fallopia japonica), and wastes rich in tannins such as coffee grounds and green tea grounds were tested as biosorbents for removing extensively used organic pollutants: organic UV-filters, insecticides and herbicides. The elemental composition and morphology of the biosorbents were fully determined. The biosorption kinetics for each pair of biosorbent/pollutant was described by a pseudo-second order model. Excellent biosorption efficiency was obtained for 10 μM solution of oxybenzone (89 ± 1%), octocrylene (90 ± 2%), lindane (88 ± 0%) and diuron (90 ± 1%) in only 2 h. And total removal of 10 μM of chlordecone (100 ± 0%) could be achieved, which could be of high concern for the population living in chlordecone-contaminated areas. As such pollutants can be found in aquatic ecosystems, an interference study with salts showed that biosorption efficiency remained as efficient in reconstituted seawater. A principal component analysis was performed as an attempt to rationalise the biosorption results. The solubility of the organic pollutants in water and the concentration of tanins in the biosorbents were key parameters.}, }
@article {pmid36424881, year = {2022}, author = {Gippet, JMW and Sherpa, Z and Bertelsmeier, C}, title = {Reliability of social media data in monitoring the global pet trade in ants.}, journal = {Conservation biology : the journal of the Society for Conservation Biology}, volume = {}, number = {}, pages = {}, doi = {10.1111/cobi.14041}, pmid = {36424881}, issn = {1523-1739}, abstract = {The global pet trade is a major risk to biodiversity and humans. Over the recent decades, the pet trade has become increasingly globalized, diversified, digitalized and extremely difficult to control. With billions of Internet users posting online daily, social media could serve as a powerful surveillance tool. But it is still unknown how reliable social media are to track the global pet trade. Here, focusing on the emerging pet trade in ants (Hymenoptera, Formicidae), we show that social media data (∼38,000 posts from Instagram) identify the countries involved in the pet trade and reflect the taxonomic composition and commercial success of traded ant species. Moreover, Instagram data accurately estimated the overrepresentation of invasive species among traded species. Overall, our findings show that social media provide affordable and reliable data for monitoring emerging pet trades and advocate for an easier access to these data in the future. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.}, }
@article {pmid36424868, year = {2022}, author = {Cassini, MH}, title = {A critical review of the precautionary approach of the IUCN impact classification for non-native taxa.}, journal = {Conservation biology : the journal of the Society for Conservation Biology}, volume = {}, number = {}, pages = {}, doi = {10.1111/cobi.14037}, pmid = {36424868}, issn = {1523-1739}, abstract = {The IUCN has proposed the use of the EICAT to standardize the classification of introduced species based on their environmental impact. The IUCN invoked the precautionary principle (PP) via the two rules: (i) the impact assigned to a taxon must be the maximum recorded impact across different impact assessments, and (ii) when the main driver of environmental damage is unclear, it must be assumed to be caused by the IS. The validity of PP is conditioned by two factors: the scientific evidence demonstrating the advantages of applying a preventive measure and the degree of emergency that warrants urgent decisions. In this review, I found that these two rules do not appear to have enough scientific support and that they are not justified by a serious or irreversible instances since impact scoring is an early stage of the impact assessment process. I discuss the possibility that these rules are primarily rooted in the ethical value system underlying conservation biology. Conservationists assign intrinsic value to native species by virtue of their roles and relationships within ecological and evolutionary systems and processes; thus, individuals introduced in new environments not only cease to have value as they are no longer part of that natural diversity and lack those links with the rest of the ecosystem, but they become a threat to what conservationists value most. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.}, }
@article {pmid36423847, year = {2022}, author = {Rossi, JP and Rasplus, JY}, title = {Climate change and the potential distribution of the glassy-winged sharpshooter (Homalodisca vitripennis), an insect vector of Xylella fastidiosa.}, journal = {The Science of the total environment}, volume = {}, number = {}, pages = {160375}, doi = {10.1016/j.scitotenv.2022.160375}, pmid = {36423847}, issn = {1879-1026}, abstract = {Biological invasions represent a major threat for biodiversity and agriculture. Despite efforts to restrict the spread of alien species, preventing their introduction remains the best strategy for an efficient control. In that context preparedness of phytosanitary authorities is very important and estimating the geographical range of alien species becomes a key information. The present study investigates the potential geographical range of the glassy-winged sharpshooter (Homalodisca vitripennis), a very efficient insect vector of Xylella fastidiosa, one of the most dangerous plant-pathogenic bacteria worldwide. We use species distribution modeling (SDM) to analyse the climate factors driving the insect distribution and we evaluate its potential distribution in its native range (USA) and in Europe according to current climate and different scenarios of climate change: 6 General Circulation Models (GCM), 4 shared socioeconomic pathways of gas emission and 4 time periods (2030, 2050, 2070, 2090). The first result is that the climate conditions of the European continent are suitable to the glassy-winged sharpshooter, in particular around the Mediterranean basin where X. fastidiosa is present. Projections according to future climate conditions indicate displacement of climatically suitable areas towards the north in both North America and Europe. Globally, suitable areas will decrease in North America and increase in Europe in the coming decades. SDM outputs vary according to the GCM considered and this variability indicated areas of uncertainty in the species potential range. Both potential distribution and its uncertainty associated to future climate projections are important information for improved preparedness of phytosanitary authorities.}, }
@article {pmid36421966, year = {2022}, author = {Rudziński, KJ and Staszek, D and Asztemborska, M and Sukovata, L and Raczko, J and Cieślak, M and Kolk, A and Szmigielski, R}, title = {Newly Discovered Components of Dendrolimus pini Sex Pheromone.}, journal = {Insects}, volume = {13}, number = {11}, pages = {}, pmid = {36421966}, issn = {2075-4450}, abstract = {The pine-tree lappet moth, D. pini, is a harmful defoliator of pine forests in Europe and Asia and a potentially invasive species in North America. The lures for trapping D. pini males based on two known components of its sex pheromone appeared weakly attractive to male moths. Identification of all components of the sex pheromone might allow for the development of more effective lures. The pheromone was sampled from virgin females using SPME and analyzed using gas chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry. Four new likely components ((Z5)-dodecenal, (Z5)-dodecen-1-ol, (Z5)-decen-1-yl acetate, (Z5)-tetradecen-1-yl acetate) and two known components ((Z5,E7)-dodecadienal, (Z5,E7)-dodecadien-1-ol) were identified based on comparison against authentic standards, Kováts indices and spectra libraries. The samples also contained several sesquiterpenes. Wind tunnel and field experiments showed that some blends of synthetic pheromone components alone or enriched with Scots pine essential oil (SPEO) were attractive to D. pini males. One component-(Z5)-decen-1-yl acetate-had a repelling effect. The presented knowledge of D. pini sex pheromone provides a basis for developing optimal lures for monitoring or controlling insect populations.}, }
@article {pmid36421955, year = {2022}, author = {Ma, Q and Guo, JL and Guo, Y and Guo, Z and Lu, P and Hu, XS and Zhang, H and Liu, TX}, title = {Prediction of the Current and Future Distributions of the Hessian Fly, Mayetiola destructor (Say), under Climatic Change in China.}, journal = {Insects}, volume = {13}, number = {11}, pages = {}, pmid = {36421955}, issn = {2075-4450}, abstract = {The Hessian fly, Mayetiola destructor (Say) (Diptera: Cecidomyiidae), is a destructive wheat pest worldwide and an important alien species in China. Based on 258 distribution records and nine environmental factors of the Hessian fly, we predicted the potential distribution area in China under three current and future (2050s and 2070s) climate change scenarios (RCP2.6, RCP4.5, and RCP8.5) via the optimized MaxEnt model. Under the current climate conditions, the suitable distribution areas of the Hessian fly in China were 25-48° N, 81-123° E, and the total highly suitable distribution area is approximately 9.63 × 10[5] km[2], accounting for 9.99% of the total national area. The highly suitable areas are mainly located in northern Xinjiang and central and eastern China. With the rising global temperatures, except for the high-suitable areas under the RCP8.5 scenario, most potential geographic distribution areas would expand in the future. The minimum temperature in February (tmin-2), precipitation in March (prec-3), maximum temperature in November (tmax-11), and precipitation seasonality (bio-15) are important factors that affect the potential geographic distribution of the Hessian fly. This study provides an important reference and empirical basis for management of the Hessian fly in the future.}, }
@article {pmid36421054, year = {2022}, author = {Sanders, M and Tardani, R and Locher, A and Geller, K and Partridge, CG}, title = {Development of Novel Early Detection Technology for Hemlock Woolly Adelgid, Adelges tsugae (Hemiptera: Adelgidae).}, journal = {Journal of economic entomology}, volume = {}, number = {}, pages = {}, doi = {10.1093/jee/toac175}, pmid = {36421054}, issn = {1938-291X}, abstract = {Hemlock woolly adelgid (HWA), Adelges tsugae Annand, threatens hemlock forests throughout eastern North America. Management efforts focus on early detection of HWA to ensure rapid management responses to control and stop the spread of this pest. This study's goal was to identify an affordable, efficient trap to aid with airborne environmental DNA (eDNA) sampling approaches as an early monitoring tool for HWA. We initially compared HWA detection success between a standard sticky trap, commonly used for HWA monitoring, and trap designs potentially compatible with eDNA protocols (i.e., passive trap, funnel trap, and motorized trap). Passive, funnel, and motorized traps' estimated capture success probabilities compared to sticky traps were 0.87, 0.8, and 0.4, respectively. A secondary evaluation of a modified version of the motorized trap further assessed trap performance and determined the number of traps needed in a set area to efficiently detect HWA. By modifying the original motorized trap design, its estimated capture success probability increased to 0.67 compared to a sticky trap. Overall, the cumulative capture success over the 16-week sampling period for the motorized trap was 94% and 99% for the sticky trap. The number of traps did impact capture success, and trap elevation and distance to infested hemlocks influenced the number of adelgids captured per trap. As eDNA-based monitoring approaches continue to become incorporated into invasive species surveying, further refinement with these types of traps can be useful as an additional tool in the manager's toolbox.}, }
@article {pmid36416795, year = {2022}, author = {Herrera, C and Williams, M and Encarnação, J and Roura-Pascual, N and Faulhaber, B and Jurado-Rivera, JA and Leza, M}, title = {Automated detection of the yellow-legged hornet (Vespa velutina) using an optical sensor with machine learning.}, journal = {Pest management science}, volume = {}, number = {}, pages = {}, doi = {10.1002/ps.7296}, pmid = {36416795}, issn = {1526-4998}, abstract = {BACKGROUND: The yellow-legged hornet (Vespa velutina) is native to Southeast Asia and is an invasive alien species of concern in many countries. More effective management of populations of V. velutina could be achieved through more widespread and intensive monitoring in the field, however current methods are labour intensive and costly. To address this issue, we have assessed the performance of an optical sensor combined with a machine learning model to classify V. velutina and native wasps/hornets and bees. Our aim is to use the results of the present work as a step towards the development of a monitoring solution for V. velutina in the field.<br><br>RESULTS: We recorded a total 935 flights from three bee species: Apis mellifera, Bombus terrestris and Osmia bicornis; and four wasp/hornet species: Polistes dominula, Vespula germanica, Vespa crabro and V. velutina. The machine learning model achieved an average accuracy for species classification of 80.1 &#xb1;&#x2009;13.9 % and 74.5 &#xb1;&#x2009;7.0 % for V. velutina. V. crabro had the highest level of misclassification, confused mainly with V. velutina and P. dominula. These results were obtained using a 14-value peak and valley feature derived from the wingbeat power spectral density.<br><br>CONCLUSION: This study demonstrates that the wingbeat recordings from a flying insect sensor can be used with machine learning methods to differentiate V. velutina from six other Hymenoptera species in the laboratory and this knowledge could be used to help develop a tool for use in integrated invasive alien species management programs. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.}, }
@article {pmid36414055, year = {2022}, author = {Han, L and Zhang, Z and Tu, W and Zhang, Q and Hong, Y and Chen, S and Lin, Z and Gu, S and Du, Y and Wu, Z and Liu, X}, title = {Preferred prey reduce species realized niche shift and improve range expansion prediction.}, journal = {The Science of the total environment}, volume = {859}, number = {Pt 2}, pages = {160370}, doi = {10.1016/j.scitotenv.2022.160370}, pmid = {36414055}, issn = {1879-1026}, abstract = {Many studies have detected realized climatic niche shifts during range changes; this is challenging the fundamental theory of the niche conservatism hypothesis (NCH) and the usefulness of the ecological niche model (ENM) for predicting the distributions of species in space and time by tracking environmental change. Biotic factors such as predatory interactions are important components of species realized niches but are generally difficult to quantify during NCH testing and ENM building. Identifying species' preferred prey may provide a unique opportunity to include trophic interactions in assessing the NCH and determine whether more precise ENM predictions are generated. In this study, we focused on a range-expanding predatory bird, the Asian openbill (Anastomus oscitans). The main prey of the Asian openbill include 136 snail species. We observed a realized climatic niche shift during the northward expansion of the Asian openbill by considering only climates; however, niche conservatism was detected after incorporating their preferred prey. ENMs including preferred snails also predicted the distributions of the Asian openbill better than climate-only models and models including nonpreferred snails or only habitat variables. The results of our study suggested the importance of incorporating preferred prey in evaluating the NCH and developing a framework for predicting the range shifts of both native and alien species in response to global climate change.}, }
@article {pmid36413156, year = {2022}, author = {Zhang, H and Tang, Y and Li, Q and Zhao, S and Zhang, Z and Chen, Y and Shen, Z and Chen, C}, title = {Genetic and epigenetic variation separately contribute to range expansion and local metalliferous habitat adaptation during invasions of Chenopodium ambrosioides into China.}, journal = {Annals of botany}, volume = {}, number = {}, pages = {}, doi = {10.1093/aob/mcac139}, pmid = {36413156}, issn = {1095-8290}, abstract = {BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Invasive plants often colonize wide-ranging geographical areas with various local microenvironments. The specific roles of epigenetic and genetic variation during such expansion are still unclear. Chenopodium ambrosioides is a well-known invasive alien species in China that can thrive in metalliferous habitats. This study aims to comprehensively understand the effects of genetic and epigenetic variation on the successful invasion of C. ambrosioides.<br><br>METHODS: We sampled 367 individuals from 21 heavy metal contaminated and uncontaminated sites with a wide geographical distribution in regions of China. We got environmental factors of these sampling sites, including thirteen meteorological factors and the contents of four heavy metals in soils. Microsatellite markers were used to investigate the demographic history of C. ambrosioides populations in China. We also analysed the effect of epigenetic variation on metalliferous microhabitat adaptation using MSAP markers. Common garden experiment was conducted to compare heritable phenotypic variations among populations.<br><br>KEY RESULTS: Two distinct genetic clusters that diverged thousands of years ago were identified, suggesting that the eastern and southwestern C. ambrosioides populations in China may have originated from independent introduction events without recombination. Genetic variation was shown to be a dominant determinant of phenotypic differentiation relative to epigenetic variation and further affected the geographical distribution pattern of invasive C. ambrosioides. The global DNA unmethylation level was reduced in metalliferous habitats. Dozens of methylated loci were significantly associated with the heavy metal accumulation trait of C. ambrosioides and may contribute to coping with metalliferous microenvironments.<br><br>CONCLUSIONS: Our study of C. ambrosioides highlighted the dominant roles of genetic variation in large geographical range expansion and epigenetic variation in local metalliferous habitat adaptation.}, }
@article {pmid36413098, year = {2022}, author = {Azzarà, M and Abate, E and Chiofalo, MT and Crisafulli, A and Trifilò, P}, title = {Delaying drought-driven leaf cells damages may be the key trait of invasive trees for ensuring their success in the Mediterranean basin.}, journal = {Tree physiology}, volume = {}, number = {}, pages = {}, doi = {10.1093/treephys/tpac134}, pmid = {36413098}, issn = {1758-4469}, abstract = {Invasive alien species (IAS) threaten the biodiversity richness of Mediterranean basin, a drought-prone region. However, our knowledge on IAS adaptative strategies for facing Mediterranean drought summers is still incomplete. The aim of the present study is to compare the water relations and the critical relative water content (RWC) values leading to loss of cell rehydration capacity of two Mediterranean basin IAS (i.e., Ailanthus altissima and Robinia pseudoacacia) versus two co-occurring native species (i.e., Fraxinus ornus and Quercus pubescens). Study IAS showed higher values of water potential at turgor loss point and osmotic potential at full turgor, lower values of modulus of elasticity and leaf mass area but higher photosynthesis rate, even during the summer, respect to the Mediterranean native species. These findings supported the hypothesis that IAS are characterized by a resource acquisitive strategy coupled with a safety-efficiency trade-off, compared to Mediterranean native species. However, similar leaf RWC thresholds leading to loss of cell rehydration capacity were recorded in the two groups of species. Moreover, IAS showed higher saturated water content and capacitance values compared to the co-occurring species. Overall, our results suggest that the success of Mediterranean IAS is driven by their ability to delay dehydration damages of mesophyll cells during Mediterranean summer drought, thereby supporting their distinctive high carbon assimilation rate.}, }
@article {pmid36412239, year = {2022}, author = {Wang, X and Qin, Y and Xu, Y and Feng, X and Zhao, S and Lu, Y and Li, Z}, title = {Surveillance and invasive risk of the red imported fire ant, Solenopsis invicta Buren in China.}, journal = {Pest management science}, volume = {}, number = {}, pages = {}, doi = {10.1002/ps.7297}, pmid = {36412239}, issn = {1526-4998}, abstract = {BACKGROUND: The red imported fire ant, Solenopsis invicta Buren is one of the world's most successful and destructive invasive ant species. In mainland China, fast, monthly, and annual pest reports have been established since 2010. The distribution of S. invicta under climate change in China was predicted using MaxEnt modeling in combination with comprehensive surveillance data and 56 environmental factors.<br><br>RESULTS: Fast and monthly reports revealed that S. invicta had spread to new territories almost every year. The transportation of seedlings and deployment of turfgrass were the major artificial transmission pathways. Annual reports indicated that control efforts had effectively reduced its occurrence areas and severity degree and retrieved the economic loss caused by S. invicta. The MaxEnt model predicted that S. invicta would expand to 23 provinces in China under climate change. The moisture variables were the key factors affecting the distribution of this pest.<br><br>CONCLUSION: Based on the theoretical reference framework of this research, China proposed the first-ever integrated tactics against a single pest jointly by nine ministries, which include clarifying responsibilities, cutting off transmission pathways, strengthening surveillance, declaring pest distributions, and holding control operations. Practical efforts and measures combating the devastating S. invicta may shed light on its management and other invasive species worldwide. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.}, }
@article {pmid36410496, year = {2022}, author = {Barnes, B and Parsa, M and Giannini, F and Ramsey, D}, title = {Analytical Bayesian approach for the design of surveillance and control programs to assess pest-eradication success.}, journal = {Theoretical population biology}, volume = {}, number = {}, pages = {}, doi = {10.1016/j.tpb.2022.11.003}, pmid = {36410496}, issn = {1096-0325}, abstract = {Large invasive species eradication programs are undertaken to protect native biodiversity and agriculture. Programs are typically followed by a series of surveys to assess the likelihood of eradication success and, when residual pests are detected, small-scale control or 'mop-ups' are implemented to eliminate these infestations. Further surveys follow to confirm absence with 'freedom' declared when a target probability of absence is reached. Such biosecurity programs comprise many interacting processes - stochastic biological processes including growth, and response and control interventions - and are an important component of post-border biosecurity. Statistical frameworks formulated to contribute to the design and efficiency of these surveillance and control programs are few and, those available, rely on the simulation of the component processes. In this paper we formulate an analytical Bayesian framework for a general biosecurity program with multiple components to assess pest-eradication success. Our model incorporates stochastic growth and detection processes, and several pest control mechanisms. Survey results and economic considerations are also taken into account to support a range of biosecurity management decisions. Using a case study we demonstrate that solutions match published simulation results and extend the available analysis. Principally, we show how analytical solutions can offer a powerful tool to support the design of effective and cost-efficient biosecurity systems, and we establish some general principles that guide and contribute to robust design.}, }
@article {pmid36409981, year = {2022}, author = {Kortessis, N and Kendig, AE and Barfield, M and Flory, SL and Simon, MW and Holt, RD}, title = {Litter, Plant Competition, and Ecosystem Dynamics: A Theoretical Perspective.}, journal = {The American naturalist}, volume = {200}, number = {6}, pages = {739-754}, doi = {10.1086/721438}, pmid = {36409981}, issn = {1537-5323}, mesh = {*Ecosystem ; *Ecology ; Population Dynamics ; Biomass ; }, abstract = {AbstractCommunity structure depends jointly on species' responses to, and effects on, environmental factors. Many such factors, including detritus, are studied in ecosystem ecology. Detritus in terrestrial ecosystems is dominated by plant litter (nonliving organic material), which, in addition to its role in material cycling, can act as a niche factor modulating interactions among plants. Litter thus links traditional community and ecosystem processes, which are often studied separately. We explore this connection using population dynamics models of two plant species and a litter pool. We first find conditions determining the outcome of interactions between these species, highlighting the role that litter plays and the role of broader ecosystem parameters, such as decomposition rate. Species trade-offs in tolerance to direct competition and litter-based interference competition allow for coexistence, provided the litter-tolerant species produces more litter at the population level; otherwise, priority effects may result. When species coexist, litter-mediated interactions between plants disrupt the traditional relationship between biomass accumulation and decomposition. Increasing decomposition rate may have no effect on standing litter density and, in some cases, may even increase litter load. These results illustrate how ecosystem variables can influence community outcomes that then feed back to influence the ecosystem.}, }
@article {pmid36405018, year = {2022}, author = {Gold, Z and Wall, AR and Schweizer, TM and Pentcheff, ND and Curd, EE and Barber, PH and Meyer, RS and Wayne, R and Stolzenbach, K and Prickett, K and Luedy, J and Wetzer, R}, title = {A manager's guide to using eDNA metabarcoding in marine ecosystems.}, journal = {PeerJ}, volume = {10}, number = {}, pages = {e14071}, pmid = {36405018}, issn = {2167-8359}, abstract = {Environmental DNA (eDNA) metabarcoding is a powerful tool that can enhance marine ecosystem/biodiversity monitoring programs. Here we outline five important steps managers and researchers should consider when developing eDNA monitoring program: (1) select genes and primers to target taxa; (2) assemble or develop comprehensive barcode reference databases; (3) apply rigorous site occupancy based decontamination pipelines; (4) conduct pilot studies to define spatial and temporal variance of eDNA; and (5) archive samples, extracts, and raw sequence data. We demonstrate the importance of each of these considerations using a case study of eDNA metabarcoding in the Ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach. eDNA metabarcoding approaches detected 94.1% (16/17) of species observed in paired trawl surveys while identifying an additional 55 native fishes, providing more comprehensive biodiversity inventories. Rigorous benchmarking of eDNA metabarcoding results improved ecological interpretation and confidence in species detections while providing archived genetic resources for future analyses. Well designed and validated eDNA metabarcoding approaches are ideally suited for biomonitoring applications that rely on the detection of species, including mapping invasive species fronts and endangered species habitats as well as tracking range shifts in response to climate change. Incorporating these considerations will enhance the utility and efficacy of eDNA metabarcoding for routine biomonitoring applications.}, }
@article {pmid36403676, year = {2022}, author = {Bezerra-Santos, MA and Dantas-Torres, F and Benelli, G and Otranto, D}, title = {Emerging parasites and vectors in a rapidly changing world: from ecology to management.}, journal = {Acta tropica}, volume = {238}, number = {}, pages = {106746}, doi = {10.1016/j.actatropica.2022.106746}, pmid = {36403676}, issn = {1873-6254}, abstract = {Global changes have influenced our societies in several ways with both positive (e.g., technology, transportation, and food security), and negative impacts (e.g., mental health problems, spread of diseases, and pandemics). Overall, these changes have affected the distribution patterns of parasites and arthropod vectors with the introduction and spreading of alien species in new geographical areas, eventually posing new challenges in public health. In this framework, the Acta Tropica Special Issue "Emerging parasites and vectors in a rapidly changing world: from ecology to management" provides a focus on the biology, ecology and management of emerging parasites and vectors of human and veterinary importance. Herein we review and discuss novel studies dealing with interactions of parasites and vectors with animals in changing environmental settings. In our opinion, a special focus on the implementation of management strategies of parasitic diseases to face anthropogenic environmental changes still represent a priority for public health. In the final section, key research challenges in this rapidly changing scenario are outlined.}, }
@article {pmid36403410, year = {2022}, author = {Lolis, LA and Miranda, RJ and Barros, F}, title = {The effects of an invasive soft coral on the structure of native benthic communities.}, journal = {Marine environmental research}, volume = {183}, number = {}, pages = {105802}, doi = {10.1016/j.marenvres.2022.105802}, pmid = {36403410}, issn = {1879-0291}, abstract = {Species invasion is a major threat to marine biodiversity and function; thus, studying the effects of recently reported exotic species is extremely important. Several soft coral species (Alcyonacea) have invaded the Atlantic Ocean but their effects are poorly known. Here, we investigated the effects of the invasive species Sarcothelia sp. (Alcyonacea, Xeniidae) on native benthic shallow reef communities in Brazil. We hypothesized that increasing Sarcothelia sp. abundance would be related to species richness decreases and native community structure changes. Multivariate analysis showed significant dissimilarity between invaded (high Sarcothelia sp. abundance) and non-invaded areas (high abundance of the octocoral Neospongodes atlantica and zoantharians). The invaded area showed less species composition variability (i.e., homogenization) than non-invaded ones. Within the invaded area we observed that Sarcothelia sp. abundance reduced species richness. The lowest native benthic richness (10 taxa) was observed in a transect with the highest invader cover, while the transect with the lowest Sarcothelia sp. cover presented 26 native taxa. These findings are likely related to the invasive novel functional traits, i.e., invader growth form and allelochemicals. A clear inverse abundance pattern between invasive Sarcothelia sp. and N. atlantica, indicated an intense competition between octocorals. Our study showed remarkable evidence of negative impacts of invasive soft corals on reef biodiversity. There is an urgent need for experiments evaluating changes in different ecological processes and to implement management actions.}, }
@article {pmid36401948, year = {2022}, author = {De-la-Torre, GE and Valderrama-Herrera, M and Urizar Garfias Reyes, DF and Walker, TR}, title = {Can oviposition on marine litter pose a threat to marine fishes?.}, journal = {Marine pollution bulletin}, volume = {185}, number = {Pt B}, pages = {114375}, doi = {10.1016/j.marpolbul.2022.114375}, pmid = {36401948}, issn = {1879-3363}, mesh = {Female ; Animals ; *Oviposition ; *Fishes ; Eggs ; Introduced Species ; Biota ; }, abstract = {Marine litter colonization is widely investigated as an important pathway for the dispersal of potentially invasive species. However, this phenomenon may be impacting marine biota in other ways as well. In this viewpoint, we express our concerns regarding the potential loss of viable eggs of numerous oviparous fishes deposited on marine litter when large-scale stranding events occur. Our concerns are supported by personal observations of stranded marine litter harboring fresh and viable egg capsules (Sympterygia sp.) and eggs (Family: Blenniidae), as well as reports in the literature. The loss of viable eggs from oviparous fishes is widely overlooked and poorly understood. Based on these knowledge gaps, we make a call for research and propose several research priorities to understand the impact of these events.}, }
@article {pmid36401946, year = {2022}, author = {Crivellaro, MS and Candido, DV and Silveira, TCL and Fonseca, AC and Segal, B}, title = {A tool for a race against time: Dispersal simulations to support ongoing monitoring program of the invasive coral Tubastraea coccinea.}, journal = {Marine pollution bulletin}, volume = {185}, number = {Pt B}, pages = {114354}, doi = {10.1016/j.marpolbul.2022.114354}, pmid = {36401946}, issn = {1879-3363}, mesh = {Animals ; *Anthozoa ; Ecosystem ; Introduced Species ; Brazil ; Industry ; }, abstract = {Preventing, detecting, and monitoring invasive marine species is a big challenge as it is not possible to visualize all invasion extensions. Their early detection may be the best chance to achieve eradication. The Indo-pacific scleractinian coral Tubastraea coccinea invasion in the Atlantic dates from the late 1930s. Since then, disruptive populations were found along ~8.000 km of west Atlantic, and in the Canarian Islands of Spain (east Atlantic), related to vessel fouling in the oil and gas industry. Their impacts have been noticed from endemic species to ecosystems. In Brazil, initiatives to control Tubastraea spp. have been done mostly by local environmental managers and researchers, but recently a National Plan for Prevention, Control and Monitoring (NPPCM) for Tubastraea spp. was approved. We applied an Individual-based Model within the invasion history of Tubastraea coccinea in its southern distribution limit in the Atlantic, on the rocky shore of the Arvoredo Biological Marine Reserve. We indicated hotspots for the occurrence of possible emerging invasion sites in the region and expect to support ongoing monitoring programs in defining priority areas for their early detection. The model is easily replicated and might be a valuable tool for decision makers.}, }
@article {pmid36394192, year = {2022}, author = {Shan, Y and Gao, X and Hu, X and Hou, Y and Wang, F}, title = {Current and future potential distribution of the invasive scale Ceroplastes rusci (L., 1758) (Hemiptera: Coccidae) under climate niche.}, journal = {Pest management science}, volume = {}, number = {}, pages = {}, doi = {10.1002/ps.7290}, pmid = {36394192}, issn = {1526-4998}, abstract = {BACKGROUND: The fig wax scale, Ceroplastes rusci is an invasive pest that feeds on more than 94 genera from 52 families that is spread across 60 countries, causing negative impacts to agriculture and forestry. Understanding the potential distribution of invasive species under climate change is crucial for the management and monitoring purposes. Thus, we predicted the potential distribution areas of C. rusci using Maximum Entropy (MaxEnt) based on the occurrence data and environmental variables under current and future climatic scenarios.<br><br>RESULTS: Our results showed that the temperature annual range (Bio 7) and mean temperature of the warmest quarter (Bio 10) attributed to a higher contribution to the current model of the distribution of C. rusci. The potential distribution maps illustrated the main concentrated areas of C. rusci which included South America, Africa, Asia, and Oceania. In addition, potential range expansions or reductions were predicted under different future climate change scenarios, which showed that the total suitable areas of the fig wax scale presented an increasing trend until 2100.<br><br>CONCLUSION: Our study provides significant data to understand the potential distribution of C. rusci around the world. It also serves as an early warning for the highly suitable habitat areas that even offers a platform to the currently non-infested regions or countries who are yet to develop monitoring strategies in response to the possible C. rusci outbreak. &#xa9; 2022 Society of Chemical Industry.}, }
@article {pmid36394140, year = {2022}, author = {Hayashi, M and Sano, Y and Ishikawa, T and Hagiwara, T and Sasaki, M and Nakao, M and Urabe, M and Waki, T}, title = {Invasion of fish parasite Prosorhynchoides ozakii (Trematoda: Bucephalidae) into Lake Kasumigaura and surrounding rivers of eastern Japan.}, journal = {Diseases of aquatic organisms}, volume = {152}, number = {}, pages = {47-60}, doi = {10.3354/dao03698}, pmid = {36394140}, issn = {0177-5103}, mesh = {Animals ; *Parasites ; Rivers ; Lakes ; Japan/epidemiology ; *Trematoda ; Metacercariae ; *Catfishes ; *Bivalvia/parasitology ; }, abstract = {In 2019 to 2021, the golden mussel Limnoperna fortunei and several freshwater fishes were sampled from 22 sites of the Tone River system including Lake Kasumigaura, Honshu, Japan, to examine the invasion of bucephalid trematodes. The parasite species identification was performed by morphological observation and DNA barcoding based on the sequences of nuclear 28S rDNA and mitochondrial cytochrome c oxidase subunit 1 (cox1). A total of 1719 mussels were collected from 10 sites, and trematode-infected mussels were detected from 8 sites with prevalences between 0.3 and 42.9%. The sporocysts and cercariae were identified as Prosorhynchoides ozakii, a newly introduced species in the river system. A total of 700 fish individuals belonging to 24 species were collected from 15 sites. Two species of catfishes (Silurus asotus and Ictalurus punctatus) harbored mature or immature adults of Pr. ozakii in the intestine with prevalences between 8.3 and 20% including both host species. The metacercariae of Pr. ozakii were found from the fins and epidermis of 13 fish species from 10 sites (prevalence 4.8-100%). Fishes were heavily infected with metacercariae in fins, which were surrounded by the infiltration of hemocytes and rodlet cells. A population genetic analysis of Pr. ozakii did not show an obvious bottleneck, suggesting the possibility that the parasite was intentionally and repeatedly introduced into the river system.}, }
@article {pmid36394132, year = {2022}, author = {Valentine, JC and Yee, DA}, title = {Ontogenetic Changes in Nutrients and Stoichiometry in the Invasive Mosquito, Aedes albopictus (Diptera: Culicidae).}, journal = {Journal of medical entomology}, volume = {}, number = {}, pages = {}, doi = {10.1093/jme/tjac177}, pmid = {36394132}, issn = {1938-2928}, abstract = {A variety of physiological, morphological, and behavioral changes occur throughout the life cycle of mosquitoes, which can be correlated with a shift from the aquatic to terrestrial environment. Aedes albopictus Skuse is an abundant invasive species from Asia that was introduced into the Americas in the 1980's and is responsible for transmitting several important human disease-causing pathogens. How physiological and anatomical changes within each instar and throughout the developmental stages are related to changes in carbon (C) and nitrogen (N) levels are an unexplored area of mosquito ecology. We hypothesized that these changes as well as stoichiometry (C:N) would vary with instar stage and larval diet. Cohorts of larvae were grown in three different diets: animal only (crickets), plant only (red maple leaves), and a mixture containing both types. Larval instars (1st-4th), pupae, and adults were raised in each diet and were separately analyzed for nutrient content (%C, %N) and stoichiometry (C:N). Significant changes in nutrient values occurred across the life cycle, with C:N values being lower in early instars versus adults or pupae, especially in animal only or mixed diets; few differences were detected in %C or %N across ontogeny. This knowledge may lead to a better understanding of mosquito ecology and pathogen transmission.}, }
@article {pmid36389422, year = {2022}, author = {Borges, AKM and Oliveira, TPR and Alves, RRN}, title = {Marine or freshwater: the role of ornamental fish keeper's preferences in the conservation of aquatic organisms in Brazil.}, journal = {PeerJ}, volume = {10}, number = {}, pages = {e14387}, pmid = {36389422}, issn = {2167-8359}, abstract = {BACKGROUND: The use of ornamental fish as pets has important implications for the conservation of the species used in fish keeping, particularly in relation to overexploitation. Understanding ornamental fish keepers' relationship with the hobby can provide important information for assessing the potential impacts of the activity. Here, we analyzed the profile of Brazilian ornamental fish keepers and evaluated their preferences and the implications of their choices.<br><br>METHODS: Information was obtained by applying questionnaires to 906 ornamental fish keepers participating in fish keeping groups in a social network. The questionnaire contained questions about the species of fish kept (freshwater and marine), techniques used, socio-economic aspects, and associated conservation perspectives.<br><br>RESULTS: Most ornamental fish keepers were young men (20-40 years old), with higher education and monthly income above US$ 530.00. Participants predominantly kept freshwater fish (86%), but marine fish only (5%) or both marine and freshwater hobbyists (9%) were also recorded. A total of 523 species of ornamental fish were kept, most of which comprised freshwater (76% of the total) and exotic species (73%). About a third of the fish species recorded were under national trade restrictions. In addition, about a third of ornamental fish keepers declared that they also had invertebrates. Marine aquariums require a greater financial investment, especially at the beginning, than freshwater aquariums and are also almost entirely based on exotic species. The aesthetic factor is the main motivation associated with practicing this hobby, being color and behavior key factors in choosing fish. A total of 10% of hobbyists have already released fish into the wild, highlighting concerns about potential biological invasions. There is an urgent need to enforce regulations towards restricting ornamental fish keepers' access to threatened native species and potentially invasive species, as well as measures aimed at informing and raising hobbyists' awareness of conservation measures related to the hobby.}, }
@article {pmid36389413, year = {2022}, author = {Del Río, L and Navarro-Martínez, ZM and Ruiz-Abierno, A and Chevalier-Monteagudo, PP and Angulo-Valdes, JA and Rodriguez-Viera, L}, title = {Feeding ecology of invasive lionfish in the Punta Frances MPA, Cuba: insight into morphological features, diet and management.}, journal = {PeerJ}, volume = {10}, number = {}, pages = {e14250}, pmid = {36389413}, issn = {2167-8359}, abstract = {Cuba's shelf has been invaded by lionfish (Pterois volitans/Pterois miles), which have become established over the archipelago, including areas of natural importance. The present study aims to evaluate morphometric features of lionfish and to explore the relationship between lionfish size and diet composition in different habitats in the Punta Frances National Park, Cuba. In total 620 lionfish were captured at 29 sites between 2013 and 2016. Lionfish stomachs were removed and their contents were analyzed using frequency and numerical methods. The length-weight allomentric relationship was obtained, and a decrease in lionfish sizes was shown over time, likely due to the extractions carried out. The diet was composed by fishes, crustaceans, mollusks and phytobenthos, with a predominance of fishes. Lionfish caught in seagrass beds tended to be smaller in size and consumed fewer fishes and more crustaceans than those captured in coral reefs. A positive correlation was observed between lionfish body size and gape size; however, no significant correlation was detected between lionfish body size and prey size. Larger lionfish tended to consume more fishes, while crustaceans were more significant in the diet of juvenile lionfish. This is the first study that examines the feeding habits of lionfish in the Punta Frances MPA, and provides valuable information on lionfish inhabiting this MPA across four years of sampling. Furthermore, this research may serve as a baseline for subsequent evaluations of lionfish impact and management actions in the area.}, }
@article {pmid36386019, year = {2022}, author = {Zhou, H and Yang, Y and Liu, Y and Song, H and Wang, X and Xia, S and Mu, X}, title = {Sequencing and analysis of the complete mitochondrial genome of Datnioides campbelli (Datnioididae).}, journal = {Mitochondrial DNA. Part B, Resources}, volume = {7}, number = {11}, pages = {1975-1978}, pmid = {36386019}, issn = {2380-2359}, abstract = {In this study, the complete mitochondrial genome sequence of the New Guinea tiger fish Datnioides campbelli (Whitley 1938) (Lobotiformes: Datnioididae) was sequenced by next-generation sequencing method. The assembled mitochondrial genome consists of 13 protein-coding genes, 22 transfer RNA genes, and two ribosomal RNA genes, with a length of 16,416 bp. The total base composition of the mitogenome of D. campbelli was 29.31% for A, 29.02% for C, 15.14% for G and 26.54% for T. A phylogenetic tree based on 13 protein-coding genes (PCGs) provides important molecular data for further phylogeographic and evolutionary analysis of Lobotiformes.}, }
@article {pmid36385719, year = {2022}, author = {Li, J and Pei, J and Fang, C and Li, B and Nie, M}, title = {Opposing seasonal temperature dependencies of CO2 and CH4 emissions from wetlands.}, journal = {Global change biology}, volume = {}, number = {}, pages = {}, doi = {10.1111/gcb.16528}, pmid = {36385719}, issn = {1365-2486}, abstract = {Wetlands are critically important to global climate change because of their role in modulating the release of atmospheric greenhouse gases (GHGs) carbon dioxide (CO2) and methane (CH4). Temperature plays a crucial role in wetland GHG emissions, while the general pattern for seasonal temperature dependencies of wetland CO2 and CH4 emissions is poorly understood. Here we show opposite seasonal temperature dependencies of CO2 and CH4 emissions by using 36,663 daily observations of simultaneous measurements of ecosystem-scale CO2 and CH4 emissions in 42 widely distributed wetlands from the FLUXNET-CH4 database. Specifically, the temperature dependence of CO2 emissions decreased with increasing monthly mean temperature, but the opposite was true for that of CH4 emissions. Neglecting seasonal temperature dependencies may overestimate wetland CO2 and CH4 emissions compared to the use of a year-based static and consistent temperature dependence parameter when only considering temperature effects. Our findings highlight the importance of incorporating the remarkable seasonality in temperature dependence into process-based biogeochemical models to predict feedbacks of wetland GHG emissions to climate warming.}, }
@article {pmid36385480, year = {2022}, author = {Poveda-Martínez, D and Salinas, NA and Aguirre, MB and Sánchez-Restrepo, AF and Hight, S and Díaz-Soltero, H and Logarzo, G and Hasson, E}, title = {Genomic and ecological evidence shed light on the recent demographic history of two related invasive insects.}, journal = {Scientific reports}, volume = {12}, number = {1}, pages = {19629}, pmid = {36385480}, issn = {2045-2322}, mesh = {Animals ; *Hemiptera ; Introduced Species ; Ecosystem ; *Cactaceae/genetics ; Plants ; Genomics ; Demography ; }, abstract = {Hypogeococcus pungens is a species complex native to southern South America that is composed of at least five putative species, each one specialized in the use of different host plants. Two of these undescribed species were registered as invasive in Central and North America: Hyp-C is a cactophagous mealybug that became an important pest that threatens endemic cactus species in Puerto Rico, and Hyp-AP feeds on Amaranthaceae and Portulacaceae hosts, but does not produce severe damage to the host plants. We quantified genomic variation and investigated the demographic history of both invasive species by means of coalescent-based simulations using high throughput sequencing data. We also evaluated the incidence of host plant infestation produced by both species and used an ecological niche modeling approach to assess potential distribution under current and future climatic scenarios. Our genetic survey evinced the footprints of strong effective population size reduction and signals of genetic differentiation among populations within each species. Incidence of plant attacks varied between species and among populations within species, with some host plant species preferred over others. Ecological niche modeling suggested that under future climatic scenarios both species would expand their distribution ranges in Puerto Rico. These results provide valuable information for the design of efficient management and control strategies of the Puerto Rican cactus pest and shed light on the evolutionary pathways of biological invasions.}, }
@article {pmid36385335, year = {2022}, author = {Frizzi, F and Balzani, P and Masoni, A and Frasconi Wendt, C and Marconi, M and Rossi, A and Santini, G}, title = {Sub-lethal doses of imidacloprid alter food selection in the invasive garden ant Lasius neglectus.}, journal = {Environmental science and pollution research international}, volume = {}, number = {}, pages = {}, pmid = {36385335}, issn = {1614-7499}, abstract = {Despite several restrictions to their use, neonicotinoid insecticides are still widely employed worldwide. Residual sub-lethal amounts of these chemicals can have detrimental effects on the behavior of non-target insects. Toxic effects on economically important species such as bees have been widely documented, but less is known about their toxic action on other social insects, such as ants. In this study, we assessed the effect of different sub-lethal doses of the neonicotinoid imidacloprid on the ability of colonies of the invasive ant Lasius neglectus to select the most profitable resource. We used Y-shaped mazes having an imidacloprid-polluted or an unpolluted sucrose solution on the two branches. Two sucrose (0.1 M, 0.5 M) and two imidacloprid (1 μg/ml, 10 μg/ml) concentrations were used. In parallel, we evaluated the marking activity of foragers who fed on the same solutions. We found that the 0.1 M sugar solution polluted with 1 μg/ml imidacloprid was significantly more frequently selected in binary choices experiments than the unpolluted resource. Moreover, the ingestion of the same combination of sugar and imidacloprid significantly increased the marking rate of foragers. The higher concentration of the pollutant had lower effects, probably because of the hormesis phenomenon. Results suggest that the lower sub-lethal dose of imidacloprid can lead ants to select again the polluted resource. This "active" selection of the pollutant may magnify the negative effects on the colonies. Due to their ecological role, any impairment of ant survival or behavior may have detrimental cascade effects on the whole ecosystem.}, }
@article {pmid36384850, year = {2022}, author = {An, XL and Gu, JG and Huang, LF and Zheng, ZY and Li, XM}, title = {[Research progress on the ecological roles of 'marine ecosystem engineers'.].}, journal = {Ying yong sheng tai xue bao = The journal of applied ecology}, volume = {33}, number = {11}, pages = {3159-3168}, doi = {10.13287/j.1001-9332.202211.028}, pmid = {36384850}, issn = {1001-9332}, mesh = {Animals ; *Ecosystem ; *Aquatic Organisms ; Introduced Species ; }, abstract = {'Marine ecosystem engineers' are marine species that can shape habitats and benefit other marine organisms, which are widely found in marine plants, animals and microorganisms. Their ecological roles are the basis of marine ecological functions. By analyzing the relevant literature, we systematically reviewed the research progress of the ecological roles of 'marine ecosystem engineers', and proposed the main research direction and content in the future. In general, 'marine ecosystem engineers' play an active role in a particular marine environment. However, once they become invasive species, they may have negative impacts on the invasive sea area. In addition, some 'marine ecosystem engineers' can have both positive and negative impacts simultaneously. In the future, it is necessary to strengthen researches on the role of 'marine ecosystem engineers' in marine biological beds, marine biogenic reefs, marine biofilms and composite ecosystem engineering, effectively utilize their positive roles and prevent and control their negative impacts, so as to realize the comprehensive development, utilization and protection of the ocean.}, }
@article {pmid36384835, year = {2022}, author = {Chen, BB and Sun, ZG and Hu, XY and Wu, HH and Wang, XY and Li, M and Li, YZ}, title = {[Structure and diversity of nirK-type denitrifying microbial community in marsh soils at different invasion stages of Spartina alterniflora in the Minjiang River estuary, China].}, journal = {Ying yong sheng tai xue bao = The journal of applied ecology}, volume = {33}, number = {11}, pages = {3007-3015}, doi = {10.13287/j.1001-9332.202211.016}, pmid = {36384835}, issn = {1001-9332}, mesh = {*Wetlands ; Soil/chemistry ; Estuaries ; Rivers ; Introduced Species ; Poaceae ; *Microbiota ; }, abstract = {To explore the differences in structure and diversity of nirK-type denitrifying microbial community in marsh soils at different invasion stages of Spartina alterniflora, the mudflat (MF, before invasion) and the S. alterniflora marsh after seaward invasion for 1-2 years (SAN) and 6-7 years (SA) in Shanyutan of the Minjiang River estuary were investigated by high-through put sequencing method. Results showed that the seaward invasion of S. alterniflora reduced the richness and diversity of nirK-type denitrifying microbial community in marsh soils. The nirK-type denitrifying microbial community in soils at different invasion stages included Proteobacteria and Actinobacteria, with Proteobacteria as the dominant one. The seaward invasion of S. alterniflora greatly altered the composition of nirK-type denitrifying microbial community in marsh soils. The highest relative abundance of genus in soils from different invasion stages were Bradyrhizobium, Mesorhizobium and Alcaligenes, respectively. The seaward invasion of S. alterniflora increased the spatial heterogeneity of nirK-type denitrifying microbial community composition in marsh soils. In SAN plot, the enhancement of spatial heterogeneity was primarily due to higher environmental disturbances in plots and the increased spatial heterogeneity of environmental variables caused by the seaward invasion of S. alterniflora. The seaward invasion of S. alterniflora altered the physico-chemical properties (e.g., grain composition, pH and moisture) and N nutrient conditions (total N, NH4[+]-N and NO3[-]-N) in marsh soils, which greatly altered the structure and diversity of nirK-type denitrifying microbial community. Our findings reveal the microbial mechanism of denitrification process in marsh soils during the seaward invasion of S. alterniflora.}, }
@article {pmid36381976, year = {2022}, author = {Lai, LC and Chao, TY and Chiu, MC}, title = {Searching Behavior in the Tropical Fire Ant Solenopsis geminata (Hymenoptera: Formicidae).}, journal = {Zoological studies}, volume = {61}, number = {}, pages = {e26}, pmid = {36381976}, issn = {1810-522X}, abstract = {Social insects have evolved different search strategies to find target objects in unknown environments. In the present study, the searching behavior of the tropical fire ant Solenopsis geminata was investigated in a circular arena. The average time, search path, speed, and search patterns of worker ants in a circular arena were determined. The results showed that fire ant workers followed six major search patterns. The variation in the searching patterns of workers may explain the different levels of exploration. Most workers (56.8%) tended to search in small loops and progressively increase the search area size. These workers mostly turned in one direction, either clockwise or counterclockwise. More workers turned in a consistent pattern than in an inconsistent pattern. Moving speed was also higher in workers that maintained their turning directions than in those that changed directions. We thus propose that following search patterns consisting of loops of increasing size may be an effective strategy. The tropical fire ant S. geminata is a globally invasive species that was introduced to Taiwan 40 years ago and has continued to threaten residents. Based on behavioral studies of S. geminata, we may gain a better understanding of their exploratory behavior in the ecosystem in Taiwan.}, }
@article {pmid36381403, year = {2022}, author = {Gavioli, A and Milardi, M and Soininen, J and Soana, E and Lanzoni, M and Castaldelli, G}, title = {How does invasion degree shape alpha and beta diversity of freshwater fish at a regional scale?.}, journal = {Ecology and evolution}, volume = {12}, number = {11}, pages = {e9493}, pmid = {36381403}, issn = {2045-7758}, abstract = {Freshwater ecosystems appear more vulnerable to biodiversity loss due to several anthropogenic disturbances and freshwater fish are particularly vulnerable to these impacts. We aimed to (1) identify the contribution of land use, spatial variables, and invasion degree in determining freshwater fish alpha (i.e., species richness) and beta (i.e., local contributions to beta diversity, LCBD) diversity, evaluating also the relationship between invasion degree and nestedness (β nes) and turnover (β sim) components of beta diversity. (2) Investigate the relationship between alpha diversity and LCBD, under the hypothesis that alpha diversity and LCBD correlate negatively and (3) investigate the relationship between species contributions to beta diversity (SCBD) and species occurrence, hypothesizing that non-native species show a lower contribution to beta diversity. The linear mixed models and the partition of R [2] retained the invasion degree as the most important variables explaining alpha and beta diversity, having a positive relationship with both diversity components. Furthermore, land use related to human impacts had a positive influence on alpha diversity, whereas it showed a negative effect on LCBD. Regression model further showed that invasion degree related positively with β sim, but negatively with β nes, suggesting that non-native species were involved in the replacement of native species in the fish community. Alpha diversity and LCBD showed a weak positive correlation, meaning that sites with low species richness have higher LCBD. SCBD scaled positively with species occurrence highlighting that rarer species contribute less to SCBD. Finally, native and exotic species contributed similarly to beta diversity. These results suggest that invasion degree plays a central role in shaping alpha and beta diversity in stream fish, more than land use features reflecting habitat alteration or other geospatial variables. Furthermore, it is important to evaluate separately the native and the non-native components of biotic communities to identify linkages between invasion dynamics and biodiversity loss.}, }
@article {pmid36381126, year = {2022}, author = {,  and Bragard, C and Baptista, P and Chatzivassiliou, E and Di Serio, F and Gonthier, P and Jaques Miret, JA and Justesen, AF and Magnusson, CS and Milonas, P and Navas-Cortes, JA and Parnell, S and Potting, R and Reignault, PL and Stefani, E and Thulke, HH and Van der Werf, W and Vicent Civera, A and Yuen, J and Zappalà, L and Grégoire, JC and Malumphy, C and Kertesz, V and Maiorano, A and MacLeod, A}, title = {Pest categorisation of Neomaskellia andropogonis.}, journal = {EFSA journal. European Food Safety Authority}, volume = {20}, number = {11}, pages = {e07624}, pmid = {36381126}, issn = {1831-4732}, abstract = {The EFSA Panel on Plant Health performed a pest categorisation of Neomaskellia andropogonis (Hemiptera: Aleyrodidae), the sugarcane whitefly, for the EU territory. N. andropogonis is a tropical and subtropical species that originates in south central Asia and has recently established in Iran and Iraq. N. andropogonis is not listed in Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2019/2072. It is oligophagous on Poaceae and most frequently reported on sugarcane (Saccharum officinarum), on which it has become an important emerging pest in western Iran. The larvae feed on the foliage and stalks and can cause a reduction of photosynthesis rate and growth. In heavy infestations, the sugar purity and content are greatly decreased. Honeydew egested by feeding N. andropogonis larvae can promote the growth of black sooty mould over the host. No evidence was found indicating economic damage to other grasses. The ornamental grass hosts Andropogon sp. and Imperata cylindrica are ornamental grasses in the subfamily Panicoideae and are exempt from a general prohibition on Poaceae entering the EU and together with fresh sugarcane, provide potential pathways for entry. An estimated threshold for development from egg to adult of 7.2°C with approximately 500 degree days required for a generation suggests that climatic conditions, together with the availability of grass hosts in the southern EU, would support establishment. Adults disperse naturally by flying and all stages can be moved over long distances by the trade of infested plant material. The pest has the potential to impact sugarcane production in Portugal and Spain. N. andropogonis satisfies all of the criteria that are within the remit of EFSA to assess for it to be regarded as a potential Union quarantine pest. However, this conclusion has high uncertainties regarding the likelihood of entry and the magnitude of potential impact within the EU as the insect is only recorded as an economically important pest in Iran, and its host range is poorly known and understood.}, }
@article {pmid36380818, year = {2022}, author = {Heskel, M and Pengra, J and Kruper, A and Anderson, MD and Dosch, JJ and Goldstein, L and Hahn, S and Hoffman, S}, title = {Age and phenology control photosynthesis and leaf traits in the understory woody species, Rhamnus cathartica and Prunus serotina.}, journal = {AoB PLANTS}, volume = {14}, number = {6}, pages = {plac044}, pmid = {36380818}, issn = {2041-2851}, abstract = {Understory plants are often inadequately represented or neglected within analyses of forest ecosystem productivity. Further, the potential impacts of the biological factors of age class and growth form on carbon cycling physiology, and how it may vary across the growing season and amongst species of different native/non-native status, have not been thoroughly considered. Our study examines photosynthesis and associated physical leaf traits in two understory woody species, Rhamnus cathartica, introduced and invasive in North America, and Prunus serotina, a common subcanopy species native to North America. We estimated leaf-level photosynthesis as measured through light and carbon dioxide response curves, dark-adapted chlorophyll fluorescence and leaf traits (leaf mass per area and stomatal density) for each combination of species and age class at plots in the understory of a temperate deciduous research forest in the US Upper Midwest at two time points during the growing season, late spring (late May) and mid-summer (mid-July). Carbon assimilation rates from light response curves (A sat, A 400) and fluorescence capacity estimate F v/F m all increased between the two measurement points in both species and age class. Estimates of carbon reaction capacity (V cmax and J max) exhibited a different directional response to seasonal development, declining in seedlings of both species and P. serotina trees (~8-37 % reduction in V cmax, ~9-34 % reduction in J max), though increased in trees of R. cathartica (+24 % in V cmax, +9 % in J max). Divergent responses in photosynthetic parameters amongst these factors may be explained by species differences in leaf mass per area and stomatal density, which together are likely influenced by both growth form, canopy position and ontogeny. Overall, we believe our findings suggest complex, varied influences on photosynthesis that indicate environmental and biological plasticity which may contribute to the historic and continued expansion of R. cathartica in the US Upper Midwest region.}, }
@article {pmid36378375, year = {2022}, author = {Mohammadi, A and Nayeri, D and Alambeigi, A and Marchini, S}, title = {A wicked environmental challenge: collaboration network for free-ranging dog management in an urban environment.}, journal = {Environmental science and pollution research international}, volume = {}, number = {}, pages = {}, doi = {10.1007/s11356-022-24029-x}, pmid = {36378375}, issn = {1614-7499}, abstract = {Invasive species possess wide-ranging social and ecological impacts globally. Although the ecological impacts are well studied, social aspects especially in developing countries are often poorly understood. Free-ranging dogs (FRDs) (Canis familiaris) are the most abundant carnivore on earth with a high level of invasion. Recently, the presence of FRDs in the Jiroft city in southern Iran has increased, and local managers have not yet developed a coherent management plan. Given the high rate of human bites by FRDs in this region, a principled management plan with integrated collaboration between the relevant organizations is necessary. To better understand collaboration networks, we interviewed employees of three relevant governmental organizations about their collaboration with other organizations toward FRD management. Our objective in this study was to (1) assess the collaboration between the municipality, provincial offices of veterinary medicine, and health network and (2) predict the behavioral tendencies of network actors based on their current position in the FRD management network. Although most employees have never worked together to manage FRDs, our results showed that most of the interviewees did not evaluate the role of other organizations in FRD management as beneficial. Moreover, the current assessment of the employees of the two municipal and health organizations affects their current collaboration in the management of FRDs. Also, the current collaboration has a significant impact on their intention to collaborate in the future. We make suggestions for improving collaboration in managing FRDs in this region.}, }
@article {pmid36377921, year = {2022}, author = {Cadotte, MW}, title = {Quantifying and linking mechanism scenarios to invasive species impact.}, journal = {Ecological applications : a publication of the Ecological Society of America}, volume = {}, number = {}, pages = {e2777}, doi = {10.1002/eap.2777}, pmid = {36377921}, issn = {1051-0761}, abstract = {Plant species invasion represents one of the major drivers of biodiversity change globally, yet there is confusion about the nature of non-indigenous species (NIS) impact. This stems from differing notions of what constitutes invasive species impact and the scales at which it should be assessed. At local scales, the mechanisms of impact on local competitors can be classified into four scenarios: 1) minimal impact from NIS inhabiting unique niches; 2) neutral impact spread across the community and proportional to NIS abundance; 3) targeted impact on a small number of competitors with overlapping niches; and 4) pervasive impact that is disproportionate to NIS abundance and caused by modifications that filter out other species. I developed a statistical test to distinguish these four mechanism scenarios based on plant community rank-abundance curves and then created a scale-independent standardized impact score. Using an example long-term dataset, that has high native plant diversity and an abundance gradient of the invasive vine, Vincetoxicum rossicum, I show that impact resulted in either targeted or pervasive extirpations. Regardless of whether NIS impact is neutral, targeted, or pervasive, the net outcome will be the homogenization of ecosystems and reduced biodiversity at larger scales, perhaps reducing ecosystem resilience. The framework and statistical evaluation of impact presented in this paper provide researchers and managers with an objective approach to quantifying NIS impact and prioritizing species for further management actions.}, }
@article {pmid36373928, year = {2023}, author = {Matos, FAR and Edwards, DP and S Magnago, LF and Heringer, G and Viana Neri, A and Buttschardt, T and Dudeque Zenni, R and Tavares de Menezes, LF and Zamborlini Saiter, F and Reynaud Schaefer, CEG and Vieira Hissa Safar, N and Pacheco Da Silva, M and Simonelli, M and Martins, SV and Brancalion, PHS and A Meira-Neto, JA}, title = {Invasive alien acacias rapidly stock carbon, but threaten biodiversity recovery in young second-growth forests.}, journal = {Philosophical transactions of the Royal Society of London. Series B, Biological sciences}, volume = {378}, number = {1867}, pages = {20210072}, pmid = {36373928}, issn = {1471-2970}, mesh = {*Acacia ; Ecosystem ; Introduced Species ; Carbon ; Phylogeny ; Forests ; Biodiversity ; Conservation of Natural Resources ; }, abstract = {Under the UN-Decade of Ecosystem Restoration and Bonn Challenge, second-growth forest is promoted as a global solution to climate change, degradation and associated losses of biodiversity and ecosystem services. Second growth is often invaded by alien tree species and understanding how this impacts carbon stock and biodiversity recovery is key for restoration planning. We assessed carbon stock and tree diversity recovery in second growth invaded by two Acacia species and non-invaded second growth, with associated edge effects, in the Brazilian Atlantic Forest. Carbon stock recovery in non-invaded forests was threefold lower than in invaded forests. Increasingly isolated, fragmented and deforested areas had low carbon stocks when non-invaded, whereas the opposite was true when invaded. Non-invaded forests recovered threefold to sixfold higher taxonomic, phylogenetic and functional diversity than invaded forest. Higher species turnover and lower nestedness in non-invaded than invaded forests underpinned higher abundance of threatened and endemic species in non-invaded forest. Non-invaded forests presented positive relationships between carbon and biodiversity, whereas in the invaded forests we did not detect any relationship, indicating that more carbon does not equal more biodiversity in landscapes with high vulnerability to invasive acacias. To deliver on combined climate change and biodiversity goals, restoration planning and management must consider biological invasion risk. This article is part of the theme issue 'Understanding forest landscape restoration: reinforcing scientific foundations for the UN Decade on Ecosystem Restoration'.}, }
@article {pmid36372556, year = {2022}, author = {Fenn-Moltu, G and Ollier, S and Caton, B and Liebhold, AM and Nahrung, H and Pureswaran, DS and Turner, RM and Yamanaka, T and Bertelsmeier, C}, title = {Alien insect dispersal mediated by the global movement of commodities.}, journal = {Ecological applications : a publication of the Ecological Society of America}, volume = {}, number = {}, pages = {e2721}, doi = {10.1002/eap.2721}, pmid = {36372556}, issn = {1051-0761}, abstract = {Globalization and economic growth are recognized as key drivers of biological invasions. Alien species have become a feature of almost every biological community worldwide, and rates of new introductions continue to rise as the movement of people and goods accelerates. Insects are among the most numerous and problematic alien organisms, and are mainly introduced unintentionally with imported cargo or arriving passengers. However, the processes occurring prior to insect introductions remain poorly understood. We used a unique dataset of 1,902,392 border interception records from inspections at air, land, and maritime ports in Australia, New Zealand, Europe, Japan, USA, and Canada to identify key commodities associated with insect movement through trade and travel. In total, 8939 species were intercepted, and commodity association data were available for 1242 species recorded between 1960 and 2019. We used rarefaction and extrapolation methods to estimate the total species richness and diversity associated with different commodity types. Plant and wood products were the main commodities associated with insect movement across cargo, passenger baggage, and international mail. Furthermore, certain species were mainly associated with specific commodities within these, and other broad categories. More closely related species tended to share similar commodity associations, but this occurred largely at the genus level rather than within orders or families. These similarities within genera can potentially inform pathway management of new alien species. Combining interception records across regions provides a unique window into the unintentional movement of insects, and provides valuable information on establishment risks associated with different commodity types and pathways.}, }
@article {pmid36371206, year = {2022}, author = {Portner, COS and Rong, EG and Ramirez, JA and Wolf, YI and Bosse, AP and Koonin, EV and Rochman, ND}, title = {Host age structure reshapes parasite symbiosis: collaboration begets pathogens, competition begets virulent mutualists.}, journal = {Biology direct}, volume = {17}, number = {1}, pages = {30}, pmid = {36371206}, issn = {1745-6150}, mesh = {Humans ; Animals ; *Symbiosis ; *Parasites ; Host-Parasite Interactions ; Reproduction ; }, abstract = {BACKGROUND: Symbiotic relationships are ubiquitous in the biosphere. Inter-species symbiosis is impacted by intra-specific distinctions, in particular, those defined by the age structure of a population. Older individuals compete with younger individuals for resources despite being less likely to reproduce, diminishing the fitness of the population. Conversely, however, older individuals can support the reproduction of younger individuals, increasing the population fitness. Parasitic relationships are commonly age structured, typically, more adversely affecting older hosts.<br><br>RESULTS: We employ mathematical modeling to explore the differential effects of collaborative or competitive host age structures on host-parasite relationships. A classical epidemiological compartment model is constructed with three disease states: susceptible, infected, and recovered. Each of these three states is partitioned into two compartments representing young, potentially reproductive, and old, post-reproductive, hosts, yielding 6 compartments in total. In order to describe competition and collaboration between old and young compartments, we model the reproductive success to depend on the fraction of young individuals in the population. Collaborative populations with relatively greater numbers of post-reproductive hosts enjoy greater reproductive success whereas in purely competitive populations, increasing the post-reproductive subpopulation reduces reproductive success.<br><br>CONCLUSIONS: We demonstrate that, in collaborative host populations, pathogens strictly impacting older, post-reproductive individuals can reduce population fitness even more than pathogens that directly impact younger, potentially reproductive individuals. In purely competitive populations, the reverse is observed, and we demonstrate that endemic, virulent pathogens can oxymoronically form a mutualistic relationship with the host, increasing the fitness of the host population. Applications to endangered species conservation and invasive species containment are discussed.}, }
@article {pmid36367889, year = {2022}, author = {Nagoshi, RN}, title = {Observations of genetic differentiation between the fall armyworm host strains.}, journal = {PloS one}, volume = {17}, number = {11}, pages = {e0277510}, pmid = {36367889}, issn = {1932-6203}, mesh = {Animals ; Spodoptera/genetics ; Phylogeny ; *Moths/genetics ; Crops, Agricultural ; Genetic Drift ; Triose-Phosphate Isomerase/genetics ; }, abstract = {The threat of invasive species is increasing with the expansion of global trade and habitat disruption. A recent example is the establishment of fall armyworm (FAW), a noctuid moth native to the Americas, into most of the Eastern Hemisphere with projections of significant economic losses on a global scale. The species has traditionally been subdivided into two populations that differ in their propensity to use different plant hosts, a phenotype with clear relevance for identifying crops at risk. However, inconsistencies in the genetic and phenotypic descriptions of these "host strains" has led to controversy about their composition and even existence. In this study, the locus for the Triosephosphate isomerase gene (Tpi) is used both as a host strain marker and for phylogenetic analysis. Association of the host choice phenotype with the Tpi-derived phylogenetic tree uncovered genetic differentiation between populations that supports the existence of the host strains and provided evidence that they are subject to different selection pressures. This correspondence of differential host use with Tpi was demonstrated for populations from a broad geographical range and supports the involvement of one or more Z-chromosome functions controlling the phenotype. Comparisons of collections from multiple locations identified significant differences in the efficacy of different molecular markers that implicate regional variations in host strain behavior.}, }
@article {pmid36365319, year = {2022}, author = {Ulm, F and Estorninho, M and de Jesus, JG and de Sousa Prado, MG and Cruz, C and Máguas, C}, title = {From a Lose-Lose to a Win-Win Situation: User-Friendly Biomass Models for Acacia longifolia to Aid Research, Management and Valorisation.}, journal = {Plants (Basel, Switzerland)}, volume = {11}, number = {21}, pages = {}, pmid = {36365319}, issn = {2223-7747}, abstract = {Woody invasive species pose a big threat to ecosystems worldwide. Among them, Acacia longifolia is especially aggressive, fundamentally changing ecosystem structure through massive biomass input. This biomass is rarely harvested for usage; thus, these plants constitute a nuisance for stakeholders who invest time and money for control without monetary return. Simultaneously, there is an increased effort to valorise its biomass, e.g., for compost, growth substrate or as biofuel. However, to incentivise A. longifolia harvest and usage, stakeholders need to be able to estimate what can be obtained from management actions. Thus, the total biomass and its quality (C/N ratio) need to be predicted to perform cost-benefit analyses for usage and determine the level of invasion that has already occurred. Here, we report allometric biomass models for major biomass pools, as well as give an overview of biomass quality. Subsequently, we derive a simplified volume-based model (BM ~ 6.297 + 0.982 × Vol; BM = total dry biomass and Vol = plant volume), which can be applied to remote sensing data or with in situ manual measurements. This toolkit will help local stakeholders, forest managers or municipalities to predict the impact and valorisation potential of this invasive species and could ultimately encourage its management.}, }
@article {pmid36365054, year = {2022}, author = {Nukeri, S and Malatji, MP and Sengupta, ME and Vennervald, BJ and Stensgaard, AS and Chaisi, M and Mukaratirwa, S}, title = {Potential Hybridization of Fasciola hepatica and F. gigantica in Africa-A Scoping Review.}, journal = {Pathogens (Basel, Switzerland)}, volume = {11}, number = {11}, pages = {}, pmid = {36365054}, issn = {2076-0817}, abstract = {The occurrence of Fasciola&amp;nbsp;gigantica and F. hepatica in Africa is well documented; however, unlike in Asia, there is a paucity of information on the existence of hybrids or parthenogenetic species on the continent. Nonetheless, these hybrid species may have beneficial characteristics, such as increased host range and pathogenicity. This study provides evidence of the potential existence of Fasciola hybrids in Africa. A literature search of articles published between 1980 and 2022 was conducted in PubMed, Google Scholar, and Science Direct using a combination of search terms and Boolean operators. Fasciola species were documented in 26 African countries with F. hepatica being restricted to 12 countries, whilst F. gigantica occurred in 24 countries, identified based on morphological features of adult Fasciola specimens or eggs and molecular techniques. The co-occurrence of both species was reported in 11 countries. However, the occurrence of potential Fasciola hybrids was only confirmed in Egypt and Chad but is suspected in South Africa and Zimbabwe. These were identified based on liver fluke morphometrics, assessment of the sperms in the seminal vesicle, and molecular techniques. The occurrence of intermediate host snails Galba&amp;nbsp;truncatula and Radix natalensis was reported in Ethiopia, Egypt, South Africa, Tanzania, and Uganda, where F. hepatica and F. gigantica co-occurrences were reported. The invasive Pseudosuccinea columella snails naturally infected with F. gigantica were documented in South Africa and Egypt. In Zimbabwe, P. columella was infected with a presumed parthenogenetic Fasciola. This suggests that the invasive species might also be contributing to the overlapping distributions of the two Fasciola species since it can transmit both species. Notwithstanding the limited studies in Africa, the potential existence of Fasciola hybrids in Africa is real and might mimic scenarios in Asia, where parthenogenetic Fasciola exist in most Asian countries. In South Africa, aspermic F. hepatica and Fasciola sp. have been reported already, and Fasciola hybrids have been reported? in Chad and Egypt. Thus, the authors recommend future surveys using molecular markers recommended to identify Fasciola spp. and their snail intermediate hosts to demarcate areas of overlapping distribution where Fasciola hybrids and/or parthenogenetic Fasciola may occur. Further studies should also be conducted to determine the presence and role of P. columella in the transmission of Fasciola spp. in these geographical overlaps to help prevent parasite spillbacks.}, }
@article {pmid36362954, year = {2022}, author = {Yuan, Y and Li, J}, title = {Effects of Parasitism on the Competitive Ability of Invasive and Native Species.}, journal = {Life (Basel, Switzerland)}, volume = {12}, number = {11}, pages = {}, pmid = {36362954}, issn = {2075-1729}, abstract = {Parasitic plants can often seriously harm host plants and, thus, alter competitive dominance between hosts and neighbouring species. However, whether and how parasitic plants differently affect the competitive abilities of invasive and the native plants have not been tested. In this study, we used Cuscuta grovonii as the parasitic plants and three invasive plants and three native plants as host plants. Host plants grown alone or in competition with Coix lacryma-jobi were either parasitized with Cuscuta grovonii or not parasitized. Parasitism caused similar damage to invasive and native plants when grown with Cuscuta grovonii alone but caused less damage to invasive species than native species when grown in competition. Parasitism increased the competitive ability of invasive plants but did not affect the competitive ability of native plants. In the absence of parasitism, the competitive ability of host plants was significantly negatively correlated with the competitive ability of Coix lacryma-jobi, but under parasitism, there was no significant relationship of the competitive ability between host and competitor plants. Our results indicated that parasitic plants can increase the competitive tolerance of invasive plants, but have no effect on native plants. Thus, parasitism may play an important role in the process of plant invasion.}, }
@article {pmid36358326, year = {2022}, author = {Karachle, PK and Oikonomou, A and Pantazi, M and Stergiou, KI and Zenetos, A}, title = {Can Biological Traits Serve as Predictors for Fishes' Introductions, Establishment, and Interactions? The Mediterranean Sea as a Case Study.}, journal = {Biology}, volume = {11}, number = {11}, pages = {}, pmid = {36358326}, issn = {2079-7737}, abstract = {The Mediterranean Sea (MED) is prone to species' introductions, induced by human activities and/or climate change. Recent studies focus on the biological traits that result in such introductions, yet on a single-area-type approach. Here, we used, analyzed, and compared biological traits derived from FishBase for MED, non-indigenous (NIS) and neonative (NEO) in the Mediterranean, and adjacent Atlantic (ATL) and Red Sea (RS) species. A quantitative trait-based analysis was performed using random forest to determine the importance of traits in the successful establishment in the Mediterranean. MED fishes were mainly demersal, slow growing and small-medium sized, preferring intermediate temperatures. Conversely, ATL were mainly deep-dwelling species, preferring low temperatures. RS and NIS were predominantly reef-associated, thermophilus, and stenothermic. NEO species were stenothermic with preference to intermediate-high temperatures. Omnivores with preference to animals was the most common trophic group among regions. MED species exhibited higher phylogenetic uniqueness (PD50) compared to RS and NIS, indicating that they have long ancestral branches and few descendants. Preferred temperature, habitat type preference and maximum reported length (Lmax) and infinite length (Linf) were the most important predictors in the establishment process. Overall, the results presented here could serve as a baseline for future research, especially by using more refined and/or additional biological trail estimates.}, }
@article {pmid36356744, year = {2023}, author = {Wilman, B and Bełdowska, M and Rychter, A and Kornijów, R}, title = {Different pathways of accumulation and elimination of neurotoxicant Hg and its forms in the clam Atlantic rangia (Rangia cuneata).}, journal = {The Science of the total environment}, volume = {858}, number = {Pt 3}, pages = {160018}, doi = {10.1016/j.scitotenv.2022.160018}, pmid = {36356744}, issn = {1879-1026}, abstract = {Mercury (Hg) is one of the most hazardous environmental pollutants, negatively affecting the ecosystem. The pathways of Hg elimination are well recognized in organisms from higher trophic levels compared to invertebrates such as clams. The aim of this study was to identify pathways of Hg accumulation in an alien species clams: Rangia cuneata, which represented an unrecognized source of Hg into the trophic chain of the southern Baltic Sea. An important aspect of this study was to determine Hg detoxification processes based on physiological state and biometric parameters of the atlatntic rangia. Special consideration was given to the role of shell in this process and the form of Hg in which it occurred. The study was also considered in terms of geographical changes in the Hg concentration in clams and the factors involved. Sex did not determine the concentration of Hg and its fraction in clams soft tissue and shell. Clams detoxified xenobiotic effectively in summer when their metabolism was accelerated. As a result, clams grew faster in warmer water than they accumulated Hg. In addition, this process was intensified by their reproduction. The mass of accumulated mercury was higher in the shell mass than in the body mass in summer. Transfer of Hg from the body to the shell depended on the forms Hg, mostly HgS. Geographical changes in the mercury concentration in clams was related to the form of Hg in the sediment. In areas where were more fines sediment fraction and organic matter accumulated in the sediment, mercury was present in a less bioavailable form, which caused that clams had lower Hg concentrations in their body. With assumption that in the future, due to its increasingly frequent occurrence, atlatntic rangia will become more common component of fish diet, a smaller load of toxic mercury will be introduced to the marine trophic chain.}, }
@article {pmid36356129, year = {2022}, author = {Vogel, G}, title = {Invasive mosquito adds to Africa's malaria toll.}, journal = {Science (New York, N.Y.)}, volume = {378}, number = {6620}, pages = {582-583}, doi = {10.1126/science.adf7188}, pmid = {36356129}, issn = {1095-9203}, mesh = {Animals ; Humans ; Africa/epidemiology ; *Anopheles ; *Mosquito Vectors ; *Introduced Species ; *Malaria, Vivax/epidemiology/transmission ; *Malaria, Falciparum/epidemiology/transmission ; }, abstract = {Anopheles stephensi may dramatically increase the number of people at risk.}, }
@article {pmid36355347, year = {2022}, author = {Xiang, JX and Saha, M and Zhong, KL and Zhang, QS and Zhang, D and Jueterbock, A and Krueger-Hadfield, SA and Wang, GG and Weinberger, F and Hu, ZM}, title = {Genome-scale signatures of adaptive gene expression changes in an invasive seaweed Gracilaria vermiculophylla.}, journal = {Molecular ecology}, volume = {}, number = {}, pages = {}, doi = {10.1111/mec.16776}, pmid = {36355347}, issn = {1365-294X}, abstract = {Invasive species can successfully and rapidly colonize new niches and expand ranges via founder effects and enhanced tolerance towards environmental stresses. However, the underpinning molecular mechanisms (i.e., gene expression changes) facilitating rapid adaptation to harsh environments are still poorly understood. The red seaweed Gracilaria vermiculophylla, which is native to the northwest Pacific but invaded North American and European coastal habitats over the last 100 years, provides an excellent model to examine whether enhanced tolerance at the level of gene expression contributed to its invasion success. We collected G. vermiculophylla from its native range in Japan and from two non-native regions along the Delmarva Peninsula (Eastern United States) and in Germany. Thalli were reared in a common garden for 4 months at which time we performed comparative transcriptome (mRNA) and microRNA (miRNA) sequencing. MRNA-expression profiling identified 59 genes that were differently expressed between native and non-native thalli. Of these genes, most were involved in metabolic pathways, including photosynthesis, abiotic stress, and biosynthesis of products and hormones in all four non-native sites. MiRNA-based target-gene correlation analysis in native/non-native pairs revealed that some target genes are positively or negatively regulated via epigenetic mechanisms. Importantly, these genes are mostly associated with metabolism and defence capability (e.g., metal transporter Nramp5, senescence-associated protein, cell wall-associated hydrolase, ycf68 protein and cytochrome P450-like TBP). Thus, our gene expression results indicate that resource reallocation to metabolic processes is most likely a predominant mechanism contributing to the range-wide persistence and adaptation of G. vermiculophylla in the invaded range. This study, therefore, provides molecular insight into the speed and nature of invasion-mediated rapid adaption.}, }
@article {pmid36354834, year = {2022}, author = {Hougardy, E and Hogg, BN}, title = {Factors Affecting Progeny Production and Sex Ratio of Gryon aetherium (Hymenoptera: Scelionidae), a Candidate Biological Control Agent for Bagrada hilaris (Hemiptera: Pentatomidae).}, journal = {Insects}, volume = {13}, number = {11}, pages = {}, pmid = {36354834}, issn = {2075-4450}, abstract = {Manipulating the factors that influence progeny production and sex ratio in parasitoids can help maximize the production of quarantine bioassays and/or mass releases. In a series of experiments, we studied the effects of several factors on offspring production and sex ratio in the parasitoid Gryon aetherium (Hymenoptera: Scelionidae), a candidate biological control agent for Bagrada hilaris (Hemiptera: Pentatomidae). Progeny production was influenced by maternal age and dropped when females were 24 or 28 days old and decreased on the second day of exposure. Overall, the offspring sex ratio was highly variable in G. aetherium and was affected by the duration of exposure, with higher proportions of females emerging after one day of exposure than after two days, but was not affected by female density, female age/host deprivation, or temperature during oviposition. Progeny production was affected by the temperature during oviposition and was highest at 26.6 °C. The results indicate that production of G. aetherium can be maximized at one day of exposure, using females that are less than 24 d old, and at temperatures of around 26 °C.}, }
@article {pmid36354795, year = {2022}, author = {Villena, OC and Sullivan, JH and Landa, ER and Yarwood, SA and Torrents, A and Zhang, A and Leisnham, PT}, title = {The Role of Tire Leachate in Condition-Specific Competition and the Persistence of a Resident Mosquito from a Competitively Superior Invader.}, journal = {Insects}, volume = {13}, number = {11}, pages = {}, pmid = {36354795}, issn = {2075-4450}, abstract = {(1) Background: Condition-specific competition, when the outcome of competition varies with abiotic conditions, can facilitate species coexistence in spatially or temporally variable environments. Discarded vehicle tires degrade to leach contaminants into collected rainwater that provide habitats for competing mosquito species. We tested the hypothesis that more highly degraded tires that contain greater tire leachate alters interspecific mosquito competition to produce a condition-specific advantage for the resident, Culex pipiens, by altering the outcome of competition with the competitively superior invasive Aedes albopictus. (2) Methods: In a competition trial, varying densities of newly hatched Ae. albopictus and Cx. pipiens larvae were added to tires that had been exposed to three different ultraviolet (UV)-B conditions that mimicked full-sun, shade, or no UV-B conditions in the field. We also measured Cx. pipiens and Ae. albopictus oviposition preference among four treatments with varying tire leachate (high and low) and resources (high and low) amounts to determine if adult gravid females avoided habitats with higher tire leachate. (3) Results: We found stronger competitive effects of Cx. pipiens on the population performance and survival of Ae. albopictus in tires exposed to shade and full-sun conditions that had higher concentrations of contaminants. Further, zinc concentration was higher in emergent adults of Ae. albopictus than Cx. pipiens. Oviposition by these species was similar between tire leachate treatments but not by resource amount. (4) Conclusions: These results suggest that degraded tires with higher tire leachate may promote condition-specific competition by reducing the competitive advantage of invasive Ae. albopictus over resident Cx. pipiens and, combined with Cx. pipiens' preferential oviposition in higher resource sites, contribute to the persistence of the resident species.}, }
@article {pmid36354793, year = {2022}, author = {Cloonan, KR and Montgomery, WS and Narvaez, TI and Carrillo, D and Kendra, PE}, title = {Community of Bark and Ambrosia Beetles (Coleoptera: Curculionidae: Scolytinae and Platypodinae) in Agricultural and Forest Ecosystems with Laurel Wilt.}, journal = {Insects}, volume = {13}, number = {11}, pages = {}, pmid = {36354793}, issn = {2075-4450}, abstract = {Redbay ambrosia beetle, Xyleborus glabratus, is an invasive wood-boring pest first detected in the USA in 2002 in Georgia. The beetle's dominant fungal symbiont, Harringtonialauricola, causes laurel wilt, a lethal disease of trees in the Lauraceae. Over the past 20 years, X. glabratus and laurel wilt have spread to twelve southeastern states, resulting in high mortality of native Persea species, including redbay (P. borbonia), swampbay (P. palustris), and silkbay (P. humilis). Laurel wilt also threatens avocado (P. americana) in south Florida, but in contrast to the situation in forests, X. glabratus is detected at very low levels in affected groves. Moreover, other species of ambrosia beetle have acquired H. lauricola and now function as secondary vectors. To better understand the beetle communities in different ecosystems exhibiting laurel wilt, parallel field tests were conducted in an avocado grove in Miami-Dade County and a swampbay forest in Highlands County, FL. Sampling utilized ethanol lures (the best general attractant for ambrosia beetles) and essential oil lures (the best attractants for X. glabratus), alone and in combination, resulting in detection of 20 species. This study documents host-related differences in beetle diversity and population levels, and species-specific differences in chemical ecology, as reflected in efficacy of lures and lure combinations.}, }
@article {pmid36354050, year = {2022}, author = {Zink, FA and Tembrock, LR and Timm, AE and Gilligan, TM}, title = {A Droplet Digital PCR (ddPCR) Assay to Detect Phthorimaea absoluta (Lepidoptera: Gelechiidae) in Bulk Trap Samples.}, journal = {Journal of economic entomology}, volume = {}, number = {}, pages = {}, doi = {10.1093/jee/toac177}, pmid = {36354050}, issn = {1938-291X}, abstract = {The moth species Phthorimaea absoluta (Meyrick) (formerly Tuta absoluta) is serious threat to tomato and other Solanaceous crops worldwide and is invasive throughout Europe, Asia, and Africa. While P. absoluta has not yet been found in the U.S. recent detections in the Caribbean have raised concerns that the species could be introduced to mainland North America. To improve detection capacity, a droplet digital PCR (ddPCR) assay was developed that employs a nondestructive bulk DNA extraction method able to detect one P. absoluta sample among 200 nontargets. Such high-throughput and sensitive molecular assays are essential to preventing introductions through early detection and response. This assay can also be used in areas where P. absoluta is established to monitor outbreaks and track migratory patterns.}, }
@article {pmid36353817, year = {2022}, author = {Zhang, J and Xia, J and Zhang, Q and Yang, N and Li, G and Zhang, F}, title = {Identification of agricultural quarantine materials in passenger's luggage using ion mobility spectroscopy combined with a convolutional neural network.}, journal = {Analytical methods : advancing methods and applications}, volume = {14}, number = {45}, pages = {4690-4702}, doi = {10.1039/d2ay01478e}, pmid = {36353817}, issn = {1759-9679}, mesh = {Animals ; Dogs ; *Quarantine ; *Neural Networks, Computer ; Least-Squares Analysis ; Discriminant Analysis ; Spectrum Analysis ; }, abstract = {As economic globalization intensifies, the recent increase in agricultural products and travelers from abroad has led to an increase in the probability of invasive alien species. A major pathway for invasive alien species is agricultural quarantine materials (AQMs) in travelers' baggage. Thus, it is meaningful to develop efficient methods for early detection and prompt action against AQMs. In this study, a method based on the combination of odor detection of AQMs using ion mobility spectroscopy (IMS) and convolutional neural network (CNN) analysis for the identification of AQM species in luggage was developed. Two different ways were investigated to feed the IMS data of AQMs into the CNN, either as one-dimensional data (1D) (as a spectrum) or as two-dimensional data (2D) (as an IMS topographic map). The performances of CNN models were also compared to those of the commonly used classification algorithms: partial least squares discriminant analysis (PLS-DA) and soft independent modeling of class analogy (SIMCA). By doing gradient-weighted class activation mapping (Grad-CAM), the essential IMS feature regions from the CNN models to predict different AQM species were also identified. The results of this research demonstrated that the application of the CNN to the IMS data of AQMs yielded superior classification performance compared to PLS-DA and SIMCA. Especially, the CNN-2D model which utilized the IMS topographic map as input achieved the best classification accuracy both on the calibration and validation sets. In addition, the Grad-CAM method had an ability to detect critical discriminating spectral regions for different types of AQM samples, and could provide explanation for the CNNs' decision-making. Despite the inherent limitations of the present analytical protocol, the results showed that the method of IMS in combination with a CNN has great potential to be a complement for sniffer dogs and X-ray imaging techniques to detect AQMs.}, }
@article {pmid36352726, year = {2022}, author = {Kourantidou, M and Verbrugge, LNH and Haubrock, PJ and Cuthbert, RN and Angulo, E and Ahonen, I and Cleary, M and Falk-Andersson, J and Granhag, L and Gíslason, S and Kaiser, B and Kosenius, AK and Lange, H and Lehtiniemi, M and Magnussen, K and Navrud, S and Nummi, P and Oficialdegui, FJ and Ramula, S and Ryttäri, T and von Schmalensee, M and Stefansson, RA and Diagne, C and Courchamp, F}, title = {The economic costs, management and regulation of biological invasions in the Nordic countries.}, journal = {Journal of environmental management}, volume = {324}, number = {}, pages = {116374}, doi = {10.1016/j.jenvman.2022.116374}, pmid = {36352726}, issn = {1095-8630}, mesh = {Scandinavian and Nordic Countries ; Norway ; Iceland ; Finland ; Sweden ; }, abstract = {A collective understanding of economic impacts and in particular of monetary costs of biological invasions is lacking for the Nordic region. This paper synthesizes findings from the literature on costs of invasions in the Nordic countries together with expert elicitation. The analysis of cost data has been made possible through the InvaCost database, a globally open repository of monetary costs that allows for the use of temporal, spatial, and taxonomic descriptors facilitating a better understanding of how costs are distributed. The total reported costs of invasive species across the Nordic countries were estimated at $8.35 billion (in 2017 US$ values) with damage costs significantly outweighing management costs. Norway incurred the highest costs ($3.23 billion), followed by Denmark ($2.20 billion), Sweden ($1.45 billion), Finland ($1.11 billion) and Iceland ($25.45 million). Costs from invasions in the Nordics appear to be largely underestimated. We conclude by highlighting such knowledge gaps, including gaps in policies and regulation stemming from expert judgment as well as avenues for an improved understanding of invasion costs and needs for future research.}, }
@article {pmid36351499, year = {2022}, author = {Bernal, B and Kim, S and Mozdzer, TJ}, title = {Species shifts induce soil organic matter priming and changes in microbial communities.}, journal = {The Science of the total environment}, volume = {859}, number = {Pt 1}, pages = {159956}, doi = {10.1016/j.scitotenv.2022.159956}, pmid = {36351499}, issn = {1879-1026}, abstract = {Invasion of plant species with functional traits that influences the rhizosphere can have significant effects on soil organic matter (SOM) dynamics if the invasive species stimulates soil microbial communities with, for example, an enhanced supply of labile carbon and oxygen. We evaluated these effects along a Phragmites invasion chronosequence spanning over 40 years. Using a δ[13]C and δ[15]N enriched substrate, we separated SOM-derived and substrate-derived carbon (C) and nitrogen (N) mineralization in surface (top 15 cm), shallow (30-45 cm), and deep (65-80 cm) soils collected from established, newly invaded, and native plant communities. We found all soils were susceptible to SOM priming, but priming profiles differed between vegetation communities, being highest at the surface in native assemblage soils, whereas highest at depth under invasive plants. Changes in functional microbial community composition at depth in Phragmites soils, evidenced by an increase in relative fungal laccase abundance, explained the SOM priming in these deep invaded soils. Our results show that invasive Phragmites maintains a microbial community at depth able to degrade SOM faster than that under native vegetation, evidencing that plant species shifts can fundamentally change soil biogeochemistry, altering element cycling and decreasing SOM residence time. Furthermore, our experimental design allowed to quantify real-time SOM-C and SOM-N gross mineralization, resulting in a new model relating C and N mineralization in these wetland soils and providing new insights on how SOM decomposition impacts N availability and cycling across wetland N pools.}, }
@article {pmid36351450, year = {2022}, author = {Masrahi, Y and Al-Namazi, A and Alammari, B and Alturki, T}, title = {Adaptations facilitate the invasion of Cylindropuntia rosea (DC.) Backeb. (Cactaceae) in the highlands of southwestern Saudi Arabia.}, journal = {Plant signaling &amp; behavior}, volume = {17}, number = {1}, pages = {2144593}, pmid = {36351450}, issn = {1559-2324}, mesh = {Animals ; *Cactaceae/physiology ; Saudi Arabia ; Adaptation, Physiological ; Insecta ; Photosynthesis ; Plants ; }, abstract = {The colonization and expansion of any plant species into a novel environment depend on its structural and functional characteristics. Therefore, developing better control measures for any invasive plant species requires examining and understanding the mechanisms underlying its reproduction and adaptation to the environment it invades. Recently, a novel exotic species Cylindropuntia rosea (DC.) Backeb. has been identified in Baljurashi, Al-Baha province, in southwestern Saudi Arabia. Reports suggest that this species may become invasive with the current rate of habitat expansion in Baljurashi. Although C. rosea is an important invasive species, most of its morpho-anatomical and physiological characteristics have not been examined. Therefore, the aim of this study was to investigate the morpho-anatomical and related physiological adaptations of C. rosea in its new habitats in the southwestern highlands of Saudi Arabia. We observed that the species is well-equipped for invasion with traits to handle semi-arid conditions, including some morphological and anatomical features, CAM photosynthetic pathway, high growth rate, and highly effective defense mechanisms against herbivores and insects. These morpho-anatomical and physiological characteristics contribute to the high invasiveness of this species in Saudi Arabia.}, }
@article {pmid36351024, year = {2022}, author = {Jaureguiberry, P and Titeux, N and Wiemers, M and Bowler, DE and Coscieme, L and Golden, AS and Guerra, CA and Jacob, U and Takahashi, Y and Settele, J and Díaz, S and Molnár, Z and Purvis, A}, title = {The direct drivers of recent global anthropogenic biodiversity loss.}, journal = {Science advances}, volume = {8}, number = {45}, pages = {eabm9982}, pmid = {36351024}, issn = {2375-2548}, abstract = {Effective policies to halt biodiversity loss require knowing which anthropogenic drivers are the most important direct causes. Whereas previous knowledge has been limited in scope and rigor, here we statistically synthesize empirical comparisons of recent driver impacts found through a wide-ranging review. We show that land/sea use change has been the dominant direct driver of recent biodiversity loss worldwide. Direct exploitation of natural resources ranks second and pollution third; climate change and invasive alien species have been significantly less important than the top two drivers. The oceans, where direct exploitation and climate change dominate, have a different driver hierarchy from land and fresh water. It also varies among types of biodiversity indicators. For example, climate change is a more important driver of community composition change than of changes in species populations. Stopping global biodiversity loss requires policies and actions to tackle all the major drivers and their interactions, not some of them in isolation.}, }
@article {pmid36350203, year = {2022}, author = {Bourret, SL and Kovach, RP and Cline, TJ and Strait, JT and Muhlfeld, CC}, title = {High dispersal rates in hybrids drive expansion of maladaptive hybridization.}, journal = {Proceedings. Biological sciences}, volume = {289}, number = {1986}, pages = {20221813}, pmid = {36350203}, issn = {1471-2954}, mesh = {Animals ; Humans ; Hybridization, Genetic ; *Oncorhynchus/genetics ; *Oncorhynchus mykiss/genetics ; Introduced Species ; }, abstract = {Hybridization between native and invasive species, a major cause of biodiversity loss, can spread rapidly even when hybrids have reduced fitness. This paradox suggests that hybrids have greater dispersal rates than non-hybridized individuals, yet this mechanism has not been empirically tested in animal populations. Here, we test if non-native genetic introgression increases reproductive dispersal using a human-mediated hybrid zone between native cutthroat trout (Oncorhynchus clarkii) and invasive rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) in a large and connected river system. We quantified the propensity for individuals to migrate from natal rearing habitats (migrate), reproduce in non-natal habitats (stray), and the joint probability of dispersal as a function of genetic ancestry. Hybrid trout with predominantly non-native rainbow trout ancestry were more likely to migrate as juveniles and to stray as adults. Overall, hybrids with greater than 50% rainbow trout ancestry were 5.7 times more likely to disperse than native or hybrid trout with small amounts of rainbow trout ancestry. Our results show a genetic basis for increased dispersal in hybrids that is likely contributing to the rapid expansion of invasive hybridization between these species. Management actions that decrease the probability of hybrid dispersal may mitigate the harmful effects of invasive hybridization on native biodiversity.}, }
@article {pmid36349474, year = {2022}, author = {Bodey, TW and Angulo, E and Bang, A and Bellard, C and Fantle-Lepczyk, J and Lenzner, B and Turbelin, A and Watari, Y and Courchamp, F}, title = {Economic costs of protecting islands from invasive alien species.}, journal = {Conservation biology : the journal of the Society for Conservation Biology}, volume = {}, number = {}, pages = {e14034}, doi = {10.1111/cobi.14034}, pmid = {36349474}, issn = {1523-1739}, abstract = {Biological invasions represent a key threat to insular systems and have pronounced impacts across environments and economies. The ecological impacts have received substantial focus, but the socioeconomic impacts are poorly synthesized across spatial and temporal scales. We used the InvaCost database, the most comprehensive assessment of published economic costs of invasive species, to assess economic impacts on islands worldwide. We analyzed socioeconomic costs across differing expenditure types and examined temporal trends across islands that differ in their political geography-island nation states, overseas territories, and islands of continental countries. Over US$36 billion in total costs (including damages and management) has occurred on islands from 1965 to 2020 due to invasive species' impacts. Nation states incurred the greatest total and management costs, and islands of continental countries incurred costs of similar magnitude, both far higher than those in overseas territories. Damage-loss costs were significantly lower, but with qualitatively similar patterns across differing political geographies. The predominance of management spending differs from the pattern found for most countries examined and suggests important knowledge gaps in the extent of many damage-related socioeconomic impacts. Nation states spent the greatest proportion of their gross domestic products countering these costs, at least 1 order of magnitude higher than other locations. Most costs were borne by authorities and stakeholders, demonstrating the key role of governmental and nongovernmental bodies in addressing island invasions. Temporal trends revealed cost increases across all island types, potentially reflecting efforts to tackle invasive species at larger, more socially complex scales. Nevertheless, the already high total economic costs of island invasions substantiate the role of biosecurity in reducing and preventing invasive species arrivals to reduce strains on limited financial resources and avoid threats to sustainable development goals.}, }
@article {pmid36349257, year = {2022}, author = {Rochat, EC and Paterson, RA and Blasco-Costa, I and Power, M and Adams, CE and Greer, R and Knudsen, R}, title = {Temporal stability of polymorphic Arctic charr parasite communities reflects sustained divergent trophic niches.}, journal = {Ecology and evolution}, volume = {12}, number = {11}, pages = {e9460}, pmid = {36349257}, issn = {2045-7758}, abstract = {Polymorphic Arctic charr Salvelinus alpinus populations frequently display distinct differences in habitat use, diet, and parasite communities. Changes to the relative species densities and composition of the wider fish community have the potential to alter the habitat niche of sympatric Arctic charr populations. This study evaluated the temporal stability of the parasite community, diet, and stable isotopes (δ[13]C, δ[15]N) of three sympatric Arctic charr morphs (piscivore, benthivore, and planktivore) from Loch Rannoch, Scotland, in relation to changes to the fish community. All Arctic charr morphs displayed distinct differences in parasite communities, diet, and stable isotope signatures over time, despite the establishment of four new trophically transmitted parasite taxa, and increased fish and zooplankton consumption by the piscivorous and planktivore morphs, respectively. Native parasite prevalence also increased in all Arctic charr morphs. Overall, Loch Rannoch polymorphic Arctic charr morph populations have maintained their distinct trophic niches and parasite communities through time despite changes in the fish community. This result indicates that re-stocking a native fish species has the potential to induce shifts in the parasite community and diet of Arctic charr morphs.}, }
@article {pmid36349255, year = {2022}, author = {Wei, H and Liang, Y and Luo, Q and Gu, D and Mu, X and Hu, Y}, title = {Environmental-related variation of stoichiometric traits in body and organs of non-native sailfin catfishes Pterygoplichthys spp.}, journal = {Ecology and evolution}, volume = {12}, number = {11}, pages = {e9483}, pmid = {36349255}, issn = {2045-7758}, abstract = {Intraspecific variation in stoichiometric traits was thought to be an adaptive response to reduce the elemental imbalance between organism and diet in the habitat. Studying the spatial variation of stoichiometric traits of non-native species and the factors contributing to the variation could help to better understand the invasion mechanism of non-native fish. In this study, stoichiometric traits (i.e. carbon [C], phosphorus [P], calcium [Ca] and their ratios) variation in the body and organs of non-native sailfin catfishes Pterygoplichthys spp. were investigated across 13 river sections in the main river basins of Guangdong province. The relationships between environmental factors and stoichiometric traits were analyzed using a general linear model and an information-theoretic approach. A manipulated feeding experiment was conducted to investigate the impact of food quality on the stoichiometry of sailfin catfishes in a greenhouse. Sailfin catfishes exhibited considerable variability in body and organ elemental composition. Site identity was the main factor contributing to the variation, which could be explained by a combination of environmental factors including climate, diet quality, fish species richness and trophic status in the invaded rivers. Water chemistry (i.e. total nitrogen and phosphorus, ammonia nitrogen and soluble reactive phosphorus) contributed to the most variation of stoichiometric traits. Imbalances of P and Ca between sailfin catfishes and food resources varied among sampling sites, reflecting the spatial heterogeneity of nutrients limitation. Juvenile sailfin catfishes exhibited stoichiometric homeostasis (0 < 1/H < 0.25) for all elemental contents and ratios in the feeding experiment. These findings suggested variation in stoichiometric traits of sailfin catfishes might be attributed to the changes in elemental metabolism to cope with context-specific environments. This study provided heuristic knowledge about environmental-related variation in stoichiometric traits, which could enhance the understanding of the non-native species' adaptation to resource fluctuation in the invaded ecosystems.}, }
@article {pmid36348368, year = {2022}, author = {Da Re, D and Van Bortel, W and Reuss, F and Müller, R and Boyer, S and Montarsi, F and Ciocchetta, S and Arnoldi, D and Marini, G and Rizzoli, A and L'Ambert, G and Lacour, G and Koenraadt, CJM and Vanwambeke, SO and Marcantonio, M}, title = {dynamAedes: a unified modelling framework for invasive Aedes mosquitoes.}, journal = {Parasites &amp; vectors}, volume = {15}, number = {1}, pages = {414}, pmid = {36348368}, issn = {1756-3305}, mesh = {Humans ; Animals ; *Aedes/physiology ; Larva/physiology ; Introduced Species ; Population Dynamics ; Temperature ; Mosquito Vectors/physiology ; }, abstract = {Mosquito species belonging to the genus Aedes have attracted the interest of scientists and public health officers because of their capacity to transmit viruses that affect humans. Some of these species were brought outside their native range by means of trade and tourism and then colonised new regions thanks to a unique combination of eco-physiological traits. Considering mosquito physiological and behavioural traits to understand and predict their population dynamics is thus a crucial step in developing strategies to mitigate the local densities of invasive Aedes populations. Here, we synthesised the life cycle of four invasive Aedes species (Ae. aegypti, Ae. albopictus, Ae. japonicus and Ae. koreicus) in a single multi-scale stochastic modelling framework which we coded in the R package dynamAedes. We designed a stage-based and time-discrete stochastic model driven by temperature, photo-period and inter-specific larval competition that can be applied to three different spatial scales: punctual, local and regional. These spatial scales consider different degrees of spatial complexity and data availability by accounting for both active and passive dispersal of mosquito species as well as for the heterogeneity of the input temperature data. Our overarching aim was to provide a flexible, open-source and user-friendly tool rooted in the most updated knowledge on the species' biology which could be applied to the management of invasive Aedes populations as well as to more theoretical ecological inquiries.}, }
@article {pmid36343544, year = {2022}, author = {Le, CTU and Campbell, ML}, title = {Public's perceptions of marine bioinvasive risks and responsible parties - Implications for social acceptability and better-informed communication in the marine biosecurity context.}, journal = {Marine pollution bulletin}, volume = {185}, number = {Pt A}, pages = {114283}, doi = {10.1016/j.marpolbul.2022.114283}, pmid = {36343544}, issn = {1879-3363}, mesh = {*Biosecurity ; *Communication ; Surveys and Questionnaires ; Knowledge ; Social Responsibility ; }, abstract = {Using the survey data on a representative sample of the New Zealand population, our study presents a process of understanding citizens' perceptions, identifying patterns in the perceptions, and recognising the knowledge gaps existing in the citizenry in the marine biosecurity context. While our findings show a healthy sign of the public accepting their own responsibility and the devolved responsibility of business/industry, there are considerable gaps between the general public's perceptions and (marine) biosecurity current practices and expectations. There is a moderately strong signal from survey respondents that suggest the need of significantly more effort and improved transparency in marine biosecurity communication. Our outcomes indicate an anthropocentric tendency, with influences of gender, age, education, income, frequency of beach visitation upon societal perceptions in terms of awareness, concern, perceived non-indigenous marine species impacts, and accountability in marine biosecurity management. The recognised socio-demographic patterns in societal perceptions would inform marine biosecurity communication strategies.}, }
@article {pmid36336038, year = {2023}, author = {Li, H and Wang, X and Mai, Y and Lai, Z and Zeng, Y}, title = {Potential of microplastics participate in selective bioaccumulation of low-ring polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons depending on the biological habits of fishes.}, journal = {The Science of the total environment}, volume = {858}, number = {Pt 2}, pages = {159939}, doi = {10.1016/j.scitotenv.2022.159939}, pmid = {36336038}, issn = {1879-1026}, mesh = {Animals ; *Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons/analysis ; Microplastics ; Bioaccumulation ; Plastics ; *Water Pollutants, Chemical/analysis ; Fishes ; Rivers/chemistry ; Habits ; Environmental Monitoring ; China ; Geologic Sediments ; }, abstract = {Currently, although the cumulative effects of microplastics (MPs) and organic pollutants (OPs) in the environment and within organisms are being investigated, whether and how MPs participate in bioaccumulation of OPs based on a carrier effect is still unclear. In the present study, water and aquatic organisms were collected from the Pearl River. Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) and MPs were separated by solid phase extraction and were measured by gas chromatography mass spectrometry and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, respectively. Higher PAH concentrations at the river outlet and higher MPs abundance in the inner river were observed, indicating a mismatched distribution between PAHs and MPs. No correlation between MP abundance and PAH concentration in fishes was detected, implying that MPs exerted limited influence on PAH concentrations. Interestingly, bioconcentration factors of one major low-ring PAH (phenanthrene) in fishes showed a significant correlation with MPs abundance, implying that although MPs did not affect the variation in PAH concentrations, they potentially participated in selective bioaccumulation of PAHs. Moreover, significant correlations between MPs abundance and PAHs in fishes with different feeding and living habits were found, indicating that MPs' participation in PAH bioaccumulation was dependent on fish biology and life history. Furthermore, the health risk posed by PAHs in fishes at the river outlet surpassed the line of potential high risk, while the ecological risk posed by MPs at the inner river was in the danger category, indicating the ecological risks posed by PAHs and MPs are uneven along the Pearl River. These findings deepen our understanding of the underlying mechanism of MPs participating in selective bioaccumulation of low-ring PAHs in fishes based on fish biology and point out the present risks posed by these two pollutants in the Pearl River and its estuary, which contribute to aquatic environmental protection and fishery production in this region.}, }
@article {pmid36335690, year = {2022}, author = {Tempesti, J and Langeneck, J and Lardicci, C and Maltagliati, F and Castelli, A}, title = {Short-term colonization of fouling communities within the port of Livorno (Northern Tyrrhenian Sea, Western Mediterranean): Influence of substrate three-dimensional complexity on non-indigenous species establishment.}, journal = {Marine pollution bulletin}, volume = {185}, number = {Pt A}, pages = {114302}, doi = {10.1016/j.marpolbul.2022.114302}, pmid = {36335690}, issn = {1879-3363}, mesh = {*Introduced Species ; Italy ; Mediterranean Sea ; }, abstract = {The influence of substrate morphology on early stages of fouling development was assessed through submerged experimental substrates with different morphological complexity. The experiment was carried out within commercial and touristic harbours of the port of Livorno (Italy), analysing the communities at three steps of colonization (14, 28, 42 days). We assessed the effect of substrate complexity on recruitment of non-indigenous species (NIS), combined with the influence of port use destinations. NIS were recorded in both use destination areas since the first step of colonization. Substrate morphological complexity significantly affected fouling colonization and particularly NIS assemblages. We found that high-complexity substrates are particularly suitable for NIS establishment in comparison with less complex ones. The touristic harbour exhibited a potential for fouling colonization higher than the commercial harbour. These results contributed to the understanding of factors involved in NIS establishment and spread, as well as in their spatial-temporal dynamics within port environments.}, }
@article {pmid36334446, year = {2023}, author = {Williams-Mounsey, J and Crowle, A and Grayson, R and Lindsay, R and Holden, J}, title = {Surface structure on abandoned upland blanket peatland tracks.}, journal = {Journal of environmental management}, volume = {325}, number = {Pt B}, pages = {116561}, doi = {10.1016/j.jenvman.2022.116561}, pmid = {36334446}, issn = {1095-8630}, mesh = {*Wetlands ; England ; *Soil ; }, abstract = {Temporary permissions are often granted for track use on peatlands. However, even when peatland track designs attempt to minimise environmental impacts via use of mesh systems, such linear disturbances may have persistent impacts. We evaluated the surface peatland structure of five abandoned tracks (four with a mesh surface, one unsurfaced) with varying past usage frequencies, at an upland site in northern England. Simplification of the surface nanotopography was found on all tracks compared to surrounding control areas, with increased micro-erosion patterns in rutted areas, and invasive species on some treatments. The frequency of previous usage was not found to be a significant factor controlling nano-topographic loss. Edge effects and hillslope position were influential in places, but these effects were not consistent across treatments. Nano-topographic recovery was found to be inhibited when track usage commenced within a short time frame after track construction. Mesh tracks appear to create a spatial constraint leading to poor development of plants and a reduced ability to form characteristic structures which are integral to mire function.}, }
@article {pmid36334069, year = {2022}, author = {Bohannon, GR and Johnson, CL and Jetton, RM and Oten, KLF}, title = {Phenology and Voltinism of Emerald Ash Borer (Coleoptera: Buprestidae) in Central North Carolina.}, journal = {Environmental entomology}, volume = {}, number = {}, pages = {}, doi = {10.1093/ee/nvac088}, pmid = {36334069}, issn = {1938-2936}, abstract = {The emerald ash borer, Agrilus planipennis Fairmaire (Coleoptera: Buprestidae), has killed millions of ash (Fraxinus spp.) trees across North America. Classical biological control using introductions of parasitoid wasps may provide a sustainable approach to managing this invasive insect. However, the establishment of parasitoids in the southern United States has been difficult. The phenology of emerald ash borer was studied in central North Carolina to inform biological control efforts that better align with the seasonal availability of susceptible emerald ash borer life stages in the warm climate of this region. Biweekly emerald ash borer life stage assessments were conducted in stands of infested green ash (Fraxinus pennsylvanica Marshall, Lamiales: Oleaceae) over 26 consecutive months (June 2019 through August 2021). Adult trapping was also conducted in these stands in the spring and summer of 2019, 2020, and 2021. Based on these collections, emerald ash borer exhibits a univoltine (1-yr) life cycle. Parasitoid-susceptible larvae (third and fourth instars in galleries) are present from late June through October (~1,100-3,000 degree days base 10ºC) and are mostly absent during the remainder of the year. Parasitoid release timings and the life history of selected parasitoid species should be aligned with this window of host availability to be effective. This characterization of emerald ash borer phenology and voltinism will help improve the timing and effectiveness of management efforts as this forest pest continues to spread in southern North America.}, }
@article {pmid36330936, year = {2022}, author = {Mghili, B and De-la-Torre, GE and Analla, M and Aksissou, M}, title = {Marine macroinvertebrates fouled in marine anthropogenic litter in the Moroccan Mediterranean.}, journal = {Marine pollution bulletin}, volume = {185}, number = {Pt A}, pages = {114266}, doi = {10.1016/j.marpolbul.2022.114266}, pmid = {36330936}, issn = {1879-3363}, mesh = {Animals ; Waste Products/analysis ; Environmental Monitoring/methods ; Plastics/chemistry ; Introduced Species ; *Thoracica ; *Bryozoa ; Mediterranean Sea ; }, abstract = {The existence of floating marine litter in marine environments enhances the potential for the transport of fouling organisms using these substrates as vectors. In this study, we examined the fouling organisms on different types of litter stranded on two beaches of the Moroccan Mediterranean. The study revealed 13 fouling species belonging to 8 phyla (Arthropoda, Bryozoa, Annelida, Mollusca, Cnidaria, Echinodermata, Chlorophyta, and Ochrophyta) on marine litter. Rafting vectors were almost exclusively made up of plastics and could mainly be attributed to land-based sources. The most common fouling species were the crustacean Lepas pectinata, Lepas anatifera, Perforatus perforatus, and bryozoan species. More taxa were found on large litter than on small litter. Relative substratum coverage was highest for bryozoan sp. (31.0 %), green algae (29.0 %), Lepas anatifera (21.42 %), Lepas pectinata (17.8 %), and Perforatus perforatus (17.46 %). Our results suggest that the growing generation of plastic litter may enhance the probability of the introduction of non-native species into the Moroccan Mediterranean. Therefore, monitoring efforts are needed to identify vectors and the arrival of novel invasive species in this area.}, }
@article {pmid36325800, year = {2022}, author = {Kinani, S and Roumiguières, A and Bouchonnet, S}, title = {A Critical Review on Chemical Speciation of Chlorine-Produced Oxidants (CPOs) in Seawater. Part 1: Chlorine Chemistry in Seawater and Its Consequences in Terms of Biocidal Effectiveness and Environmental Impact.}, journal = {Critical reviews in analytical chemistry}, volume = {}, number = {}, pages = {1-14}, doi = {10.1080/10408347.2022.2139590}, pmid = {36325800}, issn = {1547-6510}, abstract = {Seawater chlorination has three main industrial uses: disinfection of water and installations, control of biofouling, and preventing the transport of aquatic invasive species. Once in contact with seawater, chlorine reacts rapidly with water constituents (e.g. bromide ions, ammonia, and nitrogen-containing compounds) to form a range of oxidative species (e.g. bromine and N-haloamines), termed "chlorine-produced oxidants" (CPOs) or "total residual oxidants" (TRO). The chemical nature of CPOs and their concentration are a function of two categories of parameters related to treatment modality (e.g. chlorine dose) and water quality (e.g. temperature, pH, ammonia concentration, and organic constituents). The chlorination process may result in continuous or intermittent releases of CPOs in seawater. The reactivity and potential ecotoxicity of CPO species largely depend on their physical and chemical properties. Therefore, evaluation of the biocidal effectiveness of chlorination and its potential impacts requires not only determining the sum of CPOs (via a bulk parameter), but also their chemical speciation. The aim of this article - which is the first of a trilogy dedicated to the chemical speciation of CPOs in seawater - is to provide an overview of current knowledge about chlorine chemistry in seawater and to discuss the biocidal efficacy and the environmental fate of resulting CPOs. The 2nd and 3rd articles delineate a comprehensive and critical review of analytical methods and approaches for the determination of CPOs in seawater.}, }
@article {pmid36322177, year = {2022}, author = {Stupar, M and Savković, &#x17d; and Breka, K and Stamenković, S and Krizmanić, I and Vukojević, J and Grbić, ML}, title = {A Variety of Fungal Species on the Green Frogs' Skin (Pelophylax esculentus complex) in South Banat.}, journal = {Microbial ecology}, volume = {}, number = {}, pages = {}, pmid = {36322177}, issn = {1432-184X}, abstract = {In the last several decades, amphibian populations have been declining worldwide. Many factors have been linked to global amphibian decline, including habitat destruction, pollution, introduced species, global environmental changes, and emerging infectious diseases. Recent studies of amphibian skin infections were mainly focused on the presence of chytridiomycosis, neglecting other members of the frogs' skin communities. The diversity pattern of fungal dwellers on the skin of green frogs (Pelophylax esculentus complex) was investigated. A total of 100 adults were sampled from three localities in South Banat (northern Serbia) over three consecutive years and detected fungal dwellers were identified using light microscopy and ITS and BenA gene sequencing. Structures belonging to fungi and fungus-like organisms including a variety of spores and different mycelia types were documented in the biofilm formed on amphibian skin, and are classified into 10 groups. In total, 42 fungal isolates were identified to species, section, or genus level. The difference in mycobiota composition between sampling points (localities and green frog taxa) was documented. The highest number of fungal structures and isolates was recorded on the hybrid taxon P. esculentus and locality Stevanove ravnice. Parental species showed a markedly lower diversity than the hybrid taxon and were more similar in diversity patterns and were placed in the same homogenous group. The locality Stevanove ravnice exhibited more pronounced differences in diversity pattern than the other two localities and was placed in a distinct and separate homogenous group. Among the fungal isolates, the highest isolation frequency was documented for Alternaria alternata, Aspergillus sp. sect. Nigri, Epicoccum nigrum, Fusarium proliferatum, and Trichoderma atroviride. Among the documented species, dematiaceous fungi, causative agents of chromomycosis in amphibians, were also recorded in this research with high isolation frequency. Also, some rare fungal species such as Quambalaria cyanescens and Pseudoteniolina globosa are documented for the first time in this research as microbial inhabitants of amphibian skin.}, }
@article {pmid36318779, year = {2022}, author = {Kenyeres, Z and Andrási, L and Kovács, P and Márkus, A and Sáringer-Kenyeres, T}, title = {THE EFFICIENCY OF BIOGENTS SENTINEL 2.0 TRAPPING AND HUMAN-LANDING CATCHING METHODS TO CALCULATE HUMAN BITING RATES.}, journal = {Journal of the American Mosquito Control Association}, volume = {}, number = {}, pages = {}, doi = {10.2987/22-7078}, pmid = {36318779}, issn = {1943-6270}, abstract = {To calculate human biting rates for various mosquito species, we performed simultaneous collections for 15 wk at 6 ecologically variable sites in Hungary. Of the dominant species, the relative abundance of Aedes vexans, Ae. sticticus, and Coquillettidia richiardii showed a significant positive correlation between CO2 + Biogents lure and human landing catch (HLC). The relative abundance of Culex pipiens was significantly lower in the HLC samples than in the CO2 + BG lure samples. Of the invasive species, Aedes korecius was found more frequently in HLC, while Ae. japonicus was more common in CO2 + BG lure samples. Estimated human biting rates, determined with the 2 collection methods, showed no significant differences at high mosquito density (100-120 bites/h/person), but there was considerable variation at low mosquito biting rates. Therefore, correcting the CO2 + BG lure trapping data to include only species biting humans provides estimates approaching the values of the HLC. Our study confirmed that while HLC is the gold standard method for determining the human biting rate, provided appropriate data adjustments are made, trapping methods performing automated data collection can provide similar data while reducing the exposure of the data collector.}, }
@article {pmid36317949, year = {2022}, author = {Vieira, JL and de Oliveira, LO and Barrigossi, JAF and Guedes, RNC and Smagghe, G and Maebe, K}, title = {Disentangling a Neotropical pest species complex: genetic diversity and population structure of the native rice stink bug Oebalus poecilus and the invasive O. ypsilongriseus.}, journal = {Pest management science}, volume = {}, number = {}, pages = {}, doi = {10.1002/ps.7267}, pmid = {36317949}, issn = {1526-4998}, abstract = {BACKGROUND: A first step in any pest management initiative is recognizing the existing problem - identifying the pest species and its abundance and dispersal capacities. This is not simple and even more challenging when insidious (invasive) species are involved constituting a pest complex. Understanding a species' population diversity and structure can provide a better understanding of its adaptation and relative pest potential. Such is the need for the native rice stink bug Oebalus poecilus and the invasive O. ypsilongriseus in low and high flatlands of South America.<br><br>RESULTS: The genetic structure differed between both rice stink bug species (FST &#xa0;=&#xa0;0.157, P&#xa0;=&#xa0;0.001), where 84% of the overall genetic variability takes place within species and three genetic groups were recognized through Bayesian ap