@article {pmid39357711,
year = {2024},
author = {Lv, B and Teng, D and Huang, X and Liu, X and Liu, D and Khashaveh, A and Pan, H and Zhang, Y},
title = {Functional characterization of a novel terpene synthase GaTPS1 involved in (E)-α-bergamotene biosynthesis in Gossypium arboreum.},
journal = {International journal of biological macromolecules},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {136081},
doi = {10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2024.136081},
pmid = {39357711},
issn = {1879-0003},
abstract = {Terpenoids in plants are mainly synthesized by terpene synthases (TPSs), which play an important role in plant-environment interactions. Gossypium arboreum is one of the important cotton cultivars with excellent pest resistance, however, the biosynthesis of most terpenoids in this plant remains unknown. In this study, we performed a comparative transcriptome analysis of leaves from intact and Helicoverpa armigera-infested cotton plants. The results showed that the H. armigera infestation mainly induced the JA signaling pathway, ten TPS genes were differentially expressed in G. arboreum leaves. Among them, a novel terpene synthase, GaTPS1, was heterologously expressed and functionally characterized in vitro. The enzymatic reaction indicated that recombinant GaTPS1 was primarily responsible for the production of (E)-α-bergamotene. Moreover, molecular docking and site-directed mutagenesis analysis demonstrated that two amino acid residues, A412L and Y535F, distinctly influenced the catalytic activities and product specificity of GaTPS1. The mutants GaTPS1-A412L and GaTPS1-Y535F resulted in a decrease in the proportion of products (E)-α-bergamotene and of d-limonene, while an increase in the proportion of products (E)-β-farnesene, α-pinene and β-myrcene. Our findings provide valuable insights into understanding the molecular basis of terpenoid diversity in G. arboreum, with potential applications in plant metabolism regulation and the improvement of resistant cotton cultivars.},
}

@article {pmid39357646,
year = {2024},
author = {Wang, X and Du, Z and Duan, Y and Liu, S and Liu, J and Li, B and Ma, L and Wu, Y and Tian, L and Song, F and Cai, W and Li, H},
title = {Population genomics analyses reveal the role of hybridization in the rapid invasion of fall armyworm.},
journal = {Journal of advanced research},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1016/j.jare.2024.09.028},
pmid = {39357646},
issn = {2090-1224},
abstract = {INTRODUCTION: Invasive species pose a major threat to global biodiversity and agricultural productivity, yet the genomic mechanisms driving their rapid expansion into new habitats are not fully understood. The fall armyworm, Spodoptera frugiperda, originally from the Americas, has expanded its reach across the Old World, causing substantial reduction in crop yield. Although the hybridization between two genetically distinct strains has been well-documented, the role of such hybridization in enhancing the species' invasive capabilities remains largely unexplored.

OBJECTIVES: This study aims to investigate the contributions of hybridization and natural selection to the rapid invasion of the fall armyworm.

METHODS: We analyzed the whole-genome resequencing data from 432 individuals spanning its global distribution. We identified the genomic signatures of selection associated with invasion and explored their linkage with the Tpi gene indicating strain differentiation. Furthermore, we detected signatures of balancing selection in native populations for candidate genes that underwent selective sweeps during the invasion process.

RESULTS: Our analysis revealed pronounced genomic differentiation between native and invasive populations. Invasive populations displayed a uniform genomic structure distinctly different from that of native populations, indicating hybridization between the strains during invasion. This hybridization likely contributes to maintaining high genetic diversity in invasive regions, which is crucial for survival and adaptation. Additionally, polymorphisms on genes under selection during invasion were possibly preserved through balancing selection in their native environments.

CONCLUSION: Our findings reveal the genomic basis of the fall armyworm's successful invasion and rapid adaptation to new environments, highlighting the important role of hybridization in the dynamics of invasive species.},
}

@article {pmid39354910,
year = {2024},
author = {Tao, Z and Zhang, K and Callaway, RM and Siemann, E and Liu, Y and Huang, W},
title = {Native Plant Diversity Generates Microbial Legacies That Either Promote or Suppress Non-Natives, Depending on Drought History.},
journal = {Ecology letters},
volume = {27},
number = {9},
pages = {e14504},
doi = {10.1111/ele.14504},
pmid = {39354910},
issn = {1461-0248},
support = {OIA-1757351//National Science Foundation EPSCoR Cooperative Agreement/ ; //Knowledge Innovation Program of Wuhan-Shuguang Project/ ; 31822007//National Natural Science Foundation of China/ ; 32071660//National Natural Science Foundation of China/ ; 32301471//National Natural Science Foundation of China/ ; },
mesh = {*Droughts ; *Soil Microbiology ; *Biodiversity ; *Introduced Species ; Plants/microbiology ; },
abstract = {Diverse native plant communities resist non-native plants more than species-poor communities, in part through resource competition. The role of soil biota in diversity-invasibility relationships is poorly understood, although non-native plants interact with soil biota during invasions. We tested the responses of non-native plants to soil biota generated by different native plant diversities. We applied well-watered and drought treatments in both conditioning and response phases to explore the effects of 'historical' and 'contemporary' environmental stresses. When generated in well-watered soils, the microbial legacies from higher native diversity inhibited non-native growth in well-watered conditions. In contrast, when generated in drought-treated soils, the microbial legacies from higher native diversity facilitated non-native growth in well-watered conditions. Contemporary drought eliminated microbial legacy effects on non-native growth. We provide a new understanding of mechanisms behind diversity-invasibility relationships and demonstrate that temporal variation in environmental stress shapes relationships among native plant diversity, soil biota and non-native plants.},
}

*Droughts
*Soil Microbiology
*Biodiversity
*Introduced Species
Plants/microbiology

@article {pmid39354906,
year = {2024},
author = {Byers, JE and Pringle, JM},
title = {Variation in Oceanographic Resistance of the World's Coastlines to Invasion by Species With Planktonic Dispersal.},
journal = {Ecology letters},
volume = {27},
number = {9},
pages = {e14520},
doi = {10.1111/ele.14520},
pmid = {39354906},
issn = {1461-0248},
support = {OCE-1947884//Division of Ocean Sciences/ ; OCE-1947954//Division of Ocean Sciences/ ; },
mesh = {Animals ; *Introduced Species ; *Larva/physiology/growth & development ; *Plankton/physiology ; Animal Distribution ; Oceans and Seas ; Water Movements ; Models, Biological ; Life History Traits ; Ecosystem ; },
abstract = {For marine species with planktonic dispersal, invasion of open ocean coastlines is impaired by the physical adversity of ocean currents moving larvae downstream and offshore. The extent species are affected by physical adversity depends on interactions of the currents with larval life history traits such as planktonic duration, depth and seasonality. Ecologists have struggled to understand how these traits expose species to adverse ocean currents and affect their ability to persist when introduced to novel habitat. We use a high-resolution global ocean model to isolate the role of ocean currents on the persistence of a larval-producing species introduced to every open coastline of the world. We find physical adversity to invasion varies globally by several orders of magnitude. Larval duration is the most influential life history trait because increased duration prolongs species' exposure to ocean currents. Furthermore, variation of physical adversity with life history elucidates how trade-offs between dispersal traits vary globally.},
}

Animals
*Introduced Species
*Larva/physiology/growth & development
*Plankton/physiology
Animal Distribution
Oceans and Seas
Water Movements
Models, Biological
Life History Traits
Ecosystem

@article {pmid39354873,
year = {2024},
author = {Wang, Z and Zhuo, Z and Peng, Y and Xu, D},
title = {Predicting the geographical potential distribution of species Opisina arenosella Walker in China under different climate scenarios based on the MaxEnt model.},
journal = {Bulletin of entomological research},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {1-9},
doi = {10.1017/S0007485324000464},
pmid = {39354873},
issn = {1475-2670},
abstract = {As global warming increases with the frequency of extreme weather, the distribution of species is inevitably affected. Among them, highly damaging invasive species are of particular concern. Being able to effectively predict the geographic distribution of invasive species and future distribution trends is a key entry point for their control. Opisina arenosella Walker is an invasive species, and its ability to live on the backs of foliage and generate canals to hide adds to the difficulty of control. In this paper, the current and future distributions of O. arenosella under three typical emission scenarios in 2050 and 2090 are projected based on the MaxEnt model combining 19 bioclimatic variables. Filter through the variables to find the four key environment variables: BIO 1, BIO 6, BIO 11 and BIO 4. The results show that O. arenosella is distributed only in the eight provinces of Tibet, Yunnan, Fujian, Guangxi, Taiwan, Guangdong, Hong Kong and Hainan in the southeastern region. Its high suitability area is concentrated in Taiwan and Hainan. In the long run, highly suitable areas will continue to increase in size, while moderately suitable areas and poorly suitable areas will decrease to varying degrees. This paper aims to provide theoretical references for the control of O. arenosella.},
}

@article {pmid39354746,
year = {2024},
author = {Marciniak, B and Peroni, N and Traveset, A and de Sá Dechoum, M},
title = {Effects of the control of an invasive tree on the structure of a plant-frugivore network.},
journal = {Ecological applications : a publication of the Ecological Society of America},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {e3037},
doi = {10.1002/eap.3037},
pmid = {39354746},
issn = {1051-0761},
support = {14/2012//Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Científico e Tecnológico/ ; 302880/2022-4//Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Científico e Tecnológico/ ; 001//Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior/ ; },
abstract = {Invasive non-native species are one of the main causes of degradation of ecosystems worldwide. The control of invasive species is key to reducing threats to ecosystem viability in the long term. Observations of structural changes in ecological interaction networks following invasive species suppression can be useful to monitor the success of ecological restoration initiatives. We evaluated the structure of plant-bird frugivory interaction networks in a plant community invaded by the guava tree (Psidium guajava L.) by comparing network metrics before and after control actions. Psidium guajava was relevant in all metrics for the unmanaged network in this study, with high degree centrality and high nestedness contribution. Based on the asymmetry of species interactions, we found that birds were highly dependent on the invasive plant before suppression. Once P. guajava trees were eliminated, bird and plant species richness, total number of interactions, and modularity increased, whereas nestedness and interaction strength asymmetry decreased. The diet of the bird community became more diversified once P. guajava was no longer available and relevant species roles in community structure emerged. Our results corroborate the fact that ecological restoration interventions should include the control of non-native plant species that attract frugivorous animals in order to diversify plant-frugivore interactions and thus maintain biodiversity in natural ecosystems.},
}

@article {pmid39354055,
year = {2024},
author = {Wang, C and Liu, L and Yin, M and Eller, F and Brix, H and Wang, T and Salojärvi, J and Guo, W},
title = {Genome-wide analysis tracks the emergence of intraspecific polyploids in Phragmites australis.},
journal = {npj biodiversity},
volume = {3},
number = {1},
pages = {29},
pmid = {39354055},
issn = {2731-4243},
support = {No. ZR2021QC119//Natural Science Foundation of Shandong Province/ ; 31800299//National Natural Science Foundation of China/ ; 31770361//National Natural Science Foundation of China/ ; 318288,319947//Research Council of Finland/ ; },
abstract = {Polyploidization plays an important role in plant speciation and adaptation. To address the role of polyploidization in grass diversification, we studied Phragmites australis, an invasive species with intraspecific variation in chromosome numbers ranging from 2n = 36 to 144. We utilized a combined analysis of ploidy estimation, phylogeny, population genetics and model simulations to investigate the evolution of P. australis. Using restriction site-associated DNA sequencing (RAD-seq), we conducted a genome-wide analysis of 88 individuals sourced from diverse populations worldwide, revealing the presence of six distinct intraspecific lineages with extensive genetic admixture. Each lineage was characterized by a specific ploidy level, predominantly tetraploid or octoploid, indicative of multiple independent polyploidization events. The population size of each lineage has declined moderately in history while remaining large, except for the North American native and the US Land types, which experienced constant population size contraction throughout their history. Our investigation did not identify direct association between polyploidization events and grass invasions. Nonetheless, we observed octoploid and hexaploid lineages at contact zones in Romania, Hungary, and South Africa, suggestively due to genomic conflicts arising from allotetraploid parental lineages.},
}

@article {pmid39351648,
year = {2024},
author = {Zhu, B and Wei, C and Zhou, H and Chen, W and Siemann, E and Lu, X},
title = {Traits estimated when grown alone may underestimate the competitive advantage and invasiveness of exotic species.},
journal = {The New phytologist},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1111/nph.20160},
pmid = {39351648},
issn = {1469-8137},
support = {32171585//National Natural Science Foundation of China/ ; 32371749//National Natural Science Foundation of China/ ; },
abstract = {Functional differences between native and exotic species, estimated when species are grown alone or in mixtures, are often used to predict the invasion risk of exotic species. However, it remains elusive whether the functional differences estimated by the two methods and their ability to predict species invasiveness (e.g. high abundance) are consistent. We compiled data from two common garden experiments, in which specific leaf area, height, and aboveground biomass of 64 common native and exotic invasive species in China were estimated when grown individually (pot) or in mixtures (field). Exotic species accumulated higher aboveground biomass than natives, but only when grown in field mixtures. Moreover, aboveground biomass and functional distinctiveness estimated in mixtures were more predictive of species persistence and relative abundance in the field mixtures in the second year than those estimated when grown alone. These findings suggest that assessing species traits while grown alone may underestimate the competitive advantage for some exotic species, highlighting the importance of trait-by-environment interactions in shaping species invasion. Therefore, we propose that integrating multi-site or multi-year field surveys and manipulative experiments is required to best identify the key trait(s) and environment(s) that interactively shape species invasion and community dynamics.},
}

@article {pmid39259766,
year = {2024},
author = {Iyaloo, DP and Zohdy, S and Carney, RM and Mosawa, VR and Elahee, KB and Munglee, N and Latchooman, N and Puryag, S and Bheecarry, A and Bhoobun, H and Rasamoelina-Andriamanivo, H and Bedja, SA and Spear, J and Baldet, T and Carter, TE},
title = {A regional One Health approach to the risk of invasion by Anopheles stephensi in Mauritius.},
journal = {PLoS neglected tropical diseases},
volume = {18},
number = {9},
pages = {e0011827},
pmid = {39259766},
issn = {1935-2735},
mesh = {Animals ; *Anopheles/physiology/classification ; Mauritius ; *Mosquito Vectors/physiology/classification ; *Malaria/transmission/prevention & control/epidemiology ; *Mosquito Control/methods ; *One Health ; Humans ; Aedes/physiology/classification ; Ecosystem ; Introduced Species ; Larva/physiology ; },
abstract = {BACKGROUND: Anopheles stephensi is an invasive malaria vector in Africa that threatens to put an additional 126 million people at risk of malaria if it continues to spread. The island nation of Mauritius is highly connected to Asia and Africa and is at risk of introduction due to this connectivity. For early detection of An. stephensi, the Vector Biology and Control Division under the Ministry of Health in Mauritius, leveraged a well-established Aedes program, as An. stephensi is known to share Aedes habitats. These efforts triggered multisectoral coordination and cascading benefits of integrated vector and One Health approaches.

METHODS: Beginning June 2021, entomological surveys were conducted at points of entry (seaport, airport) and on ships transporting livestock in collaboration with the Civil Aviation Department, the Mauritian Port Authority and National Veterinary Services. A total of 18, 39, 723 mosquito larval surveys were respectively conducted in the airport, seaport, and other localities in Mauritius while two, 20, and 26 adult mosquito surveys were respectively conducted in the airport, seaport, and twenty-six animal assembly points. Alongside adult mosquito surveys, surveillance of vectors of veterinary importance (e.g.- Culicoides spp.) was also carried out in collaboration with National Parks and Conservation Service and land owners.

RESULTS: A total of 8,428 adult mosquitoes were collected and 1,844 larval habitats were positive for mosquitoes. All collected mosquitoes were morphologically identified and 151 Anopheles and 339 Aedes mosquitoes were also molecularly characterized. Mosquito species detected were Aedes albopictus, Anopheles arabiensis, An. coustani, An. merus, Culex quinquefasciatus, Cx. thalassius and Lutzia tigripes. Anopheles stephensi was not detected. The One Health approach was shared with the French Agricultural Research Centre for International Development (CIRAD), strengthening collaboration between Mauritius and Réunion Island on vector surveillance at entry points and insecticide resistance monitoring. The Indian Ocean Commission (IOC) was also alerted to the risk of An. stephensi, leading to regional efforts supporting trainings and development of a response strategy to An. stephensi bringing together stakeholders from Comoros, Madagascar, Mauritius, Réunion Island and Seychelles.

CONCLUSIONS: Mauritius is a model system showing how existing public health entomology capabilities can be used to enhance vector surveillance and control and create multisectoral networks to respond to any emerging public and veterinary health vector-borne disease threat.},
}

Animals
*Anopheles/physiology/classification
Mauritius
*Mosquito Vectors/physiology/classification
*Malaria/transmission/prevention & control/epidemiology
*Mosquito Control/methods
*One Health
Humans
Aedes/physiology/classification
Ecosystem
Introduced Species
Larva/physiology

@article {pmid39348592,
year = {2024},
author = {Nufer, MI and Coates, BS and Abel, CA and O'Neill, P and McCracken, M and Jain, D and Pierce, CA and Glover, J and Towles, T and Reddy, GVP and Perera, OP},
title = {Anatomy of a pest control failure: introgression of cytochrome P450 337B3 alleles from invasive old-world bollworm into native corn earworm (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae).},
journal = {Journal of insect science (Online)},
volume = {24},
number = {4},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1093/jisesa/ieae094},
pmid = {39348592},
issn = {1536-2442},
mesh = {Animals ; *Cytochrome P-450 Enzyme System/genetics/metabolism ; *Moths/genetics ; *Introduced Species ; Genetic Introgression ; Alleles ; Insect Proteins/genetics/metabolism ; Insecticide Resistance/genetics ; Pyrethrins ; Insect Control ; },
abstract = {The establishment of invasive species populations can threaten the ecological balance in naïve habitats and impact agricultural production practices. Helicoverpa armigera (Hübner) (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) (old-world bollworm, OWBW) and Helicoverpa zea (corn earworm, CEW) were geographically separated prior to the 2013 report of OWBW invasion into South America. Introgression of OWBW-specific cytochrome P450 337B3 (CYP337B3) gene into CEW was repeatedly detected across South America and the Caribbean. Two hybrids were documented from Texas in 2019. In this study, screening insects collected in Olathe, CO, USA, where a failure of pyrethroids to control CEW damage to conventional sweetcorn in 2023 detected 28.6% of insects with the OWBW-specific CYP337B3 marker. Nucleotide sequencing of the CYP337B3 gene identified 73.1% and 26.9% of insects carried CYP337B3v2 and CYP337B3v6 alleles, respectively, and 0.15 overall frequency of CYP337B3 alleles. Based on prior data for distinct phylogeographic origins of CYP337B3v2 and v6 alleles, our results indicate Olathe samples were derived from 2 different introductions: An uncertain source of the v6 allele that was initially reported in West Africa and possibly South American or Caribbean origin of the globally distributed v2 allele. One of the 1618 individuals screened also carried a ribosomal RNA internal transcribed spacer 1 derived from OWBW. Local selection pressures at the Olathe location imposed by repeated pyrethroid exposures are likely attributed to the prevalence of CYP337B3, where control practices hasten the accumulation of phenotypic resistance by adaptive introgression. Pyrethroid and other resistance factors carried by invasive OWBW may continue to impact CEW management tactics across the Americas.},
}

Animals
*Cytochrome P-450 Enzyme System/genetics/metabolism
*Moths/genetics
*Introduced Species
Genetic Introgression
Alleles
Insect Proteins/genetics/metabolism
Insecticide Resistance/genetics
Pyrethrins
Insect Control

@article {pmid38922989,
year = {2024},
author = {Koski, TM and Zhang, B and Mogouong, J and Wang, H and Chen, Z and Li, H and Bushley, KE and Sun, J},
title = {Distinct metabolites affect the phloem fungal communities in ash trees (Fraxinus spp.) native and nonnative to the highly invasive emerald ash borer (AGRILUS PLANIPENNIS).},
journal = {Plant, cell & environment},
volume = {47},
number = {11},
pages = {4116-4134},
doi = {10.1111/pce.14996},
pmid = {38922989},
issn = {1365-3040},
support = {2021PB0024//Chinese Academy of Sciences/ ; 32061123002//National Natural Science Foundation of China/ ; 32088102//National Natural Science Foundation of China/ ; C2022201042//Natural Science Foundation of Hebei Province/ ; 2030036//National Science Foundation/ ; },
mesh = {*Fraxinus/microbiology/parasitology ; *Phloem/metabolism/microbiology ; Animals ; *Introduced Species ; *Coleoptera/physiology/microbiology ; Mycobiome ; Larva/microbiology/physiology ; Fungi/physiology ; Trees/microbiology ; },
abstract = {Emerald ash borer (EAB, Agrilus planipennis) is an invasive killer of ash trees (Fraxinus spp.) in North America and Europe. Ash species co-evolved with EAB in their native range in Asia are mostly resistant, although the precise mechanism(s) remain unclear. Very little is also known about EAB or ash tree microbiomes. We performed the first joint comparison of phloem mycobiome and metabolites between a native and a nonnative ash species, infested and uninfested with EAB, in conjunction with investigation of larval mycobiome. Phloem mycobiome communities differed between the tree species, but both were unaffected by EAB infestation. Several indicator taxa in the larval gut shared a similarly high relative abundance only with the native host trees. Widely targeted metabolomics revealed 24 distinct metabolites in native trees and 53 metabolites in nonnative trees, respectively, that differed in relative content between infested and uninfested trees only in one species. Interestingly, four metabolites shared a strong relationship with the phloem mycobiomes, majority of which affected only the native trees. Collectively, our results demonstrate a complex interplay between host tree chemistry and mycobiome, and suggest the shared relationships between the mycobiomes of the native host tree and EAB may reflect their shared co-evolution.},
}

*Fraxinus/microbiology/parasitology
*Phloem/metabolism/microbiology
Animals
*Introduced Species
*Coleoptera/physiology/microbiology
Mycobiome
Larva/microbiology/physiology
Fungi/physiology
Trees/microbiology

@article {pmid39348591,
year = {2024},
author = {Shelly, T and Fezza, T and Cook, P and Cook, D},
title = {Attractiveness, longevity, and release rates of multilure wafers for trapping males of the oriental fruit fly and melon fly (Diptera: Tephritidae).},
journal = {Journal of insect science (Online)},
volume = {24},
number = {4},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1093/jisesa/ieae095},
pmid = {39348591},
issn = {1536-2442},
mesh = {Animals ; *Tephritidae/drug effects/physiology ; Male ; *Insect Control/methods/instrumentation ; *Eugenol/pharmacology/analogs & derivatives ; *Longevity/drug effects ; Butanones/pharmacology ; Pheromones/pharmacology ; },
abstract = {Invasive fruit flies (Diptera: Tephritidae) pose a serious threat to the production and export of many commercially important fruits and vegetables. Detection of the agricultural pests Bactrocera dorsalis (Hendel) and Zeugodacus cucurbitae (Coquillett) relies heavily on traps baited with male-specific attractants. For B. dorsalis, traps are typically baited with liquid methyl eugenol (ME), and for Z. cucurbitae, traps are baited with liquid cue-lure (CL). Operating large-scale trapping networks is costly, consequently, there is much interest in identifying ways to maintain network sensitivity while reducing costs. One cost-cutting approach is the possibility of combining different male lures in the same dispenser, thus reducing the number of traps requiring servicing. The chief objective of this study was to compare captures of B. dorsalis and Z. cucurbitae males in Jackson traps baited with polymeric wafers impregnated with both ME and raspberry ketone (RK, a hydrolyzed form of CL) versus traps baited with liquid ME or CL freshly applied to cotton wicks. Captures were measured when the ME/RK wafers had been weathered for 12, 18, or 24 wk. Captures of B. dorsalis and Z. cucurbitae males were similar between fresh lure and weathered wafers over all trapping periods, with a single exception apparently due to the lessened potency of the associated killing agent. The residual amount and release rate of ME and RK from the wafers were also measured to examine possible relationships between wafer chemistry and trap catch. The possible implications of the present results to area-wide trapping programs are discussed.},
}

Animals
*Tephritidae/drug effects/physiology
Male
*Insect Control/methods/instrumentation
*Eugenol/pharmacology/analogs & derivatives
*Longevity/drug effects
Butanones/pharmacology
Pheromones/pharmacology

@article {pmid39346069,
year = {2024},
author = {Prasai, A and Dhami, B and Saini, A and Thapa, R and Samant, K and Regmi, K and Dhami, RS and Sadadev, BM and Adhikari, H},
title = {Reviving lost shadows: investigating the habitat ecology of the rediscovered hispid hare (Caprolagus hispidus) in Nepal.},
journal = {PeerJ},
volume = {12},
number = {},
pages = {e18034},
pmid = {39346069},
issn = {2167-8359},
mesh = {Animals ; *Ecosystem ; *Conservation of Natural Resources ; Nepal ; *Hares ; Endangered Species ; Parks, Recreational ; Animal Distribution ; },
abstract = {The endangered hispid hare (Caprolagus hispidus) is one of the least studied mammal species. The recent rediscovery of hispid hare in Chitwan National Park (CNP) after three decades, necessitated urgent conservation measures. A detailed investigation into the species' ecology is imperative for developing evidence-based conservation strategies to support these efforts. The main objective of this study is to investigate the current distribution pattern and habitat preferences, offering vital insights for the effective preservation and management of the species and its habitat. Between 28 January and 13 February 2023, fifty-two surveys using strip transects were carried out in the potential areas. If any indirect signs of the presence of the hispid hare were identified, the corresponding value is coded as 1 "used plot". In contrast, a value of 0 was assigned if there is an absence of any indirect signs "habitat availability plot". Nine habitat predictors (habitat type, ground cover, distance to water source, distance to roads/path/firelines, ground condition, dominant plant species, presence/absence of (anthropogenic disturbance, predators, and invasive species), were measured from both plot types ("used plot" and "habitat availability plot"). Our research indicates a clumped distribution pattern within the CNP, with the Sukhibhar grassland identified as a key hotspot. Our study reveals the hispid hare's adaptability to diverse grassland conditions, favoring both tall and short grasslands. It is essential to integrate the species' preference for various grassland habitats and critical water sources to enhance conservation strategies. This requires a comprehensive grassland management plan for Chitwan National Park that preserves habitat diversity, safeguards key water sources, and adapts to evolving environmental conditions.},
}

Animals
*Ecosystem
*Conservation of Natural Resources
Nepal
*Hares
Endangered Species
Parks, Recreational
Animal Distribution

@article {pmid39346042,
year = {2024},
author = {Justine, JL and Gastineau, R and Gey, D and Robinson, DG and Bertone, MA and Winsor, L},
title = {A new species of alien land flatworm in the Southern United States.},
journal = {PeerJ},
volume = {12},
number = {},
pages = {e17904},
pmid = {39346042},
issn = {2167-8359},
mesh = {Animals ; *Introduced Species ; Genome, Mitochondrial/genetics ; Phylogeny ; Platyhelminths/genetics/classification ; North Carolina ; },
abstract = {Specimens of a flat and dark brown land planarian were found in a plant nursery in North Carolina, USA in 2020. On the basis of examination of photographs of the live specimens only, the specimens were considered as belonging to Obama nungara, a species originally from South America, which has now invaded a large part of Europe. Unexpectedly, a molecular analysis revealed that the specimens did not belong to this species, neither to the genus Obama. We then undertook its histological study, which finally confirmed that the species is a member of the genus Amaga: the species is herein described as a new species, Amaga pseudobama n. sp. The species has been found in three locations in North Carolina and some infested plants were from Georgia. We reinvestigated specimens collected in Florida in 2015 and found that they also belong to this species. Citizen science observations suggest its presence in other states. Therefore, it is likely that A. pseudobama has already invaded a part of south-east USA and that the invasion took place more than ten years ago. The complete 14,909 bp long mitochondrial genome was obtained. The mitogenome is colinear with those of other Geoplanidae and it was possible to find and annotate a tRNA-Thr, which has been reported missing in several geoplanids. Amaga pseudobama shares with other Geoplaninae the presence of alternative start codons in three protein-coding genes of its mitogenome. The availability of this new genome helped us to improve our annotations of the ND3 gene, for which an ATT start codon is now suggested. Also, the sequence of the ATP6 gene raised questions concerning the use of genetic code 9 to translate the protein-coding genes of Geoplanidae, as the whole translated protein would not contain a single methionine residue when using this code. Two maximum likelihood phylogenies were obtained from genomic data. The first one was based on concatenated alignments of the partial 28S, Elongation Factor 1-alpha (EF1) and cox1 genes. The second was obtained from a concatenated alignment of the mitochondrial proteins. Both strictly discriminate A. pseudobama from O. nungara and instead associate it with Amaga expatria. We note that the nine species currently accepted within Amaga can be separated into two groups, one with extrabulbar prostatic apparatus, including the type species A. amagensis, and one with intrabulbar prostatic apparatus, including the new species A. pseudobama. This suggests that species of the latter group should be separated from Amaga and constitute a new genus. This finding again illustrates the possible emergence of new invasive species in regions naturally devoid of large land planarians, such as North America. Amaga pseudobama thus deserves to be monitored in the USA, although its superficial resemblance to O. nungara and Geoplana arkalabamensis will complicate the use of photographs obtained from citizen science. Our molecular information provides tools for this monitoring.},
}

Animals
*Introduced Species
Genome, Mitochondrial/genetics
Phylogeny
Platyhelminths/genetics/classification
North Carolina

@article {pmid39344526,
year = {2024},
author = {Soto, I and Macêdo, RL and Carneiro, L and Briski, E and Kouba, A and Cuthbert, RN and Haubrock, PJ},
title = {Divergent temporal responses of native macroinvertebrate communities to biological invasions.},
journal = {Global change biology},
volume = {30},
number = {10},
pages = {e17521},
doi = {10.1111/gcb.17521},
pmid = {39344526},
issn = {1365-2486},
mesh = {*Introduced Species ; *Invertebrates/physiology ; Animals ; *Biodiversity ; Europe ; Ecosystem ; Fresh Water ; Population Dynamics ; Time Factors ; },
abstract = {Biological invasions pose a major threat to biodiversity, ecosystem functioning, and human well-being. Non-native species can have severe ecological impacts that are transformative, affecting ecosystems across both short-term and long-term timescales. However, few studies have determined the temporal dynamics of impact between these scales, impeding future predictions as invasion rates continue to rise. Our study uses a meta-analytical approach to dissect the changing taxonomic and functional impacts of biological invasions on native macroinvertebrate populations and communities in freshwater ecosystems across Europe, using a recently collated European long-term time series spanning several decades. Our findings reveal a complex temporal pattern: while initial stages of invasions (i.e. five years after the first record of non-native species) often exhibited benign impacts on macroinvertebrate abundance, richness, or functional diversity, the long-term (i.e. the period following the early invasion) effects became predominantly negative. This pattern was consistent between taxonomic and functional metrics for impacts at both the population and species level, with taxonomic metrics initially positively affected by invasions and functional metrics being more stable before also declining. These results suggest that even initially benign or positively perceived impacts could be eventually superseded by negative consequences. Therefore, understanding the magnitude of invasion effects increasingly requires long-term studies spanning several years or decades to offer insights into effective conservation strategies prioritising immediate and future biodiversity protection efforts. These findings also highlight the importance of integrating multiple taxonomic, functional and temporal components to inform adaptive management approaches to mitigate the negative effects of current and future biological invasions.},
}

*Introduced Species
*Invertebrates/physiology
Animals
*Biodiversity
Europe
Ecosystem
Fresh Water
Population Dynamics
Time Factors

@article {pmid39343401,
year = {2024},
author = {Spence, MA and Skelton, J},
title = {Dammed coastal waterways are less diverse, more homogenous, and dominated by non-native species: Comprehensive insights from quantitative analysis of environmental DNA.},
journal = {The Science of the total environment},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {176541},
doi = {10.1016/j.scitotenv.2024.176541},
pmid = {39343401},
issn = {1879-1026},
abstract = {Small dams are commonplace worldwide and impact local and regional aquatic diversity by altering habitats and disrupting dispersal networks. Quantifying the local and regional impacts of dams requires nearly comprehensive species occurrence data. We used environmental DNA (eDNA) metabarcoding to test theoretical predictions about the impacts of dams on local and regional bony fish diversity within the Chesapeake Bay Watershed, USA. We analyzed eDNA from 465 sampling points within 34 waterbodies documenting the distributions of 61 species. On average, dammed waterbodies had approximately half (48 %) as many species per site as undammed (lower alpha diversity) and more homogenous species composition (lower beta diversity). Native migratory species were less than one tenth (0.08) as likely to be detected at dammed sites than undammed sites, native resident (non-migratory) species were one third (0.34) as likely, whereas introduced species were 2.6 times more likely to be detected. Our sampling and bioinformatics methods were validated by a diverse mock community control. Our results suggest that dams in coastal waterways homogenize fish metacommunities, reduce local biodiversity through dispersal limitation and habitat alteration, and favor the dominance of lentic-adapted introduced species while potentially restricting the spread of introduced catfish. Decisions to construct or decommission dams should consider local and regional impacts on biodiversity.},
}

@article {pmid39342262,
year = {2024},
author = {Bisaglia, B and Castelli, M and Soresinetti, L and Negri, A and Arnoldi, I and Montarsi, F and Gobbo, F and Defilippo, F and Callegari, E and Di Luca, M and Calzolari, M and Mastrantonio, V and Porretta, D and Ficetola, GF and Sassera, D and Gabrieli, P and Bandi, C and Epis, S},
title = {Barcoding of Italian mosquitoes (BITMO): generation and validation of DNA barcoding reference libraries for native and alien species of Culicidae.},
journal = {Parasites & vectors},
volume = {17},
number = {1},
pages = {407},
pmid = {39342262},
issn = {1756-3305},
support = {MUSA - Multilayered Urban Sustainability Action - project, funded by the European Union - NextGenerationEU, under the National Recovery and Resilience Plan (NRRP) Mission 4 Component 2 Investment Line 1.5: Strengthening of research structures and creation of R&D "innovation ecosystems", set up of "territorial leaders in R&D".//Ministero dell'Istruzione, dell'Università e della Ricerca/ ; PNRR Project title "National Biodiversity Future Center - NBFC" Project code CN_00000033, Concession Decree No. 1034 of 17 June 2022//Ministero dell'Istruzione, dell'Università e della Ricerca/ ; PNRR project PE-13, INF-ACT "One Health Basic and Translational Research Actions addressing Unmet Needs on Emerging Infectious Diseases"//Ministero dell'Istruzione, dell'Università e della Ricerca/ ; MUSA - Multilayered Urban Sustainability Action - project, funded by the European Union - NextGenerationEU, under the National Recovery and Resilience Plan (NRRP) Mission 4 Component 2 Investment Line 1.5: Strengthening of research structures and creation of R&D "innovation ecosystems", set up of "territorial leaders in R&D".//Ministero dell'Istruzione, dell'Università e della Ricerca/ ; },
mesh = {Animals ; *DNA Barcoding, Taxonomic ; *RNA, Ribosomal, 16S/genetics ; *Culicidae/genetics/classification ; Italy ; *Introduced Species ; *Mosquito Vectors/genetics/classification ; *Phylogeny ; Gene Library ; Electron Transport Complex IV/genetics ; },
abstract = {BACKGROUND: Mosquitoes (Culicidae), as disease vectors, represent a risk for human health worldwide. Repeated introductions of alien mosquito species and the spread of invasive species have been recorded in different countries. Traditionally, identification of mosquitoes relies on morphological observation. However, morphology-based identification is associated with a number of potential disadvantages, such as the high level of specialisation of the operator and its limited applicability to damaged samples. In these cases, species identification is achieved through molecular methods based on DNA amplification. Molecular-based taxonomy has also enabled the development of techniques for the study of environmental DNA (eDNA). Previous studies indicated the 16S mitochondrial ribosomal RNA (rRNA) gene as a promising target for this application; however, 16S rRNA sequences are available for only a limited number of mosquito species. In addition, although primers for the 16S rRNA gene were designed years ago, they are based on limited numbers of mosquito sequences. Thus, the aims of this study were to: (i) design pan-mosquito 16S rRNA gene primers; (ii) using these primers, generate a 16S rRNA gene mosquito reference library (with a focus on mosquitoes present in Italy); and (iii) compare the discriminatory power of the 16S rRNA gene with two widely used molecular markers, cytochrome c oxidase subunit 1 mitochondrial gene (COI) and internal transcribed spacer 2 (ITS2).

METHODS: A total of six mosquito genera (28 mosquito species) were included in this study: Aedes (n = 16 species), Anopheles (5 species), Coquillettidia (1 species), Culex (3 species), Culiseta (2 species) and Uranotaenia (1 species). DNA was extracted from the whole mosquito body, and more than one specimen for each species was included in the analysis. Sanger sequencing was used to generate DNA sequences that were then analysed through the Barcode of Life Data Systems (BOLD). Phylogenetic analyses were also performed.

RESULTS: Novel 16S rDNA gene, COI and ITS2 sequences were generated. The 16S rRNA gene was shown to possess sufficient informativeness for the identification of mosquito species, with a discriminatory power equivalent to that of COI.

CONCLUSIONS: This study contributes to the generation of DNA barcode libraries, focussed on Italian mosquitoes, with a significant increase in the number of 16S rRNA gene sequences. We hope that these novel sequences will provide a resource for studies on the biodiversity, monitoring and metabarcoding of mosquitoes, including eDNA-based approaches.},
}

Animals
*DNA Barcoding, Taxonomic
*RNA, Ribosomal, 16S/genetics
*Culicidae/genetics/classification
Italy
*Introduced Species
*Mosquito Vectors/genetics/classification
*Phylogeny
Gene Library
Electron Transport Complex IV/genetics

@article {pmid39341940,
year = {2024},
author = {Kwak, H and Lee, Y and Hwai, ATS and Kim, J and Nakano, T and Park, JK},
title = {Multiple origins of freshwater invasion and parental care reflecting ancient vicariances in the bivalve family Cyrenidae (Mollusca).},
journal = {Communications biology},
volume = {7},
number = {1},
pages = {1212},
pmid = {39341940},
issn = {2399-3642},
support = {No. 2020R1A2C2005393//National Research Foundation of Korea (NRF)/ ; },
mesh = {Animals ; *Bivalvia/genetics/classification ; *Phylogeny ; *Fresh Water ; *Genome, Mitochondrial ; Ecosystem ; Biological Evolution ; Introduced Species ; },
abstract = {Habitat transitions in living organisms are key innovations often coupled with species diversification after their successful adaptation to new environment. The Cyrenidae is among the most well-known heterodont bivalve groups that have successfully invaded freshwater systems from brackish water environments and display diverse lineage-specific developmental modes. Phylogenetic and molecular clock-based divergence time analyses using 12 complete mitochondrial genome sequences suggest that Cyrenidae species independently colonized freshwater habitats during three distinct spatial and geological periods: one from the American continents approximately in the Early Jurassic and the two others from Australasian/East Asian continents in the Early/Middle Cretaceous and the Paleogene-Neogene boundary, respectively. This study provides significant insight into the temporal and spatial patterns of multiple freshwater invasions, aligning with ancient vicariance events inferred from different geological timelines of plate tectonics. Additionally, mitogenome phylogeny confirms the earlier hypothesis of the repeated parallel evolution of parental care system within this bivalve group.},
}

Animals
*Bivalvia/genetics/classification
*Phylogeny
*Fresh Water
*Genome, Mitochondrial
Ecosystem
Biological Evolution
Introduced Species

@article {pmid39235460,
year = {2024},
author = {Haubrock, PJ and Kurtul, I and Macêdo, RL and Mammola, S and Franco, ACS and Soto, I},
title = {Competency in invasion science: addressing stagnation challenges by promoting innovation and creative thinking.},
journal = {Environmental management},
volume = {74},
number = {5},
pages = {916-927},
pmid = {39235460},
issn = {1432-1009},
mesh = {*Creativity ; Humans ; Introduced Species ; Thinking ; Professional Competence ; Science ; },
abstract = {In today's ever-evolving scientific landscape, invasion science faces a plethora of challenges, such as terminological inconsistency and the rapidly growing literature corpus with few or incomplete syntheses of knowledge, which may be perceived as a stagnation in scientific progress. We explore the concept of 'competency', which is extensively debated across disciplines such as psychology, philosophy, and linguistics. Traditionally, it is associated with attributes that enable superior performance and continuous ingenuity. We propose that the concept of competency can be applied to invasion science as the ability to creatively and critically engage with global challenges. For example, competency may help develop innovative strategies for understanding and managing the multifaceted, unprecedented challenges posed by the spread and impacts of non-native species, as well as identifying novel avenues of inquiry for management. Despite notable advancements and the exponential increase in scholarly publications, invasion science still encounters obstacles such as insufficient interdisciplinary collaboration paralleled by a lack of groundbreaking or actionable scientific advancements. To enhance competency in invasion science, a paradigm shift is needed. This shift entails fostering interdisciplinary collaboration, nurturing creative and critical thinking, and establishing a stable and supportive environment for early career researchers, thereby promoting the emergence of competency and innovation. Embracing perspectives from practitioners and decision makers, alongside diverse disciplines beyond traditional ecological frameworks, can further add novel insights and innovative methodologies into invasion science. Invasion science must also address the ethical implications of its practices and engage the public in awareness and education programs. Such initiatives can encourage a more holistic understanding of invasions, attracting and cultivating competent minds capable of thinking beyond conventional paradigms and contributing to the advancement of the field in a rapidly changing world.},
}

*Creativity
Humans
Introduced Species
Thinking
Professional Competence
Science

@article {pmid39340887,
year = {2024},
author = {Jochems, L and Brandt, J and Kingdon, C and Schurkamp, SJ and Monks, A and Lishawa, SC},
title = {Active remote sensing data and dispersal processes improve predictions for an invasive aquatic plant during a climatic extreme in Great Lakes coastal wetlands.},
journal = {Journal of environmental management},
volume = {370},
number = {},
pages = {122610},
doi = {10.1016/j.jenvman.2024.122610},
pmid = {39340887},
issn = {1095-8630},
abstract = {Invasive aquatic plants pose a significant threat to coastal wetlands. Predicting suitable habitat for invasive aquatic plants in uninvaded yet vulnerable wetlands remains a critical task to prevent further harm to these ecosystems. The integration of remote sensing and geospatial data into species distribution models (SDMs) can help predict where new invasions are likely to occur by generating spatial outputs of habitat suitability. The objective of this study was to assess the efficacy of utilizing active remote sensing datasets (synthetic aperture radar (SAR) and light detection and ranging (LiDAR) with multispectral imagery and other geospatial data in predicting the potential distribution of an invasive aquatic plant based on its biophysical habitat requirements and dispersal dynamics. We also considered a climatic extreme (lake water levels) during the study period to investigate how these predictions may change between years. We compiled a time series of 1628 field records on the occurrence of Hydrocharis morsus-ranae (European frogbit; EFB) with nine remote sensing and geospatial layers as predictors to train and assess the predictive capacity of random forest models to generate habitat suitability in Great Lakes coastal wetlands in northern Michigan, USA. We found that SAR and LiDAR data were useful as proxies for key biophysical characteristics of EFB habitat (emergent vegetation and water depth), and that a vegetation index calculated from spectral imagery was one of the most important predictors of EFB occurrence. Our SDM using all predictors yielded the highest mean overall accuracy of 88.3% and a true skill statistic of 75.7%. Two of the most important predictors of EFB occurrence were dispersal-related: 1) distance to the nearest known EFB population (m), and 2) distance to nearest public boat launch (m). The area of highly suitable habitat (pixels assigned ≥0.8 probability) was 74% larger during a climatically extreme high water-level year compared to an average year. Our findings demonstrate that active remote sensing can be integrated into SDM workflows as proxies for important drivers of invasive species expansion that are difficult to measure in other ways. Moreover, the importance of a proxy variable for endogenous dispersal (distance to nearest known population) in these SDMs indicates that EFB is currently spreading, and thereby less influenced by within-site dynamics such as interspecific competition. Lastly, we found that extreme climatic conditions can dramatically change this species' niche, and therefore we recommend that future studies include dynamic climate conditions in SDMs to more accurately forecast the spread during early invasion stages.},
}

@article {pmid39339593,
year = {2024},
author = {Aleynova, OA and Ananev, AA and Nityagovsky, NN and Suprun, AR and Zhanbyrshina, NZ and Beresh, AA and Ogneva, ZV and Tyunin, AP and Kiselev, KV},
title = {Endophytic Bacteria and Fungi Associated with Polygonum cuspidatum in the Russian Far East.},
journal = {Plants (Basel, Switzerland)},
volume = {13},
number = {18},
pages = {},
doi = {10.3390/plants13182618},
pmid = {39339593},
issn = {2223-7747},
support = {22-74-10001//Russian Science Foundation/ ; },
abstract = {Polygonum cuspidatum, alternatively known as Fallopia japonica or Reynoutria japonica, is a perennial herb belonging to the Polygonaceae family. Commonly called Japanese knotweed or Asian knotweed, this plant is native to East Asia, particularly in regions such as Korea, China, and Japan. It has successfully adapted to a wide range of habitats, resulting in it being listed as a pest and invasive species in several countries in North America and Europe. This study focuses on analysing the composition of the bacterial and fungal endophytic communities associated with Japanese knotweed growing in the Russian Far East, employing next-generation sequencing (NGS) and a cultivation-based method (microbiological sowing). The NGS analysis showed that the dominant classes of endophytic bacteria were Alphaproteobacteria (28%) and Gammaproteobacteria (28%), Actinobacteria (20%), Bacteroidia (15%), and Bacilli (4%), and fungal classes were Agaricomycetes (40%), Dothideomycetes (24%), Leotiomycetes (10%), Tremellomycetes (9%), Pezizomycetes (5%), Sordariomycetes (3%), and Exobasidiomycetes (3%). The most common genera of endophytic bacteria were Burkholderia-Caballeronia-Parabukholderia, Sphingomonas, Hydrotalea, Methylobacterium-Metylorubrum, Cutibacterium, and Comamonadaceae, and genera of fungal endophytes were Marasmius, Tuber, Microcyclosporella, Schizothyrium, Alternaria, Parastagonospora, Vishniacozyma, and Cladosporium. The present data showed that the roots, leaves, and stems of P. cuspidatum have a greater number and diversity of endophytic bacteria and fungi compared to the flowers and seeds. Thus, the biodiversity of endophytic bacteria and fungi of P. cuspidatum was described and analysed for the first time in this study.},
}

@article {pmid39339581,
year = {2024},
author = {Lillo, G and Calia, C and Cice, D and Petriccione, M and Camposeo, S},
title = {Blooming Phenograms, Pollen Production, and Pollen Quality during Storage of Pistachio Cultivars in New Mediterranean Growing Areas.},
journal = {Plants (Basel, Switzerland)},
volume = {13},
number = {18},
pages = {},
doi = {10.3390/plants13182606},
pmid = {39339581},
issn = {2223-7747},
support = {J89J21013750001//DAJS (Distretto Agroalimentare di Qualità Jonico Salentino)/ ; },
abstract = {Pistachio (Pistacia vera L.) is a dioecious, anemophilous, and drought-resistant fruit tree species. It is cultivated in new Mediterranean areas, including the regions of southern Italy (Apulia and Basilicata). It has been estimated that over 40,000 ha are suitable for pistachio cultivation in areas infected by Xylella fastidiosa subsp. pauca. As a newly introduced species, knowledge of its biological reproductive behaviors in its new areas of spreading is essential for appropriate agronomic planning and management. This two-year study (2022 and 2023), carried out in the countryside of Stigliano (MT, Italy), had the objective of evaluating the flowering phenograms, pollen production, and assessing protocols for the conservation and extension of pollen viability, of the most widespread cultivars. A slight delay was observed in the blooming phenograms, compared to other cultivation Mediterranean areas, such as Spain or Sicily. Furthermore, the overlap between female and male phenograms was partial. No significant differences were observed in the polliniferous aptitude of the two male cultivars. Among the different protocols tested, the pollen storage at 33% relative humidity and a temperature of -80 °C maintained the pollen germinability above 50% for up to three weeks. These findings highlight the importance of controlled environmental conditions in preserving pollen viability over extended periods, providing valuable insights for agricultural and botanical research that relies on maintaining pollen viability for breeding and genetic studies.},
}

@article {pmid39337899,
year = {2024},
author = {Locci, C and Azzena, I and Pascale, N and Ciccozzi, A and Deplano, I and Giantsis, IA and Papadopoulos, DK and Lattos, A and Orrù, F and Puzzi, CM and Scarpa, F and Casu, M and Sanna, D},
title = {A Sister Species for the Blue Crab, Callinectes sapidus? A Tale Revealed by Mitochondrial DNA.},
journal = {Life (Basel, Switzerland)},
volume = {14},
number = {9},
pages = {},
doi = {10.3390/life14091116},
pmid = {39337899},
issn = {2075-1729},
support = {Legge Regionale n. 17 del 19 dicembre 2023, articolo 8 comma 1 (Codice CUP E78H23000990002)//Regione Autonoma della Sardegna/ ; Investimento 1.4 Project CN00000033 which supported the National Biodiversity Future Center of the University of Sassari//PNRR, Missione 4, Componente 2 "Dalla ricerca all'impresa"./ ; },
abstract = {The Atlantic blue crab, Callinectes sapidus, is acknowledged as one of the worst invasive alien species in the Mediterranean, impacting biodiversity and human activities. Native to the western Atlantic, it has expanded to European coastal waters since the early 1900s. Despite its ecological and commercial importance, genetic research on this species is limited. Here we show a comprehensive investigation of the genetic variation and evolutionary history in Callinectes sapidus using 667 mitochondrial COI gene sequences. Our dataset encompasses 36 newly generated sequences from previously understudied Mediterranean sites and 631 from worldwide locations obtained from the GenBank public database. Our findings reveal two distinct, but closely related, genetic groups within the species' distribution range, suggesting the occurrence of a potential species complex. Furthermore, in the Mediterranean, low levels of genetic variability were observed except for substantial haplotypic differentiation in Turkish samples. This study depicts the global genetic diversity and evolutionary patterns of Callinectes sapidus, offering new insights into the taxonomic status of the species.},
}

@article {pmid39336653,
year = {2024},
author = {Amaro, FIF and Soares, P and Velo, E and Carvalho, DO and Gomez, M and Balestrino, F and Puggioli, A and Bellini, R and Osório, HC},
title = {Mark-Release-Recapture Trial with Aedes albopictus (Diptera, Culicidae) Irradiated Males: Population Parameters and Climatic Factors.},
journal = {Insects},
volume = {15},
number = {9},
pages = {},
doi = {10.3390/insects15090685},
pmid = {39336653},
issn = {2075-4450},
support = {IAEA-POR5006//International Atomic Energy Agency/ ; },
abstract = {Aedes albopictus is considered one of the major invasive species in the world and can transmit viruses such as dengue, Zika, or chikungunya. The Sterile Insect Technique (SIT) can be used to suppress the native populations of Ae. albopictus. Mark-release-recapture (MRR) studies are crucial to support the development of the release strategy during the SIT application. Meanwhile, weather conditions can affect the MRR trial's results and it is critical to understand the influence of climatic factors on the results. In October 2022, 84,000 irradiated sterile males were released for three consecutive weeks in Faro, Southern Portugal. Mosquitoes were recaptured by human landing collection (HLC) one, two, four, and six days after release. Generalized linear models with a negative binomial family and log function were used to estimate the factors associated with the number of recaptured mosquitoes, prevalence ratios, and the 95% confidence intervals (CIs). A total of 84,000 sterile male mosquitoes were released, with 528 recaptured (0.8%) by HLC. The prevalence of recaptured mosquitoes was 23% lower when the wind intensity was moderate. Marked sterile males had an average median distance travelled of 88.7 m. The median probability of daily survival and the average life expectancy were 61.6% and 2.1 days, respectively. The wild male population estimate was 443.33 males/ha. Despite no statistically significant association being found with humidity, temperature, and precipitation, it is important to consider weather conditions during MRR trial analyses to obtain the best determinant estimation and a more efficient application of the SIT in an integrated vector management program.},
}

@article {pmid39336647,
year = {2024},
author = {Li, X and Li, P and Li, D and Cai, X and Gu, S and Zeng, L and Cheng, D and Lu, Y},
title = {Dynamics of Bactrocera dorsalis Resistance to Seven Insecticides in South China.},
journal = {Insects},
volume = {15},
number = {9},
pages = {},
doi = {10.3390/insects15090679},
pmid = {39336647},
issn = {2075-4450},
support = {2023YFD1401400//National Key R&D Project of China/ ; 2023KJ134//Guangdong Modern Agriculture Innovation Team Project/ ; 2023B04J0154//Guangzhou Key R&D Project/ ; },
abstract = {Bactrocera dorsalis is a highly invasive and destructive pest distributed worldwide. Chemical insecticides remain the primary measure for their control; however, this species has already developed resistance to several insecticides. In recent years, there have been several reports of monitoring B. dorsalis resistance in China, but continuous monitoring results are lacking and do not even span a decade. In this study, we monitored the dynamics of resistance to seven insecticides among 11 geographically distinct Chinese populations of B. dorsalis (2010-2013; follow-up in 2023). The 11 populations were found to adapt rapidly to antibiotic insecticides (spinosad, emamectin benzoate, and avermectin), reaching high levels of insecticide resistance in several areas. Overall, a decreasing trend in resistance to organophosphorus insecticides (chlorpyrifos and trichlorfon) was observed, whereas pyrethroid (beta-cypermethrin and cyhalothrin) resistance trends were observed to both increase and decrease. The monitoring of field resistance among different B. dorsalis populations over the duration of this study is important for improving the efficiency and sustainability of agricultural pest management, and the results provide a scientific basis for the development of more effective resistance management strategies.},
}

@article {pmid39336097,
year = {2024},
author = {Jareb, C and Pepin, KM and Miller, RS and Sykora, S and Shwiff, SA and McKee, SC},
title = {Agricultural and Ecological Resources Safeguarded by the Prevention of Wild Pig Population Expansion.},
journal = {Biology},
volume = {13},
number = {9},
pages = {},
doi = {10.3390/biology13090670},
pmid = {39336097},
issn = {2079-7737},
support = {N/A//U.S Department of Agriculture, Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, Wildlife Services, National Feral Swine Damage Management Program/ ; },
abstract = {Wild pigs (Sus scrofa) are one of the most destructive invasive species in the US, known for causing extensive damage to agricultural commodities, natural resources, and property, and for transmitting diseases to livestock. Following the establishment of the National Feral Swine Damage Management Program (NFSDMP) in 2014, the expansion of wild pig populations has been successfully slowed. This paper combines two modeling approaches across eight separate models to characterize the expansion of wild pig populations in the absence of intervention by the NFSDMP and forecasts the value of a subset of resources safeguarded from the threat of wild pigs. The results indicate that if wild pigs had continued spreading at pre-program levels, they would have spread extensively across the US, with significant geographic variation across modeling scenarios. Further, by averting the threat of wild pigs, a substantial amount of crops, land, property, and livestock was safeguarded by the NFSDMP. Cumulatively, between 2014 and 2021, wild pig populations were prevented from spreading to an average of 724 counties and an average of USD 40.2 billion in field crops, pasture, grasses, and hay was safeguarded. The results demonstrate that intervention by the NFSDMP has delivered significant ecological and economic benefits that were not previously known.},
}

@article {pmid39335217,
year = {2024},
author = {Baek, HJ and Cheong, E and Kim, Y and Koo, KS and Kim, SH and Park, CD and Yoon, JD},
title = {Geographical Distribution of Mauremys sinensis, Mauremys reevesii, and Their Hybrids in South Korea.},
journal = {Animals : an open access journal from MDPI},
volume = {14},
number = {18},
pages = {},
doi = {10.3390/ani14182626},
pmid = {39335217},
issn = {2076-2615},
support = {NIE-A-2024-09//National Institute of Ecology funded by the Ministry of Environment of Republic of Korea/ ; },
abstract = {The Chinese striped-necked turtle Mauremys sinensis, introduced into South Korea presumably in 2012, is considered an invasive alien species owing to its devastating impact, including hybridization with the native protected species Reeves' turtle M. reevesii. Recently, the presence of M. sinensis has been confirmed throughout the country, and several sympatric areas with M. reevesii have been reported. Thus, field surveys were conducted at 47 sites across M. sinensis and M. reevesii habitats in South Korea to determine the extent of hybridization. Five sympatric sites were confirmed, and hybrid individuals were identified at four sites. Genetic analyses (COI and R35) of two individuals from Jeju Island confirmed maternal M. reevesii and paternal M. sinensis lineages. Hybridization presumably does not occur under natural conditions, and the hybrids likely originated from captive breeding. This study identifies for the first time the habitats of M. sinensis and its hybrids in the wild of South Korea. The management measures proposed in the current study could be of value for the conservation of the native species; however, our study did not include reproductive monitoring, and there is a need for such surveys as well as for systematic management of non-native turtles introduced into South Korea.},
}

@article {pmid39332739,
year = {2024},
author = {Peng, Y and Hu, B and Zhu, Y and Yin, Z and Fu, B and Yang, H and He, Z and Khim, JS},
title = {Functional traits of macrobenthos substantially indicated habitat change from the invasive saltmarsh to introduced mangrove.},
journal = {The Science of the total environment},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {176536},
doi = {10.1016/j.scitotenv.2024.176536},
pmid = {39332739},
issn = {1879-1026},
abstract = {Mangrove afforestation is usually thought to be beneficial to mitigate the degradation and loss of mangroves. In Southern China, planting mangroves with the introduced Sonneratia apetala is also supportive to remove the invasive Spartina alterniflora. However, the influence of mangrove afforestation dominated by introduced species on macrobenthos, a vital joint of energy flow and nutrient cycling in mangroves, remains unclear. We explored the linkage between the functional traits of macrobenthos and the physicochemical properties of sediments in a coastal continuum including the mudflat (MF), exotic Spartina alterniflora saltmarsh (SL), natural Avicennia marina forest (AM), and introduced S. apetala afforestation (SA) via a seasonal field survey. After removing the S. alterniflora invaded into mudflat via S. apetala afforestation, the sediment C/N ratio decreased compared to that of natural forest, while the concentrations of microphytobenthic chlorophyll-a increased. The macrobenthic inhabiting mode shifted from epifaunal to infaunal as well. The biomass and density of microbenthic community decreased along MF, SL, AM, and SA. SL had greater C/N ratio and smaller functional richness (FR) than MF. AM was characterized by similar functional diversities, and pH value and salinity of sediment to those of MF, and greater microphytobenthic chlorophyll-a was found in AM. Compared to AM, the introduced S. apetala substantially engineered the habitat due to its flourishing above-ground pneumatophore system which caused faster deposition process, subsequently changed the resource utilization strategies of macrobenthos considerably. Overall, the use of Sonneratia afforestation on Spartina removal could not replace the contribution of natural Avicennia forest with respect to the functional traits of macrobenthos. Careful consideration on ecosystem functionalities would be indispensable for conducting saltmarsh eradication and mangrove afforestation in the future.},
}

@article {pmid39332339,
year = {2024},
author = {Gracia C, A and Pacheco-Medina, K and Paternina-Ramos, A and Peña-Granados, I and Rangel-Buitrago, N},
title = {Shell-bearing Bivalvia and Gastropoda from a rocky shore in the Central Caribbean of Colombia.},
journal = {Marine pollution bulletin},
volume = {208},
number = {},
pages = {117045},
doi = {10.1016/j.marpolbul.2024.117045},
pmid = {39332339},
issn = {1879-3363},
abstract = {This study documents the natural accumulation of mollusk shells on an elevated rocky shore carved into the calcareous rocks of the La Popa formation at Punta Roca (Atlántico), covering an estimated area of 0.35 km[2]. Hydrodynamic transport and differential exposure to environmental conditions are the primary factors contributing to shell deposition. A total of 58 mollusk species were identified, including 30 bivalves and 28 gastropods. The Veneridae was the most prominent, with the highest number of species (7) and shells comprising 64.22 % of the total. Key species contributing to the accumulation include the bivalves Anomalocardia cf. flexuosa, Polymesoda cf. arctata, Leukoma pectorina, Tivela mactroides, Crassostrea rhizophorae, and the gastropod Vitta virginea. These species are primarily characteristic of estuarine environments, with the exception of T. mactroides. Notably, the first recorded occurrence of the non-native gastropod Naria turdus (Cypraeidae) on the Colombian Caribbean coast was documented. The accumulations exhibit varying degrees of abrasion, fragmentation, encrustation, and bioerosion, with some shells appearing almost intact, indicating differences in origin and transport mechanisms. The extraction of shells for ornamental purposes poses a significant challenge to this natural accumulation.},
}

@article {pmid39331296,
year = {2024},
author = {Chongloi, V and Phukan, MM and Bora, P},
title = {Miscellaneous prospects of invasive Lantana camara biomass-a standpoint on bioenergy generation and value addition.},
journal = {Environmental science and pollution research international},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
pmid = {39331296},
issn = {1614-7499},
abstract = {Investigation of Lantana camara biomass for potential bioenergy generation integrates invasive species (IS) management with the unabated demand for bio-energy. In the present investigation, L. camara was used to produce bio-oil by thermochemical conversion (pyrolysis). The resultant product evinced energy yield of 62.58% with 64.95% of elemental carbon (C) content and endorsed the suitability of L. camara bio-oil for biofuel applications and value addition. Thermogravimetric (TG-DTG) analysis revealed a short thermal degradation profile, whereas spectroscopic analyses detected a host of organic compounds such as esters, phenols, ketones, aldehydes, aliphatics, and aromatics. The economic analysis of L. camara biomass conversion technology carried out in this study proved to be commercially competitive and viable versus petroleum refining. Antimicrobial and antioxidant assays with bio-oil evinced highest zone of inhibition (ZOI) against Candida albicans (31.02 mm), and displayed strong antioxidant property (DPPH IC50 value 233.72 ± 0.2 μg/ml). The bio-oil exhibited rheological characteristics of shear thinning and pseudoplastic fluid, particularly at low and intermediate shear rates. The present study highlights the multifaceted advantages of utilizing L. camara biomass, which include environmental remediation via waste management, bioenergy generation, and the feasibility of generating value-added products.},
}

@article {pmid39288692,
year = {2024},
author = {Koken, M and Gastineau, R},
title = {Genomics investigation of the potentially invasive firefly Photinus signaticollis Blanchard 1845: Complete mitochondrial genome, multigene phylogenies and obtention of the luciferase and luciferin-regenerating genes.},
journal = {Arthropod structure & development},
volume = {82},
number = {},
pages = {101384},
doi = {10.1016/j.asd.2024.101384},
pmid = {39288692},
issn = {1873-5495},
mesh = {Animals ; *Fireflies/genetics ; *Phylogeny ; *Genome, Mitochondrial ; Introduced Species ; Genomics ; Firefly Luciferin ; Genome, Insect ; },
abstract = {A genomic investigation of the potentially invasive firefly Photinus signaticollis Blanchard1845 has been performed and led to the obtention of its complete 16,411 bp long mitochondrial genome. The mitogenome encodes 13 protein-coding genes, 22 tRNA genes and 2 rRNA genes. With other species of the Photinus complex it shares several premature terminations of some protein-coding genes and also an overlap between cox1 and tRNA-Tyr. By data-mining, the complete luciferase and luciferin-regenerating genes were also identified from the contigs file and compared with existing data, in addition to WG and CAD, two genes used in pioneering phylogenetic studies on fireflies. Three maximum likelihood phylogenies were derived from all these data. The multigene phylogeny based on all mitochondrial protein-coding genes strongly associates P. signaticollis with Photinus pyralis Linnaeus, 1758 and the lantern-less daily "winter firefly", Photinus corruscus Linnaeus, 1767. A second phylogeny based on concatenated sequences of the cox1, WG and CAD genes positions P. signaticollis as a sister clade to a large cluster of species containing the 7 sub-groups previously evidenced among the North American species of the Photinus complex. A third phylogeny based on the amino-acid sequence of the luciferase protein associates P. signaticollis to Photinus scintillans. The analysis presented here will most certainly help to come to a better understanding of the very complex inter-relationships in the very large Photinus genus.},
}

Animals
*Fireflies/genetics
*Phylogeny
*Genome, Mitochondrial
Introduced Species
Genomics
Firefly Luciferin
Genome, Insect

@article {pmid39330311,
year = {2024},
author = {Arena, R and Renda, G and Ottaviani Aalmo, G and Debeaufort, F and Messina, CM and Santulli, A},
title = {Valorization of the Invasive Blue Crabs (Callinectes sapidus) in the Mediterranean: Nutritional Value, Bioactive Compounds and Sustainable By-Products Utilization.},
journal = {Marine drugs},
volume = {22},
number = {9},
pages = {},
doi = {10.3390/md22090430},
pmid = {39330311},
issn = {1660-3397},
mesh = {Animals ; *Nutritive Value ; *Brachyura ; Humans ; Introduced Species ; Shellfish ; Mediterranean Sea ; Conservation of Natural Resources ; },
abstract = {The blue crab (Callinectes sapidus), originally from the western Atlantic Ocean, has recently spread to the Mediterranean and is now considered one of the one hundred most invasive species in that region. This opportunistic species, known for its adaptability to different temperatures and salinities, negatively impacts biodiversity and human activities such as fishing and tourism in the Mediterranean. However, the blue crab is gaining interest as a potential food resource due to its high nutritional value and delicate, sweet flavor. Its meat is rich in protein (14% to 30%), omega-3 fatty acids (EPA and DHA) and other essential nutrients beneficial for human health such as vitamins, and minerals. Utilizing this species in the production of new foods could help mitigate the negative impact of its invasiveness and offer economic opportunities. One challenge with this potential resource is the generation of waste. Approximately 6-8 million tonnes of crab shells are produced worldwide each year, leading to disposal problems and concerns regarding environmental sustainability. To improve economic and environmental sustainability, there is a need to valorize these residues, which are an important source of proteins, lipids, chitin, minerals, and pigments that can be processed into high-value-added products. However, especially in areas with industrial pollution, attention should be paid to the heavy metal (Cd and As) contents of blue crab shells. Studies suggest that blue crab by-products can be used in various sectors, reducing environmental impacts, promoting a circular economy, and creating new industrial opportunities.},
}

Animals
*Nutritive Value
*Brachyura
Humans
Introduced Species
Shellfish
Mediterranean Sea
Conservation of Natural Resources

@article {pmid39329319,
year = {2024},
author = {Struckhoff, MA and Grabner, KW and Albers, JL and Hooper, MJ},
title = {Vegetation community recovery on restored bottomland hardwood forests in northeast Indiana, USA.},
journal = {Integrated environmental assessment and management},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1002/ieam.4993},
pmid = {39329319},
issn = {1551-3793},
support = {//Department of the Interior, Office of Restoration and Damage Assessment/ ; //USGS Columbia Environmental Research Center/ ; },
abstract = {Vegetation communities in restored bottomland hardwood forests in northeast Indiana were studied 6-21 years after restoration to assess progress toward restoration objectives. The study focused on four sites that were restored to compensate for resource injuries after contaminant releases. The restored sites were compared with four reference-site conditions, including crops (prerestoration condition), old field communities representing a no-management alternative, locally sampled second-growth mature forests, and forest community types described by the US National Vegetation Classification (USNVC), which represent ideal or defining conditions of recognized vegetation communities. Fixed-area plots provided data on field-sampled environmental variables, vegetation, soil, and hydrological conditions for crops, old fields, restored areas, and mature forests. The USNVC database provided quantitative data for three historically and geographically relevant reference forest community types for comparison with the sampled communities. Results of nonmetric multidimensional scaling based on species cover revealed clear gradients relating to site age and canopy development. Along those gradients, restored areas demonstrated increasing similarity to mature forest reference communities in terms of floristic composition. Specifically, the floristic quality of restored areas was significantly greater than that of crops and old fields. Furthermore, soil health measurements of physical, chemical, and hydrological conditions indicated significant improvements in restored site soils compared with prerestoration conditions represented by cropland soils. Descriptions and data from the USNVC provided ecological context for restoration target conditions and facilitated the assessment of restoration recovery along a trajectory from starting conditions to those target conditions. Descriptions by USNVC also helped identify deviations from the intended restoration objectives (e.g., invasive species recruitment) and potential adaptive management actions to return sites to their intended trajectories. Integr Environ Assess Manag 2024;00:1-22. Published 2024. This article is a U.S. Government work and is in the public domain in the USA. Integrated Environmental Assessment and Management published by Wiley Periodicals LLC on behalf of Society of Environmental Toxicology & Chemistry (SETAC).},
}

@article {pmid39329192,
year = {2024},
author = {Zhou, T and Li, J and Zhang, W and Zeng, Y and Gao, Y and Li, H and Yang, W and Mai, Y and Liu, Q and Hu, C and Wang, C},
title = {Pollution characteristics and risk assessment of endocrine-disrupting chemicals in surface water of national (freshwater) aquatic germplasm resource reserves in Guangdong Province.},
journal = {Environmental science. Processes & impacts},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1039/d4em00425f},
pmid = {39329192},
issn = {2050-7895},
abstract = {The distribution, composition, and risk assessment of 8 EDCs in the surface water of 14 national aquatic germplasm resource reserves (freshwater) were investigated during dry and wet seasons. Bisphenol A (BPA), nonylphenol (NP), and octylphenol (OP) were the main contributors of the 8 EDCs. The concentrations of phenolic pollutants in surface water during the dry season were higher than those in the wet season. However, no significant seasonal differences were found among the steroid hormones. According to the evaluation of estrogenic activity (EEQ > 1.0), E2 and EE2 were the main contributors to estrogenic activity. EDC mixtures posed a higher risk to crustaceans and fish (RQ > 1.0) and a moderate to high risk to algae (RQ > 0.1). Fish were the most sensitive aquatic organisms. In the study areas, EE2, E1, BPA, NP, and E2 had a higher risk than the other three compounds and should be controlled as a priority.},
}

@article {pmid39324107,
year = {2024},
author = {Santoianni, LA and Innangi, M and Varricchione, M and Carboni, M and La Bella, G and Haider, S and Stanisci, A},
title = {Ecological features facilitating spread of alien plants along Mediterranean mountain roads.},
journal = {Biological invasions},
volume = {26},
number = {11},
pages = {3879-3899},
pmid = {39324107},
issn = {1387-3547},
abstract = {UNLABELLED: Invasive alien species represent a major threat to global biodiversity and the sustenance of ecosystems. Globally, mountain ecosystems have shown a degree of resistance to invasive species due to their distinctive ecological features. However, in recent times, the construction of linear infrastructure, such as roads, might weaken this resistance, especially in the Mediterranean basin region. Roads, by acting as efficient corridors, facilitate the dispersal of alien species along elevation gradients in mountains. Here, we investigated how the ecological features and road-associated disturbance in native plant communities affected both the occurrence and cover of alien plant species in Central Apennines (Italy). We implemented the MIREN road survey in three mountain transects conducting vegetation sampling in plots located both adjacent to and distant from the roads at intervals of ~ 100 m in elevation. We then used community-weighted means of Ecological Indicator Values for Europe together with Disturbance Indicator Values applied to plant species of native communities as predictors of alien species occurrence and cover in a machine-learning classification and regression framework. Our analyses showed that alien species' occurrence was greater in proximity to the road where high soil disturbance occurred and in warm- and light-adapted native communities. On the other hand, alien species cover was more strongly related to moderate grazing pressure and the occurrence of nitrophilic plant communities. These findings provide a baseline for the current status of alien plant species in this Mediterranean mountain region, offering an ecological perspective to address the challenges associated with their management under global change.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s10530-024-03418-y.},
}

@article {pmid39323576,
year = {2024},
author = {Potgieter, LJ and Cadotte, MW and Roets, F and Richardson, DM},
title = {Monitoring urban biological invasions using citizen science: the polyphagous shot hole borer (Euwallacea fornicatus).},
journal = {Journal of pest science},
volume = {97},
number = {4},
pages = {2073-2085},
pmid = {39323576},
issn = {1612-4758},
abstract = {UNLABELLED: Benefits provided by urban trees are increasingly threatened by non-native pests and pathogens. Monitoring of these invasions is critical for the effective management and conservation of urban tree populations. However, a shortage of professionally collected species occurrence data is a major impediment to assessments of biological invasions in urban areas. We applied data from iNaturalist to develop a protocol for monitoring urban biological invasions using the polyphagous shot hole borer (PSHB) invasion in two urban areas of South Africa. iNaturalist records for all known PSHB reproductive host species were used together with data on localities of sites for processing plant biomass to map priority monitoring areas for detecting new and expanding PSHB infestations. Priority monitoring areas were also identified using the distribution of Acer negundo, a highly susceptible host that serves as a sentinel species for the detection of PSHB infestations. iNaturalist data provided close to 9000 observations for hosts in which PSHB is known to reproduce in our study area (349 of which were A. negundo). High-priority areas for PSHB monitoring include those with the highest density of PSHB reproductive hosts found close to the 140 plant biomass sites identified. We also identified high-priority roads for visual and baited trap surveys, providing operational guidance for practitioners. The monitoring protocol developed in this study highlights the value of citizen or community science data in informing the management of urban biological invasions. It also advocates for the use of platforms such as iNaturalist as essential tools for conservation monitoring in urban landscapes.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s10340-024-01744-7.},
}

@article {pmid39319243,
year = {2024},
author = {Koutsoukos, E and Demetriou, J and Georgiadis, C and Mitroiu, MD and Compton, S and Martinou, AF},
title = {Highlighting overlooked biodiversity through online platforms: The "Chalcid Wasps of Cyprus" website.},
journal = {Biodiversity data journal},
volume = {12},
number = {},
pages = {e129367},
pmid = {39319243},
issn = {1314-2828},
abstract = {Biodiversity data platforms including databases, websites and data repositories underpin conservation efforts by collecting spatiotemporal data of discovered native and alien species and maps of their distributions. Chalcid wasps (Hymenoptera, Chalcidoidea) are one of the most diverse insect groups estimated to include half a million species. Being mostly parasitoids of other arthropods, they have been successfully used as biological control agents against serious agricultural pests worldwide. In Cyprus, only 124 species of chalcid wasps have been recorded, with 53 species being alien to the island. Their true biodiversity is predicted to be much larger because the island is both under-sampled and under-researched. A number of biodiversity data platforms focusing on the biodiversity of Cyprus are currently online; however, an online platform dedicated on the chalcid wasps of Cyprus is lacking. In the framework of the Darwin Plus Fellowship (DPLUS202) "Species richness and biological invasions of Chalcid wasps in Akrotiri Peninsula", the "Chalcid wasps of Cyprus" website (https://sites.google.com/view/chalcidwaspscyprus) is presented. This online, dynamic database aims to: (1) raise public awareness regarding a rather neglected and yet ecologically important insect group, (2) provide data on the morphology, ecology and biodiversity of Chalcidoidea on Cyprus, as well as (3) promote conservation needs by setting a baseline for the future assessment of both native and alien chalcid wasp species. This online platform will be regularly revised in order to provide an up-to-date, user-friendly digital environment to the scientific community, policy-makers and citizens.},
}

@article {pmid39318529,
year = {2024},
author = {Fluch, M and Chignola, M and Corretto, E and Wolf, M and Fischnaller, S and Borruso, L and Schuler, H},
title = {What's on the menu? A novel molecular gut content analysis to investigate the feeding behavior of phytophagous insects.},
journal = {Ecology and evolution},
volume = {14},
number = {9},
pages = {e70071},
pmid = {39318529},
issn = {2045-7758},
abstract = {The relationship between phytophagous insects and plants is a central aspect of food webs and ecosystem functioning. The introduction of new species into an environment can have significant impacts on the food web of a native ecosystem. In many cases, there is a lack of knowledge on the biology and feeding behavior of invasive species prior their introduction and in the invaded regions. Gut content analyses of insects have provided valuable information on the host spectrum of insects. However, current approaches are time-consuming and costly. Here, we describe a new molecular gut content analysis (GCA) approach using the Oxford Nanopore (ONT) Flongle sequencing platform to characterize the plant DNA present in the gut of the highly polyphagous insect species Halyomorpha halys. We demonstrate that this technique efficiently amplifies and correctly identifies plant DNA in a mock community. We performed a feeding experiment to determine the sensitivity of this approach and to assess how long the plant DNA can be detected. All plants used in the feeding experiment were correctly identified and detected after 56 days. Surprisingly, we also detected various plant genera that were not included in the feeding experiment and thus were likely ingested months before the experiment. Our study suggests that the GCA using the ONT Flongle sequencing platform represents a rapid and cost-efficient diagnosis of the dietary preferences, host range, and the diversity of consumed plant species of pest insects with high precision.},
}

@article {pmid39318527,
year = {2024},
author = {Barclay, KM and Amos, P and Leighton, LR and Schneider, CL and Baum, JK},
title = {Predation scars provide a new method to distinguish native and invasive crab predation on mollusc prey.},
journal = {Ecology and evolution},
volume = {14},
number = {9},
pages = {e70338},
pmid = {39318527},
issn = {2045-7758},
abstract = {Crab species are increasingly important socioeconomic resources that are threatened by human exploitation, climate change, and invasive species, such as European green crabs (Carcinus maenas). However, the continued health of their populations is often uncertain given the limited long-term population data, necessitating alternate approaches to ensure their continued viability. Furthermore, C. maenas are one of the most highly invasive and destructive marine species globally, posing a threat to local ecosystems and species, including socioeconomically important crabs and their mollusc prey. Improved understanding of C. maenas invasions and their impacts on local crab and mollusc resources is therefore vitally important. Here, we present a new method for identifying species-level presence and relative abundances of important crab species, including invasive C. maenas, from the scars they leave on their prey. We conducted controlled manipulative feeding experiments in which individuals of Dungeness crabs (Metacarcinus magister), red rock crabs (Cancer productus), and C. maenas, were allowed to attack snails (Tegula funebralis) and produce sublethal shell damage. Resulting shell damage was photographed and landmarked for geometric morphometric analyses to determine any differences in the shape of shell damage between crab species. There were statistically significant differences between the shape of shell damage created by all three crab species (p < .0001). Shell damage formed a gradient from narrow/deep (C. productus) to shallow/wide (C. maenas) with M. magister as an intermediate form. Our method provides a novel, cost-effective tool for long-term species-specific reconstructions of crab populations and assessing the broader ecological impacts of C. maenas invasions that can inform management and mitigation for these three important crab species.},
}

@article {pmid39317366,
year = {2024},
author = {Sauther, ML and Cuozzo, FP and Youssouf, IAJ and Strinden, M and LaFleur, M and Ness, J and Larsen, RS and Millette, J and O'Mara, T},
title = {Seasons of death: patterns of predation on wild lemurs and other fauna by endemic and introduced predators.},
journal = {Folia primatologica; international journal of primatology},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {1-24},
doi = {10.1163/14219980-bja10033},
pmid = {39317366},
issn = {1421-9980},
abstract = {Introduced species can negatively impact endemic flora and fauna. Studies have primarily utilized camera trap observations and occupancy modelling to better clarify the presence/absence and temporal overlap of endemic and exotic predators. Longitudinal data from field research sites are important as they can provide a finer understanding of predator dynamics and their effects on endemic species. One such site is the Bezà Mahafaly Special Reserve, in southern Madagascar. Protected since the 1970s, the local human population around Bezà Mahafaly Special Reserve has greatly expanded, leading to habitat disturbance in the surrounding forests and increased contact between local wildlife, people and their livestock and dogs. Here we use a combination of scat sampling, field observations of successful and attempted predations, locations of scat samples with identifiable lemur remains, and camera trap data to better assess the predator ecology at Bezà Mahafaly Special Reserve. Our results indicate that forest cats (Felis catus), are effective predators of both adult and infant lemurs and appear to be a constant mammalian predator, utilizing mammal prey more than dogs. Dogs are both predators and scavengers of lemurs. Civets focus on small prey, such as insects and rodents as well as plant material. The fosa, Cryptoprocta ferox, are also present but may not hunt in the area continuously. The killing of an adult ring-tailed lemur by two men from outside the area indicate culturally imposed taboos against lemur killing may no longer be effective given that new arrivals may not share the same local cultural restrictions. Scat sampling of exotic predators is one way to expand our understanding of exotic and endemic predator impact on lemur populations, and long-term studies with multiple assessments of predation can provide a clearer understanding of how non-endemic and endemic predators affect endangered species survival.},
}

@article {pmid39233091,
year = {2024},
author = {Quinlan, GM and Doser, JW and Kammerer, MA and Grozinger, CM},
title = {Estimating genus-specific effects of non-native honey bees and urbanization on wild bee communities: A case study in Maryland, United States.},
journal = {The Science of the total environment},
volume = {953},
number = {},
pages = {175783},
doi = {10.1016/j.scitotenv.2024.175783},
pmid = {39233091},
issn = {1879-1026},
mesh = {Bees ; Animals ; Maryland ; *Urbanization ; *Introduced Species ; Beekeeping ; },
abstract = {Non-native species have the potential to detrimentally affect native species through resource competition, disease transmission, and other forms of antagonism. The western honey bee (Apis mellifera) is one such species that has been widely introduced beyond its native range for hundreds of years. There are strong concerns in the United States, and other countries, about the strain that high-density, managed honey bee populations could pose to already imperiled wild bee communities. While there is some experimental evidence of honey bees competing with wild bees for resources, few studies have connected landscape-scale honey bee apiary density with down-stream consequences for wild bee communities. Here, using a dataset from Maryland, US and joint species distribution models, we provide the largest scale, most phylogenetically resolved assessment of non-native honey bee density effects on wild bee abundance to date. As beekeeping in Maryland primarily consists of urban beekeeping, we also assessed the relative impact of developed land on wild bee communities. Six of the 33 wild bee genera we assessed showed a high probability (> 90 %) of a negative association with apiary density and/or developed land. These bees were primarily late-season, specialist genera (several long-horned genera represented) or small, ground nesting, season-long foragers (including several sweat bee genera). Conversely, developed land was associated with an increase in relative abundance for some genera including invasive Anthidium and other urban garden-associated genera. We discuss several avenues to ameliorate potentially detrimental effects of beekeeping and urbanization on the most imperiled wild bee groups. We additionally offer methodological insights based on sampling efficiency of different methods (hand netting, pan trapping, vane trapping), highlighting large variation in effect sizes across genera. The magnitude of sampling effect was very high, relative to the observed ecological effects, demonstrating the importance of integrated sampling, particularly for multi-species or community level assessments.},
}

Bees
Animals
Maryland
*Urbanization
*Introduced Species
Beekeeping

@article {pmid39317107,
year = {2024},
author = {Lee, J and Noh, J and Lee, C and Lee, IO and Kwon, I and Kwon, BO and Lee, MJ and Lee, JH and Ryu, J and Kim, J and Kang, H and Ha, HK and Lee, SY and Wang, T and Khim, JS},
title = {Effects of exotic Spartina alterniflora invasion on benthic environments in the Yellow Sea.},
journal = {Marine pollution bulletin},
volume = {208},
number = {},
pages = {117017},
doi = {10.1016/j.marpolbul.2024.117017},
pmid = {39317107},
issn = {1879-3363},
abstract = {For four decades, cordgrass (Spartina alterniflora) has invaded salt marshes in the Yellow Sea, altering physical, biogeochemical, and biological processes. Here, we investigated the ecological effects of S. alterniflora invasion on benthic environments compared to native halophytes. S. alterniflora contributed to higher carbon accumulation rates compared with bare tidal flat in sediments (3.4 times), through greater primary production and root biomass, compared to Suaeda japonica (2.5 times) and Phragmites australis (2.4 times) over the given period. The results showed that S. alterniflora eradication treatments inhibited its growth but did not significantly affect the benthic communities. Compared to P. australis and bare tidal flats, S. alterniflora invasion resulted in lower greenhouse gas emission and higher contributions to macrobenthos nutrition, and increased sediment stability and carbon burial. Overall, these multiple lines of evidence provide new insights on S. alterniflora invasion, suggesting that the current eradication policy would be carefully reviewed.},
}

@article {pmid39316744,
year = {2023},
author = {Pringle, JM},
title = {Are Coastal Marine Larvae Dispersed Less Than Would Be Expected by Ocean Currents?.},
journal = {The Biological bulletin},
volume = {245},
number = {3},
pages = {129-138},
doi = {10.1086/732015},
pmid = {39316744},
issn = {1939-8697},
mesh = {Animals ; *Larva/physiology/growth & development ; *Oceans and Seas ; *Animal Distribution ; Water Movements ; Models, Biological ; Introduced Species ; Ecosystem ; Aquatic Organisms/physiology ; },
abstract = {AbstractThe distance that offspring disperse from their parents affects how a species responds to habitat disturbance, climate change, and interspecific interactions. For many benthic species, this dispersal is via planktonic larvae, but the distance these larvae disperse is difficult to observe directly. Dispersal distance has usually been estimated indirectly by combining an observed quantity (e.g., the rate of spread of an invasive organism or genetic similarity between locations) with a model that links that quantity to the dispersal of larvae. The estimates of dispersal distance based on the speed of spread of invasive organisms have led many researchers to conclude that the larvae of most of these organisms disperse much less than would be expected if they were being passively transported by the expected ocean currents (Shanks et al.; Shanks). I argue that the discrepancy is instead caused by the choice of model linking dispersal distance to invasion speed. Their model neglected the impact of life history, population growth, and oceanographic parameters on invasion speed. When dispersal distance is estimated from a more complete model of invasion speed, it is found that larval dispersal distance is not much less than would be expected for larvae drifting in the observed ocean currents.},
}

Animals
*Larva/physiology/growth & development
*Oceans and Seas
*Animal Distribution
Water Movements
Models, Biological
Introduced Species
Ecosystem
Aquatic Organisms/physiology

@article {pmid39316668,
year = {2024},
author = {Quinn, NF and Robertson, RR and Duan, JJ},
title = {Effect of storage conditions on host egg suitability and the reproductive fitness of Oobius agrili (Hymenoptera: Encyrtidae), an egg parasitoid of the invasive emerald ash borer (Agrilus planipennis) (Coleoptera: Buprestidae).},
journal = {Environmental entomology},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1093/ee/nvae081},
pmid = {39316668},
issn = {1938-2936},
abstract = {Oobius agrili Zhang and Huang (Hymenoptera: Encyrtidae) is an important egg parasitoid of the emerald ash borer (EAB), Agrilus planipennis Fairmaire (Coleoptera: Buprestidae). Methods for laboratory-rearing O. agrili have been developed but its mass-production depends on the continuous production and storage of freshly laid EAB eggs as well as diapaused parasitoid progeny (inside parasitized EAB eggs). The purpose of this study was to determine optimal environmental conditions for long-term storage of host eggs as well as diapaused parasitoid progeny. Fresh host eggs and diapaused parasitoid progeny were stored at two low storage temperatures (1.7 and 12.8 °C) and three levels of relative humidity (low ~31%, medium ~74%, and high ~99.9%) for various length of time (15-270 days) and then evaluated for host egg suitability and the reproductive fitness of stored parasitoid progeny. EAB eggs were stored for approximately 30 days without significant reduction of their viability and suitability to O. agrili parasitism at low storage temperatures under high and medium relative humidity. Neither storage temperature or humidity had any significant effects on adult parasitoid emergence for storage durations of up to 270 days. When storage durations were over 120 days, however, both adult parasitoid longevity and fecundity declined approximately 20-30% across all temperature and humidity treatments. Relevance of findings to mass-production and storage of O. agrili for biocontrol is discussed.},
}

@article {pmid39315959,
year = {2024},
author = {Day, CA and Trout Fryxell, RT},
title = {Fine-scale associations between land cover composition and the oviposition activity of native and invasive Aedes (Diptera: Culicidae) vectors of La Crosse virus.},
journal = {Journal of vector ecology : journal of the Society for Vector Ecology},
volume = {49},
number = {2},
pages = {R27-R38},
doi = {10.52707/1081-1710-49.2.R27},
pmid = {39315959},
issn = {1948-7134},
mesh = {Animals ; *Aedes/physiology/virology ; *La Crosse virus/physiology ; *Oviposition ; *Mosquito Vectors/physiology/virology ; Introduced Species ; Female ; },
abstract = {Land cover is recognized as an important determinant of mosquito community assemblages and pathogen transmission, but few studies have investigated the role of land cover in populations of La Crosse virus (LACV) vectors. La Crosse virus is a zoonotic disease primarily maintained by native Aedes triseriatus, with accessory transmission by invasive vectors Ae. albopictus and Ae. japonicus. The objective of this study was to investigate the association between land cover composition and the egg abundances of LACV vectors in a city with endemic LACV transmission. Oviposition cups were deployed at sites ranging from recreational forests to urban areas. Mixed-effects regression models were used to test the relationships between land cover composition and species abundances. Sites characterized by large percentages of impervious and built surfaces were dominated by Ae. albopictus, but Ae. triseriatus was the most abundant species in forested areas. Aedes japonicus was rare at all sites, but its presence was associated with higher percentages of forested land. These results indicate that forested areas may allow Ae. triseriatus to maintain large populations near urban areas that are dominated by Ae. albopictus. Further research should explore the potential for these land cover-dependent population dynamics to influence LACV transmission cycles.},
}

Animals
*Aedes/physiology/virology
*La Crosse virus/physiology
*Oviposition
*Mosquito Vectors/physiology/virology
Introduced Species
Female

@article {pmid39314839,
year = {2024},
author = {Poudel, S and Pokhrel, B and Neupane, B and Miya, MS and Kc, N and Basyal, CR and Neupane, A and Dhami, B},
title = {Ecological and anthropogenic factors influencing the Summer habitat use of Bos gaurus and its conservation threats in Chitwan National Park, Nepal.},
journal = {PeerJ},
volume = {12},
number = {},
pages = {e18035},
pmid = {39314839},
issn = {2167-8359},
mesh = {Nepal ; *Conservation of Natural Resources ; Animals ; *Ecosystem ; *Parks, Recreational/statistics & numerical data ; *Seasons ; *Endangered Species ; Humans ; Anthropogenic Effects ; Climate Change ; },
abstract = {BACKGROUND: Gaur (Bos gaurus) is listed as a vulnerable species in the IUCN Red List of threatened species due to the rapid population decline caused by human pressures in their habitats. To develop successful conservation plans, it is essential to understand the relationship between Gaur and their habitats. This study aimed to investigate the factors influencing Gaur habitat use and identify and rank conservation threats in Chitwan National Park, Nepal.

METHODS: Using line transect surveys, we recorded Gaur's presence via direct sightings and indirect signs (dung, footprints, horns) over an area of 176 km[2] in July and August 2022. We used binary logistic regression models to determine the collected ecological and anthropogenic factors influencing the occurrence of Gaur and the relative whole-site threat ranking method to rank conservation threats.

RESULTS: The results revealed that the probability of Gaur occurrence increases with moderate to high canopy cover, riverine and Shorea robusta dominated forests, and nearest distance to road/path/firelines, while decreasing with the presence of predators. Uncontrolled fire, invasive species, human disturbances, and climate change were ranked as the most prevailing threats to Gaur in our study area. Conservation managers should implement effective habitat management interventions, such as construction of waterhole, firelines maintenance, grassland management, and control of invasive species in the potential habitats, to safeguard and maintain the sustainability of Gaur populations and associated herbivores. Future studies should consider larger geographical settings and multiple seasons, and habitat suitability assessments should be conducted to determine current and future suitable habitat refugia for Gaur and other threatened wildlife species at the landscape level.},
}

Nepal
*Conservation of Natural Resources
Animals
*Ecosystem
*Parks, Recreational/statistics & numerical data
*Seasons
*Endangered Species
Humans
Anthropogenic Effects
Climate Change

@article {pmid39313916,
year = {2024},
author = {Zhu, YX and Zhang, YY and Wang, XY and Yin, Y and Du, YZ},
title = {Wolbachia modify host cell metabolite profiles in response to short-term temperature stress.},
journal = {Environmental microbiology reports},
volume = {16},
number = {5},
pages = {e70013},
doi = {10.1111/1758-2229.70013},
pmid = {39313916},
issn = {1758-2229},
support = {BK20231330//The Natural Science Foundation of Jiangsu Province/ ; },
mesh = {*Wolbachia/metabolism/physiology/genetics ; Animals ; *Stress, Physiological ; *Temperature ; Cell Line ; *Metabolome ; Drosophila/microbiology ; Symbiosis ; Diptera/microbiology ; Fatty Acids/metabolism ; },
abstract = {Wolbachia are common heritable endosymbionts that influence many aspects of ecology and evolution in various insects, yet Wolbachia-mediated intracellular metabolic responses to temperature stress have been largely overlooked. Here, we introduced the Wolbachia strain wLhui from the invasive Liriomyza huidobrensis (Blanchard) into a Drosophila Schneider 2 cell line (S2) and investigated the metabolite profile of wLhui-infected (S2_wLhui) and uninfected cell lines (S2_wu) under short-term exposure to either high (37°C), moderate (27°C), or low (7 and 17°C) temperatures. We find that Wolbachia infection, temperature stress, and their interactions significantly affect cellular metabolic profiles. Most significantly, when comparing the changes in metabolites between S2_wLhui and S2_wu, glycerophospholipids, amino acids, and fatty acids associated with metabolic pathways, microbial metabolism in diverse environments, and other pathways were significantly accumulated at either low or high temperatures. Our findings suggest Wolbachia-induced cellular physiological responses to short-term temperature stress, which may in turn affect the fitness and adaptive ability of its host as an invasive species.},
}

*Wolbachia/metabolism/physiology/genetics
Animals
*Stress, Physiological
*Temperature
Cell Line
*Metabolome
Drosophila/microbiology
Symbiosis
Diptera/microbiology
Fatty Acids/metabolism

@article {pmid39313091,
year = {2024},
author = {Bartolomé, C and Dasilva-Martins, D and Valiñas, R and Gabín-García, LB and Nave, A and García-Pérez, AL and Monceau, K and Thiéry, D and Christie, A and Choi, MB and Sobrino, B and Amigo, J and Maside, X},
title = {Prevalence and population genetic analyses of parasites in invasive Vespa velutina and native Hymenoptera.},
journal = {Journal of invertebrate pathology},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {108203},
doi = {10.1016/j.jip.2024.108203},
pmid = {39313091},
issn = {1096-0805},
abstract = {Invasive species pose a threat to the ecological balance of the ecosystems they invade by altering local host-pathogen dynamics. To investigate these relationships and their potential consequences, we examined the prevalence and genetic diversity patterns of Trypanosomatidae, Lipotrophidae, and Nosematidae in a collection of sympatric isolates of the invasive hornet Vespa velutina and local Hymenoptera from two recently colonized areas: Europe and South Korea. Data were gathered through PCR amplification and massive parallel sequencing, and analyses were conducted using population genetics tools. Parasite prevalences showed substantial variation depending on (i) the parasite family (Trypanosomatidae and Nosematidae were the most and less prevalent, respectively), (ii) location (e.g. Galicia displayed the highest pooled values), (iii) the season (highest in spring for Trypanosomatidae and Lipotrophidae), and (iv) the host. V. velutina exhibited significantly lower parasite occurrence than native Hymenoptera across all parasite families (consistent with the enemy release hypothesis), although this difference was less pronounced during the periods of heightened predatory activity, suggestive of trophic transmission. Parasite species displayed significant genetic differentiation between European and South Korean isolates, yet no differentiation was observed across hosts, suggesting that all Hymenoptera are exposed to a common local pathogen population. There was no indication that V. velutina acted as a carrier of foreign parasites to the invaded territories.},
}

@article {pmid39235033,
year = {2024},
author = {Feng, S and DeGrey, SP and Guédot, C and Schoville, SD and Pool, JE},
title = {Genomic Diversity Illuminates the Environmental Adaptation of Drosophila suzukii.},
journal = {Genome biology and evolution},
volume = {16},
number = {9},
pages = {},
pmid = {39235033},
issn = {1759-6653},
support = {WIS02005//United States Department of Agriculture/ ; R35 GM13630/NH/NIH HHS/United States ; },
mesh = {*Drosophila/genetics ; Animals ; Genome, Insect ; Genetic Variation ; Adaptation, Physiological/genetics ; Introduced Species ; },
abstract = {Biological invasions carry substantial practical and scientific importance and represent natural evolutionary experiments on contemporary timescales. Here, we investigated genomic diversity and environmental adaptation of the crop pest Drosophila suzukii using whole-genome sequencing data and environmental metadata for 29 population samples from its native and invasive range. Through a multifaceted analysis of this population genomic data, we increase our understanding of the D. suzukii genome, its diversity and its evolution, and we identify an appropriate genotype-environment association pipeline for our dataset. Using this approach, we detect genetic signals of local adaptation associated with nine distinct environmental factors related to altitude, wind speed, precipitation, temperature, and human land use. We uncover unique functional signatures for each environmental variable, such as the prevalence of cuticular genes associated with annual precipitation. We also infer biological commonalities in the adaptation to diverse selective pressures, particularly in terms of the apparent contribution of nervous system evolution to enriched processes (ranging from neuron development to circadian behavior) and to top genes associated with all nine environmental variables. Our findings therefore depict a finer-scale adaptive landscape underlying the rapid invasion success of this agronomically important species.},
}

*Drosophila/genetics
Animals
Genome, Insect
Genetic Variation
Adaptation, Physiological/genetics
Introduced Species

@article {pmid39128963,
year = {2024},
author = {Veselkin, DV and Dubrovin, DI and Rafikova, OS},
title = {Occurrence of Arbuscular Mycorrhizal Herbs Decreases Selectively in Communities Dominated by Invasive Tree Acer negundo.},
journal = {Doklady biological sciences : proceedings of the Academy of Sciences of the USSR, Biological sciences sections},
volume = {518},
number = {1},
pages = {225-229},
pmid = {39128963},
issn = {1608-3105},
mesh = {*Mycorrhizae/physiology/drug effects ; *Acer/microbiology ; *Introduced Species ; Symbiosis ; Trees/microbiology ; },
abstract = {We tested whether one of the consequences predicted for alien plant invasion by the mutualism disruption hypothesis was true in the case of the ash-leaved maple Acer negundo L. The study aimed to determine whether the occurrences of mycorrhizal and nonmycorrhizal herbs varied similarly or differently in communities with varying degrees of A. negundo dominance. The analysis included the results of 78 vegetation descriptions carried out in Belarusian Polesia, the Middle Volga region, and the Middle Urals. Communities with or without A. negundo dominance were described in each region. The mycorrhizal status of plant species was determined using the FungalRoot Database. Species that are more likely to form arbuscular mycorrhiza were found to occur less frequently in A. negundo thickets. On the contrary, a higher probability of the nonmycorrhizal status was associated with a lower frequency of detection in A. negundo thickets. Therefore, the occurrence of arbuscular mycorrhizal herbs was found to selectively decrease in communities dominated by A. negundo.},
}

*Mycorrhizae/physiology/drug effects
*Acer/microbiology
*Introduced Species
Symbiosis
Trees/microbiology

@article {pmid39312824,
year = {2024},
author = {Marín-Aragón, R and Veiga, P and Sampaio, L and Guerrero-Meseguer, L and Sousa-Pinto, I and Rubal, M},
title = {The role of environment descriptors and seagrass biometrics in shaping macrobenthic assemblages' structure in intertidal Zostera noltei meadows.},
journal = {Marine environmental research},
volume = {202},
number = {},
pages = {106756},
doi = {10.1016/j.marenvres.2024.106756},
pmid = {39312824},
issn = {1879-0291},
abstract = {The present study describes macroinvertebrate assemblages in three Zostera noltei meadows, following a salinity gradient along the Aveiro lagoon (Portugal). The main environmental descriptors and Z. noltei biometrics were studied to provide a model of the multivariate macroinvertebrate assemblage structure. The macroinvertebrate assemblage structure in the meadow close to the lagoon opening was significantly different. This could be explained by its higher organic matter content and salinity values. Our model highlighted that 72% of the variation on macroinvertebrate assemblage structure was explained by the studied variables, being organic matter, salinity and sediment median grain size the most relevant factors. Moreover, the number of Z. noltei shoots, and cover of the invasive species Agarophyton aff. vermiculophyllum were also significant. The strong relationship between macroinvertebrates, environmental descriptors and Z. noltei biometrics validates the usefulness of macroinvertebrates as indicators of the seagrass condition in intertidal environments. This study provides baseline data that will be crucial to detect anthropogenic disturbances and preserve Z. noltei meadows, including their associated biodiversity. These data will also allow focusing on certain environmental factors and Z. noltei biometrics that have proved shaping the macroinvertebrate assemblages' structure.},
}

@article {pmid39311763,
year = {2024},
author = {Lu, Y and Luo, F and Zhou, A and Yi, C and Chen, H and Li, J and Guo, Y and Xie, Y and Zhang, W and Lin, D and Yang, Y and Wu, Z and Zhang, Y and Xu, S and Hu, W},
title = {Whole-genome sequencing of the invasive golden apple snail Pomacea canaliculata from Asia reveals rapid expansion and adaptive evolution.},
journal = {GigaScience},
volume = {13},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1093/gigascience/giae064},
pmid = {39311763},
issn = {2047-217X},
support = {2016YFC1200503//National Key Research and Development Program of China/ ; },
mesh = {Animals ; *Snails/genetics ; *Whole Genome Sequencing ; *Introduced Species ; *Adaptation, Physiological/genetics ; Evolution, Molecular ; Asia ; Genetic Variation ; Selection, Genetic ; Phylogeny ; Biological Evolution ; },
abstract = {Pomacea canaliculata, an invasive species native to South America, is recognized for its broad geographic distribution and adaptability to a variety of ecological conditions. The details concerning the evolution and adaptation of P. canaliculate remain unclear due to a lack of whole-genome resequencing data. We examined 173 P. canaliculata genomes representing 17 geographic populations in East and Southeast Asia. Interestingly, P. canaliculata showed a higher level of genetic diversity than other mollusks, and our analysis suggested that the dispersal of P. canaliculata could have been driven by climate changes and human activities. Notably, we identified a set of genes associated with low temperature adaptation, including Csde1, a cold shock protein coding gene. Further RNA sequencing analysis and reverse transcription quantitative polymerase chain reaction experiments demonstrated the gene's dynamic pattern and biological functions during cold exposure. Moreover, both positive selection and balancing selection are likely to have contributed to the rapid environmental adaptation of P. canaliculata populations. In particular, genes associated with energy metabolism and stress response were undergoing positive selection, while a large number of immune-related genes showed strong signatures of balancing selection. Our study has advanced our understanding of the evolution of P. canaliculata and has provided a valuable resource concerning an invasive species.},
}

Animals
*Snails/genetics
*Whole Genome Sequencing
*Introduced Species
*Adaptation, Physiological/genetics
Evolution, Molecular
Asia
Genetic Variation
Selection, Genetic
Phylogeny
Biological Evolution

@article {pmid39310957,
year = {2024},
author = {Hulme, PE},
title = {Trouble on the horizon: anticipating biological invasions through futures thinking.},
journal = {Biological reviews of the Cambridge Philosophical Society},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1111/brv.13149},
pmid = {39310957},
issn = {1469-185X},
support = {//Lincoln University/ ; },
abstract = {Anticipating future biosecurity threats to prevent their occurrence is the most cost-effective strategy to manage invasive alien species. Yet, biological invasions are complex, highly uncertain processes. High uncertainty drives decision-making away from strategic preventative measures and towards operational outcomes aimed at post-invasion management. The limited success of preventative measures in curbing biological invasions reflects this short-term mindset and decision-makers should instead apply strategic foresight to imagine futures where biosecurity threats are minimised. Here, four major futures thinking tools (environmental scanning, driver-mapping, horizon scanning, and scenario planning) that describe probable, possible, plausible and preferable futures are assessed in terms of their potential to support both research and policy addressing biological invasions. Environmental scanning involves surveying existing data sources to detect signals of emerging alien species through knowledge of changes in either the likelihood or consequences of biological invasions. Several approaches are widely used for biosecurity including automated scans of digital media, consensus-based expert scoring, and prediction markets. Automated systems can be poor at detecting weak signals because of the large volume of 'noise' they generate while expert scoring relies on prior knowledge and so fails to identify unknown unknowns which is also true of prediction markets that work well for quite specific known risks. Driver-mapping uses expert consensus to identify the political, economic, societal, technological, legislative, and environmental forces shaping the future and is a critical component of strategic foresight that has rarely been applied to biological invasions. Considerable potential exists to extend this approach to develop system maps to identify where biosecurity interventions may be most effective and to explore driver complexes to determine megatrends shaping the future of biological invasions. Horizon scanning is a systematic outlook of potential threats and future developments to detect weak signals of emerging issues that exist at the margins of current thinking. Applications have been strongly focused on emerging issues related to research and technological challenges relevant to biosecurity and invasion science. However, most of these emerging issues are already well known in current-day research. Because horizon scanning is based on expert consensus, it needs to embrace a diversity of cultural, gender, and disciplinary diversity more adequately to ensure participants think intuitively and outside of their own subject boundaries. Scenario planning constructs storylines that describe alternative ways the political, economic, social, technological, legislative, and environmental situation might develop in the future. Biological invasion scenario planning has favoured structured approaches such as standardised archetypes and uncertainty matrices, but scope exists to apply more intuitive thinking by using incasting, backcasting, or causal layered analysis. Futures thinking in biological invasions has not engaged with decision-makers or other stakeholders adequately and thus outcomes have been light on policy and management priorities. To date, strategic foresight addressing biological invasions has applied each approach in isolation. Yet, an integrated approach to futures thinking that involves a diverse set of stakeholders in exploring the probable, possible, plausible, and preferable futures relating to biological invasions is crucial to the delivery of strategic biosecurity foresight at both national and global scales.},
}

@article {pmid39310793,
year = {2024},
author = {Lečić, S and Wolfe, TM and Ghosh, A and Satar, S and Souza Beraldo, C and Smith, E and Dombroskie, JJ and Jernigan, E and Hood, GR and Schuler, H and Stauffer, C},
title = {Spatially Varying Wolbachia Frequencies Reveal the Invasion Origin of an Agricultural Pest Recently Introduced From Europe to North America.},
journal = {Evolutionary applications},
volume = {17},
number = {9},
pages = {e70016},
pmid = {39310793},
issn = {1752-4571},
abstract = {The introduction of non-native species across the world represents a major global challenge. Retracing invasion origin is an important first step in understanding the invasion process, often requiring detailed sampling within the native range. Insect species frequently host Wolbachia, a widespread endosymbiotic bacterium that manipulates host reproduction to increase infected female fitness. Here, we draw on the spatial variation in infection frequencies of an actively spreading Wolbachia strain wCer2 to investigate the invasion origin of the European cherry fruit fly, Rhagoletis cerasi. This pest of cherries was introduced from Europe to North America within the last decade. First, we screen the introduced fly population for the presence of Wolbachia. The introduced populations lack the wCer2 strain and the strongly associated mitochondrial haplotype, suggesting strain absence due to founder effects with invading individuals originating from wCer2-uninfected native population(s). To narrow down geographic regions of invasion origin, we perform spatial interpolation of the wCer2 infection frequency across the native range and predict the infection frequency in unsampled regions. For this, we use an extensive dataset of R. cerasi infection covering 238 populations across Europe over 25 years, complemented with 14 additional populations analyzed for this study. We find that R. cerasi was unlikely introduced from wCer2-infected populations in Central and Western Europe. We propose wCer2-uninfected populations from Eastern Europe and the Mediterranean region as the most likely candidates for the invasion origin. This work utilizes Wolbachia as an indirect instrument to provide insights into the invasion source of R. cerasi in North America, revealing yet another application for this multifaceted heritable endosymbiont. Given the prevalence of biological invasions, rapidly uncovering invasion origins gives fundamental insights into how invasive species adapt to new environments.},
}

@article {pmid39310707,
year = {2024},
author = {Cerrato, MD and Mir-Rosselló, PM and Cortés-Fernández, I and Ribas-Serra, A and Douthe, C and Cardona, C and Sureda, A and Flexas, J and Gil Vives, L},
title = {Insights on physiological, antioxidant and flowering response to salinity stress of two candidate ornamental species: the native coastal geophytes Pancratium maritimum L. and Eryngium maritimum L.},
journal = {Physiology and molecular biology of plants : an international journal of functional plant biology},
volume = {30},
number = {9},
pages = {1533-1549},
pmid = {39310707},
issn = {0971-5894},
abstract = {UNLABELLED: Increasing seawater influence in coastal areas is an ongoing environmental issue. Gardening is a widespread activity mainly in touristic areas such as the Mediterranean coasts. However, the use of exotic species well adapted to salinity encompasses the risk of invasive species introduction. This study aimed to evaluate salinity tolerance of native geophytes, Pancratium maritimum L. and Eryngium maritimum L., to assess their use as ornamental species in salt affected coastal areas. Experiments were conducted using cultivated plants for flowering response and physiological and enzymatic antioxidant response. Six treatments were applied for two months, exposing plants to seawater (SW) dilutions (Tap-Water, 6.25%SW, 12.5%SW, 25%SW, 50%SW and 100%SW). Taxa decreased inflorescence production being this effect more architectonical in E. maritimum and affecting all inflorescence integrity in P. maritimum. Flowering time was strongly delayed and reduced in P. maritimum, while E. maritimum showed smaller effects among treatments. Physiological and biochemical response showed at moderate salinity levels (1/4SW) variation concomitant with late stress response and senescence in P. maritimum, with decreased water use efficiency, NPQ values, and enzymatic activity, and increased malondialdehyde (MDA) levels. In contrast, E. maritimum showed early stress response with steady gas exchange response, increasing NPQ values and catalase (CAT) and superoxide dimutase (SOD) activity, and decreasing MDA levels with salinity. Glutathione enzymes showed limited participation in both species. The results of this study suggest that neither species can be classified as halophytes, but they exhibit tolerance to low and moderate salinity levels, making them suitable for ornamental use.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s12298-024-01502-0.},
}

@article {pmid39309169,
year = {2024},
author = {Jung, S and Kim, S and Shin, S},
title = {Complete mitochondrial genome of Plecialongiforceps Duda, 1933 (Diptera, Bibionidae) and its implications for a phylogeny of the family Bibionidae.},
journal = {ZooKeys},
volume = {1212},
number = {},
pages = {1-15},
pmid = {39309169},
issn = {1313-2989},
abstract = {Over the past decade, the prevalence of mass outbreaks involving non-native insects has sparked concerns about their potential negative impact on human inhabited areas and local environments. Plecialongiforceps Duda, 1933 (Diptera, Bibionidae) was recently recognized as an invasive pest in South Korea, causing public nuisance through mass outbreaks in the Seoul Metropolitan Area during early summer. In this study, we present the first complete mitochondrial genome of Plecialongiforceps, generated from the PacBio HiFi long-read sequencing data. Notably, the length of the circular genome is found to be larger than any annotated reference sequences of mitochondrial genomes for the infraorder Bibionomorpha, which is attributable to an unusually long A+T rich control region. We conducted a phylogenetic analysis of Bibionomorpha, focusing specifically on the family Bibionidae, using nearly all available mitochondrial genome data to elucidate relationships among genera within Bibionidae. Our phylogeny of Bibionomorpha recovered a strong monophyly of the family Bibionidae and its three subfamilies: Bibioninae (Bibio + Dilophus), Hesperininae (Hesperinus + Penthetria), and Pleciinae (Plecia), corroborating the recently proposed taxonomic classification system of Bibionidae. Furthermore, we discuss evolutionary trends within Bibionidae based on our well-supported higher relationships of the superfamily Bibionoidea.},
}

@article {pmid39308258,
year = {2024},
author = {López-Collar, D and Cabrero-Sañudo, FJ and Gil-Tapetado, D},
title = {The urban island: climatic suitability of Linepithema humile (Hymenoptera: Formicidae) and the role of cities in the invasion of the Western Palearctic.},
journal = {Integrative zoology},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1111/1749-4877.12903},
pmid = {39308258},
issn = {1749-4877},
abstract = {Urban environments often present environmental conditions that facilitate the introduction and establishment of nonnative and invasive species. These can expand their range into areas with unfavorable climates by taking advantage of the ecological and climatic homogenization of cities, bypassing the ecological barriers presented by the surrounding environment. One way to monitor the expansion of these species is using potential distribution models. We used as a model species the Argentine ant, Linepithema humile (Hymenoptera: Formicidae) whose invasion has caused serious consequences for biodiversity and economic losses worldwide. We used the average result of six different algorithms and used climatic variables and population density as a proxy for the urbanization level in the Western Palearctic to build the predictive model. The model indicates this ant prefers to inhabit areas with Mediterranean and Temperate Oceanic climates and that its suitability depends on two main factors: the continentality (temperature annual range) and the degree of urbanization. The species is predicted to be absent in areas with large temperature contrasts throughout the year, particularly in rural and peri-urban areas (i.e. adjacent to urban areas) of inland regions. Conversely, the species has a predilection for coastal and urban areas where environmental conditions are attenuated by the influence of the sea or the "urban heat island" effect in the case of inland cities. In this sense, cities act as "bioclimatic islands" facilitating the establishment of the Argentine ant as a reservoir, enlarging its distribution into climatically nonoptimal areas, and promoting its future expansion in a scenario of global warming and socioeconomic change.},
}

@article {pmid39307090,
year = {2024},
author = {Jeliazkov, A and Martínez-Fernández, V and Altanov, VY and Beisel, JN and Buijse, AD and Consuegra, S and Felin, S and Garcia de Leaniz, C and Graf, W and He, F and Jähnig, SC and Leitner, P and Schmidt-Kloiber, A and Sexton, AN and Staentzel, C and Tales, E and Wantzen, KM and Wolter, C},
title = {A global systematic map of knowledge of inland commercial navigation effects on freshwater ecosystems.},
journal = {Journal of environmental management},
volume = {370},
number = {},
pages = {122474},
doi = {10.1016/j.jenvman.2024.122474},
pmid = {39307090},
issn = {1095-8630},
abstract = {Inland navigation is one of the most sustainable transport alternatives to help decarbonise the world economy. However, the likely impacts of intensifying inland navigation on freshwater ecosystems are difficult to predict. A global map of knowledge that considers both abiotic and biotic responses to increasing shipping traffic and developing infrastructures is lacking. Deriving general evidence-based assessments is challenging, because most studies on inland navigation impacts are merely descriptive and either consist of local case studies, or address single navigation stressors or specific taxa only. We conducted a systematic mapping of the published literature (1908-2021) to provide a global synthesis of the effects of inland navigation on the biotic and abiotic components of freshwater ecosystems. We show that only half of the reported navigation-related impacts were statistically tested. Navigation itself (vessel operation) had mainly negative effects on native taxa (57%), followed by waterway management (40%), and navigation infrastructures (35%). Navigation has direct negative impacts caused by physical disturbances such as vessel-induced waves, and indirect impacts that facilitate the spread of aquatic invasive species, and altering the abiotic habitat conditions. Thirty percent of the tested relationships showed non-significant impacts on the biotic environment, while in 10% of cases impacts were context-dependent. We identified the main gaps of knowledge, namely (i) impacts of waterway management on communities, (ii) underlying processes of navigation impacts on river ecosystems; and (iii) interactions between multiple navigation factors and cascading effects on multi-taxa responses. These future research directions should improve the diagnosis, mitigate the negative impacts of navigation on rivers and provide guidelines for improving navigated river management.},
}

@article {pmid39306827,
year = {2024},
author = {McAllister, CT and Hnida, JA and Vice, D and Fisher, SR and Fisher, RN},
title = {A new species of Choleoeimeria (Apicomplexa: Eimeriidae) from the invasive curious skink, Carlia ailanpalai (Sauria: Scincidae) from Guam, U.S. Territory.},
journal = {Systematic parasitology},
volume = {101},
number = {5},
pages = {63},
pmid = {39306827},
issn = {1573-5192},
mesh = {Animals ; *Lizards/parasitology ; *Species Specificity ; *Eimeriidae/classification/cytology ; Guam ; Introduced Species ; Feces/parasitology ; },
abstract = {The curious skink, Carlia ailanpalai Zug, occurs in the main group of the Admiralty Islands of Papua New Guinea but has also successfully invaded Guam, the Marianas, Yap, and Kosrae. A single coccidian, Eimeria zugi McAllister, Duszynski, Fisher, & Austin, 2013 was described from C. ailanpalai from Papua New Guinea. No additional coccidians are known from this host. Fourteen C. ailanpalai were collected from Cocos Island (Islan Dåno), Guam, U.S. Territory, and their feces examined for coccidians. A single skink (7%) was found to be passing oöcysts of a new species of Choleoeimeria. Oöcysts of Choleoeimeria cocosensis n. sp. are ellipsoidal to ovoidal with a bi-layered wall, measure (L × W) 21.1 × 12.9 µm, and have a length/width (L/W) ratio of 1.6; a micropyle and an oocyst residuum were absent but fragmented polar granule(s) was present. Sporocysts are ovoidal and measure 8.6 × 6.3 µm, L/W 1.4; Stieda, sub-Stieda, and para-Stieda bodies were absent. Sporocyst residuum was typically a loose aggregate of various-sized granules between and across the sporozoites but sometimes a dense irregular mass between and across the sporozoites. Sporozoites were elongate, with a centrally located nucleus and a large spheroidal to subspheroidal posterior refractile body, but without an anterior refractile body. The new species can be differentiated from all other choleoeimerians from skinks by possessing one of the smallest oöcysts known from the host family. We also provide an updated summation of the choleoeimerians from skinks of the world. This article was registered in the Official Register of Zoological Nomenclature (ZooBank) as urn:lsid:zoobank.org:pub:6EFDF027-0A92-43C4-9AD0-E555252E7741.},
}

Animals
*Lizards/parasitology
*Species Specificity
*Eimeriidae/classification/cytology
Guam
Introduced Species
Feces/parasitology

@article {pmid39306807,
year = {2024},
author = {Kalogianni, E and Koutsikos, N and Smeti, E and Kapakos, Y and Vardakas, L},
title = {Evaluating the Feasibility and Effectiveness of Removing the Globally Invasive Eastern Mosquitofish Gambusia holbrooki from Lotic Environments.},
journal = {Environmental management},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
pmid = {39306807},
issn = {1432-1009},
abstract = {Effective control measures for small-bodied invasive alien species (IAS) in lotic environments are essential for preserving native biodiversity and ecosystem health. This study integrates modeling and field-based removal data to assess the efficacy of electrofishing in controlling populations of the globally invasive Eastern mosquitofish Gambusia holbrooki across four lowland headwater streams in southern Greece over a one-year period. Results indicated significant reductions in mosquitofish post-removal abundance, although natural recruitment persisted, leading to population suppression rather than eradication. Indeed, our pre-removal population viability analysis suggested a temporary suppression of mosquitofish populations, influenced by factors such as the species' life history and reproductive traits. Furthermore, our study suggests modifications of physical control methods expected to enhance effectiveness. Specifically, the narrow implementation timeframe of the removal actions highlights the need for multiple removal campaigns in consecutive years and for long-term population monitoring, thus aligning with past research. The timing of removal efforts is also critical as it must exploit seasonal variability in fish eradication susceptibility, by its implementation within the best "window of opportunity". Finally, addressing knowledge gaps in the ecological impacts of IAS control methods as well as exploration of novel control and monitoring technologies, are also vital for informed management strategies. This study, by proposing modifications to fish removal planning and methodology, contributes to ongoing efforts for optimal IAS control, particularly in regions where such management approaches are underutilized.},
}

@article {pmid39304874,
year = {2024},
author = {Cârstolovean, AS and Taulescu, M and Hodor, D and Cotuțiu, VD and Aldea, AM and Șerban, CC and Cazan, CD and Gherman, CM and Mihalca, AD},
title = {A case of mortality in a re-introduced European bison associated with severe pneumonia caused by Dictyocaulus viviparus.},
journal = {BMC veterinary research},
volume = {20},
number = {1},
pages = {423},
pmid = {39304874},
issn = {1746-6148},
mesh = {Animals ; Male ; *Bison ; *Dictyocaulus Infections ; *Dictyocaulus/isolation & purification ; Fatal Outcome ; Pneumonia/veterinary ; Slovakia ; Romania ; Introduced Species ; },
abstract = {BACKGROUND: Dictyocaulosis is a parasitic disease caused by pulmonary nematodes from genus Dictyocaulus affecting various ungulate hosts. It can cause verminous bronchopneumonia and for heavily infected individuals, fatal outcomes can occur.

CASE PRESENTATION: The study describes the case of a male European bison which died three months after relocation from Slovakia to one of the reintroduction areas in Nucșoara village, Făgăraș Mountains, Romania. Necropsy revealed the presence of pulmonary nematodes in the respiratory tract. Morphology and molecular diagnosis was performed and Dictyocaulus viviparus was identified.

CONCLUSION: Rigorous health monitoring is essential to assure the success of reintroduction programs, understanding and preventing infectious diseases and limiting their impact on population health.},
}

Animals
Male
*Bison
*Dictyocaulus Infections
*Dictyocaulus/isolation & purification
Fatal Outcome
Pneumonia/veterinary
Slovakia
Romania
Introduced Species

@article {pmid39304783,
year = {2024},
author = {Mazzotti, FJ and Dalaba, JR and Evans, PM and Gati, EV and Miller, MA},
title = {Employing targeted outreach to improve community involvement in detecting invasive Nile monitors (Varanus niloticus) in Florida.},
journal = {Scientific reports},
volume = {14},
number = {1},
pages = {21976},
pmid = {39304783},
issn = {2045-2322},
mesh = {*Introduced Species ; Animals ; Florida ; *Lizards ; Community Participation ; Humans ; },
abstract = {We successfully employed targeted outreach to communities in Palm Beach County, Florida, to enhance detection of invasive reptiles. We defined targeted outreach as delivering a specific message to a specific audience, at a specific location, to obtain a specific result. These efforts improved our ability to solicit community involvement focused on target species of interest in locations at risk of potential establishment of incipient populations. From 2018 through 2020, we reached over 112,000 individuals who reported over 50 nonnative lizard sightings to EDDMapS, a web-based mapping system for documenting invasive species, and the State-managed IVE-GOT1 reporting hotline. We considered reports to be directly attributed to our outreach efforts when the reporter indicated our outreach method as the source from which they obtained information on reporting large invasive lizards. We found print media elicited the most reports, while social media reached the largest audience both in direct shares and spillover to additional communities outside our target area. We concluded that to help improve invasive species management programs, three tactics could be employed: (1) using multiple forms of media, (2) additional educational support to improve the accuracy of public reports, and (3) rapid, dedicated capability to respond to reported sightings.},
}

*Introduced Species
Animals
Florida
*Lizards
Community Participation
Humans

@article {pmid39303553,
year = {2024},
author = {Hernández, S and D-C Martínez, B and Olabarria, C},
title = {Predicting habitat suitability for alien macroalgae in relation to thermal niche occupancy.},
journal = {Marine pollution bulletin},
volume = {208},
number = {},
pages = {116953},
doi = {10.1016/j.marpolbul.2024.116953},
pmid = {39303553},
issn = {1879-3363},
abstract = {Invasive species are a major threat to global diversity and can interact synergistically or antagonistically with various components of climate change. Using species distribution models (SDMs) at different spatial scales and resolutions, we determined the main variables affecting the distribution of six invasive macroalgae present on European coasts. We also studied occupation of the thermal realized niche and predicted areas potentially at risk of invasion. The climatic variables related to warming had a greater influence on distribution at large scales, while non-climatic variables related to river influence and maritime transport at regional scale. Invaders often seemed to occupy colder areas than in their native area. The combination of SDMs with thermal niche of species is a useful way of clarifying the invasion process. This approach will help in the development of preventive strategies whereby the responsible authorities can implement early detection systems and respond swiftly to the appearance of biopollutants.},
}

@article {pmid39302452,
year = {2024},
author = {Miles, GP and Liu, XF and Scheffler, BE and Amiri, E and Weaver, MA and Grodowitz, MJ and Chen, J},
title = {Solenopsis richteri (Hymenoptera: Formicidae) alates infected with deformed wing virus display wing deformity with altered mobility.},
journal = {Die Naturwissenschaften},
volume = {111},
number = {5},
pages = {47},
pmid = {39302452},
issn = {1432-1904},
mesh = {Animals ; *RNA Viruses/isolation & purification/physiology/genetics ; *Ants/virology ; *Wings, Animal/virology ; Fire Ants ; },
abstract = {Deformed wing virus (DWV) has long been identified as a critical pathogen affecting honeybees, contributing to colony losses through wing deformities, neurological impairments, and reduced lifespan. Since DWV also affects other pollinators, it poses a significant threat to global pollination networks. While honeybees have been the focal point of DWV studies, emerging research indicates that this RNA virus is not host-specific but rather a generalist pathogen capable of infecting a wide range of insect species, including other bee species such as bumblebees and solitary bees, as well as wasps and ants. This expands the potential impact of DWV beyond honeybees to broader ecological communities. The black imported fire ant, Solenopsis richteri, is an economically important invasive ant species. In this study, we describe deformed wing (DW) symptoms in S. richteri. DW alates were found in three of nine (33%) laboratory colonies. The symptoms ranged from severely twisted wings to a single crumpled wing tip. Additionally, numerous symptomatic alates also displayed altered mobility, ranging from an ataxic gait to an inability to walk. Viral replication of DWV was confirmed using a modified strand-specific RT-PCR. Our results suggest that S. richteri can be an alternative host for DWV, expanding our understanding of DWV as a generalist pathogen in insects. However, additional research is required to determine whether DWV is the etiological agent responsible for DW syndrome in S. richteri.},
}

Animals
*RNA Viruses/isolation & purification/physiology/genetics
*Ants/virology
*Wings, Animal/virology
Fire Ants

@article {pmid39289491,
year = {2024},
author = {Marques, JP and Alves, PC and Amorim, IR and Lopes, RJ and Moura, M and Myers, E and Sim-Sim, M and Sousa-Santos, C and Alves, MJ and Borges, PAV and Brown, T and Carneiro, M and Carrapato, C and Ceríaco, LMP and Ciofi, C and da Silva, LP and Diedericks, G and Diroma, MA and Farelo, L and Formenti, G and Gil, F and Grilo, M and Iannucci, A and Leitão, HG and Máguas, C and Mc Cartney, AM and Mendes, SL and Moreno, JM and Morselli, M and Mouton, A and Natali, C and Pereira, F and Rego, RMC and Resendes, R and Roxo, G and Svardal, H and Trindade, H and Vicente, S and Winkler, S and Alvarenga, M and Amaral, AJ and Antunes, A and Campos, PF and Canário, AVM and Castilho, R and Castro, LFC and Crottini, A and Cunha, MV and Espregueira Themudo, G and Esteves, PJ and Faria, R and Rodríguez Fernandes, C and Ledoux, JB and Louro, B and Magalhaes, S and Paulo, OS and Pearson, G and Pimenta, J and Pina-Martins, F and Santos, TL and Serrão, E and Melo-Ferreira, J and Sousa, VC},
title = {Building a Portuguese coalition for biodiversity genomics.},
journal = {npj biodiversity},
volume = {3},
number = {1},
pages = {27},
pmid = {39289491},
issn = {2731-4243},
abstract = {The diverse physiography of the Portuguese land and marine territory, spanning from continental Europe to the Atlantic archipelagos, has made it an important repository of biodiversity throughout the Pleistocene glacial cycles, leading to a remarkable diversity of species and ecosystems. This rich biodiversity is under threat from anthropogenic drivers, such as climate change, invasive species, land use changes, overexploitation, or pathogen (re)emergence. The inventory, characterisation, and study of biodiversity at inter- and intra-specific levels using genomics is crucial to promote its preservation and recovery by informing biodiversity conservation policies, management measures, and research. The participation of researchers from Portuguese institutions in the European Reference Genome Atlas (ERGA) initiative and its pilot effort to generate reference genomes for European biodiversity has reinforced the establishment of Biogenome Portugal. This nascent institutional network will connect the national community of researchers in genomics. Here, we describe the Portuguese contribution to ERGA’s pilot effort, which will generate high-quality reference genomes of six species from Portugal that are endemic, iconic, and/or endangered and include plants, insects, and vertebrates (fish, birds, and mammals) from mainland Portugal or the Azores islands. In addition, we outline the objectives of Biogenome Portugal, which aims to (i) promote scientific collaboration, (ii) contribute to advanced training, (iii) stimulate the participation of institutions and researchers based in Portugal in international biodiversity genomics initiatives, and (iv) contribute to the transfer of knowledge to stakeholders and engaging the public to preserve biodiversity. This initiative will strengthen biodiversity genomics research in Portugal and fuel the genomic inventory of Portuguese eukaryotic species. Such efforts will be critical to the conservation of the country’s rich biodiversity and will contribute to ERGA’s goal of generating reference genomes for European species.},
}

@article {pmid39301881,
year = {2024},
author = {Yan, Z and Zhou, Y and Lai, Y and Liu, Y and Li, Y and Wang, Y and Li, B and Wang, Y},
title = {Latitudinal trends in an invasive plant: genetic differentiation, phenotypic plasticity, and the effects of heavy metals and herbivores on growth, defence, and reproductive characteristics.},
journal = {Annals of botany},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1093/aob/mcae171},
pmid = {39301881},
issn = {1095-8290},
abstract = {BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Invasive species usually demonstrate remarkable adaptability across diverse environments, successfully inhabiting a wide variety of regions. This adaptability often links to genetic differentiation and phenotypic plasticity, leading to latitudinal trends in phenotypic traits. In this study, we collected seeds of invasive plant Phytolacca americana from different latitudes and planted them in homogeneous gardens to investigate the latitudinal variation of P. americana phenotypic traits and to evaluate the effects of herbivory and heavy metals on plant growth, defence, and reproductive characteristics.

METHODS: P. americana seeds from different latitudes were planted in a homogeneous garden. For the experimental treatment, the seeds were divided into four groups: a heavy metal treatment group and its corresponding control group, and a cover treatment group with its corresponding control group. After the fruits matured, their growth, reproduction, and defence indicators were measured.

KEY RESULTS: Significant latitudinal trends were observed in P. americana's growth and defence characteristics, including changes in branch number, underground biomass, total biomass, and leaf tannin content. Compared to previous field surveys on P. americana, our study found that the latitude trends in growth structure and defence traits were consistent. But the latitudinal trend of reproductive structure is different. Moreover, heavy metals and herbivory substantially influenced the plant's growth, reproduction, and defence mechanisms, further shaping its latitudinal patterns.

CONCLUSIONS: The observed phenotypic variations in P. americana across latitudes can be largely attributed to the synergistic effects of phenotypic plasticity and genetic variation. At a broader geographical scale, adaptations to heavy metal stress and herbivory pressure among different P. americana populations involve distinct trade-offs related to growth, reproduction, and defence strategies.},
}

@article {pmid39301512,
year = {2024},
author = {Mendoza-Becerril, MA and Murillo-Torres, P and Serviere-Zaragoza, E and León-Cisneros, K and Mazariegos-Villarreal, A and López-Vivas, JM and Agüero, J},
title = {First records of hydroid epibionts on the introduced macroalga Gracilariaparvispora in the Mexican Pacific.},
journal = {Biodiversity data journal},
volume = {12},
number = {},
pages = {e130248},
pmid = {39301512},
issn = {1314-2828},
abstract = {BACKGROUND: The red macroalga Gracilariaparvispora is an introduced species in the Mexican Pacific. To date, there are no published studies on its sessile epibionts, including the hydrozoans and bryozoans, which are the dominant epibionts on macrophytes and of significant biological and economic interest.

NEW INFORMATION: This study provides insight into the faunal diversity of hydroids growing on G.parvispora. A total of 185 thalli from both herbarium specimens and field samples collected from five sites in La Paz Bay were revised. Each thallus size and the presence of hydroid epibionts in each thallus region were registered. Eight different hydrozoan taxa were growing on the red macroalgae, including the first recorded observation of Obeliaoxydentata in the Gulf of California. The sizes of the collected thalli were mostly under 7.0 cm, the maximum number of taxa per thallus was three and the thallus region containing the highest number of epibionts was in the middle. Significant differences were observed amongst the lengths of thalli with and without epibionts. The thalli with epibionts were larger than the thalli without epibionts. Similarly, significant differences were observed amongst the months. The pair-wise test revealed that each month exhibited distinctive epibiont taxa when compared to the others. This study highlights the lack of information on these associations. Further research is needed to understand whether introduced macroalgae can bring non-native epibiont species to an area.},
}

@article {pmid39301059,
year = {2024},
author = {Miller, M and Sharkh, SM and Kemp, PS},
title = {Laying the foundations for selective-fish guidance using electricity: multi-species response to pulsed direct currents.},
journal = {PeerJ},
volume = {12},
number = {},
pages = {e17962},
pmid = {39301059},
issn = {2167-8359},
mesh = {Animals ; *Carps/physiology ; Introduced Species ; Species Specificity ; Electricity ; Anguilla/physiology ; Conservation of Natural Resources/methods ; },
abstract = {To develop effective technology that employs electric fields to simultaneously guide valued freshwater fish whilst limiting the range expansion of undesirable invasive species, there is a need to quantify the electrosensitivity of multiple families. This experimental study quantified the electrosensitivity of two carp species that, in UK, are invasive (grass carp, Ctenopharyngodon idella, and common carp, Cyprinus carpio) and compared the values with those previously obtained for adult European eel (Anguilla anguilla), a species of conservation concern in Europe. Electric field strengths (V/cm) required to elicit physiological responses (twitch, loss of orientation and tetany) were identified across four pulsed direct current (PDC) electric waveforms (single pulse-2 Hz, double pulse-2 Hz, single pulse-3 Hz and double pulse-3 Hz). Grass carp were sensitive to differences in waveform with tetany exhibited at lower field strengths in the single pulse-2 Hz treatment. Both cyprinid species responded similarly and were less sensitive to PDC than adult European eel, although loss of orientation occurred at lower field strengths for grass than common carp in the single pulse-3 Hz waveform treatment. This variation in electrosensitivity, likely due to differences in body length, indicates potential for electric fields to selectively guide fish in areas where invasive and native species occur in sympatry.},
}

Animals
*Carps/physiology
Introduced Species
Species Specificity
Electricity
Anguilla/physiology
Conservation of Natural Resources/methods

@article {pmid39298583,
year = {2024},
author = {Pennisi, E},
title = {The global war on island rats.},
journal = {Science (New York, N.Y.)},
volume = {385},
number = {6715},
pages = {1290-1291},
doi = {10.1126/science.adt2045},
pmid = {39298583},
issn = {1095-9203},
mesh = {Animals ; *Rats ; *Animals, Wild ; *Introduced Species ; *Islands ; *Rodent Control/methods ; },
abstract = {Invasive rodents wreak havoc on island wildlife. How we learned to fight back.},
}

Animals
*Rats
*Animals, Wild
*Introduced Species
*Islands
*Rodent Control/methods

@article {pmid39298470,
year = {2024},
author = {Garbowski, M and Laughlin, DC and Blumenthal, DM and Sofaer, HR and Barnett, DT and Beaury, EM and Buonaiuto, DM and Corbin, JD and Dukes, JS and Early, R and Nebhut, AN and Petri, L and Vilà, M and Pearse, IS},
title = {Naturalized species drive functional trait shifts in plant communities.},
journal = {Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the United States of America},
volume = {121},
number = {40},
pages = {e2403120121},
doi = {10.1073/pnas.2403120121},
pmid = {39298470},
issn = {1091-6490},
support = {2021-67034-35000//USDA | National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA)/ ; NA//DOI | U.S. Geological Survey (USGS)/ ; },
mesh = {*Ecosystem ; *Plants/classification ; *Introduced Species ; United States ; Forests ; Biodiversity ; Plant Physiological Phenomena ; Plant Roots ; },
abstract = {Despite decades of research documenting the consequences of naturalized and invasive plant species on ecosystem functions, our understanding of the functional underpinnings of these changes remains rudimentary. This is partially due to ineffective scaling of trait differences between native and naturalized species to whole plant communities. Working with data from over 75,000 plots and over 5,500 species from across the United States, we show that changes in the functional composition of communities associated with increasing abundance of naturalized species mirror the differences in traits between native and naturalized plants. We find that communities with greater abundance of naturalized species are more resource acquisitive aboveground and belowground, shorter, more shallowly rooted, and increasingly aligned with an independent strategy for belowground resource acquisition via thin fine roots with high specific root length. We observe shifts toward herbaceous-dominated communities but shifts within both woody and herbaceous functional groups follow community-level patterns for most traits. Patterns are remarkably similar across desert, grassland, and forest ecosystems. Our results demonstrate that the establishment and spread of naturalized species, likely in combination with underlying environmental shifts, leads to predictable and consistent changes in community-level traits that can alter ecosystem functions.},
}

*Ecosystem
*Plants/classification
*Introduced Species
United States
Forests
Biodiversity
Plant Physiological Phenomena
Plant Roots

@article {pmid39298456,
year = {2024},
author = {Lampert, KP and Heermann, L and Storm, S and Hirsch, PE and Cerwenka, AF and Heubel, K and Borcherding, J and Waldvogel, AM},
title = {Round gobies (Neogobius melanostomus) in the River Rhine: Population genetic support for invasion via two different routes.},
journal = {PloS one},
volume = {19},
number = {9},
pages = {e0310692},
doi = {10.1371/journal.pone.0310692},
pmid = {39298456},
issn = {1932-6203},
mesh = {Animals ; *Rivers ; *Introduced Species ; *Haplotypes ; *Perciformes/genetics ; Genetics, Population ; DNA, Mitochondrial/genetics ; },
abstract = {The round goby, Neogobius melanostomus, is a successful invasive fish species. Originating from the Caspian and Black Sea, it is now distributed widely within European fresh- and brackish waters. The River Rhine was colonized in 2008 only a few years after the opening of the Rhine-Main-Danube canal and only four years after N. melanostomus was first reported in the upper Danube River. Its invasion history of the River Rhine was unclear because the species was first detected close to the Rhine river delta which would suggest a route of invasion other than via the Rhine-Main-Danube canal. To investigate the colonization history of N. melanostomus in the Rhine, we combined abundance estimates with molecular analysis. Abundance estimates found N. melanostomus to be dominant in the Lower Rhine (> 90% of all catches). Molecular analysis was done on 286 individuals from four different sites. Using the mitochondrial control region (d-loop), we found three different haplotypes in both Rhine sites. None of the potential invasive source populations in the rivers Danube and Trave exhibited all three haplotypes. The molecular data therefore supported a scenario of two different colonization directions. Our results show that the invasion history of the River Rhine is complex and warrants further investigation.},
}

Animals
*Rivers
*Introduced Species
*Haplotypes
*Perciformes/genetics
Genetics, Population
DNA, Mitochondrial/genetics

@article {pmid39295445,
year = {2024},
author = {Wang, Z and Zhuo, Z and Ali, H and Mureed, S and Liu, Q and Yang, X and Xu, D},
title = {Predicting potential habitat distribution of the invasive species Rhynchophorus ferrugineus Olivier in China based on MaxEnt modelling technique and future climate change.},
journal = {Bulletin of entomological research},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {1-10},
doi = {10.1017/S0007485324000336},
pmid = {39295445},
issn = {1475-2670},
abstract = {Changes in the distribution of species due to global climate change have a critically significant impact on the increase in the spread of invasive species. An in-depth study of the distribution patterns of invasive species and the factors influencing them can help to better predict and combat invasive alien species. Rhynchophorus ferrugineus Olivier is an invasive species that primarily harms plants of Trachycarpus H. Wendl. The pest invades trees in three main ways: by laying eggs and incubating them in the crown of the plant, on roots at the surface and at the base of the trunk or petiole. Most of the plants in the genus Trachycarpus are taller, and the damage is concentrated in the middle and upper parts of the plant, making control more difficult. In this paper, we combine 19 bioclimatic variables based on the MaxEnt model to project the current and future distributions of R. ferrugineus under three typical emission scenarios (2.6 W m[-2] (SSP1-2.6), 4.5 W m[-2] (SSP2-4.5) and 8.5 W m[-2] (SSP5-8.5)) in the 2050s and 2090s. Among the 19 bioclimatic variables, five variables were screened out by contribution rates, namely annual mean temperature (BIO 1), precipitation of driest quarter (BIO 17), minimum temperature of coldest month (BIO 6), mean diurnal range (BIO 2) and precipitation of wettest quarter (BIO 16). These five variables are key environmental variables that influence habitat suitability for R. ferrugineus and are representative in reflecting its potential habitat. The results showed that R. ferrugineus is now widely distributed in the southeastern coastal area of China (high suitability zone), concentrating in the provinces of Hainan, Guangdong, Fujian, Guangxi and Taiwan. In the future, the area of high and low suitability zones will increase and the area of medium suitability zones will decrease. The area of low suitability zone will still be in the largest proportion. This study aims to provide a theoretical reference for the future control of R. ferrugineus from the perspective of geographic distribution.},
}

@article {pmid39294816,
year = {2023},
author = {Mologni, F and Moffat, CE and Pither, J},
title = {Collating existing evidence on cumulative impacts of invasive plant species in riparian ecosystems of British Columbia, Canada: a systematic map protocol.},
journal = {Environmental evidence},
volume = {12},
number = {1},
pages = {31},
pmid = {39294816},
issn = {2047-2382},
support = {2020-06543//Natural Science and Engineering Council of Canada/ ; },
abstract = {BACKGROUND: Globally, the structure and functioning of foreshore and riparian ecosystems are being dramatically impacted by non-native invasive plant species. Invasive species can outcompete and replace native species, modify geochemical and hydraulic cycles, alter trophic processes, and change the composition and structure of communities above and below ground. However, these impacts are often investigated in isolation, even though one invasive species might increase or mitigate the impacts of others (i.e. cumulative impacts), potentially with cascading effects. Although cumulative impacts have long been studied within other environmental contexts, research on the cumulative impacts of invasive species is comparatively scarce. We aim to develop a protocol to systematically identify and collate evidence on the individual and cumulative impacts of a set of plant species invasive in foreshore and riparian ecosystems of British Columbia, Canada. Our primary question is: what evidence is available on the individual and cumulative impacts of invasive plants in the riparian and foreshore ecosystems of British Columbia, Canada? In addition, our systematic map will identify the strengths and gaps in knowledge pertaining to invasive plant species impacts in foreshore and riparian ecosystems, with the ultimate goal of facilitating the development of evidence-based management strategies.

METHODS: We identified the research topic and the primary and secondary questions with the support of stakeholders. We then devised a flexible string that allows for searching target invasive species. Using this string, we searched the literature for pilot species that aided the iterative development of the protocol. Once all target species are identified, we will carry out a systematic literature search on their impacts. We will search Web of Science and the CABI compendium for invasive species. We will include studies if they (i) refer to the target invasive species, (ii) focus on its environmental impacts and (iii) investigate such impacts in riparian ecosystems (iv) within North America (i.e. Canada and U.S.A.). We will use a two-stage screening process: titles and abstracts first, then the full manuscript. From each source, we will extract impact description, ecosystem component impacted, and magnitude and directionality of impacts. We will include a publicly available database of studies, descriptive statistics, and a narrative summary within our synthesis outcomes.},
}

@article {pmid39294799,
year = {2023},
author = {Harrison, ND and Steven, R and Phillips, BL and Hemmi, JM and Wayne, AF and Mitchell, NJ},
title = {Identifying the most effective behavioural assays and predator cues for quantifying anti-predator responses in mammals: a systematic review.},
journal = {Environmental evidence},
volume = {12},
number = {1},
pages = {5},
pmid = {39294799},
issn = {2047-2382},
support = {HSF21054//Hermon Slade Foundation/ ; },
abstract = {BACKGROUND: Mammals, globally, are facing population declines. Protecting and breeding threatened populations inside predator-free havens and translocating them back to the wild is commonly viewed as a solution. These approaches can expose predator-naïve animals to predators they have never encountered and as a result, many conservation projects have failed due to the predation of individuals that lacked appropriate anti-predator responses. Hence, robust ways to measure anti-predator responses are urgently needed to help identify naïve populations at risk, to select appropriate animals for translocation, and to monitor managed populations for changes in anti-predator traits. Here, we undertake a systematic review that collates existing behavioural assays of anti-predator responses and identifies assay types and predator cues that provoke the greatest behavioural responses.

METHODS: We retrieved articles from academic bibliographic databases and grey literature sources (such as government and conservation management reports), using a Boolean search string. Each article was screened against eligibility criteria determined using the PICO (Population-Intervention-Comparator-Outcome) framework. Using data extracted from each article, we mapped all known behavioural assays for quantifying anti-predator responses in mammals and examined the context in which each assay has been implemented (e.g., species tested, predator cue characteristics). Finally, with mixed effects modelling, we determined which of these assays and predator cue types elicit the greatest behavioural responses based on standardised difference in response between treatment and control groups.

REVIEW FINDINGS: We reviewed 5168 articles, 211 of which were eligible, constituting 1016 studies on 126 mammal species, a quarter of which are threatened by invasive species. We identified six major types of behavioural assays: behavioural focals, capture probability, feeding station, flight initiation distance, giving-up density, and stimulus presentations. Across studies, there were five primary behaviours measured: activity, escape, exploration, foraging, and vigilance. These behaviours yielded similar effect sizes across studies. With regard to study design, however, studies that used natural olfactory cues tended to report larger effect sizes than those that used artificial cues. Effect sizes were larger in studies that analysed sexes individually, rather than combining males and females. Studies that used 'blank' control treatments (the absence of a stimulus) rather than a treatment with a control stimulus had higher effect sizes. Although many studies involved repeat measures of known individuals, only 15.4% of these used their data to calculate measures of individual repeatability.

CONCLUSIONS: Our review highlights important aspects of experimental design and reporting that should be considered. Where possible, studies of anti-predator behaviour should use appropriate control treatments, analyse males and females separately, and choose organic predator cues. Studies should also look to report the individual repeatability of behavioural traits, and to correctly identify measures of uncertainty (error bars). The review highlights robust methodology, reveals promising techniques on which to focus future assay development, and collates relevant information for conservation managers.},
}

@article {pmid39294773,
year = {2022},
author = {Azra, MN and Noor, MIM and Sung, YY and Lawrence, ER and Ghaffar, MA},
title = {What evidence exists on the impact of climate change on some of the worst invasive fish and shellfish? A systematic map protocol.},
journal = {Environmental evidence},
volume = {11},
number = {1},
pages = {19},
pmid = {39294773},
issn = {2047-2382},
support = {LRGS/1/2020/UMT/01/1//Ministry of Higher Education, Malaysia/ ; LRGS UMT Vot No. 56040//Ministry of Higher Education, Malaysia/ ; 55321//Ministry of Higher Education, Malaysia/ ; },
abstract = {BACKGROUND: The Intergovernmental Science-Policy Platform on Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services (IPBES) has estimated that invasive alien species (IAS) might cause billions of dollars of losses every year across the world. One example is South-East Asia, where IAS have caused an estimated loss of 33.5 billion USD, affecting the environment, human health, and agricultural production. Factors associated with climate change, such as increased carbon dioxide (CO2), heavy precipitation, and elevated temperatures is expected to facilitate biological invasion, leading only to further financial and public health loss. Thus, further study is needed to identify, collate and categorise what evidence exists on the impacts of climate change on fish and shellfish species that contribute to the list of "One Hundred of the World's Worst Invasive Alien Species" as identified by the International Union for Conservation of Nature's (IUCN). Such mapping will identify regions more at risk of biological invasion as climate change progresses.

METHODS: We outline a systematic mapping review protocol that follows the Guideline and Standards for Evidence Synthesis in Environmental Management and RepOrting standards for Systematic Evidence Syntheses (ROSES). We describe how peer-reviewed articles will be collected from Web of Science and Scopus, and then analyzed to create knowledge maps on the impact climate change has on invasive species. Finally, we speculate on how our results will aid future management of invasive species in the light of climate change.},
}

@article {pmid39294705,
year = {2024},
author = {Mell, H and Fack, V and Percevault, L and Vanpeene, S and Bertheau, Y and Coulon, A and de Lachapelle, FF and Guinard, E and Jeusset, A and Le Mitouard, E and Ouédraogo, DY and Vargac, M and Sordello, R and Reyjol, Y and Touroult, J and Filoche, S and Hendoux, F},
title = {Can linear transportation infrastructure verges constitute a habitat and/or a corridor for vascular plants in temperate ecosystems? A systematic review.},
journal = {Environmental evidence},
volume = {13},
number = {1},
pages = {4},
pmid = {39294705},
issn = {2047-2382},
abstract = {BACKGROUND: Linear transportation infrastructures (roads, railways, oil and gas pipelines, powerlines and waterways) are recognized as important contributors to the fragmentation of species habitats. On the other hand, verges of linear transportation infrastructures (road and railway embankments, strips of grass under power lines or above buried pipelines, or waterway banks) form vast networks of continuous habitats. While the loss of natural habitats still poses a significant threat to biodiversity, verges can provide habitats or corridors in anthropogenic areas, although this potential for conservation remains controversial. The current paper is the first synthesis of evidence addressing this topic for vascular plants (except strictly aquatic species) in temperate ecosystems. We asked the following question: can linear transportation infrastructure verges constitute habitats and/or corridors for vascular plants in temperate ecosystems?

METHODS: We conducted a systematic literature survey using two online bibliographic databases, three search engines, specialist websites, and by sending a call for literature to subject experts. We also integrated studies from a previous systematic review with an overlapping scope. We successively screened the articles for relevance on titles, abstracts and full texts using criteria detailed in an a priori protocol. We then used six specific questions to categorize the selected studies and critically assess them. These questions encompassed the potential of verges as habitats and corridors for vascular plants, and the effects of landscape and management on these potentialities. We created a database of the studies with low and medium risk of bias. We synthesized results for specific questions in narrative syntheses. Finally, studies about the habitat role of verges that met the criteria for a meta-analysis were used for quantitative syntheses.

REVIEW FINDINGS: Our systematic literature survey yielded 101,524 search results. After critical appraisal, we included in our systematic review 294 articles that reported 316 studies. Most studies were conducted along road verges or waterway banks, with only a handful of studies involving powerlines, railways or pipelines. We were not able to draw conclusions on the role of verges as corridors for vascular plants as too few relevant studies were obtained. Regarding the habitat function of verges however, meta-analyses were conducted based on 205 cases from 47 primary studies that compared abundance and/or species richness in verges vs habitats away from transportation infrastructure for exotic, native or all species together. For non-highway road verges, both the abundance and richness of exotic species were higher on non-highway road verges, but we found no significant differences among species in general, or for native species specifically, which implies that alien species would often add but not subtract species. A wide variety of management practices were also represented in the evidence base. Overall, systematic impacts on species richness or abundance rarely emerged, but human interventions were seldom neutral and usually altered, at least temporarily, the balance between the native and exotic flora or among various functional groups.

CONCLUSIONS: We identified a major knowledge gap regarding the potential of linear transportation infrastructure verges as corridors for vascular plants. Thus, we call for more research on this particular topic, especially as the evidence synthesis underlined the potential of verges as habitat for exotic and invasive flora.},
}

@article {pmid39294701,
year = {2022},
author = {Ridley, FA and Hickinbotham, EJ and Suggitt, AJ and McGowan, PJK and Mair, L},
title = {The scope and extent of literature that maps threats to species globally: a systematic map.},
journal = {Environmental evidence},
volume = {11},
number = {1},
pages = {26},
pmid = {39294701},
issn = {2047-2382},
support = {NE/S007512/1//Natural Environment Research Council/ ; },
abstract = {BACKGROUND: Human activities are driving accelerating rates of species extinctions that continue to threaten nature's contribution to people. Yet, the full scope of where and how human activities threaten wild species worldwide remains unclear. Furthermore, the large diversity of approaches and terminology surrounding threats and threat mapping presents a barrier to understanding the state of knowledge and uptake into decision-making. Here, we define 'threats' as human activities and direct human-initiated processes, specifically where they co-occur with, and impact the survival of, wild species. Our objectives were to systematically consolidate the threat mapping literature, describe the distribution of available evidence, and produce a publicly available and searchable database of articles for easy uptake of evidence into future decision-making.

METHODS: Four bibliographic databases, one web-based search engine, and thirteen organisational websites were searched for peer-reviewed and grey-literature published in English 2000-2020. A three-stage screening process (title, abstract, and full-text) and coding was undertaken by two reviewers, with consistency tested on 20% of articles at each stage. Articles were coded according to 22 attributes that captured dimensions of the population, threat, and geographic location studied in addition to methodological attributes. The threats studied were classified according to the IUCN Red List threat classification scheme. A range of graphical formats were used to visualise the distribution of evidence according to these attributes and complement the searchable database of articles.

REVIEW FINDINGS: A total of 1069 relevant threat mapping studies were found and included in the systematic map, most conducted at a sub-national or local scale. Evidence was distributed unevenly among taxonomic groups, ecological realms, and geographies. Although articles were found for the full scope of threat categories used, most articles mapped a single threat. The most heavily mapped threats were alien invasive species, aquatic or terrestrial animal exploitation, roads and railways, residential development, and non-timber crop and livestock agriculture. Limitations regarding the English-only search and imperfect ability of the search to identify grey literature could have influenced the findings.

CONCLUSIONS: This systematic map represents a catalogue of threat mapping evidence at any spatial scale available for immediate use in threat reduction activities and policy decisions. The distribution of evidence has implications for devising actions to combat the threats specifically targeted in the post-2020 UN Biodiversity Framework, and for identifying other threats that may benefit from representation in global policy. It also highlights key gaps for further research to aid national and local-scale threat reduction. More knowledge would be particularly beneficial in the areas of managing multiple threats, land-based threats to marine systems, and threats to plant species and threats within the freshwater realm.},
}

@article {pmid39290888,
year = {2024},
author = {Tang, CQ and Du, MR and Wang, HC and Shi, YC and Zeng, JL and Xiao, SL and Han, PB and Wen, JR and Yao, SQ and Peng, MC and Wang, CY and Li, YP and López-Pujol, J},
title = {An unprotected vulnerable relict subtropical conifer-Keteleeria evelyniana: Its forests, populations, growth and endangerment by invasive alien plant species in China.},
journal = {Plant diversity},
volume = {46},
number = {5},
pages = {648-660},
pmid = {39290888},
issn = {2468-2659},
abstract = {Relict subtropical coniferous forests in China face severe fragmentation, resulting in declining populations, and some are under significant threat from invasive alien species. Despite the crucial importance of understanding forest dynamics, knowledge gaps persist, particularly regarding the impact of invasive plants on vulnerable natives like Keteleeria evelyniana. In this study, we investigated the impact of invasive plants on the regeneration of forests dominated by K. evelyniana, a subtropical relict species in southwestern China. For this purpose, we characterized forest dynamics of 160 forest plots featuring K. evelyniana as the primary dominant species and determined whether the presence of invasive plants was correlated with regeneration of K. evelyniana. We identified four distinct forest types in which K. evelyniana was dominant. We found that radial growth of K. evelyniana trees is faster in younger age-classes today than it was for older trees at the same age. The population structure of K. evelyniana in each forest type exhibited a multimodal age-class distribution. However, three forest types lacked established saplings younger than 10 years old, a situation attributed to the dense coverage of the invasive alien Ageratina adenophora. This invasive species resulted in a reduction of understory species diversity. Additionally, our analysis uncovered a significant negative correlation in phylogenetic relatedness (net relatedness index) between native and invasive alien plant species in eastern Yunnan. This suggests closely related invasive species face heightened competition, hindering successful invasion. Taken together, our findings indicate that successful establishment and habitat restoration of K. evelyniana seedling/saplings require effective measures to control invasive plants.},
}

@article {pmid39289882,
year = {2024},
author = {Lavelle, MJ and Snow, NP and Brown, VR and Bodenchuk, MJ and Cook, SM and Vercauteren, KC},
title = {Evaluation of rifle cartridge and shot placement for euthanizing feral swine (Sus scrofa) in traps.},
journal = {Journal of animal science},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1093/jas/skae278},
pmid = {39289882},
issn = {1525-3163},
abstract = {Feral swine are a highly destructive invasive species around the globe. Wildlife managers commonly trap and euthanize feral swine with firearms to reduce their adverse impacts. The utility of euthanizing domestic swine with firearms has been considered when emergency situations arise such as in the event of a foreign animal disease outbreak in domestic swine. Similarly, the rapid depopulation of domestic swine facilities became necessary when the COVID-19 pandemic disrupted pork production in 2020. Evaluation of the effects of caliber, cartridge, size of feral swine, and shot placement on effectiveness and safety of the method is needed. We collected data from feral swine euthanized in traps on how those variables influenced the effectiveness in time to death and number of shots required and safety risks based on the occurrence of bullet pass-through (i.e., bullet exiting the pig). We tested three cartridges of two calibers (.22 long rifle, .22 Winchester magnum rimfire, and .308 Winchester) delivered from a rifle with three shot placements targeting the brain. From 570 euthanization events, we calculated an average time to death of 100.06 (SD = 29.24) seconds, with larger feral swine taking slightly longer. Most feral swine (73%) were euthanized with a single shot but averaged 1.28 (SD = 0.48) shots overall. Safety risks from pass-through shots were more common when using the .308 Winchester cartridge, and when rear and side shot placements were used. Overall, we recommend a .22 long rifle cartridge and frontal shot placement as an effective and safe option for euthanizing feral swine in traps, and likely for domestic swine of similar size and shot distances.},
}

@article {pmid39288889,
year = {2024},
author = {Su, M and Chen, X and Hui, C},
title = {Persistent biological invasions alter ecological network topology, impacting disease transmission during community assembly.},
journal = {Journal of theoretical biology},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {111950},
doi = {10.1016/j.jtbi.2024.111950},
pmid = {39288889},
issn = {1095-8541},
abstract = {Ecological networks experiencing persistent biological invasions may exhibit distinct topological properties, complicating the understanding of how network topology affects disease transmission during invasion-driven community assembly. We developed a trait-based network model to assess the impact of network topology on disease transmission, measured as community- and species-level disease prevalence. We found that trait-based feeding interactions between host species determine the frequency distribution of the niche of co-occurring species in steady-state communities, being either bimodal or multimodal. The width of the growth kernel influences the degree-biomass relationship of species, being either weakly positive or strongly negative. When this relationship is weakly positive, species-level disease prevalence is primarily correlated with biomass. However, when the degree-biomass relationship is strongly negative, species-level disease prevalence is determined by the difference between a host species' in-degree and out-degree closeness centrality. At the community level, disease prevalence is generally amplified by increasing host richness, community biomass, and the standard deviation of interaction generality, while it is diluted by higher network connectance. Our framework verifies the amplification effects of host richness during invasion-driven community assembly and offers valuable insights for estimating disease prevalence based on host network topology.},
}

@article {pmid39286930,
year = {2024},
author = {Wong, MKL},
title = {Misrepresentation of invasive species in the mass media with images of unrelated organisms.},
journal = {Conservation biology : the journal of the Society for Conservation Biology},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {e14382},
doi = {10.1111/cobi.14382},
pmid = {39286930},
issn = {1523-1739},
support = {Forrest Fellowship//Forrest Research Foundation/ ; },
}

@article {pmid39286761,
year = {2024},
author = {Adams, NE and Homola, JJ and Sard, NM and Nathan, LR and Roth, BM and Robinson, JD and Scribner, KT},
title = {Genomic Data Characterize Reproductive Ecology Patterns in Michigan Invasive Red Swamp Crayfish (Procambarus clarkii).},
journal = {Evolutionary applications},
volume = {17},
number = {9},
pages = {e70007},
pmid = {39286761},
issn = {1752-4571},
abstract = {The establishment and spread of invasive species are directly related to intersexual interactions as dispersal and reproductive success are related to distribution, effective population size, and population growth. Accordingly, populations established by r-selected species are particularly difficult to suppress or eradicate. One such species, the red swamp crayfish (Procambarus clarkii) is established globally at considerable ecological and financial costs to natural and human communities. Here, we develop a single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) loci panel for P. clarkii using restriction-associated DNA-sequencing data. We use the SNP panel to successfully genotype 1800 individuals at 930 SNPs in southeastern Michigan, USA. Genotypic data were used to reconstruct pedigrees, which enabled the characterization of P. clarkii's mating system and statistical tests for associations among environmental, demographic, and phenotypic predictors and adult reproductive success estimates. We identified juvenile cohorts using genotype-based pedigrees, body size, and sampling timing, which elucidated the breeding phenology of multiple introduced populations. We report a high prevalence of multiple paternity in each surveyed waterbody, indicating polyandry in this species. We highlight the use of newly developed rapid genomic assessment tools for monitoring population reproductive responses, effective population sizes, and dispersal during ongoing control efforts.},
}

@article {pmid39284441,
year = {2024},
author = {Marchessaux, G and Barré, N and Mauclert, V and Lombardini, K and Durieux, EDH and Veyssiere, D and Filippi, JJ and Bracconi, J and Aiello, A and Garrido, M},
title = {Salinity tolerance of the invasive blue crab Callinectes sapidus: From global to local, a new tool for implementing management strategy.},
journal = {The Science of the total environment},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {176291},
doi = {10.1016/j.scitotenv.2024.176291},
pmid = {39284441},
issn = {1879-1026},
abstract = {The latest report from the Intergovernmental Platform on Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services (IPBES) raises concerns about the global proliferation of non-native species (NIS) driven by increasing temperatures. In 2023, the invasive blue crab Callinectes sapidus experienced a significant range expansion in the French Mediterranean lagoons, now present in over 20 lagoons and numerous estuaries with different invasion gradients. It has been established that this species is eurytherm (tolerates a wide range of temperatures; 0-40 °C), rendering temperature a non-limiting factor for its proliferation. On the other hand, salinity is a critical factor to consider, as C. sapidus requires brackish water for copulation and saline water for egg maturation. In this study, we present the salinity tolerance of C. sapidus using the metabolic performance to define the tolerance of the species to a large range of salinities (13 levels from 0 to 65 psu). Results showed that C. sapidus tolerate a large range of salinities with a minimum critical threshold (CTmin) at 0 psu, an optimum at 18.5 psu and a CTmax at 62.4 psu. Using the performance curve equation, we applied the curve to real salinity data measured each month in 2023 in 20 lagoons invaded. Using this approach, we were able to map, on a fine spatial scale, the distribution of suitable habitats for C. sapidus in the year 2023. Additionally, we have developed a tool to prioritize the lagoons based on their favorability, thereby providing a decision-making framework for management measures in each lagoon. It emerged that 50 % of lagoons were priority areas, 10 % were intermediate and 40 % required monitoring. On the basis of this approach, we can respond to European regulations to help decision-makers implement action plans and/or early detection programs for invasive species management.},
}

@article {pmid39283359,
year = {2024},
author = {Coetzer, WG},
title = {Using grass inflorescence as source material for biomonitoring through environmental DNA metabarcoding.},
journal = {Molecular biology reports},
volume = {51},
number = {1},
pages = {987},
pmid = {39283359},
issn = {1573-4978},
support = {Incentive Funding for Rated Researchers (IFRR) grant//National Research Foundation/ ; },
mesh = {*DNA Barcoding, Taxonomic/methods ; *Poaceae/genetics ; *DNA, Environmental/genetics ; Animals ; *Inflorescence/genetics ; Biodiversity ; Biological Monitoring/methods ; High-Throughput Nucleotide Sequencing/methods ; Grassland ; South Africa ; DNA, Plant/genetics ; },
abstract = {BACKGROUND: Over the last decade, increasing attention has been directed to using different substrates as sources of environmental DNA (eDNA) in ecological research. Reports on the use of environmental DNA located on the surface of plant leaves and flowers have highlighted the utility of this DNA source in studies including, but not limited to, biodiversity, invasive species, and pollination ecology. The current study assesses grass inflorescence as a source of eDNA for detecting invertebrate taxa.

METHODS AND RESULTS: Inflorescences from four common grass species in a central South African grassland were collected for high-throughput sequencing analysis. Universal COI primers were utilised to detect Metazoan diversity. The sequencing results allowed for the detection of three Arthropoda orders, with most OTUs assigned to fungal taxa (Ascomycota and Basidiomycota). Some biases were detected while observing the relative read abundance (RRA) results.

DISCUSSION: The observed biases could be explained by the accidental inclusion of invertebrate specimens during sample collection and DNA extraction. Primer biases towards the amplified taxa could be another reason for the observed RRA results. This study provided insight into the invertebrate community associated with the four sampled grass species. It should be noted that with the lack of negative field controls, it is impossible to rule out the influence of airborne eDNA on the observed diversity associated with each grass species. The lack of the inclusion of PCR and extraction blanks in the sequencing step, as well as the inclusion of negative field controls, including other areas for refinement were highlighted, and suggestions were provided to improve the outcomes of future studies.},
}

*DNA Barcoding, Taxonomic/methods
*Poaceae/genetics
*DNA, Environmental/genetics
Animals
*Inflorescence/genetics
Biodiversity
Biological Monitoring/methods
High-Throughput Nucleotide Sequencing/methods
Grassland
South Africa
DNA, Plant/genetics

@article {pmid39282691,
year = {2024},
author = {Feng, R and Champer, J},
title = {Deployment of tethered gene drive for confined suppression in continuous space requires avoiding drive wave interference.},
journal = {Molecular ecology},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {e17530},
doi = {10.1111/mec.17530},
pmid = {39282691},
issn = {1365-294X},
support = {//Center for Life Sciences/ ; 32270672//National Natural Science Foundation of China/ ; },
abstract = {Gene drives have great potential for suppression of pest populations and removal of exotic invasive species. CRISPR homing suppression drive is a powerful but unconfined drive, posing risks of uncontrolled spread. Thus, developing methods for confining a gene drive is of great significance. Tethered drive combines a confined system such as Toxin-Antidote Recessive Embryo drive with a strong drive such as a homing suppression drive. It can prevent the homing drive from spreading beyond the confined drive and can be constructed readily, giving it good prospects for future development. However, we have found that care must be taken when deploying tethered drive systems in some scenarios. Simulations of tethered drive in a panmictic population model reveal that successful deployment requires a proper release ratio between the two components, tailored to prevent the suppression drive from eliminating the confined system before it has the chance to spread. Spatial models where the population moves over a one-dimensional landscape display a more serious phenomenon of drive wave interference between the two tethered drive components. If the faster suppression drive wave catches up to the confined drive wave, success is still possible, but it is dependent on drive performance and ecological parameters. Two-dimensional simulations further restrict the parameter range for drive success. Thus, careful consideration must be given to drive performance and ecological conditions, as well as specific release proposals for potential application of tethered drive systems.},
}

@article {pmid39281463,
year = {2024},
author = {Irewale, AT and Dimkpa, CO and Elemike, EE and Oguzie, EE},
title = {Water hyacinth: Prospects for biochar-based, nano-enabled biofertilizer development.},
journal = {Heliyon},
volume = {10},
number = {17},
pages = {e36966},
pmid = {39281463},
issn = {2405-8440},
abstract = {The widespread proliferation of water hyacinth (Eichhornia crassipes) in aquatic ecosystems has raised significant ecological, environmental, and socioeconomic concerns globally. These concerns include reduced biodiversity, impeded water transportation and recreational activities, damage to marine infrastructure, and obstructions in power generation dams and irrigation systems. This review critically evaluates the challenges posed by water hyacinth (WH) and investigates potential strategies for converting its biomass into value-added agricultural products, specifically nanonutrients-fortified, biochar-based, green fertilizer. The review examines various methods for producing functional nanobiochar and green fertilizer to enhance plant nutrient uptake and improve soil nutrient retention. These methods include slow or fast pyrolysis, gasification, laser ablation, arc discharge, or chemical precipitation used for producing biochar which can then be further reduced to nano-sized biochar through ball milling, a top-down approach. Through these means, utilization of WH-derived biomass in economically viable, eco-friendly, sustainable, precision-driven, and smart agricultural practices can be achieved. The positive socioeconomic impacts of repurposing this invasive aquatic plant are also discussed, including the prospects of a circular economy, job creation, reduced agricultural input costs, increased agricultural productivity, and sustainable environmental management. Utilizing WH for nanobiochar (or nano-enabled biochar) for green fertilizer production offers a promising strategy for waste management, environmental remediation, improvement of waterway transportation infrastructure, and agricultural sustainability. To underscore the importance of this work, a metadata analysis of literature carried out reveals that an insignificant section of the body of research on WH and biochar have focused on the nano-fortification of WH biochar for fertilizer development. Therefore, this review aims to expand knowledge on the upcycling of non-food crop biomass, particularly using WH as feedstock, and provides crucial insights into a viable solution for mitigating the ecological impacts of this invasive species while enhancing agricultural productivity.},
}

@article {pmid39279456,
year = {2024},
author = {Lai, S and Jiang, N and Wang, J and Zhou, Y and Yu, X and Wu, Y and Yang, J and Dai, L and Hao, D},
title = {Phylogeography of the ambrosia beetle Euwallacea interjectus (Coleoptera: Curculionidae: Scolytinae): an emerging poplar pest and its Fusarium mutualists from poplar plantations in China.},
journal = {Journal of economic entomology},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1093/jee/toae186},
pmid = {39279456},
issn = {1938-291X},
support = {//Forestry Science, Technology Innovation and Promotion Projects of Jiangsu/ ; },
abstract = {Native to Asia, Euwallacea interjectus (Blandford) (Coleoptera: Curculionidae: Scolytinae) is a destructive and invasive pest of live trees, and now it has been found in the United States and Argentina. In recent years, this pest appeared in high densities in poplar monocultures from Eastern China (Jiangsu and Shanghai) and Argentina and caused significant poplar mortality. However, the origin of the pests related to tree damage and the Fusarium mutualists from some poplar zones in China remained unclear. Here, we provided a broader phylogeographic analysis of E. interjectus based on the mitochondrial gene (cytochrome c oxidase I) to determine the global genetic structure of this species. Five mitochondrial lineages were found in the native area. Populations introduced to the United States were originated from 4 localities. The Argentine population was derived from Japan. The species was observed with strikingly high level of cytochrome c oxidase I intraspecific divergence that exceeded interspecific divergence, but the high intraspecific variation was correlated with geographical locations among the native populations. Two nuclear genes (arginine kinase and carbamoyl-phosphate synthetase 2-aspartate transcarbamylase-dihydroorotase) were more conservative, and intraspecific differences were lower than interspecific differences. The mitochondrial genetic variation was probably caused by evolution of lineages among geographically isolated populations. But it is immature to infer the existence of cryptic species based on cytochrome c oxidase I differences. All samples collected from poplar populations were indigenous and formed close relationship with a specimen from eastern and southern China. Surprisingly, pests from poplar populations in Jiangsu and Shanghai showed different haplotypes and mutualists. This suggested that the control strategies should consider the genetic and mutualistic diversity of beetles at different poplar localities.},
}

@article {pmid39243468,
year = {2024},
author = {González-Ortegón, E and Demmer, J and Robins, P and Jenkins, S},
title = {Floating plastics as a potential dispersal vector for rafting marine non-native species.},
journal = {Marine pollution bulletin},
volume = {207},
number = {},
pages = {116919},
doi = {10.1016/j.marpolbul.2024.116919},
pmid = {39243468},
issn = {1879-3363},
mesh = {*Plastics ; *Introduced Species ; Animals ; Ireland ; Scotland ; Ecosystem ; Animal Distribution ; },
abstract = {Marine species raft on floating litter, including various plastics, potentially spreading non-native species and threatening global marine habitats. Despite limited attention, Didemnum vexillum, an invasive colonial tunicate in Europe, colonised coasts of southwest Scotland (2009) and northeast Ireland (2012), likely transported via rafting. We studied D. vexillum survival and performance on three plastic types (Polyethylene, Polypropylene and Polystyrene) finding high survival rates over 42 days, with colonies thriving best on PS. Using these data, hydrodynamic and particle tracking models simulated dispersal from existing Irish Sea colonies, projecting potential rafting distances of up to ∼150 km for surface particles influenced by tide and wind, and half that for neutrally-buoyant mid-depth particles driven by tidal currents alone. Hence, the modelling supports the potential for dispersion of this species within the Irish Sea via rafting. This study highlights marine plastics as a vector that may facilitate widespread dispersal of non-native species.},
}

*Plastics
*Introduced Species
Animals
Ireland
Scotland
Ecosystem
Animal Distribution

@article {pmid39277632,
year = {2024},
author = {Kóbor, P and Brhane, D},
title = {Past, present and future of the two-spotted stink bug (Perillus bioculatus) in Europe revealed by citizen science.},
journal = {Scientific reports},
volume = {14},
number = {1},
pages = {21494},
pmid = {39277632},
issn = {2045-2322},
support = {ÚNKP-23-4//Nemzeti Kutatási, Fejlesztési és Innovaciós Alap/ ; },
mesh = {Animals ; Europe ; *Citizen Science ; *Heteroptera ; Introduced Species ; Coleoptera ; },
abstract = {The introduction of the Nearctic predaceous stink bug species, (Perillus bioculatus) was attempted multiple times in various countries throughout Europe to mitigate the damage caused by the invasive and harmful pest species, the Colorado potato beetle (Leptinotarsa decemlineata). Though these attempts were thought to be unsuccessful for decades, more recent data elucidated that the species have established small self-sustaining populations in the Balkans Peninsula, Southern Russia, and Türkiye and recently began to expand. In the past years, the European range of the species reached Eastern Europe. After the first individuals were found in Hungary in October 2023 a citizen science campaign was launched to investigate the distribution of the species in the country. By June 2024 it became evident that the species is established throughout the country. Furthermore, observations regarding beetle larvae and moth caterpillars as alternative prey were reported supporting the previous assumptions that the naturalization and expansion of the species in Europe is facilitated by dietary drift. Here, we summarize the knowledge on the European presence of the two-spotted stink bug and formulate hypotheses regarding its future distribution and the impact of the species on the insect communities of the newly colonized areas.},
}

Animals
Europe
*Citizen Science
*Heteroptera
Introduced Species
Coleoptera

@article {pmid39277409,
year = {2024},
author = {Wang, J and Shi, Z and Wu, Z and Wang, H and Qi, H and Sheng, Q and Zhang, S and Song, J and Wang, J and Zhang, L and Cheng, C},
title = {Molluscicidal activity and biochemical impacts of borrelidins against an aquatic invasive snail Pomacea canaliculata for crop protection.},
journal = {Pesticide biochemistry and physiology},
volume = {204},
number = {},
pages = {106105},
doi = {10.1016/j.pestbp.2024.106105},
pmid = {39277409},
issn = {1095-9939},
mesh = {Animals ; *Molluscacides/pharmacology ; *Snails/drug effects ; Acetylcholinesterase/metabolism ; Spiro Compounds/pharmacology/toxicity ; Streptomyces/metabolism ; Glutathione Transferase/metabolism ; Introduced Species ; Acetaldehyde/analogs & derivatives ; Fatty Alcohols ; },
abstract = {The invasive golden apple snail Pomacea canaliculata is one of the devastating threats to aquatic ecosystems and wetland agriculture worldwide. Macrolides from microbes display various advantages over other compounds in controlling snails. However, emergence of antibiotic-resistant phenotypes against certain macrolides in the field appeals for exploring more effectively molluscicidal macrolides. Here, two borrelidins, borrelidin BN1 and BN2, from the extract of a Streptomyces strain fermentation were evaluated for molluscicidal potential against P. canaliculata using both immersion and contact bioassay methods. Borrelidin BN1 (borrelidin A) presented a significant molluscicidal activity comparable to the chemical pesticide metaldehyde, and had a much lower median lethal concentration value (LC50, 522.984 μg·ml[-1]) than avermectin B1 at 72 h of contact-killing treatment. Snail growth was inhibited by borrelidin BN1 more than by metaldehyde at sublethal concentrations, consistent with responses of key biochemical parameters. Exposure to borrelidin BN1 decreased the activity of acetylcholinesterase (AChE), glutathione S-transferase (GST), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT) as well as the levels of energy reserves and sex steroids in snail tissues, while increased the activity of superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) and the level of lipid peroxidation (LPO). Further application assay confirmed that borrelidin BN1 protected crop plant Zizania latifolia from P. canaliculata damage via suppressing snail population density. These findings suggest great potential of borrelidin BN1 as a molluscicide. Additionally, its higher activity than the stereoisomeric borrelidin BN2 (borrelidin F) implied better molluscicidal borrelidins could be acquired through structural optimization.},
}

Animals
*Molluscacides/pharmacology
*Snails/drug effects
Acetylcholinesterase/metabolism
Spiro Compounds/pharmacology/toxicity
Streptomyces/metabolism
Glutathione Transferase/metabolism
Introduced Species
Acetaldehyde/analogs & derivatives
Fatty Alcohols

@article {pmid39277378,
year = {2024},
author = {Chen, Y and Chen, Y and Zhang, Y and Sun, Z and Li, Y and Ding, J and Zhang, G and Du, E and Zi, X and Tian, C and Zhao, W and Gui, F},
title = {Role of Enterococcus mundtii in gut of the tomato leaf miner (Tuta absoluta) to detoxification of Chlorantraniliprole.},
journal = {Pesticide biochemistry and physiology},
volume = {204},
number = {},
pages = {106060},
doi = {10.1016/j.pestbp.2024.106060},
pmid = {39277378},
issn = {1095-9939},
mesh = {Animals ; *ortho-Aminobenzoates/pharmacology/metabolism ; *Enterococcus/drug effects/metabolism/genetics ; *Insecticides/pharmacology ; Moths/drug effects/microbiology ; Solanum lycopersicum/microbiology ; Gastrointestinal Microbiome/drug effects ; Microbial Sensitivity Tests ; },
abstract = {Chlorantraniliprole (CAP) is applied worldwide for the control of caterpillars (Lepidoptera). However, with the overuse of CAP, the resistance problem in pest control is becoming increasingly serious. Recent studies have indicated a central role of the gut symbiont in insect pest resistance to pesticides and these may apply to the tomato leaf miner Tuta absoluta, is one of the most destructive insects worldwide. Here, we successfully isolated seven strains of tolerant CAP bacterium from the CAP-resistant T. absoluta gut, of which Enterococcus mundtii E14 showed the highest CAP tolerance, with a minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of 1.6 g/L and CAP degradation rate of 42.4%. Through transcriptomics and metabolism analysis, we studied the detoxification process of CAP by the E. mundtii E14, and found that CAP can be degraded by E. mundtii E14 into non-toxic compounds, such as 3,4-dihydroxy-2-(5-hydroxy-3,7-dimethylocta-2,6-dien-1-yl) benzoic acid and 2-pyridylacetic acid. Additionally, 2-pyridylacetic acid was detected both intracellular and extracellular in E. mundtii E14 treated with CAP. Meanwhile, we identified 52 up-regulated genes, including those associated with CAP degradation, such as RS11670 and RS19130. Transcriptome results annotated using KEGG indicated significant enrichment in up-regulated genes related to the glyoxylate cycle, nitrogen metabolism, and biosynthesis of secondary metabolites. Additionally, we observed that reinfection with E. mundtii E14 may effectively enhance resistance of T. absoluta to CAP. The LC50 values of the antibiotic treatment population of T. absoluta reinfection with E. mundtii E14 is 0.6122 mg/L, which was 18.27 folds higher than before reinfection. These findings offer new insights into T. absoluta resistance to CAP and contribute to a better understanding of the relationship between insecticide resistance and gut symbionts of T. absoluta, which may play a pivotal role in pest management.},
}

Animals
*ortho-Aminobenzoates/pharmacology/metabolism
*Enterococcus/drug effects/metabolism/genetics
*Insecticides/pharmacology
Moths/drug effects/microbiology
Solanum lycopersicum/microbiology
Gastrointestinal Microbiome/drug effects
Microbial Sensitivity Tests

@article {pmid39277359,
year = {2024},
author = {Tang, B and Han, Y and Mao, Q and Fu, H and Luo, Y and Hua, L and Liu, B and Hu, G and Wang, S and Desneux, N and Duan, H and Wu, Y},
title = {Regulation of three novel pepper thiothiazolidinones on the fecundity of Spodoptera frugiperda.},
journal = {Pesticide biochemistry and physiology},
volume = {204},
number = {},
pages = {106033},
doi = {10.1016/j.pestbp.2024.106033},
pmid = {39277359},
issn = {1095-9939},
mesh = {Animals ; *Spodoptera/drug effects/physiology ; Female ; *Fertility/drug effects ; Insecticides/pharmacology ; Capsicum ; Trehalase/metabolism/antagonists & inhibitors ; Vitellogenins/metabolism ; Thiazolidines/pharmacology ; },
abstract = {Spodoptera frugiperda has emerged as a major invasive pest worldwide. The utilization of chemical pesticides not only poses numerous ecological concerns but also fosters resistance in S. frugiperda. In this study, we designed and synthesized three novel thiothiazolidinone compounds (6a, 7b, and 7e) and incorporated innovative thiothiazolidinone structural elements into the piperine skeleton. Treatment with compounds 6a and 7e resulted in the blackening and agglomeration of oviduct eggs within the ovaries of certain female moths, impeding the release of normal eggs. The levels of vitellogenin and vitellogenin receptor, along with three trehalase inhibitors, exhibited a dynamic equilibrium state, leading to no discernible change in egg production but a notable increase in the generation of low-hatching-rate egg fragments. Compared with the injection of 2%DMSO, the eclosion rate of 6a injection was significantly decreased, as followed the spawning time and longevity were prolonged or significantly prolonged in the trehalase inhibitors of 6a, 7b, and 7e. We aimed to investigate the regulatory impacts of three new pepper thiothiazolidinone compounds on the reproduction of S. frugiperda, and to authenticate the efficacy of novel alginase inhibitors in inhibiting the reproduction of S. frugiperda. This research endeavors to aid in the identification of efficient and steadfast trehalase inhibitors, thereby expediting the research and development of potent biological pesticides.},
}

Animals
*Spodoptera/drug effects/physiology
Female
*Fertility/drug effects
Insecticides/pharmacology
Capsicum
Trehalase/metabolism/antagonists & inhibitors
Vitellogenins/metabolism
Thiazolidines/pharmacology

@article {pmid39276652,
year = {2024},
author = {Walusiak, E and Cieślak, E and Wilk-Woźniak, E and Szczepaniak, M and Herrmann, A and Petrulaitis, L and Rašomavičius, V and Uogintas, D and Krztoń, W},
title = {A wide range of abiotic habitat factors and genetic diversity facilitate expansion of Trapa natans within its native range.},
journal = {Journal of environmental management},
volume = {370},
number = {},
pages = {122468},
doi = {10.1016/j.jenvman.2024.122468},
pmid = {39276652},
issn = {1095-8630},
abstract = {Climate change and intense human activity are exacerbating changes in species' ranges. While the rapid spread of invasive alien species is well documented worldwide, the phenomenon of the spread of native species is poorly understood. To explain the problem of rapidly spreading species in the changing world, it is necessary to understand their ecology, genetic diversity and habitat limitation. The aim of our study was to analyze the ecological requirements and genetic diversity in the population of the macrophyte Trapa natans s. l., an invasive alien species in North America but native in Europe and Asia. We investigated the populations in its native range (Central and Northeastern Europe), where the species is defined as rare or extinct. We found the occurrence of T. natans in Northeastern Europe aquatic habitats where, up to now, it was described as an extinct species. The results of our environmental studies showed that the species has a wide range of tolerance to habitat conditions and lives in medium to highly nutrient-rich water with low and high salinity. Using Amplified Fragment Length Polymorphism (AFLP) analysis, we revealed high genetic variability within populations with relatively limited differentiation between populations. We showed that some populations are highly diverse (possibly refugia; Central Europe) and others are homogeneous (new sites, commercial reintroduction; Northeastern Europe). Conservation status of T. natans in its native range should be reconsidered, as the species has spread rapidly in recent decades and could be detrimental to aquatic habitats. The conclusion is that expansion/invasion can start from small populations, but under favorable conditions these populations spread rapidly. The introduction of species (even native) should be done carefully, if at all, as uncontrolled introduction to new locations, e.g. private ponds, could be the start of dispersal (native habitats) or invasion (non-native area).},
}

@article {pmid39268664,
year = {2024},
author = {Barnas, A and Anholt, B and Burton, AC and Carroll, K and Côté, SD and Festa-Bianchet, M and Fryxell, J and St-Laurent, MH and Fisher, JT},
title = {The influence of habitat alteration on density of invading white-tailed deer should not be discounted.},
journal = {Global change biology},
volume = {30},
number = {9},
pages = {e17498},
doi = {10.1111/gcb.17498},
pmid = {39268664},
issn = {1365-2486},
mesh = {Animals ; *Deer/physiology ; *Ecosystem ; *Introduced Species ; *Population Density ; },
}

Animals
*Deer/physiology
*Ecosystem
*Introduced Species
*Population Density

@article {pmid39274021,
year = {2024},
author = {Pei, Z and Liu, X and Chen, J and Wang, H and Li, H},
title = {Research Progress on Lignin Depolymerization Strategies: A Review.},
journal = {Polymers},
volume = {16},
number = {17},
pages = {},
pmid = {39274021},
issn = {2073-4360},
abstract = {As the only natural source of aromatic biopolymers, lignin can be converted into value-added chemicals and biofuels, showing great potential in realizing the development of green chemistry. At present, lignin is predominantly used for combustion to generate energy, and the real value of lignin is difficult to maximize. Accordingly, the depolymerization of lignin is of great significance for its high-value utilization. This review discusses the latest progress in the field of lignin depolymerization, including catalytic conversion systems using various thermochemical, chemocatalytic, photocatalytic, electrocatalytic, and biological depolymerization methods, as well as the involved reaction mechanisms and obtained products of various protocols, focusing on green and efficient lignin depolymerization strategies. In addition, the challenges faced by lignin depolymerization are also expounded, putting forward possible directions of developing lignin depolymerization strategies in the future.},
}

@article {pmid39273947,
year = {2024},
author = {Venturella, G and Di Gristina, E and Pardi, R and Cirlincione, F and Gargano, ML},
title = {Checklist of Ornamental Trees, Shrubs, and Succulents of Apulia (Southern Italy).},
journal = {Plants (Basel, Switzerland)},
volume = {13},
number = {17},
pages = {},
doi = {10.3390/plants13172463},
pmid = {39273947},
issn = {2223-7747},
support = {CUP B73C22000790001//National Recovery and Resilience Plan (NRRP), Mission 4, Component 2, Investment 1.4-Call for tender No. 3138 of 16 December 2021, rectified by Decree n. 3175 of 18 December 2021 of Italian Ministry of University and Research funded by the European Union/ ; PJ_GEST_FFR//PON "Research and Innovation" Resources 2014-2020/ ; },
abstract = {In this study we focused on the need to fill a knowledge gap among Italian botanical studies namely that of ornamental species census. In particular, we addressed one of the regions in southern Italy with less knowledge in the field of such studies and with an obvious presence of non-native species. A widespread census of the Apulian territory was carried out between 2021 and 2024 in both urban and suburban areas including street trees, parks, and private and historic gardens. The inventory of ornamental trees, shrubs, and succulents of Apulia (southern Italy) was carried out in six provinces, i.e., Bari, Barletta-Andria-Trani, Brindisi, Foggia, Lecce, and Taranto. The checklist comprises 287 taxa (including 265 species, 6 varieties, 5 subspecies, and 11 forms) included in 179 genera belonging to 78 families. We evaluated the number of taxa per families and genera, the presence of each taxa in the provinces of Apulia, the number of taxa per occurrence status, growth forms, geographical origin, and the number of native and alien taxa and also the artificial hybrids. Remarks of the most significant taxa and evaluation of geographical distribution in Italy were also taken into consideration. A large number of surveyed taxa (51.74%) are comprised in the list reported in the recent study on allochthonous vascular flora in Italy with a marked prevalence of Neophyte Casual Alien and Neophyte Naturalized Alien species.},
}

@article {pmid39273842,
year = {2024},
author = {Lorenzo, P and Galhano, C and Dias, MC},
title = {Organic Waste from the Management of the Invasive Oxalis pes-caprae as a Source of Nutrients for Small Horticultural Crops.},
journal = {Plants (Basel, Switzerland)},
volume = {13},
number = {17},
pages = {},
doi = {10.3390/plants13172358},
pmid = {39273842},
issn = {2223-7747},
support = {10.54499/UIDP/04004/2020//Fundação para a Ciência e Tecnologia/ ; SFRH/BPD/88504/2012//Fundação para a Ciência e Tecnologia/ ; IT057-18-7248//Fundação para a Ciência e Tecnologia/ ; SFRH/BPD/100865/2014//Fundação para a Ciência e Tecnologia/ ; },
abstract = {The management of invasive plants is a challenge when using traditional control methods, which are ineffective for large areas, leading to the abandonment of invaded areas and the subsequent worsening of the situation. Finding potential uses for waste resulting from invaders' management could motivate their control in the long-term, concurrently providing new bio-based resources with different applications. Oxalis pes-caprae is an invasive plant, widely distributed worldwide, which spreads aggressively through bulbils, creating a dense ground cover. This study was designed to assess the potential of Oxalis aboveground waste for use as fertilizer and in ameliorating deficit irrigation effects in growing crops. Diplotaxis tenuifolia (wild rocket) seedlings were planted in pots with soil mixed with Oxalis waste at 0, 2.2 and 4.3 kg m[-2] or with commercial fertilizer, left to grow for 27 days and then irrigated at 100% or 50% field capacity for 14 days. The incorporation of the Oxalis waste improved the biomass, photosynthesis, sugars, total phenols and total antioxidant capacity in the crop, achieving commercial fertilization values, as well as increasing the phosphorus in soils. However, Oxalis waste seems not to directly affect plants' relative water contents. Our results support the use of Oxalis waste as fertilizer, which can encourage the long-term control of this invasive species.},
}

@article {pmid39272154,
year = {2024},
author = {Zé-Zé, L and Freitas, IC and Silva, M and Soares, P and Alves, MJ and Osório, HC},
title = {The spread of the invasive mosquito Aedes albopictus (Diptera: Culicidae) in Portugal: a first genetic analysis.},
journal = {Parasites & vectors},
volume = {17},
number = {1},
pages = {389},
pmid = {39272154},
issn = {1756-3305},
support = {HORIZON-EIC-2022-PATHFINDEROPEN-01//Project EIC MOBVEC-Mobile Bio-Lab to support first response in Arbovirus outbreaks (2023-2026)/ ; Ph.D. fellowship 2022.13476.BDANA//Fundação para a Ciência e a Tecnologia/ ; UIDB/04295/2020//Institute of Environmental Health of the Faculty of Medicine of the University of Lisbon (ISAMB)/ ; },
mesh = {*Aedes/genetics/virology/classification ; Animals ; Portugal ; *Mosquito Vectors/genetics/virology ; *Introduced Species ; Phylogeny ; Electron Transport Complex IV/genetics ; Female ; },
abstract = {BACKGROUND: Aedes albopictus, commonly known as the Asian tiger mosquito, has become one of the most invasive mosquito species. Over the last 5 decades, it has been introduced and established in various tropical and temperate regions worldwide. First reported in Europe in 1979 in Albania and later in Italy in 1990, the species is now established in 13 European Union (EU)/European Economic Area (EEA) countries and 337 regions (2023). In Portugal, Ae. albopictus was first detected in the Algarve and Penafiel regions in 2017, followed by Alentejo in 2022 and Lisbon in 2023. This mosquito species poses a significant public health risk as a vector for numerous pathogenic viruses, including dengue, Zika, and chikungunya.

METHODS: Aedes albopictus collected in Lisbon in 2023 were analyzed using cytochrome c oxidase I (COX) gene sequencing to understand their genetic relationships.

RESULTS: Our data indicate that the Ae. albopictus mosquito populations detected in three locations in Lisbon in 2023 correspond to recent but distinct introduction events.

CONCLUSIONS: Although there has been no local transmission of Aedes-transmitted viruses in mainland Portugal to date, the spread of the mosquito and increased international travel increase the risk of Aedes-borne disease outbreaks. The ongoing spread of Ae. albopictus in the country and the confirmed multiple introductions in new locations raise awareness of the need to monitor mosquito vectors to control and prevent autochthonous Aedes-borne disease outbreaks.},
}

*Aedes/genetics/virology/classification
Animals
Portugal
*Mosquito Vectors/genetics/virology
*Introduced Species
Phylogeny
Electron Transport Complex IV/genetics
Female

@article {pmid39271414,
year = {2024},
author = {Faulkner, KT and Hulme, PE and Wilson, JRU},
title = {Harder, better, faster, stronger? Dispersal in the Anthropocene.},
journal = {Trends in ecology & evolution},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1016/j.tree.2024.08.010},
pmid = {39271414},
issn = {1872-8383},
abstract = {The dispersal of organisms in the Anthropocene has been profoundly altered by human activities, with far-reaching consequences for humans, biodiversity, and ecosystems. Managing such dispersal effectively is critical to achieve the 2030 targets of the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework. Here, we bring together insights from invasion science, movement ecology, and conservation biology, and extend a widely used classification framework for the introduction pathways of alien species to encompass other forms of dispersal. We develop a simple, global scheme for classifying the movement of organisms into the types of dispersal that characterise the Anthropocene. The scheme can be used to improve our understanding of dispersal, provide policy relevant advice, inform conservation and biosecurity actions, and enable monitoring and reporting towards conservation targets.},
}

@article {pmid39270876,
year = {2024},
author = {Fang, XH and Chen, XM and Liu, RL and Zhang, SH and Gao, JQ and Dong, BC and Yu, FH},
title = {Effects of alligator weed invasion on wetlands in protected areas: A case study of Lishui Jiulong National Wetland Park.},
journal = {The Science of the total environment},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {176230},
doi = {10.1016/j.scitotenv.2024.176230},
pmid = {39270876},
issn = {1879-1026},
abstract = {Wetlands are one of the ecosystems most easily and severely invaded by alien species. Biological invasions can have significant impacts on local plant communities and ecosystem functioning. While numerous studies have assessed the impacts of biological invasions on wetlands, relatively few have been conducted in protected areas such as national wetland parks. We conducted a field survey to investigate the effects of the invasive herb Alternanthera philoxeroides (alligator weed) on the productivity and structure of plant communities and soil microbial communities in the Lishui Jiulong National Wetland Park in Zhejiang, China. We also examined the potential influence of the distance to the river edge on the impact of the alligator weed invasion. The alligator weed invasion significantly altered the plant community structure. It reduced the coverage of co-occurring plant species, including native (-31.2 %), invasive (-70.1 %), and non-invasive alien plants (-58.4 %). However, it increased species richness by 50 %, Pielou's evenness by 20 %, and Simpson's diversity index by 29.1 % for the overall plant community. Furthermore, within the community not invaded by alligator weed, increasing the distance to the river edge decreased the number of native plants by 57.0 % and the aboveground biomass of other invasive plants by 78.6 %. Contrary to expectations, no effects of the alligator weed invasion were observed on soil fungal and bacterial communities. Therefore, the impacts of the alligator weed invasion varied with spatial context and plant category, emphasizing the need to consider multiple scales and environmental factors when assessing the effects of invasive species on plant biodiversity. These insights enhance our understanding of plant invasions in wetlands and can guide the development of effective management strategies for these important ecosystems.},
}