@article {pmid30998797, year = {2019}, author = {Geraldi, NR and Anton, A and Lovelock, CE and Duarte, CM}, title = {Are the ecological effects of the "worst" marine invasive species linked with scientific and media attention?.}, journal = {PloS one}, volume = {14}, number = {4}, pages = {e0215691}, doi = {10.1371/journal.pone.0215691}, pmid = {30998797}, issn = {1932-6203}, abstract = {Non-native species are a major driver of environmental change. In this study we assessed the ecological impact of the "worst" non-native species and the associated scientific and media publications through time to understand what influences interest in these species. Ecological effect was based on a qualitative assessment reported in research publications and additional searches of the scientific and media attention were conducted to determine published articles and assess attention. We did not detect a relationship between the number of publications for a non-native species and the magnitude of the ecological effects of that species or the number of citations. Media coverage on non-native species was low, only evident for less than 50% of the non-native species assessed. Media coverage was initially related to the number of scientific publications, but was short-lived. In contrast, the attention to individual non-native species in the scientific literature was sustained through time and often continued to increase over time. Time between detection of the non-native species and the scientific/media attention were reduced with each successive introduction to a new geographic location. Tracking publications on non-native species indicated that media attention does seem to be associated with the production of scientific research while scientific attention was not related to the magnitude of the ecological effects.}, }
@article {pmid30997155, year = {2019}, author = {Mahar, JE and Hall, RN and Shi, M and Mourant, R and Huang, N and Strive, T and Holmes, EC}, title = {The discovery of three new hare lagoviruses reveals unexplored viral diversity in this genus.}, journal = {Virus evolution}, volume = {5}, number = {1}, pages = {vez005}, doi = {10.1093/ve/vez005}, pmid = {30997155}, issn = {2057-1577}, abstract = {Our knowledge of mammalian viruses has been strongly skewed toward those that cause disease in humans and animals. However, recent metagenomic studies indicate that most apparently healthy organisms carry viruses, and that these seemingly benign viruses may comprise the bulk of virus diversity. The bias toward studying viruses associated with overt disease is apparent in the lagoviruses (family Caliciviridae) that infect rabbits and hares: although most attention has been directed toward the highly pathogenic members of this genus-rabbit haemorrhagic disease virus and European brown hare syndrome virus-a number of benign lagoviruses have also been identified. To determine whether wild European brown hares in Australia might also carry undetected benign viruses, we used a meta-transcriptomics approach to explore the gut and liver RNA viromes of these invasive animals. This led to the discovery of three new lagoviruses. While one was only detected in a single hare, the other two viruses were detected in 20 per cent of all animals tested. All three viruses were most closely related to other hare lagoviruses, but were phylogenetically distinct from both known viruses and from each other, indicating that lagoviruses have circulated for longer than previously assumed. Their evolution was also characterised by complex recombination events. Mapping mutations onto the lagovirus phylogeny revealed no amino acid changes that were consistently associated with virulence phenotype. Overall, our study points to extensive unsampled diversity in this genus, such that additional metagenomic studies are needed to fill gaps in the lagovirus phylogeny and better understand the evolutionary history of this important group of mammalian viruses.}, }
@article {pmid30995765, year = {2019}, author = {Reza, MS and Ahmed, A and Caesarendra, W and Abu Bakar, MS and Shams, S and Saidur, R and Aslfattahi, N and Azad, AK}, title = {Acacia Holosericea: An Invasive Species for Bio-char, Bio-oil, and Biogas Production.}, journal = {Bioengineering (Basel, Switzerland)}, volume = {6}, number = {2}, pages = {}, doi = {10.3390/bioengineering6020033}, pmid = {30995765}, issn = {2306-5354}, support = {UBD/BRC/11 Project//Brunei Research Council/ ; }, abstract = {To evaluate the possibilities for biofuel and bioenergy production Acacia Holosericea, which is an invasive plant available in Brunei Darussalam, was investigated. Proximate analysis of Acacia Holosericea shows that the moisture content, volatile matters, fixed carbon, and ash contents were 9.56%, 65.12%, 21.21%, and 3.91%, respectively. Ultimate analysis shows carbon, hydrogen, and nitrogen as 44.03%, 5.67%, and 0.25%, respectively. The thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) results have shown that maximum weight loss occurred for this biomass at 357 °C for pyrolysis and 287 °C for combustion conditions. Low moisture content (<10%), high hydrogen content, and higher heating value (about 18.13 MJ/kg) makes this species a potential biomass. The production of bio-char, bio-oil, and biogas from Acacia Holosericea was found 34.45%, 32.56%, 33.09% for 500 °C with a heating rate 5 °C/min and 25.81%, 37.61%, 36.58% with a heating rate 10 °C/min, respectively, in this research. From Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy it was shown that a strong C-H, C-O, and C=C bond exists in the bio-char of the sample.}, }
@article {pmid29851948, year = {2018}, author = {Sikes, BA and Bufford, JL and Hulme, PE and Cooper, JA and Johnston, PR and Duncan, RP}, title = {Import volumes and biosecurity interventions shape the arrival rate of fungal pathogens.}, journal = {PLoS biology}, volume = {16}, number = {5}, pages = {e2006025}, pmid = {29851948}, issn = {1545-7885}, mesh = {Commerce/*history/legislation &amp; jurisprudence/statistics &amp; numerical data/trends ; Crops, Agricultural/microbiology ; *Fungi ; History, 19th Century ; History, 20th Century ; History, 21st Century ; Introduced Species/legislation &amp; jurisprudence/*trends ; New Zealand ; Plant Diseases/*microbiology ; Security Measures/*history/legislation &amp; jurisprudence ; Trees/microbiology ; }, abstract = {Global trade and the movement of people accelerate biological invasions by spreading species worldwide. Biosecurity measures seek to allow trade and passenger movements while preventing incursions that could lead to the establishment of unwanted pests, pathogens, and weeds. However, few data exist to evaluate whether changes in trade volumes, passenger arrivals, and biosecurity measures have altered rates of establishment of nonnative species over time. This is particularly true for pathogens, which pose significant risks to animal and plant health and are consequently a major focus of biosecurity efforts but are difficult to detect. Here, we use a database of all known plant pathogen associations recorded in New Zealand to estimate the rate at which new fungal pathogens arrived and established on 131 economically important plant species over the last 133 years. We show that the annual arrival rate of new fungal pathogens increased from 1880 to about 1980 in parallel with increasing import trade volume but subsequently stabilised despite continued rapid growth in import trade and recent rapid increases in international passenger arrivals. Nevertheless, while pathogen arrival rates for crop and pasture species have declined in recent decades, arrival rates have increased for forestry and fruit tree species. These contrasting trends between production sectors reflect differences in biosecurity effort and suggest that targeted biosecurity can slow pathogen arrival and establishment despite increasing trade and international movement of people.}, }
@article {pmid30993767, year = {2019}, author = {Braasch, J and Barker, BS and Dlugosch, KM}, title = {Expansion history and environmental suitability shape effective population size in a plant invasion.}, journal = {Molecular ecology}, volume = {}, number = {}, pages = {}, doi = {10.1111/mec.15104}, pmid = {30993767}, issn = {1365-294X}, abstract = {The margins of an expanding range are predicted to be challenging environments for adaptation. Marginal populations should often experience low effective population sizes (Ne) where genetic drift is high due to demographic expansion and/or census population size is low due to unfavorable environmental conditions. Nevertheless, invasive species demonstrate increasing evidence of rapid evolution and potential adaptation to novel environments encountered during colonization, calling into question whether significant reductions in Ne are realized during range expansions in nature. Here we report one of the first empirical tests of the joint effects of expansion dynamics and environment on effective population size variation during invasive range expansion. We estimate contemporary values of Ne using rates of linkage disequilibrium among genome-wide markers within introduced populations of the highly invasive plant Centaurea solstitialis (yellow starthistle) in North America (California, USA), and within native Eurasian populations. As predicted, we find that Ne within the invaded range is positively correlated with both expansion history (time since founding) and habitat quality (abiotic climate). History and climate had independent additive effects with similar effect sizes, indicating an important role for both factors in this invasion. These results support theoretical expectations for the population genetics of range expansion, though whether these processes can ultimately arrest the spread of an invasive species remains an unanswered question. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.}, }
@article {pmid30991646, year = {2019}, author = {Stahl, JM and Babendreier, D and Marazzi, C and Caruso, S and Costi, E and Maistrello, L and Haye, T}, title = {Can Anastatus bifasciatus Be Used for Augmentative Biological Control of the Brown Marmorated Stink Bug in Fruit Orchards?.}, journal = {Insects}, volume = {10}, number = {4}, pages = {}, doi = {10.3390/insects10040108}, pmid = {30991646}, issn = {2075-4450}, support = {641456//H2020 Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions/ ; N/A//Phytosanitary Service of the Canton Ticino/ ; N/A//Associazione frutticoltori ticinesi/ ; N/A//Consorzio Fitosanitario Provinciale di Modena/ ; }, abstract = {The generalist egg parasitoid Anastatus bifasciatus (Geoffroy) (Hymenoptera: Eupelmidae) is the most prevalent egg parasitoid of the invasive Halyomorpha halys (Stål) (Hemiptera: Pentatomidae) in Europe. To assess its efficacy against the pest H. halys and to validate the potential risks for non-target species in a realistic field setting, inundative releases were conducted over three consecutive years in four fruit orchards in Switzerland and Italy. In total, more than 4300 A. bifasciatus females were released, which was equivalent to 11,000 to 26,000 females per hectare, depending on distances between trees in each orchard. Parasitism of freeze-killed sentinel H. halys eggs achieved with the current release strategy was on average 6% (range: 2%-16%) and considered not high enough to effectively suppress the pest. However, the overall impact of A. bifasciatus on the mortality of H. halys eggs was likely underestimated. If pre-imaginal parasitoid mortality (3.3%) and host feeding (6%) are added to the observed parasitism (6%), the actual induced mortality of H. halys eggs may reach more than 15%. Parasitism of lepidopteran non-target species reached an average of 8% and thus, some degree of non-target parasitism after mass releases may be expected. To quantify the impact of the parasitoids in the orchards more precisely, naturally laid egg masses should be used in future trials to include host-finding cues of the host and host plants, and larger scale releases with potentially higher densities of parasitoids should be considered.}, }
@article {pmid29764688, year = {2018}, author = {Bertelsmeier, C and Keller, L}, title = {Bridgehead Effects and Role of Adaptive Evolution in Invasive Populations.}, journal = {Trends in ecology &amp; evolution}, volume = {33}, number = {7}, pages = {527-534}, doi = {10.1016/j.tree.2018.04.014}, pmid = {29764688}, issn = {1872-8383}, mesh = {*Adaptation, Biological ; Animals ; *Biological Evolution ; *Introduced Species ; Plants ; }, abstract = {Biological invasions are a major threat to biodiversity, agriculture, and human health. Invasive populations can be the source of additional new introductions, leading to a self-accelerating process whereby invasion begets invasion. This phenomenon, coined bridgehead effect, has been proposed to stem from the evolution of higher invasiveness in a primary introduced population. There is, however, no conclusive evidence that the success of bridgehead populations stems from the evolution of increased invasiveness. Instead, we argue that a high frequency of secondary introductions can be explained by increased abundance in the bridgehead region or the topology of human transport networks. We outline the type of evidence and experiments that are needed to demonstrate adaptive evolution and higher invasion success of introduced populations.}, }
@article {pmid30989338, year = {2019}, author = {Yamasaki, K and Takahashi, R and Harada, R and Matsuo, Y and Nakamura, M and Takahashi, JI}, title = {Reproductive interference by alien hornet Vespa velutina threatens the native populations of Vespa simillima in Japan.}, journal = {Die Naturwissenschaften}, volume = {106}, number = {5-6}, pages = {15}, doi = {10.1007/s00114-019-1609-x}, pmid = {30989338}, issn = {1432-1904}, support = {17K07575//Japan Society for the Promotion of Science/ ; }, abstract = {The yellow-legged hornet Vespa velutina has become one of the major alien species in European and East Asian countries. As in its homeland, the invading V. velutina is reported as the major predator of honeybees and is becoming a threat to beekeeping in Europe. However, it remains unknown how V. velutina might affect native hornets when it invades Asia, where a large number of Vespa species are distributed. Thus, by analyzing the mitochondrial cytochrome c oxidase subunit I gene, we investigated whether interspecific mating occurs between V. velutina and Japanese native Vespa spp. Our results showed that the alien V. velutina causes reproductive interference in Japanese native hornet Vespa simillima. Forty-three percent of native V. simillima queens had the sperm of V. velutina males, and among the all V. simillima queens analyzed, 28% only had V. velutina sperm. We did not find evidence of V. velutina queens having the sperm of V. simillima males. These findings suggest that reproductive interference by V. velutina males poses a threat to the native V. simillima populations. A decline of V. simillima may also negatively affect other insects that interact with V. simillima.}, }
@article {pmid30988898, year = {2019}, author = {Marshall, NT and Stepien, CA}, title = {Invasion genetics from eDNA and thousands of larvae: A targeted metabarcoding assay that distinguishes species and population variation of zebra and quagga mussels.}, journal = {Ecology and evolution}, volume = {9}, number = {6}, pages = {3515-3538}, doi = {10.1002/ece3.4985}, pmid = {30988898}, issn = {2045-7758}, abstract = {Identifying species and population genetic compositions of biological invasions at early life stages and/or from environmental (e)DNA using targeted high-throughput sequencing (HTS) metabarcode assays offers powerful and cost-effective means for early detection, analysis of spread patterns, and evaluating population changes. The present study develops, tests, and applies this method with a targeted sequence assay designed to simultaneously identify and distinguish between the closely related invasive Eurasian zebra and quagga mussels (Dreissena polymorpha and D. rostriformis) and their relatives and discern their respective population genetic patterns. Invasions of these dreissenid mussel species have markedly changed freshwater ecosystems throughout North America and Europe, exerting severe ecological and economic damage. Their planktonic early life stages (eggs and larvae) are morphologically indistinguishable, yet each species exerts differential ecological effects, with the quagga often outcompeting the zebra mussel as adults. Our targeted assay analyzes genetic variation from a diagnostic sequence region of the mitochondrial (mt)DNA cytochrome oxidase I (COI) gene, to assess temporal and spatial inter- and intra-specific genetic variability. The assay facilitates analysis of environmental (e)DNA from water, early life stages from thousands of individuals, and simultaneous analysis of 50-100 tagged field-collected samples. Experiments evaluated its accuracy and performance using: (a) mock laboratory communities containing known DNA quantities per taxon, (b) aquaria with mixed-species/haplotype compositions of adults, and (c) field-collected water and plankton versus traditional sampling of adult communities. Results delineated species compositions, relative abundances, and population-level diversity differences among ecosystems, habitats, time series, and life stages from two allopatric concurrent invasions in the Great Lakes (Lake Erie) and the Hudson River, which had separate founding histories. Findings demonstrate application of this targeted assay and our approach to accurately and simultaneously discern species- and population-level differences across spatial and temporal scales, facilitating early detection and ecological understanding of biological invasions.}, }
@article {pmid30734861, year = {2019}, author = {Steinbrink, A and Zotzmann, S and Cunze, S and Klimpel, S}, title = {Aedes koreicus-a new member of the genus Aedes establishing in Germany?.}, journal = {Parasitology research}, volume = {118}, number = {3}, pages = {1073-1076}, doi = {10.1007/s00436-019-06232-x}, pmid = {30734861}, issn = {1432-1955}, mesh = {Aedes/classification/*physiology ; Animal Distribution ; Animals ; Disease Vectors ; Germany ; *Introduced Species ; Mosquito Vectors/classification/*physiology ; }, abstract = {Aedes koreicus, a mosquito species originating from Japan, China, Korea, and parts of Russia, has been sporadically found in Europe since 2008. It is suspected to be a vector of a variety of viruses and nematodes. In Germany, one individual was found in 2015 in the city of Augsburg, situated in the federal state of Bavaria. Based on morphological and molecular species identification, this study reports a new finding of Ae. koreicus, about 370 km northwest from Augsburg. The sampling point is located in the city of Wiesbaden, in the federal state of Hesse, where four individuals were found over a period of 2 months in 2017. The re-finding of the species in the same location in May and July 2018 suggests that (a) the species was able to reproduce and overwinter at this site, and (b) spreading of non-native mosquito species is an ongoing process in Germany, which requires close monitoring.}, }
@article {pmid30986675, year = {2019}, author = {Modesto, V and Castro, P and Lopes-Lima, M and Antunes, C and Ilarri, M and Sousa, R}, title = {Potential impacts of the invasive species Corbicula fluminea on the survival of glochidia.}, journal = {The Science of the total environment}, volume = {673}, number = {}, pages = {157-164}, doi = {10.1016/j.scitotenv.2019.04.043}, pmid = {30986675}, issn = {1879-1026}, abstract = {Freshwater mussels (Bivalvia, Unionida) are one of the most imperilled faunal groups globally, being the introduction of invasive species a possible major mechanism of threat. The Asian clam Corbicula fluminea is a problematic invasive species in aquatic ecosystems and can impair the survival of parasitic larvae (glochidia) of native freshwater mussels. However, this possible mechanism of threat remains speculative and to date very few studies addressed quantitatively this issue. In order to cover this gap, we have performed a series of manipulative laboratory studies to assess how distinct densities of C. fluminea can affect the survival of glochidia after 6, 12, 24 and 48 h of exposure, using larvae of the native freshwater mussel Anodonta anatina. Our results suggest an increase in mortality of A. anatina glochidia with an increase in density of C. fluminea. Two main mechanisms may possibly explain our results: 1) the high filtration capacity of C. fluminea that can contribute to the mortality of glochidia due to the mechanical damage of their fragile shells when passing by siphons and/or digestive tract of C. fluminea and 2) the high excretion capacity of C. fluminea that can lead to mortality of glochidia due to increase in ammonia concentration. Mortality of glochidia was also time dependent with higher values registered after 48 h. This work is one of the first showing the influence of C. fluminea density on the survival of glochidia, being filtration (and consequent passage in the digestive tract) and biodeposition the main potential mechanisms explaining overall mortality. These results also suggest that sites with high densities of C. fluminea may be highly detrimental for the conservation of freshwater mussels, potentially impairing the survival of glochidia and negatively affecting the recruitment of juveniles.}, }
@article {pmid30985910, year = {2019}, author = {Stroud, JT and Giery, ST and Outerbridge, M and Feeley, KJ}, title = {Ecological character displacement alters the outcome of priority effects during community assembly.}, journal = {Ecology}, volume = {}, number = {}, pages = {e02727}, doi = {10.1002/ecy.2727}, pmid = {30985910}, issn = {1939-9170}, abstract = {Character displacement may facilitate species coexistence through niche partitioning. However, the degree to which character displacement influences broader patterns of community assembly is unclear. Here, we capitalize on a natural experiment of community assembly on the oceanic island of Bermuda. Over the past century, three species of ecologically similar but distantly related Anolis lizards have been introduced to Bermuda where no Anolis has ever naturally existed. The Jamaican anole (A. grahami) arrived first in 1905 and dispersed rapidly across the island. Five decades later, the Antiguan anole (A. leachii) and the Barbadian anole (A. extremus) were introduced to independent locations. In 1991, A. leachii and A. extremus were observed to nearly meet at a contact zone but to not yet coexist. We record that subsequent range expansion at this contact zone has been asymmetrical; A. leachii invaded the range of A. extremus, but reciprocal invasion by A. extremus has not occurred. When in allopatry in Bermuda, both species occupy identical ecological space. However, A. leachii underwent rapid ecological character displacement to use arboreal habitat when invading the range of A. extremus. These findings highlight how character displacement may influence the process of dispersal and drive patterns of coexistence and community assembly. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.}, }
@article {pmid30984216, year = {2019}, author = {De Boeck, HJ and Hiltbrunner, E and Jentsch, A and Vandvik, V}, title = {Editorial: Responses to Climate Change in the Cold Biomes.}, journal = {Frontiers in plant science}, volume = {10}, number = {}, pages = {347}, doi = {10.3389/fpls.2019.00347}, pmid = {30984216}, issn = {1664-462X}, }
@article {pmid30984215, year = {2019}, author = {Bueno, A and Pritsch, K and Simon, J}, title = {Species-Specific Outcome in the Competition for Nitrogen Between Invasive and Native Tree Seedlings.}, journal = {Frontiers in plant science}, volume = {10}, number = {}, pages = {337}, doi = {10.3389/fpls.2019.00337}, pmid = {30984215}, issn = {1664-462X}, abstract = {The outcome of competition for nitrogen (N) between native and invasive tree species is a major concern when considering increasing anthropogenic N deposition. Our study investigated whether three native (i.e., Fagus sylvatica, Quercus robur, and Pinus sylvestris) and two invasive woody species (i.e., Prunus serotina and Robinia pseudoacacia) showed different responses regarding morphological and physiological parameters (i.e., biomass and growth indices, inorganic vs. organic N acquisition strategies, and N allocation to N pools) depending on the identity of the competing species, and whether these responses were mediated by soil N availability. In a greenhouse experiment, tree seedlings were planted either single or in native-invasive competition at low and high soil N availability. We measured inorganic and organic N acquisition using 15N labeling, total biomass, growth indices, as well as total soluble amino acid-N and protein-N levels in the leaves and fine roots of the seedlings. Our results indicate that invasive species have a competitive advantage via high growth rates, whereas native species could avoid competition with invasives via their higher organic N acquisition suggesting a better access to organic soil N sources. Moreover, native species responded to competition with distinct species- and parameter-specific strategies that were partly mediated by soil N availability. Native tree seedlings in general showed a stronger response to invasive P. serotina than R. pseudoacacia, and their strategies to cope with competition reflect the different species' life history strategies and physiological traits. Considering the responses of native and invasive species, our results suggest that specifically Q. robur seedlings have a competitive advantage over those of R. pseudoacacia but not P. serotina. Furthermore, native and invasive species show stronger responses to higher soil N availability under competition compared to when growing single. In conclusion, our study provides insights into the potential for niche differentiation between native and invasive species by using different N forms available in the soil, the combined effects of increased soil N availability and competition on tree seedling N nutrition, as well as the species-specific nature of competition between native and invasive tree seedlings which could be relevant for forest management strategies.}, }
@article {pmid30982964, year = {2019}, author = {Britton, JR and Gutmann Roberts, C and Amat Trigo, F and Nolan, ET and De Santis, V}, title = {Predicting the ecological impacts of an alien invader: experimental approaches reveal the trophic consequences of competition.}, journal = {The Journal of animal ecology}, volume = {}, number = {}, pages = {}, doi = {10.1111/1365-2656.12996}, pmid = {30982964}, issn = {1365-2656}, abstract = {1.Ecological theory on the trophic impacts of invasive fauna on native competitors is equivocal. While increased inter-specific competition can result in coexisting species having constricted and diverged trophic niches, the competing species might instead increase their niche sizes to maintain energy intakes. Empirical experiments can test invasion theory on competitive interactions and niche sizes across different spatial scales and complexity. 2.The consequences of increased inter-specific competition from a model alien fish Leuciscus idus were tested on two taxonomically and trophically similar native fishes, Squalius cephalus and Barbus barbus. Competitive interactions were tested in tank aquaria using comparative functional responses (CFRs) and cohabitation trials. The consequences of these competitive interactions for the trophic niche sizes and positions of the fishes were tested in pond mesocosms. 3.CFRs revealed that compared to B. barbus, L. idus had significantly higher attack and consumption rates; cohabitation trials revealed B. barbus growth rates were depressed in sympatry with L. idus. For L. idus and S. cephalus, differences in their functional response parameters and growth rates were not significant. 4.Pond mesocosms used stable isotope metrics to quantify shifts in the trophic niche sizes of the fishes between allopatry and sympatry using a substitutive experimental design. Isotopic niches were smaller and more divergent in sympatric paired species than predicted by their allopatric treatments, suggesting trophic impacts from inter-specific competition. However, an all-species sympatric treatment revealed similar niche sizes with allopatry. This maintenance of niche sizes in the presence of all species potentially resulted from the buffering of direct competitive effects of the species-pairs by indirect effects. 5.Experimental predictions from tank aquaria assisted the interpretation of the constricted and diverged trophic niches detected in the paired-species sympatric treatments of the pond mesocosms. However, the all-species sympatric treatment of this experiment revealed greater complexity in the outcomes of the competitive interactions within and between the species. These results have important implications for understanding how alien species integrate into food webs and influence the trophic relationships between native species. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.}, }
@article {pmid29534147, year = {2018}, author = {Martinez, MA and Baack, EJ and Hovick, SM and Whitney, KD}, title = {A reassessment of the genome size-invasiveness relationship in reed canarygrass (Phalaris arundinacea).}, journal = {Annals of botany}, volume = {121}, number = {7}, pages = {1309-1318}, pmid = {29534147}, issn = {1095-8290}, mesh = {DNA, Plant/genetics ; Genetic Association Studies ; Genome, Plant/*genetics ; *Introduced Species ; Phalaris/*genetics/growth &amp; development ; }, abstract = {Background and Aims: Genome size is hypothesized to affect invasiveness in plants. Key evidence comes from a previous study of invasive eastern North American populations of the grass Phalaris arundinacea: invasive genotypes with smaller genomes had higher growth rates, and genome sizes were smaller in the invasive vs. native range. This study aimed to re-investigate those patterns by examining a broader range of North American populations and by employing the modern best-practice protocol for plant genome size estimation in addition to the previously used protocol.<br><br>Methods: Genome sizes were measured using both internal and pseudo-internal standardization protocols for 20 invasive and nine native range accessions of P. arundinacea. After a round of vegetative propagation to reduce maternal environmental effects, growth (stem elongation) rates of these accessions were measured in the greenhouse.<br><br>Key Results: Using the best-practice protocol, there was no evidence of a correlation between genome size and growth rates (P = 0.704), and no evidence for differences in genome sizes of invasive and native range accessions (P > 0.353). However, using the older genome size estimation protocol, both relationships were significant (reproducing the results of the previous study).<br><br>Conclusions: Genome size reduction has not driven increased invasiveness in a broad sample of North American P. arundinacea. Further, inappropriate genome size estimation techniques can create spurious correlations between genome size and plant traits such as growth rate. Valid estimation is vital to progress in understanding the potentially widespread effects of genome size on biological processes and patterns.}, }
@article {pmid30982122, year = {2019}, author = {Carter, SK and Fleishman, E and Leinwand, IIF and Flather, CH and Carr, NB and Fogarty, FA and Leu, M and Noon, BR and Wohlfeil, ME and Wood, DJA}, title = {Quantifying Ecological Integrity of Terrestrial Systems to Inform Management of Multiple-Use Public Lands in the United States.}, journal = {Environmental management}, volume = {}, number = {}, pages = {}, doi = {10.1007/s00267-019-01163-w}, pmid = {30982122}, issn = {1432-1009}, support = {L16PG00147 and L15PG00136//Bureau of Land Management National Operations Center/ ; L16PG00147 and L15PG00136//Bureau of Land Management National Operations Center/ ; L16PG00147 and L15PG00136//Bureau of Land Management National Operations Center/ ; L15PG00230//Bureau of Land Management Montana/Dakotas State Office/ ; }, abstract = {The concept of ecological integrity has been applied widely to management of aquatic systems, but still is considered by many to be too vague and difficult to quantify to be useful for managing terrestrial systems, particularly across broad areas. Extensive public lands in the western United States are managed for diverse uses such as timber harvest, livestock grazing, energy development, and wildlife conservation, some of which may degrade ecological integrity. We propose a method for assessing ecological integrity on multiple-use lands that identifies the components of integrity and levels in the ecological hierarchy where the assessment will focus, and considers existing policies and management objectives. Both natural reference and societally desired environmental conditions are relevant comparison points. We applied the method to evaluate the ecological integrity of shrublands in Nevada, yielding an assessment based on six indicators of ecosystem structure, function, and composition, including resource- and stressor-based indicators measured at multiple scales. Results varied spatially and among indicators. Invasive plant cover and surface development were highest in shrublands in northwest and southeast Nevada. Departure from reference conditions of shrubland area, composition, patch size, and connectivity was highest in central and northern Nevada. Results may inform efforts to control invasive species and restore shrublands on federal lands in Nevada. We suggest that ecological integrity assessments for multiple-use lands be grounded in existing policies and monitoring programs, incorporate resource- and stressor-based metrics, rely on publicly available data collected at multiple spatial scales, and quantify both natural reference and societally desired resource conditions.}, }
@article {pmid30980778, year = {2019}, author = {Bay, RA and Taylor, EB and Schluter, D}, title = {Parallel introgression and selection on introduced alleles in a native species.}, journal = {Molecular ecology}, volume = {}, number = {}, pages = {}, doi = {10.1111/mec.15097}, pmid = {30980778}, issn = {1365-294X}, abstract = {As humans cause the redistribution of species ranges, hybridization between previously allopatric species is on the rise. Such hybridization can have complex effects on overall fitness of native species as new allelic combinations are tested. Widespread species introductions provide a unique opportunity to study selection on introgressed alleles in independent, replicated populations. We examined selection on alleles that repeatedly introgressed from introduced rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) into native westslope cutthroat trout (O. clarkii lewisi) populations in western Canada. We found that degree of introgression of individual SNPs from the invasive species into the native is correlated between independent watersheds. A number of rainbow trout alleles have repeatedly swept to high frequency in native populations, suggesting parallel adaptive advantages. Using simulations, we estimated large selection coefficients up to 0.05 favoring several rainbow trout alleles in the native background. Although previous studies have found reduced hybrid fitness and genome-wide resistance to introgression in westslope cutthroat trout, our results suggest that some introduced genomic regions are strongly favored by selection. Our study demonstrates the utility of replicated introductions as case studies for understanding parallel adaptation and the interactions between selection and introgression across the genome. We suggest that understanding this variation, including consideration of beneficial alleles, can inform management strategies for hybridizing species. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.}, }
@article {pmid30979963, year = {2019}, author = {Singer, GAC and Fahner, NA and Barnes, JG and McCarthy, A and Hajibabaei, M}, title = {Comprehensive biodiversity analysis via ultra-deep patterned flow cell technology: a case study of eDNA metabarcoding seawater.}, journal = {Scientific reports}, volume = {9}, number = {1}, pages = {5991}, doi = {10.1038/s41598-019-42455-9}, pmid = {30979963}, issn = {2045-2322}, abstract = {The characterization of biodiversity is a crucial element of ecological investigations as well as environmental assessment and monitoring activities. Increasingly, amplicon-based environmental DNA metabarcoding (alternatively, marker gene metagenomics) is used for such studies given its ability to provide biodiversity data from various groups of organisms simply from analysis of bulk environmental samples such as water, soil or sediments. The Illumina MiSeq is currently the most popular tool for carrying out this work, but we set out to determine whether typical studies were reading enough DNA to detect rare organisms (i.e., those that may be of greatest interest such as endangered or invasive species) present in the environment. We collected sea water samples along two transects in Conception Bay, Newfoundland and analyzed them on the MiSeq with a sequencing depth of 100,000 reads per sample (exceeding the 60,000 per sample that is typical of similar studies). We then analyzed these same samples on Illumina's newest high-capacity platform, the NovaSeq, at a depth of 7 million reads per sample. Not surprisingly, the NovaSeq detected many more taxa than the MiSeq thanks to its much greater sequencing depth. However, contrary to our expectations this pattern was true even in depth-for-depth comparisons. In other words, the NovaSeq can detect more DNA sequence diversity within samples than the MiSeq, even at the exact same sequencing depth. Even when samples were reanalyzed on the MiSeq with a sequencing depth of 1 million reads each, the MiSeq's ability to detect new sequences plateaued while the NovaSeq continued to detect new sequence variants. These results have important biological implications. The NovaSeq found 40% more metazoan families in this environment than the MiSeq, including some of interest such as marine mammals and bony fish so the real-world implications of these findings are significant. These results are most likely associated to the advances incorporated in the NovaSeq, especially a patterned flow cell, which prevents similar sequences that are neighbours on the flow cell (common in metabarcoding studies) from being erroneously merged into single spots by the sequencing instrument. This study sets the stage for incorporating eDNA metabarcoding in comprehensive analysis of oceanic samples in a wide range of ecological and environmental investigations.}, }
@article {pmid30976920, year = {2019}, author = {Nikolic, B and Josic, P and Buric, D and Tkalec, M and Lisicic, D and Blazevic, SA and Hranilovic, D}, title = {Coexisting lacertid lizard species Podarcis siculus and Podarcis melisellensis differ in dopamine brain concentrations.}, journal = {Journal of comparative physiology. A, Neuroethology, sensory, neural, and behavioral physiology}, volume = {}, number = {}, pages = {}, doi = {10.1007/s00359-019-01335-3}, pmid = {30976920}, issn = {1432-1351}, support = {UniZg PP0031//University of Zagreb/ ; }, abstract = {In the eastern Adriatic, Podarcis siculus, an invasive species, competitively excludes the native Podarcis melisellensis. Monoamine neurotransmitters-serotonin (5HT), dopamine (DA), and noradrenaline (NA)-are implicated in social behavior, and could lie at the basis of the direct behavioral interference of P. siculus with P. melisellensis. To understand the relationship between social behavior and monoamines, as well as the differences in behavior between P. siculus and P. melisellensis, we developed a high-performance liquid chromatography (UV/VIS detection) method with which we were able to reliably measure concentrations of 5HT, DA, and NA in 32 brains of the two lizard species. We observed no statistically significant influence of species, sex, or their interaction on brain NA and 5HT concentrations. Statistically significant influence of species on dopamine levels were recorded, with P. siculus having twice as much dopamine in their brains. Taking into account that a significant aggressive relationship, with P. siculus dominating over P. melisellensis, has been previously observed, and that dopamine directly influences this behavior, the observed differences in dopamine levels could represent a trait in these species and may contribute to the competitive exclusion of P. melisellensis by P. siculus in the eastern Adriatic.}, }
@article {pmid30976309, year = {2019}, author = {Hopper, JV and McCue, KF and Pratt, PD and Duchesne, P and Grosholz, ED and Hufbauer, RA}, title = {Into the weeds: Matching importation history to genetic consequences and pathways in two widely used biological control agents.}, journal = {Evolutionary applications}, volume = {12}, number = {4}, pages = {773-790}, doi = {10.1111/eva.12755}, pmid = {30976309}, issn = {1752-4571}, abstract = {The intentional introduction of exotic species through classical biological control programs provides unique opportunities to examine the consequences of population movement and ecological processes for the genetic diversity and population structure of introduced species. The weevils Neochetina bruchi and N. eichhorniae (Coleoptera: Curculionidae) have been introduced globally to control the invasive floating aquatic weed, Eichhornia crassipes, with variable outcomes. Here, we use the importation history and data from polymorphic microsatellite markers to examine the effects of introduction processes on population genetic diversity and structure. We report the first confirmation of hybridization between these species, which could have important consequences for the biological control program. For both species, there were more rare alleles in weevils from the native range than in weevils from the introduced range. N. eichhorniae also had higher allelic richness in the native range than in the introduced range. Neither the number of individuals initially introduced nor the number of introduction steps appeared to consistently affect genetic diversity. We found evidence of genetic drift, inbreeding, and admixture in several populations as well as significant population structure. Analyses estimated two populations and 11 sub-clusters for N. bruchi and four populations and 23 sub-clusters for N. eichhorniae, indicating divergence of populations during and after introduction. Genetic differentiation and allocation of introduced populations to source populations generally supported the documented importation history and clarified pathways in cases where multiple introductions occurred. In populations with multiple introductions, genetic admixture may have buffered against the negative effects of serial bottlenecks on genetic diversity. The genetic data combined with the introduction history from this biological control study system provide insight on the accuracy of predicting introduction pathways from genetic data and the consequences of these pathways for the genetic variation and structure of introduced species.}, }
@article {pmid30975413, year = {2019}, author = {Lau, ETC and Leung, KMY and Karraker, NE}, title = {Native amphibian larvae exhibit higher upper thermal limits but lower performance than their introduced predator Gambusia affinis.}, journal = {Journal of thermal biology}, volume = {81}, number = {}, pages = {154-161}, doi = {10.1016/j.jtherbio.2019.02.014}, pmid = {30975413}, issn = {0306-4565}, abstract = {Information on the thermal limits and physiology of ectothermic amphibians is crucial to our understanding of their ecology in the natural environment, particularly with predicted global changes in climate. We documented the thermal limits of larvae of three amphibian species native to Hong Kong, and their introduced, invasive predator, the mosquitofish (Gambusia affinis). We then used larvae of the brown tree frog Polypedates megacephalus as a model amphibian to further investigate growth, oxygen consumption rate and heat shock protein expression with changes in thermal regime. We found that G. affinis was the most tolerant of low temperatures but also the least tolerant of high temperatures. Despite the higher thermal tolerance of the amphibian larvae, further investigation on P. megacephalus demonstrated that optimal temperatures for physiological performance fall within a range of 18.0-21.6 °C, which is far lower than its upper thermal limit, implying that thermal stress occurs during part of the larval stage under natural environmental conditions. This could mean a reduction in their capacity to deal with other stressors such as pollution and predators, and that G. affinis may have an advantage over native amphibians.}, }
@article {pmid30974355, year = {2019}, author = {Liu, YY and Sun, Y and Müller-Schärer, H and Yan, R and Zhou, ZX and Wang, YJ and Yu, FH}, title = {Do invasive alien plants response differ from non-invasives in dominance and nitrogen uptake to variation of abiotic and biotic environments under global anthropogenic change?.}, journal = {The Science of the total environment}, volume = {672}, number = {}, pages = {634-642}, doi = {10.1016/j.scitotenv.2019.04.024}, pmid = {30974355}, issn = {1879-1026}, abstract = {Plant invasion is the outcome of complicated interactions of both biotic and abiotic environments (i.e. eutrophication and human-induced propagules) under global anthropogenic change. Here, we want to know why some alien clonal plant species become invasive and others do not in the introduced range with variations of both abiotic and biotic environments under global anthropogenic change. We selected three invasive alien and three co-occurring, non-invasive alien clonal plant species in China, and grew them under the constant or variable soil nutrient environments in a native community with low or high vegetative propagule pressure (i.e. simulating pressure of anthropogenic alien propagules). Invasive alien species produced more biomass than non-invasives. Interestingly, invasive species benefited significantly greater from high propagule pressure than non-invasives. Biomass and evenness of native communities were greater with non-invasive than with invasive target species. Invasive plants showed a greater increase of leaf N and decrease of leaf C: N ratio when subject to variable nutrients in comparison to constant nutrients than non-invasives. The negative effects of variable nutrients on evenness of native communities were significantly greater under invasive than non-invasive target species. Moreover, biomass of native communities was significantly negatively related to biomass of invasive species. Variable nutrients significantly promoted the negative biomass relationship between non-invasive species and native communities under high propagule pressure and the negative biomass-evenness relationship between invasive species and native communities. Our study suggests that soil nutrient variability and vegetative propagule pressure influence the growth and leaf C and N uptake of alien clonal plant species in native experimental communities, especially under the high propagule pressure and nutrient variability. Invasive alien clonal species have higher performance and advantages over non-invasives. Future studies should also test the mechanisms that invasive and non-invasive or native plants differ in native communities of native or introduced ranges in the field.}, }
@article {pmid30974048, year = {2019}, author = {Castro-Díez, P and Vaz, AS and Silva, JS and van Loo, M and Alonso, Á and Aponte, C and Bayón, Á and Bellingham, PJ and Chiuffo, MC and DiManno, N and Julian, K and Kandert, S and Porta, N and Marchante, H and Maule, HG and Mayfield, MM and Metcalfe, D and Monteverdi, MC and Núñez, MA and Ostertag, R and Parker, IM and Peltzer, DA and Potgieter, LJ and Raymundo, M and Rayome, D and Reisman-Berman, O and Richardson, DM and Roos, RE and Saldaña, A and Shackleton, RT and Torres, A and Trudgen, M and Urban, J and Vicente, JR and Vilà, M and Ylioja, T and Zenni, RD and Godoy, O}, title = {Global effects of non-native tree species on multiple ecosystem services.}, journal = {Biological reviews of the Cambridge Philosophical Society}, volume = {}, number = {}, pages = {}, doi = {10.1111/brv.12511}, pmid = {30974048}, issn = {1469-185X}, support = {FP1403 NNEXT and TD1209 Alien Challenge//COST (European Cooperation in Science and Technology)/ ; CGL2015-65346-R//IMPLANTIN project of the Ministerio de Economía y Competitividad/ ; REMEDINAL3-CM MAE-2719//Comunidad de Madrid/ ; PD/BD/ 52600/2014//FSE/MEC and FCT/ ; SFRH/ PD/84044/2012//POPH/FSE and FCT (Post-Doc grant)/ ; 661118-BioFUNC//EU H2020 research and innovation program (Marie Sklodowska-Curie/ ; }, abstract = {Non-native tree (NNT) species have been transported worldwide to create or enhance services that are fundamental for human well-being, such as timber provision, erosion control or ornamental value; yet NNTs can also produce undesired effects, such as fire proneness or pollen allergenicity. Despite the variety of effects that NNTs have on multiple ecosystem services, a global quantitative assessment of their costs and benefits is still lacking. Such information is critical for decision-making, management and sustainable exploitation of NNTs. We present here a global assessment of NNT effects on the three main categories of ecosystem services, including regulating (RES), provisioning (PES) and cultural services (CES), and on an ecosystem disservice (EDS), i.e. pollen allergenicity. By searching the scientific literature, country forestry reports, and social media, we compiled a global data set of 1683 case studies from over 125 NNT species, covering 44 countries, all continents but Antarctica, and seven biomes. Using different meta-analysis techniques, we found that, while NNTs increase most RES (e.g. climate regulation, soil erosion control, fertility and formation), they decrease PES (e.g. NNTs contribute less than native trees to global timber provision). Also, they have different effects on CES (e.g. increase aesthetic values but decrease scientific interest), and no effect on the EDS considered. NNT effects on each ecosystem (dis)service showed a strong context dependency, varying across NNT types, biomes and socio-economic conditions. For instance, some RES are increased more by NNTs able to fix atmospheric nitrogen, and when the ecosystem is located in low-latitude biomes; some CES are increased more by NNTs in less-wealthy countries or in countries with higher gross domestic products. The effects of NNTs on several ecosystem (dis)services exhibited some synergies (e.g. among soil fertility, soil formation and climate regulation or between aesthetic values and pollen allergenicity), but also trade-offs (e.g. between fire regulation and soil erosion control). Our analyses provide a quantitative understanding of the complex synergies, trade-offs and context dependencies involved for the effects of NNTs that is essential for attaining a sustained provision of ecosystem services.}, }
@article {pmid30972253, year = {2019}, author = {Villaseñor-Derbez, JC and Fitzgerald, S}, title = {Spatial variation in allometric growth of invasive lionfish has management implications.}, journal = {PeerJ}, volume = {7}, number = {}, pages = {e6667}, doi = {10.7717/peerj.6667}, pmid = {30972253}, issn = {2167-8359}, abstract = {Lionfish (Pterois volitans/miles) are an invasive species in the Western Atlantic and the Caribbean. Improving management of invasive lionfish populations requires accurate total biomass estimates, which depend on accurate estimates of allometric growth; sedentary species like lionfish often exhibit high levels of spatial variation in life history characteristics. We reviewed 17 published length-weight relationships for lionfish taken throughout their invasive range and found regional differences that led to significant misestimates when calculating weight from length observations. The spatial pattern we observed is consistent with findings from other studies focused on genetics or length-at-age. Here, the use of ex situ parameter values resulted in total biomass estimates between 76.2% and 140% of true observed biomass, and up to a threefold under- or overestimation of total weight for an individual organism. These findings can have implications for management in terms of predicting effects on local ecosystems, evaluating the effectiveness of removal programs, or estimating biomass available for harvest.}, }
@article {pmid30967022, year = {2019}, author = {Zhang, W and Zhao, L and Zhou, J and Yu, H and Zhang, C and Lv, Y and Lin, Z and Hu, S and Zou, Z and Sun, J}, title = {Enhancement of oxidative stress contributes to increased pathogenicity of the invasive pine wood nematode.}, journal = {Philosophical transactions of the Royal Society of London. Series B, Biological sciences}, volume = {374}, number = {1767}, pages = {20180323}, doi = {10.1098/rstb.2018.0323}, pmid = {30967022}, issn = {1471-2970}, abstract = {Reactive oxygen species (ROS) play important roles in defence response of host plants versus pathogens. While generation and detoxification of ROS is well understood, how varied ability of different isolates of pathogens to overcome host ROS, or ROS contribution to a particular isolate's pathogenicity, remains largely unexplored. Here, we report that transcriptional regulation of the ROS pathway, in combination with the insulin pathway, increases the pathogenicity of invasive species Bursaphelenchus xylophilus. The results showed a positive correlation between fecundity and pathogenicity of different nematode isolates. The virulent isolates from introduced populations in Japan, China and Europe had significantly higher fecundity than native avirulent isolates from the USA. Increased expression of Mn-SOD and reduced expression of catalase/ GPX-5 and H2O2 accumulation during invasion are associated with virulent strains. Additional H2O2 could improve fecundity of Bu. xylophilus. Furthermore, depletion of Mn-SOD decreased fecundity and virulence of Bu. xylophilus, while the insulin pathway is significantly affected. Thus, we propose that destructive pathogenicity of Bu. xylophilus to pines is partly owing to upregulated fecundity modulated by the insulin pathway in association with the ROS pathway and further enhanced by H2O2 oxidative stress. These findings provide a better understanding of pathogenic mechanisms in plant-pathogen interactions and adaptive evolution of invasive species. This article is part of the theme issue 'Biotic signalling sheds light on smart pest management'.}, }
@article {pmid30963867, year = {2019}, author = {Goldstein, J and Park, J and Haran, M and Liebhold, A and Bjørnstad, ON}, title = {Quantifying spatio-temporal variation of invasion spread.}, journal = {Proceedings. Biological sciences}, volume = {286}, number = {1894}, pages = {20182294}, doi = {10.1098/rspb.2018.2294}, pmid = {30963867}, issn = {1471-2954}, abstract = {- The spread of invasive species can have far-reaching environmental and ecological consequences. Understanding invasion spread patterns and the underlying process driving invasions are key to predicting and managing invasions. - We combine a set of statistical methods in a novel way to characterize local spread properties and demonstrate their application using simulated and historical data on invasive insects. Our method uses a Gaussian process fit to the surface of waiting times to invasion in order to characterize the vector field of spread. - Using this method, we estimate with statistical uncertainties the speed and direction of spread at each location. Simulations from a stratified diffusion model verify the accuracy of our method. - We show how we may link local rates of spread to environmental covariates for two case studies: the spread of the gypsy moth (Lymantria dispar), and hemlock woolly adelgid (Adelges tsugae) in North America. We provide an R-package that automates the calculations for any spatially referenced waiting time data.}, }
@article {pmid30963843, year = {2019}, author = {McNew, SM and Knutie, SA and Goodman, GB and Theodosopoulos, A and Saulsberry, A and Yépez R, J and Bush, SE and Clayton, DH}, title = {Annual environmental variation influences host tolerance to parasites.}, journal = {Proceedings. Biological sciences}, volume = {286}, number = {1897}, pages = {20190049}, doi = {10.1098/rspb.2019.0049}, pmid = {30963843}, issn = {1471-2954}, abstract = {When confronted with a parasite or pathogen, hosts can defend themselves by resisting or tolerating the attack. While resistance can be diminished when resources are limited, it is unclear how robust tolerance is to changes in environmental conditions. Here, we investigate the sensitivity of tolerance in a single host population living in a highly variable environment. We manipulated the abundance of an invasive parasitic fly, Philornis downsi, in nests of Galápagos mockingbirds (Mimus parvulus) over four field seasons and measured host fitness in response to parasitism. Mockingbird tolerance to P. downsi varied significantly among years and decreased when rainfall was limited. Video observations indicate that parental provisioning of nestlings appears key to tolerance: in drought years, mockingbirds likely do not have sufficient resources to compensate for the effects of P. downsi. These results indicate that host tolerance is a labile trait and suggest that environmental variation plays a major role in mediating the consequences of host-parasite interactions.}, }
@article {pmid30963839, year = {2019}, author = {Vera-Escalona, I and Habit, E and Ruzzante, DE}, title = {Invasive species and postglacial colonization: their effects on the genetic diversity of a Patagonian fish.}, journal = {Proceedings. Biological sciences}, volume = {286}, number = {1897}, pages = {20182567}, doi = {10.1098/rspb.2018.2567}, pmid = {30963839}, issn = {1471-2954}, abstract = {The present distribution of Patagonian species is the result of a complex history involving Quaternary refugial populations, Holocene range expansions and demographic changes occurring during the Anthropocene. Invasive salmonids were introduced in Patagonia during the last century, occupying most rivers and lakes, preying on and competing with native species, including the fish Galaxias platei. Here, we used G. platei as a case study to understand how long-term (i.e. population differentiation during the Holocene) and short-term historical processes (salmonid introductions) affect genetic diversity. Using a suite of microsatellite markers, we found that the number of alleles is negatively correlated with the presence of salmonids (short-term processes), with G. platei populations from lakes with salmonids exhibiting significantly lower genetic diversity than populations from lakes without salmonids. Simulations (100 years backwards) showed that this difference in genetic diversity can be explained by a 99% reduction in population size. Allelic richness and observed heterozygosities were also negatively correlated with the presence of salmonids, but also positively correlated with long-term processes linked to Quaternary glaciations. Our results show how different genetic parameters can help identify processes taking place at different scales and their importance in terms of conservation.}, }
@article {pmid30963838, year = {2019}, author = {Nunes, AL and Fill, JM and Davies, SJ and Louw, M and Rebelo, AD and Thorp, CJ and Vimercati, G and Measey, J}, title = {A global meta-analysis of the ecological impacts of alien species on native amphibians.}, journal = {Proceedings. Biological sciences}, volume = {286}, number = {1897}, pages = {20182528}, doi = {10.1098/rspb.2018.2528}, pmid = {30963838}, issn = {1471-2954}, abstract = {The exponential increase in species introductions during the Anthropocene has brought about a major loss of biodiversity. Amphibians have suffered large declines, with more than 16% considered to be threatened by invasive species. We conducted a global meta-analysis of the impacts of alien species on native amphibians to determine which aspects of amphibian ecology are most affected by plant, invertebrate, fish, amphibian, reptile, or mammal introductions. Measures of fitness were most strongly affected; amphibian performance was consistently lower in the presence of alien species. While exposure to alien species caused a significant decrease in amphibian behavioural activity when compared with a no species control, this response was stronger towards a control of native impacting species. This indicates a high degree of prey naiveté towards alien species and highlights the importance of using different types of controls in empirical studies. Alien invertebrates had the greatest overall impact on amphibians. This study sets a new agenda for research on biological invasions, highlighting the lack of studies investigating the impacts of alien species on amphibian terrestrial life-history stages. It also emphasizes the strong ecological impacts that alien species have on amphibian fitness and suggests that future introductions or global spread of alien invertebrates could strongly exacerbate current amphibian declines.}, }
@article {pmid30963833, year = {2019}, author = {Gallien, L and Thornhill, AH and Zurell, D and Miller, JT and Richardson, DM}, title = {Global predictors of alien plant establishment success: combining niche and trait proxies.}, journal = {Proceedings. Biological sciences}, volume = {286}, number = {1897}, pages = {20182477}, doi = {10.1098/rspb.2018.2477}, pmid = {30963833}, issn = {1471-2954}, abstract = {Biological invasions are on the rise globally. To reduce future invasions, it is imperative to determine the naturalization potential of species. Until now, screening approaches have relied largely on species-specific functional feature data. Such information is, however, time-consuming and expensive to collect, thwarting the screening of large numbers of potential invaders. We propose to resolve such data limitations by developing indicators of establishment success of alien species that can be readily derived from open-access databases. These indicators describe key features of successfully established aliens, including estimates of potential range size, niche overlap with human-disturbed environments, and proxies of species traits related to their palaeoinvasions and local dominance capacities. We demonstrate the utility of this new approach by applying it to two large and highly invasive plant groups: Australian acacias and eucalypts. Our results show that these indicators robustly predict establishment successes and failures in each clade independently, and that they can cross-predict establishment in these two clades. Interestingly, the indicator identified as most important was species potential range size on Earth, a variable too rarely considered as a predictor. By successfully identifying key features that predispose Australian plants to naturalize, we provide an objective and cost-effective protocol for flagging high-risk introductions.}, }
@article {pmid30963829, year = {2019}, author = {Hung, KJ and Kingston, JM and Lee, A and Holway, DA and Kohn, JR}, title = {Non-native honey bees disproportionately dominate the most abundant floral resources in a biodiversity hotspot.}, journal = {Proceedings. Biological sciences}, volume = {286}, number = {1897}, pages = {20182901}, doi = {10.1098/rspb.2018.2901}, pmid = {30963829}, issn = {1471-2954}, abstract = {Most plant-pollinator mutualisms are generalized. As such, they are susceptible to perturbation by abundant, generalist, non-native pollinators such as the western honey bee (Apis mellifera), which can reach high abundances and visit flowers of many plant species in their expansive introduced range. Despite the prevalence of non-native honey bees, their effects on pollination mutualisms in natural ecosystems remain incompletely understood. Here, we contrast community-level patterns of floral visitation by honey bees with that of the diverse native pollinator fauna of southern California, USA. We show that the number of honey bees visiting plant species increases much more rapidly with flower abundance than does that of non-honey bee insects, such that the percentage of all visitors represented by honey bees increases with flower abundance. Thus, honey bees could disproportionately impact the most abundantly blooming plant species and the large numbers of both specialized and generalized pollinator species that they sustain. Honey bees may preferentially exploit high-abundance floral resources because of their ability to recruit nest-mates; these foraging patterns may cause native insect species to forage on lower-abundance resources to avoid competition. Our results illustrate the importance of understanding foraging patterns of introduced pollinators in order to reveal their ecological impacts.}, }
@article {pmid30963824, year = {2019}, author = {Brandenburger, CR and Sherwin, WB and Creer, SM and Buitenwerf, R and Poore, AGB and Frankham, R and Finnerty, PB and Moles, AT}, title = {Rapid reshaping: the evolution of morphological changes in an introduced beach daisy.}, journal = {Proceedings. Biological sciences}, volume = {286}, number = {1897}, pages = {20181713}, doi = {10.1098/rspb.2018.1713}, pmid = {30963824}, issn = {1471-2954}, abstract = {Thousands of species have been introduced to new ranges worldwide. These introductions provide opportunities for researchers to study evolutionary changes in form and function in response to new environmental conditions. However, almost all previous studies of morphological change in introduced species have compared introduced populations to populations from across the species' native range, so variation within native ranges probably confounds estimates of evolutionary change. In this study, we used microsatellites to locate the source population for the beach daisy Arctotheca populifolia that had been introduced to eastern Australia. We then compared four introduced populations from Australia with their original South African source population in a common-environment experiment. Despite being separated for less than 100 years, source and introduced populations of A. populifolia display substantial heritable morphological differences. Contrary to the evolution of increased competitive ability hypothesis, introduced plants were shorter than source plants, and introduced and source plants did not differ in total biomass. Contrary to predictions based on higher rainfall in the introduced range, introduced plants had smaller, thicker leaves than source plants. Finally, while source plants develop lobed adult leaves, introduced plants retain their spathulate juvenile leaf shape into adulthood. These changes indicate that rapid evolution in introduced species happens, but not always in the direction predicted by theory.}, }
@article {pmid30963692, year = {2019}, author = {Erickson, RA and Merkes, CM and Mize, EL}, title = {Sampling designs for landscape-level eDNA monitoring programs.}, journal = {Integrated environmental assessment and management}, volume = {}, number = {}, pages = {}, doi = {10.1002/ieam.4155}, pmid = {30963692}, issn = {1551-3793}, abstract = {Effective natural resources management requires accurate information about species distributions. Environmental DNA (eDNA) analysis is a commonly used method to determine species presence and distribution. However, when understanding eDNA-based distribution data, managers must contend with imperfect detection in collection samples and subsamples (i.e. molecular analyses) impacting their ability to detect species and estimate occurrence. Occurrence models can estimate 3 probabilities: occurrence, capture, and eDNA detection. However, most occurrence models do not. To quantify imperfect detection in rare versus common species, we examined multiple field capture and detection probabilities. We studied this with 3 objectives: Determine sample sizes required to detect eDNA given imperfect detection, determine sample sizes required to estimate eDNA capture parameters, and examine performance of a 3-level occurrence model. We found detecting eDNA in ≥1 sample at a site required ≤15 samples per site for common species, but detecting eDNA when looking for rare species required 45-90 samples per site. Our occurrence model recovered known parameters unless capture and detection probabilities were <0.2 where >100 samples per site and ≥8 molecular replicates were required. Our findings illustrate the importance of sample size and molecular replication for eDNA-based work. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.}, }
@article {pmid30962894, year = {2019}, author = {Bors, EK and Herrera, S and Morris, JA and Shank, TM}, title = {Population genomics of rapidly invading lionfish in the Caribbean reveals signals of range expansion in the absence of spatial population structure.}, journal = {Ecology and evolution}, volume = {9}, number = {6}, pages = {3306-3320}, doi = {10.1002/ece3.4952}, pmid = {30962894}, issn = {2045-7758}, abstract = {Range expansions driven by global change and species invasions may have significant genomic, evolutionary, and ecological implications. During range expansions, strong genetic drift characterized by repeated founder events can result in decreased genetic diversity with increased distance from the center of the historic range, or the point of invasion. The invasion of the Indo-Pacific lionfish, Pterois volitans, into waters off the US East Coast, Gulf of Mexico, and Caribbean Sea provides a natural system to study rapid range expansion in an invasive marine fish with high dispersal capabilities. We report results from 12,759 single nucleotide polymorphism loci sequenced by restriction enzyme-associated DNA sequencing for nine P. volitans sampling areas in the invaded range, including Florida and other sites throughout the Caribbean, as well as mitochondrial control region D-loop data. Analyses revealed low to no spatially explicit metapopulation genetic structure, which is partly consistent with previous finding of little structure within ocean basins, but partly divergent from initial reports of between-basin structure. Genetic diversity, however, was not homogeneous across all sampled sites. Patterns of genetic diversity correlate with invasion pathway. Observed heterozygosity, averaged across all loci within a population, decreases with distance from Florida while expected heterozygosity is mostly constant in sampled populations, indicating population genetic disequilibrium correlated with distance from the point of invasion. Using an FST outlier analysis and a Bayesian environmental correlation analysis, we identified 256 and 616 loci, respectively, that could be experiencing selection or genetic drift. Of these, 24 loci were shared between the two methods.}, }
@article {pmid30962883, year = {2019}, author = {Watts, AM and Hopkins, GA and Goldstien, SJ}, title = {Chimerism and population dieback alter genetic inference related to invasion pathways and connectivity of biofouling populations on artificial substrata.}, journal = {Ecology and evolution}, volume = {9}, number = {6}, pages = {3089-3104}, doi = {10.1002/ece3.4817}, pmid = {30962883}, issn = {2045-7758}, abstract = {Disentangling pathways by which nonindigenous species expand and spread regionally remains challenging. Molecular ecology tools are often employed to determine the origins and spread of introduced species, but the complexities of some organisms may be reducing the efficacy of these tools. Some colonial species exhibit complexities by way of chimerism and winter colony regression, which may alter the genetic diversity of populations and mask the connectivity occurring among them. This study uses nuclear microsatellite data and simple GIS-based modeling to investigate the influence of chimerism and winter regression on the genetic diversity and patterns of genetic population connectivity among colonies of Didemnum vexillum on artificial substrates. Colonies sampled in summer were shown to form a metapopulation, with high levels of admixture, extreme outcrossing, and some substructure. These patterns were consistent within the subsampled winter colonies and with the inclusion of chimeric data. However, allelic richness and diversity were significantly different between winter and summer samples, altering interpretations relating to population connectivity and pelagic larval duration. This study demonstrates the importance of including seasonal sampling and imperative life history traits in genetic studies for clear interpretations and the successful management of introduced species.}, }
@article {pmid30962470, year = {2019}, author = {Lester, PJ and Buick, KH and Baty, JW and Felden, A and Haywood, J}, title = {Different bacterial and viral pathogens trigger distinct immune responses in a globally invasive ant.}, journal = {Scientific reports}, volume = {9}, number = {1}, pages = {5780}, doi = {10.1038/s41598-019-41843-5}, pmid = {30962470}, issn = {2045-2322}, abstract = {Invasive species populations periodically collapse from high to low abundance, sometimes even to extinction. Pathogens and the burden they place on invader immune systems have been hypothesised as a mechanism for these collapses. We examined the association of the bacterial pathogen (Pseudomonas spp.) and the viral community with immune gene expression in the globally invasive Argentine ant (Linepithema humile (Mayr)). RNA-seq analysis found evidence for 17 different viruses in Argentine ants from New Zealand, including three bacteriophages with one (Pseudomonas phage PS-1) likely to be attacking the bacterial host. Pathogen loads and prevalence varied immensely. Transcriptomic data showed that immune gene expression was consistent with respect to the viral classification of negative-sense, positive-sense and double-stranded RNA viruses. Genes that were the most strongly associated with the positive-sense RNA viruses such as the Linepithema humile virus 1 (LHUV-1) and the Deformed wing virus (DWV) were peptide recognition proteins assigned to the Toll and Imd pathways. We then used principal components analysis and regression modelling to determine how RT-qPCR derived immune gene expression levels were associated with viral and bacterial loads. Argentine ants mounted a substantial immune response to both Pseudomonas and LHUV-1 infections, involving almost all immune pathways. Other viruses including DWV and the Kashmir bee virus appeared to have much less immunological influence. Different pathogens were associated with varying immunological responses, which we hypothesize to interact with and influence the invasion dynamics of this species.}, }
@article {pmid30961824, year = {2019}, author = {Dias, GB and do Amaral, RB and Gatto, IRH and Lapera, IM and de Oliveira, LG and Lux Hoppe, EG and Machado, RZ and André, MR}, title = {Molecular detection of Mycoplasma suis in captive white-lipped peccaries (Tayassu pecari) and wild boars (Sus scrofa) in Brazil.}, journal = {Comparative immunology, microbiology and infectious diseases}, volume = {63}, number = {}, pages = {94-96}, doi = {10.1016/j.cimid.2019.01.013}, pmid = {30961824}, issn = {1878-1667}, abstract = {Mycoplasma suis, the etiological agent of swine hemoplasmosis, is an epicellular bacterium that adheres to the surface of pig erythrocytes leading to deformations of the target cells. Little is known about the occurrence of M. suis in wild swine populations around the world, its economic impact on swine herds, and the risk of human infection. The aim of this study was to investigate, by quantitative real-time PCR (qPCR) based on the 16S rRNA gene, the occurrence of M. suis in a captive population of white-lipped peccaries (100 Tayassu pecari) and in free-living wild boars (14 Sus scrofa) in Brazil. None of the white-lipped peccaries were positive for M. suis, whereas seven (50%) wild boars were positive in qPCR assays. The quantification of M. suis-16S rRNA copies/μL ranged from 1.42 × 10° to 3.906 × 101 in positive animals, indicating a low bacteremia and a chronic carrier status in free-living wild boars. In conclusion, M. suis might be a non-frequent pathogen in wild suids maintained in captivity. Despite the low bacteremia, the prevalence of M. suis in wild boar population in Brazil seems to be high.}, }
@article {pmid30956539, year = {2018}, author = {Gomes, SIF and Merckx, VSFT and Hynson, NA}, title = {Biological invasions increase the richness of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi from a Hawaiian subtropical ecosystem.}, journal = {Biological invasions}, volume = {20}, number = {9}, pages = {2421-2437}, doi = {10.1007/s10530-018-1710-7}, pmid = {30956539}, issn = {1387-3547}, abstract = {Biological invasions can have various impacts on the diversity of important microbial mutualists such as mycorrhizal fungi, but few studies have tested whether the effects of invasions on mycorrhizal diversity are consistent across spatial gradients. Furthermore, few of these studies have taken place in tropical ecosystems that experience an inordinate rate of invasions into native habitats. Here, we examined the effects of plant invasions dominated by non-native tree species on the diversity of arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) fungi in Hawaii. To test the hypothesis that invasions result in consistent changes in AM fungal diversity across spatial gradients relative to native forest habitats, we sampled soil in paired native and invaded sites from three watersheds and used amplicon sequencing to characterize AM fungal communities. Whether our analyses considered phylogenetic relatedness or not, we found that invasions consistently increased the richness of AM fungi. However, AM fungal species composition was not related to invasion status of the vegetation nor local environment, but stratified by watershed. Our results suggest that while invasions can lead to an overall increase in the diversity of microbial mutualists, the effects of plant host identity or geographic structuring potentially outweigh those of invasive species in determining the community membership of AM fungi. Thus, host specificity and spatial factors such as dispersal need to be taken into consideration when examining the effects of biological invasions on symbiotic microbes.}, }
@article {pmid30956538, year = {2018}, author = {Shi, J and Macel, M and Tielbörger, K and Verhoeven, KJF}, title = {Effects of admixture in native and invasive populations of Lythrum salicaria.}, journal = {Biological invasions}, volume = {20}, number = {9}, pages = {2381-2393}, doi = {10.1007/s10530-018-1707-2}, pmid = {30956538}, issn = {1387-3547}, abstract = {Intraspecific hybridization between diverged populations can enhance fitness via various genetic mechanisms. The benefits of such admixture have been proposed to be particularly relevant in biological invasions, when invasive populations originating from different source populations are found sympatrically. However, it remains poorly understood if admixture is an important contributor to plant invasive success and how admixture effects compare between invasive and native ranges. Here, we used experimental crosses in Lythrum salicaria, a species with well-established history of multiple introductions to Eastern North America, to quantify and compare admixture effects in native European and invasive North American populations. We observed heterosis in between-population crosses both in native and invasive ranges. However, invasive-range heterosis was restricted to crosses between two different Eastern and Western invasion fronts, whereas heterosis was absent in geographically distant crosses within a single large invasion front. Our results suggest that multiple introductions have led to already-admixed invasion fronts, such that experimental crosses do not further increase performance, but that contact between different invasion fronts further enhances fitness after admixture. Thus, intra-continental movement of invasive plants in their introduced range has the potential to boost invasiveness even in well-established and successfully spreading invasive species.}, }
@article {pmid30958255, year = {2018}, author = {Adame, MF and Najera, E and Lovelock, CE and Brown, CJ}, title = {Avoided emissions and conservation of scrub mangroves: potential for a Blue Carbon project in the Gulf of California, Mexico.}, journal = {Biology letters}, volume = {14}, number = {12}, pages = {20180400}, doi = {10.1098/rsbl.2018.0400}, pmid = {30958255}, issn = {1744-957X}, abstract = {Mangroves are considered ideal ecosystems for Blue Carbon projects. However, because of their short stature, some mangroves ('scrub' mangroves, less than 2 m) do not fulfil the current definition of 'forests', which makes them ineligible for emission reduction programmes such as REDD+. Short stature mangroves can be the dominant form of mangroves in arid and nutrient-poor landscapes, and emissions from their deforestation and degradation could be substantial. Here, we describe a Blue Carbon project in the Gulf of California, Mexico, to illustrate that projects that avoid emissions from deforestation and degradation could provide financial resources to protect mangroves that cannot be included in other emission reduction programmes. The goal of the project is to protect 16 058 ha of mangroves through conservation concessions from the Mexican Federal Government. The cumulative avoided emissions of the project are 2.84 million Mg CO2 over 100 years, valued at $US 426 000 per year (US$15 per Mg CO2 in the California market). The funds could be used for community-based projects that will improve mangrove management, such as surveillance, eradication of invasive species, rehabilitation after tropical storms and environmental education. The strong institutional support, secure financial status, community engagement and clear project boundaries provide favourable conditions to implement this Blue Carbon project. Financial resources from Blue Carbon projects, even in mangroves of short stature, can provide substantial resources to enhance community resilience and mangrove protection.}, }
@article {pmid30958251, year = {2018}, author = {Silva, GG and Green, AJ and Weber, V and Hoffmann, P and Lovas-Kiss, Á and Stenert, C and Maltchik, L}, title = {Whole angiosperms Wolffia columbiana disperse by gut passage through wildfowl in South America.}, journal = {Biology letters}, volume = {14}, number = {12}, pages = {20180703}, doi = {10.1098/rsbl.2018.0703}, pmid = {30958251}, issn = {1744-957X}, abstract = {For the first time to our knowledge, we demonstrate that whole angiosperm individuals can survive gut passage through birds, and that this occurs in the field. Floating plants of the genus Wolffia are the smallest of all flowering plants. Fresh droppings of white-faced whistling duck Dendrocygna viduata (n = 49) and coscoroba swan Coscoroba coscoroba (n = 22) were collected from Brazilian wetlands. Intact Wolffia columbiana were recovered from 16% of D. viduata and 32% of Coscoroba samples (total = 164 plantlets). The viability of plants was tested, and asexual reproduction was confirmed. Wolffia columbiana is an expanding alien in Europe. Avian endozoochory of asexual angiosperm propagules may be an important, overlooked dispersal means for aquatic plants, and may contribute to the invasive character of alien species.}, }
@article {pmid30958218, year = {2019}, author = {Lehmann, P and Javal, M and Terblanche, JS}, title = {Oxygen limitation is not the cause of death during lethal heat exposure in an insect.}, journal = {Biology letters}, volume = {15}, number = {1}, pages = {20180701}, doi = {10.1098/rsbl.2018.0701}, pmid = {30958218}, issn = {1744-957X}, abstract = {Oxygen- and capacity-limited thermal tolerance (OCLTT) is a controversial hypothesis claiming to explain variation in, and mechanistically determine, animal thermal limits. The lack of support from Insecta is typically argued to be a consequence of their high-performance respiratory systems. However, no studies have reported internal body oxygen levels during thermal ramping so it is unclear if changes in ambient gas are partially or fully offset by a compensatory respiratory system. Here we provide such an assessment by simultaneously recording haemolymph oxygen (pO2) levels-as an approximation of tissue oxygenation-while experimentally manipulating ambient oxygen and subjecting organisms to thermal extremes in a series of thermolimit respirometry experiments using pupae of the butterfly Pieris napi. The main results are that while P. napi undergo large changes in haemolymph pO2 that are positively correlated with experimental oxygen levels, haemolymph pO2 is similar pre- and post-death during thermal assays. OCLTT predicts that reduction in body oxygen level should lead to a reduction in CTmax. Despite finding the former, there was no change in CTmax across a wide range of body oxygen levels. Thus, we argue that oxygen availability is not a functional determinant of the upper thermal limits in pupae of P. napi.}, }
@article {pmid30955773, year = {2019}, author = {Gracia C, A and Rangel-Buitrago, N and Castro-Barros, JD}, title = {Non-native plant species in the Atlantico Department Coastal Dune Systems, Caribbean of Colombia: A new management challenge.}, journal = {Marine pollution bulletin}, volume = {141}, number = {}, pages = {603-610}, doi = {10.1016/j.marpolbul.2019.03.009}, pmid = {30955773}, issn = {1879-3363}, abstract = {Although coastal dunes exhibit typical vegetation which involves species adapted to extreme environmental conditions, the mobilization and colonization by non-native species represents a challenge in its conservation and management. In this work, eight dune systems located along the Atlantico Department, Caribbean coast of Colombia were surveyed, finding within them the presence of two plant species recognized as invasive: Calotropis procera and Cryptostegia madagascariensis. The impacts of these two invasive plant species can be significant at all ecological levels in the dune systems. The above demands the implementation of urgent management actions. Eradication seems the optimal control alternative, however preventing invasive plant species from infesting new areas is more cost-effective and efficient than trying to restore the system after it is infested. Data presented in this paper is the first step in the future development of an early detection program in the study area.}, }
@article {pmid30950531, year = {2019}, author = {Roux, DJ and Kingsford, RT and Cook, CN and Carruthers, J and Dickson, K and Hockings, M}, title = {The case for embedding researchers in conservation agencies.}, journal = {Conservation biology : the journal of the Society for Conservation Biology}, volume = {}, number = {}, pages = {}, doi = {10.1111/cobi.13324}, pmid = {30950531}, issn = {1523-1739}, abstract = {While protected areas represent a pivotal response to escalating anthropogenic threats, they face many pressures, inside and outside their boundaries. Amid these challenges, effective conservation needs to be guided by evidence-based decision-making supported by good mechanisms of knowledge exchange. While many different models promote knowledge exchange, we argue that embedding research scientists within conservation management agencies is best suited to supporting evidence-based conservation. From scarce literature on embedding as a model of knowledge exchange, and experiences from several continents, we set out: 1) the benefits of embedded science for effective evidence-based conservation within management agencies; 2) the challenges and opportunities associated with institutionalizing the embedding model; and 3) the research required to understand the effectiveness of embedding research scientists for evidence-based conservation. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.}, }
@article {pmid30948550, year = {2019}, author = {Vizentin-Bugoni, J and Tarwater, CE and Foster, JT and Drake, DR and Gleditsch, JM and Hruska, AM and Kelley, JP and Sperry, JH}, title = {Structure, spatial dynamics, and stability of novel seed dispersal mutualistic networks in Hawai'i.}, journal = {Science (New York, N.Y.)}, volume = {364}, number = {6435}, pages = {78-82}, doi = {10.1126/science.aau8751}, pmid = {30948550}, issn = {1095-9203}, abstract = {Increasing rates of human-caused species invasions and extinctions may reshape communities and modify the structure, dynamics, and stability of species interactions. To investigate how such changes affect communities, we performed multiscale analyses of seed dispersal networks on O'ahu, Hawai'i. Networks consisted exclusively of novel interactions, were largely dominated by introduced species, and exhibited specialized and modular structure at local and regional scales, despite high interaction dissimilarity across communities. Furthermore, the structure and stability of the novel networks were similar to native-dominated communities worldwide. Our findings suggest that shared evolutionary history is not a necessary process for the emergence of complex network structure, and interaction patterns may be highly conserved, regardless of species identity and environment. Introduced species can quickly become well integrated into novel networks, making restoration of native ecosystems more challenging than previously thought.}, }
@article {pmid30943222, year = {2019}, author = {Poole, JR and Bajer, PG}, title = {A small native predator reduces reproductive success of a large invasive fish as revealed by whole-lake experiments.}, journal = {PloS one}, volume = {14}, number = {4}, pages = {e0214009}, doi = {10.1371/journal.pone.0214009}, pmid = {30943222}, issn = {1932-6203}, abstract = {The extent to which native fish communities might control the success of invasive fish has been of interest to ecologists, but it has been rarely addressed using experiments. We conducted an experiment in six small lakes in the Upper Mississippi Region to test the effects of a small native predator, bluegill sunfish (Lepomis macrochirus) on the recruitment of a large, invasive fish, the common carp (Cyprinus carpio). Bluegills are predominant throughout the region and were previously shown to consume carp eggs and larvae. We stocked both lakes at each of our 3 sites with adult carp (spawners) and one lake at each site with bluegills. We repeated the experiment at two of the three sites for two consecutive years. In each lake we assessed the abundance of post-larval carp one month after spawning (backpack electrofishing surveys) and at the end of the season (mark-recapture). For each site/year combination, catch rate of post-larval carp was typically an order of magnitude higher in control than bluegill lakes, but it often declined quickly over time. The abundance of end-of-seasonal juveniles was significantly higher (no 95% CI overlap) in control lakes than in bluegill lakes, except for one pair of lakes during one year when both the control and bluegill lake had similar, low abundance of end-of-season carp. Overall, our results support the hypothesis that common carp recruitment is substantially reduced in habitats dominated by bluegills. We also suggest our results may be applicable to other species, and that managers should explore how predation on early life stages may control other invasive species.}, }
@article {pmid30940053, year = {2019}, author = {Cubas, J and Irl, SDH and Villafuerte, R and Bello-Rodríguez, V and Rodríguez-Luengo, JL and Del Arco, M and Martín-Esquivel, JL and González-Mancebo, JM}, title = {Endemic plant species are more palatable to introduced herbivores than non-endemics.}, journal = {Proceedings. Biological sciences}, volume = {286}, number = {1900}, pages = {20190136}, doi = {10.1098/rspb.2019.0136}, pmid = {30940053}, issn = {1471-2954}, abstract = {Islands harbour a spectacular diversity and unique species composition. This uniqueness is mainly a result of endemic species that have evolved in situ in the absence of mammal herbivores. However, island endemism is under severe threat by introduced herbivores. We test the assumption that endemic species are particularly vulnerable to generalist introduced herbivores (European rabbit) using an unprecedented dataset covering an entire island with enormous topographic, climatic and biological diversity (Tenerife, Canary Islands). With increasing endemism, plant species are more heavily browsed by rabbits than non-endemic species with up to 67% of endemics being negatively impacted by browsing, indicating a dramatic lack of adaptation to mammal herbivory in endemics. Ecosystems with high per cent endemism are most heavily browsed, suggesting ecosystem-specific vulnerability to introduced herbivores, even within islands. Protection of global biodiversity caused by disproportionally high endemism on oceanic islands via ecosystem-specific herbivore control and eradication measures is of utmost importance.}, }
@article {pmid30937449, year = {2019}, author = {Shogren, CJ and Paine, TD}, title = {Host Plant Recognition and Performance of Klambothrips myopori (Thysanoptera: Phlaeothripidae) Across Myoporum Cultivars in Southern California.}, journal = {Journal of economic entomology}, volume = {}, number = {}, pages = {}, doi = {10.1093/jee/toz063}, pmid = {30937449}, issn = {1938-291X}, abstract = {Myoporum spp. (Lamiales: Scrophulariaceae) native to Australia and New Zealand have been introduced into North America and have been widely planted as shrubs and ground covers in the California urban landscape. The invasive thrips, Klambothrips myopori Mound and Morris, invaded California in 2005 and feed exclusively on Myoporum. However, some commercial cultivars have suffered extensive damage, whereas others have not. In field studies and laboratory feeding tests of six different potential host species or cultivars, Myoporum laetum and Myoporum 'Pacificum' were identified as most suitable host plants of K. myopori. In laboratory trials, K. myopori failed to complete development on M. 'Clean n Green' and M. 'Putah Creek'. Of the six varieties of Myoporum tested, K. myopori damage was only observed on M. laetum and M. 'Pacificum'. Although K. myopori can successfully colonize and reproduce on several varieties of Myoporum, they demonstrated a preference for M. laetum and M. 'Pacificum' in laboratory and field trials.}, }
@article {pmid30937222, year = {2019}, author = {Park, I and Jones, A and Mazer, SJ}, title = {PhenoForecaster: A software package for the prediction of flowering phenology.}, journal = {Applications in plant sciences}, volume = {7}, number = {3}, pages = {e01230}, doi = {10.1002/aps3.1230}, pmid = {30937222}, issn = {2168-0450}, abstract = {Premise of the Study: Predicting the flowering times of angiosperm taxa is a goal of mounting importance in the face of future climate change, with applications not only in plant biology and ecology, but also horticulture, agriculture, and invasive species management. To date, no tool is available to facilitate predictions of flowering phenology using multivariate phenoclimatic models. Such a tool is needed by researchers and other stakeholders who need to predict phenological activity, but are unfamiliar with phenoclimate modeling techniques. PhenoForecaster allows users of any background to conduct species-specific phenological predictions using an intuitive graphical interface and provides an estimate of each prediction's accuracy.<br><br>Methods and Results: Elastic net regression techniques were used to develop species-specific models capable of predicting the flowering dates of 2320 angiosperm species.<br><br>Conclusions: PhenoForecaster is the first stand-alone package to make phenological modeling directly accessible to users without the need for in-depth phenological observations.}, }
@article {pmid30936269, year = {2019}, author = {Treasure, AM and Chown, SL}, title = {Phenotypic plasticity in locomotor performance of a monophyletic group of weevils accords with the warmer is better hypothesis.}, journal = {The Journal of experimental biology}, volume = {}, number = {}, pages = {}, doi = {10.1242/jeb.195255}, pmid = {30936269}, issn = {1477-9145}, abstract = {Ectotherms may respond to variable environmental conditions by altering their phenotypes. Phenotypic plasticity was initially thought to be beneficial to an organism's physiological fitness. Several alternative hypotheses, have, however, been proposed with growing empirical support. In this study, we test the full suite of hypotheses by investigating acclimation responses of locomotor performance for nine populations of five species of sub-Antarctic weevils, using static and fluctuating temperatures. Species showed typical locomotion thermal performance curves with temperature of the maximum speed (Topt) ranging between 22.3±1.7°C (mean±s.e.) and 31.1±0.7°C. For most species Topt was not affected by acclimation. For maximum speed (Umax), significant, positive effects of acclimation were found for all species except a supralittoral one. Individuals acclimated to 0°C showed much lower values than the other two acclimation treatments (15°C and fluctuating 0-15°C). Performance breadth (the index of the breadth of the curve, Tbr) typically showed little response to acclimation. None of the traits of the supralittoral species were affected by acclimation treatment. Responses to stable and fluctuating temperature treatments were similar. Our findings also revealed that the mean estimated activation energy 0.40±0.015 eV (mean±s.e.) was lower than for other herbivores, the category to which these weevils belong, suggesting that some form of compensation in the rate-temperature relationship may be evident. Thus, we typically found support for the warmer is better hypothesis for acclimation of locomotor performance, though some compensation is evident.}, }
@article {pmid30935004, year = {2019}, author = {Buddenbaum, H and Watt, MS and Scholten, RC and Hill, J}, title = {Preprocessing Ground-Based Visible/Near Infrared Imaging Spectroscopy Data Affected by Smile Effects.}, journal = {Sensors (Basel, Switzerland)}, volume = {19}, number = {7}, pages = {}, doi = {10.3390/s19071543}, pmid = {30935004}, issn = {1424-8220}, support = {50EE1530//Bundesministerium für Wirtschaft und Energie/ ; C09X1611//New Zealand Ministry for Business, Innovation, and Employment/ ; }, abstract = {A data set of very high-resolution visible/near infrared hyperspectral images of young Pinus contorta trees was recorded to study the effects of herbicides on this invasive species. The camera was fixed on a frame while the potted trees were moved underneath on a conveyor belt. To account for changing illumination conditions, a white reference bar was included at the edge of each image line. Conventional preprocessing of the images, i.e., dividing measured values by values from the white reference bar in the same image line, failed and resulted in bad quality spectra with oscillation patterns that are most likely due to wavelength shifts across the sensor's field of view (smile effect). An additional hyperspectral data set of a Spectralon white reference panel could be used to characterize and correct the oscillations introduced by the division, resulting in a high quality spectra that document the effects of herbicides on the reflectance characteristics of coniferous trees. While the spectra of untreated trees remained constant over time, there were clear temporal changes in the spectra of trees treated with both herbicides. One herbicide worked within days, the other one within weeks. Ground-based imaging spectroscopy with meaningful preprocessing proved to be an appropriate tool for monitoring the effects of herbicides on potted plants.}, }
@article {pmid30934941, year = {2019}, author = {Kenis, M and du Plessis, H and Van den Berg, J and Ba, MN and Goergen, G and Kwadjo, KE and Baoua, I and Tefera, T and Buddie, A and Cafà, G and Offord, L and Rwomushana, I and Polaszek, A}, title = {Telenomus Remus, a Candidate Parasitoid for the Biological Control of Spodoptera Frugiperda in Africa, is already Present on the Continent.}, journal = {Insects}, volume = {10}, number = {4}, pages = {}, doi = {10.3390/insects10040092}, pmid = {30934941}, issn = {2075-4450}, support = {xxx//Department for International Development (DFID), UK and Directorate-General for International Cooperation (DGIS), Netherlands through CABI's Action on Invasives programme; Maize Trust, South Africa/ ; }, abstract = {The fall armyworm, Spodoptera frugiperda, a moth originating from tropical and subtropical America, has recently become a serious pest of cereals in sub-Saharan Africa. Biological control offers an economically and environmentally safer alternative to synthetic insecticides that are being used for the management of this pest. Consequently, various biological control options are being considered, including the introduction of Telenomus remus, the main egg parasitoid of S. frugiperda in the Americas, where it is already used in augmentative biological control programmes. During surveys in South, West, and East Africa, parasitized egg masses of S. frugiperda were collected, and the emerged parasitoids were identified through morphological observations and molecular analyses as T. remus. The presence of T. remus in Africa in at least five countries provides a great opportunity to develop augmentative biological control methods and register the parasitoid against S. frugiperda. Surveys should be carried out throughout Africa to assess the present distribution of T. remus on the continent, and the parasitoid could be re-distributed in the regions where it is absent, following national and international regulations. Classical biological control should focus on the importation of larval parasitoids from the Americas.}, }
@article {pmid30933715, year = {2019}, author = {Guo, Q and Shu, YN and Liu, C and Chi, Y and Liu, YQ and Wang, XW}, title = {Transovarial transmission of tomato yellow leaf curl virus by seven species of the Bemisia tabaci complex indigenous to China: Not all whiteflies are the same.}, journal = {Virology}, volume = {531}, number = {}, pages = {240-247}, doi = {10.1016/j.virol.2019.03.009}, pmid = {30933715}, issn = {1096-0341}, abstract = {Begomoviruses contain some of the most damaging viral disease agents of crops worldwide, and are transmitted by whiteflies of the Bemisia tabaci species complex. During the last 20 years, transovarial transmission of tomato yellow leaf curl virus (TYLCV) has been reported in two invasive species of the B. tabaci complex. To further decipher the importance of this mode of transmission, we analyzed transovarial transmission of TYLCV by seven whitefly species indigenous to China. TYLCV virions were detected in eggs of all species except one, and in nymphs of two species, but in none of the ensuing adults of all seven species. Our results suggest that these indigenous whiteflies are unable to transmit TYLCV, a begomovirus alien to China, via ova to produce future generations of viruliferous adults, although most of the species exhibit varying ability to carry over the virus to the eggs/nymphs of their offspring via transovarial transmission.}, }
@article {pmid30933359, year = {2019}, author = {Stotz, GC and Gianoli, E and Cahill, JF}, title = {Biotic homogenization within and across eight widely distributed grasslands following invasion by Bromus inermis.}, journal = {Ecology}, volume = {}, number = {}, pages = {e02717}, doi = {10.1002/ecy.2717}, pmid = {30933359}, issn = {1939-9170}, abstract = {Invasive species can alter community structure and function of the communities they invade, as well as lead to biotic homogenization across their invasive range, thus affecting large-scale diversity patterns. The mechanisms by which invasive species can lead to biotic homogenization are poorly understood. We argue that invasive species acting as a strong, deterministic and consistent filters within and across invaded communities are likely to cause biotic homogenization at multiple spatial scales. We studied Bromus inermis Leyss. invasion into eight grasslands covering most of the grassland and parkland natural regions of Alberta (Western Canada). Specifically, we tested whether B. inermis (1) has a strong impact on species richness and composition, (2) consistently alters resources (nutrients, light and soil moisture), imposing the same ecological filter to species establishment and persistence across sites, and hence (3) whether it leads to biotic homogenization within and across sites. We recorded plant cover and resources across native-to-invaded transition areas combining space-for-time substitutions with time-series data analyses. Bromus inermis invasion was associated with rapid biotic homogenization of communities, within and among the eight grasslands. The sharp changes in species relative abundances following invasion was the initial driver of biotic homogenization, while species loss was delayed. Supporting the idea that biotic homogenization can occur when an invasive species presents a broad and consistent filter, resources modified by B. inermis invasion (particularly light and certain nutrients) were altered rather consistently within and across sites. The 50% reduction in light was likely the initial driver of biotic homogenization, while the increase in nutrient availability probably facilitates the displacement of species from the invaded areas and could lead to the establishment of self-reinforcing dynamics. Overall, our results support the idea that invaders acting as strong, deterministic and consistent ecological filters are likely to cause biotic homogenization of the communities they invade. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.}, }
@article {pmid30933311, year = {2019}, author = {Portier, E and Silver, WL and Yang, WH}, title = {Invasive perennial forb effects on gross soil nitrogen cycling and nitrous oxide fluxes depend on phenology.}, journal = {Ecology}, volume = {}, number = {}, pages = {e02716}, doi = {10.1002/ecy.2716}, pmid = {30933311}, issn = {1939-9170}, abstract = {Invasive plants can increase soil nitrogen (N) pools and accelerate soil N cycling rates, but their effect on gross N cycling and nitrous oxide (N2 O) emissions has rarely been studied. We hypothesized that perennial pepperweed (Lepidium latifolium) invasion would increase rates of N cycling and gaseous N loss, thereby depleting ecosystem N and causing a negative feedback on invasion. We measured a suite of gross N cycling rates and net N2 O fluxes in invaded and uninvaded areas of an annual grassland in the Sacramento-San Joaquin River Delta region of northern California. During the growing season, pepperweed-invaded soils had lower microbial biomass N, gross N mineralization, dissimilatory nitrate reduction to ammonium (DNRA), and denitrification-derived net N2 O fluxes (P < 0.02 for all). During pepperweed dormancy, gross N mineralization, DNRA, and denitrification-derived net N2 O fluxes were stimulated in pepperweed-invaded plots, presumably by N-rich litter inputs and decreased competition between microbes and plants for N (P < 0.04 for all). Soil organic carbon and total N concentrations, which reflect pepperweed effects integrated over longer time scales, were lower in pepperweed-invaded soils (P < 0.001 and P = 0.04, respectively). Overall, pepperweed invasion had a net negative effect on ecosystem N status, depleting soil total N to potentially cause a negative feedback to invasion in the long term. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.}, }
@article {pmid30930645, year = {2019}, author = {M Hernández-Triana, L and A Brugman, V and I Nikolova, N and Ignacio Ruiz-Arrondo,  and Barrero, E and Thorne, L and Fernández de Marco, M and Krüger, A and Lumley, S and Johnson, N and R Fooks, A}, title = {DNA barcoding of British mosquitoes (Diptera, Culicidae) to support species identification, discovery of cryptic genetic diversity and monitoring invasive species.}, journal = {ZooKeys}, volume = {832}, number = {}, pages = {57-76}, doi = {10.3897/zookeys.832.32257}, pmid = {30930645}, issn = {1313-2989}, abstract = {Correct mosquito species identification is essential for mosquito and disease control programs. However, this is complicated by the difficulties in morphologically identifying some mosquito species. In this study, variation of a partial sequence of the cytochrome c oxidase unit I (COI) gene was used for the molecular identification of British mosquito species and to facilitate the discovery of cryptic diversity, and monitoring invasive species. Three DNA extraction methods were compared to obtain DNA barcodes from adult specimens. In total, we analyzed 42 species belonging to the genera Aedes Meigen, 1818 (21 species), Anopheles Meigen, 1818 (7 species), Coquillettidia Theobald, 1904 (1 species), Culex Linnaeus, 1758 (6 species), Culiseta Felt, 1904 (7 species), and Orthopodomyia Theobald, 1904 (1 species). Intraspecific genetic divergence ranged from 0% to 5.4%, while higher interspecific divergences were identified between Aedesgeminus Peus, 1971/Culisetalitorea (Shute, 1928) (24.6%) and Ae.geminus/An.plumbeus Stephens, 1828 (22.5%). Taxonomic discrepancy was shown between An.daciae Linton, Nicolescu &amp; Harbach, 2004 and An.messeae Falleroni, 1828 indicating the poor resolution of the COI DNA barcoding region in separating these taxa. Other species such as Ae.cantans (Meigen, 1818)/Ae.annulipes (Meigen, 1830) showed similar discrepancies indicating some limitation of this genetic marker to identify certain mosquito species. The combination of morphology and DNA barcoding is an effective approach for the identification of British mosquitoes, for invasive mosquitoes posing a threat to the UK, and for the detection of hidden diversity within species groups.}, }
@article {pmid30930639, year = {2019}, author = {Tang, KL and Pierce, MP and Guénard, B}, title = {Review of the genus Strumigenys (Hymenoptera, Formicidae, Myrmicinae) in Hong Kong with the description of three new species and the addition of five native and four introduced species records.}, journal = {ZooKeys}, volume = {831}, number = {}, pages = {1-48}, doi = {10.3897/zookeys.831.31515}, pmid = {30930639}, issn = {1313-2989}, abstract = {The species of the ant genus Strumigenys Smith, 1860 found in Hong Kong are reviewed based on new sampling efforts performed over the past five years (2014-2018). Prior to this, 12 Strumigenys species had been recorded from Hong Kong, all confirmed here. Moreover, we add to this list three newly described species: S.hirsutasp. n., S.lantauisp. n., and S.nathistorisocsp. n., and describe for the first time the worker caste of S.formosa Terayama, Lin &amp; Wu, 1995. We report new records for nine additional species, bringing the total number of species to 24, including four newly recorded species (S.hexamera Brown, 1958, S.membranifera Emery, 1869, S.nepalensis Baroni Urbani and De Andrade, 1994, and S.rogeri Emery, 1890) which are considered to be introduced to Hong Kong. A global review of the introduced Strumigenys species is presented. The taxonomic validity of S.feae and S.formosensis is discussed in light of new specimen measurements. New ecological information on the swarming periods of 11 species is presented on the basis of year-long sampling of aerial insects. Finally, the importance of our results within Southeast Asia and the need for future sampling efforts in the region is discussed.}, }
@article {pmid30927576, year = {2019}, author = {Zhang, L and Li, Y and Huang, J and Liu, J and Liu, X}, title = {Evaluation of the short-term and long-term performance of biological invasion management in the China-Myanmar border region.}, journal = {Journal of environmental management}, volume = {240}, number = {}, pages = {1-8}, doi = {10.1016/j.jenvman.2019.03.061}, pmid = {30927576}, issn = {1095-8630}, abstract = {Invasive alien species pose great threats to ecological and economic health and cause enormous losses to global ecosystems. The Mikania micrantha management program is a source of great theoretical and practical insights for regional agricultural and forestry development. In this paper, the invasion history and distribution patterns of M. micrantha in the China-Myanmar Border Region are summarized, and the short-term and long-term performance of the current post-border management program are evaluated. A literature survey found that M. micrantha was mainly distributed in 85 townships of five municipalities along the border in China with Myanmar, suggesting an explicit border-crossing scenario of M. micrantha. The M. micrantha management program has produced positive but short-term results due to the conduction of general investigations, establishment of an extensive monitoring network, development of integrated measures, and improvements of public awareness and participation. However, the long-term management performance was hampered by overlapping departmental functions, lagging and unreliable public feedback, inadequate funding, and biased and passive strategies. We suggest that invasive species committees, social media tools, public-private partnership, and forest restoration and conservation and biological control could greatly improve the situation. This regional-scale research provides referential insights for the development of biological invasion management systems in developing economies under transboundary contexts.}, }
@article {pmid30926662, year = {2019}, author = {Fournier, A and Penone, C and Pennino, MG and Courchamp, F}, title = {Predicting future invaders and future invasions.}, journal = {Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the United States of America}, volume = {}, number = {}, pages = {}, doi = {10.1073/pnas.1803456116}, pmid = {30926662}, issn = {1091-6490}, abstract = {Invasive alien species are a great threat to biodiversity and human livelihoods worldwide. The most effective way to limit their impacts and costs is to prevent their introduction into new areas. Identifying invaders and invasions before their occurrence would arguably be the most efficient strategy. Here, we provide a profiling method to predict which species-with which particular ecological characteristics-will invade, and where they could invade. We illustrate our approach with ants, which are among the most detrimental invasive species, as they are responsible for declines of numerous taxa, are involved in local extinctions, disturb ecosystem functioning, and impact multiple human activities. Based on statistical profiling of 1,002 ant species from an extensive trait database, we identify 13 native ant species with an ecological profile that matches that of known invasive ants. Even though they are not currently described as such, these species are likely to become the next global invaders. We couple these predictions with species distribution models to identify the regions most at risk from the invasion of these species: Florida and Central America, Brazil, Central Africa and Madagascar, Southeast Asia, Papua New Guinea Northeast Australia, and many islands worldwide. This framework, applicable to any other taxa, represents a remarkable opportunity to implement timely and specifically shaped proactive management strategies against biological invasions.}, }
@article {pmid30923649, year = {2019}, author = {Hong, M and Jiang, A and Li, N and Li, W and Shi, H and Storey, KB and Ding, L}, title = {Comparative analysis of the liver transcriptome in the red-eared slider Trachemys scripta elegans under chronic salinity stress.}, journal = {PeerJ}, volume = {7}, number = {}, pages = {e6538}, doi = {10.7717/peerj.6538}, pmid = {30923649}, issn = {2167-8359}, abstract = {The red-eared slider (Trachemys scripta elegans), identified as one of the 100 most invasive species in the world, is a freshwater turtle originally from the eastern United States and northeastern Mexico. Field investigations have shown that T. s. elegans can survive and lay eggs in saline habitats. In order to understand the molecular mechanisms of salinity adaptation, high-throughput RNA-Seq was utilized to identify the changes in gene expression profiles in the liver of T. s. elegans in response to elevated salinity. We exposed individuals to 0, 5, or 15 psu (practical salinity units) for 30 days. A total of 157.21 million reads were obtained and assembled into 205138 unigenes with an average length of 620 bp and N50 of 964 bp. Of these, 1019 DEGs (differentially expressed genes) were found in the comparison of 0 vs. 5 psu, 1194 DEGs in 0 vs. 15 psu and 1180 DEGs in 5 vs. 15 psu, which are mainly related to macromolecule metabolic process, ion transport, oxidoreductase activity and generation of precursor metabolites and energy by GO (Gene Ontology) enrichment analyses. T. s. elegans can adapt itself into salinity by balancing the entry of sodium and chloride ions via the up-regulation expression genes of ion transport (potassium voltage-gated channel subfamily H member 5, KCNH5; erine/threonine-protein kinase 32, STK32; salt-inducible kinase 1, SIK1; adiponectin, ACDC), and by accumulating plasma urea and free amino acid via the up-regulation expression genes of amino acid metabolism (ornithine decarboxylase antizyme 3, OAZ3; glutamine synthetase, GLUL; asparaginase-like protein 1b, ASRGL; L-amino-acid oxidase-like, LAAO; sodium-dependent neutral amino acid transporter B, SLC6A15s; amino acid permease, SLC7A9) in response to osmotic regulation. An investment of energy to maintain their homeostatic balance is required to salinity adaptation, therefore, the genes related to energy production and conversion (F-ATPase protein 6, ATP6; cytochrome c oxidase subunit I, COX1; cytochrome c oxidase subunit III, COX3; cytochrome b, CYTb; cytochrome P450 17A1, CYP17A1) were up-regulated with the increase of gene expression associated with lipid metabolism (apolipoprotein E precursor, APoE; coenzyme Q-binding protein, CoQ10; high-density lipoprotein particle, SAA) and carbohydrate metabolism (HK, MIP). These findings improve our understanding of the underlying molecular mechanisms involved in salinity adaptation and provide general guidance to illuminate the invasion potential of T. s. elegans into saline environments.}, }
@article {pmid30922370, year = {2019}, author = {González, MA and Pavan, MG and Fernandes, RS and Busquets, N and David, MR and Lourenço-Oliveira, R and García-Pérez, AL and Maciel-de-Freitas, R}, title = {Limited risk of Zika virus transmission by five Aedes albopictus populations from Spain.}, journal = {Parasites &amp; vectors}, volume = {12}, number = {1}, pages = {150}, doi = {10.1186/s13071-019-3359-1}, pmid = {30922370}, issn = {1756-3305}, support = {E-26/201.335/2016//Fundação Carlos Chagas Filho de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado do Rio de Janeiro/ ; 23038.007199/2012-17//Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior/ ; Finance Code 001//Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior/ ; }, mesh = {Aedes/*virology ; Animals ; Blood ; Cercopithecus aethiops ; Female ; Humans ; Male ; Mosquito Vectors/*virology ; Risk Assessment ; Spain ; Vero Cells ; Viral Load ; *Zika Virus/physiology ; Zika Virus Infection/*transmission ; }, abstract = {BACKGROUND: Aedes albopictus, the Asian tiger mosquito, is an exotic invasive species in Europe. It has substantial public health relevance due to its potential role in transmitting several human pathogens. Out of the European countries, Spain has one of the highest risk levels of autochthonous arbovirus transmission due to both the high density of Ae. albopictus and the extensive tourist influx from vector-endemic areas. This study aims to investigate the susceptibility of five Ae. albopictus populations from mainland Spain and the Balearic Islands to a Brazilian Zika virus (ZIKV) strain.<br><br>METHODS: The F1 generation of each Ae. albopictus population was orally challenged with a ZIKV-infected blood meal (1.8 × 106 PFU/ml). At 7 and 14 days post-infection (dpi), mosquito bodies (thorax and abdomen) and heads were individually analysed through RT-qPCR to determine the infection rate (IR) and dissemination rate (DR), respectively. The saliva of infected mosquitoes was inoculated in Vero cells and the transmission rate was assessed by plaque assay or RT-qPCR on ~33 individuals per population.<br><br>RESULTS: The IR and DR ranged between 12-88%, and 0-60%, respectively, suggesting that ZIKV is capable of crossing the midgut barrier. Remarkably, no infectious viral particle was found in saliva samples, indicating a low ability of ZIKV to overcome the salivary gland barrier. A subsequent assay revealed that a second non-infective blood meal 48 h after ZIKV exposure did not influence Ae. albopictus vector competence.<br><br>CONCLUSIONS: The oral experimental ZIKV infections performed here indicate that Ae. albopictus from Spain become infected and disseminate the virus through the body but has a limited ability to transmit the Brazilian ZIKV strain through biting. Therefore, the results suggest a limited risk of autochthonous ZIKV transmission in Spain by Ae. albopictus.}, }
@article {pmid30920165, year = {2019}, author = {Tomasetto, F and Duncan, RP and Hulme, PE}, title = {Resolving the invasion paradox: pervasive scale and study dependence in the native-alien species richness relationship.}, journal = {Ecology letters}, volume = {}, number = {}, pages = {}, doi = {10.1111/ele.13261}, pmid = {30920165}, issn = {1461-0248}, support = {//New Zealand Tertiary Education Commission/ ; DP150101839//Australian Research Council/ ; }, abstract = {The degree to which plant communities are vulnerable to invasion by alien species has often been assessed using the relationship between native and alien plant species richness (NAR). Variation in the direction and strength of the NAR tends to be negative for small plot sizes and study extents, but positive for large plots and extents. This invasion paradox has been attributed to different processes driving species richness at different spatial scales. However, the focus on plot size has drawn attention away from other factors influencing the NAR, in part because the influence of other factors may be obscured by or interact with plot size. Here, we test whether variation in the NAR can be explained by covariates linked to community susceptibility to invasion and whether these interact with plot size using a quantitative meta-analysis drawn from 87 field studies that examined 161 NARs. While plot size explained most variation, the NAR was less positive in grassland habitats and in the Australasian region. Other covariates did not show strong relationships with the NAR even after accounting for interactions with plot size. Instead, much of the unexplained variation is associated with article or author specific differences, suggesting the NAR depends strongly on how different authors choose their study system or study design.}, }
@article {pmid30919952, year = {2019}, author = {Larson, ER and Kreps, TA and Peters, B and Peters, JA and Lodge, DM}, title = {Habitat explains patterns of population decline for an invasive crayfish.}, journal = {Ecology}, volume = {}, number = {}, pages = {e02659}, doi = {10.1002/ecy.2659}, pmid = {30919952}, issn = {1939-9170}, abstract = {Invasive nonindigenous species are defined by their impacts: they substantially change native communities or ecosystems. Accordingly, invasive species might transform their habitats in ways that eventually become unfavorable to them, causing population declines or even extirpations. Here we use over 40 yr of systematically collected data on the abundance of the invasive rusty crayfish Faxonius rusticus from 17 lakes in northern Wisconsin, USA to explore whether population declines of this invader are related to the prevalence of rocky habitat, which shelters crayfish from predators and is unchanged by crayfish. We predicted that lakes with rock-dominated substrates would be resistant to F. rusticus population declines, whereas lakes lacking rock-dominated substrates would experience F. rusticus declines due to crayfish destruction of shelter-providing macrophytes. We found that in nearly one-half (47%) of the study lakes, F. rusticus experienced population declines over the study time period, and these lakes had significantly lower proportions of rock substrate than lakes that did not experience population declines. We recommend that more studies should investigate the potential for invasive species-mediated community or ecosystem feedbacks to eventually contribute to their own population declines.}, }
@article {pmid30918268, year = {2019}, author = {Hunter, ME and Ferrante, JA and Meigs-Friend, G and Ulmer, A}, title = {Improving eDNA yield and inhibitor reduction through increased water volumes and multi-filter isolation techniques.}, journal = {Scientific reports}, volume = {9}, number = {1}, pages = {5259}, doi = {10.1038/s41598-019-40977-w}, pmid = {30918268}, issn = {2045-2322}, abstract = {To inform management and conservation decisions, environmental DNA (eDNA) methods are used to detect genetic material shed into the water by imperiled and invasive species. Methodological enhancements are needed to reduce filter clogging, PCR inhibition, and false-negative detections when eDNA is at low concentrations. In the first of three simple experiments, we sought to ameliorate filter clogging from particulates and organic material through a scaled-up, multi-filter protocol. We combined four filters in a 5 mL Phenol-Chloroform-Isoamyl (PCI) procedure to allow for larger volumes of water (~1 L) to be filtered rapidly. Increasing the filtered water volume by four times resulted in 4.4X the yield of target DNA. Next, inhibition from organic material can reduce or block eDNA detections in PCR-based assays. To remove inhibitory compounds retained during eDNA isolation, we tested three methods to chemically strip inhibitors from eDNA molecules. The use of CTAB as a short-term (5-8 day) storage buffer, followed by a PCI isolation, resulted in the highest eDNA yields. Finally, as opposed to a linear relationship among increasing concentrations of filtered genomic eDNA, we observed a sharp change between the lower (70-280 ng) and higher (420-560 ng) amounts. This may be important for effectively precipitating eDNA during protocol testing.}, }
@article {pmid30917126, year = {2019}, author = {Holmes, ND and Spatz, DR and Oppel, S and Tershy, B and Croll, DA and Keitt, B and Genovesi, P and Burfield, IJ and Will, DJ and Bond, AL and Wegmann, A and Aguirre-Muñoz, A and Raine, AF and Knapp, CR and Hung, CH and Wingate, D and Hagen, E and Méndez-Sánchez, F and Rocamora, G and Yuan, HW and Fric, J and Millett, J and Russell, J and Liske-Clark, J and Vidal, E and Jourdan, H and Campbell, K and Springer, K and Swinnerton, K and Gibbons-Decherong, L and Langrand, O and Brooke, ML and McMinn, M and Bunbury, N and Oliveira, N and Sposimo, P and Geraldes, P and McClelland, P and Hodum, P and Ryan, PG and Borroto-Páez, R and Pierce, R and Griffiths, R and Fisher, RN and Wanless, R and Pasachnik, SA and Cranwell, S and Micol, T and Butchart, SHM}, title = {Globally important islands where eradicating invasive mammals will benefit highly threatened vertebrates.}, journal = {PloS one}, volume = {14}, number = {3}, pages = {e0212128}, doi = {10.1371/journal.pone.0212128}, pmid = {30917126}, issn = {1932-6203}, abstract = {Invasive alien species are a major threat to native insular species. Eradicating invasive mammals from islands is a feasible and proven approach to prevent biodiversity loss. We developed a conceptual framework to identify globally important islands for invasive mammal eradications to prevent imminent extinctions of highly threatened species using biogeographic and technical factors, plus a novel approach to consider socio-political feasibility. We applied this framework using a comprehensive dataset describing the distribution of 1,184 highly threatened native vertebrate species (i.e. those listed as Critically Endangered or Endangered on the IUCN Red List) and 184 non-native mammals on 1,279 islands worldwide. Based on extinction risk, irreplaceability, severity of impact from invasive species, and technical feasibility of eradication, we identified and ranked 292 of the most important islands where eradicating invasive mammals would benefit highly threatened vertebrates. When socio-political feasibility was considered, we identified 169 of these islands where eradication planning or operation could be initiated by 2020 or 2030 and would improve the survival prospects of 9.4% of the Earth's most highly threatened terrestrial insular vertebrates (111 of 1,184 species). Of these, 107 islands were in 34 countries and territories and could have eradication projects initiated by 2020. Concentrating efforts to eradicate invasive mammals on these 107 islands would benefit 151 populations of 80 highly threatened vertebrates and make a major contribution towards achieving global conservation targets adopted by the world's nations.}, }
@article {pmid30916784, year = {2019}, author = {Dubart, M and Pantel, JH and Pointier, JP and Jarne, P and David, P}, title = {Modelling competition, niche and coexistence between an invasive and a native species in a two-species metapopulation.}, journal = {Ecology}, volume = {}, number = {}, pages = {e02700}, doi = {10.1002/ecy.2700}, pmid = {30916784}, issn = {1939-9170}, abstract = {Modelling the dynamics of competition and coexistence between species is crucial to predict long-term impacts of invasive species on their native congeners. However, natural environments are often fragmented and variable in time and space. In such contexts regional coexistence depends on complex interactions between competition, niche differentiation and stochastic colonization-extinction dynamics. Quantifying all these processes at landscape scale has always been a challenge for ecologists. We propose a new statistical framework to evaluate metapopulation parameters (colonization and extinction) in a two-species system and how they respond to environmental variables and interspecific competition. It requires spatial surveys repeated in time, but does not assume demographic equilibrium. We apply this model to a long-term survey of two snails inhabiting a network of freshwater habitats in the West Indies. We find evidence of reciprocal competition affecting colonization or extinction rates, modulated by species-specific sensitivity to environmental variables. Simulations using model estimates allow us to predict species dynamics and explore the role of various coexistence mechanisms described by metacommunity theory in our system. The two species are predicted to stably coexist, because niche partitioning, source-sink dynamics and interspecific differences in extinction-colonization parameters all contribute to reduce the negative impacts of competition. However, none of these mechanisms is individually essential. Regional coexistence is primarily facilitated by transient co-occurrence of the two species within habitat patches, a possibility generally not considered in theoretical metacommunity models. Our framework is general and could be extended to guilds of several competing species. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.}, }
@article {pmid30916751, year = {2019}, author = {Aput, LM and Farji-Brener, AG and Pirk, GI}, title = {Effects of Introduced Plants on Diet and Seed Preferences of Pogonomyrmex carbonarius (Hymenoptera: Formicidae) in the Patagonian Steppe.}, journal = {Environmental entomology}, volume = {}, number = {}, pages = {}, doi = {10.1093/ee/nvz022}, pmid = {30916751}, issn = {1938-2936}, abstract = {Invasive species may interact with resident species and disrupt previously established interactions, with effects on the whole community. If introduced seeds are selectively consumed by native granivores, this could limit the establishment or spread of invasive plants (biotic resistance), and reduce the predation pressure upon native seeds. We determined if the presence of introduced plants affects the diet and the seed preferences of the ant Pogonomyrmex carbonarius (Mayr) in a Patagonian steppe. We expected a higher proportion of introduced seeds in the diet of nests located in areas with a high abundance of introduced species (roadsides) than in nests located in low invaded areas. Diet composition was obtained by collecting items retrieved by workers to colonies and compared between areas of contrasting abundance of introduced species. Field-based choice experiments were performed to evaluate whether exotic seeds were preferred to native ones under a paired comparisons design. Native seeds predominated in the diet. A low proportion of introduced species were included only in colonies close to the road. Ants preferred native seeds to introduced ones, and showed a marked preference for seeds of the native grass Pappostipa speciosa (Trin. &amp; Rupr.) Romasch. (Poaceae), typical of the Patagonian steppe. The presence of introduced plants had little influence on interactions of P. carbonarius with seeds in the Patagonian steppe. Therefore, this ant species would not exert a control on the studied introduced plants, illustrating a case of low biotic resistance to invasion by these species.}, }
@article {pmid30916306, year = {2019}, author = {Hanford, JK and Hochuli, DF and Webb, CE}, title = {Oviposition Behavior of Culex annulirostris (Diptera: Culicidae) Is Affected by the Recent Presence of Invasive Gambusia holbrooki (Cyprinodontiformes: Poeciliidae).}, journal = {Journal of medical entomology}, volume = {}, number = {}, pages = {}, doi = {10.1093/jme/tjz027}, pmid = {30916306}, issn = {1938-2928}, abstract = {Constructed wetlands are popular tools for managing threatened flora and fauna in urban settings, but there are concerns that these habitats may increase mosquito populations and mosquito-related public health risks. Understanding the interactions occurring between mosquitoes of public health concern and co-occurring organisms is critical to informing management of these habitats to mitigate potential health risks and balance the multiple values of urban wetlands. This study examined how oviposition behavior of Culex annulirostris Skuse, the most important pest mosquito species associated with freshwater wetland habitats in Australia, is influenced by the presence of Gambusia holbrooki Girard, a widespread invasive fish. Water was collected from urban wetlands that are intensively managed to reduce G. holbrooki populations to assist conservation of locally threatened frogs, and adjacent unmanaged wetlands where G. holbrooki was abundant. Laboratory experiments were conducted to examine the oviposition response by Cx. annulirostris to water samples from these two habitats. Experiments were conducted on two occasions, once in February following draining and refilling of the urban wetlands, and repeated following a substantial rainfall event in March. The results clearly demonstrate that ovipositing mosquitoes were able to detect and avoid water derived from habitats containing fish, even in the absence of the fish themselves. Understanding how invasive species affect the behavior and spatial distribution of pest species such as Cx. annulirostris will enable future wetland design and management to maximize benefits of urban wetlands and minimize potential public health risks.}, }
@article {pmid30914838, year = {2019}, author = {Lee, KH and Chen, TH and Shang, G and Clulow, S and Yang, YJ and Lin, SM}, title = {A check list and population trends of invasive amphibians and reptiles in Taiwan.}, journal = {ZooKeys}, volume = {829}, number = {}, pages = {85-130}, doi = {10.3897/zookeys.829.27535}, pmid = {30914838}, issn = {1313-2989}, abstract = {Invasive species have impacted biodiversity all around the world. Among various ecosystems, islands are most vulnerable to these impacts due to their high ratio of endemism, highly specialized adaptation, and isolated and unique fauna. As with other subtropical islands, Taiwan faces constant risk of biological invasions and is currently ranked as one of the countries most affected by invasive amphibians and reptiles. In this paper, a comprehensive checklist of all known exotic amphibians and reptiles is provided, including twelve species which have successfully colonized Taiwan and six species with a controversial status. We provide an update on the knowledge of all these species including their distribution, colonization history, threats to native animals, and population trends based on literature records, fauna surveys, and data collected during invasive species eradication and control programs. A list of species with high invasive potentials is also provided. This study reports, for the first time, a comprehensive survey of invasive herpetofauna in Taiwan, which should provide a valuable reference to other regions which might suffer from similar invasion risk.}, }
@article {pmid30914824, year = {2019}, author = {}, title = {Invasive species to surge as ship traffic soars on the high seas.}, journal = {Nature}, volume = {567}, number = {7749}, pages = {437}, doi = {10.1038/d41586-019-00870-y}, pmid = {30914824}, issn = {1476-4687}, }
@article {pmid30913219, year = {2019}, author = {Starko, S and Bailey, LA and Creviston, E and James, KA and Warren, A and Brophy, MK and Danasel, A and Fass, MP and Townsend, JA and Neufeld, CJ}, title = {Environmental heterogeneity mediates scale-dependent declines in kelp diversity on intertidal rocky shores.}, journal = {PloS one}, volume = {14}, number = {3}, pages = {e0213191}, doi = {10.1371/journal.pone.0213191}, pmid = {30913219}, issn = {1932-6203}, abstract = {Biodiversity loss is driven by interacting factors operating at different spatial scales. Yet, there remains uncertainty as to how fine-scale environmental conditions mediate biological responses to broad-scale stressors. We surveyed intertidal rocky shore kelp beds situated across a local gradient of wave action and evaluated changes in kelp diversity and abundance after more than two decades of broad scale stressors, most notably the 2013-2016 heat wave. Across all sites, species were less abundant on average in 2017 and 2018 than during 1993-1995 but changes in kelp diversity were dependent on wave exposure, with wave exposed habitats remaining stable and wave sheltered habitats experiencing near complete losses of kelp diversity. In this way, wave exposed sites have acted as refugia, maintaining regional kelp diversity despite widespread local declines. Fucoids, seagrasses and two stress-tolerant kelp species (Saccharina sessilis, Egregia menziesii) did not decline as observed in other kelps, and the invasive species Sargassum muticum increased significantly at wave sheltered sites. Long-term monitoring data from a centrally-located moderate site suggest that kelp communities were negatively impacted by the recent heatwave which may have driven observed losses throughout the region. Wave-sheltered shores, which saw the largest declines, are a very common habitat type in the Northeast Pacific and may be especially sensitive to losses in kelp diversity and abundance, with potential consequences for coastal productivity. Our findings highlight the importance of fine-scale environmental heterogeneity in mediating biological responses and demonstrate how incorporating differences between habitat patches can be essential to capturing scale-dependent biodiversity loss across the landscape.}, }
@article {pmid30911809, year = {2019}, author = {Soper, JM and Raynor, EJ and Wienhold, C and Schacht, WH}, title = {Evaluating Composition and Conservation Value of Roadside Plant Communities in a Grassland Biome.}, journal = {Environmental management}, volume = {}, number = {}, pages = {}, doi = {10.1007/s00267-019-01154-x}, pmid = {30911809}, issn = {1432-1009}, support = {RHE-07//Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services (US)/ ; }, abstract = {In the context of roadside revegetation activities in rural regions, revegetation objectives commonly are to establish plant communities with a diversity of species that would otherwise be absent on the predominantly agricultural landscape. To determine the efficacy of revegetation in providing plant communities of high biodiversity value, we quantified species richness, floristic quality, and success in seeding efforts. We evaluated the outcome of roadside seedings conducted by Nebraska Department of Transportation (NDOT) for five NDOT landscape regions spanning Nebraska. Our assessment occurred on average 13.2 years (range: 10-17) post-revegetation, thus, providing insight into what established plant communities can be expected after a decade or more. Biomass production declined on an east to west gradient, but the component species responsible for this gradient were unique to each region. We found species richness was greatest in the western regions of Nebraska with the Sandhills supporting the highest richness. This rangeland-dominated region exhibited the highest floristic quality index, a tool commonly used to identify areas of high conservation value. Our findings indicate that the roadside vegetation is landscape-dependent in that neighboring plant communities influence botanical composition of roadside vegetation. Thus, less diverse seeding mixtures could be used on roadsides with a diversity of desirable native plant species in neighboring land (i.e., Sandhills rangeland). Conversely, in roadsides surrounded by cropland or plant communities with many non-native, weedy species, seeding complex mixtures with a diversity of desirable and highly competitive native species is likely necessary. Nebraska roadsides are viewed as a resource where plant communities with a diversity of native grassland species can be established; however, persistence of many seeded, native species is minimal (mostly forbs) because of the competiveness of both seeded and invasive grasses.}, }
@article {pmid30909981, year = {2019}, author = {Montarsi, F and Martini, S and Michelutti, A and Da Rold, G and Mazzucato, M and Qualizza, D and Di Gennaro, D and Di Fant, M and Dal Pont, M and Palei, M and Capelli, G}, title = {The invasive mosquito Aedes japonicus japonicus is spreading in northeastern Italy.}, journal = {Parasites &amp; vectors}, volume = {12}, number = {1}, pages = {120}, doi = {10.1186/s13071-019-3387-x}, pmid = {30909981}, issn = {1756-3305}, mesh = {*Aedes ; Animals ; Epidemiological Monitoring ; *Introduced Species ; Italy/epidemiology ; Larva ; }, abstract = {BACKGROUND: The invasive mosquito species, Aedes japonicus japonicus, was detected in northeastern Italy for the first time in 2015, at the border with Austria. After this finding, a more intensive monitoring was carried out to assess its distribution and to collect biological data. Herein, we report the results of four years (2015-2018) of activity.<br><br>METHODS: The presence of Ae. j. japonicus was checked in all possible breeding sites through collections of larvae. The monitoring started from the site of the first detection at the Austrian border and then was extended in all directions. The mosquitoes were identified morphologically and molecularly.<br><br>RESULTS: Aedes j. japonicus was found in 58 out of 73 municipalities monitored (79.5%). In total (2015-2018), 238 sampling sites were monitored and 90 were positive for presence of Ae. j. japonicus larvae (37.8%). The mosquito was collected mainly in artificial containers located in small villages and in rural areas. Cohabitation with other mosquito species was observed in 55.6% of the samplings.<br><br>CONCLUSIONS: Aedes j. japonicus is well established in Italy and in only four years has colonised two Italian Regions, displaying rapid spreading throughout hilly and mountainous areas. Colonization towards the south seems limited by climatic conditions and the occurrence of a large population of the larval competitor, Ae. albopictus. The further spread of Ae. j. japonicus has the potential to pose new threats of zoonotic agents (i.e. Dirofilaria spp. and West Nile virus) within areas at altitudes previously considered at negligible risk in Italy.}, }
@article {pmid30909930, year = {2019}, author = {Wieser, A and Reuss, F and Niamir, A and Müller, R and O'Hara, RB and Pfenninger, M}, title = {Modelling seasonal dynamics, population stability, and pest control in Aedes japonicus japonicus (Diptera: Culicidae).}, journal = {Parasites &amp; vectors}, volume = {12}, number = {1}, pages = {142}, doi = {10.1186/s13071-019-3366-2}, pmid = {30909930}, issn = {1756-3305}, support = {HA6204/3-1//Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft/ ; 01KI17//Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft/ ; }, abstract = {BACKGROUND: The invasive temperate mosquito Aedes japonicus japonicus is a potential vector for various infectious diseases and therefore a target of vector control measures. Even though established in Germany, it is unclear whether the species has already reached its full distribution potential. The possible range of the species, its annual population dynamics, the success of vector control measures and future expansions due to climate change still remain poorly understood. While numerous studies on occurrence have been conducted, they used mainly presence data from relatively few locations. In contrast, we used experimental life history data to model the dynamics of a continuous stage-structured population to infer potential seasonal densities and ask whether stable populations are likely to establish over a period of more than one year. In addition, we used climate change models to infer future ranges. Finally, we evaluated the effectiveness of various stage-specific vector control measures.<br><br>RESULTS: Aedes j. japonicus has already established stable populations in the southwest and west of Germany. Our models predict a spread of Ae. j. japonicus beyond the currently observed range, but likely not much further eastwards under current climatic conditions. Climate change models, however, will expand this range substantially and higher annual densities can be expected. Applying vector control measures to oviposition, survival of eggs, larvae or adults showed that application of adulticides for 30 days between late spring and early autumn, while ambient temperatures are above 9 °C, can reduce population density by 75%. Continuous application of larvicide showed similar results in population reduction. Most importantly, we showed that with the consequent application of a mixed strategy, it should be possible to significantly reduce or even extinguish existing populations with reasonable effort.<br><br>CONCLUSION: Our study provides valuable insights into the mechanisms concerning the establishment of stable populations in invasive species. In order to minimise the hazard to public health, we recommend vector control measures to be applied in 'high risk areas' which are predicted to allow establishment of stable populations to establish.}, }
@article {pmid30904947, year = {2019}, author = {Jensen, AM and Schamp, BS and Belleau, A}, title = {Evidence of temporal niche separation via low flowering time overlap in an old-field plant community.}, journal = {Oecologia}, volume = {}, number = {}, pages = {}, doi = {10.1007/s00442-019-04386-0}, pmid = {30904947}, issn = {1432-1939}, support = {RGPIN-2015-04397//Canadian Network for Research and Innovation in Machining Technology, Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada/ ; }, abstract = {Flowering time is a trait that reflects the timing of specific resource requirements by plants. Consequently, several predictions have been made related to how species are assembled within communities according to flowering time. Strong overlap in flowering time among coexisting species may result from clustered abiotic resources, or contribute to improved pollination success. Conversely, low flowering time overlap (asynchrony) among coexisting species may reduce competition for soil, light, or pollinator resources and alleviate interspecific pollen transfer. Here, we present evidence that coexisting species in an old-field community generally overlap less in flowering time than expected under a commonly used and statistically validated null model. Flowering time asynchrony was more pronounced when abundance data were used (compared to presence-absence data), and when analyses focused on species that share bees as pollinators. Control and herbivore-exclusion plots did not differ in flowering time overlap, providing no evidence of the reduction in overlap expected to result from increased competition. Our results varied with the randomization algorithm used, emphasizing that the choice of algorithm can influence the outcome of null models. Our results varied between 2 years, with patterns being less clear in the second year, when both growing season and flowering times were contracted. Finally, we found evidence that further supports a previous finding that higher plot-level flowering time overlap was associated with higher proportions of introduced species. Reduced flowering time overlap among species in our focal community may promote coexistence via temporal niche differentiation and reduced competition for pollinators and other abiotic resources.}, }
@article {pmid30900532, year = {2019}, author = {Miranda, RJ and Coleman, MA and Tagliafico, A and Rangel, MS and Mamo, LT and Barros, F and Kelaher, BP}, title = {Invasion-mediated effects on marine trophic interactions in a changing climate: positive feedbacks favour kelp persistence.}, journal = {Proceedings. Biological sciences}, volume = {286}, number = {1899}, pages = {20182866}, doi = {10.1098/rspb.2018.2866}, pmid = {30900532}, issn = {1471-2954}, abstract = {The interactive effects of ocean warming and invasive species are complex and remain a source of uncertainty for projecting future ecological change. Climate-mediated change to trophic interactions can have pervasive ecological consequences, but the role of invasion in mediating trophic effects is largely unstudied. Using manipulative experiments in replicated outdoor mesocosms, we reveal how near-future ocean warming and macrophyte invasion scenarios interactively impact gastropod grazing intensity and preference for consumption of foundation macroalgae (Ecklonia radiata and Sargassum vestitum). Elevated water temperature increased the consumption of both macroalgae through greater grazing intensity. Given the documented decline of kelp (E. radiata) growth at higher water temperatures, enhanced grazing could contribute to the shift from kelp-dominated to Sargassum-dominated reefs that is occurring at the low-latitude margins of kelp distribution. However, the presence of a native invader (Caulerpa filiformis) was related to low consumption by the herbivores on dominant kelp at warmer temperatures. Thus, antagonistic effects between climate change and a range expanding species can favour kelp persistence in a warmer future. Introduction of species should, therefore, not automatically be considered unfavourable under climate change scenarios. Climatic changes are increasing the need for effective management actions to address the interactive effects of multiple stressors and their ecological consequences, rather than single threats in isolation.}, }
@article {pmid30900053, year = {2019}, author = {Ricks, KD and Koide, RT}, title = {Biotic filtering of endophytic fungal communities in Bromus tectorum.}, journal = {Oecologia}, volume = {}, number = {}, pages = {}, doi = {10.1007/s00442-019-04388-y}, pmid = {30900053}, issn = {1432-1939}, support = {2011-67009-20072//National Institute of Food and Agriculture/ ; }, abstract = {The assembly of horizontally transmitted endophytic fungi within plant tissues may be affected by &quot;biotic filtering&quot;. In other words, only particular endophytic fungal taxa from the available inoculum pool may be able to colonize a given plant species. We tested that hypothesis in Bromus tectorum, an important invasive species in the arid, western United States. We collected seed from Bromus tectorum and sources of inoculum for endophytic fungi including soil and various kinds of plant litter at a field site in central Utah. We characterized, using Illumina sequencing, the endophytic fungal communities in the various inoculum sources, inoculated Bromus tectorum seedlings under gnotobiotic conditions with the various sources, and then characterized the communities of endophytic fungi that assembled in their roots and leaves. Different inoculum sources containing significantly different endophytic fungal communities produced complex communities of endophytic fungi in leaves and roots of Bromus tectorum. In leaves, the communities assembling from the various inoculum sources were not significantly different from each other and, in roots, they were only slightly different from each other, mainly due to variation in a single fungal OTU, Coprinopsis brunneofibrillosa. Consequently, there was significantly more variation in the structure of the communities of endophytic fungi among the inoculum sources than in the resultant endophytic fungal communities in the leaves and roots of Bromus tectorum. These results are consistent with biotic filtering playing a significant role in endophytic fungal community assembly.}, }
@article {pmid30898613, year = {2019}, author = {Cleveland, CA and Swanepoel, L and Box, EK and De Nicola, A and Yabsley, MJ}, title = {Rickettsia species in ticks collected from wild pigs (Sus scrofa) and Philippine deer (Rusa marianna) on Guam, Marianna Islands, USA.}, journal = {Acta tropica}, volume = {194}, number = {}, pages = {89-92}, doi = {10.1016/j.actatropica.2019.03.010}, pmid = {30898613}, issn = {1873-6254}, abstract = {The prevalence and diversity of ticks on wildlife species on Guam is understudied, as to date no work has been conducted on the infection of these ticks with Rickettsia (obligate intracellular pathogens that use a variety of ectoparasites as vectors and can cause disease in humans, domestic animals, and wildlife species). The goal of our study was to investigate the presence of Rickettsia species on the island of Guam by testing ticks found on Philippine deer (Rusa marianna) and wild pigs (Sus scrofa). Increasing numbers of these species have led to increased interactions with humans, including hunting, highlighting the importance of studies on vector prevalence and associated zoonotic pathogens. In this study, ticks were removed from Philippine deer and wild pigs in March and April of 2015 and tested for Rickettsia spp. using nested PCR. Overall, a low prevalence of Rickettsia spp. was detected (5.4% (6/112 ticks)). Ticks removed from wild pigs were identified as Amblyomma breviscutatum, one of which was positive for Rickettsia ambylommatis. Ticks recovered from Philippine deer were identified as Rhipicephalus microplus, and five were positive for Rickettsia; two with R. amblyommatis and one with 'Candidatus Rickettsia senegalensis', a recently proposed species in the R. felis cluster. The remaining two sequences were short and species classification was not possible. Rickettsia felis is a known zoonotic pathogen in the spotted fever group of Rickettsia and there is evidence that 'C. R. senegalensis' can also cause illness in people. This study confirms the occurrence of Rickettsia in ticks on Guam and highlights the presence of potential human pathogenic species in the R. felis cluster.}, }
@article {pmid30897772, year = {2019}, author = {Willbrand, BN and Pfeiffer, DG}, title = {Brown Rice Vinegar as an Olfactory Field Attractant for Drosophila suzukii (Matsumura) and Zaprionus indianus Gupta (Diptera: Drosophilidae) in Cherimoya in Maui, Hawaii, with Implications for Attractant Specificity between Species and Estimation of Relative Abundance.}, journal = {Insects}, volume = {10}, number = {3}, pages = {}, doi = {10.3390/insects10030080}, pmid = {30897772}, issn = {2075-4450}, abstract = {Drosophila suzukii (Matsumura) is an agricultural pest that has been observed co-infesting soft-skinned fruits with Zaprionus indianus Gupta. The characterization of olfactory preferences by species is a necessary step towards the development of species-specific attractants. Five olfactory attractants were used to survey the populations of two invasive drosophilids in cherimoya in Maui, Hawaii. The attractants used were apple cider vinegar (ACV), brown rice vinegar (BRV), red wine (RW), apple cider vinegar and red wine (ACV+RW; 60/40), and brown rice vinegar and red wine (BRV+RW; 60/40). For D. suzukii, BRV+RW resulted in more captures than BRV, ACV, and RW, while ACV+RW resulted in more captures than ACV. No differences were observed between BRV+RW and ACV+RW. BRV had greater specificity in attracting D. suzukii compared to ACV, ACV+RW, and RW. For Z. indianus, no significant differences were observed in either the mean captures or specificity for any attractant used. Collectively, these findings demonstrate that (1) BRV and BRV+RW are effective field attractants and (2) D. suzukii has unique olfactory preferences compared to non-target drosophilids, while (3) Z. indianus' preferences do not appear to vary from non-target drosophilids, and (4) the accuracy of relative abundance is impacted by the specificity of the attractants.}, }
@article {pmid30895343, year = {2019}, author = {van Riper, CJ and Browning, MHEM and Becker, D and Stewart, W and Suski, CD and Browning, L and Golebie, E}, title = {Correction to: Human-Nature Relationships and Normative Beliefs Influence Behaviors that Reduce the Spread of Aquatic Invasive Species.}, journal = {Environmental management}, volume = {}, number = {}, pages = {}, doi = {10.1007/s00267-019-01149-8}, pmid = {30895343}, issn = {1432-1009}, support = {1012211//National Institute of Food and Agriculture/ ; NGRREC-IP2016-25//National Great Rivers Research &amp; Education Center/ ; NGRREC-IP2016-2//National Great Rivers Research and Education Center/ ; }, abstract = {The original article was published with few incorrect contexts.}, }
@article {pmid30891210, year = {2019}, author = {Furlan-Murari, PJ and Ruas, CF and Ruas, EA and Benício, LM and Urrea-Rojas, AM and Poveda-Parra, AR and Murari, E and de Lima, ECS and de Souza, FP and Lopera-Barrero, NM}, title = {Structure and genetic variability of golden mussel (Limnoperna fortunei) populations from Brazilian reservoirs.}, journal = {Ecology and evolution}, volume = {9}, number = {5}, pages = {2706-2714}, doi = {10.1002/ece3.4941}, pmid = {30891210}, issn = {2045-7758}, abstract = {The golden mussel, Limnoperna fortunei a highly invasive species in Brazil, has generated productive, economical, and biological impacts. To evaluate genetic structure and variability of L. fortunei populations present in fish farms in the reservoirs of Canoas I (CANFF), Rosana (ROSFF), and Capivara (CAPFF) (Paranapanema River, Paraná, Brazil), eight microsatellite loci were amplified. Five of those eight loci resulted in 38 alleles. The observed heterozygosity (Ho) was lower than the expected heterozygosity (He) in all populations, with a deviation from the Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium (HWE). The average value for the inbreeding coefficient (Fis) was positive and significative for all populations. There was higher genetic variability within populations than among them. The fixation index (Fst) showed a small genetic variability among these populations. The occurrence of gene flow was identified in all populations, along with the lack of a recent bottleneck effect. The clustering analysis yielded K = 2, with genetic similarity between the three populations. The results demonstrate low genetic structure and suggest a founding population with greater genetic variability (ROSFF). Our data point to the possible dispersal of L. fortunei aided by anthropic factors in the upstream direction. It was concluded that the three populations presented a unique genetic pool for Paranapanema River, with occurrence of gene flow.}, }
@article {pmid30887614, year = {2019}, author = {Bishop, TR and Parr, CL and Gibb, H and van Rensburg, BJ and Braschler, B and Chown, SL and Foord, SH and Lamy, K and Munyai, TC and Okey, I and Tshivhandekano, PG and Werenkraut, V and Robertson, MP}, title = {Thermoregulatory traits combine with range shifts to alter the future of montane ant assemblages.}, journal = {Global change biology}, volume = {}, number = {}, pages = {}, doi = {10.1111/gcb.14622}, pmid = {30887614}, issn = {1365-2486}, support = {DP120100781//Australian Research Council/ ; //University of Pretoria/ ; //Leverhulme Trust/ ; //NERC/ ; //DST-NRF CIB/ ; }, abstract = {Predicting and understanding the biological response to future climate change is a pressing challenge for humanity. In the 21st century, many species will move into higher latitudes and higher elevations as the climate warms. In addition, the relative abundances of species within local assemblages are likely to change. Both effects have implications for how ecosystems function. Few biodiversity forecasts, however, take account of both shifting ranges and changing abundances. We provide a novel analysis predicting the potential changes to assemblage-level relative abundances in the 21st century. We use an established relationship linking ant abundance and their colour and size traits to temperature and UV-B to predict future abundance changes. We also predict future temperature driven range shifts and use these to alter the available species pool for our trait-mediated abundance predictions. We do this across three continents under a low greenhouse gas emissions scenario (RCP2.6) and a business-as-usual scenario (RCP8.5). Under RCP2.6, predicted changes to ant assemblages by 2100 are moderate. On average, species richness will increase by 26%, while species composition and relative abundance structure will be 26% and 30% different, respectively, compared with modern assemblages. Under RCP8.5, however, highland assemblages face almost a tripling of species richness and compositional and relative abundance changes of 66% and 77%. Critically, we predict that future assemblages could be reorganized in terms of which species are common and which are rare: future highland assemblages will not simply comprise upslope shifts of modern lowland assemblages. These forecasts reveal the potential for radical change to montane ant assemblages by the end of the 21st century if temperature increases continue. Our results highlight the importance of incorporating trait-environment relationships into future biodiversity predictions. Looking forward, the major challenge is to understand how ecosystem processes will respond to compositional and relative abundance changes.}, }
@article {pmid30886030, year = {2019}, author = {Plasman, M and McCue, MD and Reynoso, VH and Terblanche, JS and Clusella-Trullas, S}, title = {Environmental temperature alters the overall digestive energetics and differentially affects dietary protein and lipid use in a lizard.}, journal = {The Journal of experimental biology}, volume = {222}, number = {Pt 6}, pages = {}, doi = {10.1242/jeb.194480}, pmid = {30886030}, issn = {1477-9145}, abstract = {Processing food (e.g. ingestion, digestion, assimilation) requires energy referred to as specific dynamic action (SDA) and is at least partially fuelled by oxidation of the nutrients (e.g. proteins and lipids) within the recently ingested meal. In ectotherms, environmental temperature can affect the magnitude and/or duration of the SDA, but is likely to also alter the mixture of nutrients that are oxidized to cover these costs. Here, we examined metabolic rate, gut passage time, assimilation efficiency and fuel use in the lizard Agama atra digesting cricket meals at three ecologically relevant temperatures (20, 25 and 32°C). Crickets were isotopically enriched with 13C-leucine or 13C-palmitic-acid tracers to distinguish between protein and lipid oxidation, respectively. Our results show that higher temperatures increased the magnitude of the SDA peak (by 318% between 32 and 20°C) and gut passage rate (63%), and decreased the duration of the SDA response (by 20% for males and 48% for females). Peak rate of dietary protein oxidation occurred sooner than peak lipid oxidation at all temperatures (70, 60 and 31 h earlier for 20, 25 and 32°C, respectively). Assimilation efficiency of proteins, but not lipids, was positively related to temperature. Interestingly, the SDA response exhibited a notable circadian rhythm. These results show that temperature has a pronounced effect on digestive energetics in A.atra, and that this effect differs between nutrient classes. Variation in environmental temperatures may thus alter the energy budget and nutrient reserves of these animals.}, }
@article {pmid30883552, year = {2019}, author = {Tedjou, AN and Kamgang, B and Yougang, AP and Njiokou, F and Wondji, CS}, title = {Update on the geographical distribution and prevalence of Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus (Diptera: Culicidae), two major arbovirus vectors in Cameroon.}, journal = {PLoS neglected tropical diseases}, volume = {13}, number = {3}, pages = {e0007137}, doi = {10.1371/journal.pntd.0007137}, pmid = {30883552}, issn = {1935-2735}, support = {//Wellcome Trust/United Kingdom ; }, abstract = {INTRODUCTION: Arboviral diseases including dengue are increasingly spreading in the tropical/subtropical world including Africa. Updated knowledge on the distribution and abundance of the major vectors Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus constitutes crucial surveillance action to prepare African countries such as Cameroon for potential arbovirus outbreaks. Here, we present a nationwide survey in Cameroon to assess the current geographical distribution and prevalence of both vectors including a genetic diversity profiling of Ae. albopictus (invasive species) using mitochondrial DNA.<br><br>METHODS: Immature stages of Aedes were collected between March and August 2017 in 29 localities across Cameroon following north-south and east-west transects. Larvae and pupae were collected from several containers in each location, reared to adult and morphologically identified. Genetic diversity of Ae. albopictus from 16 locations were analysed using Cytochrome Oxidase I gene (COI).<br><br>RESULTS: In total, 30,381 immature stages of Aedes with an average of 646.40±414.21 per location were identified across the country comprising 69.3% of Ae. albopictus and 30.7% of Ae. aegypti. Analysis revealed that Ae. aegypti is still distributed nation widely whereas Ae. albopictus is limited to the southern part, around 6°4'N. However, Ae. albopictus is the most prevalent species in all southern locations where both species are sympatric except in Douala where Ae. aegypti is predominant. This suggests that factors such as climate, vegetation, and building density impact the distribution of both species in Cameroon. Mitochondrial DNA analysis revealed a low genetic diversity in Ae. albopictus populations with a major common haplotype resulting in low haplotype diversity ranging from 0.13 to 0.65 and 0.35 for the total sample. Similarly, low nucleotide diversity was also reported varying from 0.0000 to 0.0017 with an overall index of 0.0008. This low genetic polymorphism is consistent with the recent introduction of Ae. albopictus in Cameroon.<br><br>CONCLUSION: This updated distribution of arbovirus vectors across Cameroon will help in planning vector control programme against possible outbreak of arbovirus related diseases in the country.}, }
@article {pmid30881766, year = {2019}, author = {Ye, XQ and Meng, JL and Wu, M}, title = {The effects of Solidago canadensis water extracts on maize seedling growth in association with the biomass allocation pattern.}, journal = {PeerJ}, volume = {7}, number = {}, pages = {e6564}, doi = {10.7717/peerj.6564}, pmid = {30881766}, issn = {2167-8359}, abstract = {Background: Solidago canadensis L. is an aggressive exotic plant species in China that has potential allelopathic effects on competing plant species. Effects of hormesis are frequently observed in studies of allelopathy; however, the mechanisms of such effects need to be elucidated. Allelopathic compounds may affect the growth of recipient plants via alteration of biomass allocation patterns or photosynthetic capacity. The aim of this study was to determine how water extracts from S. canadensis affected the shoot and root growth of recipient plants and whether the underlying mechanism was related to the biomass allocation pattern or photosynthetic gas exchange capacity.<br><br>Methods: The water extracts from S. canadensis shoots at 12 different concentrations in the range of 0-0.25 g/ml were applied thrice in 9 days to maize seedlings cultivated in silica sand. The growth (shoot height, leaf length and area and root length) and biomass accumulation and allocation (specific leaf area (SLA), leaf area ratio (LAR) and leaf mass ratio (LMR)) were compared among maize seedlings exposed to different treatment concentrations. Gas exchange (photosynthetic light response curve) was measured and compared among maize seedlings exposed to three concentrations of water extract (0, 0.0125 and 0.2 g/ml) before and after the first application, and seedling growth was measured after the third and final application.<br><br>Results: The growth of seedlings (shoot height, leaf length and area and root length) was promoted at concentrations below 0.125 g/ml and inhibited at concentrations above this level (P < 0.05). The pattern of change in biomass accumulation and allocation was similar to that of shoot growth, but biomass accumulation and allocation was not significantly affected by the water extract treatments (P > 0.05). The water extract treatments did not significantly affect the photosynthetic capacity (P > 0.05), but the dark respiration rate was higher in the low-dose treatment than that in the high-dose treatment. Shoot height was positively correlated with the biomass allocation indicators SLA and LAR (P < 0.05) but not with LMR (P > 0.05).<br><br>Conclusions: The results suggested that the effects of the water extracts from S. canadensis were highly dependent on the concentration, with the growth of maize seedlings promoted at low concentrations of water extracts. The effects of the water extracts on the growth of maize seedlings were mainly due to the effects on the LAR, the allocation to leaf area growth, whereas the effects of the water extracts on leaf gas exchange capacity cannot explain variation of seedling growth. Thus, the stimulation of plant growth was very likely due to increased biomass allocation towards the shoot.}, }
@article {pmid30880834, year = {2019}, author = {Bradbeer, SJ and Harrington, J and Watson, H and Warraich, A and Shechonge, A and Smith, A and Tamatamah, R and Ngatunga, BP and Turner, GF and Genner, MJ}, title = {Limited hybridization between introduced and Critically Endangered indigenous tilapia fishes in northern Tanzania.}, journal = {Hydrobiologia}, volume = {832}, number = {1}, pages = {257-268}, doi = {10.1007/s10750-018-3572-5}, pmid = {30880834}, issn = {0018-8158}, abstract = {Hybridization between introduced and indigenous species can lead to loss of unique genetic resources and precipitate extinction. In Tanzania, the Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) and blue-spotted tilapia (Oreochromis leucostictus) have been widely introduced to non-native habitats for aquaculture and development of capture fisheries. Here, we aimed to quantify interspecific hybridization between these introduced species and the indigenous species Oreochromis esculentus, Oreochromis jipe and Oreochromis korogwe. In the Pangani basin, several hybrids were observed (O. niloticus × O. jipe, O. leucostictus × O. jipe, O. niloticus × O. korogwe), although hybrids were relatively uncommon within samples relative to purebreds. Hybrids between the native O. jipe × O. korogwe were also observed. In the Lake Victoria basin, no evidence of hybrids was found. Analysis of body shape using geometric morphometrics suggested that although purebreds could be discriminated from one another, hybrids could not be readily identified on body and head shape alone. These results provide the first evidence of hybridization between the introduced species and the Critically Endangered O. jipe in Tanzania. Given uncertainty regarding benefits of introduced species over large-bodied indigenous species in aquaculture and capture fisheries, we suggest that future introductions of hybridization-prone species should be carefully evaluated.}, }
@article {pmid30880833, year = {2019}, author = {Shechonge, A and Ngatunga, BP and Bradbeer, SJ and Day, JJ and Freer, JJ and Ford, AGP and Kihedu, J and Richmond, T and Mzighani, S and Smith, AM and Sweke, EA and Tamatamah, R and Tyers, AM and Turner, GF and Genner, MJ}, title = {Widespread colonisation of Tanzanian catchments by introduced Oreochromis tilapia fishes: the legacy from decades of deliberate introduction.}, journal = {Hydrobiologia}, volume = {832}, number = {1}, pages = {235-253}, doi = {10.1007/s10750-018-3597-9}, pmid = {30880833}, issn = {0018-8158}, abstract = {From the 1950s onwards, programmes to promote aquaculture and improve capture fisheries in East Africa have relied heavily on the promise held by introduced species. In Tanzania these introductions have been poorly documented. Here we report the findings of surveys of inland water bodies across Tanzania between 2011 and 2017 that clarify distributions of tilapiine cichlids of the genus Oreochromis. We identified Oreochromis from 123 sampling locations, including 14 taxa restricted to their native range and three species that have established populations beyond their native range. Of these three species, the only exotic species found was blue-spotted tilapia (Oreochromis leucostictus), while Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) and Singida tilapia (Oreochromis esculentus), which are both naturally found within the country of Tanzania, have been translocated beyond their native range. Using our records, we developed models of suitable habitat for the introduced species based on recent (1960-1990) and projected (2050, 2070) East African climate. These models indicated that presence of suitable habitat for these introduced species will persist and potentially expand across the region. The clarification of distributions provided here can help inform the monitoring and management of biodiversity, and inform policy related to the future role of introduced species in fisheries and aquaculture.}, }
@article {pmid30872891, year = {2019}, author = {Bartlett, J and Convey, P and Hayward, SAL}, title = {Not so free range? Oviposition microhabitat and egg clustering affects Eretmoptera murphyi (Diptera: Chironomidae) reproductive success.}, journal = {Polar biology}, volume = {42}, number = {2}, pages = {271-284}, doi = {10.1007/s00300-018-2420-4}, pmid = {30872891}, issn = {0722-4060}, abstract = {Understanding the physiology of non-native species in Antarctica is key to elucidating their ability to colonise an area, and how they may respond to changes in climate. Eretmoptera murphyi is a chironomid midge introduced to Signy Island (Maritime Antarctic) from South Georgia (Sub-Antarctic) where it is endemic. Here, we explore the tolerance of this species' egg masses to heat and desiccation stress encountered within two different oviposition microhabitats (ground surface vegetation and underlying soil layer). Our data show that, whilst oviposition takes place in both substrates, egg sacs laid individually in soil are at the greatest risk of failing to hatch, whilst those aggregated in the surface vegetation have the lowest risk. The two microhabitats are characterised by significantly different environmental conditions, with greater temperature fluctuations in the surface vegetation, but lower humidity (%RH) and available water content in the soil. Egg sacs were not desiccation resistant and lost water rapidly, with prolonged exposure to 75% RH affecting survival for eggs in singly oviposited egg sacs. In contrast, aggregated egg sacs (n = 10) experienced much lower desiccation rates and survival of eggs remained above 50% in all treatments. Eggs had high heat tolerance in the context of the current microhabitat conditions on Signy. We suggest that the atypical (for this family) use of egg sac aggregation in E. murphyi has developed as a response to environmental stress. Current temperature patterns and extremes on Signy Island are unlikely to affect egg survival, but changes in the frequency and duration of extreme events could be a greater challenge.}, }
@article {pmid30872734, year = {2019}, author = {Lenancker, P and Hoffmann, BD and Tay, WT and Lach, L}, title = {Strategies of the invasive tropical fire ant (Solenopsis geminata) to minimize inbreeding costs.}, journal = {Scientific reports}, volume = {9}, number = {1}, pages = {4566}, doi = {10.1038/s41598-019-41031-5}, pmid = {30872734}, issn = {2045-2322}, abstract = {How invasive species overcome challenges associated with low genetic diversity is unclear. Invasive ant populations with low genetic diversity sometimes produce sterile diploid males, which do not contribute to colony labour or reproductive output. We investigated how inbreeding affects colony founding and potential strategies to overcome its effects in the invasive tropical fire ant, Solenopsis geminata. Our genetic analyses of field samples revealed that 13-100% of males per colony (n = 8 males per 10 colonies) were diploid, and that all newly mated queens (n = 40) were single-mated. Our laboratory experiment in which we assigned newly mated queens to nests consisting of 1, 2, 3, or 5 queens (n = 95 ± 9 replicates) revealed that pleometrosis (queens founding their nest together) and diploid male larvae execution can compensate for diploid male load. The proportion of diploid male producing (DMP) colonies was 22.4%, and DMP colonies produced fewer pupae and adult workers than non-DMP colonies. Pleometrosis significantly increased colony size. Queens executed their diploid male larvae in 43.5% of the DMP colonies, and we hypothesize that cannibalism benefits incipient colonies because queens can redirect nutrients to worker brood. Pleometrosis and cannibalism of diploid male larvae represent strategies through which invasive ants can successfully establish despite high inbreeding.}, }
@article {pmid30871595, year = {2019}, author = {Kerkow, A and Wieland, R and Koban, MB and Hölker, F and Jeschke, JM and Werner, D and Kampen, H}, title = {What makes the Asian bush mosquito Aedes japonicus japonicus feel comfortable in Germany? A fuzzy modelling approach.}, journal = {Parasites &amp; vectors}, volume = {12}, number = {1}, pages = {106}, doi = {10.1186/s13071-019-3368-0}, pmid = {30871595}, issn = {1756-3305}, support = {2819105315//Bundesministerium für Ernährung und Landwirtschaft/ ; JE 288/9-2//Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG)/ ; }, mesh = {Aedes/*physiology ; Animal Distribution ; Animals ; Climate ; Climate Change ; Germany ; Introduced Species ; Logistic Models ; Machine Learning ; Mosquito Vectors/*physiology ; Wind ; }, abstract = {BACKGROUND: The Asian bush mosquito Aedes japonicus japonicus is an invasive species native to East Asia and has become established in North America and Europe. On both continents, the species has spread over wide areas. Since it is a potential vector of human and livestock pathogens, distribution and dissemination maps are urgently needed to implement targeted surveillance and control in case of disease outbreaks. Previous distribution models for Europe and Germany in particular focused on climate data. Until now, effects of other environmental variables such as land use and wind remained unconsidered.<br><br>RESULTS: In order to better explain the distribution pattern of Ae. j. japonicus in Germany at a regional level, we have developed a nested approach that allows for the combination of data derived from (i) a climate model based on a machine-learning approach; (ii) a landscape model developed by means of ecological expert knowledge; and (iii) wind speed data. The approach is based on the fuzzy modelling technique that enables to precisely define the interactions between the three factors and additionally considers uncertainties with regard to the acceptance of certain environmental conditions. The model combines different spatial resolutions of data for Germany and achieves a much higher degree of accuracy than previous published distribution models. Our results reveal that a well-suited landscape structure can even facilitate the occurrence of Ae. j. japonicus in a climatically unsuitable region. Vice versa, unsuitable land use types such as agricultural landscapes and coniferous forests reduce the occurrence probability in climatically suitable regions.<br><br>CONCLUSIONS: The approach has significantly improved existing distribution models of Ae. j. japonicus for the area of Germany. We generated distribution maps with a resolution of 100 × 100 m that can serve as a basis for the design of control measures. All model input data and scripts are open source and freely available, so that the model can easily be applied to other countries or, more generally, to other species.}, }
@article {pmid30871592, year = {2019}, author = {Koban, MB and Kampen, H and Scheuch, DE and Frueh, L and Kuhlisch, C and Janssen, N and Steidle, JLM and Schaub, GA and Werner, D}, title = {The Asian bush mosquito Aedes japonicus japonicus (Diptera: Culicidae) in Europe, 17 years after its first detection, with a focus on monitoring methods.}, journal = {Parasites &amp; vectors}, volume = {12}, number = {1}, pages = {109}, doi = {10.1186/s13071-019-3349-3}, pmid = {30871592}, issn = {1756-3305}, support = {1362/1-982//Robert Koch Institute/ ; 2810HS022//German Federal Ministry of Food and Agriculture (BMEL)/ ; 2819104115//German Federal Ministry of Food and Agriculture (BMEL)/ ; 2819104615//German Federal Ministry of Food and Agriculture (BMEL)/ ; }, mesh = {Aedes/classification/*physiology ; Animal Distribution ; Animals ; Epidemiological Monitoring ; Europe/epidemiology ; Introduced Species ; }, abstract = {After the first detection of the Asian bush mosquito Aedes japonicus japonicus in the year 2000 in France, its invasive nature was revealed in 2008 in Switzerland and Germany. In the following years, accumulating reports have shown that Ae. j. japonicus succeeded in establishing in several European countries. Surveillance efforts suggest that there are currently four populations in Europe, with the largest one, formed by the recent fusion of several smaller populations, ranging from West Germany, with extensions to Luxembourg and French Alsace, southwards to Switzerland and continuing westwards through Liechtenstein to western Austria. This paper summarises the present distribution of Ae. j. japonicus in Europe, based on published literature and hitherto unpublished findings by the authors, and critically reviews the monitoring strategies applied. A proposal for a more standardised monitoring approach is provided, aiming at the harmonisation of future data collections for improving the comparability between studies and the suitability of collected data for further research purposes, e.g. predictive modelling approaches.}, }
@article {pmid30868165, year = {2019}, author = {Mandáková, T and Zozomová-Lihová, J and Kudoh, H and Zhao, Y and Lysak, MA and Marhold, K}, title = {The story of promiscuous crucifers: origin and genome evolution of an invasive species, Cardamine occulta (Brassicaceae), and its relatives.}, journal = {Annals of botany}, volume = {}, number = {}, pages = {}, doi = {10.1093/aob/mcz019}, pmid = {30868165}, issn = {1095-8290}, abstract = {BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Cardamine occulta (Brassicaceae) is an octoploid weedy species (2n = 8x = 64) originated in Eastern Asia. It has been introduced to other continents including Europe and considered to be an invasive species. Despite its wide distribution, the polyploid origin of C. occulta remained unexplored. The feasibility of comparative chromosome painting (CCP) in crucifers allowed us to elucidate the origin and genome evolution in Cardamine species. We aimed to investigate the genome structure of C. occulta in comparison with its tetraploid (2n = 4x = 32, C. kokaiensis and C. scutata) and octoploid (2n = 8x = 64, C. dentipetala) relatives.<br><br>METHODS: Genomic in situ hybridization (GISH) and large-scale CCP were applied to uncover the parental genomes and chromosome composition of the investigated Cardamine species.<br><br>KEY RESULTS: All investigated species descended from a common ancestral Cardamine genome (n = 8), structurally resembling the Ancestral Crucifer Karyotype (n = 8), but differentiated by a translocation between chromosomes AK6 and AK8. Allotetraploid C. scutata originated by hybridization between two diploid species, C. parviflora and C. amara (2n = 2x = 16). By contrast, C. kokaiensis has an autotetraploid origin from a parental genome related to C. parviflora. Interestingly, octoploid C. occulta probably originated through hybridization between the tetraploids C. scutata and C. kokaiensis. The octoploid genome of C. dentipetala probably originated from C. scutata via autopolyploidization. Except for five species-specific centromere repositionings and one pericentric inversion post-dating the polyploidization events, the parental subgenomes remained stable in the tetra- and octoploids.<br><br>CONCLUSIONS: Comparative genome structure, origin and evolutionary history was reconstructed in C. occulta and related species. For the first time, whole-genome cytogenomic maps were established for octoploid plants. Post-polyploid evolution in Asian Cardamine polyploids has not been associated with descending dysploidy and intergenomic rearrangements. The combination of different parental (sub)genomes adapted to distinct habitats provides an evolutionary advantage to newly formed polyploids by occupying new ecological niches.}, }
@article {pmid30866822, year = {2019}, author = {Lee, Y and Schmidt, H and Collier, TC and Conner, WR and Hanemaaijer, MJ and Slatkin, M and Marshall, JM and Chiu, JC and Smartt, CT and Lanzaro, GC and Mulligan, FS and Cornel, AJ}, title = {Genome-wide divergence among invasive populations of Aedes aegypti in California.}, journal = {BMC genomics}, volume = {20}, number = {1}, pages = {204}, doi = {10.1186/s12864-019-5586-4}, pmid = {30866822}, issn = {1471-2164}, support = {U01CK000516//ACL HHS/United States ; HR0011-17-2-0047//Defense Sciences Office, DARPA/ ; 1U01CK000516//Centers for Disease Control and Prevention/ ; }, abstract = {BACKGROUND: In the summer of 2013, Aedes aegypti Linnaeus was first detected in three cities in central California (Clovis, Madera and Menlo Park). It has now been detected in multiple locations in central and southern CA as far south as San Diego and Imperial Counties. A number of published reports suggest that CA populations have been established from multiple independent introductions.<br><br>RESULTS: Here we report the first population genomics analyses of Ae. aegypti based on individual, field collected whole genome sequences. We analyzed 46 Ae. aegypti genomes to establish genetic relationships among populations from sites in California, Florida and South Africa. Based on 4.65 million high quality biallelic SNPs, we identified 3 major genetic clusters within California; one that includes all sample sites in the southern part of the state (South of Tehachapi mountain range) plus the town of Exeter in central California and two additional clusters in central California.<br><br>CONCLUSIONS: A lack of concordance between mitochondrial and nuclear genealogies suggests that the three founding populations were polymorphic for two main mitochondrial haplotypes prior to being introduced to California. One of these has been lost in the Clovis populations, possibly by a founder effect. Genome-wide comparisons indicate extensive differentiation between genetic clusters. Our observations support recent introductions of Ae. aegypti into California from multiple, genetically diverged source populations. Our data reveal signs of hybridization among diverged populations within CA. Genetic markers identified in this study will be of great value in pursuing classical population genetic studies which require larger sample sizes.}, }
@article {pmid30865637, year = {2019}, author = {Urquía, D and Gutierrez, B and Pozo, G and Pozo, MJ and Espín, A and Torres, ML}, title = {Psidium guajava in the Galapagos Islands: Population genetics and history of an invasive species.}, journal = {PloS one}, volume = {14}, number = {3}, pages = {e0203737}, doi = {10.1371/journal.pone.0203737}, pmid = {30865637}, issn = {1932-6203}, abstract = {The threat of invasive plant species in island populations prompts the need to better understand their population genetics and dynamics. In the Galapagos islands, this is exemplified by the introduced guava (Psidium guajava), considered one of the greatest threats to the local biodiversity due to its effective spread in the archipelago and its ability to outcompete endemic species. To better understand its history and genetics, we analyzed individuals from three inhabited islands in the Galapagos archipelago with 11 SSR markers. Our results reveal similar genetic diversity between islands, and the populations appear to be distinct: the islands of San Cristobal and Isabela are genetically different while the population of Santa Cruz is a mixture from both. Additional evidence for genetic bottlenecks and the inference of introduction events suggests an original introduction of the species in San Cristobal, from where it was later introduced to Isabela, and finally into Santa Cruz. Alternatively, a second introduction in Isabela might have occurred. These results are contrasted with the historical record, providing a first overview of the history of P. guajava in the Galapagos islands and its current population dynamics.}, }
@article {pmid30862749, year = {2019}, author = {Dale, AL and Feau, N and Everhart, SE and Dhillon, B and Wong, B and Sheppard, J and Bilodeau, GJ and Brar, A and Tabima, JF and Shen, D and Brasier, CM and Tyler, BM and Grünwald, NJ and Hamelin, RC}, title = {Mitotic Recombination and Rapid Genome Evolution in the Invasive Forest Pathogen Phytophthora ramorum.}, journal = {mBio}, volume = {10}, number = {2}, pages = {}, doi = {10.1128/mBio.02452-18}, pmid = {30862749}, issn = {2150-7511}, abstract = {Invasive alien species often have reduced genetic diversity and must adapt to new environments. Given the success of many invasions, this is sometimes called the genetic paradox of invasion. Phytophthora ramorum is invasive, limited to asexual reproduction within four lineages, and presumed clonal. It is responsible for sudden oak death in the United States, sudden larch death in Europe, and ramorum blight in North America and Europe. We sequenced the genomes of 107 isolates to determine how this pathogen can overcome the invasion paradox. Mitotic recombination (MR) associated with transposons and low gene density has generated runs of homozygosity (ROH) affecting 2,698 genes, resulting in novel genotypic diversity within the lineages. One ROH enriched in effectors was fixed in the NA1 lineage. An independent ROH affected the same scaffold in the EU1 lineage, suggesting an MR hot spot and a selection target. Differences in host infection between EU1 isolates with and without the ROH suggest that they may differ in aggressiveness. Non-core regions (not shared by all lineages) had signatures of accelerated evolution and were enriched in putative pathogenicity genes and transposons. There was a striking pattern of gene loss, including all effectors, in the non-core EU2 genome. Positive selection was observed in 8.0% of RxLR and 18.8% of Crinkler effector genes compared with 0.9% of the core eukaryotic gene set. We conclude that the P. ramorum lineages are diverging via a rapidly evolving non-core genome and that the invasive asexual lineages are not clonal, but display genotypic diversity caused by MR.IMPORTANCE Alien species are often successful invaders in new environments, despite the introduction of a few isolates with a reduced genetic pool. This is called the genetic paradox of invasion. We found two mechanisms by which the invasive forest pathogen causing sudden oak and sudden larch death can evolve. Extensive mitotic recombination producing runs of homozygosity generates genotypic diversity even in the absence of sexual reproduction, and rapid turnover of genes in the non-core, or nonessential portion of genome not shared by all isolates, allows pathogenicity genes to evolve rapidly or be eliminated while retaining essential genes. Mitotic recombination events occur in genomic hot spots, resulting in similar ROH patterns in different isolates or groups; one ROH, independently generated in two different groups, was enriched in pathogenicity genes and may be a target for selection. This provides important insights into the evolution of invasive alien pathogens and their potential for adaptation and future persistence.}, }
@article {pmid30861108, year = {2019}, author = {Zhang, Y and Pennings, SC and Li, B and Wu, J}, title = {Biotic homogenization of wetland nematode communities by exotic Spartina alterniflora in China.}, journal = {Ecology}, volume = {100}, number = {4}, pages = {e02596}, doi = {10.1002/ecy.2596}, pmid = {30861108}, issn = {1939-9170}, support = {2017YFC1200103//National Key R&amp;D Program of China/ ; 41630528//NSFC/ ; 41871035//NSFC/ ; OCE12-37140//U.S. National Science Foundation through the Georgia Coastal Ecosystems Long-Term Ecological Research program/ ; }, abstract = {Introduced species may homogenize biotic communities. Whether this homogenization can erase latitudinal patterns of species diversity and composition has not been well studied. We examined this by comparing nematode and microbial communities in stands of native Phragmites australis and exotic Spartina alterniflora in coastal wetlands across 18° of latitude in China. We found clear latitudinal clines in nematode diversity and functional composition, and in microbial composition, for soils collected from native P. australis. These latitudinal patterns were weak or absent for soils collected from nearby stands of the exotic S. alterniflora. Climatic and edaphic variables varied across latitude in similar ways in both community types. In P. australis there were strong correlations between community structure and environmental variables, whereas in S. alterniflora these correlations were weak. These results suggest that the invasion of S. alterniflora into the Chinese coastal wetlands has caused profound biotic homogenization of soil communities across latitude. We speculate that the variation in P. australis nematode and microbial communities across latitude is primarily driven by geographic variation in plant traits, but that such variation in plant traits is largely lacking for the recently introduced exotic S. alterniflora. These results indicate that widespread exotic species can homogenize nematode communities at large spatial scales.}, }
@article {pmid30858578, year = {2019}, author = {Wen, B}, title = {Seed germination ecology of Alexandra palm (Archontophoenix alexandrae) and its implication on invasiveness.}, journal = {Scientific reports}, volume = {9}, number = {1}, pages = {4057}, doi = {10.1038/s41598-019-40733-0}, pmid = {30858578}, issn = {2045-2322}, support = {31170626//National Natural Science Foundation of China (National Science Foundation of China)/ ; }, abstract = {Biological invasions are occurring worldwide, causing enormous economic and ecological damage. Early detection and prediction of invasiveness are the most effective measures to reduce its damage. The Alexandra palm (Archontophoenix alexandrae) is a prolific seeder and an alien species widely planted in tropical China. To help understand the invasion risks posed by this species, lab and field experiments on seed germination were conducted. Results show that the seeds only germinate within a temperature range of 20-30 °C and are sensitive to desiccation and high temperature, with seedling inhibition at 35 °C and -0.8 MPa. Complete viability loss was observed after desiccation to water content of 0.17-0.21 g/g or heat treatment for 30 minutes at 60 °C and above. However, appropriate habitats such as the rainforest understory, forest gaps, forest edges, and a rubber plantation are present in Xishuangbanna. Seeds are also frequently consumed by animals; therefore, there is a high potential for Alexandra palm to become an invasive species in Xishuangbanna. Currently, the main barrier to invasion in Xishuangbanna is likely to be the need for seed dispersal into suitable moist, partly shaded, habitats. Understanding the requirements for germination of the Alexandra palm can better inform management strategies for the control of this species.}, }
@article {pmid30858442, year = {2019}, author = {O'Loughlin, LS and Gooden, B and Foster, CN and MacGregor, CI and Catford, JA and Lindenmayer, DB}, title = {Invasive shrub re-establishment following management has contrasting effects on biodiversity.}, journal = {Scientific reports}, volume = {9}, number = {1}, pages = {4083}, doi = {10.1038/s41598-019-40654-y}, pmid = {30858442}, issn = {2045-2322}, abstract = {Effective control of an invasive species is frequently used to infer positive outcomes for the broader ecosystem. In many situations, whether the removal of an invasive plant is of net benefit to biodiversity is poorly assessed. We undertook a 10-year study on the effects of invasive shrub management (bitou bush, Chrysanthemoides monilifera ssp. rotundata) on native flora and fauna in a eucalypt forest in south-eastern Australia. Bitou bush eradication is a management priority, yet the optimal control regime (combination of herbicide spray and fire) is difficult to implement, meaning managed sites have complex management histories that vary in effectiveness of control. Here we test the long-term response of common biodiversity indicators (species richness, abundance and diversity of native plants, birds, herpetofauna and small mammals) to both the management, and the post-management status of bitou bush (% cover). While average bitou bush cover decreased with management, bitou bush consistently occurred at around half of our managed sites despite control efforts. The relationship between biodiversity and bitou bush cover following management differed from positive, neutral or negative among species groups and indicators. Native plant cover was lower under higher levels of bitou bush cover, but the abundance of birds and small mammals were positively related to bitou bush cover. Evidence suggests that the successful control of an invader may not necessarily result in beneficial outcomes for all components of biodiversity.}, }
@article {pmid30854793, year = {2019}, author = {Bajwa, AA and Wang, H and Chauhan, BS and Adkins, SW}, title = {Effect of elevated carbon dioxide concentration on growth, productivity and glyphosate response of parthenium weed (Parthenium hysterophorus L.).}, journal = {Pest management science}, volume = {}, number = {}, pages = {}, doi = {10.1002/ps.5403}, pmid = {30854793}, issn = {1526-4998}, support = {//Australian Government/ ; //The University of Queensland, Australia/ ; //Research Training Program/ ; //UQ Centennial Scholarships/ ; }, abstract = {BACKGROUND: The rise in atmospheric CO2 has huge impacts on the biology and management of invasive weed species such as Parthenium hysterophorus. This study evaluated the effect of ambient (400 ppm) and elevated (700 ppm) CO2 concentrations on P. hysterophorus growth, reproductive output and response to glyphosate applied at several doses including the recommended dose (800 g a.e. ha-1).<br><br>RESULTS: The plants in control treatment (no herbicide) grew taller (41%), produced a larger number of leaves (13%) and flowers (39%), and higher dry biomass (34%) at elevated CO2 as compared to the ambient CO2 . Glyphosate caused significant reduction in chlorophyll content of P. hysterophorus plants grown at both CO2 concentrations in a dose-dependent manner. The percentage herbicide injury was relatively less at elevated CO2 as compared to the ambient CO2 at 7 and 14 days after glyphosate application but it was almost similar at 21 days after application. This shows that elevated CO2 might have slowed the translocation of glyphosate initially, but most plants were killed eventually close to 21 days after application. The survival rate was higher under elevated as compared to the ambient CO2 at recommended and lower doses of glyphosate. There was a negligible difference between the two CO2 concentrations for the plant dry biomass reduction over the control treatment.<br><br>CONCLUSIONS: P. hysterophorus growth and reproductive potential (indicated by number of flowers) improved significantly by CO2 enrichment but there was little effect on the overall efficacy of glyphosate applied to control this species. © 2019 Society of Chemical Industry.}, }
@article {pmid30854759, year = {2019}, author = {Venegas-Li, R and Levin, N and Morales-Barquero, L and Kaschner, K and Garilao, C and Kark, S}, title = {Global assessment of marine biodiversity potentially threatened by offshore hydrocarbon activities.}, journal = {Global change biology}, volume = {}, number = {}, pages = {}, doi = {10.1111/gcb.14616}, pmid = {30854759}, issn = {1365-2486}, support = {//Centre of Excellence for Environmental Decisions, Australian Research Council/ ; //Costa Rican Ministry of Science, Technology and Telecommunications/ ; Z 1.2-532 02//Federal Ministry for the Environment, Nature Conservation, Building and Nuclear Safety/ ; /2015/7//Federal Ministry for the Environment, Nature Conservation, Building and Nuclear Safety/ ; }, abstract = {Increasing global energy demands have led to the ongoing intensification of hydrocarbon extraction from marine areas. Hydrocarbon extractive activities pose threats to native marine biodiversity, such as noise, light, and chemical pollution, physical changes to the sea floor, invasive species, and greenhouse gas emissions. Here, we assessed at a global scale the spatial overlap between offshore hydrocarbon activities and marine biodiversity (>25,000 species, nine major ecosystems, and marine protected areas), and quantify the changes over time. We discovered that two-thirds of global offshore hydrocarbon activities occur in areas within the top 10% for species richness, range rarity, and proportional range rarity values globally. Thus, while hydrocarbon activities are undertaken in less than one percent of the ocean's area, they overlap with approximately 85% of all assessed species. Of conservation concern, 4% of species with the largest proportion of their range overlapping hydrocarbon activities are range restricted, potentially increasing their vulnerability to localized threats such as oil spills. While hydrocarbon activities have extended to greater depths since the mid-1990s, we found that the largest overlap is with coastal ecosystems, particularly estuaries, saltmarshes and mangroves. Furthermore, in most countries where offshore hydrocarbon exploration licensing blocks have been delineated, they do not overlap with marine protected areas (MPAs). Although this is positive in principle, many countries have far more licensing block areas than protected areas, and in some instances, MPA coverage is minimal. These findings suggest the need for marine spatial prioritization to help limit future spatial overlap between marine conservation priorities and hydrocarbon activities. Such prioritization can be informed by the spatial and quantitative baseline information provided here. In increasingly shared seascapes, prioritizing management actions that set both conservation and development targets could help minimize further declines of biodiversity and environmental changes at a global scale.}, }
@article {pmid30854636, year = {2019}, author = {Mahon, MB and Crist, TO}, title = {Invasive earthworm and soil litter response to the experimental removal of white-tailed deer and an invasive shrub.}, journal = {Ecology}, volume = {}, number = {}, pages = {e02688}, doi = {10.1002/ecy.2688}, pmid = {30854636}, issn = {1939-9170}, support = {//Ohio Biological Survey/ ; //Miami University/ ; }, abstract = {Recent studies have shown that complex species interactions can regulate above- and belowground processes in terrestrial systems. Ungulate herbivory and invasive species are known to have strong effects on plant communities in some systems, but their impacts on soil biota and belowground processes are lesser known. Growing evidence suggests white-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus) and invasive plants facilitate increased abundance of exotic earthworms in temperate forests of the eastern United States. We conducted an experimental study that manipulated deer access and the presence of an invasive understory shrub in an eastern deciduous forest of southwestern Ohio, USA, from 2013 to 2017. Earthworm density and biomass, and standing litter biomass were measured in five paired deer access and exclosure plots, each with a split-plot removal of Amur honeysuckle (Lonicera maackii). Earthworm density declined in response to the experimental exclusion of deer, with earthworm density decreasing over time in the deer exclosure plots relative to deer access plots. Deer exclusion produced greater variation in earthworm species composition relative to access plots. Multivariate analyses indicated that larger earthworms in the genus Lumbricus were associated with deer exclosure plots, while smaller endogeic species were ubiquitous in both treatments. Standing litter biomass decreased over time in the deer-access plots. In contrast, honeysuckle removal had little effect on earthworm density and standing litter biomass. There was an interaction between deer and honeysuckle treatments on earthworm biomass, with honeysuckle removal reducing earthworm biomass when deer were excluded. Our results demonstrate strong effects of herbivores on invasive earthworms and ecosystem processes, but indicate a weaker influence of invasive shrubs. Further, our findings suggest that the effects of deer overabundance in forest ecosystems are potentially reversible with long-term intervention.}, }
@article {pmid30852662, year = {2019}, author = {Magliozzi, L and Maselli, V and Almada, F and Di Cosmo, A and Mollo, E and Polese, G}, title = {Effect of the algal alkaloid caulerpin on neuropeptide Y (NPY) expression in the central nervous system (CNS) of Diplodus sargus.}, journal = {Journal of comparative physiology. A, Neuroethology, sensory, neural, and behavioral physiology}, volume = {}, number = {}, pages = {}, doi = {10.1007/s00359-019-01322-8}, pmid = {30852662}, issn = {1432-1351}, support = {BIO/02LAU/2015/POR//Regione Campania/ ; UID/MAR/04292/2013//Fundação para a Ciência e a Tecnologia/ ; }, abstract = {Recent studies have suggested that Mediterranean indigenous fish species are affected by bioactive metabolites coming from marine invasive species via food web interactions. In particular, both physiological and behavioural changes in the white sea bream Diplodus sargus were related to caulerpin (CAU), a bisindolic alkaloid particularly abundant in the invasive alga Caulerpa cylindracea, on which the fish actively feed. Dietary administration of CAU decreased aggressiveness in D. sargus, suggesting an anxiolytic-like effect of CAU possibly mediated by endogenous anxiolytic agents. This hypothesis is supported here by the finding of a significant increase of NPY transcriptional expression in the brain of fish fed with CAU enriched food, shedding more light on the neural mechanisms behind the altered behaviour of D. sargus.}, }
@article {pmid30852410, year = {2019}, author = {Pais-Costa, AJ and Varó, I and Martinez-Haro, M and Vinagre, PA and Green, AJ and Hortas, F and Marques, JC and Sánchez, MI}, title = {Life history and physiological responses of native and invasive brine shrimps exposed to zinc.}, journal = {Aquatic toxicology (Amsterdam, Netherlands)}, volume = {210}, number = {}, pages = {148-157}, doi = {10.1016/j.aquatox.2019.02.023}, pmid = {30852410}, issn = {1879-1514}, abstract = {Although a substantial amount of research exists on pollution and biological invasions, there is a paucity of understanding of how both factors interact. Most studies show that pollution favours the establishment of invasive species, but pollution may also promote local adaptation of native species and prevent the establishment of new incomers. However, evidence for this is extremely limited because most studies focus on successful invasions and very few on cases where an invasion has been resisted. Here we provide evidence of local adaptation of native species to pollution combining life history and physiological data. We focused on the invasion of the North American brine shrimp Artemia franciscana, which is causing a dramatic biodiversity loss in hypersaline ecosystems worldwide, and one of the last native Artemia populations in SW Europe (A. parthenogenetica from the historically polluted Odiel estuary, SW Spain). Life table response experiments were carried out in the laboratory to compare the demographic responses of A. parthenogenetica and a nearby A. franciscana population to long-term Zn exposure (0.2 mg L-1). We also evaluated oxidative stress by measuring antioxidant defences (catalase, glutathione reductase and superoxide dismutase) and lipid peroxidation (thiobarbituric acid reactive substances). A high concentration of Zn induced strong mortality in A. franciscana, which also showed high levels of lipid peroxidation, suggesting relatively poor physiological resistance to pollution compared with A. parthenogenetica. The age at maturity was shorter in A. parthenogenetica, which may be an adaptation to the naturally high mortality rate observed in the Odiel population. Exposure to Zn accelerated age at first reproduction in A. franciscana but not in A. parthenogenetica. In contrast, Zn had a stimulatory effect on offspring production in A. parthenogenetica,which also showed higher reproductive parameters (number of broods, total offspring and offspring per brood) than A. franciscana. Overall, the results of this study strongly suggest that native Artemia from Odiel estuary is locally adapted (at both, reproductive and physiological levels) to Zn contamination and that A. franciscana is highly sensitive. This is a good example of how pollution may play a role in the persistence of the last native Artemia populations in the Mediterranean.}, }
@article {pmid30852404, year = {2019}, author = {Cheney, C and Esler, KJ and Foxcroft, LC and van Wilgen, NJ}, title = {Scenarios for the management of invasive Acacia species in a protected area: Implications of clearing efficacy.}, journal = {Journal of environmental management}, volume = {238}, number = {}, pages = {274-282}, doi = {10.1016/j.jenvman.2019.02.112}, pmid = {30852404}, issn = {1095-8630}, abstract = {In many protected areas in South Africa, invasive Australian Acacia species pose on-going management challenges, perpetuating high long-term management costs. Due to limited availability of resources, conservation actions need to be prioritised within and across Protected Areas (PA). We draw on comprehensive datasets spanning over 20 years from the Table Mountain National Park to model long-term outcomes of clearing Acacia species at different levels of management clearing efficacy. We test a 50 year outlook based on current and 38 incremental levels of management efficacy, ranging from 5 to 100%, to assess under which scenarios a management goal of reducing Acacia density to below 1 plant per hectare for the 22,671 ha protected area is achieved. With the current clearing resources and maximum clearing efficacy (100% control), it would take between 32 and 42 years to attain the management goal. The modelling revealed two main drivers of Acacia persistence. Firstly, germination of seeds added to the seedbank from standing plants made a significantly larger contribution to future clearing requirements than fire stimulated seed germination or the existing (pre-management) seedbank. Secondly the relationship between the number of hectares and management units that could be treated and the efficacy of the treatment was non-linear. When clearing efficacy was decreased from 100% to the current project minimum target of 80% efficacy, the goal was not achieved in all areas, but the area that reached a density of <1 plant per hectare was significantly reduced to 53% of the PA for the simulated 50 years. Results emphasize the need to differentiate between increasing financial resources and increasing efficacy. While increasing financial resources allows for increased effort, this is of little value for Acacia management in the absence of an increase in clearing efficacy, as low quality implementation perpetuates the need for large budgets over time. Conversely, improving efficacy allows for decreased budget requirements over time, allowing fund re-direction to additional areas of alien species management such as the early detection and rapid control of newly introduced species.}, }
@article {pmid30851989, year = {2019}, author = {Hui, C and Richardson, DM}, title = {Network Invasion as an Open Dynamical System: Response to Rossberg and Barabás.}, journal = {Trends in ecology &amp; evolution}, volume = {}, number = {}, pages = {}, doi = {10.1016/j.tree.2019.01.016}, pmid = {30851989}, issn = {1872-8383}, }
@article {pmid30850885, year = {2019}, author = {Richardson, KM and Iverson, JB and Kurle, CM}, title = {Marine subsidies likely cause gigantism of iguanas in the Bahamas.}, journal = {Oecologia}, volume = {}, number = {}, pages = {}, doi = {10.1007/s00442-019-04366-4}, pmid = {30850885}, issn = {1432-1939}, abstract = {We utilized natural experiment opportunities presented by differential conditions (presence/absence of seabirds and invasive species) on cays in the Bahamas to study whether interisland variations in food resources contributed to gigantism in Allen Cays Rock Iguanas (Cyclura cychlura inornata). We analyzed the stable carbon (δ13C) and nitrogen (δ15N) isotope values from iguana tissues and resources from each island food web to test the predictions that (1) food webs on islands with seabirds exhibit the influence of marine subsidies from seabird guano, whereas those from non-seabird islands do not, and (2) size differences in iguanas among cays were due to either (a) supplemental food availability from mice and/or seabird carcasses killed by barn owls (Tyto alba) and/or (b) access to more nutrient-rich vegetation fertilized by seabird guano. Food web components from the seabird island (Allen Cay) had 5-9‰ higher δ15N values than those on the other cays and Allen Cay plants contained nearly two times more nitrogen. Bayesian stable isotope mixing models indicated that C3 plants dominated iguana diets on all islands and showed no evidence for consumption of mice or shearwaters. The iguanas on Allen Cay were ~ 2 times longer (48.3 ± 11.6 cm) and ~ 6 times heavier (5499 ± 2847 g) than iguanas on other cays and this was likely from marine-derived subsidies from seabird guano which caused an increase in nitrogen concentration in the plants and a resultant increase in the δ15N values across the entire food web relative to non-seabird islands.}, }
@article {pmid30850526, year = {2019}, author = {Alexander, JM and Levine, JM}, title = {Earlier phenology of a nonnative plant increases impacts on native competitors.}, journal = {Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the United States of America}, volume = {116}, number = {13}, pages = {6199-6204}, doi = {10.1073/pnas.1820569116}, pmid = {30850526}, issn = {1091-6490}, abstract = {Adaptation to climate is expected to increase the performance of invasive species and their community-level impacts. However, while the fitness gains from adaptation should, in general, promote invader competitive ability, empirical demonstrations of this prediction are scarce. Furthermore, climate adaptation, in the form of altered timing of life cycle transitions, should affect the phenological overlap between nonnative and native competitors, with potentially large, but poorly tested, impacts on native species persistence. We evaluated these predictions by growing native California grassland plants in competition with nonnative Lactuca serriola, a species that flowers earlier in parts of its nonnative range that are drier than its putative European source region. In common garden experiments in southern California with L. serriola populations differing in phenology, plants originating from arid climates bolted up to 48 d earlier than plants from more mesic climates, and selection favored early flowering, supporting an adaptive basis for the phenology cline. The per capita competitive effects of L. serriola from early flowering populations on five early flowering native species were greater than the effects of L. serriola from later flowering populations. Consequently, the ability of the native species to increase when rare in competition with L. serriola, as inferred from field-parameterized competition models, declined with earlier L. serriola phenology. Indeed, changes to L. serriola phenology affected whether or not one native species was predicted to persist in competition with L. serriola Our results suggest that evolution in response to new climatic conditions can have important consequences for species interactions, and enhance the impacts of biological invasions on natural communities.}, }
@article {pmid30849200, year = {2019}, author = {Sherpa, S and Blum, MGB and Capblancq, T and Cumer, T and Rioux, D and Després, L}, title = {Unraveling the invasion history of the Asian tiger mosquito in Europe.}, journal = {Molecular ecology}, volume = {}, number = {}, pages = {}, doi = {10.1111/mec.15071}, pmid = {30849200}, issn = {1365-294X}, abstract = {Multiple introductions are key features for establishment and persistence of introduced species. However, little is known about the contribution of genetic admixture to the invasive potential of populations. To address this issue, we studied the recent invasion of the Asian tiger mosquito in Europe. Combining genome-wide single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) and historical knowledge using an approximate Bayesian computation framework, we reconstruct the colonization routes and establish the demographic dynamics of invasion. The colonization of Europe involved at least three independent introductions in Albania, North Italy and Central Italy that subsequently acted as dispersal centers throughout Europe. We show that the topology of human transportation networks shaped demographic histories with North Italy and Central Italy being the main dispersal centers in Europe. Introduction modalities conditioned the levels of genetic diversity in invading populations, and genetically diverse and admixed populations promoted more secondary introductions and have spread farther than single-source invasions. This genomic study provides further crucial insights into a general understanding of the role of genetic diversity promoted by modern trade in driving biological invasions. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.}, }
@article {pmid30848502, year = {2019}, author = {Kohl, PA and Brossard, D and Scheufele, DA and Xenos, MA}, title = {Public views about gene editing wildlife for conservation.}, journal = {Conservation biology : the journal of the Society for Conservation Biology}, volume = {}, number = {}, pages = {}, doi = {10.1111/cobi.13310}, pmid = {30848502}, issn = {1523-1739}, abstract = {Developments in CRISPR-based gene-editing technologies have generated a growing number of proposals to gene edit populations of wildlife to meet conservation goals. These include proposals to use wildlife genome editing as a response to the spread of invasive species and other threats to biodiversity. As these proposals attract greater attention, controversies have emerged among scientists and stakeholder groups over potential consequences and ethical implications. Stakeholders on both sides of debates acknowledge that responsible governance cannot be developed without consulting broader publics. Yet little effort has been made to systematically assess public understandings and beliefs in relation to this new area of applied genetic engineering. In this study, we analyze the results of a survey of American adults (n = 1,600) to examine concerns about gene editing wildlife and how those concerns are shaped by cultural dispositions toward science and beliefs about the appropriateness of intervening into nature at the genetic level. On average, people perceived more risk than benefit in using these tools. Large majorities also agreed that gene editing wildlife could be easily used for the wrong purposes. When evaluating the moral acceptability of gene editing wildlife, people evaluate applications to improve survival in endangered wildlife as more morally acceptable than applications to reduce or eliminate a wildlife population. People who tend to more strongly believe in the authority of scientific knowledge expressed more favorable views of the benefits, risks, and moral acceptability of gene editing wildlife. On the other hand, people who tended to think gene editing wildlife inappropriately intervenes in nature expressed more concern about risks and moral acceptability and were more skeptical of the benefits. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.}, }
@article {pmid30847107, year = {2019}, author = {Mu, X and Xu, M and Ricciardi, A and Dick, JTA and Luo, D and Wei, H and Hu, Y and Wei, Q}, title = {The influence of warming on the biogeographic and phylogenetic dependence of herbivore-plant interactions.}, journal = {Ecology and evolution}, volume = {9}, number = {4}, pages = {2231-2241}, doi = {10.1002/ece3.4918}, pmid = {30847107}, issn = {2045-7758}, abstract = {Evolutionary experience and the phylogenetic relationships of plants have both been proposed to influence herbivore-plant interactions and plant invasion success. However, the direction and magnitude of these effects, and how such patterns are altered with increasing temperature, are rarely studied. Through laboratory functional response experiments, we tested whether the per capita feeding efficiency of an invasive generalist herbivore, the golden apple snail, Pomacea canaliculata, is dependent on the biogeographic origin and phylogenetic relatedness of host plants, and how increasing temperature alters these dependencies. The feeding efficiency of the herbivore was highest on plant species with which it had no shared evolutionary history, that is, novel plants. Further, among evolutionarily familiar plants, snail feeding efficiency was higher on those species more closely related to the novel plants. However, these biogeographic dependencies became less pronounced with increasing temperature, whereas the phylogenetic dependence was unaffected. Collectively, our findings indicate that the susceptibility of plants to this invasive herbivore is mediated by both biogeographic origin and phylogenetic relatedness. We hypothesize that warming erodes the influence of evolutionary exposure, thereby altering herbivore-plant interactions and perhaps the invasion success of plants.}, }
@article {pmid30845170, year = {2019}, author = {Anderson, RB}, title = {Human traffic and habitat complexity are strong predictors for the distribution of a declining amphibian.}, journal = {PloS one}, volume = {14}, number = {3}, pages = {e0213426}, doi = {10.1371/journal.pone.0213426}, pmid = {30845170}, issn = {1932-6203}, abstract = {Invasive species and habitat modification threaten California's native pond-breeding amphibians, including the federally threatened California Red-legged Frog (Rana draytonii). The relative contributions of invasive species, including the American Bullfrog (Lithobates catesbeianus), and of habitat changes to these declines are disputed. I conducted a field study over several years in central California to examine the presence/absence of these two species at 79 breeding ponds to determine the predictive role for occupancy of factors including vegetation, pond characteristics, and measures of human activity. I used a boosted regression tree approach to determine the relative value of each predictor variable. Increased measures of human activity, especially proximity to trails and roads, were the best predictors for the absence of California Red-legged Frogs and California Newts. Historical factors and habitat conditions were associated with the extent and spread of the American Bullfrog. The extent and complexity of aquatic macrophytes and pond surface area were good predictors for the presence of these and other amphibian species. Surprisingly, invasive species played a relatively small role in predicting pond occupancy by the native species. These findings can inform conservation and restoration efforts for California Red-legged Frogs, which apparently persist best in small vegetated ponds in areas of low human disturbance.}, }
@article {pmid30842897, year = {2019}, author = {Helmer, L and Farrell, P and Hendy, I and Harding, S and Robertson, M and Preston, J}, title = {Active management is required to turn the tide for depleted Ostrea edulis stocks from the effects of overfishing, disease and invasive species.}, journal = {PeerJ}, volume = {7}, number = {}, pages = {e6431}, doi = {10.7717/peerj.6431}, pmid = {30842897}, issn = {2167-8359}, abstract = {The decline of the European oyster Ostrea edulis across its biogeographic range has been driven largely by over-fishing and anthropogenic habitat destruction, often to the point of functional extinction. However, other negatively interacting factors attributing to this catastrophic decline include disease, invasive species and pollution. In addition, a relatively complex life history characterized by sporadic spawning renders O. edulis biologically vulnerable to overexploitation. As a viviparous species, successful reproduction in O. edulis populations is density dependent to a greater degree than broadcast spawning oviparous species such as the Pacific oyster Crassostrea (Magallana) gigas. Here, we report on the benthic assemblage of O. edulis and the invasive gastropod Crepidula fornicata across three actively managed South coast harbors in one of the few remaining O. edulis fisheries in the UK. Long-term data reveals that numbers of O. edulis sampled within Chichester Harbour have decreased by 96%, in contrast numbers of C. fornicata sampled have increased by 441% over a 19-year period. The recent survey data also recorded extremely low densities of O. edulis, and extremely high densities of C. fornicata, within Portsmouth and Langstone Harbours. The native oyster's failure to recover, despite fishery closures, suggests competitive exclusion by C. fornicata is preventing recovery of O. edulis, which is thought to be due to a lack of habitat heterogeneity or suitable settlement substrate. Large scale population data reveals that mean O. edulis shell length and width has decreased significantly across all years and site groups from 2015 to 2017, with a narrowing demographic structure. An absence of juveniles and lack of multiple cohorts in the remaining population suggests that the limited fishing effort exceeds biological output and recruitment is poor. In the Langstone &amp; Chichester 2017 sample 98% of the population is assigned to a single cohort (modal mean 71.20 ± 8.78 mm, maximum length). There is evidence of small scale (<5 km) geographic population structure between connected harbors; the 2015 Portsmouth and Chichester fishery populations exhibited disparity in the most frequent size class with 36% within 81-90 mm and 33.86% within 61-70 mm, respectively, the data also indicates a narrowing demographic over a short period of time. The prevalence of the disease Bonamiosis was monitored and supports this microgeographic population structure. Infection rates of O. edulis by Bonamia ostreae was 0% in Portsmouth Harbor (n = 48), 4.1% in Langstone (n = 145) and 21.3% in Chichester (n = 48) populations. These data collectively indicate that O. edulis is on the brink of an ecological collapse within the Solent harbors. Without effective intervention to mitigate the benthic dominance by C. fornicata in the form of biologically relevant fishery policy and the management of suitable recruitment substrate these native oyster populations could be lost.}, }
@article {pmid30842267, year = {2019}, author = {Lu-Irving, P and Harenčár, JG and Sounart, H and Welles, SR and Swope, SM and Baltrus, DA and Dlugosch, KM}, title = {Native and Invading Yellow Starthistle (Centaurea solstitialis) Microbiomes Differ in Composition and Diversity of Bacteria.}, journal = {mSphere}, volume = {4}, number = {2}, pages = {}, doi = {10.1128/mSphere.00088-19}, pmid = {30842267}, issn = {2379-5042}, support = {P30 GM103324/GM/NIGMS NIH HHS/United States ; }, mesh = {Bacteria/*classification ; California ; Centaurea/genetics/*microbiology ; Europe ; *Genetic Variation ; Genetics, Population ; Genotype ; Geography ; Introduced Species ; *Microbiota ; RNA, Ribosomal, 16S ; Rhizosphere ; }, abstract = {Invasive species could benefit from being introduced to locations with more favorable species interactions, including the loss of enemies, the gain of mutualists, or the simplification of complex interaction networks. Microbiomes are an important source of species interactions with strong fitness effects on multicellular organisms, and these interactions are known to vary across regions. The highly invasive plant yellow starthistle (Centaurea solstitialis) has been shown to experience more favorable microbial interactions in its invasions of the Americas, but the microbiome that must contribute to this variation in interactions is unknown. We sequenced amplicons of 16S rRNA genes to characterize bacterial community compositions in the phyllosphere, ectorhizosphere, and endorhizosphere of yellow starthistle plants from seven invading populations in California, USA, and eight native populations in Europe. We tested for the differentiation of microbiomes by geography, plant compartment, and plant genotype. Bacterial communities differed significantly between native and invading plants within plant compartments, with consistently lower diversity in the microbiome of invading plants. The diversity of bacteria in roots was positively correlated with plant genotype diversity within both ranges, but this relationship did not explain microbiome differences between ranges. Our results reveal that these invading plants are experiencing either a simplified microbial environment or simplified microbial interactions as a result of the dominance of a few taxa within their microbiome. Our findings highlight several alternative hypotheses for the sources of variation that we observe in invader microbiomes and the potential for altered bacterial interactions to facilitate invasion success.IMPORTANCE Previous studies have found that introduced plants commonly experience more favorable microbial interactions in their non-native range, suggesting that changes to the microbiome could be an important contributor to invasion success. Little is known about microbiome variation across native and invading populations, however, and the potential sources of more favorable interactions are undescribed. Here, we report one of the first microbiome comparisons of plants from multiple native and invading populations, in the noxious weed yellow starthistle. We identify clear differences in composition and diversity of microbiome bacteria. Our findings raise new questions about the sources of these differences, and we outline the next generation of research that will be required to connect microbiome variation to its potential role in plant invasions.}, }
@article {pmid30840071, year = {2019}, author = {Liang, W and Tran, L and Wiggins, GJ and Grant, JF and Stewart, SD and Washington-Allen, R}, title = {Determining Spread Rate of Kudzu Bug (Hemiptera: Plataspidae) and Its Associations With Environmental Factors in a Heterogeneous Landscape.}, journal = {Environmental entomology}, volume = {48}, number = {2}, pages = {309-317}, doi = {10.1093/ee/nvz014}, pmid = {30840071}, issn = {1938-2936}, abstract = {By the end of 2017, kudzu bug was reported in 652 counties in the United States since it was first observed in Georgia in 2009. Modeling its invasion dynamics is valuable to guide management through early detection and prevention of further invasion. Herein, we initially estimated the spread rate of kudzu bug with county-level invasion records and then determined important spatial factors affecting its spread during years 2010-2016. As kudzu bug infests a large heterogeneous area and shows asymmetric spread, we first utilized spatially constrained clustering (SCC), an unsupervised machine learning method, to divide the infested area into eight spatially contiguous and environmentally homogenous neighborhoods. We then used distance regression and boundary displacement methods to estimate the spread rates in all neighborhoods. Finally, we applied multiple regression to determine spatial factors influencing the spread of kudzu bug. The average spread rate reached 76 km/yr by boundary displacement method; however, the rate varied largely among eight neighborhoods (45-144 km/yr). In the southern region of the infested area, host plant density and wind speed were positively associated with the spread rate, whereas mean annual temperature, precipitation in the fall, and elevation had inverse relationships. In the northern region, January minimum temperature, wind speed, and human population density showed positive relationships. This study increases the knowledge on the spread dynamics of kudzu bug. Our research highlights the utility of SCC to determine natural clustering in a large heterogeneous region for better modeling of local spread patterns and determining important factors affecting the invasions.}, }
@article {pmid30839214, year = {2019}, author = {Bridi, R and Atala, E and Pizarro, PN and Montenegro, G}, title = {Honeybee Pollen Load: Phenolic Composition and Antimicrobial Activity and Antioxidant Capacity.}, journal = {Journal of natural products}, volume = {82}, number = {3}, pages = {559-565}, doi = {10.1021/acs.jnatprod.8b00945}, pmid = {30839214}, issn = {1520-6025}, abstract = {Honeybee pollen loads result from the agglutination of pollen grains and salivary secretions of bees. The potential use of honeybee pollen as a food supplement greatly depends on its chemical composition, which varies depending on the botanical and geographical origin of the pollen grains. This study aimed to characterize the botanical origin, chemical composition, and antioxidant and antibacterial activities of honeybee pollen from the V Region of Chile. The introduced species Brassica rapa and Eschscholzia californica predominated in the bee pollen analyzed. The honeybee pollen extracts showed antioxidant and antibacterial properties, specifically against the pathogenic microorganism Streptococcus pyogenes. Quercetin and myricetin were found in all samples in large concentrations. The separation of pollen loads from a multifloral sample demonstrated that E. californica pollen loads are responsible for antibacterial activity. This sample also showed a high concentration of quercetin (304.8 mg/100 g of bee pollen). Based on the present results, honeybee pollen from the V Region of Chile has been found to exhibit antioxidant and antimicrobial activities. Furthermore, it is proposed to use quercetin as a quality indicator for honeybee pollen from this region of Chile. These results should help establish better quality control criteria for Chilean honeybee pollen and its potential use as a functional ingredient.}, }
@article {pmid30838642, year = {2019}, author = {Levin, SC and Crandall, RM and Knight, TM}, title = {Population projection models for 14 alien plant species in the presence and absence of above-ground competition.}, journal = {Ecology}, volume = {}, number = {}, pages = {e02681}, doi = {10.1002/ecy.2681}, pmid = {30838642}, issn = {0012-9658}, abstract = {Plant population ecologists strive to understand how environmental drivers influence demographic vital rates and thus population dynamics. Hundreds of studies have collected demographic data and used matrix- and/or integral projection models to quantify lifetime fitness and population dynamics of plants. However, most of these studies have focused on native plant species, and there is a need for more studies on alien plants. Further, few studies on alien plants have experimentally manipulated environmental drivers in order to understand the mechanisms that allow alien plant species to have positive population growth. A synthetic understanding of the population dynamics of alien plant species will only be achieved if ecologists collect demographic data on many plant species and environments and provide the demographic data and model structure in a data archive for future comparisons and meta-analyses. Invasive alien species are a social, economic and ecological issue that has become increasingly important in an increasingly globalized world. Researchers continue to forecast impacts and prevent new introductions by seeking a robust understanding of drivers of invasive species success and failure. Researchers have hypothesized that competitive differences may play a key role in determining alien species success in novel environments. Studies that experimentally manipulate competitors while quantifying demography provide mechanistic insight into species' responses to competition. To date, nearly all field manipulations of competition that measure plant demography and population dynamics have focused on native plant species. The data we provide here aims to address this gap in our knowledge for alien plant species. We present raw data and population projection models for 14 alien plant species in eastern Missouri, USA. We sampled under ambient conditions and with all individuals of non-focal species removed from the community, allowing us to project population dynamics in the presence and absence of competition. We have also included the data quantifying how much biomass we removed at the plot level during each removal procedure and data from our germination experiment. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.}, }
@article {pmid30828830, year = {2019}, author = {Molina, CV and Heinemann, MB and Kierulff, C and Pissinatti, A and da Silva, TF and de Freitas, DG and de Souza, GO and Miotto, BA and Cortez, A and Semensato, BP and Moreno, LZ and Catão-Dias, JL and Bueno, MG}, title = {Leptospira spp., rotavirus, norovirus, and hepatitis E virus surveillance in a wild invasive golden-headed lion tamarin (Leontopithecus chrysomelas; Kuhl, 1820) population from an urban park in Niterói, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.}, journal = {American journal of primatology}, volume = {81}, number = {3}, pages = {e22961}, doi = {10.1002/ajp.22961}, pmid = {30828830}, issn = {1098-2345}, support = {2015/25760-3.//Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo/ ; }, abstract = {The world currently faces severe biodiversity losses caused by anthropogenic activities such as deforestation, pollution, the introduction of exotic species, habitat fragmentation, and climate changes. Disease ecology in altered environments is still poorly understood. The golden-headed lion tamarin (GHLT, Leontopithecus chrysomelas) is an endangered species that became invasive in an urban park in Niterói, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. The initially few invasive GHLT individuals became hundreds, adapted to living in proximity to humans and domestic animals. These GHLTs were captured as part of a conservation project; some animals were translocated to Bahia and some were kept in captivity. This study tested 593 GHLT for Leptospira serology; 100 and 95 GHLT for polymerase chain reaction (PCR) toLeptospira and hepatitis E virus genotype 3 (HEV-3), respectively, and 101 familiar groups for PCR to viruses (rotavirus A, norovirus GI and GII, and HEV-3). One animal had antibodies for Leptospira serovar Shermani and another for serovar Hebdomadis. One saprophyticLeptospira was found by the 16S PCR and sequencing. Viruses were not detected in samples tested. Findings suggest that the epidemiological importance of such pathogens in this GHLT population is either low or nonexistent. These data are important to understand the local disease ecology, as well as monitoring a translocation project, and to contribute data for species conservation.}, }
@article {pmid30828379, year = {2019}, author = {DeLong, JP and Belmaker, J}, title = {Ecological pleiotropy and indirect effects alter the potential for evolutionary rescue.}, journal = {Evolutionary applications}, volume = {12}, number = {3}, pages = {636-654}, doi = {10.1111/eva.12745}, pmid = {30828379}, issn = {1752-4571}, abstract = {Invading predators can negatively affect naïve prey populations due to a lack of evolved defenses. Many species therefore may be at risk of extinction due to overexploitation by exotic predators. Yet the strong selective effect of predation might drive evolution of imperiled prey toward more resistant forms, potentially allowing the prey to persist. We evaluated the potential for evolutionary rescue in an imperiled prey using Gillespie eco-evolutionary models (GEMs). We focused on a system parameterized for protists where changes in prey body size may influence intrinsic rate of population growth, space clearance rate (initial slope of the functional response), and the energetic benefit to predators. Our results show that the likelihood of rescue depends on (a) whether multiple parameters connected to the same evolving trait (i.e., ecological pleiotropy) combine to magnify selection, (b) whether the evolving trait causes negative indirect effects on the predator population by altering the energy gain per prey, (c) whether heritable trait variation is sufficient to foster rapid evolution, and (d) whether prey abundances are stable enough to avoid very rapid extinction. We also show that when evolution fosters rescue by increasing the prey equilibrium abundance, invasive predator populations also can be rescued, potentially leading to additional negative effects on other species. Thus, ecological pleiotropy, indirect effects, and system dynamics may be important factors influencing the potential for evolutionary rescue for both imperiled prey and invading predators. These results suggest that bolstering trait variation may be key to fostering evolutionary rescue, but also that the myriad direct and indirect effects of trait change could either make rescue outcomes unpredictable or, if they occur, cause rescue to have side effects such as bolstering the populations of invasive species.}, }
@article {pmid30828363, year = {2019}, author = {Senn, HV and Ghazali, M and Kaden, J and Barclay, D and Harrower, B and Campbell, RD and Macdonald, DW and Kitchener, AC}, title = {Distinguishing the victim from the threat: SNP-based methods reveal the extent of introgressive hybridization between wildcats and domestic cats in Scotland and inform future in situ and ex situ management options for species restoration.}, journal = {Evolutionary applications}, volume = {12}, number = {3}, pages = {399-414}, doi = {10.1111/eva.12720}, pmid = {30828363}, issn = {1752-4571}, abstract = {The degree of introgressive hybridization between the Scottish wildcat and domestic cat has long been suspected to be advanced. Here, we use a 35-SNP-marker test, designed to assess hybridization between wildcat and domestic cat populations in Scotland, to assess a database of 295 wild-living and captive cat samples, and test the assumptions of the test using 3,097 SNP markers generated independently in a subset of the data using ddRAD. We discovered that despite increased genetic resolution provided by these methods, wild-living cats in Scotland show a complete genetic continuum or hybrid swarm structure when judged against reference data. The historical population of wildcats, although hybridized, clearly groups at one end of this continuum, as does the captive population of wildcats. The interpretation of pelage scores against nuclear genetic data continues to be problematic. This is probably because of a breakdown in linkage equilibrium between wildcat pelage genes as the two populations have become increasingly mixed, meaning that pelage score or SNP score alone is poor diagnostic predictors of hybrid status. Until better tools become available, both should be used jointly, where possible, when making management decisions about individual cats. We recommend that the conservation community in Scotland must now define clearly what measures are to be used to diagnose a wildcat in the wild in Scotland, if future conservation action is to be effective.}, }
@article {pmid30828030, year = {2019}, author = {Scapin, P and Ulbano, M and Ruggiero, C and Balduzzi, A and Marsan, A and Ferrari, N and Bertolino, S}, title = {Surgical sterilization of male and female grey squirrels (Sciurus carolinensis) of an urban population introduced in Italy.}, journal = {The Journal of veterinary medical science}, volume = {}, number = {}, pages = {}, doi = {10.1292/jvms.18-0319}, pmid = {30828030}, issn = {1347-7439}, abstract = {We report a successful surgical sterilization procedure for population control of 324 male and female free-ranging grey squirrels (Sciurus carolinensis) in Genoa (Italy). We describe the clinical procedure from the trapping of the animals to their surgical sterilization and release in another part of the city. Live-trapped squirrels were transported to the veterinary clinic within 1-2 hr of capture and maintained in a hospitalization room reserved for them. The waiting period before surgery was kept below 12 hr. The developed procedure has resulted in a survival of 94% of trapped squirrels from surgery to animal release. Sterilized squirrels started to feed in a very short time (1.0-1.5 hr), and after 2-3 days, it was possible to release them in a new area. Amoxicillin was used as a long-acting postoperative antibiotic to reduce the period of captivity. The successful surgical procedure described here can provide an important additional tool for the management of introduced populations of squirrels. We showed that the surgical sterilization of some hundred squirrels is clinically possible and could be included in management strategies aimed at removing critical populations of these species. Moreover, the data allow dosages and operational times in order to provide economic viability assessment of future population control measures.}, }
@article {pmid30827778, year = {2019}, author = {Joyce, PWS and Dickey, JWE and Cuthbert, RN and Dick, JTA and Kregting, L}, title = {Using functional responses and prey switching to quantify invasion success of the Pacific oyster, Crassostrea gigas.}, journal = {Marine environmental research}, volume = {145}, number = {}, pages = {66-72}, doi = {10.1016/j.marenvres.2019.02.010}, pmid = {30827778}, issn = {1879-0291}, abstract = {Invasive alien species continue to proliferate and cause severe ecological impacts. Functional responses (FRs) have shown excellent utility in predicting invasive predator success, however, their use in predicting invasive prey success is limited. Here, we assessed invader success by quantifying FRs and prey switching patterns of two native predators, the common sea star, Asterias rubens, and the green crab, Carcinus maenas, towards native blue mussels, Mytilus edulis, and invasive Pacific oysters, Crassostrea gigas. Asterias displayed destabilising type II FRs, whereas Carcinus displayed stabilising type III FRs towards both prey species. Both predators exhibited greater search efficiencies and maximum feeding rates towards native compared to invasive prey. Both predators disproportionately consumed native mussels over invasive oysters when presented simultaneously, even when native mussels were rare in the environment, therefore indicating negligible prey switching. We demonstrate that invasion success may be mediated through differential levels of biotic resistance exerted by native predators.}, }
@article {pmid30825781, year = {2019}, author = {Grady, MJ and Harper, EE and Carlisle, KM and Ernst, KH and Shwiff, SA}, title = {Assessing public support for restrictions on transport of invasive wild pigs (Sus scrofa) in the United States.}, journal = {Journal of environmental management}, volume = {237}, number = {}, pages = {488-494}, doi = {10.1016/j.jenvman.2019.02.107}, pmid = {30825781}, issn = {1095-8630}, abstract = {Wild pigs (Sus scrofa) are a non-native invasive species in the United States that cause significant economic loss, transmit disease, and inflict damage upon natural resources, agriculture, livestock, and property. Geographic distribution of wild pigs in the United States has nearly tripled since 1982, with anthropogenic influences playing a significant role in the expansion. In this regard, there is speculation that a driver of the expansion may be human-mediated movement of wild pigs to new areas for the purpose of sport hunting. In response, states have implemented a variety of wild pig control policies, including legal restrictions on their transport. The success of such policies depends, in part, on their level of public support, which in turn may be influenced by individuals' attitudes concerning wild pigs, their interest in maintaining wild pig populations (e.g., for sport hunting), and their knowledge and awareness of the threats wild pigs pose. Multiple regression was used to analyze data collected from a nationwide survey concerning attitudes toward wild pigs and policies that restrict their transport. Results indicate that a majority of individuals in the United States have negative attitudes toward wild pigs and support policies that restrict their transport and penalize transgressors. Consistent with other invasive species research, findings suggest that as knowledge and awareness of wild pigs increase, so too does support for policies restricting and penalizing transport of wild pigs. Contrary to previous studies, this research also finds that hunters are more likely to support restrictions on wild pig transport than are non-hunters. Overall, these findings suggest that legal restrictions on the transport of wild pigs, even in states with large hunter populations, enjoy broad public support and may help to curb the expansion of wild pig populations.}, }
@article {pmid30825372, year = {2019}, author = {Valan, M and Makonyi, K and Maki, A and Vondráček, D and Ronquist, F}, title = {Automated Taxonomic Identification of Insects with Expert-Level Accuracy Using Effective Feature Transfer from Convolutional Networks.}, journal = {Systematic biology}, volume = {}, number = {}, pages = {}, doi = {10.1093/sysbio/syz014}, pmid = {30825372}, issn = {1076-836X}, abstract = {Rapid and reliable identification of insects is important in many contexts, from the detection of disease vectors and invasive species to the sorting of material from biodiversity inventories. Because of the shortage of adequate expertise, there has long been an interest in developing automated systems for this task. Previous attempts have been based on laborious and complex handcrafted extraction of image features, but in recent years it has been shown that sophisticated convolutional neural networks (CNNs) can learn to extract relevant features automatically, without human intervention. Unfortunately, reaching expert-level accuracy in CNN identifications requires substantial computational power and huge training datasets, which are often not available for taxonomic tasks. This can be addressed using feature transfer: a CNN that has been pretrained on a generic image classification task is exposed to the taxonomic images of interest, and information about its perception of those images is used in training a simpler, dedicated identification system. Here, we develop an effective method of CNN feature transfer, which achieves expert-level accuracy in taxonomic identification of insects with training sets of 100 images or less per category, depending on the nature of dataset. Specifically, we extract rich representations of intermediate to high-level image features from the CNN architecture VGG16 pretrained on the ImageNet dataset. This information is submitted to a linear support vector machine classifier, which is trained on the target problem. We tested the performance of our approach on two types of challenging taxonomic tasks: (1) identifying insects to higher groups when they are likely to belong to subgroups that have not been seen previously; and (2) identifying visually similar species that are difficult to separate even for experts. For the first task, our approach reached > 92 % accuracy on one dataset (884 face images of 11 families of Diptera, all specimens representing unique species), and > 96 % accuracy on another (2936 dorsal habitus images of 14 families of Coleoptera, over 90 % of specimens belonging to unique species). For the second task, our approach outperformed a leading taxonomic expert on one dataset (339 images of three species of the Coleoptera genus Oxythyrea; 97 % accuracy), and both humans and traditional automated identification systems on another dataset (3845 images of nine species of Plecoptera larvae; 98.6 % accuracy). Reanalyzing several biological image identification tasks studied in the recent literature, we show that our approach is broadly applicable and provides significant improvements over previous methods, whether based on dedicated CNNs, CNN feature transfer, or more traditional techniques. Thus, our method, which is easy to apply, can be highly successful in developing automated taxonomic identification systems even when training datasets are small and computational budgets limited. We conclude by briefly discussing some promising CNN-based research directions in morphological systematics opened up by the success of these techniques in providing accurate diagnostic tools.}, }
@article {pmid30824999, year = {2019}, author = {Evangelista, C and Olden, JD and Lecerf, A and Cucherousset, J}, title = {Scale-dependent patterns of intraspecific trait variations in two globally invasive species.}, journal = {Oecologia}, volume = {}, number = {}, pages = {}, doi = {10.1007/s00442-019-04374-4}, pmid = {30824999}, issn = {1432-1939}, support = {Ind_Eco_Evo_Inva//CNRS-INEE PICS/ ; Projet ISOLAC//ONEMA/ ; ERADINVA//ONEMA/ ; Inva_Eco_Evo_Lac//PRES-Toulouse/ ; }, abstract = {Animal species often show substantial intraspecific trait variability (ITV), yet evidence for its flexibility across multiple ecological scales remains poorly explored. Gaining this knowledge is essential to better understand the different processes maintaining ITV in nature. Due to their broad geographic ranges, widespread invasive species are expected to display strong phenotypic variations across their distribution. Here, we quantified the scale-dependent patterns of morphological variability among invasive populations of two global freshwater invaders-red swamp crayfish Procambarus clarkii and pumpkinseed sunfish Lepomis gibbosus-both established in American and European lakes. We quantified patterns in body morphology across different ecological (Individual and Population) and spatial scales (Region). We then analyzed the scale-dependency of morphological variations among lake populations that span a diversity of abiotic and biotic conditions. Next, we used stable isotope analyses to test the existence of ecomorphological patterns linking morphology and trophic niche of individuals. We found that trait variations mainly accounted for at the regional and individual levels. We showed that populations of both species strongly differed between United States and Europe whereas habitat characteristics had a relatively minor influence on morphological variations. Stable isotope analyses also revealed that ecomorphological pattern for the trophic position of L. gibbosus was region-dependent, whereas no ecomorphological patterns were observed for P. clarkii. Overall, our study strongly supports the notion that the patterns of phenotypic variability among invasive populations are likely to modulate the ecological impacts of invasive species on recipient ecosystems.}, }
@article {pmid30822781, year = {2019}, author = {Gibson, SD and Liczner, AR and Colla, SR}, title = {Conservation Conundrum: At-risk Bumble Bees (Bombus spp.) Show Preference for Invasive Tufted Vetch (Vicia cracca) While Foraging in Protected Areas.}, journal = {Journal of insect science (Online)}, volume = {19}, number = {2}, pages = {}, doi = {10.1093/jisesa/iez017}, pmid = {30822781}, issn = {1536-2442}, mesh = {Animals ; Bees/*physiology ; *Conservation of Natural Resources ; Endangered Species ; Feeding Behavior ; *Food Chain ; Introduced Species ; Ontario ; Vicia/growth &amp; development ; }, abstract = {In recent decades, some bumble bee species have declined, including in North America. Declines have been reported in species of bumble bees historically present in Ontario, including: yellow bumble bee (Bombus fervidus) (Fabricus, 1798), American bumble bee (Bombus pensylvanicus) (DeGeer, 1773), and yellow-banded bumble bee (Bombus terricola) (Kirby, 1837). Threats contributing to bumble bee population declines include: land-use changes, habitat loss, climate change, pathogen spillover, and pesticide use. A response to the need for action on pollinator preservation in North America has been to encourage 'bee-friendly' plantings. Previous studies show differences in common and at-risk bumble bee foraging; however, similar data are unavailable for Ontario. Our research question is whether there is a difference in co-occurring at-risk and common bumble bee (Bombus spp.) floral use (including nectar and pollen collection) in protected areas in southern Ontario. We hypothesize that common and at-risk species forage differently, predicting that at-risk species forage on a limited selection of host plants. We conducted a field survey of sites in southern Ontario, using observational methods to determine bumble bee foraging by species. The results of a redundancy analysis show a difference in foraging between common and at-risk bumblebee species. At-risk bumble bee species show a preference for foraging on invasive, naturalized Vicia cracca (tufted vetch). This finding raises the question of how to preserve or provide forage for at-risk bumble bees, when they show an association with an invasive species often subject to control in protected areas.}, }
@article {pmid30822357, year = {2019}, author = {Bytheway, JP and Banks, PB}, title = {Overcoming prey naiveté: Free-living marsupials develop recognition and effective behavioral responses to alien predators in Australia.}, journal = {Global change biology}, volume = {}, number = {}, pages = {}, doi = {10.1111/gcb.14607}, pmid = {30822357}, issn = {1365-2486}, support = {DP140104431//ARC Discovery/ ; 10-10a//Hermon Slade Foundation/ ; }, abstract = {Naiveté in prey arises from novel ecological mismatches in cue recognition systems and antipredator responses following the arrival of alien predators. The multilevel naiveté framework suggests that animals can progress through levels of naiveté toward predator awareness. Alternatively, native prey may be preadapted to recognize novel predators via common constituents in predator odors or familiar predator archetypes. We tested predictions of these competing hypotheses on the mechanisms driving behavioral responses of native species to alien predators by measuring responses of native free-living northern brown bandicoots (Isoodon macrourus) to alien red fox (Vulpes vulpes) odor. We compared multiple bandicoot populations either sympatric or allopatric with foxes. Bandicoots sympatric with foxes showed recognition and appropriate antipredator behavior toward fox odor via avoidance. On the few occasions bandicoots did visit, their vigilance significantly increased, and their foraging decreased. In contrast, bandicoots allopatric with foxes showed no recognition of this predator cue. Our results suggest that vulnerable Australian mammals were likely naïve to foxes when they first arrived, which explains why so many native mammals declined soon after fox arrival. Our results also suggest such naiveté can be overcome within a relatively short time frame, driven by experience with predators, thus supporting the multilevel naiveté framework.}, }
@article {pmid30817855, year = {2019}, author = {Gibson, LM and Mychajliw, AM and Leon, Y and Rupp, E and Hadly, EA}, title = {Using the past to contextualize anthropogenic impacts on the present and future distribution of an endemic Caribbean mammal.}, journal = {Conservation biology : the journal of the Society for Conservation Biology}, volume = {}, number = {}, pages = {}, doi = {10.1111/cobi.13290}, pmid = {30817855}, issn = {1523-1739}, support = {//Stanford Interdisciplinary Graduate Fellowship/ ; 1600728//Division of Environmental Biology/ ; //Lewis &amp; Clark Field Research Grant/ ; //Stanford Undergraduate Advising and Research (UAR) Small Grant/ ; //Stanford Center for Latin American Studies/ ; //Stanford Earth Systems Volpert Scholarship/ ; //Stanford Vice Provost for Undergraduate Education (VPUE) Biology Summer Research Program/ ; }, abstract = {Island species are difficult to conserve because they face the synergy of climate change, invasive species, deforestation, and increasing human population densities in areas where land mass is shrinking. The Caribbean island of Hispaniola presents particular challenges because of geopolitical complexities that span 2 countries and hinder coordinated management of species across the island. We employed species distribution modeling to evaluate the impacts of climatic change and anthropogenic activities on the distribution of an endemic mammal of conservation concern, the Hispaniolan solenodon (Solenodon paradoxus). We aggregated occurrence points for this poorly known species for the Last Glacial Maximum (LGM) and the present (1975-2016) based on museum collections, online biodiversity databases, and new field surveys. We quantified degree of overlap between periods and scenarios with Schoener's D. Through a conservation paleobiology lens, we found that over time humans played an increasing role in shaping the distribution of S. paradoxus, thus, providing a foundation for developing conservation strategies on appropriate spatiotemporal scales. Human population density was the single most important predictor of S. paradoxus occurrence. Densities >166 people/km2 corresponded to a near-zero probability of occurrence. Models that accounted for climate but not anthropogenic variables falsely identified suitable habitat in Haiti, where on-the-ground surveys confirm habitat is unavailable. Climate-only models also significantly overestimated the potential for habitat connectivity between isolated populations. Our work highlights that alternative fates for S. paradoxus in the Anthropocene exist across the political border between the Dominican Republic and Haiti due to the fundamentally different economic and political realities of each country. Relationships in the fossil record confirm that Hispaniola's sociopolitical boundary is not biologically significant but instead represents one imposed on the island's fauna in the past 500 years by colonial activity. Our approach reveals how a paleontological perspective can contribute to concrete management insights.}, }
@article {pmid30816998, year = {2019}, author = {Hirsch, H and Castillo, ML and Impson, FAC and Kleinjan, C and Richardson, DM and Le Roux, JJ}, title = {Ghosts from the past: even comprehensive sampling of the native range may not be enough to unravel the introduction history of invasive species-the case of Acacia dealbata invasions in South Africa.}, journal = {American journal of botany}, volume = {106}, number = {3}, pages = {352-362}, doi = {10.1002/ajb2.1244}, pmid = {30816998}, issn = {1537-2197}, support = {85417//National Research Foundation of South Africa/ ; }, abstract = {PREMISE OF THE STUDY: Knowledge about the introduction history (source(s), number and size of introduction events) of an invasive species is a crucial prerequisite to understand invasion success and to facilitate effective and sustainable management approaches, especially for effective biological control. We investigated the introduction history of the Australian legume tree Acacia dealbata in South Africa. Results of this study will not only provide critical information for the management of this species in South Africa, but will also broaden our overall knowledge on the invasion ecology of this globally important invasive tree.<br><br>METHODS: We used nuclear microsatellite markers to compare the genetic diversity and structure between 42 native Australian and 18 invasive South African populations and to test different and competing introduction scenarios using Approximate Bayesian Computation analyses.<br><br>KEY RESULTS: Australian populations were characterized by two distinct genetic clusters, while South African populations lacked any clear genetic structure and showed significantly lower levels of genetic diversity compared to native range populations. South African populations were also genetically divergent from native populations and the most likely introduction scenario indicated an unknown source population.<br><br>CONCLUSIONS: Although we cannot definitely prove the cause of the observed genetic novelty/diversification in South African Acacia dealbata populations, it cannot be attributable to insufficient sampling of native populations. Our study highlights the complexity of unravelling the introduction histories of commercially important alien species.}, }
@article {pmid30816146, year = {2019}, author = {Král, J and Forman, M and Kořínková, T and Lerma, ACR and Haddad, CR and Musilová, J and Řezáč, M and Herrera, IMÁ and Thakur, S and Dippenaar-Schoeman, AS and Marec, F and Horová, L and Bureš, P}, title = {Insights into the karyotype and genome evolution of haplogyne spiders indicate a polyploid origin of lineage with holokinetic chromosomes.}, journal = {Scientific reports}, volume = {9}, number = {1}, pages = {3001}, doi = {10.1038/s41598-019-39034-3}, pmid = {30816146}, issn = {2045-2322}, abstract = {Spiders are an ancient and extremely diverse animal order. They show a considerable diversity of genome sizes, karyotypes and sex chromosomes, which makes them promising models to analyse the evolution of these traits. Our study is focused on the evolution of the genome and chromosomes in haplogyne spiders with holokinetic chromosomes. Although holokinetic chromosomes in spiders were discovered a long time ago, information on their distribution and evolution in these arthropods is very limited. Here we show that holokinetic chromosomes are an autapomorphy of the superfamily Dysderoidea. According to our hypothesis, the karyotype of ancestral Dysderoidea comprised three autosome pairs and a single X chromosome. The subsequent evolution has frequently included inverted meiosis of the sex chromosome and an increase of 2n. We demonstrate that caponiids, a sister clade to Dysderoidea, have enormous genomes and high diploid and sex chromosome numbers. This pattern suggests a polyploid event in the ancestors of caponiids. Holokinetic chromosomes could have arisen by subsequent multiple chromosome fusions and a considerable reduction of the genome size. We propose that spider sex chromosomes probably do not pose a major barrier to polyploidy due to specific mechanisms that promote the integration of sex chromosome copies into the genome.}, }
@article {pmid30815854, year = {2019}, author = {Quilodrán, CS and Nussberger, B and Montoya-Burgos, JI and Currat, M}, title = {Hybridization and introgression during density-dependent range expansion: European wildcats as a case study.}, journal = {Evolution; international journal of organic evolution}, volume = {73}, number = {4}, pages = {750-761}, doi = {10.1111/evo.13704}, pmid = {30815854}, issn = {1558-5646}, support = {31003A_141233//Schweizerischer Nationalfonds zur Förderung der Wissenschaftlichen Forschung/ ; 31003A_156853//Schweizerischer Nationalfonds zur Förderung der Wissenschaftlichen Forschung/ ; 31003A_182577//Schweizerischer Nationalfonds zur Förderung der Wissenschaftlichen Forschung/ ; P2GEP3_168973//Schweizerischer Nationalfonds zur Förderung der Wissenschaftlichen Forschung/ ; }, abstract = {Interbreeding between historically allopatric species with incomplete reproductive barriers may result when species expand their range. The genetic consequences of such hybridization depend critically on the dynamics of the range expansion. Hybridization models during range expansion have been developed but assume dispersal to be independent from neighboring population densities. However, organisms may disperse because they are attracted by conspecifics or because they prefer depopulated areas. Here, through spatially explicit simulations, we assess the effect of various density-dependent dispersal modes on the introgression between two species. We find huge introgression from the local species into the invasive one with all dispersal modes investigated, even when the hybridization rate is relatively low. This represents a general expectation for neutral genes even if the dispersal modes differ in colonization times and amount of introgression. Invasive individuals attracted by conspecifics need more time to colonize the whole area and are more introgressed by local genes, whereas the opposite is found for solitary individuals. We applied our approach to a recent expansion of European wildcats in the Jura Mountains and the hybridization with domestic cats. We show that the simulations explained better the observed level of introgression at nuclear, mtDNA, and Y chromosome markers, when using solitary dispersal for wildcats instead of random or gregarious dispersal, in accordance with ecological knowledge. Thus, use of density-dependent dispersal models increases the predictive power of the approach.}, }
@article {pmid30814293, year = {2019}, author = {Galloway, KA and Porter, ME}, title = {Mechanical properties of the venomous spines of Pterois volitans and morphology among lionfish species.}, journal = {The Journal of experimental biology}, volume = {222}, number = {Pt 6}, pages = {}, doi = {10.1242/jeb.197905}, pmid = {30814293}, issn = {1477-9145}, abstract = {The red lionfish, Pterois volitans, an invasive species, has 18 venomous spines: 13 dorsal, three anal and one on each pelvic fin. Fish spines can have several purposes, such as defense, intimidation and anchoring into crevices. Instead of being hollow, lionfish spines have a tri-lobed cross-sectional shape with grooves that deliver the venom, tapering towards the tip. We aimed to quantify the impacts of shape (second moment of area) and tapering on the mechanical properties of the spine. We performed two-point bending at several positions along the spines of P. volitans to determine mechanical properties (Young's modulus, elastic energy storage and flexural stiffness). The short and recurved anal and pelvic spines are stiffer and resist bending more effectively than the long dorsal spines. In addition, mechanical properties differ along the length of the spines, most likely because they are tapered. We hypothesize that the highly bendable dorsal spines are used for intimidation, making the fish look larger. The stiffer and energy-absorbing anal and pelvic spines are smaller and less numerous, but they may be used for protection as they are located near important internal structures such as the swim bladder. Lastly, spine second moment of area varies across the Pterois genus. These data suggest there may be morphological and mechanical trade-offs among defense, protection and intimidation for lionfish spines. Overall, the red lionfish venomous spine shape and mechanics may offer protection and intimidate potential predators, significantly contributing to their invasion success.}, }
@article {pmid30811716, year = {2019}, author = {Makino, T and Kawata, M}, title = {Invasive invertebrates associated with highly duplicated gene content.}, journal = {Molecular ecology}, volume = {}, number = {}, pages = {}, doi = {10.1111/mec.15019}, pmid = {30811716}, issn = {1365-294X}, support = {4-1605//Ministry of the Environment/ ; 17H03728//Japan Society for the Promotion of Science/ ; 25291096//Japan Society for the Promotion of Science/ ; }, abstract = {Invasion of alien species has led to serious problems, including the destruction of native ecosystems. In general, invasive species adapt to new environments rapidly, suggesting that they have high genetic diversity that can directly influence environmental adaptability. However, it is not known how genomic architecture causes genetic diversity that leads to invasiveness. Recent studies have showed that the proportion of duplicated genes (PD) in whole animal genomes correlate with environmental variability within a habitat. Here, we show that PD and propagule size significantly explain the differences in species categories (invasive species, noninvasive species, and parasites). PD correlated negatively with the propagule size. The residual values of regression of PD on propagule size revealed that the invasive species had higher PD values and larger propagule size than those of the noninvasive species, whereas the parasites had lower PD values and smaller propagule size than those of others. There were no correlations between the invasive species and other genomic factors including the genome size, number of genes, and certain gene families. Our results suggest that the PD values of a genome might be a potential genomic source causing genetic variations for adaptation to diverse environments. The results also showed that the invasiveness status of a species would be predicted by the residual values of regression of PD on propagule size. Our innovative approach provides a measure to estimate the environmental adaptability of organisms based on genomic data.}, }
@article {pmid30810751, year = {2019}, author = {Su, T and Thieme, J and Lura, T and Cheng, ML and Brown, MQ}, title = {Susceptibility Profile of Aedes aegypti L. (Diptera: Culicidae) from Montclair, California, to Commonly Used Pesticides, With Note on Resistance to Pyriproxyfen.}, journal = {Journal of medical entomology}, volume = {}, number = {}, pages = {}, doi = {10.1093/jme/tjz019}, pmid = {30810751}, issn = {1938-2928}, abstract = {The peridomestic anthropophilic Aedes aegypti L. (Diptera: Culicidae) is originated from the wild zoophilic subspecies Aedes aegypti formosus in sub-Saharan Africa, and currently has a broad distribution in human-modified environments of the tropics and subtropics worldwide. In California, breeding populations were initially detected in 2013 in the cities of Fresno, Madera, and San Mateo, and now can be found in 188 cities of 12 counties in the state. Recent genetic studies suggest that this species invaded California on multiple occasions from several regions of the United States and northern Mexico prior to initial detection. As an invasive species and vector for numerous arboviruses, Ae. aegypti is a primary target of surveillance and control in California. In southern California city of Montclair, a population was identified in September 2015, from which a short-term colony was established in an insectary. The susceptibility of this field population to commonly used pesticides with various modes of action, including 15 formulations against larvae and four against adults, was determined, in reference to a susceptible laboratory colony of the same species. No resistance was shown to most pesticides tested. However, tolerance or reduced susceptibility to spinosad, spinetoram, diflubezuron, and fipronil was detected, and modest levels of resistance to pyriproxyfen (resistance ratio = 38.7-fold at IE50 and 81.5-fold at IE90) was observed. Results are discussed based on the field usage and modes of action of the pesticides tested. Strategic selection and application of pesticides against this population of Ae. aegypti in the urban environments should be taken into consideration.}, }
@article {pmid30809707, year = {2019}, author = {Denoël, M and Drapeau, L and Oromi, N and Winandy, L}, title = {The role of predation risk in metamorphosis versus behavioural avoidance: a sex-specific study in a facultative paedomorphic amphibian.}, journal = {Oecologia}, volume = {189}, number = {3}, pages = {637-645}, doi = {10.1007/s00442-019-04362-8}, pmid = {30809707}, issn = {1432-1939}, support = {J.008.13//Fonds De La Recherche Scientifique - FNRS/ ; J.0112.16//Fonds De La Recherche Scientifique - FNRS/ ; }, abstract = {Evolutionary theory predicts the evolution of metamorphosis over paedomorphosis (the retention of larval traits at the adult stage) in response to life in unfavourable habitats and to the benefits of dispersal. Although many organisms are canalised into obligatory complex or simple life cycles, some species of newts and salamanders can express both processes (facultative paedomorphosis). Previous research highlighted the detrimental effect of fish on both metamorphic and paedomorphic phenotypes, but it remains unknown whether predation risk could induce shifts from paedomorphosis to metamorphosis, whether behavioural avoidance could be an alternative strategy to metamorphosis and whether these responses could be sex-biased. Testing these hypotheses is important because metamorphosed paedomorphs are dispersal individuals which could favour the long-term persistence of the process by breeding subsequently in more favourable waters. Therefore, we quantified the spatial behaviour and timing of the metamorphosis of facultative paedomorphic palmate newts Lissotriton helveticus in response to predation risk. We found that fish induced both male and female paedomorphs to hide more often, but behavioural avoidance was not predictive of metamorphosis. Paedomorphs did not metamorphose more in the presence of fish, yet there was an interaction between sex and predation risk in metamorphosis timing. These results improve our understanding of the lower prevalence of paedomorphs in fish environments and of the female-biased sex ratios in natural populations of paedomorphic newts. Integrating sex-dependent payoffs of polyphenisms and dispersal across habitats is therefore essential to understand the evolution of these processes in response to environmental change.}, }
@article {pmid30807884, year = {2019}, author = {Baek, JT and Hong, JH and Tayyab, M and Kim, DW and Jeon, PR and Lee, CH}, title = {Continuous bubble reactor using carbon dioxide and its mixtures for ballast water treatment.}, journal = {Water research}, volume = {154}, number = {}, pages = {316-326}, doi = {10.1016/j.watres.2019.02.014}, pmid = {30807884}, issn = {1879-2448}, abstract = {The treatment of ballast water is indispensable for preventing ecological and economic damage from the spread of invasive species. In this study, a continuous gas bubble reactor (CBR) system was developed for the efficient disinfection of microorganisms in ballast water. Ballast water treatment (BWT) in the CBR was experimentally performed to disinfect Artemia salina in seawater by using 1) pure CO2 and 2) mixtures with CO2, N2, and/or SO2 as a simulated flue gas (CO2/N2: 20%/80% and CO2/N2/SO2: 19.2%/77.0%/3.8%). The BWT efficiency was improved with an increase in gas flowrate, residence time, gas pressure, and CO2 concentration in the gas. The toxicity of SO2 in the CO2 mixture significantly improved the mortality of microorganisms. Since good dispersion of bubbles and effective contact between bubbles and liquid were important factors in the BWT, a 100% mortality rate of microorganisms could be achieved by controlling the operating conditions in the vertical-type CBR with a counter-current flow between the gas bubbles and seawater. The CO2 gas distribution, CO2 solubility, and gas bubble size distribution in the CBR were determined using computational fluid dynamics (CFD) and experimentally confirmed using a high-speed camera. Since excess gas can be recovered from a gas-liquid separator before a ballast tank, the CBR system can be operated without using any toxic or explosive gases in an eco-friendly and energy saving manner.}, }
@article {pmid30805149, year = {2019}, author = {Bozorov, TA and Luo, Z and Li, X and Zhang, D}, title = {Agrilus mali Matsumara (Coleoptera: Buprestidae), a new invasive pest of wild apple in western China: DNA barcoding and life cycle.}, journal = {Ecology and evolution}, volume = {9}, number = {3}, pages = {1160-1172}, doi = {10.1002/ece3.4804}, pmid = {30805149}, issn = {2045-7758}, abstract = {Agrilus mali Matsumara (Coleoptera: Buprestidae) is a wood-boring beetle distributed to eastern China that occasionally injures apple species. However, this wood-boring beetle is new to the wild apple forests (Malus sieversii) of the Tianshan Mountains (western China) and has caused extensive tree mortality. The development of a biological control program for these wild apple forests is a high priority that requires exploration of the life cycle, DNA barcoding and taxonomic status of A. mali. In this study, to determine the diversity of invasive beetles, a fragment of the mitochondrial cytochrome oxidase gene was analyzed. Based on the results, beetles from Gongliu and Xinyuan counties of Xinjiang were identical but differed from those in the apple nursery of Gongliu by a single-nucleotide substitution. We summarize the taxonomic status, relationships, and genetic distances of A. mali among other Agrilus species using the Tajima-Nei model in maximum likelihood phylogeny. Analysis revealed that A. mali was closely related to Agrilus mendax and both belong to the Sinuatiagrulus subgenus. The life cycle of A. mali was investigated based on a monthly regular inspection in the wild apple forests of Tianshan. Similar to congeneric species, hosts are injured by larvae of A. mali feeding on phloem tissue, resulting in serpentine galleries constructed between bark and xylem that prevent nutrient transport and leading to tree mortality. Future studies will focus on plant physiological responses to the invasive beetles and include surveys of natural enemies for a potential classical biological control program.}, }
@article {pmid30805135, year = {2019}, author = {Crowther, LP and Wright, DJ and Richardson, DS and Carvell, C and Bourke, AFG}, title = {Spatial ecology of a range-expanding bumble bee pollinator.}, journal = {Ecology and evolution}, volume = {9}, number = {3}, pages = {986-997}, doi = {10.1002/ece3.4722}, pmid = {30805135}, issn = {2045-7758}, abstract = {Molecular methods have greatly increased our understanding of the previously cryptic spatial ecology of bumble bees (Bombus spp.), with knowledge of the spatial ecology of these bees being central to conserving their essential pollination services. Bombus hypnorum, the Tree Bumble Bee, is unusual in that it has recently rapidly expanded its range, having colonized much of the UK mainland since 2001. However, the spatial ecology of B. hypnorum has not previously been investigated. To address this issue, and to investigate whether specific features of the spatial ecology of B. hypnorum are associated with its rapid range expansion, we used 14 microsatellite markers to estimate worker foraging distance, nest density, between-year lineage survival rate and isolation by distance in a representative UK B. hypnorum population. After assigning workers to colonies based on full or half sibship, we estimated the mean colony-specific worker foraging distance as 103.6 m, considerably less than values reported from most other bumble bee populations. Estimated nest density was notably high (2.56 and 0.72 colonies ha-1 in 2014 and 2015, respectively), estimated between-year lineage survival rate was 0.07, and there was no evidence of fine-scale isolation by distance. In addition, genotyping stored sperm dissected from sampled queens confirmed polyandry in this population (mean minimum mating frequency of 1.7 males per queen). Overall, our findings establish critical spatial ecological parameters and the mating system of this unusual bumble bee population and suggest that short worker foraging distances and high nest densities are associated with its rapid range expansion.}, }
@article {pmid30804966, year = {2019}, author = {Linnakoski, R and Forbes, KM}, title = {Pathogens-The Hidden Face of Forest Invasions by Wood-Boring Insect Pests.}, journal = {Frontiers in plant science}, volume = {10}, number = {}, pages = {90}, doi = {10.3389/fpls.2019.00090}, pmid = {30804966}, issn = {1664-462X}, }
@article {pmid30803690, year = {2019}, author = {O'Brien, AL and Dafforn, KA and Chariton, AA and Johnston, EL and Mayer-Pinto, M}, title = {After decades of stressor research in urban estuarine ecosystems the focus is still on single stressors: A systematic literature review and meta-analysis.}, journal = {The Science of the total environment}, volume = {}, number = {}, pages = {}, doi = {10.1016/j.scitotenv.2019.02.131}, pmid = {30803690}, issn = {1879-1026}, abstract = {Natural systems are threatened by a variety of anthropogenic stressors and so understanding the interactive threats posed by multiple stressors is essential. In this study we focused on urban stressors that are ubiquitous to urban estuarine systems worldwide: elevated nutrients, toxic chemical contaminants, built infrastructure and non-indigenous species (NIS). We investigated structural (abundance, diversity and species richness) and functional endpoints (productivity, primary production (chlorophyll-a) and metabolism) commonly used to determine responses to these selected stressors. Through a systematic review of global literature, we found 579 studies of our selected stressors; 93% measured responses to a single stressor, with few assessing the effects of multiple stressors (7%). Structural endpoints were commonly used to measure the effects of stressors (49% of the total 579 studies). Whereas, functional endpoints were rarely assessed alone (10%) but rather in combination with structural endpoints (41%). Elevated nutrients followed by NIS were the most studied single stressors (43% and 16% of the 541 single stressor studies), while elevated nutrients and toxic contaminants were overwhelmingly the most common stressor combination (79% of the 38 multiple stressor studies); with NIS and built infrastructure representing major gaps in multi-stressor research. In the meta-analysis, structural endpoints tended to decrease, while functional endpoints increased and/or decreased in response to different types of organisms or groups. We predicted an antagonistic effect of elevated nutrients and toxic contaminants based on the opposing enriching versus toxic effects of this stressor combination. Of note, biodiversity was the only endpoint that revealed such an antagonistic response. Our results highlight the continuing paucity of multiple stressor studies and provide evidence for opposing patterns in the responses to single and interacting stressors depending on the measured endpoint. The latter is of significant consequence to understanding relevant impacts of stressors in coastal monitoring and management.}, }
@article {pmid30803661, year = {2019}, author = {Martínez-Laiz, G and Ulman, A and Ros, M and Marchini, A}, title = {Is recreational boating a potential vector for non-indigenous peracarid crustaceans in the Mediterranean Sea? A combined biological and social approach.}, journal = {Marine pollution bulletin}, volume = {140}, number = {}, pages = {403-415}, doi = {10.1016/j.marpolbul.2019.01.050}, pmid = {30803661}, issn = {1879-3363}, mesh = {Animals ; *Biofouling ; Crustacea/classification/*growth &amp; development ; Environmental Monitoring/*methods ; *Introduced Species ; Mediterranean Region ; Mediterranean Sea ; Recreation ; Travel ; *Water Sports ; }, abstract = {Shipping is understood to be a major vector for the introduction and spread of marine non-indigenous species (NIS). However, recreational boating is still unregulated and its influence as vector has not yet been assessed for the Mediterranean Sea, which is the second most popular recreational boating destination worldwide. This is the first large-scale study to examine this by a combined biological (analyzing hull and marina fouling) and social approach (boaters surveys on maintenance habits, travel patterns and awareness), focused on peracarid crustaceans. A surprisingly high number of NIS were found on vessels cruising Mediterranean waters, and species compositions suggest an exchange between marina and vessel assemblages. This means recreational boating presents a risk for NIS spread which should warrant regulation. Results also implied that regionally coordinated management should be supported by effective local-scale-based management in the Mediterranean, which could improve upon with targeted environmental education to solve lack of awareness.}, }
@article {pmid30800317, year = {2019}, author = {Mittan, CS and Zamudio, KR}, title = {Rapid adaptation to cold in the invasive cane toad Rhinella marina.}, journal = {Conservation physiology}, volume = {7}, number = {1}, pages = {coy075}, doi = {10.1093/conphys/coy075}, pmid = {30800317}, issn = {2051-1434}, abstract = {Understanding rapid adaptation to novel environments is essential as we face increasing climatic change. Invasive species are an ideal system for studying adaptation as they are typically introduced to novel environments where they must adapt if they are to persist. We used the invasive cane toad, Rhinella marina, to investigate the contribution of plasticity and evolution to rapid adaptation in a novel environment. Rhinella marina is a neotropical toad that has invaded areas with climates outside of its native environmental niche. The goal of this research was to understand how cane toads persist in northern Florida, the coldest region of their combined natural and invasive range, and originally thought to be beyond their thermal breadth. We measured Critical thermal minima in cane toads from the original, warm introduction location (Miami), and their northern range edge (Tampa) to determine whether northern toads were more cold-tolerant, and to examine the contribution of adaptive plasticity and evolution to any changes in tolerance. Our results show that following acclimation to cold temperatures, southern toads are less tolerant of cold than northern toads. This persistent population difference implies selection for cold-tolerance in northern populations. Differences in individual responses indicate that plasticity is also involved in this response. Our findings have implications for conservation because predatory cane toad invasions threaten local faunas, especially native amphibians. Characterizing specific adaptive mechanisms that allow R. marina to expand its range will identify evolutionary processes that shape a highly successful invasive species.}, }
@article {pmid30799852, year = {2019}, author = {Baedke, PE and Rucker, HR and Mason, RT and Parker, MR}, title = {Chemical Isolation, Quantification, and Separation of Skin Lipids from Reptiles.}, journal = {Journal of visualized experiments : JoVE}, volume = {}, number = {144}, pages = {}, doi = {10.3791/59018}, pmid = {30799852}, issn = {1940-087X}, abstract = {Reptiles signal to conspecifics using lipids in their skin, primarily to enable mate tracking and assessment. The isolation of these lipids has utility in research focused on evolutionary patterns and mechanisms of chemical communication, in addition to understanding the waterproofing role of lipids in the evolution of terrestrial life. In an applied approach, such skin-based cues have potential use for wildlife managers dealing with invasive species. The main steps for quantifying reptile skin lipids in the protocol presented here include extraction, total lipid determination, and fractionation via column chromatography, the latter process resulting in purified eluates of compounds which can then either be analyzed to assign compound identifications (e.g., gas chromatography-mass spectrometry [GC-MS]) and/or used directly in more refined bioassays. Skin lipids can be extracted from living skin, shed skin, or dead whole animals, using nonpolar organic solvents (e.g., hexane, benzene, toluene). Extraction solubilizes the lipids and, then, the solvent can be evaporated to yield a measurable lipid-only extract. Fractionation involves the separation of the total lipid extract into specific eluates via traditional column chromatography. The total lipid extract is first bound to a substrate-based column (e.g., alumina) and, then, individual eluates (&quot;fractions&quot;) of solvent at specific volumes are passed sequentially through the column to elute sets of compounds from the lipid mixture based on common polarity. The fractions progress in polarity at a standardized sequence by increasing the relative amount of polar solvent (e.g., diethyl ether) in nonpolar solvent. In this manuscript, we describe several methods for extracting skin lipids of reptiles and, then, provide a standard protocol for isolating different sets of compounds based on polarity, using traditional column chromatography. Whole lipid extracts or specific fractions can, then, be used in bioassays to determine any biological activity elicited by the compounds therein.}, }
@article {pmid30790940, year = {2019}, author = {Lis, JA and Whitehead, PF}, title = {Another alien bug in Europe: the first case of transcontinental introduction of the Asiatic burrower bug Macroscytus subaeneus (Dallas, 1851) (Hemiptera: Heteroptera: Cydnidae) to the U.K. through maritime transport.}, journal = {Zootaxa}, volume = {4555}, number = {4}, pages = {588-594}, doi = {10.11646/zootaxa.4555.4.10}, pmid = {30790940}, issn = {1175-5334}, mesh = {Animals ; Europe ; Female ; *Heteroptera ; Indonesia ; Philippines ; Thailand ; United Kingdom ; }, abstract = {The Oriental burrower bug Macroscytus subaeneus (Dallas, 1851) (Hemiptera: Heteroptera: Cydnidae: Cydninae), presently known only from single localities in Flores (Indonesia), the Philippines and Thailand, is recorded from the United Kingdom (hereafter U.K.). A single female specimen was collected on the semi-rural edge of Bath city by a Starling (Sturnus vulgaris L.) and taken to its nest from which it was retrieved during 2015. The specimen is illustrated and its diagnostic characters are provided. We hypothesize that this specimen could have been imported with a shipping container from Thailand.}, }
@article {pmid30790875, year = {2019}, author = {Huber, BA}, title = {The pholcid spiders of Sri Lanka (Araneae: Pholcidae).}, journal = {Zootaxa}, volume = {4550}, number = {1}, pages = {1-57}, doi = {10.11646/zootaxa.4550.1.1}, pmid = {30790875}, issn = {1175-5334}, mesh = {Animal Distribution ; Animals ; Biodiversity ; Female ; Introduced Species ; Male ; *Spiders ; Sri Lanka ; }, abstract = {As part of the Western Ghats-Sri Lanka biodiversity hotspot, Sri Lanka harbors a rich and diverse fauna, especially in the perhumid southwestern part of the island. However, many invertebrate groups such as spiders continue to be poorly studied. The present paper reviews our knowledge about Pholcidae, a family of spiders that is well represented in Sri Lanka, both by numerous (10) introduced species and by a rich native fauna in five genera (described native Sri Lankan species in parentheses): Belisana Thorell, 1898 (6), Leptopholcus Simon, 1893 (1), Pholcus Walckenaer, 1805 (4), Tissahamia Huber, 2018 (4), and Wanniyala Huber Benjamin, 2005 (9). Fourteen species are newly described: Belisana minneriya sp. n., B. badulla sp. n., B. gowindahela sp. n.; Pholcus metta sp. n., P. puranappui sp. n., P. uva sp. n.; Tissahamia karuna sp. n.; Wanniyala mudita sp. n., W. orientalis sp. n., W. upekkha sp. n., W. ohiya sp. n., W. viharekele sp. n., W. mapalena sp. n., and W. labugama sp. n.. All new species are described from males and females. New Sri Lankan records are given for 16 previously described species. Distribution data suggest that most or all of the 24 native species might be endemic to Sri Lanka, but the Indian pholcid fauna remains almost entirely unknown.}, }
@article {pmid30787301, year = {2019}, author = {Briscoe Runquist, RD and Lake, T and Tiffin, P and Moeller, DA}, title = {Species distribution models throughout the invasion history of Palmer amaranth predict regions at risk of future invasion and reveal challenges with modeling rapidly shifting geographic ranges.}, journal = {Scientific reports}, volume = {9}, number = {1}, pages = {2426}, doi = {10.1038/s41598-018-38054-9}, pmid = {30787301}, issn = {2045-2322}, abstract = {Palmer amaranth (Amaranthus palmeri) is an annual plant native to the desert Southwest of the United States and Mexico and has become invasive and caused large economic losses across much of the United States. In order to examine the temporal and spatial dynamics of past invasion, and to predict future invasion, we developed a broad array of species distribution models (SDMs). In particular, we constructed sequential SDMs throughout the invasion history and asked how well those predicted future invasion (1970 to present). We showed that invasion occurred from a restricted set of environments in the native range to a diverse set in the invaded range. Spatial autocorrelation analyses indicated that rapid range expansion was facilitated by stochastic, long-distance dispersal events. Regardless of SDM approach, all SDMs built using datasets from early in the invasion (1970-2010) performed poorly and failed to predict most of the current invaded range. Together, these results suggest that climate is unlikely to have influenced early stages of range expansion. SDMs that incorporated data from the most recent sampling (2011-2017) performed considerably better, predicted high suitability in regions that have recently become invaded, and identified mean annual temperature as a key factor limiting northward range expansion. Under future climates, models predicted both further northward range expansion and significantly increased suitability across large portions of the U.S. Overall, our results indicate significant challenges for SDMs of invasive species far from climate equilibrium. However, our models based on recent data make more robust predictions for northward range expansion of A. palmeri with climate change.}, }
@article {pmid30787138, year = {2019}, author = {Escobar-Camacho, D and Pierotti, MER and Ferenc, V and Sharpe, DMT and Ramos, E and Martins, C and Carleton, KL}, title = {Variable vision in variable environments: the visual system of an invasive cichlid (Cichla monoculus) in Lake Gatun, Panama.}, journal = {The Journal of experimental biology}, volume = {222}, number = {Pt 6}, pages = {}, doi = {10.1242/jeb.188300}, pmid = {30787138}, issn = {1477-9145}, abstract = {An adaptive visual system is essential for organisms inhabiting new or changing light environments. The Panama Canal exhibits such variable environments owing to its anthropogenic origin and current human activities. Within the Panama Canal, Lake Gatun harbors several exotic fish species including the invasive peacock bass (Cichla monoculus), a predatory Amazonian cichlid. In this research, through spectral measurements and molecular and physiological experiments, we studied the visual system of C. monoculus and its adaptive capabilities. Our results suggest that (1) Lake Gatun is a highly variable environment, where light transmission changes throughout the canal waterway, and that (2) C. monoculus has several visual adaptations suited for this red-shifted light environment. Cichla monoculus filters short wavelengths (∼400 nm) from the environment through its ocular media and tunes its visual sensitivities to the available light through opsin gene expression. More importantly, based on shifts in spectral sensitivities of photoreceptors alone, and on transcriptome analysis, C. monoculus exhibits extreme intraspecific variation in the use of vitamin A1/A2 chromophore in their photoreceptors. Fish living in turbid water had higher proportions of vitamin A2, shifting sensitivities to longer wavelengths, than fish living in clear water. Furthermore, we also found variation in retinal transcriptomes, where fish from turbid and clear waters exhibited differentially expressed genes that vary greatly in their function. We suggest that this phenotypic plasticity has been key in the invasion success of C. monoculus.}, }
@article {pmid30783123, year = {2019}, author = {Jones, GL and Tomlinson, M and Owen, R and Scullion, J and Winters, A and Jenkins, T and Ratcliffe, J and Gwynn-Jones, D}, title = {Shrub establishment favoured and grass dominance reduced in acid heath grassland systems cleared of invasive Rhododendron ponticum.}, journal = {Scientific reports}, volume = {9}, number = {1}, pages = {2239}, doi = {10.1038/s41598-019-38573-z}, pmid = {30783123}, issn = {2045-2322}, abstract = {Rhododendron ponticum L. is a damaging invasive alien species in Britain, favouring the moist, temperate climate, and the acidic soils of upland areas. It outshades other species and is thought to create a soil environment of low pH that may be higher in phytotoxic phenolic compounds. We investigated native vegetation restoration and R. ponticum regeneration post-clearance using heathland sites within Snowdonia National Park, Wales; one site had existing R. ponticum stands and three were restoring post-clearance. Each site also had an adjacent, uninvaded control for comparison. We assessed whether native vegetation restoration was influenced post-invasion by soil chemical properties, including pH and phytotoxic compounds, using Lactuca sativa L. (lettuce) bioassays supported by liquid chromatography-mass spectroscopy (LC-MSn). Cleared sites had higher shrub and bare ground cover, and lower grass and herbaceous species cover relative to adjacent uninvaded control sites; regenerating R. ponticum was also observed on all cleared sites. No phenolic compounds associated with R. ponticum were identified in any soil water leachates, and soil leachates from cleared sites had no inhibitory effect in L. sativa germination assays. We therefore conclude that reportedly phytotoxic compounds do not influence restoration post R. ponticum clearance. Soil pH however was lower beneath R. ponticum and on cleared sites, relative to adjacent uninvaded sites. The lower soil pH post-clearance may have favoured shrub species, which are typically tolerant of acidic soils. The higher shrub cover on cleared sites may have greater ecological value than unaffected grass dominated sites, particularly given the recent decline in such valuable heathland habitats. The presence of regenerating R. ponticum on all cleared sites however highlights the critical importance of monitoring and re-treating sites post initial clearance.}, }
@article {pmid30782117, year = {2019}, author = {Helsen, K and Hagenblad, J and Acharya, KP and Brunet, J and Cousins, SAO and Decocq, G and De Frenne, P and Kimberley, A and Kolb, A and Michaelis, J and Plue, J and Verheyen, K and Speed, JDM and Graae, BJ}, title = {No genetic erosion after five generations for Impatiens glandulifera populations across the invaded range in Europe.}, journal = {BMC genetics}, volume = {20}, number = {1}, pages = {20}, doi = {10.1186/s12863-019-0721-4}, pmid = {30782117}, issn = {1471-2156}, support = {81617824//Norges Teknisk-Naturvitenskapelige Universitet/ ; I.K. Lykke//Det Kongelige Norske Videnskabers Selskab/ ; }, abstract = {BACKGROUND: The observation that many alien species become invasive despite low genetic diversity has long been considered the 'genetic paradox' in invasion biology. This paradox is often resolved through the temporal buildup genetic diversity through multiple introduction events. These temporal dynamics in genetic diversity are especially important for annual invasive plants that lack a persistent seed bank, for which population persistence is strongly dependent on consecutive seed 're-establishment' in each growing season. Theory predicts that the number of seeds during re-establishment, and the levels of among-population gene flow can strongly affect recolonization dynamics, resulting in either an erosion or build-up of population genetic diversity through time. This study focuses on temporal changes in the population genetic structure of the annual invasive plant Impatiens glandulifera across Europe. We resampled 13 populations in 6 regions along a 1600 km long latitudinal gradient from northern France to central Norway after 5 years, and assessed population genetic diversity with 9 microsatellite markers.<br><br>RESULTS: Our study suggests sufficiently high numbers of genetically diverse founders during population re-establishment, which prevent the erosion of local genetic diversity. We furthermore observe that I. glandulifera experiences significant among-population gene flow, gradually resulting in higher genetic diversity and lower overall genetic differentiation through time. Nonetheless, moderate founder effects concerning population genetic composition (allele frequencies) were evident, especially for smaller populations. Despite the initially low genetic diversity, this species seems to be successful at persisting across its invaded range, and will likely continue to build up higher genetic diversity at the local scale.}, }
@article {pmid30779898, year = {2019}, author = {Seebens, H}, title = {Invasion Ecology: Expanding Trade and the Dispersal of Alien Species.}, journal = {Current biology : CB}, volume = {29}, number = {4}, pages = {R120-R122}, doi = {10.1016/j.cub.2018.12.047}, pmid = {30779898}, issn = {1879-0445}, abstract = {China's ambitious aspirations to build a modern Silk Road will open new avenues for species to spread into regions outside their native range. A new study identifies 14 hot spots of biological invasions falling along the planned economic corridors.}, }
@article {pmid30775165, year = {2019}, author = {Morim, T and Bigg, GR and Madeira, PM and Palma, J and Duvernell, DD and Gisbert, E and Cunha, RL and Castilho, R}, title = {Invasion genetics of the mummichog (Fundulus heteroclitus): recent anthropogenic introduction in Iberia.}, journal = {PeerJ}, volume = {7}, number = {}, pages = {e6155}, doi = {10.7717/peerj.6155}, pmid = {30775165}, issn = {2167-8359}, abstract = {Human activities such as trade and transport have increased considerably in the last decades, greatly facilitating the introduction and spread of non-native species at a global level. In the Iberian Peninsula, Fundulus heteroclitus, a small euryhaline coastal fish with short dispersal, was found for the first time in the mid-1970s. Since then, F. heteroclitus has undergone range expansions, colonizing the southern region of Portugal, southwestern coast of Spain and the Ebro Delta in the Mediterranean Sea. Cytochrome b sequences were used to elucidate the species invasion pathway in Iberia. Three Iberian locations (Faro, Cádiz and Ebro Delta) and 13 other locations along the native range of F. heteroclitus in North America were sampled. Results revealed a single haplotype, common to all invasive populations, which can be traced to the northern region of the species' native range. We posit that the origin of the founder individuals is between New York and Nova Scotia. Additionally, the lack of genetic structure within Iberia is consistent with a recent invasion scenario and a strong founder effect. We suggest the most probable introduction vector is associated with the aquarium trade. We further discuss the hypothesis of a second human-mediated introduction responsible for the establishment of individuals in the Ebro Delta supported by the absence of adequate muddy habitats linking Cádiz and the Ebro Delta. Although the species has a high tolerance to salinity and temperature, ecological niche modelling indicates that benthic habitat constraints prevent along-shore colonisation suggesting that such expansions would need to be aided by human release.}, }
@article {pmid30772710, year = {2019}, author = {Zhang, KM and Shen, Y and Yang, J and Miu, X and Bhowmik, PC and Zhou, X and Fang, YM and Xing, BS}, title = {The defense system for Bidens pilosa root exudate treatments in Pteris multifida gametophyte.}, journal = {Ecotoxicology and environmental safety}, volume = {173}, number = {}, pages = {203-213}, doi = {10.1016/j.ecoenv.2019.01.097}, pmid = {30772710}, issn = {1090-2414}, abstract = {According to the novel weapons hypothesis, root exudates are the inhibition factors for native species growth and development through invasive plants. It is hypothesized that antioxidant system (AOS) presents an effective role in plant defense system. The allelopathy indexes of P. multifida gametophyte biomass and sporogonium conversions rates turn negative with the dose and time effects, and the synthetical allelopathic effect index was -55.07% at 100% treatments under root exudates treatments. Under transmission electron microscopy, the cell structures turn burry. Next, AOS and programmed cell death (PCD) were tested in this study. In AOS, strong activities of superoxide dismutase, catalase, glutathione reductase and glutathione S-transferase (GST) were identified in gametophyte cells under the treatments, as well as the contents of glutathione, ascorbic acid and reduced ascorbate, while GPX activity decreased. Based on the input (SOD activity) and the output (GST activity) of antioxidant system, and the decreasing system control would be a reason leading gametophyte death under root exudates. At day 10, PCD would get its peak of 46.93% at 100% root exudates. We found a dynamic balance of PCD and AOS under the exudates treatments. We detected hexadecanoic acid, ethylene glycol and undecane are three major chemicals in root exudates. Our results provide a reference of AOS and PCD working under root exudates treatments in plants and offer novel strategy for the native species protection and invasion plants control in environment science.}, }
@article {pmid30772562, year = {2019}, author = {Sousa, R and Nogueira, JG and Ferreira, A and Carvalho, F and Lopes-Lima, M and Varandas, S and Teixeira, A}, title = {A tale of shells and claws: The signal crayfish as a threat to the pearl mussel Margaritifera margaritifera in Europe.}, journal = {The Science of the total environment}, volume = {665}, number = {}, pages = {329-337}, doi = {10.1016/j.scitotenv.2019.02.094}, pmid = {30772562}, issn = {1879-1026}, mesh = {Animals ; Astacoidea/*physiology ; Bivalvia/*physiology ; *Endangered Species ; *Environmental Monitoring ; *Introduced Species ; Portugal ; }, abstract = {The freshwater pearl mussel Margaritifera margaritifera is a highly threatened species in Europe. Several mechanisms may be responsible for the decline in distribution and abundance of European pearl mussel populations, but almost no quantitative data exists about the possible negative impacts of invasive alien species (IAS). In this study, we clearly demonstrate that the invasive signal crayfish Pacifastacus leniusculus predates pearl mussels, using a laboratorial experiment followed by in situ validation in four rivers in the North of Portugal (Mente, Rabaçal, Tuela and Baceiro Rivers; Douro Basin). In the laboratory, the crayfish had a clear preference for small-sized pearl mussels but no differences in predation were found in mesocosms with and without sediment. In addition, we clearly demonstrated that the signal crayfish predates pearl mussels in natural conditions and detected a significant density dependent effect (i.e., sites with more crayfish presented higher number of pearl mussel shells with marks of predation). Given the recent introduction of the signal crayfish and the potential negative impacts on pearl mussel populations we also investigated its autoecology (distribution, abundance, size structure and sex-ratio) in the four studied rivers. Significant differences in average abundance and size of the crayfish were detected between sites and the sex-ratio was highly skewed to females. In view of the widespread distribution of signal crayfish (and other invasive crayfish species) in Europe, future management actions devoted to the conservation of pearl mussels should take in consideration the possible negative effects of these predators, especially on juveniles.}, }
@article {pmid30770146, year = {2018}, author = {Wilkie, MP and Hubert, TD and Boogaard, MA and Birceanu, O}, title = {Control of invasive sea lampreys using the piscicides TFM and niclosamide: Toxicology, successes &amp; future prospects.}, journal = {Aquatic toxicology (Amsterdam, Netherlands)}, volume = {}, number = {}, pages = {}, doi = {10.1016/j.aquatox.2018.12.012}, pmid = {30770146}, issn = {1879-1514}, abstract = {The invasion of the Laurentian Great Lakes of North America by sea lampreys (Petromyzon marinus) in the early 20th century contributed to the depletion of commercial, recreational and culturally important fish populations, devastating the economies of communities that relied on the fishery. Sea lamprey populations were subsequently controlled using an aggressive integrated pest-management program which employed barriers and traps to prevent sea lamprey from migrating to their spawning grounds and the use of the piscicides (lampricides) 3-trifluoromethyl-4-nitrophenol (TFM) and niclosamide to eliminate larval sea lampreys from their nursery streams. Although sea lampreys have not been eradicated from the Great Lakes, populations have been suppressed to less than 10% of their peak numbers in the mid-1900s. The ongoing use of lampricides provides the foundation for sea lamprey control in the Great Lakes, one of the most successful invasive species control programs in the world. Yet, significant gaps remain in our understanding of how lampricides are taken-up and handled by sea lampreys, how lampricides exert their toxic effects, and how they adversely affect non-target invertebrate and vertebrates species. In this review we examine what has been learned about the uptake, handling and elimination, and the mode of TFM and niclosamide toxicity in lampreys and in non-target animals, particularly in the last 10 years. It is now clear that the mode of TFM toxicity is the same in non-target fishes and lampreys, in which TFM interferes with oxidative phosphorylation by the mitochondria leading to decreased ATP production. Vulnerability to TFM is related to abiotic factors such as water pH and alkalinity, which we propose changes the relative amounts of the bioavailable un-ionized form of TFM in the gill microenvironment. Niclosamide, which is also a molluscicide used to control snails in areas prone to schistosomiasis infections of humans, also likely works by uncoupling oxidative phosphorylation, but less is known about other aspects of its toxicology. The effects of TFM include reductions in energy stores, particularly glycogen and high energy phosphagens. However, non-target fishes readily recover from sub-lethal TFM exposure as demonstrated by the rapid restoration of energy stores and clearance of TFM. Although both TFM and niclosamide are non-persistent in the environment and critical for sea lamprey control, increasing public and institutional concerns about pesticides in the environment makes it imperative to explore other means of sea lamprey control. Accordingly, we also address possible &quot;next-generation&quot; strategies of sea lamprey control including genetic tools such as RNA interference and CRISPR-Cas9 to impair critical physiological processes (e.g. reproduction, digestion, metamorphosis) in lamprey, and the use of green chemistry to develop more environmentally benign chemical methods of sea lamprey control.}, }
@article {pmid30767891, year = {2019}, author = {Prowse, TA and Adikusuma, F and Cassey, P and Thomas, P and Ross, JV}, title = {A Y-chromosome shredding gene drive for controlling pest vertebrate populations.}, journal = {eLife}, volume = {8}, number = {}, pages = {}, doi = {10.7554/eLife.41873}, pmid = {30767891}, issn = {2050-084X}, abstract = {Self-replicating gene drives that modify sex ratios or infer a fitness cost could be used to control populations of invasive alien species. The targeted deletion of Y sex chromosomes using CRISPR technology offers a new approach for sex bias that could be incorporated within gene-drive designs. We introduce a novel gene-drive strategy termed Y-CHromosome deletion using Orthogonal Programmable Endonucleases (Y-CHOPE), incorporating a programmable endonuclease that 'shreds' the Y chromosome, thereby converting XY males into fertile XO females. Firstly, we demonstrate that the CRISPR/Cas12a system can eliminate the Y chromosome in embryonic stem cells with high efficiency (c. 90%). Next, using stochastic, individual-based models of a pest mouse population, we show that a Y-shredding drive that progressively depletes the pool of XY males could effect population eradication through mate limitation. Our molecular and modeling data suggest that a Y-CHOPE gene drive could be a viable tool for vertebrate pest control.}, }
@article {pmid30766418, year = {2019}, author = {Egizi, AM and Robbins, RG and Beati, L and Nava, S and Vans, CR and Occi, JL and Fonseca, DM}, title = {A pictorial key to differentiate the recently detected exotic Haemaphysalislongicornis Neumann, 1901 (Acari, Ixodidae) from native congeners in North America.}, journal = {ZooKeys}, volume = {}, number = {818}, pages = {117-128}, doi = {10.3897/zookeys.818.30448}, pmid = {30766418}, issn = {1313-2989}, abstract = {Until recently, only two haemaphysaline species, Haemaphysalischordeilis (Packard, 1869) and Haemaphysalisleporispalustris (Packard, 1869), were known to occur in the United States, and neither was considered to be of significant medical or veterinary importance. In 2017-2018 established populations of the Asian longhorned tick, Haemaphysalislongicornis Neumann, 1901, were detected in the eastern US for the first time. Haemaphysalislongicornis has the potential to be a significant threat to human and animal health, and the urgent need to determine the full extent of its distribution and host range requires availability of a straightforward and practical guide to differentiate it from native species. We created a pictorial dichotomous key to all stages of Haemaphysalis spp. known to occur in North America with scanning electron photomicrographs of all H.longicornis life stages, including rarely seen males, to aid researchers in differentiating these species. The largely Neotropical species Haemaphysalisjuxtakochi Cooley, 1946, with established populations in Mexico and sporadic detections in the US on migrating birds is also included.}, }
@article {pmid30765607, year = {2019}, author = {Alves, JM and Carneiro, M and Cheng, JY and Lemos de Matos, A and Rahman, MM and Loog, L and Campos, PF and Wales, N and Eriksson, A and Manica, A and Strive, T and Graham, SC and Afonso, S and Bell, DJ and Belmont, L and Day, JP and Fuller, SJ and Marchandeau, S and Palmer, WJ and Queney, G and Surridge, AK and Vieira, FG and McFadden, G and Nielsen, R and Gilbert, MTP and Esteves, PJ and Ferrand, N and Jiggins, FM}, title = {Parallel adaptation of rabbit populations to myxoma virus.}, journal = {Science (New York, N.Y.)}, volume = {363}, number = {6433}, pages = {1319-1326}, doi = {10.1126/science.aau7285}, pmid = {30765607}, issn = {1095-9203}, support = {R01 AI080607/AI/NIAID NIH HHS/United States ; //Wellcome Trust/United Kingdom ; //European Research Council/International ; }, abstract = {In the 1950s the myxoma virus was released into European rabbit populations in Australia and Europe, decimating populations and resulting in the rapid evolution of resistance. We investigated the genetic basis of resistance by comparing the exomes of rabbits collected before and after the pandemic. We found a strong pattern of parallel evolution, with selection on standing genetic variation favoring the same alleles in Australia, France, and the United Kingdom. Many of these changes occurred in immunity-related genes, supporting a polygenic basis of resistance. We experimentally validated the role of several genes in viral replication and showed that selection acting on an interferon protein has increased the protein's antiviral effect.}, }
@article {pmid30763312, year = {2019}, author = {Amraoui, F and Ben Ayed, W and Madec, Y and Faraj, C and Himmi, O and Btissam, A and Sarih, M and Failloux, AB}, title = {Potential of Aedes albopictus to cause the emergence of arboviruses in Morocco.}, journal = {PLoS neglected tropical diseases}, volume = {13}, number = {2}, pages = {e0006997}, doi = {10.1371/journal.pntd.0006997}, pmid = {30763312}, issn = {1935-2735}, mesh = {Aedes/*virology ; Animals ; Arboviruses/*physiology ; Cercopithecus aethiops ; Female ; Morocco ; Mosquito Vectors/*virology ; Vero Cells ; }, abstract = {In 2015, the mosquito Aedes albopictus was detected in Rabat, Morocco. This invasive species can be involved in the transmission of more than 25 arboviruses. It is known that each combination of mosquito population and virus genotype leads to a specific interaction that can shape the outcome of infection. Testing the vector competence of local mosquitoes is therefore a prerequisite to assess the risks of emergence. A field-collected strain of Ae. albopictus from Morocco was experimentally infected with dengue (DENV), chikungunya (CHIKV), zika (ZIKV) and yellow fever (YFV) viruses. We found that this species can highly transmit CHIKV and to a lesser extent, DENV, ZIKV and YFV. Viruses can be detected in mosquito saliva at day 3 (CHIKV), day 14 (DENV and YFV), and day 21 (ZIKV) post-infection. These results suggest that the local transmission of these four arboviruses by Ae. albopictus newly introduced in Morocco is a likely scenario. Trial registration: ClinicalTrials.gov APAFIS#6573-201606l412077987v2.}, }
@article {pmid30753676, year = {2019}, author = {Cooperband, MF and Wickham, J and Cleary, K and Spichiger, SE and Zhang, L and Baker, J and Canlas, I and Derstine, N and Carrillo, D}, title = {Discovery of Three Kairomones in Relation to Trap and Lure Development for Spotted Lanternfly (Hemiptera: Fulgoridae).}, journal = {Journal of economic entomology}, volume = {112}, number = {2}, pages = {671-682}, doi = {10.1093/jee/toy412}, pmid = {30753676}, issn = {1938-291X}, abstract = {The spotted lanternfly, Lycorma delicatula (White), is an invasive phloem feeder recently introduced into North America that attacks a broad range of woody plants. When feeding in large numbers, they can seriously damage or kill a tree. Their preferred host is the invasive tree-of-heaven, Ailanthus altissima Swingle (Sapindales: Simaroubaceae), but they are serious pests of grape, Vitis vinifera L. (Vitales: Vitaceae) and a number of other commercially important host plants. Volatile collections were conducted on tree-of-heaven and grape, and the most abundant compounds from these plants present in samples and indicated in the literature were tested for attraction in the laboratory and field. Three compounds, methyl salicylate, (Z)-3-hexenol, and (E,E)-α-farnesene, were found to be highly attractive in laboratory behavioral bioassays. Methyl salicylate was attractive to all stages of L. delicatula, whereas the youngest nymphs were not as attracted to (Z)-3-hexenol or (E,E)-α-farnesene in laboratory bioassays. When comparing individual compounds, methyl salicylate attracted the most L. delicatula. Methyl salicylate lures in the field produced a two- to four-fold increase in captures compared with unbaited controls, and field testing also revealed a significant positive dose response. Of the several types of sticky bands tested, Web-Cote Industries sticky bands were found to be most efficient at trapping L. delicatula adults and nymphs.}, }
@article {pmid30753385, year = {2019}, author = {Jennings, DE and Wang, XY and Duan, JJ}, title = {Influence of Density on Interspecific Competition Between Spathius galinae (Hymenoptera: Braconidae) and Tetrastichus planipennisi (Hymenoptera: Eulophidae), Larval Parasitoids of the Invasive Emerald Ash Borer (Coleoptera: Buprestidae).}, journal = {Environmental entomology}, volume = {48}, number = {2}, pages = {404-409}, doi = {10.1093/ee/nvz008}, pmid = {30753385}, issn = {1938-2936}, abstract = {The outcomes of interspecific interactions between parasitoids depend on a variety of factors. Understanding the influence of these factors is important for classical biological control, where the success of parasitoid releases partly depends on interactions with native and other introduced species. However, results from laboratory experiments may not always reflect those in the field, as densities may be artificially inflated. To mitigate this problem, we examined the effects of multiple densities on interspecific competition between two larval parasitoids of emerald ash borer (Agrilus planipennis Fairmaire): Spathius galinae Belokobylskij and Tetrastichus planipennisi Yang. Parasitoid species were housed individually or together at two different densities, and we measured the effects on percent parasitism and progeny production, before calculating the interaction strengths. We found no significant effects of parasitoid density on percent parasitism, but the effect of competition on parasitism generally was reduced at lower densities. However, there were significant differences in parasitism by species, with S. galinae parasitizing more larvae than T. planipennisi. There were also no significant effects of parasitoid density on the number of progeny produced by each species, though the effect of competition on progeny production was greater at higher densities. Similarly, though, there were significant differences between species in the number of progeny produced. Specifically, T. planipennisi consistently produced larger broods than S. galinae. Our findings complement existing research suggesting that competition between these two species in the field will likely be negligible.}, }
@article {pmid30746437, year = {2019}, author = {Araújo, MB and Anderson, RP and Márcia Barbosa, A and Beale, CM and Dormann, CF and Early, R and Garcia, RA and Guisan, A and Maiorano, L and Naimi, B and O'Hara, RB and Zimmermann, NE and Rahbek, C}, title = {Standards for distribution models in biodiversity assessments.}, journal = {Science advances}, volume = {5}, number = {1}, pages = {eaat4858}, doi = {10.1126/sciadv.aat4858}, pmid = {30746437}, issn = {2375-2548}, abstract = {Demand for models in biodiversity assessments is rising, but which models are adequate for the task? We propose a set of best-practice standards and detailed guidelines enabling scoring of studies based on species distribution models for use in biodiversity assessments. We reviewed and scored 400 modeling studies over the past 20 years using the proposed standards and guidelines. We detected low model adequacy overall, but with a marked tendency of improvement over time in model building and, to a lesser degree, in biological data and model evaluation. We argue that implementation of agreed-upon standards for models in biodiversity assessments would promote transparency and repeatability, eventually leading to higher quality of the models and the inferences used in assessments. We encourage broad community participation toward the expansion and ongoing development of the proposed standards and guidelines.}, }
@article {pmid30744887, year = {2019}, author = {He, C and Liang, J and Liu, S and Wang, S and Wu, Q and Xie, W and Zhang, Y}, title = {Changes in the expression of four ABC transporter genes in response to imidacloprid in Bemisia tabaci Q (Hemiptera: Aleyrodidae).}, journal = {Pesticide biochemistry and physiology}, volume = {153}, number = {}, pages = {136-143}, doi = {10.1016/j.pestbp.2018.11.014}, pmid = {30744887}, issn = {1095-9939}, mesh = {ATP-Binding Cassette Transporters/*genetics ; Abdomen ; Animals ; Female ; Gene Expression Regulation/*drug effects ; Head ; Hemiptera/*drug effects/physiology ; Insect Proteins/*genetics ; Insecticides/*pharmacology ; Male ; Neonicotinoids/*pharmacology ; Nitro Compounds/*pharmacology ; Thorax ; }, abstract = {Bemisia tabaci (Gennadius) (Hemiptera: Aleyrodidae), a globally invasive species complex that causes serious damage to field crops, has developed resistance to imidacloprid and many other pesticides. Insect detoxify to pesticides may partially depend on ABC transporters, which contribute to the detoxification of xenobiotics. To determine whether genes in the ABCG subfamily are involved in imidacloprid detoxification in B. tabaci Q, we cloned four ABCG subfamily genes based on the published MED/Q genome and on our previous study of the transcriptional response of ABC transporters in B. tabaci Q adults to imidacloprid. As indicated by the quantification of mRNA levels after a 6-h exposure, the expression level of ABCG3 was 3.3-fold higher in B. tabaci Q adults exposed to 100 μg/mL imidacloprid rather than to the buffer control. The expression level of ABCG3 was higher in females than in males but did not significantly differ among eggs or nymphal stages and did not significantly differ among head, thorax, and abdomen tissues of adults. Knockdown of ABCG3 via RNA interference significantly increased the mortality of imidacloprid-treated laboratory and field-collected adults of B. tabaci Q. These results indicate that the ABCG3 gene may be involved in imidacloprid detoxification by B. tabaci Q.}, }
@article {pmid30744707, year = {2019}, author = {Augustinos, AA and Moraiti, CA and Drosopoulou, E and Kounatidis, I and Mavragani-Tsipidou, P and Bourtzis, K and Papadopoulos, NT}, title = {Old residents and new arrivals of Rhagoletis species in Europe.}, journal = {Bulletin of entomological research}, volume = {}, number = {}, pages = {1-12}, doi = {10.1017/S0007485319000063}, pmid = {30744707}, issn = {1475-2670}, abstract = {The genus Rhagoletis (Diptera: Tephritidae) comprises more than 65 species distributed throughout Europe, Asia and America, including many species of high economic importance. Currently, there are three Rhagoletis species that infest fruits and nuts in Europe. The European cherry fruit fly, Rhagoletis cerasi (may have invaded Europe a long time ago from the Caucasian area of West Asia), and two invasive species (recently introduced from North America): the eastern American cherry fruit fly, R. cingulata, and the walnut husk fly, R. completa. The presence of different Rhagoletis species may enhance population dynamics and establish an unpredictable economic risk for several fruit and nut crops in Europe. Despite their excessive economic importance, little is known on population dynamics, genetics and symbiotic associations for making sound pest control decisions in terms of species-specific, environmental friendly pest control methods. To this end, the current paper (a) summarizes recently accumulated genetic and population data for the European Rhagoletis species and their association with the endosymbiont Wolbachia pipientis, and (b) explores the possibility of using the current knowledge for implementing the innovative biological control methods of sterile insect technique and incompatible insect technique.}, }
@article {pmid30742814, year = {2019}, author = {Barnes, CL and Blay, NW and Wilder, SM}, title = {Upper thermal tolerances of different life stages, sexes, and species of widow spiders (Araneae, Theridiidae).}, journal = {Journal of insect physiology}, volume = {114}, number = {}, pages = {10-14}, doi = {10.1016/j.jinsphys.2019.02.004}, pmid = {30742814}, issn = {1879-1611}, abstract = {Temperature strongly influences the physiology and behavior of ectotherms. Persistence within different environments can be limited by thermal tolerances. These thermal tolerances can also shift through life stages and differ between sexes. The critical thermal maximum (CTMax) defines the temperature at which animals experience unorganized locomotion or spasms. In this study, we tested if CTMax varied between a native and an invasive widow species. We separately tested if CTMax varied by widow life stage and sex. We predicted that the invasive species would have higher CTMax due to originally inhabiting warmer climates. We also predicted that juveniles and male widows would possess higher CTMax because they are more mobile and could experience a greater scope of thermal extremes throughout landscapes. We did not find a difference in CTMax between the species, but we did find differences across development stages. Temperature of spasms and death decreased with developmental stages, which corresponds with previous studies in spiders. Future studies of ontogenic and interspecific comparisons will be crucial for more broadly understanding how upper tolerances shapes species persistence in changing climates or ability to invade new habitats.}, }
@article {pmid30740563, year = {2018}, author = {Chen, G and Sun, W}, title = {The role of botanical gardens in scientific research, conservation, and citizen science.}, journal = {Plant diversity}, volume = {40}, number = {4}, pages = {181-188}, doi = {10.1016/j.pld.2018.07.006}, pmid = {30740563}, issn = {2468-2659}, abstract = {Plant diversity is currently being lost at an unprecedented rate, resulting in an associated decrease in ecosystem services. About a third of the world's vascular plant species face the threat of extinction due to a variety of devastating activities, including, over-harvesting and over exploitation, destructive agricultural and forestry practices, urbanization, environmental pollution, land-use changes, exotic invasive species, global climate change, and more. We therefore need to increase our efforts to develop integrative conservation approaches for plant species conservation. Botanical gardens devote their resources to the study and conservation of plants, as well as making the world's plant species diversity known to the public. These gardens also play a central role in meeting human needs and providing well-being. In this minireview, a framework for the integrated missions of botanical gardens, including scientific research, in/ex situ conservation, plant resource utilization, and citizen science are cataloged. By reviewing the history of the development of Kunming Botanical Garden, we illustrate successful species conservation approaches (among others, projects involving Camellia, Rhododendron, Magnolia, Begonia, Allium, Nepenthes, medicinal plants, ornamental plants, and Plant Species with Extreme Small Populations), as well as citizen science, and scientific research at Kunming Botanical Garden over the past 80 years. We emphasize that Kunming Botanical Garden focuses largely on the ex situ conservation of plants from Southwest China, especially those endangered, endemic, and economically important plant species native to the Yunnan Plateau and the southern Hengduan Mountains. We also discuss the future challenges and responsibilities of botanical gardens in a changing world, including: the negative effects of outbreeding and/or inbreeding depression; promoting awareness, study, and conservation of plant species diversity; accelerating global access to information about plant diversity; increasing capacity building and training activities. We hope this minireview can promote understanding of the role of botanical gardens.}, }
@article {pmid30739983, year = {2019}, author = {Connolly, J and Watkins, JM and Hinchey, EK and Rudstam, LG and Reid, JW}, title = {The Asian cyclopoid copepod Mesocyclops pehpeiensis reported from the western basin of Lake Erie.}, journal = {Journal of Great Lakes research}, volume = {45}, number = {1}, pages = {196-201}, doi = {10.1016/j.jglr.2018.11.005}, pmid = {30739983}, issn = {0380-1330}, support = {EPA999999//Intramural EPA/United States ; }, abstract = {The Asian cyclopoid copepod Mesocyclops pehpeiensis Hu, 1943 has been reported as an introduced species at several locations in the western hemisphere. In the United States, reports of this exotic species are restricted to localities in Louisiana, Mississippi, and Washington D.C. This report documents a new record of occurrence for M. pehpeiensis from the western basin of Lake Erie. The detection of M. pehpeiensis in Lake Erie constitutes the first record of this species from the Laurentian Great Lakes, and the northernmost record in the western hemisphere. The species was found in 2016, 2017 and 2018, including females with egg sacks, and can therefore be considered established in the area. The occurrence of M. pehpeiensis in Lake Erie suggests that this Asian copepod may be more widely distributed in North America than is currently understood.}, }
@article {pmid30739151, year = {2019}, author = {Balasubramanyam, V and Wilhelm Stanis, S and Morgan, M and Ojewola, O}, title = {Climate Change Communication in the Midwestern United States: Perceptions of State Park Interpreters.}, journal = {Environmental management}, volume = {}, number = {}, pages = {}, doi = {10.1007/s00267-019-01142-1}, pmid = {30739151}, issn = {1432-1009}, support = {IIA-1355406//National Science Foundation/ ; }, abstract = {Parks and protected areas can be ideal settings for climate change communication since many visitors have an affinity for natural and cultural settings, and an interest in resource protection. However, climate-based education efforts in the Midwestern United States may need a slightly different approach since this region lacks obvious indicators, such as sea level rise and melting glaciers. Interpretation, an informal communication process designed to transmit scientific information to visitors in leisure-based settings, could be a useful strategy for engaging visitors in climate change discussions. Few studies have assessed perceptions of interpreters on this topic, much less, their willingness to communicate such information. To address this issue, a mixed methods approach (surveys, interviews, photovoice) was used to examine interpreters' perceptions of climate change and its impacts in Missouri State Park and Historic Sites. Although nearly 70% of interpreters were either alarmed or concerned about climate change, many of them were unsure about its causation. Interpreters report observing impacts such as flooding, earlier plant blooming, high temperatures, extreme weather, and invasive species, but were uncertain about attributing these impacts to climate change. Interpreters did not believe that visitors would be responsive to climate-based education per se but thought the topic could be addressed in pre-existing programs and activities. Rather than discussing complex science with visitors, interpreters felt more comfortable with conveying the significance of resources at their sites. Implications from this study include acknowledging multiple viewpoints, framing strategic messages, and developing place-based educational materials.}, }
@article {pmid30738853, year = {2019}, author = {Ding, L and Li, W and Li, N and Liang, L and Zhang, X and Jin, H and Shi, H and Storey, KB and Hong, M}, title = {Antioxidant responses to salinity stress in an invasive species, the red-eared slider (Trachemys scripta elegans) and involvement of a TOR-Nrf2 signaling pathway.}, journal = {Comparative biochemistry and physiology. Toxicology &amp; pharmacology : CBP}, volume = {219}, number = {}, pages = {59-67}, doi = {10.1016/j.cbpc.2019.02.004}, pmid = {30738853}, issn = {1532-0456}, mesh = {Animals ; Antioxidants/*metabolism ; Gene Expression Regulation/drug effects ; Introduced Species ; NF-E2-Related Factor 2/genetics/*metabolism ; *Salinity ; Signal Transduction/drug effects ; Sodium Chloride/toxicity ; Stress, Physiological ; TOR Serine-Threonine Kinases/genetics/*metabolism ; *Turtles ; }, abstract = {The red-eared slider (Trachemys scripta elegans), a freshwater turtle, is an invasive species in many parts of the world where it survives in both freshwater and coastal saline habitats. High salinity can induce reactive oxygen species (ROS) production and lead to oxidative damage. In this study, we investigate the antioxidant defense mechanisms of T. s. elegans in response to salinity stress. The results showed that the mRNA expression levels of superoxide dismutase (SODs), catalase (CAT) and glutathione peroxidase (GSH-PXs) were significantly increased in both 5 psu and 15 psu groups at the early stages of salinity exposure (generally 6-48 h), but typically returned to control levels after the longest 30 d exposure. In addition, hepatic and cardiac mRNA levels of the NF-E2-related factor 2 (Nrf2), showed a similar upregulation as an early response to stress, but decreased at 30 d in the 5 psu and 15 psu groups. The mRNA levels of the negative regulator of Nrf2, kelch-like ECH associating protein 1 (Keap1), exhibited the opposite pattern. Moreover, mRNA expression levels of target of rapamycin (TOR) and ribosomal protein S6 kinase 1 (S6K1) in liver and heart showed roughly similar patterns to those for Nrf2. Furthermore, the content of malondialdehyde (MDA) was significantly increased in liver, especially in the 15 psu group by ~2.5-fold. Taken together, these results indicate that T. s. elegans may activate the TOR-Nrf2 pathway to modulate antioxidant genes transcription in order to promote enhanced antioxidant defense in response to salinity stress.}, }
@article {pmid30728252, year = {2019}, author = {Kerr, PJ and Eden, JS and Di Giallonardo, F and Peacock, D and Liu, J and Strive, T and Read, AF and Holmes, EC}, title = {Punctuated Evolution of Myxoma Virus: Rapid and Disjunct Evolution of a Recent Viral Lineage in Australia.}, journal = {Journal of virology}, volume = {93}, number = {8}, pages = {}, doi = {10.1128/JVI.01994-18}, pmid = {30728252}, issn = {1098-5514}, abstract = {Myxoma virus (MYXV) has been evolving in a novel host species-European rabbits-in Australia since 1950. Previous studies of viruses sampled from 1950 to 1999 revealed a remarkably clock-like evolutionary process across all Australian lineages of MYXV. Through an analysis of 49 newly generated MYXV genome sequences isolated in Australia between 2008 and 2017, we show that MYXV evolution in Australia can be characterized by three lineages, one of which exhibited a greatly elevated rate of evolutionary change and a dramatic breakdown of temporal structure. Phylogenetic analysis revealed that this apparently punctuated evolutionary event occurred between 1996 and 2012. The branch leading to the rapidly evolving lineage contained a relatively high number of nonsynonymous substitutions, and viruses in this lineage reversed a mutation found in the progenitor standard laboratory strain (SLS) and all previous sequences that disrupts the reading frame of the M005L/R gene. Analysis of genes encoding proteins involved in DNA synthesis or RNA transcription did not reveal any mutations likely to cause rapid evolution. Although there was some evidence for recombination across the MYXV phylogeny, this was not associated with the increase in the evolutionary rate. The period from 1996 to 2012 saw significant declines in wild rabbit numbers, due to the introduction of rabbit hemorrhagic disease and prolonged drought in southeastern Australia, followed by the partial recovery of populations. It is therefore possible that a rapidly changing environment for virus transmission changed the selection pressures faced by MYXV, altering the course and pace of virus evolution.IMPORTANCE The coevolution of myxoma virus (MYXV) and European rabbits in Australia is one of the most important natural experiments in evolutionary biology, providing insights into virus adaptation to new hosts and the evolution of virulence. Previous studies of MYXV evolution have also shown that the virus evolves both relatively rapidly and in a strongly clock-like manner. Using newly acquired MYXV genome sequences from Australia, we show that the virus has experienced a dramatic change in evolutionary behavior over the last 20 years, with a breakdown in clock-like structure, the appearance of a rapidly evolving virus lineage, and the accumulation of multiple nonsynonymous and indel mutations. We suggest that this punctuated evolutionary event may reflect a change in selection pressures as rabbit numbers declined following the introduction of rabbit hemorrhagic disease virus and drought in the geographic regions inhabited by rabbits.}, }
@article {pmid30715141, year = {2019}, author = {Fenesi, A and Sándor, D and Pyšek, P and Dawson, W and Ruprecht, E and Essl, F and Kreft, H and Pergl, J and Weigelt, P and Winter, M and Van Kleunen, M}, title = {The role of fruit heteromorphism in the naturalization of Asteraceae.}, journal = {Annals of botany}, volume = {}, number = {}, pages = {}, doi = {10.1093/aob/mcz012}, pmid = {30715141}, issn = {1095-8290}, abstract = {Background and Aims: Fruit heteromorphism is considered to be a bet-hedging strategy to cope with spatially or temporally heterogeneous environments. The different behaviours of the fruit morphs of the same species might also be beneficial during naturalization, once the species has been introduced to a new range. Yet, no study to date has tested the association between fruit heteromorphism and global-scale naturalization success for a large set of plant species.<br><br>Methods: We compiled two large datasets on fruit heteromorphism in Asteraceae. One dataset was on native species in Central Europe (n = 321) and the other was on species frequently planted as ornamentals (n = 584). Using phylogenetic linear and logistic regressions, we tested whether heteromorphic species are more likely to naturalize outside their native range, and in more regions of the world than monomorphic species. We also tested whether the effect of heteromorphism is modulated by life history and height of the species.<br><br>Key Results: We show that heteromorphic species were more likely to naturalize outside their native range. However, among the naturalized species, heteromorphic and monomorphic species did not differ in the number of world regions where they became naturalized. A short life span and tall stature both promoted naturalization success and, when life history and height were included in the models, the effect of fruit heteromorphism on the ability to naturalize became non-significant. Nevertheless, among tall plants, heteromorphic ornamental species were significantly more likely to become naturalized in general and in more regions than monomorphic species.<br><br>Conclusions: Our results provide evidence that in Asteraceae the production of heteromorphic fruits is associated with naturalization success. It appears, however, that not fruit heteromorphism per se, but a successful combination of other biological traits in fruit heteromorphic species, namely short life span and tall stature, contributes to their naturalization success.}, }
@article {pmid30715137, year = {2019}, author = {Takemori, A and Naiki, A and Takakura, KI and Kanaoka, MM and Nishida, S}, title = {Comparison of mechanisms of reproductive interference in Taraxacum.}, journal = {Annals of botany}, volume = {}, number = {}, pages = {}, doi = {10.1093/aob/mcz007}, pmid = {30715137}, issn = {1095-8290}, abstract = {Background and Aims: Reproductive interference may reduce fitness of either of the involved species, with potentially important ecological and evolutionary consequences. Except for the effect of shared pollinators on reproductive success, however, mechanisms underlying reproductive interference have been little studied, even though the severity of its impact may depend on the specific mechanism. The aim of this study was therefore to explore the mechanisms of reproductive interference between Taraxacum japonicum (native to Japan) and Taraxacum officinale (alien).<br><br>Methods: In a field survey, the association between alien species density and seed set in T. japonicum, and whether pollinator behaviour indicated a preference for the alien, were examined. Effects of heterospecific pollen deposition were measured in a series of hand pollination experiments, including mixed pollination experiments in which the order of application of conspecific and heterospecific pollen was varied. Finally, to investigate hybridization frequency, the parentage of seedlings produced following natural, mixed or heterospecific pollination was compared.<br><br>Key Results: Alien species density did not negatively affect native seed set, nor did pollinators appear to have a preference for alien flowers. The hand pollination experiments showed that heterospecific pollen deposition adversely affected native seed set, especially when alien pollen was applied before conspecific pollen. No viable hybrids were found following natural pollination, which suggests that hybridization might be a rare event.<br><br>Conclusion: Among the examined mechanisms, heterospecific pollen deposition might have the largest deleterious effect on the native species. This effect is frequency dependent; thus, a positive feedback loop may cause the effect on the population dynamics to increase over time, with the result that the alien might eventually displace the native in a population. Effects of the examined mechanisms on population dynamics should be investigated further to improve understanding of the impact of reproductive interference on the structure of plant communities.}, }
@article {pmid30714897, year = {2019}, author = {Zhang, S and Zhi, T and Xu, X and Zheng, Y and Bilong Bilong, CF and Pariselle, A and Yang, T}, title = {Monogenean fauna of alien tilapias (Cichlidae) in south China.}, journal = {Parasite (Paris, France)}, volume = {26}, number = {}, pages = {4}, doi = {10.1051/parasite/2019003}, pmid = {30714897}, issn = {1776-1042}, mesh = {Animals ; Aquaculture ; China/epidemiology ; Fish Diseases/parasitology ; Gills/parasitology ; Introduced Species ; Lakes/parasitology ; Male ; Microscopy ; Microscopy, Electron, Scanning ; Tilapia/*parasitology ; Trematoda/*anatomy &amp; histology/isolation &amp; purification/ultrastructure ; }, abstract = {Tilapias are important aquaculture fishes that have been introduced widely all over the world, often carrying their monogenean parasites with them. An extensive investigation on monogeneans of invasive tilapias was conducted in 19 natural water sources in south China between July 2015 and December 2017. We found nine known species of monogeneans, i.e., Enterogyrus coronatus, E. malmbergi, Cichlidogyrus cirratus, C. halli, C. sclerosus, C. thurstonae, C. tilapiae, Scutogyrus longicornis, Gyrodactylus cichlidarum, and one unknown Gyrodactylus species. In addition to reporting ten new hosts and four new geographical records, we observed new morphological characteristics of these species. Observation on living specimens of Enterogyrus spp. demonstrated that these two species have characteristic opisthaptoral retraction capacities, while the opisthaptor glands were not observed in our specimens of E. coronatus and E. malmbergi. The morphological differences of the accessory piece of the male copulatory complex between C. cirratus and C. mbirizei (character for species differentiation) could result from the observation at different perspectives, which indicates that C. mbirizei is likely a synonym of C. cirratus. A more detailed structure of the sclerotized parts of Cichlidogyrus spp. and S. longicornis were revealed by scanning electron microscopy. As was the case for the monogeneans found on alien tilapias from other geographic regions, the present study confirmed the high potential of these monogeneans to establish populations in new habitats.}, }
@article {pmid30713818, year = {2019}, author = {Bergshoeff, JA and McKenzie, CH and Favaro, B}, title = {Improving the efficiency of the Fukui trap as a capture tool for the invasive European green crab (Carcinus maenas) in Newfoundland, Canada.}, journal = {PeerJ}, volume = {7}, number = {}, pages = {e6308}, doi = {10.7717/peerj.6308}, pmid = {30713818}, issn = {2167-8359}, abstract = {The European green crab (Carcinus maenas) is a crustacean species native to European and North African coastlines that has become one of the world's most successful marine invasive species. Targeted fishing programs aimed at removing green crabs from invaded ecosystems commonly use Fukui multi-species marine traps. Improving the efficiency of these traps would improve the ability to respond to green crab invasions. In this study, we developed four distinct trap modifications that were designed to facilitate the successful capture of green crabs, with the goal of improving the performance of the Fukui trap. We tested these modifications in situ during the summer of 2016 at two locations in Placentia Bay, Newfoundland. We discovered that three of our modified Fukui trap designs caught significantly more green crabs than the standard Fukui trap, increasing catch-per-unit-effort (CPUE) by as much as 81%. We conclude that our top-performing modifications have great potential for widespread use with existing Fukui traps that are being used for green crab removal efforts.}, }
@article {pmid30713364, year = {2018}, author = {Karatayev, AY and Burlakova, LE and Mehler, K and Bocaniov, SA and Collingsworth, PD and Warren, G and Kraus, RT and Hinchey, EK}, title = {Biomonitoring Using Invasive Species in a Large Lake: Dreissena Distribution Maps Hypoxic Zones.}, journal = {Journal of Great Lakes research}, volume = {44}, number = {4}, pages = {639-649}, doi = {10.1016/j.jglr.2017.08.001}, pmid = {30713364}, issn = {0380-1330}, support = {EPA999999//Intramural EPA/United States ; }, abstract = {Due to cultural eutrophication and global climate change, an exponential increase in the number and extent of hypoxic zones in marine and freshwater ecosystems has been observed in the last few decades. Hypoxia, or low dissolved oxygen (DO) concentrations, can produce strong negative ecological impacts and, therefore, is a management concern. We measured biomass and densities of Dreissena in Lake Erie, as well as bottom DO in 2014 using 19 high frequency data loggers distributed throughout the central basin to validate a three-dimensional hydrodynamic-ecological lake model. We found that a deep, offshore hypoxic zone was formed by early August, restricting the Dreissena population to shallow areas of the central basin. Deeper than 20 m, where bottom hypoxia routinely develops, only young of the year mussels were found in small numbers, indicating restricted recruitment and survival of young Dreissena. We suggest that monitoring Dreissena distribution can be an effective tool for mapping the extent and frequency of hypoxia in freshwater. In addition, our results suggest that an anticipated decrease in the spatial extent of hypoxia resulting from nutrient management has the potential to increase the spatial extent of profundal habitat in the central basin available for Dreissena expansion.}, }
@article {pmid30713217, year = {2019}, author = {Kim, DY and Suk, HY and Park, SK and Kang, SY and Seok, SH and Lee, SK and Yeon, SC}, title = {Development of microsatellite markers and the genetic diversity of Myocastor coypus introduced to South Korea.}, journal = {The Journal of veterinary medical science}, volume = {81}, number = {3}, pages = {499-503}, doi = {10.1292/jvms.18-0564}, pmid = {30713217}, issn = {1347-7439}, abstract = {The nutria (Myocastor coypus) was introduced to South Korea in 1987 for breeding of individuals for fur and meat industry, and was accidentally released into the wild. Here, we report the development of microsatellites for the nutria collected from South Korea using Illumina MiSeq genome sequencing to identify the genetic variability and demographic history of these introduced populations. A total of 626,282 microsatellite sequences were identified, and nine polymorphic loci were characterized. We used four novel loci developed and three previously known loci to investigate the genetic diversity of twelve South Korean populations. A low level of diversity was found, and no signature of genetic structuring was revealed among populations, indicating that Korean nutria individuals originated from a single population or a highly inbred reared herd.}, }
@article {pmid30709335, year = {2019}, author = {Saarinen, K and Lindström, L and Ketola, T}, title = {Invasion triple trouble: environmental fluctuations, fluctuation-adapted invaders and fluctuation-mal-adapted communities all govern invasion success.}, journal = {BMC evolutionary biology}, volume = {19}, number = {1}, pages = {42}, doi = {10.1186/s12862-019-1348-9}, pmid = {30709335}, issn = {1471-2148}, support = {278751//Biotieteiden ja Ympäristön Tutkimuksen Toimikunta/ ; 250248//Biotieteiden ja Ympäristön Tutkimuksen Toimikunta/ ; }, abstract = {BACKGROUND: It has been suggested that climate change will lead to increased environmental fluctuations, which will undoubtedly have evolutionary consequences for all biota. For instance, fluctuations can directly increase the risk of invasions of alien species into new areas, as these species have repeatedly been proposed to benefit from disturbances. At the same time increased environmental fluctuations may also select for better invaders. However, selection by fluctuations may also influence the resistance of communities to invasions, which has rarely been tested. We tested eco-evolutionary dynamics of invasion with bacterial clones, evolved either in constant or fluctuating temperatures, and conducted experimental invasions in both conditions.<br><br>RESULTS: We found clear evidence that ecological fluctuations, as well as adaptation to fluctuations by both the invader and community, all affected invasions, but played different roles at different stages of invasion. Ecological fluctuations clearly promoted invasions, especially into fluctuation mal-adapted communities. The evolutionary background of the invader played a smaller role.<br><br>CONCLUSIONS: Our results indicate that climate change associated disturbances can directly increase the risk of invasions by altering ecological conditions during invasions, as well as via the evolution of both the invader and communities. Our experiment provides novel information on the complex consequences of climate change on invasions in general, and also charts risk factors associated with the spread of environmentally growing opportunistic pathogens.}, }
@article {pmid30709012, year = {2019}, author = {Dang, Z and McLenachan, PA and Lockhart, PJ and Waipara, N and Er, O and Reynolds, C and Blanchon, D}, title = {Metagenome Profiling Identifies Potential Biocontrol Agents for Selaginella kraussiana in New Zealand.}, journal = {Genes}, volume = {10}, number = {2}, pages = {}, doi = {10.3390/genes10020106}, pmid = {30709012}, issn = {2073-4425}, abstract = {Metagenomics can be used to identify potential biocontrol agents for invasive species and was used here to identify candidate species for biocontrol of an invasive club moss in New Zealand. Profiles were obtained for Selaginella kraussiana collected from nine geographically disjunct locations in Northern New Zealand. These profiles were distinct from those obtained for the exotic club moss Selaginella moellendorffii and the native club mosses Lycopodium deuterodensum and Lycopodium volubile also collected in Northern New Zealand. Fungi and bacteria implicated elsewhere in causing plant disease were identified on plants of Selaginella that exhibited signs of necrosis. Most notably, high densities of sequence reads from Xanthomonas translucens and Pseudomonas syringae were associated with some populations of Selaginella but not Lycopodium. Since these bacteria are already in use as biocontrol agents elsewhere, further investigation into their potential as biocontrol of Selaginella in New Zealand is suggested.}, }
@article {pmid30707479, year = {2019}, author = {Żelazowska, M and Halajian, A}, title = {Previtellogenic oocytes of South African largemouth bass Micropterus salmoides Lacépède 1802 (Actinopterygii, Perciformes) - the Balbiani body, cortical alveoli and developing eggshell.}, journal = {Journal of morphology}, volume = {280}, number = {3}, pages = {360-369}, doi = {10.1002/jmor.20948}, pmid = {30707479}, issn = {1097-4687}, support = {K/ZDS/006317//Jagiellonian University, Institute of Zoology and Biomedical Research (funds from the Polish Ministry of Science and Higher Education - MNiSW)/ ; 101054//South African Research Chairs Initiative of the Department of Science and Technology and National Research Foundation of South Africa/ ; }, abstract = {The ovaries of the largemouth bass Micropterus salmoides, an alien and invasive species in South Africa, contain a germinal epithelium which consists of germline and somatic cells, as well as previtellogenic and late vitellogenic ovarian follicles. The ovarian follicle consists of an oocyte surrounded by follicular cells and a basal lamina; thecal cells adjacent to this lamina are covered by an extracellular matrix. In this article, we describe the Balbiani body and the polarization and ultrastructure of the cytoplasm (ooplasm) in previtellogenic oocytes. The nucleoplasm in all examined oocytes contains lampbrush chromosomes, nuclear bodies and several nucleoli near the nuclear envelope. The ultrastructure of the nucleoli is described. Numerous nuage aggregations are present in the perinuclear cytoplasm in germline cells as well as in the ooplasm. Possible roles of these aggregations are discussed. The ooplasm contains the Balbiani body, which defines the future vegetal region in early previtellogenic oocytes. It is comprised of nuage aggregations, rough endoplasmic reticulum, Golgi apparatus, mitochondria, complexes of mitochondria with nuage-like material, and lysosome-like organelles. In mid-previtellogenic oocytes, the Balbiani body surrounds the nucleus and later disperses in the ooplasm. The lysosome-like organelles fuse and transform into vesicles containing material which is highly electron dense. As a result of the fusion of the vesicles of Golgi and rough endoplasmic reticulum, the cortical alveoli arise and distribute uniformly throughout the ooplasm of late previtellogenic oocytes. During this stage, the deposition of the eggshell (zona radiata) begins. The eggshell is penetrated by canals containing microvilli and consists of the following: the internal and the external egg envelope. In the external envelope three sublayers can be distinguished.}, }
@article {pmid30701707, year = {2019}, author = {Jerde, CL and Wilson, EA and Dressler, TL}, title = {Measuring global fish species richness with eDNA metabarcoding.}, journal = {Molecular ecology resources}, volume = {19}, number = {1}, pages = {19-22}, doi = {10.1111/1755-0998.12929}, pmid = {30701707}, issn = {1755-0998}, support = {AID-OAA-A-16-00057//United States Agency for International Development/ ; }, mesh = {Animals ; *Biodiversity ; Computational Biology ; DNA/chemistry/genetics/isolation &amp; purification ; DNA Barcoding, Taxonomic/*methods ; Fishes/*classification/*genetics ; French Guiana ; High-Throughput Nucleotide Sequencing ; Metagenomics/*methods ; Water/chemistry ; }, abstract = {Despite mounting threats to global freshwater and marine biodiversity, including climate change, habitat alteration, overharvesting and pollution, we struggle to know which species are present below the water's surface that are suffering from these stressors. However, the idea that a water sample containing environmental DNA (eDNA) can be screened using high-throughput sequencing and bioinformatics to reveal the identity of aquatic species is a revolutionary advance for studying the patterns of species extirpation, invasive species establishment and the dynamics of species richness. To date, many of the critical tests of fisheries diversity using this metabarcoding approach have been conducted in lower diversity systems (<40 fish species), but in this issue of Molecular Ecology Resources, Cilleros et al. (2018) described their eDNA application in the species-rich French Guiana fishery (>200 fish species) and showed the greater potential and some limitations of using eDNA in species-rich environments.}, }
@article {pmid30698291, year = {2019}, author = {Niemiec, RM and Willer, R and Ardoin, NM and Brewer, FK}, title = {Motivating landowners to recruit neighbors for private land conservation.}, journal = {Conservation biology : the journal of the Society for Conservation Biology}, volume = {}, number = {}, pages = {}, doi = {10.1111/cobi.13294}, pmid = {30698291}, issn = {1523-1739}, support = {Decision//Division of Social and Economic Sciences/ ; Risk//Division of Social and Economic Sciences/ ; and Management Sciences Directorat//Division of Social and Economic Sciences/ ; e//Division of Social and Economic Sciences/ ; Graduate Research Fellowship DGE-114747//National Science Foundation/ ; }, abstract = {Encouraging motivated landowners to not only engage in conservation action on their own property but also to recruit others may enhance effectiveness of conservation on private lands. Landowners may only engage in such recruitment if they believe their neighbors care about the conservation issue, will positively respond to their conservation efforts, and are likely to take action for the conservation cause. We designed a series of microinterventions that can be added to community meetings to change these beliefs to encourage landowner engagement in recruitment of others. The microinterventions included neighbor discussion, public commitment making, collective goal setting, and increased observability of contributions to the conservation cause. In a field experiment, we tested whether adding microinterventions to traditional knowledge-transfer outreach meetings changed those beliefs so as to encourage landowners in Hawaii to recruit their neighbors for private lands conservation. We delivered a traditional outreach meeting about managing the invasive little fire ant (Wasmannia auropunctata) to 5 communities and a traditional outreach approach with added microinterventions to 5 other communities. Analysis of pre- and post-surveys of residents showed that compared with the traditional conservation outreach approach, the microinterventions altered a subset of beliefs that landowners had about others. These microinterventions motivated reputationally minded landowners to recruit and coordinate with other residents to control the invasive fire ant across property boundaries. Our results suggest integration of these microinterventions into existing outreach approaches will encourage some landowners to facilitate collective conservation action across property boundaries.}, }
@article {pmid30697485, year = {2019}, author = {Stępień, E and Zawal, A and Buczyński, P and Buczyńska, E and Szenejko, M}, title = {Effects of dredging on the vegetation in a small lowland river.}, journal = {PeerJ}, volume = {7}, number = {}, pages = {e6282}, doi = {10.7717/peerj.6282}, pmid = {30697485}, issn = {2167-8359}, abstract = {Background: Conventional river engineering operations have a substantial influence on the fluvial ecosystem. Regulation and channelization generally reduce the physical heterogeneity of river beds and banks and the heterogeneity of habitats. They determine the character, diversity and species richness of plant communities. The effect of river regulation on vegetation has been repeatedly investigated, but few studies have been conducted within reaches of previously regulated rivers. The aim of this work is to expand and current knowledge about the impact of dredging on the vegetation of a regulated section of a lowland river.<br><br>Materials &amp; Methods: The study included pre-dredging (1 year before) and post-dredging surveys (results 1 and 2 years after dredging). The vegetation was analysed in terms of species composition, origin of species, life forms, distribution of Grime's life strategies, and selected ecological factors. The Shannon-Wiener biodiversity index (H) and evenness were also analysed in each year of the study. The impact of dredging on the vascular flora was assessed by 'before-after-control-impact' (BACI) analysis.<br><br>Results: The number of species and biodiversity as measured by the Shannon-Wiener index (H) increased in the analysed section of the river valley. However, enrichment of the flora was observed only on the floodplain, on the surface of the deposited dredging material, while the number of species in the river channel decreased, as dredging of the river bed and levelling of the banks had markedly reduced habitat diversity. Although species richness in the second year after the dredging approached the values recorded before the intervention, the absence of particularly species or phytocenoses associated with shallow river banks and sandbars was still observed. The change in habitat conditions and the destruction of the vegetation cover during the dredging enabled penetration by numerous previously unrecorded alien species of plants and apophytes. There was a perceptible increase in the role of therophytes in the flora. It is worth noting that the number of alien species and therophytes declined significantly in the second year after the dredging. Analysis of the proportions of species representing various life strategies showed that previously unrecorded species with the type R (ruderal) life strategy had appeared, representing by pioneer species occurring in frequently disturbed habitats. There was also a marked increase in the share of species representing the mixed C-R (competitive-ruderal) strategy, occurring in habitats with low levels of stress, whose competitive abilities are limited by repeated disturbances. By the second year after the dredging, however, these changes were largely no longer observed.<br><br>Conclusions: Through appropriate maintenance of the regulated river, it can be rapidly recolonized by vegetation after the procedure, but it may lead to the loss of some species and phytocoenoses.}, }
@article {pmid30689916, year = {2019}, author = {Milosavljevic, I and McCalla, KA and Ratkowsky, DA and Hoddle, MS}, title = {Effects of Constant and Fluctuating Temperatures on Development Rates and Longevity of Diaphorencyrtus aligarhensis (Hymenoptera: Encyrtidae).}, journal = {Journal of economic entomology}, volume = {}, number = {}, pages = {}, doi = {10.1093/jee/toy429}, pmid = {30689916}, issn = {1938-291X}, abstract = {The effects of fluctuating and constant temperatures on the development and longevity of Diaphorencyrtus aligarhensis (Shafee, Alam, and Argarwal) (Hymenoptera: Encyrtidae), a parasitoid sourced from Pakistan and released in California for the classical biological control of Diaphorina citri Kuwayama (Hemiptera: Liviidae), were examined. The influence of six fluctuating temperatures that averaged 15, 20, 25, 30, 32, and 35°C, over 24 h on the development times and longevity of male and female D. aligarhensis were quantified and compared to six constant temperatures set at the same average temperatures. The development rates of immature stages of D. aligarhensis as a function of temperature were modeled using one linear and four nonlinear models. Fluctuating temperatures had significant effects on parasitoid development times and longevity which differed across experimental temperatures. Degree-days required for completion of cumulative development of D. aligarhensis were significantly different being 21% lower under fluctuating temperature regimens when compared with constant temperatures. The lower temperature threshold estimates above which development occurred were estimated to be lower under constant than fluctuating temperatures. The estimated values of upper and optimum temperature limits were similar for individuals reared under constant and fluctuating temperatures. Diaphorencyrtus aligarhensis lived longer at constant intermediate temperatures and for shorter times at constant lower temperature extremes when compared with their fluctuating temperature counterparts. Daily thermal fluctuations significantly influenced life history parameters of D. aligarhensis and should be considered when assessing likelihoods of establishment and impacts of this parasitoid on D. citri across diverse citrus-growing climates.}, }
@article {pmid30688998, year = {2019}, author = {Snyder, SA and Kilgore, MA and Emery, MR and Schmitz, M}, title = {Maple Syrup Producers of the Lake States, USA: Attitudes Towards and Adaptation to Social, Ecological, and Climate Conditions.}, journal = {Environmental management}, volume = {63}, number = {2}, pages = {185-199}, doi = {10.1007/s00267-018-1121-7}, pmid = {30688998}, issn = {1432-1009}, support = {Research Joint Venture Agreement 14-JV-11242309-047//USDA Forest Service/ ; MIN-42-54 and MIN-42-65//Minnesota Agricultural Experiment Station/ ; }, abstract = {Maple syrup is an important non-timber forest product derived from the sap of the sugar maple (Acer saccharum Marshall). However, maple syrup producers are facing a diversity of challenges, including: potential range shifts in the maple resource; increasing variability in the timing, duration and yield of sap flow and syrup operations; invasive species, pests and diseases; and intergenerational land and business transfer challenges. Members of Maple Syrup Producer Associations in Minnesota, Wisconsin, and Michigan were surveyed to learn about their operations, adaptation strategies, concerns, and information needs. While many respondents indicated they have undertaken or plan to undertake adaptation activities, only 11% had done so out of specific concern over changing climate conditions. Climate-motivated activities included: being prepared to tap earlier and utilizing newer technology such as vacuum tubing or reverse osmosis to enhance sap collection and processing efficiency. Respondents were generally unlikely to consider planting climate-resilient maple cultivars or tapping trees other than sugar maple. They expressed the greatest concerns over tree health and forest pests, as well as their physical ability and family member interest to continue their operations. Boil season variability and weather issues were viewed with less concern. Respondents were generally optimistic that they can adapt to future conditions, likely in large measure through the adoption of new technologies, and they expect their syrup production levels to slightly increase in the future. If future climate scenarios play out, however, additional planning and adaptation strategies may be called for, particularly as they relate to forest health and productivity issues.}, }
@article {pmid30687373, year = {2018}, author = {Thouvenot, L and Gauzens, B and Haury, J and Thiébaut, G}, title = {Response of Macrophyte Traits to Herbivory and Neighboring Species: Integration of the Functional Trait Framework in the Context of Ecological Invasions.}, journal = {Frontiers in plant science}, volume = {9}, number = {}, pages = {1981}, doi = {10.3389/fpls.2018.01981}, pmid = {30687373}, issn = {1664-462X}, abstract = {With the increase in the number of introduced species each year, biological invasions are considered as one of the most important environmental problems for native biodiversity. In invaded habitats, the establishment of exotic plant species depends on the abiotic and biotic environment. Herbivores and neighboring plants (native or exotic) comprise an important part of the latter. Herbivores cause trophic and non-trophic damage to focal plants, which respond to herbivory by varying their different traits quantitatively (e.g., growth rate and biomass changes) and qualitatively (e.g., variation in morphological and chemical defenses strategies affecting plant palatability). Neighboring plant species also affect functional traits and the fitness of focal plant species, thus herbivore effects on a focal plant could also depend indirectly on the palatability and defensive traits of the neighboring species inside the community. Here, in a first step toward the integration of associational susceptibility/resistance theories in the field of ecological invasion, we performed a microcosm experiment to consider the effects of an exotic crayfish on the growth rate, morphological traits and damage level of three macrophytes (two exotic, one native) growing in pairwise combinations. We found that (i) the response to herbivore presence and to neighboring species identity seemed to be species specific, and (ii) crayfish enhance the fragmentation rate of the two exotic macrophytes Ludwigia grandiflora and Egeria densa in the presence of the native macrophyte Myriophyllum spicatum, which could indirectly facilitate their invasion success. Indeed, fragmentation can increase dispersal abilities of the exotic macrophytes considered in this study as they are able to generate new plants from their fragments. However, our results showed that the interaction herbivore-neighbor species was hardly significant. Our paper presents some first results on associational resistance/susceptibility and lays the foundation for developing a general framework that combines plant community ecology and biological invasion ecology to explain invasive species success.}, }
@article {pmid30687294, year = {2018}, author = {Baker, JL and Edlund, A}, title = {Exploiting the Oral Microbiome to Prevent Tooth Decay: Has Evolution Already Provided the Best Tools?.}, journal = {Frontiers in microbiology}, volume = {9}, number = {}, pages = {3323}, doi = {10.3389/fmicb.2018.03323}, pmid = {30687294}, issn = {1664-302X}, support = {F32 DE026947/DE/NIDCR NIH HHS/United States ; R00 DE024543/DE/NIDCR NIH HHS/United States ; }, abstract = {To compete in the relatively exposed oral cavity, resident microbes must avoid being replaced by newcomers. This selective constraint, coupled with pressure on the host to cultivate a beneficial microbiome, has rendered a commensal oral microbiota that displays colonization resistance, protecting the human host from invasive species, including pathogens. Rapid increases in carbohydrate consumption have disrupted the evolved homeostasis between the oral microbiota and dental health, reflected by the high prevalence of dental caries. Development of novel modalities to prevent caries has been the subject of a breadth of research. This mini review provides highlights of these endeavors and discusses the rationale and pitfalls behind the major avenues of approach. Despite efficacy, fluoride and other broad-spectrum interventions are unlikely to further reduce the incidence of dental caries. The most promising methodologies in development are those that exploit the exclusive nature of the healthy oral microbiome. Probiotics derived from the dental plaque of healthy individuals sharply antagonize cariogenic species, such as Streptococcus mutans. Meanwhile, targeted antimicrobials allow for the killing of specific pathogens, allowing reestablishment of a healthy microbiome, presumably with its protective effects. The oral microbiota manufactures a massive array of small molecules, some of which are correlated with health and are likely to antagonize pathogens. The prohibitive cost associated with sufficiently rigorous clinical trials, and the status of dental caries as a non-life-threatening condition will likely continue to impede the advancement of new therapeutics to market. Nevertheless, there is room for optimism, as it appears evolution may have already provided the best tools.}, }
@article {pmid30686739, year = {2019}, author = {Liu, X and Blackburn, TM and Song, T and Li, X and Huang, C and Li, Y}, title = {Risks of Biological Invasion on the Belt and Road.}, journal = {Current biology : CB}, volume = {29}, number = {3}, pages = {499-505.e4}, doi = {10.1016/j.cub.2018.12.036}, pmid = {30686739}, issn = {1879-0445}, abstract = {China's Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) is an unprecedented global development program that involves nearly half of the world's countries [1]. It not only will have economic and political influences, but also may generate multiple environmental challenges and is a focus of considerable academic and public concerns [2-6]. The Chinese government expects BRI to be a sustainable development, paying equal attention to economic development and environmental conservation [7]. However, BRI's high expenditure on infrastructure construction, by accelerating trade and transportation, is likely to promote alien species invasions [5], one of the primary anthropogenic threats to global biodiversity [8]. BRI countries may have different susceptibilities to invasive species due to different financial and response capacities [9]. Moreover, these countries overlap 27 of 35 recognized global biodiversity hotspots [10]. Identifying those areas with high-invasion risks, and species with high invasive potentials within BRI countries, is therefore of vital importance for the sustainable implementation of the BRI, and the development of early, economical, and effective biosecurity strategies [11]. In response, we present here a comprehensive study to evaluate invasion risks by alien vertebrates within BRI. We identified a total of 14 invasion hotspots, the majority of which fall along the six proposed BRI economic corridors, with the proportion of grid cells in invasion hotspots 1.6 times higher than other regions. Based on our results, we recommend the initiation of a project targeting early prevention, strict surveillance, rapid response, and effective control of alien species in BRI countries to ensure that this development is sustainable.}, }
@article {pmid30686452, year = {2019}, author = {Goldsmit, J and Nudds, SH and Stewart, DB and Higdon, JW and Hannah, CG and Howland, KL}, title = {Where else? Assessing zones of alternate ballast water exchange in the Canadian eastern Arctic.}, journal = {Marine pollution bulletin}, volume = {139}, number = {}, pages = {74-90}, doi = {10.1016/j.marpolbul.2018.11.062}, pmid = {30686452}, issn = {1879-3363}, mesh = {Arctic Regions ; Canada ; *Introduced Species ; Models, Theoretical ; Ships/*standards ; Transportation ; Waste Disposal, Fluid/*methods ; Waste Water/*microbiology ; }, abstract = {Mid-ocean ballast water exchange (BWE) is recommended for international vessels to minimize the transfer of nonindigenous species (NIS). When this cannot be accomplished due to safety concerns, alternate ballast water exchange zones (ABWEZ) may be used. A coupled-ice-ocean model with meteorological forcing and particle tracking was used to evaluate the relative risks from BWE along primary shipping routes into Canada's eastern Arctic. Relative risk to receiving habitats from BWE was calculated from the product of likelihood of exposure, likelihood of establishment, and habitat sensitivity to potential NIS. Modelling results indicate that existing ABWEZs in and around Lancaster Sound and Hudson Strait are among the areas of highest relative risk for introductions of NIS via ballast water. The deeper offshore regions of Labrador Sea and Baffin Bay should be considered as alternatives. However, further research is recommended to assess the risks of NIS associated with BWE in the Canadian Arctic.}, }
@article {pmid30686451, year = {2019}, author = {Cahill, P and Tait, L and Floerl, O and Bates, T and Growcott, A and Georgiades, E}, title = {A portable thermal system for reactive treatment of biofouled internal pipework on recreational vessels.}, journal = {Marine pollution bulletin}, volume = {139}, number = {}, pages = {65-73}, doi = {10.1016/j.marpolbul.2018.12.032}, pmid = {30686451}, issn = {1879-3363}, mesh = {Animals ; Biofouling/*prevention &amp; control ; Equipment Design ; *Hot Temperature ; Introduced Species/trends ; New Zealand ; *Recreation ; Seawater/*chemistry ; Ships/instrumentation/*standards ; }, abstract = {Biofouled commercial and recreational vessels are primary vectors for the introduction and spread of marine non-indigenous species (NIS). This study designed and assessed a portable system to reactively treat biofouling in the internal pipework of recreational vessels - a high-risk 'niche area' for NIS that is difficult to access and manage. A novel thermal treatment apparatus was optimised in a series of laboratory experiments performed using scale models of vessel pipework configurations. Treatment effectiveness was validated using the Pacific oyster Magallana gigas, a marine NIS with known resilience to heat. In subsequent field validations on actual recreational vessels, treatment was successfully delivered to high-risk portions of pipework when an effective seal between delivery unit and targeted pipework was achieved and ambient heat loss was minimised. In addition to demonstrating the feasibility of in-water treatment of vessel pipework, the study highlights the importance of robust optimisation and validation of any treatment system intended for biosecurity purposes.}, }
@article {pmid30686434, year = {2019}, author = {Shen, M and Zhu, Y and Zhang, Y and Zeng, G and Wen, X and Yi, H and Ye, S and Ren, X and Song, B}, title = {Micro(nano)plastics: Unignorable vectors for organisms.}, journal = {Marine pollution bulletin}, volume = {139}, number = {}, pages = {328-331}, doi = {10.1016/j.marpolbul.2019.01.004}, pmid = {30686434}, issn = {1879-3363}, mesh = {Animals ; *Biofilms ; Drug Resistance, Microbial/genetics ; Ecotoxicology/*methods ; Environmental Monitoring/methods ; Introduced Species ; *Nanostructures ; Plankton ; *Plastics ; *Water Microbiology ; Water Pollutants, Chemical ; }, abstract = {Micro(nano)plastics, as emerging contaminants, have attracted worldwide attention. Nowadays, the environmental distribution, sources, and analysis methods and technologies of micro(nano)plastics have been well studied and recognized. Nevertheless, the role of micro(nano)plastic particles as vectors for attaching organisms is not fully understood. In this paper, the role of micro(nano)plastics as vectors, and their potential effects on the ecology are introduced. Micro(nano)plastics could 1) accelerate the diffusion of organisms in the environment, which may result in biological invasion; 2) increase the gene exchange between attached biofilm communities, causing the transfer of pathogenic and antibiotic resistance genes; 3) enhance the rate of energy, material and information flow in the environment. Accordingly, the role of microplastics as vectors for organisms should be further evaluated in the future research.}, }
@article {pmid30686419, year = {2019}, author = {Roselli, L and Vadrucci, MR and Fanelli, F and Ungaro, N and Caroppo, C}, title = {First bloom event of the small dinoflagellate Prorocentrum shikokuense in the Mediterranean Sea: cryptogenic or introduced?.}, journal = {Marine pollution bulletin}, volume = {139}, number = {}, pages = {197-204}, doi = {10.1016/j.marpolbul.2018.12.034}, pmid = {30686419}, issn = {1879-3363}, mesh = {Dinoflagellida/*isolation &amp; purification ; Environmental Monitoring/*methods ; Eutrophication ; Introduced Species/*trends ; Italy ; Mediterranean Sea ; Phytoplankton/*isolation &amp; purification ; Seawater/*chemistry ; }, abstract = {A bloom of putatively non-indigenous species (NIS) Prorocentrum shikokuense was detected for the first time in the Mediterranean Sea at the Brindisi harbor (Southern Adriatic Sea) on September 2016, in the context of EU Marine Strategy Framework Directive monitoring in the ports. This species is usually observed in the East China Sea and Japanese and Korean waters. In the Brindisi harbor this dinoflagellate reached the concentration 105 cell/L and represented from 30 to 50% of the total phytoplankton population. Besides this event, Prorocentrum shikokuense has not been found blooming until today in Mediterranean waters. This study suggests the necessity to improve the monitoring surveys in areas that are known vulnerable systems to alien and invasive species, such as ports.}, }
@article {pmid30682808, year = {2019}, author = {Matoušková, M and Jurová, J and Gruľová, D and Wajs-Bonikowska, A and Renčo, M and Sedlák, V and Poráčová, J and Gogaľová, Z and Kalemba, D}, title = {Phytotoxic Effect of Invasive Heracleum mantegazzianum Essential Oil on Dicot and Monocot Species.}, journal = {Molecules (Basel, Switzerland)}, volume = {24}, number = {3}, pages = {}, doi = {10.3390/molecules24030425}, pmid = {30682808}, issn = {1420-3049}, abstract = {Spreading of the plant species in new areas is supported by the hypothesis in which chemicals produced by alien species are allopathic to native plants. A novel weapon hypothesis was tested by using essential oil of dangerous alien species Heracleum mantegazzianum in laboratory conditions. Aboveground plant material was collected in south-east part of Slovakia, dried and hydrodistilled for essential oil isolation. Dominant compounds as octyl acetate (62.6%), hexyl 2-metylbutyrate (10.7%), hexyl isobutyrate (7.5%) and hexyl butyrate (6.5%) were identified by GC-MS. Potential phytotoxic activity was tested on three dicot plant species garden cress (Lepidium sativum L.), radish (Raphanus sativus L.) and lettuce (Lactuca sativa L.) and on one monocot plant species wheat Triticum aestivum L. Germination of the seeds of model plant species after influencing by different doses of essential oil of H. mantegazzianum as well as the roots length was evaluated. Lepidium sativum L. and Raphanus sativus L. were generally not sensitive to applied doses of essential oil although a little stimulation effect at some concentrations prevailed over inhibition effect. Similarly, in monocot species Triticum aestivum L., stimulation was visible in both root length and root number at two or one highest doses, respectively.}, }
@article {pmid30681187, year = {2019}, author = {Faisal, M and Loch, TP and Shavalier, M and VanDeuren, MG and Standish, I and Winters, A and Glenney, G and Aho, J and Wolgamood, M and VanAmberg, J and Eisch, E and Whelan, GE}, title = {Resurgence of Salmonid Herpesvirus-3 Infection (Epizootic Epitheliotropic Disease) in Hatchery-Propagated Lake Trout in Michigan.}, journal = {Journal of aquatic animal health}, volume = {31}, number = {1}, pages = {31-45}, doi = {10.1002/aah.10051}, pmid = {30681187}, issn = {1548-8667}, support = {751N3200799//Michigan Department of Natural Resources/ ; 751P1300041//Michigan Department of Natural Resources/ ; 2014.1455//Great Lakes Fishery Trust/ ; }, abstract = {Over the past century, populations of Lake Trout Salvelinus namaycush have declined throughout the Great Lakes basin due to overfishing, habitat destruction, introduction of invasive species, and associated recruitment issues from high thiaminase, as well as emerging infectious diseases. To combat these declines, state and federal fishery management agencies undertook substantial stock enhancement efforts, including more stringent regulation of sport and commercial catch limits and increasing hatchery propagation of Lake Trout stocked into Great Lakes basin waterways. One state fish hatchery involved in these rehabilitation efforts experienced mass mortality events in 2012 and 2017. In 2012, following a period of abnormally heavy rain, hatchery staff observed abnormal behavior followed by increased mortalities in two strains of Lake Trout fingerlings, reaching upwards of 20% mortality and totaling a loss of approximately 100,000 fish. In 2017, following another heavy-rain season, 6-8% of 2-year-old Lake Trout experienced morbidity and mortality similar to that observed in 2012. During the 2012 event, Brook Trout Salvelinus fontinalis and splake (Lake Trout × Brook Trout hybrid) reared in flow-through systems receiving water from diseased Lake Trout remained clinically unaffected. Molecular analyses revealed all lots of affected Lake Trout were infected with the salmonid herpesvirus-3 (epizootic epitheliotropic disease virus [EEDV]), a disease that caused complete depopulation of this hatchery in the late 1980s and until 2012 was never again detected in this hatchery or in Michigan. Further sampling detected EEDV in apparently healthy 5-year-old Lake Trout and in wild Mottled Sculpin Cottus bairdii collected in the hatchery source water. The ability of the virus to replicate in tissues of infected fish was verified by exposing naïve Lake Trout to the filtered tissue homogenates of infected fish resulting in similar disease signs. Despite the virus going undetected for many years, these two EEDV episodes clearly demonstrate the continued presence of this deadly herpesvirus in the Great Lakes basin.}, }
@article {pmid30680106, year = {2019}, author = {Brossette, L and Meunier, J and Dupont, S and Bagnères, AG and Lucas, C}, title = {Unbalanced biparental care during colony foundation in two subterranean termites.}, journal = {Ecology and evolution}, volume = {9}, number = {1}, pages = {192-200}, doi = {10.1002/ece3.4710}, pmid = {30680106}, issn = {2045-7758}, abstract = {Parental care is a major component of reproduction in social organisms, particularly during the foundation steps. Because investment into parental care is often costly, each parent is predicted to maximize its fitness by providing less care than its partner. However, this sexual conflict is expected to be low in species with lifelong monogamy, because the fitness of each parent is typically tied to the other's input. Somewhat surprisingly, the outcomes of this tug-of-war between maternal and paternal investments have received important attention in vertebrate species, but remain less known in invertebrates. In this study, we investigated how queens and kings share their investment into parental care and other social interactions during colony foundation in two termites with lifelong monogamy: the invasive species Reticulitermes flavipes and the native species R. grassei. Behaviors of royal pairs were recorded during six months using a non-invasive approach. Our results showed that queens and kings exhibit unbalanced investment in terms of grooming, antennation, trophallaxis, and vibration behavior. Moreover, both parents show behavioral differences toward their partner or their descendants. Our results also revealed differences among species, with R. flavipes exhibiting shorter periods of grooming and antennation toward eggs or partners. They also did more stomodeal trophallaxis and less vibration behavior. Overall, this study emphasizes that despite lifelong monogamy, the two parents are not equally involved in the measured forms of parental care and suggests that kings might be specialized in other tasks. It also indicates that males could play a central, yet poorly studied role in the evolution and maintenance of the eusocial organization.}, }
@article {pmid30680103, year = {2019}, author = {Dalerum, F and Retief, TA and Havemann, CP and Chimimba, CT and Janse van Rensburg, B}, title = {The influence of distance to perennial surface water on ant communities in Mopane woodlands, northern Botswana.}, journal = {Ecology and evolution}, volume = {9}, number = {1}, pages = {154-165}, doi = {10.1002/ece3.4692}, pmid = {30680103}, issn = {2045-7758}, abstract = {Studies of biodiversity along environmental gradients provide information on how ecological communities change in response to biotic and abiotic factors. For instance, distance to water is associated with several factors that shape the structure and the functioning of ecosystems at a range of spatial scales. We investigated the influence of distance to a perennial water source on ant communities in a semi-arid savanna in northern Botswana. Ant abundance, taxonomic richness, and both alpha and beta diversity were generally higher during the wet than the dry season. However, there were strong seasonal influences on the effects of distance to water, with more pronounced effects during the wet season. While both abundance and beta diversity declined with increasing distances to water during the wet season, there was a contrasting increase in alpha diversity. There was no major effect of distance to water on taxonomic richness during either season. Beta diversity was as high across as along gradients, and we found support for modular rather than nested community structures along gradients. Our study demonstrated that small-scale gradients in distance to water can influence several aspects of ant communities in semi-arid savannas. However, our results also point to strong effects of small-scale environmental variation, for instance associated with vegetation characteristics, soil properties, and plant community structure that are not directly linked to water access.}, }
@article {pmid30679623, year = {2019}, author = {Wang, S and Liu, C and Wu, J and Xu, C and Zhang, J and Bai, C and Gao, X and Liu, X and Li, X and Zhu, W and Li, Y}, title = {Propagule pressure and hunting pressure jointly determine genetic evolution in insular populations of a global frog invader.}, journal = {Scientific reports}, volume = {9}, number = {1}, pages = {448}, doi = {10.1038/s41598-018-37007-6}, pmid = {30679623}, issn = {2045-2322}, support = {31530088//National Natural Science Foundation of China (National Science Foundation of China)/ ; 31530088//National Natural Science Foundation of China (National Science Foundation of China)/ ; 31530088//National Natural Science Foundation of China (National Science Foundation of China)/ ; 31530088//National Natural Science Foundation of China (National Science Foundation of China)/ ; 31530088//National Natural Science Foundation of China (National Science Foundation of China)/ ; 31530088//National Natural Science Foundation of China (National Science Foundation of China)/ ; 31530088//National Natural Science Foundation of China (National Science Foundation of China)/ ; 31530088//National Natural Science Foundation of China (National Science Foundation of China)/ ; 31530088//National Natural Science Foundation of China (National Science Foundation of China)/ ; 31530088//National Natural Science Foundation of China (National Science Foundation of China)/ ; 31530088//National Natural Science Foundation of China (National Science Foundation of China)/ ; }, abstract = {Islands are often considered to be more susceptible to biological invasions and to suffer greater impacts from invaders than mainland areas, and this difference is generally attributed to differences in species introductions, ecological factors or human activities between islands and mainland areas. Genetic variation, as a good estimate of evolutionary potential, can influence the invasion process and impacts of alien species. However, few studies have compared the genetic diversity of alien species between islands and a corresponding mainland. Here, we examined the genetic variation and differentiation in feral populations (30 sampled individuals/population) of a globally invasive species (the American bullfrog, Lithobates catesbeianus) that was extensively farmed on 14 islands in the Zhoushan Archipelago of China and in three nearby regions on the mainland. We quantified the relative importance of propagule pressure and hunting pressures on the genetic variation of bullfrog populations and found that insular populations have greater genetic variation than their mainland counterparts. Although genetic differentiation between the populations was observed, no evidence of recent bottlenecks or population expansion in any of the tested population was found. Our results suggest that the propagule pressures of bullfrogs escaping from farms, multiple releases and hunting pressure influence the genetic variation among bullfrog populations. These results might have important implications for understanding the establishment and evolution of alien species on islands and for the management of invasive species.}, }
@article {pmid30678004, year = {2019}, author = {Liversage, K and Kotta, J and Aps, R and Fetissov, M and Nurkse, K and Orav-Kotta, H and Rätsep, M and Forsström, T and Fowler, A and Lehtiniemi, M and Normant-Saremba, M and Puntila-Dodd, R and Arula, T and Hubel, K and Ojaveer, H}, title = {Knowledge to decision in dynamic seas: Methods to incorporate non-indigenous species into cumulative impact assessments for maritime spatial planning.}, journal = {The Science of the total environment}, volume = {658}, number = {}, pages = {1452-1464}, doi = {10.1016/j.scitotenv.2018.12.123}, pmid = {30678004}, issn = {1879-1026}, mesh = {*Animal Distribution ; Animals ; *Brachyura ; Conservation of Natural Resources/*methods ; *Decision Support Techniques ; Estonia ; *Introduced Species ; Models, Biological ; *Perciformes ; Spatial Analysis ; }, abstract = {Incorporating ecosystem changes from non-indigenous species (NIS) is an important task of maritime spatial planning. Maritime spatial planning requires a framework that emphasises ecological functioning in a state of dynamic change, including changes to ecosystem services from functions introduced by new NIS. Adaptable modelling toolsets should be developed that can readily incorporate knowledge of new NIS. In the Baltic Sea, recent NIS examples are the North American mud crab Rhithropanopeus harrisii and the Ponto-Caspian round goby Neogobius melanostomus. We performed environmental niche modelling that predicted N. melanostomus will spread across large areas of the Baltic Sea coast while R. harrisii will be limited to regions with high temperature and low salinity conditions. We then performed a meta-analysis on literature showing effects in the Baltic Sea from these NIS and calculated the standardised effect-sizes on relevant ecosystem services. Half the impacts identified for N. melanostomus were considered to increase ecosystem service outcomes, while all R. harrisii impacts caused apparent decreases. Effect coefficients were incorporated into an online impact assessment tool developed by the Estonian Marine Institute. Users with or without science training can use the portal to estimate areas impacted and changes to natural assets (km2) caused by these NIS and cumulative effects from other pressure-types. Impact estimates are based on best available knowledge from manipulative and correlative experiments and thus form a link between science and management. Dynamic modelling techniques informed from varied ecological and methodological perspectives will effectively advise spatial planners about rapid maritime changes and mitigation actions to reduce NIS impacts especially in the focus areas.}, }
@article {pmid30677922, year = {2019}, author = {Chen, D and Ali, A and Yong, XH and Lin, CG and Niu, XH and Cai, AM and Dong, BC and Zhou, ZX and Wang, YJ and Yu, FH}, title = {A multi-species comparison of selective placement patterns of ramets in invasive alien and native clonal plants to light, soil nutrient and water heterogeneity.}, journal = {The Science of the total environment}, volume = {657}, number = {}, pages = {1568-1577}, doi = {10.1016/j.scitotenv.2018.12.099}, pmid = {30677922}, issn = {1879-1026}, mesh = {Adaptation, Physiological ; Amaranthaceae/growth &amp; development/*physiology/radiation effects ; Araliaceae/growth &amp; development/*physiology/radiation effects ; Biomass ; China ; *Cloning, Organism ; *Introduced Species ; Paspalum/growth &amp; development/*physiology/radiation effects ; Plant Development/radiation effects ; Soil/chemistry ; Water ; Wedelia/growth &amp; development/*physiology/radiation effects ; }, abstract = {A worth noticing pattern in current invasive biology is the clonal ability of many of the world's worst invasive plants. Selective placement of ramets (i.e. foraging behavior) can intensify ramet performance and allocation, and place more ramets in the more favorable microhabitats, which can maximum utilize resource and share risk in heterogeneous environments. Still little is known about whether invasive alien and native clonal plants differ in the selective placement patterns of ramets in invasive clonal plants or not. We used five congeneric pairs of naturally co-occurring invasive alien and native clonal plant species in China. In a glasshouse, we grew all species in pots under a homogeneous and three heterogeneous conditions (i.e. light, soil nutrients or water) subjected to resource-high or -low patches. All biomass parameters and number of ramets significantly increased in resource-high patches in all three types of heterogeneous environments. Interestingly, growth of invasive alien plants benefited significantly more from resource-high patches than native plants in all heterogeneous environments. Overall, invasive had higher biomass parameters per ramet than natives. Ramet parameters of invasive plants also benefited more from resource-low patches than natives. Three different selective placement patterns of ramets in resource-low patches were exhibited in invasive plants: ramet increasing shoot investment (above pattern), increasing root investment (below pattern) and increasing both investments (complete pattern) in the light, soil water and nutrient heterogeneity, respectively. Investment on less, larger ramet was the adaptive strategy of invasive plants in resource-poor patches. The results suggest that adaptively selective placement patterns of ramets promote a higher morphology plasticity and performance in invasive clonal plants over natives. When alien clonal plants spread new areas with light, soil nutrients or water heterogeneity, selective placement patterns of ramets might play an important role in plant performance and competitive superior by capitalizing more on additional resources.}, }
@article {pmid30674335, year = {2019}, author = {Eritja, R and Ruiz-Arrondo, I and Delacour-Estrella, S and Schaffner, F and Álvarez-Chachero, J and Bengoa, M and Puig, MÁ and Melero-Alcíbar, R and Oltra, A and Bartumeus, F}, title = {First detection of Aedes japonicus in Spain: an unexpected finding triggered by citizen science.}, journal = {Parasites &amp; vectors}, volume = {12}, number = {1}, pages = {53}, doi = {10.1186/s13071-019-3317-y}, pmid = {30674335}, issn = {1756-3305}, mesh = {*Aedes ; Animals ; Female ; *Introduced Species ; Mosquito Vectors ; Spain ; }, abstract = {BACKGROUND: Aedes japonicus is an invasive vector mosquito from Southeast Asia which has been spreading across central Europe since the year 2000. Unlike the Asian Tiger mosquito (Aedes albopictus) present in Spain since 2004, there has been no record of Ae. japonicus in the country until now.<br><br>RESULTS: Here, we report the first detection of Ae. japonicus in Spain, at its southernmost location in Europe. This finding was triggered by the citizen science platform Mosquito Alert. In June 2018, a citizen sent a report via the Mosquito Alert app from the municipality of Siero in the Asturias region (NW Spain) containing pictures of a female mosquito compatible with Ae. japonicus. Further information was requested from the participant, who subsequently provided several larvae and adults that could be classified as Ae. japonicus. In July, a field mission confirmed its presence at the original site and in several locations up to 9 km away, suggesting a long-time establishment. The strong media impact in Asturias derived from the discovery raised local participation in the Mosquito Alert project, resulting in further evidence from surrounding areas.<br><br>CONCLUSIONS: Whilst in the laboratory Ae. japonicus is a competent vector for several mosquito-borne pathogens, to date only West Nile virus is a concern based on field evidence. Nonetheless, this virus has yet not been detected in Asturias so the vectorial risk is currently considered low. The opportunity and effectiveness of combining citizen-sourced data to traditional surveillance methods are discussed.}, }
@article {pmid30673581, year = {2018}, author = {Mayorquin, JS and Carrillo, JD and Twizeyimana, M and Peacock, BB and Sugino, KY and Na, F and Wang, DH and Kabashima, JN and Eskalen, A}, title = {Chemical Management of Invasive Shot Hole Borer and Fusarium Dieback in California Sycamore (Platanus racemosa) in Southern California.}, journal = {Plant disease}, volume = {102}, number = {7}, pages = {1307-1315}, doi = {10.1094/PDIS-10-17-1569-RE}, pmid = {30673581}, issn = {0191-2917}, mesh = {Animals ; California ; Coleoptera/classification/*microbiology ; Fungicides, Industrial/*pharmacology ; Fusarium/classification/*physiology ; Host-Pathogen Interactions/drug effects ; Insect Vectors/microbiology ; Insecticides/pharmacology ; Introduced Species ; Ivermectin/analogs &amp; derivatives/pharmacology ; Plant Diseases/microbiology/parasitology ; Pyrethrins/pharmacology ; Species Specificity ; Trees/*microbiology/*parasitology ; Triazoles/pharmacology ; }, abstract = {Fusarium dieback (FD) is a new vascular disease of hardwood trees caused by Fusarium spp. and other associated fungal species which are vectored by two recently introduced and highly invasive species of ambrosia beetle (Euwallacea spp. nr. fornicatus). One of these ambrosia beetles is known as the polyphagous shot hole borer (PSHB) and the other as the Kuroshio shot hole borer (KSHB). Together with the fungi that they vector, this pest-disease complex is known as the shot hole borer-Fusarium dieback (SHB-FD) complex. Mitigation of this pest-disease complex currently relies on tree removal; however, this practice is expensive and impractical given the wide host range and rapid advancement of the beetles throughout hardwoods in southern California. This study reports on the assessment of various pesticides for use in the management of SHB-FD. In vitro screening of 13 fungicides revealed that pyraclostrobin, trifloxystrobin, and azoxystrobin generally have lower effective concentration that reduces 50% of mycelial growth (EC50) values across all fungal symbionts of PSHB and KSHB; metconazole was found to have lower EC50 values for Fusarium spp. and Paracremonium pembeum. Triadimefon and fluxapyroxad were not capable of inhibiting any fungal symbiont at the concentrations tested. A 1-year field study showed that two insecticides, emamectin benzoate alone and in combination with propiconazole, and bifenthrin, could significantly reduce SHB attacks. Two injected fungicides (tebuconazole and a combination of carbendazim and debacarb) and one spray fungicide (metconazole) could also significantly reduce SHB attacks. Bioassays designed to assess fungicide retention 1 year postapplication revealed that six of the seven fungicides exhibited some level of inhibition in vitro and all thiabendazole-treated trees sampled exhibiting inhibition. This study has identified several pesticides which can be implemented as part of an integrated pest management strategy to reduce SHB infestation in low to moderately infested landscape California sycamore trees and potentially other landscape trees currently affected by SHB-FD.}, }
@article {pmid30673152, year = {2019}, author = {Katris, NJ and Ke, H and McFadden, GI and van Dooren, GG and Waller, RF}, title = {Calcium negatively regulates secretion from dense granules in Toxoplasma gondii.}, journal = {Cellular microbiology}, volume = {}, number = {}, pages = {e13011}, doi = {10.1111/cmi.13011}, pmid = {30673152}, issn = {1462-5822}, support = {MR/M011690/1//Medical Research Council/United Kingdom ; DP120100599//Australian Research Council/ ; }, abstract = {Apicomplexan parasites including Toxoplasma gondii and Plasmodium spp. manufacture a complex arsenal of secreted proteins used to interact with and manipulate their host environment. These proteins are organised into three principle exocytotic compartment types according to their functions: micronemes for extracellular attachment and motility, rhoptries for host cell penetration, and dense granules for subsequent manipulation of the host intracellular environment. The order and timing of these events during the parasite's invasion cycle dictates when exocytosis from each compartment occurs. Tight control of compartment secretion is, therefore, an integral part of apicomplexan biology. Control of microneme exocytosis is best understood, where cytosolic intermediate molecular messengers cGMP and Ca2+ act as positive signals. The mechanisms for controlling secretion from rhoptries and dense granules, however, are virtually unknown. Here, we present evidence that dense granule exocytosis is negatively regulated by cytosolic Ca2+ , and we show that this Ca2+ -mediated response is contingent on the function of calcium-dependent protein kinases TgCDPK1 and TgCDPK3. Reciprocal control of micronemes and dense granules provides an elegant solution to the mutually exclusive functions of these exocytotic compartments in parasite invasion cycles and further demonstrates the central role that Ca2+ signalling plays in the invasion biology of apicomplexan parasites.}, }
@article {pmid30672635, year = {2019}, author = {Javal, M and Lombaert, E and Tsykun, T and Courtin, C and Kerdelhué, C and Prospero, S and Roques, A and Roux, G}, title = {Deciphering the worldwide invasion of the Asian long-horned beetle: A recurrent invasion process from the native area together with a bridgehead effect.}, journal = {Molecular ecology}, volume = {28}, number = {5}, pages = {951-967}, doi = {10.1111/mec.15030}, pmid = {30672635}, issn = {1365-294X}, support = {2014 00095480//Region Centre Val de Loire/ ; E07/2014//French Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Forestry DGAL/ ; //COST Action FP 1401 - Global Warning/ ; }, abstract = {Retracing introduction routes is crucial for understanding the evolutionary processes involved in an invasion, as well as for highlighting the invasion history of a species at the global scale. The Asian long-horned beetle (ALB) Anoplophora glabripennis is a xylophagous pest native to Asia and invasive in North America and Europe. It is responsible for severe losses of urban trees, in both its native and invaded ranges. Based on historical and genetic data, several hypotheses have been formulated concerning its invasion history, including the possibility of multiple introductions from the native zone and secondary dispersal within the invaded areas, but none have been formally tested. In this study, we characterized the genetic structure of ALB in both its native and invaded ranges using microsatellites. In order to test different invasion scenarios, we used an approximate Bayesian &quot;random forest&quot; algorithm together with traditional population genetics approaches. The strong population differentiation observed in the native area was not geographically structured, suggesting complex migration events that were probably human-mediated. Both native and invasive populations had low genetic diversity, but this characteristic did not prevent the success of the ALB invasions. Our results highlight the complexity of invasion pathways for insect pests. Specifically, our findings indicate that invasive species might be repeatedly introduced from their native range, and they emphasize the importance of multiple, human-mediated introductions in successful invasions. Finally, our results demonstrate that invasive species can spread across continents following a bridgehead path, in which an invasive population may have acted as a source for another invasion.}, }
@article {pmid30671729, year = {2019}, author = {Seyfarth, M and Khaireh, BA and Abdi, AA and Bouh, SM and Faulde, MK}, title = {Five years following first detection of Anopheles stephensi (Diptera: Culicidae) in Djibouti, Horn of Africa: populations established-malaria emerging.}, journal = {Parasitology research}, volume = {118}, number = {3}, pages = {725-732}, doi = {10.1007/s00436-019-06213-0}, pmid = {30671729}, issn = {1432-1955}, abstract = {The Asian malaria mosquito, Anopheles stephensi, is a well-known and important vector of Plasmodium falciparum and P. vivax. Until 2013, its geographical distribution was confined to central and southern Asia including the Arabian Peninsula. In the Horn of Africa (HoA) Region, An. stephensi was first recorded from Djibouti in 2012, when it was linked geographically and temporally with an unusual outbreak of urban P. falciparum malaria. In 2016, An. stephensi was detected in the neighbouring Somali Region of Ethiopia. In order to determine whether An. stephensi populations have become established in Djibouti and contributed to the unusual rise in local malaria cases there, we carried out continuous vector surveillance from January 2013 to December 2017, investigated seasonal changes in An. stephensi population densities and bionomics, analysed available literature describing malaria in Djibouti since 2013, and investigated whether An. stephensi may have contributed to local malaria transmission by detecting circumsporozoite antigen of P. falciparum and P. vivax in female anophelines. From 2013 to 2016, seasonal activity of An. stephensi in urban Djibouti City primarily occurred during the colder, wetter season between September and May, with either no or rare trap catches from June to August. Unlike past years, this species was detected year-round, including the extremely hot summer months of June to August 2017. This change in seasonal occurrence may indicate that An. stephensi populations are adapting to their new environment in sub-Saharan Africa, facilitating their spread within Djibouti City. Among the 96 female An. stephensi investigated for malaria infectivity, three (3.1%) were positive for P. falciparum circumsporozoite antigen, including one P. falciparum/P. vivax VK 210 double infection. Subsequent to the unusual resurgence of local malaria in 2013, with 1684 confirmed cased reported for that year, malaria case numbers increased continuously, peaking at 14,810 in 2017. Prior to 2016, only P. falciparum malaria cases had been reported, but in 2016, autochthonously acquired P. vivax malaria cases occurred for the first time at a rate of 16.7% among all malaria cases recorded that year. This number increased to 36.7% in 2017. Our data indicate that the dynamics of malaria species in Djibouti is currently changing rapidly, and that An. stephensi can be involved in the transmission of both P. falciparum and P. vivax, simultaneously. Considering the extremely high potential impact of urban malaria on public health, the timely deployment of optimal multinational vector surveillance and control programs against An. stephensi is strongly recommended, not only for the HoA Region, but for the entire African continent.}, }
@article {pmid30668628, year = {2019}, author = {Liu, H and Wu, F and Wu, X and Ye, J}, title = {Differential effects of rapamycin on Bursaphelenchus xylophilus with different virulence and differential expression of autophagy genes under stresses in nematodes.}, journal = {Acta biochimica et biophysica Sinica}, volume = {51}, number = {3}, pages = {254-262}, doi = {10.1093/abbs/gmy172}, pmid = {30668628}, issn = {1745-7270}, abstract = {Pine wilt disease (PWD) caused by the pine wood nematode (PWN), Bursaphelenchus xylophilus, is a devastating disease for Pinus spp. The virulence and resilience of PWN are closely linked to the spread and development of PWD. Numerous studies have shown that autophagy has important physiological and pathological functions in eukaryotes. But little is known about the relationships between autophagy and PWNs' virulence and resistance. In this study, through observation under the microscope and recording, we found the induction of autophagy by rapamycin could dramatically improve movement ability of PWNs with different virulence, and the highly virulent AMA3 isolate moved more than the low virulent YW4 isolate when autophagy was over-induced. High concentrations of rapamycin substantially improved the feeding and reproduction of AMA3 but not YW4. Conserved domains of autophagy genes BxATG3, BxATG4, and BxATG7 were first cloned from PWNs by reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). Expression profiling of these three autophagy genes under biotic and abiotic stresses in PWNs with different virulence was determined by quantitative RT-PCR. The results revealed the expression levels of these three autophagy genes in PWNs with different virulence were increased significantly when nematodes were subject to high and low temperatures, oxidative stress, and defensive responses of pine trees. The expression levels of autophagy genes under biotic and abiotic stresses in AMA3 were higher than those in YW4, and different genes showed different performance. Our study clarified that autophagy was closely related to virulence and resistance of PWN, and the ability of a highly virulent isolate to regulate autophagy activity under stresses was stronger than that of a low virulent isolate.}, }
@article {pmid30665453, year = {2019}, author = {Camp, JV and Kolodziejek, J and Nowotny, N}, title = {Targeted surveillance reveals native and invasive mosquito species infected with Usutu virus.}, journal = {Parasites &amp; vectors}, volume = {12}, number = {1}, pages = {46}, doi = {10.1186/s13071-019-3316-z}, pmid = {30665453}, issn = {1756-3305}, support = {H-282474/2017//Hochschuljubiläumsstiftung der Stadt Wien/ ; }, mesh = {Aedes/*virology ; Animals ; Culex/*virology ; Epidemiological Monitoring ; Female ; Flavivirus/*physiology ; Flavivirus Infections/epidemiology/*transmission/virology ; Humans ; Introduced Species ; Mosquito Vectors/*virology ; }, abstract = {BACKGROUND: The emergence of Usutu virus (USUV) in Europe was first reported in Austria, 2001, and the virus has since spread to many European countries. Initial outbreaks are marked by a mass die-off of European blackbirds (Turdus merula) and other bird species. During outbreaks, the virus has been detected in pools of Culex pipiens mosquitoes, and these mosquitoes are probably the most important enzootic vectors. Beginning in 2017, a second wave of blackbird deaths associated with USUV was observed in eastern Austria; the affected areas expanded to the Austrian federal states of Styria in the south and to Upper Austria in the west in 2018. We sampled the potential vector population at selected sites of bird deaths in 2018 in order to identify infected mosquitoes.<br><br>RESULTS: We detected USUV RNA in 16 out of 19 pools of Cx. pipiens/Cx. torrentium mosquitoes at sites of USUV-linked blackbird mortality in Linz and Graz, Austria. A disseminated virus infection was detected in individuals from selected pools, suggesting that Cx. pipiens form pipiens was the principal vector. In addition to a high rate of infected Cx. pipiens collected from Graz, a disseminated virus infection was detected in a pool of Aedes japonicus japonicus.<br><br>CONCLUSIONS: We show herein that naturally-infected mosquitoes at foci of USUV activity are primarily Cx. pipiens form pipiens. In addition, we report the first natural infection of Ae. j. japonicus with USUV, suggesting that it may be involved in the epizootic transmission of USUV in Europe. Ae. j. japonicus is an invasive mosquito whose range is expanding in Europe.}, }
@article {pmid30661709, year = {2019}, author = {Jarić, I and Heger, T and Castro Monzon, F and Jeschke, JM and Kowarik, I and McConkey, KR and Pyšek, P and Sagouis, A and Essl, F}, title = {Crypticity in Biological Invasions.}, journal = {Trends in ecology &amp; evolution}, volume = {34}, number = {4}, pages = {291-302}, doi = {10.1016/j.tree.2018.12.008}, pmid = {30661709}, issn = {1872-8383}, abstract = {Ecological effects of alien species can be dramatic, but management and prevention of negative impacts are often hindered by crypticity of the species or their ecological functions. Ecological functions can change dramatically over time, or manifest after long periods of an innocuous presence. Such cryptic processes may lead to an underestimation of long-term impacts and constrain management effectiveness. Here, we present a conceptual framework of crypticity in biological invasions. We identify the underlying mechanisms, provide evidence of their importance, and illustrate this phenomenon with case studies. This framework has potential to improve the recognition of the full risks and impacts of invasive species.}, }
@article {pmid30660844, year = {2019}, author = {Gerhard, WA and Gunsch, CK}, title = {Metabarcoding and machine learning analysis of environmental DNA in ballast water arriving to hub ports.}, journal = {Environment international}, volume = {124}, number = {}, pages = {312-319}, doi = {10.1016/j.envint.2018.12.038}, pmid = {30660844}, issn = {1873-6750}, abstract = {While ballast water has long been linked to the global transport of invasive species, little is known about its microbiome. Herein, we used 16S rRNA gene sequencing and metabarcoding to perform the most comprehensive microbiological survey of ballast water arriving to hub ports to date. In total, we characterized 41 ballast, 20 harbor, and 6 open ocean water samples from four world ports (Shanghai, China; Singapore; Durban, South Africa; Los Angeles, California). In addition, we cultured Enterococcus and E. coli to evaluate adherence to International Maritime Organization standards for ballast discharge. Five of the 41 vessels - all of which were loaded in China - did not comply with standards for at least one indicator organism. Dominant bacterial taxa of ballast water at the class level were Alphaproteobacteria, Gammaproteobacteria, and Bacteroidia. Ballast water samples were composed of significantly lower proportions of Oxyphotobacteria than either ocean or harbor samples. Linear discriminant analysis (LDA) effect size (LEfSe) and machine learning were used to identify and test potential biomarkers for classifying sample types (ocean, harbor, ballast). Eight candidate biomarkers were used to achieve 81% (k nearest neighbors) to 88% (random forest) classification accuracy. Further research of these biomarkers could aid the development of techniques to rapidly assess ballast water origin.}, }
@article {pmid30659222, year = {2019}, author = {Doody, JS and McHenry, CR and Rhind, D and Clulow, S}, title = {Novel habitat causes a shift to diurnal activity in a nocturnal species.}, journal = {Scientific reports}, volume = {9}, number = {1}, pages = {230}, doi = {10.1038/s41598-018-36384-2}, pmid = {30659222}, issn = {2045-2322}, abstract = {Plastic responses may allow individuals to survive and reproduce in novel environments, and can facilitate the establishment of viable populations. But can novel environments reveal plasticity by causing a shift in a behavior as fundamental and conspicuous as daily activity? We studied daily activity times near the invasion front of the cane toad (Rhinella marina), an invasive species that has colonized much of northern Australia. Cane toads in Australia are nocturnal, probably because diurnal activity would subject them to intolerably hot and dry conditions in the tropical savannah during the dry season. Our study can demonstrate, however, that upon reaching novel environments some toad populations became diurnal. Sandstone gorges offered cane toads novel, deeply shaded habitat. Gorges with an east-west axis (day-long northern shadow), narrow gorges and narrow sections of gorges contained toads that were primarily diurnal, while gorges with a north-south axis, wide gorges and wide sections of gorges contained mainly nocturnal toads. For example, remote camera data (1314 observations of toad activity times over 789 trap days) revealed strictly nocturnal activity at four 'exposed' sites (99% of 144 observations over 179 days), compared to mostly diurnal activity at a 'shaded' site (78% of 254 observations). Visual encounter surveys confirmed that diurnal activity occurred exclusively at shaded sites, while most nocturnal activity occurred at exposed sites. The close proximity of diurnal and nocturnal toads (4-7 km) provided compelling evidence for the abovementioned physical factors as the proximate cause of the behavioral dichotomy, and for a novel (deeply shaded gorges) environment causing the shift to diurnal activity.}, }
@article {pmid30659082, year = {2019}, author = {McCormick, GL and Robbins, TR and Cavigelli, SA and Langkilde, T}, title = {Population history with invasive predators predicts innate immune function response to early-life glucocorticoid exposure in lizards.}, journal = {The Journal of experimental biology}, volume = {222}, number = {Pt 4}, pages = {}, doi = {10.1242/jeb.188359}, pmid = {30659082}, issn = {1477-9145}, abstract = {Early-life stress can suppress immune function, but it is unclear whether transgenerational stress exposure modulates the immune consequences of early stress. In populations where, historically, the immune system is frequently activated, e.g. persistent stressors that cause injury, it may be maladaptive to suppress immune function after early-life stress. Thus, the relationship between early-life stress and immune function may vary with population-level historical stressor exposure. We collected gravid fence lizards (Sceloporus undulatus) from populations that naturally differ in long-term exposure to invasive fire ants (Solenopsis invicta). We manipulated early-life stress in the resulting offspring via weekly exposure to fire ants, application of the stress-relevant hormone corticosterone or control treatment from 2 to 43 weeks of age. We quantified adult immune function in these offspring with baseline and antigen-induced hemagglutination and plasma bacterial killing ability. Early-life corticosterone exposure suppressed baseline hemagglutination in offspring of lizards from populations not exposed to fire ants but enhanced hemagglutination in those from populations that were exposed to fire ants. This enhancement may prepare lizards for high rates of wounding, toxin exposure and infection associated with fire ant attack. Adult bacterial killing ability and hemagglutination were not affected by early-life exposure to fire ants, but the latter was higher in offspring of lizards from invaded sites. A population's history of persistent stress may thus alter individual long-term immunological responses to early-life stressors. Further consideration of historical stressor exposure (type and duration) may be important to better understand how early-life stressors affect adult physiology.}, }
@article {pmid30657879, year = {2019}, author = {Stockton, D and Wallingford, A and Rendon, D and Fanning, P and Green, CK and Diepenbrock, L and Ballman, E and Walton, VM and Isaacs, R and Leach, H and Sial, AA and Drummond, F and Burrack, H and Loeb, GM}, title = {Interactions Between Biotic and Abiotic Factors Affect Survival in Overwintering Drosophila suzukii (Diptera: Drosophilidae).}, journal = {Environmental entomology}, volume = {48}, number = {2}, pages = {454-464}, doi = {10.1093/ee/nvy192}, pmid = {30657879}, issn = {1938-2936}, abstract = {Drosophila suzukii Matsumura is an invasive species affecting berry crops and cherries throughout North America, South America, and Europe. Previous research suggests that in temperate climates, the overwintering success of D. suzukii is likely dependent on access to food, shelter, and adequate cold hardening. We performed a multi-state study under field conditions for two winters to determine whether D. suzukii sex, phenotype (summer-morphotype, winter-morphotype), and life stage (adults, pupae) affected survival over time while recording naturally-occurring spatial and temporal variation in temperature. Access to food was provided and the flies were buried under leaf litter. Baited traps were deployed to determine whether local populations of D. suzukii were active throughout the winter season. The duration of exposure, mean daily temperature, and cumulative time below freezing significantly affected survival. Below freezing, D. suzukii survival was significantly reduced, particularly in northern locations. In contrast, we observed sustained survival up to 10 wk in southern locations among adults and pupae. Biotic factors also significantly affected survival outcomes: female survival was greater than male survival, winter-morphotype survival was greater than summer-morphotype survival, and adult survival was greater than pupal survival. In the north, wild D. suzukii were captured only in early winter, while in the south they were found throughout the winter. These data suggest that although adult D. suzukii may overwinter in sheltered microclimates, this ability may be limited in regions where the ground temperature, or site of overwintering, falls below freezing for extended durations.}, }
@article {pmid30651649, year = {2019}, author = {Van Patter, L and Flockhart, T and Coe, J and Berke, O and Goller, R and Hovorka, A and Bateman, S}, title = {Perceptions of community cats and preferences for their management in Guelph, Ontario. Part I: A quantitative analysis.}, journal = {The Canadian veterinary journal = La revue veterinaire canadienne}, volume = {60}, number = {1}, pages = {41-47}, pmid = {30651649}, issn = {0008-5286}, abstract = {In 2014, 116 Guelph residents were surveyed to investigate attitudes about community cats and preferences for population management. There are an estimated 29 579 owned cats in Guelph, an estimated 40% of residents allow outdoor access to their cat(s), and 8054 households (15%) feed community cats. Participants reported more concern with community cat welfare than nuisance behavior. There were high levels of support for responsible pet ownership education (90%), accessible or low-cost spay/neuter (86%), and trap-neuter-return (78%), and low levels of support for inaction (4%) and euthanasia (20%). Respondents who did not own cats or who considered cats as &quot;pests&quot; or a &quot;non-native, invasive species&quot; were more supportive of euthanasia. Results suggest that Guelph residents want to see action taken to address community cat population concerns, and that proactive management tools such as education, accessible or low-cost spay/neuter, and trap-neuter-return would be well supported and less divisive than euthanasia.}, }
@article {pmid30651473, year = {2018}, author = {Marinho, CF and Costa, VA and Zucchi, RA}, title = {Annotated checklist and illustrated key to braconid parasitoids (Hymenoptera, Braconidae) of economically important fruit flies (Diptera, Tephritidae) in Brazil.}, journal = {Zootaxa}, volume = {4527}, number = {1}, pages = {21-36}, doi = {10.11646/zootaxa.4527.1.2}, pmid = {30651473}, issn = {1175-5334}, mesh = {Animals ; Brazil ; Drosophila ; *Hymenoptera ; *Tephritidae ; }, abstract = {The braconid parasitoids of fruit-infesting flies have been more intensively studied from the middle to late 1990s, when taxonomic research was restarted in Brazil. At the same time, efforts toward the biological control of fruit flies intensified, and an exotic species, Diachasmimorpha longicaudata, was introduced. In the decade 2010, another exotic species, Fopius arisanus, was introduced, and two new species of Doryctobracon were described. Currently, 12 species of braconids from the subfamilies Alysiinae (two species) and Opiinae (10 species) are associated with fruit flies of economic importance in Brazil, two of which are introduced species. More than half of the species belong to the genus Doryctobracon, with D. areolatus (Szépligeti) the most widely distributed species in Brazil.}, }
@article {pmid30648210, year = {2019}, author = {Heshmati, I and Khorasani, N and Shams-Esfandabad, B and Riazi, B}, title = {Forthcoming risk of Prosopis juliflora global invasion triggered by climate change: implications for environmental monitoring and risk assessment.}, journal = {Environmental monitoring and assessment}, volume = {191}, number = {2}, pages = {72}, doi = {10.1007/s10661-018-7154-9}, pmid = {30648210}, issn = {1573-2959}, mesh = {*Climate Change ; Ecosystem ; *Environmental Monitoring ; Middle East ; Prosopis/*physiology ; Risk Assessment ; }, abstract = {Climate is a determinant factor in species distribution and climate change will affect the species abilities to occupy geographic regions. Prosopis juliflora is one of the most problematic invasive species and its biological invasion causes various negative effects in tropical, arid, and semi-arid regions of the world. As eradication efforts subsequent to the establishment of an alien invasive species are costly and time-consuming, assessing patterns of the introduction of an invasive species to new regions is among the most cost-effective means of monitoring and management of natural ecosystems. In this study by using the concept of species distribution modeling (SDM) and maximum entropy (MaxEnt) method, the effect of climate change on the current and future distribution of P. juliflora has been assessed at a global scale. Bioclimatic variables in current condition and 2050 regarding two global circulation models (GCM) and two climate change scenarios were considered as explanatory variables. Our results showed that annual mean temperature (BIO1), annual precipitation (BIO12), and temperature mean diurnal range (BIO2) represented more than 87% of the variations in the model, and with an AUC of 0.854 and TSS of 0.51, the model showed a good predictive performance. Our results indicate that on a global scale, suitable ranges for P. juliflora increase across all the GCM and RCP scenarios. In a global scale, Mediterranean Basin, Middle East, and North America are regions with the highest risk of range expansion in the future. Regarding the negative impacts of P. juliflora on structure and function of natural habitats in the invaded areas, findings of this study could be considered as a warning appliance for the environmental monitoring of the regions highly sensitive to the global invasion of the species. We suggest that assessing impacts of climate change on the global distribution of the invasive species could be used as an efficient tool to implement broad-scale and priority-setting monitoring programs in natural ecosystems.}, }
@article {pmid30648203, year = {2019}, author = {Gouws, AJ and Shackleton, CM}, title = {A spatio-temporal, landscape perspective on Acacia dealbata invasions and broader land use and cover changes in the northern Eastern Cape, South Africa.}, journal = {Environmental monitoring and assessment}, volume = {191}, number = {2}, pages = {74}, doi = {10.1007/s10661-019-7204-y}, pmid = {30648203}, issn = {1573-2959}, support = {14/5/3/WR60010/1368//Agricultural Research Council/ ; }, mesh = {Acacia/*physiology ; *Conservation of Natural Resources ; Ecosystem ; *Environmental Monitoring ; South Africa ; }, abstract = {Biological invasions and human land use both have the potential to drastically alter the patterns and processes of landscapes, driving habitat fragmentation and altering natural disturbance regimes. The proliferation of an invasive species depends on composition and configuration of the landscape, as well as the invasiveness of the species. To effectively manage a highly invasive species, such as Acacia dealbata, it is crucial to understand the historical progression of the invasion within the landscape. This study sought to examine the landscape dynamics of biological invasions by tracking the historical spread of A. dealbata and broader land use/land cover (LULC) changes at different spatio-temporal scales in the northern Eastern Cape. A time-series of aerial photographs were systematically classified according to designated A. dealbata and LULC categories in ArcGIS to track the changes in the extent and rate of spread of A. dealbata. Markedly dynamic, multi-directional, and spatio-temporally variable LULC transitions were observed across the northern Eastern Cape over the last six decades. A. dealbata frequently retained a high proportion of cover over time, and despite the loss of cover to other LULC classes, a net increase in A. dealbata cover occurred as it spread at an overall annual rate of 0.11-0.21%, occupying approximately 8-18% of land cover across all sampled sites by 2013. Any management interventions to limit or control A. dealbata should therefore consider the spatio-temporal and LULC nuances of landscapes.}, }
@article {pmid30648021, year = {2019}, author = {Purdon, J and Parr, CL and Somers, MJ}, title = {Grazing by large savanna herbivores indirectly alters ant diversity and promotes resource monopolisation.}, journal = {PeerJ}, volume = {7}, number = {}, pages = {e6226}, doi = {10.7717/peerj.6226}, pmid = {30648021}, issn = {2167-8359}, abstract = {In savannas, grazing is an important disturbance that modifies the grass layer structure and composition. Habitat structural complexity influences species diversity and assemblage functioning. By using a combination of natural sites and manipulated experiments, we explored how habitat structure (grazing lawns and adjacent bunch grass) affects ant diversity and foraging behaviour, specifically the efficiency of resource acquisition, resource monopolisation and ant body size. We found that in the natural sites there was no difference in the amount of time ants took to locate resources, but in the manipulated experiments, ants were faster at locating resources and were more abundant in the simple treatments than in the more complex treatments. Ant body size was only affected by the manipulated experiments, with smaller ants found in the more complex treatments. In both the grazing lawn and bunch grass habitats there were differences in assemblage patterns of ants discovering resources and those dominating them. Seasonality, which was predicted to affect the speed at which ants discovered resources and the intensity of resource monopolisation, also played a role. We show that ants in winter monopolised more baits and discovered resources at a slower rate, but only at certain times within the experiment. Grazing in conjunction with season thus had a significant effect on ant diversity and foraging behaviour, with dominant ants promoted where habitat complexity was simplified when temperatures were low. Our results indicate that structural complexity plays a major role in determining ant assemblage structure and function in African savannas.}, }
@article {pmid30648019, year = {2019}, author = {Clemmer, JH and Rettig, JE}, title = {Native bluegill influence the foraging and aggressive behavior of invasive mosquitofish.}, journal = {PeerJ}, volume = {7}, number = {}, pages = {e6203}, doi = {10.7717/peerj.6203}, pmid = {30648019}, issn = {2167-8359}, abstract = {Two fish species that are common invaders of aquatic ecosystems world-wide are Gambusia affinis and G. holbrooki, commonly known as mosquitofish. In North America, introduced G. affinis are thought to have contributed to the population decline of several native fish species. Sunfish (family Centrarchidae) naturally occur across much of North American, thus mosquitofish and sunfish are likely to come into contact and interact more frequently as mosquitofish spread. However, the nature of this interaction is not well known. We used a lab experiment to explore whether and how the aggressive and foraging behaviors of G. affinis might be influenced by a representative and ubiquitous native centrarchid (Lepomis macrochirus; bluegill sunfish), a species with juveniles that inhabit littoral habitats also preferred by mosquitofish. The experiment partnered an individual male or female mosquitofish (focal fish) with a juvenile bluegill, or a same- or opposite-sex conspecific, filmed these one-to-one interactions, and quantified foraging and aggressive actions for the focal mosquitofish. We found that juvenile bluegill affect foraging in male mosquitofish, resulting in lower percent of handling attempts and handling time in which the male consumed a food item. The presence of juvenile bluegill also led to a reduction in the number of aggressive acts by mosquitofish compared to aggression levels when focal mosquitofish were with conspecifics. In nature, when mosquitofish encounter juvenile bluegill in littoral habitats, our results suggest that the foraging and aggressive behaviors of mosquitofish will be modified, especially for males. This mechanism may influence the rate or geographic extent of the spread of mosquitofish into North American waterbodies.}, }
@article {pmid30647243, year = {2019}, author = {Lawrence, JF and Kirejtshuk, AG}, title = {Review of the Australian Cyllodini (Coleoptera: Nitidulidae: Nitidulinae), with descriptions of new taxa, and notes on the genus Macleayania (Nitidulini).}, journal = {Zootaxa}, volume = {4544}, number = {3}, pages = {301-334}, doi = {10.11646/zootaxa.4544.3.1}, pmid = {30647243}, issn = {1175-5334}, mesh = {Animals ; Australia ; *Coleoptera ; *Introduced Species ; }, abstract = {The genera of the nitiduline tribe Cyllodini occurring in Australia are reviewed and a key is provided for their separation. Each genus is discussed, with an emphasis on the Australian fauna, and an hypothesis is given concerning the source of the introduced Camptodes species and its connection with the program for biological control of Opuntia cacti. The specimens identified by Kirejtshuk (2003) as Macleayania amphotiformis (Reitter, 1880b) were found to represent two widely overlapping species later named by Olliff (1886) in the trogossitid genus Ancyrona. The following new genus and species are included: Cyllopallodes, gen. nov., Gymnocychramus bicolor, sp. nov., Pallodes nigroapicalis, sp. nov. The following new combinations and synonymies are also included: Coxollodes loriai (Grouvelle, 1906) (Pallodes) (= Pallodes opacus Grouvelle, 1906, syn. nov.); Cyllodes ruficeps (Reitter, 1880a) (Strongylus) (= Pseudocamptodes blackburni Grouvelle, 1902, syn. nov.; Pseudocamptodes fulviceps Grouvelle, 1906, syn. nov.); Cyllopallodes limbicollis (Reitter, 1880b) (Pallodes), comb. nov.; Pallodes beccarii Grouvelle, 1906 (= Pallodes gestroi Grouvelle, 1906, syn. nov.); Macleayania amphotiformis (Reitter, 1880b) (= Ancyrona amica Olliff, 1886, syn. nov.); Macleayania vesca (Olliff, 1886) (Ancyrona) comb. nov. The lectotypes of Camptodes humeralis (Brullé, 1842), Coxollodes loriai (Grouvelle, 1906), C. opacus (Grouvelle, 1906), Cyllodes fulvipes (Grouvelle, 1906), Pallodes beccarii Grouvelle, 1906, P. gestroi Grouvelle, 1906, and P. misellus Grouvelle, 1906 are designated. Information on and syntype information from Macleayania amica (Olliff, 1886), M. vesca (Olliff, 1886), Cyllodes blackburni (Grouvelle, 1906) and C. rufipes (Reitter, 1880a) are given.}, }
@article {pmid30645636, year = {2019}, author = {Alves, DFR and López Greco, LS and Barros-Alves, SP and Hirose, GL}, title = {Sexual system, reproductive cycle and embryonic development of the red-striped shrimp Lysmata vittata, an invader in the western Atlantic Ocean.}, journal = {PloS one}, volume = {14}, number = {1}, pages = {e0210723}, doi = {10.1371/journal.pone.0210723}, pmid = {30645636}, issn = {1932-6203}, abstract = {Several decapod crustaceans are invaders, but little is known about the biological characteristics that potentiate the success of these decapods in invaded ecosystems. Here, we evaluate and describe some aspects of the reproductive biology and development of Lysmata vittata, an invasive shrimp species in the Atlantic Ocean. In addition, we intend to provide important insights into the biology of invasion by comparing the reproductive traits of this shrimp with some of the predictions about aquatic invasive species. We used experimental and laboratory observations to evaluate the functionality of protandric simultaneous hermaphroditism (PSH), the macro and microscopic development of the ovarian portion of the ovotestes, the reproductive cycle, and the embryonic development of L. vittata. We confirm the functionality of PSH in L. vittata. This shrimp has a rapid reproductive cycle; the ovarian portion of the ovotestes develops (mean ± SD) 6.28 ± 1.61 days after spawning. Embryonic development also occurs over a short time, with a mean (± SD) of 8.37 ± 0.85 days. The larvae hatch without macroscopically visible yolk reserves. Our study provides evidence that the invasive shrimp L. vittata has reproductive and embryonic developmental characteristics (i.e., short generation time and high reproductive capacity) that may be favorable to the establishment of populations during invasive processes.}, }
@article {pmid30643699, year = {2019}, author = {Dong, Z and Morandini, AC and Schiariti, A and Wang, L and Sun, T}, title = {First record of Phyllorhiza sp. (Cnidaria: Scyphozoa) in a Chinese coastal aquaculture pond.}, journal = {PeerJ}, volume = {7}, number = {}, pages = {e6191}, doi = {10.7717/peerj.6191}, pmid = {30643699}, issn = {2167-8359}, abstract = {Background: It has been suggested that aquaculture ponds on the Chinese coast could act as breeding grounds for scyphozoans. Here, we present the first record of the scyphomedusa Phyllorhiza sp. in an aquaculture pond on the coast of the southern Yellow Sea, based on a combination of morphological characteristics and mitochondrial 16S DNA sequence data.<br><br>Methods: A field survey was performed on June 29, 2017 in a pond used for culturing the shrimp Penaeus japonicus, located in the southern Yellow Sea, China. Jellyfish specimens were collected for morphological and genetic analysis. The morphological characters of the jellyfish specimens were compared to taxonomic literature. Additionally, phylogenetic analysis of the mitochondrial 16S fragments of these specimens were also conducted.<br><br>Results: These specimens had the following morphological characters: hemispherical umbrella without scapulets; J-shaped oral arms; a single larger terminal club on each arm; bluish colored with a slightly expanded white tip; and mouthlets present only in the lower half to one-third of each arm. These morphological features of the medusae indicated that the specimens found in the shrimp culture ponds belong to the genus Phyllorhiza Agassiz, 1862, but did not match with the description of any of the known species of the genus Phyllorhiza. Phylogenetic analyses of the mtDNA 16S regions revealed that these specimens, together with Phyllorhiza sp. from Malaysian coastal waters, belong to a sister group of Phyllorhiza punctata. Juveniles and ephyrae of Phyllorhiza sp. were observed in the aquaculture pond. The mean density of Phyllorhiza sp. medusa in the surface water within the pond was estimated to be 0.05 individuals/m2.<br><br>Discussion: Based on our observations of the gross morphology and molecular data, we state that the specimens collected in the aquaculture pond can be identified as Phyllorhiza sp. This is the first record of Phyllorhiza sp. in Chinese seas. Large scale dispersal through ballast water or the expansion of jellyfish aquarium exhibitions are possible pathways of invasion, but this needs to be confirmed in further studies.}, }
@article {pmid30643698, year = {2019}, author = {Campbell, CD and Pecon-Slattery, J and Pollak, R and Joseph, L and Holleley, CE}, title = {The origin of exotic pet sugar gliders (Petaurus breviceps) kept in the United States of America.}, journal = {PeerJ}, volume = {7}, number = {}, pages = {e6180}, doi = {10.7717/peerj.6180}, pmid = {30643698}, issn = {2167-8359}, abstract = {The demand for exotic non-domesticated animals kept as pets in the United States of America (USA) is increasing the exportation rates of these species from their native ranges. Often, illegal harvesting of these species is used to boost captive-bred numbers and meet this demand. One such species, the sugar glider (Petaurus breviceps), endemic to Australia and New Guinea is a popular domestic pet due to its small size and &quot;cute&quot; demeanour. Despite a legal avenue for trade existing in Indonesia, concerns have been raised that sugar gliders may be entering the USA from other parts of their native range where exportation is prohibited such as Australia, Papua New Guinea and the surrounding Indonesian islands. We compared previously published DNA sequences from across the native range of sugar gliders with samples collected from domestically kept sugar gliders within the USA to determine provenance and gene flow between source and introduced populations. Here we show that as predicted, the USA sugar glider population originates from West Papua, Indonesia with no illegal harvesting from other native areas such as Papua New Guinea or Australia evident in the samples tested within this study.}, }
@article {pmid30641133, year = {2019}, author = {Dong, F and Zhang, N and Xie, Z and Meng, X and Qian, K and Ji, C and Lu, M and Du, Y and Wang, J}, title = {Characterization and in vitro expression of arginine kinase gene in the invasive western flower thrips, Frankliniella occidentalis.}, journal = {Comparative biochemistry and physiology. Part B, Biochemistry &amp; molecular biology}, volume = {229}, number = {}, pages = {51-57}, doi = {10.1016/j.cbpb.2019.01.003}, pmid = {30641133}, issn = {1879-1107}, mesh = {Animals ; *Arginine Kinase/biosynthesis/chemistry/genetics ; *Gene Expression ; *Insect Proteins/biosynthesis/chemistry/genetics ; *Introduced Species ; Recombinant Proteins/biosynthesis/genetics ; *Thysanoptera/enzymology/genetics ; }, abstract = {Arginine kinase (AK) plays a critical role in insect energy metabolism and has been proposed to be a potential insecticide target for commercial exploitation. In this study, the full length cDNA encoding a typical group 1 insect AK (FoAK) was isolated from the western flower thrips (WFT), Frankliniella occidentalis (Pergande). Sequence analysis showed that FoAK contains an open reading frame of 1068 nucleotides, which encods a protein of 355 amino acid residues including the signature sequence pattern of ATP-guanidino kinases. Genomic structure analysis showed that the coding region of FoAK contains five exons connected by four introns. RT-qPCR analysis revealed that the mRNA expression of FoAK was developmentally regulated with the lowest level in prepupal stage. Enzymatic activity analysis of the recombinant enzymes expressed in Escherichia coli showed that FoAK is highly stereo specific for L-arginine versus D-arginine and the apparent Michaelis constant for L-arginine (KmArg) is comparable to that of AKs from a variety of species. This research should enable further investigation of the function as well as in vitro screening for inhibitors of FoAK.}, }
@article {pmid30640963, year = {2019}, author = {Beasley, I and Cherel, Y and Robinson, S and Betty, E and Hagihara, R and Gales, R}, title = {Stomach contents of long-finned pilot whales, Globicephala melas mass-stranded in Tasmania.}, journal = {PloS one}, volume = {14}, number = {1}, pages = {e0206747}, doi = {10.1371/journal.pone.0206747}, pmid = {30640963}, issn = {1932-6203}, abstract = {New data are reported from analyses of stomach contents from 114 long-finned pilot whales mass-stranded at four locations around Tasmania, Australia from 1992-2006. Identifiable prey remains were recovered from 84 (74%) individuals, with 30 (26%) individuals (17 females and 13 males) having empty stomachs. Prey remains comprised 966 identifiable lower beaks and 1244 upper beaks, belonging to 17 families (26 species) of cephalopods. Ommastrephidae spp. were the most important cephalopod prey accounting for 16.9% by number and 45.6% by reconstructed mass. Lycoteuthis lorigera was the next most important, followed by Ancistrocheirus lesueurii. Multivariate statistics identified significant differences in diet among the four stranding locations. Long-finned pilot whales foraging off Southern Australia appear to be targeting a diverse assemblage of prey (≥10 species dominated by cephalopods). This is compared to other similar studies from New Zealand and some locations in the Northern Hemisphere, where the diet has been reported to be primarily restricted to ≤3 species dominated by cephalopods. This study emphasises the importance of cephalopods as primary prey for Southern long-finned pilot whales and other marine vertebrates, and has increased our understanding of long-finned pilot whale diet in Southern Ocean waters.}, }
@article {pmid30639717, year = {2019}, author = {Guareschi, S and Wood, PJ}, title = {Taxonomic changes and non-native species: An overview of constraints and new challenges for macroinvertebrate-based indices calculation in river ecosystems.}, journal = {The Science of the total environment}, volume = {660}, number = {}, pages = {40-46}, doi = {10.1016/j.scitotenv.2019.01.008}, pmid = {30639717}, issn = {1879-1026}, mesh = {Animals ; Aquatic Organisms/classification ; *Biodiversity ; Ecosystem ; Environmental Monitoring/*methods ; Europe ; *Introduced Species ; *Invertebrates/classification ; *Rivers ; }, abstract = {Freshwater ecosystems face many threats in the form of reduced water quantity, poor water quality and the loss of biodiversity. As a result, aquatic biomonitoring tools are required to enable the evaluation of these critical changes. Currently, macroinvertebrate-based indices are globally the most widely used biomonitoring tools in fluvial ecosystems. However, very little is known about the potential effects of changes in taxonomic understanding (updating of classification and nomenclature) or the presence of new non-native species for biotic indices calculation. This is especially relevant given that errors, incorrect classification or exclusion of new/updated nomenclature may affect ecological status evaluations and have direct consequences for the management and conservation of freshwater systems. In this discussion paper the main constraints, challenges and implications of these issues are outlined and case studies from a range of European countries are discussed. However, similar challenges affect rivers and managers globally and will potentially be amplified further in the future. Bioassessment science needs to be open to improvements, and current tools and protocols need to be flexible so that they can be updated and revised rapidly to allow new scientific developments to be integrated. This discussion highlights specific examples and new ideas that may contribute to the future development of aquatic biomonitoring using macroinvertebrates and other faunal and floral groups in riverine ecosystems.}, }
@article {pmid30637759, year = {2019}, author = {Li, Q and Wang, N and Liu, X and Liu, S and Wang, H and Zhang, W and Wang, R and Du, N}, title = {Growth and physiological responses to successional water deficit and recovery in four warm-temperate woody species.}, journal = {Physiologia plantarum}, volume = {}, number = {}, pages = {}, doi = {10.1111/ppl.12922}, pmid = {30637759}, issn = {1399-3054}, abstract = {Plant responses to drought and their subsequent rehydration can provide evidence for forest dynamics within the context of climate change. In this study, the seedlings of two native species (Vitex negundo var. heterophylla, Quercus acutissima) and two exotic species (Robinia pseudoacacia, Amorpha fruticosa) in China were selected in a greenhouse experiment. The gas exchange, stem hydraulic parameters, plant osmoprotectant contents and antioxidant activities of the seedlings that were subjected to sustained drought and rehydration (test group) as well as those of well-irrigated seedlings (control group) were measured. The two native species exhibited a greater degree of isohydry with drought because they limited the stomatal opening timely from the onset of the drought. However, the two exotic species showed a more &quot;water spender&quot;-like strategy with R. pseudoacacia showing anisohydric responses and A. fruticosa showing isohydrodynamic responses to drought. Severe drought significantly decreased the leaf gas exchange rates and hydraulic properties, whereas the instantaneous water use efficiency and osmoprotectant contents increased markedly. Most of the physiological parameters recovered rapidly after mild drought rehydration, but the water potential and/or supply of nonstructural carbohydrates did not recover after severe drought rehydration. The results demonstrate that the xylem hydraulic conductivity and shoot water potential jointly play a crucial role in the drought recovery of woody plants. In brief, the native species may play a dominant role in the future in warm-temperate forests because they employ a better balance between carbon gain and water loss than the alien species under extreme drought conditions. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.}, }
@article {pmid30633812, year = {2019}, author = {Williams, J and Lambert, AM and Long, R and Saltonstall, K}, title = {Does hybrid Phragmites australis differ from native and introduced lineages in reproductive, genetic, and morphological traits?.}, journal = {American journal of botany}, volume = {106}, number = {1}, pages = {29-41}, doi = {10.1002/ajb2.1217}, pmid = {30633812}, issn = {1537-2197}, support = {//UCSB/ ; }, abstract = {PREMISE OF THE STUDY: Hybridization between previously isolated species or lineages can stimulate invasiveness because of increased genetic diversity and inherited traits facilitating competitive and reproductive potential. We evaluated differences in stand characteristics and sexual and vegetative reproduction among native, introduced, and hybrid Phragmites australis lineages in the southwestern United States. We also assessed the degree of hybridization among lineages and backcrossing of hybrids with parental lineages.<br><br>METHODS: Growth and morphological characteristics were measured in native, introduced, and hybrid Phragmites stands to evaluate relative cover and dominance in associated plant communities. Panicles were collected from stands to evaluate germination, dormancy, and differences in seed traits. Seedlings from germination trials were genotyped to determine frequency of crossing and backcrossing among lineages.<br><br>KEY RESULTS: Introduced and hybrid Phragmites stands had significantly greater stem and panicle densities than native stands and were more likely to be dominant members of their respective plant communities. Hybrid seed outputs were significantly greater, but hybrid seeds had lower germination rates than those from native and introduced lineages. We detected a novel hybridization event between native and introduced lineages, but found no strong evidence of hybrids backcrossing with parental lineages.<br><br>CONCLUSIONS: Hybrid Phragmites in the Southwest exhibits reproductive, genetic, and morphological characteristics from both parental lineages that facilitate dispersal, establishment, and aggressive growth, including high reproductive output, rhizome viability, and aboveground biomass, with smaller seeds and greater genetic diversity than its progenitors. Our results show hybrids can inherit traits that confer invasiveness and provide insight for managing this species complex and other cryptic species with native and introduced variants with potential for intraspecific hybridization.}, }
@article {pmid30629894, year = {2019}, author = {Rodriguez-Saona, C and Vincent, C and Isaacs, R}, title = {Blueberry IPM: Past Successes and Future Challenges.}, journal = {Annual review of entomology}, volume = {64}, number = {}, pages = {95-114}, doi = {10.1146/annurev-ento-011118-112147}, pmid = {30629894}, issn = {1545-4487}, abstract = {Blueberry is a crop native to North America with expanding production and consumption worldwide. In the historical regions of production, integrated pest management (IPM) programs have been developed and provided effective control of key insect pests. These have integrated monitoring programs with physical, cultural, biological, behavioral, and chemical controls to meet the intense demands of consumers and modern food systems. Globalization of the blueberry industry has resulted in new pest-crop associations and the introduction of invasive pests into existing and new blueberry-growing areas. Invasive pests-in particular spotted wing drosophila-have been highly disruptive to traditional IPM programs, resulting in increased use of insecticides and the potential to disrupt beneficial insects. Moreover, regulatory agencies have reduced the number of broad-spectrum insecticides available to growers while facilitating registration and adoption of reduced-risk insecticides that have a narrower spectrum of activity. Despite these new tools, increasing international trade has constrained insecticide use because of maximum residue limits, which are often not standardized across countries. Great potential remains for biological, behavioral, cultural, and physical methods to contribute to blueberry IPM, and with more regions investing in blueberry research, we expect regionally relevant IPM programs to develop in the new production regions.}, }
@article {pmid30628723, year = {2019}, author = {Carlucci, R and Mentino, D and Semeraro, D and Ricci, P and Sion, L and Scillitani, G}, title = {Comparative histochemical analysis of intestinal glycoconjugates in the blunthead pufferfish Sphoeroides pachygaster and grey triggerfish Balistes capriscus (Teleostei: Tetraodontiformes).}, journal = {Journal of fish biology}, volume = {94}, number = {1}, pages = {122-131}, doi = {10.1111/jfb.13871}, pmid = {30628723}, issn = {1095-8649}, mesh = {Animals ; Biological Evolution ; Glycoconjugates/*metabolism ; Intestinal Mucosa/*metabolism ; Lectins ; Tetraodontiformes/*metabolism ; }, abstract = {The localization of intestinal glycoconjugates of the blunthead pufferfish Sphoeroides pachygaster and the grey triggerfish Balistes capriscus from the north-western Ionian Sea was analysed by histochemical methods (PAS, AB pH 2.5, HID) and lectin binding experiments (WGA, LFA, SBA, sialidase-SBA, PNA, sialidase-PNA, ConA, AAA, UEA-I, LTA) to assess how evolutionary loss of a functional stomach in S. pachygaster affects intestinal secretions relative to the B. capriscus, which retains the plesiomorphic gastric condition. Sphoeroides pachygaster had a lower content of acid mucins but more complex sialylation patterns than B. capriscus. GalNAc and GlcNAc residuals were present in both, but GalNAc residuals in S. pachygaster were subterminal to sialic acid. Balistes capriscus lacked galactosylated residuals and its enterocytes had a glycocalyx that differed in composition between the small intestine and the rectum and was missing from S. pachygaster. Functional and ecological implications of these findings are discussed.}, }
@article {pmid30627765, year = {2019}, author = {Junge, X and Hunziker, M and Bauer, N and Arnberger, A and Olschewski, R}, title = {Invasive Alien Species in Switzerland: Awareness and Preferences of Experts and the Public.}, journal = {Environmental management}, volume = {63}, number = {1}, pages = {80-93}, doi = {10.1007/s00267-018-1115-5}, pmid = {30627765}, issn = {1432-1009}, abstract = {Invasive alien species (IAS) can cause ecological and economic damages. To reduce or prevent these damages different management and prevention strategies aim to impede new establishments or a further spreading of IAS. However, for these measures to be successful, public knowledge of risks and threats of IAS as well as public support for eradication measures are important prerequisites. We conducted a survey to examine (i) public and experts' awareness and knowledge of IAS, (ii) their preferences for six invasive plant species and (iii) their preferences for and trade-offs among management alternatives in Switzerland. In addition, a choice experiment was applied to analyse preferences concerning the intensity, priority and costs of interventions. Both, the Swiss public and the experts have a preference for intervening against invasive alien species. However, the public and the experts differ in their priorities of combatting particular species, resulting in a different ranking of intervention necessities. Further, differences were found in the willingness to pay for interventions between the German-, French- and Italian-speaking parts of Switzerland. The results suggest that a higher problem awareness increases the willingness to pay for countermeasures. We conclude that education programs or information campaigns are promising instruments to raise public awareness and to avoid conflicts concerning the management of invasive alien species.}, }
@article {pmid30626952, year = {2019}, author = {Ivey, PJ and Hill, MP and Coetzee, JA}, title = {South Africa beats back invasive plants.}, journal = {Nature}, volume = {565}, number = {7738}, pages = {161}, doi = {10.1038/d41586-019-00037-9}, pmid = {30626952}, issn = {1476-4687}, mesh = {Conservation of Natural Resources ; *Introduced Species ; Plants, Medicinal ; South Africa ; *Water ; }, }
@article {pmid30626082, year = {2019}, author = {Xue, Q and Wu, XQ and Zhang, WJ and Deng, LN and Wu, MM}, title = {Cathepsin L-like Cysteine Proteinase Genes Are Associated with the Development and Pathogenicity of Pine Wood Nematode, Bursaphelenchus xylophilus.}, journal = {International journal of molecular sciences}, volume = {20}, number = {1}, pages = {}, doi = {10.3390/ijms20010215}, pmid = {30626082}, issn = {1422-0067}, support = {CX (16) 1005//Jiangsu Provincial Agricultural Science and Technology Innovation Fund/ ; PAPD//Priority Academic Program Development of Jiangsu Higher Education Institutions/ ; KYZZ16_0315//Innovation Plan for Graduate Students of Jiangsu, China/ ; }, abstract = {The pine wood nematode (PWN), Bursaphelenchus xylophilus, is the pathogen of pine wilt disease (PWD), resulting in huge losses in pine forests. However, its pathogenic mechanism remains unclear. The cathepsin L-like cysteine proteinase (CPL) genes are multifunctional genes related to the parasitic abilities of plant-parasitic nematodes, but their functions in PWN remain unclear. We cloned three cpl genes of PWN (Bx-cpls) by rapid amplification of cDNA ends (RACE) and analyzed their characteristics using bioinformatic methods. The tissue specificity of cpl gene of PWN (Bx-cpl) was studied using in situ mRNA hybridization (ISH). The functions of Bx-cpls in development and pathogenicity were investigated using real-time quantitative PCR (qPCR) and RNA interference (RNAi). The results showed that the full-length cDNAs of Bx-cpl-1, Bx-cpl-2, and Bx-cpl-3 were 1163 bp, 1305 bp, and 1302 bp, respectively. Bx-cpls could accumulate specifically in the egg, intestine, and genital system of PWN. During different developmental stages of PWN, the expression of Bx-cpls in the egg stage was highest. After infection, the expression levels of Bx-cpls increased and reached their highest at the initial stage of PWD, then declined gradually. The silencing of Bx-cpl could reduce the feeding, reproduction, and pathogenicity of PWN. These results revealed that Bx-cpls play multiple roles in the development and pathogenic processes of PWN.}, }
@article {pmid30175244, year = {2018}, author = {Kamgang, B and Wilson-Bahun, TA and Irving, H and Kusimo, MO and Lenga, A and Wondji, CS}, title = {Geographical distribution of Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus (Diptera: Culicidae) and genetic diversity of invading population of Ae. albopictus in the Republic of the Congo.}, journal = {Wellcome open research}, volume = {3}, number = {}, pages = {79}, doi = {10.12688/wellcomeopenres.14659.3}, pmid = {30175244}, issn = {2398-502X}, abstract = {Background: The arbovirus vector, Aedes albopictus, originating from Asia, has recently invaded African countries, including the Republic of the Congo, where it was associated with a chikungunya outbreak. Up until now, little was known about its distribution in relation to the native Aedes aegypti and how the invasion will modify the epidemiology of arboviral diseases. Here, we assessed the current distribution of Ae. albopictus and Ae. aegypti in the Republic of the Congo and explored the genetic diversity of the invading species, Ae. albopictus. Methods: Immature stages of Aedes were collected in nine locations in the Republic of the Congo in 2017 following a north-south transect and reared to adult stage. Adults were morphologically identified, counted and grouped according to species and location. Genetic diversity of Ae. albopictus was assessed by analyzing the cytochrome oxidase I (COI) gene. Results:Ae.albopictus and Ae. aegypti were found together across the country in all the locations investigated. The invasive species is predominant over the native species in all locations except Brazzaville, suggesting that Ae. albopictus is displacing Ae. aegypti across Congo. When comparing the species distributions across the two largest cities, Brazzaville and Pointe Noire, Ae. albopictus was more prevalent than Ae. aegypti in the suburbs whereas the opposite situation was reported in the city centre. Mitochondrial DNA analysis revealed very low genetic diversity of Ae. albopictus with only three haplotypes recorded across the country supporting the recent introduction of this species in the Republic of the Congo. Phylogenetic tree analysis revealed that Ae. albopictus from Congo originated from other tropical Asian countries such as China, likely as a result of increasing trade links. Conclusion: These findings are important for the implementation of vector control strategies and can serve as a foundation for further research on these vectors in the country.}, }
@article {pmid30624797, year = {2019}, author = {Munro, D and Steer, J and Linklater, W}, title = {On allegations of invasive species denialism.}, journal = {Conservation biology : the journal of the Society for Conservation Biology}, volume = {}, number = {}, pages = {}, doi = {10.1111/cobi.13278}, pmid = {30624797}, issn = {1523-1739}, abstract = {Science denialism retards evidenced-based policy and practice and should be challenged. It has been a particular concern for mitigating global environmental issues, such as anthropogenic climate change. But allegations of science denialism must also be well founded and evidential or they risk eroding public trust in science and scientists. Recently, 77 published works by scholars, scientists, and science writers were identified as containing invasive species denialism (ISD; i.e., rejection of well-supported facts about invasive species, particularly the global scientific consensus about their negative impacts). We reevaluated 75 of these works but could find no examples of refutation of scientific facts and only 5 articles with text perhaps consistent with one of the 5 characteristics of science denialism. We found, therefore, that allegations of ISD were misplaced. These accusations of science denialism may have arisen because invasion biology defines its subjects-invasive species-based on multiple subjective and normative judgments. Thus, more than other applied sciences its consensus is one of shared values as much as agreed knowledge. Criticisms of invasion biology have largely targeted those subjective and normative judgments and their global imposition, not the knowledge on which the discipline is based. Regrettably, a few invasion biologists have misinterpreted the critique of their values-based consensus as a denial of their science when it is not. To make invasion biology a more robust and widely accepted science and to avoid unnecessary misunderstandings and conflicts, invasion biologists could be more accepting of perspectives originating from other disciplines and more open to values-based critique from scholars and scientists outside their field. This recommendation applies to all conservation sciences, especially those addressing global challenges, because these sciences must serve and be relevant to communities with an extraordinary diversity of cultures and values.}, }
@article {pmid30623885, year = {2019}, author = {Vo, NTK and Seymour, CB and Mothersill, CE}, title = {The common field lampricide 3-trifluoromethyl-4-nitrophenol is a potential radiosensitizer in fish cells.}, journal = {Environmental research}, volume = {170}, number = {}, pages = {383-388}, doi = {10.1016/j.envres.2018.12.060}, pmid = {30623885}, issn = {1096-0953}, abstract = {PURPOSE: To evaluate if the common field lampricide 3-trifluoromethyl-4-nitrophenol (TFM) that is intended to eradicate the invasive species sea lampreys in the Great Lakes has the potential to sensitize radiation responses in cells from non-targeted native fish MATERIALS AND METHODS: The TFM toxicity was assessed acutely and chronically with the clonogenic fish cell line eelB. The acute toxicity (24-h exposure) was determined by the fluorescent cell viability probe Alamar Blue. The chronic toxicity was determined either by Alamar Blue (7-d exposure) or the clonogenic survival assay (14-d exposure). Pre- and post-exposure of fish cells to environmentally relevant TFM concentrations following gamma irradiation were performed. Clonogenic survival was determined to assess the damage level of radiation-induced reproductive cell death.<br><br>RESULTS: The chronic toxicity tests were more sensitive than the acute toxicity tests. The 14-d EC50 using the clonogenic survival endpoint was 2.09 ± 0.28 μg/mL and was statistically similar to the 7-d EC50 (1.85 ± 0.07 μg/mL) based on the Alamar Blue-based cytotoxicity endpoint. Post-exposure of cells to environmentally relevant TFM concentrations following irradiation did not have any effect as compared to the irradiation alone group. In contrast, pre-exposure of cells to TFM following irradiation had a negative additive effect when the total radiation dose was 2 Gy, but not 0.1 or 0.5 Gy.<br><br>CONCLUSION: Our results suggest that the common field lampricide TFM is a potential radiation sensitizer in cells from non-targeted native fish. This could be a health problem of concern for non-targeted native fish if a large accidental radioactive release occurs.}, }
@article {pmid30623106, year = {2019}, author = {Wyckhuys, KAG and Hughes, AC and Buamas, C and Johnson, AC and Vasseur, L and Reymondin, L and Deguine, JP and Sheil, D}, title = {Biological control of an agricultural pest protects tropical forests.}, journal = {Communications biology}, volume = {2}, number = {}, pages = {10}, doi = {10.1038/s42003-018-0257-6}, pmid = {30623106}, issn = {2399-3642}, abstract = {Though often perceived as an environmentally-risky practice, biological control of invasive species can restore crop yields, ease land pressure and thus contribute to forest conservation. Here, we show how biological control against the mealybug Phenacoccus manihoti (Hemiptera) slows deforestation across Southeast Asia. In Thailand, this newly-arrived mealybug caused an 18% decline in cassava yields over 2009-2010 and an escalation in prices of cassava products. This spurred an expansion of cassava cropping in neighboring countries from 713,000 ha in 2009 to > 1 million ha by 2011: satellite imagery reveals 388%, 330%, 185% and 608% increases in peak deforestation rates in Cambodia, Lao PDR, Myanmar and Vietnam focused in cassava crop expansion areas. Following release of the host-specific parasitoid Anagyrus lopezi (Hymenoptera) in 2010, mealybug outbreaks were reduced, cropping area contracted and deforestation slowed by 31-95% in individual countries. Hence, when judiciously implemented, insect biological control can deliver substantial environmental benefits.}, }
@article {pmid30621776, year = {2019}, author = {Zhu, GL and Tang, YY and Limpanont, Y and Wu, ZD and Li, J and Lv, ZY}, title = {Zoonotic parasites carried by invasive alien species in China.}, journal = {Infectious diseases of poverty}, volume = {8}, number = {1}, pages = {2}, doi = {10.1186/s40249-018-0512-6}, pmid = {30621776}, issn = {2049-9957}, support = {2016YFC1202003//the National Key Research and Development Program of China/ ; }, mesh = {Animal Distribution ; Animals ; Arthropods/*parasitology ; China ; Host-Parasite Interactions ; *Introduced Species ; Mollusca/*parasitology ; Vertebrates/*parasitology ; Zoonoses/*parasitology ; }, abstract = {BACKGROUND: The invasive alien species may lead to great environmental and economic crisis due to its strong capability of occupying the biological niche of native species and altering the ecosystem of the invaded area. However, its potential to serve as the vectors of some specific zoonotic pathogens, especially parasites, has been neglected. Thus, the damage that it may cause has been hugely underestimated in this aspect, which is actually an important public health problem. This paper aims to discuss the current status of zoonotic parasites carried by invasive alien species in China.<br><br>MAIN BODY: This review summarizes the reported zoonotic parasites carried by invasive alien species in China based on the Database of Invasive Alien Species in China. We summarize their prevalence, threat to human health, related reported cases, and the roles of invasive alien species in the life cycle of these parasites, and the invasion history of some invasive alien species. Furthermore, we sum up the current state of prevention and control of invasive alien species in China, and discuss about the urgency and several feasible strategies for the prevention and control of these zoonoses under the background of booming international communications and inevitable globalization.<br><br>CONCLUSIONS: Information of the zoonotic parasites carried by invasive alien species neither in China or worldwide, especially related case reports, is limited due to a long-time neglection and lack of monitoring. The underestimation of their damage requires more attention to the monitoring and control and compulsory measures should be taken to control the invasive alien species carrying zoonotic parasites.}, }
@article {pmid30620129, year = {2019}, author = {Postigo, JL and Strubbe, D and Mori, E and Ancillotto, L and Carneiro, I and Latsoudis, P and Menchetti, M and Pârâu, LG and Parrott, D and Reino, L and Weiserbs, A and Senar, JC}, title = {Mediterranean versus Atlantic monk parakeets Myiopsitta monachus: towards differentiated management at the European scale.}, journal = {Pest management science}, volume = {75}, number = {4}, pages = {915-922}, doi = {10.1002/ps.5320}, pmid = {30620129}, issn = {1526-4998}, support = {PTDC/AAG-GLO/0463/2014-POCI-01-0145-FEDER-016583SFRH/BPD/93079/2013//Fundação para a Ciência e a Tecnologia/ ; CGL-2016-79568-C3-3-P//Spanish Research Council/ ; //Foundation for Science and Technology/ ; //FEDER Funds through the Operational Competitiveness Factors Program 'COMPETE/ ; SFRH/BPD/93079/2013//FCT/ ; CGL-2016-79568-C3-3-P//Spanish Research Council (Ministry of Economics and Competitiveness)/ ; //Danish National Research Foundation/ ; 706318//H2020-MSCA-IF-2015/ ; }, mesh = {*Animal Distribution ; Animals ; European Union ; Introduced Species ; Mediterranean Region ; Parakeets ; *Parrots ; *Pest Control ; Population Density ; Population Growth ; }, abstract = {BACKGROUND: The monk parakeet Myiopsitta monachus (Boddaert), native to South America, is an invasive species in several European countries, causing crop damage and potential negative impacts on wildlife. Only Spain and Great Britain have regulations to control monk parakeets, thus fast growth and spread of populations are likely to occur on a wide scale. The aims of this research are to update information on the distribution and population size of monk parakeets in Europe, assess whether differences in population growth or spread rate exist between populations, and provide recommendations to decision-makers.<br><br>RESULTS: Our study estimates that there are 23 758 monk parakeets in the wild, across 179 municipalities in eight European Union (EU) countries; 84% of these municipalities hold between 1 and 100 monk parakeets. All countries with a representative historical record are experiencing exponential growth of monk parakeets. Mediterranean countries are experiencing higher exponential growth, spread rate and faster colonization of new municipalities than Atlantic countries.<br><br>CONCLUSIONS: We recommend that EU Mediterranean countries consider declaration of the monk parakeet as invasive alien species of regional concern, and develop coordinated efforts to monitor and manage the species, taking advantage of the low population sizes in most municipalities. © 2019 Society of Chemical Industry.}, }
@article {pmid30615858, year = {2019}, author = {Grumiaux, C and Andersen, MK and Colinet, H and Overgaard, J}, title = {Fluctuating thermal regime preserves physiological homeostasis and reproductive capacity in Drosophila suzukii.}, journal = {Journal of insect physiology}, volume = {113}, number = {}, pages = {33-41}, doi = {10.1016/j.jinsphys.2019.01.001}, pmid = {30615858}, issn = {1879-1611}, abstract = {Drosophila suzukii, an invasive species recently introduced in Europe, lays eggs in thin-skinned fruits and causes huge financial losses to fruit growers. One potential way to control this pest is the sterile insect technique (SIT) which demands a large stock of reproductive females to produce millions of sterile males to be released on demand. Unfortunately, Drosophila stocks age quickly, show declining fecundity when maintained at warm temperatures and conversely, they die from chill injury if they are maintained at constant low temperature. Here we investigate the potential of fluctuating thermal regime (FTR) as a storage method that harness the benefits of both warm and cold storage. Using a FTR with a daily warm period (1 h 20 at 25 °C) and cold period (20 h at 3 °C), interspaced by gradual heating and cooling, we compared longevity, fecundity and physiological condition between FTR females and females exposed to constant 25 °C and 3 °C. As hypothesised, FTR flies experienced much slower senescence (>3-fold increase in lifespan) and they preserved fecundity to a much higher age than flies from constant 25 °C. Flies maintained at constant 3 °C quickly died from chill injuries caused by a gradual loss of ion and water balance. In contrast, FTR flies were able to maintain ion and water balance (similar to 25 °C flies) as they were allowed to recover homeostasis during the short warm periods. Together these results demonstrate that FTR represents a useful protocol for storage of Drosophila stocks, and more broadly, this shows that the benefits of FTR are tightly linked with the insect ability to recover physiological homeostasis during the short warm periods.}, }
@article {pmid30613890, year = {2019}, author = {Pérez-Morales, JM and Sánchez-Galván, G and Olguín, EJ}, title = {Continuous dye adsorption and desorption on an invasive macrophyte (Salvinia minima).}, journal = {Environmental science and pollution research international}, volume = {26}, number = {6}, pages = {5955-5970}, doi = {10.1007/s11356-018-04097-8}, pmid = {30613890}, issn = {1614-7499}, support = {2003010282//Instituto?de?Ecolog?a?/ ; }, mesh = {Adsorption ; Biodegradation, Environmental ; Biomass ; Coloring Agents/analysis/*chemistry ; Introduced Species ; Methylene Blue/analysis/chemistry ; Plants/metabolism ; Waste Disposal, Fluid/*methods ; Water Pollutants, Chemical/analysis/*chemistry ; }, abstract = {The continuous adsorption-desorption of methylene blue (MB) on an invasive macrophyte, Salvinia minima, was investigated in fixed-bed columns. The effects of bed depth (h) (9.30, 18.70, and 28 cm), inlet dye concentration (C0) (51 ± 1.20, 154 ± 2.00, and 250 ± 1.50 mg L-1), and flow rate (Q) (7 and 14 mL min-1) on dye removal and breakthrough curves were assessed. Thomas, modified dose-response (MDR) and bed depth service time (BDST) models were fitted to the experimental data. Desorption and regeneration studies were also performed. The breakthrough time was affected by h, C0, and Q. The dynamic bed capacity at the breakthrough point (qb) increased with increasing h but decreased with increasing C0 and Q. Dynamic bed capacities (qe) from 318 to 322 mg g-1 were achieved at h = 28 cm, C0 = 154 ± 2.0, or 250 ± 1.50 mg L-1, independently of the Q value. High MB removals were also observed (75-78%). FTIR analysis revealed that hydroxyl and carboxyl groups could be involved in dye adsorption. MDR and BDST models were both successfully used to predict the breakthrough curves of MB adsorption onto S. minima. A high regeneration efficiency (> 87%) was obtained after three adsorption-desorption cycles. These results confirm that the use of S. minima biomass could be a very efficient and eco-friendly alternative for MB adsorption in continuous mode.}, }
@article {pmid30604087, year = {2019}, author = {Denley, D and Metaxas, A and Fennel, K}, title = {Community composition influences the population growth and ecological impact of invasive species in response to climate change.}, journal = {Oecologia}, volume = {189}, number = {2}, pages = {537-548}, doi = {10.1007/s00442-018-04334-4}, pmid = {30604087}, issn = {1432-1939}, support = {RGPIN-2016-04878//Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada/ ; }, abstract = {Predicting long-term impacts of introduced species is challenging, since stressors related to global change can influence species-community interactions by affecting both demographic rates of invasive species and the structure of the invaded ecosystems. Invasive species can alter ecosystem structure over time, further complicating interactions between invasive species and invaded communities in response to additional stressors. Few studies have considered how cumulative impacts of species invasion and global change on the structure of invaded ecosystems may influence persistence and population growth of introduced species. Here, we present an empirically based population model for an invasive epiphytic bryozoan that can dramatically alter the structure of its invaded kelp bed ecosystems. We use this model to predict the response of invasive species to climate change and associated changes in the invaded community. Population growth of the bryozoan increased under near-future projections of increasing ocean temperature; however, the magnitude of population growth depended on the community composition of invaded kelp beds. Our results suggest that, in some cases, indirect effects of climate change mediated through changes to the structure of the invaded habitat can modulate direct effects of climate change on invasive species, with consequences for their long-term ecological impact. Our findings have important implications for management of invasive species, as modifying invaded habitats at local to regional scales may be more logistically feasible than addressing stressors related to global climate change.}, }
@article {pmid30604085, year = {2019}, author = {Evangelista, C and Cucherousset, J and Lecerf, A}, title = {Contrasting ecological impacts of geographically close invasive populations.}, journal = {Oecologia}, volume = {189}, number = {2}, pages = {529-536}, doi = {10.1007/s00442-018-04333-5}, pmid = {30604085}, issn = {1432-1939}, support = {Projects ISOLAC//Onema/ ; ERADINVA//Onema/ ; Inva_Eco_Evo_Lac//PRES-Toulouse/ ; }, abstract = {Intraspecific trait variability is now well recognized as a key component of biodiversity explaining how individuals within a species can differentially interact with their environment. To date, however, this concept has rarely been incorporated in the study of biological invasions, despite its provision of new insights into invasive species management. Here, we used an experimental approach to investigate how invasive red swamp crayfish (Procambarus clarkii) derived from geographically close ecosystems can differentially impact prey community structure and relevant ecosystem processes. We also compared the magnitude of the effects induced by invasive species introduction with those induced by intraspecific variability. Our results showed that effects of intraspecific variability can be strong for direct interactions such as resource (e.g., leaf litter, snails) consumption and of similar magnitude to the effects induced by the introduction of the invasive species when considering indirect interactions (e.g., primary production, ecosystem metabolism). Overall, these results highlighted that invasive populations of the same species are not ecologically equivalent, with each population acting differently on their recipient ecosystem.}, }
@article {pmid30603992, year = {2019}, author = {Alqawasmeh, Y and Lutscher, F}, title = {Persistence and spread of stage-structured populations in heterogeneous landscapes.}, journal = {Journal of mathematical biology}, volume = {78}, number = {5}, pages = {1485-1527}, doi = {10.1007/s00285-018-1317-8}, pmid = {30603992}, issn = {1432-1416}, support = {RGPIN-2016-04795//Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada/ ; }, abstract = {Conditions for population persistence in heterogeneous landscapes and formulas for population spread rates are important tools for conservation ecology and invasion biology. To date, these tools have been developed for unstructured populations, yet many, if not all, species show two or more distinct phases in their life cycle. We formulate and analyze a stage-structured model for a population in a heterogeneous habitat. We divide the population into pre-reproductive and reproductive stages. We consider an environment consisting of two types of patches, one where population growth is positive, one where it is negative. Individuals move randomly within patches but can show preference towards one patch type at the interface between patches. We use linear stability analysis to determine persistence conditions, and we derive a dispersion relation to find spatial spread rates. We illustrate our results by comparing the structured population model with an appropriately scaled unstructured model. We find that a long pre-reproductive state typically increases habitat requirements for persistence and decreases spatial spread rates, but we also identify scenarios in which a population with intermediate maturation rate spreads fastest.}, }
@article {pmid30601574, year = {2019}, author = {Peng, S and Kinlock, NL and Gurevitch, J and Peng, S}, title = {Correlation of native and exotic species richness: a global meta-analysis finds no invasion paradox across scales.}, journal = {Ecology}, volume = {100}, number = {1}, pages = {e02552}, doi = {10.1002/ecy.2552}, pmid = {30601574}, issn = {0012-9658}, support = {31030015//National Natural Science Foundation of China/ ; //Chinese Scholarship Council and the Scientific Research Foundation/ ; //Sun Yat-sen University/ ; }, abstract = {Support for the &quot;biotic resistance hypothesis,&quot; that species-rich communities are more successful at resisting invasion by exotic species than are species-poor communities, has long been debated. It has been argued that native-exotic richness relationships (NERR) are negative at small spatial scales and positive at large scales, but evidence for the role of spatial scale on NERR has been contradictory. However, no formal quantitative synthesis has previously examined whether NERR is scale-dependent across multiple studies, and previous studies on NERR have not distinguished spatial grain and extent, which may drive very different ecological processes. We used a global systematic review and hierarchical mixed-effects meta-analysis to provide a comprehensive quantitative assessment of the patterns of NERR over a range of spatial grain sizes and spatial extents, based on 204 individual cases of observational (non-experimental) NERRs from 101 publications. We show that NERR was indeed highly scale dependent across studies and increased with the log of grain size. However, mean NERR was not negative at any grain size, although there was high heterogeneity at small grain sizes. We found no clear patterns of NERR across different spatial extents, suggesting that extent plays a less important role in determining NERR than does grain, although there was a complex interaction between extent and grain size. Almost all studies on NERR were conducted in North America, western Europe, and a few other regions, with little information on tropical or Arctic regions. We did find that NERR increased northward in temperate regions and also varied with longitude. We discuss possible explanations for the patterns we found, and caution that our results do not show that invasive species are benign or have no negative consequences for biodiversity preservation. This study represents the first global quantitative analysis of scale-based NERR, and casts doubt on the existence of an &quot;invasion paradox&quot; of negative NERR at small scales and positive correlations at large scales in non-experimental studies.}, }
@article {pmid30598861, year = {2018}, author = {Leimbach-Maus, HB and Parks, SR and Partridge, CG}, title = {Microsatellite primer development for the invasive perennial herb Gypsophila paniculata (Caryophyllaceae).}, journal = {Applications in plant sciences}, volume = {6}, number = {12}, pages = {e01203}, doi = {10.1002/aps3.1203}, pmid = {30598861}, issn = {2168-0450}, abstract = {Premise of the Study: Gypsophila paniculata (baby's breath; Caryophyllaceae) is a herbaceous perennial that has invaded much of northern and western United States and Canada, outcompeting and crowding out native and endemic species. Microsatellite primers were developed to analyze the genetic structure of invasive populations.<br><br>Methods and Results: We identified 16 polymorphic nuclear microsatellite loci for G. paniculata out of 73 loci that successfully amplified from a primer library created using Illumina sequencing technology. Microsatellite primers were developed to amplify di-, tri-, and tetranucleotide repeats and tested in three invasive populations in Michigan.<br><br>Conclusions: These markers will be useful in characterizing the genetic structure of invasive populations throughout North America to aid targeted management efforts, and in native Eurasian populations to better understand invasion history. Five of these developed primers also amplified in G. elegans.}, }
@article {pmid30598809, year = {2018}, author = {Fukui, S and May-McNally, SL and Taylor, EB and Koizumi, I}, title = {Maladaptive secondary sexual characteristics reduce the reproductive success of hybrids between native and non-native salmonids.}, journal = {Ecology and evolution}, volume = {8}, number = {23}, pages = {12173-12182}, doi = {10.1002/ece3.4676}, pmid = {30598809}, issn = {2045-7758}, abstract = {Human-mediated hybridization between introduced and native species is one of the most serious threats to native taxa. Although field studies have attempted to quantify the relative fitness or reproductive success of parental species and their hybrids, only a few studies have unraveled the factors determining the fitness of hybrids. Here, we hypothesized that maladaptive secondary sexual characteristics may reduce fitness of hybrids between two fish species. To test this, we evaluated the reproductive success of introduced brook trout (BT: Salvelinus fontinalis), native white-spotted charr (WSC: S. leucomaenis) and their hybrids in a natural stream in Hokkaido, Japan, where the two parental species show remarkably different male secondary sexual characteristics, such as elongated jaws and deeper bodies. We predicted that introgression from WSC is maladaptive for BT males because the BT male has more prominent secondary sexual characteristics. Our results suggest that both sexual selection and outbreeding depression in males and females significantly influence an individual's reproductive success. Our results also suggest that asymmetric introgression may increase the risks to persistence in the recipient species.}, }
@article {pmid30598787, year = {2018}, author = {Ng, WT and Cândido de Oliveira Silva, A and Rima, P and Atzberger, C and Immitzer, M}, title = {Ensemble approach for potential habitat mapping of invasive Prosopis spp. in Turkana, Kenya.}, journal = {Ecology and evolution}, volume = {8}, number = {23}, pages = {11921-11931}, doi = {10.1002/ece3.4649}, pmid = {30598787}, issn = {2045-7758}, abstract = {Aim: Prosopis spp. are an invasive alien plant species native to the Americas and well adapted to thrive in arid environments. In Kenya, several remote-sensing studies conclude that the genus is well established throughout the country and is rapidly invading new areas. This research aims to model the potential habitat of Prosopis spp. by using an ensemble model consisting of four species distribution models. Furthermore, environmental and expert knowledge-based variables are assessed.<br><br>Location: Turkana County, Kenya.<br><br>Methods: We collected and assessed a large number of environmental and expert knowledge-based variables through variable correlation, collinearity, and bias tests. The variables were used for an ensemble model consisting of four species distribution models: (a) logistic regression, (b) maximum entropy, (c) random forest, and (d) Bayesian networks. The models were evaluated through a block cross-validation providing statistical measures.<br><br>Results: The best predictors for Prosopis spp. habitat are distance from water and built-up areas, soil type, elevation, lithology, and temperature seasonality. All species distribution models achieved high accuracies while the ensemble model achieved the highest scores. Highly and moderately suitable Prosopis spp. habitat covers 6% and 9% of the study area, respectively.<br><br>Main conclusions: Both ensemble and individual models predict a high risk of continued invasion, confirming local observations and conceptions. Findings are valuable to stakeholders for managing invaded area, protecting areas at risk, and to raise awareness.}, }
@article {pmid30595990, year = {2018}, author = {Holland, EP and Binny, RN and James, A}, title = {Optimal control of irrupting pest populations in a climate-driven ecosystem.}, journal = {PeerJ}, volume = {6}, number = {}, pages = {e6146}, doi = {10.7717/peerj.6146}, pmid = {30595990}, issn = {2167-8359}, abstract = {Irruptions of small consumer populations, driven by pulsed resources, can lead to adverse effects including the decline of indigenous species or increased disease spread. Broad-scale pest management to combat such effects benefits from forecasting of irruptions and an assessment of the optimal control conditions for minimising consumer abundance. We use a climate-based consumer-resource model to predict irruptions of a pest species (Mus musculus) population in response to masting (episodic synchronous seed production) and extend this model to account for broad-scale pest control of mice using toxic bait. The extended model is used to forecast the magnitude and frequency of pest irruptions under low, moderate and high control levels, and for different timings of control operations. In particular, we assess the optimal control timing required to minimise the frequency with which pests reach 'plague' levels, whilst avoiding excessive toxin use. Model predictions suggest the optimal timing for mouse control in beech forest, with respect to minimising plague time, is mid-September. Of the control regimes considered, a seedfall driven biannual-biennial regime gave the greatest reduction in plague time and plague years for low and moderate control levels. Although inspired by a model validated using house mouse populations in New Zealand forests, our modelling approach is easily adapted for application to other climate-driven systems where broad-scale control is conducted on irrupting pest populations.}, }
@article {pmid30594137, year = {2018}, author = {Eyer, PA and McDowell, B and Johnson, LNL and Calcaterra, LA and Fernandez, MB and Shoemaker, D and Puckett, RT and Vargo, EL}, title = {Supercolonial structure of invasive populations of the tawny crazy ant Nylanderia fulva in the US.}, journal = {BMC evolutionary biology}, volume = {18}, number = {1}, pages = {209}, doi = {10.1186/s12862-018-1336-5}, pmid = {30594137}, issn = {1471-2148}, mesh = {Aggression ; Animals ; Ants/*classification/*genetics/physiology ; Female ; Genetic Variation ; Genetics, Population ; Male ; Microsatellite Repeats ; Social Behavior ; United States ; }, abstract = {BACKGROUND: Social insects are among the most serious invasive pests in the world, particularly successful at monopolizing environmental resources to outcompete native species and achieve ecological dominance. The invasive success of some social insects is enhanced by their unicolonial structure, under which the presence of numerous queens and the lack of aggression against non-nestmates allow high worker densities, colony growth, and survival while eliminating intra-specific competition. In this study, we investigated the population genetics, colony structure and levels of aggression in the tawny crazy ant, Nylanderia fulva, which was recently introduced into the United States from South America.<br><br>RESULTS: We found that this species experienced a genetic bottleneck during its invasion lowering its genetic diversity by 60%. Our results show that the introduction of N. fulva is associated with a shift in colony structure. This species exhibits a multicolonial organization in its native range, with colonies clearly separated from one another, whereas it displays a unicolonial system with no clear boundaries among nests in its invasive range. We uncovered an absence of genetic differentiation among populations across the entire invasive range, and a lack of aggressive behaviors towards conspecifics from different nests, even ones separated by several hundreds of kilometers.<br><br>CONCLUSIONS: Overall, these results suggest that across its entire invasive range in the U.S.A., this species forms a single supercolony spreading more than 2000 km. In each invasive nest, we found several, up to hundreds, of reproductive queens, each being mated with a single male. The many reproductive queens per nests, together with the free movement of individuals between nests, leads to a relatedness coefficient among nestmate workers close to zero in introduced populations, calling into question the stability of this unicolonial system in which indirect fitness benefits to workers is apparently absent.}, }
@article {pmid30587673, year = {2019}, author = {Kuninaga, N and Asano, M and Matsuyama, R and Minemoto, T and Mori, T and Suzuki, M}, title = {Serological and histological evaluation of species-specific immunocontraceptive vaccine antigens based on zona pellucida 3 in the small Indian mongoose (Herpestes auropunctatus).}, journal = {The Journal of veterinary medical science}, volume = {81}, number = {2}, pages = {328-337}, doi = {10.1292/jvms.17-0605}, pmid = {30587673}, issn = {1347-7439}, mesh = {Animals ; Antibodies/immunology ; Antigens/immunology ; Contraception, Immunologic/*veterinary ; Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay/veterinary ; Female ; *Herpestidae/blood/immunology ; *Introduced Species ; Vaccines/*immunology ; Zona Pellucida/*immunology/ultrastructure ; }, abstract = {The small Indian mongoose (Herpestes auropunctatus) was introduced to Japanese islands and has impacted on the island's biodiversity. Population control has been attempted through capturing but its efficiency has rapidly declined. Therefore, new additional control methods are required. Our focus has been on the immunocontraceptive vaccines, which act in an especially species-specific manner. The amino-acid sequence of the mongoose ovum zona pellucida protein 3 (ZP3) was decoded and two types of synthetic peptides (A and B) were produced. In this study, these peptides were administered to mongooses (each n=3) and the sera were collected to verify immunogenicity using ELISA and IHC. Treated mongoose sera showed an increasing of antibody titer according to immunizations and the antigen-antibody reactions against the endogenous mongoose ZP. In addition, IHC revealed that immune sera absorbed with each peptide showed a marked reduction in reactivity, which indicated the specificity of induced antibodies. These reactions were marked in peptide A treated mongoose sera, and the antibody titer of one of them lasted for at least 21 weeks. These results indicated that peptide A was a potential antigen, inducing autoantibody generation. Moreover, immunized rabbit antibodies recognized mongoose ZP species-specifically. However, the induction of robust immune memory was not observed. Also, the actual sterility effects of peptides remain unknown, it should be verified as a next step. In any case, this study verified synthetic peptides we developed are useful as the antigen candidates for immunocontraception of mongooses.}, }
@article {pmid30587105, year = {2018}, author = {Kutch, IC and Fedorka, KM}, title = {Y-chromosomes can constrain adaptive evolution via epistatic interactions with other chromosomes.}, journal = {BMC evolutionary biology}, volume = {18}, number = {1}, pages = {204}, doi = {10.1186/s12862-018-1327-6}, pmid = {30587105}, issn = {1471-2148}, mesh = {Animals ; Drosophila melanogaster/*genetics/physiology ; *Epistasis, Genetic ; Female ; Gene Expression Regulation ; Genetic Variation ; Genome ; Male ; Sex Characteristics ; *Y Chromosome ; }, abstract = {BACKGROUND: Variation in the non-coding regions of Y-chromosomes have been shown to influence gene regulation throughout the genome in some systems; a phenomenon termed Y-linked regulatory variation (YRV). This type of sex-specific genetic variance could have important implications for the evolution of male and female traits. If YRV contributes to the additive genetic variation of an autosomally coded trait shared between the sexes (e.g. body size), then selection could facilitate sexually dimorphic evolution via the Y-chromosome. In contrast, if YRV is entirely non-additive (i.e. interacts epistatically with other chromosomes), then Y-chromosomes could constrain trait evolution in both sexes whenever they are selected for the same trait value. The ability for this phenomenon to influence such fundamental evolutionary dynamics remains unexplored.<br><br>RESULTS: Here we address the evolutionary contribution of Y-linked variance by selecting for improved male geotaxis in populations possessing multiple Y-chromosomes (i.e. possessed Y-linked additive and/or epistatic variation) or a single Y-chromosome variant (i.e. possessed no Y-linked variation). We found that males from populations possessing Y-linked variation did not significantly respond to selection; however, males from populations with no Y-linked variation did respond. These patterns suggest the presence of a large quantity of Y-linked epistatic variance in the multi-Y population that dramatically slowed its response.<br><br>CONCLUSIONS: Our results imply that YRV is unlikely to facilitate the evolution of sexually dimorphic traits (at least for the trait examined here), but can interfere with the rate of trait evolution in both males and females. This result could have real biological implications as it suggests that YRV can affect how quickly a population responds to new selective pressures (e.g. invasive species, novel pathogens, or climate change). Considering that YRV influences hundreds of genes and is likely typical of other independently-evolved hemizygous chromosomes, YRV-like phenomena may represent common and significant costs to hemizygous sex determination.}, }
@article {pmid30586169, year = {2019}, author = {Policelli, N and Bruns, TD and Vilgalys, R and Nuñez, MA}, title = {Suilloid fungi as global drivers of pine invasions.}, journal = {The New phytologist}, volume = {222}, number = {2}, pages = {714-725}, doi = {10.1111/nph.15660}, pmid = {30586169}, issn = {1469-8137}, support = {1554181//NSF/ ; PICT 2014-0662//FONCyT/ ; PICT 2016-1412//FONCyT/ ; }, abstract = {Belowground biota can deeply influence plant invasion. The presence of appropriate soil mutualists can act as a driver to enable plants to colonize new ranges. We reviewed the species of ectomycorrhizal fungi (EMF) that facilitate pine establishment in both native and non-native ranges, and that are associated with their invasion into nonforest settings. We found that one particular group of EMF, suilloid fungi, uniquely drive pine invasion in the absence of other EMF. Although the association with other EMF is variable, suilloid EMF are always associated with invasive pines, particularly at early invasion, when invasive trees are most vulnerable. We identified five main ecological traits of suilloid fungi that may explain their key role at pine invasions: their long-distance dispersal capacity, the establishment of positive biotic interactions with mammals, their capacity to generate a resistant spore bank, their rapid colonization of roots and their long-distance exploration type. These results suggest that the identity of mycorrhizal fungi and their ecological interactions, rather than simply the presence of compatible fungi, are key to the understanding of plant invasion processes and their success or failure. Particularly for pines, their specific association with suilloid fungi determines their invasion success in previously uninvaded ecosystems.}, }
@article {pmid30585425, year = {2018}, author = {Richard, SA and Tillman, EA and Humphrey, JS and Avery, ML and Parker, MR}, title = {Male Burmese pythons follow female scent trails and show sex-specific behaviors.}, journal = {Integrative zoology}, volume = {}, number = {}, pages = {}, doi = {10.1111/1749-4877.12376}, pmid = {30585425}, issn = {1749-4877}, abstract = {Animals communicate with potential mates using species-specific signals, and pheromones are powerful sexual signals that modify conspecific behavior to facilitate mate location. Among the vertebrates, snakes are especially adept in mate searching via chemical trailing, which is particularly relevant given that many snake species are invasive outside their native ranges. Chemical signals used in mate choice are thus potentially valuable tools for management of invasive snake species. The Burmese python (Python bivittatus) is an invasive snake in the Florida Everglades where it is negatively impacting native fauna. In this study, we sought to (1) determine if males can follow conspecific chemical trails in a Y-maze and (2) describe the mate searching behaviors exhibited by males while trailing. All males consistently followed a single female scent trail in the maze, but when only a male scent trail was present they did not discriminate between the male and blank arms. Rate of tongue-flicking, a proxy for chemosensory sampling, was also marginally higher when males were following female vs. male scent trails. However, when both female and male scent trails were simultaneously present in the Y-maze, males did not show a preference for the female arm, though tongue-flick rate was higher in the female-only trial compared to female vs. male. Analyses of multiple male behaviors individually and using an ethogram revealed that behaviors were more frequent and complex in the female-only trials compared to male-only. Additional behavioral trials are needed to determine if an effective pheromonal approach to Burmese python management is possible. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.}, }
@article {pmid30584723, year = {2018}, author = {Li, WC and Sheng, HY and Chen, WJ and Liu, YY and Zhang, R and Wen, X}, title = {Variation of soil bacterial diversity after the invasion of Phyllostachys edulis into Pinus massoniana forest.}, journal = {Ying yong sheng tai xue bao = The journal of applied ecology}, volume = {29}, number = {12}, pages = {3969-3976}, doi = {10.13287/j.1001-9332.201812.002}, pmid = {30584723}, issn = {1001-9332}, mesh = {Bacteria ; *Biodiversity ; China ; *Forests ; Introduced Species ; Pinus ; Poaceae/*physiology ; *Soil ; *Soil Microbiology ; }, abstract = {To identify the variation in soil bacterial community diversity brought by the invasion of Phyllostachys edulis into Pinus massoniana forest, we collected mixed soil samples from three types of forests, including a pure Ph. edulis forest, a mixed Ph. edulis and conifers (P. massoniana) fore-st, and a mixed forest of evergreen broadleaves and conifers. Samples were analyzed by high-throughput sequencing for measuring the soil bacterial community diversity and structure. The results showed that the bacterial communities comprised of 511 genera, 160 families, 134 orders, 88 classes, and 39 phyla. The proportion of Acidobateria in the pure Ph. edulis forest was significantly lower and the proportions of Actinobacteria, Bacteroidetes, TM7, and Chlamydiae were significantly higher than that in other forests. Meanwhile, various genera showed significant differences in proportions in both the mixed forests when compared with their corresponding proportions in the pure Ph. edulis forest. There were 130 non-dominant genera presented alone in each of the two mixed forests, at proportions between 0.005% and 0.1%. The pure Ph. edulis forest had the lowest &amp;Agr; diversity, while that of the mixed Ph. edulis and evergreen broadleaf forest was intermediate, and that of the mixed evergreen broadleaf and coniferous forest was the highest. The index of &amp;Agr; diversity followed evergreen coniferous mixed forest > bamboo needle mixed forest > pure bamboo forest, and the diffe-rence between the mixed Ph. edulis and evergreen broadleaf forest and the mixed evergreen broadleaf and coniferous forest was insignificant. The PCoA results revealed that the invasion of Ph. edulis affected the population diversity and community structure of soil bacteria. There was a significant correlation between the percentage of non-dominant bacterial phyla in the soil (less than 0.1% of the proportion) and the soil environmental gradient such as water-soluble organic nitrogen and nitrate. Water-soluble organic nitrogen and nitrate had strong effects on the non-dominant bacterial population in the soil following the invasion of Ph. edulis into the P. massoniana forest. These findings would serve as important references for further related studies.}, }
@article {pmid30584393, year = {2018}, author = {Karpiński, L and Szczepański, WT and Lewa, R and Walczak, M and Hilszczański, J and Kruszelnicki, L and Łoś, K and Jaworski, T and Marek Bidas,  and Tarwacki, G}, title = {New data on the distribution, biology and ecology of the longhorn beetles from the area of South and East Kazakhstan (Coleoptera, Cerambycidae).}, journal = {ZooKeys}, volume = {}, number = {805}, pages = {59-126}, doi = {10.3897/zookeys.805.29660}, pmid = {30584393}, issn = {1313-2989}, abstract = {New data on the distribution, biology and ecology of the longhorn beetles occurring in southern and eastern regions of Kazakhstan are presented together with a list of 78 species that were collected during two entomological expeditions conducted in May and June 2017. New localities of some rare taxa endemic to this region of Asia, such as Psilotarsusbrachypterusbrachypterus (Gebler, 1830), Stenocorusminutus (Gebler, 1841) and Dorcadioncrassipescrassipes Ballion, 1878 are given. Exocentrusstierlini Ganglbauer, 1883 is recorded from Kazakhstan for the first time. Moreover, the occurrence of three species: Amarysiusduplicatus Tsherepanov, 1980, Rhopaloscelisunifasciatus Blessig, 1873 and Saperdaalberti Plavilstshikov, 1916, which were recently found in the country, is also confirmed. Furthermore, high-quality photographs of several unique taxa, i.e. Psilotarsusbrachypteruspubiventris (Semenov, 1900), Xylotrechusadspersus (Gebler, 1830), X.alakolensis Karpiński &amp; Szczepański, 2018, Anoplistesgalusoi (Kostin, 1974), A.jacobsoni Baeckmann, 1904 and Obereakostini Danilevsky, 1988 along with images of their habitats and feeding galleries are also presented. New localities of species considered serious pests or invasive, such as Turaniumscabrum (Kraatz, 1882) and Trichoferuscampestris (Faldermann, 1835), respectively, are also given. A new synonymy is proposed: Cerambyxscalaris Linnaeus, 1758 = Cerambyxhieroglyphicus Pallas, 1773, syn. n.}, }
@article {pmid30580472, year = {2019}, author = {Gutowsky, LFG and Giacomini, HC and de Kerckhove, DT and Mackereth, R and McCormick, D and Chu, C}, title = {Quantifying multiple pressure interactions affecting populations of a recreationally and commercially important freshwater fish.}, journal = {Global change biology}, volume = {25}, number = {3}, pages = {1049-1062}, doi = {10.1111/gcb.14556}, pmid = {30580472}, issn = {1365-2486}, mesh = {Animals ; Biodiversity ; Climate Change ; Conservation of Natural Resources/*methods/statistics &amp; numerical data ; *Ecosystem ; Fisheries ; Introduced Species ; *Lakes ; Ontario ; Perches/*physiology ; }, abstract = {The expanding human global footprint and growing demand for freshwater have placed tremendous stress on inland aquatic ecosystems. Aichi Target 10 of the Convention on Biological Diversity aims to minimize anthropogenic pressures affecting vulnerable ecosystems, and pressure interactions are increasingly being incorporated into environmental management and climate change adaptation strategies. In this study, we explore how climate change, overfishing, forest disturbance, and invasive species pressures interact to affect inland lake walleye (Sander vitreus) populations. Walleye support subsistence, recreational, and commercial fisheries and are one of most sought-after freshwater fish species in North America. Using data from 444 lakes situated across an area of 475 000 km2 in Ontario, Canada, we apply a novel statistical tool, R-INLA, to determine how walleye biomass deficit (carrying capacity-observed biomass) is impacted by multiple pressures. Individually, angling activity and the presence of invasive zebra mussels (Dreissena polymorpha) were positively related to biomass deficits. In combination, zebra mussel presence interacted negatively and antagonistically with angling activity and percentage decrease in watershed mature forest cover. Velocity of climate change in growing degree days above 5°C and decrease in mature forest cover interacted to negatively affect walleye populations. Our study demonstrates how multiple pressure evaluations can be conducted for hundreds of populations to identify influential pressures and vulnerable ecosystems. Understanding pressure interactions is necessary to guide management and climate change adaptation strategies, and achieve global biodiversity targets.}, }
@article {pmid30578812, year = {2019}, author = {Galal, L and Schares, G and Stragier, C and Vignoles, P and Brouat, C and Cuny, T and Dubois, C and Rohart, T and Glodas, C and Dardé, ML and Kane, M and Niang, Y and Diallo, M and Sow, A and Aubert, D and Hamidović, A and Ajzenberg, D and Mercier, A}, title = {Diversity of Toxoplasma gondii strains shaped by commensal communities of small mammals.}, journal = {International journal for parasitology}, volume = {49}, number = {3-4}, pages = {267-275}, doi = {10.1016/j.ijpara.2018.11.004}, pmid = {30578812}, issn = {1879-0135}, abstract = {Commensal rodent species are key reservoirs for Toxoplasma gondii in the domestic environment. In rodents, different T. gondii strains show variable patterns of virulence according to host species. Toxoplasma gondii strains causing non-lethal chronic infections in local hosts will be more likely to persist in a given environment, but few studies have addressed the possible role of these interactions in shaping the T. gondii population structure. In addition, the absence of validated techniques for upstream detection of T. gondii chronic infection in wild rodents hinders exploration of this issue under natural conditions. In this study, we took advantage of an extensive survey of commensal small mammals in three coastal localities of Senegal, with a species assemblage constituted of both native African species and invasive species. We tested 828 individuals for T. gondii chronic infection using the modified agglutination test for antibody detection in serum samples and a quantitative PCR assay for detection of T. gondii DNA in brain samples. The infecting T. gondii strains were genotyped whenever possible by the analysis of 15 microsatellite markers. We found (i) a very poor concordance between molecular detection and serology in the invasive house mouse, (ii) significantly different levels of prevalence by species and (iii) the autochthonous T. gondii Africa 1 lineage strains, which are lethal for laboratory mice, only in the native African species of commensal small mammals. Overall, this study highlights the need to reconsider the use of MAT serology in natural populations of house mice and provides the first known data about T. gondii genetic diversity in invasive and native species of small mammals from Africa. In light of these results, we discuss the role of invasive and native species, with their variable adaptations to different T. gondii strains, in shaping the spatial structure of T. gondii genetic diversity in Africa.}, }
@article {pmid30569438, year = {2018}, author = {Brattland, C and Eythórsson, E and Weines, J and Sunnanå, K}, title = {Social-ecological timelines to explore human adaptation to coastal change.}, journal = {Ambio}, volume = {}, number = {}, pages = {}, doi = {10.1007/s13280-018-1129-5}, pmid = {30569438}, issn = {1654-7209}, support = {255767//Norges Forskningsråd/ ; }, abstract = {Through the construction of a socio-ecological timeline for the Porsanger fjord ecosystem, this article illustrates the different ways in which environmental and social-ecological changes have influenced the adaptations of rural households in coastal Sami communities in Finnmark, north Norway. The main finding is that, although environmental change in the form of seal invasions and dwindling fish stocks directly impacted the fisheries, the introduction of a new vessel quota system decisively changed adaptive capacity and coastal Sami household adaptation strategies. These changes represented a tipping point for the social-ecological system in the period between 1986 and 1990. It is thus important to discuss the ways in which governance systems may facilitate actions to adapt to climate and biodiversity change and foster sustainable rural livelihood systems in coastal Norway. Based on traditional and local ecological knowledge on the state of the ecosystem prior to the tipping point, two relevant actions to increase the resilience of the system were identified: ensuring the possibility of re-entry into fisheries as part of rural livelihood combinations, and ecological restoration of kelp beds. Flexible diversification of livelihoods allows exploitation of a range of adjacent species without large investments in a fossile fuel-driven fisheries economy. Investing in regrowth of macroalgae to foster cod nursery areas and increase carbon sequestration can be a relevant alternative for communities that are interested in contributing to climate change mitigation on a larger scale.}, }
@article {pmid30568860, year = {2018}, author = {Simões, MVP and Peterson, AT}, title = {Importance of biotic predictors in estimation of potential invasive areas: the example of the tortoise beetle Eurypedus nigrosignatus, in Hispaniola.}, journal = {PeerJ}, volume = {6}, number = {}, pages = {e6052}, doi = {10.7717/peerj.6052}, pmid = {30568860}, issn = {2167-8359}, abstract = {Climatic variables have been the main predictors employed in ecological niche modeling and species distribution modeling, although biotic interactions are known to affect species' spatial distributions via mechanisms such as predation, competition, and mutualism. Biotic interactions can affect species' responses to abiotic environmental changes differently along environmental gradients, and abiotic environmental changes can likewise influence the nature of biotic interactions. Understanding whether and how to integrate variables at different scales in ecological niche models is essential to better estimate spatial distributions of species on macroecological scales and their responses to change. We report the leaf beetle Eurypedus nigrosignatus as an alien species in the Dominican Republic and investigate whether biotic factors played a meaningful role in the distributional expansion of the species into the Caribbean. We evaluate ecological niche models built with an additive gradient of unlinked biotic predictors-host plants, using likelihood-based model evaluation criteria (Akaike information criterion and Bayesian information criterion) within a range of regularization multiplier parameter values. Our results support the argument that ecological niche models should be more inclusive, as selected biotic predictors can improve the performance of models, despite the increased model complexity, and show that biotic interactions matter at macroecological scales. Moreover, we provide an alternative approach to select optimal combination of relevant variables, to improve estimation of potential invasive areas using global minimum model likelihood scores.}, }
@article {pmid30568533, year = {2018}, author = {Maddison, DR and Will, K and Crews, S and LaBonte, J}, title = {Bembidion ambiguum (Coleoptera: Carabidae) is established in California.}, journal = {Biodiversity data journal}, volume = {}, number = {6}, pages = {e30763}, doi = {10.3897/BDJ.6.e30763}, pmid = {30568533}, issn = {1314-2828}, abstract = {Background: The ground beetle Bembidion (Neja) ambiguum Dejean is native to Europe and north Africa, in the Mediterranean region.<br><br>New information: We report it from North America for the first time, from five localities around San Francisco Bay, California. The earliest record is from 2012.}, }
@article {pmid30568529, year = {2018}, author = {Valdez-Mondragón, A and Cortez-Roldán, MR and Juárez-Sánchez, AR and Solís-Catalán, KP}, title = {A new species of Loxosceles Heineken &amp; Lowe (Araneae, Sicariidae), with updated distribution records and biogeographical comments for the species from Mexico, including a new record of Loxoscelesrufescens (Dufour).}, journal = {ZooKeys}, volume = {}, number = {802}, pages = {39-66}, doi = {10.3897/zookeys.802.28445}, pmid = {30568529}, issn = {1313-2989}, abstract = {A new species of the spider genus Loxosceles Heineken &amp; Lowe, 1832, Loxoscelesmalintzisp. n., is described from the states of Puebla, Morelos and Guerrero, in the central region of Mexico. The description is based on adult males and females with morphological and ultra-morphological images. Updated distribution maps are provided for the 39 species recorded from the Mexican territory (including the new species). The states with the greatest diversity are Baja California Sur, Baja California and Sonora, with five species each. A total of 441 records for the 39 species, based on arachnological collections, data bases and literature, were used to update the distribution maps. Loxoscelesboneti Gertsch, 1958 is the species with the highest number of records in Mexico, with a total of 58 records from different localities. The states with the most records so far are Guerrero, with 55 records, Morelos, with 35 records, and Baja California Sur, with 30 records. Loxoscelesrufescens (Dufour, 1820), an introduced species, is recorded for the second time in Mexico, from the state of Chihuahua, being the first well-documented record for the country. Mexico has the greatest diversity of species of Loxosceles worldwide, with 39 (two introduced species) of the 134 described species. Additionally, biogeographical comments for the species from Mexico are provided.}, }
@article {pmid30568068, year = {2019}, author = {Shi, W and Hu, X and Chen, X and Ou, X and Yang, J and Geng, Y}, title = {Increased population epigenetic diversity of the clonal invasive species Alternanthera philoxeroides in response to salinity stress.}, journal = {Genes &amp; genetic systems}, volume = {93}, number = {6}, pages = {259-269}, doi = {10.1266/ggs.18-00039}, pmid = {30568068}, issn = {1880-5779}, mesh = {Amaranthaceae/*genetics/physiology ; DNA Methylation ; *Epigenesis, Genetic ; Genetic Variation ; Introduced Species ; *Salt Tolerance ; }, abstract = {Epigenetic modification can change the pattern of gene expression without altering the underlying DNA sequence, which may be adaptive in clonal plant species. In this study, we used MSAP (methylation-sensitive amplification polymorphism) to examine epigenetic variation in Alternanthera philoxeroides, a clonal invasive species, in response to salinity stress. We found that salinity stress could significantly increase the level of epigenetic diversity within a population. This effect increased with increasing stress duration and was specific to particular genotypes. In addition, the epigenetic modification of young plants seems less sensitive to salinity than that of mature plants. This elevated epigenetic diversity in response to environmental stress may compensate for genetic impoverishment and contribute to evolutionary potential in clonal species.}, }
@article {pmid30568067, year = {2019}, author = {Zhao, B and Xue, S and Zhu, W and Lv, T and Wei, Q and Shang, S and Zhang, H}, title = {Development of microsatellite markers for the Siberian weasel Mustela sibirica.}, journal = {Genes &amp; genetic systems}, volume = {93}, number = {6}, pages = {255-258}, doi = {10.1266/ggs.18-00018}, pmid = {30568067}, issn = {1880-5779}, mesh = {Animals ; Genome-Wide Association Study/standards ; Introduced Species ; *Microsatellite Repeats ; Mustelidae/*genetics ; Polymorphism, Genetic ; }, abstract = {The Siberian weasel (Mustela sibirica) is widely distributed in mainland Asia, but its introduction into Japan and subsequent expansion have affected the Japanese weasel (M. itatsi). To provide a useful tool for population genetic studies and control of M. sibirica, we developed 10 polymorphic microsatellite markers. Among 40 individuals of M. sibirica collected in Hubei Province, China, the number of alleles per locus varied from 2 to 19, with the observed heterozygosity ranging from 0.050 to 1.000 and the expected heterozygosity ranging from 0.049 to 0.920. None of the loci deviated from Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium. These markers will be useful in further studies investigating the population structure and natural history of M. sibirica, and may thus provide new insights for the efficient management of this species.}, }
@article {pmid30566639, year = {2019}, author = {Lillian, S and Redak, RA and Daugherty, MP}, title = {Assessing the Role of Differential Herbivore Performance Among Plant Species in Associational Effects Involving the Invasive Stink Bug Bagrada hilaris (Hemiptera: Pentatomidae).}, journal = {Environmental entomology}, volume = {48}, number = {1}, pages = {114-121}, doi = {10.1093/ee/nvy181}, pmid = {30566639}, issn = {1938-2936}, mesh = {Animals ; *Atriplex ; *Brassica ; *Herbivory ; Heteroptera/*physiology ; *Introduced Species ; }, abstract = {Co-occurring plant species can influence the extent of damage to each other by altering the activity or abundance of a shared herbivore. One mechanism by which neighboring host plants exacerbate damage to a focal host is if the neighbor amplifies herbivore populations. We studied the performance of a shared herbivore on a native and an invasive plant, to estimate how strongly the presence of the invasive plant increases local herbivore abundance-in a system in which highly asymmetric spillover herbivory may occur. Specifically, we conducted a series of greenhouse experiments that measured reproduction, development, and survival of the invasive stink bug Bagrada hilaris Burmeister on an invasive annual forb, Sahara mustard (Brassica tournefortii), or a native perennial shrub, four-winged saltbush (Atriplex canescens). All measured aspects of stink bug performance revealed consistently greater performance on Br. tournefortii. Indeed, A. canescens appears to be insufficient for Ba. hilaris to complete its development. Nonetheless, preliminary damage assessments found that both plant species were used as feeding hosts, putative feeding lesions were a more reliable indicator of herbivory than was the degree of yellowing, and higher Ba. hilaris abundance was generally associated with greater sublethal damage to A. canescens. Thus, A. canescens appears to be susceptible to Ba. hilaris herbivory, though more research is needed to assess fitness impacts of this novel herbivore. Our results indicate that differential herbivore performance among host plants may be an important contributor to observed patterns of abundance of a shared herbivore and spillover herbivory between plants.}, }
@article {pmid30566612, year = {2019}, author = {Shragai, T and Harrington, LC}, title = {Aedes albopictus (Diptera: Culicidae) on an Invasive Edge: Abundance, Spatial Distribution, and Habitat Usage of Larvae and Pupae Across Urban and Socioeconomic Environmental Gradients.}, journal = {Journal of medical entomology}, volume = {56}, number = {2}, pages = {472-482}, doi = {10.1093/jme/tjy209}, pmid = {30566612}, issn = {1938-2928}, abstract = {The Asian tiger mosquito [Aedes albopictus (Skuse)] is an invasive species of public health importance that is currently expanding its range in the Northeast United States. Effective Ae. albopictus control depends on a thorough understanding of factors influencing their abundance, spatial distribution, and habitat preference. We conducted a series of container surveys for Ae. albopictus larvae/pupae over 2 yr across nine sites in neighborhoods along its invasive range in southern New York. Selected sites represented a gradient of percent impervious surface and median household income. Two hypotheses were tested: 1) Ae. albopictus larval/pupal abundance increases and spatial distribution becomes less clustered as site-level median income decreases and percent impervious surface increases because of increased larval habitat quality and availability; and 2) container-level characteristics are predictive of Ae. albopictus larval/pupal infestation across a range of sites. In 2016, neither median household income nor impervious surface predicted Ae. albopictus abundance. In 2017, sites with greater impervious surface were more heavily infested by some measures. In both years, Ae. albopictus larval/pupal spatial distribution as measured by K-function was more clustered in with greater median household income. Most container characteristics were either not predictive of Ae. albopictus or varied between years. Based on the variability of predictive container characteristics, we conclude that identification of key containers is not useful in this region. However, Ae. albopictus can be nonhomogenously distributed or abundant based on income level and impervious surface. Improved control of immatures should consider these regional predictors of Ae. albopictus populations.}, }
@article {pmid30565370, year = {2018}, author = {Nimmo, DG and Avitabile, S and Banks, SC and Bliege Bird, R and Callister, K and Clarke, MF and Dickman, CR and Doherty, TS and Driscoll, DA and Greenville, AC and Haslem, A and Kelly, LT and Kenny, SA and Lahoz-Monfort, JJ and Lee, C and Leonard, S and Moore, H and Newsome, TM and Parr, CL and Ritchie, EG and Schneider, K and Turner, JM and Watson, S and Westbrooke, M and Wouters, M and White, M and Bennett, AF}, title = {Animal movements in fire-prone landscapes.}, journal = {Biological reviews of the Cambridge Philosophical Society}, volume = {}, number = {}, pages = {}, doi = {10.1111/brv.12486}, pmid = {30565370}, issn = {1469-185X}, support = {DE170101466//Australian Research Council/ ; Mallee Hawkeye Project//Victorian Department of Land, Water and Planning/ ; //LaTrobe University and Deakin University/ ; //Department of Land, Water and Planning as part of the Mallee Hawkeye Project/ ; }, abstract = {Movement is a trait of fundamental importance in ecosystems subject to frequent disturbances, such as fire-prone ecosystems. Despite this, the role of movement in facilitating responses to fire has received little attention. Herein, we consider how animal movement interacts with fire history to shape species distributions. We consider how fire affects movement between habitat patches of differing fire histories that occur across a range of spatial and temporal scales, from daily foraging bouts to infrequent dispersal events, and annual migrations. We review animal movements in response to the immediate and abrupt impacts of fire, and the longer-term successional changes that fires set in train. We discuss how the novel threats of altered fire regimes, landscape fragmentation, and invasive species result in suboptimal movements that drive populations downwards. We then outline the types of data needed to study animal movements in relation to fire and novel threats, to hasten the integration of movement ecology and fire ecology. We conclude by outlining a research agenda for the integration of movement ecology and fire ecology by identifying key research questions that emerge from our synthesis of animal movements in fire-prone ecosystems.}, }
@article {pmid30565194, year = {2019}, author = {Mori, E and Sala, JP and Fattorini, N and Menchetti, M and Montalvo, T and Senar, JC}, title = {Ectoparasite sharing among native and invasive birds in a metropolitan area.}, journal = {Parasitology research}, volume = {118}, number = {2}, pages = {399-409}, doi = {10.1007/s00436-018-6174-2}, pmid = {30565194}, issn = {1432-1955}, abstract = {Parasite-mediated competition has been reported to be one of the most harmful, although overlooked, impacts that alien species have on native ecosystems. Monk parakeets Myiopsitta monachus are successful invaders in Europe, where they have been introduced from South America. Colonial nests of these parrots may also host other species, e.g. the rock pigeon Columba livia forma domestica. In this work, we analysed the ectoparasite composition of monk parakeets in Barcelona (Spain) and we evaluated their potential role as parasite-mediated competitors, by comparing their parasitic load with that of coexisting rock pigeons. Only two arthropod species were observed on monk parakeets, whereas four species were detected on pigeons. Parakeets were rarely infested by pigeon parasites (prevalence = 0.66%), whereas parakeet mites were recorded more often on pigeons (prevalence = 10.00%). The number of total parasites per bird increased with increasing densities of monk parakeets, both for pigeons and for parakeets. Therefore, overcrowding of birds due to the increasing population of monk parakeets in Barcelona may affect the health status of native pigeons, suggesting a potential role for parasite mediated competition by introduced parakeets. Furthermore, spill-over of alien mites (Ornithonyssus bursa) by monk parakeets to rock pigeons should be monitoring as it may affect human health.}, }
@article {pmid30564044, year = {2018}, author = {Hornung, E and Kásler, A and Tóth, Z}, title = {The role of urban forest patches in maintaining isopod diversity (Oniscidea).}, journal = {ZooKeys}, volume = {}, number = {801}, pages = {371-388}, doi = {10.3897/zookeys.801.22829}, pmid = {30564044}, issn = {1313-2989}, abstract = {Compositional changes in natural communities associated with anthropogenic influence often lead to localised extinctions and biodiversity loss. Soil invertebrates are also threatened by urbanisation due to habitat fragmentation, vegetation changes and management, soil alteration, degradation, and disappearing shelter sites. The aim was to assess terrestrial isopod (Oniscidea) assemblages in differently degraded urban forest patches of a metropolitan area (Budapest, Hungary). Study sites were compared by their species richness, composition and the relevant background factors (soil properties, dead wood, litter characteristics, and canopy closure). The degree of urban disturbance was expressed using an urbanisation index (UI) based on built-up density and vegetation cover. The isopods were identified to species level, and were qualified by their habitat preference and naturalness index (TINI). Average Rarity Index (ARI), derived from TINIs provided information on the degree of naturalness/disturbance of each habitat. Altogether 14 isopod species were collected from 23 sample sites. Urbanisation indirectly affected on the composition of isopod assemblages through the quantity of dead wood and soil plasticity. ARIs and UIs of sample sites were negatively correlated. Urban patches harboured habitat generalist, synanthropic and established introduced species with low naturalness value of assemblages. Areas with no or low anthropogenic disturbance maintained stable native, autochthonous assemblages that were characteristic of rural sites in the region. Transitional zones between rural and urban habitats usually maintained a mixed isopod fauna consisting of both urban and rural elements.}, }
@article {pmid30563122, year = {2018}, author = {Souza-Gonçalves, I and Orsetti, A and Lopes-Andrade, C}, title = {Synopsis of Cis Latreille (Coleoptera: Ciidae) from southern Africa.}, journal = {Insects}, volume = {9}, number = {4}, pages = {}, doi = {10.3390/insects9040184}, pmid = {30563122}, issn = {2075-4450}, support = {Edital 01/2016 - Demanda Universal, APQ-02675-16//Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de Minas Gerais/ ; research grant to C.L.A. n° 307116/2015-8//Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Científico e Tecnológico/ ; Finance Code 001; doctorate degree grant to I.S.G.; PROTAX - Edital n° 001/2015//Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior/ ; }, abstract = {A synopsis of the Cis Latreille, 1796 from southern Africa is provided, with the description of 10 new species: Cis bicaesariatussp. n., Cis foveocephalussp. n., Cis grobbelaaraesp. n., Cis lacinipennissp. n., Cis makrosomasp. n., Cis mpumalangaensissp. n., Cis parvisetosussp. n., Cis tessariplacussp. n., Cis umlalaziensissp. n. and Cis westerncapensissp. n. The introduced species Cis fuscipes Mellié, 1849 is recorded for the first time from the Republic of South Africa. New geographic records are provided for the following species: Cis neserorum Souza-Gonçalves &amp; Lopes-Andrade, 2017; Cis regius Orsetti &amp; Lopes-Andrade, 2016 and Cis stalsi Souza-Gonçalves &amp; Lopes-Andrade, 2017. Most southern African Cis are placed in available or newly proposed species-groups and a provisional identification key is provided.}, }
@article {pmid30562501, year = {2019}, author = {Alharbi, W and Petrovskii, S}, title = {Effect of complex landscape geometry on the invasive species spread: Invasion with stepping stones.}, journal = {Journal of theoretical biology}, volume = {464}, number = {}, pages = {85-97}, doi = {10.1016/j.jtbi.2018.12.019}, pmid = {30562501}, issn = {1095-8541}, abstract = {Spatial proliferation of invasive species often causes serious damage to agriculture, ecology and environment. Evaluation of the extent of the area potentially invadable by an alien species is an important problem. Landscape features that reduces dispersal space to narrow corridors can make some areas inaccessible to the invading species. On the other hand, the existence of stepping stones - small areas or 'patches' with better environmental conditions - is known to assist species spread. How an interplay between these factors can affect the invasion success remains unclear. In this paper, we address this question theoretically using a mechanistic model of population dynamics. Such models have been generally successful in predicting the rate and pattern of invasive spread; however, they usually consider the spread in an unbounded, uniform space hence ignoring the complex geometry of a real landscape. In contrast, here we consider a reaction-diffusion model in a domain of a complex shape combining corridors and stepping stones. We show that the invasion success depends on a subtle interplay between the stepping stone size, location and the strength of the Allee effect inside. In particular, for a stepping stone of a small size, there is only a narrow range of locations where it can unblock the otherwise impassable corridor.}, }
@article {pmid30561506, year = {2019}, author = {Marchini, GL and Maraist, CA and Cruzan, MB}, title = {Trait divergence, not plasticity, determines the success of a newly invasive plant.}, journal = {Annals of botany}, volume = {123}, number = {4}, pages = {667-679}, doi = {10.1093/aob/mcy200}, pmid = {30561506}, issn = {1095-8290}, abstract = {BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Phenotypic plasticity and genetic differentiation both play important roles in the establishment and spread of species after extra-range dispersal; however, the adaptive potential of plasticity and genetic divergence in successful invasions remains unclear.<br><br>METHODS: We measured six anatomical traits associated with drought tolerance in contrasting water environments for individuals from the invasive and native range of the bunchgrass Brachypodium sylvaticum. To represent sources contributing to admixed genotypes in the invasive range accurately, we used unique alleles to determine probabilities of genetic contribution, and utilized these as weights in our analyses. The adaptive values of plasticity and genetic differentiation were assessed using regression.<br><br>KEY RESULTS: No plasticity was found in response to water availability for any of the measured traits. Bulliform cell area and three traits related to xylem morphology displayed genetic differentiation between invasive and native ranges, indicating a shift in the invasive range towards drought-tolerant phenotypes. Genetic divergence was not consistently in the direction indicated by selection, suggesting that responses are limited by trade-offs with other traits or physical constraints.<br><br>CONCLUSIONS: Our results indicate that invasive adaptation is the consequence of post-introduction selection leading to genetic differentiation. Selection, rather than plasticity, is driving B. sylvaticum success in its invaded range.}, }
@article {pmid30548757, year = {2019}, author = {Roy, HE and Bacher, S and Essl, F and Adriaens, T and Aldridge, DC and Bishop, JDD and Blackburn, TM and Branquart, E and Brodie, J and Carboneras, C and Cottier-Cook, EJ and Copp, GH and Dean, HJ and Eilenberg, J and Gallardo, B and Garcia, M and García-Berthou, E and Genovesi, P and Hulme, PE and Kenis, M and Kerckhof, F and Kettunen, M and Minchin, D and Nentwig, W and Nieto, A and Pergl, J and Pescott, OL and M Peyton, J and Preda, C and Roques, A and Rorke, SL and Scalera, R and Schindler, S and Schönrogge, K and Sewell, J and Solarz, W and Stewart, AJA and Tricarico, E and Vanderhoeven, S and van der Velde, G and Vilà, M and Wood, CA and Zenetos, A and Rabitsch, W}, title = {Developing a list of invasive alien species likely to threaten biodiversity and ecosystems in the European Union.}, journal = {Global change biology}, volume = {25}, number = {3}, pages = {1032-1048}, doi = {10.1111/gcb.14527}, pmid = {30548757}, issn = {1365-2486}, mesh = {Animals ; *Biodiversity ; Consensus Development Conferences as Topic ; *Ecosystem ; Environmental Policy ; European Union ; Introduced Species/statistics &amp; numerical data/*trends ; Risk Assessment ; }, abstract = {The European Union (EU) has recently published its first list of invasive alien species (IAS) of EU concern to which current legislation must apply. The list comprises species known to pose great threats to biodiversity and needs to be maintained and updated. Horizon scanning is seen as critical to identify the most threatening potential IAS that do not yet occur in Europe to be subsequently risk assessed for future listing. Accordingly, we present a systematic consensus horizon scanning procedure to derive a ranked list of potential IAS likely to arrive, establish, spread and have an impact on biodiversity in the region over the next decade. The approach is unique in the continental scale examined, the breadth of taxonomic groups and environments considered, and the methods and data sources used. International experts were brought together to address five broad thematic groups of potential IAS. For each thematic group the experts first independently assembled lists of potential IAS not yet established in the EU but potentially threatening biodiversity if introduced. Experts were asked to score the species within their thematic group for their separate likelihoods of i) arrival, ii) establishment, iii) spread, and iv) magnitude of the potential negative impact on biodiversity within the EU. Experts then convened for a 2-day workshop applying consensus methods to compile a ranked list of potential IAS. From an initial working list of 329 species, a list of 66 species not yet established in the EU that were considered to be very high (8 species), high (40 species) or medium (18 species) risk species was derived. Here, we present these species highlighting the potential negative impacts and the most likely biogeographic regions to be affected by these potential IAS.}, }
@article {pmid30548338, year = {2019}, author = {Graham, S and Metcalf, AL and Gill, N and Niemiec, R and Moreno, C and Bach, T and Ikutegbe, V and Hallstrom, L and Ma, Z and Lubeck, A}, title = {Opportunities for better use of collective action theory in research and governance for invasive species management.}, journal = {Conservation biology : the journal of the Society for Conservation Biology}, volume = {33}, number = {2}, pages = {275-287}, doi = {10.1111/cobi.13266}, pmid = {30548338}, issn = {1523-1739}, support = {MDM-2015-0552//Spanish Ministry of Science, Innovation and Universities through the María de Maeztu program for Units of Excellence/ ; //UNSW School of Social Sciences and the Canadian Weed Science Society/ ; DP130102588//Australian Research Council/ ; //University of Wollongong Faculty of Social Science/ ; DG-114747//NSF Graduate Research Fellowship/ ; DP130103341//College of Agriculture and Life Sciences at the University of Idaho and CWSS/ ; //College of Agriculture at Purdue University/ ; MDM-2015-0552//Ministerio de Ciencia, Innovación y Universidades/ ; }, abstract = {Controlling invasive species presents a public-good dilemma. Although environmental, social, and economic benefits of control accrue to society, costs are borne by only a few individuals and organizations. For decades, policy makers have used incentives and sanctions to encourage or coerce individual actors to contribute to the public good, with limited success. Diverse, subnational efforts to collectively manage invasive plants, insects, and animals provide effective alternatives to traditional command-and-control approaches. Despite this work, there has been little systematic evaluation of collective efforts to determine whether there are consistent principles underpinning success. We reviewed 32 studies to identify the extent to which collective-action theories from related agricultural and environmental fields explain collaborative invasive species management approaches; describe and differentiate emergent invasive species collective-action efforts; and provide guidance on how to enable more collaborative approaches to invasive species management. We identified 4 types of collective action aimed at invasive species-externally led, community led, comanaged, and organizational coalitions-that provide blueprints for future invasive species management. Existing collective-action theories could explain the importance attributed to developing shared knowledge of the social-ecological system and the need for social capital. Yet, collection action on invasive species requires different types of monitoring, sanctions, and boundary definitions. We argue that future government policies can benefit from establishing flexible boundaries that encourage social learning and enable colocated individuals and organizations to identify common goals, pool resources, and coordinate efforts.}, }
@article {pmid30545083, year = {2018}, author = {Guo, P and Yu, F and Ren, Y and Liu, D and Li, J and Ouyang, Z and Wang, X}, title = {Response of Ruderal Species Diversity to an Urban Environment: Implications for Conservation and Management.}, journal = {International journal of environmental research and public health}, volume = {15}, number = {12}, pages = {}, doi = {10.3390/ijerph15122832}, pmid = {30545083}, issn = {1660-4601}, mesh = {Beijing ; *Biodiversity ; Cities ; *Conservation of Natural Resources ; *Environment ; *Introduced Species ; *Plant Physiological Phenomena ; }, abstract = {Anthropogenic activities have weakened the invasion of ruderals and increased the number of non-native species in urban areas. Ruderals are an important component of urban plant diversity and are of great significance to the sustainable development of urban green space. We used the tessellation⁻randomized plot method to examine the composition and biodiversity of ruderal species among urban land use types (LUTs) in the built-up areas of Beijing. Soil samples from the surface to a depth of 10 cm were taken from each site to examine the impact of soil characteristics on ruderal species diversity. Results showed that a total of 120 ruderal species were observed, including 71 native and 49 non-native species. Among them, 90% were identified as Cosmopolitan. Native species accounted for the majority of ruderals across all the eight LUTs. Institutional, residential, and woodlot areas with coarser management had higher ruderal species richness than did commercial areas and roadside lawns. Allergenic species showed the highest proportions in municipal parks, and invasive species accounted for 20% of all ruderal species. Ruderal species diversity was related to distance from the urban center, pruning intensity, and soil characteristics. These results suggest that with ruderals playing an important role in urban grass species diversity, there is tremendous potential for more native species in Beijing lawns, which would contribute substantially to increasing the ecological system's functional benefits. Ruderal species accustomed to the causal processes and environmental conditions of different LUTs should be used and conserved properly to improve the harsh conditions of different LUTs and to sustain ecosystem health.}, }
@article {pmid30543981, year = {2019}, author = {Mathai, PP and Dunn, HM and Magnone, P and Zhang, Q and Ishii, S and Chun, CL and Sadowsky, MJ}, title = {Association between submerged aquatic vegetation and elevated levels of Escherichia coli and potential bacterial pathogens in freshwater lakes.}, journal = {The Science of the total environment}, volume = {657}, number = {}, pages = {319-324}, doi = {10.1016/j.scitotenv.2018.11.484}, pmid = {30543981}, issn = {1879-1026}, mesh = {Animals ; Anseriformes/*microbiology ; Bacteria/*isolation &amp; purification ; Escherichia coli/isolation &amp; purification ; Feces/*microbiology ; Introduced Species ; Lakes/*microbiology ; Minnesota ; Saxifragales/growth &amp; development/*microbiology ; Seasons ; Water Quality ; }, abstract = {Fecal indicator bacteria such as Escherichia coli have been reported to persist and potentially grow in a wide variety of secondary habitats, such as water, beach sand, sediment, periphyton and some algae. However, little is known about their association with submerged macrophytes and how this may influence water quality. In this study, we examined the association of E. coli and potential bacterial pathogens with Eurasian watermilfoil (EWM), an invasive, submerged, macrophyte that has spread across thousands of lakes in North America. EWM samples were collected from 10 lakes in Minnesota, once a month, for six consecutive months from early summer to late fall. Microbiota associated with EWM were examined using membrane filtration, quantitative PCR targeting various bacterial pathogens and host-associated marker genes, and high-throughput DNA sequencing. E. coli densities were generally elevated on EWM samples, and peaked during warmer months. Moreover, our results showed that EWM could serve as a temporal source for transmission of microbiota to the water column. Several potential pathogenic groups, including Aeromonas, Enterobacteriaceae, and Clostridium were present in significantly greater relative abundance on EWM than in water, and waterfowl was predicted to be the major source of fecal contamination. These findings have water quality implications with respect to the potential for submerged macrophytes to harbor and disperse E. coli and other bacterial pathogens in a large number of waterbodies.}, }
@article {pmid30543970, year = {2019}, author = {Zhang, G and Bai, J and Jia, J and Wang, W and Wang, X and Zhao, Q and Lu, Q}, title = {Shifts of soil microbial community composition along a short-term invasion chronosequence of Spartina alterniflora in a Chinese estuary.}, journal = {The Science of the total environment}, volume = {657}, number = {}, pages = {222-233}, doi = {10.1016/j.scitotenv.2018.12.061}, pmid = {30543970}, issn = {1879-1026}, mesh = {China ; Estuaries ; Introduced Species ; *Microbiota ; *Plant Dispersal ; Poaceae/*physiology ; Soil/*chemistry ; *Soil Microbiology ; Time Factors ; Wetlands ; }, abstract = {Exotic plant invasion can alter native soil microbial community composition, and further influence the biogeochemical processes. Little information is available about the impacts of the invasion chronosequence of Spartina alterniflora on the dynamics of soil microbial community. Soil microbial community in coastal salt marshes invaded by S. alterniflora and reference wetlands covered by Suaeda salsa were investigated using phospholipid fatty acids (PLFAs) profiling along a short-term chronosequence (i.e., 2-, 5- and 10-year) of S. alterniflora invasion in the Yellow River Estuary. Results exhibited an increase in soil moisture, soil organic matter (SOM), soil dissolved organic carbon (DOC), total nitrogen (TN) and the total of PLFAs with increasing invasion ages of S. alterniflora in these coastal salt marshes. Comparatively, soil pH and bulk density exhibited a weak decline along the invasion chronosequence. The elevated values of relative abundance of fungi and the ratios of fungi: bacteria (F/B) in all invaded salt marshes were mainly associated with the accumulation of soil available substrate (e.g., SOM, DOC and TN). S. alterniflora invasion also increased the ratios of gram-positive/gram-negative (G+/G-) bacterial PLFAs, with the highest value occurring in the 2-year invaded salt marshes. The bacterial stress indicated by ratios of cy17:0/16:1ω7c and cy19:0/18:1ω7c consistently decreased along the invasion chronosequence. In conclusion, the shifts of soil microbial community composition were tightly associated with soil variables, such as soil pH and soil nutrient supply. Our findings reflect the short-term chronological effects of S. alterniflora invasion on the soil physicochemical characteristics and microbial communities, which contributes to the linkage between the plant invasion and soil development of coastal salt marshes.}, }
@article {pmid30542008, year = {2019}, author = {Rizwan, S and Benincasa, C and Mehmood, K and Anjum, S and Mehmood, Z and Alizai, GH and Azam, M and Perri, E and Sajjad, A}, title = {Fatty Acids and Phenolic Profiles of Extravirgin Olive Oils from Selected Italian Cultivars Introduced in Southwestern Province of Pakistan.}, journal = {Journal of oleo science}, volume = {68}, number = {1}, pages = {33-43}, doi = {10.5650/jos.ess18150}, pmid = {30542008}, issn = {1347-3352}, mesh = {Adaptation, Biological ; Climate Change ; Fatty Acids/*analysis/isolation &amp; purification ; Flavonoids/analysis/isolation &amp; purification ; Introduced Species ; Iran ; Iridoids/analysis/isolation &amp; purification ; Italy ; Olea/*chemistry ; Olive Oil/*analysis/isolation &amp; purification ; Pakistan ; Phenols/*analysis/isolation &amp; purification ; Principal Component Analysis ; Tocopherols/*analysis/isolation &amp; purification ; }, abstract = {Mediterranean olive trees have been cultivated in Pakistan for decades to promote olive cultivation and use of olive oil. The qualitative characteristics of seven mono and one multi-varietal extra virgin olive oils (EVOOs) extracted from Italian cultivars grown in different areas of Balochistan a southwestern province of Pakistan were evaluated. Present study aims to assess the impact of bioclimatological change on biochemical profile of exotic cultivars. The dominating fatty acids found in analyzed EVOOs were oleic (65-72%), linoleic (10.61-18.33%) and palmitic acids (12-16%). The tocopherols α, (β+γ) and δ contents showed a great diversity which ranged from (60-408) mg/kg while, total phenol concentration ranged from (200-370) mg/kg. The analyses of phenolic compounds revealed the presence of phenolic acids, phenolic alcohols, secoiridoids, flavonoids, oleuropein and verbascosides. One-way ANOVA revealed significant differences (p < 0.05) regarding studied parameters. Principal component analysis (PCA) was applied to identify the main components and to classify samples into groups in terms of fatty acids and phenolic profiles. The first group (Frantoio, Moraiolo, Pendolino, Multi-varietal mixture) characterized by high amount of oleic acid and MUFAs/PUFAs ratio. The second group (Maurino and Leccino) correlates with SFAs and third (Ottobrattica, Coratina) with PUFAs. Based on the PCA of phenolic profile the studied cultivars were divided into two main groups. Morialo, Pendolino and Maurino correlated with (phenolic acids, hydroxytyrosol, flavonoids and secoiridoids). Frantoio, Ottobrattica, Coratina, multi-varietal and Leccino were correlated with oleuropein, tyrosol and ligstroside aglycon. The obtained data was compared with those obtained from same cultivars in their original and/or different growing area. Marked differences were observed in the composition of oleic, linoleic, palmitic acids, secoiridoids and total phenolic contents. These differences could be due to change in geographical location and climatical condition of Balochistan. The cultivar Moraiolo has shown best adaptation and preserved its biochemical composition among all studied cultivars.}, }
@article {pmid30535812, year = {2019}, author = {Brusch, GA and Christian, K and Brown, GP and Shine, R and DeNardo, DF}, title = {Cane toads (Rhinella marina) rely on water access, not drought tolerance, to invade xeric Australian environments.}, journal = {Oecologia}, volume = {189}, number = {2}, pages = {307-316}, doi = {10.1007/s00442-018-4321-1}, pmid = {30535812}, issn = {1432-1939}, support = {1311230//Directorate for Biological Sciences/ ; 1606367//Directorate for Biological Sciences/ ; }, abstract = {The invasion of habitats with novel environmental challenges may require physiological tolerances not seen in conspecifics from the native range. We used a combination of field and laboratory-based experiments to assess physiological tolerance to limited water access at four sites distributed across the historical invasion path of cane toads (Rhinella marina) in Australia that, from east to west, alternated between mesic and seasonally xeric habitats. Toads from all locations were well hydrated at the time of capture. However, experimental dehydration caused greater mass loss, higher plasma osmolality, and inhibition of lytic ability in toads from xeric compared to mesic locations. These results suggest somewhat surprisingly that toads from xeric environments are physiologically more vulnerable to water loss. In contrast, bactericidal ability was not sensitive to hydric state and was greater in toads from eastern (long-colonized) areas. Similar patterns in lytic ability in hydrated toads and agglutination ability in wild toads suggest that toads along the invasion front face a tradeoff between enhanced dispersal ability and physiological responses to dehydration. The ability of this invasive species to spread into drier environments may be underpinned by a combination of phenotypic plasticity and evolved (heritable) traits.}, }
@article {pmid30535268, year = {2019}, author = {Alvarez Garcia, DM and Pérez-Hérazo, A and Amat, E}, title = {Spatial and Temporal Variation of the Blowflies Community (Diptera: Calliphoridae) From an Urban Area in Northern South America.}, journal = {Journal of medical entomology}, volume = {56}, number = {2}, pages = {464-471}, doi = {10.1093/jme/tjy211}, pmid = {30535268}, issn = {1938-2928}, abstract = {Blowflies (Diptera: Calliphoridae) are necrophagous flies with ecological, medical, veterinary, and forensic importance. These flies carry pathogens that they spread to animals and humans, and produce myiasis. Furthermore, they are useful tools in forensic science as indicators of postmortem intervals, and in biomedicine they are successfully used in larval therapy. This study aimed to assess the spatiotemporal variation of the blowflies community from the urban area of Sincelejo City, located in the Colombian Caribbean region. Samplings were conducted from May 2012 to April 2013, using Van Someren Rydon-traps baited with bovine meat, fish, and chicken that decomposed for 48 h. Six species were registered, Cochliomyia macellaria (Fabricius, 1775) was the most abundant, followed by Lucilia eximia (Wiedemann, 1819) and Chrysomya albiceps (Wiedemann, 1819), while Chloroprocta idioidea (Robineau-Desvoidy, 1830), Chrysomya megacephala (Fabricius, 1794), and Lucilia cuprina (Wiedemann, 1830) presented the least individuals. The blowflies community did not change significantly throughout the sampling months or between the periods of low or high rainfall, nor was it influenced by weather variables. Although the species composition was the same in all sampled localities, species abundances presented significant differences. The possible causes of this pattern are discussed herein. Sex ratios were female biased for all the recorded species, except C. idioidea. Our findings provide the first assessment of the blowflies community from the urban area of Sincelejo City.}, }
@article {pmid30532618, year = {2018}, author = {Kovalenko, YN and Akulov, EN and Yunakov, N}, title = {The easternmost discovery of the Mediterranean weevil Pachyrhinuslethierryi (Coleoptera, Curculionidae, Entiminae): Is a further invasion possible?.}, journal = {ZooKeys}, volume = {}, number = {799}, pages = {89-93}, doi = {10.3897/zookeys.799.29934}, pmid = {30532618}, issn = {1313-2989}, abstract = {Pachyrhinuslethierryi (Desbrochers des Loges, 1875) is a Mediterranean weevil species that has become remarkably well known as a result of a series of recent introductions across Western and Central Europe. This species has recently reached Asia Minor and the Crimean Peninsula, as confirmed by several new records. The vectors of invasion in Crimea and possible further expansion are suggested.}, }
@article {pmid30532047, year = {2019}, author = {Wu, N and Zhang, S and Li, X and Cao, Y and Liu, X and Wang, Q and Liu, Q and Liu, H and Hu, X and Zhou, XJ and James, AA and Zhang, Z and Huang, Y and Zhan, S}, title = {Fall webworm genomes yield insights into rapid adaptation of invasive species.}, journal = {Nature ecology &amp; evolution}, volume = {3}, number = {1}, pages = {105-115}, doi = {10.1038/s41559-018-0746-5}, pmid = {30532047}, issn = {2397-334X}, abstract = {Invasive species cause considerable ecological and economic damage. Despite decades of broad impacts of invasives on diversity and agriculture, the genetic adaptations and near-term evolution of invading populations are poorly understood. The fall webworm, Hyphantria cunea, a highly successful invasive species that originated in North America, spread throughout the Northern Hemisphere during the past 80 years. Here, we use whole-genome sequencing of invasive populations and transcriptome profiling to probe the underlying genetic bases for the rapid adaptation of this species to new environments and host plants. We find substantial reductions in genomic diversity consistent with founder effects. Genes and pathways associated with carbohydrate metabolism and gustatory receptors are substantially expanded in the webworm genome and show strong signatures of functional polymorphisms in the invasive population. We also find that silk-yielding-associated genes maintained a relatively low level of functional diversity, and identify candidate genes that may regulate the development of silk glands in fall webworms. These data suggest that the fall webworm's ability to colonize novel hosts, mediated by plasticity in their gustatory capabilities along with an increased ability to utilize novel nutrition sources and substrates, has facilitated the rapid and successful adaptation of the species throughout its range.}, }
@article {pmid30529414, year = {2019}, author = {Watkins, C and Caplenor, CA and Poudyal, NC and Muller, LI and Yoest, C}, title = {Comparing landowner support for wild hog management options in Tennessee.}, journal = {Journal of environmental management}, volume = {232}, number = {}, pages = {722-728}, doi = {10.1016/j.jenvman.2018.11.075}, pmid = {30529414}, issn = {1095-8630}, abstract = {Wild hogs (Sus scrofa) are an invasive, non-native species quickly gaining ground on private, as well as public, lands in Tennessee and much of the United States. Wildlife management personnel may benefit from assessing stakeholders' views towards various management options to control and eradicate wild hogs. A statewide mail survey of 5000 randomly selected landowners in Tennessee counties known to have wild hogs yielded 1620 completed responses (33% response rate). Using this dataset, an index of potential for conflict among landowner groups was computed for each of eleven management options, which varied from leaving the wild hogs alone, to both lethal and non-lethal options. Results indicate varying levels of potential for conflict depending on hunter status, wild hog hunter status, presence of wild hogs on land, percent of income derived from land, and amount of land damage caused by wild hogs. Overall, three management options including leaving the wild hogs alone, allowing sale of wild hogs, and capturing and relocating were found unacceptable whereas many other options including capturing and killing, providing technical assistance to landowners and educating people on preventing damage were found to have high level of acceptability and most consensus among landowner subgroups. Findings will be useful in understanding how support for wild hog control options vary across population segments, and which options are likely to see more or less resistance from certain landowners.}, }
@article {pmid30527748, year = {2019}, author = {de Ramos, B and da Costa, GB and Ramlov, F and Maraschin, M and Horta, PA and Figueroa, FL and Korbee, N and Bonomi-Barufi, J}, title = {Ecophysiological implications of UV radiation in the interspecific interaction of Pyropia acanthophora and Grateloupia turuturu (Rhodophyta).}, journal = {Marine environmental research}, volume = {144}, number = {}, pages = {36-45}, doi = {10.1016/j.marenvres.2018.11.014}, pmid = {30527748}, issn = {1879-0291}, abstract = {Radiation, both photosynthetic active radiation (PAR, l = 400-700 nm) and Ultraviolet (UVR, l = 280-400 nm) is one of the key factors regulating algal distribution in aquatic environments. Pyropia acanthophora and Grateloupia turuturu have been found over upper rocky shore areas in Southern Brazil, occupying the same niche space. The first species is native and the second one is exotic and considered a potential invader of South Atlantic. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the effects of radiation on physiological responses of both species and infer mechanisms that allow their niche competition in the environment. Samples were cultured in the following conditions: associated or separated, and with an addition of PAR, PAR + UVA (PA) and PAR + UVA + UVB (PAB), totalizing six factorial treatments during 5 days of exposure. Photosynthetic responses of Fv/Fm and ETR were daily evaluated. At the beginning and at the end of the experiment, samples were analyzed for pigment content (chlorophyll a and phycobiliproteins), and mycosporine-like amino acids (MAAs), while oxygen evolution was evaluated at the end of the experiment. As the main results, G. turuturu died when cultivated in PAB conditions. P. acanthophora presented higher amounts of chlorophyll a than G. turuturu during the whole experiment. Phycoerythrin and Fv/Fm remained constant in P. acanthophora but diminished for G. turuturu in UV treatments. ETR was higher for samples that were cultivated in associative treatment. The presence of G. turuturu in the same flask enhanced MAA synthesis in P. acanthophora, regardless of radiation condition. In addition, UV radiation can be a factor controlling species distribution and could counteract the spreading of invasive species, like G. turuturu, allowing P. acanthophora survival in upper rocky shore zones of the natural ecological distribution area.}, }
@article {pmid30526682, year = {2018}, author = {Habib, MR and Lv, S and Guo, YH and Gu, WB and Standley, CJ and Caldeira, RL and Zhou, XN}, title = {Morphological and molecular characterization of invasive Biomphalaria straminea in southern China.}, journal = {Infectious diseases of poverty}, volume = {7}, number = {1}, pages = {120}, pmid = {30526682}, issn = {2049-9957}, support = {2016YFC1202001//National Key Research and Development Program of China/ ; CB-1603//Research Fund for the Technical Reserves, National Institute of Parasitic Diseases, Chinese CDC/ ; 304121/2014-2//Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Científico e Tecnológico/CNPq/ ; }, mesh = {Animal Distribution ; Animals ; Biomphalaria/*genetics/*physiology ; China ; Haplotypes ; *Introduced Species ; Phylogeny ; RNA, Ribosomal, 16S/genetics ; }, abstract = {BACKGROUND: Schistosomiasis is a common parasitic disease designated as a neglected tropical disease by the World Health Organization. Schistosomiasis mansoni is a form of the disease that is caused by the digenean trematode Schistosoma mansoni, transmitted through Biomphalaria spp. as an intermediate host. Biomphalaria was introduced to Hong Kong, China in aquatic plants shipments coming from Brazil and the snail rapidly established its habitats in southern China. Earlier studies of Biomphalaria spp. introduced to southern China identified the snails as Biomphalaria straminea, one of the susceptible species implicated in S. mansoni transmission in South America. However, recent molecular investigations also indicated the presence of another South American species, B. kuhniana, which is refractory to infection. As such, it is important to identify accurately the species currently distributed in southern China, especially with emerging reports of active S. mansoni infections in Chinese workers returning from Africa.<br><br>METHODS: We combined morphological and molecular taxonomy tools to precisely identify Biomphalaria spp. distributed in Guangdong Province, southern China. In order to clearly understand the molecular profile of the species, we constructed a phylogeny using mtDNA data (COI and 16S rRNA sequences) from six populations of Biomphalaria spp. from Shenzhen City in Guangdong Province. In addition, we examined the external morphology of the shell and internal anatomy of the reproductive organs.<br><br>RESULTS: Both morphological and molecular evidences indicated a close affinity between Biomphalaria spp. populations from Guangdong and B. straminea from Brazil. The shell morphology was roughly identical in all the populations collected with rounded whorls on one side and subangulated on the other, a smooth periphery, an egg-shaped aperture bowed to one side, and a deep umbilicus. The shape and number of prostate diverticula (ranged from 11.67 to 17.67) in Guangdong populations supports its close affinity to B. straminea rather than B. kuhniana. Molecular analysis did not conflict with morphological analysis. Little genetic differentiation was observed within Biomphalaria populations collected. Phylogenetic analysis of COI and 16S rRNA haplotypes from snails collected and B. straminea sequences from Brazil and China using Bayesian inference revealed that Guangdong populations were clustered in one clade with B. straminea from Hong Kong of China and B. straminea from Brazil indicating their close affinity to each other.<br><br>CONCLUSIONS: Data obtained in the current study clearly show that the populations of Biomphalaria spp. investigated are B. straminea, and we assume that those snails were either introduced via passive dispersal from Hong Kong of China or as a result of multiple introduction routes from Brazil.}, }
@article {pmid30526493, year = {2018}, author = {Chen, Y and Shenkar, N and Ni, P and Lin, Y and Li, S and Zhan, A}, title = {Rapid microevolution during recent range expansion to harsh environments.}, journal = {BMC evolutionary biology}, volume = {18}, number = {1}, pages = {187}, pmid = {30526493}, issn = {1471-2148}, mesh = {Adaptation, Physiological/genetics ; Animals ; Bayes Theorem ; *Biological Evolution ; Ciona intestinalis/*genetics/physiology ; *Ecosystem ; Gene Frequency/genetics ; Gene Ontology ; Genetic Loci ; Genetic Variation ; Genetics, Population ; Genome ; Microsatellite Repeats/genetics ; Molecular Sequence Annotation ; Selection, Genetic ; }, abstract = {BACKGROUND: Adaptive evolution is one of the crucial mechanisms for organisms to survive and thrive in new environments. Recent studies suggest that adaptive evolution could rapidly occur in species to respond to novel environments or environmental challenges during range expansion. However, for environmental adaptation, many studies successfully detected phenotypic features associated with local environments, but did not provide ample genetic evidence on microevolutionary dynamics. It is therefore crucial to thoroughly investigate the genetic basis of rapid microevolution in response to environmental changes, in particular on what genes and associated variation are responsible for environmental challenges. Here, we genotyped genome-wide gene-associated microsatellites to detect genetic signatures of rapid microevolution of a marine tunicate invader, Ciona robusta, during recent range expansion to the harsh environment in the Red Sea.<br><br>RESULTS: The Red Sea population was significantly differentiated from the other global populations. The genome-wide scan, as well as multiple analytical methods, successfully identified a set of adaptive genes. Interestingly, the allele frequency largely varied at several adaptive loci in the Red Sea population, and we found significant correlations between allele frequency and local environmental factors at these adaptive loci. Furthermore, a set of genes were annotated to get involved in local temperature and salinity adaptation, and the identified adaptive genes may largely contribute to the invasion success to harsh environments.<br><br>CONCLUSIONS: All the evidence obtained in this study clearly showed that environment-driven selection had left detectable signatures in the genome of Ciona robusta within a few generations. Such a rapid microevolutionary process is largely responsible for the harsh environmental adaptation and therefore contributes to invasion success in different aquatic ecosystems with largely varied environmental factors.}, }
@article {pmid30521096, year = {2019}, author = {Pregitzer, CC and Charlop-Powers, S and Bibbo, S and Forgione, HM and Gunther, B and Hallett, RA and Bradford, MA}, title = {A city-scale assessment reveals that native forest types and overstory species dominate New York City forests.}, journal = {Ecological applications : a publication of the Ecological Society of America}, volume = {29}, number = {1}, pages = {e01819}, doi = {10.1002/eap.1819}, pmid = {30521096}, issn = {1051-0761}, abstract = {Cities are increasingly focused on expanding tree canopy cover as a means to improve the urban environment by, for example, reducing heat island effects, promoting better air quality, and protecting local habitat. The majority of efforts to expand canopy cover focus on planting street trees or on planting native tree species and removing nonnatives in natural areas through reforestation. Yet many urban canopy assessments conducted at the city-scale reveal co-dominance by nonnative trees, fueling debates about the value of urban forests and native-specific management targets. In contrast, assessments within cities at site or park scales find that some urban forest stands harbor predominantly native biodiversity. To resolve this apparent dichotomy in findings, about the extent to which urban forests are native dominated, between the city-scale canopy and site-level assessments, we measure forest structure and composition in 1,124 plots across 53 parks in New York City's 2,497 ha of natural area forest. That is, we assess urban forests at the city-scale and deliberately omit sampling trees existing outside of forest stands but which are enumerated in citywide canopy assessments. We find that on average forest stand canopy is comprised of 82% native species in New York City forests, suggesting that conclusions that the urban canopy is co-dominated by nonnatives likely results from predominantly sampling street trees in prior city-scale assessments. However, native tree species' proportion declines to 75% and 53% in the midstory and understory, respectively, suggesting potential threats to the future native dominance of urban forest canopies. Furthermore, we find that out of 57 unique forest types in New York City, the majority of stands (81%) are a native type. We find that stand structure in urban forest stands is more similar to rural forests in New York State than to stand structure reported for prior assessments of the urban canopy at the city scale. Our results suggest the need to measure urban forest stands apart from the entire urban canopy. Doing so will ensure that city-scale assessments return data that align with conservation policy and management strategies that focus on maintaining and growing native urban forests rather than individual trees.}, }
@article {pmid30519436, year = {2018}, author = {Boltovskoy, D and Sylvester, F and Paolucci, EM}, title = {Invasive species denialism: Sorting out facts, beliefs, and definitions.}, journal = {Ecology and evolution}, volume = {8}, number = {22}, pages = {11190-11198}, pmid = {30519436}, issn = {2045-7758}, abstract = {In the last decades, thousands of investigations confirmed the detrimental effects of species translocated by man outside of their native ranges (nonindigenous species, or NIS). However, results concluding that many NIS have null, neutral, or positive impacts on the biota and on human interests are as common in the scientific literature as those that point at baneful impacts. Recently, several scholars confronted the stand that origin per se is not a reliable indicator of negative effects, suggesting that such conclusions are the expression of scientific denialism, often led by spurious purposes, and that their numbers are increasing. When assessed in the context of the growing interest in introduced species, the proportion of academic publications claiming that NIS pose no threats to the environment and to social and economic interests is extremely low, and has not increased since 1990. The widely prevailing notion that many NIS are effectively or potentially harmful does not conflict with the fact that most have mixed (negative, neutral, and positive) impacts. When based on solid grounds, reports of positive or neutral impacts should not be labeled as manipulative or misleading unless proven otherwise, even if they may hamper interest in- and funding of research and control bioinvasion programs.}, }
@article {pmid30519430, year = {2018}, author = {Cheeseman, AE and Ryan, SJ and Whipps, CM and Cohen, JB}, title = {Competition alters seasonal resource selection and promotes use of invasive shrubs by an imperiled native cottontail.}, journal = {Ecology and evolution}, volume = {8}, number = {22}, pages = {11122-11133}, pmid = {30519430}, issn = {2045-7758}, abstract = {Many ecosystems face multiple invaders, and interactions among invasive and native species may complicate conservation efforts for imperiled species. Examination of fine-scale resource selection can be used to detect patterns in habitat selection resulting from species interactions and assess the value of specific resources, including invasive plants, to wildlife. We used animal location data with mixed-effects resource selection models to examine seasonal competitive interactions and species-specific selection for forage and cover resources by an imperiled native lagomorph, the New England cottontail Sylvilagus transitionalis and its nonnative competitor, the eastern cottontail S. floridanus in the eastern Hudson Valley, NY. We found evidence that resource selection by New England cottontails depended on the relative prevalence of eastern cottontails to New England cottontails. Where eastern cottontails were less prevalent New England cottontail selected for resources characteristic of early successional shrublands. Where eastern cottontails were more prevalent, New England cottontails selected for resources characteristic of later successional shrublands. New England cottontail use of certain invasive shrubs depended on the prevalence of eastern cottontails relative to New England cottontails, suggesting response to invasive plants is confounded by interactions with a nonnative competitor. Our results further emphasize the need for conservation efforts to consider invasive management within the ecosystem context. We demonstrate the utility of resource selection studies to assist in this regard by exploring competitive interactions in the absence of removal studies, while simultaneously assessing the impact of habitat components such as invasive vegetation on species of conservation concern. Synthesis and applications Resource selection studies can be directly applied to inform ongoing species conservation where multiple invaders are present or where species interactions influence resource selection. Fine-scale assessments of resource selection, similar to those presented here, can be used to selectively manage habitat to benefit desired species within the ecosystem context.}, }
@article {pmid30519414, year = {2018}, author = {Davis, AJ and Williams, KE and Snow, NP and Pepin, KM and Piaggio, AJ}, title = {Accounting for observation processes across multiple levels of uncertainty improves inference of species distributions and guides adaptive sampling of environmental DNA.}, journal = {Ecology and evolution}, volume = {8}, number = {22}, pages = {10879-10892}, pmid = {30519414}, issn = {2045-7758}, abstract = {Understanding factors that influence observation processes is critical for accurate assessment of underlying ecological processes. When indirect methods of detection, such as environmental DNA, are used to determine species presence, additional levels of uncertainty from observation processes need to be accounted for. We conducted a field trial to evaluate observation processes of a terrestrial invasive species (wild pigs- Sus scrofa) from DNA in water bodies. We used a multi-scale occupancy analysis to estimate different levels of observation processes (detection, p): the probability DNA is available per sample (θ), the probability of capturing DNA per extraction (γ), and the probability of amplification per qPCR run (δ). We selected four sites for each of three water body types and collected 10 samples per water body during two months (September and October 2016) in central Texas. Our methodology can be used to guide sampling adaptively to minimize costs while improving inference of species distributions. Using a removal sampling approach was more efficient than pooling samples and was unbiased. Availability of DNA varied by month, was considerably higher when water pH was near neutral, and was higher in ephemeral streams relative to wildlife guzzlers and ponds. To achieve a cumulative detection probability >90% (including availability, capture, and amplification), future studies should collect 20 water samples per site, conduct at least two extractions per sample, and conduct five qPCR replicates per extraction. Accounting for multiple levels of uncertainty of observation processes improved estimation of the ecological processes and provided guidance for future sampling designs.}, }
@article {pmid30506833, year = {2018}, author = {Candia, IF and Bautista, V and Larsson Herrera, S and Walter, A and Ortuño Castro, N and Tasin, M and Dekker, T}, title = {Potential of locally sustainable food baits and traps against the Mediterranean fruit fly Ceratitis capitata in Bolivia.}, journal = {Pest management science}, volume = {}, number = {}, pages = {}, doi = {10.1002/ps.5286}, pmid = {30506833}, issn = {1526-4998}, support = {2012-156//Vetenskapsrådet/ ; 2016-05660//Vetenskapsrådet/ ; //SIDA-Bolivia bilateral program/ ; }, abstract = {BACKGROUND: Small-scale farmers often take a double hit from pests such as tephritid fruit-flies. The high price of products against fruit-flies, together with the higher risk of reinfestation from neighboring orchards, limits options for control. Therefore, management requires low-cost local products and concerted action. Peach production in central Bolivia is increasingly affected by invasive Ceratitis capitata. To provide locally sustainable techniques that could incentivize area-wide cooperation of growers, we tested efficiency and specificity of low-cost lures and traps compared with commercial lures and traps (Tephritrap).<br><br>RESULTS: In the laboratory, the local fermented beverage 'chicha' and baker's yeast were equally or more attractive than commercial lures. Both chicha and baker's yeast trapped more flies in field (average FTD 10.31 and 9.49), whereas commercially hydrolyzed protein lure (4.71) or Torula yeast (6.82). However, many non-target species were caught (57.3% and 53.4%). Of the six PET bottles-based traps used, the T-trap caught a similar number of flies (average FTD 5.55), but fewer beneficial insects (0.16) compared to the Tephritrap (0.92).<br><br>CONCLUSIONS: This study provides fruit growers with an economical and effective method to capture large numbers of C. capitata, suitable to be part of integrated pest management programs for fruit fly control. © 2018 Society of Chemical Industry.}, }
@article {pmid30505000, year = {2018}, author = {Barnes, I and Fourie, A and Wingfield, MJ and Harrington, TC and McNew, DL and Sugiyama, LS and Luiz, BC and Heller, WP and Keith, LM}, title = {New Ceratocystis species associated with rapid death of Metrosideros polymorpha in Hawai'i.}, journal = {Persoonia}, volume = {40}, number = {}, pages = {154-181}, pmid = {30505000}, issn = {0031-5850}, abstract = {The native 'ōhi'a lehua (Metrosideros polymorpha) has cultural, biological and ecological significance to Hawai'i, but it is seriously threatened by a disease commonly referred to as rapid 'ōhi'a death (ROD). Preliminary investigations showed that a Ceratocystis species similar to C. fimbriata s.lat. was the cause of the disease. In this study, we used a combination of the phylogenetic, morphological and biological species concepts, as well as pathogenicity tests and microsatellite analyses, to characterise isolates collected from diseased 'ōhi'a trees across Hawai'i Island. Two distinct lineages, representing new species of Ceratocystis, were evident based on multigene phylogenetic analyses. These are described here as C. lukuohia and C. huliohia. Ceratocystis lukuohia forms part of the Latin American clade (LAC) and was most closely associated with isolates from Syngonium and Xanthosoma from the Caribbean and elsewhere, including Hawai'i, and C. platani, which is native to eastern USA. Ceratocystis huliohia resides in the Asian-Australian clade (AAC) and is most closely related to C. uchidae, C. changhui and C. cercfabiensis, which are thought to be native to Asia. Morphology and interfertility tests support the delineation of these two new species and pathogenicity tests show that both species are aggressive pathogens on seedlings of M. polymorpha. Characterisation of isolates using microsatellite markers suggest that both species are clonal and likely represent recently-introduced strains. Intensive research is underway to develop rapid screening protocols for early detection of the pathogens and management strategies in an attempt to prevent the spread of the pathogens to the other islands of Hawai'i, which are currently disease free.}, }
@article {pmid30504923, year = {2018}, author = {Labaude, S and O'Donnell, N and Griffin, CT}, title = {Description of a personality syndrome in a common and invasive ground beetle (Coleoptera: Carabidae).}, journal = {Scientific reports}, volume = {8}, number = {1}, pages = {17479}, pmid = {30504923}, issn = {2045-2322}, support = {612713//EC | Seventh Framework Programme (European Union Seventh Framework Programme)/ ; 612713//EC | Seventh Framework Programme (European Union Seventh Framework Programme)/ ; }, abstract = {Animal personality, defined as consistent differences among individuals in their behaviour, is being increasingly studied as it might lead to a new understanding of the evolution of behaviours. Despite a clear interest in studying personality in a wide range of taxa for comparative analyses, studies on invertebrates are still scarce. Here, we investigated the personality of a ground beetle, Nebria brevicollis, which is widespread in Europe and invasive in North America. We measured seven behavioural traits from an array of three different tests: (i) activity and exploration related traits; (ii) reaction to a threat, and (iii) phototaxis. The repeatability was tested by measuring all behaviours twice, on different days. All behavioural traits were consistent through time, highlighting the presence of personality in the beetle. In addition, we analysed the relationship between the different traits and highlighted two clusters of behaviours (behavioural syndrome), one grouping activity, exploration and boldness traits, and a second one consisting of responses to a threat. This study is the first to our knowledge to provide evidence for personality dimensions within the vast group of the Carabidae. It also constitutes a preliminary step in the experimental investigation of the importance of animal personality in invasive species.}, }
@article {pmid30503460, year = {2018}, author = {Epstein, G and Smale, DA}, title = {Between-habitat variability in the population dynamics of a global marine invader may drive management uncertainty.}, journal = {Marine pollution bulletin}, volume = {137}, number = {}, pages = {488-500}, doi = {10.1016/j.marpolbul.2018.10.055}, pmid = {30503460}, issn = {1879-3363}, mesh = {Biomass ; Conservation of Water Resources/methods ; Ecosystem ; Environmental Monitoring ; *Introduced Species ; Kelp/*physiology ; Spatio-Temporal Analysis ; Undaria/*physiology ; United Kingdom ; }, abstract = {Understanding population dynamics of established invasive species is important for designing effective management measures and predicting factors such as invasiveness and ecological impact. The kelp Undaria pinnatifida has spread to most temperate regions of the world, however a basic understanding of population dynamics is lacking for many regions. Here, Undaria was monitored for 2 years, at 9 sites, across 3 habitats to investigate habitat-related variation in population structure, reproductive capacity and morphology. Populations on marina pontoons were distinct from those in reef habitats, with extended recruitment periods and higher abundance, biomass, maturation rates and fecundity; potentially driven by lower inter-specific and higher intra-specific competition within marinas. This suggests that artificial habitats are likely to facilitate the spread, proliferation and reproductive fitness of Undaria across its non-native range. More broadly, generalising population dynamics of invasive species across habitat types is problematic, thus adding high complexity to management options.}, }
@article {pmid30503454, year = {2018}, author = {Hwang, J and Park, SY and Lee, S and Lee, TK}, title = {High diversity and potential translocation of DNA viruses in ballast water.}, journal = {Marine pollution bulletin}, volume = {137}, number = {}, pages = {449-455}, doi = {10.1016/j.marpolbul.2018.10.053}, pmid = {30503454}, issn = {1879-3363}, mesh = {Animals ; DNA Viruses/*genetics/*isolation &amp; purification ; Introduced Species ; Metagenomics ; Mexico ; New York ; Panama ; Republic of Korea ; Saudi Arabia ; *Ships ; Water/*analysis/chemistry ; Water Microbiology ; }, abstract = {Ballast water is a common vector for the transport of invasive species to new marine and aquatic environments. We used a metagenomics approach to examine the composition and diversity of viral communities in ballast water from ships originating in Mexico, Saudi Arabia, New York, and Panama, and in water from the port of their destination in Busan, Korea. Myoviridae was the most abundant virus family in ballast water, followed Podoviridae and Siphoviridae. We also identified viruses that infect invertebrates, amoebas, and algae in ballast water and in the Busan port water. Interestingly, there were several viruses that infect humans or other animals (Swinepox virus, Raccoonpox virus, Suid herpesvirus, and Human endogenous retrovirus) in the samples from New York and Panama. In addition, there were giant viruses in all the ballast water samples, especially, identified Megavirus chilensis in New York and Panama, and Pandoravirus salinus in Mexico and Saudi Arabia. These results provide detailed descriptions of the characteristics of the viruses present in ballast water, document significant viral diversity, and indicate the potential translocation of viruses via ballast water.}, }
@article {pmid30502471, year = {2019}, author = {Karsten, M and Lebenzon, JE and Sinclair, BJ and Terblanche, JS}, title = {Loss of ion homeostasis is not the cause of chill coma or impaired dispersal in false codling moth Thaumatotibia leucotreta (Lepidoptera: Tortricidae).}, journal = {Comparative biochemistry and physiology. Part A, Molecular &amp; integrative physiology}, volume = {229}, number = {}, pages = {40-44}, doi = {10.1016/j.cbpa.2018.11.016}, pmid = {30502471}, issn = {1531-4332}, abstract = {Dispersal is a central requirement of a successful sterile insect release programme, but field-released false codling moth (FCM) typically suffer from poor dispersal ability, especially at low ambient temperatures. Here we test the hypothesis that poor activity and dispersal in FCM is caused by delayed or perturbed recovery of ion and/or water homeostasis after chilling for handling and transport prior to field release. Hemolymph and flight muscle were collected from two treatment groups at three time points that targeted thermal conditions above and below the chill coma induction threshold of ~ 6 °C: 1) control moths kept at 25 °C, 2) moths exposed to 3 °C or 9 °C for 4 h, and 3) moths allowed to recover at 25 °C for 24 h after exposure to either 3 °C or 9 °C. We measured concentrations of Na+, K+ and Mg2+ in the hemolymph and muscle collected at each time point. Exposure to a chill-coma inducing temperature had little effect overall on ion balance in the hemolymph and flight muscle of false codling moth, but hemolymph [Na+] decreased from 10.4 ± 0.4 mM to 6.9 ± 0.7 mM as moths were chilled to 3 °C and then increased to 10.4 ± 0.9 mM after the 24 h recovery period. In the 9 °C cooling treatment, [K+] increased from 8.2 ± 0.5 mM during chilling to 14.1 ± 1.9 mM after the 24 h recovery period. No changes were seen in equilibrium potentials in either of the ions measured. Thus, we did not find evidence that water and ion homeostasis are lost by the moths in chill coma and conclude that reduced dispersal in field-released moths is not direct a consequence of the costs of re-establishment of homeostasis.}, }
@article {pmid30517647, year = {2019}, author = {Honek, A and Martinkova, Z and Roy, HE and Dixon, AFG and Skuhrovec, J and Pekár, S and Brabec, M}, title = {Differences in the Phenology of Harmonia axyridis (Coleoptera: Coccinellidae) and Native Coccinellids in Central Europe.}, journal = {Environmental entomology}, volume = {48}, number = {1}, pages = {80-87}, doi = {10.1093/ee/nvy173}, pmid = {30517647}, issn = {1938-2936}, mesh = {Animals ; *Coleoptera ; Czech Republic ; *Introduced Species ; Population Dynamics ; }, abstract = {Harmonia axyridis (Pallas), an invasive non-native species in central Europe, can outcompete other aphidophagous species. The distribution and abundance of H. axyridis vary depending on different host plants, and its effects on native coccinellid communities may change accordingly. The distribution and abundance of coccinellids in central Europe (50°N, 14°E) were investigated from 2010 to 2016. Coccinellids were counted at regular intervals on cereals (Avena, Hordeum, and Triticum), herbaceous plants (Matricaria and Urtica) and trees (Acer, Betula, and Tilia). Additionally, the occurrence over time of each species on these plants was assessed and used as an index of persistence. Across all years, the adults and larvae of H. axyridis were the dominant species of coccinellid on trees. However, H. axyridis was less abundant on herbaceous plants and cereals than on trees. Populations of native coccinellids and H. axyridis co-occurred on trees and persisted for the same length of time, while native coccinellids persisted longer than H. axyridis on herbaceous plants and cereals. Compared to 1976-1986, in the 2010s, the abundance of native species decreased on all plants by 50-70%. The presence of H. axyridis could be considered as a factor driving changes in the assemblages of native coccinellids.}, }
@article {pmid30515687, year = {2019}, author = {Schneider, EV and Hasler, CT and Suski, CD}, title = {Swimming performance of a freshwater fish during exposure to high carbon dioxide.}, journal = {Environmental science and pollution research international}, volume = {26}, number = {4}, pages = {3447-3454}, doi = {10.1007/s11356-018-3849-2}, pmid = {30515687}, issn = {1614-7499}, support = {G14AC00119//U.S. Geological Survey/ ; }, mesh = {Animals ; Bass/*physiology ; Carbon Dioxide/*toxicity ; Cyprinidae ; Ecosystem ; Ecotoxicology ; Fresh Water ; Introduced Species ; Swimming ; }, abstract = {Deterring the spread of invasive fishes is a challenge for managers, and bigheaded carp (including bighead and silver carp, Hypophthalmichthys spp.) are invasive fish that have spread throughout large portions of the Mississippi River basin and threaten to invade the Great Lakes' ecosystem. Studies have shown that elevated levels of carbon dioxide gas (CO2) have the ability to act as a nonphysical fish barrier, but little work has been done on the efficacy of CO2 to deter fish movement in flowing water. An annular swim flume was used to measure Uburst and sprint duration of the model species largemouth bass (Micropterus salmoides) across a range of pCO2 levels (< 400 μatm [ambient]; 10,000 μatm; 50,000 μatm; and 100,000 μatm). This species was tested as a proxy because of the likelihood of a similar CO2 response being produced, as well as constraints in obtaining and housing appropriately sized Asian carp. A significant decrease in Uburst swimming occurred when exposed to 100,000 μatm. No effects on sprint duration were detected. In both swimming tests, 15% of fish lost equilibrium when exposed to 50,000 μatm pCO2, while 50% of fish lost equilibrium when exposed to 100,000 μatm. Together, results define target levels for managers to impede the spread of largemouth bass and potentially other invasive freshwater fishes, helping guide policy to conserve aquatic ecosystems.}, }
@article {pmid30514581, year = {2019}, author = {Hui, C and Richardson, DM}, title = {How to Invade an Ecological Network.}, journal = {Trends in ecology &amp; evolution}, volume = {34}, number = {2}, pages = {121-131}, doi = {10.1016/j.tree.2018.11.003}, pmid = {30514581}, issn = {1872-8383}, abstract = {Invasion science is in a state of paradox, having low predictability despite strong, identifiable covariates of invasion performance. We propose shifting the foundation metaphor of biological invasions from a linear filtering scheme to one that invokes complex adaptive networks. We link invasion performance and invasibility directly to the loss of network stability and indirectly to network topology through constraints from the emergence of the stability criterion in complex systems. We propose the wind vane of an invaded network - the major axis of its adjacency matrix - which reveals how species respond dynamically to invasions. We suggest that invasion ecology should steer away from comparative macroecological studies, to rather explore the ecological network centred on the focal species.}, }
@article {pmid30513969, year = {2018}, author = {Nugnes, F and Russo, E and Viggiani, G and Bernardo, U}, title = {First Record of an Invasive Fruit Fly Belonging to Bactrocera dorsalis Complex (Diptera: Tephritidae) in Europe.}, journal = {Insects}, volume = {9}, number = {4}, pages = {}, doi = {10.3390/insects9040182}, pmid = {30513969}, issn = {2075-4450}, support = {.//Campania Region/ ; Urcofi//Regione Campania/ ; }, abstract = {Emerging pests are increasingly threatening fruit orchard health across the Mediterranean area. Tephritidae, representing serious threats for Europe, are numerous, and the fruit flies Bactrocera zonata and those belonging to Bactrocera dorsalis complex are among the most alarming species. These species are highly polyphagous and B. zonata has already spread to some Mediterranean countries. Due to these ongoing threats, in the Campania Region (southern Italy), a survey with traps and infested fruits analysis was performed with the aim of detecting the presence of species of Bactrocera dorsalis complex. In two mixed fruit-trees fields, some adults belonging to a species of Bactrocera were captured in traps baited with the highly attractive male lure (methyl eugenol). They were distinguished from similar-looking Bactrocera spp. by morphological and molecular comparative analyses. Considering the existing morphological keys, specimens were tentatively identified as B. dorsalis but molecular characterization with COI split them into two clades. Some specimens were grouped with B. dorsalis similar to B. kandiensis and B. kandiensis and others in a clade including B. dorsalis and B. invadens (syn. B. dorsalis). ITS1 sequences instead confirmed morphological identification. The integrative approach allowed identifying all the specimens collected as belonging to the B. dorsalis complex. This finding represents the first field interception in Europe of a member of one of the most dangerous groups of fruit flies.}, }
@article {pmid30511315, year = {2019}, author = {Kalnicky, EA and Brunson, MW and Beard, KH}, title = {Predictors of Participation in Invasive Species Control Activities Depend on Prior Experience with the Species.}, journal = {Environmental management}, volume = {63}, number = {1}, pages = {60-68}, doi = {10.1007/s00267-018-1126-2}, pmid = {30511315}, issn = {1432-1009}, abstract = {The increasing worldwide spread of non-native species is both a component and a consequence of environmental change, and islands are especially vulnerable to negative effects. Efforts to control non-native species often include public education intended to promote behaviors designed to reduce or reverse their spread. To inform the use of information strategies to control the invasive, non-native frog Eleutherodactylus coqui in Hawaii, USA, we surveyed over 700 property owners about their attitudes and behaviors regarding the species. Included were residents of the island of Hawaii, where the species is common and management emphasizes prevention of further spread, and three other islands where the species is largely absent and management emphasizes detection and eradication. Where frogs are present, 61% of respondents reported taking actions to reduce their population, typically clearing vegetation or hand-capturing individual frogs. For these individuals, intentions to engage in future control activities were not significantly related to reports of past behavior. Intentions to participate in future control efforts on the island of Hawaii were best predicted by attitudes toward practices. On the other islands, behavioral intentions were best predicted by subjective norms (i.e., beliefs about others' expectations that they should manage frogs). Thus, intentions to engage in non-native species management behaviors appear to be influenced by prior exposure to, and experience with, that species. Understanding the predictors of behavioral intentions at different stages of invasion have implications for the design of information strategies that can promote participation in control activities.}, }
@article {pmid30509909, year = {2018}, author = {Schulz, CJ and Cañedo-Argüelles, M}, title = {Lost in translation: the German literature on freshwater salinization.}, journal = {Philosophical transactions of the Royal Society of London. Series B, Biological sciences}, volume = {374}, number = {1764}, pages = {}, doi = {10.1098/rstb.2018.0007}, pmid = {30509909}, issn = {1471-2970}, abstract = {Human activities have globally increased and altered the ion concentration of freshwater ecosystems. The proliferation of potash mines in Germany (especially intense in the early 1900s) constitutes a good example of it. The effluents and runoff coming from potash mines led to extreme salt concentrations (e.g. 72 g l-1 of total salt content, approx. 149 mS cm-1) in surrounding rivers and streams, causing ecosystem degradation (e.g. massive algal blooms and fish kills). This promoted scientific research that was mostly published in German, thereby being neglected by the wide scientific community. Here, the findings of the German literature on freshwater salinization are discussed in the light of current knowledge. German studies revealed that at similar ion concentrations potassium (K+) can be the most toxic ion to freshwater organisms, whereas calcium (Ca2+) could have a toxicity ameliorating effect. Also, they showed that salinization could lead to biodiversity loss, major shifts in the composition of aquatic communities (e.g. dominance of salt-tolerant algae, proliferation of invasive species) and alter organic matter processing. The biological degradation caused by freshwater salinization related to potash mining has important management implications, e.g. it could prevent many European rivers and streams from reaching the good ecological status demanded by the Water Framework Directive. Within this context, German publications show several examples of salinity thresholds and biological indices that could be useful to monitor and regulate salinization (i.e. developing legally enforced salinity and ion-specific standards). They also provide potential management techniques (i.e. brine collection and disposal) and some estimates of the economic costs of freshwater salinization. Overall, the German literature on freshwater salinization provides internationally relevant information that has rarely been cited by the English literature. We suggest that the global editorial and scientific community should take action to make important findings published in non-English literature more widely available.This article is part of the theme issue 'Salt in freshwaters: causes, ecological consequences and future prospects'.}, }
@article {pmid30509832, year = {2018}, author = {Hutchings, P}, title = {Marine introduced species in Australia, where to from here? A personal perspective from a practising taxonomist.}, journal = {Marine pollution bulletin}, volume = {136}, number = {}, pages = {477-480}, doi = {10.1016/j.marpolbul.2018.09.047}, pmid = {30509832}, issn = {1879-3363}, mesh = {Aquatic Organisms/*classification ; Australia ; Dinoflagellida ; Environmental Monitoring ; Environmental Policy ; *Introduced Species ; *Ships ; Surveys and Questionnaires ; Transportation Facilities ; }, abstract = {While introduced marine species have been arriving in Australia for centuries, it was the advent of container shipping and the discharge of ballast water into Australian ports that highlighted the problem. A summary is provided of how Australia responded to this challenge and continues to. More recently there has been an acceptance that hull fouling is also an important vector of introductions. A major problem in Australia is distinguishing introduced species from as yet undescribed native species. This is a particular problem in northern Australia where the native fauna is poorly documented. Despite the economic and environmental threats posed by introduced species, the impetus to undertake expensive comprehensive surveys has declined and attention is now focusing on targeted surveys especially of known marine pest species and molecular data to identify introductions. Ongoing research is still needed to monitor other species identified as being introduced and their potential to become pests.}, }
@article {pmid30509645, year = {2018}, author = {Liwanag, HEM and Haro, D and Callejas, B and Labib, G and Pauly, GB}, title = {Thermal tolerance varies with age and sex for the nonnative Italian Wall Lizard (Podarcis siculus) in Southern California.}, journal = {Journal of thermal biology}, volume = {78}, number = {}, pages = {263-269}, doi = {10.1016/j.jtherbio.2018.10.010}, pmid = {30509645}, issn = {0306-4565}, mesh = {Animals ; Biological Variation, Population ; Female ; *Introduced Species ; Lizards/growth &amp; development/*physiology ; Male ; *Thermotolerance ; }, abstract = {Temperature has a substantial effect on both the physiology and behavior of ectothermic animals such as lizards. Physiology and behavior can also be influenced by ontogenetic and sex differences, but these effects are largely understudied in lizards. We examined ontogenetic and sex-based differences in thermal tolerances, preferred temperature, and temperature-dependent evaporative water loss rates in Italian Wall Lizards, Podarcis siculus, collected from an introduced population near Los Angeles, California, USA that were acclimated to laboratory conditions. Podarcis siculus has been introduced to multiple localities in the USA and the Mediterranean region and has demonstrated remarkable ability to adapt to novel climatic conditions. In the California population, adults of both sexes had a higher critical thermal maximum (CTmax) than juveniles, and adult females had a lower critical thermal minimum (CTmin) than juveniles and adult males. Thus, adult females had a significantly wider thermal breadth (CTmax - CTmin) compared to adult males and juveniles. Mass-specific evaporative water loss was higher in juveniles compared to adult males at intermediate temperatures. There was no significant difference among groups for preferred temperature. This implies that thermal tolerance, a physiological characteristic, varies with age and sex for this population, whereas thermal preference, a behavioral characteristic, does not. Interestingly, CTmin for all age and sex classes was above temperatures likely experienced by some nonnative populations in winter, suggesting individuals need to find urban thermal retreats. These results add to the growing literature demonstrating that thermal tolerances and breadths can vary between sexes and across age classes in squamate species.}, }
@article {pmid30509239, year = {2018}, author = {Dunker, S and Boho, D and Wäldchen, J and Mäder, P}, title = {Combining high-throughput imaging flow cytometry and deep learning for efficient species and life-cycle stage identification of phytoplankton.}, journal = {BMC ecology}, volume = {18}, number = {1}, pages = {51}, pmid = {30509239}, issn = {1472-6785}, abstract = {BACKGROUND: Phytoplankton species identification and counting is a crucial step of water quality assessment. Especially drinking water reservoirs, bathing and ballast water need to be regularly monitored for harmful species. In times of multiple environmental threats like eutrophication, climate warming and introduction of invasive species more intensive monitoring would be helpful to develop adequate measures. However, traditional methods such as microscopic counting by experts or high throughput flow cytometry based on scattering and fluorescence signals are either too time-consuming or inaccurate for species identification tasks. The combination of high qualitative microscopy with high throughput and latest development in machine learning techniques can overcome this hurdle.<br><br>RESULTS: In this study, image based cytometry was used to collect ~ 47,000 images for brightfield and Chl a fluorescence at 60× magnification for nine common freshwater species of nano- and micro-phytoplankton. A deep neuronal network trained on these images was applied to identify the species and the corresponding life cycle stage during the batch cultivation. The results show the high potential of this approach, where species identity and their respective life cycle stage could be predicted with a high accuracy of 97%.<br><br>CONCLUSIONS: These findings could pave the way for reliable and fast phytoplankton species determination of indicator species as a crucial step in water quality assessment.}, }
@article {pmid30496181, year = {2018}, author = {Orlova-Bienkowskaja, MJ and Spiridonov, SE and Butorina, NN and Bieńkowski, AO}, title = {Coinvasion by the ladybird Harmonia axyridis (Coleoptera: Coccinellidae) and its parasites, Hesperomyces virescens (Ascomycota: Laboulbeniales) and Parasitylenchus bifurcatus (Nematoda: Tylenchida, Allantonematidae), in the Caucasus.}, journal = {PloS one}, volume = {13}, number = {11}, pages = {e0202841}, doi = {10.1371/journal.pone.0202841}, pmid = {30496181}, issn = {1932-6203}, mesh = {Animals ; Armenia ; *Ascomycota/classification/genetics ; Coleoptera/genetics/*microbiology/*parasitology ; Georgia ; *Phylogeny ; Russia ; *Tylenchida/classification/genetics ; }, abstract = {The study of parasites in recently established populations of invasive species can shed light on the sources of invasion and possible indirect interactions between the alien species and native ones. We studied parasites of the global invader Harmonia axyridis (Coleoptera: Coccinellidae) in the Caucasus. In 2012, the first established population of Ha. axyridis was recorded in the Caucasus in Sochi (south of European Russia, Black Sea coast). By 2018, the ladybird had spread to a vast area: Armenia, Georgia and south Russia (Adygea, the Krasnodar territory, the Stavropol territory, Dagestan, Kabardino-Balkaria and North Ossetia). The examination of 213 adults collected in Sochi in 2018 showed that 53% were infested with Hesperomyces virescens fungi (Ascomycota: Laboulbeniales) and that 8% were infested with Parasitylenchus bifurcatus nematodes (Nematoda: Tylenchida, Allantonematidae). The examined Ha. axyridis specimens were free of the parasitic mite Coccipolipus hippodamiae. An analysis of the phylogenetic relationships of P. bifurcatus based on 18S rDNA confirmed the morphological identification of this species. Hesperomyces virescens and P. bifurcatus were first recorded in the Caucasus and Russia, although they are rather widespread in Europe. This likely indicates that they appeared as a result of coinvasion with their host because the populations of Ha. axyridis, He. virescens and P. bifurcatus in the Caucasus are isolated from the main parts of the ranges of these species in Europe. The nearest localities of Ha. axyridis is on another shore of the Black Sea, and the nearest localities of He. virescens and P. bifurcatus are more than 1000 km from the Caucasus. It is impossible to determine whether the first founders of the Caucasian population were infested with the parasites or whether the parasites were introduced by specimens of Ha. axyridis that arrived later from Europe. Harmonia axyridis was released in the region for pest control, but laboratory cultures are always free of He. virescens and P. bifurcatus. Therefore, the detection of He. virescens and P. bifurcatus indicates that the population of Ha. axyridis in the Caucasus could not have derived exclusively from released specimens. We did not find He. virescens on 400 specimens of 29 other ladybird species collected from the same localities as Ha. axyridis in the Caucasus. No reliable correlation between infestation by He. virescens and that by P. bifurcatus has been found. In addition to these two parasites, an unidentified species of the order Mermithida was recorded. This is the first documented case of Ha. axyridis infestation by a parasitic nematode of this order in nature.}, }
@article {pmid30489559, year = {2018}, author = {Tomlinson, H and Elston, DM}, title = {Aquatic antagonists: lionfish (Pterois volitans).}, journal = {Cutis}, volume = {102}, number = {4}, pages = {232-234}, pmid = {30489559}, issn = {2326-6929}, mesh = {Animals ; Bites and Stings/*diagnosis/therapy ; *Introduced Species ; *Perciformes ; United States ; }, abstract = {Lionfish (Pterois volitans) are an invasive species originally from the Indian and Pacific oceans and the Red Sea that now are found all along the southeastern coast of the United States. Prompt and comprehensive treatment provides benefit to the patient. As lionfish numbers continue to increase, physicians across multiple specialties and regions may see an increase in envenomation injuries. It is important that physicians are aware of how to recognize and treat lionfish stings.}, }
@article {pmid30489182, year = {2019}, author = {Takahashi, J and Okuyama, H and Kiyoshi, T and Takeuchi, T and Martin, SJ}, title = {Origins of Vespa velutina hornets that recently invaded Iki Island, Japan and Jersey Island, UK.}, journal = {Mitochondrial DNA. Part A, DNA mapping, sequencing, and analysis}, volume = {30}, number = {3}, pages = {434-439}, doi = {10.1080/24701394.2018.1538366}, pmid = {30489182}, issn = {2470-1408}, abstract = {The native distribution of the yellow-legged hornet, Vespa velutina, is throughout East Asia. Around 15 years ago this species was accidentally introduced into South Korea and France, where it became established and then spread into neighbouring countries. Previous mitochondrial DNA studies showed that the South Korean, Japanese, and French populations all originated from Eastern China. Recently, the hornet has invaded Iki Island, Japan and Jersey Island, UK. In this study, we analyze the complete mitochondrial DNA sequence of V. velutina to trace the origin of these two populations. The mitochondrial DNA haplotypes (COI, Cytb, and 16S rRNA) of V. velutina in Iki Island matched the unique haplotype present in China, South Korea, and Japan, while the haplotype from Jersey Island matched that of V. velutina found in France and China. These findings were supported by data from the complete mitochondrial DNA sequence of V. velutina from Iki Island, which was consistent with the sequence from South Korea and Tsushima, whereas V. velutina in Jersey was most similar to the French population.}, }
@article {pmid30488524, year = {2019}, author = {Thawley, CJ and Goldy-Brown, M and McCormick, GL and Graham, SP and Langkilde, T}, title = {Presence of an invasive species reverses latitudinal clines of multiple traits in a native species.}, journal = {Global change biology}, volume = {25}, number = {2}, pages = {620-628}, doi = {10.1111/gcb.14510}, pmid = {30488524}, issn = {1365-2486}, mesh = {Animals ; Ants/*physiology ; *Food Chain ; Hindlimb/anatomy &amp; histology ; *Introduced Species ; *Life History Traits ; Lizards/anatomy &amp; histology/*physiology ; Stress, Physiological ; United States ; }, abstract = {Understanding the processes driving formation and maintenance of latitudinal clines has become increasingly important in light of accelerating global change. Many studies have focused on the role of abiotic factors, especially temperature, in generating clines, but biotic factors, including the introduction of non-native species, may also drive clinal variation. We assessed the impact of invasion by predatory fire ants on latitudinal clines in multiple fitness-relevant traits-morphology, physiological stress responsiveness, and antipredator behavior-in a native fence lizard. In areas invaded by fire ants, a latitudinal cline in morphology is opposite both the cline found in museum specimens from historical populations across the species' full latitudinal range and that found in current populations uninvaded by fire ants. Similarly, clines in stress-relevant hormone response to a stressor and in antipredator behavior differ significantly between the portions of the fence lizard range invaded and uninvaded by fire ants. Changes in these traits within fire ant-invaded areas are adaptive and together support increased and more effective antipredator behavior that allows escape from attacks by this invasive predator. However, these changes may mismatch lizards to the environments under which they historically evolved. This research shows that novel biotic pressures can alter latitudinal clines in multiple traits within a single species on ecological timescales. As global change intensifies, a greater understanding of novel abiotic and biotic pressures and how affected organisms adapt to them across space and time will be central to predicting and managing our changing environment.}, }
@article {pmid30486189, year = {2018}, author = {Johnson, PJ and Yefremova, ZA and Manuel, J and LÓpez, P and Yegorenkova, EN}, title = {Aprostocetus chilophagae new species (Hymenoptera: Eulophidae) from South Dakota, with taxonomic notes on A. bromi (Kostjukov) and A. nebraskensis (Girault).}, journal = {Zootaxa}, volume = {4514}, number = {4}, pages = {473-486}, doi = {10.11646/zootaxa.4514.4.2}, pmid = {30486189}, issn = {1175-5334}, mesh = {Animals ; *Diptera ; Female ; *Hymenoptera ; Male ; North America ; Russia ; South Dakota ; }, abstract = {Aprostocetus chilophagae Yefremova and Yegorenkova, new species (Hymenoptera: Eulophidae: Tetrastichinae) is described from eastern South Dakota, U.S.A., and is reported as a parasitoid of the larva of Chilophaga virgati Gagné (Diptera: Cecidomyiidae), an ovule predator of Panicum virgatum. This new species is separated from sympatric A. bromi (Kostjukov) and A. nebraskensis (Girault) by structural morphology and host associations. Aprostocetus bromi was recently recognized from North America as an introduced species from Russia that is a primary parasitoid of the introduced ovule feeding gall midge Stenodiplosis bromicola Marikovskij and Agafonova (Cecidomyiidae) on the invasive grass Bromus inermis. Aprostocetus nebraskensis is a native species that is known as a parasitoid only from S. wattsi Gagné, also an ovule predator on the native prairie grasses Andropogon girardii, Schizachyrium scoparium, and Sorghastrum nutans. Trichacis rufipes Ashmead (Platygastridae) co-occurs with A. chilophagae new species on C. virgati, and a Centrodora sp. (Aphelinidae) may be a hyperparasitoid. The females of A. bromi and A. nebraskensis are redescribed and the males for each species are described for the first time.}, }
@article {pmid30486001, year = {2018}, author = {Brito, LC and Santos, SMD and BarÃo, KR}, title = {Immature stages of Murgantia histrionica (Hemiptera: Pentatomidae).}, journal = {Zootaxa}, volume = {4508}, number = {1}, pages = {131-140}, doi = {10.11646/zootaxa.4508.1.8}, pmid = {30486001}, issn = {1175-5334}, mesh = {Animals ; California ; *Hemiptera ; Heteroptera ; Microscopy, Electron, Scanning ; Nymph ; *Ovum ; }, abstract = {Immature stages of Murgantia histrionica (Hemiptera: Pentatomidae) are described using light and scanning electron microscopy. Specimens of all life stages of M. histrionica were collected on Peritoma arborea (Cleomaceae) in Palm Springs, California. Specimens were observed in light and scanning microscopies, imagens taken and described based on specimens and photographs. We provide images of the eggs and immatures in light microscopy, and SEM of the eggs and first and fifth instars. Eggs of M. histrionica are barrel-shaped, white, with brown band and circular spot; the corium surface carinated, forming hexagonal cells; carinae irregular apically. The nymphal color pattern; the reflexed lateral margins of pro- and mesothorax; and the scattered punctuation of the tegument are a combination of characteristics enabling M. histrionica identification in its nymphal stages. The eggs of M. histrionica are similar in shape, color, and size to other Strachiini genera, such as Bagrada, Eurydema and Stenozygum. Among the Strachiini, the correct identification of M. histrionica based on immatures is possible by the shape of the head and pronotum, overall size of immatures, and coloration patterns.}, }
@article {pmid30485967, year = {2018}, author = {Kamitani, S}, title = {First record of the alien bamboo leafhopper, Branchana xanthota, in Japan (Hemiptera: Cicadellidae: Deltocephalinae).}, journal = {Zootaxa}, volume = {4508}, number = {4}, pages = {579-581}, doi = {10.11646/zootaxa.4508.4.7}, pmid = {30485967}, issn = {1175-5334}, mesh = {Animals ; *Hemiptera ; Japan ; Poaceae ; }, abstract = {An alien bamboo leafhopper, Branchana xanthota Li, is recorded from Japan for the first time. Three species of bamboos are recognized as host plants: Phyllostachys bambusoides, Phyllostachys edulis and Pleioblastus simonii.}, }
@article {pmid30484882, year = {2019}, author = {Raffa, RB and Pergolizzi, JV and Taylor, R and Kitzen, JM and , }, title = {Sunscreen bans: Coral reefs and skin cancer.}, journal = {Journal of clinical pharmacy and therapeutics}, volume = {44}, number = {1}, pages = {134-139}, doi = {10.1111/jcpt.12778}, pmid = {30484882}, issn = {1365-2710}, mesh = {Animals ; Anthozoa/*drug effects ; Benzophenones/administration &amp; dosage/*toxicity ; Cinnamates/administration &amp; dosage/*toxicity ; Consumer Product Safety/legislation &amp; jurisprudence ; Coral Reefs ; Hawaii ; Humans ; Skin Neoplasms/epidemiology/prevention &amp; control ; Sunscreening Agents/administration &amp; dosage/chemistry/*toxicity ; }, abstract = {WHAT IS KNOWN AND OBJECTIVE: Hawaii will ban two major ingredients of sunscreens. This article reviews the reasons and future directions. Hawaii recently enacted legislation that will ban the use of two major ingredients of the majority of commonly used sunscreens. The reason for the ban is the ingredients' putative deleterious impact on marine ecosystems, particularly coral reefs. But sunscreens also save lives by decreasing the risk of UV-induced skin cancers. We review both sides of the issue and potential implications for the healthcare system.<br><br>COMMENT: Coral reefs consist of organisms in delicate equilibria that are susceptible to small changes in their surroundings. Recent natural and man-made disruptions, direct or indirect, such as changes in ocean temperature and chemistry, ingress of invasive species, pathogens, pollution and deleterious fishing practices, have been blamed for the poor health, or even the outright destruction, of some coral reefs. The most popular sunscreen products contain two ingredients-oxybenzone and octinoxate-that have also been implicated in coral toxicity and will be banned. This creates a healthcare dilemma: Will the protection of coral reefs result in an increase in human skin cancers?<br><br>WHAT IS NEW AND CONCLUSION: Concentration estimates and mechanism studies support an association-direct or indirect (via promotion of viral infection)-of sunscreens with bleaching of coral reefs. A ban on the two most common sunscreen ingredients goes into effect in Hawaii on January 1, 2021. Proponents suggest that this is a trend, just the first of many such bans worldwide; opponents warn of a dire increase in human skin cancers. As a result, alternative sunscreen compounds are being sought.}, }
@article {pmid30484051, year = {2019}, author = {Aladin, NV and Gontar, VI and Zhakova, LV and Plotnikov, IS and Smurov, AO and Rzymski, P and Klimaszyk, P}, title = {The zoocenosis of the Aral Sea: six decades of fast-paced change.}, journal = {Environmental science and pollution research international}, volume = {26}, number = {3}, pages = {2228-2237}, doi = {10.1007/s11356-018-3807-z}, pmid = {30484051}, issn = {1614-7499}, mesh = {Animals ; *Biodiversity ; *Environment ; *Fishes ; Humans ; Introduced Species ; *Invertebrates ; Lakes ; *Oceans and Seas ; *Rivers ; *Salinity ; Seawater ; }, abstract = {During the last six decades, the water level of the Aral Sea, once one of the largest lakes in the world, has experienced a major human-driven regression followed by significant changes in salinity. These fast-paced alterations were initiated by the diversion of two rivers-the Amu Darya and Syr Darya-key players in the regulation of the water balance of the Aral Sea. Consequently, biological modifications took place leading to severe changes of the zoocenosis. This paper reviews the changes that have affected communities of fish and aquatic invertebrates in the Aral Sea since the 1950s. The reported alterations in biodiversity not only represent a natural response to a decrease in water level and a subsequent increase in salinity but also effects of non-native species introduction. The future prospects for invertebrates and fish in the Aral Sea, assuming that initiated restoration work is continued, are also discussed in this paper.}, }
@article {pmid30482898, year = {2018}, author = {Pereira Dos Santos, T and Roiz, D and Santos de Abreu, FV and Luz, SLB and Santalucia, M and Jiolle, D and Santos Neves, MSA and Simard, F and Lourenço-de-Oliveira, R and Paupy, C}, title = {Potential of Aedes albopictus as a bridge vector for enzootic pathogens at the urban-forest interface in Brazil.}, journal = {Emerging microbes &amp; infections}, volume = {7}, number = {1}, pages = {191}, pmid = {30482898}, issn = {2222-1751}, abstract = {The invasive species Aedes albopictus is present in 60% of Brazilian municipalities, including at the interfaces between urban settings and forests that are zoonotic arbovirus hotspots. We investigated Ae. albopictus colonization, adult dispersal and host feeding patterns in the anthropic-natural interface of three forested sites covering three biomes in Brazil in 2016. To evaluate whether an ecological overlap exists between Ae. albopictus and sylvatic yellow fever virus (YFV) in forests, we performed similar investigations in seven additional urban-forest interfaces where YFV circulated in 2017. We found Ae. albopictus in all forested sites. We detected eggs and adults up to 300 and 500 m into the forest, respectively, demonstrating that Ae. albopictus forest colonization and dispersal decrease with distance from the forest edge. Analysis of the host identity in blood-engorged females indicated that they fed mainly on humans and domestic mammals, suggesting rare contact with wildlife at the forest edge. Our results show that Ae. albopictus frequency declines as it penetrates into the forest and highlight its potential role as a bridge vector of zoonotic diseases at the edge of the Brazilian forests studied.}, }
@article {pmid30481226, year = {2018}, author = {Riedl, HL and Stinson, L and Pejchar, L and Clements, WH}, title = {An introduced plant affects aquatic-derived carbon in the diets of riparian birds.}, journal = {PloS one}, volume = {13}, number = {11}, pages = {e0207389}, pmid = {30481226}, issn = {1932-6203}, abstract = {Non-native plants can impact riparian ecosystem function through diverse terrestrial and aquatic pathways, with cascading effects on food webs. Invasion-mediated vegetation changes can depress terrestrial arthropod communities and alter arthropod flux across the aquatic-terrestrial interface. We investigated the effects of a non-native woody plant, Robinia neomexicana, on insect contributions to riparian songbird diets. This plant was introduced over 100 years ago to the Clear Creek drainage in northwestern Colorado (USA) from its native range, which extends into southern Colorado. We used stable isotope analysis of insects and avian feces to 1) assess whether the relative contributions of aquatic- and terrestrial-derived arthropod prey differed between reference sites and sites invaded by R. neomexicana, and 2) quantify the amount of aquatic- and terrestrial-derived resources consumed by an insectivorous songbird assemblage. Two species of insectivorous songbirds consumed more aquatic insects in invaded sites compared to reference sites. This change in terrestrial- and aquatic-derived prey in bird diets in response to a near-range plant invasion suggests that the introduction of novel species from more distant native ranges could produce similar or stronger effects. Overall, the songbird community consumed approximately 34% aquatic resources, which highlights the importance of these subsidies to riparian consumers. Our investigation of insect subsidies demonstrates how introduced species can indirectly affect food webs and provides insight into the plasticity of riparian consumer responses.}, }
@article {pmid30481181, year = {2018}, author = {Bbole, I and Zhao, JL and Tang, SJ and Katongo, C}, title = {Mitochondrial genome annotation and phylogenetic placement of Oreochromis andersonii and O. macrochir among the cichlids of southern Africa.}, journal = {PloS one}, volume = {13}, number = {11}, pages = {e0203095}, pmid = {30481181}, issn = {1932-6203}, mesh = {Africa, Southern ; Animals ; Cichlids/*genetics ; DNA, Mitochondrial/genetics ; Fish Proteins/*genetics ; Mitochondrial Proteins/*genetics ; *Phylogeny ; RNA, Ribosomal/*genetics ; RNA, Transfer/*genetics ; }, abstract = {Genetic characterization of southern African cichlids has not received much attention. Here, we describe the mitogenome sequences and phylogenetic positioning of Oreochromis andersonii and O. macrochir among the African cichlids. The complete mitochondrial DNA sequences were determined for O. andersonii and O. macrochir, two important aquaculture and fisheries species endemic to southern Africa. The complete mitogenome sequence lengths were 16642 bp and 16644 bp for O. andersonii and O. macrochir respectively. The general structural organization follows that of other teleost species with 13 protein-coding genes, 2 rRNAs, 22 tRNAs and a non-coding control region. Phylogenetic placement of the two species among other African cichlids was performed using Maximum Likelihood (ML) and Bayesian Markov-Chain-Monte-Carlo (MCMC). The consensus trees confirmed the relative positions of the two cichlid species with O. andersonii being very closely related to O. mossambicus and O. macrochir showing a close relation to both species. Among the 13 mitochondrial DNA protein coding genes ND6 may have evolved more rapidly and COIII was the most conserved. There are signs that ND6 may have been subjected to positive selection in order for these cichlid lineages to diversify and adapt to new environments. More work is needed to characterize the southern Africa cichlids as they are important species for capture fisheries, aquaculture development and understanding biogeographic history of African cichlids. Bio-conservation of some endangered cichlids is also essential due to the threat by invasive species.}, }
@article {pmid30481174, year = {2018}, author = {Butikofer, L and Jones, B and Sacchi, R and Mangiacotti, M and Ji, W}, title = {A new method for modelling biological invasions from early spread data accounting for anthropogenic dispersal.}, journal = {PloS one}, volume = {13}, number = {11}, pages = {e0205591}, pmid = {30481174}, issn = {1932-6203}, mesh = {Biodiversity ; Climate Change ; Ecosystem ; *Human Activities ; Humans ; *Introduced Species ; *Models, Biological ; New Zealand ; *Population Dynamics ; }, abstract = {Biological invasions are one of the major causes of biodiversity loss worldwide. In spite of human aided (anthropogenic) dispersal being the key element in the spread of invasive species, no framework published so far accounts for its peculiar characteristics, such as very rapid dispersal and independence from the existing species distribution. We present a new method for modelling biological invasions using historical spatio-temporal records. This method first discriminates between data points of anthropogenic origin and those originating from natural dispersal, then estimates the natural dispersal kernel. We use the expectation-maximisation algorithm for the first step; we then use Ripley's K-function as a spatial similarity metric to estimate the dispersal kernel. This is done accounting for habitat suitability and providing estimates of the inference precision. Tests on simulated data show good accuracy and precision for this method, even in the presence of challenging, but realistic, limitations of data in the invasion time series, such as gaps in the survey times and low number of records. We also provide a real case application of our method using the case of Litoria frogs in New Zealand. This method is widely applicable across the field of biological invasions, epidemics and climate change induced range shifts and provides a valuable contribution to the management of such issues. Functions to implement this methodology are made available as the R package Biolinv (https://cran.r-project.org/package=Biolinv).}, }
@article {pmid30478871, year = {2019}, author = {Reznick, DN and Losos, J and Travis, J}, title = {From low to high gear: there has been a paradigm shift in our understanding of evolution.}, journal = {Ecology letters}, volume = {22}, number = {2}, pages = {233-244}, doi = {10.1111/ele.13189}, pmid = {30478871}, issn = {1461-0248}, support = {//Guggenheim Foundation/ ; //Wadham College/ ; DEB-1556884//National Science Foundation of the United States/ ; }, abstract = {Experimental studies of evolution performed in nature and the associated demonstration of rapid evolution, observable on a time scale of months to years, were an acclaimed novelty in the 1980-1990s. Contemporary evolution is now considered ordinary and is an integrated feature of many areas of research. This shift from extraordinary to ordinary reflects a change in the perception of evolution. It was formerly thought of as a historical process, perceived through the footprints left in the fossil record or living organisms. It is now seen as a contemporary process that acts in real time. Here we review how this shift occurred and its consequences for fields as diverse as wildlife management, conservation biology, and ecosystems ecology. Incorporating contemporary evolution in these fields has caused old questions to be recast, changed the answers, caused new and previously inconceivable questions to be addressed, and inspired the development of new subdisciplines. We argue further that the potential of contemporary evolution has yet to be fulfilled. Incorporating evolutionary dynamics in any research program can provide a better assessment of how and why organisms and communities came to be as they are than is attainable without an explicit treatment of these dynamics.}, }
@article {pmid30478602, year = {2019}, author = {Dang, W and Hu, YC and Geng, J and Wang, J and Lu, HL}, title = {Thermal physiological performance of two freshwater turtles acclimated to different temperatures.}, journal = {Journal of comparative physiology. B, Biochemical, systemic, and environmental physiology}, volume = {189}, number = {1}, pages = {121-130}, doi = {10.1007/s00360-018-1194-x}, pmid = {30478602}, issn = {1432-136X}, support = {LY15C030006//National Science Foundation of Zhejiang Province/ ; 20150432B04//Agricultural Research and Development Program of Hangzhou/ ; }, abstract = {The thermal physiological performance of invasive species may play a crucial role in determining their invasion success. In this study, we acclimated two cohorts of hatchlings of freshwater turtles (native Mauremys reevesii and invasive Trachemys scripta elegans) from low and high-latitude collection sites, respectively, to different thermal conditions (20 and 30 °C) for 4 weeks, and then compared their thermal tolerance and locomotor performance. T. scripta elegans hatchlings could swim faster (but righted themselves more slowly), and tolerate a higher temperature and wider temperature range than M. reevesii hatchlings. Similarly, T. scripta elegans hatchlings had a greater maximal performance (Pmax) value for swimming speed (but a lower Pmax value for righting time) than M. reevesii hatchlings. Temperature acclimation had a significant impact on the thermal tolerance and locomotor ability of turtles, but the acclimation effect did not differ between the two species. T. scripta elegans hatchlings seemed to have a greater thermal plasticity than M. reevesii hatchlings. High-latitude individuals showed a greater low-temperature tolerance, but lower locomotor ability (longer righting time) than low-latitude ones. However, the thermal plasticity did not differ between latitudinal cohorts. Our results indicated that T. scripta elegans performed better than M. reevesii, which might contribute to its range expansion and invasive success.}, }
@article {pmid30477155, year = {2018}, author = {Ellison, AM and Orwig, DA and Fitzpatrick, MC and Preisser, EL}, title = {The Past, Present, and Future of the Hemlock Woolly Adelgid (Adelges tsugae) and Its Ecological Interactions with Eastern Hemlock (Tsuga canadensis) Forests.}, journal = {Insects}, volume = {9}, number = {4}, pages = {}, doi = {10.3390/insects9040172}, pmid = {30477155}, issn = {2075-4450}, support = {0236897, 062043, 0715504, 10003938, 1237491, 1224437, 1459519//National Science Foundation/ ; NIFA 2011-67013-30142//U.S. Department of Agriculture/ ; }, abstract = {The nonnative hemlock woolly adelgid is steadily killing eastern hemlock trees in many parts of eastern North America. We summarize impacts of the adelgid on these forest foundation species; review previous models and analyses of adelgid spread dynamics; and examine how previous forecasts of adelgid spread and ecosystem dynamics compare with current conditions. The adelgid has reset successional sequences, homogenized biological diversity at landscape scales, altered hydrological dynamics, and changed forest stands from carbon sinks into carbon sources. A new model better predicts spread of the adelgid in the south and west of the range of hemlock, but still under-predicts its spread in the north and east. Whether these underpredictions result from inadequately modeling accelerating climate change or accounting for people inadvertently moving the adelgid into new locales needs further study. Ecosystem models of adelgid-driven hemlock dynamics have consistently forecast that forest carbon stocks will be little affected by the shift from hemlock to early-successional mixed hardwood stands, but these forecasts have assumed that the intermediate stages will remain carbon sinks. New forecasting models of adelgid-driven hemlock decline should account for observed abrupt changes in carbon flux and ongoing and accelerating human-driven land-use and climatic changes.}, }
@article {pmid30474264, year = {2019}, author = {Nengovhela, A and Braga, J and Denys, C and de Beer, F and Tenailleau, C and Taylor, PJ}, title = {Associated tympanic bullar and cochlear hypertrophy define adaptations to true deserts in African gerbils and laminate-toothed rats (Muridae: Gerbillinae and Murinae).}, journal = {Journal of anatomy}, volume = {234}, number = {2}, pages = {179-192}, doi = {10.1111/joa.12906}, pmid = {30474264}, issn = {1469-7580}, support = {//Erasmus Mundus Programme (AESOP+ project)/ ; //National Research Foundation of South Africa (NRF)/ ; //Department of Science and Technology (DST) of South Africa/ ; }, abstract = {Hearing capabilities in desert rodents such as gerbils and heteromyids have been inferred from both anatomical and ecological aspects and tested with experiments and theoretical models. However, very few studies have focused on other desert-adapted species. In this study, a refined three-dimensional morphometric approach was used on three African rodent tribes (Otomyini, Taterillini and Gerbillini) to describe the cochlear and tympanic bullar morphology, and to explore the role of phylogeny, allometry and ecology to better understand the underlying mechanism of any observed trends of hypertrophy in the bulla and associated changes in the cochlea. As a result, desert-adapted species could be distinguished from mesic and semi-arid taxa by the gross cochlear dimensions, particularly the oval window, which is larger in desert species. Bullar and cochlear modifications between species could be explained by environment (bulla and oval window), phylogeny (cochlear curvature gradient) and/or allometry (cochlear relative length, oval window and bulla) with some exceptions. Based on their ear anatomy, we predict that Desmodillus auricularis and Parotomys brantsii should be sensitive to low-frequency sounds, with D. auricularis sensitive to high-frequency sounds, too. This study concludes that in both arid and semi-arid adapted laminate-toothed rats and gerbils there is bulla and associated cochlea hypertrophy, particularly in true desert species. Gerbils also show tightly coiled cochlea but the significance of this is debatable and may have nothing to do with adaptations to any specific acoustics in the desert environment.}, }
@article {pmid30467644, year = {2018}, author = {Rouifed, S and Cottet, M and de Battista, M and Le Lay, YF and Piola, F and Rateau, P and Rivière-Honegger, A}, title = {Landscape perceptions and social representations of Fallopia spp. in France.}, journal = {Die Naturwissenschaften}, volume = {105}, number = {11-12}, pages = {67}, pmid = {30467644}, issn = {1432-1904}, mesh = {*Conservation of Natural Resources ; Ecosystem ; Fallopia/*physiology ; France ; Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice ; Humans ; *Introduced Species ; }, abstract = {Choices have to be made to manage invasive species because eradication often is not possible. Both ecological and social factors have to be considered to improve the efficiency of management plans. We conducted a social study on Fallopia spp., a major invasive plant taxon in Europe, including (1) a survey on the perception of a landscape containing Fallopia spp. using a photoquestionnaire and (2) an analysis of the social representations of Fallopia spp. of managers and users in one highly invaded area and one less invaded area. The respondents to the photoquestionnaire survey appreciated the esthetics of the landscapes less when tall Fallopia spp. were present. Few people were able to identify and name the plant, and this knowledge negatively affected the appreciation of the photos containing Fallopia spp. The central core of the social representation of Fallopia spp. was composed of the invasive status of the plant, its density, and its ecological impacts. The peripheral elements of the representation depended on the people surveyed. The users highlighted the natural aspect whereas the managers identified the need for control. In the invaded area, the managers qualified the species as &quot;unmanageable,&quot; whereas the species was qualified as &quot;foreign&quot; in the less invaded area. Those results provide insights that have to be included when objectives of management plans of these species are selected.}, }
@article {pmid30467400, year = {2018}, author = {Yan, Y and Finnigan, GC}, title = {Development of a multi-locus CRISPR gene drive system in budding yeast.}, journal = {Scientific reports}, volume = {8}, number = {1}, pages = {17277}, pmid = {30467400}, issn = {2045-2322}, support = {P20 GM103418/GM/NIGMS NIH HHS/United States ; P20 GM103418//U.S. Department of Health &amp; Human Services | NIH | National Institute of General Medical Sciences (NIGMS)/ ; Hatch Project 1013520//USDA | National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA)/ ; }, abstract = {The discovery of CRISPR/Cas gene editing has allowed for major advances in many biomedical disciplines and basic research. One arrangement of this biotechnology, a nuclease-based gene drive, can rapidly deliver a genetic element through a given population and studies in fungi and metazoans have demonstrated the success of such a system. This methodology has the potential to control biological populations and contribute to eradication of insect-borne diseases, agricultural pests, and invasive species. However, there remain challenges in the design, optimization, and implementation of gene drives including concerns regarding biosafety, containment, and control/inhibition. Given the numerous gene drive arrangements possible, there is a growing need for more advanced designs. In this study, we use budding yeast to develop an artificial multi-locus gene drive system. Our minimal setup requires only a single copy of S. pyogenes Cas9 and three guide RNAs to propagate three gene drives. We demonstrate how this system could be used for targeted allele replacement of native genes and to suppress NHEJ repair systems by modifying DNA Ligase IV. A multi-locus gene drive configuration provides an expanded suite of options for complex attributes including pathway redundancy, combatting evolved resistance, and safeguards for control, inhibition, or reversal of drive action.}, }
@article {pmid30465742, year = {2019}, author = {Shiokawa, K and Llanes, A and Hindoyan, A and Cruz-Martinez, L and Welcome, S and Rajeev, S}, title = {Peridomestic small Indian mongoose: An invasive species posing as potential zoonotic risk for leptospirosis in the Caribbean.}, journal = {Acta tropica}, volume = {190}, number = {}, pages = {166-170}, doi = {10.1016/j.actatropica.2018.11.019}, pmid = {30465742}, issn = {1873-6254}, mesh = {Agglutination Tests ; Animals ; Antibodies, Bacterial/blood ; *Herpestidae ; Introduced Species ; Kidney Diseases/*microbiology/pathology ; Leptospira interrogans/*genetics/isolation &amp; purification ; Leptospirosis/diagnosis/*epidemiology ; Prevalence ; Risk Factors ; Seroepidemiologic Studies ; Serogroup ; West Indies/epidemiology ; Zoonoses/epidemiology ; }, abstract = {In this study, we investigated Leptospira infection and exposure in small Indian mongoose (Herpestes auropunctatus), an invasive animal species, in two different sites in the Caribbean island of Saint Kitts. Overall a low seroprevalence (12/148; 8.1%: 95%CI: 3.7-12.5) was observed. Agglutinating antibodies to serovars Mankarso (3.4%), Copenhageni (2.7%), Icterohemorrhagiae (1.4%), Bratislava (1.4%), Canicola (1.4%), Autumnalis (0.7%), Alexi (0.7%), Pomona (0.7%) and Grippotyphosa (0.7%) was observed on the microscopic agglutination test. The seroprevalence observed in mongooses trapped from peridomestic sites was significantly higher compared to the arid and less inhabited site (p = 0.0268). The real time PCR targeting lipL32 gene was positive for 9 out of 146 mongooses. Bacterial culture of kidneys resulted in two Leptospira isolates. Whole genome sequencing and analysis suggested that these isolates are closely related to L. interrogans serovar Copenhageni. We observed mild to severe chronic renal lesions in 20.2% of mongooses in the absence of an antibody response or active infection. Our findings emphasize the need to investigate other infectious etiologies or atypical outcomes and potential chronic long-term impact of Leptospira infection in animals and people living in an endemic area. In addition, our data reinforces the need for including locally prevalent Leptospira isolates rather than representative members of a serogroup in the microscopic agglutination test panel in epidemiologic and diagnostic investigations. In conclusion, mongoose inhabiting the island are exposed to and harbor pathogenic Leptospira and hence may play a role in the transmission. The invasive nature of the species highlights their presence as a potential risk factor for this widespread zoonotic disease.}, }
@article {pmid30463257, year = {2018}, author = {Yang, H and Zhang, JE and Xia, J and Yang, J and Guo, J and Deng, Z and Luo, M}, title = {Comparative Characterization of the Complete Mitochondrial Genomes of the Three Apple Snails (Gastropoda: Ampullariidae) and the Phylogenetic Analyses.}, journal = {International journal of molecular sciences}, volume = {19}, number = {11}, pages = {}, pmid = {30463257}, issn = {1422-0067}, support = {No. U1131006, No. 30770403, No. 30900187, No. 31502144, No. 31870525//National Natural Science Foundation of China/ ; (No.〔2018〕118//Provincial Projects with Special Funds for Promoting Economic Development of Marine and Fisheries Department of Guangdong/ ; No. 2015A030313409//Natural Science Foundation of Guangdong Province/ ; No.2015B090903077, No.2017A090905030//Guangdong Science and Technology Program/ ; No.201604020062//the Science and Technology Project of Guangzhou/ ; }, mesh = {Animals ; Base Composition/genetics ; Bayes Theorem ; Chromosome Mapping ; Codon/genetics ; Evolution, Molecular ; Gastropoda/*classification/*genetics ; Genes, Mitochondrial ; *Genome, Mitochondrial ; Open Reading Frames/genetics ; *Phylogeny ; RNA, Ribosomal/genetics ; RNA, Transfer/genetics ; Time Factors ; }, abstract = {The apple snails Pomacea canaliculata, Pomacea diffusa and Pomacea maculate (Gastropoda: Caenogastropoda: Ampullariidae) are invasive pests causing massive economic losses and ecological damage. We sequenced and characterized the complete mitochondrial genomes of these snails to conduct phylogenetic analyses based on comparisons with the mitochondrial protein coding sequences of 47 Caenogastropoda species. The gene arrangements, distribution and content were canonically identical and consistent with typical Mollusca except for the tRNA-Gln absent in P. diffusa. An identifiable control region (d-loop) was absent. Bayesian phylogenetic analysis indicated that all the Ampullariidae species clustered on the same branch. The genus Pomacea clustered together and then with the genus Marisa. The orders Architaenioglossa and Sorbeoconcha clustered together and then with the order Hypsogastropoda. Furthermore, the intergenic and interspecific taxonomic positions were defined. Unexpectedly, Ceraesignum maximum, Dendropoma gregarium, Eualetes tulipa and Thylacodes squamigerus, traditionally classified in order Hypsogastropoda, were isolated from the order Hypsogastropoda in the most external branch of the Bayesian inference tree. The divergence times of the Caenogastropoda indicated that their evolutionary process covered four geological epochs that included the Quaternary, Neogene, Paleogene and Cretaceous periods. This study will facilitate further investigation of species identification to aid in the implementation of effective management and control strategies of these invasive species.}, }
@article {pmid30462663, year = {2018}, author = {Chifflet, L and Guzmán, NV and Rey, O and Confalonieri, VA and Calcaterra, LA}, title = {Southern expansion of the invasive ant Wasmannia auropunctata within its native range and its relation with clonality and human activity.}, journal = {PloS one}, volume = {13}, number = {11}, pages = {e0206602}, pmid = {30462663}, issn = {1932-6203}, mesh = {*Animal Distribution ; Animals ; *Ants/genetics ; Argentina ; Ecosystem ; Female ; Genetic Loci ; *Human Activities ; Humans ; *Introduced Species ; Male ; Microsatellite Repeats ; Reproduction/genetics ; }, abstract = {The little fire ant Wasmannia auropunctata, native to the Neotropics, has become a serious pest worldwide over the past 100 years. It was originally distributed from Mexico to northern Argentina and new evidence suggests a recent southern range expansion during the last 60 years reaching central Argentina. This supercolonial ant species has a polymorphic reproductive system. Some populations, mostly found in undisturbed natural environments, are characterised by a classical sexual haplodiploid reproductive system. In other populations, which mainly occur in human-modified habitats, diploid queens and haploid males are produced clonally while workers are produced sexually. Here we studied the association between the recent southern range expansion of W. auropunctata in relation to human activity and clonality. We carried out an extensive survey within the southern limit of the species' native distribution and characterised the type of habitat where populations were found. Moreover, we genetically determined the type of reproductive system in 35 populations by genotyping at 12 microsatellite loci a total of 191 reproductive individuals (i.e. queens and/or males). Clonality was the most common reproductive system, occurring in 31 out of 35 populations analysed. All the populations found in the recently colonised area in central Argentina were clonal and established in human-modified habitats, suggesting that clonality together with human activity might have facilitated the southwards expansion of W. auropunctata.}, }
@article {pmid30460917, year = {2018}, author = {Brannelly, LA and Martin, G and Llewelyn, J and Skerratt, LF and Berger, L}, title = {Age- and size-dependent resistance to chytridiomycosis in the invasive cane toad Rhinella marina.}, journal = {Diseases of aquatic organisms}, volume = {131}, number = {2}, pages = {107-120}, doi = {10.3354/dao03278}, pmid = {30460917}, issn = {0177-5103}, mesh = {Aging/*physiology ; Animals ; Australia/epidemiology ; *Body Size ; Bufo marinus/*microbiology ; *Chytridiomycota ; *Disease Susceptibility ; Introduced Species ; Mycoses/epidemiology/microbiology/*veterinary ; }, abstract = {In Australia, the cane toad Rhinella marina and chytrid fungus Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis (Bd) are examples of invasive species that have had dramatic impacts on native fauna. However, little is known about the interaction between Bd and cane toads. We aimed to explore the interaction of these 2 species in 3 parts. First, we collated data from the literature on Bd infection in wild cane toads. Second, we tested the susceptibility of recently metamorphosed cane toads to Bd infection. Finally, we modelled the distribution of the 2 species in Australia to identify where they overlap and, therefore, might interact. Through our data collation, we found that adult cane toads are infrequently infected and do not carry high infection burdens; however, our infection experiment showed that metamorphs are highly susceptible to infection and disease, but resistance appears to increase with increasing toad size. Niche modelling revealed overlapping distributions and the potential for cane toads to be affected by chytridiomycosis in the wild. While Bd can cause mortality in small juveniles in the laboratory, warm microhabitats used by wild toads likely prevent infection, and furthermore, high mortality of juveniles is unlikely to affect the adult populations because they are highly fecund. However, to demonstrate the impact of Bd on wild cane toad populations, targeted field studies are required to assess (1) the overall impact of chytridiomycosis on recruitment especially in cooler areas more favourable for Bd and (2) whether cane toad juveniles can amplify Bd exposure of native amphibian species in these areas.}, }
@article {pmid30460409, year = {2018}, author = {Wan, JZ and Zhang, ZX and Wang, CJ}, title = {Identifying potential distributions of 10 invasive alien trees: implications for conservation management of protected areas.}, journal = {Environmental monitoring and assessment}, volume = {190}, number = {12}, pages = {739}, pmid = {30460409}, issn = {1573-2959}, support = {31800464//National Natural Science Foundation of China/ ; 31800449//Young Scientists Fund/ ; 3180028//Fondecyt/ ; }, mesh = {Africa ; Asia, Southeastern ; Australia ; Biodiversity ; *Climate Change ; Conservation of Natural Resources/*methods ; Ecosystem ; Environmental Monitoring/*methods ; Europe ; *Introduced Species ; Latin America ; New Zealand ; Trees/*classification ; Weather ; }, abstract = {Tree invasion has the potential to negatively affect biodiversity and ecosystems, with invasive alien trees (IATs) expanding widely in protected areas (PAs) across different habitats. Thus, the effectiveness of PAs might be reduced. Investigation of the distributions of IAT is urgently required to improve the effective conservation management of PAs. We projected the potential distributions of 10 IATs, which included Acacia mearnsii, Ardisia elliptica, Cecropia peltata, Cinchona pubescens, Leucaena leucocephala, Melaleuca quinquenervia, Miconia calvescens, Morella faya, Prosopis glandulosa, and Spathodea campanulata, that have a serious influence on global biodiversity and assessed the distribution possibilities of these IATs in PAs based on the PA categories of the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN). The overall potential distributions of these 10 IATs included Latin America, central and southern Africa, southeastern Asia, eastern Australia and New Zealand, and western Europe. Annual mean temperature, temperature seasonality, annual precipitation, and soil bulk density were found to be important environmental variables for the potential distributions of these IATs. Overall, A. mearnsii, A. elliptica, C. peltata, L. leucocephala, M. quinquenervia, M. calvescens, and S. campanulata were distributed mainly in the IUCN PA categories of national parks and PAs with sustainable use of natural resources. We proposed the following for conservation management of PAs: (1) completion of species inventories for PAs, (2) better understanding of factors driving invasions in PAs, (3) assessment of the efficiency of management within particular PAs, and (4) evaluation of changes in trends regarding plant invasions in PAs under climate change conditions.}, }
@article {pmid30459842, year = {2018}, author = {Konečný, A and Popa, OP and Bartáková, V and Douda, K and Bryja, J and Smith, C and Popa, LO and Reichard, M}, title = {Modelling the invasion history of Sinanodonta woodiana in Europe: Tracking the routes of a sedentary aquatic invader with mobile parasitic larvae.}, journal = {Evolutionary applications}, volume = {11}, number = {10}, pages = {1975-1989}, pmid = {30459842}, issn = {1752-4571}, abstract = {Understanding the invasive potential of species outside their native range is one of the most pressing questions in applied evolutionary and ecological research. Admixture of genotypes of invasive species from multiple sources has been implicated in successful invasions, by generating novel genetic combinations that facilitate rapid adaptation to new environments. Alternatively, adaptive evolution on standing genetic variation, exposed by phenotypic plasticity and selected by genetic accommodation, can facilitate invasion success. We investigated the population genetic structure of an Asian freshwater mussel with a parasitic dispersal stage, Sinanodonta woodiana, which has been present in Europe since 1979 but which has expanded rapidly in the last decade. Data from a mitochondrial marker and nuclear microsatellites have suggested that all European populations of S. woodiana originate from the River Yangtze basin in China. Only a single haplotype was detected in Europe, in contrast to substantial mitochondrial diversity in native Asian populations. Analysis of microsatellite markers indicated intensive gene flow and confirmed a lower genetic diversity of European populations compared to those from the Yangtze basin, though that difference was not large. Using an Approximate Bayesian Modelling approach, we identified two areas as the probable source of the spread of S. woodiana in Europe, which matched historical records for its establishment. Their populations originated from a single colonization event. Our data do not support alternative explanations for the rapid recent spread of S. woodiana; recent arrival of a novel (cold-tolerant) genotype or continuous propagule pressure. Instead, in situ adaptation, facilitated by repeated admixture, appears to drive the ongoing expansion of S. woodiana. We discuss management consequences of our results.}, }
@article {pmid30455210, year = {2018}, author = {Andrew, C and Diez, J and James, TY and Kauserud, H}, title = {Fungarium specimens: a largely untapped source in global change biology and beyond.}, journal = {Philosophical transactions of the Royal Society of London. Series B, Biological sciences}, volume = {374}, number = {1763}, pages = {}, pmid = {30455210}, issn = {1471-2970}, abstract = {For several hundred years, millions of fungal sporocarps have been collected and deposited in worldwide collections (fungaria) to support fungal taxonomy. Owing to large-scale digitization programs, metadata associated with the records are now becoming publicly available, including information on taxonomy, sampling location, collection date and habitat/substrate information. This metadata, as well as data extracted from the physical fungarium specimens themselves, such as DNA sequences and biochemical characteristics, provide a rich source of information not only for taxonomy but also for other lines of biological inquiry. Here, we highlight and discuss how this information can be used to investigate emerging topics in fungal global change biology and beyond. Fungarium data are a prime source of knowledge on fungal distributions and richness patterns, and for assessing red-listed and invasive species. Information on collection dates has been used to investigate shifts in fungal distributions as well as phenology of sporocarp emergence in response to climate change. In addition to providing material for taxonomy and systematics, DNA sequences derived from the physical specimens provide information about fungal demography, dispersal patterns, and are emerging as a source of genomic data. As DNA analysis technologies develop further, the importance of fungarium specimens as easily accessible sources of information will likely continue to grow.This article is part of the theme issue 'Biological collections for understanding biodiversity in the Anthropocene'.}, }
@article {pmid30453540, year = {2018}, author = {Turner, AD and Fenwick, D and Powell, A and Dhanji-Rapkova, M and Ford, C and Hatfield, RG and Santos, A and Martinez-Urtaza, J and Bean, TP and Baker-Austin, C and Stebbing, P}, title = {New Invasive Nemertean Species (Cephalothrix Simula) in England with High Levels of Tetrodotoxin and a Microbiome Linked to Toxin Metabolism.}, journal = {Marine drugs}, volume = {16}, number = {11}, pages = {}, pmid = {30453540}, issn = {1660-3397}, support = {AlertoxNet//Interreg/ ; Seedcorn//Cefas/ ; 2017-21171392//CONICYT-Doctorado Nacional/ ; CD-FRO1204.//Universidad de La Frontera/ ; }, mesh = {Animals ; Aquatic Organisms/metabolism/*microbiology ; Chromatography, High Pressure Liquid ; DNA, Bacterial/isolation &amp; purification ; England ; *Introduced Species ; Invertebrates/metabolism/*microbiology ; Microbiota ; Pseudomonas/genetics/isolation &amp; purification/*metabolism ; RNA, Ribosomal, 16S/genetics ; Sequence Analysis, DNA ; Tandem Mass Spectrometry ; Tetrodotoxin/isolation &amp; purification/*metabolism ; Vibrio alginolyticus/genetics/isolation &amp; purification/*metabolism ; }, abstract = {The marine nemertean Cephalothrix simula originates from the Pacific Ocean but in recent years has been discovered in northern Europe. The species has been associated with high levels of the marine neurotoxin Tetrodotoxin, traditionally associated with Pufferfish Poisoning. This study reports the first discovery of two organisms of C. simula in the UK, showing the geographical extent of this species is wider than originally described. Species identification was initially conducted morphologically, with confirmation by Cox 1 DNA sequencing. 16S gene sequencing enabled the taxonomic assignment of the microbiome, showing the prevalence of a large number of bacterial genera previously associated with TTX production including Alteromonas, Vibrio and Pseudomonas. LC-MS/MS analysis of the nemertean tissue revealed the presence of multiple analogues of TTX, dominated by the parent TTX, with a total toxin concentration quantified at 54 µg TTX per g of tissue. Pseudomonas luteola isolated from C. simula, together with Vibrio alginolyticus from the native nemertean Tubulanus annulatus, were cultured at low temperature and both found to contain TTX. Overall, this paper confirms the high toxicity of a newly discovered invasive nemertean species with links to toxin-producing marine bacteria and the potential risk to human safety. Further work is required to assess the geographical extent and toxicity range of C. simula along the UK coast in order to properly gauge the potential impacts on the environment and human safety.}, }
@article {pmid30452957, year = {2019}, author = {Dragicevic, AZ}, title = {Comparing forest governance models against invasive biological threats.}, journal = {Journal of theoretical biology}, volume = {462}, number = {}, pages = {270-282}, doi = {10.1016/j.jtbi.2018.11.014}, pmid = {30452957}, issn = {1095-8541}, abstract = {In order to take account of the negative effects of invasive species and pathogens on networked forest areas, we study the dynamics of stochastic closed-loop input-output systems faced with the risk of external random perturbations. The extension of previous works on robustness is carried out by introducing a negative feedback mechanism, such that the output from an element contained in the system behaves as a negative input toward elements to which it is connected. Through the study of an overall network divided into compartments barely connected to one another, we first consider the pathway pertaining to monofunctional zoning. By looking at a single aggregated structure, we then move our focus to the pathway proper to multifunctionality. Our results show that, at significant time scales, the monofunctional-zoning mode of forest governance, generally applied in Australasia, performs robustly against invasive biological threats at all levels of outbreak probability. The multifunctional mode of forest governance, further practiced in Western Europe, is mainly sturdy when the probability of invasion verges into certainty. Should this not be the case, robustness is ensured would disturbers and perturbations be uncorrelated. Accordingly, the monofunctional pathway can afford adopting control strategies for outbreak avoidance, which is only acceptable in case the expected invasion can be halted. For the sake of maintaining low likelihood of invasion, the multifunctional pathway is compelled to applying preventive strategies.}, }
@article {pmid30451481, year = {2018}, author = {Blaser, S and Heusser, C and Diem, H and Von Felten, A and Gueuning, M and Andreou, M and Boonham, N and Tomlinson, J and Müller, P and Utzinger, J and Frey, JE and Frey, B and Bühlmann, A}, title = {Dispersal of harmful fruit fly pests by international trade and a loop-mediated isothermal amplification assay to prevent their introduction.}, journal = {Geospatial health}, volume = {13}, number = {2}, pages = {}, doi = {10.4081/gh.2018.726}, pmid = {30451481}, issn = {1970-7096}, mesh = {Animals ; *Commerce ; *Internationality ; *Introduced Species ; Nucleic Acid Amplification Techniques ; *Spatio-Temporal Analysis ; Switzerland ; *Tephritidae ; }, abstract = {Global trade of plant products represents one of the major driving forces for the spread of invasive insect pests. This visualization illustrates the problem of unintended dispersal of economically harmful fruit fly pests using geospatial maps based on interception data from the Swiss import control process. Furthermore, it reports the development of a molecular diagnostic assay for rapid identification of these pests at points of entry such as sea- and airports as a prevention measure. The assay reliably differentiates between target and non-target species within one hour and has been successfully evaluated for on-site use at a Swiss point of entry.}, }
@article {pmid30449302, year = {2019}, author = {Bach, TM and Kull, CA and Rangan, H}, title = {From killing lists to healthy country: Aboriginal approaches to weed control in the Kimberley, Western Australia.}, journal = {Journal of environmental management}, volume = {229}, number = {}, pages = {182-192}, doi = {10.1016/j.jenvman.2018.06.050}, pmid = {30449302}, issn = {1095-8630}, abstract = {The Australian Government's funding of land management by Aboriginal communities aims to enable them to manage natural and cultural resources according to their values and aspirations. But this approach is countered in the case of weed management, where the emphasis is on killing plants that are identified on invasive alien species lists prepared by government agencies. Based on field research with Bardi-Jawi, Bunuba, Ngurrara, Nyikina Mangala and Wunggurr land managers in the Kimberley region of Western Australia, we observed that 27 of 35 weed control projects followed the government agency weed lists for species-led control. Of these 27 projects, only two were considered successful in meeting Aboriginal cultural aspirations. In most of the other cases, the list-based approach generated frustration among Aboriginal rangers who felt they were engaged in purposeless killing. In contrast, we found that elders and rangers preferred site-based approaches that considered landscape and vegetation management from their culturally specific and highly contextual geographies of 'healthy country'. We outline instances where ranger groups have adopted site-based management that has been informed by geographies of healthy country and argue that such an approach offers a better alternative to current list-based weed control and produces positive outcomes for Aboriginal communities.}, }
@article {pmid30449301, year = {2019}, author = {Cole, E and Keller, RP and Garbach, K}, title = {Risk of invasive species spread by recreational boaters remains high despite widespread adoption of conservation behaviors.}, journal = {Journal of environmental management}, volume = {229}, number = {}, pages = {112-119}, doi = {10.1016/j.jenvman.2018.06.078}, pmid = {30449301}, issn = {1095-8630}, abstract = {The spread of non-native aquatic species among waterbodies has become a major social, environmental, and economic concern. An important mechanism of this spread is the inadvertent transport of organisms on recreational boats as they are moved among waterbodies. Organisms can survive on the exterior of the boat, the interior, attached to fishing tackle, and can be intentionally moved by boaters. In response, local, state, and federal U.S. agencies have invested in outreach campaigns to educate boaters about the impacts of invasive aquatic species and the ways that boaters can reduce the risk of spread. We surveyed boaters in the U.S. state of Illinois to determine their travel patterns and how frequently they clean different parts of their boats. A majority of boaters reported that they always take recommended actions to clean their boat exterior (72% of respondents), boat interior (78%), and fishing tackle (55%), and only 4% reported that they intentionally move organisms. We used network methods to analyze the movement of recreational boaters and found strong connections among 28 highly visited waterbodies. When we removed the 38% of respondents who Always take recommended actions to reduce risk of species spread by all four mechanisms this network was minimally altered and still contained all 28 waterbodies. This indicates that despite high adoption of conservation behaviors there is a continuing risk of non-native species transport among all waterbodies. This work shows that further action is necessary if the impacts of invasive aquatic species are to be reduced in the future.}, }
@article {pmid30448947, year = {2019}, author = {Engeman, RM and Wilson, BE and Beckerman, SF and Fischer, JW and Dufford, D and Cobban, JB}, title = {Locating and eliminating feral swine from a large area of fragmented mixed forest and agriculture habitats in north-central USA.}, journal = {Environmental science and pollution research international}, volume = {26}, number = {2}, pages = {1654-1660}, doi = {10.1007/s11356-018-3702-7}, pmid = {30448947}, issn = {1614-7499}, mesh = {Agriculture ; Animals ; Animals, Wild ; Ecosystem ; Forests ; Illinois ; Introduced Species ; Pest Control/*methods ; *Swine ; }, abstract = {Illinois is one of the US states where elimination of feral swine (Sus scrofa) was determined practical, as only a few isolated populations were established. A particularly important step towards feral swine elimination from Illinois was to eliminate the population in Fulton County. We describe the approaches applied to systematically detect, locate, and eliminate feral swine in a successful county-wide elimination. Detecting and locating feral swine was facilitated by extensive outreach activities, aerial surveys to locate crop damage, and use of camera traps placed over bait in areas where reports, sign, or crop damage occurred. The population was eliminated after 376 feral swine were removed from 2009 to 2016 by trapping, sharpshooting over bait, and aerial shooting. Aerial surveys efficiently located feral swine activity over wide areas during times of the crop cycle when damage would occur and would be most distinguishable from other damage sources. Two applications of aerial shooting in 2014 were particularly efficient for rapidly eliminating most remaining feral swine after they had become difficult to locate and remove. Persistent efforts thereafter led to the successful elimination of feral swine in Fulton County by 2016. We believe this is the first documentation of a widespread feral swine elimination in mixed agriculture and forest habitats.}, }
@article {pmid30447096, year = {2019}, author = {Marianelli, L and Paoli, F and Sabbatini Peverieri, G and Benvenuti, C and Barzanti, GP and Bosio, G and Venanzio, D and Giacometto, E and Roversi, PF}, title = {Long-lasting insecticide-treated nets: A new integrated pest management approach for Popillia japonica (Coleoptera: Scarabaeidae).}, journal = {Integrated environmental assessment and management}, volume = {15}, number = {2}, pages = {259-265}, doi = {10.1002/ieam.4107}, pmid = {30447096}, issn = {1551-3793}, mesh = {Animals ; Coleoptera/*drug effects ; Female ; Insect Control/*methods ; Insecticides/*toxicity ; Male ; Nitriles/*toxicity ; Pyrethrins/*toxicity ; }, abstract = {The Japanese beetle Popillia japonica Newman is a US and EU quarantine insect pest that has recently invaded northern Italy. Its ability to rapidly spread in new areas makes this insect a threat to agriculture. In the last decades, several trials on biological control of the Japanese beetle by entomopathogenic nematodes and fungi have been carried out with variable efficacy. However, the necessity of an integrated pest management approach to improve control has arisen. Long-lasting insecticide-treated nets (LLINs) have been used to control other agricultural pests with an attract-and-kill strategy. Here, we present results from laboratory evaluation of 2 LLINs, Storanet® (BASF™) and ZeroFly® (Vestergaard™), against P. japonica adults. Both were effective in killing the beetles; however, some differences emerged if different exposure times were compared: ZeroFly® always gave 100% mortality in tests from 5-s to 30-min exposure; Storanet® showed 100% mortality only with 30-min exposure and going down to 89%-99% mortality for 5-s to 15-min exposure. A description of the paralysis process occurring at 5-s exposure is given. Possible field application of LLINs within programs of integrated pest management is discussed. Integr Environ Assess Manag 2019;15:259-265. © 2018 SETAC.}, }
@article {pmid30447068, year = {2019}, author = {Reizenberg, JL and Bloy, LE and Weyl, OLF and Shelton, JM and Dallas, HF}, title = {Variation in thermal tolerances of native freshwater fishes in South Africa's Cape Fold Ecoregion: examining the east-west gradient in species' sensitivity to climate warming.}, journal = {Journal of fish biology}, volume = {94}, number = {1}, pages = {103-112}, doi = {10.1111/jfb.13866}, pmid = {30447068}, issn = {1095-8649}, support = {//Water Research Commission (WRC) of South Africa (Project K5/2337) for funding this research, which was awarded to the Freshwater Research Centre./ ; //The National Research Foundation (NRF) South Africa and the University of Cape Town are acknowledged for student funding./ ; }, mesh = {Animals ; Biodiversity ; Climate ; *Climate Change ; Fishes/*physiology ; Geography ; Rivers ; South Africa ; Species Specificity ; *Temperature ; }, abstract = {The Cape Fold Ecoregion (CFE) is a biodiversity hotspot with high levels of endemism in its freshwater fish fauna. This study examined inter and intra-specific variation in critical thermal maxima (TCmax) for eight native species of freshwater fish from the CFE. Cape galaxias Galaxias zebratus, Breede River redfin Pseudobarbus burchelli, Berg River redfin Pseudobarbus burgi, Clanwilliam redfin Pseudobarbus calidus and fiery redfin Pseudobarbus phlegethon were the most thermally sensitive (TCmax = 29.8-32.8°C). Clanwilliam rock-catfish Austroglanis gilli, Eastern Cape redfin Pseudobarbus afer and Cape kurper Sandelia capensis were moderately sensitive (TCmax = 33.0-36.8°C). An increase in intra-specific thermal sensitivity of S. capensis was observed from east to west. The results were related to in situ water temperature, which influenced TCmax for all species, suggesting that thermal history is a major driver of variation in thermal tolerance amongst populations. These thermal tolerance data for freshwater fishes in the CFE demonstrate that resilience to climate warming follows a geographical cline and that the more sensitive western species and regions are conservation priorities.}, }
@article {pmid30443805, year = {2019}, author = {Urcelay, C and Longo, S and Geml, J and Tecco, PA}, title = {Can arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi from non-invaded montane ecosystems facilitate the growth of alien trees?.}, journal = {Mycorrhiza}, volume = {29}, number = {1}, pages = {39-49}, doi = {10.1007/s00572-018-0874-4}, pmid = {30443805}, issn = {1432-1890}, support = {30720150101048CB//Secretaria de Ciencia y Tecnica, Universidad de Buenos Aires (AR)/ ; -//Naturalis Research Initiative grant/ ; }, mesh = {Anacardiaceae/growth &amp; development/microbiology ; Argentina ; *Ecosystem ; Gleditsia/growth &amp; development/microbiology ; Introduced Species ; Ligustrum/growth &amp; development/microbiology ; Mycorrhizae/*physiology ; Pyracantha/growth &amp; development/microbiology ; Trees/*growth &amp; development/*microbiology ; }, abstract = {It is generally assumed that recruitment and expansion of alien species along elevation gradients are constrained by climate. But, if plants are not fully constrained by climate, their expansion could be facilitated or hindered by other factors such as biotic interactions. Here, we assessed the composition of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) in soils along an elevation gradient (i.e. 900 m, 1600 m, 2200 m and 2700 m a.s.l.) through a fungal DNA meta-barcoding approach. In addition, we studied in the greenhouse the effects of AMF on growth and phosphorous (P) nutrition of seedlings of the alien trees Gleditsia triacanthos, Ligustrum lucidum and Pyracantha angustifolia cultivated in soils from those elevations, spanning the elevation at which they already form monospecific stands (below 1450 m a.s.l.) and higher elevations, above their current range of distribution in montane ecosystems of Central Argentina. For comparison, we also included in the experiment the dominant native tree Lithraea molleoides that historically occurs below 1300 m a.s.l. Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungal community composition showed strong community turnover with increasing elevation. The effects of these AMF communities on plant growth and nutrition differed among native and alien trees. While P nutrition in alien species' seedlings was generally enhanced by AMF along the whole gradient, the native species benefited only from AMF that occur in soils from the elevation corresponding to its current altitudinal range of distribution. These results suggest that AMF might foster upper range expansion of these invasive trees over non-invaded higher elevations.}, }
@article {pmid30442898, year = {2018}, author = {Lopes, ML and Rodrigues, JP and Crespo, D and Dolbeth, M and Calado, R and Lillebø, AI}, title = {Functional traits of a native and an invasive clam of the genus Ruditapes occurring in sympatry in a coastal lagoon.}, journal = {Scientific reports}, volume = {8}, number = {1}, pages = {16901}, pmid = {30442898}, issn = {2045-2322}, abstract = {The main objective of this study was to evaluate the functional traits regarding bioturbation activity and its influence in the nutrient cycling of the native clam species Ruditapes decussatus and the invasive species Ruditapes philippinarum in Ria de Aveiro lagoon. Presently, these species live in sympatry and the impact of the invasive species was evaluated under controlled microcosmos setting, through combined/manipulated ratios of both species, including monospecific scenarios and a control without bivalves. Bioturbation intensity was measured by maximum, median and mean mix depth of particle redistribution, as well as by Surface Boundary Roughness (SBR), using time-lapse fluorescent sediment profile imaging (f-SPI) analysis, through the use of luminophores. Water nutrient concentrations (NH4-N, NOx-N and PO4-P) were also evaluated. This study showed that there were no significant differences in the maximum, median and mean mix depth of particle redistribution, SBR and water nutrient concentrations between the different ratios of clam species tested. Significant differences were only recorded between the control treatment (no bivalves) and those with bivalves. Thus, according to the present work, in a scenario of potential replacement of the native species by the invasive species, no significant differences are anticipated in short- and long-term regarding the tested functional traits.}, }
@article {pmid30430600, year = {2019}, author = {Ibañez-Justicia, A and Poortvliet, PM and Koenraadt, CJM}, title = {Evaluating perceptions of risk in mosquito experts and identifying undocumented pathways for the introduction of invasive mosquito species into Europe.}, journal = {Medical and veterinary entomology}, volume = {33}, number = {1}, pages = {78-88}, doi = {10.1111/mve.12344}, pmid = {30430600}, issn = {1365-2915}, mesh = {*Animal Distribution ; Animals ; Culicidae/*physiology ; Europe ; *Introduced Species ; Mosquito Control ; Perception ; Risk ; }, abstract = {In several reported cases of the entry of invasive mosquito species (IMSs) into Europe, the introduction was associated with a specific pathway of introduction or dispersal. The identification of potential pathways for the introduction of IMSs and evaluations of the importance of the different pathways are key to designing proper surveillance strategies to promptly detect and control introductions in non-infested areas. The main goals of the present study were to identify other, previously undocumented, pathways of introduction into Europe, and to identify mosquito experts' perceptions regarding control measures against IMS introductions via different documented pathways. At the European Mosquito Control Association (EMCA) conference in Montenegro in March 2017, a questionnaire was distributed among meeting participants to collect expert data. Results showed that ground transportation (by cars, trucks, etc.), passive natural dispersal and the shipping of used tyres are perceived as the most likely pathways. Introduction via aircraft did not appear to be well known and was not perceived as probable. This study shows that there were no pathways unknown to European experts that could lead to cryptic introductions into the experts' countries. Furthermore, the findings demonstrated that the perceived efficacy of surveillance and control is key to overcoming the constraints experienced and to supporting the implementation of actions against introductions.}, }
@article {pmid30430363, year = {2018}, author = {Buellesbach, J and Whyte, BA and Cash, E and Gibson, JD and Scheckel, KJ and Sandidge, R and Tsutsui, ND}, title = {Desiccation Resistance and Micro-Climate Adaptation: Cuticular Hydrocarbon Signatures of Different Argentine Ant Supercolonies Across California.}, journal = {Journal of chemical ecology}, volume = {44}, number = {12}, pages = {1101-1114}, pmid = {30430363}, issn = {1573-1561}, support = {IOS-1557934/1557961//National Science Foundation/ ; 2016-67013-24749//National Institute of Food and Agriculture/ ; CA-B-INS-0087-H//USDA Hatch Project/ ; }, mesh = {*Adaptation, Physiological ; Alkanes/analysis/isolation &amp; purification/metabolism ; Animals ; Ants/*physiology ; Argentina ; Biodiversity ; California ; Climate ; Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry ; Hydrocarbons/analysis/isolation &amp; purification/*metabolism ; Introduced Species ; Liquid-Liquid Extraction ; }, abstract = {Cuticular hydrocarbons (CHCs), the dominant fraction of the insects' epicuticle and the primary barrier to desiccation, form the basis for a wide range of chemical signaling systems. In eusocial insects, CHCs are key mediators of nestmate recognition, and colony identity appears to be maintained through a uniform CHC profile. In the unicolonial Argentine ant Linepithema humile, an unparalleled invasive expansion has led to vast supercolonies whose nestmates can still recognize each other across thousands of miles. CHC profiles are expected to display considerable variation as they adapt to fundamentally differing environmental conditions across the Argentine ant's expanded range, yet this variation would largely conflict with the vastly extended nestmate recognition based on CHC uniformity. To shed light on these seemingly contradictory selective pressures, we attempt to decipher which CHC classes enable adaptation to such a wide array of environmental conditions and contrast them with the overall CHC profile uniformity postulated to maintain nestmate recognition. n-Alkanes and n-alkenes showed the largest adaptability to environmental conditions most closely associated with desiccation, pointing at their function for water-proofing. Trimethyl alkanes, on the other hand, were reduced in environments associated with higher desiccation stress. However, CHC patterns correlated with environmental conditions were largely overriden when taking overall CHC variation across the expanded range of L. humile into account, resulting in conserved colony-specific CHC signatures. This delivers intriguing insights into the hierarchy of CHC functionality integrating both adaptation to a wide array of different climatic conditions and the maintenance of a universally accepted chemical profile.}, }
@article {pmid30429260, year = {2018}, author = {Landi, P and Vonesh, JR and Hui, C}, title = {Variability in life-history switch points across and within populations explained by Adaptive Dynamics.}, journal = {Journal of the Royal Society, Interface}, volume = {15}, number = {148}, pages = {}, doi = {10.1098/rsif.2018.0371}, pmid = {30429260}, issn = {1742-5662}, abstract = {Understanding the factors that shape the timing of life-history switch points (SPs; e.g. hatching, metamorphosis and maturation) is a fundamental question in evolutionary ecology. Previous studies examining this question from a fitness optimization perspective have advanced our understanding of why the timing of life-history transitions may vary across populations and environments. However, in nature we also often observe variability among individuals within populations. Optimization theory, which typically predicts a single optimal SP under physiological and environmental constraints for a given environment, cannot explain this variability. Here, we re-examine the evolution of a single life-history SP between juvenile and adult stages from an Adaptive Dynamics (AD) perspective, which explicitly considers the feedback between the dynamics of population and the evolution of life-history strategy. The AD model, although simple in structure, exhibits a diverse range of evolutionary scenarios depending upon demographic and environmental conditions, including the loss of the juvenile stage, a single optimal SP, alternative optimal SPs depending on the initial phenotype, and sympatric coexistence of two SP phenotypes under disruptive selection. Such predictions are consistent with previous optimization approaches in predicting life-history SP variability across environments and between populations, and in addition they also explain within-population variability by sympatric disruptive selection. Thus, our model can be used as a theoretical tool for understanding life-history variability across environments and, especially, within species in the same environment.}, }
@article {pmid30428556, year = {2018}, author = {Schoebel, CN and Prospero, S and Gross, A and Rigling, D}, title = {Detection of a Conspecific Mycovirus in Two Closely Related Native and Introduced Fungal Hosts and Evidence for Interspecific Virus Transmission.}, journal = {Viruses}, volume = {10}, number = {11}, pages = {}, pmid = {30428556}, issn = {1999-4915}, support = {CH-3-SMM-01/12//Lithuanian-Swiss cooperation program to reduce economic and social disparities within the enlarged European Union/International ; }, mesh = {Ascomycota/*virology ; Europe ; Fraxinus/microbiology ; Fungal Viruses/*classification/genetics/*isolation &amp; purification ; Open Reading Frames ; Plant Diseases/microbiology ; Sequence Homology ; }, abstract = {Hymenoscyphus albidus is a native fungus in Europe where it behaves as a harmless decomposer of leaves of common ash. Its close relative Hymenoscyphus fraxineus was introduced into Europe from Asia and currently threatens ash (Fraxinus sp.) stands all across the continent causing ash dieback. H. fraxineus isolates from Europe were previously shown to harbor a mycovirus named Hymenoscyphus fraxineus Mitovirus 1 (HfMV1). In the present study, we describe a conspecific mycovirus that we detected in H. albidus. HfMV1 was consistently identified in H. albidus isolates (mean prevalence: 49.3%) which were collected in the sampling areas before the arrival of ash dieback. HfMV1 strains in both fungal hosts contain a single ORF of identical length (717 AA) for which a mean pairwise identity of 94.5% was revealed. The occurrence of a conspecific mitovirus in H. albidus and H. fraxineus is most likely the result of parallel virus evolution in the two fungal hosts. HfMV1 sequences from H. albidus showed a higher nucleotide diversity and a higher number of mutations compared to those from H. fraxineus, probably due to a bottleneck caused by the introduction of H. fraxineus in Europe. Our data also points to multiple interspecific virus transfers from H. albidus to H. fraxineus, which could have contributed to the intraspecific virus diversity found in H. fraxineus.}, }
@article {pmid30428498, year = {2018}, author = {West, AM and Jarnevich, CS and Young, NE and Fuller, PL}, title = {Evaluating Potential Distribution of High-Risk Aquatic Invasive Species in the Water Garden and Aquarium Trade at a Global Scale Based on Current Established Populations.}, journal = {Risk analysis : an official publication of the Society for Risk Analysis}, volume = {}, number = {}, pages = {}, doi = {10.1111/risa.13230}, pmid = {30428498}, issn = {1539-6924}, support = {//U.S. Geological Survey Invasive Species Program/ ; }, abstract = {Aquatic non-native invasive species are commonly traded in the worldwide water garden and aquarium markets, and some of these species pose major threats to the economy, the environment, and human health. Understanding the potential suitable habitat for these species at a global scale and at regional scales can inform risk assessments and predict future potential establishment. Typically, global habitat suitability models are fit for freshwater species with only climate variables, which provides little information about suitable terrestrial conditions for aquatic species. Remotely sensed data including topography and land cover data have the potential to improve our understanding of suitable habitat for aquatic species. In this study, we fit species distribution models using five different model algorithms for three non-native aquatic invasive species with bioclimatic, topographic, and remotely sensed covariates to evaluate potential suitable habitat beyond simple climate matches. The species examined included a frog (Xenopus laevis), toad (Bombina orientalis), and snail (Pomacea spp.). Using a unique modeling approach for each species including background point selection based on known established populations resulted in robust ensemble habitat suitability models. All models for all species had test area under the receiver operating characteristic curve values greater than 0.70 and percent correctly classified values greater than 0.65. Importantly, we employed multivariate environmental similarity surface maps to evaluate potential extrapolation beyond observed conditions when applying models globally. These global models provide necessary forecasts of where these aquatic invasive species have the potential for establishment outside their native range, a key component in risk analyses.}, }
@article {pmid30427840, year = {2018}, author = {Mahmood, AH and Florentine, S and Graz, FP and Turville, C and Palmer, G and Sillitoe, J and McLaren, D}, title = {Comparison of techniques to control the aggressive environmental invasive species Galenia pubescens in a degraded grassland reserve, Victoria, Australia.}, journal = {PloS one}, volume = {13}, number = {11}, pages = {e0203653}, pmid = {30427840}, issn = {1932-6203}, mesh = {Aizoaceae/*growth &amp; development ; *Grassland ; *Introduced Species ; *Models, Biological ; Victoria ; }, abstract = {Across many southern regions of Australia, native grasslands have become seriously threatened by human activity, with only a fraction of the original areas remaining undisturbed. In particular, the introduction and establishment of exotic invasive weeds has caused significant degradation to the ecosystems in these areas by contributing to a decrease in native plant density and diversity, and this has ultimately led to major changes to the ecosystem structure and function. One such example is Galenia pubescens. Our objective of this study was to assess the effectiveness of four different attempts to control G. pubescens: herbicide control with glyphosate; organic herbicide control with pine oil; the application of mulch; and the addition of seeds of native species to the seedbank. Results shows that any one single control strategy is insufficient to control G. pubescens, and, in addition, it has shown that regeneration of native vegetation is limited unless direct seeding is applied. There was a strong indication that a combined strategy employing more than two of the aforementioned techniques is likely to be the most effective approach, at least in the short term. Underscoring the complexity of this task, our analysis on foliage cover of G. pubescens shows that the interaction of pine oil and glyphosate treatments appeared to be very effective after six months, but were not so effective after 18 months. By contrast, seeding with native seeds was not particularly effective at six months, but its longer-term contribution appears to be effective at 18 months. Further, our results obtained from the seedbank abundance study indicate that time alone was not a significant factor in restoration of the grasslands (p = 0.165); however there were interactions with time, shown by time*glyphosate (p = 0.008) and time*seeding (p = 0.016). Both interactions indicated that the applications of glyphosate and seeding were more beneficial after 18 months compared to six months. However, full regeneration of invaded native grasslands may not be possible unless further restoration programs are re-implemented after the first cycle of G. pubescens' treatments have been completed.}, }
@article {pmid30425889, year = {2018}, author = {Carril, OM and Griswold, T and Haefner, J and Wilson, JS}, title = {Wild bees of Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument: richness, abundance, and spatio-temporal beta-diversity.}, journal = {PeerJ}, volume = {6}, number = {}, pages = {e5867}, pmid = {30425889}, issn = {2167-8359}, abstract = {Interest in bees has grown dramatically in recent years in light of several studies that have reported widespread declines in bees and other pollinators. Investigating declines in wild bees can be difficult, however, due to the lack of faunal surveys that provide baseline data of bee richness and diversity. Protected lands such as national monuments and national parks can provide unique opportunities to learn about and monitor bee populations dynamics in a natural setting because the opportunity for large-scale changes to the landscape are reduced compared to unprotected lands. Here we report on a 4-year study of bees in Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument (GSENM), found in southern Utah, USA. Using opportunistic collecting and a series of standardized plots, we collected bees throughout the six-month flowering season for four consecutive years. In total, 660 bee species are now known from the area, across 55 genera, and including 49 new species. Two genera not previously known to occur in the state of Utah were discovered, as well as 16 new species records for the state. Bees include ground-nesters, cavity- and twig-nesters, cleptoparasites, narrow specialists, generalists, solitary, and social species. The bee fauna reached peak diversity each spring, but also experienced a second peak in diversity in late summer, following monsoonal rains. The majority of GSENM's bees are highly localized, occurring in only a few locations throughout the monument, and often in low abundance, but consistently across the four years. Only a few species are widespread and super-abundant. Certain flowering plants appear to be inordinately attractive to the bees in GSENM, including several invasive species. GSENM protects one of the richest bee faunas in the west; the large elevational gradient, incredible number of flowering plants, and the mosaic of habitats are all likely contributors to this rich assemblage of bees.}, }
@article {pmid30425887, year = {2018}, author = {van Wilgen, NJ and Gillespie, MS and Richardson, DM and Measey, J}, title = {A taxonomically and geographically constrained information base limits non-native reptile and amphibian risk assessment: a systematic review.}, journal = {PeerJ}, volume = {6}, number = {}, pages = {e5850}, pmid = {30425887}, issn = {2167-8359}, abstract = {For many taxa, new records of non-native introductions globally occur at a near exponential rate. We undertook a systematic review of peer-reviewed publications on non-native herpetofauna, to assess the information base available for assessing risks of future invasions, resulting in 836 relevant papers. The taxonomic and geographic scope of the literature was also compared to a published database of all known invasions globally. We found 1,116 species of herpetofauna, 95% of which were present in fewer than 12 studies. Nearly all literature on the invasion ecology of herpetofauna has appeared since 2000, with a strong focus on frogs (58%), particularly cane toads (Rhinella marina) and their impacts in Australia. While fewer papers have been published on turtles and snakes, proportionately more species from both these groups have been studied than for frogs. Within each herpetofaunal group, there are a handful of well-studied species: R. marina, Lithobates catesbeianus, Xenopus laevis, Trachemys scripta, Boiga irregularis and Anolis sagrei. Most research (416 papers; 50%) has addressed impacts, with far fewer studies on aspects like trade (2%). Besides Australia (213 studies), most countries have little location-specific peer-reviewed literature on non-native herpetofauna (on average 1.1 papers per established species). Other exceptions were Guam, the UK, China, California and France, but even their publication coverage across established species was not even. New methods for assessing and prioritizing invasive species such as the Environmental Impact Classification for Alien Taxa provide useful frameworks for risk assessment, but require robust species-level studies. Global initiatives, similar to the Global Amphibian Assessment, using the species and taxonomic groups identified here, are needed to derive the level of information across broad geographic ranges required to apply these frameworks. Expansive studies on model species can be used to indicate productive research foci for understudied taxa.}, }
@article {pmid30424500, year = {2018}, author = {Schindler, S and Rabitsch, W and Essl, F and Wallner, P and Lemmerer, K and Follak, S and Hutter, HP}, title = {Alien Species and Human Health: Austrian Stakeholder Perspective on Challenges and Solutions.}, journal = {International journal of environmental research and public health}, volume = {15}, number = {11}, pages = {}, pmid = {30424500}, issn = {1660-4601}, mesh = {Austria ; *Climate Change ; *Disease Management ; Health Policy/*legislation &amp; jurisprudence ; Humans ; Introduced Species/*legislation &amp; jurisprudence ; Public Health/*legislation &amp; jurisprudence ; Surveys and Questionnaires ; }, abstract = {No saturation in the introduction, acceleration of spread and the increasing impacts of alien species are a characteristic feature of the Anthropocene. Concomitantly, alien species affecting human health are supposed to increase, mainly due to increasing global trade and climate change. In this study, we assess challenges and solutions posed by such species to the public health sector in Austria over the next few decades. We did so using an online questionnaire circulated to 131 experts and stakeholders working on human health and biological invasions, supplemented by in-depth interviews with eleven selected experts. Results from the online survey and in-depth interviews largely support and complement each other. Experts and stakeholders suggest that (i) the allergenic Ambrosia artemisiifolia (common ragweed), the photodermatoxic Heracleum mantegazzianum (giant hogweed), and vectors of diseases such as Aedes albopictus (Asian tiger mosquito) are considered the alien species posing the most severe challenges; (ii) challenges are expected to increase in the next few decades and awareness in the public health sector is not sufficient; (iii) effective and efficient solutions are mainly related to prevention. Specific solutions include pathway management of introduction and spread by monitoring and controlling established populations of ragweed, hogweed and mosquitos.}, }
@article {pmid30422976, year = {2018}, author = {Pauchard, A and Meyerson, LA and Bacher, S and Blackburn, TM and Brundu, G and Cadotte, MW and Courchamp, F and Essl, F and Genovesi, P and Haider, S and Holmes, ND and Hulme, PE and Jeschke, JM and Lockwood, JL and Novoa, A and Nuñez, MA and Peltzer, DA and Pyšek, P and Richardson, DM and Simberloff, D and Smith, K and van Wilgen, BW and Vilà, M and Wilson, JRU and Winter, M and Zenni, RD}, title = {Biodiversity assessments: Origin matters.}, journal = {PLoS biology}, volume = {16}, number = {11}, pages = {e2006686}, pmid = {30422976}, issn = {1545-7885}, }
@article {pmid30421153, year = {2019}, author = {Awaydul, A and Zhu, W and Yuan, Y and Xiao, J and Hu, H and Chen, X and Koide, RT and Cheng, L}, title = {Common mycorrhizal networks influence the distribution of mineral nutrients between an invasive plant, Solidago canadensis, and a native plant, Kummerowa striata.}, journal = {Mycorrhiza}, volume = {29}, number = {1}, pages = {29-38}, doi = {10.1007/s00572-018-0873-5}, pmid = {30421153}, issn = {1432-1890}, support = {31422010//National Natural Science Foundation of China/ ; 31500416//National Natural Science Foundation of China/ ; 31670501//National Natural Science Foundation of China/ ; 2016YFC0502704//National Key Research and Development Program of China/ ; }, mesh = {Fabaceae/*metabolism/microbiology ; Introduced Species ; Minerals/*metabolism ; Mycorrhizae/*physiology ; Nutrients/*metabolism ; Solidago/*metabolism/microbiology ; }, abstract = {Invasive species often reduce ecosystem services and lead to a serious threat to native biodiversity. Roots of invasive plants are often linked to roots of native plants by common mycorrhizal networks (CMNs) of arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) fungi, but whether and how CMNs mediate interactions between invasive and native plant species remains largely uninvestigated. We conducted two microcosm experiments, one in which we amended the soil with mineral N and another in which we amended the soil with mineral P. In each experiment, we grew a pair of test plants consisting of Kummerowia striata (native to our research site) and Solidago canadensis (an invasive species). CMNs were established between the plants, and these were either left intact or severed. Intact CMNs increased growth and nutrient acquisition by S. canadensis while they decreased nutrient acquisition by K. striata in comparison with severed CMNs. 15N and P analyses indicated that compared to severed CMNs, intact CMNs preferentially transferred mineral nutrients to S. canadensis. CMNs produced by different species of AM fungi had slightly different effects on the interaction between these two plant species. These results highlight the role of CMNs in the understanding of interactions between the invasive species S. canadensis and its native neighbor.}, }
@article {pmid30416712, year = {2018}, author = {Tobin, PC}, title = {Managing invasive species.}, journal = {F1000Research}, volume = {7}, number = {}, pages = {}, pmid = {30416712}, issn = {2046-1402}, mesh = {Animals ; Biodiversity ; Crops, Agricultural/economics ; Ecosystem ; *Introduced Species/economics/trends ; }, abstract = {Invasive species pose considerable harm to native ecosystems and biodiversity and frustrate and at times fascinate the invasive species management and scientific communities. Of the numerous non-native species established around the world, only a minority of them are invasive and noxious, whereas the majority are either benign or in fact beneficial. Agriculture in North America, for example, would look dramatically different if only native plants were grown as food crops and without the services of the European honey bee as a pollinator. Yet the minority of species that are invasive negatively alter ecosystems and reduce the services they provide, costing governments, industries, and private citizens billions of dollars annually. In this review, I briefly review the consequences of invasive species and the importance of remaining vigilant in the battle against them. I then focus on their management in an increasingly connected global community.}, }
@article {pmid30416586, year = {2018}, author = {Zurell, D and Graham, CH and Gallien, L and Thuiller, W and Zimmermann, NE}, title = {Long-distance migratory birds threatened by multiple independent risks from global change.}, journal = {Nature climate change}, volume = {8}, number = {11}, pages = {992-996}, pmid = {30416586}, issn = {1758-678X}, support = {149508//Swiss National Science Foundation/Switzerland ; 168136//Swiss National Science Foundation/Switzerland ; 170059//Swiss National Science Foundation/Switzerland ; 173342//Swiss National Science Foundation/Switzerland ; }, abstract = {Many species migrate long distances annually between their breeding and wintering areas1. While global change affects both ranges, impact assessments have generally focused on breeding ranges and ignore how environmental changes influence migrants across geographic regions and the annual cycle2,3. Using range maps and species distribution models, we quantified the risk of summer and winter range loss and migration distance increase from future climate and land cover changes on long-distance migratory birds of the Holarctic (n=715). Risk estimates are largely independent of each other and magnitudes vary geographically. If seasonal range losses and increased migration distances are not considered, we strongly underestimate the number of threatened species by 18-49% and the overall magnitude of risk for 17-50% species. Many of the analysed species facing multiple global change risks are not listed by IUCN as threatened or near threatened. Neglecting seasonal migration in impact assessments could thus seriously misguide species' conservation.}, }
@article {pmid30415475, year = {2019}, author = {Norbury, G and van Overmeire, W}, title = {Low structural complexity of nonnative grassland habitat exposes prey to higher predation.}, journal = {Ecological applications : a publication of the Ecological Society of America}, volume = {29}, number = {2}, pages = {e01830}, doi = {10.1002/eap.1830}, pmid = {30415475}, issn = {1051-0761}, abstract = {The structural complexity of vegetation can have profound effects on the hunting efficiency of predators, thereby affecting their intake rate of prey. While studies have shown that vegetation complexity can play an important role in managing unwanted impacts of predators, it is less clear how structural complexity of invasive vegetation affects the vulnerability of terrestrial prey. Short nonnative pasture species bred for agricultural production, for example, are highly invasive and pervade grassland ecosystems worldwide. They generally have low structural complexity compared with taller native vegetation they often displace. We conducted controlled experiments to test whether nonnative pastures expose fauna to greater predation risk. Survival of invertebrates (tethered locusts) subject to predation by invasive mammalian insectivores (European hedgehogs) in nonnative pasture (0.10 per 24 h; 95% CI, 0.08-0.13) was less than one-half that in structurally complex native perennial tussock (bunch) grass (0.24; 95% binomial CI, 0.18-0.31). A significant positive relationship was apparent between structural complexity (grass dry stem density) surrounding each locust and their survival. In a second experiment, survival of locusts placed solely in tussock increased with decreasing locust density in tussock, presumably reflecting fewer resource-rich patches on which predators could focus. These results demonstrate that invasion by structurally simple nonnative vegetation exposes prey to greater risk of predation. This is concerning from a global nature conservation perspective given that conversion of nearly one-half of the world's temperate grasslands to agriculture includes a range of invasive, structurally simple, nonnative, plant species. Minimizing invasion and maintaining and restoring complex habitat structure may be a useful conservation option for reducing unwanted predation.}, }
@article {pmid30413748, year = {2018}, author = {Balestri, E and Vallerini, F and Menicagli, V and Barnaba, S and Lardicci, C}, title = {Biotic resistance and vegetative propagule pressure co-regulate the invasion success of a marine clonal macrophyte.}, journal = {Scientific reports}, volume = {8}, number = {1}, pages = {16621}, pmid = {30413748}, issn = {2045-2322}, support = {FA//Universit&amp;#x00E0; di Pisa (University of Pisa)/ ; Pra//Universit&amp;#x00E0; di Pisa (University of Pisa)/ ; FA//Universit&amp;#x00E0; di Pisa (University of Pisa)/ ; Pra//Universit&amp;#x00E0; di Pisa (University of Pisa)/ ; FA//Universit&amp;#x00E0; di Pisa (University of Pisa)/ ; Pra//Universit&amp;#x00E0; di Pisa (University of Pisa)/ ; Fa//Universit&amp;#x00E0; di Pisa (University of Pisa)/ ; Pra//Universit&amp;#x00E0; di Pisa (University of Pisa)/ ; FA//Universit&amp;#x00E0; di Pisa (University of Pisa)/ ; }, abstract = {Propagule pressure is considered a major driver of plant invasion success. Great propagule pressure would enable invasive species to colonize new areas overcoming the resistance of native species. Many highly invasive aquatic macrophytes regenerate from vegetative propagules, but few studies have experimentally investigated the importance of propagule pressure and biotic resistance, and their interaction, in determining invasion success. By manipulating both recipient habitat and the input of vegetative propagules of the invasive seaweed Caulerpa cylindracea in mesocosm, we examined whether higher propagule pressure would overcome the resistance of a native congeneric (Caulerpa prolifera) and influence its performance. With the native, C. cylindracea population frond number decreased irrespectively of pressure level. High propagule pressure did not increase stolon length and single plant size decreased due to the effects of intra- and interspecific competition. Native biomass decreased with increasing C. cylindracea propagule pressure. These results indicate that higher propagule pressure may fail in enhancing C. cylindracea invasion success in habitats colonized by the native species, and they suggest that biotic resistance and propagule pressure co-regulate the invasion process. These findings emphasize the need to preserve/restore native seaweed populations and may help to design effective management actions to prevent further C. cylindracea spread.}, }
@article {pmid30412868, year = {2019}, author = {Gao, GF and Li, PF and Zhong, JX and Shen, ZJ and Chen, J and Li, YT and Isabwe, A and Zhu, XY and Ding, QS and Zhang, S and Gao, CH and Zheng, HL}, title = {Spartina alterniflora invasion alters soil bacterial communities and enhances soil N2O emissions by stimulating soil denitrification in mangrove wetland.}, journal = {The Science of the total environment}, volume = {653}, number = {}, pages = {231-240}, doi = {10.1016/j.scitotenv.2018.10.277}, pmid = {30412868}, issn = {1879-1026}, mesh = {Bacteria/*metabolism ; China ; *Denitrification ; Introduced Species ; Microbiota/*physiology ; Nitrous Oxide/*metabolism ; Plant Dispersal ; Poaceae/*physiology ; Soil/chemistry ; Soil Microbiology ; *Wetlands ; }, abstract = {Chinese mangrove, an important ecosystem in coastal wetlands, is sensitive to the invasive alien species Spartina alterniflora. However, the effects of the S. alterniflora invasion on mangrove soil N2O emissions and the underlying mechanisms by which emissions are affected have not been well studied. In this study, the N2O emitted from soils dominated by two typical native mangroves (i.e. Kandelia obovata: KO; Avicennia marina: AM), one invaded by S. alterniflora (SA), and one bare mudflat (Mud) were monitored at Zhangjiang Mangrove Estuary (where S. alterniflora is exotic). Together with soil biogeochemical properties, the potential denitrification rate and the composition of soil bacterial communities were determined simultaneously by 15NO3- tracer and high-throughput sequencing techniques, respectively. Our results showed that S. alterniflora invasion significantly (p < 0.05) increases soil N2O emissions by 15-28-fold. In addition, isotope results revealed that the soil potential denitrification rate was significantly (p < 0.05) enhanced after S. alterniflora invasion. Moreover, the S. alterniflora invasion significantly (p < 0.05) decreased soil bacterial α-diversity and strongly modified soil bacterial communities. Indicator groups strongly associated with S. alterniflora were Chloroflexia, Alphaproteobacteria, and Bacilli, each of which was abundant and acts as connector in the co-occurrence network. FAPROTAX analysis implied that the S. alterniflora invasion stimulated soil denitrification and nitrification while depressing anaerobic ammonium oxidation (anammox) and dissimilatory nitrate reduction to ammonium (DNRA). Redundancy analysis (RDA) found that soil organic matter (SOM) and pH were the most important environmental factors in altering soil bacterial communities. Taken together, our results imply that the S. alterniflora invasion in mangrove wetlands significantly stimulates soil denitrification and N2O emissions, thereby contributing N2O to the atmosphere and contributing to global climate change.}, }
@article {pmid30411189, year = {2018}, author = {Dror, H and Novak, L and Evans, JS and López-Legentil, S and Shenkar, N}, title = {Core and Dynamic Microbial Communities of Two Invasive Ascidians: Can Host-Symbiont Dynamics Plasticity Affect Invasion Capacity?.}, journal = {Microbial ecology}, volume = {}, number = {}, pages = {}, doi = {10.1007/s00248-018-1276-z}, pmid = {30411189}, issn = {1432-184X}, support = {2014025//United States - Israel Binational Science Foundation/ ; 2014025//United States - Israel Binational Science Foundation/ ; }, abstract = {Ascidians (Chordata, Ascidiacea) are considered to be prominent marine invaders, able to tolerate highly polluted environments and fluctuations in salinity and temperature. Here, we examined the seasonal and spatial dynamics of the microbial communities in the inner-tunic of two invasive ascidians, Styela plicata (Lesueur 1823) and Herdmania momus (Savigny 1816), in order to investigate the changes that occur in the microbiome of non-indigenous ascidians in different environments. Microbial communities were characterized using next-generation sequencing of partial (V4) 16S rRNA gene sequences. A clear differentiation between the ascidian-associated microbiome and bacterioplankton was observed, and two distinct sets of operational taxonomic units (OTUs), one core and the other dynamic, were recovered from both species. The relative abundance of the dynamic OTUs in H. momus was higher than in S. plicata, for which core OTU structure was maintained independently of location. Ten and seventeen core OTUs were identified in S. plicata and H. momus, respectively, including taxa with reported capabilities of carbon fixing, ammonia oxidization, denitrification, and heavy-metal processing. The ascidian-sourced dynamic OTUs clustered in response to site and season but significantly differed from the bacterioplankton community structure. These findings suggest that the associations between invasive ascidians and their symbionts may enhance host functionality while maintaining host adaptability to changing environmental conditions.}, }
@article {pmid30408300, year = {2018}, author = {Turnipseed, RK and Moran, PJ and Allan, SA}, title = {Behavioral responses of gravid Culex quinquefasciatus, Aedes aegypti, and Anopheles quadrimaculatus mosquitoes to aquatic macrophyte volatiles.}, journal = {Journal of vector ecology : journal of the Society for Vector Ecology}, volume = {43}, number = {2}, pages = {252-260}, doi = {10.1111/jvec.12309}, pmid = {30408300}, issn = {1948-7134}, abstract = {Mosquitoes use many cues to assess whether a habitat is conducive for reproduction, possibly including the presence of stimuli from aquatic macrophytes. The effect of water infusions of water hyacinth (Eichhornia crassipes), water lettuce (Pista stratioles), parrotfeather (Myriophyllum aquaticum), and water pennywort (Hydrocotyle umbellata) on mosquito oviposition and attraction was investigated. Gravid Culex quinquefasciatus deposited significantly more egg rafts in water hyacinth, water lettuce, or Bermuda hay (positive control) infusions compared to water, while water pennywort and parrotfeather infusions did not differ from water. In-flight attraction responses of Cx. quinquefasciatus, Aedes aegypti, and Anopheles quadrimaculatus were evaluated. The strongest attraction of gravid Cx. quinquefasciatus and Ae. aegypti occurred in the presence of volatiles from infusions of water hyacinth and water lettuce, which were equal in attractiveness to hay infusion. Water pennywort and parrotfeather infusions were not attractive. Gravid An. quadrimaculatus were not attracted to aquatic plant volatiles. The results suggest that water hyacinth and water lettuce emit volatile chemicals that attract two of three mosquito species tested and stimulate oviposition by Cx. quinquefasciatus, demonstrating that the level of attraction of aquatic plant volatiles varies among species in ways that may have relevance to bait-based detection and control methods.}, }
@article {pmid30405311, year = {2018}, author = {Sammet, K and Ivask, M and Kurina, O}, title = {A synopsis of Estonian myriapod fauna (Myriapoda: Chilopoda, Diplopoda, Symphyla and Pauropoda).}, journal = {ZooKeys}, volume = {}, number = {793}, pages = {63-96}, pmid = {30405311}, issn = {1313-2989}, abstract = {The data on Estonian Myriapoda are scattered in various publications and there has been no overview of the fauna up to the present. A critical summary of the previous information on Estonian Myriapoda is given, supplemented by new records and distribution maps. Altogether, 5784 specimens from 276 collecting sites were studied. To the hitherto recorded 14 centipede species are added Lithobiusmelanops, L.microps, Geophiluscarpophagus, G.flavus, Strigamiatranssilvanica and Stenotaenialinearis, a probably introduced species. Of the 27 published Estonian millipede species, the data on two species proved erroneous, and two new species were recorded (Craspedosomaraulinsii and Cylindroiulusbritannicus). Two previously recorded millipede species - Brachyiuluspusillus and Mastigophorophyllonsaxonicum - were not found in the recent samples, the latter may have become more rare or extinct. Pauropoda and Symphyla lack previous reliable records. Combined with published data, the number of myriapod species known from Estonia is now set at 52. Some changes in species distribution and frequencies were detected comparing the published data with new records. Some data about habitat preferences of the more common species are also given. The majority of species have a western Palaearctic distribution, while six species are at the northern limit of their ranges.}, }
@article {pmid30403696, year = {2018}, author = {Bieberich, J and Lauerer, M and Drachsler, M and Heinrichs, J and Müller, S and Feldhaar, H}, title = {Species- and developmental stage-specific effects of allelopathy and competition of invasive Impatiens glandulifera on co-occurring plants.}, journal = {PloS one}, volume = {13}, number = {11}, pages = {e0205843}, pmid = {30403696}, issn = {1932-6203}, mesh = {*Allelopathy ; Biomass ; *Impatiens ; *Introduced Species ; *Plant Development ; Plant Roots ; Seedlings ; Species Specificity ; }, abstract = {BACKGROUND: Impacts of invasive species on native communities are often difficult to assess, because they depend on a range of factors, such as species identity and traits. Such context-dependencies are poorly understood yet, but knowledge is required to predict the impact of invasions.<br><br>MATERIALS AND METHODS: We assessed species- and developmental stage-specificity of competitive and allelopathic effects of the invasive plant Impatiens glandulifera on different developmental stages of four native plant species. While some studies have shown a reduction in plant growth caused by I. glandulifera, the magnitude of its impact is ambiguous. For our study we used seedlings and juveniles of I. glandulifera and the native target species Geum urbanum, Filipendula ulmaria, Urtica dioica, and Salix fragilis (seedlings only of the latter), which often co-occur with I. glandulifera in different habitats. Plants were grown in competition with I. glandulifera or treated with I. glandulifera leaf material, or 2-metoxy-1,4-naphtoquinone (2-MNQ), its supposedly main allelochemical.<br><br>RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONS: Overall I. glandulifera had a negative effect on the growth of all target species depending on the species and on the plant's developmental stage. F. ulmaria was the least affected and U. dioica the most, and seedlings were less affected than juveniles. The species-specific response to I. glandulifera may lead to an altered community composition in the field, while growth reduction of seedlings and juveniles should give I. glandulifera an advantage in cases where plant recruitment is crucial. 2-MNQ led to minor reductions in plant growth, suggesting that it may not be the only allelopathic substance of I. glandulifera. Surprisingly, I. glandulifera was not fully tolerant to 2-MNQ. This autotoxicity could contribute to I. glandulifera population dynamics. We conclude that I. glandulifera reduces the growth of native vegetation and alters early successional stages without fully hindering it.}, }
@article {pmid30403690, year = {2018}, author = {Poché, RM and Poché, D and Franckowiak, G and Somers, DJ and Briley, LN and Tseveenjav, B and Polyakova, L}, title = {Field evaluation of low-dose warfarin baits to control wild pigs (Sus scrofa) in North Texas.}, journal = {PloS one}, volume = {13}, number = {11}, pages = {e0206070}, pmid = {30403690}, issn = {1932-6203}, mesh = {Animals ; Animals, Wild/*physiology ; Liver/metabolism ; Sus scrofa/*physiology ; Telemetry ; Texas ; Warfarin/*administration &amp; dosage/*pharmacology ; }, abstract = {Wild pigs (Sus scrofa) are a highly detrimental invasive species that occupy a rapidly expanding range within the United States. In Australia, field trials evaluating baits containing 0.09% warfarin resulted in wild pig population reduction >95%. The objective of this study was to conduct an EPA-approved field trial to evaluate the use of bait containing low-dose warfarin (0.01% and 0.005%) in reducing wild pig numbers in Texas. An 8-week field test was conducted in the panhandle ~100 km southeast of Amarillo. Two ~8 km2 treatment plots were selected and each presented with either 0.01% or 0.005% warfarin baits. One control plot (~8 km2) was presented placebo. The baits were delivered using 30 species-specific feeders per plot (n = 90) that kept wildlife from accessing the toxicant. Pig movements and feed consumption were monitored during pre-treatment, treatment, and post-treatment periods. All pigs with VHF transmitters within the 0.005% warfarin-treated plot (n = 14) succumbed to the warfarin (100% mortality). Overall, 35 wild pigs were found dead from warfarin toxicosis, within both treatment plots. Total feed consumption by wild pigs was reduced by ~97.8% and ~96.2% for the 0.005% and 0.01% warfarin baited plots, respectively, indicating the absence of pigs was a result of toxic bait consumption. Results of 97 systematic searches of the treatment plots indicated no warfarin-induced non-target wildlife fatalities. Warfarin residues in wild pig livers averaged 3.69 mg/kg (n = 13) and 2.89 mg/kg (n = 9) for pigs recovered within the 0.005% plot and 0.01% warfarin plot, respectively. This study is the first efficacy field evaluation of a wild pig toxicant conducted in the US. The results suggest low-dose warfarin bait, presented in species-specific feeders, can effectively reduce wild pig numbers and pose minimal risk to non-target wildlife and domestic animals. A product containing warfarin may provide another management tool in reducing wild pig problems.}, }
@article {pmid30402758, year = {2018}, author = {Monakhov, VG}, title = {The Results of Sable (Martes zibellina) Reintroduction Demonstrate the Founder Effect.}, journal = {Doklady biological sciences : proceedings of the Academy of Sciences of the USSR, Biological sciences sections}, volume = {482}, number = {1}, pages = {194-197}, pmid = {30402758}, issn = {1608-3105}, mesh = {Animals ; *Endangered Species ; *Founder Effect ; *Introduced Species ; Mustelidae/anatomy &amp; histology/*genetics/physiology ; Phenotype ; }, abstract = {The relative abundance of intrapopulation groups with different parameters of skull size, coat color, and expression of an epigenetic cranial trait was compared in autochthonous, reintroduced, and donor populations of sable. Recovery of the species resources and broad variability of the phenotypic trait complex in the newly fomned populations were observed. A large proportion of the animals had the phenotype that included large size, dark coat color, and pronounced expression of a specific phene trait (foramen in the condylar fossa) and was not characteristic of the neighboring autochthonous populations. It is reasonable to attribute the presence of individuals with an unusual morphology in the newly formed populations of animals to a manifestation of the founder principle, because the effect of this principle was promoted by spatial isolation of the primary foci of translocated animals.}, }
@article {pmid30401848, year = {2018}, author = {Wild, S}, title = {South Africa's invasive species guzzle precious water and cost US$450 million a year.}, journal = {Nature}, volume = {563}, number = {7730}, pages = {164-165}, doi = {10.1038/d41586-018-07286-0}, pmid = {30401848}, issn = {1476-4687}, mesh = {*Biodiversity ; Ecology/economics ; Groundwater/*analysis ; Introduced Species/*economics/*statistics &amp; numerical data ; Rain ; South Africa ; Water Supply/economics/statistics &amp; numerical data ; }, }
@article {pmid30401825, year = {2018}, author = {Divíšek, J and Chytrý, M and Beckage, B and Gotelli, NJ and Lososová, Z and Pyšek, P and Richardson, DM and Molofsky, J}, title = {Similarity of introduced plant species to native ones facilitates naturalization, but differences enhance invasion success.}, journal = {Nature communications}, volume = {9}, number = {1}, pages = {4631}, pmid = {30401825}, issn = {2041-1723}, abstract = {The search for traits associated with plant invasiveness has yielded contradictory results, in part because most previous studies have failed to recognize that different traits are important at different stages along the introduction-naturalization-invasion continuum. Here we show that across six different habitat types in temperate Central Europe, naturalized non-invasive species are functionally similar to native species occurring in the same habitat type, but invasive species are different as they occupy the edge of the plant functional trait space represented in each habitat. This pattern was driven mainly by the greater average height of invasive species. These results suggest that the primary determinant of successful establishment of alien species in resident plant communities is environmental filtering, which is expressed in similar trait distributions. However, to become invasive, established alien species need to be different enough to occupy novel niche space, i.e. the edge of trait space.}, }
@article {pmid30400299, year = {2018}, author = {Vitale, RM and D'Aniello, E and Gorbi, S and Martella, A and Silvestri, C and Giuliani, ME and Fellous, T and Gentile, A and Carbone, M and Cutignano, A and Grauso, L and Magliozzi, L and Polese, G and D'Aniello, B and Defranoux, F and Felline, S and Terlizzi, A and Calignano, A and Regoli, F and Di Marzo, V and Amodeo, P and Mollo, E}, title = {Fishing for Targets of Alien Metabolites: A Novel Peroxisome Proliferator-Activated Receptor (PPAR) Agonist from a Marine Pest.}, journal = {Marine drugs}, volume = {16}, number = {11}, pages = {}, pmid = {30400299}, issn = {1660-3397}, support = {PRIN 2012, CAULERFISH project//Ministero dell'Istruzione, dell'Università e della Ricerca/ ; PRIN 2012, CAULERFISH project//Ministero dell'Istruzione, dell'Università e della Ricerca/ ; }, mesh = {Animals ; Biological Factors/metabolism/*pharmacology ; Caulerpa/*metabolism ; Computer Simulation ; Ecotoxicology ; Fish Diseases/*etiology/metabolism ; Food Chain ; Indoles/metabolism/*toxicity ; *Introduced Species ; Ligands ; Models, Biological ; Perciformes/*physiology ; Peroxisome Proliferator-Activated Receptors/*agonists/metabolism ; }, abstract = {Although the chemical warfare between invasive and native species has become a central problem in invasion biology, the molecular mechanisms by which bioactive metabolites from invasive pests influence local communities remain poorly characterized. This study demonstrates that the alkaloid caulerpin (CAU)-a bioactive component of the green alga Caulerpa cylindracea that has invaded the entire Mediterranean basin-is an agonist of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptors (PPARs). Our interdisciplinary study started with the in silico prediction of the ligand-protein interaction, which was then validated by in vivo, ex vivo and in vitro assays. On the basis of these results, we candidate CAU as a causal factor of the metabolic and behavioural disorders observed in Diplodus sargus, a native edible fish of high ecological and commercial relevance, feeding on C. cylindracea. Moreover, given the considerable interest in PPAR activators for the treatment of relevant human diseases, our findings are also discussed in terms of a possible nutraceutical/pharmacological valorisation of the invasive algal biomasses, supporting an innovative strategy for conserving biodiversity as an alternative to unrealistic campaigns for the eradication of invasive pests.}, }
@article {pmid30399179, year = {2018}, author = {González-Gallina, A and Hidalgo-Mihart, MG and Castelazo-Calva, V}, title = {Conservation implications for jaguars and other neotropical mammals using highway underpasses.}, journal = {PloS one}, volume = {13}, number = {11}, pages = {e0206614}, pmid = {30399179}, issn = {1932-6203}, mesh = {Animal Migration ; Animals ; Animals, Wild ; *Automobiles ; Biodiversity ; Body Weight ; Conservation of Natural Resources/*methods ; Female ; Male ; Mexico ; *Panthera ; Tropical Climate ; }, abstract = {The Nuevo Xcan-Playa del Carmen highway in Quintana Roo, bisects the vegetation corridor connecting two Jaguar Conservation Units (JCUs): Yum Balaam (north) and Sian Ka´an (south). The project´s main goal was to describe differential use of available crossing structures (wildlife underpasses and culverts) by mammals present along this highway. We set 28 camera traps along the 54km stretch of the highway covering wildlife underpasses (10), and culverts such as box culverts (9) and pipes (9) from September 2016 until March 2017. A total of 24 jaguar crossings have been recorded exclusively using wildlife underpasses, including four males and two females. At least 18 other mammal species including five of the target priority species (protected by Mexican law) were documented, all of which were native except for two invasive species. In terms of species using the crossing structures, we identified 13 species using wildlife underpasses, nine using concrete box culverts and 10 using concrete pipes. Wildlife underpasses show higher diversity values (Shannon´s exponential index = 5.8 and Inverse Simpson´s index = 4.66) compared to culverts because they allow bigger species to cross. We recommend more highways along the jaguar´s distribution should develop mitigation measures to allow for wildlife connectivity. Wildlife underpasses, along with retrofitted culverts, could help secure not only the permanence of this species by facilitating the functional connectivity between populations but have positive impacts on other neotropical mammalian fauna as well.}, }
@article {pmid30398478, year = {2018}, author = {Singh, SP and Inderjit,  and Singh, JS and Majumdar, S and Moyano, J and Nuñez, MA and Richardson, DM}, title = {Insights on the persistence of pines (Pinus species) in the Late Cretaceous and their increasing dominance in the Anthropocene.}, journal = {Ecology and evolution}, volume = {8}, number = {20}, pages = {10345-10359}, pmid = {30398478}, issn = {2045-7758}, abstract = {Although gymnosperms were nearly swept away by the rise of the angiosperms in the Late Cretaceous, conifers, and pines (Pinus species) in particular, survived and regained their dominance in some habitats. Diversification of pines into fire-avoiding (subgenus Haploxylon) and fire-adapted (subgenus Diploxylon) species occurred in response to abiotic and biotic factors in the Late Cretaceous such as competition with emerging angiosperms and changing fire regimes. Adaptations/traits that evolved in response to angiosperm-fuelled fire regimes and stressful environments in the Late Cretaceous were key to pine success and are also contributing to a new &quot;pine rise&quot; in some areas in the Anthropocene. Human-mediated activities exert both positive and negative impacts of range size and expansion and invasions of pines. Large-scale afforestation with pines, human-mediated changes to fire regimes, and other ecosystem processes are other contributing factors. We discuss traits that evolved in response to angiosperm-mediated fires and stressful environments in the Cretaceous and that continue to contribute to pine persistence and dominance and the numerous ways in which human activities favor pines.}, }
@article {pmid30397538, year = {2018}, author = {Falcón, W and Tremblay, RL}, title = {From the cage to the wild: introductions of Psittaciformes to Puerto Rico.}, journal = {PeerJ}, volume = {6}, number = {}, pages = {e5669}, pmid = {30397538}, issn = {2167-8359}, abstract = {Introduced psittacine birds can become highly invasive. In this study, we assessed invasions of Psittaciformes in Puerto Rico. We reviewed the literature, public databases, citizen science records, and performed in situ population surveys across the island to determine the historical and current status and distribution of psittacine species. We used count data from Ebird to determine population trends. For species whose populations were increasing, we modelled their potential distribution using niche modeling techniques. We found 46 Psittaciformes in Puerto Rico, of which 26% are only present as pets, at least 29 species have been reported in the wild, and of those, there is evidence that at least 12 species are breeding. Our results indicate that most introduced species which have been detected as established still persist, although mostly in localized areas and small populations. Clear evidence of invasiveness was found for Brotogeris versicolurus and Myiopsitta monachus, which have greatly expanded their range in recent years. Psittacara erythrogenys and Eupsittacula canicularis also showed population increases, although to a lesser degree. The niche models predicted suitable areas for the four species, and also indicate the potential for range expansion. We discuss the factors leading to invasion success, assess the potential impacts, and we discuss possible management strategies and research prospects.}, }
@article {pmid30397465, year = {2018}, author = {Ni, P and Li, S and Lin, Y and Xiong, W and Huang, X and Zhan, A}, title = {Methylation divergence of invasive Ciona ascidians: Significant population structure and local environmental influence.}, journal = {Ecology and evolution}, volume = {8}, number = {20}, pages = {10272-10287}, pmid = {30397465}, issn = {2045-7758}, abstract = {The geographical expansion of invasive species usually leads to temporary and/or permanent changes at multiple levels (genetics, epigenetics, gene expression, etc.) to acclimatize to abiotic and/or biotic stresses in novel environments. Epigenetic variation such as DNA methylation is often involved in response to diverse local environments, thus representing one crucial mechanism to promote invasion success. However, evidence is scant on the potential role of DNA methylation variation in rapid environmental response and invasion success during biological invasions. In particular, DNA methylation patterns and possible contributions of varied environmental factors to methylation differentiation have been largely unknown in many invaders, especially for invasive species in marine systems where extremely complex interactions exist between species and surrounding environments. Using the methylation-sensitive amplification polymorphism (MSAP) technique, here we investigated population methylation structure at the genome level in two highly invasive model ascidians, Ciona robusta and C. intestinalis, collected from habitats with varied environmental factors such as temperature and salinity. We found high intrapopulation methylation diversity and significant population methylation differentiation in both species. Multiple analyses, such as variation partitioning analysis, showed that both genetic variation and environmental factors contributed to the observed DNA methylation variation. Further analyses found that 24 and 20 subepiloci were associated with temperature and/or salinity in C. robusta and C. intestinalis, respectively. All these results clearly showed significant methylation divergence among populations of both invasive ascidians, and varied local environmental factors, as well as genetic variation, were responsible for the observed DNA methylation patterns. The consistent findings in both species here suggest that DNA methylation, coupled with genetic variation, may facilitate local environmental adaptation during biological invasions, and DNA methylation variation molded by local environments may contribute to invasion success.}, }
@article {pmid30397446, year = {2018}, author = {Doherty-Bone, TM and Dunn, AM and Brittain, J and Brown, LE}, title = {Invasive alien shredders clear up invasive alien leaf litter.}, journal = {Ecology and evolution}, volume = {8}, number = {20}, pages = {10049-10056}, pmid = {30397446}, issn = {2045-7758}, abstract = {Biological invasions have the potential to alter ecosystem processes profoundly, but invaders are rarely found alone. Interactions between different invasive alien species, and their cumulative impact on ecosystem functioning, have led to hypotheses of invasion meltdown whereby effects become additive leading to further ecosystem stress. Invasive riparian plants (e.g., Rhododendron ponticum) deposit leaf litter in freshwaters, which may be unconsumed by indigenous species, potentially affecting habitat heterogeneity and flow of energy to the food web. However, invasive alien decapod crustaceans are effective consumers of leaf litter, and it was hypothesized that they would also consume inputs of invasive riparian leaf litter. This study shows that invasive alien signal crayfish (Pacifastacus leniusculus) and Chinese mitten crab (Eriocheir sinensis) effectively break down different types of leaf litter, including invasive alien R. ponticum, at higher rates than indigenous white-clawed crayfish. Secondary products were more varied, with more fine particulate organic matter generated for the less palatable alien leaf litter species. Leaf species caused different changes in body mass of decapods but effects were heterogeneous by leaf and decapod: P. leniusculus showed lower mass loss when consuming R. ponticum while E. sinensis lost mass when consuming A. pseudoplatanus. Impacts of riparian invasions on detritus accumulation in freshwaters are thus potentially buffered by invasive alien decapods, illustrating a need for a more detailed consideration of both positive and negative interspecific feedbacks during biological invasions.}, }
@article {pmid30393297, year = {2018}, author = {Maw, MM and Pan, X and Peng, Z and Wang, Y and Zhao, L and Dai, B and Wang, J}, title = {A Changeable Lab-on-a-Chip Detector for Marine Nonindigenous Microorganisms in Ship's Ballast Water.}, journal = {Micromachines}, volume = {9}, number = {1}, pages = {}, pmid = {30393297}, issn = {2072-666X}, support = {2017YFC1404603,2017YFC1404606//National Key Research and Development Program of China/ ; 51779027//National Natural Science Foundation of China/ ; 2014025017//Liaoning Provincial Natural Science Foundation of China/ ; 3132017076, 3132016325//Fundamental Research Funds for the Central Universities/ ; }, abstract = {The spread and invasion of many nonindigenous species in the ship's ballast water around the world has been a hazard and threat to ecology, economy, and human health. The rapid and accurate detection of marine invasive species in ship's ballast water is essential. This article is aimed at analysing ballast water quality by means of a changeable microfluidic chip detector thus comply with the D-2 standard of ship's ballast water management and sediment convention. The detection system was designed through the integration of microfluidic chip technology, the impedance pulse sensing and LED light induced chlorophyll fluorescence (LED-LICF) detection. This system can measure the number, size, shape, and volume of targeted microorganisms, and it can also determine the chlorophyll fluorescence intensity, which is an important factor in analysing the activity of phytoplankton. The targeted samples were Chlorella volutis, Dunaliella salina, Platymonas subcordiformis, Chrysophytes, Escherichia coli, and Enterococci. The whole detection or operation can be accomplished through online detection in a few minutes with using micron volume of the sample solution. The valid data outputs are simultaneously displayed in terms of both impedance pulse amplitudes and fluorescent intensity signals. The detection system is designed for multi-sizes real time detection through changing the microchannel sizes on the microfluidic chip. Because it can successfully detect the label-free microorganisms, the system can be applicable to in-situ detections with some modifications to the system.}, }
@article {pmid30392172, year = {2019}, author = {Bai, X and Acharya, K}, title = {Uptake of endocrine-disrupting chemicals by quagga mussels (Dreissena bugensis) in an urban-impacted aquatic ecosystem.}, journal = {Environmental science and pollution research international}, volume = {26}, number = {1}, pages = {250-258}, doi = {10.1007/s11356-018-3320-4}, pmid = {30392172}, issn = {1614-7499}, mesh = {Animals ; Benzhydryl Compounds ; Bivalvia/metabolism ; Dreissena/*metabolism ; *Ecosystem ; Endocrine Disruptors/*metabolism ; Fresh Water ; Introduced Species ; Phenols ; Seafood ; Water Pollutants, Chemical/analysis/*metabolism ; Water Quality ; }, abstract = {Untreated organic contaminants in municipal wastewater, such as endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs), have become a significant issue in aquatic ecosystems, particularly in freshwater bodies that receive wastewater discharge. This has raised concerns about the accumulation of EDCs in aquatic species via continuous exposure. This study evaluated the uptake of EDCs by quagga mussels (Dreissena bugensis), an invasive species in a water supply reservoir. The field sampling results showed that steroid hormones were not detected in the water samples, and only pharmaceuticals and personal care products were present (0.49 to 36 ng/L). Additionally, testosterone was the most abundant steroid in the mussel tissue (6.3 to 20 ng/g dry weight), and other synthetic chemicals (i.e., bisphenol A, triclosan, and salicylic acid) were also detected in the mussel tissue (24 to 47 ng/g dry weight). After being exposed to exogenous EDCs for 7, 21, and 42 days under controlled laboratory conditions, testosterone was not detected in the mussel anymore, but bisphenol A, triclosan, and salicylic acid were found at relatively high levels in the mussel tissue, although the concentrations did not increase over time. Overall, the study demonstrated the uptake of EDCs in quagga mussels, which suggests that this species can be used to reflect water quality deterioration in aquatic ecosystems.}, }
@article {pmid30388300, year = {2019}, author = {Battles, AC and Kolbe, JJ}, title = {Miami heat: Urban heat islands influence the thermal suitability of habitats for ectotherms.}, journal = {Global change biology}, volume = {25}, number = {2}, pages = {562-576}, doi = {10.1111/gcb.14509}, pmid = {30388300}, issn = {1365-2486}, mesh = {Animals ; *Body Temperature Regulation ; Cities ; *Ecosystem ; Florida ; *Hot Temperature ; Introduced Species ; Lizards/*physiology ; Species Specificity ; Urbanization ; }, abstract = {The urban heat island effect, where urban areas exhibit higher temperatures than less-developed suburban and natural habitats, occurs in cities across the globe and is well understood from a physical perspective and at broad spatial scales. However, very little is known about how thermal variation caused by urbanization influences the ability of organisms to live in cities. Ectotherms are sensitive to environmental changes that affect thermal conditions, and therefore, increased urban temperatures may pose significant challenges to thermoregulation and alter temperature-dependent activity. To evaluate whether these changes to the thermal environment affect the persistence and dispersal of ectothermic species in urban areas, we studied two species of Anolis lizards (Anolis cristatellus and Anolis sagrei) introduced to Miami-Dade County, FL, USA, where they occur in both urban and natural habitats. We calculated canopy openness and measured operative temperature (Te), which estimates the distribution of body temperatures in a non-thermoregulating population, in four urban and four natural sites. We also captured lizards throughout the day and recorded their internal body temperature (Tb). We found that urban areas had more open canopies and higher Te compared to natural habitats. Laboratory trials showed that A. cristatellus preferred lower temperatures than A. sagrei. Urban sites currently occupied by each species appear to lower thermoregulatory costs for both species, but only A. sagreihad field Tb that were more often within their preferred temperature range in urban habitats compared to natural areas. Furthermore, based on available Te within each species' preferred temperature range, urban sites with only A. sagrei appear less suitable for A. cristatellus, whereas natural sites with only A. cristatellus are less suitable for A. sagrei. These results highlight how the thermal properties of urban areas contribute to patterns of persistence and dispersal, particularly relevant for studying species invasions worldwide.}, }
@article {pmid30386704, year = {2018}, author = {Thorp, CJ and Alexander, ME and Vonesh, JR and Measey, J}, title = {Size-dependent functional response of Xenopus laevis feeding on mosquito larvae.}, journal = {PeerJ}, volume = {6}, number = {}, pages = {e5813}, pmid = {30386704}, issn = {2167-8359}, abstract = {Predators can play an important role in regulating prey abundance and diversity, determining food web structure and function, and contributing to important ecosystem services, including the regulation of agricultural pests and disease vectors. Thus, the ability to predict predator impact on prey is an important goal in ecology. Often, predators of the same species are assumed to be functionally equivalent, despite considerable individual variation in predator traits known to be important for shaping predator-prey interactions, like body size. This assumption may greatly oversimplify our understanding of within-species functional diversity and undermine our ability to predict predator effects on prey. Here, we examine the degree to which predator-prey interactions are functionally homogenous across a natural range of predator body sizes. Specifically, we quantify the size-dependence of the functional response of African clawed frogs (Xenopus laevis) preying on mosquito larvae (Culex pipiens). Three size classes of predators, small (15-30 mm snout-vent length), medium (50-60 mm) and large (105-120 mm), were presented with five densities of prey to determine functional response type and to estimate search efficiency and handling time parameters generated from the models. The results of mesocosm experiments showed that type of functional response of X. laevis changed with size: small predators exhibited a Type II response, while medium and large predators exhibited Type III responses. Functional response data showed an inversely proportional relationship between predator attack rate and predator size. Small and medium predators had highest and lowest handling time, respectively. The change in functional response with the size of predator suggests that predators with overlapping cohorts may have a dynamic impact on prey populations. Therefore, predicting the functional response of a single size-matched predator in an experiment may misrepresent the predator's potential impact on a prey population.}, }
@article {pmid30386357, year = {2018}, author = {Ximénez-Embún, MG and González-Guzmán, M and Arbona, V and Gómez-Cadenas, A and Ortego, F and Castañera, P}, title = {Plant-Mediated Effects of Water Deficit on the Performance of Tetranychus evansi on Tomato Drought-Adapted Accessions.}, journal = {Frontiers in plant science}, volume = {9}, number = {}, pages = {1490}, pmid = {30386357}, issn = {1664-462X}, abstract = {Climate change is expected to increase drought periods and the performance and dispersal of some invasive species such as Tetranychus evansi, which has been reported to take advantage of the nutritional changes induced by water-shortage on the tomato cultivar Moneymaker (MM). We have examined the implications for mite's biology of four accessions of the drought-adapted tomatoes, &quot;Tomàtiga de Ramellet&quot; (TR), under moderate drought stress. Mite performance was enhanced by drought in two accessions (TR61 and TR154), but not in the other two accessions (TR58 and TR126). We selected one accession of each outcome (i.e., TR154 and TR126) to further analyze plant nutritional parameters. We found that free sugars and most essential amino acids for mites were induced by drought and/or mite infestation on MM and TR154 plants, whereas sugars were not altered and a reduced number of essential amino acids were induced by drought in TR126. Remarkably, mite performance was enhanced by leaf infiltration of free sugars, essential amino acids mixture, and L-proline on well-watered MM and by free sugars on drought-stressed TR126 plants. These results indicate a positive link between the induction of soluble carbohydrates and amino acids used by the plant for osmotic adjustment and mite performance. The effects of drought and/or mite infestation on the defense response of plants was analyzed at three levels: phytohormone accumulation, the transcript levels of marker genes linked to jasmonates (JAs), salicylic acid (SA), and abscisic acid (ABA) pathways, and the activity of defense proteins. The ability of T. evansi to downregulate the accumulation of defense-related phytohormones was noted on MM and the two TR accessions analyzed (TR126 and TR154), though differences in the induction of protein defense genes and activities by drought and/or mite infestation were observed among them. These results emphasize the importance of studying plant biotic and abiotic stress factors in combination and provides an experimental framework for screening drought-tolerant tomato accessions that will be also resistant to herbivore mites.}, }
@article {pmid30385482, year = {2018}, author = {Page, H and Sweeney, A and Pilko, A and Pinter-Wollman, N}, title = {Underlying mechanisms and ecological context of variation in exploratory behavior of the Argentine ant, Linepithema humile.}, journal = {The Journal of experimental biology}, volume = {221}, number = {Pt 24}, pages = {}, doi = {10.1242/jeb.188722}, pmid = {30385482}, issn = {1477-9145}, abstract = {Uncovering how and why animals explore their environment is fundamental for understanding population dynamics, the spread of invasive species, species interactions, etc. In social animals, individuals within a group can vary in their exploratory behavior, and the behavioral composition of the group can determine its collective success. Workers of the invasive Argentine ant (Linepithema humile) exhibit individual variation in exploratory behavior, which affects the colony's collective nest selection behavior. Here, we examine the mechanisms underlying this behavioral variation in exploratory behavior and determine its implications for the ecology of this species. We first establish that individual variation in exploratory behavior is repeatable and consistent across situations. We then show a relationship between exploratory behavior and the expression of genes that have been previously linked with other behaviors in social insects. Specifically, we found a negative relationship between exploratory behavior and the expression of the foraging (Lhfor) gene. Finally, we determine how colonies allocate exploratory individuals in natural conditions. We found that ants from inside the nest are the least exploratory individuals, whereas workers on newly formed foraging trails are the most exploratory individuals. Furthermore, we found temporal differences throughout the year: in early-mid spring, when new resources emerge, workers are more exploratory than at the end of winter, potentially allowing the colony to find and exploit new resources. These findings reveal the importance of individual variation in behavior for the ecology of social animals.}, }
@article {pmid30383854, year = {2018}, author = {Marshak, AR and Heck, KL and Jud, ZR}, title = {Ecological interactions between Gulf of Mexico snappers (Teleostei: Lutjanidae) and invasive red lionfish (Pterois volitans).}, journal = {PloS one}, volume = {13}, number = {11}, pages = {e0206749}, pmid = {30383854}, issn = {1932-6203}, mesh = {*Aggression ; Animals ; Body Size ; Brachyura ; Competitive Behavior ; Environment ; *Fishes, Poisonous ; Gulf of Mexico ; *Introduced Species ; *Perciformes ; *Predatory Behavior ; *Swimming ; }, abstract = {Indo-Pacific red lionfish (Pterois volitans) have invaded the western Atlantic, and most recently the northern Gulf of Mexico (nGOM), at a rapid pace. Given their generalist habitat affinities and diet, and strong ecological overlap with members of the commercially valuable snapper-grouper complex, increased density and abundance of lionfish could result in significant competitive interactions with nGOM commercially important species. We experimentally investigated the intensity of behavioral interactions between lionfish and indigenous, abundant and economically important juvenile nGOM red snapper (Lutjanus campechanus), and other increasingly abundant juvenile tropical snapper species (gray snapper-L. griseus and lane snapper-L. synagris) in large outdoor mesocosms to examine snapper vulnerabilities to lionfish competition. When paired with lionfish, red snapper swimming activity (i.e., time swimming and roving around experimental tank or at structure habitat during experiments) was significantly lower than in intraspecific control trials, but gray and lane snapper swimming activities in the presence of lionfish did not significantly differ from their intraspecific controls. Additionally in paired trials, red and lane snapper swimming activities were significantly lower than those of lionfish, while no significant difference in swimming activities was observed between lionfish and gray snapper. We found that red snapper prey consumption rates in the presence of lionfish were significantly lower than in their intraspecific 3-individual control trials, but when paired together no significant differences in prey consumption rates between red snapper and lionfish were observed. When paired with lane or gray snapper, lionfish were observed having comparatively higher prey consumption than snappers, or as observed in lionfish intraspecific 1-individual controls. However, lane and gray snapper consumption rates in the presence of lionfish did not significantly differ from those in intraspecific controls. These findings suggest that competition between juvenile snappers and invasive lionfish may be variable, with lionfish exhibiting differing degrees of competitive dominance and snappers exhibiting partial competitive vulnerability and resistance to lionfish. While the degree of intensity at which these interactions may occur in nGOM reefs may differ from those observed in our findings, this study enables greater understanding of the potential ecological effects of red lionfish on native reef fishes.}, }
@article {pmid30383249, year = {2019}, author = {Ferronato, P and Woch, AL and Soares, PL and Bernardi, D and Botton, M and Andreazza, F and Oliveira, EE and Corrêa, AS}, title = {A Phylogeographic Approach to the Drosophila suzukii (Diptera: Drosophilidae) Invasion in Brazil.}, journal = {Journal of economic entomology}, volume = {112}, number = {1}, pages = {425-433}, doi = {10.1093/jee/toy321}, pmid = {30383249}, issn = {1938-291X}, abstract = {Biological invasions have reached large parts of the globe, due to human actions across the planet. Drosophila suzukii (Matsumura, 1931) is a globally invasive species, always associated with enormous and costly damage to agricultural crops. Native to Southeast Asia, D. suzukii recently (i.e., 2013) invaded and is dispersing through South America. Here, we used a phylogeographic approach based on the cytochrome c oxidase subunit I gene fragment to explore the invasion dynamics of D. suzukii populations in Brazil. We identified five haplotypes and moderate genetic diversity in Brazilian populations, which are undergoing demographic and spatial expansion. The analyses of molecular variance indicated a high genetic structure among the populations, which is partially explained by their morphoclimatic origin and invasion history. Drosophila suzukii expanded from southern to southeastern Brazil, aided by human-mediated transport of fruits from region to region. The sharing of haplotypes among Brazilian and other invaded regions of the world suggests a single invasion event of D. suzukii in Brazil, originating from previously invaded areas (e.g., North America and Europe). The rapid geographic dispersal and wide variety of fruits attacked by of D. suzukii require immediate implementation of control strategies (legal and phytosanitary) to manage this pest in Brazil.}, }
@article {pmid30382151, year = {2018}, author = {Rosso, F and Tagliapietra, V and Albanese, D and Pindo, M and Baldacchino, F and Arnoldi, D and Donati, C and Rizzoli, A}, title = {Reduced diversity of gut microbiota in two Aedes mosquitoes species in areas of recent invasion.}, journal = {Scientific reports}, volume = {8}, number = {1}, pages = {16091}, pmid = {30382151}, issn = {2045-2322}, abstract = {Aedes mosquitoes are considered highly successful global invasive species and vectors of several pathogens of relevance for public health. Their midgut's microbiota can play an important role in affecting not only their vectorial competence but also their fitness, physiology, food digestion, metabolism, immunity and adaptation to new environmental conditions. Using high-throughput sequencing we compared the microbiota of Aedes albopictus collected in Italy with those reported in populations from France and Vietnam. We also analysed Aedes koreicus gut microbiota for the first time. We found remarkable individual difference along with common bacterial taxa in both species. Ae. albopictus collected in Italy had a lower richness and a different composition of microbiota in respect to specimens collected in France and Vietnam. It also showed a core microbiota formed mainly of bacteria of the genus Pseudomonas. Overall, the two Aedes species (Ae. albopictus and Ae. koreicus) collected in Italy, showed a large core microbiota with 75.98% of the identified Operational Taxonomic Units. Furthermore, Ae. albopictus had 2.5% prevalence of Wolbachia and 0.07% of Asaia spp, while Ae. koreicus had 14.42% of Asaia spp. and no Wolbachia. This study provides new informations on the spatial variation of the midgut bacterial communities in mosquitoes of medical relevance within areas of recent invasion and provide the basis for further studies aimed at assessing the effects of such variation on vectorial capacity for a range of pathogens.}, }
@article {pmid30380769, year = {2018}, author = {Savadova, K and Mazur-Marzec, H and Karosienė, J and Kasperovičienė, J and Vitonytė, I and Toruńska-Sitarz, A and Koreivienė, J}, title = {Effect of Increased Temperature on Native and Alien Nuisance Cyanobacteria from Temperate Lakes: An Experimental Approach.}, journal = {Toxins}, volume = {10}, number = {11}, pages = {}, pmid = {30380769}, issn = {2072-6651}, abstract = {In response to global warming, an increase in cyanobacterial blooms is expected. In this work, the response of two native species of Planktothrix agardhii and Aphanizomenon gracile, as well as the response of two species alien to Europe-Chrysosporum bergii and Sphaerospermopsis aphanizomenoides-to gradual temperature increase was tested. The northernmost point of alien species distribution in the European continent was recorded. The tested strains of native species were favoured at 20⁻28 °C. Alien species acted differently along temperature gradient and their growth rate was higher than native species. Temperature range of optimal growth rate for S. aphanizomenoides was similar to native species, while C. bergii was favoured at 26⁻30 °C but sensitive at 18⁻20 °C. Under all tested temperatures, non-toxic strains of the native cyanobacteria species prevailed over the toxic ones. In P. agardhii, the decrease in concentration of microcystins and other oligopeptides with the increasing temperature was related to higher growth rate. However, changes in saxitoxin concentration in A. gracile under different temperatures were not detected. Accommodating climate change perspectives, the current work showed a high necessity of further studies of temperature effect on distribution and toxicity of both native and alien cyanobacterial species.}, }
@article {pmid30377510, year = {2018}, author = {Doenz, CJ and Bittner, D and Vonlanthen, P and Wagner, CE and Seehausen, O}, title = {Rapid buildup of sympatric species diversity in Alpine whitefish.}, journal = {Ecology and evolution}, volume = {8}, number = {18}, pages = {9398-9412}, pmid = {30377510}, issn = {2045-7758}, abstract = {Adaptive radiations in postglacial fish offer excellent settings to study the evolutionary mechanisms involved in the rapid buildup of sympatric species diversity from a single lineage. Here, we address this by exploring the genetic and ecological structure of the largest Alpine whitefish radiation known, that of Lakes Brienz and Thun, using microsatellite data of more than 2000 whitefish caught during extensive species-targeted and habitat-randomized fishing campaigns. We find six strongly genetically and ecologically differentiated species, four of which occur in both lakes, and one of which was previously unknown. These four exhibit clines of genetic differentiation that are paralleled in clines of eco-morphological and reproductive niche differentiation, consistent with models of sympatric ecological speciation along environmental gradients. In Lake Thun, we find two additional species, a profundal specialist and a species introduced in the 1930s from another Alpine whitefish radiation. Strong genetic differentiation between this introduced species and all native species of Lake Thun suggests that reproductive isolation can evolve among allopatric whitefish species within 15,000 years and persist in secondary sympatry. Consistent with speciation theory, we find stronger correlations between genetic and ecological differentiation for sympatrically than for allopatrically evolved species.}, }
@article {pmid30377498, year = {2018}, author = {Thibault, M and Masse, F and Pujapujane, A and Lannuzel, G and Bordez, L and Potter, MA and Fogliani, B and Vidal, É and Brescia, F}, title = {&quot;Liaisons dangereuses&quot;: The invasive red-vented bulbul (Pycnonotus cafer), a disperser of exotic plant species in New Caledonia.}, journal = {Ecology and evolution}, volume = {8}, number = {18}, pages = {9259-9269}, pmid = {30377498}, issn = {2045-7758}, abstract = {The biodiversity hotspot of New Caledonia hosts high levels of endemism (74% of flora) that is threatened increasingly by climate change, habitat reduction, and invasive species. The fruit-eating red-vented bulbul (Pycnonotus cafer) is currently invading the main island of the archipelago, and its recent dispersal out of urbanized habitats raises questions about its potential to disperse noxious plant seeds along urban corridors and beyond. Indeed, the red-vented bulbul is considered a vector of several introduced plant species in its alien range including Miconia calvescens, Lantana camara, and Schinus terebinthifolius. We conducted a quantitative assessment of the bulbul's fruits consumption by analyzing the gut contents of shot birds. We estimated gut passage times for four species of fruit found in gut contents (S. terebinthifolius, Myrtastrum rufopunctatum, Passiflora suberosa, and Ficus prolixa) and tested the effects of bird digestion on seed germination rates for two species. Finally, we monitored the movements of individual VHF radio-tagged red-vented bulbuls. All of the consumed fruit species we identified here have red fleshy diaspore, including fruit of the shrub M. rufopunctatum that occurred frequently (9.6%) in bulbul gut samples. Median gut passage times were short (15-41 min), corresponding to short-distance seed transportation (77-92 m). The effect of gut passage was positive for the germination of the invasive S. terebinthifolius and negative for the endemic M. rufopunctatum, suggesting a potential bias in the contribution to the dispersal toward alien species. This study provides the first integrated assessment of mechanisms involved in the seed dispersal effectiveness of this high-concern invasive bird species that is expected to face similar plant communities in most of its alien range in tropical islands. More generally, our results enhance knowledge of synergies between non-native frugivores and plant species dispersal.}, }
@article {pmid30377493, year = {2018}, author = {Robinson, CV and Garcia de Leaniz, C and James, J and Cable, J and Orozco-terWengel, P and Consuegra, S}, title = {Genetic diversity and parasite facilitated establishment of the invasive signal crayfish (Pacifastacus leniusculus) in Great Britain.}, journal = {Ecology and evolution}, volume = {8}, number = {18}, pages = {9181-9191}, pmid = {30377493}, issn = {2045-7758}, abstract = {Successful establishment of non-native species is strongly influenced, among other factors, by the genetic variation of founding populations, which can be enhanced by multiple introductions through admixture. Coexisting pathogens can also facilitate the establishment of non-native species by detrimentally impacting on the native fauna acting as novel weapons. The signal crayfish (Pacifastacus leniusculus) is a highly invasive species, which has caused mass declines of native crayfish in Europe through displacement and transmission of the oomycete Aphanomyces astaci (crayfish plague), which is typically lethal to native European crayfish. However, whether Aphanomyces astaci may have facilitated the invasion of the signal crayfish is not known. We estimated the genetic diversity at microsatellite DNA loci, effective population size, and potential origins of seven infected and noninfected signal crayfish populations in Europe and one founder population in North America. Approximate Bayesian computation analysis and population structuring suggested multiple host introductions from diverse source populations, as well as higher heterozygosity among infected than uninfected populations, which could reflect a fitness advantage. Low effective population size, moderate heterozygosity, and lack of isolation by distance suggest that some invasive signal crayfish populations may not be fully established or that their genetic diversity may have been reduced by eradication attempts.}, }
@article {pmid30377487, year = {2018}, author = {Gallego-Tévar, B and Rubio-Casal, AE and de Cires, A and Figueroa, E and Grewell, BJ and Castillo, JM}, title = {Phenotypic plasticity of polyploid plant species promotes transgressive behaviour in their hybrids.}, journal = {AoB PLANTS}, volume = {10}, number = {5}, pages = {ply055}, pmid = {30377487}, issn = {2041-2851}, abstract = {Hybridization is a frequent process that leads to relevant evolutionary consequences, but there is a lack of studies regarding the relationships of the variability of the response of parental plant species to environmental gradients and the responses of their hybrids at a phenotypic level. We designed an experiment in which we exposed two reciprocal cordgrass hybrids, Spartina maritima × densiflora and S. densiflora × maritima, and their parental species to four salinity concentrations for 30 days. The main objectives were to compare the performance of the hybrids with that of their parents, to distinguish the phenotypic inheritance operating in the hybrids and to analyse the relationships between the variability in the responses of the parents and the responses of their hybrids to salinity. We characterized the responses and the degree of variability for 37 foliar traits. Both hybrids presented greater salinity tolerance than their parents, showing their highest percentage of transgressive traits at both extremes of the salinity gradient. When the parental plants themselves showed a more plastic response for a given trait, there was a greater chance that their hybrid developed a transgressive behaviour for this trait. This finding supports a new focus to be applied for the artificial development of vigorous hybrid crops.}, }
@article {pmid30376564, year = {2018}, author = {Richter, A and Gándara, AM and Silva, F and Brante, A}, title = {The alien slipper limpet Crepipatella dilatata (Lamarck, 1819) in northern Spain: A multidisciplinary approach to its taxonomic identification and invasive biology.}, journal = {PloS one}, volume = {13}, number = {10}, pages = {e0205739}, pmid = {30376564}, issn = {1932-6203}, mesh = {Animal Distribution ; Animal Shells/anatomy &amp; histology ; Animals ; Behavior, Animal/*physiology ; Female ; Gastropoda/anatomy &amp; histology/classification/*physiology ; *Introduced Species ; Male ; Phylogeny ; *Sex Characteristics ; *Sex Ratio ; Social Behavior ; Spain ; }, abstract = {The slipper limpet Crepipatella dilatata, native to Chile and Argentina, was introduced in Spain in 2005. The species was thought to inhabit the region of Rias Bajas, yet recently, putative C. dilatata populations have been documented on the coast of north-central Spain and in the Ebro Delta of the Spanish Mediterranean. Here we undertook a multidisciplinary approach to study the invasion biology of this species. Specifically, two geographically distant populations, one being a successfully established population from O Grove and the other a declining population from Gijon, were studied over the course of four years. Analyses of morphological and developmental traits as well as genetic information confirmed the presence of C. dilatata in these sites. The results revealed polymorphism in anatomical traits and shell shape. Shell shape polymorphism was unevenly distributed among sites and among sexes. Males were monomorphic, while females were polymorphic. Of the female morphotypes encountered, one was absent in the declining population from Gijón. Size at first female maturation and female size were greater in the declining population than in the established population. Reproductive success varied seasonally but not spatially among populations. In the established population, gregariousness was significantly greater; the size when sex changes was found to be plastic and socially controlled. The sex ratio of the declining population was female biased while in the established population the sex ratio changed during the study period from being balanced to being female biased. This change in sex ratio was probably due to higher male mortality. Molecular analyses pointed to the localities of Corral Bay in southern Chile and Puerto Madryn in southern Argentina as potential population sources. The intercontinental import of fresh mussels cultivated in Chilean farms is a likely source of this mussel in Spain. Comparison with available data of native populations of C. dilatata strongly indicate that ecophenotypic plasticity, socially controlled sex change, high gregariousness, increased nurse egg supply to viable larvae during the encapsulated developmental period, later maturation and larger female sizes altogether enhance establishment success of this non-indigenous species. Human-mediated factors like the intraregional mussel trade and transplantation are also likely secondary dispersal mechanisms favouring the spread of this organism.}, }
@article {pmid30375415, year = {2018}, author = {Cao, Y and Xiao, Y and Zhang, S and Hu, W}, title = {Simulated warming enhances biological invasion of Solidago canadensis and Bidens frondosa by increasing reproductive investment and altering flowering phenology pattern.}, journal = {Scientific reports}, volume = {8}, number = {1}, pages = {16073}, pmid = {30375415}, issn = {2045-2322}, support = {41561012//National Natural Science Foundation of China (National Science Foundation of China)/ ; 31360099//National Natural Science Foundation of China (National Science Foundation of China)/ ; 31360138//National Natural Science Foundation of China (National Science Foundation of China)/ ; }, abstract = {Phenological and reproductive shifts of plants due to climate change may have important influences on population dynamics. Climate change may also affect invasive species by changing their phenology and reproduction, but few studies have explored this possibility. Here, we investigated the impact of climate change on the phenology, reproduction and invasion potential of two alien Solidago canadensis and Bidens frondosa and one native weed, Pterocypsela laciniata, all of which are in the Asteraceae family. The three species responded to simulated climate change by increasing reproductive investments and root/leaf ratio, prolonging flowering duration, and while the two alien species also displayed a mass-flowering pattern. Moreover, our experimental results indicated that the alien invasive species may have greater phenological plasticity in response to simulated warming than that of the native species (P. laciniata). As such, climate change may enhance the invasion and accelerate the invasive process of these alien plant species.}, }
@article {pmid30373820, year = {2018}, author = {Hedges, SB and Cohen, WB and Timyan, J and Yang, Z}, title = {Haiti's biodiversity threatened by nearly complete loss of primary forest.}, journal = {Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the United States of America}, volume = {115}, number = {46}, pages = {11850-11855}, pmid = {30373820}, issn = {1091-6490}, mesh = {Amphibians ; Animal Distribution/physiology ; Animals ; Biodiversity ; Climate Change ; Conservation of Natural Resources/economics/*statistics &amp; numerical data ; Ecosystem ; *Extinction, Biological ; *Forests ; Haiti ; Humans ; Reptiles ; Tropical Climate ; }, abstract = {Tropical forests hold most of Earth's biodiversity. Their continued loss through deforestation and agriculture is the main threat to species globally, more than disease, invasive species, and climate change. However, not all tropical forests have the same ability to sustain biodiversity. Those that have been disturbed by humans, including forests previously cleared and regrown (secondary growth), have lower levels of species richness compared with undisturbed (primary) forests. The difference is even greater considering extinctions that will later emanate from the disturbance (extinction debt). Here, we find that Haiti has less than 1% of its original primary forest and is therefore among the most deforested countries. Primary forest has declined over three decades inside national parks, and 42 of the 50 highest and largest mountains have lost all primary forest. Our surveys of vertebrate diversity (especially amphibians and reptiles) on mountaintops indicates that endemic species have been lost along with the loss of forest. At the current rate, Haiti will lose essentially all of its primary forest during the next two decades and is already undergoing a mass extinction of its biodiversity because of deforestation. These findings point to the need, in general, for better reporting of forest cover data of relevance to biodiversity, instead of &quot;total forest&quot; as defined by the United Nation's Food and Agricultural Organization. Expanded detection and monitoring of primary forest globally will improve the efficiency of conservation measures, inside and outside of protected areas.}, }
@article {pmid30372159, year = {2019}, author = {Brewer, MJ and Peairs, FB and Elliott, NC}, title = {Invasive Cereal Aphids of North America: Ecology and Pest Management.}, journal = {Annual review of entomology}, volume = {64}, number = {}, pages = {73-93}, doi = {10.1146/annurev-ento-011118-111838}, pmid = {30372159}, issn = {1545-4487}, abstract = {Aphid invasions of North American cereal crops generally have started with colonization of a new region or crop, followed by range expansion and outbreaks that vary in frequency and scale owing to geographically variable influences. To improve understanding of this process and management, we compare the invasion ecology of and management response to three cereal aphids: sugarcane aphid, Russian wheat aphid, and greenbug. The region exploited is determined primarily by climate and host plant availability. Once an area is permanently or annually colonized, outbreak intensity is also affected by natural enemies and managed inputs, such as aphid-resistant cultivars and insecticides. Over time, increases in natural enemy abundance and diversity, improved compatibility among management tactics, and limited threshold-based insecticide use have likely increased resilience of aphid regulation. Application of pest management foundational practices followed by a focus on compatible strategies are relevant worldwide. Area-wide pest management is most appropriate to large-scale cereal production systems, as exemplified in the Great Plains of North America.}, }
@article {pmid30369624, year = {2018}, author = {Kujawska, M and Zamudio, F and Montti, L and Piriz Carrillo, V}, title = {Effects of Landscape Structure on Medicinal Plant Richness in Home Gardens: Evidence for the Environmental Scarcity Compensation Hypothesis.}, journal = {Economic botany}, volume = {72}, number = {2}, pages = {150-165}, pmid = {30369624}, issn = {0013-0001}, abstract = {Our research involves of how Paraguayan migrants who are living in Misiones, Argentina, manage medicinal plants in home gardens, and how this practice can be related to the landscape. We examine the relationship between the richness of home garden medicinal plants and landscape variables (e.g., distance to the forest) by applying PLS analysis, which combines principal component analysis with linear regression. We surveyed 60 home gardens localized in a rural area, and we characterized the surrounding landscape with geospatial tools. Paraguayans' home gardens are extremely diverse sites (total of 136 medicinal species), where both native (82) and introduced species (50) are managed. People who live close to the native forest or mixed use areas (e.g., farms, secondary vegetation) tend to possess less native plants in their gardens because they are available nearby. While gardeners, who live in proximity to tree crops (e.g., pine plantations), have reduced access to wild medicinal resources; therefore, their effort is concentrated on maintaining native plants. These results reflect a relationship between accessibility to medicinal plants in the landscape and the management practices in the home gardens, a neglected driver in explaining the richness and composition of the medicinal plants in home gardens so far. Thus, we contributed evidence in support of the environmental scarcity compensation hypothesis. Finally, our study supports the idea that home gardens appear to function as a springboard for plant domestication.}, }
@article {pmid30368959, year = {2018}, author = {Eyer, PA and Matsuura, K and Vargo, EL and Kobayashi, K and Yashiro, T and Suehiro, W and Himuro, C and Yokoi, T and Guénard, B and Dunn, RR and Tsuji, K}, title = {Inbreeding tolerance as a pre-adapted trait for invasion success in the invasive ant Brachyponera chinensis.}, journal = {Molecular ecology}, volume = {27}, number = {23}, pages = {4711-4724}, doi = {10.1111/mec.14910}, pmid = {30368959}, issn = {1365-294X}, support = {21247006//KAKENHI/ ; 23405011//KAKENHI/ ; 15H02652//KAKENHI/ ; 15H04425//KAKENHI/ ; 25221206//Japan Society for the Promotion of Science/ ; //Texas A&amp;M Endowment in Urban Entomology/ ; }, abstract = {Identifying traits that facilitate species introductions and successful invasions of ecosystems represents a key issue in ecology. Following their establishment into new environments, many non-native species exhibit phenotypic plasticity with post-introduction changes in behaviour, morphology or life history traits that allow them to overcome the presumed loss of genetic diversity resulting in inbreeding and reduced adaptive potential. Here, we present a unique strategy in the invasive ant Brachyponera chinensis (Emery), in which inbreeding tolerance is a pre-adapted trait for invasion success, allowing this ant to cope with genetic depletion following a genetic bottleneck. We report for the first time that inbreeding is not a consequence of the founder effect following introduction, but it is due to mating between sister queens and their brothers that pre-exists in native populations which may have helped it circumvent the cost of invasion. We show that a genetic bottleneck does not affect the genetic diversity or the level of heterozygosity within colonies and suggest that generations of sib-mating in native populations may have reduced inbreeding depression through purifying selection of deleterious alleles. This work highlights how a unique life history may pre-adapt some species for biological invasions.}, }
@article {pmid30368794, year = {2018}, author = {Haram, LE and Kinney, KA and Sotka, EE and Byers, JE}, title = {Mixed effects of an introduced ecosystem engineer on the foraging behavior and habitat selection of predators.}, journal = {Ecology}, volume = {99}, number = {12}, pages = {2751-2762}, doi = {10.1002/ecy.2495}, pmid = {30368794}, issn = {0012-9658}, support = {OCE-1057707//NSF/ ; OCE-1057713//NSF/ ; OCE-1357386//NSF/ ; NA12NOS4200089//NOAA National Estuarine Research Reserve/ ; }, abstract = {Invasive ecosystem engineers both positively and negatively affect their recipient ecosystems by generating novel habitats. Many studies have focused on alterations to ecosystem properties and to native species diversity and abundance caused by invasive engineers. However, relatively few studies have documented the extent to which behaviors of native species are affected. The red seaweed Gracilaria vermiculophylla (Rhodophyta) invaded estuaries of the southeastern United States within the last few decades and now provides abundant aboveground vegetative cover on intertidal mudflats that were historically devoid of seaweeds. We hypothesized that G. vermiculophylla would affect the foraging behavior of native shorebirds positively for birds that target seaweed-associated invertebrates or negatively for birds that target prey on or within the sediment now covered with seaweed. Visual surveys of mudflats >1 ha in size revealed that more shorebirds occurred on mudflats with G. vermiculophylla relative to mudflats without G. vermiculophylla. This increased density was consistent across 7 of 8 species, with the one exception being the semipalmated plover Charadrius semipalmatus. A regression-based analysis indicated that while algal presence predicted shorebird density, densities of some bird species depended on sediment composition and infaunal invertebrate densities. At smaller spatial scales (200 m2 and <1 m2), experimental removals and additions of G. vermiculophylla and focal observations showed strong variation in behavioral response to G. vermiculophylla among bird species. Birds preferentially foraged in bare mud (e.g., C. semipalmatus), in G. vermiculophylla (e.g., Arenaria interpres), or displayed no preference for either habitat (e.g., Tringa semipalmata). Thus, while the presence of the invasive ecosystem engineer on a mudflat appeared to attract greater numbers of these predators, shorebird species differed in their behavioral responses at the smaller spatial scales that affect their foraging. Our research illuminates the need to account for species identity, individual behavior, and scale when predicting the impacts of invasive species on native communities.}, }
@article {pmid30367870, year = {2018}, author = {Rueckert, S and Glasinovich, N and Diez, ME and Cremonte, F and Vázquez, N}, title = {Morphology and molecular systematic of marine gregarines (Apicomplexa) from Southwestern Atlantic spionid polychaetes.}, journal = {Journal of invertebrate pathology}, volume = {159}, number = {}, pages = {49-60}, doi = {10.1016/j.jip.2018.10.010}, pmid = {30367870}, issn = {1096-0805}, abstract = {Gregarines are a common group of parasites that infect the intestines of marine invertebrates, and particularly polychaetes. Here, we describe for the first time four gregarine species that inhabit the intestines of three spionid species: Dipolydora cf. flava, Spio quadrisetosa and Boccardia proboscidea from the Patagonian coast, Argentina, using light and scanning electron microscopy and molecular phylogenetic analyses of small subunit (SSU) rDNA sequences. Even though the spionid species thrive in the same environments, our results showed a high host specificity of the gregarine species. Selenidium cf. axiferens and Polyrhabdina aff. polydorae were both identified from the intestine of D. cf. flava. The new species, Polyrhabdina madrynense sp. n. and Selenidium patagonica sp. n., were described from the intestines of S. quadrisetosa and the invasive species B. proboscidea, respectively. All specimens of D. cf. flava and S. quadrisetosa were infected by gregarines (P = 100%), recording the highest mean intensity values of infection (MI = 80; 60 respectively), in contrast to B. proboscidea (P = 60%; MI = 38). We associated this finding with the recent invasion of this host. It is expected that in the future, an increase of its population density might favour a rising intensity of this gregarine infection.}, }
@article {pmid30367580, year = {2018}, author = {Wang, S and Wang, C and Wang, S and Ma, L}, title = {Big data analysis for evaluating bioinvasion risk.}, journal = {BMC bioinformatics}, volume = {19}, number = {Suppl 9}, pages = {287}, doi = {10.1186/s12859-018-2272-5}, pmid = {30367580}, issn = {1471-2105}, mesh = {Animals ; Aquatic Organisms ; Data Mining/*methods ; *Ecosystem ; *Introduced Species ; *Models, Theoretical ; Oceans and Seas ; Ships ; *Transportation ; *Waste Disposal, Fluid ; }, abstract = {BACKGROUND: Global maritime trade plays an important role in the modern transportation industry. It brings significant economic profit along with bioinvasion risk. Species translocate and establish in a non-native area through ballast water and biofouling. Aiming at aquatic bioinvasion issue, people proposed various suggestions for bioinvasion management. Nonetheless, these suggestions only focus on the chance of a port been affected but ignore the port's ability to further spread the invaded species.<br><br>RESULTS: To tackle the issues of the existing work, we propose a biosecurity triggering mechanism, where the bioinvasion risk of a port is estimated according to both the invaded risk of a port and its power of being a stepping-stone. To compute the invaded risk, we utilize the automatic identification system data, the ballast water data and marine environmental data. According to the invaded risk of ports, we construct a species invasion network (SIN). The incoming bioinvasion risk is derived from invaded risk data while the invasion risk spreading capability of each port is evaluated by s-core decomposition of SIN.<br><br>CONCLUSIONS: We illustrate 100 ports in the world that have the highest bioinvasion risk when the invaded risk and stepping-stone bioinvasion risk are equally treated. There are two bioinvasion risk intensive regions, namely the Western Europe (including the Western European margin and the Mediterranean) and the Asia-Pacific, which are just the region with a high growth rate of non-indigenous species and the area that has been identified as a source for many of non-indigenous species discovered elsewhere (especially the Asian clam, which is assumed to be the most invasive species worldwide).}, }
@article {pmid30367244, year = {2018}, author = {Freedman, MG and Miller, RH and Rogers, HS}, title = {Landscape-level bird loss increases the prevalence of honeydew-producing insects and non-native ants.}, journal = {Oecologia}, volume = {188}, number = {4}, pages = {1263-1272}, pmid = {30367244}, issn = {1432-1939}, support = {DEB-1258148//National Science Foundation/ ; }, abstract = {Bird exclusion experiments consistently show that birds exhibit strong top-down control of arthropods, including ants and the honeydew-producing insects (HPIs) that they tend. However, it remains unclear whether the results of these small-scale bird exclosure experiments can be extrapolated to larger spatial scales. In this study, we use a natural bird removal experiment to compare the prevalence of ants and HPIs between Guam, an island whose bird community has been extirpated since the 1980s due to the introduction of the brown tree snake, and two nearby islands (Rota and Saipan) that have more intact bird assemblages. Consistent with smaller-scale bird exclosure experiments, we show that (1) forest trees from Guam are significantly more likely to host HPIs than trees from Saipan and (2) ants are nearly four times as abundant on Guam than on both Saipan and Rota. The prevalence of HPIs varied slightly based on tree species identity, although these effects were not as strong as island-level effects associated with bird loss. Ant community composition differed between Guam and the other two islands. These results corroborate past observational studies showing increased spider densities on Guam and suggest that trophic changes associated with landscape-level bird extirpation may also involve alterations in the abundance of ants and HPIs. This study also provides a clear example of the strong indirect effects that invasive species can have on natural food webs.}, }
@article {pmid30366333, year = {2019}, author = {Lago, M and Boteler, B and Rouillard, J and Abhold, K and Jähnig, SC and Iglesias-Campos, A and Delacámara, G and Piet, GJ and Hein, T and Nogueira, AJA and Lillebø, AI and Strosser, P and Robinson, LA and De Wever, A and O'Higgins, T and Schlüter, M and Török, L and Reichert, P and van Ham, C and Villa, F and Hugh, M}, title = {Introducing the H2020 AQUACROSS project: Knowledge, Assessment, and Management for AQUAtic Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services aCROSS EU policies.}, journal = {The Science of the total environment}, volume = {652}, number = {}, pages = {320-329}, doi = {10.1016/j.scitotenv.2018.10.076}, pmid = {30366333}, issn = {1879-1026}, mesh = {*Biodiversity ; Conservation of Natural Resources/*methods ; *Ecosystem ; *Environmental Monitoring ; *Environmental Policy ; Europe ; Eutrophication ; Fisheries ; Fresh Water ; }, abstract = {The AQUACROSS project was an unprecedented effort to unify policy concepts, knowledge, and management of freshwater, coastal, and marine ecosystems to support the cost-effective achievement of the targets set by the EU Biodiversity Strategy to 2020. AQUACROSS aimed to support EU efforts to enhance the resilience and stop the loss of biodiversity of aquatic ecosystems as well as to ensure the ongoing and future provision of aquatic ecosystem services. The project focused on advancing the knowledge base and application of Ecosystem-Based Management. Through elaboration of eight diverse case studies in freshwater and marine and estuarine aquatic ecosystem across Europe covering a range of environmental management problems including, eutrophication, sustainable fisheries as well as invasive alien species AQUACROSS demonstrated the application of a common framework to establish cost-effective measures and integrated Ecosystem-Based Management practices. AQUACROSS analysed the EU policy framework (i.e. goals, concepts, time frames) for aquatic ecosystems and built on knowledge stemming from different sources (i.e. WISE, BISE, Member State reporting within different policy processes, modelling) to develop innovative management tools, concepts, and business models (i.e. indicators, maps, ecosystem assessments, participatory approaches, mechanisms for promoting the delivery of ecosystem services) for aquatic ecosystems at various scales of space and time and relevant to different ecosystem types.}, }
@article {pmid30364550, year = {2018}, author = {Wyckhuys, KAG and Wongtiem, P and Rauf, A and Thancharoen, A and Heimpel, GE and Le, NTT and Fanani, MZ and Gurr, GM and Lundgren, JG and Burra, DD and Palao, LK and Hyman, G and Graziosi, I and Le, VX and Cock, MJW and Tscharntke, T and Wratten, SD and Nguyen, LV and You, M and Lu, Y and Ketelaar, JW and Goergen, G and Neuenschwander, P}, title = {Continental-scale suppression of an invasive pest by a host-specific parasitoid underlines both environmental and economic benefits of arthropod biological control.}, journal = {PeerJ}, volume = {6}, number = {}, pages = {e5796}, pmid = {30364550}, issn = {2167-8359}, abstract = {Biological control, a globally-important ecosystem service, can provide long-term and broad-scale suppression of invasive pests, weeds and pathogens in natural, urban and agricultural environments. Following (few) historic cases that led to sizeable environmental up-sets, the discipline of arthropod biological control has-over the past decades-evolved and matured. Now, by deliberately taking into account the ecological risks associated with the planned introduction of insect natural enemies, immense environmental and societal benefits can be gained. In this study, we document and analyze a successful case of biological control against the cassava mealybug, Phenacoccus manihoti (Hemiptera: Pseudococcidae) which invaded Southeast Asia in 2008, where it caused substantial crop losses and triggered two- to three-fold surges in agricultural commodity prices. In 2009, the host-specific parasitoid Anagyrus lopezi (Hymenoptera: Encyrtidae) was released in Thailand and subsequently introduced into neighboring Asian countries. Drawing upon continental-scale insect surveys, multi-year population studies and (field-level) experimental assays, we show how A. lopezi attained intermediate to high parasitism rates across diverse agro-ecological contexts. Driving mealybug populations below non-damaging levels over a broad geographical area, A. lopezi allowed yield recoveries up to 10.0 t/ha and provided biological control services worth several hundred dollars per ha (at local farm-gate prices) in Asia's four-million ha cassava crop. Our work provides lessons to invasion science and crop protection worldwide. Furthermore, it accentuates the importance of scientifically-guided biological control for insect pest management, and highlights its potentially large socio-economic benefits to agricultural sustainability in the face of a debilitating invasive pest. In times of unrelenting insect invasions, surging pesticide use and accelerating biodiversity loss across the globe, this study demonstrates how biological control-as a pure public good endeavor-constitutes a powerful, cost-effective and environmentally-responsible solution for invasive species mitigation.}, }
@article {pmid30364057, year = {2018}, author = {Duffy, L and De Wilde, L and Spellman, K and Dunlap, K and Dainowski, B and McCullough, S and Luick, B and van Muelken, M}, title = {Resilience and Adaptation: Yukon River Watershed Contaminant Risk Indicators.}, journal = {Scientifica}, volume = {2018}, number = {}, pages = {8421513}, pmid = {30364057}, issn = {2090-908X}, abstract = {River watersheds are among the most complex terrestrial features in Alaska, performing valuable ecosystem functions and providing services for human society. Rivers are vital to both estuarine and aquatic biota and play important roles in biogeochemical cycles and physical processes. The functions of watersheds have been used as vulnerability indicators for ecosystem and socioeconomic resilience. Despite a long history of human activity, the Yukon River has not received the holistic and interdisciplinary attention given to the other great American river systems. By using hypothesis-based monitoring of key watershed functions, we can gain insight to regime-shifting stresses such as fire, toxins, and invasive species development. Coupling adaptive risk management practices involving stakeholders with place-based education, especially contaminants and nutrition related, can maintain resilience within communities. The Yukon watershed provides a broadscale opportunity for communities to monitor the environment, manage resources, and contribute to stewardship policy formation. Monitoring keystone species and community activities, such as citizen science, are critical first steps to following changes to resiliency throughout the Yukon watershed. Creating a policy environment that encourages local experimentation and innovation contributes to resilience maintenance during development-imposed stress.}, }
@article {pmid30363773, year = {2018}, author = {Shechonge, A and Ngatunga, BP and Tamatamah, R and Bradbeer, SJ and Harrington, J and Ford, AGP and Turner, GF and Genner, MJ}, title = {Losing cichlid fish biodiversity: genetic and morphological homogenization of tilapia following colonization by introduced species.}, journal = {Conservation genetics (Print)}, volume = {19}, number = {5}, pages = {1199-1209}, pmid = {30363773}, issn = {1566-0621}, abstract = {Among the many negative impacts of invasive species, hybridization with indigenous species has increasingly become recognized as a major issue. However, relatively few studies have characterized the phenotypic outcomes of hybridization following biological invasions. Here we investigate the genetic and morphological consequences of stocking invasive tilapia species in two water bodies in central Tanzania. We sampled individuals from the Mindu Reservoir on the Ruvu river system, and at Kidatu on the Great Ruaha-Rufiji river system. We screened individuals at 16 microsatellite loci, and quantified morphology using geometric morphometrics and linear measurements. In both the Mindu and Kidatu systems, we identified evidence of hybridization between indigenous Wami tilapia (Oreochromis urolepis) and the introduced Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) or blue-spotted tilapia (Oreochromis leucostictus). At both sites, purebred individuals could largely be separated using geometric morphometric variables, with hybrids occupying a broad morphospace among the parental species. Our data demonstrate that the gene pools and phenotypic identity of the indigenous O. urolepis have been severely impacted by the stocking of the invasive species. Given the lack of evidence for clear commercial benefits from stocking invasive tilapia species in waters already populated by indigenous congenerics, we suggest further spread of introduced species should be undertaken with considerable caution.}, }
@article {pmid30361763, year = {2018}, author = {Timóteo, S and O'Connor, CJ and López-Núñez, FA and Costa, JM and Gouveia, AC and Heleno, RH}, title = {Pollination networks from natural and anthropogenic-novel communities show high structural similarity.}, journal = {Oecologia}, volume = {188}, number = {4}, pages = {1155-1165}, pmid = {30361763}, issn = {1432-1939}, support = {IF/00441/2013//Fundação para a Ciência e a Tecnologia/ ; SFRH/BD/130942/2017//Fundação para a Ciência e a Tecnologia/ ; SFRH/BD/96292/2013//Fundação para a Ciência e a Tecnologia/ ; }, abstract = {The Anthropocene is marked by an unprecedented homogenisation of the world's biota, confronting species that never co-occurred during their evolutionary histories. Interactions established in these novel communities may affect ecosystem functioning; however, most research has focused on the impacts of a minority of aggressive invasive species, while changes inflicted by a less conspicuous majority of non-invasive alien species on community structure are still poorly understood. This information is critical to guide conservation strategies, and instrumental to advance ecological theory, particularly to understand how non-native species integrate in recipient communities and affect the interactions of native species. We evaluated how the structure of 50 published pollination networks changes with the proportion of alien plant species and found that network structure is largely unaffected. Although some communities were heavily invaded, the proportion of alien plant species was relatively low (mean = 10%; max. = 38%). We further characterized the pollination network in a botanic garden with a plant community dominated by non-invasive alien species (85%). We show that the structure of this novel community is also not markedly different from native-dominated communities. Plant-pollinator interactions revealed no obvious differences regarding plant origin (native vs. alien) or the native bioregion of the introduced plants. This overall similarity between native and alien plants is likely driven by the contrasting patterns of invasive plants (promoting generalism), and non-invasive aliens, suggested here to promote specialization.}, }
@article {pmid30360500, year = {2018}, author = {Qazi, SS and Lombardo, DA and Abou-Zaid, MM}, title = {A Metabolomic and HPLC-MS/MS Analysis of the Foliar Phenolics, Flavonoids and Coumarins of the Fraxinus Species Resistant and Susceptible to Emerald Ash Borer.}, journal = {Molecules (Basel, Switzerland)}, volume = {23}, number = {11}, pages = {}, pmid = {30360500}, issn = {1420-3049}, support = {N.A//Natural Resources Canada/ ; }, mesh = {Animals ; *Chromatography, High Pressure Liquid ; Coleoptera ; Coumarins/*chemistry ; Flavonoids/*chemistry ; Fraxinus/*chemistry/*parasitology ; Metabolome ; *Metabolomics ; Molecular Structure ; Phenols/*chemistry ; *Tandem Mass Spectrometry ; }, abstract = {The Emerald Ash Borer (EAB), Agrilus planipennis, Fairmaire, an Asian invasive alien buprestid has devastated tens of millions of ash trees (Fraxinus spp.) in North America. Foliar phytochemicals of the genus Fraxinus (Oleaceae): Fraxinus pennsylvanica (Green ash), F. americana (White ash), F. profunda (Bush) Bush. (Pumpkin ash), F. quadrangulata Michx. (Blue ash), F. nigra Marsh. (Black ash) and F. mandshurica (Manchurian ash) were investigated using HPLC-MS/MS and untargeted metabolomics. HPLC-MS/MS help identified 26 compounds, including phenolics, flavonoids and coumarins in varying amounts. Hydroxycoumarins, esculetin, esculin, fraxetin, fraxin, fraxidin and scopoletin were isolated from blue, black and Manchurian ashes. High-throughput metabolomics revealed 35 metabolites, including terpenes, secoiridoids and lignans. Metabolomic profiling indicated several upregulated putative compounds from Manchurian ash, especially fraxinol, ligstroside, oleuropin, matairesinol, pinoresinol glucoside, 8-hydroxypinoresinol-4-glucoside, verbenalin, hydroxytyrosol-1-O-glucoside, totarol and ar-artemisene. Further, dicyclomine, aphidicolin, parthenolide, famciclovir, ar-turmerone and myriocin were identified upregulated in blue ash. Principal component analysis demonstrated a clear separation between Manchurian and blue ashes from black, green, white and pumpkin ashes. The presence of defensive compounds upregulated in Manchurian ash, suggests their potential role in providing constitutive resistance to EAB, and reflects its co-evolutionary history with A. planipennis, where they appear to coexist in their native habitats.}, }
@article {pmid30359392, year = {2018}, author = {Kading, RC and Golnar, AJ and Hamer, SA and Hamer, GL}, title = {Advanced surveillance and preparedness to meet a new era of invasive vectors and emerging vector-borne diseases.}, journal = {PLoS neglected tropical diseases}, volume = {12}, number = {10}, pages = {e0006761}, pmid = {30359392}, issn = {1935-2735}, mesh = {Animals ; Communicable Diseases, Emerging/*epidemiology/*veterinary ; *Epidemiological Monitoring ; Humans ; Insect Vectors/*growth &amp; development ; *Introduced Species ; }, }
@article {pmid30356269, year = {2018}, author = {Caruso, N and Valenzuela, AEJ and Burdett, CL and Luengos Vidal, EM and Birochio, D and Casanave, EB}, title = {Summer habitat use and activity patterns of wild boar Sus scrofa in rangelands of central Argentina.}, journal = {PloS one}, volume = {13}, number = {10}, pages = {e0206513}, pmid = {30356269}, issn = {1932-6203}, abstract = {Biological invasions are one of the main components of human-caused global change and their negative impact on invaded ecosystems have long been recognized. Invasive mammals, in particular, can threaten native biodiversity and cause economic impacts in the region where they are introduced, often through a wide range of conflicts with humans. Although the wild boar, Sus scrofa, is considered by the IUCN as one of the 100 invasive species most damaging to biodiversity in the world, in Argentina there have only been a few studies focused on its ecology with most of them conducted in protected areas. In this study, we evaluated the effect of several factors related with human disturbance, landscape composition, degree of fragmentation and the presence of a potential competitor and a predator on the habitat use of wild boar using data from camera traps and site-occupancy modeling. Additionally, we described the daily activity pattern of the species and we studied the level of overlap with both a potential competitor and a predator. The sampling effort totaled 7,054 camera trap days. Farm density, proportion of shrubland and proportion of grassland with bushes were the detection variables included in the most supported model whereas proportion of grassland and capture rate of the Pampas fox Lycalopex gymnocercus were the occupancy variables included in the most supported model. However, the proportion of grassland was the only variable that showed statistically significant support in the averaged model, indicating that habitat use of wild boar in this area was significantly negatively affected by the level of grass cover. Wild boars were mostly nocturnal, with more activity between 21:00 and 3:00 and a peak around midnight. Wild boars showed a high level of overlap with the activity pattern of the Pampas fox and a low overlap with the activity pattern of the puma Puma concolor. Despite wild boar being introduced in Argentina a few decades ago, this study is the first landscape-scale research carried out in an agricultural landscape in Argentina and the first one based on camera-trapping data. Our study contributes valuable information that could be used to design strategies to reduce wild boar population or to minimize the damage caused by this invasive species in Argentina.}, }
@article {pmid30353234, year = {2019}, author = {Ondračková, M and Fojtů, J and Seifertová, M and Kvach, Y and Jurajda, P}, title = {Non-native parasitic copepod Neoergasilus japonicus (Harada, 1930) utilizes non-native fish host Lepomis gibbosus (L.) in the floodplain of the River Dyje (Danube basin).}, journal = {Parasitology research}, volume = {118}, number = {1}, pages = {57-62}, doi = {10.1007/s00436-018-6114-1}, pmid = {30353234}, issn = {1432-1955}, support = {P505/12/G112//Grantová Agentura České Republiky/ ; }, mesh = {Animal Fins/parasitology ; Animals ; Copepoda/*physiology ; Czech Republic/epidemiology ; Ectoparasitic Infestations/parasitology/*veterinary ; Female ; Fish Diseases/*parasitology ; Introduced Species ; Perciformes/*parasitology ; Rivers/parasitology ; }, abstract = {The parasitic copepod Neoergasilus japonicus (Harada, 1930) (Ergasilidae), native to east Asia, is widely distributed in Asia, Europe, and North and Central America. Recently, this species appeared in lentic water bodies of the River Dyje floodplain (Danube basin, Czech Republic). It was first recorded in 2015 and in 2 years it reached a 100% prevalence in recently expanding non-native fish host, Lepomis gibbosus (Linnaeus, 1758) (Centrarchidae, native to North America) at two borrow pits. Abundance of N. japonicus increased with fish length, with maximum intensity of infection reaching 99 parasites per fish. The parasite was most frequently found attached to the dorsal and anal fins of fish, while preference for the dorsal fin was more evident with lower infection intensities. Utilization of expanding fish hosts in water bodies that are regularly interconnected via natural or managed flooding may support the rapid dispersal of this non-native parasite.}, }
@article {pmid30352227, year = {2019}, author = {Ma, L and Cao, LJ and Gong, YJ and Hoffmann, AA and Zeng, AP and Wei, SJ and Zhou, ZS}, title = {Development of novel microsatellites for population genetic analysis of Phenacoccus solenopsis Tinsley (Hemipeta: Pseudoccoccidae) based on genomic analysis.}, journal = {International journal of biological macromolecules}, volume = {121}, number = {}, pages = {1135-1144}, doi = {10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2018.10.143}, pmid = {30352227}, issn = {1879-0003}, mesh = {Animals ; Genetics, Population ; *Genomics ; Hemiptera/*genetics ; Introduced Species ; Microsatellite Repeats/*genetics ; Sequence Analysis, DNA ; }, abstract = {The cotton mealybug, Phenacoccus solenopsis Tinsley (Hemipeta: Pseudoccoccidae), is an aggressively invasive pest causing huge economic losses of crops around the world. In this study, we developed genome-wide microsatellites for population genetic analysis of P. solenopsis. We obtained a random genome of P. solenopsis with a size of 267.07 Mb and scaffold N50 of 14.12 Kb. In total 115,639 microsatellites were isolated from the genome, of which those with trinucleotide motifs were the most abundant. Forty-two polymorphic loci were selected for primer validation based on three populations. Allele numbers varied from 2 to 5 with an average value of 2.5 per locus, and allelic richness ranged from 1.00 to 4.48. The observed heterozygosity (H0) and expected heterozygosity (HE) ranged from 0.00 to 0.92 and 0.00 to 0.73, respectively. Population genetic structure analysis based on the developed markers revealed strong differentiation between three populations of P. solenopsis collected from its invasive range in China. The microsatellites developed in our study should provide efficient genetic markers for population level studies of P. solenopsis to reveal invasion history and patterns of dispersal.}, }
@article {pmid30351361, year = {2019}, author = {Cui, J and Zhu, SY and Gao, Y and Bi, R and Xu, Z and Shi, SS}, title = {Comparative Transcriptome Analysis of Megacopta cribraria (Hemiptera: Plataspidae) in Response to High-Temperature Stress.}, journal = {Journal of economic entomology}, volume = {112}, number = {1}, pages = {407-415}, doi = {10.1093/jee/toy330}, pmid = {30351361}, issn = {1938-291X}, abstract = {Kudzu bug, Megacopta cribraria (Fabricius), is mainly distributed in southern China and has been considered an invasive species in the southeastern United States. Megacopta cribraria is a soybean pest with high-temperature resistance, but the molecular mechanisms underlying its thermal adaptation are largely unknown. Here, we performed comparative transcriptome analysis to unravel the molecular response of M. cribraria toward high-temperature stress. Following RNA-seq, we identified 93,959 assembled unigenes, 14,073 of which were annotated in M. cribraria transcriptome libraries. In addition, 127 differentially expressed unigenes (DEGs) were detected, 88 of them were significantly upregulated, whereas the remaining 39 genes were significantly downregulated. Functional classification revealed that the pathways of metabolic process, cellular processes, and single-organism processes were considered to be significantly enriched. In the COG classification, DEGs were mainly localized into O: post-translational modification, protein turnover, chaperone. Moreover, protein processing in endoplasmic reticulum and linoleic acid metabolism were significantly enriched among the 38 KEGG pathways. Further gene annotation analysis indicated that nine heat shock protein-related genes were significantly upregulated. Finally, five HSP DEGs were selected for real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction validation and demonstrated a similar upregulation trend with RNA-seq expression profiles. Taken altogether, these findings provide new insights into the molecular mechanisms of thermal adaptation in M. cribraria.}, }
@article {pmid30351305, year = {2018}, author = {Brown, PMJ and Roy, DB and Harrower, C and Dean, HJ and Rorke, SL and Roy, HE}, title = {Spread of a model invasive alien species, the harlequin ladybird Harmonia axyridis in Britain and Ireland.}, journal = {Scientific data}, volume = {5}, number = {}, pages = {180239}, pmid = {30351305}, issn = {2052-4463}, mesh = {Animals ; *Coleoptera ; *Introduced Species/statistics &amp; numerical data/trends ; Ireland ; United Kingdom ; }, abstract = {Invasive alien species are widely recognized as one of the main threats to global biodiversity. Rapid flow of information on the occurrence of invasive alien species is critical to underpin effective action. Citizen science, i.e. the involvement of volunteers in science, provides an opportunity to improve the information available on invasive alien species. Here we describe the dataset created via a citizen science approach to track the spread of a well-studied invasive alien species, the harlequin ladybird Harmonia axyridis (Coleoptera: Coccinellidae) in Britain and Ireland. This dataset comprises 48 510 verified and validated spatio-temporal records of the occurrence of H. axyridis in Britain and Ireland, from first arrival in 2003, to the end of 2016. A clear and rapid spread of the species within Britain and Ireland is evident. A major reuse value of the dataset is in modelling the spread of an invasive species and applying this to other potential invasive alien species in order to predict and prevent their further spread.}, }
@article {pmid30351223, year = {2019}, author = {Hu, LJ and Wu, XQ and Li, HY and Zhao, Q and Wang, YC and Ye, JR}, title = {An Effector, BxSapB1, Induces Cell Death and Contributes to Virulence in the Pine Wood Nematode Bursaphelenchus xylophilus.}, journal = {Molecular plant-microbe interactions : MPMI}, volume = {32}, number = {4}, pages = {452-463}, doi = {10.1094/MPMI-10-18-0275-R}, pmid = {30351223}, issn = {0894-0282}, abstract = {The pine wood nematode (PWN) Bursaphelenchus xylophilus has caused serious damage to pine forests in China. Effectors secreted by phytonematodes play a role in host infection. We identified and characterized an effector, BxSapB1, based on the B. xylophilus transcriptome at the early stages of infection and the transient expression of proteins in Nicotiana benthamiana. BxSapB1 triggered cell death in N. benthamiana when secreted into the apoplast, and this effect was independent of N. benthamiana brassinosteroid-insensitive 1-associated kinase 1 (NbBAK1) and suppressor of BIR1-1 (NbSOBIR1). The signal peptide of BxSapB1 was proven to be functional in yeast using the yeast signal sequence trap system and BxSapB1 was strongly expressed in the subventral gland cells of B. xylophilus, as revealed by in-situ hybridization. In addition, based on local BLAST analysis, the BxSapB1 showed 100% identity to BUX.s00139.62, which was identified from the B. xylophilus secretome during Pinus thunbergii infection. BxSapB1 was upregulated in a highly virulent strain and downregulated in a weakly virulent strain of PWN at the early stages of infection. RNA interference assays showed that silencing BxSapB1 resulted in decreased expression of pathogenesis-related genes (PtPR-1b, PtPR-3, and PtPR-5) as well as delayed onset of symptoms in P. thunbergii infected by B. xylophilus. The combined data suggest that BxSapB1 can trigger cell death in N. benthamiana and that it contributes to the virulence in B. xylophilus during parasitic interaction.}, }
@article {pmid30348909, year = {2018}, author = {James Harris, D and Halajian, A and Santos, JL and Swanepoel, LH and Taylor, PJ and Xavier, R}, title = {Diversity of haemoprotozoan parasites infecting the wildlife of South Africa.}, journal = {Folia parasitologica}, volume = {65}, number = {}, pages = {}, doi = {10.14411/fp.2018.015}, pmid = {30348909}, issn = {0015-5683}, abstract = {Tissue samples from wildlife from South Africa were opportunistically collected and screened for haemoprotozoan parasites using nonspecific PCR primers. Samples of 127 individuals were tested, comprising over 50 different species. Haemogregarines were the most commonly identified parasites, but sarcocystids and piroplasmids were also detected. Phylogenetic analyses estimated from the 18S rDNA marker highlighted the occurrence of several novel parasite forms and the detection of parasites in novel hosts. Phylogenetic relationships, which have been recently reviewed, appear to be much more complex than previously considered. Our study highlights the high diversity of parasites circulating in wildlife in this biodiverse region, and the need for further studies to resolve taxonomic issues.}, }
@article {pmid30348875, year = {2018}, author = {Derham, TT and Duncan, RP and Johnson, CN and Jones, ME}, title = {Hope and caution: rewilding to mitigate the impacts of biological invasions.}, journal = {Philosophical transactions of the Royal Society of London. Series B, Biological sciences}, volume = {373}, number = {1761}, pages = {}, pmid = {30348875}, issn = {1471-2970}, abstract = {Rewilding is a novel approach to ecological restoration. Trophic rewilding in particular aims to reinstate ecological functions, especially trophic interactions, through the introduction of animals. We consider the potential for trophic rewilding to address biological invasions. In this broad review, we note some of the important conceptual and ethical foundations of rewilding, including a focus on ecosystem function rather than composition, reliance on animal agency, and an appeal to an ethic of coexistence. Second, we use theory from invasion biology to highlight pathways by which rewilding might prevent or mitigate the impacts of an invasion, including increasing biotic resistance. Third, we use a series of case studies to illustrate how reintroductions can mitigate the impacts of invasions. These include reintroductions and positive management of carnivores and herbivores including European pine martens (Martes martes), Eurasian otters (Lutra lutra), dingoes (Canis dingo), Tasmanian devils (Sarcophilus harrisii) and tule elk (Cervus canadensis nannodes). Fourth, we consider the risk that rewilding may enable a biological invasion or aggravate its impacts. Lastly, we highlight lessons that rewilding science might take from invasion biology.This article is part of the theme issue 'Trophic rewilding: consequences for ecosystems under global change'.}, }
@article {pmid30348872, year = {2018}, author = {Tanentzap, AJ and Smith, BR}, title = {Unintentional rewilding: lessons for trophic rewilding from other forms of species introductions.}, journal = {Philosophical transactions of the Royal Society of London. Series B, Biological sciences}, volume = {373}, number = {1761}, pages = {}, pmid = {30348872}, issn = {1471-2970}, abstract = {Trophic rewilding involves adding species into ecosystems to restore extinct, top-down interactions, but limited quantitative data have prevented a systematic attempt to quantify its outcomes. Here, we exploit species introductions that have occurred for purposes other than restoration to inform trophic rewilding. We compiled 51 studies with 158 different responses of lower trophic levels to a species introduction that restored an extinct interaction, whether it intended to do so or not. Unintentional introductions were compared with checklists of extinct animals to identify potential analogues. Using the latest meta-analysis techniques, we found that the few cases of intentional rewilding had similar effects to unintentional rewilding, though there were large taxonomic and geographical biases. We also tested predictions from studies on trophic cascades about the factors that should influence rewilding. Unintentional rewilding was stronger where introduced consumers were non-invasive, but there was no effect of time that compared sites differed in introduction status, latitude or coevolution of responses with a taxonomically related analogue. Our study now shows that rewilding can reinstate extinct trophic interactions and highlights remaining data gaps that need closure to restore ecosystems across larger scales than has been previously possible.This article is part of the theme issue 'Trophic rewilding: consequences for ecosystems under global change'.}, }
@article {pmid30347172, year = {2018}, author = {Yessoufou, K and Bezeng, BS and Gaoue, OG and Bengu, T and van der Bank, M}, title = {Phylogenetically diverse native systems are more resistant to invasive plant species on Robben Island, South Africa 1.}, journal = {Genome}, volume = {}, number = {}, pages = {1-12}, doi = {10.1139/gen-2018-0039}, pmid = {30347172}, issn = {1480-3321}, abstract = {Alien invasive species are problematic both economically and ecologically, particularly on islands. As such, understanding how they interact with their environment is necessary to inform invasive species management. Here, we ask the following questions: What are the main functional traits that correlate with invasion success of alien plants on Robben Island? How does phylogenetic structure shape biotic interactions on the island? Using multiple approaches to explore these questions, we found that alien invasive species flower later during the year and for longer period, although flowering phenology was sensitive to alternative starting date. Additionally, we observed that alien invasive species are mostly abiotically pollinated and are generally hermaphroditic whilst their native counterparts rely on biotic pollinators, flower earlier, and are generally dioecious, suggesting that alien invasive and native species use different ecological niches. Furthermore, we found a facilitative interaction between an alien invasive legume and other invasive plants as predicted by the invasional meltdown hypothesis, but this does not influence the phylogenetic structure of plant communities. Finally, phylogenetically diverse set of native species are less receptive to alien invasive species. Collectively, our findings reveal how biotic interactions and phylogenetic relatedness structure alien invasive - native co-existence.}, }
@article {pmid30346545, year = {2019}, author = {Hallman, GJ and Wang, L and Demirbas Uzel, G and Cancio-Martinez, E and Cáceres-Barrios, CE and Myers, SW and Vreysen, MJB}, title = {Comparison of Populations of Ceratitis capitata (Diptera: Tephritidae) from Three Continents for Susceptibility to Cold Phytosanitary Treatment and Implications for Generic Cold Treatments.}, journal = {Journal of economic entomology}, volume = {112}, number = {1}, pages = {127-133}, doi = {10.1093/jee/toy331}, pmid = {30346545}, issn = {1938-291X}, abstract = {The Mediterranean fruit fly, Ceratitis capitata (Wiedemann) (Diptera: Tephritidae), is arguably the most significant and studied quarantine pest of fresh fruits. There is well over a century of research observations on its response to cold, first as it pertains to shipment of fruits using cold temperatures to preserve fruit quality and how that may aid the survival and distribution of the pest, and then the use of colder temperatures to kill the pest in fruit shipments. Cold tolerance at 1.1°C in three populations of C. capitata generally increased as the insect developed; therefore, the third instar is the most tolerant of the stages that are found in fruit. The three populations did not differ in cold tolerance, indicating that cold phytosanitary treatments against this pest can be harmonized regardless of country of origin of marketed fruit hosts. This study facilitated the approval of some cold treatment schedules for the International Plant Protection Convention treatment manual that were being held up by concerns of possible differences in cold tolerance among C. capitata populations from different countries and points toward the possibility of generic, broadly applicable phytosanitary cold treatments. Most larvae found alive after 9 d of cold treatment did not pupariate and fewer still emerged as adults, indicating that acute larval mortality need not always be the objective of a cold phytosanitary treatment to be efficacious in preventing the establishment of invasive species.}, }
@article {pmid30346103, year = {2019}, author = {Wang, W and Sardans, J and Wang, C and Zeng, C and Tong, C and Chen, G and Huang, J and Pan, H and Peguero, G and Vallicrosa, H and Peñuelas, J}, title = {The response of stocks of C, N, and P to plant invasion in the coastal wetlands of China.}, journal = {Global change biology}, volume = {25}, number = {2}, pages = {733-743}, doi = {10.1111/gcb.14491}, pmid = {30346103}, issn = {1365-2486}, mesh = {Avicennia/physiology ; Biodiversity ; Carbon/*analysis ; China ; *Introduced Species ; Nitrogen/*analysis ; Phosphorus/*analysis ; Plant Dispersal ; Poaceae/*physiology ; Rhizophoraceae/physiology ; Soil/*chemistry ; *Wetlands ; }, abstract = {The increasing success of invasive plant species in wetland areas can threaten their capacity to store carbon, nitrogen, and phosphorus (C, N, and P). Here, we have investigated the relationships between the different stocks of soil organic carbon (SOC), and total C, N, and P pools in the plant-soil system from eight different wetland areas across the South-East coast of China, where the invasive tallgrass Spartina alterniflora has replaced the native tall grasses Phragmites australis and the mangrove communities, originally dominated by the native species Kandelia obovata and Avicennia marina. The invasive success of Spartina alterniflora replacing Phragmites australis did not greatly influence soil traits, biomass accumulation or plant-soil C and N storing capacity. However, the resulting higher ability to store P in both soil and standing plant biomass (approximately more than 70 and 15 kg P by ha, respectively) in the invasive than in the native tall grass communities suggesting the possibility of a decrease in the ecosystem N:P ratio with future consequences to below- and aboveground trophic chains. The results also showed that a future advance in the native mangrove replacement by Spartina alterniflora could constitute a serious environmental problem. This includes enrichment of sand in the soil, with the consequent loss of nutrient retention capacity, as well as a sharp decrease in the stocks of C (2.6 and 2.2 t C ha-1 in soil and stand biomass, respectively), N, and P in the plant-soil system. This should be associated with a worsening of the water quality by aggravating potential eutrophication processes. Moreover, the loss of carbon and nutrient decreases the potential overall fertility of the system, strongly hampering the reestablishment of woody mangrove communities in the future.}, }
@article {pmid30344634, year = {2018}, author = {Lehnert, SJ and DiBacco, C and Jeffery, NW and Blakeslee, AMH and Isaksson, J and Roman, J and Wringe, BF and Stanley, RRE and Matheson, K and McKenzie, CH and Hamilton, LC and Bradbury, IR}, title = {Temporal dynamics of genetic clines of invasive European green crab (Carcinus maenas) in eastern North America.}, journal = {Evolutionary applications}, volume = {11}, number = {9}, pages = {1656-1670}, pmid = {30344634}, issn = {1752-4571}, abstract = {Two genetically distinct lineages of European green crabs (Carcinus maenas) were independently introduced to eastern North America, the first in the early 19th century and the second in the late 20th century. These lineages first came into secondary contact in southeastern Nova Scotia, Canada (NS), where they hybridized, producing latitudinal genetic clines. Previous studies have documented a persistent southward shift in the clines of different marker types, consistent with existing dispersal and recruitment pathways. We evaluated current clinal structure by quantifying the distribution of lineages and fine-scale hybridization patterns across the eastern North American range (25 locations, ~39 to 49°N) using informative single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs; n = 96). In addition, temporal changes in the genetic clines were evaluated using mitochondrial DNA and microsatellite loci (n = 9-11) over a 15-year period (2000-2015). Clinal structure was consistent with prior work demonstrating the existence of both northern and southern lineages with a hybrid zone occurring between southern New Brunswick (NB) and southern NS. Extensive later generation hybrids were detected in this region and in southeastern Newfoundland. Temporal genetic analysis confirmed the southward progression of clines over time; however, the rate of this progression was slower than predicted by forecasting models, and current clines for all marker types deviated significantly from these predictions. Our results suggest that neutral and selective processes contribute to cline dynamics, and ultimately, highlight how selection, hybridization, and dispersal can collectively influence invasion success.}, }
@article {pmid30344631, year = {2018}, author = {Diedericks, G and Henriques, R and von der Heyden, S and Weyl, OLF and Hui, C}, title = {The ghost of introduction past: Spatial and temporal variability in the genetic diversity of invasive smallmouth bass.}, journal = {Evolutionary applications}, volume = {11}, number = {9}, pages = {1609-1629}, pmid = {30344631}, issn = {1752-4571}, abstract = {Understanding the demographic history of introduced populations is essential for unravelling their invasive potential and adaptability to a novel environment. To this end, levels of genetic diversity within the native and invasive range of a species are often compared. Most studies, however, focus solely on contemporary samples, relying heavily on the premise that the historic population structure within the native range has been maintained over time. Here, we assess this assumption by conducting a three-way comparison of the genetic diversity of native (historic and contemporary) and invasive (contemporary) smallmouth bass (Micropterus dolomieu) populations. Analyses of a total of 572 M. dolomieu samples, representing the contemporary invasive South African range, contemporary and historical native USA range (dating back to the 1930s when these fish were first introduced into South Africa), revealed that the historical native range had higher genetic diversity levels when compared to both contemporary native and invasive ranges. These results suggest that both contemporary populations experienced a recent genetic bottleneck. Furthermore, the invasive range displayed significant population structure, whereas both historical and contemporary native US populations revealed higher levels of admixture. Comparison of contemporary and historical samples showed both a historic introduction of M. dolomieu and a more recent introduction, thereby demonstrating that undocumented introductions of this species have occurred. Although multiple introductions might have contributed to the high levels of genetic diversity in the invaded range, we discuss alternative factors that may have been responsible for the elevated levels of genetic diversity and highlight the importance of incorporating historic specimens into demographic analyses.}, }
@article {pmid30344630, year = {2018}, author = {Tang, Q and Low, GW and Lim, JY and Gwee, CY and Rheindt, FE}, title = {Human activities and landscape features interact to closely define the distribution and dispersal of an urban commensal.}, journal = {Evolutionary applications}, volume = {11}, number = {9}, pages = {1598-1608}, pmid = {30344630}, issn = {1752-4571}, abstract = {The rock pigeon, Columba livia, is a cosmopolitan human commensal, domesticated thousands of years ago. However, the human-mediated factors governing its distribution and dispersal are not well understood. In this study, we performed (a) hierarchical distance sampling on ~400 island-wide point transects, (b) a population genomic inquiry based on ~7,000 SNPs from almost 150 individuals, and (c) landscape genomic analyses on the basis of extensive ecological and socio-economic databases to characterize the distribution and dispersal patterns of rock pigeons across Singapore. Our distance sampling results indicated that the volume of intentional &quot;mercy feeding&quot; and availability of high-rise buildings are the most reliable predictors of high pigeon densities in Singapore. Genomic analyses demonstrated that rock pigeons in Singapore form a single population possibly derived from rapid expansion from a genetically homogenous group of founder individuals. In specific, rock pigeons in Singapore lack sex-biased dispersal and are clustered with a genetic patch size of ~3 km. Landscape genomic analyses of great precision pointed to the presence of dense trees as agents of resistance to dispersal, whereas a high road density reduces this resistance. By pinpointing a range of ecological and socio-economic variables determining the distribution and dispersal of pigeons, our study provides urban planners with the tools for optimal management of this human commensal, such as a curtailment of the practice of mercy feeding and modifications to the urban landscape to reduce pigeon density and to lower the likelihood of repopulation by dispersal.}, }
@article {pmid30344629, year = {2018}, author = {Guzinski, J and Ballenghien, M and Daguin-Thiébaut, C and Lévêque, L and Viard, F}, title = {Population genomics of the introduced and cultivated Pacific kelp Undaria pinnatifida: Marinas-not farms-drive regional connectivity and establishment in natural rocky reefs.}, journal = {Evolutionary applications}, volume = {11}, number = {9}, pages = {1582-1597}, pmid = {30344629}, issn = {1752-4571}, abstract = {Ports and farms are well-known primary introduction hot spots for marine non-indigenous species (NIS). The extent to which these anthropogenic habitats are sustainable sources of propagules and influence the evolution of NIS in natural habitats was examined in the edible seaweed Undaria pinnatifida, native to Asia and introduced to Europe in the 1970s. Following its deliberate introduction 40 years ago along the French coast of the English Channel, this kelp is now found in three contrasting habitat types: farms, marinas and natural rocky reefs. In the light of the continuous spread of this NIS, it is imperative to better understand the processes behind its sustainable establishment in the wild. In addition, developing effective management plans to curtail the spread of U. pinnatifida requires determining how the three types of populations interact with one another. In addition to an analysis using microsatellite markers, we developed, for the first time in a kelp, a ddRAD-sequencing technique to genotype 738 individuals sampled in 11 rocky reefs, 12 marinas, and two farms located along ca. 1,000 km of coastline. As expected, the RAD-seq panel showed more power than the microsatellite panel for identifying fine-grained patterns. However, both panels demonstrated habitat-specific properties of the study populations. In particular, farms displayed very low genetic diversity and no inbreeding conversely to populations in marinas and natural rocky reefs. In addition, strong, but chaotic regional genetic structure, was revealed, consistent with human-mediated dispersal (e.g., leisure boating). We also uncovered a tight relationship between populations in rocky reefs and those in nearby marinas, but not with nearby farms, suggesting spillover from marinas into the wild. At last, a temporal survey spanning 20 generations showed that wild populations are now self-sustaining, albeit there was no evidence for local adaptation to any of the three habitats. These findings highlight that limiting the spread of U. pinnatifida requires efficient management policies that also target marinas.}, }
@article {pmid30343371, year = {2018}, author = {Li, J and Lai, Y and Xie, R and Ding, X and Wu, C}, title = {Sediment phosphorus speciation and retention process affected by invasion time of Spartina alterniflora in a subtropical coastal wetland of China.}, journal = {Environmental science and pollution research international}, volume = {25}, number = {35}, pages = {35365-35375}, pmid = {30343371}, issn = {1614-7499}, support = {2016J05096//Fujian Provincial Department of Science and Technology/ ; JK2017011//Department of Education, Fujian Province/ ; 2016R1032-1//Special Research Project of Public Institutes of Fujian Province/ ; 201810394065//Provincial College Students' Innovation and Entrepreneurship Training Program/ ; }, mesh = {Carbon/analysis ; China ; Ecosystem ; Estuaries ; Eutrophication ; Geologic Sediments/*chemistry ; Introduced Species/*trends ; Nitrogen/analysis ; Phosphorus/*analysis ; Poaceae/*growth &amp; development ; Water Pollutants, Chemical/*analysis ; *Wetlands ; }, abstract = {In coastal wetland ecosystems, most phosphorus (P) accumulates in the sediments and becomes a major pollutant causing eutrophication by recycling to the water column in estuary areas, especially exotic plant invasions will change the nutrient cycling. In this study, a large wetland invaded by exotic species Spartina alterniflora for over 15 years was selected to study the sediment P fractionation and its retention for different plant invasion periods. The samples were collected from east to west in September and the sediment P was fractionated into total P (TP), inorganic P (IP), iron/aluminum-bound P (Fe/Al-P), calcium-bound P (Ca-P), and organic P (OP). Additionally, the effect of the invasion period on the wetland P fractionation based on space-time reciprocal principle was investigated. For different S. alterniflora invasion periods, the average TP concentration was 675.37 mg kg-1 with a range of 160.33-1071 mg kg-1. The IP concentration was in the range of 107.33-813.33 mg kg-1 (accounting for 54.4-79.5% of TP), of which Fe/Al-P and Ca-P represented up to 99.4%. In addition, the P retention (RP) was within 41.67-329.67 mg kg-1. We also found that TP, IP, Fe/Al-P, Ca-P, OP, and RP in sediments were negatively correlated with pH (p < 0.05), and were also significantly positively correlated (p < 0.01) with water content and electrical conductivity. There were positive correlations between the various forms of P in the sediments (p < 0.01). However, the most important finding was that invasion time of S. alterniflora had a direct effect on the P speciation and three stages were determined. In the first stage, S. alterniflora mainly consumed the OP of the sediment. In the second stage, S. alterniflora showed great vitality and biological immobilization led to the transforming of IP to OP. In the third stage, all P fractions greatly decreased to values even lower than for the bare beach which indicated that S. alterniflora growth had begun to degenerate. These three stages well explained the P seemingly contradictory increases and decreases apparent in previous studies and provide important information for understanding the effect of S. alterniflora invasion.}, }
@article {pmid30340347, year = {2018}, author = {Del Coco, L and Felline, S and Girelli, CR and Angilè, F and Magliozzi, L and Almada, F and D'Aniello, B and Mollo, E and Terlizzi, A and Fanizzi, FP}, title = {¹H NMR Spectroscopy and MVA to Evaluate the Effects of Caulerpin-Based Diet on Diplodus sargus Lipid Profiles.}, journal = {Marine drugs}, volume = {16}, number = {10}, pages = {}, pmid = {30340347}, issn = {1660-3397}, mesh = {Animals ; Caulerpa/*chemistry ; Chlorophyta/*toxicity ; Fatty Acids, Omega-3/analysis/metabolism ; Food Chain ; Indoles/*toxicity ; Introduced Species ; Lipid Metabolism/*drug effects ; Mediterranean Sea ; Metabolomics/methods ; Multivariate Analysis ; Proton Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy ; Sea Bream/*metabolism ; }, abstract = {The biological invasion of the green algae Caulerpa cylindracea represents a serious scientific and public issue in the Mediterranean Sea, essentially due to strong modifications both to habitat structure and native benthic communities. Although alterations in health status and changes in flesh quality of some marine species (dietary exposed to C. cylindracea) have been observed, no studies on cause-effect relationships have been carried out. Here, for the first time, through a controlled feeding experiment followed by ¹H NMR Spectroscopy and multivariate analysis (PCA, OPLS-DA), we showed that caulerpin taken with diet is directly responsible of changes observed in metabolic profile of fish flesh, including alteration of lipid metabolism, in particular with a reduction of ω3 PUFA content. The potential of caulerpin to directly modulate lipid metabolism opens up new questions about causal mechanism triggered by algal metabolite also in view of a possible exploitation in the nutraceutical/medical field.}, }
@article {pmid30339544, year = {2018}, author = {Rebelo, AJ and Emsens, WJ and Esler, KJ and Meire, P}, title = {Quantification of water purification in South African palmiet wetlands.}, journal = {Water science and technology : a journal of the International Association on Water Pollution Research}, volume = {78}, number = {5-6}, pages = {1199-1207}, doi = {10.2166/wst.2018.389}, pmid = {30339544}, issn = {0273-1223}, mesh = {Agriculture ; *Ecosystem ; Environmental Monitoring ; South Africa ; Water ; Water Pollutants, Chemical/chemistry ; *Water Purification ; *Wetlands ; }, abstract = {Despite the importance of water purification to society, it is one of the more difficult wetland ecosystem services to quantify. It remains an issue in ecosystem service assessments where rapid estimates are needed, and poor-quality indicators are overused. We attempted to quantify the water purification service of South African palmiet wetlands (valley-bottom peatlands highly threatened by agriculture). First, we used an instantaneous catchment-scale mass balance sampling approach, which compared the fate of various water quality parameters over degraded and pristine sections of palmiet wetlands. We found that pristine palmiet wetlands acted as a sink for water, major cations, anions, dissolved silicon and nutrients, though there was relatively high variation in these trends. There are important limitations to this catchment-scale approach, including the fact that at this large scale there are multiple mechanisms (internal wetland processes as well as external inputs) at work that are impossible to untangle with limited data. Therefore, secondly, we performed a small field-scale field survey of a wetland fragment to corroborate the catchment-scale results. There was a reasonable level of agreement between the results of the two techniques. We conclude that it appears possible to estimate the water purification function of these valley-bottom wetlands using this catchment-scale approach.}, }
@article {pmid30333265, year = {2018}, author = {Damas-Moreira, I and Oliveira, D and Santos, JL and Riley, JL and Harris, DJ and Whiting, MJ}, title = {Learning from others: an invasive lizard uses social information from both conspecifics and heterospecifics.}, journal = {Biology letters}, volume = {14}, number = {10}, pages = {}, pmid = {30333265}, issn = {1744-957X}, abstract = {Species that are able to solve novel problems through social learning from either a conspecific or a heterospecific may gain a significant advantage in new environments. We tested the ability of a highly successful invasive species, the Italian wall lizard Podarcis sicula, to solve a novel foraging task when social information was available from both a conspecific and an unfamiliar heterospecific (Podarcis bocagei). We found that Italian wall lizards that had access to social information made fewer errors, regardless of whether the demonstrator was a conspecific or a heterospecific, compared to Italian wall lizards that individually learnt the same task. We suggest that social learning could be a previously underappreciated, advantageous mechanism facilitating invasions.}, }
@article {pmid30326641, year = {2018}, author = {Manley, M and Melzer, MJ and Spafford, H}, title = {Oviposition Preferences and Behavior of Wild-Caught and Laboratory-Reared Coconut Rhinoceros Beetle, Oryctes rhinoceros (Coleoptera: Scarabaeidae), in Relation to Substrate Particle Size.}, journal = {Insects}, volume = {9}, number = {4}, pages = {}, doi = {10.3390/insects9040141}, pmid = {30326641}, issn = {2075-4450}, abstract = {The coconut rhinoceros beetle (CRB), Oryctes rhinoceros (L.) (Coleoptera: Scarabaeidae), has become one of the most important coconut and oil palm pests. This species was detected attacking coconut palms on O'ahu, Hawai'i in December 2013, and an eradication program was initiated. One of the major challenges for eradication has been the identification of new breeding sites. Information on the factors influencing oviposition is needed to aid in finding sites likely to host the immature stages of this insect. In this study, a series of choice tests were conducted to assess the oviposition preferences of both laboratory-reared and wild-caught CRB. Mated females, of both lab-reared and wild-caught beetles, were offered for oviposition a choice between sand and two mulch substrates, one with small and one with large particle sizes. Both types of CRB laid eggs preferentially in substrate of small particle size rather than large and none laid eggs in sand. Lab-reared and wild-caught CRB differed in their oviposition behavior and size. These results can be used to aid in the identification of breeding sites for management programs and eradication efforts.}, }
@article {pmid30326333, year = {2019}, author = {Dommanget, F and Evette, A and Breton, V and Daumergue, N and Forestier, O and Poupart, P and Martin, FM and Navas, ML}, title = {Fast-growing willows significantly reduce invasive knotweed spread.}, journal = {Journal of environmental management}, volume = {231}, number = {}, pages = {1-9}, doi = {10.1016/j.jenvman.2018.10.004}, pmid = {30326333}, issn = {1095-8630}, abstract = {Competitive interactions seem to play a major role in invasive plant success. However, they have mostly been addressed through the invader impacts on other species of the plant community and rarely through the way plant communities can contain alien species. Understanding such mechanisms would help in designing restoration projects using plant community competitive properties to control invasive populations. In this study, we looked at the role of competitive interactions in the success of Fallopia japonica (Houtt.) Ronse Decraene using a native willow frequently used in bioengineering techniques: Salix viminalis L. S. viminalis has a high growth rate and is, as such, a potential candidate to compete with F. japonica in restoration projects of invaded areas. Both species were grown in semi-controlled conditions in mesocosms (truck dumpsters), alone or in competition. Morphological traits (plant height, specific leaf area) as well as biomass (aboveground and underground) were measured on each species during two growing seasons. We also quantified spatial expansion of F. japonica. Even under a dense canopy of S. viminalis, F. japonica was able to survive and grow. However, its performance was significantly reduced compared to monocultures and its spatial colonization was less extended. Although S. viminalis biomass was affected by F. japonica, F. japonica expressed competitive stress through a modification of ramet density and height. There was no significant effect of F. japonica on S. viminalis height, enabling this species to dominate. Synthesis and applications: We conclude that S. viminalis succeeded in reducing F. japonica growth by developing a competitive canopy. Bioengineering techniques aiming at restoring a competitive neighborhood can control F. japonica. However, F. japonica's broad underground extension should be taken into account in any management strategy in order to successfully limit its development and spatial spread.}, }
@article {pmid30326286, year = {2019}, author = {Silva-Luz, CLD and Pirani, JR and Mitchell, JD and Daly, D and Capelli, NDV and Demarco, D and Pell, SK and Plunkett, GM}, title = {Phylogeny of Schinus L. (Anacardiaceae) with a new infrageneric classification and insights into evolution of spinescence and floral traits.}, journal = {Molecular phylogenetics and evolution}, volume = {133}, number = {}, pages = {302-351}, doi = {10.1016/j.ympev.2018.10.013}, pmid = {30326286}, issn = {1095-9513}, abstract = {Schinus, best known by its few cultivated and invasive species, is the largest genus of Anacardiaceae in southern South America. It is remarkably diverse compared to closely related genera, with approximately 42 species, most of which occur in several arid vegetation types and extend into Andean and Atlantic moist forests. The most comprehensive taxonomic revision of the genus dates to 1957, recognizing S. subg. Schinus and S. subg. Duvaua, the latter of which were further divided into two sections. Subsequent studies have highlighted morphological inconsistencies in this infrageneric classification, and species delimitation remains a challenge. Schinus has been poorly sampled in previous phylogenetic studies of Anacardiaceae, and thus any assumptions about its monophyly and relationships remain untested. We investigated the phylogenetic relationships of 44 Schinus taxa and sampled 122 specimens, including the outgroup, using nine nuclear and two plastid DNA sequence regions, most of them developed recently for Commiphora (Burseraceae, sister to Anacardiaceae). We used maximum parsimony, maximum likelihood, and Bayesian inference to infer relationships among species. We also constructed a morphological dataset, including vegetative anatomical features, and compared these characters to hypotheses based on molecular evidence in order to achieve a better understanding of the relationships among the species of Schinus and to related genera, aiming also to identify morphological characters and putative synapomorphies for major clades, and to discuss hypotheses regarding the evolution of structural traits in the genus. Our analyses strongly support the monophyly of Schinus, but also indicate that S. subg. Schinus and the sections of S. subg. Duvaua are polyphyletic. The phylogenetic relationships that emerged from our analyses include eight relatively well-supported lineages, but relationships among closely related species remain unclear in some clades. Ancestral state reconstructions demonstrate that several morphological and leaf-anatomical characters are valuable in characterizing some lineages. By contrast, most of the traits that have traditionally been used to circumscribe groups in Schinus show high levels of homoplasy. In light of these results, we present a novel sectional classification of Schinus based on a combination of character states associated with geographic distribution, corresponding to lineages that are mostly allopatric or at least ecologically distinct.}, }
@article {pmid30325569, year = {2018}, author = {Helliwell, EE and Faber-Hammond, J and Lopez, ZC and Garoutte, A and von Wettberg, E and Friesen, ML and Porter, SS}, title = {Rapid establishment of a flowering cline in Medicago polymorpha after invasion of North America.}, journal = {Molecular ecology}, volume = {27}, number = {23}, pages = {4758-4774}, doi = {10.1111/mec.14898}, pmid = {30325569}, issn = {1365-294X}, support = {DEB-1354878//National Science Foundation/ ; DEB-1355216//National Science Foundation/ ; }, abstract = {To establish and spread in a new location, an invasive species must be able to carry out its life cycle in novel environmental conditions. A key trait underlying fitness is the shift from vegetative to reproductive growth through floral development. In this study, we used a common garden experiment and genotyping-by-sequencing to test whether the latitudinal flowering cline of the North American invasive plant Medicago polymorpha was translocated from its European native range through multiple introductions, or whether the cline rapidly established due to evolution following a genetic bottleneck. Analysis of flowering time in 736 common garden plants showed a latitudinal flowering time cline in both the native and invaded ranges where genotypes from lower latitudes flowered earlier. Genotyping-by-sequencing of 9,658 SNPs in 446 individuals revealed two major subpopulations of M. polymorpha in the native range, only one of which is present in the invaded range. Additionally, native range populations have higher genetic diversity than invaded range populations, suggesting that a genetic bottleneck occurred during invasion. All invaded range individuals are closely related to plants collected from native range populations in Portugal and southern Spain, and population assignment tests assigned invaded range individuals to this same narrow source region. Taken together, our results suggest that latitudinal clinal variation in flowering time has rapidly evolved across the invaded range despite a genetic bottleneck following introduction.}, }
@article {pmid30325174, year = {2018}, author = {Xie, BH and Han, GX}, title = {Control of invasive Spartina alterniflora: A review.}, journal = {Ying yong sheng tai xue bao = The journal of applied ecology}, volume = {29}, number = {10}, pages = {3464-3476}, doi = {10.13287/j.1001-9332.201810.006}, pmid = {30325174}, issn = {1001-9332}, mesh = {Ecosystem ; Introduced Species ; *Poaceae ; }, abstract = {Spartina alterniflora has important ecological functions in its original place, such as bank protection and land reclamation, but often has negative impacts on the local ecosystem after it is introduced into new areas. This species is often considered as an invasive one. The invasion and control of S. alterniflora have caused a great concern. We reviewed the latest research progresses in the prevention and control of S. alterniflora from six different perspectives, including physical control, chemical control, biological control, biological substitution control, integrated control, and control strategies. The theoretical basis, technical details, control effect and environmental impact of the six kinds of control technologies were analyzed. We pointed out the shortcomings of existing control technologies and proposed some suggestions such as targeted control of different ecological risk zones.}, }
@article {pmid30325075, year = {2019}, author = {Giakoumi, S and Pey, A and Di Franco, A and Francour, P and Kizilkaya, Z and Arda, Y and Raybaud, V and Guidetti, P}, title = {Exploring the relationships between marine protected areas and invasive fish in the world's most invaded sea.}, journal = {Ecological applications : a publication of the Ecological Society of America}, volume = {29}, number = {1}, pages = {e01809}, doi = {10.1002/eap.1809}, pmid = {30325075}, issn = {1051-0761}, abstract = {Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) are an essential tool for marine biodiversity conservation. Yet, their effectiveness in protecting marine ecosystems from global stressors is debated. Biological invasions are a major driver of global change, causing biodiversity loss and altering ecosystem functioning. Here, we explored the relationships between MPAs and alien/native range-expanding fishes in the Mediterranean Sea, the world's most invaded sea. We surveyed fish and benthic communities in nine MPAs and adjacent unprotected areas across six countries. In the South and Eastern Mediterranean MPAs, the biomass of alien and native range-expanding fishes often exceeded 50% of the total fish biomass. Conversely, in the North and Western Mediterranean, alien fishes were absent. A negative relationship was found between native and alien species richness. Average and minimum sea surface temperature (SST) over six consecutive years were positively correlated with the total biomass of alien species; no alien fishes were recorded below 20.5°C average SST and 13.8°C minimum SST. We also found a negative relationship between alien fishes' biomass and the distance from the Suez Canal, which is the main pathway for the introduction of alien fish in the Mediterranean Sea. The biomass of alien and native range-expanding fishes was found to be higher in the South and Eastern Mediterranean MPAs than in adjacent unprotected areas. The association of barrens (rocky reefs deprived of vegetation) and invasive herbivores was observed at all eastern sites, regardless of protection status. Currently, the level of fishing pressure exerted on alien and native range-expanding fishes seems to be the most influential factor determining the lower biomass of invasive fishes at unprotected sites compared to MPAs. Our findings suggest that complementary management actions, such as species-targeted removals, should be taken in MPAs to effectively control invasive fish populations.}, }
@article {pmid30324708, year = {2019}, author = {Snow, NP and Lavelle, MJ and Halseth, JM and Glow, MP and VanNatta, EH and Davis, AJ and Pepin, KM and Tabor, RT and Leland, BR and Staples, LD and VerCauteren, KC}, title = {Exposure of a population of invasive wild pigs to simulated toxic bait containing biomarker: implications for population reduction.}, journal = {Pest management science}, volume = {75}, number = {4}, pages = {1140-1149}, doi = {10.1002/ps.5235}, pmid = {30324708}, issn = {1526-4998}, mesh = {Animals ; Biomarkers/analysis ; *Eating ; Female ; Introduced Species ; Male ; *Pest Control ; Population Dynamics ; Rhodamines/*analysis ; Sus scrofa/*physiology ; Texas ; }, abstract = {BACKGROUND: An international effort to develop an acute and humane toxic bait for invasive wild pigs (Sus scrofa) is underway to curtail their expansion. We evaluated the ability to expose a population of wild pigs to a simulated toxic bait (i.e., placebo bait containing a biomarker, rhodamine B, in lieu of the toxic ingredient) to gain insight on potential population reduction. We used 28 GPS-collars and sampled 428 wild pigs to examine their vibrissae for evidence of consuming the bait.<br><br>RESULTS: We estimated that 91% of wild pigs within 0.75 km of bait sites (total area = 16.8 km2) consumed the simulated toxic bait, exposing them to possible lethal effects. Bait sites spaced 0.75-1.5 km apart achieved optimal delivery of the bait, but wild pigs ranging ≥ 3 km away were susceptible. Use of wild pig-specific bait stations resulted in no non-target species directly accessing the bait.<br><br>CONCLUSION: Results demonstrate the potential for exposing a large proportion of wild pigs to a toxic bait in similar ecosystems. Toxic baits may be an effective tool for reducing wild pig populations especially if used as part of an integrated pest management strategy. Investigation of risks associated with a field-deployment of the toxic bait is needed. © 2018 Society of Chemical Industry.}, }
@article {pmid30324686, year = {2019}, author = {Yang, Q and Liu, S and He, C and Cowie, RH and Yu, X and Hayes, KA}, title = {Invisible apple snail invasions: importance of continued vigilance and rigorous taxonomic assessments.}, journal = {Pest management science}, volume = {75}, number = {5}, pages = {1277-1286}, doi = {10.1002/ps.5241}, pmid = {30324686}, issn = {1526-4998}, support = {2017YFF0210200, 2018YFC0809200//China National Key Research and Development Program/ ; 31800462//The National Natural Science Foundation of China/ ; DEB 0949061//US National Science Foundation/ ; OISE-1130694//US National Science Foundation/ ; 2017YCGC006//Yucai Project of the Zhejiang Association for Science and Technology Foundation/ ; }, abstract = {BACKGROUND: Due to the similarities of overall shell morphology among apple snail species and considerable variability within species, substantial taxonomic confusion has plagued the accurate identification of Pomacea species. Many invasive apple snails have been mistakenly identified as P. canaliculata since their introduction to Asia around 1980. In 2008, three other introduced species in addition to P. canaliculata were recognized. In 2013, a fifth, previously unrecognized lineage was reported from China, indicating that despite the taxonomic clarity brought by previous work, continued surveys and taxonomic research are necessary to prevent additional introductions and continued spread, as well as to develop effective management strategies.<br><br>RESULTS: Phylogenetic analysis of mitochondrial COI sequences confirmed the presence of a widespread unidentified Pomacea lineage in China. All sequences from samples of this newly documented lineage were recovered in a monophyletic clade delineated from closely related species; however, different DNA barcoding methods yielded inconsistent species boundaries. Additionally, nuclear EF1α sequences indicated incomplete lineage sorting or recent hybridization of the unidentified lineage with the other two established species.<br><br>CONCLUSION: Barcoding is a valuable tool for species discovery, and a powerful approach for delineating introduced species. However, determining the identity of the newly discovered invasive lineage in China will require an integrated taxonomic approach incorporating individuals from the native range, and examination of natural history collections at museums around the world. To manage and prevent additional spread of already established species, and to stop the introduction of new taxa, continued monitoring and rigorous taxonomic assessments must be undertaken. © 2018 Society of Chemical Industry.}, }
@article {pmid30323835, year = {2018}, author = {Weterings, R and Vetter, KC}, title = {Invasive house geckos (hemidactylus spp.): their current, potential and future distribution.}, journal = {Current zoology}, volume = {64}, number = {5}, pages = {559-573}, pmid = {30323835}, issn = {1674-5507}, abstract = {In this study, we identified the current distribution of five globally distributed invasive Hemidactylus species and predicted their potential and future distribution using species distribution models based on climate and elevation data. These species included H. brookii, H. frenatus, H. garnotii, H. mabouia, and H. turcicus. We show that many regions with tropical and Mediterranean climates are suitable for most of these species. However, their current and potential distributions suggest that climate is not the only limiting factor. We hypothesize that climatic conditions may affect competition and other interactions resulting in a segregated distribution of the studied Hemidactylus species. As an effect of global climate change it is likely that H. brookii will expand its range to areas that are currently colonized by H. mabouia and/or H. frenatus, while H. turcicus is likely to expand its range to areas that are not yet invaded by any Hemidactylus species. The role of species interactions in the range expansion of these five Hemidactylus species still remains poorly understood, but could be of major importance in understanding and managing these invasive species.}, }
@article {pmid30321722, year = {2019}, author = {Robinson, LA and Blincow, HL and Culhane, FE and O'Higgins, T}, title = {Identifying barriers, conflict and opportunity in managing aquatic ecosystems.}, journal = {The Science of the total environment}, volume = {651}, number = {Pt 2}, pages = {1992-2002}, doi = {10.1016/j.scitotenv.2018.10.020}, pmid = {30321722}, issn = {1879-1026}, mesh = {*Biodiversity ; Conservation of Natural Resources/*methods ; *Ecosystem ; *Human Activities ; *Lakes ; Northern Ireland ; Socioeconomic Factors ; }, abstract = {Inland aquatic ecosystems play an important part in the delivery and support of ecosystem services. However, these ecosystems are subject to stressors associated with human activities such as invasive species introduction and landscape alteration. There is a delicate balance between maintaining good status of the ecosystem whilst meeting the needs of those stakeholders dependent on the ecosystem services it supplies, and where there are many different stakeholders, each with different aspirations and dependencies on the ecosystem, it can be difficult to strike a balance on suitable management measures to put in place. A better understanding of the interactions between the human and ecological functions of the ecosystem (a socio-ecological systems (SES) approach) can enable an effective dialogue to be opened to secure management solutions of best fit. In this study we took a SES approach to explore the dependencies and interactions in the Lough Erne catchment with a range of stakeholders representing the use of the Lough. In particular, we explored how individual stakeholder goals were perceived to be affected by both the biodiversity and activities found in the catchment. Results suggest there are distinct components deemed integral to the success of stakeholder goals in this system, including 'key habitat components' and 'policy relevant species', as well as activities associated with 'conservation and recreation' and 'scientific research'. Those components which were seen to limit the potential achievement of most goals included invasive species, and in particular, more recently introduced invasives, as well as extractive industries. Consideration of the similarity in goals based on their perceived interactions with the activities and biodiversity of the system indicated that there were shared dependencies between some stakeholders, but also differences that highlight the potential for conflict. Future management scenarios should take consideration of the key limiting and enabling factors identified here.}, }
@article {pmid30317388, year = {2018}, author = {Brzeziński, M and Chibowski, P and Gornia, J and Górecki, G and Zalewski, A}, title = {Spatio-temporal variation in nesting success of colonial waterbirds under the impact of a non-native invasive predator.}, journal = {Oecologia}, volume = {188}, number = {4}, pages = {1037-1047}, pmid = {30317388}, issn = {1432-1939}, abstract = {Colonial breeding in birds provides protection from predators and may be particularly important when birds have to cope with an invasive predator. The probability of nest predation in a colony can vary depending on several factors, such as the nest's location in the colony and the level of aggregation of nests. We studied the nesting success of colonial great crested grebes and monitored the occurrence of the non-native invasive American mink in the colony. From among 92 grebe nests, 54.3% were successful. The daily survival rate (DSR) of grebe nests was positively affected by the increasing distance between the nest and lake shoreline, and negatively affected by the increasing distance between the nest and the five nearest grebe nests. The probability of mink occurrence in the colony increased with consecutive days of the breeding season and decreased with increasing distance from the lake shoreline. The DSR of grebe nests decreased with the increasing probability of mink occurrence along the shoreline distance gradient and the day of the breeding season. The results of the study confirm the impact of the American mink on waterbirds during the breeding season but also indicate that large breeding colonies are partially safe from mink predation, and that nest accessibility and the dilution effect influence the probability of nest survival. Our data suggest that the limited access to safe breeding sites on large lakes that can supply adult grebes and their chicks with food may affect bird productivity and population numbers at the landscape level.}, }
@article {pmid30315584, year = {2019}, author = {Morrissey-McCaffrey, E and Shephard, S and Kelly, FL and Kelly-Quinn, M}, title = {Non-native species and lake warming negatively affect Arctic char Salvelinus alpinus abundance; deep thermal refugia facilitate co-existence.}, journal = {Journal of fish biology}, volume = {94}, number = {1}, pages = {5-16}, doi = {10.1111/jfb.13837}, pmid = {30315584}, issn = {1095-8649}, support = {//Inland Fisheries Ireland and the Irish Research Council/ ; }, mesh = {Animals ; Climate Change ; Competitive Behavior ; Ecosystem ; *Introduced Species ; Ireland ; Lakes ; Perches/*physiology ; Population Density ; Population Dynamics ; Predatory Behavior ; Refugium ; *Temperature ; Trout/*physiology ; }, abstract = {This study finds that non-native species and warming temperatures have significant negative effects on Arctic char Salvelinus alpinus abundance in Irish lakes. Eutrophication was not important at the range of total phosphorus tested (0.005-0.023 mg l-1). Model results predict that S. alpinus occur across the temperature range sampled (8.2-19.7°C) when non-natives are absent, but S. alpinus catch is predicted to be close to zero irrespective of temperature when non-native catch is high. This result indicates that to persist, S. alpinus may require a habitat where non-natives are at low abundance or absent. Salvelinus alpinus segregated from other species along the thermal axis, inhabiting significantly colder water and actively avoided non-native species, which appeared to limit their distribution. The thermal niche realized by S. alpinus in non-native dominated lakes was thus compressed relative to native dominated lakes and S. alpinus population density was significantly lower. These findings were consistent even when the only non-native present was Perca fluviatilis. Temperature appeared to limit the distribution of non-native species, such that the presence of deep thermal refugia is currently facilitating S. alpinus co-existence with non-natives in associated lakes. Diet analysis identified P. fluviatilis as potential predators and competitors. This study provides strong evidence that non-native species are a key driver of low S. alpinus abundance in Irish lakes. Temperature increases associated with climate change are identified as a secondary concern, as they could erode S. alpinus' thermal niche and lead to their extirpation. The lower thermal buffering capacity of shallow lakes identifies these as higher risk systems. Salvelinus alpinus conservation in Ireland should focus on preventing future illegal non-native species introductions because unlike other stressors (e.g., eutrophication etc.), species introductions are rarely reversible.}, }
@article {pmid30315517, year = {2018}, author = {Zhong, L and Wang, M and Li, D and Tang, S and Zhang, T and Bian, W and Chen, X}, title = {Complete mitochondrial genome of freshwater goby Rhinogobius cliffordpopei (Perciformes, Gobiidae): genome characterization and phylogenetic analysis.}, journal = {Genes &amp; genomics}, volume = {40}, number = {11}, pages = {1137-1148}, pmid = {30315517}, issn = {2092-9293}, support = {CARS-46//China Agriculture Research System/International ; 2014-NY-008//Human Resources and Social Security of Jiangsu Province/International ; ZYHB16-3//Major project of hydrobios resources in Jiangsu province/International ; 2015-2016//Inland Water Fishery Resources Monitoring Program of Jiangsu Province/International ; }, mesh = {Animals ; Fish Proteins/genetics ; Genes, rRNA ; *Genome, Mitochondrial ; Perciformes/classification/*genetics ; Phylogeny ; RNA, Transfer/genetics ; }, abstract = {Freshwater gobies Rhinogobius cliffordpopei and R. giurinus are invasive species with particular concern because they have become dominant and were fierce competitors in the invaded areas in Yunnan-Guizhou Plateau (southwest of China). Information about genetic characteristics of R. giurinus have been published, but there were still no relevant reports about R. cliffordpopei. In present study, the complete mitochondrial genome of R. cliffordpopei was determined, which was 16,511 bp in length with A + T content of 51.1%, consisting of 13 protein-coding genes, 22 tRNAs, 2 ribosomal RNAs, and a control region. The gene composition and the structural arrangement of the R. cliffordpopei complete mtDNA were identical to most of other teleosts. Phylogenetic analyses placed R. cliffordpopei in a well-supported monophyletic cluster with other Rhinogobius fish. But the phylogenetic relationship between genus Rhinogobius and Tridentiger remained to be resolved.}, }
@article {pmid30314792, year = {2018}, author = {d'Ovidio, D and Pirrone, F}, title = {A cross-sectional survey to evaluate the pet squirrel population and ownership profiles.}, journal = {Preventive veterinary medicine}, volume = {159}, number = {}, pages = {65-71}, doi = {10.1016/j.prevetmed.2018.08.018}, pmid = {30314792}, issn = {1873-1716}, mesh = {Animal Welfare/*statistics &amp; numerical data ; Animals ; Cross-Sectional Studies ; Europe ; Humans ; Introduced Species ; Ownership/*statistics &amp; numerical data ; *Pets ; Sciuridae ; }, abstract = {While the presence of squirrels in households is growing, little data is published on their status in captivity. A web-based questionnaire for owners was devised eliciting information about them, their squirrels and their squirrels' husbandry and health. One hundred owners answered the survey, with most respondents being located in Europe (n = 81). Only data from these respondents were analysed. Twenty-five percents of the owners housed an invasive non-native species of European Union concern (S. carolinensis and T. sibiricus), some of which were younger than three years of age and all but one were sexually intact. This is of particular concern, as the acquisition of these invasive species is illegal since 2015 (European Union Regulation 1143/2014), due to the severe threats they pose to biodiversity. Moreover, escapes derived from improper keeping of intact specimens may augment feral populations or establish new colonies. Among 81 cases, only 5% were neutered, mostly for health reasons. Sixty-three percents of the squirrels had health problems, particularly dermatologic (52%) and intestinal disorders (34%). Most owners reported to visit the veterinarian only if their pet was ill rather than for preventive care. This is the first survey on pet squirrel ownership reported to date. Information that emerges from this study will be useful in implementing rational veterinary strategies for managing pet squirrels properly and, in parallel, meeting the challenges arising from private keeping of alien species.}, }
@article {pmid30314636, year = {2018}, author = {Wright, JT and Holmes, ZC and Byers, JE}, title = {Stronger positive association between an invasive crab and a native intertidal ecosystem engineer with increasing wave exposure.}, journal = {Marine environmental research}, volume = {142}, number = {}, pages = {124-129}, doi = {10.1016/j.marenvres.2018.09.025}, pmid = {30314636}, issn = {1879-0291}, abstract = {Ecosystem engineers are predicted to have stronger facilitative effects when environmental stress is higher. Here we examined whether facilitation of the invasive porcelain crab Petrolisthes elongatus by the ecosystem engineering serpulid tube worm Galeolaria caespitosa increased with wave exposure. Petrolisthes occurs beneath intertidal boulders which often have a high cover of Galeolaria on their underside. Surveys across nine sites demonstrated Petrolisthes abundance beneath boulders increased with wave exposure and Galeolaria cover, although only when the habitat matrix beneath boulders was rock or mixed rock and sand. Moreover, as wave exposure increased, the strength of relationship between Petrolisthes abundance and the surface area of Galeolaria also increased. Experimentally, the presence of Galeolaria on the underside of boulders increased Petrolisthes abundance by 50% compared to boulders lacking Galeolaria. Our findings suggest the facilitative role of Galeolaria is stronger at more wave-exposed sites, which appears to contribute to a higher abundance of invasive Petrolisthes.}, }
@article {pmid30314367, year = {2018}, author = {Powell, JR}, title = {Genetic Variation in Insect Vectors: Death of Typology?.}, journal = {Insects}, volume = {9}, number = {4}, pages = {}, doi = {10.3390/insects9040139}, pmid = {30314367}, issn = {2075-4450}, support = {U01 AI115595/AI/NIAID NIH HHS/United States ; USAID//National Institutes of Health/ ; }, abstract = {The issue of typological versus population thinking in biology is briefly introduced and defined. It is then emphasized how population thinking is most relevant and useful in vector biology. Three points are made: (1) Vectors, as they exist in nature, are genetically very heterogeneous. (2) Four examples of how this is relevant in vector biology research are presented: Understanding variation in vector competence, GWAS, identifying the origin of new introductions of invasive species, and resistance to inbreeding. (3) The existence of high levels of vector genetic heterogeneity can lead to failure of some approaches to vector control, e.g., use of insecticides and release of sterile males (SIT). On the other hand, vector genetic heterogeneity can be harnessed in a vector control program based on selection for refractoriness.}, }
@article {pmid30313792, year = {2018}, author = {Bick, A and Bastrop, R and Kotta, J and Meißner, K and Meyer, M and Syomin, V}, title = {Description of a new species of Sabellidae (Polychaeta, Annelida) from fresh and brackish waters in Europe, with some remarks on the branchial crown of Laonome.}, journal = {Zootaxa}, volume = {4483}, number = {2}, pages = {349-364}, doi = {10.11646/zootaxa.4483.2.7}, pmid = {30313792}, issn = {1175-5334}, mesh = {Animals ; *Annelida ; Australia ; Europe ; Netherlands ; *Polychaeta ; Prospective Studies ; Saline Waters ; }, abstract = {In 2009, a hitherto unknown Laonome species was found in the Canal Ghent-Terneuzen in the Netherlands and subsequently in other Dutch rivers, canals and estuaries. A few years later, more unknown Laonome specimens were found in the eastern part of the Baltic Sea and in the Don River estuary, Sea of Azov. Initially, it was assumed that these specimens could represent Laonome calida Capa, 2007, originally described from Australia. In the present study we examine all these unknown European Laonome specimens and compare these specimens with the type material of L. calida from Australia. This lead to two main results: First, all specimens from Europe have the same diagnostic characters and therefore belong to one species. This finding was also supported by the results of a correspondence analysis, and genetic analyses using four different DNA sequences (COI, 16S, 28S). Second, it turned out that the type material of L. calida contains two morphologically distinct groups of specimens. The holotype and 7 paratypes are similar to each other but differ significantly from the other also similar 16 paratypes, and from all European specimens. On the basis of these observations, the Laonome specimens from European waters are described here as L. xeprovala sp. nov. We also provide the characters of the branchial crown of three Laonome species for a prospective revision of this genus.}, }
@article {pmid30313651, year = {2018}, author = {Bronstein, O and Kroh, A}, title = {Needle in a haystack-genetic evidence confirms the expansion of the alien echinoid Diadema setosum (Echinoidea: Diadematidae) to the Mediterranean coast of Israel.}, journal = {Zootaxa}, volume = {4497}, number = {4}, pages = {593-599}, doi = {10.11646/zootaxa.4497.4.9}, pmid = {30313651}, issn = {1175-5334}, mesh = {Animals ; Israel ; Lebanon ; Mediterranean Sea ; *Sea Urchins ; Turkey ; }, abstract = {Diadema setosum (Leske, 1778), a widespread tropical echinoid and key herbivore in shallow water environments is currently expanding in the Mediterranean Sea. It was introduced by unknown means and first observed in southern Turkey in 2006. From there it spread eastwards to Lebanon (2009) and westwards to the Aegean Sea (2014). Since late 2016 sporadic sightings of black, long-spined sea urchins were reported by recreational divers from rock reefs off the Israeli coast. Numerous attempts to verify these records failed; neither did the BioBlitz Israel task force encounter any D. setosum in their campaigns. Finally, a single adult specimen was observed on June 17, 2017 in a deep rock crevice at 3.5 m depth at Gordon Beach, Tel Aviv. Although the specimen could not be recovered, spine fragments sampled were enough to genetically verify the visual underwater identification based on morphology. Sequences of COI, ATP8-Lysine, and the mitochondrial Control Region of the Israel specimen are identical to those of the specimen collected in 2006 in Turkey, unambiguously assigning the specimen to D. setosum clade b. This lends support to the hypothesis of a single introduction event and fits well with the habitat suitability and distribution model for D. setosum published recently. The more rapid and larger range extension along a south-eastern, counter-current trajectory may reflect a strong habitat preference for D. setosum in this area of the Levantine Basin as predicted by the model.}, }
@article {pmid30313620, year = {2018}, author = {Broadley, A and Kauschke, E and Mohrig, W}, title = {Black fungus gnats (Diptera: Sciaridae) found in association with cultivated plants and mushrooms in Australia, with notes on cosmopolitan pest species and biosecurity interceptions.}, journal = {Zootaxa}, volume = {4415}, number = {2}, pages = {201-242}, doi = {10.11646/zootaxa.4415.2.1}, pmid = {30313620}, issn = {1175-5334}, mesh = {*Agaricales ; Animals ; Australia ; Canada ; China ; Commerce ; *Diptera ; *Introduced Species ; Male ; New South Wales ; Tasmania ; }, abstract = {Male sciarids collected in Australia from inside post-entry quarantine and domestic greenhouses and from vegetable gardens and various plants, were slide mounted and identified. Specimens intercepted during on-arrival biosecurity inspections of imported nursery stock plants were also examined, and the New South Wales Department of Primary Industries collection of slide-mounted Sciaridae was reviewed. Plant and mushroom pest species that are present in Australia are Bradysia impatiens (Johannsen), B. ocellaris (Comstock), Lycoriella agraria (Felt), L. ingenua (Dufour) = Sciara womersleyi Séguy, 1940 syn. n., L. sativae (Johannsen) = Sciara auberti Séguy, 1940 syn. n., Sciara jeanneli Séguy, 1940 syn. n., Sciara solispina Hardy, 1956 syn. n., and Cosmosciara hartii (Johannsen, 1912) comb. n. = Plastosciara perniciosa Edwards, 1922 syn. n. The last species is a new record for Australia. Bradysia tilicola (Loew) and Pnyxia scabiei (Hopkins) are potential pest species, but they have not been reported yet from Australia. An identification key to enable separation of the pest species is provided. Species with uncertain connections to plant and mushroom cultures are B. pallipes (Fabricius), B. strenua (Winnertz, 1867) = B. watsoni Colless, 1962 syn. n., Corynoptera concinna (Winnertz), (all three species are new records for the Australian mainland) and Hyperlasion aliens Mohrig (a new record for Tasmania). Bradysia spatitergum (Hardy) and Scatopsciara atomaria (Zetterstedt) were intercepted during the on-arrival biosecurity inspections of live plants imported from China and Canada respectively. Both species are widespread overseas but are not known to occur in Australia.}, }
@article {pmid30313367, year = {2018}, author = {BieŃkowski, AO}, title = {Key for identification of the ladybirds (Coleoptera: Coccinellidae) of European Russia and the Russian Caucasus (native and alien species).}, journal = {Zootaxa}, volume = {4472}, number = {2}, pages = {233-260}, doi = {10.11646/zootaxa.4472.2.2}, pmid = {30313367}, issn = {1175-5334}, mesh = {Animals ; *Coleoptera ; Ecology ; *Introduced Species ; Russia ; }, abstract = {Although ladybirds of European Russia and the Caucasus have been the subject of numerous ecological and faunistic investigations, there is an evident lack of appropriate identification keys. New, original keys to subfamilies, tribes, genera, and species of ladybirds (Coccinellidae) of European Russia and the Russian Caucasus are presented here. The keys include all native species recorded in the region and all introduced alien species. Some species from adjacent regions are added. In total, 113 species are treated and illustrated with line drawings. Photographs of rare and endemic species are provided. Information on the distribution of species within the region under consideration is provided. Chilocorus kuwanae Silvestri, 1909 is recognized as a subjective junior synonym (syn. nov.) of Ch. renipustulatus (Scriba, 1791).}, }
@article {pmid30313250, year = {2018}, author = {Serejo, CS and Siqueira, SGL}, title = {Catalogue of the Order Amphipoda from Brazil (Crustacea, Peracarida): Suborders Amphilochidea, Senticaudata and Order Ingolfiellida.}, journal = {Zootaxa}, volume = {4431}, number = {1}, pages = {1-139}, doi = {10.11646/zootaxa.4431.1.1}, pmid = {30313250}, issn = {1175-5334}, mesh = {*Amphipoda ; Animals ; Brazil ; *Caves ; Ecosystem ; Records ; }, abstract = {This catalog documents 303 species within 142 genera and 56 families distributed in the suborders Amphilochidea, Senticaudata and order Ingolfiellida that have been described or reported for the Brazilian coast and continent. Data for these species such as type material, type locality, geographic and bathymetric distribution, ecological notes and remarks, when pertinent, was given. From these, 268 species (~ 90%) are benthonic, marine and/or estuarine occurring from a diverse type of substrates as sediment, algae, sponges, cnidarians, ascideans, mangrove roots, fouling habitats, coral rubble, rodolith banks, etc. In terms of bathymetry, there are 214 species (~ 80%) reported for the Brazilian continental shelf (0-200 m) and 60 (~20%) for the deep sea zone (> 200 m, 50% from the Campos Basin area). There are 35 non-marine amphipods reported from Brazil. Hyalella is the restricted and dominant epigean group and is represented by 22 species, including some hypogean and cave species. Cave dwellers includes 15 species within 6 genera as: Hyalella (5); Megagidiella (1); Potiberaba (1); Spelaeogammarus (7), and Seborgia (1). Among the Bogidiellidae, Bogidiella neotropica Ruffo, 1952 and Marigidiella brasiliensis (Siewing, 1953) are hypogean, but not from caves. The former is the only amphipod species recorded from the Brazilian Amazon Biome, within the Tapajós River, Pará and the latter are found in marine coastal groundwater of Bahia and São Paulo. Considering the landhoppers (truly terrestrial), only two introduced species, Talitroides alluaudi (Chevreux, 1896) and Talitroides topitotum (Burt, 1934) have been found in the Atlantic forest biome, urban parks and sylviculture plantations from the southeast and south of Brazil. Moreover, several amphipod records for Brazil were noticed to be dubious or misidentifications and are listed in a table with pertinent literature.}, }
@article {pmid30312506, year = {2019}, author = {Latham, MC and Anderson, DP and Norbury, G and Price, CJ and Banks, PB and Latham, ADM}, title = {Modeling habituation of introduced predators to unrewarding bird odors for conservation of ground-nesting shorebirds.}, journal = {Ecological applications : a publication of the Ecological Society of America}, volume = {29}, number = {1}, pages = {e01814}, doi = {10.1002/eap.1814}, pmid = {30312506}, issn = {1051-0761}, support = {//Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment, New Zealand/ ; }, abstract = {Foraging mammalian predators face a myriad of odors from potential prey. To be efficient, they must focus on rewarding odors while ignoring consistently unrewarding ones. This may be exploited as a nonlethal conservation tool if predators can be deceived into ignoring odors of vulnerable secondary prey. To explore critical design components and assess the potential gains to prey survival of this technique, we created an individual-based model that simulated the hunting behavior of three introduced mammalian predators on one of their secondary prey (a migratory shorebird) in the South Island of New Zealand. Within this model, we heuristically assessed the outcome of habituating the predators to human-deployed unrewarding bird odors before the bird's arrival at their breeding grounds, i.e., the predators were &quot;primed.&quot; Using known home range sizes and probabilities of predators interacting with food lures, our model suggests that wide-ranging predators should encounter a relatively large number of odor points (between 10 and 115) during 27 d of priming when odor is deployed within high-resolution grids (100-150 m). Using this information, we then modeled the effect of different habituation curves (exponential and sigmoidal) on the probability of predators depredating shorebird nests. Our results show that important gains in nest survival can be achieved regardless of the shape of the habituation curve, but particularly if predators are fast olfactory learners (exponential curve), and even if some level of dishabituation occurs after prey become available. Predictions from our model can inform the amount and pattern in which olfactory stimuli need to be deployed in the field to optimize encounters by predators, and the relative gains that can be expected from reduced predation pressure on secondary prey under different scenarios of predator learning. Habituating predators to odors of threatened secondary prey may have particular efficacy as a conservation tool in areas where lethal predator control is not possible or ethical, or where even low predator densities can be detrimental to prey survival. Our approach is also relevant for determining interaction probabilities for devices other than odor points, such as bait stations and camera traps.}, }
@article {pmid30310745, year = {2018}, author = {Mohanty, NP and Measey, J}, title = {What's for dinner? Diet and potential trophic impact of an invasive anuran Hoplobatrachus tigerinus on the Andaman archipelago.}, journal = {PeerJ}, volume = {6}, number = {}, pages = {e5698}, pmid = {30310745}, issn = {2167-8359}, abstract = {Amphibian invasions have considerable detrimental impacts on recipient ecosystems. However, reliable risk analysis of invasive amphibians still requires research on more non-native amphibian species. An invasive population of the Indian bullfrog, Hoplobatrachus tigerinus, is currently spreading on the Andaman archipelago and may have significant trophic impacts on native anurans through competition and predation. We carried out diet analyses of the invasive H. tigerinus and native anurans, across four habitat types and two seasons; we hypothesized that (i) small vertebrates constitute a majority of the H. tigerinus diet, particularly by volume and (ii) the diet of H. tigerinus significantly overlaps with the diet of native anurans, thereby, leading to potential competition. We assessed the diet of the invasive H. tigerinus (n = 358), and individuals of the genera Limnonectes (n = 375) and Fejervarya (n = 65) and found a significant dietary overlap of H. tigerinus with only Limnonectes. Small vertebrates, including several endemic species, constituted the majority of H. tigerinus, diet by volume, suggesting potential impact by predation. Prey consumption and electivity of the three anurans indicated a positive relationship between predator-prey body sizes. Individuals of H. tigerinus and Fejervarya chose evasive prey, suggesting that these two taxa are mostly ambush predators; individuals of Limnonectes chose a mixture of sedentary and evasive prey indicating that the species employs a combination of 'active search' and 'sit and wait' foraging strategies. All three species of anurans mostly consumed terrestrial prey. This intensive study on a genus of newly invasive amphibian contributes to knowledge of the impact of amphibian invasions, and elucidates the feeding ecology of H. tigerinus, and species of the genera Limnonectes and Fejervarya. We also stress the necessity to evaluate prey availability and volume in future studies for meaningful insights into diet of amphibians.}, }
@article {pmid30310238, year = {2018}, author = {Pliszko, A and Kostrakiewicz-Gierałt, K}, title = {Effect of cold stratification on seed germination in Solidago × niederederi (Asteraceae) and its parental species.}, journal = {Biologia}, volume = {73}, number = {10}, pages = {945-950}, pmid = {30310238}, issn = {0006-3088}, abstract = {In this study, we investigated the influence of cold stratification on seed germination in S. × niederederi, a hybrid between the North American S. canadensis and the European S. virgaurea, using fruit samples collected in 2016 in Poland. We aimed to test the hypothesis that the low temperature exposure decreases the final percentage and speed of seed germination in the hybrid and its parental species. For each species, sets of 100 achenes in three replications were mixed with dry sand and stored in Petri dishes in darkness for 12 weeks, at -18 °C and + 4 °C, and + 25 °C. The seeds were incubated for 21 d at room temperature (+25 °C), under the 12 h photoperiod (630 lx). We showed a lack of significant differences in: (i) the final percentage of germinated seeds of studied species stored at the same conditions, (ii) the final percentage of germinated seeds between the applied stratification conditions in the hybrid and its parental species, and (iii) the mean values of Timson's index, mean germination time, and coefficient of velocity of germination between the stratification conditions in each species. The statistically significant inter-specific differences in the mean germination time parameter after the +25 °C treatment suggest that the seeds of S. × niederederi are able to germinate faster than the seeds of its parental species. However, to improve our knowledge of naturalization and invasion abilities of S. × niederederi by sexual reproduction, the seed germination and seedling survival of the hybrid should be tested in the field.}, }
@article {pmid30310125, year = {2018}, author = {Salinitro, M and Alessandrini, A and Zappi, A and Melucci, D and Tassoni, A}, title = {Floristic diversity in different urban ecological niches of a southern European city.}, journal = {Scientific reports}, volume = {8}, number = {1}, pages = {15110}, pmid = {30310125}, issn = {2045-2322}, abstract = {The present paper aimed at studying the vertical and horizontal spatial distribution, species richness and diversity of vascular plants in different urban ecological niches (urban habitats) by means of the case study of Bologna (Italy), a typical densely populated southern European city. A total of 477 species were found in the study area of the historical city centre, 30% of which were alien species. Alien plant species were mainly present among phanerophytes, while native plants were mainly therophytes and hemicryptophytes. The habitats that mostly contributed to the species total richness were semi-natural soils, followed by paved areas, walls, rooftops and manholes. The number of exclusive species decreased according to the selectiveness of the habitat, with manholes and rooftops being the most selective. The presence of hemicryptophytes constant decreased going from 27% of more humid habitats to 5% of more arid habitats, so that they can be considered a water availability biomarker. Urban habitat quality, measured by the number of native species, was directly proportional to the strength of selective factors and inversely proportional to the rate of disturbance, with roofs and semi-natural soils having, respectively, the highest and lowest quality. Finally, a relation between species richness and street characteristics, like width, orientation and type of flooring, was demonstrated.}, }
@article {pmid30308820, year = {2019}, author = {Budzyńska, A and Rosińska, J and Pełechata, A and Toporowska, M and Napiórkowska-Krzebietke, A and Kozak, A and Messyasz, B and Pęczuła, W and Kokociński, M and Szeląg-Wasielewska, E and Grabowska, M and Mądrecka, B and Niedźwiecki, M and Alcaraz Parraga, P and Pełechaty, M and Karpowicz, M and Pawlik-Skowrońska, B}, title = {Environmental factors driving the occurrence of the invasive cyanobacterium Sphaerospermopsis aphanizomenoides (Nostocales) in temperate lakes.}, journal = {The Science of the total environment}, volume = {650}, number = {Pt 1}, pages = {1338-1347}, doi = {10.1016/j.scitotenv.2018.09.144}, pmid = {30308820}, issn = {1879-1026}, mesh = {Biomass ; Cyanobacteria/*growth &amp; development ; *Environmental Monitoring ; Eutrophication ; Introduced Species ; Lakes/*microbiology ; Phosphorus/analysis ; Phytoplankton ; Seasons ; Water Pollution/analysis ; }, abstract = {Cyanobacterial blooms are an increasing threat worldwide. Invasions of certain cyanobacterial species, mainly towards higher latitudes, add to this concern as they enrich the pool of potential bloom-formers in the invaded region. Among the numerous causes of this escalating process, climate warming is commonly considered the most crucial factor, but empirical studies of this issue are lacking. The aim of our study was to identify physical, chemical and biological factors related to the occurrence of an invasive cyanobacterium at the northern border of its putative current range, and thus enabling its expansion. This study focuses on the relatively little studied species Sphaerospermopsis aphanizomenoides (Nostocales, Cyanobacteria; synonyms: Aphanizomenon aphanizomenoides, Anabaena aphanizomenoides), which is predicted to become one of the main nuisance species of the future. Forty-nine freshwater lakes located between latitudes 51° and 55°N were examined for the presence of S. aphanizomenoides, and environmental factors that could drive its occurrence were studied simultaneously. To identify factors correlated with the presence of the species, principal component analysis (PCA) and Mann-Whitney U test were performed. Water temperature did not differentiate lakes with or without S. aphanizomenoides, however the study was conducted in a particularly hot summer. Total phosphorus concentration was identified as the primary driving factor of the occurrence of S. aphanizomenoides. The species grew in poor light conditions and high phytoplankton biomass, mainly in shallow lakes. As shown by detrended correspondence analysis (DCA), the species accompanied shade tolerant, eutrophic species of native and invasive cyanobacteria as well as eukaryotic algae. Our results indicate that eutrophication may be the primary factor enabling the increasing occurrence of S. aphanizomenoides in temperate environments, and suggest that this process may stimulate expansion of cyanobacterial species towards high latitudes.}, }
@article {pmid30307074, year = {2018}, author = {Andrew, SC and Jensen, H and Hagen, IJ and Lundregan, S and Griffith, SC}, title = {Signatures of genetic adaptation to extremely varied Australian environments in introduced European house sparrows.}, journal = {Molecular ecology}, volume = {27}, number = {22}, pages = {4542-4555}, doi = {10.1111/mec.14897}, pmid = {30307074}, issn = {1365-294X}, support = {2013077//Macquarie University Research Excellence/ ; FT130101253//Australian Research Council Future/ ; 211956//Research Council of Norway/ ; 223257//Research Council of Norway's Centres of Excellence funding scheme/ ; }, abstract = {Due to its history of multiple introductions to novel environments worldwide, the house sparrow has been used as a model species to study local adaption in invasive avian species. New genomic resources such as a custom 200K SNP array and a house sparrow reference genome provide great prospects for studying rapid local adaptation in this invasive species. Here, we analyse high-density genomewide genetic data collected across an extensive range of temperate, arid and tropical climates, in Australian populations that were introduced from Europe 150 years ago. We used two population differentiation (PD) and two ecological association (EA) methods to identify putative loci subject to selection across these varied climates. A majority of the outlier SNPs were identified through the use of the latent factor mixed models (LFMM) EA method, but the BayeScEnv EA method had the strongest overlap with the outliers from the two PD methods. Out of all the 971 outliers identified across the different methods, 38.3% were physically linked (within 20 kbps) to 575 known protein-coding regions in the house sparrow reference genome. Interestingly, some outlier genes had been previously identified in genome scan studies of broadly distributed species or had strong links to traits that are expected to be important to local adaptation, for example, heat-shock proteins, immune response and HOX genes. However, many outliers still have unknown relevance and some outliers can be false positives. Our results identify an opportunity to use the house sparrow model to further study local adaptation in an invasive species.}, }
@article {pmid30307038, year = {2018}, author = {Fahey, C and Angelini, C and Flory, SL}, title = {Grass invasion and drought interact to alter the diversity and structure of native plant communities.}, journal = {Ecology}, volume = {99}, number = {12}, pages = {2692-2702}, doi = {10.1002/ecy.2536}, pmid = {30307038}, issn = {0012-9658}, support = {FLA-AGR- 005180//USDA/NIFA McIntire-Stennis program/ ; Contract#21942//Florida Forest Service, Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services/ ; 1546638//National Science Foundation Division of Environmental Biology/ ; //University of Florida, Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS)/ ; }, abstract = {Understanding the interactive effects of species invasions and climate change is essential for predicting future shifts in biodiversity. Because multiple stressors can interact in synergistic or antagonistic ways, it is notoriously difficult to anticipate their combined effects on species assemblages. However, some hypotheses predict that plant invasions will become increasingly problematic as climate change improves conditions for invaders or lowers the biotic resistance of native communities. In a 4-yr field experiment, we quantified the individual and interactive effects of invasion by a globally problematic C4 grass, Imperata cylindrica, and chronic simulated drought imposed by rainout shelters on the whole plant communities of regenerating longleaf pine forest. Invasion both inhibited plant colonization and enhanced plot-level extinctions, resulting in a severe (60%) loss of plant diversity across all functional groups, including perennial grasses and forbs, annual forbs, and woody species and dramatic shifts in community composition. Experimental drought reduced diversity by 20%, and caused a shift in the dominant functional groups, but had no significant effect on cover of the invader. The invader partially ameliorated water stress in the drought treatment such that invaded plots had higher soil moisture than uninvaded plots. Consequently, the combined effects of invasion and drought were lower than expected from an additive model of multiple stressors. These findings, which may have broader implications for how other C4 grass invaders will interact with drought to shift native community dynamics, challenge the perception that climate change will exacerbate invasions. In revealing that invasive species pose a major threat to the diversity and structure of native communities despite their moderating effects on abiotic stress, this work also highlights that management of aggressive invaders may be critical to preserving biodiversity regardless of future climate.}, }
@article {pmid30304394, year = {2018}, author = {Lee, CC and Wang, J}, title = {Rapid Expansion of a Highly Germline-Expressed Mariner Element Acquired by Horizontal Transfer in the Fire Ant Genome.}, journal = {Genome biology and evolution}, volume = {10}, number = {12}, pages = {3262-3278}, doi = {10.1093/gbe/evy220}, pmid = {30304394}, issn = {1759-6653}, mesh = {Animals ; Ants/*genetics/metabolism ; *DNA Transposable Elements ; DNA-Binding Proteins ; Female ; *Gene Transfer, Horizontal ; *Genome, Insect ; Germ Cells/*metabolism ; Male ; Polymorphism, Genetic ; Selection, Genetic ; Silent Mutation ; Transposases ; }, abstract = {Transposable elements (TEs) are present in almost all organisms and affect the host in various ways. TE activity can increase genomic variation and thereby affect host evolution. Currently active TEs are particularly interesting because they are likely generating new genomic diversity. These active TEs have been poorly studied outside of model organisms. In this study, we aimed to identify currently active TEs of a notorious invasive species, the red imported fire ant Solenopsis invicta. Using RNA profiling of male and female germline tissues, we found that the majority of TE-containing transcripts in the fire ant germline belong to the IS630-Tc1-Mariner superfamily. Subsequent genomic characterization of fire ant mariner content, molecular evolution analysis, and population comparisons revealed a highly expressed and highly polymorphic mariner element that is rapidly expanding in the fire ant genome. Additionally, using comparative genomics of multiple insect species we showed that this mariner has undergone several recent horizontal transfer events (<5.1 My). Our results document a rare case of a currently active TE originating from horizontal transfer.}, }
@article {pmid30301240, year = {2018}, author = {Avanesyan, A}, title = {Should I Eat or Should I Go? Acridid Grasshoppers and Their Novel Host Plants: Potential for Biotic Resistance.}, journal = {Plants (Basel, Switzerland)}, volume = {7}, number = {4}, pages = {}, doi = {10.3390/plants7040083}, pmid = {30301240}, issn = {2223-7747}, abstract = {Novel, non-coevolved associations between introduced plants and native insect herbivores may lead to changes in trophic interactions in native communities, as well as to substantial economic problems. Although some studies in invasion ecology demonstrated that native herbivores can preferentially feed on introduced plants and therefore contribute to the biotic resistance of native communities to plant invasions, the role of acridid grasshoppers as native generalist insect herbivores is largely overlooked. This systematic review aimed to identify patterns of grasshopper feeding preferences for native versus introduced plants and, consequently, a potential of grasshoppers to provide biotic resistance of native communities. The analysis of 63 records of feeding preference trials for 28 North-American grasshopper species (retrieved from 2146 studies published during 1967⁻2017) has demonstrated a preference of grasshoppers for introduced host plants, and identified 12 preferred introduced plants with high or middle invasive ranks. A significant effect of the life stage (p < 0.001), but not the experimental environment, plant material, and measurements, on grasshopper preferences for introduced plants was also detected. Overall, results suggest a potential of acridid grasshoppers to contribute to the biotic resistance of native communities. The review also provides methodological recommendations for future experimental studies on grasshopper-host plant interactions.}, }
@article {pmid30301069, year = {2018}, author = {Gerhard, WA and Gunsch, CK}, title = {Analyzing trends in ballasting behavior of vessels arriving to the United States from 2004 to 2017.}, journal = {Marine pollution bulletin}, volume = {135}, number = {}, pages = {525-533}, doi = {10.1016/j.marpolbul.2018.07.001}, pmid = {30301069}, issn = {1879-3363}, mesh = {Environmental Health ; Humans ; *Introduced Species ; *Ships ; Time Factors ; United States ; Water ; *Water Purification ; }, abstract = {Maritime shipping transports over 90% of global goods. Ballast water, used to provide vessel stability, has been associated with the introduction of marine invasive species. Thus, understanding ballasting trends is imperative to protecting human and environmental health. This paper examines data from the National Ballast Information Clearinghouse to assess ballasting behavior and shipping trends in the United States. From 2005 to 2017, vessel arrivals have remained relatively constant (annual growth rate of 1.2% per year) while total ballast discharge per vessel has grown at an annual rate of 7.6%. Furthermore, from 2014 to 2016, alternative ballast water management methods have been on the rise, and these treatment options are likely to continue increasing in response to the International Maritime Organization Ballast Water Management Convention that entered into force in September 2017. It is critical that the shipping industry monitors potential cascading impacts on other ballasting behaviors stemming from this shift.}, }
@article {pmid30301006, year = {2018}, author = {Lundgreen, K and Holbech, H and Pedersen, KL and Petersen, GI and Andreasen, RR and George, C and Drillet, G and Andersen, M}, title = {UV fluences required for compliance with ballast water discharge standards using two approved methods for algal viability assessment.}, journal = {Marine pollution bulletin}, volume = {135}, number = {}, pages = {1090-1100}, doi = {10.1016/j.marpolbul.2018.08.043}, pmid = {30301006}, issn = {1879-3363}, mesh = {Dinoflagellida/radiation effects ; Phytoplankton/*radiation effects ; Pressure ; Seawater ; *Ships ; Tropical Climate ; *Ultraviolet Rays ; Water Purification/instrumentation/*methods ; }, abstract = {This study investigates the extra UV fluence needed to meet the International Maritime Organisation's ballast water discharge standards for the 10-50 μm size-class using the approved vital stain (VS) method compared to the Most Probable Number (MPN) method for organism viability assessment. Low- and medium pressure UV collimated beam treatments were applied to natural algae collected in temperate and tropical water environments and analysed using both methods. About 10 times higher UV fluence was required to meet discharge standards when using VS compared to MPN. Implementing a dark-hold period after UV treatments decreased algal viability. Length of dark-hold period to meet discharge standards decreased with increasing UV fluence. No significant differences between temperate and tropical samples were observed. The results showed that UV treated algae assessed using the VS method could meet discharge standards by increasing fluence and/or introducing a dark-hold period.}, }
@article {pmid30301002, year = {2018}, author = {Hoxha, T and Crookes, S and Lejeusne, C and Dick, JTA and Chang, X and Bouchemousse, S and Cuthbert, RN and MacIsaac, HJ}, title = {Comparative feeding rates of native and invasive ascidians.}, journal = {Marine pollution bulletin}, volume = {135}, number = {}, pages = {1067-1071}, doi = {10.1016/j.marpolbul.2018.08.039}, pmid = {30301002}, issn = {1879-3363}, mesh = {Animals ; Ciona/*physiology ; Ciona intestinalis/physiology ; Feeding Behavior/*physiology ; France ; *Introduced Species ; Species Specificity ; }, abstract = {Ascidians have a recent history of species introductions globally, often with strong ecological impacts. Comparisons of per capita effects of invaders and comparable natives are useful to assess such impacts. Here, we explore ingestion rates (IR) and clearance rates (CR) of Ciona intestinalis and Ciona robusta, co-occurring native and non-native ascidians, respectively, from Brittany, France. IR was positively related to food concentration, with the invader responding more strongly to increasing food concentration. CR also differed by species, with the invader demonstrating higher values. C. robusta exhibited a higher functional response (Type I) than did C. intestinalis (Type II). Relative impact measured using seasonal abundance and IR revealed that C. robusta has a much greater impact than C. intestinalis at all food concentrations tested, though the former has a constrained distribution which limits its regional impact. Nevertheless, when abundant, we expect C. robusta to exert a greater impact on algal foods.}, }
@article {pmid30300935, year = {2018}, author = {Trotta, LB and Baiser, B and Possley, J and Li, D and Lange, J and Martin, S and Sessa, EB}, title = {Community phylogeny of the globally critically imperiled pine rockland ecosystem.}, journal = {American journal of botany}, volume = {105}, number = {10}, pages = {1735-1747}, doi = {10.1002/ajb2.1168}, pmid = {30300935}, issn = {1537-2197}, abstract = {PREMISE OF THE STUDY: Community phylogenetic methods incorporate information on evolutionary relationships into studies of organismal assemblages. We used a community phylogenetic framework to investigate relationships and biogeographic affinities and to calculate phylogenetic signal of endemism and invasiveness for the flora of the pine rocklands-a globally critically imperiled ecosystem with a significant portion of its distribution in South Florida, United States.<br><br>METHODS: We reconstructed phylogenetic relationships of 538 vascular plant taxa, which represent 92.28% of the vascular flora of the pine rocklands. We estimated phylogenetic signal for endemism and invasiveness using phylogenetic generalized linear mixed models. We determined the native range for each species in the data set and calculated the total number of species sourced from each region and all possible combinations of these regions.<br><br>KEY RESULTS: The pine rockland flora includes representatives of all major vascular plant lineages, and most species have native ranges in the New World. There was strong phylogenetic signal for endemism, but not for invasiveness.<br><br>CONCLUSIONS: Community phylogenetics has high potential value for conservation planning, particularly for fragmented and endangered ecosystems like the pine rockland. Strong phylogenetic signal for endemic species in our data set, which also tend to be threatened or endangered, can help to identify species at risk, as well as fragments where those species occur, highlighting conservation priorities. Our results indicate, at least in the pine rockland ecosystem, no phylogenetic signal for invasive species, and thus other information must be used to predict the potential for invasiveness.}, }
@article {pmid30297403, year = {2018}, author = {García, FC and Bestion, E and Warfield, R and Yvon-Durocher, G}, title = {Changes in temperature alter the relationship between biodiversity and ecosystem functioning.}, journal = {Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the United States of America}, volume = {115}, number = {43}, pages = {10989-10994}, pmid = {30297403}, issn = {1091-6490}, mesh = {*Biodiversity ; Biomass ; *Ecosystem ; Introduced Species ; Models, Biological ; Temperature ; }, abstract = {Global warming and the loss of biodiversity through human activities (e.g., land-use change, pollution, invasive species) are two of the most profound threats to the functional integrity of the Earth's ecosystems. These factors are, however, most frequently investigated separately, ignoring the potential for synergistic effects of biodiversity loss and environmental warming on ecosystem functioning. Here we use high-throughput experiments with microbial communities to investigate how changes in temperature affect the relationship between biodiversity and ecosystem functioning. We found that changes in temperature systematically altered the relationship between biodiversity and ecosystem functioning. As temperatures departed from ambient conditions the exponent of the diversity-functioning relationship increased, meaning that more species were required to maintain ecosystem functioning under thermal stress. This key result was driven by two processes linked to variability in the thermal tolerance curves of taxa. First, more diverse communities had a greater chance of including species with thermal traits that enabled them to maintain productivity as temperatures shifted from ambient conditions. Second, we found a pronounced increase in the contribution of complementarity to the net biodiversity effect at high and low temperatures, indicating that changes in species interactions played a critical role in mediating the impacts of temperature change on the relationship between biodiversity and ecosystem functioning. Our results highlight that if biodiversity loss occurs independently of species' thermal tolerance traits, then the additional impacts of environmental warming will result in sharp declines in ecosystem function.}, }
@article {pmid30296859, year = {2019}, author = {Jones, CM and Parry, H and Tay, WT and Reynolds, DR and Chapman, JW}, title = {Movement Ecology of Pest Helicoverpa: Implications for Ongoing Spread.}, journal = {Annual review of entomology}, volume = {64}, number = {}, pages = {277-295}, doi = {10.1146/annurev-ento-011118-111959}, pmid = {30296859}, issn = {1545-4487}, abstract = {The recent introduction and spread of Helicoverpa armigera throughout South America highlight the invasiveness and adaptability of moths in the Helicoverpa genus. Long-range movement in three key members, H. armigera, H. zea, and H. punctigera, occurs by migration and international trade. These movements facilitate high population admixture and genetic diversity, with important economic, biosecurity, and control implications in today's agricultural landscape. This is particularly true for the spread of resistance alleles to transgenic crops expressing Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) toxins that are planted over vast areas to suppress Helicoverpa spp. The ability to track long-distance movement through radar technology, population genetic markers, and/or long-distance dispersal modeling has advanced in recent years, yet we still know relatively little about the population trajectories or migratory routes in Helicoverpa spp. Here, we consider how experimental and theoretical approaches can be integrated to fill key knowledge gaps and assist management practices.}, }
@article {pmid30295388, year = {2019}, author = {Chan, FT and Stanislawczyk, K and Sneekes, AC and Dvoretsky, A and Gollasch, S and Minchin, D and David, M and Jelmert, A and Albretsen, J and Bailey, SA}, title = {Climate change opens new frontiers for marine species in the Arctic: Current trends and future invasion risks.}, journal = {Global change biology}, volume = {25}, number = {1}, pages = {25-38}, doi = {10.1111/gcb.14469}, pmid = {30295388}, issn = {1365-2486}, mesh = {Animals ; Aquatic Organisms/*physiology ; Arctic Regions ; Biodiversity ; *Climate Change ; Ecosystem ; Introduced Species/statistics &amp; numerical data/*trends ; Risk ; }, abstract = {Climate change and increased anthropogenic activities are expected to elevate the potential of introducing nonindigenous species (NIS) into the Arctic. Yet, the knowledge base needed to identify gaps and priorities for NIS research and management is limited. Here, we reviewed primary introduction events to each ecoregion of the marine Arctic realm to identify temporal and spatial patterns, likely source regions of NIS, and the putative introduction pathways. We included 54 introduction events representing 34 unique NIS. The rate of NIS discovery ranged from zero to four species per year between 1960 and 2015. The Iceland Shelf had the greatest number of introduction events (n = 14), followed by the Barents Sea (n = 11), and the Norwegian Sea (n = 11). Sixteen of the 54 introduction records had no known origins. The majority of those with known source regions were attributed to the Northeast Atlantic and the Northwest Pacific, 19 and 14 records, respectively. Some introduction events were attributed to multiple possible pathways. For these introductions, vessels transferred the greatest number of aquatic NIS (39%) to the Arctic, followed by natural spread (30%) and aquaculture activities (25%). Similar trends were found for introductions attributed to a single pathway. The phyla Arthropoda and Ochrophyta had the highest number of recorded introduction events, with 19 and 12 records, respectively. Recommendations including vector management, horizon scanning, early detection, rapid response, and a pan-Arctic biodiversity inventory are considered in this paper. Our study provides a comprehensive record of primary introductions of NIS for marine environments in the circumpolar Arctic and identifies knowledge gaps and opportunities for NIS research and management. Ecosystems worldwide will face dramatic changes in the coming decades due to global change. Our findings contribute to the knowledge base needed to address two aspects of global change-invasive species and climate change.}, }
@article {pmid30294541, year = {2018}, author = {Doi, K and Kato, T and Hayama, SI}, title = {Infestation of introduced raccoons (Procyon lotor) with indigenous ixodid ticks on the Miura Peninsula, Kanagawa Prefecture, Japan.}, journal = {International journal for parasitology. Parasites and wildlife}, volume = {7}, number = {3}, pages = {355-359}, pmid = {30294541}, issn = {2213-2244}, abstract = {Since the raccoon (Procyon lotor) was introduced to Japan, studies have established that they are infested with native Japanese tick species. However, the quantity of ticks infesting raccoons is unknown. We conducted a survey of ticks on invasive raccoons captured on the Miura Peninsula, Kanagawa Prefecture, Japan, from April 2015 through June 2016 to determine the species of ticks and to quantify the intensity of tick infestation in order to obtain basal information related to the ecology of host-parasite relationships among indigenous tick species and an alien mammalian species. We collected and identified 15,931 ticks of two genera and six species, namely, Haemaphysalis flava, H. megaspinosa, H. longicornis, H. japonica, Ixodes ovatus, and I. tanuki, from 100 out of 115 raccoons. The dominant tick species was H. flava (96.8%) and individuals were mainly adults. Seasonal patterns of infestation intensity of adults and nymphs peaked in the autumn and winter and decreasing in the late spring and summer, May to August, while larvae peaked in August. Our results indicated that host-parasite relationships between invasive raccoons and Japanese tick species, especially H. flava, were established in Kanagawa Prefecture. The ticks infest invasive raccoons for their blood-meal and also for overwintering. The results of this study extend our understanding of the ecology of tick-borne diseases.}, }
@article {pmid30294333, year = {2018}, author = {Gentili, R and Ambrosini, R and Montagnani, C and Caronni, S and Citterio, S}, title = {Effect of Soil pH on the Growth, Reproductive Investment and Pollen Allergenicity of Ambrosia artemisiifolia L.}, journal = {Frontiers in plant science}, volume = {9}, number = {}, pages = {1335}, pmid = {30294333}, issn = {1664-462X}, abstract = {Despite the importance of soil reaction for alien plant establishment, few and incomplete studies have included this key factor so far. In this study, we investigated the effects of soil pH on the germination, growth (plant height, width, dry weight, etc.) and reproductive investment (inflorescence size and n° of flowers) of Ambrosia artemisiifolia (common ragweed), an allergenic species that is highly invasive and alien in Europe, through a replicated experiment in controlled conditions. In addition, we determined if soil pH has an effect on the total pollen allergenicity of the species. After preliminary germination tests on agar at different pH (from pH4 to pH8), plants were grown in natural soils with pH values of 5 (acid), 6 (sub-acid) and 7 (neutral) obtained by modifying a natural soil by liming methods (calcium hydroxide solution). Results showed that plants grown at pH7 were shorter and developed leaves at a slower rate than those grown at pH5 and pH6; plants grown at pH7 did not produce flowers and pollen. We also observed that, at pH5 and pH6, larger plants (as assessed by the dry weight of the aerial biomass) had both larger and more numerous inflorescences and emitted pollen earlier. Finally, the IgE-binding signal was higher in pollen samples collected from plants grown at pH5 (Integrated Optical Density, IOD, range: 1.12-1.25) than in those grown at pH6 (IOD range: 0.86 -1.03). Although we acknowledge the limitations of only testing the effects of pH in controlled conditions, this study suggests that soil pH greatly affects the growth and development of A. artemisiifolia and indicates that it may have a role in limiting the distribution and hazardousness of this plant. Future field tests should therefore assess the effectiveness of liming in the management and control of ragweed and other alien species.}, }
@article {pmid30291808, year = {2019}, author = {Erbilgin, N}, title = {Phytochemicals as mediators for host range expansion of a native invasive forest insect herbivore.}, journal = {The New phytologist}, volume = {221}, number = {3}, pages = {1268-1278}, doi = {10.1111/nph.15467}, pmid = {30291808}, issn = {1469-8137}, support = {//Canada Research Chair Program/ ; //Genome Alberta, Genome British Columbia, and Genome Canada in support of the TRIA projects/ ; //Alberta Innovates-New Faculty Award/ ; //fRI Research-Mountain Pine Beetle Ecology Program/ ; //NSERC-Discovery Award/ ; //NSERC-Strategic Partnership Grant/ ; //Canada Foundation of Innovation/ ; }, abstract = {Mountain pine beetle (MPB) has recently invaded jack pine forests in western Canada. This invasion signifies a climate change-induced range expansion by a native insect. The mechanism underlying this invasion is unknown, but likely involves phytochemicals that play critical roles in MPB biology. Thus far, studies have investigated the compatibility of jack pine chemistry with beetles and their microbial symbionts. I have identified three phytochemical mechanisms that have likely facilitated the host range expansion of MPB. First, jack pine chemistry is overall similar to that of the historical hosts of MPB. In particular, jack pine chemistry is compatible with beetle pheromone production, aggregation on host trees and larval development. Furthermore, the compatibility of jack pine chemistry maintains beneficial interactions between MPB and its microbial symbionts. Second, compared with historical hosts, the novel host not only has lower concentrations of toxic and repellent defense chemicals, but also contains large concentrations of chemicals promoting host colonization by MPB. These patterns are especially pronounced when comparing novel hosts with well-defended historical hosts. Finally, before MPBs arrived in jack pine forests, they invaded a zone of hybrids of novel and historical hosts that likely improved beetle success on jack pine, as hybrids show chemical characteristics of both hosts. In conclusion, the phytochemistry of jack pine has likely facilitated the biological invasion of this novel host by MPB.}, }
@article {pmid30289888, year = {2018}, author = {Feiner, ZS and Foley, CJ and Bootsma, HA and Czesny, SJ and Janssen, J and Rinchard, J and Höök, TO}, title = {Species identity matters when interpreting trophic markers in aquatic food webs.}, journal = {PloS one}, volume = {13}, number = {10}, pages = {e0204767}, pmid = {30289888}, issn = {1932-6203}, mesh = {Animals ; Bivalvia/physiology ; Carbon Isotopes/chemistry ; Diet ; Dreissena/physiology ; Ecosystem ; Fishes/*physiology ; *Food Chain ; Introduced Species ; Lakes/chemistry ; Michigan ; Nitrogen Isotopes/chemistry ; Nutritional Status/physiology ; }, abstract = {In aquatic systems, food web linkages are often assessed using diet contents, stable isotope ratios, and, increasingly, fatty acid composition of organisms. Some correlations between different trophic metrics are assumed to be well-supported; for example, particular stable isotope ratios and fatty acids seem to reflect reliance on benthic or pelagic energy pathways. However, understanding whether the assumed correlations between different trophic metrics are coherent and consistent across species represents a key step toward their effective use in food web studies. To assess links among trophic markers, we compared relationships between major diet components, fatty acids, and stable isotope ratios in three fishes: yellow perch (Perca flavescens), round goby (Neogobius melanostomus), and spottail shiner (Notropis hudsonius) collected from nearshore Lake Michigan. Yellow perch and spottail shiner are native in this system, while round goby are a relatively recent invader. We found some evidence for agreement between different trophic metrics, especially between diet components, n-3:n-6 fatty acid ratios, and stable isotope ratios (δ13C and δ15N). However, we also observed significant variation in observed relationships among markers and species, potentially due to taxonomic variation in the specific diet items consumed (e.g., chydorid microcrustaceans and Dreissena mussels) and species-specific biochemical processes. In many of these latter cases, the invasive species differed from the native species. Understanding the effects of taxonomic variation on prey and predator signatures could significantly improve the usefulness of fatty acids in food web studies, whereas diet contents and stable isotopes appear to be reliable indicators of trophic niche in aquatic food webs.}, }
@article {pmid30289566, year = {2018}, author = {Latombe, G and Richardson, DM and Pyšek, P and Kučera, T and Hui, C}, title = {Drivers of species turnover vary with species commonness for native and alien plants with different residence times.}, journal = {Ecology}, volume = {99}, number = {12}, pages = {2763-2775}, doi = {10.1002/ecy.2528}, pmid = {30289566}, issn = {0012-9658}, support = {109683//National Research Foundation/ ; 89967//National Research Foundation/ ; 67985939//Stellenbosch University Subcommittee B/ ; DP150103017//Australian Research Council/ ; 85417//DST-NRF Centre of Excellence for Invasion Biology/ ; 14-36079G//Centre of Excellence PLADIAS/ ; 67985939//Czech Academy of Sciences/ ; }, abstract = {Communities comprising alien species with different residence times are natural experiments allowing the assessment of drivers of community assembly over time. Stochastic processes (such as dispersal and fluctuating environments) should be the dominant factors structuring communities of exotic species with short residence times. In contrast, communities should become more similar, or systematically diverge, if they contain exotics with increasing resident times, due to the increasing importance of deterministic processes (such as environmental filtering). We use zeta diversity (the number of species shared by multiple assemblages) to explore the relationship between the turnover of native species and two categories of alien species with different residence times (archaeophytes [introduced between 4000 BC and 1500 AD] and neophytes [introduced after 1500 AD]) in a network of nature reserves in central Europe. By considering multiple assemblages simultaneously, zeta diversity allows us to determine the contribution of rare and widespread species to turnover. Specifically, we explore the relative effects of assembly processes representing isolation by distance, environmental filtering, and environmental stochasticity (fluctuating environments) on zeta diversity using Multi-Site Generalized Dissimilarity Modelling (MS-GDM). Four clusters of results emerged. First, stochastic processes for structuring plant assemblages decreased in importance with increasing residence time. Environmental stochasticity only affected species composition for neophytes, offering possibilities to predict the spread debt of recent invasions. Second, native species turnover was well explained by environmental filtering and isolation by distance, although these factors did not explain the turnover of archaeophytes and neophytes. Third, native and alien species compositions were only correlated for rare species, whereas turnover in widespread alien species was surprisingly unrelated to the composition of widespread native species. Site-specific approaches would therefore be more appropriate for the monitoring and management of rare alien species, whereas species-specific approaches would suit widespread species. Finally, the size difference of nature reserves influences not only native species richness, but also their richness-independent turnover. A network of reserves must therefore be designed and managed using a variety of approaches to enhance native diversity, while controlling alien species with different residence times and degrees of commonness.}, }
@article {pmid30289505, year = {2019}, author = {Bin, S and Pu, X and Shu, B and Kang, C and Luo, S and Tang, Y and Wu, Z and Lin, J}, title = {Selection of Reference Genes for Optimal Normalization of Quantitative Real-Time Polymerase Chain Reaction Results for Diaphorina citri Adults.}, journal = {Journal of economic entomology}, volume = {112}, number = {1}, pages = {355-363}, doi = {10.1093/jee/toy297}, pmid = {30289505}, issn = {1938-291X}, abstract = {The Asian citrus psyllid, Diaphorina citri Kuwayama (Hemiptera: Liviidae), can cause direct damage to citrus trees and is the main vector for the devastating disease, citrus greening disease or huanglongbing. Most molecular studies on this important insect pest use real-time reverse-transcription quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) to quantify gene expression, including analyzing molecular basis for insecticide resistance in field populations. One critical factor to cause inaccuracy in RT-qPCR results is the lack of appropriate internal reference genes for optimal data normalization. In this study, the expression levels of 10 selected reference genes were evaluated in different tissue samples of psyllid adults and in the insects treated with different temperatures and insecticides. Data were analyzed using different computational algorithms, including Delta Ct, BestKeeper, NormFinder, geNorm, and RefFinder. According to our results, at least two reference genes should be used for the normalization of RT-qPCR data in this insect. The best choices of reference genes for different samples are as follows: ACT1 and Ferritin for different tissue samples, RPS20 and Ferritin for samples treated with different temperatures, TBP and EF1α for samples treated with imidacloprid, and Ferritin and TBP for samples treated with beta-cypermethrin. The reference genes identified in this study should be useful for future studies to analyze the expression patterns of target genes, especially for genes linked with temperature adaptability and insecticide resistance in this insect species in the future.}, }
@article {pmid30287274, year = {2018}, author = {Thomas, JR and Fisher, J and Cable, J and Griffiths, SW}, title = {Terrestrial dispersal of invasive signal crayfish during vulnerable life stages.}, journal = {Behavioural processes}, volume = {157}, number = {}, pages = {204-207}, doi = {10.1016/j.beproc.2018.09.014}, pmid = {30287274}, issn = {1872-8308}, mesh = {Animal Distribution ; *Animal Migration ; Animals ; Astacoidea/*growth &amp; development ; Ecosystem ; Female ; *Introduced Species ; }, abstract = {1. Aquatic invertebrates commonly disperse between waterbodies by flight, though some decapods can emigrate from the water and walk overland. 2. The signal crayfish (Pacifastacus leniusculus, Dana) is a highly invasive species that can survive for days to weeks out of water, though it is unclear to what extent vulnerable life stages, such as ovigerous females or juvenile crayfish, terrestrially emigrate. Understanding this behaviour is important to consider during the management of crayfish stocks, since a single ovigerous female could potentially introduce hundreds of hatchlings to a new waterbody, which could themselves disperse overland. 3. Here, in a laboratory study, we examined the terrestrial emigration tendency of juvenile crayfish and compared the terrestrial emigration behaviour and overland walking speed of ovigerous and non-ovigerous females. 4. Size had a significant influence on juvenile crayfish terrestrial emigration tendency, where only those larger than 16.6 mm (carapace length) left the water. Ovigerous and non-ovigerous female signal crayfish showed no significant difference in terrestrial emigration tendency nor overland walking speed. 5. This is the first study to directly examine the terrestrial emigration behaviour of crayfish during these different life stages. These findings highlight the importance of considering animal behaviour during management strategies.}, }
@article {pmid30286406, year = {2018}, author = {Zagorchev, L and Albanova, I and Tosheva, A and Li, J and Teofanova, D}, title = {Salinity effect on Cuscuta campestris Yunck. Parasitism on Arabidopsis thaliana L.}, journal = {Plant physiology and biochemistry : PPB}, volume = {132}, number = {}, pages = {408-414}, doi = {10.1016/j.plaphy.2018.09.037}, pmid = {30286406}, issn = {1873-2690}, mesh = {Analysis of Variance ; Antioxidants/pharmacology ; Arabidopsis/drug effects/enzymology/growth &amp; development/*parasitology ; Catalase/metabolism ; Cuscuta/drug effects/growth &amp; development/*physiology ; Host-Parasite Interactions/physiology ; Peroxidase/metabolism ; Proline/metabolism ; *Salinity ; Sodium Chloride/pharmacology ; Superoxide Dismutase/metabolism ; }, abstract = {Stem holoparasitic flowering plants of the genus Cuscuta are globally distributed invasive species and agricultural pests. The present research represents the combined effect of salt stress (e.g. abiotic stress) and Cuscuta campestris infection (e.g. biotic stress) on the model host plant Arabidopsis thaliana and the response of the parasite to salinity. The response of these parasites to abiotic stress conditions including salinity is poorly studied. Arabidopsis plants were continuously irrigated with 0, 50 and 150 mM NaCl and subjected to C. campestris infection. The influence of both abiotic and biotic stresses on the major osmoprotectant L-proline and three antioxidant enzymes - catalase, superoxide dismutase and guaiacol peroxidase, was assessed in both the parasite and the host plant. All four biochemical markers were differentially affected by stress, showing that the influence of C. campestris parasitism and its interaction with salinity is mostly in the site of infection (direct response) and also in roots (indirect vertical response) rather than on non-infected leaves of infected plants (indirect horizontal response). Despite its absence of soil contact, C. campestris was also significantly affected by salinity (indirect response). The mutual adaptation of the parasite-host pair to salinity slightly altered the regular response to abiotic stress of A. thaliana, but no detrimental additive effect of biotic and abiotic stress was observed.}, }
@article {pmid30286358, year = {2019}, author = {Anastácio, PM and Ribeiro, F and Capinha, C and Banha, F and Gama, M and Filipe, AF and Rebelo, R and Sousa, R}, title = {Non-native freshwater fauna in Portugal: A review.}, journal = {The Science of the total environment}, volume = {650}, number = {Pt 2}, pages = {1923-1934}, doi = {10.1016/j.scitotenv.2018.09.251}, pmid = {30286358}, issn = {1879-1026}, mesh = {*Animal Distribution ; Animals ; Aquatic Organisms ; Fresh Water ; *Introduced Species ; *Invertebrates ; Portugal ; *Vertebrates ; }, abstract = {We present the most updated list of non-native freshwater fauna established in Portugal, including the Azores and Madeira archipelagos. This list includes 67 species at national level but corresponds to 84 species records, of which 53 are in the mainland, 23 in the Azores and 8 in Madeira archipelagos. We also discuss the progression of the cumulative number of introductions since 1800 and identify the most probable vectors of introduction, main taxonomic groups and their regions of origin. Furthermore, we review the existing knowledge about ecological and economic impacts, invasion risk and potential distribution of invaders, under present and future climatic conditions, and the applied management actions, including the production of legislation. Along the 20th century the number of successful introductions increased at an approximate rate of two new species per decade until the beginning of 1970s. Since then, this rate increased to about 14 new species per decade. These introductions were mainly a result of fisheries, as contaminants or for ornamental purposes. Fish and mollusks are the taxonomic groups with more established species, representing more than half of the total. Most species (>70%) are native from other regions of Europe and North America. Studies about ecological or socioeconomic impacts are more common for fish, crustaceans and mollusks. Impacts for most amphibians, reptiles and mammals are not thoroughly studied. A few studies on the impacts and management actions of health-threatening mosquitoes are also available. The potential distribution in the Portuguese territory was modelled for 26 species. Only a minority of these models provides projections of distributions under scenarios of future climate change. A comparison of the Portuguese and EU legislation shows large discrepancies in the invasive species lists. Using the EU list and a ranking procedure for the national context, we identify freshwater species of high national concern for which actions are urgently needed.}, }
@article {pmid30286346, year = {2019}, author = {Peters, K and Sink, KJ and Robinson, TB}, title = {Sampling methods and approaches to inform standardized detection of marine alien fouling species on recreational vessels.}, journal = {Journal of environmental management}, volume = {230}, number = {}, pages = {159-167}, doi = {10.1016/j.jenvman.2018.09.063}, pmid = {30286346}, issn = {1095-8630}, abstract = {Recreational vessels are important contributors to the spread of marine alien species, particularly in relation to secondary spread within novel regions. As such, these vessels should be considered a monitoring priority. The aim of this study was to identify a preferred method for monitoring recreational vessels for alien species, while simultaneously developing a framework that enables managers to objectively choose the most effective sampling approach given their financial constraints. Divers and a remotely operated vehicle (ROV) were considered in relation to four sampling approaches i.e. meanders, transects, inspection of niche areas and the collection of quadrats. Each was applied to the same 53 vessels which represented a spectrum of hull fouling cover. The most effective methods were diver scrape quadrats (Range of alien species numbers per quadrat: 0-9, Total alien species: 20) and inspections of niche areas (Range of alien species numbers: 0-5, Total alien species: 9). All methods employed using an ROV had low efficacy and incurred high costs. While scrape samples were one of the most expensive methods, this was offset by the lowest cost per species detected. Thus, it is recommended that monitoring programmes utilize scrape samples and niche area inspections, but when faced with financial constraints, diver meanders and niche inspections offer sound alternatives for detecting alien species.}, }
@article {pmid30286323, year = {2018}, author = {Fenollosa, E and Gámez, A and Munné-Bosch, S}, title = {Plasticity in the hormonal response to cold stress in the invasive plant Carpobrotus edulis.}, journal = {Journal of plant physiology}, volume = {231}, number = {}, pages = {202-209}, doi = {10.1016/j.jplph.2018.09.009}, pmid = {30286323}, issn = {1618-1328}, mesh = {Aizoaceae/*metabolism/physiology ; Chlorophyll/metabolism ; Cold Temperature ; Cold-Shock Response ; Introduced Species ; Lipid Peroxidation ; Melatonin/metabolism/physiology ; Plant Growth Regulators/*metabolism/physiology ; Plant Leaves/metabolism ; }, abstract = {Cold stress response is mediated by multiple signaling pathways with complex interactions, among which phytohormones may play a role. We explored changes in the contents of phytohormones, including abscisic acid, jasmonic acid, salicylic acid, auxin, cytokinins, gibberellins and melatonin, along with stress tolerance markers in an invasive halophyte, Carpobrotus edulis in response to chilling. In a first experiment, plants were exposed to mean daily temperatures from 10 °C to 5 °C during a cold wave in an experimental garden. In a second experiment, plants were subject to slowly decreasing temperatures, from 20 to 5 °C, in a climatic chamber. Although the cold response in both experiments was associated with a similar extent of leaf desiccation, hormonal variations differed. Cold stress reduced melatonin contents, while it increased salicylic acid contents in the experimental garden. Rather, transient increases in the contents of melatonin occurred in parallel with sustained increases in the contents of abscisic acid and cytokinins in the climatic chamber. In both experiments, plants were able to prevent cold-induced increases in lipid peroxidation and any eventual damage to the photosynthetic apparatus. We conclude that (i) the hormonal response to chilling in C. edulis is strongly dependent on time exposure to low temperatures, severity of stress, as well as other environmental conditions, (ii) the hormonal response of this plant species to low temperatures is very plastic, thus underlining its great capacity for cold acclimation.}, }
@article {pmid30285713, year = {2018}, author = {Omokhua, AG and Abdalla, MA and Van Staden, J and McGaw, LJ}, title = {A comprehensive study of the potential phytomedicinal use and toxicity of invasive Tithonia species in South Africa.}, journal = {BMC complementary and alternative medicine}, volume = {18}, number = {1}, pages = {272}, pmid = {30285713}, issn = {1472-6882}, mesh = {Animals ; Anti-Infective Agents/*chemistry/*pharmacology/toxicity ; Asteraceae/*chemistry ; Bacteria/drug effects ; Cell Survival/drug effects ; Cercopithecus aethiops ; Chromatography, High Pressure Liquid ; Fungi/drug effects/growth &amp; development ; Introduced Species ; Mass Spectrometry ; Molecular Structure ; Plant Extracts/*chemistry/*pharmacology/toxicity ; South Africa ; Vero Cells ; }, abstract = {BACKGROUND: Tithonia diversifolia and T. rotundifolia belong to the Asteraceae family and are native to Mexico and Central America. These plants have become invasive in parts of tropical Africa and Asia where they have become an ecological, agricultural and economic burden. Tithonia diversifolia is exploited by locals in its native and most parts of its invasive range as a source of medicines; however, T. rotundifolia is only used for medicinal purposes in one country in the native range (Venezuela) and none in the invasive range. Although T. diversifolia has been studied for different biological activities, little or no attention has been given to T. rotundifolia. This study compared the antimicrobial activity, phytochemistry, identification of bioactive compound(s) and toxicity levels of different leaf extracts and fractions of T. diversifolia and T. rotundifolia.<br><br>METHODS: Antimicrobial activity was evaluated against seven pathogenic bacteria, four non-pathogenic Mycobacterium species and three fungal species using serial microdilution assays. Phytochemical contents were determined through standard methods of analysis. UPLC/MS was used to analyse the fractions to identify possible bioactive compounds that may be responsible for bioactivity, while toxicity tests were carried out using the colorimetric MTT assay and the Ames test.<br><br>RESULTS: Both species had a range of antimicrobial activity against bacterial, mycobacterial and fungal species. However, T. rotundifolia displayed better activity against most of the strains tested with minimum inhibitory concentration values ranging between 0.01 and 0.07 mg/ml. Both species were rich in phenolics, flavonoids and tannins. Tagitinin A was identified as the main compound present in both species, and this compound may be responsible for the antimicrobial activity displayed. Toxicity tests showed that T. diversifolia was cytotoxic at concentrations used in this study, while T. rotundifolia was not. Both species did not show any mutagenic/genotoxic effects.<br><br>CONCLUSION: The above results suggest that both species may be further developed as a source of antimicrobials for the treatment of infections caused by opportunistic pathogens. They may also serve as alternatives to highly exploited plant species with the same medicinal properties. However, T. diversifolia should be used with caution as it may be toxic.}, }
@article {pmid30285491, year = {2019}, author = {Athanassiou, CG and Phillips, TW and Wakil, W}, title = {Biology and Control of the Khapra Beetle, Trogoderma granarium, a Major Quarantine Threat to Global Food Security.}, journal = {Annual review of entomology}, volume = {64}, number = {}, pages = {131-148}, doi = {10.1146/annurev-ento-011118-111804}, pmid = {30285491}, issn = {1545-4487}, abstract = {The khapra beetle, Trogoderma granarium, is a voracious feeder of stored products and is considered one of the most important quarantine pests globally. Its ability to survive for long periods under extreme conditions facilitates its spread through international commerce, which has led to invasions of new geographic regions. The khapra beetle is an important quarantine pest for many countries, including the major wheat-producing countries the United States, Canada, Russia, and Australia, and has been classified as one of the 100 worst invasive species worldwide. This species cannot always be controlled by insecticides and other nonchemical methods that are usually effective against other pests of stored products, particularly owing to its diapausing late larval stage. It can rapidly develop at elevated temperatures and under dry conditions, which are not favorable for many major stored-product insects. We synthesize key published work to draw attention to advances in biology, detection and control of the khapra beetle, and directions to consider for future research.}, }
@article {pmid30285303, year = {2018}, author = {Gobin, J and Lester, NP and Fox, MG and Dunlop, ES}, title = {Ecological change alters the evolutionary response to harvest in a freshwater fish.}, journal = {Ecological applications : a publication of the Ecological Society of America}, volume = {28}, number = {8}, pages = {2175-2186}, doi = {10.1002/eap.1805}, pmid = {30285303}, issn = {1051-0761}, support = {//Great Lakes Fishery Commission/ ; }, abstract = {Harvesting can induce rapid evolution in animal populations, yet the role of ecological change in buffering or enhancing that response is poorly understood. Here, we developed an eco-genetic model to examine how ecological changes brought about by two notorious invasive species, zebra and quagga mussels, influence harvest-induced evolution and resilience in a freshwater fish. Our study focused on lake whitefish (Coregonus clupeaformis) in the Laurentian Great Lakes, where the species supports valuable commercial and subsistence fisheries, and where the invasion of dreissenid (zebra and quagga) mussels caused drastic shifts in ecosystem productivity. Using our model system, we predicted faster rates of evolution of maturation reaction norms in lake whitefish under pre-invasion ecosystem conditions when growth and recruitment of young to the population were high. Slower growth rates that occurred under post-invasion conditions delayed when fish became vulnerable to the fishery, thus decreasing selection pressure and lessening the evolutionary response to harvest. Fishing with gill nets and traps nets generally selected for early maturation at small sizes, except when fishing at low levels with small mesh gill nets under pre-invasion conditions; in this latter case, evolution of delayed maturation was predicted. Overall, the invasion of dreissenid mussels lessened the evolutionary response to harvest, while also reducing the productivity and commercial yield potential of the stock. These results demonstrate how ecological conditions shape evolutionary outcomes and how invasive species can have a direct effect on evolutionary responses to harvest and sustainability.}, }
@article {pmid30284151, year = {2019}, author = {Giorgini, M and Guerrieri, E and Cascone, P and Gontijo, L}, title = {Current Strategies and Future Outlook for Managing the Neotropical Tomato Pest Tuta absoluta (Meyrick) in the Mediterranean Basin.}, journal = {Neotropical entomology}, volume = {48}, number = {1}, pages = {1-17}, doi = {10.1007/s13744-018-0636-1}, pmid = {30284151}, issn = {1678-8052}, support = {PIRSES-GA-2012-318246//FP7 People: Marie-Curie Actions/ ; FAMEPIG//Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de Minas Gerais(BR)/ ; }, abstract = {The invasion of new regions by exotic pests has been more than ever a critical issue that warrants coordinated international actions to manage established populations and prevent further spreading. Invasive insects can undermine the ecological equilibrium of both natural and agricultural ecosystems. Moreover, increasing temperatures due to climatic change exacerbate this problem by allowing pests to further reach regions previously considered unsuitable. The tomato pinworm Tuta absoluta (Meyrick) (Lepidoptera) is an exotic pest native to Peru that has spread beyond Neotropical America. In Europe, its occurrence was reported in Spain in 2006, and thereafter, it has spread throughout the Mediterranean Basin and further into Africa and part of Asia. While T. absoluta can cause losses to tomato production all over the globe, the differences in each invaded region (e.g., climate, vegetation) may affect its population dynamics and, consequently, management protocols. Therefore, the main intent of this forum paper is to explore how European growers and researchers are dealing with T. absoluta in the Mediterranean area. As for many other invasive pests, the best approach has been the adoption of integrated pest management (IPM). Specifically, the integration of biological control agents (e.g., mirid predators and egg parasitoids), microbial insecticides (i.e., Bacillus thuringiensis), selective chemical insecticides, and sex pheromone-based control has proven adequate, especially in tomato greenhouses. Nonetheless, some of the challenges ahead include the development of resistant tomato cultivars, the management of wild vegetation and companion plants to optimize the conservation of natural enemies and their effectiveness at the crop level, the management of insecticide resistance, and the improvement of sex pheromone-based tactics.}, }
@article {pmid30283654, year = {2017}, author = {Mandeville, EG and Parchman, TL and Thompson, KG and Compton, RI and Gelwicks, KR and Song, SJ and Buerkle, CA}, title = {Inconsistent reproductive isolation revealed by interactions between Catostomus fish species.}, journal = {Evolution letters}, volume = {1}, number = {5}, pages = {255-268}, pmid = {30283654}, issn = {2056-3744}, abstract = {Interactions between species are central to evolution and ecology, but we do not know enough about how outcomes of interactions between species vary across geographic locations, in heterogeneous environments, or over time. Ecological dimensions of interactions between species are known to vary, but evolutionary interactions such as the establishment and maintenance of reproductive isolation are often assumed to be consistent across instances of an interaction between species. Hybridization among Catostomus fish species occurs over a large and heterogeneous geographic area and across taxa with distinct evolutionary histories, which allows us to assess consistency in species interactions. We analyzed hybridization among six Catostomus species across the Upper Colorado River basin (US mountain west) and found extreme variation in hybridization across locations. Different hybrid crosses were present in different locations, despite similar species assemblages. Within hybrid crosses, hybridization varied from only first generation hybrids to extensive hybridization with backcrossing. Variation in hybridization outcomes might result from uneven fitness of hybrids across locations, polymorphism in genetic incompatibilities, chance, unidentified historical contingencies, or some combination thereof. Our results suggest caution in assuming that one or a few instances of hybridization represent all interactions between the focal species, as species interactions vary substantially across locations.}, }
@article {pmid30280038, year = {2018}, author = {Egly, RM and Larson, ER}, title = {Distribution, habitat associations, and conservation status updates for the pilose crayfish Pacifastacus gambelii (Girard, 1852) and Snake River pilose crayfish Pacifastacus connectens (Faxon, 1914) of the western United States.}, journal = {PeerJ}, volume = {6}, number = {}, pages = {e5668}, pmid = {30280038}, issn = {2167-8359}, abstract = {Our study evaluates the distribution, habitat associations, and current conservation status of the Snake River pilose crayfish Pacifastacus connectens (Faxon, 1914) and pilose crayfish Pacifastacus gambelii (Girard, 1852), two little-studied and data-deficient species endemic to the western United States. We first developed a species distribution model (SDM) for the pilose crayfishes based on their historical occurrence records using boosted regression trees and freshwater GIS data layers. We then sampled 163 sites in the summers of 2016 and 2017 within the distribution of these crayfishes, including 50 where these species were observed historically. We next compared our field results to modeled predictions of suitable habitat from the SDM. Our SDM predicted 73 sites (45%) we sampled as suitable for the pilose crayfishes, with a moderate AUC value of 0.824. The pilose crayfishes were generally predicted to occur in larger streams and rivers with less extreme upstream temperature and precipitation seasonality. We found the pilose crayfishes at only 20 (12%) of the 163 total sites we sampled, 14 (20%) of the 73 sites predicted as suitable for them by our SDM, and 12 (24%) of 50 historical sites that we sampled. We found the invasive virile crayfish Faxonius virilis (Hagen, 1870) at 22 sites total and 12 (24%) historical sites for the pilose crayfishes, and we found the &quot;native invader&quot; signal crayfish Pacifastacus leniusculus (Dana, 1852) at 29 sites total and 6 (12%) historical sites for the pilose crayfishes. We subsequently used a single classification tree to identify factors associated with our high rate of false positives for contemporary pilose crayfish distributions relative to our SDM. This classification tree identified the presence of invasive crayfishes, impairment of the benthic community, and sampling method as some of the factors differentiating false positives relative to true positives for the pilose crayfishes. Our study identified the historical distribution and habitat associations for P. connectens and P. gambelii using an SDM and contrasted this prediction to results of contemporary field sampling. We found that the pilose crayfishes have seemingly experienced substantial range declines, attributable to apparent displacement by invasive crayfishes and impairment or change to stream communities and habitat. We recommend increased conservation and management attention to P. connectens and P. gambelii in response to these findings.}, }
@article {pmid30280022, year = {2018}, author = {Howard, BR and Barrios-O'Neill, D and Alexander, ME and Dick, JTA and Therriault, TW and Robinson, TB and Côté, IM}, title = {Functional responses of a cosmopolitan invader demonstrate intraspecific variability in consumer-resource dynamics.}, journal = {PeerJ}, volume = {6}, number = {}, pages = {e5634}, pmid = {30280022}, issn = {2167-8359}, abstract = {Background: Variability in the ecological impacts of invasive species across their geographical ranges may decrease the accuracy of risk assessments. Comparative functional response analysis can be used to estimate invasive consumer-resource dynamics, explain impact variability, and thus potentially inform impact predictions. The European green crab (Carcinus maenas) has been introduced on multiple continents beyond its native range, although its ecological impacts appear to vary among populations and regions. Our aim was to test whether consumer-resource dynamics under standardized conditions are similarly variable across the current geographic distribution of green crab, and to identify correlated morphological features.<br><br>Methods: Crabs were collected from multiple populations within both native (Northern Ireland) and invasive regions (South Africa and Canada). Their functional responses to local mussels (Mytilus spp.) were tested. Attack rates and handling times were compared among green crab populations within each region, and among regions (Pacific Canada, Atlantic Canada, South Africa, and Northern Ireland). The effect of predator and prey morphology on prey consumption was investigated.<br><br>Results: Across regions, green crabs consumed prey according to a Type II (hyperbolic) functional response curve. Attack rates (i.e., the rate at which a predator finds and attacks prey), handling times and maximum feeding rates differed among regions. There was a trend toward higher attack rates in invasive than in native populations. Green crabs from Canada had lower handling times and thus higher maximum feeding rates than those from South Africa and Northern Ireland. Canadian and Northern Ireland crabs had significantly larger claws than South African crabs. Claw size was a more important predictor of the proportion of mussels killed than prey shell strength.<br><br>Discussion: The differences in functional response between regions reflect observed impacts of green crabs in the wild. This suggests that an understanding of consumer-resource dynamics (e.g., the per capita measure of predation), derived from simple, standardized experiments, might yield useful predictions of invader impacts across geographical ranges.}, }
@article {pmid30279632, year = {2018}, author = {van Nieukerken, EJ and Gilrein, DO and Eiseman, CS}, title = {Stigmellamultispicata Rociene. &amp; Stonis, an Asian leafminer on Siberian elm, now widespread in eastern North America (Lepidoptera, Nepticulidae).}, journal = {ZooKeys}, volume = {}, number = {784}, pages = {95-125}, pmid = {30279632}, issn = {1313-2989}, abstract = {Stigmellamultispicata Rocienė &amp; Stonis, 2014, previously known from the single male holotype from Primorye, Russia, is reported as a new invasive species mining leaves of Siberian elm, Ulmuspumila L., in eastern North America. Both adults and leafmines have been reported from many sites as unidentified Nepticulidae since 2010. Crucial for the identification was a match of the DNA barcode of a single larva collected on Ulmuspumila in Beijing with adults from North America. The single larva constitutes a new record for China. Stigmellamultispicata is closely related to the European S.ulmivora (Fologne, 1860), feeding likewise on Ulmus, but differs in details of external morphology and genitalia, particularly in the female, where S.multispicata has a remarkable elongated narrow ovipositor, suitable for oviposition in underside hairy leaf vein axils, where all mines start. In North America S.multispicata is the only Ulmus-feeding nepticulid with green larvae. Currently the species is known from USA: Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Maryland, Massachusetts, Minnesota, New York, Ohio, Tennessee, Wisconsin, and Canada: Ontario and Québec. In Sagaponack, on Long Island, New York, larvae have been reported to occur en masse on Siberian elms from at least two sites. The current distribution could be reconstructed thanks also to many online photographs from observation websites. The species is redescribed, with the first descriptions of female, larva, and leafmine, and compared with S.ulmivora, which is fully redescribed. The two native North American nepticulid Ulmus leafminers, S.apicialbella (Chambers, 1873) and Ectoedemiaulmella (Braun, 1912), are diagnosed and new provincial and state records are provided. A key to linear mines on Ulmus in North America is provided. We suspect that trade of live plants through nurseries played a role in the sudden spread of this invasive species.}, }
@article {pmid30279325, year = {2018}, author = {Mills, NJ}, title = {An Alternative Perspective for the Theory of Biological Control.}, journal = {Insects}, volume = {9}, number = {4}, pages = {}, doi = {10.3390/insects9040131}, pmid = {30279325}, issn = {2075-4450}, abstract = {Importation biological control represents the planned introduction of a specialist natural enemy from the region of origin of an invasive pest or weed. For this study, the author considered why attempts to develop a predictive theory for biological control have been misguided and what future directions might be more promising and effective. Despite considerable interest in the theory of consumer⁻resource population dynamics, such theory has contributed little to improvements in the success of biological control due to a focus on persistence and equilibrium dynamics rather than establishment and impact. A broader consideration of invasion biology in addition to population ecology offers new opportunities for a more inclusive theory of biological control that incorporates the demographic and genetic processes that more specifically address the establishment and impact of introduced natural enemies. The importance of propagule size and genetic variance for successful establishment, and of contributions to host population growth, relative population growth rates, interaction strength, and coevolution for suppression of host abundance are discussed as promising future directions for a theory of biological control.}, }
@article {pmid30278148, year = {2018}, author = {Wood, SA and Pochon, X and Ming, W and von Ammon, U and Woods, C and Carter, M and Smith, M and Inglis, G and Zaiko, A}, title = {Considerations for incorporating real-time PCR assays into routine marine biosecurity surveillance programmes: a case study targeting the Mediterranean fanworm (Sabella spallanzanii) and club tunicate (Styela clava).}, journal = {Genome}, volume = {}, number = {}, pages = {1-10}, doi = {10.1139/gen-2018-0021}, pmid = {30278148}, issn = {1480-3321}, abstract = {Molecular techniques may provide effective tools to enhance marine biosecurity surveillance. Prior to routine implementation, evidence-based consideration of their benefits and limitations is needed. In this study, we assessed the efficiency and practicality of visual diver surveys and real-time PCR assays (targeting DNA and RNA) for detecting two marine invasive species whose infestation levels varied between species and location: Sabella spallanzanii and Styela clava. Filtered water samples (n = 171) were collected in parallel with dive surveys at two locations as part of the New Zealand Marine High Risk Site Surveillance programme: Nelson Harbour (27 sites) and Waitemata Harbour (30 sites). Diver surveys resulted in a greater number of detections compared to real-time PCR: S. clava - 21 versus 5 sites in Nelson, 6 versus 1 in Auckland; S. spallanzanii - 18 versus 10 in Auckland, no detections in Nelson. Occupancy modelling derived detection probabilities for the real-time PCR for S. clava were low (14%), compared to S. spallanzanii (66%). This could be related to abundances, or species-specific differences in DNA shedding. Only one RNA sample was positive, suggesting that most detections were from extracellular DNA or non-viable fragments. While molecular methods cannot yet replace visual observations, this study shows they provide useful complementary information.}, }
@article {pmid30275487, year = {2018}, author = {de Moraes, LA and Muller, C and Bueno, RCOF and Santos, A and Bello, VH and De Marchi, BR and Watanabe, LFM and Marubayashi, JM and Santos, BR and Yuki, VA and Takada, HM and de Barros, DR and Neves, CG and da Silva, FN and Gonçalves, MJ and Ghanim, M and Boykin, L and Pavan, MA and Krause-Sakate, R}, title = {Distribution and phylogenetics of whiteflies and their endosymbiont relationships after the Mediterranean species invasion in Brazil.}, journal = {Scientific reports}, volume = {8}, number = {1}, pages = {14589}, pmid = {30275487}, issn = {2045-2322}, abstract = {The Bemisia tabaci is a polyphagous insect and a successful vector of plant viruses. B. tabaci is a species complex and in Brazil native species from the New World (NW) group, as well as the invasive species, Middle East-Asia Minor 1 (MEAM1) and Mediterranean (MED) were reported. For better understanding the distribution of the different species four years after the Mediterranean species invasion in Brazil, whiteflies were collected from 237 locations throughout the country between the years of 2013 and 2017, species were identified and the facultative endosymbionts detected. The survey revealed that MEAM1 was the prevalent species found on major crops across Brazil. It is the only species present in North, Northwestern and Central Brazil and was associated with virus-infected plants. MED was found in five States from Southeast to South regions, infesting mainly ornamental plants and was not associated with virus-infected plants. The prevalent endosymbionts identified in MEAM1 were Hamiltonella and Rickettsia; and the mtCOI analysis revealed low genetic diversity for MEAM1. In contrast, several different endosymbionts were identified in MED including Hamiltonella, Rickettsia, Wolbachia and Arsenophonus; and two distinct genetic groups were found based on the mtCOI analysis. Monitoring the distribution of the whiteflies species in Brazil is essential for proper management of this pest.}, }
@article {pmid30274268, year = {2018}, author = {Medlock, JM and Hansford, KM and Vaux, AGC and Cull, B and Gillingham, E and Leach, S}, title = {Assessment of the Public Health Threats Posed by Vector-Borne Disease in the United Kingdom (UK).}, journal = {International journal of environmental research and public health}, volume = {15}, number = {10}, pages = {}, pmid = {30274268}, issn = {1660-4601}, mesh = {Animals ; Communicable Diseases, Emerging/epidemiology/*transmission ; Dengue/*transmission ; Humans ; Insect Vectors/*virology ; Mosquito Vectors/*virology ; Population Surveillance ; Risk Factors ; Ticks/*virology ; United Kingdom/epidemiology ; }, abstract = {In recent years, the known distribution of vector-borne diseases in Europe has changed, with much new information also available now on the status of vectors in the United Kingdom (UK). For example, in 2016, the UK reported their first detection of the non-native mosquito Aedes albopictus, which is a known vector for dengue and chikungunya virus. In 2010, Culex modestus, a principal mosquito vector for West Nile virus was detected in large numbers in the Thames estuary. For tick-borne diseases, data on the changing distribution of the Lyme borreliosis tick vector, Ixodes ricinus, has recently been published, at a time when there has been an increase in the numbers of reported human cases of Lyme disease. This paper brings together the latest surveillance data and pertinent research on vector-borne disease in the UK, and its relevance to public health. It highlights the need for continued vector surveillance systems to monitor our native mosquito and tick fauna, as well as the need to expand surveillance for invasive species. It illustrates the importance of maintaining surveillance capacity that is sufficient to ensure accurate and timely disease risk assessment to help mitigate the UK's changing emerging infectious disease risks, especially in a time of climatic and environmental change and increasing global connectivity.}, }
@article {pmid30272116, year = {2018}, author = {Banahene, N and Salem, SK and Faske, TM and Byrne, HM and Glackin, M and Agosta, SJ and Eckert, AJ and Grayson, KL and Thompson, LM}, title = {Thermal Sensitivity of Gypsy Moth (Lepidoptera: Erebidae) During Larval and Pupal Development.}, journal = {Environmental entomology}, volume = {47}, number = {6}, pages = {1623-1631}, doi = {10.1093/ee/nvy149}, pmid = {30272116}, issn = {1938-2936}, mesh = {Animals ; Female ; *Hot Temperature ; Larva/growth &amp; development ; Male ; Mortality ; Moths/*growth &amp; development ; Pupa/growth &amp; development ; }, abstract = {As global temperatures rise, thermal limits play an increasingly important role in determining the persistence and spread of invasive species. Gypsy moth (Lymantria dispar L. Lepidoptera: Erebidae) in North America provides an ideal system for studying the effect of high temperatures on invasive species performance. Here, we used fluctuating temperature regimes and exposed gypsy moth at specific points in development (first-fourth instar, pupa) to cycles of favorable (22-28°C) or high-temperature treatments (30-36°C, 32-38°C, 34-40°C) for either 2 or 7 d. We measured survival, growth, and prolonged effects of exposure on development time and pupal mass. Survival generally decreased as the experimental temperature treatment and duration of exposure increased for all instars and pupae, with a narrow threshold for lethal effects. In response to increasing temperature and magnified by longer exposure times, growth abruptly declined for third instars and development time increased for pupae. For those surviving the 2-d exposure treatment, development time to pupation increased for all instars, but we did not find consistent effects on final pupal mass. These negative effects of high temperature provide important data on the susceptibility of gypsy moth to heat at different points in development. This work improves our understanding of thermal limits to growth and development in gypsy moth and can aid in determining invasion potential under current and future climates.}, }
@article {pmid30271564, year = {2018}, author = {Hunter, ME and Johnson, NA and Smith, BJ and Davis, MC and Butterfield, JSS and Snow, RW and Hart, KM}, title = {Cytonuclear discordance in the Florida Everglades invasive Burmese python (Python bivittatus) population reveals possible hybridization with the Indian python (P. molurus).}, journal = {Ecology and evolution}, volume = {8}, number = {17}, pages = {9034-9047}, pmid = {30271564}, issn = {2045-7758}, abstract = {The invasive Burmese python (Python bivittatus) has been reproducing in the Florida Everglades since the 1980s. These giant constrictor snakes have caused a precipitous decline in small mammal populations in southern Florida following escapes or releases from the commercial pet trade. To better understand the invasion pathway and genetic composition of the population, two mitochondrial (mtDNA) loci across 1,398 base pairs were sequenced on 426 snakes and 22 microsatellites were assessed on 389 snakes. Concatenated mtDNA sequences produced six haplotypes with an average nucleotide and haplotype diversity of π = 0.002 and h = 0.097, respectively. Samples collected in Florida from morphologically identified P. bivittatus snakes were similar to published cytochrome oxidase 1 and cytochrome b sequences from both P. bivittatus and Python molurus and were highly divergent (genetic distances of 5.4% and 4.3%, respectively). The average number of microsatellite alleles and expected heterozygosity were NA = 5.50 and HE = 0.60, respectively. Nuclear Bayesian assignment tests supported two genetically distinct groups and an admixed group, not geographically differentiated. The effective population size (NE = 315.1) was lower than expected for a population this large, but reflected the low genetic diversity overall. The patterns of genetic diversity between mtDNA and microsatellites were disparate, indicating nuclear introgression of separate mtDNA lineages corresponding to cytonuclear discordance. The introgression likely occurred prior to the invasion, but genetic information on the native range and commercial trade is needed for verification. Our finding that the Florida python population is comprised of distinct lineages suggests greater standing variation for adaptation and the potential for broader areas of suitable habitat in the invaded range.}, }
@article {pmid30270555, year = {2018}, author = {Davidson, IC and Cott, GM and Devaney, JL and Simkanin, C}, title = {Differential effects of biological invasions on coastal blue carbon: A global review and meta-analysis.}, journal = {Global change biology}, volume = {24}, number = {11}, pages = {5218-5230}, doi = {10.1111/gcb.14426}, pmid = {30270555}, issn = {1365-2486}, mesh = {Animals ; Biodiversity ; Biomass ; *Carbon ; *Carbon Cycle ; Carbon Sequestration ; *Ecosystem ; Humans ; *Introduced Species ; Plants ; Poaceae ; Soil ; Wetlands ; }, abstract = {Human-caused shifts in carbon (C) cycling and biotic exchange are defining characteristics of the Anthropocene. In marine systems, saltmarsh, seagrass, and mangrove habitats-collectively known as &quot;blue carbon&quot; and coastal vegetated habitats (CVHs)-are a leading sequester of global C and increasingly impacted by exotic species invasions. There is growing interest in the effect of invasion by a diverse pool of exotic species on C storage and the implications for ecosystem-based management of these systems. In a global meta-analysis, we synthesized data from 104 papers that provided 345 comparisons of habitat-level response (plant and soil C storage) from paired invaded and uninvaded sites. We found an overall net effect of significantly higher C pools in invaded CVHs amounting to 40% (±16%) higher C storage than uninvaded habitat, but effects differed among types of invaders. Elevated C storage was driven by blue C-forming plant invaders (saltmarsh grasses, seagrasses, and mangrove trees) that intensify biomass per unit area, extend and elevate coastal wetlands, and convert coastal mudflats into C-rich vegetated habitat. Introduced animal and structurally distinct primary producers had significant negative effects on C pools, driven by herbivory, trampling, and native species displacement. The role of invasion manifested differently among habitat types, with significant C storage increases in saltmarshes, decreases in seagrass, and no significant effect in mangroves. There were also counter-directional effects by the same species in different systems or locations, which underscores the importance of combining data mining with analyses of mean effect sizes in meta-analyses. Our study provides a quantitative basis for understanding differential effects of invasion on blue C habitats and will inform conservation strategies that need to balance management decisions involving invasion, C storage, and a range of other marine biodiversity and habitat functions in these coastal systems.}, }
@article {pmid30269692, year = {2018}, author = {Martinez-Sañudo, I and Mazzon, L and Simonato, M and Avtzis, D and Pujade-Villar, J and Faccoli, M}, title = {Tracking the origin and dispersal of the Asian chestnut gall wasp Dryocosmus kuriphilus Yasumatsu (Hymenoptera, Cynipidae) in Europe with molecular markers.}, journal = {Bulletin of entomological research}, volume = {}, number = {}, pages = {1-9}, doi = {10.1017/S000748531800069X}, pmid = {30269692}, issn = {1475-2670}, abstract = {The Asian chestnut gall wasp, Dryocosmus kuriphilus, is an invasive pest causing significant damage to chestnut trees (Castanea spp., Fagaceae). Originating from China, it has recently invaded a wide range of regions in Europe and North America. Understanding the population genetic structure of important invasive pests is very useful for improving the knowledge concerning routes of expansion and colonizing capacity. Despite its economic importance, limited attention has been given to D. kuriphilus origin and spread, or to its genetic structure. In this study, D. kuriphilus populations sampled in eight European countries were screened using both mitochondrial (cytochrome c oxidase subunit 1; COI) and nuclear (internal transcribed spacer 2; ITS2) sequences, and Amplified Fragment Length Polymorphism (AFLP) markers. The molecular markers COI and ITS2 highlighted the presence of a single haplotype in all the studied populations. The recorded mitochondrial haplotype was identical to one of the most widespread haplotypes occurring in the native area (China). AFLP results indicated that D. kuriphilus individuals belong to two genetically distinct clusters without any further geographic clustering. These results suggest that D. kuriphilus populations in Europe could be the result of a single introduction of a Chinese founder population characterized by two genetically distinct lineages that subsequently spread rapidly across Europe. However, the possibility that populations originated from multiple introductions of the same Chinese mitochondrial haplotype cannot be excluded. The reported results provide useful information concerning this invasive species, potentially facilitating integrated pest management.}, }
@article {pmid30269397, year = {2018}, author = {Card, DC and Perry, BW and Adams, RH and Schield, DR and Young, AS and Andrew, AL and Jezkova, T and Pasquesi, GIM and Hales, NR and Walsh, MR and Rochford, MR and Mazzotti, FJ and Hart, KM and Hunter, ME and Castoe, TA}, title = {Novel ecological and climatic conditions drive rapid adaptation in invasive Florida Burmese pythons.}, journal = {Molecular ecology}, volume = {27}, number = {23}, pages = {4744-4757}, doi = {10.1111/mec.14885}, pmid = {30269397}, issn = {1365-294X}, support = {//Society for the Study of Evolution/ ; DEB-1501747//National Science Foundation/ ; }, abstract = {Invasive species provide powerful in situ experimental systems for studying evolution in response to selective pressures in novel habitats. While research has shown that phenotypic evolution can occur rapidly in nature, few examples exist of genomewide adaptation on short &quot;ecological&quot; timescales. Burmese pythons (Python molurus bivittatus) have become a successful and impactful invasive species in Florida over the last 30 years despite major freeze events that caused high python mortality. We sampled Florida Burmese pythons before and after a major freeze event in 2010 and found evidence for directional selection in genomic regions enriched for genes associated with thermosensation, behaviour and physiology. Several of these genes are linked to regenerative organ growth, an adaptive response that modulates organ size and function with feeding and fasting in pythons. Independent histological and functional genomic data sets provide additional layers of support for a contemporary shift in invasive Burmese python physiology. In the Florida population, a shift towards maintaining an active digestive system may be driven by the fitness benefits of maintaining higher metabolic rates and body temperature during freeze events. Our results suggest that a synergistic interaction between ecological and climatic selection pressures has driven adaptation in Florida Burmese pythons, demonstrating the often-overlooked potential of rapid adaptation to influence the success of invasive species.}, }
@article {pmid30267221, year = {2019}, author = {van Riper, CJ and Browning, MHEM and Becker, D and Stewart, W and Suski, CD and Browning, L and Golebie, E}, title = {Human-Nature Relationships and Normative Beliefs Influence Behaviors that Reduce the Spread of Aquatic Invasive Species.}, journal = {Environmental management}, volume = {63}, number = {1}, pages = {69-79}, doi = {10.1007/s00267-018-1111-9}, pmid = {30267221}, issn = {1432-1009}, support = {1012211//National Institute of Food and Agriculture/ ; NGRREC-IP2016-25//National Great Rivers Research &amp; Education Center/ ; NGRREC-IP2016-2//National Great Rivers Research and Education Center/ ; }, abstract = {Human behaviors that contribute to the spread of aquatic invasive species are influenced by myriad social psychological factors that vary across contexts and populations. Understanding such behavior is crucial for forming successful management strategies that minimize environmental impacts while generating support and cooperation among stakeholders. We identify several reasons why recreational anglers and boaters make decisions that benefit the environment. Specifically, our study addresses the following objectives: (1) examine reported behaviors that minimize the spread of aquatic invasive species, (2) test the effects of social normative beliefs on reported behaviors, and (3) determine the role of human-nature relationships in explaining behavioral patterns. Drawing on a path model of the decisions made by respondents who completed an on-site survey at two nature-based case study sites in Illinois, we observed that reported behavior was positively influenced by normative beliefs about those behaviors and human-nature relationships. Specifically, the Participant in Nature and Partner with Nature orientations were positively and negatively correlated with norms, respectively. In turn, norms positively predicted reported stewardship behaviors. These findings advance research on the human dimensions of aquatic invasive species by providing insights on the role of stable psychological processes that shape behavior, while informing management decisions aimed at minimizing biological invasions in freshwater ecosystems.}, }
@article {pmid30262689, year = {2018}, author = {Song, H and Zhang, YX and Yang, MJ and Sun, JC and Zhang, T and Wang, HY}, title = {Genome survey on invasive veined rapa whelk (Rapana venosa) and development of microsatellite loci on large scale.}, journal = {Journal of genetics}, volume = {97}, number = {4}, pages = {e79-e86}, pmid = {30262689}, issn = {0973-7731}, mesh = {Animals ; China ; Computational Biology ; Gastropoda/*genetics ; Genetic Variation ; Genome/*genetics ; *Genomics ; High-Throughput Nucleotide Sequencing ; Microsatellite Repeats/*genetics ; Polymorphism, Genetic ; Sequence Analysis, DNA ; }, abstract = {The veined rapa whelk (Rapana venosa) is an economically important gastropod in China, but is considered as an invasive species globally. Only a few studies have examined the R. venosa genome, a genomewide survey is necessary for improving our understanding of the genome structure and size of this organism. Microsatellite markers are powerful tools for characterizing germplasms, genetic diversity and kinship among individuals. The resultant data are applicable to breeding efforts in commercial aquaculture or for understanding invasion mechanisms. Here, we investigated the genome structure of R. venosa on an Illumina Hi-seq platform with ∼92× sequencing depth. We performed a K-mer analysis to estimate genome size, repeat sequences and heterozygosity. Clean reads were de novo assembled for the identification of simple-sequence repeat (SSR) loci that are suitable as markers. The estimated genome size of R. venosa was 2200.07 Mb, with a 1.41% heterozygosity rate and 67.04% repeats. We detected 5,477,450 simple-sequence repeats (SSRs), with 3,400,602 loci present as pure tandem repeats and 2,076,848 as compound motifs. We further selected and characterized 28 polymorphic markers in 78 individuals from Dandong, Laizhou, Weihai and Zhoushan in China. The range of alleles was 2-28 and the observed heterozygosity was 0.2857-0.8676. The data obtained from our genomic survey will aid the design of R. venosa whole-genome sequencing projects and advance the identification of SSR markers. Both these developments are valuable for further studies on ecological, evolutionary and genetic breeding in R. venosa.}, }
@article {pmid30260994, year = {2018}, author = {Yackel Adams, AA and Lardner, B and Knox, AJ and Reed, RN}, title = {Inferring the absence of an incipient population during a rapid response for an invasive species.}, journal = {PloS one}, volume = {13}, number = {9}, pages = {e0204302}, pmid = {30260994}, issn = {1932-6203}, mesh = {Animals ; Introduced Species/*statistics &amp; numerical data ; Models, Theoretical ; Population Density ; Population Dynamics ; Species Specificity ; }, abstract = {Successful eradication of invasives is facilitated by early detection and prompt onset of control. However, realizing or verifying that a colonization has occurred is difficult for cryptic species especially at low population densities. Responding to the capture or unconfirmed sighting of a cryptic invasive species, and the associated effort to determine if it indicates an incipient (small, localized) population or merely a lone colonizer, is costly and cannot continue indefinitely. However, insufficient detection effort risks erroneously concluding the species is not present, allowing the population to increase in size and expand its range. Evidence for an incipient population requires detection of ≥1 individual; its absence, on the other hand, must be inferred probabilistically. We use an actual rapid response incident and species-specific detection estimates tied to a known density to calculate the amount of effort (with non-sequential detections) necessary to assert, with a pre-defined confidence, that invasive brown treesnakes are absent from the search area under a wide range of hypothetical population densities. We illustrate that the amount of effort necessary to declare that a species is absent is substantial and increases with decreased individual detection probability, decreased density, and increased level of desired confidence about its absence. Such survey investment would be justified where the cost savings due to early detection are large. Our Poisson-based model application will allow managers to make informed decisions about how long to continue detection efforts, should no additional detections occur, and suggests that effort to do so is significantly higher than previously thought. While our model application informs how long to search to infer absence of an incipient population of brown treesnakes, the approach is sufficiently general to apply to other invasive species if density-dependent detection estimates are known or reliable surrogate estimates are available.}, }
@article {pmid30257421, year = {2018}, author = {Rijal, J and Gyawaly, S}, title = {Characterizing Brown Marmorated Stink Bug Injury in Almond, a New Host Crop in California.}, journal = {Insects}, volume = {9}, number = {4}, pages = {}, doi = {10.3390/insects9040126}, pmid = {30257421}, issn = {2075-4450}, support = {2016-51181-25409//U.S. Department of Agriculture/ ; NA//California Cling Peach Board/ ; }, abstract = {The brown marmorated stink bug, Halyomorpha halys (Stål), is an invasive species from Asia. This polyphagous, stink bug species has posed a serious production challenge in several crop species in the areas where established. The insect has spread to all the mainland states in the U.S. in about one and half decades after its first detection in Pennsylvania. The types of crops reported to have been infested by this stink bug have increased with its spread to new geographic locations. In this study, we report the first evidence of H. halys infestation in almond fruit in California. In Stanislaus County, an adult brown marmorated stink bug in an almond orchard was first observed in May 2017. The stink bug feeding on almond fruits caused excessive gumming to the developing fruits, and damage to the kernels along with typical necrotic feeding signs on the shell (endocarp) and hull (exocarp and pericarp) of the fruit at harvest. The infestation and damage by H. halys on almond warrants further research to develop Integrated Pest Management (IPM) strategies for this pest.}, }
@article {pmid30256998, year = {2018}, author = {Sarles, L and Fassotte, B and Boullis, A and Lognay, G and Verhaeghe, A and Markó, I and Verheggen, FJ}, title = {Improving the Monitoring of the Walnut Husk Fly (Diptera: Tephritidae) Using Male-Produced Lactones.}, journal = {Journal of economic entomology}, volume = {111}, number = {5}, pages = {2032-2037}, doi = {10.1093/jee/toy169}, pmid = {30256998}, issn = {1938-291X}, mesh = {Animals ; Female ; Insect Control/*methods ; Juglans ; Lactones/*analysis ; Male ; Tephritidae/*chemistry ; Volatile Organic Compounds/*analysis ; }, abstract = {It is important to monitor fruit flies (Diptera: Tephritidae) efficiently to implement sustainable means of control. Attractants are often used to increase the efficiency of sticky traps deployed in orchards to monitor Lepidopterans, but remains to be developed to monitor fruit flies. Rhagoletis completa Cresson (Diptera: Tephritidae) is an invasive species in the walnut orchards of Europe, and is commonly monitored with yellow sticky traps. In this study, we collected the volatile compounds released by male and female R. completa, and identified two lactones released exclusively by males. We then formulated both lactones in long-lasting volatile dispensers, and we quantified their release rate over a 26-d period. Finally, during the entire period when female flies are present in the field, we compared the efficiency of the conventional monitoring method using unbaited yellow sticky traps with yellow sticky traps associated with a dispenser releasing both male-produced lactones. These assays were conducted in 54 walnut orchards in France, in 2017. The number of fruit flies caught with sticky traps associated with lactones dispensers was increased by up to 10 times each week. Lactone-baited traps also allowed earlier detection in the season. These field results are promising for R. completa monitoring. A complete chiral identification of these lactones should be performed along with a clarification of their role in the sexual communication of R. completa.}, }
@article {pmid30256668, year = {2019}, author = {Lester, PJ and Beggs, JR}, title = {Invasion Success and Management Strategies for Social Vespula Wasps.}, journal = {Annual review of entomology}, volume = {64}, number = {}, pages = {51-71}, doi = {10.1146/annurev-ento-011118-111812}, pmid = {30256668}, issn = {1545-4487}, abstract = {Three species of Vespula have become invasive in Australia, Hawai'i, New Zealand, and North and South America and continue to spread. These social wasp species can achieve high nest densities, and their behavioral plasticity has led to substantial impacts on recipient communities. Ecologically, they affect all trophic levels, restructuring communities and altering resource flows. Economically, their main negative effect is associated with pollination and the apicultural industry. Climate change is likely to exacerbate their impacts in many regions. Introduced Vespula spp. likely experience some degree of enemy release from predators or parasites, although they are exposed to a wide range of microbial pathogens in both their native and introduced range. Toxic baits have been significantly improved over the last decade, enabling effective landscape-level control. Although investigated extensively, no effective biological control agents have yet been found. Emerging technologies such as gene drives are under consideration.}, }
@article {pmid30254612, year = {2018}, author = {Schmidt, C and Morard, R and Romero, O and Kucera, M}, title = {Diverse Internal Symbiont Community in the Endosymbiotic Foraminifera Pararotalia calcariformata: Implications for Symbiont Shuffling Under Thermal Stress.}, journal = {Frontiers in microbiology}, volume = {9}, number = {}, pages = {2018}, pmid = {30254612}, issn = {1664-302X}, abstract = {Many shallow-water tropical and subtropical foraminifera engage in photosymbiosis with eukaryotic microalgae. Some of these foraminifera appear to harbor a diverse consortium of endosymbiotic algae within a single host. Such apparent ability to contain different symbionts could facilitate change in symbiont community composition (symbiont shuffling) and mediate the ecological success of the group in a changing environment. However, the discovery of the intra-individual symbiont diversity was thus far based on symbiont culturing, which provides strong constraints on the vitality of the identified algae but provides poor constraints on their initial abundance and thus functional relevance to the host. Here we analyze the algal symbiont diversity in Pararotalia calcariformata, a benthic foraminifera sampled at four stations, inside and outside of a thermal plume in the eastern Mediterranean coast of Israel. This species has recently invaded the Mediterranean, is unusually thermally tolerant and was described previously to host at least one different diatom symbiont than other symbiont-bearing foraminifera. Our results using genotyping and isolation of algae in culture medium, confirm multiple associations with different diatom species within the same individual. Both methods revealed spatially consistent symbiont associations and identified the most common symbiont as a pelagic diatom Minutocellus polymorphus. In one case, an alternative dominant symbiont, the diatom Navicula sp., was detected by genotyping. This diatom was the third most abundant species identified using standard algae culturing method. This method further revealed a spatially consistent pattern in symbiont diversity of a total of seventeen identified diatom species, across the studied localities. Collectively, these results indicate that P. calcariformata hosts a diverse consortium of diatom endosymbionts, where different members can become numerically dominant and thus functionally relevant in a changing environment.}, }
@article {pmid30253010, year = {2019}, author = {Szabó, S and Peeters, ETHM and Várbíró, G and Borics, G and Lukács, BA}, title = {Phenotypic plasticity as a clue for invasion success of the submerged aquatic plant Elodea nuttallii.}, journal = {Plant biology (Stuttgart, Germany)}, volume = {21}, number = {1}, pages = {54-63}, doi = {10.1111/plb.12918}, pmid = {30253010}, issn = {1438-8677}, support = {GINOP-2.3.2-15-2016-00019/// ; PD120775//National Research, Development and Innovation Office - NKFIH, OTKA/ ; KH129520//National Research, Development and Innovation Office - NKFIH, OTKA/ ; FK127939//National Research, Development and Innovation Office - NKFIH, OTKA/ ; //New National Excellence Program of the Ministry of Human Capacities (UNKP Bolyai+)/ ; //Bolyai János Research Scholarship of the Hungarian Academy of Sciences/ ; }, mesh = {*Adaptation, Physiological ; Aquatic Organisms/*growth &amp; development/*physiology ; Hydrocharitaceae/*growth &amp; development/*physiology ; *Introduced Species ; Phenotype ; Plant Roots/anatomy &amp; histology ; Plant Shoots/growth &amp; development ; Principal Component Analysis ; }, abstract = {Two closely related alien submerged aquatic plants were introduced into Europe. The new invader (Elodea nuttallii) gradually displaced E. canadensis even at sites where the latter was well established. The aim of the study was to evaluate the combined effects of environmental factors on several phenotypic characteristics of the two Elodea species, and to relate these phenotypic characteristics to the invasion success of E. nuttallii over E. canadensis. In a factorial design, Elodea plants were grown in aquaria containing five different nitrogen concentrations and incubated at five different light intensities. We used six functional traits (apical shoot RGR), total shoot RGR, relative elongation, root length, lateral spread, branching degree) to measure the environmental response of the species. We calculated plasticity indices to express the phenotypic differences between species. Light and nitrogen jointly triggered the development of phenotypic characteristics that make E. nuttallii a more successful invader in eutrophic waters than E. canadensis. The stronger invader showed a wider range of phenotypic plasticity. The apical elongation was the main difference between the two species, with E. nuttallii being more than two times longer than E. canadensis. E. canadensis formed dense side shoots even under high shade and low nitrogen levels, whereas E. nuttallii required higher light and nitrogen levels. We found that under more eutrophic conditions, E. nuttallii reach the water surface sooner than E. canadensis and through intensive branching outcompetes all other plants including E. canadensis. Our findings support the theory that more successful invaders have wider phenotypic plasticity.}, }
@article {pmid30252975, year = {2018}, author = {Reil, JB and Doorenweerd, C and San Jose, M and Sim, SB and Geib, SM and Rubinoff, D}, title = {Transpacific coalescent pathways of coconut rhinoceros beetle biotypes: Resistance to biological control catalyses resurgence of an old pest.}, journal = {Molecular ecology}, volume = {27}, number = {22}, pages = {4459-4474}, doi = {10.1111/mec.14879}, pmid = {30252975}, issn = {1365-294X}, support = {FY16 3.0392.03//USDA Farm Bill/ ; FY17 3.0497.01//USDA Farm Bill/ ; //ARCS Foundation/ ; //USDA National Institute of Food and Agriculture/ ; //Agriculture and Food Research Initiative/ ; 2017-67012-26087 (FY17-FY19)//Education and Literacy Initiative/ ; HAW00942-H//University of Hawaii at Manoa College of Tropical Agriculture and Human Resources and USDA Cooperative State Research, Education and Extension/ ; }, abstract = {Biological control agents have several advantages over chemical control for pest management, including the capability to restore ecosystem balance with minimal non-target effects and a lower propensity for targets to develop resistance. These factors are particularly important for invasive species control. The coconut rhinoceros beetle (Oryctes rhinoceros Linnaeus) is a major palm pest that invaded many Pacific islands in the early 20th century through human-mediated dispersal. Application of the Oryctes nudivirus in the 1960s successfully halted the beetle's first invasion wave and made it a textbook example of successful biological control. However, a recently discovered O. rhinoceros biotype that is resistant to the nudivirus appears to be correlated with a new invasion wave. We performed a population genomics analysis of 172 O. rhinoceros from seven regions, including native and invasive populations, to reconstruct invasion pathways and explore correlation between recent invasions and biotypes. With ddRAD sequencing, we generated data sets ranging from 4,000 to 209,000 loci using stacks and ipyrad software pipelines and compared genetic signal in downstream clustering and phylogenetic analyses. Analysis suggests that the O. rhinoceros resurgence is mediated by the nudivirus-resistant biotype. Genomic data have been proven essential to understanding the new O. rhinoceros biotype's invasion patterns and interactions with the original biotype. Such information is crucial to optimization of strategies for quarantine and control of resurgent pests. Our results demonstrate that while invasions are relatively rare events, new introductions can have significant ecological consequences, and quarantine vigilance is required even in previously invaded areas.}, }
@article {pmid30251412, year = {2018}, author = {Pereira, L and Vasques, A and Maia, P and Pereira, MJR and Fonseca, C and Matos, M}, title = {Native and exotic seed dispersal by the stone marten (Martes foina Erxleben, 1777): implications for the regeneration of a relict climactic forest in central Portugal.}, journal = {Integrative zoology}, volume = {}, number = {}, pages = {}, doi = {10.1111/1749-4877.12362}, pmid = {30251412}, issn = {1749-4877}, abstract = {The stone marten (Martes foina, Erxleben, 1777) is a carnivorous mammal that often consumes fleshy fruits, thus potentially promoting seed dispersion. This study was developed in Bussaco National Forest, central Portugal, and aimed to assess the potential role of the stone marten in dispersing native and exotic plants in different forest landscapes types. Seeds from stone marten scats and fleshy fruits were collected monthly and were thereafter identified and sowed in a nursery, following a randomized experimental setup. Plant emergence was monitored fortnightly. Generalized Linear Models were used to test for differences in time and success of emergence between seeds from scats and fruits of three native species (Rubus ulmifolius, Arbutus unedo, Celtis australis) and one exotic plant species with invasive behaviour (Prunus laurocerasus). Fruit consumption by the stone marten significantly increased and accelerated the germination of the native R. ulmifolius but had no effect on the other two native species or on the invasive species. This suggested that stone martens contribute to gene flow and forest regeneration, by dispersing native plant seeds. However, though the germination was not enhanced in the invasive species, the preference of stone marten for these fruits may potentially contribute to the proliferation of P. laurocerasus. Our study represents a contribution to better understanding the fauna and flora interactions, enabling for a more conscious and effective decision-making in forest management. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.}, }
@article {pmid30251329, year = {2019}, author = {Buisson, E and Le Stradic, S and Silveira, FAO and Durigan, G and Overbeck, GE and Fidelis, A and Fernandes, GW and Bond, WJ and Hermann, JM and Mahy, G and Alvarado, ST and Zaloumis, NP and Veldman, JW}, title = {Resilience and restoration of tropical and subtropical grasslands, savannas, and grassy woodlands.}, journal = {Biological reviews of the Cambridge Philosophical Society}, volume = {94}, number = {2}, pages = {590-609}, doi = {10.1111/brv.12470}, pmid = {30251329}, issn = {1469-185X}, abstract = {Despite growing recognition of the conservation values of grassy biomes, our understanding of how to maintain and restore biodiverse tropical grasslands (including savannas and open-canopy grassy woodlands) remains limited. To incorporate grasslands into large-scale restoration efforts, we synthesised existing ecological knowledge of tropical grassland resilience and approaches to plant community restoration. Tropical grassland plant communities are resilient to, and often dependent on, the endogenous disturbances with which they evolved - frequent fires and native megafaunal herbivory. In stark contrast, tropical grasslands are extremely vulnerable to human-caused exogenous disturbances, particularly those that alter soils and destroy belowground biomass (e.g. tillage agriculture, surface mining); tropical grassland restoration after severe soil disturbances is expensive and rarely achieves management targets. Where grasslands have been degraded by altered disturbance regimes (e.g. fire exclusion), exotic plant invasions, or afforestation, restoration efforts can recreate vegetation structure (i.e. historical tree density and herbaceous ground cover), but species-diverse plant communities, including endemic species, are slow to recover. Complicating plant-community restoration efforts, many tropical grassland species, particularly those that invest in underground storage organs, are difficult to propagate and re-establish. To guide restoration decisions, we draw on the old-growth grassland concept, the novel ecosystem concept, and theory regarding tree cover along resource gradients in savannas to propose a conceptual framework that classifies tropical grasslands into three broad ecosystem states. These states are: (1) old-growth grasslands (i.e. ancient, biodiverse grassy ecosystems), where management should focus on the maintenance of disturbance regimes; (2) hybrid grasslands, where restoration should emphasise a return towards the old-growth state; and (3) novel ecosystems, where the magnitude of environmental change (i.e. a shift to an alternative ecosystem state) or the socioecological context preclude a return to historical conditions.}, }
@article {pmid30251252, year = {2018}, author = {Baird, SE and Steel, AE and Cocherell, DE and Cech, JJ and Fangue, NA}, title = {Native Chinook salmon Oncorhynchus tshawytscha and non-native brook trout Salvelinus fontinalis prefer similar water temperatures.}, journal = {Journal of fish biology}, volume = {93}, number = {5}, pages = {1000-1004}, doi = {10.1111/jfb.13810}, pmid = {30251252}, issn = {1095-8649}, support = {2098-H//UC Davis Agricultural Experiment Station/ ; #2098-H to NAF//UC Davis Agricultural Experiment Station/ ; }, mesh = {Animals ; *Behavior, Animal ; California ; *Ecosystem ; Endangered Species ; Introduced Species ; Salmon/*physiology ; *Temperature ; Trout/*physiology ; Water ; }, abstract = {Preferred water temperatures and acute temperature tolerance limits of two salmonids in California were assessed: juvenile Chinook salmon Oncorhynchus tshawytscha, a native anadromous species, and sub-adult brook trout Salvelinus fontinalis, an introduced game species. These two species preferred similar temperatures across an 18 h temperature preference experiment and showed similar critical thermal tolerance limits, suggesting a substantial thermal habitat overlap in the wild.}, }
@article {pmid30250702, year = {2018}, author = {Kesner, D and Kumschick, S}, title = {Gastropods alien to South Africa cause severe environmental harm in their global alien ranges across habitats.}, journal = {Ecology and evolution}, volume = {8}, number = {16}, pages = {8273-8285}, pmid = {30250702}, issn = {2045-7758}, abstract = {Alien gastropods have caused extensive harm to biodiversity and socioeconomic systems like agriculture and horticulture worldwide. For conservation and management purposes, information on impacts needs to be easily interpretable and comparable, and the factors that determine impacts understood. This study aimed to assess gastropods alien to South Africa to compare impact severity between species and understand how they vary between habitats and mechanisms. Furthermore, we explore the relationship between environmental and socioeconomic impacts, and both impact measures with life-history traits. We used the Environmental Impact Classification for Alien Taxa (EICAT) and Socio-Economic Impact Classification for Alien Taxa (SEICAT) to assess impacts of 34 gastropods alien to South Africa including evidence of impact from their entire alien range. We tested for correlations between environmental and socioeconomic impacts per species, and with fecundity and native latitude range using Kendall's tau tests. Kruskal-Wallis tests were used to compare impact magnitude among mechanisms and habitats, respectively. This study presents the first application of EICAT and SEICAT for invertebrates. There was no correlation between environmental impacts and socioeconomic impacts. Habitats did not differ regarding the severity of impacts recorded, but impacts via disease transmission were lower than other mechanisms. Neither fecundity nor native range latitude was correlated with impact magnitude. Despite gastropods being agricultural and horticultural pests globally, resilience of socioeconomic systems makes high impacts uncommon. Environmental systems may be vulnerable to gastropod impacts across habitats, having experienced multiple local extinctions of wetland island snail fauna. South Africa stands out as the only continental country that follows this trend. The knowledge gained on severity and nature of gastropod impacts is useful in risk assessment, which can aid conservation management. To make impact assessments more realistic, we suggest alternative ways of reporting impacts classified under EICAT and SEICAT.}, }
@article {pmid30250163, year = {2018}, author = {Cuthbert, RN and Dalu, T and Wasserman, RJ and Dick, JTA and Mofu, L and Callaghan, A and Weyl, OLF}, title = {Intermediate predator naïveté and sex-skewed vulnerability predict the impact of an invasive higher predator.}, journal = {Scientific reports}, volume = {8}, number = {1}, pages = {14282}, pmid = {30250163}, issn = {2045-2322}, abstract = {The spread of invasive species continues to reduce biodiversity across all regions and habitat types globally. However, invader impact prediction can be nebulous, and approaches often fail to integrate coupled direct and indirect invader effects. Here, we examine the ecological impacts of an invasive higher predator on lower trophic groups, further developing methodologies to more holistically quantify invader impact. We employ functional response (FR, resource use under different densities) and prey switching experiments to examine the trait- and density-mediated impacts of the invasive mosquitofish Gambusia affinis on an endemic intermediate predator Lovenula raynerae (Copepoda). Lovenula raynerae effectively consumed larval mosquitoes, but was naïve to mosquitofish cues, with attack rates and handling times of the intermediate predator unaffected by mosquitofish cue-treated water. Mosquitofish did not switch between male and female prey, consistently displaying a strong preference for female copepods. We thus demonstrate a lack of risk-reduction activity in the presence of invasive fish by L. raynerae and, in turn, high susceptibility of such intermediate trophic groups to invader impact. Further, we show that mosquitofish demonstrate sex-skewed predator selectivity towards intermediate predators of mosquito larvae, which may affect predator population demographics and, perversely, increase disease vector proliferations. We advocate the utility of FRs and prey switching combined to holistically quantify invasive species impact potential on native organisms at multiple trophic levels.}, }
@article {pmid30250047, year = {2018}, author = {Corrales, X and Coll, M and Ofir, E and Heymans, JJ and Steenbeek, J and Goren, M and Edelist, D and Gal, G}, title = {Future scenarios of marine resources and ecosystem conditions in the Eastern Mediterranean under the impacts of fishing, alien species and sea warming.}, journal = {Scientific reports}, volume = {8}, number = {1}, pages = {14284}, pmid = {30250047}, issn = {2045-2322}, abstract = {Using a temporal-dynamic calibrated Ecosim food web model, we assess the effects of future changes on marine resources and ecosystem conditions of the Israeli Mediterranean continental shelf. This region has been intensely invaded by Indo-Pacific species. The region is exposed to extreme environmental conditions, is subjected to high rates of climate change and has experienced intense fishing pressure. We test the impacts of a new set of fishing regulations currently being implemented, a continued increase in sea temperatures following IPCC projections, and a continued increase in alien species biomass. We first investigate the impacts of the stressors separately, and then we combine them to evaluate their cumulative effects. Our results show overall potential future benefits of fishing effort reductions, and detrimental impacts of increasing sea temperature and increasing biomass of alien species. Cumulative scenarios suggest that the beneficial effects of fisheries reduction may be dampened by the impact of increasing sea temperature and alien species when acting together. These results illustrate the importance of including stressors other than fisheries, such as climate change and biological invasions, in an ecosystem-based management approach. These results support the need for reducing local and regional stressors, such as fishing and biological invasions, in order to promote resilience to sea warming.}, }
@article {pmid30249994, year = {2018}, author = {Briem, F and Dominic, AR and Golla, B and Hoffmann, C and Englert, C and Herz, A and Vogt, H}, title = {Explorative Data Analysis of Drosophila suzukii Trap Catches from a Seven-Year Monitoring Program in Southwest Germany.}, journal = {Insects}, volume = {9}, number = {4}, pages = {}, doi = {10.3390/insects9040125}, pmid = {30249994}, issn = {2075-4450}, support = {OW 1188//Bundesministerium für Ernährung und Landwirtschaft/ ; }, abstract = {Over the last decade, Drosophila suzukii Matsumura, an invasive pest of soft-skinned fruits, gradually established itself in Europe, often resulting in significant economic losses. In 2011, when D. suzukii was first described for Germany, the Julius Kühn Institut (JKI) started a monitoring program in southwest Germany to study the occurrence and activity of the fly. Capture data from late 2011⁻early 2018 from 100 traps were analyzed for the effect of weather and immediate habitat on trap captures at different times of the year. We identified five phases in the annual population development cycle of D. suzukii. We found that the mild winter of 2013/2014 helped the thorough establishment of D. suzukii in Germany. Habitat types in the immediate vicinity of the trap and local weather conditions had a strong influence on trap captures. Forest borders and hedges were found to provide adequate overwintering shelter for the flies. Trap captures in forests and hedges were generally higher than those of vineyards and orchards, even during the fruiting seasons. Summer capture rates were correlated with the number of heat days and precipitation. We also discuss briefly the limitations of using trap captures as representative of fly density in the field.}, }
@article {pmid30248128, year = {2018}, author = {Whitehead, ABR and Butcher, GD and Walden, HS and Duque, V and Cruz, M and Hernandez, JA}, title = {Burden of exposure to infectious bursal disease virus, infectious bronchitis virus, Newcastle disease virus, Mycoplasma gallisepticum, and intestinal parasites in introduced broiler chickens on the Galapagos.}, journal = {PloS one}, volume = {13}, number = {9}, pages = {e0203658}, pmid = {30248128}, issn = {1932-6203}, mesh = {Animals ; Antibodies, Viral/blood ; Birds/microbiology/parasitology/virology ; Chickens/*microbiology/parasitology/virology ; Coronavirus Infections/epidemiology/transmission/*veterinary ; Ecuador ; Environmental Monitoring ; Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay/veterinary ; Feces/parasitology ; Infectious bronchitis virus/immunology ; *Introduced Species ; Mycoplasma Infections/transmission/*veterinary ; Mycoplasma gallisepticum/immunology ; Newcastle Disease/*transmission ; Newcastle disease virus/immunology ; Parasitic Diseases, Animal/epidemiology/*transmission ; Poultry Diseases/epidemiology/microbiology/parasitology/*transmission ; }, abstract = {Diseases in introduced broilers can possibly spill over to wild birds on the Galapagos. Knowledge about the current burden of exposure to pathogens in broilers on the Galapagos is very limited. The objective of the study reported here was to measure the burden of exposure to infectious bursal disease virus (IBDV), infectious bronchitis virus (IBV), Newcastle disease virus (NDV), Mycoplasma gallisepticum (MG), and intestinal parasites in a sample of broiler chickens on 13 farms on Santa Cruz Island and San Cristobal Island in July 2017. Blood serum samples were tested for detection of antibodies to IBDV, IBV, NDV, and MG by using an IDEXX Enzyme-linked Immunosorbent Assay. In addition, fecal samples and pen bedding environmental samples were processed and analyzed for diagnosis of intestinal parasite eggs under a compound light microscope. The frequency of seropositive broilers to IBDV was 74/130 or 56% (95% CI = 48, 65%), to IBV was 27/130 or 20% (14, 28%), and to NDV was 1/130 or 0.7% (0.1, 4%). All broilers tested negative to MG antibodies. Eimeria spp. infection was common in study broilers. Finally, we observed interaction between broiler chickens and wild birds (finches) inside broiler pens, as well as the presence of backyard chickens inside property limits of study farms. This study produced evidence that exposure to IBDV, IBV, and intestinal parasites in broilers on Santa Cruz Island and San Cristobal Island is important. Study results are relevant because (i) they provide new baseline data on the burden of exposure to avian pathogens in broiler farms, (ii) justify the need to verify standard operating procedures in hatcheries that supply (non-vaccinated) day-old chicks to the Galapagos and (iii) to implement enhanced biosecurity standards on broiler chicken farms to mitigate risk of disease transmission between broilers, backyard poultry, and wild birds on the Galapagos.}, }
@article {pmid30248110, year = {2018}, author = {Wilson Rankin, EE and Knowlton, JL and Gruner, DS and Flaspohler, DJ and Giardina, CP and Leopold, DR and Buckardt, A and Pitt, WC and Fukami, T}, title = {Vertical foraging shifts in Hawaiian forest birds in response to invasive rat removal.}, journal = {PloS one}, volume = {13}, number = {9}, pages = {e0202869}, pmid = {30248110}, issn = {1932-6203}, mesh = {Animals ; Arthropods/*physiology ; Biomass ; Feeding Behavior ; Forests ; Hawaii ; Introduced Species ; Predatory Behavior/*physiology ; Raptors/*physiology ; Rats ; }, abstract = {Worldwide, native species increasingly contend with the interacting stressors of habitat fragmentation and invasive species, yet their combined effects have rarely been examined. Direct negative effects of invasive omnivores are well documented, but the indirect effects of resource competition or those caused by predator avoidance are unknown. Here we isolated and examined the independent and interactive effects of invasive omnivorous Black rats (Rattus rattus) and forest fragment size on the interactions between avian predators and their arthropod prey. Our study examines whether invasive omnivores and ecosystem fragment size impact: 1) the vertical distribution of arthropod species composition and abundance, and 2) the vertical profile of foraging behaviors of five native and two non-native bird species found in our study system. We predicted that the reduced edge effects and greater structural complexity and canopy height of larger fragments would limit the total and proportional habitat space frequented by rats and thus limit their impact on both arthropod biomass and birds' foraging behavior. We experimentally removed invasive omnivorous Black rats across a 100-fold (0.1 to 12 ha) size gradient of forest fragments on Hawai'i Island, and paired foraging observations of forest passerines with arthropod sampling in the 16 rat-removed and 18 control fragments. Rat removal was associated with shifts in the vertical distribution of arthropod biomass, irrespective of fragment size. Bird foraging behavior mirrored this shift, and the impact of rat removal was greater for birds that primarily eat fruit and insects compared with those that consume nectar. Evidence from this model study system indicates that invasive rats indirectly alter the feeding behavior of native birds, and consequently impact multiple trophic levels. This study suggests that native species can modify their foraging behavior in response to invasive species removal and presumably arrival through behavioral plasticity.}, }
@article {pmid30245526, year = {2018}, author = {Panlasigui, S and Davis, AJS and Mangiante, MJ and Darling, JA}, title = {Assessing threats of non-native species to native freshwater biodiversity: Conservation priorities for the United States.}, journal = {Biological conservation}, volume = {224}, number = {}, pages = {199-208}, pmid = {30245526}, issn = {0006-3207}, support = {EPA999999//Intramural EPA/United States ; }, abstract = {Non-native species pose one of the greatest threats to native biodiversity, and can have severe negative impacts in freshwater ecosystems. Identifying regions of spatial overlap between high freshwater biodiversity and high invasion pressure may thus better inform the prioritization of freshwater conservation efforts. We employ geospatial analysis of species distribution data to investigate the potential threat of non-native species to aquatic animal taxa across the continental United States. We mapped non-native aquatic plant and animal species richness and cu