@article {pmid40947447,
year = {2025},
author = {Kobeletskaya, MA and Temereva, EN},
title = {First Description of Typhlosole in Ascidian Styela clava: Structure and Putative Function.},
journal = {Doklady biological sciences : proceedings of the Academy of Sciences of the USSR, Biological sciences sections},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
pmid = {40947447},
issn = {1608-3105},
abstract = {The ascidian Styela clava is an invasive species that easily colonizes new water areas and has a wide distribution. A previously undescribed typhlosole was discovered in S. clava and studied using histological techniques, transmission electron microscopy and computer microtomography. The typhlosole is a large fold of the dorsal intestinal wall that starts in the lower quarter of the stomach and continues to the rectum. Its shape varies greatly: from a rounded protrusion to a spirally twisted fold. The typhlosole is formed by the intestinal epithelium and a thick connective tissue layer, in which pyloric tubules and blood vessels are extended. The epithelium consists of glandular, ciliated, and nonciliated cells demonstrating apocrine secretion. The typhlosole intensifies the food digestion and absorption of nutrients. The features observed in the typhlosole may contribute to a high digestion efficiency even in low-productive waters, determining the biological success of this species.},
}

@article {pmid40943528,
year = {2025},
author = {Wieczorek, K and Chłond, D and Durak, R and Elliot, M and Endrestøl, A and Van der Palen, J and Borowiak-Sobkowiak, B and Sawka-Gądek, N},
title = {Tracing the Invasion of Takecallis nigroantennatus (Hemiptera, Aphididae) on Cold-Hardy Bamboo Fargesia Using Mitochondrial COI Data.},
journal = {International journal of molecular sciences},
volume = {26},
number = {17},
pages = {},
pmid = {40943528},
issn = {1422-0067},
mesh = {Animals ; *Aphids/genetics/classification ; *Introduced Species ; *Electron Transport Complex IV/genetics ; Phylogeny ; Haplotypes ; Europe ; },
abstract = {The introduction of alien insect species is increasingly facilitated by global plant trade, particularly through the movement of ornamental plants. Takecallis nigroantennatus, a host-specific aphid associated with cold-hardy Fargesia bamboo, has recently expanded its range in Europe. To examine its invasion dynamics, we conducted a population-level survey across 13 locations in six countries, sampling individuals from botanic and private gardens, specialized bamboo nurseries, garden centers, and urban horticultural environments in the UK, Belgium, The Netherlands, Germany, Poland, and Norway. A total of 117 specimens were analyzed using mitochondrial COI sequences, revealing a single dominant haplotype without geographic structure based on Bayesian and Maximum Likelihood phylogenetic analyses. This striking genetic uniformity indicates a narrow introduction bottleneck, suggesting a single or highly restricted introduction event followed by clonal spread. Despite the species' ability for sexual reproduction, the data support a founder effect and rapid recent expansion closely linked to the introduction history of Fargesia in Europe. The results are also consistent with a possible time lag between the arrival of ornamental bamboo and the subsequent establishment of its associated herbivore, a scenario that warrants further investigation. Importantly, our study provides a practical framework for applied monitoring and early detection in bamboo nurseries, botanical gardens, and other high-risk introduction sites, illustrating how molecular tools can inform biosecurity and the management of emerging invasive species.},
}

Animals
*Aphids/genetics/classification
*Introduced Species
*Electron Transport Complex IV/genetics
Phylogeny
Haplotypes
Europe

@article {pmid40943188,
year = {2025},
author = {Stafiniak, M and Makowski, W and Matkowski, A and Bielecka, M},
title = {Stabilizing the Baseline: Reference Gene Evaluation in Three Invasive Reynoutria Species.},
journal = {International journal of molecular sciences},
volume = {26},
number = {17},
pages = {},
pmid = {40943188},
issn = {1422-0067},
abstract = {Accurate normalization is crucial for reliable gene expression quantification and depends on stably expressed housekeeping genes (HKGs) as internal controls. However, HKGs expression varies with developmental stage, tissue type, and treatments, potentially introducing bias and compromising data accuracy. Thus, validating candidate reference genes under defined conditions is essential. Reynoutria, also known as giant Asian knotweeds, is a Polygonaceae family genus of several medicinal plants producing a diverse array of specialized metabolites of pharmacological interest. Outside their native range, these plants are also noxious invasive weeds, causing significant environmental and economic threats. Research on stable reference genes in these species is limited, with a primary focus on R. japonica. To enable accurate gene expression analysis related to specialized metabolism and natural product biosynthesis, we aimed to identify the most stable reference genes across the most common species: R. japonica Houtt., R. sachalinensis (F. Schmidt) Nakai, and their hybrid-R. × bohemica Chrtek & Chrtková. In this study, we evaluated twelve candidate HKGs (ACT, TUA, TUB, GAPDH, EF-1γ, UBQ, UBC, 60SrRNA, eIF6A, SKD1, YLS8, and NDUFA13) across three tissue types (rhizomes, leaves, and flowers) from three Reynoutria species sampled at peak flowering. Primer specificity and amplification efficiency were confirmed through standard-curve analysis. We assessed expression stability using ΔCt, geNorm, NormFinder, and BestKeeper, and generated comprehensive rankings with RefFinder. Our integrated analysis revealed organ- and species-dependent stability differences, yet identified up to three reference genes suitable for interspecific normalization in Reynoutria. This represents the first systematic, comparative validation of HKGs across closely related knotweed species, providing a robust foundation for future transcriptomic and functional studies of their specialized metabolism and other biological processes.},
}

@article {pmid40943054,
year = {2025},
author = {Cao, JJ and Wang, HW and Fu, JG and Wan, FH and Guo, JY and Wang, R},
title = {Dynamic Genetic Changes Reveal: Intra-Lineage Diversity, Not Admixture, Explains Amaranthus palmeri's Success in China.},
journal = {International journal of molecular sciences},
volume = {26},
number = {17},
pages = {},
pmid = {40943054},
issn = {1422-0067},
support = {32272569, 32402403, 31471827//National Nature Science Foundation of China/ ; 2022YFC2601100, 2022YFC2601000, 2021YFC2600400//National Key R&D Program of China/ ; },
abstract = {Global trade facilitates multiple introductions of alien species, yet the role of genetic admixture between divergent lineages in driving invasion success remains debated. Here, we address this question by analyzing dynamic genetic changes across invasion stages in the dioecious weed Amaranthus palmeri, introduced to China from North and South America. Combining chloroplast phylogeography with nuclear genetic analyses, we systematically investigated genetic changes in populations at casual, naturalized, invasive, and dispersal stages. Initial casual populations originated from distinct North and South American lineages, but all established populations (naturalized, invasive, dispersal) retained only North American haplotypes. South American genetic introgression decreased progressively during invasion (from 34% in naturalized to 3% in dispersal populations), accompanied by declining inbreeding coefficients. Established populations exhibited high inter-population crosses within the North American lineage (54-60%), maintaining genetic diversity and overcoming bottlenecks. Our findings demonstrate that invasion success in A. palmeri may be driven by gene flow within the North American lineage, rather than admixture between divergent lineages. These findings enhance our understanding of the genetic mechanisms underpinning plant invasions, highlighting lineage-specific management as a critical strategy for controlling invasive populations.},
}

@article {pmid40942127,
year = {2025},
author = {Vo, HV and Satyal, P and Vo, TT and Le, TT and Nguyen, AT and Vu, HT and Nguyen, TT and Nguyen, HH and Setzer, WN},
title = {Chemical Composition and Biological Activities of Chromolaena odorata (L.) R.M.King & H.Rob. Essential Oils from Central Vietnam.},
journal = {Molecules (Basel, Switzerland)},
volume = {30},
number = {17},
pages = {},
doi = {10.3390/molecules30173602},
pmid = {40942127},
issn = {1420-3049},
abstract = {The chemical composition of leaf essential oil of the harmful invasive species Chromolaena odorata collected in Vietnam was analyzed by GC/MS and chiral GC. All three essential oil samples (O1, O2 and O3) in this study fell into chemotype I characterized by α-pinene/geigerene/germacrene D/(E)-β-caryophyllene from a total of six different chemotypes. Chemotype I demonstrated larvicidal effects against Aedes aegypti (Linnaeus, 1762), Aedes albopictus Aedes albopictus (Skuse, 1894), Culex fuscocephala (Theobald, 1907) and Culex quinquefasciatus (Say, 1823), with 24 h LC50 values ranging from 11.73 to 69.87 µg/mL. In contrast, its microemulsion formulation exhibited enhanced toxicity, yielding 24 h LC50 values between 11.16 and 32.43 µg/mL. This chemotype also showed repellent efficacy against Ae. aegypti, with protection times ranging from 70.75 to 122.7 min. Fumigant toxicity was observed against Aedes aegypti, with LC50 values of 40.27% at 0.5 h and 0.34% at 24 h. Molluscicidal activity was recorded with 48 h LC50 values between 3.82 and 54.38 µg/mL against Indoplanorbis exustus (Deshayes, 1833), Pomacea canaliculate (Lamarck, 1822), Physa acuta (Draparnaud, 1805). Additionally, the chemotype exhibited acetylcholinesterase inhibitory activity, with an IC50 value of 70.85 µg/mL. Antimicrobial potential was also demonstrated, with MIC values ranging from 2.0 to 128.0 µg/mL against Enterococcus faecalis, Staphylococcus aureus, Bacillus cereus, Escherichia coli, Salmonella enterica, and Candida albicans. The C. odorata essential oil can be considered as a potential bioresource for human health protection strategies.},
}

@article {pmid40941945,
year = {2025},
author = {Wang, J and Zhao, J and Jiang, L and Han, X and Zhu, Y},
title = {Predicting the Potential Suitable Habitat of Solanum rostratum in China Using the Biomod2 Ensemble Modeling Framework.},
journal = {Plants (Basel, Switzerland)},
volume = {14},
number = {17},
pages = {},
doi = {10.3390/plants14172779},
pmid = {40941945},
issn = {2223-7747},
support = {CAFYBB2023MA018, CAFYBB2024ZA008//Fundamental Research Funds of CAF/ ; 32201628//National Natural Science Foundation of China/ ; 2022EEDSKIZDZX012-2//Major Science and Technology Project of Ordos City/ ; 2023040014228//Changning Bamboo Sea National Nature Reserve Master Plan Project/ ; },
abstract = {Solanum rostratum Dunal is a highly invasive species with strong environmental adaptability and reproductive capacity, posing serious threats to agroforestry ecosystems and human health. In this study, we compiled occurrence records of S. rostratum in China from online databases and sources in the literature. We employed the Biomod2 ensemble modeling framework to predict the potential distribution of the species under current climatic conditions and four future climate scenarios (SSP126, SSP245, SSP370, and SSP585), and to identify the key environmental variables influencing its distribution. The ensemble model based on the committee averaging (EMca) approach achieved the highest predictive accuracy, with a true skill statistic (TSS) of 0.932 and an area under the curve (AUC) of 0.990. Under present climatic conditions, S. rostratum is predominantly distributed across northern China, particularly in Xinjiang, Inner Mongolia, and the northeastern provinces, covering a total suitable area of 1,191,586.55 km[2], with highly suitable habitats accounting for 50.37% of this range. Under future climate scenarios, the species' suitable range is projected to expand significantly, particularly under the high-emissions SSP585 scenario, with the distribution centroid expected to shift significantly toward high-altitude regions in Gansu Province. Precipitation and temperature emerged as the most influential environmental factors affecting habitat suitability. These findings indicate that ongoing global warming may facilitate the survival, reproduction, and rapid spread of S. rostratum across China in the coming decades.},
}

@article {pmid40941907,
year = {2025},
author = {Xiao, C and Ye, J and Zhang, H and Qin, Y and Yan, R and Xu, G and Zhou, H},
title = {Assessment of Habitat Suitability for the Invasive Vine Sicyos angulatus Under Current and Future Climate Change Scenarios.},
journal = {Plants (Basel, Switzerland)},
volume = {14},
number = {17},
pages = {},
doi = {10.3390/plants14172745},
pmid = {40941907},
issn = {2223-7747},
support = {2022YFF1300505//National Key R&D Program of China/ ; 2023JJ60541 and 2024JJ8297//Hunan Natural Science Foundation-Departmental Joint Fund/ ; },
abstract = {Sicyos angulatus L. is a rapidly spreading invasive alien vine that threatens natural and agricultural ecosystems globally. We collected occurrence data from 4886 sites and applied the maximum entropy (MaxEnt) model to assess current and future habitat suitability for S. angulatus. Future climate conditions were represented by low and high greenhouse gas concentrations under representative concentration pathways (i.e., RCP2.6 and RCP8.5, respectively). The MaxEnt model accurately predicted the distribution of S. angulatus, and the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve in the receiver operating characteristic test reached 0.921. Among the 19 climatic variables investigated, the best predictors for the distribution of S. angulatus were the precipitation in the driest month (with a contribution of 37.4%), annual precipitation (26.8%), average annual temperature (18.1%), and temperature seasonality (14.9%). Currently, the most suitable areas cover the central and eastern United States, parts of southern Europe, most Japanese islands, the majority of the Korean Peninsula, and eastern China, with a total area of 180.3 × 10[4] km[2] (1.2% of the Earth's land area). During the 2050s and 2090s under RCP2.6 and RCP8.5, the most suitable regions worldwide are projected to expand by factors of 1.0 and 2.2, respectively. In particular, suitable areas might expand to higher-latitude regions and encompass previously unsuitable areas, such as Liaoning Province in Northeast China. These findings may aid in the surveillance and management of S. angulatus' invasion globally.},
}

@article {pmid40941805,
year = {2025},
author = {Ye, X and Gu, C and Meng, J and Wu, M},
title = {Differences in the Response of Invasive Solidago canadensis and Native Imperata cylindrica to Glyphosate.},
journal = {Plants (Basel, Switzerland)},
volume = {14},
number = {17},
pages = {},
doi = {10.3390/plants14172640},
pmid = {40941805},
issn = {2223-7747},
support = {32171516//National Natural Science Foundation of China/ ; LTGS23C030002//Zhejiang Provincial Natural Science Foundation of China/ ; },
abstract = {Exotic invasive plant species can cause biodiversity loss by outcompeting and replacing native species. Herbicides are commonly used to control invasive plants owing to their low cost and high efficiency. However, herbicide use can have unintended effects on co-occurring native plant species by altering the competitive balance. We studied how herbicide application modifies the competition between an invasive and a native species. We examined the effects of applying glyphosate on the mortality, photosynthetic capacity, and growth of Solidago canadensis, an aggressive invasive species, and Imperata cylindrica, a native species that commonly co-occurs with S. canadensis. We also studied how applying glyphosate affected the competition between these species. Various glyphosate concentrations were applied to the two species grown either together or separately. The mortality rate increased while the photosynthetic capacity and growth decreased with increasing glyphosate concentration. Increasing the glyphosate concentration more negatively affected the parameters of I. cylindrica than those of S. canadensis. Plant growth, especially that of I. cylindrica, was more restricted by intraspecific competition than by interspecific competition as the glyphosate concentration increased. Furthermore, the relative competitive potential of the native species decreased with increasing glyphosate concentration. S. canadensis is more tolerant of glyphosate, which enhances its competitive advantage and hinders the proliferation, reintroduction, and success of native plant species. Future studies should focus on developing techniques to mitigate the negative impacts of invasive plant species, for example, via optimizing methods of spraying herbicides.},
}

@article {pmid40941776,
year = {2025},
author = {Yousefi, AR and Babaei, S and Nosratti, I and Zeidali, E and Babaei, M and Asadi Oskouei, E and Saberi, H and Redhu, M and Sadeghpour, A},
title = {Emerging Invasive Weeds in Iran: Occurrence, Ecological Impacts, and Sustainable Management.},
journal = {Plants (Basel, Switzerland)},
volume = {14},
number = {17},
pages = {},
doi = {10.3390/plants14172611},
pmid = {40941776},
issn = {2223-7747},
abstract = {Invasive weeds pose a growing threat to global biodiversity, ecosystem stability, and agricultural productivity with significant ecological and economic consequences. In Iran, the rapid spread of invasive species such as Boreava orientalis, Azolla spp., Ibicella lutea, Physalis divaricata, Picnomon acarna, Cynanchum acutum, Vicia hyrcanica, Eichhornia crassipes, and Ambrosia psilostachya has severely affected native ecosystems, disrupted ecological processes, and threatened food security. These species exhibit aggressive traits such as rapid maturity, high reproductive rates, seed dormancy, and allelopathy that enable them to outcompete native species and successfully invade and dominate delicate habitats. Despite their documented impacts, a critical gap remains in understanding their biology, ecology, and management, particularly in understudied regions like Iran. This review synthesizes current knowledge on major invasive weeds affecting Iranian agroecosystems, with a focus on their ecological impacts and the urgent need for sustainable management strategies. It presents an integrated framework that combines ecological, biological, and management perspectives to address invasiveness, particularly in highly adaptable species like B. orientalis and A. psilostachya. This review highlights the critical role of interdisciplinary collaboration, advanced technology, and community involvement in developing effective strategies. It offers practical guidance for researchers, policymakers, and agricultural stakeholders, serving as a model for managing invasive species in other vulnerable regions. Ultimately, it supports global efforts to safeguard biodiversity, improve crop productivity, and strengthen ecological resilience against the growing threat of invasive species.},
}

@article {pmid40941388,
year = {2025},
author = {Wróblewski, P and Maciaszek, R and Świderek, W},
title = {Pinchy Business: Poland's Ornamental Crayfish Trade in 2024.},
journal = {Animals : an open access journal from MDPI},
volume = {15},
number = {17},
pages = {},
doi = {10.3390/ani15172594},
pmid = {40941388},
issn = {2076-2615},
abstract = {The aquarium trade is one of the main pathways for the introduction of non-native freshwater species. Such species include crayfish, which are valued ornamental animals commonly kept in aquaria. Some crayfish have been released into the environment, becoming invasive alien species. Due to the threat they pose to biodiversity and related ecosystem services, they have been subject to legal restrictions as invasive alien species of Union concern. In Poland, examples of species that have entered aquatic ecosystems this way include red swamp crayfish Procambarus clarkii and the marbled crayfish Procambarus virginalis. Given the highly developed aquarium pet trade in Poland, a detailed analysis of the availability of crayfish in the pet trade was conducted. This study examines the presence and sale of crayfish at locations at zoological trade fairs, shops, and online marketplaces in Poland. Additionally, pricing, the volume of imported crayfish, and their welfare in the year 2024 are presented. Crayfish were recorded in all surveyed locations. In shops and zoological trade fairs, five crayfish species were recorded, including the invasive alien species P. clarkii and C. destructor. Online advertising platforms featured 15 crayfish species, of which four were invasive alien species. Cambarellus patcuarensis was the most commonly sold species in all examined places. Crayfish were often kept in poor condition. Furthermore, many sellers probably disguised the species of crayfish being sold illegally. This work shows that trade in invasive alien crayfish species is still widespread in Poland.},
}

@article {pmid40936771,
year = {2025},
author = {Ramírez-Alvarez, D and Li, X},
title = {Estimating density of native carnivores in central Chile landscapes using a simulated movement model, cameratrapR: insights on their potential exotic prey dietary subsidy.},
journal = {PeerJ},
volume = {13},
number = {},
pages = {e19946},
pmid = {40936771},
issn = {2167-8359},
abstract = {BACKGROUND: Species-specific density is an essential parameter for evaluating population stability and ecosystem health. We estimate the population density of native carnivores, South American gray and culpeo foxes (Lycalopex spp.), guiña (Leopardus guigna) and Andes skunk (Conepatus chinga), in central Chile, inferring on the potential influence of the availability of introduced exotic prey on their population dynamics.

METHODS: Monitoring with camera traps was conducted from March 1, 2021, to March 31, 2022, across three distinct landscapes representative of the coastal mountain range of central Chile: Mediterranean coastal thorn forest, Mediterranean coastal sclerophyllous forest, and exotic monoculture tree plantations. We estimated density using an R package, cameratrapR, where animal movement was simulated using a correlated random walk within the camera grids. Simulations were run for a range of numbers of individuals, representing a gradient of population densities. We matched these results and the observed photo records using a machine learning algorithm, random forest, thereby estimating population density and its 95% confidence intervals.

RESULTS: A total of 10,046 trap days resulted in 9,120 photographs of carnivores, with 3,888 independent records. Our findings indicate that Lycalopex spp. are the carnivore species with the highest population density in central Chile (4.1-4.8 individuals/km[2]). Furthermore, their density was higher in the exotic monoculture tree plantation ecotype compared to native forests, suggesting a dietary subsidy from non-native prey. We report the first population density estimates for Conepatus chinga (1.8-2.2 individuals/km[2]) and Leopardus guigna (0.7-1.3 individuals/km[2]) in the three landscapes, showing different habitat preferences and resource availabilities across landscapes. The results highlight the complex interactions between carnivores and their environments, particularly the role of exotic introduced species as prey items in shaping native carnivore populations. These findings also provide insights into carnivore adaptability and the implications for biodiversity conservation.},
}

@article {pmid40936364,
year = {2025},
author = {Evans, AE and Pfadenhauer, WG and Buonaiuto, DM and Fertakos, ME and Brown-Lima, CJ and Morelli, TL},
title = {The future of biocontrol in the Anthropocene: A review of climate change impacts on biocontrol agents and their targets.},
journal = {Ecological applications : a publication of the Ecological Society of America},
volume = {35},
number = {6},
pages = {e70088},
doi = {10.1002/eap.70088},
pmid = {40936364},
issn = {1051-0761},
support = {G22AC00156//Powell Center/ ; 1938059//National Science Foundation GRFP/ ; G19AC00091//USGS Northeast Climate Adaptation Science Center/ ; G21AC10233-01//USGS Northeast Climate Adaptation Science Center/ ; //Lotta Crabtree Trust/ ; DE-SC0014664//Oak Ridge Institute for Science and Education (ORISE)/ ; },
abstract = {Biological control, the practice of using one species (biocontrol agent) to control the population of another (a host or prey species, hereafter target), can be a successful method to reduce pest species in agricultural and natural systems worldwide. Successful biocontrol agents often share a deep evolutionary history with their targets that results in high target specificity and synchronized phenology. However, with rapidly changing climatic conditions, users of biocontrol agents have questioned how climate change will affect both well-established and more recent biological control relationships. Using a meta-analysis of data collected from a systematic literature review, we evaluated the evidence for the impact of changing temperatures on the efficacy of biocontrol agents and corresponding responses in their targets. Overall, most studies of climate change impacts on biocontrol agents take place in the laboratory and focus on arthropod agents that are parasitoids. Results from our meta-analysis reveal that changes in temperature are projected to impact biocontrol agents and their targets similarly, with no overall significant changes to biocontrol agent or target performance. However, our results also show that temperature responses vary widely across study systems, as illustrated by case studies showing both positive, neutral, and negative effects of temperature on biocontrol agent efficacy, as well as variation in responses across the three core biological control measures of success: survival, reproduction, and efficacy. Our work highlights important knowledge gaps including how climate change will affect both biocontrol agents and their targets simultaneously. Additionally, we find that most current studies of climate impacts examined temperature relationships, predominantly of agricultural biocontrol agents. Increasing the breadth of studies is crucial for understanding the potential for climate change to affect the success of current and future biological control programs.},
}

@article {pmid40936294,
year = {2025},
author = {Oberle, B and Bustetter, S and Continentino, L and Smith, T and Frank, G and Robison, M and Clingo, S and Cole, P and Hall, B and Jefferis, C and Scott, M and Setterberg, C and Sherrod, S and Gardiner, JM},
title = {Community-ecosystem interactions control plant biodiversity change before and after mangrove restoration.},
journal = {Ecological applications : a publication of the Ecological Society of America},
volume = {35},
number = {6},
pages = {e70100},
doi = {10.1002/eap.70100},
pmid = {40936294},
issn = {1051-0761},
support = {MX 00D680-18/6207//U.S. Environmental Protection Agency/ ; //Cross-College Alliance Environmental Discovery Awards Program (Restoration and Recovery of Estuarine Ecosystems)/ ; },
abstract = {Restoring biological diversity and ecosystem function requires understanding how introduced species interact with one another and their environments. The most prevalent and challenging scenarios involve multiple invasive species whose traits feed back through ecosystem processes. However, research into these systems often focuses on either community dynamics or ecosystem properties, rather than on their interactions, limiting understanding of what causes biodiversity changes before and after restoration. Leveraging insights from theory and management of single-species invasions driven by feedback between plant litter and germination success, we documented the structure of a disturbed mangrove ecosystem and tested causal hypotheses for community and ecosystem change both in microcosms and across the landscape. Before restoration, competing Schinus terebinthifolia, Casuarina spp., and Cupaniopsis anacardioides generated litter that facilitated the dominance of Cupaniopsis seedlings. After experimental restoration, seedling cover and richness increased only when removing invasive trees and their litter, supporting interacting community and ecosystem effects as the primary drivers of biodiversity change. Effective restoration of multiply invaded ecosystems is possible when simple interventions follow causal hypotheses supported by theoretical mechanisms.},
}

@article {pmid40935520,
year = {2025},
author = {Zanon, FM and Stabile, BHM and Campos, BM and de Lima, ÉO and Sampaio, MJA and de Souza, YR and Tolardo, LR and Gomes, MK and de Moraes, LSC and Hein, GS and da Silva, JD and Pinha, LDS and Santana, LO and Albuquerque, M and da Silva, V and Bredariol, JV and da Silva, GAL and da Silva, GD and Ferreira, AAA and Esser, LF and da Silva, VFB and Lima, MR and Ré, R and Bailly, D and Rodrigues, LC},
title = {Climate change will boost the invasion of the harmful cyanobacterium Raphidiopsis raciborskii in South America.},
journal = {Harmful algae},
volume = {149},
number = {},
pages = {102957},
doi = {10.1016/j.hal.2025.102957},
pmid = {40935520},
issn = {1878-1470},
abstract = {The invasive cyanobacterium species Raphidiopsis raciborskii was first recorded in the Indo-Malaysian region in 1899, and studies currently report its presence in tropical, subtropical, and temperate environments around the world. In addition to its plasticity in colonizing new environments, R. raciborskii deserves attention for its ability to produce saxitoxin and cylindrospermopsin, which can cause the death of aquatic organisms and harm human health. In this work, we assessed the effect of global climate change towards the end of this century on the potential expansion of R. raciborskii using ecological niche models (ENMs). We applied a set of machine learning algorithms within the ensemble prediction approach to estimate the potential distribution of the species in South America under projected climate change, considering different carbon emission scenarios. In the moderate scenario, the northern Amazon basin, the southern Orinoco basin, and part of the North Atlantic basin showed increased environmental suitability for the species. In the pessimistic scenario, the basin with the greatest increase in suitability was the Paraná-Paraguay basin. Several basins remained highly suitable in both current and future scenarios, especially in Brazil. This study highlights the importance of understanding and addressing the impacts of climate change on the distribution of the invasive species R. raciborskii. South American countries must implement monitoring measures to assess the expansion of blooms of this species, as well as government actions to control water quality, given the strong impact of these organisms on biodiversity and ecosystem services.},
}

@article {pmid40933664,
year = {2024},
author = {Fuke, Y},
title = {Commentary: Integrative Taxonomy Reveals Freshwater Shrimp Diversity (Decapoda: Atyidae: Neocaridina) from Kyushu and Southern Honshu of Japan, with a Discussion on Introduced Species.},
journal = {Zoological studies},
volume = {63},
number = {},
pages = {e53},
pmid = {40933664},
issn = {1810-522X},
abstract = {Shih et al. (2024) reported on the detection of Neocaridina species in Japan and their morphological characteristics in Zoological Studies. Eleven taxa were identified based on mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) analysis and morphological examination. Among these, they identified two taxa that formed sister groups: N. denticulata and N. davidi, which are primarily found in Japan and China. In this commentary, I argue that both species are actually N. davidi. This conclusion was previously drawn by Onuki and Fuke (2022) based on their examination of genome-wide SNPs, mtDNA, and morphological data. The doubts raised about this identification represent a serious issue in terms of conservation, as N. denticulata is a native species, whereas N. davidi is considered an invasive alien species in Japan. Two likely reasons for this misidentification are the oversight of previous studies and the inability to account for the effects of interspecific and intraspecific hybridization. Inaccurate or unsubstantiated identifications pose significant challenges to taxonomy and conservation, underscoring the need for research grounded in reliable methods and well-characterized specimens.},
}

@article {pmid40933617,
year = {2025},
author = {Huang, Y and Tian, J and Zheng, S and Zheng, P and Chen, J and Zhou, K and Wang, W},
title = {The mitochondrial genome of an invasive hydromedusa: Cladonema digitatum Fang et al., 2022 (Cnidaria: Hydrozoa).},
journal = {Mitochondrial DNA. Part B, Resources},
volume = {10},
number = {10},
pages = {932-936},
pmid = {40933617},
issn = {2380-2359},
abstract = {This study presents the first mitochondrial genome (16,342 bp) of the invasive species Cladonema digitatum Fang et al., 2022, revealing a conserved Capitata-like gene arrangement, comprising 13 protein-coding genes, two rRNA genes, and two tRNA genes, along with a duplicated pseudo-cox1 fragment. Phylogenetic analysis robustly supported C. digitatum and Cladonema multiramosum as reciprocally monophyletic mitogenome lineages, forming a robust clade sister to Cladonema pacificum. This topology supports the morphological dichotomy between the Cladonema radiatum-like lineage (filiform tentacles, gastric pouches) and C. pacificum-like species. These findings contribute a critical genomic resource for advancing the understanding of medusozoan phylogeny.},
}

@article {pmid40931201,
year = {2025},
author = {Carroll, EP and Held, DW and Turley, NE and Bruckner, S},
title = {Crape myrtle bark scale Acanthococcus lagerstroemiae (Coccidae: Eriococcidae) infestation seasonally alters the insect biodiversity on crape myrtle trees.},
journal = {Oecologia},
volume = {207},
number = {10},
pages = {155},
pmid = {40931201},
issn = {1432-1939},
mesh = {Animals ; *Biodiversity ; Seasons ; *Hemiptera/physiology ; Introduced Species ; Trees ; },
abstract = {Understanding changes to local communities brought about by biological invasions is important for conserving biodiversity and maintaining environmental stability. Scale insects (Hemiptera: Coccoidea) are a diverse group of insects well known for their invasion potential and ability to modify local abundance of multiple insect groups. Here, we tested how the presence of crape myrtle bark scale (Acanthococcus lagerstroemiae, CMBS), an invasive felt scale species, seasonally impacted local insect abundance, biodiversity, and community structure on crape myrtle trees. Our field surveys showed that CMBS-infested trees had seasonal changes to local insect abundance and family-level richness, and inverse Simpson's diversity relative to non-infested trees. CMBS infestation resulted in a decrease in community evenness on crape myrtle trees. Community compositions of insect visitors were distinct between infested and non-infested trees. CMBS-infested trees had greater seasonal abundances of Coccinellidae, Vespidae, Dolichopodidae, and Muscidae. Two of the families (Coccinellidae, Vespidae) that responded most strongly to CMBS infestation were dominated by non-native species. Our results show that CMBS-infested trees acted as resource hubs for natural enemies and carbohydrate scavengers, resulting in uneven communities shaped by a few highly responsive taxa. The temporal dynamics of these effects support CMBS as an ecological catalyst, reshaping urban insect communities and highlight its potential for facilitating invasion cascades in anthropogenic habitats. These results emphasize the importance of fine-scale temporal monitoring for understanding and mitigating the ecological impacts of introduced scale insects in urban environments.},
}

Animals
*Biodiversity
Seasons
*Hemiptera/physiology
Introduced Species
Trees

@article {pmid40927318,
year = {2025},
author = {Hunter, C and Bower, DS and Peters, RA and Spencer, RJ and Pizzatto, L and Van Dyke, JU},
title = {Mitigating Fox Predation on Freshwater Turtle Nests: Comparing Effectiveness of Three In Situ Protection Methods.},
journal = {Ecology and evolution},
volume = {15},
number = {9},
pages = {e72121},
pmid = {40927318},
issn = {2045-7758},
abstract = {Freshwater turtles in the Murray-Darling Basin (MDB), Australia, have declined since the 1970s. Intense nest predation by introduced foxes likely contributes to these declines, disrupting juvenile recruitment needed to sustain populations. Traditional lethal control methods, such as baiting and shooting, have proven inadequate, highlighting the need for innovative conservation strategies. We tested three nest protection methods-fenced nesting beaches, artificial floating islands (artificial nesting habitat), and individual mesh covers-for reducing fox predation. Using artificial turtle nests across protected and unprotected plots, we monitored nest predation with remote cameras and confirmed nest status through excavation. On average, nest predation was lowest on artificial islands (17%), followed by fences (37%) and mesh (40%). All protection methods significantly reduced depredation compared to unprotected controls (85% destroyed). Unprotected nests were almost exclusively depredated by foxes, while protected nests saw more predation from native animals. Native predator species did not differ among protection treatments. Our findings underscore the potential for artificial floating islands as a valuable conservation tool. Further research into optimizing nest protection and understanding ecological impacts is critical for improving recruitment and reversing declines of freshwater turtle species.},
}

@article {pmid40926798,
year = {2025},
author = {Sota, V and Nacheva, L and Bošnjak, D and Abraham, E and Jevremović, S and Cvjetković, B and Galović, V and Jevremović, D and Marković, Z and Kongjika, E and Bogunović, S and Zeljković, S and Andonovski, V and Daničić, V and Vujović, T},
title = {Unveiling the Balkans' advances: In vitro biotechnology of woody plants in the early 21[st] century.},
journal = {Frontiers in plant science},
volume = {16},
number = {},
pages = {1586013},
pmid = {40926798},
issn = {1664-462X},
abstract = {The Balkan Peninsula is a European biodiversity hotspot, home to 6,500 native vascular plant species, many of which are endemic. The region has diverse range of climates and complex topography, creating conditions that suit many woody ornamental, fruit, and forest species. Nevertheless, climate change, habitat destruction, invasive species, plant diseases, and agricultural practices threaten natural ecosystems and cultivated species. Many Balkan countries have addressed these challenges using advanced biotechnological approaches, including micropropagation, in vitro conservation, and in vitro selection for stress-tolerant genotypes. This paper provides a comprehensive overview of in vitro plant biotechnology progress in the Balkan countries from the beginning of the 21[st] century to the present, with a focus on woody horticultural and forest species. The primary objectives of scientific research include optimizing media composition for all components and micropropagation stages, as well as effective initial explant selection. In addition, temporary immersion bioreactors, synthetic seed technology, and cryopreservation techniques have been explored to enhance plant production and conservation. Scientific research for woody ornamentals and fruit tree species has progressed in Albania, Bulgaria, Croatia, Greece, and Serbia while remaining limited in other Balkan countries. Forest tree production research is currently conducted in Bulgaria, Greece, and Serbia, with labs focusing on micropropagation and ex situ conservation. In addition to advances in scientific research, several commercial companies operate in the Balkans, with establishments in Serbia, Greece, Bulgaria, and North Macedonia, that produce in vitro-derived planting material for fruit trees and woody ornamental plants. Despite this progress, research in the Balkan countries remains fragmented, emphasizing the need to strengthen regional collaboration and knowledge exchange to promote agricultural development processes and biotechnological applications in this region. This review represents the first exploration of this topic in the Balkans and successfully unites researchers from several countries. It highlights key scientific advances in in vitro biotechnology for woody plants, identifies challenges, and proposes solutions. The value of interdisciplinary collaboration is emphasized through the optimization of in vitro methodologies, the promotion of germplasm conservation, and the sustainable use of plant genetic resources in the Balkans.},
}

@article {pmid40583217,
year = {2025},
author = {Richarson, MRA and Ingram, T},
title = {Effects of competition and predation risk from a life history intraguild predator on individual specialisation.},
journal = {The Journal of animal ecology},
volume = {94},
number = {9},
pages = {1811-1822},
pmid = {40583217},
issn = {1365-2656},
support = {UoO1409//Marsden Fund/ ; },
mesh = {Animals ; *Predatory Behavior ; *Competitive Behavior ; New Zealand ; *Perches/physiology ; *Food Chain ; Diet/veterinary ; Life History Traits ; Ecosystem ; Male ; Population Dynamics ; Introduced Species ; },
abstract = {Individuals can deploy a variety of ecological and behavioural strategies to obtain resources, often using only a subset of the total resource diversity used by their population. This phenomenon of individual specialisation (IS) is nearly ubiquitous across taxa and has the potential to affect population dynamics and ecosystem processes. Pairwise antagonistic interactions such as competition and predation can influence the degree of IS in a population, but little is known about the combined effects of multiple simultaneous interaction types between species, including intraguild predation (competition and predation from a single antagonist). We address this gap by asking how the combination of competition and predation risk from an invasive intraguild predator-Eurasian perch Perca fluviatilis-impacts the degree of dietary and habitat IS in a native New Zealand fish, the common bully Gobiomorphus cotidianus. Bullies exhibit a generalised diet at the population level and compete for benthic and pelagic prey with juvenile perch, while also being subject to predation by larger perch. We used a mesocosm experiment to explore how competition from young-of-year perch and perceived predation risk from sub-adult perch influence IS within bully populations. Over a 3-month period, we monitored individual habitat use and used serial gastric lavage to sample time-integrated individual diets. We found that the presence of juvenile perch was associated with a decrease in dietary IS associated with a shift to more benthic feeding, while habitat IS was affected by an antagonistic interaction between competition and predation whereby presence of small perch negated a negative effect of large perch on IS. This study demonstrates the importance of considering multiple interaction types when evaluating how interspecific interactions influence individual variation within populations.},
}

Animals
*Predatory Behavior
*Competitive Behavior
New Zealand
*Perches/physiology
*Food Chain
Diet/veterinary
Life History Traits
Ecosystem
Male
Population Dynamics
Introduced Species

@article {pmid40539441,
year = {2025},
author = {Cuthbert, RN},
title = {Hybridisation primes population invasiveness under environmental change.},
journal = {The Journal of animal ecology},
volume = {94},
number = {9},
pages = {1618-1621},
doi = {10.1111/1365-2656.70074},
pmid = {40539441},
issn = {1365-2656},
mesh = {Animals ; *Introduced Species ; *Climate Change ; *Hybridization, Genetic ; *Amphipoda/physiology/genetics ; },
abstract = {Research Highlight: Jermacz, Ł., Podwysocki, K., Desiderato, A., Bącela-Spychalska, K., Rewicz, T., Szczerkowska, E., Augustyniak, M., Gjoni, V., & Kobak, J. (2025). The same species, not the same invader: Metabolic responses of genetically distinct invasive populations of Dikerogammarus villosus (Sowinsky, 1894) and their intraspecific hybrid to environmental stresses. Journal of Animal Ecology, in press. Biological invasions are a major global environmental change that has contributed to most anthropogenic extinction events while costing trillions. Invasiveness and impact assessments are often done at the species level; however, there is growing recognition that intraspecific population-level differences can be profound, especially in response to environmental gradients. Jermacz et al. (2025) employ a series of experiments to compare physiological responses between two populations of a high-impact invasive amphipod, the 'killer shrimp' Dikerogammarus villosus, under stresses associated with climate change. Moreover, they assess the performance of intraspecific hybrids between the populations, which are expected to converge in future along their separate invasion routes from the Ponto-Caspian region. The main finding in their study is that-alongside differences in physiological performance between the two populations-their intraspecific hybrids exhibit significant performance advantages under environmental stress. The increased genetic diversity and phenotypic capacity afforded through hybridisation between distinct invasive populations could be a mechanism that bolsters invasion success under climate change. These findings have implications for fundamentally understanding and practically managing invasive populations in changing environments.},
}

Animals
*Introduced Species
*Climate Change
*Hybridization, Genetic
*Amphipoda/physiology/genetics

@article {pmid40492297,
year = {2025},
author = {Jermacz, Ł and Podwysocki, K and Desiderato, A and Bącela-Spychalska, K and Rewicz, T and Szczerkowska-Majchrzak, E and Augustyniak, M and Gjoni, V and Kobak, J},
title = {The same species, not the same invader: Metabolic responses of genetically distinct invasive populations of Dikerogammarus villosus and their intraspecific hybrid to environmental stresses.},
journal = {The Journal of animal ecology},
volume = {94},
number = {9},
pages = {1665-1679},
doi = {10.1111/1365-2656.70072},
pmid = {40492297},
issn = {1365-2656},
support = {2018/31/D/NZ8/03061//Narodowe Centrum Nauki/ ; 2020/39/D/NZ8/01226//Narodowe Centrum Nauki/ ; },
mesh = {Animals ; *Amphipoda/genetics/physiology/metabolism ; *Introduced Species ; *Hybridization, Genetic ; Climate Change ; *Stress, Physiological ; Temperature ; Basal Metabolism ; Poland ; },
abstract = {Climate change has a profound impact on ectotherms, which suffer suboptimum thermal conditions in their native areas or spread to previously unavailable locations. However, it is often neglected that responses to environmental changes are likely at a population level, rather than a species-specific phenomenon. Two groups (Western and Eastern) of the invasive Ponto-Caspian amphipod Dikerogammarus villosus independently spread in Europe from two geographically isolated and genetically distinct source populations living in the Danube and Dnieper deltas, respectively. They are expected to meet in the near future in Polish inland waters. This makes this species a perfect model to investigate the intraspecific variability in responses to environmental changes as well as the effects of hybridisation between different genetic units on invasiveness. We scaled maximal metabolic rate (MMR), standard metabolic rate (SMR) and aerobic scope (AS, a measure of physiological performance) of D. villosus at different temperatures (15 and 25°C) and oxygen levels (9.5 or 7.5 mg/L at a temperature of 15 and 25°C, respectively, and 5.5 mg/L at both temperatures) to test for differences in responses to environmental changes among the distinct invasive groups and their hybrid. Large Western Group individuals showed a lower AS at a high temperature, compared to low temperature and to the Eastern group individuals, whereas small animals exhibited similar AS irrespective of temperature and group identity. Moreover, large individuals from both groups experienced a reduction in MMR and AS under low oxygen conditions, whereas small animals did not change these parameters in response to oxygen reduction. Although parental groups reduced their AS in response to oxygen reduction, AS of the hybrid remained unchanged. In conclusion, organism responses to climate change depend on intraspecific variation, which should be considered in studies related to this topic. Furthermore, D. villosus appears sensitive to oxygen deficits and temperature changes (especially the Western group and large individuals), but intraspecific hybridisation can enhance the environmental tolerance of invaders.},
}

Animals
*Amphipoda/genetics/physiology/metabolism
*Introduced Species
*Hybridization, Genetic
Climate Change
*Stress, Physiological
Temperature
Basal Metabolism
Poland

@article {pmid40926344,
year = {2025},
author = {Sarango Flores, S and Cordovez, V and Oyserman, BO and Arias Giraldo, LM and Stopnisek, N and Raaijmakers, JM and van 't Hof, P},
title = {Microbiome-Mediated Resistance of Wild Tomato to the Invasive Insect Prodiplosis longifila.},
journal = {Environmental microbiology reports},
volume = {17},
number = {5},
pages = {e70190},
doi = {10.1111/1758-2229.70190},
pmid = {40926344},
issn = {1758-2229},
support = {024.004.014/NWO_/Dutch Research Council/Netherlands ; CZ07-000440-2018//SENESCYT scholarship/ ; 10093//Chancellor Research Grant/ ; },
mesh = {*Solanum lycopersicum/microbiology/parasitology/immunology ; Animals ; *Microbiota ; *Soil Microbiology ; *Diptera/physiology ; Ecuador ; Plant Roots/microbiology/parasitology ; Introduced Species ; Bacteria/classification/genetics/isolation & purification ; Plant Leaves/parasitology ; },
abstract = {Plant roots are colonised by diverse communities of microorganisms that can affect plant growth and enhance plant resistance to (a) biotic stresses. We investigated the role of the indigenous soil microbiome in the resistance of tomato to the invasive sap-sucking insect Prodiplosis longifila (Diptera: Cecidomyiidae). Native and agricultural soils were sampled from the Andes in Southern Ecuador and tested, in greenhouse bioassays, for leaf tissue damage caused by P. longifila on domesticated Solanum lycopersicum cv. Moneymaker and wild tomato S. pimpinellifolium. We observed no significant differences in insect damage between domesticated and wild tomatoes grown in live native or agricultural soils. However, when grown in sterilised native and agricultural soils, wild tomato was more severely affected by the insect than the domesticated tomato. Microbiome analyses revealed that soil sterilisation impacted overall rhizobacterial diversity and abundance in wild tomato. Particularly, Actinoplanes abundance was reduced upon sterilisation, which significantly correlated with loss of insect resistance. Metagenome analyses and genome assembly of Micromonosporaceae (Actinoplanes family) suggested a putative association between motility, chemotaxis, membrane transport, chorismate, and lanthipeptide biosynthesis and insect resistance. This indicates that wild S. pimpinellifolium, in contrast to domesticated S. lycopersicum, relies on specific members of the root-associated microbiome for P. longifila protection.},
}

*Solanum lycopersicum/microbiology/parasitology/immunology
Animals
*Microbiota
*Soil Microbiology
*Diptera/physiology
Ecuador
Plant Roots/microbiology/parasitology
Introduced Species
Bacteria/classification/genetics/isolation & purification
Plant Leaves/parasitology

@article {pmid40922389,
year = {2025},
author = {Buddenhagen, CE and Bourdôt, G and Lamoureaux, S and Noble, A and Dawson, MI and Phillips, CB},
title = {Validating a rapid algorithmic weed hazard ranking method.},
journal = {Pest management science},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1002/ps.70201},
pmid = {40922389},
issn = {1526-4998},
support = {//Ministry for Business Innovation and Employment/ ; },
abstract = {BACKGROUND: Conventional weed risk assessments (WRAs) are time-consuming and often constrained by species-specific data gaps. We present a validated, algorithmic alternative, the CPG $$ \boldsymbol{CPG}
$$ model, that integrates climatic suitability (C $$ \boldsymbol{C}
$$), weed-related publication frequency (P) and global occurrence data (G $$ \boldsymbol{G}
$$), using publicly available databases and artificial intelligence (AI)-assisted text screening with a large language model (LLM).

RESULTS: The CPG $$ CPG $$ model was tested against independent weed hazard classifications for New Zealand and California. In New Zealand, 89% of 480 randomly selected plant taxa had sufficient data to generate scores, which aligned well with expert classifications and moderately with outputs from the 48-question WRA [Pheloung PC, Williams PA, and Halloy SR. Journal of Environmental Management 57:239-251 (1999)]. For more than 5000 species assessed using Randall's 14-criteria generalised risk mode [Randall RP, 20th Australasian Weeds Conference: 5-12 (2016)], all CPG $$ CPG $$ variables were informative. The model also showed strong agreement with the 19-criteria California weed hazard system. Multinomial regression and receiver operator characteristic curve (ROC) analyses confirmed consistent predictive performance, with true-positive rates from 0.69 to 0.90 and true-negative rates from 0.71 to 0.97. It effectively distinguished high- from low-hazard species. Sensitivity analysis showed that as evidence for weediness increased, score stability improved, supporting robust rankings for high-hazard species.

CONCLUSION: The CPG $$ \boldsymbol{CPG}
$$ model offers a transparent, scalable and cost-effective tool for early-stage weed hazard screening. It delivers substantial time savings over attribute-based WRAs while maintaining alignment with expert evaluations. The model enables rapid triage of large species lists, including actual or potentially introduced taxa under current and future climates, supporting prioritisation for detailed risk or management feasibility assessments. Its automation and reproducibility make it a valuable tool for global biosecurity and invasive species management. © 2025 The Author(s). Pest Management Science published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of Society of Chemical Industry.},
}

@article {pmid40920022,
year = {2025},
author = {Li, Y and Oduor, AMO},
title = {Elevated ozone promotes the dominance of invasive plant species in low-diversity native plant communities.},
journal = {American journal of botany},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {e70098},
doi = {10.1002/ajb2.70098},
pmid = {40920022},
issn = {1537-2197},
support = {32201437//National Natural Science Foundation of China/ ; 2026PVB0077//Chinese Academy of Science-President's International Fellowship Initiative/ ; },
abstract = {PREMISE: The diversity-invasibility hypothesis suggests that native plant communities with high species diversity are more resistant to invasions by exotic species compared to those with fewer species. This resistance stems from more complete resource use and stronger biotic interactions in diverse communities, which limit opportunities for invaders to establish. However, this resistance could potentially be weakened by environmental stressors, including elevated tropospheric ozone. Ozone levels have increased globally from 10 ppb in pre-industrial times to around 50 ppb today. Elevated ozone affects plant species differently, depending on their functional traits and physiological tolerances. Yet, no prior study has tested how elevated ozone affects the link between native plant community diversity and invasion resistance. We thus set up an open-top chamber experiment to assess the impact of ozone enrichment on invasive plant growth in native communities of differing species richness.

METHODS: We established 16 native plant communities: eight low-diversity and eight high-diversity. Each community was invaded by a single individual from one of nine exotic species and grown in either ambient (40.72 ppb) or elevated (83.10 ppb) ozone.

RESULTS: Elevated ozone reduced the mean aboveground biomass of invasive species by 9.64% overall. The decline was greater in low-diversity communities (-18.46%) than in high-diversity ones (-12.54%). Elevated ozone enhanced the mean proportional aboveground biomass of invasive species in low-diversity communities (11.24%), but not in high-diversity communities.

CONCLUSIONS: These findings support the diversity-invasibility hypothesis and suggest that species-rich communities maintain stronger resistance to invasion even in elevated ozone.},
}

@article {pmid40919469,
year = {2025},
author = {Oskyrko, O and Mi, C and Du, W},
title = {Integrating the thermal dependence of sex ratio into distribution models to predict suitable habitats for the invasive freshwater pond slider turtle, Trachemys scripta.},
journal = {Marine life science & technology},
volume = {7},
number = {3},
pages = {619-631},
pmid = {40919469},
issn = {2662-1746},
abstract = {UNLABELLED: Biological invasions represent one of the main anthropogenic drivers of global change with a substantial impact on biodiversity. Traditional studies predict invasion risk based on the correlation between species' distribution and environmental factors, with little attention to the potential contribution of physiological factors. In this study, we incorporated temperature-dependent sex determination (TSD) and sex-ratio data into species distribution models (SDMs) to assess the current and future suitable habitats for the world's worst invasive reptile species, the pond slider turtle (Trachemys scripta). First, occurrence records of T. scripta from online databases and published scientific literature were identified. Then, climatic variables representing current (1976-2013) and future (2060-2080) climate scenarios were extracted and combined with sex-ratio records to create hybrid-SDMs with which to assess the current and future suitable habitats for T. scripta. It was found that T. scripta has potential suitable habitat in 136 countries at present. Under the four climate change scenarios (ssp126, ssp245, ssp370 and ssp585) that were modeled, the distribution of T. scripta is predicted to decrease in 78-93 countries but increase in the northern hemisphere. This confirms that there is a greater likelihood that this species will increase in more developed countries. Incorporating the thermal dependence of sex ratio into hybrid-SDMs can be an important addition to detect the invasion risk of TSD species and to develop region-specific invasion management strategies to prevent and/or control invasive species such as T. scripta.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s42995-025-00291-z.},
}

@article {pmid40919340,
year = {2025},
author = {Latombe, G and Arbieu, U and Bacher, S and Canessa, S and Courchamp, F and Dullinger, S and Essl, F and Glaser, M and Jarić, I and Lenzner, B and Schertler, A and Wilson, JRU},
title = {Clarifying ethical stances in conservation: a trolley problem thought experiment.},
journal = {Bioscience},
volume = {75},
number = {9},
pages = {722-736},
pmid = {40919340},
issn = {0006-3568},
abstract = {Conservation policies often need to integrate scientific predictions with ethical considerations. However, different normative ethical systems at the root of conservation approaches often support different decisions, and the moral stances of stakeholders are influenced by diverse societal values and perceptions. This creates the potential for dilemmas and conflicts. In the present article, we adapt the well-known trolley problem thought experiment to a conservation context. Exploring variations in how the problem is framed enables us to highlight key concepts that need to be considered in decision-making (uncertainty; asymmetry in numbers, victims, and impacts; temporal and spatial asymmetry; causal relationships and stakeholder involvement). We argue that the trolley problem offers a simplified but flexible framework to understand and predict the factors underlying differences in moral stances across diverse conservation issues, foster communication, and facilitate informed decision-making in conservation practice.},
}

@article {pmid40918641,
year = {2025},
author = {Palonen, A and Papach, A and Muturi, MNK and Weinstein Teixeira, É and Williams, GR and Jacobsen, R and Evans, JD and Posada-Florez, FJ and Pirk, CWW and Lattorff, HMG and Lawrence, AK and Oluseyi, MO and Spooner-Hart, R and House, CM and Federico, G and Formato, G and Neumann, P},
title = {Spatiotemporal variation of small hive beetle infestation levels in honeybee host colonies.},
journal = {Apidologie},
volume = {56},
number = {5},
pages = {79},
pmid = {40918641},
issn = {0044-8435},
abstract = {UNLABELLED: High infestation levels of small hive beetle (SHB), Aethina tumida, can cause more damage to honeybee, Apis mellifera, host colonies. However, the spatiotemporal variation of SHB infestations is poorly understood. Here, we show that SHB infestations can be equally high in native and invasive ranges, suggesting that differences between host populations are the key criterion for damage. The data reveal that spatial variation within locations was not correlated with migratory beekeeping, SHB management strategies, nor the number of colonies at an apiary. Despite no annual changes in SHB infestations, the data confirm seasonal variation in infestations in two locations probably due to environmental factors affecting SHB. Infestations are lower in Italy than elsewhere, possibly due to strongly implemented management strategies. It is apparent that our understanding of varying SHB infestations is still limited. This suggests that further efforts are required to elucidate our knowledge of this important host-parasite system.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s13592-025-01206-8.},
}

@article {pmid40918590,
year = {2025},
author = {Misher, C and Bithoo, KS and Vanak, AT},
title = {Invasive woodlands and intruding dogs shape the structure of a mesocarnivore guild.},
journal = {Biological invasions},
volume = {27},
number = {9},
pages = {205},
pmid = {40918590},
issn = {1387-3547},
abstract = {UNLABELLED: Whilst the impacts of individual invasive species are relatively well studied, the combined effects of both plant and animal invasive species on multispecies assemblages are poorly understood. We studied the impact of two invasive species-the mesquite tree, Neltuma juliflora, and free-ranging dog, Canis familiaris, on a guild of native mesocarnivores in the human-dominated grasslands of the Thar desert. We found that the mesquite had varying effects on the mesocarnivore guild, benefiting generalist species such as the golden jackal Canis aureus and jungle cat Felis chaus, while negatively affecting open habitat specialist species such as Indian desert fox Vulpes v. pusilla, Indian fox Vulpes bengalensis, and desert cat Felis lybica ornata. All mesocarnivores strongly avoided dogs along the spatial or temporal niche axis, likely to evade interference competition. The high prevalence of dogs in these landscapes could lead to the competitive exclusion of smaller native species, such as the Indian fox, resulting in a local decline in their population. Our study reveals significant impacts of both plant and animal invasive species on native mesocarnivores, altering their distribution and activity patterns, with potential consequences for long-term population persistence. We suggest control of mesquite in areas prioritised for conservation of open habitat specialists such as desert fox, Indian fox, and desert cat, and removal or restriction on the movement of dogs in sensitive wildlife habitats.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s10530-025-03659-5.},
}

@article {pmid40916831,
year = {2025},
author = {Boyse, E and Clark, MS and Carr, IM and Cook, AJ and Archambault, P and Holloway, JE and Luo, Z and Milton, M and Roy, M and Dawson, J and Peck, VL},
title = {Expanding Monitoring Capacity for Potential Invasive Species in Arctic Canada With Environmental DNA Metabarcoding.},
journal = {Global change biology},
volume = {31},
number = {9},
pages = {e70452},
pmid = {40916831},
issn = {1365-2486},
support = {NE/X002608/1//Canada-Inuit-United Kingdom Arctic Research Programme (CINUK)/ ; },
mesh = {*DNA Barcoding, Taxonomic/methods ; *Introduced Species ; *DNA, Environmental/analysis ; Arctic Regions ; Canada ; Animals ; *Environmental Monitoring/methods ; Ships ; Biodiversity ; RNA, Ribosomal, 18S/genetics/analysis ; },
abstract = {To date, environmental conditions have been enough to act as an effective barrier to prevent non-indigenous species from arriving and establishing in Arctic Canada. However, rapidly changing climatic conditions are creating more suitable habitats for non-indigenous species to potentially establish and become invasive. Concurrently, shipping traffic in parts of Arctic Canada has increased by over 250% since 1990, providing an effective vector for transporting non-indigenous species to the region. Arctic Canada has been historically undersampled, so Arctic biota inventories are incomplete, hampering efforts to establish if a species is new to the region (and potentially invasive) or newly discovered. In this study, we utilize environmental DNA (eDNA) metabarcoding and ships of opportunity to assess eukaryotic community composition and potential invasives along one of the busiest shipping routes, the Northwest Passage. One liter seawater samples were collected in triplicate at 27 locations, targeting touristic hotspots frequently visited by passenger vessels. Eukaryotic DNA was amplified from the 18S rRNA V9 and COI regions, resulting in 126 unique Amplicon Sequence Variants (ASVs) detected with COI and 391 ASVs with 18S, providing an important snapshot of current community composition. Copepods, dinoflagellates, and diatoms were the most abundant taxonomic groups, correlating well with previous net sampler surveys, validating the efficacy of eDNA for biodiversity surveillance. We also report the first detections of a prolific invasive species, the bay barnacle (Amphibalanus improvisus), in Arctic Canada. Further work is currently in progress to establish whether these detections represent transient barnacle larvae or sessile adults capable of recruiting and reproducing. Our study demonstrates the utility of eDNA for the detection of non-indigenous species in a data-poor area, which, if combined with citizen science initiatives and local communities, could provide a vital monitoring tool for the detection of new invasives in this rapidly changing area.},
}

*DNA Barcoding, Taxonomic/methods
*Introduced Species
*DNA, Environmental/analysis
Arctic Regions
Canada
Animals
*Environmental Monitoring/methods
Ships
Biodiversity
RNA, Ribosomal, 18S/genetics/analysis

@article {pmid40914913,
year = {2025},
author = {McFarlane, GR and Whitaker, K and Plett, KL and O'Rourke, B and Bogema, DR},
title = {Optimising Guide RNA Production for Multiplexed Cas9-Targeted Nanopore Sequencing to Detect Pathogens.},
journal = {Molecular biotechnology},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
pmid = {40914913},
issn = {1559-0305},
support = {A-023//Centre for Invasive Species Solutions/ ; },
abstract = {In agriculture, biosecurity, and human health, the rapid and accurate detection of pathogens and pests is crucial. Our study investigates the sensitivity and practicality of six guide RNA (gRNA) production methods for use in Nanopore Cas9-targeted sequencing (nCATS), focusing on their implications for multiplexed pathogen and pest detection. Each production method generated a library of eight gRNAs capable of excising ~ 1.6 kb fragments of the 5.8S_rRNA-ITS2-28S_rRNA regions of five economically significant wheat fungal pathogens. Through comparative analysis, we evaluated the efficacy of commercially synthesised and in-house in vitro-transcribed gRNAs, assessing their impact on sequencing enrichment outcomes. Our findings highlight differences amongst the methods in terms of gRNA yield, integrity, performance, and costs. Our best performing gRNA production method was able to successfully identify all target sequences across the 0.96 to 8.4 pg ranges we tested with coverage ranging from 66 to 2037X. This study highlights the challenges and opportunities in implementing nCATS for multiplexed pathogen and pest detection, offering insights into the development of cost-effective and reliable gRNA production strategies for nCATS.},
}

@article {pmid40701510,
year = {2025},
author = {Valles, SM and Ascunce, MS and Read, QD and White, RL and Vander Meer, RK},
title = {Virome of Solenopsis invicta (Hymenoptera: Formicidae): Intercontinental differences in the native and introduced ranges.},
journal = {Journal of invertebrate pathology},
volume = {213},
number = {},
pages = {108401},
doi = {10.1016/j.jip.2025.108401},
pmid = {40701510},
issn = {1096-0805},
mesh = {Animals ; *Ants/virology ; Argentina ; *Virome ; United States ; Introduced Species ; *Insect Viruses/isolation & purification ; Fire Ants ; },
abstract = {A comprehensive survey of 430 Solenopsis invicta nests from 82 different sites in Argentina and the USA was conducted for all currently known viruses infecting, or associated with, the invasive red imported fire ant, S. invicta. Comparisons in viral abundance, diversity, and possible social form preferences were made. Monogyny was the more prevalent S. invicta colony social form detected on both continents. Seventeen of the twenty (i.e., 85%) known viruses associated with S. invicta were observed in Argentina, compared with 11 (55%) viruses detected in S. invicta in the USA. Two viruses, Solenopsis invicta virus-16 (SINV-16) and SINV-17, were not detected on either continent. Seven viruses, SINV-5, SINV-8, SINV-10, SINV-11, SINV-12, SINV-13, and Solenopsis invicta densovirus, were unique to Argentinean S. invicta (i.e., only detected in Argentina) and one virus, SINV-14, was unique to USA S. invicta. The mean number of viruses per nest was significantly (5.4-fold) greater in S. invicta from Argentina compared with S. invicta from the USA. Greater viral diversity and abundance in the native range, Argentina, compared with the introduced range, USA, supports the "enemy release hypothesis" to explain the disparity in S. invicta population levels and pest intensity between the two continents.},
}

Animals
*Ants/virology
Argentina
*Virome
United States
Introduced Species
*Insect Viruses/isolation & purification
Fire Ants

@article {pmid40675593,
year = {2025},
author = {Birhanie, SK and Hans, J and Melgoza, A and Reisinger, B and Brown, MQ},
title = {PRE-SEASON DEPLOYMENT OF IN2CARE® MOSQUITO STATIONS TO CONTROL AEDES AEGYPTI POPULATION IN THE WEST VALLEY REGION OF SAN BERNARDINO COUNTY, CALIFORNIA.},
journal = {Journal of the American Mosquito Control Association},
volume = {41},
number = {3},
pages = {134-142},
doi = {10.2987/25-7226},
pmid = {40675593},
issn = {1943-6270},
mesh = {*Mosquito Control/instrumentation/methods ; *Aedes/microbiology ; California ; *Introduced Species/statistics & numerical data ; Mosquito Vectors/microbiology ; Seasons ; Animals ; Ecological Parameter Monitoring/statistics & numerical data ; },
abstract = {The recent geographic expansion of Aedes aegypti poses a significant global public health challenge. In California, these invasive mosquitoes are now present in over 300 cities across 25 central and southern counties. The In2Care® Mosquito Station, which uses biological control agents to target Aedes mosquitoes, has shown promise when integrated into existing integrated vector management strategies. This study evaluated the impact of pre-season deployment of In2Care stations on Ae. aegypti populations. Two cohorts were established: 1 with 17 sites deploying stations pre-season (April-November), and another with 15 sites deploying during peak season (July-November), maintained during 2022-2024. Monthly BG-2 Sentinel trap data showed a significant reduction in Ae. aegypti abundance at pre-season In2Care sites: from 31.2 mosquitoes/trap-night in 2022 to 20.1 in 2023 and 13.2 in 2024, with a year-to-year reduction of 34-36%. Peak-season In2Care sites showed a 24-36% reduction in mosquito abundance four weeks post-deployment. Pre-season In2Care sites maintained 22-34% lower mosquito abundance than peak-season sites. These results demonstrate that early deployment of In2Care stations prior to the mosquito season significantly reduces Ae. aegypti populations and reinforces the existing integrated vector management programs.},
}

*Mosquito Control/instrumentation/methods
*Aedes/microbiology
California
*Introduced Species/statistics & numerical data
Mosquito Vectors/microbiology
Seasons
Animals
Ecological Parameter Monitoring/statistics & numerical data

@article {pmid39892776,
year = {2025},
author = {Xu, Q and Jin, M and Xiao, H and Peng, Y and Zhang, F and Li, H and Wu, K and Xiao, Y},
title = {Genomic predictions of invasiveness and adaptability of the cotton bollworm in response to climate change.},
journal = {Journal of genetics and genomics = Yi chuan xue bao},
volume = {52},
number = {9},
pages = {1109-1120},
doi = {10.1016/j.jgg.2025.01.016},
pmid = {39892776},
issn = {1673-8527},
mesh = {*Climate Change ; Animals ; *Adaptation, Physiological/genetics ; *Genomics ; *Introduced Species ; *Gossypium/parasitology ; Polymorphism, Single Nucleotide ; *Moths/genetics/physiology ; *Genome, Insect ; },
abstract = {Agricultural pests cause enormous losses in annual agricultural production. Understanding the evolutionary responses and adaptive capacity of agricultural pests under climate change is crucial for establishing sustainable and environmentally friendly agricultural pest management. In this study, we integrate climate modeling and landscape genomics to investigate the distributional dynamics of the cotton bollworm (Helicoverpa armigera) in the adaptation to local environments and resilience to future climate change. Notably, the predicted inhabitable areas with higher suitability for the cotton bollworm could be eight times larger in the coming decades. Climate change is one of the factors driving the dynamics of distribution and population differentiation of the cotton bollworm. Approximately 19,000 years ago, the cotton bollworm expanded from its ancestral African population, followed by gradual occupations of the European, Asian, Oceanian, and American continents. Furthermore, we identify seven subpopulations with high dispersal and adaptability which may have an increased risk of invasion potential. Additionally, a large number of candidate genes and SNPs linked to climatic adaptation were mapped. These findings could inform sustainable pest management strategies in the face of climate change, aiding future pest forecasting and management planning.},
}

*Climate Change
Animals
*Adaptation, Physiological/genetics
*Genomics
*Introduced Species
*Gossypium/parasitology
Polymorphism, Single Nucleotide
*Moths/genetics/physiology
*Genome, Insect

@article {pmid40913027,
year = {2025},
author = {Paudel, R and Fristoe, TS and Kinlock, NL and Davis, AJS and Zhao, W and Van Calster, H and Chytrý, M and Danihelka, J and Decocq, G and Ehrendorfer-Schratt, L and Guo, K and Guo, WY and Kaplan, Z and Pierce, S and Wild, J and Dawson, W and Essl, F and Kreft, H and Pergl, J and Pyšek, P and Winter, M and van Kleunen, M},
title = {Many plants naturalized as aliens abroad have also become more common within their native regions.},
journal = {Nature communications},
volume = {16},
number = {1},
pages = {8227},
pmid = {40913027},
issn = {2041-1723},
support = {264740629//Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (German Research Foundation)/ ; 264740629//Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (German Research Foundation)/ ; 264740629//Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (German Research Foundation)/ ; FZT 118, 202548816//Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (German Research Foundation)/ ; 432253815//Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (German Research Foundation)/ ; 202106100035//China Scholarship Council (CSC)/ ; 32301386//National Natural Science Foundation of China (National Science Foundation of China)/ ; 32171588//National Natural Science Foundation of China (National Science Foundation of China)/ ; 32471676//National Natural Science Foundation of China (National Science Foundation of China)/ ; I 5825-B//Austrian Science Fund (Fonds zur Förderung der Wissenschaftlichen Forschung)/ ; },
mesh = {Europe ; *Introduced Species ; *Plants ; Ecosystem ; Humans ; },
abstract = {Due to anthropogenic pressure some species have declined whereas others have increased within their native ranges. Simultaneously, many species introduced by humans have established self-sustaining populations elsewhere (i.e. have become naturalized aliens). Previous studies have shown that particularly plant species that are common within their native range have become naturalized elsewhere. However, how changes in native distributions correlate with naturalization elsewhere is unknown. We compare data on grid-cell occupancy of native vascular plant species over time for 10 European regions (countries or parts thereof). For nine regions, both early occupancy and occupancy change correlate positively with global naturalization success (quantified as naturalization in any administrative region and as the number of such regions). In other words, many plant species spreading globally as naturalized aliens are also expanding within their native regions. This implies that integrating data on native occupancy dynamics in invasion risk assessments might help prevent new invasions.},
}

Europe
*Introduced Species
*Plants
Ecosystem
Humans

@article {pmid40909902,
year = {2025},
author = {Lu, J and Qin, C and Huo, S and Wang, H and Norvienyeku, J and Miao, W and Liu, W},
title = {Characterization of Ganoderma pseudoferreum mitogenome revealed a remarkable evolution in genome size and composition of protein-coding genes.},
journal = {Frontiers in plant science},
volume = {16},
number = {},
pages = {1532782},
pmid = {40909902},
issn = {1664-462X},
abstract = {Red root disease in rubber trees, caused by Ganoderma pseudoferreum, is a prevalent and severe soil-borne disease in rubber tree cultivation areas. The pathogen exhibits complex infections, with multiple transmission pathways, making the disease highly concealed and difficult to diagnose in its early stages. As a result, prevention and control are challenging, posing a serious threat to rubber production. Currently, the relevant information, evolutionary trajectory, and sequence divergence of the mitochondrial genome of G. pseudoferreum remain unknown. Here, we assembled the complete mitochondrial genome of G. pseudoferreum,which is 40, 719 bp long and contains 14 protein-coding genes (PCGs), genes encoding small and large ribosomal subunits, 22 mitochondrial-encoded tRNAs, and four hypothetical proteins. The genomic content and characteristics, along with IPS mapping analysis and phylogenetic analysis, reveal a significant similarity between G. pseudoferreum and G. lingzhi. The results of RNA editing site analysis, codon usage bias and evolutionary pressure analysis reveal that during environmental adaptation, species of Ganoderma may alter certain key PCGs to adopt distinct evolutionary trajectories, differentiating themselves from other fungi in Basidiomycota, while leaving evolutionary traces. Our study provides new insights into the evolutionary direction and pattern of G. pseudoferreum and Ganoderma by exploring the evolutionary trajectory of mitochondrial genomes of G. pseudoferreum and Ganoderma.},
}

@article {pmid40909777,
year = {2025},
author = {Seok, S and McCollum, MT and Jacobsen, CM and Akbari, OS and Mathias, DK and Lee, Y},
title = {Pyrethroid Insecticide Resistance of Aedes albopictus and Aedes aegypti (Diptera: Culicidae) across the Hawaiian Islands.},
journal = {Research square},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.21203/rs.3.rs-7303372/v1},
pmid = {40909777},
issn = {2693-5015},
abstract = {Background Aedes albopictus (Skuse, 1894) and Aedes aegypti (Linnaeus, 1762) (Diptera: Culicidae) are invasive species in the Hawaiian Islands as well as other islands of the Pacific and serve as the primary vectors of arboviruses like dengue virus. Despite its significance to public health, data on their insecticide resistance remains limited. Knowledge of the level of insecticide resistance is critical in developing effective mosquito control strategies, especially when an arboviral disease outbreak occurs. Methods This study investigated the phenotypic and genotypic resistance of Hawaiian Ae. albopictus and Ae. aegypti to permethrin, one of the commonly used pyrethroids. Genomic sequences of 93 Ae. albopictus samples from four Hawaiian Islands (Kaua'i, O'ahu, Maui, and the Island of Hawai'i) were screened for non-synonymous mutations in the voltage-gated sodium channel (VGSC) gene (chromosome 3: 345,142,499 - 345,663,668). Phenotypic resistance to permethrin was assessed using a modified Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) bottle bioassay on Ae. albopictus and Ae. aegypti collected from two socio-environmentally distinct sites. Results Among 4,101 single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) identified in the VGSC region of Ae. albopictus genomes from for Hawaiian Islands, 61 were classified as synonymous. No non-synonymous mutations were found, suggesting an absence of genotypic resistance to pyrethroids in these populations. In phenotypic assays, over 97% of Ae. albopictus and all Ae. aegypti individuals were knocked down within 10 minutes of permethrin exposure. These high knockdown rates indicate that both species remain phenotypically susceptible to permethrin. Conclusions This study is the first study reporting the phenotypic insecticide resistance profile of Hawaiian Aedes mosquitoes. Hawaiian populations of Ae. albopictus and Ae. aegypti remain susceptible to pyrethroids, as demonstrated by the absence of VGSC mutations and high knockdown rates in permethrin bioassays. While no genotypic and phenotypic resistance was detected in these two Aedes species, monitoring for resistance in other mosquito species and through alternative mechanisms is needed.},
}

@article {pmid40908753,
year = {2025},
author = {Hodgson, OC and Stark, S and Schall, MK and Smith, GD and Smalling, KL and Wagner, T},
title = {Invasive predatory fish occupies highest trophic position leading to expansion of isotopic niches in a riverine food web.},
journal = {Ecology},
volume = {106},
number = {9},
pages = {e70180},
doi = {10.1002/ecy.70180},
pmid = {40908753},
issn = {1939-9170},
support = {NA22OAR4170119//Pennsylvania Sea Grant, Pennsylvania State University/ ; //U.S. Geological Survey/ ; },
mesh = {Animals ; *Food Chain ; *Introduced Species ; *Rivers ; *Predatory Behavior/physiology ; *Catfishes/physiology ; *Fishes/physiology ; Nitrogen Isotopes ; Carbon Isotopes ; },
abstract = {Invasive species are drivers of ecological change with the potential to reshape the structure and function of terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems. The invasive flathead catfish (Pylodictis olivaris) is an opportunistic predator that has established a rapidly growing population in the Susquehanna River, Pennsylvania, USA, since they were first detected in 2002. Although the predatory effects of invasive catfishes on native fish communities have been documented, the effects of invasion on riverine food webs are poorly understood. This study quantified the effects of invasive flathead catfish on the trophic position (TP) and isotopic niche of the river's food web by comparing invaded and non-invaded sites. In addition to flathead catfish, the food web components examined included crayfish, minnows, and two ecologically and socioeconomically important fish species: the smallmouth bass (Micropterus dolomieu) and channel catfish (Ictalurus punctatus). We found that flathead catfish occupied the highest TP, with a posterior mean TP of 3.08 (95% credible interval = [2.71, 3.42]), exceeding that of the two resident fish predators, the smallmouth bass and channel catfish. The TP of the resident channel catfish, which occupies a similar ecological niche, declined after flathead catfish invasion. In fact, there was a 0.92 posterior probability that channel catfish TP was lower in invaded sites than at non-invaded sites. Using a Bayesian bivariate ellipses analysis, we found overwhelming evidence of isotopic niche expansion and overlap for all components of the food web in the presence of flathead catfish. These findings support the "trophic disruption hypothesis," where an introduced species prompts resident species to change diets in an attempt to avoid competition and predation following invasion. Our results indicate that flathead catfish invasion is altering food web structure and energy flow in a large riverine ecosystem and contributes to the breadth of knowledge regarding how ecosystems may respond to the introduction of a large predatory fish species.},
}

Animals
*Food Chain
*Introduced Species
*Rivers
*Predatory Behavior/physiology
*Catfishes/physiology
*Fishes/physiology
Nitrogen Isotopes
Carbon Isotopes

@article {pmid40642958,
year = {2025},
author = {Chouvenc, T and Brown, A},
title = {Minimizing the impact of invasive Coptotermes sp. (Heterotermitidae) on urban tree canopies using a recurrent inspection-elimination program.},
journal = {Journal of economic entomology},
volume = {118},
number = {4},
pages = {1868-1878},
doi = {10.1093/jee/toaf167},
pmid = {40642958},
issn = {1938-291X},
mesh = {Animals ; *Isoptera/physiology ; *Insect Control/methods ; *Trees ; Introduced Species ; *Insecticides ; },
abstract = {Invasive subterranean termite species within the genus Coptotermes (Heterotermitidae) are important structural pests. However, they also cause extensive damage in live trees and pose serious risks to tree health as a result. The urban tree canopy in areas with established populations of Coptotermes are therefore at risk of loss of trees over time, and many urban forests within municipality parks in their introduced range may experience tangible canopy alteration. This can have wide-reaching negative impacts on the ecology of these parks and to the public that utilize them. This 5-yr long study utilized eight parks (1,304 trees) to demonstrate how a simple visual monitoring/bait approach can identify and eliminate termite colonies infesting trees and maintain minimal termite activity within public green spaces. Here, we demonstrate that the systematic direct application of an experimental above-ground chitin synthesis inhibitor (CSI) bait formulation to trees can eliminate termite activity and protect trees. However, owing to high termite pressure, colony reinfestation is likely over time, and municipalities may have to establish perennial programs that would include regular monitoring and treatment as needed. Such a long-term strategy would minimize tree loss, while using a termite-specific formulated pesticide with a low amount of active ingredient. This pilot study demonstrates that it can be achieved, but ultimately, the success of this approach relies on technically competent staff that can readily identify the signs of active Coptotermes infestation in trees and access to above ground CSI bait formulations.},
}

Animals
*Isoptera/physiology
*Insect Control/methods
*Trees
Introduced Species
*Insecticides

@article {pmid40613750,
year = {2025},
author = {He, J and Sun, P and Wang, C and Jiang, F and Pan, X and Chen, K},
title = {Ecological niche comparisons of 3 polyphagous fruit fly (Diptera: Tephritidae) species using ensemble models with soil variables.},
journal = {Journal of economic entomology},
volume = {118},
number = {4},
pages = {1802-1812},
doi = {10.1093/jee/toaf143},
pmid = {40613750},
issn = {1938-291X},
support = {2023YFF0614400//National Key Research and Development Program of China/ ; },
mesh = {Animals ; *Tephritidae/physiology ; *Soil/chemistry ; Models, Biological ; *Ecosystem ; *Animal Distribution ; Introduced Species ; Climate ; },
abstract = {Invasive polyphagous fruit fly (Diptera: Tephritidae) species, including Zeugodacus cucurbitae (Coquillett), Zeugodacus tau (Walker), and Bactrocera zonata (Saunders), pose significant threats to agricultural and food security, particularly in Southeast Asia. This study aims to develop and evaluate species distribution models to predict the potential distribution of the 3 tephritid species based on climatic, soil, and topographic factors. Individual models and ensemble models were employed and tested to identify suitable areas across the region. The study also assesses the ecological niches of the 3 species across key environmental gradients. Our findings highlight that soil factors, often overlooked in predictive modeling, play a critical role in shaping their distributions and improving model prediction accuracy. The outperformance of ensemble models is further demonstrated among different modeling algorithms. The results provide valuable insights into the ecological niches of these invasive fruit fly species, and underscore the necessary of incorporating soil factors in model predictions, to improve invasive risk assessments and inform biosecurity measures.},
}

Animals
*Tephritidae/physiology
*Soil/chemistry
Models, Biological
*Ecosystem
*Animal Distribution
Introduced Species
Climate

@article {pmid40578325,
year = {2025},
author = {Afzal, S and Nahrung, HF and Lawson, SA and Ramsden, M and Sullivan, BT and Shepherd, WP and Gandhi, KJK and Hayes, RA},
title = {Survey for attraction-inhibiting semiochemicals for Ips grandicollis (Coleoptera: Curculionidae) in its native and invasive ranges.},
journal = {Journal of economic entomology},
volume = {118},
number = {4},
pages = {1793-1801},
doi = {10.1093/jee/toaf125},
pmid = {40578325},
issn = {1938-291X},
mesh = {Animals ; *Pheromones/pharmacology ; *Weevils/physiology/drug effects ; *Insect Control/methods ; Introduced Species ; Male ; Female ; Queensland ; },
abstract = {The eastern 5-spined ips, Ips grandicollis (Eichhoff), is native to the eastern USA and is an invasive pest of exotic pines (Pinus spp.) in Australia. It can kill stressed trees and transmit ophiostomoid fungi that cause blue staining of wood and reduce the commercial value of timber. Ips grandicollis uses semiochemicals produced by conspecifics to locate mates, while semiochemicals from competitors and nonhosts may reduce the reaction to attractants. To investigate methods to exploit these behaviors in a management strategy, we evaluated the impact of 12 potential semiochemical inhibitors of I. grandicollis attraction using traps baited with aggregation pheromone (ipsenol and cis-verbenol) in the beetle's native (northeast Georgia and central Louisiana, USA) and invasive (southeast Queensland, Australia) ranges over 2 yr. In the first trapping experiment (2022 to 2023), 2 semiochemicals (2-phenylethanol and methyl eugenol) significantly decreased attraction to the lure by 35% to 39% in the native range and 55% to 56% in the invasive range. Camphor reduced trap catches in Louisiana (26%) and Queensland (41%) but not in Georgia. In the second experiment (2023 to 2024), the inhibitory effects of methyl eugenol, 2-phenylethanol, and camphor were tested alone and in binary and ternary combinations. The binary combination of methyl eugenol and 2-phenylethanol reduced attraction by 66% in Georgia. However, such differences were not observed in Louisiana. The ternary combination of these compounds reduced attraction by 76% in the invasive range. Further research on these inhibitors could lead to a sustainable push-pull management strategy for protecting pine trees and log stacks from I. grandicollis attacks.},
}

Animals
*Pheromones/pharmacology
*Weevils/physiology/drug effects
*Insect Control/methods
Introduced Species
Male
Female
Queensland

@article {pmid40569276,
year = {2025},
author = {Mukarugwiro, JA and Newete, SW and Venturi, G and Parrini, F},
title = {The effect of temperate climate on potential biocontrol agents for water hyacinth, case study of Rwanda.},
journal = {Bulletin of entomological research},
volume = {115},
number = {5},
pages = {618-625},
doi = {10.1017/S0007485325100199},
pmid = {40569276},
issn = {1475-2670},
mesh = {Animals ; Rwanda ; *Pest Control, Biological ; *Eichhornia ; *Weevils/physiology ; *Climate ; Temperature ; Introduced Species ; },
abstract = {Water hyacinth is an invasive aquatic plant that has been associated with major negative economic and ecological impacts in water systems worldwide, including Rwanda, since its establishment in the country in the 1960s. While biological control is considered the most sustainable management method, the success of biocontrol agents depends on various abiotic factors, with temperature being critical. This study assessed the suitability of potential water hyacinth biocontrol agents such as: Neochetina weevils, Megamelus scutellaris Berg (Hemiptera: Delphacidae), and Cornops aquaticum Bruner (Orthoptera: Acrididae) for regions with a temperate climate by testing their thermal boundaries. Using thermal physiology limits and CLIMEX modelling, we found that Neochetina eichhorniae Warner and N. bruchi Hustache (Coleoptera: Curculionidae) had lower thermal minimums (CTmin) of 2.4°C and 2.6°C, respectively, compared to Megamelus scutellaris (4.7°C) and Cornops aquaticum (6.2°C). CLIMEX modelling predicted the suitability of Neochetina weevils and C. aquaticum across Rwanda, while M. scutellaris appeared unsuitable for the colder northern regions of the country but appropriate for the central and eastern regions. These findings suggests that the historical failure of Neochetina weevils introduced to Rwandan water bodies in 2000 was not due to temperature extremes. Rather, other factors such as release numbers or water quality may have played a role. This study provides crucial information for future biocontrol efforts in Rwanda and similar temperate regions, highlighting the importance of pre-release thermal tolerance assessments and climate modelling to predict biocontrol agent establishment and efficacy.},
}

Animals
Rwanda
*Pest Control, Biological
*Eichhornia
*Weevils/physiology
*Climate
Temperature
Introduced Species

@article {pmid40908511,
year = {2025},
author = {Rudak, A and Galera, H and Wódkiewicz, M},
title = {Is Poa annua a skin-changer? Annual-perennial life history shift enables the species to conquer Antarctica.},
journal = {Ecology},
volume = {106},
number = {9},
pages = {e70162},
doi = {10.1002/ecy.70162},
pmid = {40908511},
issn = {1939-9170},
abstract = {An extended lifespan of Poa annua may be of adaptive value during the invasion of harsh environments. Our aim was to investigate whether this trait is population-specific or general for the species. Individuals representing eight populations were cultivated under experimental conditions for two Antarctic growing seasons separated by polar winter conditions. Our experiment indicated that the species is capable of extending its life history toward perenniality regardless of population origin. Adventitious roots at the lower nodes were observed in overwintering plants from all the studied populations. We observed a similar response regardless of the source population. Plants exposed to stress from both climatic and edaphic conditions did not survive the simulated Antarctic winter. Plants grown in optimal gardening soil expressed a life history with vegetative growth during the first vegetation season and flowered and produced seeds only during their second growing season. P. annua may exhibit at least a two-year life cycle under harsh Antarctic conditions. This trait is general for the species and determines high survival potential, which may initiate an invasion breakout under climate change. Shifts in species life history traits should be considered in the management of alien species invasions occurring under harsh environments.},
}

@article {pmid40907967,
year = {2025},
author = {Callahan, HL and Duan, JJ and Tallamy, DW},
title = {Larval development and parasitism of emerald ash borer in Chionanthus virginicus (Oleaceae): Implications for biological control.},
journal = {Environmental entomology},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1093/ee/nvaf077},
pmid = {40907967},
issn = {1938-2936},
support = {//US Department of Energy/ ; },
abstract = {Emerald ash borer (Agrilus planipennis Fairmaire) is an invasive wood-boring beetle that has killed millions of ash trees (Fraxinus spp.) across North America. In 2014, emerald ash borer was discovered attacking white fringetrees (Chionanthus virginicus L.) in Ohio, indicating a host range expansion. Since then, emerald ash borer activity in white fringetree has been confirmed in additional states, posing a potential threat to this native tree in natural and managed ecosystems. Though emerald ash borer can complete a full life cycle in white fringetree, there has been little research into the comparative success with which emerald ash borer develops in this novel host versus ash, or how introduced biocontrol agents will respond. We conducted laboratory and field infestations of white fringetree and ash in Delaware to compare the timing of emerald ash borer larval development and the associated response of larval parasitoids. In lab-infested white fringetree bolts, emerald ash borer developed slowly, with no larvae reaching the mature J-shaped larval stage (JL) during the 14-wk lab study, compared with all surviving larvae developing to the J-shaped larval stage in ash. Field results showed delayed emerald ash borer development and reduced survival in white fringetree, with just 1 larva out of 158 reaching the JL stage over 2 growing seasons. There was no parasitism of emerald ash borer larvae in lab- or field-infested white fringetree, likely because few larvae in this host reached instars suitable for larval parasitism. Overall, this study suggests that emerald ash borer populations in white fringetree are not self-sustaining, though further studies should be conducted using larger fringetree material, as small sizes may negatively impact larval survival.},
}

@article {pmid40906102,
year = {2025},
author = {Feng, S and Wang, X and Huang, L and Wang, J and Lin, L and Li, J and Dai, G and Cai, Q and Xu, H and Hui, Y and Ji, F},
title = {Assessment of Fish Community Structure and Invasion Risk in Xinglin Bay, China.},
journal = {Biology},
volume = {14},
number = {8},
pages = {},
doi = {10.3390/biology14080988},
pmid = {40906102},
issn = {2079-7737},
abstract = {A total of 32 fish species were detected in Xinglin Bay using a combination of environmental DNA metabarcoding (eDNA) and traditional morphological survey methods (TSM), covering eight orders, fifteen families, and twenty-six genera. The dominant order was Perciformes, accounting for 43.75% of the total species. Among the identified species, there were ten non-native fish species. Compared with the TSM, the eDNA detected 13 additional fish species, including two additional non-native fish species-Gambusia affinis (Baird and Girard, 1853) and Micropterus salmoides (Lacepède, 1802). In addition, the relative abundance of fish from both methods revealed that tilapia was overwhelmingly dominant, accounting for 80.75% and 75.68%, respectively. Furthermore, the AS-ISK assessment revealed that all non-native fish species were classified as medium or high-risk, with five identified as high-risk species, four of which belong to tilapia. These findings demonstrated that tilapia are the dominant and high-risk invasive species in Xinglin Bay and should be prioritized for management. Population reduction through targeted harvesting of tilapia is recommended as the primary control strategy. Additionally, the study highlights the effectiveness of eDNA in monitoring fish community structure in brackish ecosystems.},
}

@article {pmid40904370,
year = {2025},
author = {Krabbenhoft, CA and Rogosch, JS and Rowland, FE},
title = {Long-Term Regime Shifts in Xeric Ecoregion Freshwater Fish Assemblages due to Anthropogenic and Climate Stressors.},
journal = {Ecology and evolution},
volume = {15},
number = {9},
pages = {e72067},
pmid = {40904370},
issn = {2045-7758},
abstract = {Shifting climate regimes are projected to increase the area of xeric regions and result in more pronounced intermittency across river networks. Given these projected changes, we aim to understand the factors contributing to species persistence under increasing aridity. To investigate how changing flow regimes are related to changes in fish richness and assemblage composition, we compiled data from 1473 xeric stream sites in the United States and Australia. The temporal coverage of this dataset is more than 40 years, from 1980 to 2021. Our focus was on fishes occurring in xeric streams and included 191 species. We compiled climate, hydrologic, and fish species trait data to identify relationships between environmental drivers of species persistence and corresponding characteristics common to species in these systems and traits eliciting the strongest responses to environmental change. Our data show declines in overall precipitation in concert with increasing temperatures over the last several decades. Climatic shifts were accompanied by declines in discharge, increased zero-flow days, and longer durations of no-flow periods. In these same systems, an overall linear decline in fish species richness was observed, but it was not directly correlated with any hydrologic predictors. However, xeric species of conservation concern were small-bodied and occupied lower trophic levels than those not of concern. Listed species were primarily affected by multiple stressors, including habitat degradation and invasive species, compounded by a small geographic range. We thus propose a multiple stressors argument for the declines in xeric fish assemblages, something that may be exacerbated by climate alterations in the future. This work highlights a critical conservation need for xeric fishes and identifies taxa that are especially vulnerable to a combination of anthropogenic stressors and changing climates.},
}

@article {pmid40767447,
year = {2025},
author = {Nashrah, NA and Mandrak, NE and Massey, MD},
title = {Invasive goldfish (Carassius auratus) maintain aerobic scope across acute warm water temperatures.},
journal = {Biology open},
volume = {14},
number = {9},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1242/bio.062160},
pmid = {40767447},
issn = {2046-6390},
support = {//University of Toronto Scarborough/ ; //Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada/ ; //Liber Ero Foundation/ ; },
mesh = {Animals ; *Goldfish/physiology ; *Temperature ; *Introduced Species ; Ecosystem ; Oxygen Consumption ; Acclimatization ; },
abstract = {Goldfish (Carassius auratus) were first introduced to the Laurentian Great Lakes when it was first introduced into Lake Ontario in the 1800s. In the past 15 years, there have been dramatic increases in both goldfish abundance and geographic spread across North America, including the Great Lakes, raising concerns about its potential for negative impacts on aquatic ecosystems. Climate studies suggest that habitat ranges suitable for goldfish will continue to expand in the future as water temperatures rise towards its thermal optima. We explore whether warmer temperatures are physiologically suitable for a population of wild, invasive goldfish (Hamilton, ON, Canada) by testing aerobic scope (AS) at current (26°C) and predicted (30°C) peak summer water temperatures. Goldfish were first acclimated to a common-garden average summer pond temperature (22°C), then their AS was estimated by calculating the difference between routine and maximum metabolic rates (RMR and MMR) at the two test temperatures. Our results demonstrate that wild goldfish sustain their AS through increases in both RMR and MMR from 26°C to 30°C (mass-standardized means of 1.07 versus 1.17 mgO2h-1 at 26°C versus 30°C, respectively). This ability to sustain aerobic energy budget at high peak water temperatures could offer physiological benefits to this invasive population in a warming climate.},
}

Animals
*Goldfish/physiology
*Temperature
*Introduced Species
Ecosystem
Oxygen Consumption
Acclimatization

@article {pmid40755186,
year = {2025},
author = {Zhang, RF and Zhang, X and Dang, L and Guo, YJ and Xu, YH and Yisilamu, AD and Yan, ZG and Chen, L and Wang, YJ},
title = {Species diversity mediates negative impacts of plant invasion on native-community flowering synchrony.},
journal = {The New phytologist},
volume = {248},
number = {1},
pages = {389-400},
doi = {10.1111/nph.70401},
pmid = {40755186},
issn = {1469-8137},
support = {32171510//National Natural Science Foundation of China/ ; 31770449//National Natural Science Foundation of China/ ; },
mesh = {*Flowers/physiology ; *Biodiversity ; *Introduced Species ; Species Specificity ; *Solidago/physiology ; Time Factors ; },
abstract = {Plant invasion is a major global driver to the structure of natural communities. Species diversity is a fundamental determinant of community regeneration through flowering phenology. However, the impacts of plant invasion on native plant flowering phenology and how species diversity regulates the process remain unclear. We conducted a field experiment to assess the effects of plant invasion (Solidago canadensis) and community species diversity on flowering phenology of native plants from different flowering functional groups at the community and species levels. At the community level, plant invasion shortened flowering duration and reduced flowering synchrony. Furthermore, high diversity reduced the negative impacts of plant invasion on flowering synchrony. Among flowering functional groups, the late- and mid-flowering species responded more negatively to plant invasion than the early-flowering species. Structural equation modeling indicated that plant invasion suppressed plant height and first or last flowering date by reducing light availability, which in turn affected flowering phenology. However, high diversity counteracted the negative effects. Our findings confirm the role of high diversity in resisting plant invasions on flowering phenology and reproduction of native plant communities, and suggest that high diversity with different flowering functional groups should be considered to efficiently restore native communities invaded by alien plants, such as S. canadensis.},
}

*Flowers/physiology
*Biodiversity
*Introduced Species
Species Specificity
*Solidago/physiology
Time Factors

@article {pmid40901937,
year = {2025},
author = {Goetz, EJ and Hull, PM and Varekamp, J and Thomas, E},
title = {Foraminifera as indicators of species invasion: Ammonia confertitesta in Long Island Sound.},
journal = {Science advances},
volume = {11},
number = {36},
pages = {eadv9447},
doi = {10.1126/sciadv.adv9447},
pmid = {40901937},
issn = {2375-2548},
mesh = {*Foraminifera/physiology ; *Introduced Species ; Ecosystem ; New York City ; },
abstract = {Resolving timing of the invasion of nonindigenous species is difficult in estuarine settings, due to their pervasive history of anthropogenic disturbance. Many non-native marine taxa are not documented until after they have become invasive, leaving questions about invasion timing (first introduction and lag period), geographic origin, vectors and pathways, and cause(s) of success. Foraminifera, unicellular, calcareous-shelled eukaryotes, offer a unique way of analyzing past ecosystem structure because their fossilized shells provide a window into the past, and small size and abundance enable us to document distribution over time in core samples. We use records of Foraminifera to document the timing and history of establishment of an invasive species (Ammonia confertitesta) in Long Island Sound, east of New York City (USA). A. confertitesta was rare from the mid-19th century but did not proliferate until the mid-1970s. We hypothesize that increasing propagule pressure from the rapid increase in global ship traffic and ballast water was the main factor for its success.},
}

*Foraminifera/physiology
*Introduced Species
Ecosystem
New York City

@article {pmid40900727,
year = {2025},
author = {Hu, J and Bogar, TA and Hamer, MT and Guénard, B},
title = {Impacts of Single and Multiple Co-Existing Invasive Species on Subtropical Native Ant Communities.},
journal = {Ecology and evolution},
volume = {15},
number = {9},
pages = {e72095},
pmid = {40900727},
issn = {2045-7758},
abstract = {Biological invasions pose a significant threat to ecosystem stability by altering the taxonomic and functional diversity of native communities. It is still uncertain, however, whether multiple invasive species have varying effects on native communities, or whether their interactions in a co-invasion scenario are antagonistic or facilitative. To address this gap, this study investigated 24 sampling sites in Hong Kong, encompassing single invasion, co-invasion, and non-invaded control scenarios across the dry and wet seasons. We systematically explored how the functional traits and invasion intensity of four invasive ant species (Anoplolepis gracilipes, Paratrechina longicornis, Pheidole megacephala, and Solenopsis invicta) shape the structure and function of native ant communities. In addition, we evaluated the ecological effects of co-invasion scenarios to determine how interactions between invaders affect communities. The results revealed that, for some invasive species, increased invasion intensity significantly reduced local species diversity and resulted in selective replacement and systematic loss of local species. The invasion intensity of three invasive species had significantly negative effects on functional diversity indices (e.g., RaoQ and FDiv), while in areas invaded by P. megacephala, the near absence of native species (present in ~4% of the pitfall traps) prevented analyses. Comparisons across non-invaded, single invasion, and co-invasion scenarios revealed distinct patterns: single invasions caused pronounced reductions in both functional and taxonomic diversity, whereas co-invasion scenarios exhibited more limited changes. Further analyses demonstrated that under specific circumstances, antagonistic interactions between co-invasive species could mitigate the negative effects on α-diversity and preserve ecosystem functions through functional substitution. Nevertheless, this dynamic equilibrium is fragile and unsustainable, underscoring the need to prioritize preventive and control strategies in invasive species management to safeguard ecosystem resilience.},
}

@article {pmid40642777,
year = {2025},
author = {Chaudhry, EA and Cheeseman, AE and Cohen, JB and Whipps, CM and Perrotti, L and Downs, CJ},
title = {Environmental Stress in New England Cottontails (Sylvilagus transitionalis) Is Mitigated by High-Quality Habitat.},
journal = {Journal of experimental zoology. Part A, Ecological and integrative physiology},
volume = {343},
number = {8},
pages = {940-956},
doi = {10.1002/jez.70010},
pmid = {40642777},
issn = {2471-5646},
support = {//This study was supported by a USDA McIntire-Stennis Program Grant (to C.J.D.) and an American Society of Mammalogists Grant-In-Aid of Research (to E.A.C.)./ ; },
mesh = {Animals ; *Ecosystem ; *Stress, Physiological/physiology ; Feces/chemistry ; Glucocorticoids/metabolism ; Introduced Species ; },
abstract = {Organisms in changing environments are subjected to environmental perturbations that may exacerbate physiological stress. Under the Cort-Fitness Hypothesis framework, sustained elevations in physiological stress can negatively impact individual fitness. This hypothesis predicts a positive association between stressors and glucocorticoids. Using fecal glucocorticoid metabolite (FGM) concentrations from non-invasively collected fecal pellets, we assessed how physiological condition of an imperiled mammal, the New England cottontail (Sylvilagus transitionalis), correlates with potential stressors, namely a proxy of habitat quality (forest successional stage), the presence of a nonnative competitor (eastern cottontail, Sylvilagus floridanus), and the density of an invasive plant species (Japanese barberry, Barberis thunbergii). Invasive plant prevalence and eastern cottontail presence independently had small effect sizes. Additionally, there was an interaction effect of eastern cottontail prevalence and Japanese barberry stem density on FGM concentrations, wherein increasing barberry stem density was associated with reduced FGM concentrations in patches with high eastern cottontail prevalence. Consequently, use of high-density Japanese barberry by New England cottontails may ameliorate physiological stress where eastern cottontails are prevalent. It follows that preferred patches, such as those with abundant food resources and cover, may reduce the physiological stress associated with competition and habitat degradation.},
}

Animals
*Ecosystem
*Stress, Physiological/physiology
Feces/chemistry
Glucocorticoids/metabolism
Introduced Species

@article {pmid40898385,
year = {2025},
author = {Zhu, Z and Cui, M and Yu, H and Fan, X and Wu, X and Liu, S and Dai, Z and Ren, G and Du, D},
title = {Defense Responses of Native Plant Communities to Alien Plant Invasion.},
journal = {Physiologia plantarum},
volume = {177},
number = {5},
pages = {e70492},
doi = {10.1111/ppl.70492},
pmid = {40898385},
issn = {1399-3054},
support = {2024YFF1307500//the State Key Research Development Program of China/ ; BK20220030//Carbon peak and carbon neutrality technology innovation foundation of Jiangsu Province/ ; 32271587//the National Natural Science Foundation of China/ ; 32401311//the National Natural Science Foundation of China/ ; 23KJB180003//the Natural Science Foundation of the Jiangsu Higher Education Institutions of China/ ; KYCX25_4258//Graduate Research and Practice Innovation Program of Jiangsu Province/ ; //Priority Academic Program Development of Jiangsu Higher Education Institutions (PAPD)/ ; //Jiangsu Collaborative Innovation Center of Technology and Material of Water Treatment/ ; KY-A-07//Special Scientific Research Project of the School of Emergency Management, Jiangsu University/ ; },
abstract = {Understanding the mechanisms that facilitate the successful invasion of invasive plant species is essential for improving invasive species management and ensuring biosecurity. Traditional invasion ecology has primarily focused on the traits of invasive plants or the static characteristics of invaded communities, while comparatively overlooking the potential active responses of native plant communities during the invasion process. Drawing inspiration from the concept of "herd immunity" in medicine, this study proposes that native plant communities may develop a "community defense" response mechanism through a series of ecological defense processes. This article begins by reviewing the two principal pathways that trigger plant defense: pathogens and environmental changes, along with the mechanisms behind them. We then discuss the impact of plant defense responses on the invasiveness of alien species and the invasibility of native plant communities. Building on this, we explore four key mechanisms through which invasive plants may induce defense responses in native species: pathogens and herbivores, allelopathic substances, interspecific competition, and environmental conditions. Based on these insights, we propose "Plant community defense hypothesis," which posits that plant invasions can trigger defense responses in native plant communities that, in turn, influence community invasibility. Finally, the article provides an experimental design to test this hypothesis. This review highlights the understanding of dynamic responses in plant communities and introduces a novel theoretical pathway to explain invasion heterogeneity at the community level. It enriches invasion ecology and offers theoretical support for more targeted management of alien plants.},
}

@article {pmid40894495,
year = {2025},
author = {Yadav, S and Prajapati, HC and Sonkar, SP and Nigam, RS and Chandravanshi, R and Gupta, C},
title = {Innovations in natural dye production: bridging tradition and modern technology.},
journal = {Frontiers in plant science},
volume = {16},
number = {},
pages = {1568094},
doi = {10.3389/fpls.2025.1568094},
pmid = {40894495},
issn = {1664-462X},
abstract = {Natural dyes have a rich historical significance, rooted in traditional practices that utilize plant materials, minerals, and organic substances to produce vibrant pigments. However, their use declined with the advent of synthetic dyes in the 19th century due to challenges in scalability, cost, and color consistency. Recent advancements in sustainability and modern technology have reignited interest in natural dyes, offering innovative solutions to overcome historical limitations. This review highlights traditional and contemporary extraction techniques, including solid-phase micro extraction, supercritical fluid extraction, pressurized-liquid extraction, and microwave-assisted extraction. Additionally, cutting-edge approaches such as grinding-assisted microwave irradiation and enzymatic extraction methods are examined for their ability to enhance yield, efficiency, and environmental sustainability. These modern techniques enable the utilization of unconventional sources, including agricultural waste and invasive species, thereby promoting sustainable dye.},
}

@article {pmid40892735,
year = {2025},
author = {Rosa, RM and Cavallari, DC and Miranda, MS and Silva, FS and Salvador, RB},
title = {Citizen science reveals alarming update on the invasion of the Asian mantleslug Meghimatium pictum in Brazil.},
journal = {PloS one},
volume = {20},
number = {9},
pages = {e0330518},
pmid = {40892735},
issn = {1932-6203},
mesh = {Brazil ; Animals ; *Introduced Species ; Phylogeny ; *Citizen Science ; *Gastropoda/genetics/classification ; },
abstract = {The Asian mantleslug Meghimatium pictum is an exotic species introduced to Brazil in the late 1990s, but only formally reported in 2011. Since then, it has been deemed an agricultural pest and given the status of an invasive species; furthermore, it has been confirmed as an intermediate host for the nematode Angiostrongylus costaricensis in Brazil. Despite its potential for impacts, no additional studies on the status of its invasion have been conducted since the initial report. In this study, we used the citizen science platform iNaturalist to analyse the current distribution of M. pictum in Brazil, while also using genetic barcode data to understand the relationships between Brazilian and Asian populations and applying a species distribution model to investigate the suitable range for its distribution in Brazil. Our survey has recovered a total of 520 new records of this species in Brazil, confirming its spread to four additional states since its original report. Currently, M. pictum is recorded in the Distrito Federal and the states of Minas Gerais, Espírito Santo, Rio de Janeiro, São Paulo, Paraná, Santa Catarina, and Rio Grande do Sul. Our phylogenetic analysis suggests a close relationship between M. pictum populations in South America and those from Okinawa, Taiwan, and Guangzhou (mainland China), the latter being the most likely point of origin for the South American populations. Our species distribution model supports the idea that, in Brazil, the species is largely restricted to subtropical areas belonging to the Atlantic Forest ecoregion, while also showing suitable areas where the species has not been recorded yet and might become established in the near future. The implications of these findings are discussed, highlighting the recent surge in records and the usefulness of iNaturalist as a tool to monitor invasive species in the country.},
}

Brazil
Animals
*Introduced Species
Phylogeny
*Citizen Science
*Gastropoda/genetics/classification

@article {pmid40890612,
year = {2025},
author = {Cucini, C and Funari, R and Marturano, G and Cardaioli, E and Marianelli, L and Paoli, F and Carapelli, A and Frati, F and Nardi, F},
title = {Behind the scenes of Popillia japonica integrated pest management: differentially expressed gene analysis following different control treatments.},
journal = {BMC genomics},
volume = {26},
number = {1},
pages = {788},
pmid = {40890612},
issn = {1471-2164},
mesh = {Animals ; *Coleoptera ; Introduced Species ; *Bacillus thuringiensis ; Insecticides ; Nitriles ; Pyrethrins ; *Biological Control Agents ; *Metarhizium ; Gene Expression Profiling ; Molecular Sequence Annotation ; *Pest Control ; Italy ; },
abstract = {BACKGROUND: The Japanese beetle Popillia japonica is an invasive pest that is creating a major concern due to its spread and damaging potential. Native to Japan, it was introduced in the U.S.A. and the Azores during the twentieth century, and in mainland Europe in 2014. P. japonica is able to attack more than 400 plant species, including some of high economic importance, and the possible losses related to uncontrolled expansion in Europe are substantial. Numerous control measures are being developed to control this pest, with a specific focus on Integrated Pest Management and environmentally safe strategies. Aiming for a genetically informed optimization of the design of these control methods, we studied the gene expression response of the pest following exposure to three different treatments: deltamethrin-coated long lasting insecticidal nets, Bacillus thuringiensis and Metarhizium robertsii spores.

RESULTS: The treatment with insecticidal nets resulted in the differential expression of genes related to Ca[2+] transport and CYP-based detoxification. Exposure to B. thuringiensis was associated with enrichment of gene ontology terms related to antimicrobial peptides and immune function, which suggested potential modulation of immune-related processes. Treatment with M. robertsii led to the production of antifungal peptides as well as an up-regulation of the Toll and MAPK pathways.

CONCLUSIONS: These findings can be variously interpreted as a response of the insect to minimize the effects of the treatment at the molecular level (e.g. Ca[2+] increase), as a direct attempt of the insect to combat the agent (e.g. antimicrobial peptides), or as part of a more complex interplay between the insect and the biological control agent (e.g. modulation of the immune system). In general terms, the response to the insecticidal nets and, partly, to B. thuringiensis, appears to arise from a direct interaction of the insecticide molecule, or toxin, with their targets at the molecular level. On the other hand, multiple gene pathways are modulated in the response to M. robertsii, suggesting a more diversified mode of action that impacts a broader spectrum of biological mechanisms, in line with the notion that the fungus actually grows and reproduces inside the insect host.},
}

Animals
*Coleoptera
Introduced Species
*Bacillus thuringiensis
Insecticides
Nitriles
Pyrethrins
*Biological Control Agents
*Metarhizium
Gene Expression Profiling
Molecular Sequence Annotation
*Pest Control
Italy

@article {pmid40792516,
year = {2025},
author = {Yang, K and Li, C-R and Qin, P-H and Yuan, M-Y and Chu, D},
title = {Conditional effects of Cardinium on microbiota in an invasive whitefly under different ecological factors.},
journal = {Microbiology spectrum},
volume = {13},
number = {9},
pages = {e0224024},
pmid = {40792516},
issn = {2165-0497},
support = {32372534//National Nature Science Foundation of China/ ; ZR2024QC128//Shandong Provincial Natural Science Foundation/ ; //Taishan Scholar Foundation of Shandong Province/ ; 663-1121025//Qingdao Agricultural University High-level Talent Fund/ ; },
mesh = {Animals ; *Hemiptera/microbiology/genetics ; *Microbiota ; Symbiosis ; RNA, Ribosomal, 16S/genetics ; *Bacteroidetes/physiology/genetics/classification ; Bacteria/classification/genetics/isolation & purification ; Introduced Species ; },
abstract = {Cardinium, a vital symbiont in Bemisia tabaci Mediterranean (MED), can influence the microbiota in B. tabaci MED under high temperatures. However, the effects of Cardinium infection on the microbiota in B. tabaci MED with different genetic backgrounds under different ecological factors still remain poorly understood. In this study, based on full-length 16S rRNA gene sequencing and quantitative PCR (qPCR) experiments, the effects of Cardinium infection on the microbiota in two B. tabaci MED geographical populations with different genetic backgrounds were determined with particular attention to ecological factors such as high-temperature treatment and host-plant switching. Results indicated that high temperature treatment and host-plant switching affected the symbiont titer, microbiota diversity, and function differently in the two populations, highlighting the genetic background. The present study also revealed that the increase of Cardinium titer would significantly change the response of the microbiota function of the Cardinium-infected line compared to the uninfected line, while the decrease and immutability of Cardinium titer would not, which indicates that the Cardinium titer may be closely associated with the microbiota function in whitefly. Overall, the genetic background of whiteflies influences microbiota response under high temperatures and host-plant changes, and Cardinium titer significantly impacts microbiota function. These findings enhance understanding of the complex relationships among symbionts, microbiota, and host insects.IMPORTANCEThis study sheds light on how genetic differences in Bemisia tabaci Mediterranean (MED) populations influence their microbiota's response to environmental stressors like high temperatures and host-plant changes. By focusing on the role of Cardinium-a key symbiont-the research reveals its significant impact on microbiota diversity and function, particularly when its titer increases. The findings emphasize the interplay between genetic background, symbiont levels, and microbiota, advancing our understanding of the ecological adaptability of these insects. This knowledge is vital for developing better pest management strategies and predicting responses to environmental changes.},
}

Animals
*Hemiptera/microbiology/genetics
*Microbiota
Symbiosis
RNA, Ribosomal, 16S/genetics
*Bacteroidetes/physiology/genetics/classification
Bacteria/classification/genetics/isolation & purification
Introduced Species

@article {pmid40273308,
year = {2025},
author = {Pascual-Díaz, JP and Besolí, N and López-Pujol, J and Nualart, N and Pérez-Lorenzo, I and Shtein, R and Valenzuela, L and Garcia, S and Vitales, D},
title = {The winner takes it all: a single genotype of Kalanchoe × houghtonii is a global invader.},
journal = {Annals of botany},
volume = {136},
number = {1},
pages = {179-198},
pmid = {40273308},
issn = {1095-8290},
support = {2021SGR00315//Catalan Government/ ; PID2020-119163GB-I00//Spanish Research Agency/ ; PRE2021-097873//Spanish Research Agency/ ; },
mesh = {*Introduced Species ; *Kalanchoe/genetics/physiology ; Genotype ; *Genome, Plant/genetics ; Genetic Variation ; },
abstract = {BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Invasive alien plant species pose a global challenge, and their impact is amplified by globalization and the accelerating pace of climate change. In regions with mild climates, drought-tolerant invasive plants showing broad environmental tolerance have a competitive advantage. One example is Kalanchoe × houghtonii (Crassulaceae), popularly known as 'mother of millions'. It is a hybrid resulting from the interploid cross between Kalanchoe daigremontiana and Kalanchoe delagoensis, both native to Madagascar. Kalanchoe × houghtonii, propagated as an ornamental plant, has emerged as a global invader in less than a century. Four morphotypes of this hybrid have been identified, with different ploidy levels and varying invasive capacities. Here, we aim to investigate the genomic variability behind the success of invasion of Kalanchoe × houghtonii.

METHODS: We sampled 57 accessions of Kalanchoe × houghtonii, K. daigremontiana, K. delagoensis and closely related taxa, including old herbarium materials, from all over the world. We analysed the genome size and chromosome numbers, sequenced the whole genome, analysed the complete plastome sequence of each accession and studied the diversity of the ribosomal RNA genes. We also performed a detailed phylogenomic study using nuclear BUSCO genes.

KEY RESULTS: Our study reveals genetic and cytogenetic variability between morphotypes and shows that a single tetraploid genotype (morphotype A) dominates all populations, emerging as the first reported clonal hybrid capable of colonizing mild-climate regions worldwide. Morphotype A shows a striking genetic uniformity, high phenotypic plasticity and extremely high rates of vegetative reproduction, representing an example of a 'general-purpose genotype'.

CONCLUSIONS: The astonishing reproductive capacity, broad adaptability and speed at which K. × houghtonii is colonizing new regions by clonal spread highlight the importance of understanding hybridization and polyploidy in the invasion of ecosystems. Our findings underscore the need to recognize and monitor the potential invasive risks of new hybrids developed through ornamental plant breeding.},
}

*Introduced Species
*Kalanchoe/genetics/physiology
Genotype
*Genome, Plant/genetics
Genetic Variation

@article {pmid40890415,
year = {2025},
author = {Laidoudi, Y and Davoust, B and Lepidi, H and Levasseur, A},
title = {Emergence of the zoonotic bacterium Necropsobacter rosorum in nutria Myocastor coypus with implications for wildlife and human health.},
journal = {Scientific reports},
volume = {15},
number = {1},
pages = {32252},
pmid = {40890415},
issn = {2045-2322},
mesh = {Animals ; Humans ; Phylogeny ; Genome, Bacterial ; France/epidemiology ; *Pasteurellaceae/genetics/isolation & purification/classification/pathogenicity ; Animals, Wild/microbiology ; *Zoonoses/microbiology ; Whole Genome Sequencing ; *Rodentia/microbiology ; *Bacterial Zoonoses/microbiology/epidemiology ; },
abstract = {The nutria (Myocastor coypus), a semi-aquatic rodent native to South America, poses significant ecological and agricultural threats as an invasive species in France, where it continues to proliferate despite sustained control efforts. A fatal case of pneumonia in a nutria from Marseille (France) prompted a microbiological investigation that led to the isolation, taxonomic classification, genomic characterization, and phylogenetic analysis of Necropsobacter rosorum. Whole-genome sequencing of the N. rosorum strain RG01 revealed a genome size of 2,505,657 base pairs and 2303 predicted open reading frames, showing high similarity to other publicly available N. rosorum genomes. Comparative pan-genomic analysis indicated a high level of genomic conservation among N. rosorum strains. The presence of putative virulence factors and a CRISPR-Cas system suggests both pathogenic potential and adaptive defense mechanisms against bacteriophage predation. This study also explored the genetic epidemiology of members of the Pasteurellaceae family, highlighting a considerable overlap between species infecting animals and humans. Among the 408,387 sequence records retrieved from GenBank, 62.1% were deemed suitable for genomic epidemiological analysis. Notably, N. rosorum was underrepresented, with only 13 entries spanning nine countries and three host types, revealing critical gaps in current surveillance and research. Collectively, these findings contribute to a better understanding of the microbiology and epidemiology of N. rosorum and Pasteurellaceae-associated infections, and underscore the importance of integrated, genomics-informed approaches for the monitoring, control, and prevention of zoonotic diseases.},
}

Animals
Humans
Phylogeny
Genome, Bacterial
France/epidemiology
*Pasteurellaceae/genetics/isolation & purification/classification/pathogenicity
Animals, Wild/microbiology
*Zoonoses/microbiology
Whole Genome Sequencing
*Rodentia/microbiology
*Bacterial Zoonoses/microbiology/epidemiology

@article {pmid40890300,
year = {2025},
author = {Manzo, E and Epifanio, CS and Pahl, JF and Tomasello, S},
title = {Interspecific competition with the American Xanthium orientale L. as a possible cause of the decline of the Old-World X. stumarium L.},
journal = {Scientific reports},
volume = {15},
number = {1},
pages = {32224},
pmid = {40890300},
issn = {2045-2322},
mesh = {*Xanthium/growth & development/physiology ; Biomass ; Germination ; Introduced Species ; Europe ; Seedlings/growth & development ; },
abstract = {Xanthium is represented in Europe by three species complexes: X. strumarium L., X. orientale L., and X. spinosum L. The former two complexes are similar, in both morphology and ecological requirements. Xanthium strumarium is native to the Old World, whereas X. orientale originates from America and was accidentally introduced into Europe about two centuries ago. Since then, it has colonized the whole continent, while the native congener has become increasingly rare.Over two years, we conducted competition experiments to assess the impact of the introduced X. orientale on the fitness of the native X. strumarium. Germination time, dry biomass, number of burs (pistillate flower heads) and bur biomass were measured as proxies of fitness. Xanthium strumarium was grown alone (control), together with conspecifics (intraspecific competition) or with X. orientale plants (interspecific competition). We also evaluated the allelopathic effect of X. orientale over X. strumarium, by watering Xanthium seedlings with exudate of X. orientale dry leaves.Growth and reproductive traits of X. strumarium were significantly lower in individuals growing in proximity of X. orientale compared to the control, whereas intraspecific competition has a lower but still significant effect. Xanthium orientale, although, germinates and grows faster than the Old-World congener, and under interspecific competition regime, X. strumarium produces significantly lower biomass, number of burs and bur biomass. Watering with exudates negatively influences the germination and the growth of the two species. We therefore believe that interspecific competition of the introduced congener may be one of the causes explaining the drastic decline of X. strumarium populations in Europe in the past century.},
}

*Xanthium/growth & development/physiology
Biomass
Germination
Introduced Species
Europe
Seedlings/growth & development

@article {pmid40890183,
year = {2025},
author = {Malinowski, R and Krupiński, M and Skórka, P and Mikołajczyk, Ł and Chuda, K and Lenda, M},
title = {Harnessing remote sensing and machine learning techniques for detecting and monitoring the invasion of goldenrod invasive species.},
journal = {Scientific reports},
volume = {15},
number = {1},
pages = {32222},
pmid = {40890183},
issn = {2045-2322},
support = {952111//Horizon 2020 Framework Programme/ ; 2021/43/D/NZ9/02990//National Science Center, Poland/ ; 2021/43/D/NZ9/02990//National Science Center, Poland/ ; 2021/43/D/NZ9/02990//National Science Center, Poland/ ; 2021/43/D/NZ9/02990//National Science Center, Poland/ ; },
mesh = {*Introduced Species ; *Remote Sensing Technology/methods ; *Machine Learning ; Ecosystem ; Poland ; *Environmental Monitoring/methods ; Seasons ; Support Vector Machine ; Biodiversity ; },
abstract = {Invasive alien species, such as goldenrods (Solidago spp.), pose significant threats to biodiversity and ecosystem services across Europe. Effective monitoring of these species is essential for early intervention and informed management, yet traditional ground surveys are often labor-intensive and limited in scale. This study aims to evaluate the potential of remote sensing and machine learning for detecting and monitoring Solidago spp. in Kampinos National Park, Poland, using multitemporal imagery from Sentinel-2 and PlanetScope satellites. We compared the performance of Random Forest and One-Class Support Vector Machine classifiers across 17 classification scenarios incorporating spectral bands, vegetation indices, and temporal statistics. Our results showed that Random Forest consistently outperformed One-Class Support Vector Machine (OCSVM) by 1%-15%, achieving the highest F1-score of 0.98 using multitemporal Sentinel-2 data and 2%-29% using PlanetScope imagery. Sentinel-2 data, with its broader spectral range, provided better large-scale detection accuracy, while PlanetScope's higher spatial resolution enhanced local detail. Goldenrod patches are distinctive even in autumn and winter due to living or dry biomass that persists the whole year. In our study autumn imagery (October-November) yielded the most reliable detection due to distinct phenological characteristics of Solidago during this period. Importantly, our analysis demonstrates that the added complexity of vegetation indices does not necessarily improve classification accuracy for goldenrod detection. Our findings present high-accuracy invasive species monitoring approach and highlight the critical role of phenological timing in remote sensing-based ecological assessments.},
}

*Introduced Species
*Remote Sensing Technology/methods
*Machine Learning
Ecosystem
Poland
*Environmental Monitoring/methods
Seasons
Support Vector Machine
Biodiversity

@article {pmid40889914,
year = {2025},
author = {Wen, TT and Zhao, XL and Qu, YY and Xu, WB and Ma, ZC and Yan, P},
title = {Species composition and distribution pattern of invasive plants in the Ili River Valley region, China.},
journal = {Ying yong sheng tai xue bao = The journal of applied ecology},
volume = {36},
number = {7},
pages = {2039-2045},
doi = {10.13287/j.1001-9332.202507.005},
pmid = {40889914},
issn = {1001-9332},
mesh = {*Introduced Species ; China ; *Ecosystem ; Asteraceae/growth & development/classification ; Rivers ; *Biodiversity ; Fabaceae/growth & development/classification ; Amaranthaceae/growth & development/classification ; *Plants/classification ; Conservation of Natural Resources ; },
abstract = {To understand the species composition and distribution patterns of alien invasive plants within the Ili River Valley region, we conducted field investigations and specimen collections from 2022 to 2024 using route survey methods. Combined with digital herbarium data and literature review, we clarified the species composition of invasive alien plants in this region and analyzed their floristic geographic elements, life forms, origins, invasion pathways, invasion grades, and distribution patterns. There were 58 invasive plant species in the region, belonging to 38 genera and 18 families. The dominant families were Asteraceae (13 species), Fabaceae (9 species), and Amaranthaceae (6 species). The geographic floristic elements of the 38 genera could be classified into 7 types and 2 subtypes, with temperate geographic elements (64.3%) being predominant. Life forms were mainly annual herbs (34 species, 58.6%), followed by perennial herbs (14 species, 24.1%). Most invasive plants originated from America and Europe (61.1%), followed by Asia and Africa. Regarding invasion pathways, 39.7% were intentionally introduced, 56.9% unintentionally introduced, and only 3.4% spread naturally. Invasion grade analysis revealed 24 species (41.4%) showing significant invasiveness, with grade 1 (5 species) and grade 2 (14 species) being predominant, indicating a relatively severe overall invasion status. The geographical distribution of invasive alien plants in the Ili River Valley region was uneven, exhibiting significant spatial variations, with Xinyuan County being the most severely affected.},
}

*Introduced Species
China
*Ecosystem
Asteraceae/growth & development/classification
Rivers
*Biodiversity
Fabaceae/growth & development/classification
Amaranthaceae/growth & development/classification
*Plants/classification
Conservation of Natural Resources

@article {pmid40888481,
year = {2025},
author = {Ouyang, X and Lu, T and Pan, J and Sun, Q},
title = {The role of climate change in shaping the distribution patterns of Hylurgus ligniperda and its key natural enemies.},
journal = {Pest management science},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1002/ps.70178},
pmid = {40888481},
issn = {1526-4998},
support = {//Start-up Funds Research for Northwest A&F University (Grant no. Z1090124092)/ ; //GuangDong Basic and Applied Basic Research Foundation (Grant no. 2023A1515110856)/ ; },
abstract = {BACKGROUND: Accurate knowledge of the spatial distribution of invasive alien species is crucial for effective prevention, management, and ecological sustainability. Hylurgus ligniperda, a major forest pest native to Europe, has spread globally via wood packaging and logs, yet predictive studies investigating both this pest and its natural enemies remain scarce. This study aimed to predict the potential geographic distributions of H. ligniperda and its three key natural enemies-Platysoma lineare, Thanasimus formicarius and Platysoma oblongum-and to assess their ecological niche overlaps under current and future climate scenarios.

RESULTS: Using the Biomod2 ensemble model, we identified overlapping distributions mainly in Europe and North America. Niche shifts in invaded areas were shown to increase the global invasion risk. In the future, the suitable habitat for H. ligniperda will remain relatively stable, whereas the highly suitable habitat for this species will decline. The suitable habitat for P. lineare will gradually shrink, whereas that for P. oblongum will first expand and then shrink. The suitable habitat for T. formicarius will expand overall, whereas the highly suitable habitat for this species will shrink. Structural equation modeling revealed that precipitation significantly influences species distributions and their overlaps. Precipitation and temperature mediated both positive and negative interactions between H. ligniperda and its natural enemies, suggesting complex interspecific dynamics under climate change.

CONCLUSION: This study provides an integrated prediction of the distributions of H. ligniperda and its natural enemies under different climate change scenarios, revealing shifting interactions and distribution overlaps. These findings highlight the importance of strengthened quarantine and management strategies to mitigate the spread of H. ligniperda and support biological control under future climatic variation. © 2025 Society of Chemical Industry.},
}

@article {pmid40887676,
year = {2025},
author = {Hu, WQ and Zhu, JS and Nie, F and Li, X},
title = {Population structure and dynamics of Glyptostrobus pensilis plantation in Zhuzhou Island of Doumen, Zhuhai.},
journal = {Ying yong sheng tai xue bao = The journal of applied ecology},
volume = {36},
number = {8},
pages = {2279-2286},
doi = {10.13287/j.1001-9332.202508.001},
pmid = {40887676},
issn = {1001-9332},
mesh = {China ; Population Dynamics ; Conservation of Natural Resources ; Islands ; *Ecosystem ; Forests ; *Trees/growth & development ; },
abstract = {Glyptostrobus pensilis, a monotypic relict tree species endemic to China, has extremely sparse populations in the wild. The world's largest natural G. pensilis forest is distributed in the Zhuzhou Island Glyptostrobus Forest Nature Reserve, Zhuhai, Guangdong Province. However, artificial plantations of G. pensilis currently exhibit significant decline. To clarify the survival status and dynamic characteristics of G. pensilis populations, we constructed age structure diagrams, compiled static life tables, and applied survival function analysis and time series prediction to analyze population dynamics and driving mechanisms, aiming to provide a scientific basis for conservation and management. The results showed that the artificial G. pensilis population exhibited a "bell-shaped" structure, with fewer juvenile and elderly individuals, and the highest number observed in age class V (20 cm≤DBH<25 cm). Understory natural regeneration was severely limited. The static life table indicated that mortality and disa-ppearance rates initially increased and then decreased, peaking at age class Ⅵ (25 cm≤DBH＜30 cm) and age class Ⅹ (DBH≥45 cm), respectively. Life expectancy declined with increasing age class, and the survival curve aligned with the Deevey-Ⅱ type. Spectral analysis demonstrated significant periodic fluctuations in population dynamics, dominated by the fundamental wave A1 and driven by the third harmonic, with age class V (20 cm≤DBH<25 cm) identified as the critical fluctuation phase. Time series prediction showed that population size increased during age classes Ⅱ-Ⅳ, reaching maximum size at class V, followed by a continuous decline from age classes Ⅵ-Ⅷ onward. Although the population temporarily maintained growth, long-term survival risks arose from insufficient juvenile recruitment, environmental stochasticity, and physiological senescence. To enhance population resilience, the following conservation strategies are recommended, inlcuding artificial propagation, habitat restoration, and invasive species control.},
}

China
Population Dynamics
Conservation of Natural Resources
Islands
*Ecosystem
Forests
*Trees/growth & development

@article {pmid40886744,
year = {2025},
author = {Salazar, AR and Rypstra, AL},
title = {Behavioural variation in the invasive cellar spider Pholcus manueli (Araneae: Pholcidae).},
journal = {Behavioural processes},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {105259},
doi = {10.1016/j.beproc.2025.105259},
pmid = {40886744},
issn = {1872-8308},
abstract = {Behaviours such as boldness and exploration are highly plastic and as such, we expect differences between populations, especially for invasive species. In particular, populations at the leading edge of an invasion front may display differences in these behaviours relative to long established core populations as they are often key to their dispersal and invasion success. Likewise, in species with sexual dimorphism, the importance of these behaviours to invasion success may differ for males and females. Here we report on an invasive cellar spider, Pholcus manueli (Araneae: Pholcidae), that is expanding westward across the United States. We investigated whether boldness in response to simulated predator cues (physical and airborne disturbances) and exploration of a novel environment varied across P. manueli's invasive range and between males and females. We found significant differences in the reaction to the simulated predator cues, but not in exploration. Although there was variation between the leading edge and core, the greatest differences lay between males and females from core populations when exposed to a puff of air. We additionally investigated whether females would be less selective of a potential mate at the leading edge. We found marginal support for this and uncovered interesting details regarding P. manueli's mating system, wherein smaller females were more likely to mate than large ones. Overall, we found boldness and mating behaviour differences between the leading edge and core, but our data suggests greater differences lay between the sexes.},
}

@article {pmid40884707,
year = {2025},
author = {Abreu, GS and Dos Santos, GS and Nogueira, DB and Braz, GF and Soares, RR and Guimarães, NS and de Souza, GO and Brasileiro, CA and Neto, JSF and Heinemann, MB},
title = {Invasive whistling frogs (Eleutherodactylus johnstonei) act as a reservoir for antimicrobial-resistant Enterobacteriaceae in Latin America's most populous city.},
journal = {Veterinary research communications},
volume = {49},
number = {5},
pages = {295},
pmid = {40884707},
issn = {1573-7446},
support = {24/17243-8//Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo/ ; 2020/12//Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo/ ; 302899/2022//Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Científico e Tecnológico/ ; 310462/2021//Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Científico e Tecnológico/ ; },
mesh = {Animals ; *Enterobacteriaceae/drug effects/genetics/isolation & purification ; Brazil/epidemiology ; *Anti-Bacterial Agents/pharmacology ; *Disease Reservoirs/microbiology/veterinary ; Introduced Species ; *Drug Resistance, Bacterial ; *Enterobacteriaceae Infections/veterinary/microbiology/epidemiology ; *Anura/microbiology ; *Drug Resistance, Multiple, Bacterial ; Microbial Sensitivity Tests ; *Ranidae/microbiology ; },
abstract = {Invasive species represent a significant threat to ecological balance and the maintenance of native populations. Besides, these have been associated with the emergence of pathogens of public health importance, including multidrug-resistant bacteria. This study aimed to screen and describe the antimicrobial resistance profile of clinically important Enterobacteriaceae species isolated from whistling frogs (Eleutherodactylus johnstonei), an invasive anuran species in São Paulo, Brazil. Clinically relevant Enterobacteriaceae strains (n = 35) were isolated from oral and skin swabs of 19 whistling frogs and tested for antimicrobial susceptibility and antimicrobial resistance encoding genes. Resistance to amoxicillin + clavulanate and cefoxitin were the most frequent (16.67%; 4/24), followed by cefotaxime (5.71%; 2/35), ceftriaxone (2.86%; 1/35), and tetracycline (2.86%; 1/35). Among the antimicrobial resistance genes screened, blaCTX-M group 8, blaTEM, and blaCMY were identified. The whole genome of the blaCTX-M group 8-positive E. coli strain was assessed and confirmed blaCTX-M-8 presence and phylogenetic analysis. Given the synanthropic behavior of whistling frogs, these amphibians may act as carriers of antimicrobial-resistant bacteria.},
}

Animals
*Enterobacteriaceae/drug effects/genetics/isolation & purification
Brazil/epidemiology
*Anti-Bacterial Agents/pharmacology
*Disease Reservoirs/microbiology/veterinary
Introduced Species
*Drug Resistance, Bacterial
*Enterobacteriaceae Infections/veterinary/microbiology/epidemiology
*Anura/microbiology
*Drug Resistance, Multiple, Bacterial
Microbial Sensitivity Tests
*Ranidae/microbiology

@article {pmid40518959,
year = {2025},
author = {Caton, BP and Fang, H and Hain, E and Kandel, N and Nelson, R and Pallipparambil, GR and Manoukis, NC},
title = {Evaluating a novel core-and-perimeter delimiting trapping survey design for insects. I. Field experiment.},
journal = {Journal of economic entomology},
volume = {118},
number = {4},
pages = {1621-1633},
pmid = {40518959},
issn = {1938-291X},
support = {AP21PPQS&T00C054//USDA Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service Farm Bill 7721 project/ ; },
mesh = {Animals ; *Insect Control/methods/instrumentation ; Hawaii ; *Ceratitis capitata ; Introduced Species ; },
abstract = {We propose a novel "core-and-perimeter" delimiting trapping design for invasive insects, improving upon the ubiquitous fully trapped square grids using regular spacing. The core-and-perimeter design has traps near the epicenter and in a perimeter set at a distance to result in zero captures, to directly set the population boundary. We compared the core-and-perimeter and fully trapped designs in a mark-release-recapture experiment with Ceratitis capitata (Weidemann) (Diptera: Tephritidae) in Hawaii in 2022. Each design had 4 repetitions with 4 separate releases of flies and 6 collection days from 1 to 14 d after release. The square fully trapped grid had 20 core area traps plus 79 other traps in 0.92 km2, plus 24 "sentinel" traps beyond. The circular core-and-perimeter grid had 20 core traps, and 108 traps in a 220 m-wide perimeter, set 500 m from the release point (smaller than the recommended radius). Slightly more flies on average were captured in the fully trapped treatment but proportional captures in common locations were similar. Flies were caught in the sentinel traps in every replicate of the fully trapped treatment. Four percent of captures occurred in the perimeter of the core-and-perimeter treatment on average. Trap usage rate for the fully trapped design was 67%, while for the core area of the core-and-perimeter design was nearly 94%. Overall mean daily dispersal distance was 96.3 m, and the regression-based 99th percentile of total distance was 700 m. Results supported the potential of the core-and-perimeter design and demonstrated 2 fully trapped design disadvantages-trap inefficiency and egress potential.},
}

Animals
*Insect Control/methods/instrumentation
Hawaii
*Ceratitis capitata
Introduced Species

@article {pmid40881729,
year = {2025},
author = {Fousséni, F and Maza-Esso, BD and Wouyo, A and Bilouktime, B and Šinžar-Sekulić, J and Kperkouma, W and Komlan, B and Koffi, A},
title = {Floristic diversity and assessment of the conservation status of Togo's plant species.},
journal = {PhytoKeys},
volume = {261},
number = {},
pages = {211-232},
doi = {10.3897/phytokeys.261.151951},
pmid = {40881729},
issn = {1314-2011},
abstract = {Regular updates of floristic lists are essential for assessing the state of flora, identifying threatened species, and guiding conservation actions. This study aims to provide a comprehensive assessment of the floristic diversity and conservation status of plant species across selected ecological zones in Togo. A total of 121 plots, with areas determined based on the types of vegetation formations, were randomly selected from a systematic grid of points spaced 5 km apart, generated using QGIS 3.24.1 and overlaid on Togo's map. A total of 498 plant species distributed across 337 genera and 92 families were recorded. The most represented families were Fabaceae (86 species) and Poaceae (48 species). Biological types were dominated by microphanerophytes (25.7%) and nanophanerophytes (18.67%), followed by therophytes (15.06%). Species from the Guineo-Congolian/Sudano-Zambesian transition zone (34.54%) were the most widespread, followed by Guineo-Congolian (23.09%) and Sudano-Zambesian (29.89%) regions. The distribution of species by ecological zones showed high diversity in Zone III. A total of 09 threatened species, 48 invasive and/or alien species, 31 agroforestry species, and 23 soil-fertility-enhancing species were identified. This study provides a rapid and updated understanding of the state of flora. The study emphasizes the urgency for ongoing floristic monitoring and the need for targeted conservation strategies to mitigate threats posed by anthropogenic pressures and invasive species. These findings provide a critical understanding of Togo's flora, guiding effective conservation actions.},
}

@article {pmid40881037,
year = {2025},
author = {Malik, IH and Ford, JD and Winters, I and Hunter, B and Flowers, N and Quincey, D and Flowers, K and Flowers, M and Coombs, D and Foltz-Vincent, C and Barrand, NE and Way, RG},
title = {Monitoring climate change impacts, Indigenous livelihoods and adaptation: Perspectives from Inuit community of Hopedale, Nunatsiavut, Canada.},
journal = {Cambridge prisms. Coastal futures},
volume = {3},
number = {},
pages = {e10},
doi = {10.1017/cft.2025.7},
pmid = {40881037},
issn = {2754-7205},
abstract = {The Arctic is at the forefront of climate change, undergoing some of the most rapid environmental transformations globally. Here, we examine the impacts of climate change on the livelihoods in the coastal Inuit community of Hopedale, Nunatsiavut, Canada. The study examines recently evolved adaptation strategies employed by Inuit and the challenges to these adaptations. We document changing sea ice patterns, changing weather patterns and the impact of invasive species on food resources and the environment. Utilising knowledge co-production and drawing upon Indigenous knowledge, we monitor the changes and multiple stresses through direct observations, engagement with rights holders and community experiences to characterise climate risks and associated changes affecting livelihoods. We use both decolonising research and participatory methodologies to develop collaboration and partnership, ensuring that monitoring reflects local priorities and realities while also fostering trust and collaboration. We showcase that monitoring environmental trends involves more than data collection; it includes observing and analysing how environmental changes affect community well-being, particularly in terms of food security, cultural practices, economic activities, mental health, sea ice changes and weather patterns. The paper contributes to a nuanced understanding of Inuit resilience and experiences in confronting climate risks and the broader implications for Indigenous communities confronting climate challenges.},
}

@article {pmid40877642,
year = {2025},
author = {Rodríguez-Cala, D and Fried, J and Wilson, JRU and Dehnen-Schmutz, K and Tshwenyane, SO and Legwaila, I},
title = {Ornamental horticulture in Southern Africa: strategic actions to address biological invasions.},
journal = {Environmental management},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
pmid = {40877642},
issn = {1432-1009},
support = {13771-14 and 12160-02//Coventry University/ ; 13771-14 and 12160-02//Coventry University/ ; 13771-14 and 12160-02//Coventry University/ ; },
abstract = {Southern Africa has a well-documented history of intentional plant introductions for ornamental purposes, but some of these plants have become widespread damaging invaders. Conflicts can arise when stakeholders' attitudes differ towards ornamental invasive plants and their management. We examined the views of stakeholders involved in the ornamental sector and environmental management across Southern Africa in light of the strategic actions proposed by the Intergovernmental Science-Policy Platform on Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services' thematic assessment on 'Invasive Alien Species and their Control.' Our analysis is based on semi-structured interviews, informal conversations, and observations with 78 environmental specialists, 30 ornamental-related industry staff, and 24 plant enthusiasts from Botswana, Namibia, Zimbabwe, South Africa, Zambia, Democratic Republic of Congo, and Eswatini. Our analysis shows that significant efforts are ongoing in Southern Africa to address biological invasions from the ornamental sector. However, they need more integration and consideration of the broader geopolitical and socio-historical context. We reflected on these needs and recommend: 1) improving cohesion and collaboration amongst stakeholders, 2) ensuring pluralism by recognising and valuing marginalised groups, 3) addressing power differences and superiority-inferiority complexes, and 4) seeking alliances with existing sub-regional groups working in the realm of nature-society interplay. We believe that our recommendations contribute toward the necessary transformative change for tackling the underlying political and economic causes of plant invasions derived from the ornamental sector in the sub-region.},
}

@article {pmid40877013,
year = {2025},
author = {Holmes, RB and Hamilton, NM and Criswell, KE and Smithson, KZ and Herbert-Read, JE and Chapuis, L},
title = {Structural and developmental insights into the muscles involved in lionfish (Pterois spp.) vocalisations.},
journal = {Journal of fish biology},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1111/jfb.70183},
pmid = {40877013},
issn = {1095-8649},
support = {//Whitten Programme in Aquatic Biology/ ; 897218//This work was supported by the Whitten Programme in Aquatic Biology, The Cambridge SBS Fieldwork Fund and the Darwin College Travel Fund awarded to R.B.H, J.H-R was supported by the Whitten Programme in Aquatic Biology and L.C was funded by the European Union Horizon 2020 research and innovation programme under the Marie Skłodowska-Curie agreement/ ; },
abstract = {Vocal signalling is an important mode of communication in fishes. The two species of lionfish in the Pterois complex, the Indo-Pacific lionfish (Pterois volitans) and the red lionfish (Pterois miles), are both known to produce different types of sounds with sonic muscles attached to the swimbladder. However, the specific mechanism and the functions of these vocalisations in these invasive species are still unknown. We used three-dimensional bioimaging to describe the anatomy of the sonic muscles of both species. We further quantified the muscles of P. volitans to specifically explore how muscles developed across ontogeny and to test the hypothesis that sonic muscles would show sexual dimorphism if they were a sexually selected trait. Both P. volitans and P. miles showed a physoclistous swimbladder with a bilaterally symmetric pair of extrinsic sonic swimbladder muscles (ESSMs), which have been suggested to control buoyancy and generate vocalisations. Both species also displayed an additional pair of anterior extrinsic muscles, which projected dorsoventrally from the spinal column and inserted onto the anterior wall of the swimbladder, potentially also having a role in sound production. Both types of sonic muscles were present across ontogeny. Quantification of the posterior belly of the ESSMs in P. volitans showed that both the length and mass of these muscles in both mature and immature individuals increased linearly with body size. There were no ontogenetic or sex differences in sonic muscle investment between individuals. Given the primary function of these muscles is to control the swimbladder for buoyancy, this may constrain the modification of these muscles relative to body size, or they may have no differences in their acoustic function between sexes or across ontogeny.},
}

@article {pmid40875008,
year = {2025},
author = {Thivierge, C and Gagné, L and Renaud, LA and Houde-Tremblay, É and Dupras, J},
title = {eDNA Adoption: Weighing the Benefits and Challenges from Quebec Potential End-Users' Perspective.},
journal = {Environmental management},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
pmid = {40875008},
issn = {1432-1009},
support = {#312ITD//Genome British Columbia/ ; #312ITD//Genome British Columbia/ ; #312ITD//Genome British Columbia/ ; #312ITD//Genome British Columbia/ ; #312ITD//Genome Quebec/ ; #312ITD//Genome Quebec/ ; #312ITD//Genome Quebec/ ; #312ITD//Genome Quebec/ ; },
abstract = {The collection of environmental DNA (eDNA) is a relatively new, non-invasive and effective method for detecting the presence of rare or endangered species, invasive alien species, and monitoring fish and wildlife populations, thus contributing to better conservation of natural environments. Academic researchers are its main users. The reasons for its slow diffusion among other potential users remain poorly documented to date. This study aimed to characterize the barriers and levers to the adoption of eDNA by distinct types of end-users, depending on the contexts in which they operate. We conducted semi-structured interviews with 33 participants to document and analyze their perceptions of eDNA. The Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology (UTAUT) inspired our analysis. Our findings revealed that potential end-users perceive the eDNA-based methods positively, although they are improvable. A lack of knowledge about its limitations and potential affects how useful eDNA is perceived to be and potential end-users' confidence in its results. We propose action levers to increase potential end-users' trust in the method and its compatibility with their current practices, and identify avenues to facilitate its diffusion.},
}

@article {pmid40873728,
year = {2025},
author = {Hale Walker, S and Lacy, KD and Ross, KG and Zeng, H},
title = {A Comprehensive Account of the Breeding Systems of the Fire Ant Solenopsis invicta.},
journal = {Ecology and evolution},
volume = {15},
number = {8},
pages = {e71888},
pmid = {40873728},
issn = {2045-7758},
abstract = {When animals reproduce in social groups, the potential for conflict and cooperation is shaped by the number of reproductive individuals (breeders), their relatedness to one another, and division of reproduction among them. These features comprise species' "breeding systems." Despite their importance, breeding systems are poorly characterized in most social animals, and detailed accounts for single species are rare. Here, we comprehensively characterize the breeding systems of the fire ant Solenopsis invicta, an invasive species in which a large genetic element (supergene) determines whether a colony has a single queen (monogyne social form) or multiple queens (polygyne form). Colonies of the monogyne form are simple families, and the breeding system is correspondingly straightforward. The breeding system of the polygyne form is complex, with many features still not well characterized. We conducted a large longitudinal experiment tracking parentage, relatedness, and supergene genotype in laboratory-reared polygyne colonies. Along with reanalyzed data from previous studies, we show that colony queen number is highly variable, queens generally mate once, nestmate breeders (queens and their mates) generally are unrelated, and reproductive skew is pervasive, especially for parentage of sexual daughters. Uncommon instances of polyandry occur when a queen remates after initially mating with a male bearing the Sb supergene haplotype (associated with small size and low sperm counts). Paternity skew is pronounced and stable, with Sb sperm contributing to a minority of offspring (particularly sexual daughters) of polyandrous queens. The supergene thus not only determines colony queen number, it broadly affects the breeding system, impacting colony kin structure and setting the stage for conflict and cooperation in the colony. This study can serve as a template for studies of the constellation of factors that affect group genetic structure in other social animals.},
}

@article {pmid40873724,
year = {2025},
author = {Santiago, GA and Baird-Lujano, JE and Guzy, JC and Biglin, DG and Rentof, JM and Bancroft, GF and Romagosa, CM and McCollister, M and Hart, KM},
title = {First Record of Twin and Triplet Embryos Found in the Clutch of a Wild Burmese Python in Southern Florida.},
journal = {Ecology and evolution},
volume = {15},
number = {8},
pages = {e72040},
pmid = {40873724},
issn = {2045-7758},
abstract = {Triplet embryos observed from within an egg oviposited by a wild adult female Burmese python in southern Florida. All three embryos were attached to the yolk and found deceased and at differing stages of development.},
}

@article {pmid40873411,
year = {2025},
author = {Kültz, D and Gardell, AM and DeTomaso, A and Stoney, G and Rinkevich, B and Qarri, A and Hamar, J},
title = {Proteome-Wide 4-Hydroxy-2-Nonenal Signature of Oxidative Stress in the Marine Invasive Tunicate Botryllus schlosseri.},
journal = {Proteomics},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {e70032},
doi = {10.1002/pmic.70032},
pmid = {40873411},
issn = {1615-9861},
support = {2021650//BSF/ ; //BR/ ; },
abstract = {The ascidian Boytryllus schlosseri is a marine chordate that thrives under conditions of anthropogenic climate change. The B. schlosseri expressed proteome contains unusually high levels of proteins adducted with 4-hydroxy-2-nonenal (HNE). HNE represents a prominent posttranslational modification resulting from oxidative stress. Prior to this study, which identified 1052 HNE adducted proteins in B. schlosseri by LCMS, HNE protein modification has not been determined in any marine species. Adducted residues were ascertained for 1849 HNE modifications, 1195 of which had a maximum amino acid localization score. Most HNE modifications were at less reactive lysines (rather than more reactive cysteines). HNE prevalence on most sites was high, suggesting that B. schlosseri experiences and tolerates high intracellular reactive oxygen species levels, resulting in substantial lipid peroxidation. HNE adducted B. schlosseri proteins show enrichment in mitochondrial, proteostasis, and cytoskeletal functions. We propose that redox signaling contributes to regulating energy metabolism, the blastogenic cycle, oxidative burst defenses, and cytoskeleton dynamics in B. schlosseri. DIA-LCMS quantification of 72 HNE-adducted sites across 60 proteins revealed significant population-specific differences. We conclude that the vast amount of HNE protein adduction in this circumpolar tunicate is indicative of high oxidative stress tolerance contributing to its range expansion into diverse environments. SUMMARY: Oxidative stress results from environmental challenges that increase in frequency and severity during the Anthropocene. Oxygen radical attack causes lipid peroxidation, leading to HNE production. Proteome-wide HNE adduction is highly prevalent in Botryllus schlosseri, a widely distributed, highly invasive, and economically important biofouling ascidian, and the first marine species to be analyzed for proteome HNE modification. HNE adduction of specific proteins may physiologically sequester reactive oxygen species, which could enhance fitness and resilience during environmental change.},
}

@article {pmid40872786,
year = {2025},
author = {Girardi, DL and Miranda, TS and Cosentino, MAC and de Sá, CC and Francisco, TM and Afonso, BC and Soffiati, FL and Ferreira, SS and Moreira, SB and Pissinatti, A and Ruiz-Miranda, CR and Romano, V and Soares, MA and D'arc, M and Santos, AF},
title = {Simian Foamy Virus Prevalence and Evolutionary Relationships in Two Free-Living Lion Tamarin Populations from Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.},
journal = {Viruses},
volume = {17},
number = {8},
pages = {},
doi = {10.3390/v17081072},
pmid = {40872786},
issn = {1999-4915},
support = {E-26/211.355/221//Fundação Carlos Chagas Filho de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado do Rio de Janeiro/ ; E-26/201.193/2022//Fundação Carlos Chagas Filho de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado do Rio de Janeiro/ ; 309850/2020-7//National Council for Scientific and Technological Development/ ; },
mesh = {Animals ; Brazil/epidemiology ; *Leontopithecus/virology ; Phylogeny ; *Simian foamy virus/genetics/classification/isolation & purification ; *Retroviridae Infections/epidemiology/veterinary/virology ; Prevalence ; *Monkey Diseases/virology/epidemiology ; Viral Load ; Evolution, Molecular ; Male ; Female ; },
abstract = {Simian foamy virus (SFV) is a retrovirus that infects primates. However, epidemiological studies of SFV are often limited to captive populations. The southeastern Brazilian Atlantic Forest is home to both an endemic, endangered species, Leontopithecus rosalia, and an introduced species, Leontopithecus chrysomelas, to which no data on SFV exist. In this study, we assessed the molecular prevalence of SFV, their viral load, and their phylogenetic relationship in these two species of primates. Genomic DNA was extracted from 48 oral swab samples of L. chrysomelas and 102 of L. rosalia. Quantitative PCR (qPCR) was performed to diagnose SFV infection and quantify viral load. SFV prevalence was found to be 23% in L. chrysomelas and 33% in L. rosalia. No age-related differences in prevalence were observed; however, L. rosalia showed a higher mean viral load (3.27 log10/10[6] cells) compared to L. chrysomelas (3.03 log10/10[6] cells). The polymerase gene sequence (213 pb) of L. rosalia (SFVlro) was clustered within a distinct SFV lineage found in L. chrysomelas. The estimated origin of SFVlro dated back approximately 0.0836 million years ago. Our study provides the first molecular prevalence data for SFV in free-living Leontopithecus populations while offering insights into the complex evolutionary history of SFV in American primates.},
}

Animals
Brazil/epidemiology
*Leontopithecus/virology
Phylogeny
*Simian foamy virus/genetics/classification/isolation & purification
*Retroviridae Infections/epidemiology/veterinary/virology
Prevalence
*Monkey Diseases/virology/epidemiology
Viral Load
Evolution, Molecular
Male
Female

@article {pmid40872217,
year = {2025},
author = {Pereira, DT and Alarcón, FG and Alarcón, MG and Celis-Plá, PSM and Figueroa, FL},
title = {Effects of Seawater Polyphenols from Gongolaria usneoides on Photosynthesis and Biochemical Compounds of the Invasive Alien Species Rugulopteryx okamurae (Phaeophyceae, Heterokontophyta).},
journal = {Plants (Basel, Switzerland)},
volume = {14},
number = {16},
pages = {},
doi = {10.3390/plants14162594},
pmid = {40872217},
issn = {2223-7747},
support = {PID2020-116136RB-I00//Spanish State Research Agency, Ministry of Science and Innovation, Spanish Government/ ; 'NUVAPY-BLUE' HORIZON-MSCA-2022-101106349//European Union/ ; },
abstract = {Gongolaria usneoides is a native brown alga in Europa, known for its high release of phenolics into the water. Rugulopteryx okamurae is a native brown macroalga from Asia but invasive in Europe, causing significant environmental and socioeconomic impacts. It has been observed that in some regions where Gongolaria is present, there is less biomass of Rugulopteryx, and they are often epiphytized by red filamentous algae. The present study aimed to analyze whether phenolics released in the seawater by G. usneoides affect the photosynthetic and biochemical responses in R. okamurae. To analyze the resilience of R. okamurae, algae were cultivated for 5 days in water with different percentages of phenolics released by G. usneoides (exposure phase) (0, 75, 150, 225 and 300 µg mL[-1]) in laboratory (20 °C, a 12:12 photoperiod, and PAR 190 µmol photons m[-2] s[-1] for a period of 115 h) and a period in the sun (4 h), followed 2 days cultured under phenolic-free water (recovery phase). Photosynthetic characteristics (Fv/Fm and ETR) and biochemical composition (phenolic, antioxidant activity, C, N and S) were measured (R. okamurae showed considerable photosynthetic declines without recovery when exposed to high concentrations of phenolics (225 and 300 µg mL[-1]). It can be inferred that the presence of G. usneoides in nature and the release of phenolic compounds by this alga may be affecting the invasive alga R. okamurae, potentially serving as a natural means to decrease or weaken the invasive species.},
}

@article {pmid40872138,
year = {2025},
author = {Wei, C and Tang, S and Li, X and Pan, Y and Zhou, L},
title = {Priority Effects Favor Invasive Bidens frondosa over Its Native Congener Bidens biternata, While Late Arrival Incurs Higher Costs.},
journal = {Plants (Basel, Switzerland)},
volume = {14},
number = {16},
pages = {},
doi = {10.3390/plants14162515},
pmid = {40872138},
issn = {2223-7747},
support = {32260336//the National Natural Science Foundation of China/ ; 2025GXNSFAA069606//Natural Science Foundation of Guangxi Province/ ; 23010//Fundamental Research Funds for Guangxi Institute of Botany/ ; },
abstract = {Priority effects-the phenomenon where early-arriving species influence the establishment, growth, and reproduction of later-arriving species during community assembly-play a critical role in determining the invasion success of exotic species. However, how priority effects are influenced by nitrogen (N) availability remains understudied. The invasive species Bidens frondosa has rapidly expanded its range in China over the past few years. Yet it remains unclear how priority effects in B. frondosa versus native species may mediate invasion success, as well as how nutrient levels may alter these effects. Addressing these questions is essential for understanding the mechanisms driving B. frondosa invasion and for developing effective management strategies. In a greenhouse experiment, we manipulated the planting order of B. frondosa and its native congener B. biternata, then measured the growth and competitiveness of B. frondosa and B. biternata in both control and N addition treatments. Planting order greatly impacted the growth and competitiveness of both B. frondosa and B. biternata. Early arrival had more positive effects on B. frondosa than B. biternata, while late arrival more strongly inhibited B. frondosa than B. biternata. For B. frondosa, priority effects lessened with nitrogen addition, but the opposite occurred for B. biternata. Thus, priority effects may favor B. frondosa invasion, while late arrival, particularly under nitrogen addition, may curb its spread. As such, sowing early-germinating native species represents a useful management strategy for controlling B. frondosa invasions.},
}

@article {pmid40870630,
year = {2025},
author = {Yang, W and Zhao, J and Zhu, D and Wang, Z and Song, M and Chen, T and Liang, T and Shi, J},
title = {YOLO-PTHD: A UAV-Based Deep Learning Model for Detecting Visible Phenotypic Signs of Pine Decline Induced by the Invasive Woodwasp Sirex noctilio (Hymenoptera, Siricidae).},
journal = {Insects},
volume = {16},
number = {8},
pages = {},
doi = {10.3390/insects16080829},
pmid = {40870630},
issn = {2075-4450},
support = {2023YFE0116200//National Key Research and Development Program of China/ ; QNTD202510//Fundamental Research Funds for the Central Universities/ ; },
abstract = {Sirex noctilio is an invasive pest that contributes to pine tree decline, leading to visual symptoms such as needle discoloration, crown thinning, and eventual tree death. Detecting these visible phenotypic signs from drone imagery is challenging due to elongated or irregular crown shapes, weak color differences, and occlusion within dense forests. This study introduces YOLO-PTHD, a lightweight deep learning model designed for detecting visible signs of pine decline in UAV images. The model integrates three customized components: Strip-based convolution to capture elongated tree structures, Channel-Aware Attention to enhance weak visual cues, and a scale-sensitive dynamic loss function to improve detection of minority classes and small targets. A UAV-based dataset, the Sirex Woodwasp dataset, was constructed with annotated images of weakened, and dead pine trees. YOLO-PTHD achieved an mAP of 0.923 and an F1-score of 0.866 on this dataset. To evaluate the model's generalization capability, it was further tested on the Real Pine Wilt Disease dataset from South Korea. Despite differences in tree symptoms and imaging conditions, the model maintained strong performance, demonstrating its robustness across different forest health scenarios. Field investigations targeting Sirex woodwasp in outbreak areas confirmed that the model could reliably detect damaged trees in real-world forest environments. This work demonstrates the potential of UAV-based visual analysis for large-scale phenotypic surveillance of pine health in forest management.},
}

@article {pmid40870619,
year = {2025},
author = {Kayattukandy Balan, R and George, S and Pines, G and Li, D and Gunawardana, D and Puthigae, S},
title = {Species-Specific Real-Time PCR Assay for Rapid Identification of Zeugodacus cucurbitae Coquillet (Diptera: Tephritidae) from Other Closely Related Fruit Fly Species.},
journal = {Insects},
volume = {16},
number = {8},
pages = {},
doi = {10.3390/insects16080818},
pmid = {40870619},
issn = {2075-4450},
abstract = {Fruit flies that belong to the genus Zeugodacus (Diptera: Tephritidae) pose significant threats as invasive pests of agricultural crops in Asia and sub-Saharan Africa. The intensification of transboundary trade in fresh horticultural produce has increased the risk of introducing invasive species such as fruit flies, more so through the inadvertent transport of their immature developmental stages. Such immature stages of fruit flies belonging to the Tephritidae family are frequently intercepted at the international borders worldwide and are unable to be identified to the species level using morphological characteristics. Molecular identification using mitochondrial Cytochrome Oxidase I (COI) gene has proven to be quite useful, as they are not constrained by developmental stages, sex, or colour morphs of the pest species in question. Also, real-time PCR-based species-specific assays offer quicker turnaround time since they do not require any post-PCR procedures. This study evaluated the utility of a real-time PCR assay based on the COI gene region to identify Zeugodacus cucurbitae from other Tephritid species. The developed real-time PCR assay provides a swift and precise way of discriminating between these highly invasive pest species during an interception event for rapid decision making. High specificity, having no cross-reactions with closely related Tephritids, and sensitivity of the developed assay will be extremely useful in discriminating Z. cucurbitae from other closely related fruit fly species. Z. cucurbitae-specific real-time PCR developed in this study is appropriate for organizations that carry out routine diagnostics to facilitate fresh produce imports and exports. Our assay is fully optimized for rapid deployment at international borders, offering reliable detection of the target species regardless of developmental stage, sex, or geographic origins.},
}

@article {pmid40870608,
year = {2025},
author = {Kanzaki, N and Kobayashi, K and Hamaguchi, K and Fujimori, Y},
title = {Nesting and Hibernation Host Preference of Bamboo Carpenter Bee, Xylocopa (Biluna) tranquebarorum tranquebarorum, and Arthropods Co-Habiting and Re-Using the Bee Nest.},
journal = {Insects},
volume = {16},
number = {8},
pages = {},
doi = {10.3390/insects16080807},
pmid = {40870608},
issn = {2075-4450},
abstract = {The bamboo carpenter bee, Xylocopa (Biluna) tranquebarorum tranquebarorum, is native to continental China and Taiwan, and the species invaded Japan around 2006. The bee utilizes bamboo culm for its nesting and hibernation, thereby causing structural damage to bamboo fencing and sting injuries to humans. Serious economic and ecological impacts were not expected in the early stage of its invasion. However, its distribution is rapidly expanding in Japan, and thus, its potential impacts need to be evaluated. Since the basic biology of the bee has not been examined in detail, even in its natural range, we examined the basic biology of X. t. tranquebarorum in its invasive range by evaluating its nesting preference and hibernation in several bamboo species collections in Kyoto, Japan. The field survey revealed that the bee prefers dead bamboo internodes with approximately16-28 mm of external diameter, which is well-congruent with previous studies, and does not have strict preference concerning the bamboo species, though the bee prefers Bambusa multiplex and Phyllostachys spp. in its native range. The hibernating bees in the culm sometimes share their nests with other invertebrates, including Anterhynchium gibbifrons, Dinoderus japonicus, Crematogaster matsumurai, unidentified spiders, shield bugs, and lepidopteran larvae. Within these co-habitants, the former two possibly negatively affect nesting and hibernation of the bees.},
}

@article {pmid40870590,
year = {2025},
author = {Shih, CH and Song, CE and Wang, SF and Lin, CC},
title = {Feature Selection Framework for Improved UAV-Based Detection of Solenopsis invicta Mounds in Agricultural Landscapes.},
journal = {Insects},
volume = {16},
number = {8},
pages = {},
doi = {10.3390/insects16080793},
pmid = {40870590},
issn = {2075-4450},
support = {MOST111-2823-8-018-001//Ministry of Science and Technology, Taiwan/ ; },
abstract = {The red imported fire ant (RIFA; Solenopsis invicta) is an invasive species that severely threatens ecology, agriculture, and public health in Taiwan. In this study, the feasibility of applying multispectral imagery captured by unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) to detect red fire ant mounds was evaluated in Fenlin Township, Hualien, Taiwan. A DJI Phantom 4 multispectral drone collected reflectance in five bands (blue, green, red, red-edge, and near-infrared), derived indices (normalized difference vegetation index, NDVI, soil-adjusted vegetation index, SAVI, and photochemical pigment reflectance index, PPR), and textural features. According to analysis of variance F-scores and random forest recursive feature elimination, vegetation indices and spectral features (e.g., NDVI, NIR, SAVI, and PPR) were the most significant predictors of ecological characteristics such as vegetation density and soil visibility. Texture features exhibited moderate importance and the potential to capture intricate spatial patterns in nonlinear models. Despite limitations in the analytics, including trade-offs related to flight height and environmental variability, the study findings suggest that UAVs are an inexpensive, high-precision means of obtaining multispectral data for RIFA monitoring. These findings can be used to develop efficient mass-detection protocols for integrated pest control, with broader implications for invasive species monitoring.},
}

@article {pmid40870580,
year = {2025},
author = {Alzate, C and Calixto, ES and Paula-Moraes, SV},
title = {Flight Phenology of Spodoptera eridania (Stoll, 1781) (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) in Its Native Range: A Baseline for Managing an Emerging Invasive Pest.},
journal = {Insects},
volume = {16},
number = {8},
pages = {},
doi = {10.3390/insects16080779},
pmid = {40870580},
issn = {2075-4450},
support = {Checkoff//Florida Peanut/ ; National Institute of Food and Agriculture//U.S. Department of Agriculture/ ; AWD10734//Crop Plant Protection Program EIP/ ; 06420//Hatch MS FLA-WFC/ ; 06203//Hatch FLA-WFC/ ; },
abstract = {Spodoptera eridania (Stoll, 1781) (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) is an important pest with a broad host range and growing relevance due to its high dispersal capacity, recent invasions into Africa and Asia, and documented resistance to biological insecticides. Here, we assessed S. eridania flight phenology and seasonal dynamics in the Florida Panhandle, using pheromone trapping data to evaluate population trends and environmental drivers. Moths were collected year-round, showing consistent patterns across six consecutive years, including two distinct annual flight peaks: an early crop season flight around March, and a more prominent flight peak during September-October. Moth abundance followed a negative quadratic relationship with temperature, with peak activity occurring between 15 °C and 26 °C. No significant relationship was found with precipitation or wind. These results underscore the strong influence of abiotic factors, particularly temperature, on seasonal abundance patterns of this species. Our findings offer key insights by identifying predictable periods of high pest pressure and the environmental conditions that drive population increases. Understanding the flight phenology and behavior of this species provides an ultimate contribution to the development of effective IPM and insect resistance management (IRM) programs, promoting the development of forecasting tools for more effective, timely pest management interventions.},
}

@article {pmid40867566,
year = {2025},
author = {Rodrigues, T and Barroso, RA and Campos, A and Almeida, D and Guardiola, FA and Turkina, MV and Antunes, A},
title = {Unveiling the Bioactive Potential of the Invasive Jellyfish Phyllorhiza punctata Through Integrative Transcriptomic and Proteomic Analyses.},
journal = {Biomolecules},
volume = {15},
number = {8},
pages = {},
doi = {10.3390/biom15081121},
pmid = {40867566},
issn = {2218-273X},
mesh = {Animals ; *Scyphozoa/genetics/metabolism ; *Proteomics/methods ; *Transcriptome ; Introduced Species ; Tandem Mass Spectrometry ; *Cnidarian Venoms/genetics/metabolism/chemistry ; Gene Expression Profiling ; *Proteome ; },
abstract = {The white-spotted jellyfish, Phyllorhiza punctata, is an invasive species with significant ecological and economic relevance spreading across various regions. While its ecological impact is well-documented, its molecular and biochemical characteristics remain poorly understood. In this study, we integrate proteomic data generated by LC-MS/MS with publicly available transcriptomic information to characterize P. punctata, analyzing differential protein expression across three distinct tissues: oral arms, mantle, and gonads. A total of 2764 proteins and 25,045 peptides were identified, including several venom components such as jellyfish toxins (JFTs) and phospholipase A2 (PLA2), which were further investigated and compared to toxins from other species. Enrichment analyses revealed clear tissue-specific functions. Additionally, deep learning and machine learning tools identified 274 promising AMP candidates, including the α-helical, β-sheet, and αβ-motif peptides. This dataset provides new insights into the protein composition of P. punctata and highlights strong AMP candidates for further characterization, underscoring the biotechnological potential of underexplored cnidarian species.},
}

Animals
*Scyphozoa/genetics/metabolism
*Proteomics/methods
*Transcriptome
Introduced Species
Tandem Mass Spectrometry
*Cnidarian Venoms/genetics/metabolism/chemistry
Gene Expression Profiling
*Proteome

@article {pmid40867071,
year = {2025},
author = {Achatz, TJ and Chun, CH and Young, MA and Page, J and Rowe, M and Cooper, C and Wenk, L and Tkach, VV},
title = {Detection of Rat Lungworms in Invasive Mollusks, Georgia, USA, 2024.},
journal = {Emerging infectious diseases},
volume = {31},
number = {9},
pages = {1852-1854},
doi = {10.3201/eid3109.250133},
pmid = {40867071},
issn = {1080-6059},
mesh = {Animals ; Georgia/epidemiology ; *Angiostrongylus cantonensis/isolation & purification/genetics/classification ; *Strongylida Infections/epidemiology/parasitology/transmission ; Introduced Species ; Humans ; *Snails/parasitology ; *Mollusca/parasitology ; },
abstract = {The rat lungworm, Angiostrongylus cantonensis, is an invasive, zoonotic parasite that can cause severe disease in humans. We collected A. cantonensis larvae from 2 host species, invasive apple and mystery snails, from bodies of water in Georgia, USA. Recreational water users should avoid ingesting potentially infected hosts, aquatic vegetation, and water.},
}

Animals
Georgia/epidemiology
*Angiostrongylus cantonensis/isolation & purification/genetics/classification
*Strongylida Infections/epidemiology/parasitology/transmission
Introduced Species
Humans
*Snails/parasitology
*Mollusca/parasitology

@article {pmid40865102,
year = {2025},
author = {Montoya-Giraldo, MA and Franco-González, S and Zuluaga, AF},
title = {Lionfish envenomation case treated in an emergency unit in Colombia.},
journal = {Biomedica : revista del Instituto Nacional de Salud},
volume = {45},
number = {3},
pages = {337-344},
doi = {10.7705/biomedica.7230},
pmid = {40865102},
issn = {2590-7379},
mesh = {Humans ; Female ; Colombia ; Middle Aged ; Animals ; Emergency Service, Hospital ; Anticoagulants/therapeutic use ; *Bites and Stings/therapy ; },
abstract = {The lionfish (Pterois volitans) is an invasive species in the Caribbean Sea that can accidentally inject venom into humans through its spines. Here, we report a case of lionfish envenomation, highlighting a potential emerging threat to public health in Colombia. The case describes a healthy 59-year-old woman who suffered an accidental sting on the fourth finger of her left hand after contact with a lionfish spin while diving in Aruba. On-site treatment included hot compresses, antihistamines, and systemic corticosteroids. However, the patient experienced severe pain, coldness, and paleness in the affected finger. One day later, the patient traveled to Bogotá, Colombia, and developed swelling, loss of sensitivity, and changes in skin coloration. In the emergency unit, the patient received pharmacological treatment with 100 mg of aspirin administered orally and 60 mg of enoxaparin administered subcutaneously; also, a calcium antagonist was prescribed for vasospasm management (30 mg of nifedipine 30 administered orally), and complementary studies were ordered. Paraclinical results were normal, and the Doppler ultrasound of the left upper limb arterial vessels showed no abnormalities. The treatment was successful, and the patient fully recovered. Given the novelty of this affection for our country, the patient’s favorable evolution after latestage pharmacological management, and the limitations of the initial treatment, we present a broad discussion based on the review of related literature.},
}

Humans
Female
Colombia
Middle Aged
Animals
Emergency Service, Hospital
Anticoagulants/therapeutic use
*Bites and Stings/therapy

@article {pmid40866529,
year = {2025},
author = {Taglioni, E and Cavaliere, C and Cerrato, A and Laganà, A and Montone, CM and Capriotti, AL},
title = {Comprehensive profiling of sulfated phenolic compounds in edible and infesting seaweeds by a dedicated software-assisted platform.},
journal = {Analytical and bioanalytical chemistry},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
pmid = {40866529},
issn = {1618-2650},
support = {AR124190642D88D7//Sapienza Università di Roma/ ; P2022PTYWP//Ministero dell'Università e della Ricerca/ ; },
abstract = {Seaweeds, comprising green (Chlorophyta), brown (Phaeophyta), and red (Rhodophyta) algae, are recognized as valuable marine resources rich in bioactive phenolic compounds with nutraceutical potential. Despite growing interest in edible species, limited attention has been given to infesting seaweeds, which may represent an underexploited source of bioactives while addressing ecological challenges. In the present study, an innovative, structure-based data processing workflow was set up for the characterization of phenolic compounds in marine organisms and applied to eight edible and two infesting seaweed species from the major taxonomic groups by means of untargeted mass spectrometric data acquisition. The results reveal distinct phenolic profiles across seaweed taxa, with green algae exhibiting the highest abundances of phenol and phenolic acid sulfates, while brown algae were characterized by a predominance of phlorotannins. Sulfated phenolics outnumbered their non-sulfated counterparts, underscoring the importance of dedicated analytical workflows for marine-specific metabolites. Multivariate statistical analyses further distinguished seaweed classes based on phenolic content and compound classes, with infesting seaweeds demonstrating comparable phenolic profiles to their edible counterparts. This suggests the potential for valorizing infesting seaweeds as sustainable sources of bioactive compounds, aligning with Blue Economy principles. Our findings provide comprehensive insights into the chemical diversity of seaweed phenolics and highlight the unexplored potential of invasive species for nutraceutical applications, contributing to sustainable marine resource management and the development of functional foods.},
}

@article {pmid40862956,
year = {2025},
author = {Yoon, HJ and Seo, JH and Shin, SH and Abdelhamid, MAA and Pack, SP},
title = {Bioinformation and Monitoring Technology for Environmental DNA Analysis: A Review.},
journal = {Biosensors},
volume = {15},
number = {8},
pages = {},
pmid = {40862956},
issn = {2079-6374},
support = {RS-2021NR060107//the National Research Foundation of Korea funded by the Ministry of Science and ICT/ ; RS-2022-NR074662//the National Research Foundation of Korea funded by the Ministry of Education/ ; },
mesh = {*Environmental Monitoring/methods ; *DNA, Environmental/analysis ; *Computational Biology ; Ecosystem ; },
abstract = {Environmental DNA (eDNA) analysis has emerged as a transformative tool in environmental monitoring, enabling non-invasive detection of species and microbial communities across diverse ecosystems. This study systematically reviews the role of bioinformation technology in eDNA analysis, focusing on methodologies and applications across air, soil, groundwater, sediment, and aquatic environments. Advances in molecular biology, high-throughput sequencing, bioinformatics tools, and field-deployable detection systems have significantly improved eDNA detection sensitivity, allowing for early identification of invasive species, monitoring ecosystem health, and tracking pollutant degradation processes. Airborne eDNA monitoring has demonstrated potential for assessing microbial shifts due to air pollution and tracking pathogen transmission. In terrestrial environments, eDNA facilitates soil and groundwater pollution assessments and enhances understanding of biodegradation processes. In aquatic ecosystems, eDNA serves as a powerful tool for biodiversity assessment, invasive species monitoring, and wastewater-based epidemiology. Despite its growing applicability, challenges remain, including DNA degradation, contamination risks, and standardization of sampling protocols. Future research should focus on integrating eDNA data with remote sensing, machine learning, and ecological modeling to enhance predictive environmental monitoring frameworks. As technological advancements continue, eDNA-based approaches are poised to revolutionize environmental assessment, conservation strategies, and public health surveillance.},
}

*Environmental Monitoring/methods
*DNA, Environmental/analysis
*Computational Biology
Ecosystem

@article {pmid40860729,
year = {2025},
author = {Schell, LT and Evers, E and Schönbrodt-Stitt, S and Müller, K and Merzdorf, M and Bantlin, DA and Otte, I},
title = {Synergistic use of satellite, legacy, and in situ data to predict spatio-temporal patterns of the invasive Lantana camara in a savannah ecosystem.},
journal = {Frontiers in plant science},
volume = {16},
number = {},
pages = {1593110},
pmid = {40860729},
issn = {1664-462X},
abstract = {Modeling species distributions is critical for managing invasive alien species, as reliable information on habitat suitability is essential for effective conservation and rehabilitation strategies. In this study, we modeled the suitable habitat and potential distribution of the notorious invader Lantana camara in the Akagera National Park (1,122 km[2]), a savannah ecosystem in Rwanda. Spatiotemporal patterns of Lantana camara from 2015 to 2023 were predicted at a 30-m spatial resolution using a presence-only species distribution model, implementing a Random Forest classification algorithm and set up in the Google Earth Engine. The model incorporated Sentinel-1 SAR, Sentinel-2 multispectral data, anthropogenic predictors, and in situ presence data of Lantana camara. A maximum of 33% of the study area was predicted as a suitable Lantana camara habitat in 2023, with higher vulnerability in the central, northern, and southern Akagera National Park. The change detection analysis revealed an increase in habitat suitability in the northeastern sector and a decrease in the southwestern part of the park over the study period. The model's predictive performance was robust, with AUCROC values ranging from 0.93 to 0.98 and AUCPR values ranging from 0.79 to 0.94. Key factors influencing Lantana camara habitat suitability in the study area are the road network, the elevation, and soil nitrogen levels. Additionally, the red edge, shortwave, and near-infrared spectral bands were identified as essential predictors, highlighting the efficacy of combining remote sensing and anthropogenic data with machine learning techniques to predict invasive species distributions. These findings provide valuable guidance for developing effective conservation strategies to protect savannah ecosystems and mitigate the spread of Lantana camara in the future.},
}

@article {pmid40860219,
year = {2025},
author = {Fuka, ME and Connolly, BM and Orrock, JL},
title = {Urbanization, Not Invasive Shrubs, Alters Tree Seed Fate by Modifying Rodent Activity.},
journal = {Ecology and evolution},
volume = {15},
number = {8},
pages = {e72038},
pmid = {40860219},
issn = {2045-7758},
abstract = {Changes in the global environment are widespread and may have unappreciated effects on the activity of animals and the strength of animal-mediated interactions. For example, urbanization and the spread of invasive species are aspects of global change that may lead to shifts in the activity of granivorous rodents, potentially leading to changes in the survival and establishment of seeds rodents consume. Importantly, these two aspects of global change could interact to affect rodent activity. We used a large-scale manipulation of common invasive shrubs (Rhamnus cathartica, Lonicera macckii) across a rural-to-urban forest gradient spanning southern Wisconsin in summer and autumn to examine the effects that urbanization, invasion, and seasonality had on modifying rodent activity and granivory. Using two 14-day sampling sessions, we recorded the activity of three granivorous rodents (Peromyscus leucopus, Sciurus carolinensis, and Tamias striatus) with motion-activated cameras and quantified seed removal using six tree species (Quercus rubra, Quercus alba, Acer saccharum, Prunus serotina, Pinus strobus, and Pinus resinosa) with seed depots to link animal activity with seed removal. Our findings reveal that Quercus seed removal was highest in urban sites, potentially linking hotspots of S. carolinensis activity in urban forests to decreased seed survival. In capturing a large number of P. leucopus photos during the autumn in R. cathartica removed plots, our findings suggest that P. leucopus may be responding to the provision of short-term resources. Our results underscore the primacy of seed mass in determining rodent seed choice: although urbanization and invasive shrubs had different effects on the activity of rodent species, the removal of seeds was always strongly dependent upon seed mass. Our findings help to illuminate potential hotspots of granivorous rodent activity along an urbanization gradient, the shifts in species-specific seed loss associated with this gradient, and the dominance of seed mass in contributing to rodent seed preference.},
}

@article {pmid40855502,
year = {2025},
author = {Stoakley, TE and Zenas, SJ and Brown, VR and Smith, MD and Gulsby, WD and Collier, BA and Ditchkoff, SS},
title = {Wild pigs impact reproductive season movements and space use of wild turkeys.},
journal = {Movement ecology},
volume = {13},
number = {1},
pages = {59},
pmid = {40855502},
issn = {2051-3933},
abstract = {BACKGROUND: Impacts of invasive species on the movements and space use of native fauna have potential implications during the reproductive period. Over the last three decades, native wild turkeys (Meleagris gallopavo) have experienced a notable decline in productivity while invasive wild pigs (Sus scrofa) have expanded populations throughout the southeastern United States. Camera studies have shown that the presence of wild pigs can negatively impact detection of wild turkeys in areas of overlapping use. We explored whether wild turkeys avoided areas with greater wild pig densities during spring breeding season for wild turkeys.

METHODS: We deployed 22 GPS units on wild turkeys prior to the spring reproductive season and conducted a 1-km[2] gridded camera survey in early summer to estimate densities of wild pigs across our 9,000-ha study area in east-central Alabama. We addressed reproductive season movement ecology of wild turkeys in relation to relative densities of wild pigs in terms of (1) step length, (2) daytime space use, (3) roost site selection, and (4) nest site selection. We hypothesized that wild turkeys would exhibit longer step lengths and avoid daytime use, nighttime roost selection, and nest placement in areas with greater densities of wild pigs.

RESULTS: We found that greater densities of wild pigs negatively impacted movement metrics of wild turkeys. Specifically, greater densities of wild pigs were associated with longer step lengths and lower probabilities of daytime use, roost site selection, and nest site selection in wild turkeys.

CONCLUSIONS: Rate of movement and probability of use are associated with preference for the ecological attributes of an area. Our results suggested that wild turkeys avoided or were excluded from areas with greater densities of wild pigs due to perceived disturbance risk or wild pigs making areas less usable. Our results have implications for interspecific spatial interactions as well as management activities to reduce the impacts of invasive wild pigs on native species.},
}

@article {pmid40817242,
year = {2025},
author = {Farooq, S},
title = {Climate-driven spread of giant hogweed [Heracleum mantegazzianum (Sommier & Levier) in Turkey: assessing future invasion risks under CMIP6 climate projections.},
journal = {BMC plant biology},
volume = {25},
number = {1},
pages = {1079},
pmid = {40817242},
issn = {1471-2229},
mesh = {Turkey ; *Introduced Species ; *Climate Change ; Climate ; Ecosystem ; },
abstract = {BACKGROUND: Biological invasions pose significant ecological and socio-economic threats globally. Heracleum mantegazzianum (giant hogweed) is an invasive plant, extensively invading Europe and North America. It exerts negative impacts on ecosystems, native vegetation, and public health in the invaded range. Although H. mantegazzianum has not been reported from Turkey yet, ecological conditions of the country similar to those prevailing in its native and invaded ranges suggest a high introduction and spread risk for Turkey. Therefore, the current study predicted the introduction and future invasion risk of H. mantegazzianum in Turkey under current and future Coupled Model Intercomparison Project Phase 6 (CMIP6) projections.

METHODS: Maximum Entropy (MaxEnt) model was used to predict introduction and future invasion risk using occurrence data from native and invaded ranges and global environmental data. Only climatic data were used for modeling as future data for soil and socioeconomic attributes are currently unavailable. Multicollinearity among environmental variables was tested and 10 least correlated variables, i.e., bio1 (annual mean temperature), bio2 (mean diurnal range), bio4 (temperature seasonality), bio5 (max temperature of warmest month), bio6 (min temperature of coldest month), bio7 (temperature annual range), bio10 (mean temperature of warmest quarter), bio11 (mean temperature of coldest quarter), bio14 (precipitation of driest month), and bio15 (precipitation seasonality) were used to train and test the model. Furthermore, the model was optimized before training and testing. The model was trained and tested with 18,607 occurrence records of which 75% and 25% were split for training and testing, respectively. Future invasion risk was predicted under two CMIP6 climate change scenarios (SSP1-2.6 and SSP5-8.5). Predictive accuracy of the model was evaluated by area under the receiver operating characteristics curve (AUC), true skill statistics (TSS), sensitivity and specificity.

RESULTS: MaxEnt model predicted introduction and future invasion risk of H. mantegazzianum with high accuracy (AUC = 0.97 ± 0.02; TSS = 0.94 ± 0.04, Kappa = 0.92 ± 0.03, sensitivity = 93.40 ± 2.20, and specificity = 94.80 ± 3.40). The bio14, bio6 and bio1 had the highest permutation importance indicating that temperature and precipitation changes will mediate the introduction and future invasion of H. mantegazzianum. A total 4.2% of Turkey's land area (31.2 thousand km[2]) was predicted highly suitable for the introduction of H. mantegazzianum in the Black Sea region under current climate. The CMIP6 climate projections suggest a ~ 50% decline in highly suitable habitats, and aggregation around the Black Sea coast.

CONCLUSION: Climate change is expected to reduce the overall range of H. mantegazzianum in Turkey but may intensify impacts in Black Sea region due to aggregation. Proactive monitoring and management strategies targeting high invasion risk areas guided by invasion risk maps from this study are urgently needed mitigate ecological and socio-economic consequences of H. mantegazzianum in Turkey.},
}

Turkey
*Introduced Species
*Climate Change
Climate
Ecosystem

@article {pmid40858689,
year = {2025},
author = {Rajak, P and Afreen, T and Raghubanshi, AS and Singh, H},
title = {The impact of rainfall variability on selected soil properties and ecophysiological traits in Prosopis juliflora invaded plots.},
journal = {Scientific reports},
volume = {15},
number = {1},
pages = {31473},
pmid = {40858689},
issn = {2045-2322},
abstract = {Prosopis juliflora is a major invasive species in tropical and subtropical regions. This study explores the link between precipitation, soil moisture, and plant growth, focusing on the invasive P. juliflora in a simulated altered rainfall regime. The study was conducted simultaneously by using three rainout shelters, Normal Rainfall (NR, 1000 mm) (ii) High Rainfall (HR, 1400 mm) (iii) Low Rainfall (LR, 500 mm). Each rainout shelter was divided into three subplots measuring 2 × 2 m to establish P. juliflora by transplanting 20 seedlings per 4 m[2]. After 1 years of establishments, plant growth, ecophysiological attributes and soil properties were recorded as per standard protocols. Increased rainfall led to higher soil moisture and promoted P. juliflora growth, biomass, and photosynthetic activity. Conversely, decreased rainfall triggered drought stress, impacting gas exchange and reducing growth. Statistical analysis showed significant (p < 0.05), SM, soil inorganic-N, N-mineralization, growth measurements, photosynthesis rate (Aarea), transpiration rate (E), height (H), diameter (D), root: shoot ratio, and biomass (AGB + BGB) exhibited the highest values in the HR plots during the rainy season and the lowest values in the LR plots during the summer season, following the trend HR > NR > LR. When different rainfall conditions were regressed against P. juliflora biomass, significantly positive linear relationships were observed. The findings suggest that P. juliflora adapts to changing rainfall regimes by allocating resources strategically. While it thrives under high precipitation, it exhibits surprising drought tolerance, potentially colonizing drier regions. Declining monsoon rainfall and increased precipitation intensity may boost P. juliflora's invasiveness.},
}

@article {pmid40854931,
year = {2025},
author = {Kumakamba, C and Granjon, L and Mangombi-Pambou, J and Atteynine, SA and Muyembe-Tamfum, JJ and Fenollar, F and Mediannikov, O},
title = {Zoonotic microorganisms in native and exotic invasive urban small mammals of bamako, Mali.},
journal = {Scientific reports},
volume = {15},
number = {1},
pages = {31204},
pmid = {40854931},
issn = {2045-2322},
mesh = {Animals ; Mali/epidemiology ; *Zoonoses/microbiology/epidemiology ; Bartonella/genetics/isolation & purification ; Coxiella burnetii/genetics/isolation & purification ; Humans ; Trypanosoma/genetics/isolation & purification ; *Rodentia/microbiology ; Introduced Species ; },
abstract = {The increase in the incidence of zoonoses underlines the need for monitoring pathogens in wild animals. Recent studies have revealed the circulation of several microorganisms in rodents, in various geographic and environmental contexts, including African urban habitats. However, Mali, a landlocked country of West Africa, was not extensively studied for the circulation of the microorganisms in rodents. And this paucity of information puts the fight against rodent-borne zoonoses at a disadvantage. This is why we aimed through this study to improve knowledge of potentially zoonotic infectious agents carried by rodents in Mali (Bamako). Three hundred and seventy-one small mammal spleen samples taken from captures realized in 2021-2022 were analyzed by polymerase chain reaction. Eleven of them (i.e. 2.96%) were infected by microorganisms (Bartonella spp., Coxiella burnetii and Trypanosoma otospermophili). The most frequently detected microorganisms were Bartonella spp. (2.43%). We identified new genotypes of B. elizabethae (a species involved in some cases of infective endocarditis) and B. mastomydis. We also identified C. burnetii MS type 12, thus showing active circulation of a human-pathogenic genotype of Q fever agent in wild rodents. For the first time in Mali, Trypanosoma otospermophili was identified in a specimen of brown rat Rattus norvegicus.},
}

Animals
Mali/epidemiology
*Zoonoses/microbiology/epidemiology
Bartonella/genetics/isolation & purification
Coxiella burnetii/genetics/isolation & purification
Humans
Trypanosoma/genetics/isolation & purification
*Rodentia/microbiology
Introduced Species

@article {pmid40813409,
year = {2025},
author = {Akomolafe, GF and Ocheola, WO and Rosazlina, R and Ojija, F and Xue, S and Omomoh, BE},
title = {Intraspecific functional traits of an invasive alien plant, Hyptis suaveolens differ with respect to land use types.},
journal = {Scientific reports},
volume = {15},
number = {1},
pages = {29877},
pmid = {40813409},
issn = {2045-2322},
mesh = {*Introduced Species ; Ecosystem ; Nigeria ; *Hyptis/physiology/growth & development ; Plant Leaves ; Plant Roots ; },
abstract = {Hyptis suaveolens is an invasive alien plant which possesses traits that drive its impacts and interruption of ecosystem processes. In this study, the intraspecific functional traits of H. suaveolens were assessed in some invaded parts of Nasarawa State in Nigeria to test whether the functional traits (FTs) of H. suaveolens would differ with respect to the land use types at the different study sites. Invaded sites of size 100 m × 100 m were chosen at farmland, abandoned land and roadside of Lafia, Doma and Akwanga, Nasarawa State. At each site, the functional traits were determined towards the end of the growing season using ten consecutive 1.5 × 1.5 m[2] quadrants positioned at 2 m intervals along a 100 m transect. Also, the diversity indices were quantified and compared across the sites at each location. Principal component analysis with the option of a varimax rotation was used to isolate axes of specialization of the plant at all the sites. The results showed that H. suaveolens utilize different functional traits as their drivers with respect to individual sites in the three locations. Leaf area, stem bark thickness, fine root diameter, specific root length, rooting depth, and plant height are drivers in Doma. Leaf area, root depth distribution, stem specific density, fine root diameter, leaf dry matter content, stem dry matter content, specific root length and plant height are the drivers in Akwanga. Fine root diameter, Leaf dry matter content, Root depth distribution, Leaf area, Specific root length and plant height are the drivers in Lafia. These traits are indicators of their highly competitive ability, low inflammability, efficient acquisition, usage of resources and resistance to physical hazard.},
}

*Introduced Species
Ecosystem
Nigeria
*Hyptis/physiology/growth & development
Plant Leaves
Plant Roots

@article {pmid40803794,
year = {2025},
author = {Grandi, G and Omazic, A and Guevara, C and de Jong, A and Chitimia-Dobler, L},
title = {Importation of the exotic tick Amblyomma geoemydae into Sweden via illegally introduced turtles (Geoemyda spengleri) from Thailand.},
journal = {Veterinary parasitology, regional studies and reports},
volume = {63},
number = {},
pages = {101304},
doi = {10.1016/j.vprsr.2025.101304},
pmid = {40803794},
issn = {2405-9390},
mesh = {Animals ; *Turtles/parasitology ; Sweden ; Thailand ; *Tick Infestations/veterinary/parasitology/epidemiology ; *Introduced Species ; *Amblyomma/genetics/physiology ; *Animals, Exotic ; Nymph ; },
abstract = {Illegal importation of animals as pets might be followed by the introduction of exotic tick species, potential vectors of pathogens that can have an impact on wildlife and/or domestic animals and on humans. Therefore, permanent measures of surveillance and control on imported reptiles are emphasized. In February 2024, black-breasted leaf turtles (Geoemyda spengleri) (n = 31) were illegally imported into Sweden from Thailand. The turtles were sent by the Swedish Customs Criminal Department West in Gothenburg to a public aquarium and terrarium (Tropicarium, Kolmården, Östergötland county) to be kept in quarantine. At the Tropicarium the turtles were found to be infested by ticks. All ticks (n = 3) found were removed and stored in ethanol. The finding (including photos of the ticks) was reported to the Swedish Veterinary Agency (SVA, Uppsala) using the Report Tick Tool, a surveillance system developed by the SVA itself. The three collected ticks were identified based on morphology and genetics as Amblyomma geoemydae nymphs. This discovery demonstrates that SVA's surveillance tool can function as an early warning system for newly introduced tick species and to promptly identify exotic tick species which can carry viruses, bacteria, and/or parasites that are not currently present in the country.},
}

Animals
*Turtles/parasitology
Sweden
Thailand
*Tick Infestations/veterinary/parasitology/epidemiology
*Introduced Species
*Amblyomma/genetics/physiology
*Animals, Exotic
Nymph

@article {pmid40753926,
year = {2025},
author = {Miller, BJ and McKinstry, MC and Wilcock, PR and Macfarlane, WW and Bassett, S and Budy, P and Pennock, CA},
title = {Shrinking channels, growing threats: Habitat degradation from channel narrowing and invasive vegetation in three dryland rivers.},
journal = {Journal of environmental management},
volume = {392},
number = {},
pages = {126714},
doi = {10.1016/j.jenvman.2025.126714},
pmid = {40753926},
issn = {1095-8630},
mesh = {*Rivers ; *Ecosystem ; *Introduced Species ; Animals ; Fishes ; Plants ; },
abstract = {Water development and the proliferation of invasive riparian vegetation have led to widespread habitat loss and simplification of rivers in the western United States, contributing to the imperilment of native fishes. Here, we quantify channel narrowing and vegetation encroachment, which are conspicuous indicators of riverine habitat alteration, along ∼400 km of three dryland tributaries of the upper Colorado River. We conducted a comparative analysis of aerial photographs between the 1930s and 2010s/2020s time periods using visual interpretation and used Light Detection and Ranging (LiDAR) data along with Object-Based Image Analysis (OBIA) to quantify canopy cover of woody riparian species. All three rivers underwent substantial channel narrowing, coinciding with a general decrease in spring floods over time. However, the extent of narrowing varied among the rivers (78 %, 73 %, and 29 %) with greater narrowing corresponding to larger reductions in spring flows. In contrast, contemporary woody cover was similarly high among all three rivers (39 %, 41 %, and 36 %), and a woody vegetation analysis we conducted for one river indicated a substantial increase in vegetation along the active channel (4 %-74 %). These findings underscore a common pattern observed in rivers throughout the basin, where river channels often undergo narrowing and encroachment by invasive vegetation following dam construction and/or decreases in flows, ultimately leading to habitat simplification, with negative implications for native fishes and other riparian biota. Our findings also emphasize that, even in the presence of nonnative vegetation establishment, preserving or restoring large magnitude and long duration floods can help conserve diverse habitat in dryland rivers.},
}

*Rivers
*Ecosystem
*Introduced Species
Animals
Fishes
Plants

@article {pmid40580636,
year = {2025},
author = {Martin, N and Blanchet, S and Hermet, S and Larcher, T and Gros, R and Hansson, SV and Gomez, E and Duporté, G and Sauvêtre, A and Goutte, A and Lalot, B and Jean, S and Jacquin, L and Farcy, E},
title = {Multiscale physiological responses to organic and inorganic pollution in the invasive mosquitofish Gambusia holbrooki.},
journal = {Ecotoxicology and environmental safety},
volume = {302},
number = {},
pages = {118565},
doi = {10.1016/j.ecoenv.2025.118565},
pmid = {40580636},
issn = {1090-2414},
mesh = {Animals ; *Water Pollutants, Chemical/toxicity/analysis ; *Cyprinodontiformes/physiology ; Male ; Female ; France ; *Environmental Monitoring ; Introduced Species ; Liver/drug effects/pathology/metabolism ; Gills/drug effects/pathology ; Pesticides/toxicity ; Biomarkers/metabolism ; },
abstract = {Anthropic activities often lead to the contamination of freshwater ecosystems by organic and inorganic pollutants with potential deleterious effects on wildlife health. However, some species such as the invasive mosquitofish (Gambusia holbrooki) can thrive in such polluted habitats, but the underpinning mechanisms are still unknown. The aim of this study was to characterize the physiological responses of mosquitofish living along different pollution gradients in the south of France. Eleven sites were selected according to various levels of pollutants in the water (pesticides, pharmaceuticals) and in mosquitofish tissue (PAHs, PBDEs, PCBs, organochlorines, metals). The level of the different pollutants varied among sites resulting in contrasted pollution gradients. The biological response of mosquitofish was measured using biomarkers of biotransformation, oxidative status, neurotoxicity and histopathological alteration in gills and liver. Muscle lipids, hepatosomatic condition, body condition and reproductive status were also measured. We used a Structural Equation Modelling (SEM) approach to characterize the direct and indirect effects of pollutants across biological levels. Results showed that high levels of POPs and metals affected biotransformation processes in both sexes, as well as non-enzymatic antioxidants level and resulted in gill histopathological alterations in females. In addition, pesticides increased the energetic demand reflected by reduced lipid storage in females and hepatosomatic condition in males. Interestingly, responses to pollution varied among sexes since females responded to a broader range of pollutant types than males. This study highlights some of the key traits underlying the tolerance to pollution of the mosquitofish, which could partly explain their invasive success in polluted ecosystems.},
}

Animals
*Water Pollutants, Chemical/toxicity/analysis
*Cyprinodontiformes/physiology
Male
Female
France
*Environmental Monitoring
Introduced Species
Liver/drug effects/pathology/metabolism
Gills/drug effects/pathology
Pesticides/toxicity
Biomarkers/metabolism

@article {pmid40855738,
year = {2025},
author = {Haubrock, PJ and Novello, M and Abreo, NA and Błońska, D and Sampaio Franco, AC and Soto, I and Castaldelli, G and Katsanevakis, S and Kouba, A and Balzani, P and Kurtul, I and Tarkan, AS and Briski, E and Britton, R},
title = {A Global Account of Established Non-Native Fish Species.},
journal = {Global change biology},
volume = {31},
number = {8},
pages = {e70451},
doi = {10.1111/gcb.70451},
pmid = {40855738},
issn = {1365-2486},
support = {101105250//H2020 Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions/ ; 101203662//H2020 Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions/ ; },
mesh = {Animals ; *Fishes/physiology/classification ; *Introduced Species ; *Biodiversity ; *Conservation of Natural Resources ; Fisheries ; Aquaculture ; },
abstract = {The introduction of non-native aquatic species has fundamentally transformed aquatic assemblages, primarily due to human activities, such as aquaculture, fisheries enhancement, aquarium trade, the creation of artificial corridors, and deliberate and accidental releases. Despite growing concern for biological invasions, there is no overall global appraisal of successful non-native fishes. This study compiled a comprehensive dataset from several global sources to examine the taxonomic diversity, geographical distribution, introduction pathways, and ecological impacts of non-native freshwater and marine fishes. Our dataset includes 1535 established non-native fish species in 193 countries (82% of the global coverage), with Leuciscidae, Cichlidae, Salmonidae, and Cyprinidae being the most represented families. Although the incline in first reportings appears almost linear, annual reporting has been declining for decades, suggesting fish introduction rates are decreasing. The main introduction pathways are aquarium trade, aquaculture, fishery augmentation, and the creation of artificial corridors. The importance of introduction pathways substantially differed between freshwater species (primarily the aquarium trade and aquaculture) and marine species (corridors). While extensive records exist for hundreds of non-native fish species, information on their impact types and impact mechanisms remains available only for a third of these species, highlighting broad knowledge deficiencies. Available impact information indicates that non-native fish species may threaten native biodiversity through primarily competition and predation as dominant mechanisms. The magnitude of highest-risk invasions suggests remediation is possible through urgent proactive policy and management interventions. This comprehensive global evaluation of established fish species and their ecological effects thus addresses critical data deficiencies, strengthens risk assessment frameworks, and supports the development of targeted biosecurity policies on priority pathways, approaches essential for helping mitigate the environmental and economic impacts of non-native fish introductions.},
}

Animals
*Fishes/physiology/classification
*Introduced Species
*Biodiversity
*Conservation of Natural Resources
Fisheries
Aquaculture

@article {pmid40852383,
year = {2025},
author = {Li, R and Wang, Z and Yang, F and Qiao, G and Tu, J and Sun, A and Wang, S},
title = {Functional characterization of antennae-enriched chemosensory protein 4 in emerald ash borer, Agrilus planipennis.},
journal = {PeerJ},
volume = {13},
number = {},
pages = {e19812},
pmid = {40852383},
issn = {2167-8359},
mesh = {Animals ; *Coleoptera/metabolism/genetics ; *Arthropod Antennae/metabolism ; Male ; Female ; *Insect Proteins/metabolism/genetics/chemistry ; Molecular Docking Simulation ; Fraxinus/parasitology ; Molecular Dynamics Simulation ; *Receptors, Odorant/metabolism ; Terpenes/metabolism ; },
abstract = {Agrilus planipennis is an invasive species that inflicts substantial harm on ash trees (Fraxinus spp.) globally. Elucidating its olfactory mechanisms is essential for devising effective pest management approaches. In this research, we identified chemosensory protein 4 (AplaCSP4) in A. planipennis, which is highly expressed in the antennae of both male and female individuals. Notably, the mRNA expression level of AplaCSP4 in females is 1.9 times higher than that in males. Fluorescence competition binding assays revealed that recombinant AplaCSP4 has a broad binding spectrum, capable of interacting with 11 compounds from various chemical classes such as esters, alkanes, terpenes, terpenoids, and terpenols. The dissociation constants (K D) for these binding affinities range from 0.25 to 11.47 µM. AplaCSP4 shows binding affinity for volatiles from Fraxinus species, including dodecane, myrcene, ocimene, farnesene, (+)-limonene, and nerolidol, with the highest affinity observed for farnesene (K D = 0.25 µM). Molecular docking and dynamics simulation were employed to elucidate the binding mode of farnesene, which exhibited the strongest binding affinity with AplaCSP4. The results indicated that farnesene binds within the hydrophobic pocket of AplaCSP4, with a binding energy of -31.830 ± 2.015 kcal/mol and -32.585 ± 2.011 kcal/mol in dual-replicate molecular dynamics simulations, and primarily driven by van der Waals interactions. Importantly, during the two molecular dynamics simulations, the centroid distances between farnesene and the key residues in the binding pocket of AplaCSP4 were maintained relatively stable. The combined results from in vitro experiments and computational modeling suggest that AplaCSP4 is critically involved in plant volatile detection. This study offers insights into the molecular basis of olfactory perception in A. planipennis and may provide a foundation for developing novel olfactory-based pest control strategies targeting chemosensory proteins.},
}

Animals
*Coleoptera/metabolism/genetics
*Arthropod Antennae/metabolism
Male
Female
*Insect Proteins/metabolism/genetics/chemistry
Molecular Docking Simulation
Fraxinus/parasitology
Molecular Dynamics Simulation
*Receptors, Odorant/metabolism
Terpenes/metabolism

@article {pmid40851440,
year = {2025},
author = {Ioriatti, C and Mazzoni, V and Franceschi, P and Chiesa, SG and Angeli, G and De Concini, M and Panizza, C and Martini, F and Zapponi, L and Anfora, G},
title = {Classical biological control of the brown marmorated stink bug (Halyomorpha halys) in apple orchard: a success story.},
journal = {Pest management science},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1002/ps.70154},
pmid = {40851440},
issn = {1526-4998},
support = {//Provincia Autonoma di Trento/ ; },
abstract = {BACKGROUND: The brown marmorated stink bug (BMSB), Halyomorpha halys, is an invasive pest from eastern Asia that has caused significant damage to apple orchards in Europe and the United States. To reduce pesticide reliance, a classical biological control (CBC) program, using the Asian egg parasitoid Trissolcus japonicus, was initiated in Trentino, a key apple-producing area in Italy. The CBC program involved the release of T. japonicus at selected sites with minimal chemical input from 2020 to 2023. Monitoring was conducted to assess parasitoid establishment and egg parasitization rates. Preliminary data on fruit damage were also collected to assess trends at a large territorial scale. Parasitoid efficacy was evaluated based on discovery efficiency and parasitization impact.

RESULTS: Trissolcus japonicus was recaptured in 62.3% of the sites, with increasing recapture rates over the years (from 30% in the first year to 65.4% in the fourth year). The overall egg parasitization rate increased from 18.3% to 50.6%, with T. japonicus contributing significantly (from 7.9% in 2020 to 41.3% in 2023). The percentage of hatched eggs decreased from 61.6% to 29.0%. Discovery efficiency improved from 9.9% to 54.4%, and impact from 7.9% to 39.0%. Fruit damage monitoring indicated an overall decreasing trend in orchards within a 2.5 km radius of successful release sites.

CONCLUSION: The release of T. japonicus in Trentino demonstrated effective control of BMSB, reducing pesticide use and fruit damage, thereby highlighting the potential of CBC as a sustainable pest management strategy against invasive alien pests. Further long-term studies are recommended to optimize and expand this approach. © 2025 The Author(s). Pest Management Science published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of Society of Chemical Industry.},
}