@article {pmid42331051,
year = {2026},
author = {Umar Sharif, US and Mohd, MH},
title = {Temperature-dependent dynamics and allee effect thresholds mediate fourfold cusp stability in biological control of invasive vectors.},
journal = {Mathematical biosciences},
volume = {399},
number = {},
pages = {109750},
doi = {10.1016/j.mbs.2026.109750},
pmid = {42331051},
issn = {1879-3134},
mesh = {Animals ; *Temperature ; *Climate Change ; *Models, Biological ; Population Dynamics ; *Pest Control, Biological/statistics & numerical data ; *Introduced Species ; *Vector Borne Diseases/prevention & control ; *Models, Theoretical ; },
abstract = {Climate change is reshaping the distribution of invasive vector species, intensifying the risk of vector-borne diseases in previously unaffected regions. Sustainable management of these vectors increasingly relies on biological control agents, which offer an environmentally friendly alternative to chemical interventions. However, the success of biological control is constrained by ecological thresholds such as the Allee effect, where small introduced populations of control agents may fail to establish, particularly under changing temperature conditions. In this study, we examine a mathematical model that captures competition between invasive vectors and biological control agents. The model incorporates temperature-dependent functional responses and weak Allee effects to reflect the dual pressures of climate variability and population-level constraints. Our one-parameter bifurcation analysis reveals that these combined drivers promote multistability, leading to sudden regime shifts between outcomes of successful vector suppression, vector outbreaks, coexistence, or population collapse. Additionally, four coexisting stable equilibria arises from a cusp-induced wedge region in a two-parameter bifurcation analysis, a phenomenon not previously observed in vector-borne population dynamics. This introduces a higher level of dynamical complexity, bridging temperature-dependent biological rates and nonlinear population feedback, with potential implications for species bio-control under climate change. These findings also suggest that climate change not only facilitates vector spread but also complicates biological control outcomes, making them highly sensitive to initial population densities, population-level (or Allee effect) constraints and temperature regimes. This work demonstrates the importance of considering both climatic and population-level influences when planning biological control programs, particularly in safeguarding public health against emerging vector-borne threats.},
}

Animals
*Temperature
*Climate Change
*Models, Biological
Population Dynamics
*Pest Control, Biological/statistics & numerical data
*Introduced Species
*Vector Borne Diseases/prevention & control
*Models, Theoretical

@article {pmid42376123,
year = {2026},
author = {Mohammed, SAA and Hdud, IM and Efkeren, SM and Alshailabi, EMA},
title = {Descriptive histopathological assessment of kidney and gill tissues in Lagocephalus sceleratus from the Libyan coast.},
journal = {Open veterinary journal},
volume = {16},
number = {3},
pages = {1511-1522},
pmid = {42376123},
issn = {2218-6050},
mesh = {Animals ; *Gills/pathology ; *Kidney/pathology ; Libya ; *Fish Diseases/pathology/parasitology ; Mediterranean Sea ; },
abstract = {BACKGROUND: The Mediterranean Sea has undergone significant ecological changes in recent decades, partly due to the introduction of non-native species. Lagocephalus sceleratus is an invasive Lessepsian species widely distributed in the Mediterranean, increasingly abundant along the Libyan coast, and potentially exposed to chronic environmental stressors.This species represents an important model for baseline pathological assessment in newly colonized marine environments.

AIM: This study provides a descriptive histopathological assessment of kidney and gill tissues in adult L. sceleratus to document baseline tissue alterations without inferring direct environmental or pollution-related causation.

METHODS: A total of 150 adult specimens were collected from four Libyan coastal locations. Tissues were processed using standard histological techniques and evaluated semi-quantitatively (+, ++, +++) for lesion severity. Lesion severity grades were converted into ordinal numerical data and summarized using descriptive statistical approaches only.

RESULTS: Kidney tissues exhibited tubular degeneration, Bowman's capsule dilatation, vascular congestion, extensive melanomacrophage centers (MMCs), and inflammatory lesions. Gill tissues showed disorganization of secondary lamellae, epithelial hyperplasia, edema, aneurysmal dilatations, vascular congestion, and MMC proliferation, some of which were associated with histologically observed parasitic structures.

CONCLUSION: The observed alterations represent descriptive baseline tissue changes and should not be interpreted as direct evidence of pollution or specific environmental stressors.These findings provide reference data for future comparative pathological and ecological studies.},
}

Animals
*Gills/pathology
*Kidney/pathology
Libya
*Fish Diseases/pathology/parasitology
Mediterranean Sea

@article {pmid42376710,
year = {2026},
author = {Arguelles, EDLR and Mugikura, K and Sato, S},
title = {Impact of the invasive diatom species Cymbella janischii on riverine microbial biofilm communities and a potential role of bacterially produced zeatin.},
journal = {Journal of phycology},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1111/jpy.70195},
pmid = {42376710},
issn = {1529-8817},
support = {21A402//Japan Society for the Promotion of Science/ ; 23K05398//Japan Society for the Promotion of Science/ ; 26K01814//Japan Society for the Promotion of Science/ ; //Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology/ ; },
abstract = {The diatom Cymbella janischii is an invasive species in Japan, causing nuisance blooms by forming thick mats in rivers. To date, there are no documented studies on the microbiome associations in C. janischii mats or the processes that drive bloom formation. This study used metabarcoding of diatoms, bacteria, and fungi to identify key species and assess the effects of C. janischii blooms on the benthic microbial communities. C. janischii blooms reduced diatom and bacterial species diversity, while fungal diversity remained stable. In addition, the diatom Nitzschia paleacea and the bacterium Flavobacterium sp. were observed to co-occur and vary in abundance, indicating a possible ecological link that may affect mat structure or function. Metagenomic predictions of bacterial functions showed that compared to benthic stones without visible C. janischii mats, mat-associated bacteria had enriched pathways related to the metabolism of carbohydrates, nucleotides, and amino acids, along with zeatin biosynthesis. Zeatin is a cytokinin phytohormone that stimulates plant growth and development. In vitro exposure of C. janischii to varying zeatin concentrations confirmed its growth-promoting effects, inducing cell proliferation and stalk formation. This study shows that zeatin stimulates the growth of C. janischii. The findings of this study provide new insights into microbiome diversity, identifying key taxa associated with C. janischii mats to help better understand bloom formation.},
}

@article {pmid42377547,
year = {2026},
author = {Crucitti-Thoo, RM and Aykut, TO and Rudak, A and Jasser, I},
title = {Comparing Aquatic Environmental DNA, Microscopy and Sedimentary DNA to Investigate Cyanobacterial Community Dynamics Across a Trophic Gradient.},
journal = {Microbial ecology},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1007/s00248-026-02806-2},
pmid = {42377547},
issn = {1432-184X},
support = {560583//Polish National Science Centre/ ; },
abstract = {As a result of increasing temperatures and anthropogenic stressors, freshwater biomonitoring indicates that toxigenic and non-native cyanobacterial species are increasing globally. Because of the high-effort nature of traditional microscopy, aquatic Environmental DNA (eDNA) metabarcoding as a form of biomonitoring is becoming commonplace. While eDNA has been found to complement microscopic phytoplankton analysis, it has also been demonstrated that recent eDNA from surficial sediments (sedDNA) can also be a powerful tool to monitor a variety of organisms including benthic and planktonic microorganisms. However, comparisons between all three methods are rare. Therefore, we compared cyanobacterial metabarcoding data derived from aquatic eDNA and sedDNA to cell density and biomass determined by traditional planktonic microscopic analysis on samples taken from more than 20 lakes in the Masurian and Suwałki Lakelands of north-east Poland; an area composed of thousands of lakes with diverse morphologies, land-use histories, and varying trophic states. We found that there was a high degree of within method (eDNA/sedDNA, cell density/biomass) correspondence between the approaches, with trophic changes plausibly driving general patterns in taxa leading to these underlying agreements. Between methods, cell density proved to be more closely associated with eDNA, but was not found to be statistically significant. We postulate that cell numbers are a more similar metric to sequence read numbers than biomass, but that unique qualities of each measure mean that the approaches examined are complementary, rather than redundant. We detected several invasive taxa, which appear to have increased in abundance along the trophic gradients, and postulate that the accumulating nature of sediments may prove useful in detecting invasive taxa, particularly in the low-abundance early introductory stages.},
}

@article {pmid42378306,
year = {2026},
author = {Ssenkuba, F and Rwibutso, M and Dusabe, MC and Tumusiime, J and Albrecht, C},
title = {Invaders taking over-Mollusc faunal change in volcanic barrier lakes of the Albertine Rift biodiversity hotspot.},
journal = {PloS one},
volume = {21},
number = {6},
pages = {e0352648},
pmid = {42378306},
issn = {1932-6203},
mesh = {Animals ; *Biodiversity ; *Lakes ; *Mollusca/classification/genetics/physiology ; *Introduced Species ; DNA Barcoding, Taxonomic ; Ecosystem ; Uganda ; Rwanda ; },
abstract = {East African freshwater are renowned biodiversity hotspots, particularly within the Rift Valley lakes, which exhibit exceptional species richness and endemism. However, research in this region has predominantly focused on large Rift lakes, with smaller volcanic barrier lakes remaining underexplored. This study integrated morphological, DNA barcoding, and ecological analyses to assess mollusc diversity, biogeographical affinities, environmental correlates of distribution, and community differences in lakes Bunyonyi, Mutanda, and Mulehe in Uganda, and Lakes Ruhondo and Burera in Rwanda. Results revealed a relatively high malacofaunal diversity in these lakes compared to some Great Lakes in the region, although these comparisons should be interpreted cautiously because sampling scope differs among studies. Assemblages largely exhibited Nilotic affinities and were dominated by widespread mollusc species. Our findings suggest ongoing homogenisation of mollusc communities, as indicated by reduced dispersion among invaded lakes. While this pattern is consistent with potential influences of anthropogenic activities and invasive species such as the North American crayfish (Procambarus clarkii), Physella acuta, and the Asian lineage of Melanoides tuberculata, our analyses do not allow us to disentangle invasion effects from other confounding factors, including lake-specific characteristics and environmental gradients. Therefore, invasion-driven homogenisation should be interpreted with caution. Nevertheless, this trend, coupled with habitat degradation from agriculture, pollution, and infrastructure development, may pose significant threats to the mollusc diversity in these lakes. This research underscores the importance of prioritising these overlooked, fragile ecosystems in the regional biodiversity conservation strategies to safeguard habitats for molluscs and other faunal elements. A comprehensive regional freshwater survey, including metabarcoding, is needed to document molluscan diversity patterns under ongoing environmental change and increasing anthropogenic pressure.},
}

Animals
*Biodiversity
*Lakes
*Mollusca/classification/genetics/physiology
*Introduced Species
DNA Barcoding, Taxonomic
Ecosystem
Uganda
Rwanda

@article {pmid42379492,
year = {2026},
author = {Tober, AV and Webster, B and Govender, D and Cable, J and Russo, IM},
title = {Hidden digenean diversity in two African protected areas: metabarcoding as a tool for parasite identification.},
journal = {International journal for parasitology},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {104918},
doi = {10.1016/j.ijpara.2026.104918},
pmid = {42379492},
issn = {1879-0135},
abstract = {African protected areas support exceptional wildlife diversity, yet their parasite diversity remains poorly characterised. Documenting parasite biodiversity is increasingly urgent as global change alters species distributions and threatens to cause mass parasite extinctions. Digenean trematodes are thought to be particularly sensitive to environmental stressors due to their complex life cycles, involving gastropod intermediate hosts and a wide range of secondary and definitive hosts. This study used a metabarcoding approach targeting the nuclear 28S rDNA region with the aim of characterising trematode communities within freshwater snail hosts from two southern African protected areas: Kruger National Park, (KNP), South Africa and Bwabwata National Park (BNP), Namibia. Additionally, patterns of alpha diversity and trematode co-infection across snail species were assessed within both parks. Metabarcoding revealed high trematode diversity and co-infection rates in snail hosts, detecting species of veterinary (Schistosoma mattheei, Fasciola gigantica) and conservation (Riberioa cf. ondatrae) importance, across different snail species in both parks. The invasive snail Tarebia granifera in KNP showed significantly higher trematode richness compared to all other snail species, with all sampled individuals showing co-infection. Metabarcoding is a promising tool for assessing parasite diversity and within host communities, although there is an urgent need for improved trematode molecular reference databases. This work has important implications for biodiversity management, veterinary health and public health surveillance in African wildlife protected areas.},
}

@article {pmid42379622,
year = {2026},
author = {Rodríguez, A and Rando, JC and Rodríguez, B},
title = {Cat colonies reshape the abundance and body size of lizards.},
journal = {Biology letters},
volume = {22},
number = {7},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1098/rsbl.2026.0195},
pmid = {42379622},
issn = {1744-957X},
support = {RYC2021-032656-I//Ramón y Cajal fellowship/ ; MICIU/AEI/10.13039/501100011033//Ministerio de Ciencia, Innovación y Universidades/ ; //European Union 'NextGenerationEU'/PRTR/ ; },
mesh = {Animals ; *Lizards/physiology ; *Body Size ; Cats/physiology ; Population Density ; *Introduced Species ; Predatory Behavior ; Food Chain ; },
abstract = {The cat (Felis catus) is one of the worst invasive species, with well-documented impacts on biodiversity, especially on islands. Despite this, local administrations commonly implement trap-neuter-return (TNR) programmes to manage free-roaming cat populations. Here, we assess the effects of cat colonies on the endemic Tenerife lizard (Gallotia galloti). We used fruit-baited pitfall traps placed near and away from cat colonies to estimate lizard abundance and collect biometric data. Lizard abundance was lower near cat colonies compared with nearby control areas. Moreover, the individuals captured close to the colonies were smaller. Measurements of lizard carcasses found near colonies indicate that cats preferentially prey on larger individuals, explaining both their reduced abundance and their smaller body size. Interestingly, despite their smaller size, lizards near cat colonies presented higher scaled mass index values. Stable isotope analyses (δ13C and δ15N) of faecal samples suggest that these lizards partially rely on dried cat food available within colonies. Overall, cat colonies significantly altered lizard abundance, size structure and body condition. Given the ecological importance of G. galloti as both a seed disperser and prey, our findings highlight the need to limit the spread of free-roaming cat colonies, particularly in protected areas, to mitigate the effects on native biodiversity.},
}

Animals
*Lizards/physiology
*Body Size
Cats/physiology
Population Density
*Introduced Species
Predatory Behavior
Food Chain

@article {pmid42381664,
year = {2026},
author = {Sukee, T and Sumanam, SB and Chen, ZY and Hodgkinson, JE and Wiedemar, N and Webster, BL and Ponder, WF and Chang, BCH and Gasser, RB and Koehler, AV and Young, ND},
title = {Mitogenomic characterisation of non-native freshwater snails in Australia: Implications for biosecurity and trematode vector surveillance.},
journal = {One health (Amsterdam, Netherlands)},
volume = {23},
number = {},
pages = {101484},
pmid = {42381664},
issn = {2352-7714},
abstract = {Freshwater snails play essential roles in the transmission of trematode parasites that affect humans, livestock and wildlife. Australia's freshwater ecosystems are increasingly influenced by non-native and potentially invasive snail species that may pose biosecurity challenges and alter parasite transmission dynamics. This study characterised the complete mitochondrial genomes for four non-native snail taxa established in Australia (Pseudosuccinea columella, Orientogalba viridis, Physa acuta and Planorbella sp.) and for Galba truncatula, a high-priority exotic species considered a potential invader. Using long-read sequencing and comparative analyses, 15 complete mitogenomes were assembled, annotated and compared across three families (Lymnaeidae, Physidae and Planorbidae). Genome sizes ranged from 13.7 to 14.3 kb and exhibited conserved gene organisation and marked A + T bias. Australian populations of P. columella, O. viridis and Ph. acuta showed very limited mitochondrial nucleotide variability, consistent with founder effects, demographic bottlenecks and self-fertilisation, in contrast to the marked divergence observed among lineages within Galba from European laboratory strains. Phylogenetic inference based on concatenated and single-gene (cytochrome c oxidase subunit 1, cox1) datasets confirmed well-resolved family-level relationships and revealed cryptic diversity within Galba. The mitogenomes defined here provide molecular references for future taxonomic studies, diagnostic assay development and environmental (e)DNA monitoring of freshwater snails. These genomic resources establish a basis for biosecurity preparedness and vector surveillance in Australia and contribute to a broader One Health approach by supporting early detection, accurate identification and risk assessment of trematode-transmitting snails in freshwater ecosystems.},
}

@article {pmid42372141,
year = {2026},
author = {Beshai, RA and Sorte, CJB},
title = {A general framework for predicting the ecological effects of range expansions in marine systems.},
journal = {Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the United States of America},
volume = {123},
number = {27},
pages = {e2600491123},
doi = {10.1073/pnas.2600491123},
pmid = {42372141},
issn = {1091-6490},
support = {2124438//NSF (NSF)/ ; P200A210001//ED | Office of Postsecondary Education (OPE)/ ; },
mesh = {Animals ; *Ecosystem ; *Introduced Species ; *Aquatic Organisms/physiology ; Marine Biology ; Models, Biological ; Global Warming ; Food Chain ; },
abstract = {Warming global temperatures are driving species to shift beyond their historical geographic ranges into novel, expanded ranges, where they may have both positive and negative effects on recipient populations. Although no framework currently exists to anticipate these effects, invasion biology theory suggests expanders' effects may be predictable from expanders' historical roles and trophic positions. We conducted a global synthesis of over 1,200 population-level effects of marine range-expanding species reported across 1,075 studies. We hypothesized that, similar to invasive species, expanding species' impacts could be predicted by (H1) their ecological roles in their historical ranges and (H2) their trophic levels. We found that effects in these species' historical ranges reliably predict their impacts in expanded ranges, but that, overall, marine range expanders tend to be more detrimental-or less beneficial-in novel communities. Higher trophic level expanders tend to have stronger effects (both positive and negative) on resident species than lower trophic level expanders. Effect magnitudes were further modulated by the type of interaction (e.g., predation, competition, physical disturbance, etc.), with the strongest effects arising from indirect interactions. Finally, we found that native producers experienced some of the strongest effects when compared to humans, vertebrates, or invertebrates. Together, our results indicate that existing knowledge of species' roles are key to anticipating which climate-driven range expansions are likely to have the largest effects on recipient communities.},
}

Animals
*Ecosystem
*Introduced Species
*Aquatic Organisms/physiology
Marine Biology
Models, Biological
Global Warming
Food Chain

@article {pmid42372147,
year = {2026},
author = {Rizzieri, YC and Limpanasittichai, P and Hernández, F and Mendez-Reneau, JI and Holt, SD and Sutherland, B and Mandáková, T and Beck, JB and Kuo, LY and Kooyers, NJ and Li, FW and Sigel, EM},
title = {The dynamic genomes of Salvinia reshape our understanding of fern chromosome evolution.},
journal = {Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the United States of America},
volume = {123},
number = {27},
pages = {e2602084123},
doi = {10.1073/pnas.2602084123},
pmid = {42372147},
issn = {1091-6490},
support = {OIA-1920858//National Science Foundation (NSF)/ ; OIA-1920858//National Science Foundation (NSF)/ ; 25-16796S//Czech Science Foundation/ ; },
mesh = {*Genome, Plant/genetics ; *Chromosomes, Plant/genetics ; *Ferns/genetics ; *Evolution, Molecular ; Genome Size ; DNA Transposable Elements ; },
abstract = {Ferns are well known for their exceptionally large genomes and high chromosome numbers, which may be in part due to whole genome duplications (WGDs) followed by slow diploidization. To better understand the mode of fern genome evolution, we focus on the heterosporous fern genus Salvinia, which exhibits striking variation in genome size and chromosome number. We generated chromosome-level genome assemblies for Salvinia cucullata, the fern with the smallest genome, and Salvinia molesta, a globally invasive species widely thought to be an allopentaploid. Surprisingly, we found that S. molesta is in fact a diploid hybrid and that S. cucullata, despite having a genome ten times smaller than S. molesta, has substantially more chromosomes. Both species lack any recent WGDs and their highly variable genomes were predominately shaped by transposable element proliferation and chromosome rearrangements. The complete decoupling of chromosome number and genome size in Salvinia sharply contrasts the typical pattern in ferns, which are mostly homosporous and produce only one type of spore by meiosis. Many of the genome features observed in Salvinia are consistent with genomic changes due to female meiotic drive, a mechanism possible only in heterosporous plants that produce distinct microspores and megaspores. These results redefine the genetic identity of S. molesta and provide insights into its invasive success. The marked variation in genome composition and structure within Salvinia challenges the prevailing model of fern genome evolution while aligning with expectations for angiosperms, another heterosporous lineage.},
}

*Genome, Plant/genetics
*Chromosomes, Plant/genetics
*Ferns/genetics
*Evolution, Molecular
Genome Size
DNA Transposable Elements

@article {pmid42374621,
year = {2026},
author = {Jin, Z and Zhao, H and Yuan, S and Huang, L and Wan, W and Du, S and Huang, H and Wan, F and Guo, J and Liu, W},
title = {Human activities and climatic factors drive decoupling effects of parasitoids-invasive agromyzid leafminers.},
journal = {Pest management science},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1002/ps.71050},
pmid = {42374621},
issn = {1526-4998},
support = {//National Key Research and Development Program of China/ ; },
abstract = {BACKGROUND: Human activities disrupt the parasitoid-mediated control of invasive alien species by fragmenting habitats and intensifying temperature-driven pest proliferation. However, the synergistic effects of changes in human-modified landscapes and climatic gradients on parasitoid-herbivore interactions remain underexplored, limiting integrated pest management. Here, we mapped the habitat suitability and dispersal-risk corridors of two invasive agromyzid leafminers (Liriomyza sativae and Liriomyza trifolii) and evaluated the effects of human activities and climate on the spatial association patterns of parasitoids-agromyzid leafminers on Hainan Island.

RESULTS: The core risk patches and high-risk dispersal corridors of the two species were concentrated in towns and cultivated crop-growing areas in the northern plains and coastal regions, underscoring the key role of human activities in driving pest establishment and dispersal. As the temperature increased, human activities reduced the spatial association between agromyzid leafminers and parasitoids. In contrast, land use intensity strengthened their spatial association, likely indicating a trade-off between habitat fragmentation and cropland resource diversity in the spatial association patterns of these two populations.

CONCLUSIONS: Our study reveals that human activities and climatic factors synergistically reduce spatial association patterns between parasitoids and invasive agromyzid leafminers. This pattern highlights a novel mechanism underlying pest-natural enemy mismatches and provides a conceptual basis for landscape-level strategies to enhance biological control. © 2026 Society of Chemical Industry.},
}

@article {pmid42374814,
year = {2026},
author = {Liu, X and Yang, C and Zhang, Y and Wu, S and Shi, C and Zhang, K and Wu, S and Peng, Z and Li, Z and Wu, Q and Zhang, Y and Xie, W and Pan, H},
title = {Global expansion, insecticide resistance, and the future of integrated pest management for Megalurothrips usitatus: A comprehensive review.},
journal = {Insect science},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1111/1744-7917.70319},
pmid = {42374814},
issn = {1744-7917},
support = {SKLOF202511//State Key Laboratory for Biology of Plant Diseases and Insect Pests/ ; 2024YFD1400100//National Key Research and Development Program of China/ ; },
abstract = {Megalurothrips usitatus (bean flower thrips) has transitioned from a tropical Asian pest into a global threat to legumes, particularly cowpea (Vigna unguiculata). Driven by climate warming and trade, its recent expansion across the Americas causes 20%-30% yield losses and sometimes leads to crop failure. Heavy reliance on chemical control has rapidly selected for multi-class insecticide resistance. This review synthesizes current research on the pest's biological traits, invasion ecology, cryptic diversity, and the molecular mechanisms driving resistance to spinosyns, neonicotinoids, and pyrethroids. Our review also evaluates integrated pest management strategies, ranging from cultural controls to RNAi biotechnologies, while addressing the critical challenges of laboratory-to-field translation. Finally, we propose key research priorities, including intelligent monitoring, localized resistance management, and synergistic control packages, to provide a sustainable framework for global legume protection and biosecurity policy.},
}

@article {pmid42374924,
year = {2026},
author = {Javed, Q and Bouhadi, M and Ansar, A and Jakubus, M and Marić, AČ and Kuzyakov, Y and Ban, SG and Ban, D and Heath, D and Iqbal, B and Sun, J and Černe, M},
title = {Invasive plant species for compost production: Review of environmental and economic insights.},
journal = {Journal of environmental quality},
volume = {55},
number = {4},
pages = {e70205},
pmid = {42374924},
issn = {1537-2537},
support = {//Croatian Science Foundation/ ; },
mesh = {*Composting/methods ; *Plants ; *Introduced Species ; *Soil/chemistry ; Fertilizers ; Conservation of Natural Resources ; },
abstract = {Invasive plant species pose significant ecological and economic challenges, threatening biodiversity and altering soil properties, while conventional control methods are often costly and resource-intensive. This review examines the potential of composting invasive plant biomass as a viable and sustainable alternative that aligns with circular economy principles. Invasive plant biomass can contain up to 2%-3% nitrogen, 1%-2% phosphorus, and 2%-5% potassium, making it a nutrient-rich organic soil amendment that can reduce reliance on chemical fertilizers by up to 30% in terms of cost, enhance soil health, and improve crop growth. Despite these benefits, many challenges remain, including the persistence of allelopathic chemicals, viable seeds, and regulatory complexities. This review also identifies critical research gaps, scalability of composting technologies, and socio-economic implications while also addressing the regulatory frameworks needed to enable its safe and practical application. Additionally, it explores opportunities for green job creation and policy innovation. In conclusion, overcoming these gaps is essential to unlocking the full potential of invasive plant composting as a viable and sustainable waste management strategy.},
}

*Composting/methods
*Plants
*Introduced Species
*Soil/chemistry
Fertilizers
Conservation of Natural Resources

@article {pmid41855196,
year = {2026},
author = {Nylund, A and Kalske, A and Mousavi, SA and Ramula, S},
title = {Soil microbiota promote the success of the perennial legume Lupinus polyphyllus more strongly in invasive than in native populations.},
journal = {Annals of botany},
volume = {137},
number = {7},
pages = {2257-2267},
doi = {10.1093/aob/mcag067},
pmid = {41855196},
issn = {1095-8290},
support = {#331046//Research Council of Finland/ ; },
mesh = {*Lupinus/microbiology/physiology/growth & development ; *Soil Microbiology ; *Introduced Species ; *Microbiota ; Symbiosis ; Germination ; },
abstract = {BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Geographical variation in soil microbial communities can give rise to differences in the performance and competitive abilities of plants between the invasive and native ranges, potentially due to the presence of more efficient mutualists or release from pathogens in the invasive range.

METHODS: We investigated how microbial inoculation with soil taken from invasive and native sites of the legume Lupinus polyphyllus affects the performance of plants of both origins and their below-ground bacterial communities. We also exposed a co-occurring herb from the invasive range to a substrate that had previously been occupied by inoculated and non-inoculated L. polyphyllus to assess whether soil microbes mediate its competitive allelopathic effects.

KEY RESULTS: We found that for plants of invasive origin, inoculation with soil from the invasive range enhanced performance more than inoculum from the native range. For plants of native origin, instead, performance was facilitated equally by the microbiota from both ranges. Substrate that had been occupied by L. polyphyllus did not inhibit the germination of the co-occurring herb. Differences in the composition of the below-ground bacterial communities between plants grown in soil inocula from invasive and native sites at the family level were minor.

CONCLUSIONS: Our results advance the mechanistic understanding of plant invasions, suggesting that soil mutualists in the invasive range may facilitate invasion success as proposed by the enhanced mutualism hypothesis. Alternatively, greater performance of invasive plants with soil microbes from their own range could reflect other adaptations either in plants or soil microbiota, or in both.},
}

*Lupinus/microbiology/physiology/growth & development
*Soil Microbiology
*Introduced Species
*Microbiota
Symbiosis
Germination

@article {pmid42360822,
year = {2026},
author = {Li, T and Li, X and Zhang, W and Tian, W and Huang, L and Ye, J},
title = {Impact of three novel nematicides on Bursaphelenchus xylophilus and pine wilt disease.},
journal = {Plant disease},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1094/PDIS-05-26-1007-RE},
pmid = {42360822},
issn = {0191-2917},
abstract = {Options for pesticide control of pine wilt disease (PWD) are currently limited, with efficacy also varying markedly. Thus, there remains an urgent need for stable, highly effective agents to improve field control measures. This study assessed the laboratory toxicity and field effectiveness of three novel nematicides against Bursaphelenchus xylophilus (Steiner & Buhrer 1934) Nickle 1981 (Pine Wood Nematode, PWN), examining their impact on nematode mortality, feeding, reproduction, and egg hatching at different temperatures, as well as their control efficacy against PWD in Pinus massoniana Lamb. saplings. The tested products included two novel amide nematicides, namely JB-3 [5% JB-3 EC (emulsifiable concentrate) and 15% JB-3 SC (suspension concentrate)], and INV-06 MS (microcapsule suspension). All three nematicides were highly effective against PWN, with the JB-3 formulations exhibiting superior nematicidal activity and thermal stability relative to INV-06. However, INV-06 showed superior inhibition of PWN egg hatching and population growth. In disease-severity trials on four-year-old P. massoniana plants, all three nematicides effectively controlled PWD, especially when applied early. Specifically, spray treatments with 15% JB-3 SC and INV-06 during pre-disease or early stages yielded pronounced therapeutic effects. In summary, laboratory toxicity assays and field efficacy tests on P. massoniana saplings confirmed that the nematicides effectively killed PWN and suppressed its reproduction, offering promising control for diseased pine trees.},
}

@article {pmid42363770,
year = {2026},
author = {Pan, M and Wei, CX and Huang-Fu, SR and Kong, WL},
title = {The volatile 1-nonanol suppresses Verticillium dahliae through impairing mitochondrial respiration and glutathione metabolism.},
journal = {Pest management science},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1002/ps.71046},
pmid = {42363770},
issn = {1526-4998},
support = {//the Scientific Research Startup Project of Nanjing Forestry University (Grant Number: 163010329 and 163010870)/ ; //Jiangsu Provincial Basic Science (Natural Science) Research in Higher Education Institutions (25KJB220002)/ ; },
abstract = {BACKGROUND: Verticillium wilt, caused by Verticillium dahliae, is a devastating soilborne vascular disease that threatens global agricultural production. Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) from beneficial microorganisms have emerged as promising eco-friendly alternatives to chemical fumigants for disease control. Here, we investigated the antifungal activity and multitarget inhibitory mechanisms of 1-nonanol, a VOC produced by Pseudomonas aurantiaca ST-TJ4, against V. dahliae.

RESULTS: 1-Nonanol exhibited potent antifungal activity, completely inhibiting spore germination at 50 μL. Transcriptomic analysis revealed 1045 differentially expressed genes, of which 849 were downregulated, with enriched pathways related to respiration, redox processes, cellular detoxification and cell wall degradation. Physiological assays showed significant decreases in intracellular ATP levels, reduced activities of mitochondrial complex III, succinate dehydrogenase and malate dehydrogenase, and a substantial loss of mitochondrial membrane potential. Molecular docking identified that 1-nonanol targets key residues (ARG287 in DIC; THR233 and LEU323 in BCS1), leading to mitochondrial dysfunction. Additionally, 1-nonanol depleted glutathione metabolism, resulting in excessive reactive oxygen species accumulation. Exogenous GSH partially restored fungal growth, reduced 1-nonanol-induced ROS fluorescence intensity by 55.82%, and restored the JC-1 red/green fluorescence ratio to 59.10% of the CK level.

CONCLUSION: 1-Nonanol exerts multi-target inhibition against V. dahliae by disrupting both mitochondrial energy metabolism and redox homeostasis. This supports repurposing 1-nonanol as a bio-based soil fumigant for sustainable Verticillium wilt control. © 2026 Society of Chemical Industry.},
}

@article {pmid42363971,
year = {2026},
author = {Chang, YW and Long, HD and Wei, R and Sun, ZJ and Zha, GX and Wu, CD and Xie, HF and Hu, J and Du, YZ},
title = {Screening optimum reference genes for quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction analysis in invasive apple snail, Pomacea canaliculata under different conditions.},
journal = {Molecular biology reports},
volume = {53},
number = {1},
pages = {},
pmid = {42363971},
issn = {1573-4978},
support = {JCTG [2025] 02-10//Integration and Demonstration Promotion of Key Green Control Technologies for Pomacea spp. in Rice Fields/ ; 2025-ZYXT-01//Project of Collaborative Promotion of Major Agricultural Technologies/ ; },
mesh = {Animals ; *Real-Time Polymerase Chain Reaction/methods/standards ; *Snails/genetics ; Gene Expression Profiling/methods ; Reference Standards ; Introduced Species ; Malus/parasitology ; },
abstract = {BACKGROUND: The golden apple snail (Pomacea spp.), a globally significant invasive aquatic species, poses serious threats to biodiversity, agricultural production, and public health. Although real-time quantitative PCR (RT-qPCR) is a widely used and robust technique for gene expression analysis, relatively few studies have applied it to quantify gene expression in Pomacea spp. The selection of stable reference genes is essential for accurate mRNA quantification in RT-qPCR.

METHODS AND RESULTS: In this study, we systematically evaluated nine candidate reference genes (ACT, H3, UBI, EF1-α, TUB, GAPDH, 18 S, PRAP and AK) in P. canaliculata across various developmental stages, multiple tissue types, and under extreme temperature conditions. Using a comprehensive set of algorithms (geNorm, NormFinder, BestKeeper, the ΔCt method, and RefFinder), we determined that the use of three reference genes was optimal for normalization, as supported by pairwise variation values above 0.15 under all experimental conditions. The most stable gene combinations were identified as follows: UBI, ACT, and AK for developmental stages; 18 S, GAPDH, and ACT for tissue comparisons; AK, PRAP, and ACT under cold stress; and ACT, H3, and UBI under heat stress. The expression of SACS, which encodes sacsin molecular chaperone gene, was used to validate the selected reference genes. Results confirmed that the use of unstable reference genes led to significant quantification bias, whereas the multi-gene normalization strategy markedly improved accuracy.

CONCLUSION: These findings provide reliable, condition-specific reference gene sets for future gene expression studies in P. canaliculata, offering crucial methodological support for molecular research on this invasive species.},
}

Animals
*Real-Time Polymerase Chain Reaction/methods/standards
*Snails/genetics
Gene Expression Profiling/methods
Reference Standards
Introduced Species
Malus/parasitology

@article {pmid42371157,
year = {2026},
author = {Michelan, G and Cavalcanti, LD and Hasuike, WT and Lehun, AL and Reinas, GCZ and Altoé, GG and Narciso, RB and Takemoto, RM},
title = {First record of the parasite fauna of Serrasalmus geryi Jegú & Santos, 1988 (Characiformes: Serrasalmidae) and ecological implications of its invasion in a Neotropical floodplain.},
journal = {Parasitology research},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1007/s00436-026-08716-z},
pmid = {42371157},
issn = {1432-1955},
support = {88887.104231/2025-00//Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior/ ; },
abstract = {Biological invasions can alter ecological interactions, including parasite-host dynamics, with effects that are often gradual and difficult to predict. Serrasalmus geryi, native to the Tocantins-Araguaia basin, was recently recorded in the upper Paraná River floodplain (PIAP), Brazil. This study aimed to characterise, for the first time, the parasitic fauna of this species at an early stage of its introduction and to explore potential interactions with congeneric species. A total of 55 non-native individuals were collected between 2021 and 2024 and parasitological analyses included identification of ecto- and endoparasites. Additionally, a literature review was conducted to compare parasite assemblages with those of the native Serrasalmus maculatus and the established invasive Serrasalmus marginatus. Eleven parasite species were recorded, all reported for the first time in S. geryi, with three representing new records for the PIAP. Overall, parasite prevalence and abundance were low, and the assemblage was dominated by generalist taxa already present in the system. These findings are consistent with expectations for early invasion stages, suggesting that S. geryi is currently experiencing reduced parasitic pressure, possibly due to enemy release. The limited overlap with congeneric species indicates that parasite sharing and community restructuring are still incipient processes. This study provides a rare early-stage baseline of parasite-host interactions during a biological invasion in a natural system. The results contribute to invasion ecology by enabling future assessments of parasite acquisition, co-introduction, and transmission dynamics, and are relevant for understanding long-term ecological impacts on Neotropical floodplain ecosystems.},
}

@article {pmid41729437,
year = {2026},
author = {Adame, MF and Kavehei, E and Dunn, B and Jackson, S and Duncan, P and Minjerribah-Moorgumpin Elders In Council, and Cahill, J and Nadji, N and Brown, CJ and Lymburner, L},
title = {Improving wetland management through First Nations' knowledge and a spatial visualisation tool.},
journal = {Ambio},
volume = {55},
number = {8},
pages = {1818-1829},
pmid = {41729437},
issn = {1654-7209},
support = {FT240100621//Australian Research Council/ ; },
mesh = {*Wetlands ; *Conservation of Natural Resources/methods ; Australia ; *Environmental Monitoring/methods ; Agriculture ; Introduced Species ; },
abstract = {As wetlands continue to decline, there is an urgent need to improve their management by following the guidelines of international programs. The Ramsar Convention on Wetlands requires assessing baseline conditions and monitoring, for which Earth Observations are powerful tools. However, spatial and temporal limitations require integrated co-management, incorporating First Nations' Knowledge. We address three case studies with unique management challenges in Australia: invasive macrophytes in tropical Kakadu (Bininj/Mungguy Country), water extraction in subtropical Minjerribah-Terrangeri (Nunukul, Goenpul and Ngugi Country), and agriculture in semiarid Gwydir wetlands (Kamilaroi/Gamilaroi/Gomeroi/Gamilaraay Country). We utilise spatial imagery visualised with the Wetlands Insight Tool (WIT), which detects long-term changes (1988-2021), along with UAV imagery and First Nations' Knowledge, to understand the baseline condition of the wetlands and the changes they are experiencing. This approach can support decision-making on the threats to address, the solutions to take, and the monitoring of the world's remaining wetlands.},
}

*Wetlands
*Conservation of Natural Resources/methods
Australia
*Environmental Monitoring/methods
Agriculture
Introduced Species

@article {pmid42355372,
year = {2026},
author = {Li, X and Qin, R and Zhang, W and Wang, F and Zhu, G and Wang, X and Zhang, H and Liu, M and Qu, L and Yu, H},
title = {Reference Genes for Expression Analyses by RT-qPCR in Hyblaea puera (Lepidoptera: Hyblaeidae).},
journal = {Insects},
volume = {17},
number = {6},
pages = {},
pmid = {42355372},
issn = {2075-4450},
support = {2023YFC2604801//National Key R&D Program of China/ ; },
abstract = {Hyblaea puera is a major pest of teak and mangroves. Reliable RT-qPCR normalization requires stable reference genes, none of which have been validated in H. puera. In this study, we assessed the expression stability of ten candidate reference genes under different experimental conditions. Stability was evaluated using the ΔCt method, BestKeeper, NormFinder, and geNorm, and a comprehensive stability ranking was generated using the RefFinder online tool. Our results indicated that amplification efficiencies ranged from 91.67% to 100.82%, with R[2] values exceeding 0.9901. The optimal reference gene combinations varied by condition: Ribosomal Protein L27 (RPL27) and Ribosomal Protein L10 (RPL10) for temperature treatments; Actin and RPL10 for larval instars; Ribosomal protein S5 (RPS5) and Elongation factor-1α (EF-1a) for adult sexes; RPL10 and EF-1a for tall developmental stages; RPL10 and RPS5 for tissues; as well as EF-1α and Actin for all combined conditions. Finally, the expression profiles of target gene Lethal were evaluated, and the outcomes further confirm the importance of selecting fitting reference genes for normalization of qRT-PCR data. These results provide the evaluated reference gene sets for H. puera, facilitating more accurate RT-qPCR normalization in future molecular studies of host plant adaptation (teak vs. mangroves), temperature tolerance, and larval development in this pest.},
}

@article {pmid42355373,
year = {2026},
author = {Xu, W and Zhao, J and Wang, Q and Bao, Z and Xu, Y and Wu, H and Shi, J},
title = {Leaf Age-Dependent Volatile Cues Influence Host Location and Oviposition Preference of Obolodiplosis robiniae on Robinia pseudoacacia.},
journal = {Insects},
volume = {17},
number = {6},
pages = {},
pmid = {42355373},
issn = {2075-4450},
support = {2023YFE0116200//the National Key Research and Development Program of China, "Sino-French Joint Laboratory for Forest Invasive Alien Species"/ ; 2023YFC2605200//the National Key Research and Development Program of China, "Key Technology Research and Application Demonstration of the Big Data Platform for Baseline Information, Occurrence, and Spread of Invasive Alien Species/ ; },
abstract = {Obolodiplosis robiniae (Haldeman) is a specialist herbivore of Robinia pseudoacacia L., and its infestation is closely associated with tender leaf tissues. The ability of gravid females to recognize suitable host tissues is essential for successful oviposition and subsequent population development. Here, we assessed whether leaf age affects the host-selection behavior of O. robiniae and whether volatile organic compounds are associated with this process. Laboratory oviposition assays were used to compare egg deposition on tender leaves and mature leaves of R. pseudoacacia, and Y-tube olfactometer bioassays were performed to evaluate female responses to odors from the two leaf ages. Volatiles released from healthy tender leaves and mature leaves were collected using dynamic headspace sampling and characterized by thermal desorption-gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. Principal component analysis, orthogonal partial least squares discriminant analysis, and variable importance in projection scores were used to compare volatile profiles between leaf ages. Gravid females deposited significantly more eggs on tender leaves than on mature leaves in both choice and no-choice assays. Females also showed a significant olfactory preference for tender-leaf odors when directly offered a choice between volatiles from tender leaves and mature leaves, with 76.47% of responding individuals selecting tender-leaf odors and 23.53% selecting mature-leaf odors. Chemical profiling identified 28 volatile compounds across the two leaf ages, and their composition and relative abundance differed markedly. Among shared compounds, (Z)-3-hexen-1-ol and α-farnesene differed significantly between tender leaves and mature leaves. Multivariate analyses further identified several candidate compounds contributing to leaf age-related volatile differences. These results indicate that leaf age influences both oviposition behavior and odor-mediated host location in O. robiniae. Leaf age-dependent volatile blends may serve as important chemical cues associated with host selection by gravid females and provide a basis for future studies on volatile-mediated management strategies.},
}

@article {pmid42355462,
year = {2026},
author = {Stancă-Moise, C and Moise, G and Șipoș, A and Rotaru, M and Blidar, CF},
title = {Phenological Plasticity and Bio-Physiological Impacts of Corythucha arcuata Under Aridity and Edge Dynamics in Southern Transylvania Oak Forests.},
journal = {Life (Basel, Switzerland)},
volume = {16},
number = {6},
pages = {},
pmid = {42355462},
issn = {2075-1729},
support = {LBUS-IRG No. 3547/24 July 2023 and LBUS-IRG No. 3548/27 July 2023//Lucian Blaga University of Sibiu/ ; },
abstract = {The invasive expansion of the oak lace bug (Corythucha arcuata) represents a major threat to European oak forests, yet the synergistic roles of climatic stressors remain poorly understood. This study investigates the phenological plasticity and adaptive thermoregulation of C. arcuata in the specific microclimatic conditions of the Rășinari Forest District, Romania. Monitoring across an altitudinal gradient (525-825 m) identified a complex voltinism, characterized by a highly successful second generation (G2) and a restricted third generation (G3, <12% emergence due to early frosts). By utilizing a physiological time scale (GDD), we demonstrated that G2 exhibits a 15% temporal compression in development duration compared to G1. A critical tipping point for host vulnerability was identified at a De Martonne Aridity Index (IAr) value of 20. Below this threshold, oak trees underwent a linear physiological decline, with a 74.5% decrease in chlorophyll content and a 58.8% accumulation of soluble sugars. These findings support the metabolic bait hypothesis, where drought-stressed foliage becomes a high-quality nutritional resource. Furthermore, we established a critical thermal threshold of 32 °C, which triggers active vertical migration from the sun-exposed canopy to shaded interiors to avoid heat stress. Our results provide a predictive framework for sustainable forest management, identifying aridity as an injury amplifier that facilitates pest impacts under a warming climate.},
}

@article {pmid42356488,
year = {2026},
author = {Pereira, AMPT and Domingues, E and Silva, LJG and Freitas, A and Morais, PV and Domingues, S and Lima, T and da Silva, GJ and Chung, AP and Gomes, J},
title = {Biofiltration of Emerging Contaminants as a Sustainable Pest Management Strategy and Its Impact on Corbicula fluminea.},
journal = {Pharmaceuticals (Basel, Switzerland)},
volume = {19},
number = {6},
pages = {},
pmid = {42356488},
issn = {1424-8247},
support = {CEECIND/01207/2018//Fundação para a Ciência e Tecnologia/ ; UIDB/00102/2025//Fundação para a Ciência e Tecnologia/ ; UID/04539/2025//Fundação para a Ciência e Tecnologia/ ; LA/P/0058/2020//Fundação para a Ciência e Tecnologia/ ; UID/00285//Fundação para a Ciência e Tecnologia/ ; LA/P/0112/2020//Fundação para a Ciência e Tecnologia/ ; C644866475-00000012//Fundação para a Ciência e Tecnologia/ ; },
abstract = {Background/Objectives: Water scarcity is driving the development of strategies for treating municipal wastewater (MW) to enable its safe reuse. Nonetheless, MW contains contaminants of emerging concern (CECs), such as pharmaceuticals and antimicrobial-resistant (AMR) bacteria, which require innovative treatment technologies. In this context, Corbicula fluminea, an invasive freshwater clam, presents a high biofiltration capacity, and its environmental impact could be mitigated by assigning it a beneficial role in wastewater treatment. Methods: The ability of C. fluminea to remove chemical and biological CECs from real MW secondary-treated effluents was assessed. The effects of real wastewater on the clams' microbiome and on colony-forming unit (CFU) counts in their soft tissues were also assessed. Results: Under real conditions, the clams achieved over 73% removal for 3 chemical CECs after 24 h, with an average removal of approximately 39%. The clams showed recovery of both CFU counts and microbial community composition, dominated by opportunistic and stress-tolerant groups in the presence of pharmaceuticals. The removal of multidrug-resistant bacteria was evaluated; despite real wastewater reducing clearance rates, the clams significantly reduced these bacteria within 24 h. Conclusions: These results demonstrate that C. fluminea can serve as an effective polishing treatment, improving effluent quality, supporting control of this invasive species.},
}

@article {pmid42357106,
year = {2026},
author = {Yu, SS and Yu, FY and Yang, DJ and Lin, ZW and Wang, SJ and Che, HY},
title = {Host Diversity and Phylogenetic Evolution of Phytoplasmas on Hainan Island in China, Bringing Challenges to Monitoring and Prevention of Related Plant Diseases.},
journal = {Plants (Basel, Switzerland)},
volume = {15},
number = {12},
pages = {},
pmid = {42357106},
issn = {2223-7747},
support = {BTZDYF2025002//the Key R & D Program Project of Baoting Li and Miao Autonomous County of Hainan, China/ ; No//the fund of Monitoring, prevention and control of crop pests, diseases, rodents and epidemic situations, and management of alien species of Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs of China/ ; CATASCXTD202525//the fund of Chinese Academy of Tropical Agricultural Sciences for Science and Technology Innovation Team of National Tropical Agricultural Science Center/ ; HNARS-01-G04//the earmarked fund for HNARS/ ; },
abstract = {Phytoplasmas are a group of wall-less, unculturable prokaryotic pathogenic bacteria that colonize the phloem of plants and are transmitted by piercing-sucking insects. As a typical tropical island province in China, Hainan Island has abundant biodiversity due to its unique geographical location and climatic conditions, which provide a favorable ecological environment for the survival and propagation of phytoplasmas, which infect different hosts, cause different symptoms, or belong to different subgroups. Based on host species, disease symptoms and 16Sr subgroups, 69 representative phytoplasma records from four 16Sr groups have been identified on Hainan Island, showing rich diversity in host range and pathogen species. The diversity of plant hosts and the evolutionary relationship of phytoplasmas not only affect the occurrence and prevalence of phytoplasma-related diseases but also bring great challenges to the epidemic monitoring, detection, diagnosis and prevention management of these diseases. This review summarizes current research progress on host diversity, phylogenetic evolution, mixed infection, diversity of transmission vectors, and geographical isolation differentiation, as well as adaptive evolution of phytoplasmas on Hainan Island. Furthermore, the challenges brought by plant host diversity and phylogenetic evolution to disease monitoring, diagnosis and prevention management are discussed. This review aims to provide a comprehensive theoretical basis for the in-depth study of phytoplasma-related diseases on Hainan Island, and to offer practical guidance for scientific monitoring, early warning and comprehensive prevention and control of these diseases.},
}

@article {pmid42357685,
year = {2026},
author = {Tucciarone, CM and Franzo, G and Pasotto, D and Baston, R and Spadotto, L and Centelleghe, C and Marchiori, E},
title = {Epidemiological Survey of DNA Viruses in Non-Native Pond Sliders (Trachemys scripta) in Northeastern Italy.},
journal = {Viruses},
volume = {18},
number = {6},
pages = {},
pmid = {42357685},
issn = {1999-4915},
support = {BIRD224431 Project: Invaders and co-invaders: evaluation of the presence of alien parasites and zoonotic agents in invasive species//University of Padua/ ; },
mesh = {Animals ; Italy/epidemiology ; *Turtles/virology ; *DNA Viruses/isolation & purification/classification/genetics ; Phylogeny ; *DNA Virus Infections/veterinary/epidemiology/virology ; DNA, Viral/genetics ; Sequence Analysis, DNA ; },
abstract = {The spread of non-native freshwater turtles in urban, peri-urban, and natural environments poses increasing ecological and sanitary concerns, particularly due to their potential role as reservoirs of infectious agents. Among these, DNA viruses remain largely unexplored in both invasive and native chelonians. In this study, a molecular survey targeting selected viral pathogens was conducted on oral and cloacal swabs collected from non-native freshwater turtles from natural and confinement ponds in Northeastern Italy, with the aim of assessing the pathogen's presence and their potential epidemiological relevance. One hundred sixty-four pond sliders (Trachemys scripta) were sampled from three sites: Herpesviruses and ranaviruses were not detected; in contrast, adenoviruses were frequently identified (72/163, 44.2%). Sequence analyses allowed their classification mostly as Testadenovirus trachemys, with only a single detection of a strain closely related to siadenoviruses and previously associated with mortality events in other tortoise species. Although the pathogenic significance of these viruses remains unclear, their detection highlights the potential role of non-native turtles as viral carriers and underlines the need for systematic virological surveillance in non-native species, particularly in ecosystems shared with susceptible native fauna.},
}

Animals
Italy/epidemiology
*Turtles/virology
*DNA Viruses/isolation & purification/classification/genetics
Phylogeny
*DNA Virus Infections/veterinary/epidemiology/virology
DNA, Viral/genetics
Sequence Analysis, DNA

@article {pmid42358753,
year = {2026},
author = {He, X and Qian, Z and Huang, Y and Wang, C and Li, X and Li, H and Chen, L},
title = {Seasonal dietary shifts in an invasive snail Pomacea canaliculata revealed by 18S rRNA metabarcoding.},
journal = {Current zoology},
volume = {72},
number = {3},
pages = {321-332},
pmid = {42358753},
issn = {1674-5507},
abstract = {Pomacea canaliculata, an invasive species, has caused severe damage to ecosystems due to its omnivorous diet and strong invasive capabilities. However, information about how its diet changes across seasons is limited. In the present study, 18S rRNA metabarcoding was used to analyze the seasonal variation in diet of P. canaliculata from 3 habitats (pond, river, and ditch). The results indicated that the dietary diversity of P. canaliculata in the ditch significantly decreased in summer, while dietary richness diminished in winter, likely reflecting seasonal differences in temperature and the availability of edible resources. P. canaliculata exhibited a preference for Streptophyta during summer, Chlorophyta in river and ditch during autumn, and Arthropoda during winter. Additionally, P. canaliculata in the pond and ditch consumed more molluscs, which may negatively impact the density and diversity of native molluscs. Female and male P. canaliculata exhibited differences in dietary diversity in summer and autumn, which may be related to meeting reproductive demands and increasing cold hardiness, respectively. The flexible diet of P. canaliculata across different seasons and habitats enables its survival in a broader range of environments. This study reveals the feeding strategies of P. canaliculata in different seasons, helping us understand the adaptation mechanisms of invasive P. canaliculata to environmental alteration.},
}

@article {pmid42359169,
year = {2026},
author = {Lindhorst, ZTL and Unterköfler, MS and Solarczyk, P and Striese, M and Jeschke, D and Striese, E and Ansorge, H and Fuehrer, HP and Heddergott, M},
title = {Detection of zoonotic protozoa in raccoons (Procyon lotor) from aquaculture zones in Saxony (Germany): One health perspective.},
journal = {One health (Amsterdam, Netherlands)},
volume = {23},
number = {},
pages = {101477},
pmid = {42359169},
issn = {2352-7714},
abstract = {The raccoon (Procyon lotor), an invasive species in Europe, is a potential reservoir for zoonotic pathogens, posing risks to human, animal, and environmental health. This study investigates the prevalence and genetic diversity of Giardia duodenalis and Cryptosporidium spp. in raccoons from the Upper Lusatian Heath and Pond Landscape (Saxony, Germany), adopting a One Health perspective at the wildlife-aquaculture interface. Fecal samples (n = 104) were collected from culled raccoons (2020-2022) across six pond farming areas. Samples were screened using rapid immunochromatographic antigen tests, followed by molecular characterization via PCR and sequencing of specific loci (gdh, tpi, and bg for Giardia; SSU rRNA and gp60 for Cryptosporidium). Giardia duodenalis assemblage B (sub-assemblage BIV) was detected in 24% of samples. Significant associations were observed with location (p = 0.038) and aquaculture company (p = 0.028). Cryptosporidium sp. skunk genotype was identified in 2% of samples, showing no significant correlation with the tested parameters. The identification of G. duodenalis (BIV) and Cryptosporidium skunk genotype highlights the role of raccoons as potential reservoirs in water-rich production landscapes. The high prevalence of Giardia and its spatial heterogeneity suggest that site-specific pond management and raccoon dynamics might influence pathogen loads. This study provides the first molecular evidence of zoonotic protozoa in raccoons within this specialized aquaculture context. The results underscore the necessity of integrating wildlife monitoring into aquaculture management. Aligning invasive species control with One Health surveillance is essential to mitigate zoonotic risks and safeguard public health in aquatic ecosystems.},
}

@article {pmid42359335,
year = {2026},
author = {Fraser, B and Gasparini, C and Santi, F and Böhne, A and Monteiro, R and Marcussen, T and Oomen, RA and Struck, TH and , and , and , and Denton, A and Howard, C and Howe, K and Blaxter, M and McCarthy, S and Wood, JMD and Martin, F and Sinha, S and Haggerty, L and Bortoluzzi, C},
title = {ERGA-BGE reference genome of Gambusia holbrooki, a globally invasive freshwater fish.},
journal = {Open research Europe},
volume = {6},
number = {},
pages = {48},
doi = {10.12688/openreseurope.22693.2},
pmid = {42359335},
issn = {2732-5121},
abstract = {The Gambusia holbrooki (eastern mosquitofish) reference genome will offer a crucial resource for understanding the evolution and adaptation of invasive freshwater fish species. The genome of G. holbrooki was assembled into two haplotypes through a phased assembly approach; however, only the primary haplotype was designated as the reference genome for annotation and downstream analyses. The entirety of the genome sequence was assembled into 24 contiguous chromosomal pseudomolecules and 1 mitochondrial genome. This chromosome-level assembly encompasses 0.67 Gb, composed of 421 contigs and 318 scaffolds, with contig and scaffold N50 values of 15.9 Mb and 29.6 Mb, respectively.},
}

@article {pmid42355276,
year = {2026},
author = {Cheng, LF and Xiao, YL and Zhang, C and Zhang, JK and Li, YX and Xie, TY and Zhao, Q},
title = {Predicting the Potential Global Distribution of the Invasive Species Aethina tumida Murray, 1867, and Its Natural Enemy Steinernema carpocapsae (Weiser, 1955).},
journal = {Insects},
volume = {17},
number = {6},
pages = {},
pmid = {42355276},
issn = {2075-4450},
support = {Nos.31872272//National Science Foundation Project of China/ ; Nos.2024-072//Research Project Supported by Shanxi Scholarship Council of China/ ; },
abstract = {Invasive alien species threaten the security of agricultural and natural ecosystems. Aethina tumida Murray, 1867, threatens bee colony health and apicultural sustainability. However, the entomopathogenic nematode, Steinernema carpocapsae (Weiser, 1955), may be a potential biocontrol agent. Models (MaxEnt and CLIMEX) were used to predict the potential global distribution of both species under climate change. The results indicated that under the current climatic conditions, both models found suitable habitats for A. tumida primarily in South America, southern Africa, and South Asia, whereas S. carpocapsae exhibited a broader global spread. Notably, CLIMEX predicted a more extensive distribution than MaxEnt for both species. The MaxEnt results indicated that North America, Europe, and central Australia are suitable habitats for A. tumida expansion in SSP245 (2050s) and SSP585 (2070s), whereas S. carpocapsae was predicted to expand into Asia, North America, and Africa in SSP126 (2090s), SSP245 (2030s), and SSP585 (2070s). The CLIMEX results indicated that under the A1B and A2 climate scenarios, highly suitable habitats for both species decreased significantly, whereas they are predicted to moderately and marginally increase markedly in the 2100s. The potential distribution of A. tumida will depend on suitable climatic conditions and the presence of host bees. These results provide a scientific basis and support in preventing or controlling A. tumida.},
}

@article {pmid42355310,
year = {2026},
author = {Cheng, Y and Zhou, Y and Li, C},
title = {Kr-h1 Encoding Juvenile Hormone Transcription Factor Impacts Reproductive Functions in Coccinella septempunctata.},
journal = {Insects},
volume = {17},
number = {6},
pages = {},
pmid = {42355310},
issn = {2075-4450},
support = {32460711//National Natural Science Foundation of China/ ; QianKeHe ZSYS [2025] 024//Guizhou Key Laboratory of Agricultural Biosecurity/ ; QianKeHeFuQi [2023]011//Innovative Capabilities Buildup of Green Prevention and Control for Invasive Species in Agriculture/ ; },
abstract = {The gene encoding juvenile hormone transcription factor Krüppel homolog 1 (Kr-h1) was studied for its effects on ovary development and reproduction in the ladybug beetle, Coccinella septempunctata. Kr-h1 expression in C. septempunctata was evaluated in females supplied with a juvenile hormone (JH) amended diet using quantitative PCR, and the function of Kr-h1 in female reproduction was assessed using RNAi technology. Expression of Kr-h1 in females supplied with a JH diet was significantly higher at 5 and 10 d than in females not supplied with JH. At 5 and 10 d post-injection with Kr-h1-dsRNA, Kr-h1 expression levels were 30.97% and 38.32% lower, respectively, than expression in controls injected with GFP-dsRNA. Development of ovaries and vitellogenesis in ladybugs microinjected with Kr-h1-dsRNA was significantly delayed in comparison to controls. At 20 d post-injection, mean egg production decreased by 28.74% relative to controls. These results prove that Kr-h1 has a vital role in modulating ladybug fecundity by impacting ovary development and egg production.},
}

@article {pmid42355352,
year = {2026},
author = {McDougall, R and Spooner-Hart, R and Cook, J},
title = {A Global Review of the Pests and Diseases of Stingless Bees.},
journal = {Insects},
volume = {17},
number = {6},
pages = {},
pmid = {42355352},
issn = {2075-4450},
support = {PH22004//Hort Frontiers Pollination Fund/ ; },
abstract = {Managed pollinators are essential to agricultural productivity, but there are concerns that overreliance on western honey bees (Apis mellifera) places this productivity at risk. Stingless bees (Apidae; tribe Meliponini) can supplement or replace honey bees as pollinators in some warm climate crops, but information is limited regarding the pests and diseases that they face. This paper reviews the existing research literature on the subject. We found 48 studies on arthropod pests and 28 on microbial diseases of stingless bees. There has been a relatively high research interest in mites (Acari) and small hive beetles (Aethina tumida); however, neither of these organisms are major pests of stingless bees. This high research interest likely results from their impact on honey bees and their novelty as newly arrived invasive species in many regions. Cleptoparasitic bees have also been highly researched. The most widely researched diseases were viruses. However, while many widespread honey bee viruses have been found in stingless bees, few studies examined whether these produced symptoms in stingless bees. For many suspected pests and pathogens, there is uncertainty regarding whether their relationship with hive collapse is causal or merely correlative. We conclude that pests and diseases of stingless bees are very under-researched compared to those of honey bees. This knowledge gap will need to be addressed if stingless bees are to serve an expanded role as managed agricultural pollinators.},
}

@article {pmid42355371,
year = {2026},
author = {Liu, B and Liu, Y and Zhang, Y and He, B and Gao, Y and Li, C},
title = {Effects of Microplastics and Cadmium on the Leptinotarsa decemlineata (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae): An Evaluation Using a Two-Sex Life Table.},
journal = {Insects},
volume = {17},
number = {6},
pages = {},
pmid = {42355371},
issn = {2075-4450},
support = {32460664//National Natural Science Foundation of China/ ; },
abstract = {This study utilized the age-stage, two-sex life table method to evaluate the toxic effects of polyethylene microplastics (PE, 300 mg/kg) and cadmium (Cd, 30 mg/kg), both individually and combined, on Leptinotarsa decemlineata. Compared to controls, all treatments significantly prolonged larval development and reduced survival, lifespan, and fecundity. The combined exposure (PE + Cd) exerted the strongest inhibition: the total pre-adult developmental duration (TPOP) increased by 18.8% (38.00 days), while the intrinsic growth rate (r) dropped by 59.0% to 0.0273 d[-1]. Additionally, the net reproduction rate (R0) and fecundity fell to their lowest levels (5.08 and 19.06, respectively), significantly lower than in single-treatment groups. Age-stage life expectancy analysis confirmed severe survival pressure in the combined group, evidenced by a 30% reduction in first-instar survival and a 14-day shortened adult lifespan. These findings demonstrate the synergistic toxicity of PE and Cd co-contamination, providing critical data for ecological risk assessment in the "soil-plant-herbivore" system and integrated pest management strategies.},
}

@article {pmid42015021,
year = {2026},
author = {Tsombou, FM and Alhmoudi, MASM and Alhmoudi, AMSA and Ridouane, FL and Almatrooshi, AAS},
title = {Sustainable biofertilizer production through mitigating the invasiveness of Prosopis juliflora in Fujairah: improving arid soil quality and Medicago sativa seedlings.},
journal = {BMC plant biology},
volume = {26},
number = {1},
pages = {},
pmid = {42015021},
issn = {1471-2229},
mesh = {*Prosopis/chemistry/physiology ; *Seedlings/growth & development/drug effects ; *Medicago sativa/growth & development/drug effects/physiology ; *Introduced Species ; *Soil/chemistry ; Germination/drug effects ; Allelopathy ; *Pheromones/pharmacology ; Plant Leaves/chemistry ; Seeds/drug effects/growth & development ; },
abstract = {BACKGROUND: To date, plant invasiveness remains one of the biggest challenges globally, and none of the suggested methods has shown strong effectiveness in mitigating their nuisances. Here, we investigated the allelopathic effects of the exotic invasive plant Prosopis juliflora on the seed and seedling responses of Medicago sativa. We also investigated the potential of using biofertilizer derived from the composted leaves of P. juliflora to enhance arid soil properties and seedlings performance of M. sativa mimicking the natural conditions. METHOD: Medicago sativa seeds were treated with various levels of allelochemicals (0, 10, 20, and 30%) prepared from water leaves extracts of Prosopis juliflora to determine the inhibitory concentrations, considering light and dark treatments. In the other work, seed germination, seedlings growth and root nodulation of M. sativa were treated with three concentrations (0, 20 and 40%) of biofertilizer produced from the composted leaf material of P. juliflora in two treatments: Non-mixed, and mixed compost with camel manure, and the experimentations were scheduled for 30 days. RESULTS: Allelopathic experiment: Allelochemical concentrations, light, and time exhibited significant effects on the chemical composition of the tested solutions than the control. The effects were also greater on the seedlings attributes. Seed germination and seedling responses were completely inhibited at the concentrations above 10 and 20% respectively in the dark and light treatments. Biofertilizer experiment: Mixed compost showed stronger and positive effects on the tested soil than the non-mixed and the control. The values recorded on the seedlings growth and biochemical attributes were significantly higher in the mixed compost than the non-mixed and the control. However, the values of root length were greater at 20% of the non-mixed compost. Root nodulation was negatively affected in the non-mixed than the mixed compost, and control. CONCLUSION: These findings suggest that the negative impacts of the invasive plant Prosopis juliflora could be turned into beneficial to restore arid soil quality in the non-native range with cost-effective.},
}

*Prosopis/chemistry/physiology
*Seedlings/growth & development/drug effects
*Medicago sativa/growth & development/drug effects/physiology
*Introduced Species
*Soil/chemistry
Germination/drug effects
Allelopathy
*Pheromones/pharmacology
Plant Leaves/chemistry
Seeds/drug effects/growth & development

@article {pmid42026383,
year = {2026},
author = {Owen, EAM and Griffiths, RI and Golyshin, PN and Chernikova, TN and Kurr, M},
title = {Patterns in Marine Fungal Diversity and Community Structure on Native Versus Invasive Macroalgae at a Local Geographic Scale.},
journal = {Microbial ecology},
volume = {89},
number = {1},
pages = {},
pmid = {42026383},
issn = {1432-184X},
support = {81280//European Regional Development Fund (ERDF)/ ; },
mesh = {*Fungi/classification/genetics/isolation & purification ; *Biodiversity ; *Seaweed/microbiology ; Introduced Species ; *Sargassum/microbiology ; *Fucus/microbiology ; DNA, Fungal/genetics ; Wales ; *Mycobiome ; Microbiota ; Ecosystem ; },
abstract = {Nonindigenous marine species are a growing threat to coastal ecosystems, but invasive dynamics are understudied in marine environments. The microbiome of invasive macroalgal species has been recognised as contributing to their invasive success, but research to date has largely focussed on the prokaryotic fraction. This research compared the epiphytic fungal communities between a native (Fucus serratus) and an invasive (Sargassum muticum) macroalga, across a relatively small spatial scale (< 800 m), in North Wales. DNA extracts from surfaces of macroalga were PCR-amplified with primers ITS1F and ITS2 and sequenced using Illumina MiSeq. Difference in fungal community composition was observed between all sample groups with the exception of S. muticum and F. serratus samples taken from within a few meters of each other, suggesting environmental drivers of the macroalgal fungal community are more important than host specificity. It also raises the question of whether S. muticum exerts a direct influence on the microbiome of neighbouring algal species, although further research is required to explore this potential interaction. No differences were detected in fungal biodiversity across any of the samples, supporting prior findings of a natural peak in fungal diversity at local scales.},
}

*Fungi/classification/genetics/isolation & purification
*Biodiversity
*Seaweed/microbiology
Introduced Species
*Sargassum/microbiology
*Fucus/microbiology
DNA, Fungal/genetics
Wales
*Mycobiome
Microbiota
Ecosystem

@article {pmid41620518,
year = {2026},
author = {Gavioli, A and Gaglio, M and Cardi, D and Corsato, M and Melandri, M and Sirri, R and Moroni, F and Castaldelli, G and Lanzoni, M},
title = {Upstream migration of the invasive blue crab in the Po River, Italy, highlights the vulnerability of freshwater ecosystems.},
journal = {Scientific reports},
volume = {16},
number = {1},
pages = {6818},
pmid = {41620518},
issn = {2045-2322},
mesh = {Animals ; *Brachyura/physiology ; Italy ; *Ecosystem ; *Rivers ; *Animal Migration/physiology ; *Introduced Species ; Fresh Water ; Male ; },
abstract = {The Atlantic blue crab (Callinectes sapidus) is one of the most rapidly expanding invaders in the Mediterranean Sea, where it has established populations across all coastal and estuarine habitats. While its impacts in these environments are well documented, little is known about its occurrence and ecological role in inland waters. This study provides the first evidence of significant upstream migration of blue crabs along the Po River and nearby branches (Northern Italy), beyond typical coastal habitat distributions. Blue crab occurrences were based on 50 validated geo-referenced records collected between 2022 and 2025 through fishermen reports. Environmental variables and blue crab upstream distance were analyzed to explore possible drivers of this migration. The potential trophic interactions between blue crab and riverine fish species were also examined through a systematic literature review. The findings revealed that upstream dispersal reached distances of more than 160 km from the sea, primarily driven by adult males. No clear correlation was found between upstream distance reached by blue crab and water temperature, conductivity, dissolved oxygen, or river discharge, suggesting that ecological dynamics, rather than abiotic filtering, likely drive inland expansion. The literature review highlighted only a few documented trophic interactions in European freshwaters, although potential predation by invasive fish species and competition with native fauna may occur. These results underscore the urgent need for targeted monitoring and research to evaluate the ecological consequences of blue crab invasion in freshwater systems, particularly regarding its potential impacts on biodiversity, food web dynamics, and ecosystem functioning.},
}

Animals
*Brachyura/physiology
Italy
*Ecosystem
*Rivers
*Animal Migration/physiology
*Introduced Species
Fresh Water
Male

@article {pmid41656361,
year = {2026},
author = {Nikookar, SH and Cherati, JY and Charkame, A and Fazeli-Dinan, M and Zaim, M and Enayati, A},
title = {Emergence and spread of Aedes albopictus in northern Iran with risk assessment and habitat hotspot analysis in Mazandaran Province.},
journal = {Scientific reports},
volume = {16},
number = {1},
pages = {},
pmid = {41656361},
issn = {2045-2322},
support = {22669//Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences/ ; },
mesh = {Animals ; *Aedes/physiology ; *Ecosystem ; Iran ; Risk Assessment ; Larva ; *Mosquito Vectors ; *Introduced Species ; Humans ; },
abstract = {Diverse ecosystems, trade and travel create favorable conditions for the spread and establishment of invasive Aedes species in different geographical areas and the diseases they transmit. To maximize the effect of vector control and preventive interventions, it is crucial to detect the presence of invasive Aedes mosquitoes through entomological surveillance and map their larval habitats, hence, this study aimed to search for invasive Aedes mosquitoes as well as identify potential larval habitats and assess the risk of invasive Aedes dispersal in Mazandaran Province. This study was conducted in Mazandaran Province, characterized by diverse ecosystems favorable for mosquito breeding. “Enhanced surveillance efforts” to identify invasive Aedes mosquitoes were conducted from early 2024 through mid-August 2025. Sampling methods include ovitraping, larval collection, and Human Landing Catches (HLC), conducted biweekly across selected counties. In the summer of the same year, an exploratory field study was conducted to identify potential larval habitats of invasive Aedes mosquitoes. Environmental parameters, along with demographic data, were recorded to assess their impact on potential larval habitat abundance. Descriptive statistics, chi-square, cluster analysis (K-means algorithm), Getis-Ord Gi, Geographically Weighted Regression (GWR), and Generalized Estimating Equations (GEE) were applied using SPSS version 25 and ArcGIS version 10.5 for data analysis. Aedes albopictus was first identified at a Hotel in Ramsar County in western Mazandaran on July 8, 2024. Subsequent detections were made at 26 sites in Ramsar and 23 sites in Tonekabon, among others. A total of 80 potential larval habitat types were identified, with disposable plastic containers being the most abundant (2271, 28.2% of total). The highest abundance of potential habitats was noted in Chalus, followed by Babolsar and Amol. Risk assessment categorized counties into three clusters based on the environmental conditions, habitat diversity and risk levels. Nur County exhibited low risk, while Amol, Babolsar, Fereydunkenar and Mahmoodabad were classified as moderate risk. Chalus, Ramsar, Tonekabon, Abbasabad, and Nowshahr counties showed a high risk profile. Spatial clustering analysis using the Getis-Ord Gi* statistic identified three out of ten cities as significant hotspots for potential Ae. albopictus larval habitats, with Z-scores ranging from 0.086 to 0.220 (p < 0.05). Apart from reporting the first record of Aedes albopictus in Mazandaran, Iran, this study provides critical insights into the spatial distribution of invasive Aedes habitats, highlighting areas of high risk and informing targeted vector control interventions. The findings contribute to public health strategies aimed at mitigating the spread of mosquito-borne diseases in northern Iran as well as contingency measures for vector control in the case of epidemics.},
}

Animals
*Aedes/physiology
*Ecosystem
Iran
Risk Assessment
Larva
*Mosquito Vectors
*Introduced Species
Humans

@article {pmid41663939,
year = {2026},
author = {Li, G and Liu, X and Han, M and Qin, X and Li, P},
title = {Rhizosphere bacterial characteristics reveal the invasive advantage of Sphagneticola trilobata compared to the greening grass Axonopus compressus.},
journal = {BMC microbiology},
volume = {26},
number = {1},
pages = {},
pmid = {41663939},
issn = {1471-2180},
support = {ZDYF2025XDNY122//Key Research and Development Project of Hainan Province/ ; },
mesh = {*Rhizosphere ; *Soil Microbiology ; *Poaceae/microbiology/growth & development ; *Introduced Species ; RNA, Ribosomal, 16S/genetics ; *Bacteria/classification/genetics/isolation & purification ; Microbiota ; Plant Roots/microbiology ; Phylogeny ; DNA, Bacterial/genetics ; },
abstract = {BACKGROUND: Biological invasions pose a major threat to ecosystem stability, yet the role of rhizosphere microbiomes in conferring competitive advantages to invasive plants remains insufficiently understood. In particular, whether invasive plants outperform resident or naturalized species by assembling distinct and functionally advantageous bacterial communities is still unclear. We hypothesized that the invasive plant Sphagneticola trilobata gains a competitive advantage by selectively recruiting beneficial rhizosphere bacteria, whereas the long-naturalized greening grass Axonopus compressus may experience negative soil legacy effects. RESULT: Based on 16 S rRNA gene sequencing across 15 paired field sites, we found that S. trilobata assembled a significantly more diverse, even, and structurally distinct rhizosphere bacterial community than A. compressus. The rhizosphere of S. trilobata was enriched with key bacterial taxa, including Rhizobiales, Cytophagales, Pseudomonadaceae, Comamonadaceae, Streptomyces and Novosphingobium, which are associated with nitrogen cycling, organic matter degradation, plant growth promotion, and allelochemical detoxification. Co-occurrence network analysis showed that the S. trilobata rhizosphere exhibited a more complex microbial network with a higher proportion of positive correlations. Functional prediction suggested an increased potential for carbohydrate transport and metabolism in the rhizosphere of the invasive plant. In addition, inoculation with a synthetic community (SynCom) composed of bacterial strains predominantly detected in the rhizosphere of S. trilobata significantly increased plant biomass and root allocation under nutrient-limited conditions. CONCLUSION: These results demonstrate that S. trilobata actively engineers a specialized and functionally robust rhizosphere microbiome that directly enhances its growth and resource-use strategy. This host-mediated microbiome assembly provides a microbial mechanism underlying the competitive dominance and invasion success of S. trilobata, highlighting the critical role of belowground bacterial communities in plant invasion processes.},
}

*Rhizosphere
*Soil Microbiology
*Poaceae/microbiology/growth & development
*Introduced Species
RNA, Ribosomal, 16S/genetics
*Bacteria/classification/genetics/isolation & purification
Microbiota
Plant Roots/microbiology
Phylogeny
DNA, Bacterial/genetics

@article {pmid41731359,
year = {2026},
author = {Bonjor, N and Zeng, Z and Wang, R and Dolma, D and Zhang, H and He, J and Bacuo, C and Norbu, N and Jia, X and Qiong, L and Wang, J},
title = {Characteristics of the mitochondrial genome of the invasive plant Tagetes minuta (Asteraceae) on the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau and its evolutionary significance.},
journal = {BMC genomics},
volume = {27},
number = {1},
pages = {},
pmid = {41731359},
issn = {1471-2164},
support = {2025-XC-B014//Graduate Initiative in Ecological Innovation and Entrepreneurship at Xizang University/ ; XZ202402ZD0005；XZ202402ZY0023; XZ202402JX0003; XZ202401ZR0028; XZ202502JD0005//Tibet Autonomous Region Natural Science Foundation Project/ ; },
mesh = {*Genome, Mitochondrial ; *Evolution, Molecular ; RNA Editing ; *Tagetes/genetics/classification ; Phylogeny ; Tibet ; *Introduced Species ; Molecular Sequence Annotation ; },
abstract = {This study presents the first high-quality assembly and systematic analysis of the complete mitochondrial genome in the invasive plant Tagetes minuta L. The multichromosomal structure spans 268,016 bp across four independent chromosomes (chr1: 91,422 bp; chr2: 76,491 bp; chr3: 52,805 bp; chr4: 47,298 bp), exhibiting characteristic plant mitogenomic AT-biased composition (44.80% GC content). Annotation revealed 56 genes, including 32 PCGs, 21 tRNAs, 3 rRNAs, and 4 pseudogenes. The genome harbors abundant repetitive sequences (97 SSRs, 21 tandem repeats, and 106 dispersed repeats), with the longest forward repeat extending to 1,420 bp. RNA editing analysis identified 570 C→U editing sites across 30 PCGs, significantly enhancing protein hydrophobicity (47.54% of sites shifted to hydrophobic residues). Ka/Ks and Pi analyses demonstrate strong purifying selection on most loci, while atp4, ccmC, and rps4 exhibit signatures of positive selection. Furthermore, 14 homologous fragments were identified between the mitochondrial and chloroplast genomes, collectively spanning 13,795 bp and representing 5.14% of the mitogenome and encompassing 10 intact plastid-derived genes. Phylogenomic evidence confirms that T. minuta forms a monophyletic clade with other Tagetes species. These findings collectively reveal that mitogenomic adaptations—including pre-adaptation traits, structural reorganizations, RNA editing optimization, and inter-organellar gene transfers-likely underpin the species’ robust ecological adaptability on the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau, providing key molecular foundations for deciphering the high-altitude invasion mechanisms of alien plants.},
}

*Genome, Mitochondrial
*Evolution, Molecular
RNA Editing
*Tagetes/genetics/classification
Phylogeny
Tibet
*Introduced Species
Molecular Sequence Annotation

@article {pmid41779209,
year = {2026},
author = {Barrett, DP and Subbaraj, AK and Wargent, JJ and Minor, MA and Peterson, P and Lun, DJ and Clavijo McCormick, A},
title = {Ultra-Violet Induced Biochemical Changes in an Invasive Weed and their Implications for Plant-Biocontrol Agent Interactions.},
journal = {Journal of chemical ecology},
volume = {52},
number = {2},
pages = {},
pmid = {41779209},
issn = {1573-1561},
mesh = {Animals ; *Coleoptera/physiology/growth & development ; *Ultraviolet Rays ; Introduced Species ; *Plant Weeds/metabolism/radiation effects ; *Calluna/radiation effects/metabolism/physiology ; Metabolomics ; New Zealand ; United Kingdom ; *Pest Control, Biological ; },
abstract = {Introducing insect biocontrol agents sourced from a plant’s native range is an effective, sustainable management strategy for invasive plants. However, not all biocontrol programmes achieve the desired outcome because control agents either fail to establish or are ineffective. Heather beetle Lochmaea suturalis (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae), introduced from the United Kingdom (UK) to New Zealand (NZ) to control the invasive shrub Calluna vulgaris (heather), was difficult to establish and achieved poor population growth rates and expansion relative to its conspecifics in its native UK range. Poor performance in biocontrol is often attributed to various abiotic or biotic factors but seldom considers alterations to a target plants biochemical phenotype. A recent study revealed, heather has a significantly different biochemical profile in NZ compared with the UK, between which there is considerable difference in ultra-violet (UV) radiation. UV is known to drive plant biochemical change, including defensive secondary metabolites and we hypothesized that this factor could enhance heathers’ defensive capability leading to poor biocontrol agent performance. Testing this hypothesis involved exposing heather plants to 20% and 95% UV attenuating screens and using metabolomics to measure plant secondary metabolite responses. Our results demonstrate significant alterations to many compounds derived from the shikimate-phenylpropanoid pathway. However, a bioassay revealed no impact on prepupal weight or larval survival of the biocontrol agent L. suturalis. We discuss and explore possible reasons for this outcome, the magnitude and impact of UV-induced biochemical changes on plant-insect interactions and the potential of metabolomics to support weed biocontrol.},
}

Animals
*Coleoptera/physiology/growth & development
*Ultraviolet Rays
Introduced Species
*Plant Weeds/metabolism/radiation effects
*Calluna/radiation effects/metabolism/physiology
Metabolomics
New Zealand
United Kingdom
*Pest Control, Biological

@article {pmid41820450,
year = {2026},
author = {Kim, TM and Jeong, S and Choi, B and Kim, Y and Kim, E},
title = {Seed endophytic bacteria from invasive Lactuca serriola increase soil available phosphorus under phosphorus deficiency.},
journal = {Scientific reports},
volume = {16},
number = {1},
pages = {},
pmid = {41820450},
issn = {2045-2322},
support = {RS-2024-00456189, RS-2025-00558787//the National Research Foundation of Korea (NRF)/ ; },
mesh = {*Phosphorus/metabolism/deficiency ; *Soil/chemistry ; Soil Microbiology ; *Seeds/microbiology ; *Endophytes/metabolism ; *Lactuca/microbiology/metabolism/growth & development ; *Bacteria/metabolism/isolation & purification ; Plant Roots/microbiology/metabolism ; Rhizosphere ; Introduced Species ; },
abstract = {Invasion by alien plant species can alter soil biogeochemical processes, including phosphorus (P) cycling. Plant litter and root exudates have been proposed to influence soil chemistry either directly through the release of diverse metabolites or indirectly by modifying the rhizosphere microbiome. Notably, some seed endophytic bacteria co-dispersed with seeds possess phosphate-solubilizing activity (PSA), suggesting their potential contribution to soil P dynamics. However, this possibility has rarely been tested. In this study, we conducted in vitro PSA assays on bacterial strains isolated from seeds of the invasive Lactuca serriola. To comprehensively assess their capacity, both individual isolates and their synthetic consortia were examined. Individual isolates exhibited variable PSA, and two isolates showed synergistic PSA when combined with other isolates. Based on these results, we constructed dual-strain consortia containing either of the synergistic strains with another isolate and inoculated them onto L. serriola seeds. Plants were then grown under P-deficient conditions, and both plant and soil traits were measured. Seed inoculation with specific dual-strain consortia significantly increased soil P, and these effects exceeded those of individual strains, indicating synergistic interactions between bacterial partners. The plant root-to-shoot ratio was negatively associated with soil P. Our results imply that plants harboring specific seed endophytic bacteria can enhance soil P under P-limiting conditions. In addition, they suggest the importance of bacterial interactions when evaluating the effects of bacteria on plant and soil traits.},
}

*Phosphorus/metabolism/deficiency
*Soil/chemistry
Soil Microbiology
*Seeds/microbiology
*Endophytes/metabolism
*Lactuca/microbiology/metabolism/growth & development
*Bacteria/metabolism/isolation & purification
Plant Roots/microbiology/metabolism
Rhizosphere
Introduced Species

@article {pmid42045306,
year = {2026},
author = {Twidle, AM and Sullivan, TES and Arahanga, MT and Pilkington, LI and Bryant, DT and Joyce, NI and Sullivan, NJ and Murray, TJ and Vink, CJ},
title = {Identification and testing of sex pheromone components of the invasive Australian redback spider (Lactrodectus hasseltii).},
journal = {Scientific reports},
volume = {16},
number = {1},
pages = {},
pmid = {42045306},
issn = {2045-2322},
support = {C11X2302//New Zealand Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment/ ; },
mesh = {Animals ; *Spiders/physiology/chemistry/metabolism ; *Sex Attractants/chemistry/analysis/isolation & purification ; Female ; Male ; Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry ; Pyrrolidinones/analysis/isolation & purification/chemistry ; Solid Phase Microextraction ; Australia ; Silk/chemistry ; Introduced Species ; Animals, Poisonous ; },
abstract = {Australian redback spiders Latrodectus hasseltii, known for their strong neurotoxic venom, are a quarantine threat for much of the world. Female redback spiders produce a sex pheromone that attracts males of the species, yet the compounds involved in their attraction remain unresolved. Our project set out to identify these compounds and use them to trap male redback spiders as the first step in the development of a pest management/surveillance tool for these spiders. Headspace volatiles from the silk of virgin and mated female redback spiders was collected by solid phase microextraction and analysed by gas chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry. Silk samples were also solvent extracted for analysis by liquid chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry. Comparison with synthetic standards on multiple column phases identified the candidate volatile pheromone components as 2-methylpropanoic acid, (S)-2-methylbutanoic acid and 2-pyrrolidone, while N-3-methylbutanoyl-O-(S)-2-methylbutanoyl-L-serine was identified as the main candidate short-range cue. Bioassays with a combination of these four compounds showed similar levels of attraction to the natural virgin female’s silk. Field trapping trials using a mixture of all four compounds successfully trapped male redback spiders in New Zealand vineyards.},
}

Animals
*Spiders/physiology/chemistry/metabolism
*Sex Attractants/chemistry/analysis/isolation & purification
Female
Male
Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry
Pyrrolidinones/analysis/isolation & purification/chemistry
Solid Phase Microextraction
Australia
Silk/chemistry
Introduced Species
Animals, Poisonous

@article {pmid42350700,
year = {2026},
author = {Dániel-Ferreira, J and Helldin, JO and Lennartsson, T},
title = {Evaluation of a car-based method for detecting the invasive Lupinus polyphyllus Lindl in road infrastructure.},
journal = {Scientific reports},
volume = {16},
number = {1},
pages = {},
pmid = {42350700},
issn = {2045-2322},
mesh = {*Introduced Species ; *Lupinus ; Ecosystem ; *Automobiles ; *Environmental Monitoring/methods ; },
abstract = {Growing recognition of the negative impacts of invasive alien plants on native species diversity and ecosystem function has led to greater focus on effective management strategies. Monitoring is crucial for both prevention of establishment and planning of eradication of established IAPs. However, monitoring is often constrained by resource limitations, and less time-consuming methods risk providing too low levels of detection. Lupinus polyphyllus is a highly problematic non-native plant species in Europe. We evaluated the detection performance of a car-based survey method for finding L. polyphyllus in road verges and how the physical characteristics of the stands influenced their detection from the car. At the 200 m scale, 85% of sections containing L. polyphyllus were correctly identified, while 72% of individual stands were detected. Results indicated that detection probability was influenced by stand density and position in the road verge. Dense stands had the highest detection probability, while single plants were less likely to be detected. Stands present in side and back slopes were more likely to be detected than those only in one slope, with the side slope stands having the lowest detection probability. Our study shows that the car-based survey is a reliable large-scale method for detecting L. polyphyllus and for providing a general estimate of its abundance in road verges. Such information is useful for designing management strategies to hinder seed production and dispersal of the invasive. Since the detection success of single plants was lower, more detailed surveys at local scales are recommended for early eradication.},
}

*Introduced Species
*Lupinus
Ecosystem
*Automobiles
*Environmental Monitoring/methods

@article {pmid42353503,
year = {2026},
author = {Gentile, L and Ferrari, MG and Ferretti, A and Bonaldo, A and Dondi, F and Marco, A},
title = {Approach for Hemolymph Collection and Biochemical Profiling of Invasive Callinectes sapidus: Methodology and Physiological Assessment.},
journal = {Animals : an open access journal from MDPI},
volume = {16},
number = {12},
pages = {},
pmid = {42353503},
issn = {2076-2615},
abstract = {The blue crab, Callinectes sapidus, is an invasive species in the Mediterranean Sea, where it has gained particular attention since 2023 due to its negative ecological and economic impacts. This study aimed to define a standardized method for hemolymph collection and biochemical analysis in male blue crabs from the northern Adriatic Sea, providing data on their physiological status. Hemolymph was collected following a standardized protocol. Preliminary validation tests showed good recovery, stability and linearity results for biochemical analytes, showing no significant analytical interference due to hemolymph pigmentation. Then, key biochemical variables, including glucose, calcium, magnesium, triglyceride, urea, uric acid, aspartate transaminase, gamma-glutamyl transferase, phosphate, potassium, sodium, chloride and total protein, were analyzed. The results revealed considerable variability in the biochemical profiles of the sampled individuals, consistent with the natural heterogeneity expected in a field-collected, mixed-molt cohort, while overall indicating a generally consistent euryhalinity, a good physiological status. The study underscores the importance of standardized protocols for hemolymph analysis in blue crab, contributing to the understanding of its physiology and invasive success.},
}

@article {pmid40610885,
year = {2025},
author = {Khan, I and Tariq, M and Nadeem, F and Khan, MS and Alharbi, SA and Alfarraj, S and Ercisli, S and Bozhuyuk, AU and Zhuang, P},
title = {Understanding the influence of precipitation and nitrogen depositions on the soil health and growth indices of invasive (Solidago canadensis L.) and native (Wedelia chinesis) association.},
journal = {BMC plant biology},
volume = {25},
number = {1},
pages = {845},
pmid = {40610885},
issn = {1471-2229},
support = {2022B1111230001//Key-Area Research and Development Program of Guangdong Province/ ; 2023B1212060046//Guangdong Science and Technology Plan Project/ ; },
mesh = {*Nitrogen/metabolism ; *Soil/chemistry ; *Rain ; *Solidago/growth & development ; *Introduced Species ; Ecosystem ; },
abstract = {Climate change has impacted plant community sustainability and increased the risk of plant invasion. Variable precipitation patterns and nitrogen (N) deposition rates have influenced plant community structure and productivity in different ecosystems. These factors have important implications for ecosystem functioning and biodiversity in the face of climate change. The current study investigates the effects of precipitation levels and N deposition rates with various cropping system on soil and the growth indices of native WC (Wedelia chinesis (Osbeck) Merr.) and invasive SC (Solidago canadensis L.) plants. Two different pot experiments were conducted in a greenhouse. In the first experiment, three levels of precipitation (low precipitation (PL), normal precipitation (PN) and high precipitation (PH); while in N deposition experiment: three levels of N deposition (N0 (no application), N5 (5 g m− 2 yr− 1) and N10 (10 g m− 2 yr− 1)) were evaluated with different cropping systems (bare pot as control (CK), invasive monocropping (SC), native monocropping (WC) and intercropping (SC ×WC)). Both experiments were executed in CRD-factorial design with five replications. During the experiment, soil chemical properties and growth index parameters were collected monthly. The precipitation experiment results showed that PL increased the soil NH4+-N content in the native monocropping system, While, the maximum NO3−-N content with application of PN as compared with control treatment (CK). Besides this, normal precipitation increased the total organic carbon (TOC) concentration with invasive monocropping by 59% and 70% during August and October month, respectively. Highest soil pH was recorded at combined application of normal precipitation and intercropping of native and invasive. The PN increased the growth index (chlorophyll content and plant height) and wet and dry biomass of shoots (53% and 45%) and roots (66% and 75%). Moreover, the maximum growth index and wet and dry biomass of shoots (49%) and roots (72% and 75%) were noticed in invasive monocropping cropping system. Furthermore, N depositions experiment results indicated that the addition of N (N10) increased the concentration of NH4+-N in intercropping of native and invasive plants during October and December. Similarly, the higher rate of N deposition (N10) increased the soil NO3−-N content in invasive monocropping during August and October. Whereas, appropriate application of N rate (N5) in combination with invasive monocropping increased the TOC concentration by 44% in December. The addition of N10 enhanced the growth index and wet and dry biomass of the roots (65% and 54%) and shoots (70% and 55%). Overall, PN, and increased of N deposition rate (N10) favored the growth of invasive plants. This may increase the risk of plant invasion and have adverse impacts on native plants.},
}

*Nitrogen/metabolism
*Soil/chemistry
*Rain
*Solidago/growth & development
*Introduced Species
Ecosystem

@article {pmid41286410,
year = {2025},
author = {Song, M and Wang, Y and Zhou, R and Wang, H and Zhang, C and Li, B},
title = {The ecological stoichiometry shifts induced by Ligularia virgaurea invasion in alpine meadows of the Qinghai-Tibetan plateau.},
journal = {Scientific reports},
volume = {15},
number = {1},
pages = {45279},
pmid = {41286410},
issn = {2045-2322},
support = {U21A20186//National Natural Science Foundation of China/ ; 2023-SJY-ZZ-01//Key Laboratory of the Alpine Grassland Ecology in the Three River Region, Ministry of Education/ ; 2023-ZJ-723//the Applied Basic Research Program of Qinghai Province/ ; },
mesh = {*Introduced Species ; Nitrogen/analysis ; *Grassland ; Soil/chemistry ; *Asteraceae/physiology/growth & development ; Tibet ; Phosphorus/analysis ; Carbon/analysis ; *Ecosystem ; Biomass ; Poaceae ; },
abstract = {The invasion of alpine meadows on the Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau by Ligularia virgaurea raises serious concerns about its impact on ecosystem functions. This study investigated how its spread influences ecological stoichiometry and nutrient transitions in native plant communities. We investigated four invasion density levels in a typical alpine meadow: no invasion (LN), low (LL), moderate (LM), and high (LH) density. A replicated sampling design was used to assess the C: N:P stoichiometry of different plant functional groups and its correlation with soil nutrients. Our results demonstrate that increasing L. virgaurea density led to a significant decline in plant community nitrogen content and a rise in C: N ratios, mirroring the response of grasses. Phosphorus content in community plants and key groups (legumes, forbs, and L. virgaurea itself) initially increased then slightly decreased, peaking at moderate invasion density. Under high-density invasion, plant organic carbon content decreased significantly. Concurrently, soil inorganic nitrogen declined, while soil available phosphorus, organic carbon, and microbial biomass (C, N, P) increased markedly. These findings suggest that L. virgaurea successfully invades by outcompeting natives for nitrogen and enhancing phosphorus availability via stimulation of the soil microbial pool. Furthermore, different functional groups exhibited distinct stoichiometric strategies; sedges maintained competitiveness through efficient nutrient retention, while grass faced intensified nitrogen limitation. Overall, L. virgaurea invasion induces a fundamental shift in the nutrient cycling of alpine meadows, driven by plant-soil-microbe feedback that reinforces its dominance.},
}

*Introduced Species
Nitrogen/analysis
*Grassland
Soil/chemistry
*Asteraceae/physiology/growth & development
Tibet
Phosphorus/analysis
Carbon/analysis
*Ecosystem
Biomass
Poaceae

@article {pmid41326594,
year = {2025},
author = {Abu-Nassar, J and Matzrafi, M},
title = {Comparative study of seed germinations and phenology of population of the invasive weed Solanum rostratum Dunal in Israel.},
journal = {Scientific reports},
volume = {16},
number = {1},
pages = {355},
pmid = {41326594},
issn = {2045-2322},
support = {20-02-0195//chief scientist of the Israeli Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security/ ; },
mesh = {*Germination/physiology ; *Solanum/growth & development/physiology ; Israel ; *Seeds/growth & development/physiology ; *Introduced Species ; *Plant Weeds/growth & development/physiology ; Flowers/physiology/growth & development ; Temperature ; Phenotype ; },
abstract = {Phenotypic variation in germination and phenological traits can enhance the invasive potential of alien weeds by promoting establishment across heterogeneous environments. Solanum rostratum Dunal (buffalobur), a prickly annual species native to Mexico, has become invasive in several regions worldwide, yet little is known about the mechanisms underlying its spread in the Mediterranean Basin. We evaluated variation among seven Israeli populations in seed morphology, germination under different temperature regimes, emergence from burial depths, and subsequent plant growth and flowering phenology. Seed traits varied significantly among populations, with heavier seeds (e.g. SL, MM) or lighter seeds (KL, KM), reflecting trade-offs between establishment potential and dispersal. Germination was generally highest at 32/38°C, but populations differed in optimal conditions; KSH and SL reached 100% germination at 22/28°C, whereas others required higher temperatures. Emergence declined with burial depth, yet the KL population maintained up to 30% emergence from 15 cm, suggesting local adaptation to soil disturbance. Phenological comparisons revealed modest variation in flowering onset, but pronounced differences in flowering duration (4.35–7.81 days), with extended flowering windows potentially enhancing pollination opportunities in this buzz-pollinated species. Collectively, these results highlight substantial intra-specific variation in key life-history traits of S. rostratum. Such variation likely facilitates persistence across diverse Israeli habitats and contributes to invasion success by combining broad environmental tolerance with population-specific adaptive strategies. Our findings emphasize the need for regionally tailored weed management approaches and advance understanding of how phenotypic differentiation supports weed invasions.},
}

*Germination/physiology
*Solanum/growth & development/physiology
Israel
*Seeds/growth & development/physiology
*Introduced Species
*Plant Weeds/growth & development/physiology
Flowers/physiology/growth & development
Temperature
Phenotype

@article {pmid42339373,
year = {2026},
author = {Huynh, TTT and Nguyen, PAN and Nguyen, NT and Quang, MT},
title = {Complete mitochondrial genome sequence data of Pterygoplichthys gibbiceps (Actinopterygii, Loricariidae).},
journal = {Data in brief},
volume = {67},
number = {},
pages = {112963},
pmid = {42339373},
issn = {2352-3409},
abstract = {Pterygoplichthys gibbiceps (Kner, 1854) is a loricariid catfish (Actinopterygii: Loricariidae) recognized as an invasive alien species introduced through the ornamental fish trade. The species has established invasive populations and has been recorded from multiple localities across Vietnam. Here, we presented the complete mitochondrial genome data of P. gibbiceps from Vietnam, generated by high-throughput sequencing. The mitogenome contains 13 protein-coding genes, 22 transfer RNA genes, two ribosomal RNA genes, and a control region. Comparative analyses revealed a high degree of conservation among Pterygoplichthys mitogenomes in genome structure, gene content, gene order, and codon usage patterns. In addition, all mitochondrial protein-coding genes of P. gibbiceps exhibited Ka/Ks values below 1, indicating predominant purifying selection relative to other congeners. Phylogenetic reconstruction supported the monophyly of Pterygoplichthys and placed P. gibbiceps as an early-diverging lineage within the genus. These mitochondrial genome data provide a valuable resource for future studies on species identification, population structure, and evolutionary relationships of P. gibbiceps in Vietnam and elsewhere, and also contribute to comparative mitochondrial genomic studies in armored catfishes.},
}

@article {pmid42340560,
year = {2026},
author = {Wang, W and Xu, B and Ou, X and Lu, Y and Kong, J and Zhang, G and Huang, C and Zhang, Y and Wan, F},
title = {Electrophysiological and Behavioral Responses of Tuta absoluta to the Tomato-Associated Volatile 1-Nonanol.},
journal = {Neotropical entomology},
volume = {55},
number = {1},
pages = {},
pmid = {42340560},
issn = {1678-8052},
support = {110202401016(LS-06)//This work was supported by the Major special projects for green pest control/ ; },
mesh = {Animals ; *Solanum lycopersicum ; Female ; *Moths/physiology/drug effects ; Oviposition/drug effects ; Electrophysiological Phenomena ; *Volatile Organic Compounds ; Behavior, Animal/drug effects ; },
abstract = {The South American tomato pinworm, Tuta absoluta (Lepidoptera: Gelechiidae), is a devastating invasive pest of tomato (Solanum lycopersicum). To evaluate candidate female-oriented semiochemicals, we examined the electroantennogram (EAG) activity of ten tomato-associated volatiles selected from previous reports. The compound 1-nonanol was selected as a candidate based on its relatively strong EAG activity and was subsequently assessed for its effects on olfaction, orientation, and oviposition. These findings indicate that 1-nonanol elicits female-biased attraction and stimulates oviposition under laboratory conditions. However, its ecological relevance within natural tomato volatile blends and its field performance require further validation before it can be developed as a female-oriented IPM component.},
}

Animals
*Solanum lycopersicum
Female
*Moths/physiology/drug effects
Oviposition/drug effects
Electrophysiological Phenomena
*Volatile Organic Compounds
Behavior, Animal/drug effects

@article {pmid42340863,
year = {2026},
author = {Park, YG and McKenzie, CL and Osborne, LS},
title = {Functional responses of 3 generalist predators to Thrips parvispinus (Thysanoptera: Thripidae): Amblydromalus limonicus and Amblyseius swirskii (Acari: Phytoseiidae), and Franklinothrips vespiformis (Thysanoptera: Aeolothripidae).},
journal = {Journal of economic entomology},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1093/jee/toag188},
pmid = {42340863},
issn = {1938-291X},
support = {58-6034-3-009//USDA-ARS-Floriculture and Nursery Research Initiative/ ; FLA-MFC-006132//CRIS/ ; FLA-MFC-006436//CRIS/ ; 6034-30400-001-000D//USDA-ARS CRIS/ ; //U.S. Department of Agriculture/ ; },
abstract = {Thrips parvispinus is an invasive and highly polyphagous pest that has recently expanded its distribution worldwide, creating an urgent need for effective and sustainable management strategies. Functional response analysis provides baseline information for evaluating predator performance and supporting the development of biological control programs. In this study, we investigated the functional responses of 3 generalist predators, Amblydromalus limonicus, Amblyseius swirskii, and Franklinothrips vespiformis, against first- and second-instar larvae of T. parvispinus under laboratory conditions. Predation assays were conducted across multiple prey densities, and functional response type, attack rate, and handling time were estimated using logistic regression and random predator equation. All predator groups for which parameter estimation was possible exhibited Type II functional responses. Female predatory mites showed higher proportion of prey consumed than males, whereas functional response determination for males was frequently limited by low consumption, particularly when larger prey stages were provided. F. vespiformis showed substantially higher maximum consumption and shorter handling time than predatory mites. Between mite species, A. limonicus tended to perform better at low prey densities, whereas A. swirskii exhibited higher maximum consumption. Overall, all 3 predators demonstrated potential as biological control agents of T. parvispinus. The functional response parameters obtained in this study provide baseline information for developing biological control programs targeting this invasive thrips species.},
}

@article {pmid42340952,
year = {2026},
author = {Grabarczyk, EE and Schmidt, JM},
title = {DNA metabarcoding to estimate diet overlap between the introduced Joro spider (Trichonephila clavata) and three native orb-weaving spiders.},
journal = {PloS one},
volume = {21},
number = {6},
pages = {e0351929},
pmid = {42340952},
issn = {1932-6203},
mesh = {Animals ; *Spiders/genetics/physiology/classification ; *DNA Barcoding, Taxonomic/methods ; Female ; *Diet ; Predatory Behavior ; *Introduced Species ; Food Chain ; Feeding Behavior ; },
abstract = {The introduction of novel generalist predators to new ecosystems can dramatically alter species interactions and established food webs. Invasive predators may contribute to pest control services; however, a net loss of biodiversity can occur if invasives displace natives through intraguild predation or resource competition. Joro spiders (Trichonephila clavata) are an introduced, orb-weaving spider that show rapid range expansion in the United States. Trophic patterns of orb-weaving spiders are largely unknown, and as such, the impact of Joro spiders on established food webs is unclear. We explored patterns of diet composition and prey overlap between Joro spiders and three co-occurring, native orb-weaving species with molecular gut content analysis. In addition, we asked whether the composition of focal native spider diets differed at sites co-inhabited by Joro spiders. We collected female spiders from 52 sites within the Joro spider's introduced range and analyzed gut content via DNA metabarcoding and high-throughput Illumina sequencing. Despite overlap in many prey taxa consumed, overall diet composition was dissimilar between Joro and native spiders. Joro spider diets were distinct, with at least 26 unique prey taxa not detected in native spider diets. Moreover, native spider diets were similar regardless of whether Joro spiders were present at collection sites. Thus, our initial analysis suggests that while Joro spider diets do overlap with native spiders, their use of many unique food resources does not suggest strong competition. Additional research into web placement and spatial overlap as mechanisms underlying Joro spider invasion success should help clarify the potential for exclusion of native predator populations.},
}

Animals
*Spiders/genetics/physiology/classification
*DNA Barcoding, Taxonomic/methods
Female
*Diet
Predatory Behavior
*Introduced Species
Food Chain
Feeding Behavior

@article {pmid42343083,
year = {2026},
author = {González-Toral, C and Madrazo-Frías, L and Estrada Fernández, A and López-Alonso, R and Sanna, M and Cuesta, C and Cires, E and Viruel, J},
title = {Celtic Invasive Plants database.},
journal = {Scientific data},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1038/s41597-026-07636-y},
pmid = {42343083},
issn = {2052-4463},
support = {XXXVI Convocatoria para Ampliación de Estudios en el Extranjero en Ciencias de la Vida y de la Materia" (BEVP36A7453)//Fundación Ramón Areces/ ; PRP-UO-PUB-ASV-2025-GRUPO BIO-CON-FILO//Universidad de Oviedo/ ; RYC2023-042611-I by MCIU/AEI/10.13039/501100011033 and FSE+.//Ministerio de Ciencia e Innovación/ ; },
abstract = {Alien Invasive Species (AIS) are among the principal threats to humanity due to their substantial ecological, social, and economic impacts. International efforts to harmonize national AIS checklists and databases is often hindered by fragmented data across multiple platforms. The Celtic Fringe, a biogeographically coherent unit within the European Atlantic Floristic Region, includes part of the Iberian Peninsula, France and the British Isles, and is notable for its extensively documented flora. Here, we present the first unified AIS checklist and georeferenced occurrence database for the entire Celtic Fringe, with occurrences mapped to a 10 × 10 km UTM grid resolution. Occurrence data were aggregated from public datasets, while the harmonized AIS checklist of 271 taxa was developed through the integration of national and international sources. The resulting database comprises 164,974 occurrences, each enriched with taxonomic, floristic, and administrative metadata to facilitate use across multiple geographic and governance levels. This harmonized and standardised resource is designed to support AIS management at local, national, and transnational scales, while facilitating conservation planning and research on invasion dynamics.},
}

@article {pmid42343861,
year = {2026},
author = {Srivastava, DS and Trzcinski, MK and Petermann, JS and Céréghino, R and Farjalla, VF and Pires, APF and Gonzalez, AL and Kratina, P and de Omena, PM and Gotelli, NJ},
title = {Natural microcosms in ecology: fulfilling the promise of model systems?.},
journal = {Philosophical transactions of the Royal Society of London. Series B, Biological sciences},
volume = {381},
number = {1953},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1098/rstb.2024.0394},
pmid = {42343861},
issn = {1471-2970},
support = {//Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada/ ; //Natural Environment Research Council/ ; //Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Científico e Tecnológico/ ; //Fundação Carlos Chagas Filho de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado do Rio de Janeiro/ ; //Division of Environmental Biology/ ; //Agence Nationale de la Recherche/ ; },
mesh = {*Ecology/methods ; *Ecosystem ; Models, Biological ; },
abstract = {Natural microcosms (NMs) have been proposed as model systems for ecology based on their ubiquity, ease of study and natural context. We assess whether this potential has been met by examining 824 studies of six NMs (bromeliads, moss patches, nectar microbiomes, pitcher plants, rockpools, treeholes). Of these, we judged 314 studies to use NMs as model systems, testing a broad range of ecological theories. Although these theories spanned large biological, spatial and temporal scales, most studies concentrated on community-level niche processes occurring at local scales and within a generation-especially trophic control theories. However, metacommunity theory, which integrates over spatial and temporal scales, was also commonly studied. NMs were particularly effective in studying environmental stressors, often in combination with multitrophic effects or responses. While NMs have many advantages as model systems, there are limits to which theories can be tested due to specific life-histories of their inhabitants, uniqueness of certain ecosystem processes and frequency of disturbance. Particularly under-represented were tests of behavioural and ecosystem theory, long-term processes and impacts of invasive species. Greater use of molecular methods, community science and collaborative research networks could enable NMs to reach their full potential as model systems. This article is part of the theme issue 'Life in natural microcosms'.},
}

*Ecology/methods
*Ecosystem
Models, Biological

@article {pmid42343951,
year = {2026},
author = {Muller, B and Midgley, J and Goergen, G and Al Jahdhami, A and Azo'o Ela, M and Bellingan, T and Cavaillès, S and Copeland, R and De Meyer, M and Hauser, M and Holmes, A and Mengual, X and Nève, G and Reemer, M and Skevington, J and Ståhls, G and Sinzinkayo, E and Smit, J and Ssymank, A and Theron, G and Jordaens, K},
title = {Invasion Patterns and Niche Dynamics of the Pollinivorous Florida Calligrapher, Toxomerus floralis (Diptera: Syrphidae) in the Afrotropical Region.},
journal = {Ecology and evolution},
volume = {16},
number = {6},
pages = {e73838},
pmid = {42343951},
issn = {2045-7758},
abstract = {The rapid spread of Toxomerus floralis (Fabricius, 1798) (Diptera: Syrphidae) within the Afrotropical region is described. We characterise and compare the climatic niches of T. floralis in its native (Southern North America, Central America and South America) and invaded (Afrotropical Region) range to assess the potential for further expansion across Africa and beyond, and included future global climate models and socioeconomic pathways as projections. Occurrence data for native and invaded ranges were obtained from field sampling by authors, major collections of Afrotropical Syrphidae, collections records and occurrence data from the Global Biodiversity Information Facility (GBIF), including iNaturalist data. Single and ensemble species distribution modelling was performed utilising the 'biomod2' package, and the 'ecospat' package was used to determine the Continuous Boyce Index and niche dynamics of the species. Current and global climate models (GCM) Worldclim 2.1 data were used as environmental variables. Ensemble models showed high predictive accuracy (native: TSS = 0.824, CBI R s = 0.982; expanded: TSS = 0.805, CBI R s = 0.997), Bio18 and Bio2 Worldclim 2.1 variables proving the most important predictors. Niche dynamics showed primarily niche conservatism (76.4%) as well as a degree of expansion (23.6%, p = 0.048). Models predict high probability of further spread throughout Africa, with potential expansion into other Ecoregions. Future climate projections suggest continued range expansion through 2100 under most scenarios. The species' potential distribution shows spatial overlap with its larval host plants, however, since host distributions were not integrated into the modelling framework, the relative roles of climatic and biotic factors in limiting distribution cannot be directly evaluated from current analyses. It is predicted that T. floralis will invade the tropical regions of Asia and Australia in the near future. Citizen science data proved invaluable for tracking the expansion of T. floralis, highlighting the value of such platforms for monitoring non-native species expansions.},
}

@article {pmid42344937,
year = {2026},
author = {Enguídanos García, A and Cuesta-Porta, V and Abrego L, J and Almanza, M and Alvelo Villegas, KZ and Antaneda H, J and Bonner, L and Carpintero, OJ and Collado, GN and Córdoba González, D and Díaz Vergara, M and Guerra-Lima, ZI and Noriega, JD and de León Herrera, DS and Domingo, AI and Durán, O and Garrido-Trujillo, A and González, Y and Justo Riverol, SC and Guerrero Romero, A and León Correoso, N and Molina, LEP and Montalvo, E and Pérez-González, CM and Rivera, M and Vásquez Acosta, JL and Vásquez, M and Vega-Atencio, A and Zhuo, W and Galià-Camps, C},
title = {Bridging genetic knowledge gaps in a biodiversity hotspot through conservation training.},
journal = {Bioscience},
volume = {76},
number = {6},
pages = {563-568},
pmid = {42344937},
issn = {0006-3568},
abstract = {The Mesoamerican biodiversity hotspot is extraordinarily rich, yet most invertebrate genetic diversity remains invisible, hampering effective conservation planning amid accelerating biodiversity loss. How can this hidden diversity be revealed while simultaneously building local scientific capacity? Panama BioResearch, a hands-on molecular course, addressed this issue by embedding DNA barcoding within training and conservation contexts. Participants collected terrestrial and marine invertebrates across three protected areas and generated 158 DNA barcode sequences, two-thirds of which represented first genetic records for their species. Comparisons with public databases revealed striking under-representation of Mesoamerican taxa, especially non-iconic groups with key ecosystem roles. Barcoding also enabled the rapid detection of two invasive species, prompting immediate management responses. Beyond documenting biodiversity, this experience demonstrates that small, low-cost educational initiatives can produce actionable data, foster local expertise, and inform conservation priorities. Embedding molecular tools in education provides a scalable model for linking research, training, and management in species-rich but data-deficient regions.},
}

@article {pmid42345824,
year = {2026},
author = {Yin, J and Wang, C and Li, Y and Li, J and Zhang, R and Wang, X and Luo, Z and Shan, H},
title = {Mitochondrial Genome of Paraleyrodes minei Iaccarino (Hemiptera: Aleyrodidae): A New Sugarcane Pest and Phylogenetic Analysis of Aleyrodidae.},
journal = {Biology},
volume = {15},
number = {12},
pages = {},
pmid = {42345824},
issn = {2079-7737},
support = {CARS-170303//China Agriculture Research System of MOF and MARA/ ; YNGZTX-4-92//Yunnan Province Agriculture Research System/ ; },
abstract = {Paraleyrodes minei is an invasive alien species in China, representing a new record for Yunnan Province and a new sugarcane pest. The mitochondrial genome of P. minei was sequenced using the Illumina NovaSeq 6000 sequencing platform. The genome sequence was assembled and annotated, and its structural characteristics and nucleotide composition were analyzed. A phylogenetic tree of 18 species in the family Aleyrodidae was constructed using maximum likelihood (ML) and Bayesian inference (BI) methods to analyze the phylogenetic relationship of P. minei within the family Aleyrodidae. The results indicated that the mitochondrial genome of P. minei was 18,774 bp in length and contained 13 protein-coding genes (PCGs), 22 transfer RNA (tRNA) genes, 2 ribosomal RNA (rRNA) genes, and 1 non-coding control region. The A+T content of the mitochondrial genome of P. minei was 80.93%, indicating a marked A+T preference. ATN was used as the start codon for the PCGs, and TAA, TAG, TA, and T were used as the stop codons. In the secondary structure of tRNA, the TΨC arm was missing in trnA, trnC, and trnG, and the DHU arm was missing in trnS1 and trnS2, with G-U base mismatches present. The phylogenetic tree revealed that the 18 species of 10 genera in the two subfamilies of the family Aleyrodidae clustered into two major branches: the subfamilies Aleyrodinae and Aleurodicinae. All 10 genera were monophyletic groups; among them, the genus Paraleyrodes and the genus Aleurodicus formed a sister relationship, and both belonged to the subfamily Aleurodicinae. This study represents the first successful sequencing of the mitochondrial genome of P. minei, as well as the first mitochondrial genome of the genus Paraleyrodes, laying the foundation for the control of P. minei and the analysis of phylogenetic relationships among various genera of the family Aleyrodidae.},
}

@article {pmid42346430,
year = {2026},
author = {Glorio Patrucco, S and Giugliano, R and Griglione, A and Zicarelli, G and Mossotto, C and Costa, L and Esposito, G and Gabetti, A and Anselmi, S and Bentivoglio, T and Vivaldi, B and Ciccotelli, V and Aimone, B and Prearo, M and Barceló, D and Renzi, M and Squadrone, S and Pastorino, P},
title = {From Ecological Threats to Monitoring Tools: Multi-Contaminant Profiles in Silurus glanis and Procambarus clarkii for Pollution Tracking and Preliminary Food/Feed Safety Assessment.},
journal = {Journal of xenobiotics},
volume = {16},
number = {3},
pages = {},
pmid = {42346430},
issn = {2039-4713},
support = {IZS PLV 09/22 RC//Ministero della Salute/ ; IZS PLV 23D05//Fondazione CRT/ ; },
abstract = {Invasive alien species (IAS) such as Silurus glanis and Procambarus clarkii represent major ecological threats but may also serve as effective bioindicators of environmental contamination; therefore, this study aimed to evaluate their potential for multi-contaminant monitoring and assess their suitability as alternative feed and food resources within a circular economy framework. Multi-contaminant profiles were investigated in S. glanis and P. clarkii from Avigliana Lakes (NW Italy), analyzing trace elements, rare earth elements (REEs), and organic contaminants in fish muscle, and microplastics (MPs) in intestinal tracts. In S. glanis, total trace element concentrations and ΣREEs were markedly higher in Small Lake than in Great Lake, with ΣREEs reaching 0.445 and 0.056 mg/kg w.w., respectively. Mean concentrations of the regulated elements in Great Lake were 0.017 mg/kg w.w. (As), 0.003 mg/kg w.w. (Cd), and 0.16 mg/kg w.w. (Pb), increasing in Small Lake to 0.19, 0.03, and 1.86 mg/kg w.w., respectively. In P. clarkii, contamination levels were lower, with ΣREEs averaging 0.074 mg/kg w.w. and mean concentrations of As, Cd, and Pb of 0.25, 0.006, and 0.21 mg/kg w.w., respectively. Organic contaminants, including polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), non-dioxin-like polychlorinated biphenyls (NDL-PCBs), and pesticides, were generally below limits of quantification. MPs were detected in 100% of specimens, with mean concentrations of 4.2 ± 2.15 and 4.4 ± 2.70 MPs per intestinal tract in S. glanis (Great and Small Lake, respectively) and 2.7 ± 2.39 MPs/intestinal tract in P. clarkii. Permutational multivariate analysis of variance (PERMANOVA) indicated significant site-related differences in S. glanis and species-related differences between S. glanis and P. clarkii within Great Lake. Most regulated contaminants were below applicable EU thresholds; however, Pb in S. glanis from Small Lake exceeded the maximum level established for fish muscle intended for human consumption.},
}

@article {pmid42347937,
year = {2026},
author = {Kunwar, R and Bhandari, P and Khadka, D and Chaudhari, SK and Thapa, S and Acharya, R and Ghimire, S and Rimal, B and Sharma, G and Baral, K and Bhatta, B and Subedi, CK and Paudel, B and Chaudhary, RP and Deng, T},
title = {Biodiversity Hotspots in Nepal Himalaya: Endemic Plants, Threats, and Conservation Priorities for Bagmati Province, Nepal.},
journal = {Environmental management},
volume = {76},
number = {7},
pages = {},
pmid = {42347937},
issn = {1432-1009},
support = {162GJHZ2024034MI, XZ202501ZY0151//International Partnership Program of Chinese Academy of Sciences, and the Science and Technology Project of Xizang Autonomous Region, China/ ; },
mesh = {*Conservation of Natural Resources ; *Biodiversity ; Nepal ; Himalayas ; *Plants ; Ecosystem ; },
abstract = {Biodiversity hotspots are ecologically critical areas requiring special attention due to their rich endemism, unique ecosystems, and vulnerability to environmental pressures. Given the biodiversity value of Bagmati Province, Nepal and the escalating environmental threats it faces, this study employed a mixed-methods approach combining desk review, field observations, consultations, GIS mapping, and multi-criteria decision analysis (MCDA) to identify key conservation priorities at both district (meso-hotspot) and local (micro-hotspot) scales. The province harbors notable plant biodiversity, including 114 endemic plant taxa and 50 threatened species with high concentrations in the mountainous and mid-hill districts (Rasuwa, Dhading, Dolakha, and Kathmandu). These ecologically crucial sites, however, face severe and synergistic threats, including rapid forest cover loss, frequent forest fires, rampant growth of invasive species, and high climate vulnerability. Our analysis identified five meso-hotspots (Dhading, Kathmandu, Makwanpur, Chitwan, and Rasuwa) and six micro-hotspots clustered into two key complexes (Chandragiri-Kathmandu-Gokarneshwor and Ruby Valley-Parbatikunda-Gosaikunda). Most of these priority areas lie outside the formal protected area network, highlighting a major conservation gap. These findings reinforce a growing regional consensus that areas outside and between protected areas, including community-managed forests and sacred groves, are indispensable for biodiversity conservation. We urge a landscape-scale approach that mitigates threats, extends conservation beyond and between protected areas, and recognizes the vital stewardship role of Indigenous Peoples and Local Communities (IPLCs).},
}

*Conservation of Natural Resources
*Biodiversity
Nepal
Himalayas
*Plants
Ecosystem

@article {pmid42347938,
year = {2026},
author = {Pace, G and Barquin, J and Concostrina-Zubiri, L and Gallitelli, L and Bruno, MC and Laux, M and Jonsson, M and Scalici, M and Pascoal, C and Schulz, R and Larsen, S},
title = {Stakeholders´ Perspectives on Riparian Zones Across Europe: Shared Views and Regional Contrasts.},
journal = {Environmental management},
volume = {76},
number = {7},
pages = {},
pmid = {42347938},
issn = {1432-1009},
support = {GA No. 101052342//Biodiversa+/ ; GA No. 101052342//Biodiversa+/ ; GA No. 101052342//Biodiversa+/ ; GA No. 101052342//Biodiversa+/ ; GA No. 101052342//Biodiversa+/ ; GA No. 101052342//Biodiversa+/ ; GA No. 101052342//Biodiversa+/ ; GA No. 101052342//Biodiversa+/ ; GA No. 101052342//Biodiversa+/ ; GA No. 101052342//Biodiversa+/ ; https://doi.org/10.54499/DivProtect/0010/2021//Fundação para a Ciência e a Tecnologia (FCT)/ ; MICIU/AEI/10.13039/501100011033///Ministero de Ciencia, Innovaciones y Universidades/ ; FOMAS, 2022-01745//Swedish Research Council/ ; DFG; SCHU2271/22-1//Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft/ ; },
mesh = {Europe ; *Conservation of Natural Resources/methods ; *Ecosystem ; *Rivers ; Humans ; Biodiversity ; },
abstract = {Riparian zones are transitional habitats linking terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems and connecting diverse socio-ecological landscapes within catchments. They naturally support high biodiversity and provide multiple ecosystem services, yet they have been extensively modified and degraded by human activities. Although Europe has established binding nature restoration targets, the absence of a standardised framework for riparian ecosystems across countries often leads to management inconsistencies, further complicated by differing stakeholder perceptions of threats and priorities. We surveyed stakeholders' views on the ecological roles, threats, and management needs of riparian zones across five European countries (Sweden, Germany, Spain, Portugal and Italy). Responses from more than 500 participants show strong alignment between scientists and practitioners. Approximately half of all respondents considered their local river basins to be in low to moderate condition. Perceptions of key threats varied geographically: invasive species were viewed as a major concern in the Iberian Peninsula, whereas habitat modification was broadly recognized as a critical issue. Conversely, Swedish respondents viewed water-quality degradation as a minor threat. Management priorities also differed regionally, with German respondents frequently emphasising restoration, while Portuguese prioritised environmental education. Awareness of European eco-schemes supporting riparian restoration was generally low, particularly in Sweden. Ultimately, our large-scale survey reveals both shared and divergent stakeholder perspectives that mirror the environmental and ecological characteristics of riparian zones across Europe's boreal, continental, Atlantic and Mediterranean ecoregions. These findings underscore the need to improve awareness of financial incentives and to strengthen support for riparian conservation and restoration across the EU.},
}

Europe
*Conservation of Natural Resources/methods
*Ecosystem
*Rivers
Humans
Biodiversity

@article {pmid42348339,
year = {2026},
author = {Brian, JI and van Kleunen, M and Dawson, W and Kempel, A and Zhao, W and Catford, JA},
title = {Plants That Evolved Under High Phylogenetic Diversity Have Higher Invasion Success, Particularly in Undisturbed Communities.},
journal = {Ecology letters},
volume = {29},
number = {6},
pages = {e70417},
doi = {10.1111/ele.70417},
pmid = {42348339},
issn = {1461-0248},
support = {101002987//H2020 European Research Council/ ; },
mesh = {*Phylogeny ; *Introduced Species ; *Biological Evolution ; *Biodiversity ; *Plants/genetics/classification ; Grassland ; },
abstract = {The evolutionary imbalance hypothesis predicts that species from ecologically stable regions of high genetic potential and intense competition are more likely to be invasive, while regions with the opposite characteristics are more likely to be invasible. Relative phylogenetic diversity (PD) of species' indigenous ranges could indicate evolutionary imbalance and help identify high-risk invaders and vulnerable communities. We tested this with three seed addition experiments where 166 species of varying origins were sown into disturbed and undisturbed grassland plots. Species with high relative indigenous-PD had high colonisation and first-year survival regardless of disturbance, whereas species with low relative indigenous-PD only colonised disturbed communities and at a lower rate. Species' indigenous-PD did not appear to affect second-year survival. Although long-term outcomes are unknown, evidence suggests that species with high relative indigenous-PD pose a high invasion risk, even to intact communities. Regional PD could help indicate species invasiveness and community invasibility, informing biosecurity.},
}

*Phylogeny
*Introduced Species
*Biological Evolution
*Biodiversity
*Plants/genetics/classification
Grassland

@article {pmid42349738,
year = {2026},
author = {Miguel, TVS and Da Re, D and Espinosa, MO and Periago, MV and Lopez, L and Guzman, C and Andreo, V},
title = {How much can mosquito population dynamics models inform entomological surveillance? Assessing the transferability of Aedes aegypti climate-driven models in Argentina.},
journal = {Acta tropica},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {108204},
doi = {10.1016/j.actatropica.2026.108204},
pmid = {42349738},
issn = {1873-6254},
abstract = {Vector-borne diseases are expanding geographically, increasing the demand for reliable mosquito surveillance tools. Mechanistic models offer biologically grounded representations of mosquito population dynamics, yet their ability to generalise beyond their calibration conditions remains poorly investigated, mainly due to the scarcity of extensive longitudinal validation datasets. We evaluated two climate-driven models of Aedes aegypti population dynamics, one deterministic (Aguirre et al.) and one stochastic (DynamAedes), against weekly ovitrap data collected between 2015 and 2024 in ten Argentine localities spanning a broad climatic and latitudinal gradient. We assessed the model simulations in terms of spatio-temporal performance, peak detection, and seasonal timing (onset, end, and duration), using standardised egg-abundance time series (0-1 scale) for validation. Both models reproduced broad seasonal patterns, though performance varied by locality. The stochastic model exhibited local extinction events in the four southernmost localities, while the deterministic model predicted persistent near-zero abundance only in the driest locality. Weekly RMSE between observed and simulated data remained below 35% across all localities for both models. The Aguirre et al. model showed peak frequency closer to observations, whereas DynamAedes achieved higher detection sensitivity (43.5% versus 27.2%). Seasonal timing analyses revealed biases, including earlier onset and longer predicted seasons, particularly for DynamAedes. Overall, both models captured relevant features of Ae. aegypti population dynamics, but predictive performance was strongly context-dependent. These findings underscore the need for robust multi-site validation supported by long-term entomological data and stakeholder involvement in model co-development prior to operational use.},
}

@article {pmid42349739,
year = {2026},
author = {Dos Santos, IB and Storti-Melo, LM and Silva, JRS and Mota, LS and Nascimento-Pereira, AC and Ueno, HM and La Corte, R},
title = {Mosquito fauna (Diptera: Culicidae) in an Atlantic Forest remnant urban park and report of Chikungunya virus RNA detection in sylvatic mosquitoes.},
journal = {Acta tropica},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {108203},
doi = {10.1016/j.actatropica.2026.108203},
pmid = {42349739},
issn = {1873-6254},
abstract = {Patches of Atlantic Forest within urban areas in Brazil may provide suitable conditions for the establishment of transmission cycles of emerging alphaviruses and orthoflaviviruses due to the presence of potential hosts, such as non-human primates, and competent vectors. This study aimed to characterize the diurnal mosquito fauna and detect arboviruses in an Environmental Protection Area in the city of Aracaju, Northeast Brazil, where dengue, zika, and chikungunya are endemic. Entomological surveys and molecular assays were conducted to detect viral infection in adult mosquitoes. Ovitraps were used to collect immature stages in two environments of the park: open and forested areas. Aedes albopictus was the most abundant species among the three species of immatures collected in ovitraps. A total of 658 adult mosquitoes were collected by aspiration, yielding 11 species Ae. albopictus again being the most abundant, followed by Ae. scapularis. Chikungunya RNA was detected in Ae. albopictus, Ae. scapularis, and mixed pools of Wyeomyia spp. The main findings of the study were the dominance of the invasive species Ae. albopictus, and the detection of CHIKV RNA in both synanthropic and sylvatic mosquito species. The detection of CHIKV RNA in native forest mosquitoes raises the possibility that sylvatic mosquito communities are being exposed to urban circulating arboviruses, although the epidemiological significance of this finding remains unclear. No sylvatic yellow fever primary vectors were recorded in this survey.},
}

@article {pmid42350494,
year = {2026},
author = {Beiko, RG and Tolman, J and Barawi, SS and Fares, M and Murthy, SSN and Knox, T and Mackie, CM and Grundke, I and Jeffery, NW and Stanley, RRE and Sieben, V and LaRoche, J},
title = {Automated eDNA and eRNA profiling for biodiversity monitoring in marine and freshwater ecosystems.},
journal = {Scientific reports},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1038/s41598-026-58421-1},
pmid = {42350494},
issn = {2045-2322},
abstract = {Biodiversity monitoring is essential to measure the impacts of pollution, invasive species, and the longer-term effects of climate change. Automated samplers enable temporally flexible, remote collection of environmental DNA (eDNA), improving access to time-sensitive events. The Dartmouth Ocean Technologies (DOT) Preserving eDNA Sampler has proven effective in multi-month marine deployments, but further validation is needed across a broader range of habitats and water chemistries, and to establish its suitability for collection and assessment of environmental RNA (eRNA). In this study, we collected samples near the surface (1-1.5 m depth) of a brackish pond, a freshwater lake, and two marine harbours. We identified patterns of species turnover consistent with transitions among aquatic environments, including invasive species such as smallmouth bass and chain pickerel in the freshwater lake. Automated deployment in Halifax Harbour following a significant rainfall event detected nearly ten times as many probable fecal-associated bacteria by proportion at this site relative to Lunenburg Harbour. Preserved eRNA allowed the identification of taxa below the eDNA limit of detection. Our pilot study demonstrates the feasibility of using the DOT sampler for longer-term biomonitoring in a diverse range of aquatic habitats, yielding ecological insights that would not be attainable through manual sampling alone.},
}

@article {pmid42056657,
year = {2026},
author = {Çağlan Kaya, DC and İnnal, D},
title = {Assessment of Fe, Cr, and Zn in New Commercial Invasive Fish Species and their Public Health Implications.},
journal = {Biological trace element research},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
pmid = {42056657},
issn = {1559-0720},
abstract = {PTE contamination is widely recognized as a serious threat to both environmental and human health. In the Mediterranean Sea, three recently introduced non-native fish species (Nemipterus randalli, Saurida lessepsianus, and Siganus rivulatus) have successfully established self-sustaining populations following their introduction. While their ecological impacts remain incompletely understood, these invasive species have entered local markets and are increasingly consumed, giving them economic value. This study aimed to evaluate the concentrations of iron (Fe), chromium (Cr), and zinc (Zn) and assess potential health risks associated with their consumption. Specimens were collected during both the dry and wet seasons, and PTE concentrations in muscle tissue were determined by inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometry (ICP-OES). Chromium (Cr) levels were significantly higher in the wet season compared to the dry season (p < 0.05). Mean Zn and Fe concentrations were within national and international permissible limits, whereas Cr contamination may pose a concern for consumers, particularly in S. rivulatus. Risk assessment based on Estimated Daily Intake (EDI), Target Hazard Quotients (THQ), and Total THQ (TTHQ) was conducted for all three fish species included in the study. However, potential health risks were identified only for S. lessepsianus and S. rivulatus, in which TTHQ values for Fe exceeded the safety threshold of 1.},
}

@article {pmid42329466,
year = {2026},
author = {Donnelly, A and Jatmiko, EM},
title = {Native shrubs senesce earlier and faster than non-native shrubs in a temperate deciduous woodland in south-eastern Wisconsin, USA.},
journal = {International journal of biometeorology},
volume = {70},
number = {7},
pages = {},
pmid = {42329466},
issn = {1432-1254},
support = {RGI 101X368//University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee/ ; },
mesh = {Wisconsin ; Seasons ; *Plant Senescence ; Chlorophyll/analysis ; Plant Leaves/growth & development ; Forests ; *Introduced Species ; },
abstract = {Shrubs, both native and non-native, play a pivotal role in temperate deciduous forest dynamics by providing food and habitat for a range of organisms, contributing to nutrient and carbon cycling and particularly in the case of non-native shrubs, extending the growing season. Phenological patterns in shrubs differ from trees, including earlier leaf-out and delayed leaf senescence, which prolongs the photosynthetic active period and enhances carbon uptake. Despite their ecological significance shrubs remain understudied. The objective of this research was to quantify variations in autumn leaf senescence timing and rates between native and non-native shrubs using both in situ observations and chlorophyll meter (SPAD) readings. Phenological observations and SPAD values were recorded twice weekly throughout the autumn season (2018-2024) on 5 native and 4 non-native shrub species in a small (4.5 ha) temperate deciduous woodland fragment on the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee campus. Results show that non-native shrubs retain green leaves roughly 3-weeks longer than native species. Chlorophyll meter readings support this trend, showing prolonged chlorophyll retention and a more abrupt decline in leaf chlorophyll content in non-native shrubs. These findings improve our understanding of how shrubs shape understory forest phenology by quantifying how the pattern of senescence differs between native and non-native shrubs which in turn will have implications for the timing of understory light availability and supply of organic matter for nutrient recycling. In addition, these findings strengthen our knowledge of the ecological role of native and non-native species in temperate deciduous forest understories.},
}

Wisconsin
Seasons
*Plant Senescence
Chlorophyll/analysis
Plant Leaves/growth & development
Forests
*Introduced Species

@article {pmid42331167,
year = {2026},
author = {Zu, MX and Yu, LL and Xu, KK and Wan, FH and Yang, WJ},
title = {Role of the serine/threonine kinase polo in pupal-adult metamorphosis and oogenesis of Lasioderma serricorne female.},
journal = {International journal of biological macromolecules},
volume = {372},
number = {},
pages = {153125},
doi = {10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2026.153125},
pmid = {42331167},
issn = {1879-0003},
abstract = {The serine/threonine-protein kinase polo plays a crucial role in regulating the cell cycle and mitosis in insects. While the cigarette beetle, Lasioderma serricorne, is a globally distributed pest threatening stored products, the functions of its polo gene remain largely unexplored. This study investigates the polo gene to elucidate its role in the development and reproduction of L. serricorne. The Lspolo gene, which encodes a protein containing a catalytic serine/threonine kinase domain and polo box domains, was identified and cloned. Spatio-temporal expression analyses indicated that Lspolo is predominantly expressed in the ovary, peaking in 5-day-old adult females. RNA interference (RNAi)-mediated knockdown of Lspolo caused significant disruptions in the pupal-adult transition, leading to lethal molting defects and abnormal elytra formation. Lspolo knockdown also significantly reduced the expression of wing development-associated genes. Furthermore, Lspolo silencing resulted in pronounced ovarian abnormalities, including disrupted oocyte maturation, impaired vitellogenesis, and structural anomalies in follicular cells. Additionally, a significant decrease in vitellogenin content and marked downregulation of LsVg and LsVgR gene expression were observed. These cellular and morphological deficits induced a notable decrease in female fecundity, a 6.7-day shorter oviposition period, reduced egg production, and a 34% decrease in offspring hatching rate. Our findings demonstrate that Lspolo plays a crucial role in pupal-adult metamorphosis and oogenesis in L. serricorne, highlighting its potential as a molecular target for RNAi-based pest control strategies.},
}

@article {pmid42333225,
year = {2026},
author = {Sánchez Albert, A and López-Sáez, JA and Modolell, I and Lawrence, P and París, M},
title = {The enigmatic historical record of the leaf beetle Acentroptera norrisii in Spain: failed biological introduction or curatorial artefact?.},
journal = {PeerJ},
volume = {14},
number = {},
pages = {e21213},
pmid = {42333225},
issn = {2167-8359},
mesh = {Animals ; *Coleoptera/ultrastructure/classification ; Spain ; Microscopy, Electron, Scanning ; Pollen/ultrastructure ; Natural History ; },
abstract = {BACKGROUND: Natural History Collections (NHC) often contain exceptional specimens documenting unusual historical events, and these records can be valuable for detecting overlooked biological introductions. Here, we examine a striking case: a Neotropical leaf beetle, Acentroptera norrisii, labelled as collected in central Spain in 1998 by Dr J. Modolell. Given the species' native distribution in the Neotropics, this record raises the question of whether it represents a failed historical introduction or a curatorial artefact.

METHODS: We reconstructed the circumstances of the collection event using the collector's personal archives. We conducted scanning electron microscopy (SEM) to document microscopic particles on the specimen's cuticle. We also analysed the content of the original specimen box to evaluate the likelihood of pollen cross-contamination, considering the geographical origin and family-level identity of all co-stored specimens.

RESULTS: Archival evidence confirms the collector's presence at the labelled locality and date. SEM revealed several pollen grains consistent with plant taxa occurring at the collection site. However, the original box also contained numerous Spanish specimens belonging to beetle families with known anthophilous habits, meaning that cross-contamination during storage cannot be fully excluded. As a result, the palynological evidence remains inconclusive.

CONCLUSIONS: Together, the available evidence makes a failed historical introduction a plausible scenario, yet the inconclusive particle analysis prevents any confident confirmation. This case highlights both the potential and the limitations of NHC-derived data in invasion biology: while museum collections can preserve traces of otherwise "invisible" introductions, interpreting isolated and context-poor specimens remains inherently uncertain.},
}

Animals
*Coleoptera/ultrastructure/classification
Spain
Microscopy, Electron, Scanning
Pollen/ultrastructure
Natural History

@article {pmid42333748,
year = {2026},
author = {Zhuang, Y and Bao, K and Liao, Y and Chi, D and Wang, X},
title = {A modified trap for spotted lanternfly egg masses: material innovation and optimization.},
journal = {Pest management science},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1002/ps.71049},
pmid = {42333748},
issn = {1526-4998},
support = {CAFYBB2024ZA009//Fundamental Research Funds of Chinese Academy of Forestry/ ; },
abstract = {BACKGROUND: The spotted lanternfly, Lycorma delicatula (White) (Hemiptera: Fulgoridae), is a destructive invasive pest that demands effective monitoring and control. Current methods for managing L. delicatula egg masses are insufficient, highlighting the need for tree-safe, efficient trapping solutions. This study developed and optimized a lampshade trap for monitoring, collection, and physical control of L. delicatula egg masses through two phases of field experiments.

RESULTS: In 2024, a 2-mm thick felt cloth outperformed other black materials, collecting 1790 egg masses from 30 traps. Replacing the fiber batting with a textured, waterproof expanded polyethylene (EPE) foam enhanced the traps' attractiveness and prevented mold growth. In 2025, the effects of color and aperture were tested across 54 traps, resulting in the collection of 3996 egg masses (mean = 74.0 per trap), with the black half-opening design achieving the highest density (148.63 per m[2]). Additionally, installation improvements using zip ties, thumbtacks, and hook-and-loop tape enhanced the traps' tree-friendliness, modularity, and reusability.

CONCLUSION: The optimized felt cloth trap, with black or brown felt recommended (gray also effective) and aperture type selectable based on field wind conditions, is a cost-effective, practical, and environmentally friendly tool that efficiently concentrates oviposition, significantly enhances egg mass collection rates compared to earlier designs, and is well-suited for integrated L. delicatula management programs. © 2026 Society of Chemical Industry.},
}

@article {pmid42334939,
year = {2026},
author = {Duan, JJ and Petrice, TR and Schmude, JM and Hagerty, T},
title = {Temperature-dependent response of diapause termination in emerald ash borer (Coleoptera: Buprestidae): implications for its geographic distribution.},
journal = {Journal of economic entomology},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1093/jee/toag167},
pmid = {42334939},
issn = {1938-291X},
support = {# 8010-30400-001-000D//U.S. Department of Agriculture Appropriate/ ; },
abstract = {The emerald ash borer (EAB), Agrilus planipennis Fairmaire (Coleoptera: Buprestidae), native to Northeast Asia, is the most destructive invasive pest of ash (Fraxinus spp.) in North America. In this study, we exposed mature fourth-instar diapausing EAB larvae (J-shaped or J-larvae) to nine temperatures ranging from 1.7 to 23.9 °C for 90 days, and then evaluated their diapause termination by measuring both the probability and timing of post-chill development to adults under warm rearing conditions (27 ± 0.5 °C, 16:8 h L: D). We also determined the effect of chill temperature on the mortality of diapausing J-larvae. Results showed that J-larvae successfully completed diapause after exposure to temperatures between 7.2 and 15.6 °C for 90 days and chill treatment significantly affected the duration required for post diapause development to adult emergence, with the mean number of days required for adult emergence increasing as chill temperature increased. In addition, the mortality rate for the EAB larvae that died at the J-larval stage before completing diapause development to adults was lower (0% to 7.1%) for temperatures between 1.7 and 12.8 °C than that (16% to 32.6%) for temperatures between 15.6 and 23.9 °C. These results refine our understanding of the thermal limits for EAB diapause termination and provide insight into how climatic conditions may influence EAB phenology and distribution across its geographic range.},
}

@article {pmid42335558,
year = {2026},
author = {Teng, Z and Jin, Z and Li, C and Xu, K and Wang, Y and Tan, X and Duan, Q and Zhao, H and Liu, W},
title = {Increasing invasion risk of the global invader Phenacoccus solenopsis: environmental niche expansion and potential economic impacts on cotton production.},
journal = {Journal of environmental management},
volume = {413},
number = {},
pages = {130276},
doi = {10.1016/j.jenvman.2026.130276},
pmid = {42335558},
issn = {1095-8630},
abstract = {Invasive alien species can establish and spread into new environments by exploiting suitable climates, human-mediated dispersal pathways, and abundant host plants, posing growing risks to crop yields, biosecurity, and agricultural supply chains. The cotton mealybug, Phenacoccus solenopsis, is one such global invader that has caused substantial yield and economic losses in several cotton-producing regions. However, the global invasion patterns of P. solenopsis, as well as its potential invasion risks and economic impacts for cotton production, remain insufficiently understood. Our study estimated the spatial patterns of population genetic structure, environmental niche dynamics, and global establishment risk areas for P. solenopsis, thereby quantifying its economic impact for cotton production in China. Analyses of genetic diversity and environmental niche dynamic analysis reveal that invasive populations of P. solenopsis are dominated by a few core haplotypes and occupy a broader range of environmental conditions than those in their native range, allowing them to establish in new cotton-growing regions. Key factors influencing their spread include the mean temperature of the driest quarter and human activities that increase the movement of infested plants and agricultural goods. Under current and projected climate conditions, cotton-growing regions in India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Myanmar, and China are at high risk of infestation, with the global area suitable for establishment expected to increase slightly by the 2030s. Economic analysis for China indicated that effective prevention and control could reduce potential cotton losses by approximately 69.37%, saving roughly USD 146.38 million. These findings highlight the urgent need for integrated, practical biosecurity strategies-including early monitoring, rapid response, and integrated pest management combining biological, chemical, and agricultural control measures-while also regulating human-mediated pathways, to safeguard cotton production and supply chains in a changing climate.},
}

@article {pmid42336089,
year = {2026},
author = {Madsen, AM and Bertier, P and Árnadóttir, HB and Wagtberg, M and Espejo, D and Soler, D and Munoz, X and Carmona Cruz, MJ and Verpaele, S},
title = {Occupational exposure to bioaerosols during monk parakeet nest removal in urban parks.},
journal = {Environmental pollution (Barking, Essex : 1987)},
volume = {406},
number = {},
pages = {128617},
doi = {10.1016/j.envpol.2026.128617},
pmid = {42336089},
issn = {1873-6424},
abstract = {Monk parakeets have established large urban populations in several European cities, where management of this invasive species includes removal of large communal nests from trees. These work activities may generate exposure to bioaerosols. The aim of this study was to characterize monk parakeet nests as a source of airborne biological pollutants and to assess associated occupational exposure to fungi, bacteria, and endotoxin among park workers removing these nests. Nest material and air samples were analysed for endotoxin, fungi, and bacteria. Microorganisms were identified to species level using MALDI-TOF MS, and the total inflammatory potential of collected air samples was assessed in vitro. Nest material contained high concentrations of endotoxin, fungi, and bacteria. During nest removal activities, workers were exposed to significantly elevated concentrations of fungi and endotoxin compared with background levels, with the highest fungal exposure occurring during cutting tasks. A total of 43 fungal species belonging to 16 genera were identified, including numerous Aspergillus and Penicillium species, several of which were detected only during work activities and in nest samples. Six fungal species belonged to risk group 2 (RG2). In total, 91 bacterial species were identified, of which 74 were airborne, and 14 species were classified in RG2 and included e.g. Enterobacter hormaechei, Psychrobacter pulmonis, Raoultella ornithinolytica. The total inflammatory potential correlated significantly with both fungal and endotoxin concentrations. Endotoxin exposure exceeded the suggested health-based guidance value. In conclusion, in the studied urban environment, monk parakeet nests represent a previously unrecognized source of airborne microorganisms and endotoxin. Nest removal constitutes an occupational exposure scenario associated with inflammatory and allergic respiratory risks.},
}

@article {pmid42337139,
year = {2026},
author = {Tian, C and Zou, L and Ruan, S},
title = {A two-species competition model on a compact metric graph for the invasion and competition of Aedes Aegypti and Aedes Albopictus mosquitoes in Florida.},
journal = {Journal of mathematical biology},
volume = {93},
number = {1},
pages = {},
pmid = {42337139},
issn = {1432-1416},
support = {12471476//National Natural Science Foundation of China/ ; DMS-2424605//Directorate for Mathematical and Physical Sciences/ ; NSFC-12071318//Directorate for Mathematical and Physical Sciences/ ; },
mesh = {Animals ; *Aedes/growth & development/physiology ; Florida ; *Models, Biological ; Computer Simulation ; Mathematical Concepts ; Introduced Species/statistics & numerical data ; Population Dynamics/statistics & numerical data ; Competitive Behavior ; Mosquito Vectors/growth & development ; },
abstract = {Motivated by the invasion of Aedes albopictus mosquitoes and the interspecific competition between Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus in Florida, we formulate a two-species competition model on a compact metric graph. This model accounts for the species' ability to inhabit and traverse along the graph's edges. In the scenario of weak-strong competition, we prove that solutions of the competition model converge uniformly to a semi-positive equilibrium, where either Aedes albopictus survives while Aedes aegypti goes extinct, or vice versa. Whereas for weak-weak competition, the solutions converge uniformly to a positive equilibrium, enabling the coexistence of both Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus. We conduct numerical simulations on the two-species competition model along Route 441 in Florida, aiming to illustrate the invasion dynamics and competitive interactions of Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus.},
}

Animals
*Aedes/growth & development/physiology
Florida
*Models, Biological
Computer Simulation
Mathematical Concepts
Introduced Species/statistics & numerical data
Population Dynamics/statistics & numerical data
Competitive Behavior
Mosquito Vectors/growth & development

@article {pmid42337359,
year = {2026},
author = {Al Rawahi, Q and Aliyu, A and Al-Obaidi, MM and Khalil, K and Al-Lawati, M and Al-Jidaili, TA and Al-Maskari, BS and Al-Shakili, AM and Al-Toubi, JA and Al-Saadi, MS and Abubakar, AA and Mijangos, JL},
title = {The genomic footprint of myna invasion in Oman showcases desert isolation and urban connectivity.},
journal = {Scientific reports},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1038/s41598-026-57674-0},
pmid = {42337359},
issn = {2045-2322},
support = {39-2022/3/6121//Environment Authority of Oman/ ; },
abstract = {Invasive species threaten global biodiversity, often adapting rapidly to new environments while outcompeting native species. The common myna (Acridotheres tristis) exemplifies this challenge in the Sultanate of Oman, where its aggressive behaviour and adaptability have displaced native bird species and disrupted ecosystems. Despite increasing concern, the genetic structure of this invasion remains unclear. Here we show, using 17,460 single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) from 311 common mynas across four governorates, that this invasive species forms two distinct genetic clusters: one comprising Dhofar individuals isolated by desert expanses, and another uniting populations from Muscat, North Batinah, and South Sharqiyah with notable substructure. We find that North Batinah harbours a substantially larger effective population size than the other governorates, suggesting it may be an initial invasion source and a critical target for management. Our findings clarify the routes and scale of common myna dispersal in Oman, highlighting how localised control in Dhofar may be feasible. In contrast, an integrated approach is needed for the closely connected northern governorates. This study underscores the power of genomic monitoring to inform targeted eradication efforts and managing invasive bird populations.},
}

@article {pmid42337691,
year = {2026},
author = {Piseddu, T and Vanhuyse, F},
title = {Existing evidence on the impact of climate risk on real estate valuations: a systematic map.},
journal = {Environmental evidence},
volume = {15},
number = {1},
pages = {},
pmid = {42337691},
issn = {2047-2382},
abstract = {BACKGROUND: Global climate change is set to create a future where natural hazards become more catastrophic and more frequent, with impacts on real estate expected to be substantial. At the same time, the transition to a low-carbon economy is reshaping asset values, with high-emission assets becoming less attractive.

METHODS: We adopted a systematic map approach to assess how the impact of climate risks, i.e., physical climate risks and transition climate risks, has been assessed in the academic and grey literature related to real estate valuation, published between 2014 and 2023. The retained corpus of 130 documents was coded according to a pre-defined coding framework, covering geographic distribution, evaluation methods, the type of real estate assets and impact assessment methods.

REVIEW FINDINGS: Across the 130 included documents (peer-reviewed and grey literature), the evidence base is dominated by studies that quantify physical climate risk effects on real-estate values, most often using econometric capitalization approaches (e.g., hedonic regressions, DiD, repeat-sales). The most frequently studied hazards are hydrological ones, especially coastal and fluvial floods, typically operationalized using official hazard maps (particularly in US case studies) or through proxies such as elevation and distance to from the shoreline. A smaller subset of studies evaluates adaptation-relevant outcomes (e.g., damages via depth-damage functions) or uses alternative valuation variables such as asking prices, appraisals, or operating and maintenance costs in retrofit-focused works. Evidence on transition climate risks is present but much smaller in volume and is concentrated on a limited set of drivers, notably minimum energy performance requirements, energy labels and local externalities linked to renewable-energy deployment. This patterns partly reflects the study's focus on transition risks explicitly linked to decarbonization. In terms of geography, the literature is heavily concentrated in the United States, while European studies cluster in a few large economies (notably Germany, Italy, and the United Kingdom). The corpus is overwhelmingly focused on one- and two-family housing, with comparatively fewer studies examining multi-family housing and commercial real estate. A small number of papers touch on ecosystem or environmental amenities changes affecting values, including cases linked to invasive or alien species (e.g., algae blooms), but these studies remain relatively rare in the overall corpus.

CONCLUSION: The systematic map highlights several priority gaps for future research and evidence synthesis. First, transition risks remain underexplored beyond a narrow focus on energy-performance regulation, energy labels and renewable-energy proximity; more work is needed on additional channels such as disclosure regimes, financing and insurance repricing, changing tenant demand, and stranded-asset dynamics. Second, compound and cascading risks are rarely analyzed explicitly, even though real-estate exposure often reflects interacting hazards and changing baselines; advancing datasets and methods that represent multi-hazard interactions is therefore a key priority. Third, the geographic evidence base is skewed toward the United States, and more comparable, data-rich studies are needed across Europe to strengthen external validity. Fourth, research remains focused on single-family housing, limiting transferability to urban contexts where multi-family and commercial assets, and different ownership, tenancy, and financing structures, are central. Finally, ecosystem-related valuation impacts appear in only a small portion of the academic corpus and are limited in grey literature, suggesting a need for clearer conceptualization and more systematic integration of biodiversity and ecosystem mechanisms in real-estate climate-risk assessment.},
}

@article {pmid42338994,
year = {2026},
author = {Walker, JR and Evans, KL and Jeffreys, RM and Parr, CL},
title = {Urbanisation Favours Ground Beetle (Carabidae) Species That Prefer Dry Soils and Have Reduced Dispersal Capacity.},
journal = {Ecology and evolution},
volume = {16},
number = {6},
pages = {e73872},
pmid = {42338994},
issn = {2045-7758},
abstract = {Urbanisation imposes strong environmental filters on ecological communities through habitat fragmentation, increased local temperatures, pollution, and the presence of invasive species. Species possessing functional traits that enable them to tolerate these conditions are expected to become more prevalent in highly urbanised areas. However, it remains unclear whether cities with similar climates and regional species pools show comparable trait-urbanisation relationships. We examined how five functional traits of carabid beetles (Coleoptera: Carabidae) vary along an urban-rural gradient in two climatically and geographically similar UK cities: Liverpool and Manchester. Eighty grassland sites were sampled along an urban-rural gradient in Liverpool and Manchester using pitfall traps. Variation in the community-weighted mean (CWM) values of traits was analysed along a gradient of percentage impervious surface cover for the two cities independently and combined. We found that CWM latitudinal range, the proportion of macropterous (long-winged) individuals, and the proportion of individuals of wet soil-preferring species declined with increasing urbanisation in the combined dataset. Trait responses were not identical across cities: the proportion of individuals of wet soil-preferring species declined with increasing urbanisation in Manchester only, whereas the proportion of macropterous individuals declined with increasing urbanisation in Liverpool only. Our findings demonstrate that even ecologically similar cities can differ in the trait-based responses of local beetle assemblages, reinforcing the need for multi-city sampling in urban ecology. We also highlight that urbanisation can favour species adapted to dry soils and those with reduced dispersal capacity, challenging commonly held assumptions about the advantages of flight in fragmented landscapes.},
}

@article {pmid42316905,
year = {2026},
author = {Vahsen, ML and Van Ee, JJ and Gamba, D and Maxwell, TM and Pirtel, N and Romero, SJ and Barnett, DT and Baughman, O and Ensing, DJ and Gill, R and Holdrege, MC and Hufbauer, RA and Hufft, R and Moffat, CE and Ott, J and Pyle, L and Schroeder, C and Schupp, EW and Shriver, RK and Stemkovski, M and Symstad, AJ and Urza, AK and Blumenthal, DM and Brown, C and Germino, MJ and Hooten, MB and Lasky, JR and Leger, EA and Porensky, LM and Adler, PB},
title = {Eco-evolutionary context modifies a destructive plant invader's response to climate.},
journal = {The New phytologist},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1111/nph.71329},
pmid = {42316905},
issn = {1469-8137},
support = {2222525//Division of Integrative Organismal Systems/ ; //USGS Biothreats and Invasive Species Research Program/ ; //Utah Agricultural Experiment Station/ ; //Rocky Mountain Research Station/ ; 1927009//Division of Environmental Biology/ ; 1927177//Division of Environmental Biology/ ; 1927282//Division of Environmental Biology/ ; },
abstract = {Understanding the relationship between climate and fitness will be important when predicting how plant populations respond to climate change. We conducted a replicated common garden experiment (4 sites × 2 yr) with 96 genotypes (n = 22 492 individuals) of the invasive annual grass Bromus tectorum (cheatgrass) to understand how eco-evolutionary context mediates this important relationship. We grew genotypes in varying soil microclimate conditions by manipulating surface albedo, and at two planting densities. We calculated a 'climate mismatch' for each genotype within each microclimate to characterize the role of local adaptation to climate in explaining variation in fitness. Genotype-by-environment interactions increased the predictive accuracy of our statistical model of cheatgrass fitness with strong evidence for local adaptation to source climate. Survival responses to soil microclimate were density-dependent and there was stronger evidence for local adaptation at lower compared with higher planting density. Our model generally predicts increases in fitness with an increase in temperature across source populations. Important eco-evolutionary context (e.g. genotype-by-environment interactions, density dependence) should be considered when predicting plant fitness in an era of rapid environmental change.},
}

@article {pmid42318997,
year = {2026},
author = {Guy-Haim, T and Christoforou, E and Stern, N and Briski, E and Katsanevakis, S},
title = {Invisible invaders: A new warning flag for molecularly detected alien species (MODAS) in databases and information systems.},
journal = {Ecological applications : a publication of the Ecological Society of America},
volume = {36},
number = {4},
pages = {e70276},
pmid = {42318997},
issn = {1939-5582},
support = {//Research and Innovation Foundation, eDNA-LEV project, BILATERAL/ISRAEL(MOST)/0224/0016/ ; 101181413//HORIZON EUROPE European Institute of Innovation and Technology, HORIZON-CL6-2024-BIODIV-01/ ; 7586/1001815659//Ministry of Innovation, Science & Technology, eDNA-LEV project/ ; },
mesh = {*Introduced Species ; *Environmental Monitoring/methods ; Animals ; *Databases, Factual ; DNA, Environmental/analysis ; Biodiversity ; },
abstract = {Invasive alien species (IAS) threaten biodiversity, ecosystem functioning, and services. Early detection and monitoring are essential for preventing IAS spread and mitigating their impacts. Conventional monitoring approaches rely on physical evidence and frequently fail to detect species in inaccessible habitats, cryptic life stages, or poorly studied taxa. Advances in environmental DNA (eDNA) and other high-throughput molecular tools offer a sensitive alternative that can identify species undetectable by traditional methods. However, current regulatory frameworks require morphological verification, excluding molecularly detected IAS. Here, we propose adding molecularly detected alien species (MODAS) as a warning flag for alien species identified exclusively through molecular data. We define metadata requirements for the MODAS designation, including information on sampling, molecular analyses, DNA marker(s), sequence quality, taxonomic assignment confidence, and reference database. Incorporating MODAS flag into existing IAS databases and information systems would help prioritize validation efforts, support rapid response actions, and improve surveillance coverage, particularly in understudied or vulnerable environments. Moreover, tracking MODAS over spatial and temporal scales can provide critical feedback for refining and advancing IAS monitoring and surveillance approaches. This framework provides a precautionary, complementary approach for integrating molecular biodiversity tools into policy and management, promoting international coordination, and addressing gaps in current IAS monitoring strategies.},
}

*Introduced Species
*Environmental Monitoring/methods
Animals
*Databases, Factual
DNA, Environmental/analysis
Biodiversity

@article {pmid42319468,
year = {2026},
author = {Borbhuyan, S and Das, N and Chakraborty, K and Sarma, KK and Adhikari, D and Das, T},
title = {Wetland Type Matters: Tree Community Structure and Carbon Sequestration Dynamics Along a Tropical River Basin.},
journal = {Environmental management},
volume = {76},
number = {7},
pages = {},
pmid = {42319468},
issn = {1432-1009},
support = {Grant No. DS-2B-13012(2)/16/2021-Sec.2 Date: 08-10-2021.//Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO), Department of Space, Government of India./ ; },
mesh = {*Wetlands ; *Carbon Sequestration ; Rivers ; *Trees/classification ; India ; Biodiversity ; Tropical Climate ; Climate Change ; Conservation of Natural Resources ; },
abstract = {Wetlands are among the most productive and ecologically significant ecosystems on the earth, offering a broad spectrum of ecosystem services including water purification, flood regulation, habitat provision, and climate regulation. In light of current global climate challenges, their capacity for carbon storage has become increasingly important, positioning wetlands as key components in climate change mitigation strategies. This study attempts a comprehensive understanding of the contributions of different types of tropical wetlands to ecological diversity and carbon dynamics. The findings of this study aim to inform climate action, support conservation planning, and strengthen local livelihoods. In the longer term, the study underscores the importance of tropical wetlands in regional and global carbon cycling, with clear relevance for wetland conservation and climate policy. For this study, we selected three morphologically and hydrologically distinct wetlands, namely, Fulbari Anua (oxbow lake, OL), Bakri Haor (floodplain wetland, FPW), and Sone Beel (perennial wetland, PW) in the Barak basin of Assam, northeast India, within the Indo-Burma biodiversity hotspot. Tree individuals were randomly sampled from both the aquatic zone (permanently inundated areas) and the riparian zone (seasonally flooded margins) of the selected wetlands. Comparison of the tree community composition across different wetland types revealed a total of 30 tree species representing 18 families. Wetland tree composition was more similar between permanent wetland (PW) and floodplain wetland (FPW) than between either of these and oxbow lake (OL). Maximum tree diversity was found in FPW (3.07) followed by PW (2.94) and OL (2.45), while the tree density was maximum in FPW (42 trees ha[-1]) followed by OL (36 trees ha[-1]) and PW (28 trees ha[-1]). Above-ground biomass carbon was highest in FPW (168.99 Mg ha[-1]) followed by PW (147.48 Mg ha[-1]) and OL (106.57 Mg ha[-1]). Wetland trees in PW and FPW showed more similar carbon stock pattern than those in OL. Amongst the diverse tree species, Terminalia arjuna followed by Aegle marmelos had greater carbon stock in FPW; Tamarindus indica followed by Bombax ceiba had greater carbon stock in PW; while Bombax ceiba followed by Cocos nucifera had greater carbon stock in OL. The study showed that wetland tree carbon stock is driven more by basal area and species diversity than by tree density alone. Thus, in wetlands stand structure and composition appear to be more important determinants of carbon storage than stem number. The study highlights that tree-dominated wetlands in the tropical regions like the Barak River Basin are major carbon sinks that sequester atmospheric carbon, and thereby contribute to regional carbon sink capacity and the global carbon balance. The contribution of invasive trees to carbon stock was highest in PW followed by FPW and lowest in OL. Although the current carbon stock contribution from invasive trees is minimal, failure to control their spread could eventually lead to ecological imbalance, threatening the long-term resilience and functionality of wetlands. The study therefore suggests integrating nature-based solutions with adaptive management to enhance wetland biodiversity conservation, strengthen native carbon sequestration capacity, and ensure the long-term sustainability of tropical wetland ecosystems in the Barak Basin and beyond.},
}

*Wetlands
*Carbon Sequestration
Rivers
*Trees/classification
India
Biodiversity
Tropical Climate
Climate Change
Conservation of Natural Resources

@article {pmid42322423,
year = {2026},
author = {Wang, X and van Kleunen, M and Zheng, WL and Han, JJ and Wu, CL and Yang, S and Yu, FH},
title = {Nutrient fluctuations alter effects of litter diversity of invasive species on native communities.},
journal = {Oecologia},
volume = {208},
number = {7},
pages = {},
pmid = {42322423},
issn = {1432-1939},
support = {2023YFE0124900//National Key R and D program/ ; 32401307//National Natural Science Foundation of China/ ; 25nya13//Taizhou Scientific and Technological Project/ ; 2025ZY01033//Central Government Guided Local Science and Technology Development Fund Projects/ ; },
mesh = {*Introduced Species ; Soil Microbiology ; Biodiversity ; Phosphorus ; Soil ; Biomass ; Nitrogen ; Nutrients ; },
abstract = {Invasive alien plants can indirectly suppress native plants by altering soil biota and nutrient cycling through their litter input. The diversity of litter resulting from co-invasion by multiple species may further modulate these impacts. Fluctuating resources are known to favour many invasive plants; however, it is unclear how nutrient fluctuations alter the effects of litter diversity of invasive plants on native communities. Therefore, we grew a native plant community in a control soil without litter, as well as in soils mixed with litter from one, two, three, and six invasive species under constant or pulsed nutrient supply. Invasive species litter altered soil microbial communities, and increased soil total nitrogen concentration and native community biomass. Under pulsed nutrient supply, native community biomass and soil total phosphorus concentration decreased with increasing litter diversity of the invasive species. However, these effects did not occur under constant nutrient supply. A structural equation model indicated that soil phosphorus and fungal community composition were key mediating factors driving the decrease in native community biomass with increasing litter diversity under pulsed nutrient supply. Our findings underscore that the impact of alien invaders on native communities depends on the diversity of the alien plant litter and nutrient fluctuations.},
}

*Introduced Species
Soil Microbiology
Biodiversity
Phosphorus
Soil
Biomass
Nitrogen
Nutrients

@article {pmid42322488,
year = {2026},
author = {Edwards, TN and Questad, EJ},
title = {The impact of native vertebrates on enemy release and plant functional traits during community assembly.},
journal = {Oecologia},
volume = {208},
number = {7},
pages = {},
pmid = {42322488},
issn = {1432-1939},
support = {California Native Plant Society//California Native Plant Society/ ; Agricultural Research Institute - Hispanic Serving Institutions Fellows Program//Agricultural Research Institute - Hispanic Serving Institutions Fellows Program/ ; },
mesh = {Animals ; *Introduced Species ; Ecosystem ; California ; Vertebrates ; Herbivory ; Plants ; },
abstract = {Vertebrate consumers are known to influence plant recruitment and community assembly based on the species they prefer to eat. The enemy release hypothesis (ERH) predicts that invasive introduced plant species may avoid consumption due to a lack of coevolved predators. Herbivores and granivores may also prefer species due to their functional traits, irrespective of species origin. We hypothesized that in a highly invaded plant community, invasive plants would benefit from enemy release and animal consumers would likely decrease plant diversity if they avoided invasive species in favor of native species (Hypothesis 1). Animals were expected to filter the species pool based on preference for palatable functional traits (Hypothesis 2). A factorial experiment combining cage and native seed addition treatments was established in the Voorhis Ecological Reserve, a California sage scrub ecosystem in Southern California. Seed and seedling preference trials were conducted to gather additional evidence of consumer preference at the study site. Although we found little influence of plant functional traits on consumer selection of species, animals created more functionally similar communities. In preference trials, native rodents and birds were found to prefer native plant species and avoid dominant invasive species, and the effects of animal preference were observed in experimental plant communities. Small vertebrates encouraged the success of invasive plants while limiting recruitment of native species, consistent with the ERH. Thus, birds and small mammals may function as an important filter in sage scrub habitat by reducing community diversity and promoting the dominance of competitively superior invasive plant species.},
}

Animals
*Introduced Species
Ecosystem
California
Vertebrates
Herbivory
Plants

@article {pmid42322872,
year = {2026},
author = {Li, Y and Zhao, Z and Chen, X and Wang, K and Zheng, P and Gu, L and Liao, J and Yan, W and Xu, F and Liu, Y and Yang, L and Li, Z},
title = {Road networks facilitate invasive dominance by squeezing native mesopredators into niche margins.},
journal = {Journal of environmental management},
volume = {412},
number = {},
pages = {130271},
doi = {10.1016/j.jenvman.2026.130271},
pmid = {42322872},
issn = {1095-8630},
abstract = {Transport infrastructure is expanding rapidly, creating escalating biodiversity impacts that demand management solutions beyond conventional road engineering. However, road mitigation is still commonly designed around barrier and connectivity paradigms, with limited attention to how roads may restructure biotic interactions and thereby amplify invasion impacts. Here, we quantify how road networks reshape competitive space use between invasive free-ranging cats (Felis catus) and native mesopredators across China, and translate the results into actionable mitigation priorities. Using a nationwide dataset of >12,000 verified vertebrate roadkill records, we reconstructed guild-specific "mortality niches" through a spatially explicit machine-learning framework that integrates prey suitability, human modification, and landscape structure. We show that roads act as selective filters rather than indiscriminate hazards. Resource-rich road corridors attract both guilds, yet space use is strongly asymmetric: free-ranging cats concentrate in the most human-modified, prey-suitable portions of the road network, whereas native mesopredators, despite tracking the same prey gradient, are under-represented in this human-modified, cat-associated core and remain instead in the less-modified margins of these corridors. Native mesopredators are therefore not excluded from prey-suitable road environments, but experience a realised-niche "squeeze" along the human-modification axis. These findings have direct implications for environmental management and infrastructure planning. Mitigation focused solely on structural connectivity (e.g., crossing structures) may be insufficient-and can be counterproductive-if it ignores interaction landscapes that favour synanthropic invaders. We recommend an integrated management approach that (i) reduces anthropogenic food subsidies along verges (e.g., refuse and carcasses) to lower predator attraction, (ii) prioritises targeted free-ranging cat control in high-biodiversity transport corridors, and (iii) incorporates invasion-competition risk surfaces when siting and managing crossing structures to avoid creating predator-enhanced hotspots.},
}

@article {pmid42326001,
year = {2026},
author = {Haase, D and Gaeva, D},
title = {Beautiful and Useful: Species Richness and the Ecosystem Services of Allotment Gardens in Berlin, Germany.},
journal = {Plant-environment interactions (Hoboken, N.J.)},
volume = {7},
number = {3},
pages = {e70173},
pmid = {42326001},
issn = {2575-6265},
abstract = {Intensive agriculture and urbanization have led to habitat degradation and fragmentation, reducing plant diversity and subsequently reducing pollinator abundance and richness. This paper investigates the conservation potential of green infrastructure in allotment gardens, which are a common form of urban land use. This exploratory study examines allotment plant species richness by functional use groups in allotment gardens across Berlin, as well as its impact on ecosystem services, such as providing pollinator habitats through multifunctional plants that are edible, ornamental, and nectar-producing. Additionally, we highlight the potential role of allotment gardens in providing citizens with locally produced food by evaluating the plant species richness of food plants in these gardens. The study was conducted in allotment gardens in Berlin between Мау and July 2019 and focused on comparative analyzes of plots with high (5) and medium (4) management intensity, while the single low-intensity plot was included only to assess overall biodiversity across all studied garden plots (10). Plant species were identified and classified into functional groups, including edible species, ornamental species, weed species also used as ornamentals, and edible species also used as ornamentals or medicinal plants, as well as into life forms such as herbs, trees, shrubs, and vines. Management intensity was assessed through field observations and by verifying the frequency of lawn mowing and hedge trimming with gardeners. During the study, 376 plant species were identified, 17 of which were included in the list of recommended native plant species for Berlin, while 14 were invasive species. The Wilcoxon rank-sum test showed that native species richness (p = 0.05), weedy plant species richness (p = 0.03), and the richness of species contributing to regulation and maintenance ecosystem services (ReMES) (p = 0.03) were significantly negatively correlated with the intensity of garden management. Our results show that urban allotments can support pollinator populations thanks to the wide variety of nectar-producing plants. However, this capacity is greatly affected by how the gardener manages their plot locally. Over half of the identified plants are multifunctional: they are ornamental, providing aesthetic and mental well-being benefits; they are useful, providing food and medicinal purposes; and they are melliferous, providing nectar and pollen for bees and other insects. Our results clearly show that urban allotments can support pollinator populations due to the high richness of melliferous plants, thereby enhancing the ecosystem services produced in and by gardens that contribute to the physical and mental wellbeing of both gardeners and visitors. We also discuss how this capacity is strongly influenced by local plot management and the gardener's knowledge.},
}

@article {pmid42328469,
year = {2026},
author = {Yang, Y and Wang, CD and Yin, YG and Han, D and Zhong, Y and Wang, B and Zhou, GY},
title = {Predict Suitable Restoration Areas for Typical Vegetation Restoration Species on the Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau Based on MaxEnt.},
journal = {Ecology and evolution},
volume = {16},
number = {6},
pages = {e73857},
pmid = {42328469},
issn = {2045-7758},
abstract = {Under global warming, the Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau (QTP) ecosystem faces severe threats, and vegetation restoration is critical for ecological rehabilitation. Unlike previous studies focusing on endangered or invasive species, this research innovatively selects six typical vegetation restoration species (Poa pratensis, Poa araratica, Poa pratensis var. anceps, Festuca sinensis, Elymus nutans, Lolium perenne) and integrates species distribution modeling (MaxEnt), centroid migration analysis, and niche theory to systematically evaluate their restoration potential under current and future climate scenarios-advancing beyond conventional single-species distribution predictions. Key findings: (1) Elevation (alt) and annual precipitation (bio12) are the dominant factors determining species distribution, with their combined contribution rates to the six species ranging from 46.6% (L. perenne) to 81.7% (F. sinensis), providing precise indicators for site selection in restoration. (2) Except for L. perenne, high-suitability zones of other species concentrate in the northeastern QTP, with E. nutans having the largest suitable area (80.73 × 10[4] km[2], 61% of total QTP area). Under climate warming, 80% of species (e.g., P. araratica, E. nutans) show significant habitat expansion (e.g., E. nutans moderate/high suitability zones increase by 90.79%/111.66% under RCP8.5 2070s) and an overall westward migration trend (e.g., F. sinensis migrates 246.51 km southwestward under RCP8.5). (3) E. nutans exhibits the widest niche breadth (B1 = 0.156, strongest adaptability) but high niche overlap with other species (e.g., P. araratica vs. P. pratensis, D = 0.75), indicating a potential competition risk requiring field validation when mixed-sown in resource-limited areas. This study applies a multidimensional assessment framework that integrates climate response, spatial migration, and niche interaction to QTP vegetation restoration, providing a scientific basis for species selection and configuration with important practical implications for climate-resilient ecological restoration.},
}

@article {pmid42045232,
year = {2026},
author = {Chebaane, S and Aylagas, E and Sempere-Valverde, J and Ardan, A and Poliseno, A and Cottrell, DM and Syomin, V and Böök, IM and Simon, LXIV and Couëdel, M and Cadiz, R and Antony, CP and Teixeira, MAL and Bocanegra-Castano, C and Curdia, J and Santillan, A and Dimech, M and Abukaboos, B and Rabaoui, LJ and Qurban, MA and Carvalho, S},
title = {Site-specific variation and non-indigenous species detection in Arabian Gulf biofouling communities using DNA metabarcoding and photographic surveys.},
journal = {Scientific reports},
volume = {16},
number = {1},
pages = {},
pmid = {42045232},
issn = {2045-2322},
support = {AUX/8/1159-01-01//National Center for Wildlife/ ; },
mesh = {*DNA Barcoding, Taxonomic/methods ; *Biofouling ; Biodiversity ; Indian Ocean ; Photography ; *Introduced Species ; Saudi Arabia ; },
abstract = {Ports and marinas are global hotspots for non-indigenous species (NIS), yet biofouling communities in the Arabian Gulf remain poorly documented. Here, we present the first spatially extensive assessment of biofouling communities along ~ 300 km of the Saudi Arabian Gulf coastline. Across 12 sites, we combined COI metabarcoding of scrapings from pontoons/docks and settlement panels with image-based analysis of same panels to characterize taxonomic composition and quantify native, cryptogenic, and non-indigenous taxa. Community analyses revealed a clear site-level differentiation across all datasets, while broader geographic locations and environmental risk categories explained little variation. DNA metabarcoding detected more taxa than visual analyses, including 57 cryptogenic and NIS, many of which could not be visually detected. Industrial and commercial ports harbored higher NIS richness and relative abundance than recreational marinas, indicating localized invasion risk. Despite the sensitivity of DNA-based approaches, species-level assignments must be interpreted cautiously due to sparse regional reference libraries and limited representation of Gulf taxa in global databases. By generating one of the first spatially explicit baselines of biofouling biodiversity and NIS in the northwestern Indian Ocean, our study underscores the urgent need to expand region-specific reference databases and to implement integrated, site-resolved monitoring frameworks to support emerging marine biosecurity programs across this understudied system.},
}

*DNA Barcoding, Taxonomic/methods
*Biofouling
Biodiversity
Indian Ocean
Photography
*Introduced Species
Saudi Arabia

@article {pmid42310352,
year = {2026},
author = {Pozsgai, G and Cardoso, P and Fattorini, S and Rigal, F and Santos, AMC and Whittaker, RJ and Amorim, IR and Boieiro, M and Borda-de-Água, L and Costa, R and Crespo, LC and Ferreira, MT and Leite, A and Lhoumeau, S and Malumbres-Olarte, J and Matthews, TJ and Melo, C and Oyarzabal, G and Pereira, F and Quartau, JA and Rego, C and Ribeiro, S and Ros-Prieto, A and Serrano, ARM and Triantis, KA and Gabriel, R and Borges, PAV},
title = {Stability in the face of global decline: a 20-year study of arthropods in an oceanic archipelago.},
journal = {Scientific reports},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1038/s41598-026-57146-5},
pmid = {42310352},
issn = {2045-2322},
support = {FCT-UIDP/00329/2020//Fundação para a Ciência e a Tecnologia/ ; https://doi.org/10.54499/DL57/2016/CP1375/CT0003//Fundação para a Ciência e a Tecnologia/ ; https://doi.org/10.54499/DL57/2016/CP1375//CT0001//Fundação para a Ciência e a Tecnologia/ ; FCT-UIDB/00329/2020-2024//Fundação para a Ciência e a Tecnologia/ ; FCT - PTDC/BIA-CBI/0625/2021//Fundação para a Ciência e a Tecnologia/ ; FCT-UIDB/00329/2020-2024 DOI 10.54499/UIDB/00329/2020//Fundação para a Ciência e a Tecnologia/ ; PTDC/BIA-BEC/100182/2008//Fundação para a Ciência e a Tecnologia/ ; RYC2020-029407-I//Spanish Ramón y Cajal Fellowship/ ; MICIN/ AEI/10.13039/501100011033//Ministry of Science and Innovation and the Spanish State Research Agency/ ; 18NAT/PT/000864//LIFE Beetles/ ; M3.1.a/F/012/2022//Azorean Government/ ; CNPq-306572-2019-2//SPR Research Grant/ ; M1.1.A/FUNC.UI&D/010/2021-2024//Azores DRCT Pluriannual Funding/ ; 17.01-080203//Direcção Regional dos Recursos Florestais (Azorean Government)/ ; },
abstract = {Insect declines are of global concern, yet no long-term ecological studies (LTER) have confirmed this trend on islands. This study utilises the first available LTER data on island arthropods, targeting epigeal and canopy species from the Azores Archipelago (Portugal), and covering over 20 years in three distinct sampling events from 30 standard sites. We investigate changes in abundance, biomass, and species richness within native forest arthropod communities, focusing on the proportions of endemic and introduced species, and temporal patterns among single-island endemics and forest-dependent endemics. Results reveal significant temporal variability, but overall abundance, biomass, and species richness remain stable across endemic and native non-endemic taxa. Among the species studied, 28% declined, 17% increased, and 55% showed no significant differences. Exotic invasions and related extinctions appear minimal. Forest-dependent endemic species declined below anticipated levels, suggesting that the extinction debt for these species may be less severe than initially expected. Nonetheless, some forest specialists have declined significantly, and seven species, not seen over 20 years, are considered to be extinct. The three-decade-long conservation of Azorean native forests may have contributed to the stability of some populations, thus these findings underscore the need for continued and enhanced conservation efforts of insular forest-associated diversity.},
}

@article {pmid42312596,
year = {2026},
author = {Blanco-González, J and López-Rull, I and Enríquez, F and Cayuela, L},
title = {Balancing conflict and coexistence: Interactions between invasive monk parakeets and native urban birds.},
journal = {Ecological applications : a publication of the Ecological Society of America},
volume = {36},
number = {4},
pages = {e70275},
pmid = {42312596},
issn = {1939-5582},
support = {IND2022/AMB-23645//Comunidad de Madrid/ ; },
mesh = {Animals ; *Introduced Species ; *Parakeets/physiology ; Cities ; Ecosystem ; *Birds/physiology ; },
abstract = {Biological invasions often generate complex ecological paradoxes, particularly when invasive species act as ecosystem engineers that simultaneously compete with and benefit native communities. Understanding these dual dynamics is critical for managing urban biodiversity. Here, we investigated the interactions between invasive monk parakeets (Myiopsitta monachus) and native avifauna to assess the balance between behavioral competition and structural commensalism. We assessed competition through (1) agonistic interactions and (2) correlations between parakeet abundance and that of native species. Commensalism was evaluated by analyzing tenant species in parakeet nests and the drivers of their occurrence. Agonistic interactions manifested through highly species-specific conflicts: Density-dependent aggression with rock pigeons (Columba livia) was strictly reciprocal, while parakeets directed targeted intimidation toward Eurasian magpies (Pica pica). Conversely, direct agonistic encounters involving either Eurasian tree sparrows (Passer montanus) or house sparrows (Passer domesticus) were negligible. However, spatially, Passer spp. abundance correlated negatively with the number of parakeet nest chambers (a proxy for parakeet abundance), whereas common blackbirds (Turdus merula) showed a positive correlation. Furthermore, parakeets provided a massive structural subsidy. We recorded 11 native species breeding in 48% of surveyed parakeet nests (N = 252). Tree sparrows and stock doves (Columba oenas) dominated this tenant community, accounting for 86% of native breeding pairs. Native breeding abundance-including tree sparrows, stock doves, and rock pigeons-as well as total species richness scaled positively with nest chamber density. Yet, active parakeet presence limited nest use for stock doves but did not deter tree sparrows or rock pigeons from successful co-nesting. Our findings reveal a dual ecological dynamic: Parakeets show a negative spatial correlation with declining urban sparrows, yet simultaneously act as ecosystem engineers by providing valuable breeding habitats for local biodiversity. However, without data on tenant reproductive success and pathogen transmission, these novel subsidies risk functioning as ecological traps. Consequently, while indiscriminate nest removal could inadvertently harm native tenants, current evidence does not confirm the long-term safety of this commensalism. Effective management must transcend simple eradication, adopting a holistic framework that weighs the loss of nesting resources against the competitive and sanitary risks of retaining these invasive populations.},
}

Animals
*Introduced Species
*Parakeets/physiology
Cities
Ecosystem
*Birds/physiology

@article {pmid42313786,
year = {2026},
author = {Gefen, Y and Ben-Oren, Y and Kolodny, O},
title = {Ecosystem Disturbance as a Niche Construction Strategy for Invasive Species.},
journal = {The American naturalist},
volume = {208},
number = {1},
pages = {1-8},
doi = {10.1086/740876},
pmid = {42313786},
issn = {1537-5323},
mesh = {*Introduced Species/history/economics ; *Ecosystem ; Animals ; },
abstract = {AbstractMany invasive species establish uniquely, or with particular success, in disturbed ecosystems. We propose that for an invasive species, ecosystem disturbance may thus constitute an adaptive strategy of niche construction. Accordingly, a species' propensity to induce large-scale ecosystem change is likely to increase not only its expected damage as an invasive species but also its success as one. We suggest that this perspective, focusing on ecosystem-disturbing feedback mechanisms driven by invasive species, may be instrumental in understanding and predicting invasive species' dynamics. It complements the common view, which focuses on the effects of invasion dynamics and the respective ecosystem changes on the native species and which typically views these changes as collateral consequences of the invasion. Our perspective highlights invasives-driven ecosystem alterations as potential drivers of the invasion, and it emphasizes the potential importance of indirect benefits to the invasive that are brought about by the ecosystem disturbance and its cascading effects.},
}

*Introduced Species/history/economics
*Ecosystem
Animals

@article {pmid42315292,
year = {2026},
author = {Zumbado-Ulate, H and Barrios, LE and Baronia, DA and Jenerette, GD and Sweet, LC},
title = {Linking community structure and climate vulnerability in desert plant assemblages of southern California.},
journal = {American journal of botany},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {e70224},
doi = {10.1002/ajb2.70224},
pmid = {42315292},
issn = {1537-2197},
support = {38500000CRCA0003//Coachella Valley Mountains Conservancy/ ; },
abstract = {PREMISE: Desert plant assemblages in southern California provide an opportunity to link patterns of community structure with climate-driven vulnerability in a rapidly changing environment. California sustains an exceptionally diverse flora of approximately 4300 plant species, with 31% identified as endemic. However, desert ecosystems remain comparatively understudied, and additional work is needed to better understand how plant communities may respond to ongoing climate change.

METHODS: We compiled a large occurrence-only data set (~214,000 records) representing 1352 angiosperm species across the Coachella Valley, a heterogeneous region encompassing four desert ecoregions. Using spatial analyses, joint species distribution models, and ecological niche modeling, we evaluated patterns of community structure and projected changes in climatic suitability for representative species under future climate scenarios.

RESULTS: Plant diversity hotspots were strongly associated with steep elevational gradients, whereas cold spots were concentrated in lowland and environmentally extreme areas. Representative species exhibited strong co-occurrence patterns, capturing associations with 88% of annual species and 95% of perennial species. Invasive species occurrences were most frequent in highly populated areas across the study region. Future projections indicated substantial declines in suitable habitat for 90% of representative species, with many species predicted to shift northward within the Coachella Valley.

CONCLUSIONS: Declines in representative species under future climate scenarios are likely to be accompanied by concurrent reductions in many co-occurring taxa. These findings provide a community-level perspective on climate vulnerability in desert plant assemblages and highlight the value of integrating community structure and species distribution models to assess ecological responses to climate change.},
}

@article {pmid42315376,
year = {2026},
author = {Valliere, JM and Funk, JL},
title = {Trade-off escape as a framework for understanding plant invasions.},
journal = {Trends in ecology & evolution},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1016/j.tree.2026.05.017},
pmid = {42315376},
issn = {1872-8383},
abstract = {Trade-offs are a central organizing principle in ecology and evolution, defining feasible phenotypic combinations that shape life histories, species interactions, and community assembly. But what if introduced species do not play by the same rules as the natives they displace? Many invasion frameworks assume invaders succeed by shifting toward one extreme of established trade-off axes (e.g., rapid growth) at the expense of another (e.g., stress tolerance). Yet, evidence is accumulating that some successful plant invaders achieve unusually high performance on both sides of classic trade-offs. We present a 'trade-off escape' framework to distinguish invaders that simply shift along trade-off surfaces from those that circumvent constraints limiting native species, and to guide questions needed to evaluate when and why escape occurs.},
}

@article {pmid41946511,
year = {2026},
author = {Nichols, PK and Fumo, JT and Lopes, KH and Ely, TD and Nash, EN and Timmers, MA and Sherwood, AR and Marko, PB},
title = {When cryptogenic species are also cryptic: reframing biogeographic uncertainty in the environmental DNA era.},
journal = {Biology letters},
volume = {22},
number = {4},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1098/rsbl.2025.0647},
pmid = {41946511},
issn = {1744-957X},
support = {NSF OCE-2049673//Division of Ocean Sciences/ ; R/HE-43//Hawai'i Sea Grant, University of Hawai'i/ ; #0810.20.068602, #0810.22.074191, and #0810.22.074235//National Fish and Wildlife Foundation/ ; F20AC11840-00//U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service/ ; #1842402 and #2236415//National Science Foundation Graduate Research Fellowship Program/ ; },
mesh = {*DNA, Environmental/genetics/analysis ; Hawaii ; DNA Barcoding, Taxonomic ; Introduced Species ; Electron Transport Complex IV/genetics ; Sequence Analysis, DNA ; Phylogeny ; Phylogeography ; Animals ; },
abstract = {Distinguishing native from non-native species is complicated by cryptogenic taxa, whose native or non-native status remains uncertain, and cryptic species, which are genetically distinct yet morphologically indistinguishable taxa. These challenges can intersect when molecular tools uncover hidden diversity and inadvertently confound efforts to trace species origins. In marine systems, environmental DNA (eDNA) has transformed biodiversity monitoring, but reliance on short, single-locus markers makes it vulnerable to false-positive detections of cryptic sibling species with markers lacking sufficient taxonomic resolution. Extending previous investigations into the occurrence and spread of Chondria tumulosa, we conducted eDNA screening in multiple island regions to evaluate possible range connectivity. A quantitative polymerase chain reaction assay developed from a Northwestern Hawaiian Islands barcode produced a novel eDNA detection at Majuro in the Marshall Islands. However, subsequent multilocus sequencing (cytochrome c oxidase subunit I, ribulose-1,5-bisphosphate carboxylase/oxygenase large subunit, 18S small subunit ribosomal RNA, Universal Plastid Amplicon) of collected material revealed consistent sequence divergence, suggesting independently evolving lineages. Our findings suggest that the Hawaiian C. tumulosa and the Majuro lineage are sibling taxa with a broader Pacific distribution, shaped by historical allopatry and possible human-mediated dispersal. This case highlights the need to confirm eDNA matches using informative multilocus barcoding regions and emphasizes the need to integrate genetic, morphological and ecological data to resolve the identity and origins of cryptogenic taxa.},
}

*DNA, Environmental/genetics/analysis
Hawaii
DNA Barcoding, Taxonomic
Introduced Species
Electron Transport Complex IV/genetics
Sequence Analysis, DNA
Phylogeny
Phylogeography
Animals

@article {pmid42308839,
year = {2026},
author = {Mitrovic, D and Bragg, LM and Servos, MR and Wilkie, MP},
title = {Greater than additive interactions between two phenolic pesticides used to control invasive sea lamprey (Petromyzon marinus): Underlying mechanisms and implications.},
journal = {Aquatic toxicology (Amsterdam, Netherlands)},
volume = {298},
number = {},
pages = {107901},
doi = {10.1016/j.aquatox.2026.107901},
pmid = {42308839},
issn = {1879-1514},
abstract = {The pesticide TFM (3-trifluoromethyl-4'-nitrophenol) is applied to rivers and streams that drain into the Laurentian Great Lakes of North America, the nearby Finger Lakes, New York, and Lake Champlain, (New York/Vermont) to selectively target the larval sea lamprey (Petromyzon marinus). When used in combination with niclosamide at 0.5-2.0%, also a molluscicide and anthelmintic, the TFM concentration required to eliminate 99.9% of the larval sea lamprey (MLC - minimal lethal concentration) is reduced by up to 40%. The concentration addition model was used to determine the nature of the interactions between TFM and niclosamide using the toxic unit (TU) concept, where 1 TU is defined as the 12-h LC50 for each chemical. When larval sea lamprey were exposed to TFM mixed with niclosamide (TFM/1% Nic), at greater than 1 TU of total exposure (> 1 TUTotal Exp) observed mortality (%) was greater than 50%, indicating synergistic interactions. However, when combined TFM/1% Nic concentrations were below 1 TUTotal Exp, the interactions were antagonistic, suggesting that TFM/1% Nic mixture interactions are concentration dependent. Greater accumulation of TFM in muscle at > 1TUTotal Exp, but not in the liver, suggests possible competition between TFM and niclosamide for detoxification enzymes in the liver. The concentrations at which TFM and niclosamide interacted synergistically approximated those typically used in field lampricide treatments in waters of similar pH and alkalinity, shedding new insights into why niclosamide enhances TFM toxicity in larval sea lamprey.},
}

@article {pmid42309168,
year = {2026},
author = {Wu, M and Liu, H and Zhang, Y and Xie, Z and Yu, K and Yang, J and Wang, H and Guo, J and Zhang, J and Wang, D},
title = {Invasive Plant Conyza canadensis Exacerbates Wheat Susceptibility to Aphids and Disease Under Drought and Nitrogen Addition.},
journal = {Physiologia plantarum},
volume = {178},
number = {3},
pages = {e70972},
doi = {10.1111/ppl.70972},
pmid = {42309168},
issn = {1399-3054},
support = {32201428//National Natural Science Foundation of China/ ; 2022M721020//China Postdoctoral Science Foundation/ ; 252102321039//The Key Scientific and Technological Project of Henan Province/ ; 24A180002//The Key Research Project of Higher Education Institutions in Henan Province/ ; YCJQNGGJS202514//Henan University of Urban Construction Faculty Development Program for Young Elites/ ; },
mesh = {*Triticum/parasitology/physiology/drug effects ; *Aphids/physiology ; *Nitrogen/metabolism/pharmacology ; Droughts ; Animals ; *Conyza/physiology ; Introduced Species ; *Plant Diseases/parasitology ; Malondialdehyde/metabolism ; },
abstract = {Biological invasion and environmental stress such as drought and nitrogen (N) deposition can affect crop plant-insect interactions, threatening the stability of agricultural ecosystems. However, the combined effects of invasive plants and environmental stressors on crop and associated pest/disease performance remain poorly understood. Here, we conducted a controlled common garden experiment to examine how the invasive Conyza canadensis, versus native Artemisia annua, influences wheat (Triticum aestivum) growth, biochemical defenses, and associated aphid/disease pressure under drought and N enrichment conditions. Results revealed that C. canadensis significantly reduced wheat growth (height, biomass) and key defense chemicals (cellulose, 2,4-dihydroxy-7-methoxy-2H,1,4-benzoxazin-3(4H)-one (DIMBOA), phenolics) compared to A. annua, resulting in increased aphid abundance and greater disease severity. Drought further suppressed wheat defenses (e.g., lower DIMBOA) and increased malondialdehyde (MDA) content and activities of antioxidant enzymes (SOD, POD, CAT), while N addition enhanced wheat growth but reduced phenolic contents, exacerbating wheat's susceptibility to disease when grown with C. canadensis. Regression analyses confirmed negative correlations between wheat leaf carbon (C), cellulose, and DIMBOA levels and aphid/disease pressure. These findings demonstrate that invasive plants can enhance wheat pest/disease susceptibility by reducing plant defensive chemicals under drought and nitrogen addition, highlighting the cascading impacts of plant invasions on agroecosystems and calls for adaptive practices to mitigate multitrophic disruptions.},
}

*Triticum/parasitology/physiology/drug effects
*Aphids/physiology
*Nitrogen/metabolism/pharmacology
Droughts
Animals
*Conyza/physiology
Introduced Species
*Plant Diseases/parasitology
Malondialdehyde/metabolism

@article {pmid41888526,
year = {2026},
author = {Diaz-Larrosa, JJ and Carneiro, V and Hanna, K and Raddatz, G and Lyko, F},
title = {Dnmt1 mediates epigenetic restriction of invasive traits in clonal crayfish.},
journal = {Nature communications},
volume = {17},
number = {1},
pages = {},
pmid = {41888526},
issn = {2041-1723},
mesh = {Animals ; *Astacoidea/genetics/physiology ; *DNA (Cytosine-5-)-Methyltransferase 1/genetics/metabolism ; DNA Methylation ; *Epigenesis, Genetic ; *Introduced Species ; Phenotype ; Neurogenesis/genetics ; Nucleosomes/metabolism ; Hemocytes/metabolism ; },
abstract = {Procambarus virginalis (marbled crayfish) is a parthenogenetically reproducing invasive crayfish species. Its global population is monoclonal, which raises questions about the mechanisms promoting their invasiveness. Here we show that environmental changes downregulate the highly conserved Dnmt1 DNA methyltransferase in marbled crayfish. When phenocopying this effect through a dsRNA-based in vivo knockdown, we observe enhanced invasiveness-related behavioral traits. Image cytometry and single-cell RNA sequencing reveal an expansion of mature granular immune cells and depletion of hemocyte-derived neuronal precursors, which support adult neurogenesis. Whole-genome bisulfite sequencing shows that these phenotypes coincide with a global loss of gene body DNA methylation and dysregulation of nervous and immune system genes. Additionally, we observe nucleosome destabilization to be associated with transcriptional changes after methylation loss. Taken together, our findings identify Dnmt1 as a potential canalizer of cellular and organismal phenotypes, thus providing a framework for how epigenetic mechanisms modulate invasiveness.},
}

Animals
*Astacoidea/genetics/physiology
*DNA (Cytosine-5-)-Methyltransferase 1/genetics/metabolism
DNA Methylation
*Epigenesis, Genetic
*Introduced Species
Phenotype
Neurogenesis/genetics
Nucleosomes/metabolism
Hemocytes/metabolism

@article {pmid42304005,
year = {2026},
author = {Abdelkrim, O and Mohamed, D and Achraf, E and Mattia, C and Ana, M and Lelli, D and Defilippo, F and Debboun, M and Ali, B and Said, Z and Momar, N},
title = {The global compendium of Aedes japonicus: An Underappreciated Arbovirus Vector of growing concerns.},
journal = {Scientific data},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1038/s41597-026-07481-z},
pmid = {42304005},
issn = {2052-4463},
abstract = {The Asian bush mosquito, Aedes japonicus (Theobald, 1901), is an invasive species and a competent vector for several arboviruses, including chikungunya virus, dengue virus, Japanese encephalitis virus, West Nile virus, and Zika virus. Field studies have also detected La Crosse virus in wild populations, further supporting its potential role in arbovirus transmission. To address the fragmented and incomplete state of knowledge regarding its spread, we have assembled a global dataset of documented presences from 1950 to 2025. This data descriptor presents a curated database of geolocated records, formatted as points, derived primarily from peer-reviewed literature and supplemented with validated national survey data and selectively integrated records from the Global Biodiversity Information Facility (GBIF) following rigorous quality control. We detail the methodology for data acquisition, coordinate assignment, and the rigorous validation steps applied. This first comprehensive repository specifically for Ae. japonicus, containing 4618 validated records, provides a critical resource for spatial mapping and risk assessment of this vector and its associated pathogens.},
}

@article {pmid42306785,
year = {2026},
author = {Broeckhoven, C and Minne, B and Hui, C},
title = {ArmourTraits: A comparative dataset on the ecological and evolutionary correlates of dermal armour in squamates.},
journal = {Data in brief},
volume = {67},
number = {},
pages = {112904},
pmid = {42306785},
issn = {2352-3409},
abstract = {The evolution of defensive traits is a central topic in evolutionary biology, yet quantitative data linking variation in defensive morphology to ecological and environmental factors remain limited. ArmourTraits is a comprehensive dataset that quantifies variation in body armour across 131 species from two distantly related squamate lineages, Cordyliformes and Anguimorpha, which convergently evolved armour in the form of osteoderms. The dataset integrates morphological measurements of osteoderm expression and hindlimb skeletal traits derived from micro-computed tomography scans, species-level ecological, life-history, and environmental data, as well as estimated predation risk and a time-calibrated phylogeny. By providing standardised, quantitative metrics of defensive morphology alongside locomotor traits and associated ecological variables, ArmourTraits enables phylogenetic comparative analyses of ecological correlates, functional trade-offs, convergent evolution, and the diversification of defensive traits across squamates.},
}

@article {pmid42308022,
year = {2026},
author = {Zhou, H and Shan, Q and He, L and Liu, S and Zhao, C and Xu, F and Lin, J and Yin, Y},
title = {Enantioselective Fate and Risk Assessment of Chiral Fungicide Metalaxyl in the Water-Sediment-Grass Carp (Ctenopharyngodon idella) System.},
journal = {Journal of agricultural and food chemistry},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1021/acs.jafc.6c02949},
pmid = {42308022},
issn = {1520-5118},
abstract = {Metalaxyl (MX) is a chiral fungicide widely used in aquaculture. Research indicates that there are significant differences in pharmacological activity and toxicity among the enantiomers of metalaxyl, but data on their enantioselective fate in aquaculture systems are limited. This study investigated the enantioselective behavior of metalaxyl in the water-sediment-grass carp (Ctenopharyngodon idella) system through spray administration. Results showed that S-metalaxyl is eliminated more rapidly in the kidney, liver, gills, and muscle of the grass carp, while R-metalaxyl degraded faster in sediment. No interconversion was observed between the enantiomers of metalaxyl in the aquaculture system, and five metabolites were identified, including hydroxylation, demethylation, and didemethylation products. Toxicity predictions suggest that metabolites may be more developmentally toxic and mutagenic than the parent compound, but that the ecological and dietary safety risks of MX are controllable.},
}

@article {pmid42298287,
year = {2026},
author = {Mikac, B and Colangelo, MA and Tarullo, A and Abbiati, M and Fossi, E and Costantini, F},
title = {Review of the fauna associated with wild and farmed mussels and oysters in the Mediterranean.},
journal = {Biological reviews of the Cambridge Philosophical Society},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1002/brv.70193},
pmid = {42298287},
issn = {1469-185X},
support = {101059492//HORIZON EUROPE Food, Bioeconomy, Natural Resources, Agriculture and Environment/ ; //Regione Emilia-Romagna/ ; 16/331214/25/ER//FEAMPA/ ; },
abstract = {Mussels and oysters are important ecosystem engineers which modify the physical and chemical characteristics of the environment and create habitats that support highly diverse associated communities. In the Mediterranean Sea, the native Mediterranean mussel Mytilus galloprovincialis and the European flat oyster Ostrea edulis, together the introduced Pacific cupped oyster Magallana gigas, are among the most important habitat builders and farmed molluscs. The widespread disappearance of natural beds of mussels and flat oysters, driven by multiple anthropogenic disturbances, disease outbreaks, and harmful invasive species, has led to the loss of the diverse communities they support. Moreover, the proliferation of harmful invasive species is exacerbated by mollusc aquaculture, which represents one of the main vectors for the introduction and spread of non-native species (NNS) in the Mediterranean. The aim of this review is to compile the first comprehensive database of macrofauna associated with wild and farmed M. galloprovincialis, O. edulis and M. gigas in the Mediterranean Sea, based on an extensive literature review. Specifically, we aimed to identify differences in the diversity of associated fauna among the three mollusc species, assess variability of the fauna between wild and farmed systems, highlight associated non-native species, reveal knowledge gaps, and provide directions for future research. Overall, we recorded 782 taxa, with polychaetes, molluscs, arthropods, and ascidians representing the most species-rich groups. Fauna associated with mussels is the most extensively studied and consequently the most diverse, with a considerably higher number of taxa reported from wild mussel habitats (647) than from mussel farms (204), likely reflecting higher environmental heterogeneity in natural contexts. By contrast, the higher diversity of fauna reported from farmed European oysters (163 taxa) compared to wild ones (50 taxa), is consistent with greater research effort focused on aquaculture systems. Fauna associated with naturalized populations of Pacific oysters (M. gigas) remains severely understudied, with only a few species reported to date. Information on fauna associated with molluscs is particularly lacking along much of the African coastline. Future research should therefore prioritize these understudied habitats and regions. To date, a total of 52 non-native species have been reported from mussel and oyster habitats, with arthropods, molluscs and ascidians comprising the majority. Mussels host the highest number of NNS. Reports of NNS from mollusc habitats are increasing, particularly in mussel and oyster farms, suggesting that research efforts should focus on the detection and monitoring of NNS in Mediterranean aquaculture systems. Particular attention should be given to key groups such as non-native ascidians and shell-boring polychaetes, which are known pests and parasites of molluscs. This review provides a baseline for monitoring changes in communities associated with mussels and oysters in the Mediterranean. It may also serve as a reference point for the implementation of management strategies aimed at conserving and restoring mollusc habitats, as well as limiting the spread of non-native and pest species in aquaculture systems.},
}

@article {pmid42299850,
year = {2026},
author = {Samaniego, A and Brown, K and Broome, K},
title = {Feasibility Assessment: An Essential Eradication Tool.},
journal = {Integrative zoology},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1111/1749-4877.70142},
pmid = {42299850},
issn = {1749-4877},
abstract = {Eradication and control are two distinct pest management approaches. Control aims to reduce pest impacts to acceptable levels but requires ongoing investment. If funding or support declines, results can quickly be lost. Eradication is a one-off, time-limited campaign to remove every individual from a population within a defined area. When achievable, acceptable, and sustainable (i.e., feasible), it offers permanent gains without ongoing control. Globally, pest eradication success rates on islands are high, particularly for invasive rodents (>90%). Failures still occur, commonly through inadequate or incomplete planning. Lessons from decades of eradication projects show success depends on thorough preparation, realistic funding, robust management, and a clear understanding of site conditions, pest ecology, and potential risks. Best practice guidelines, refined through experience, help reduce failure risk and make complex projects possible. The New Zealand Department of Conservation's Island Eradication Advisory Group (IEAG) has distilled lessons into a practical planning package that includes a feasibility assessment. The feasibility assessment template is a framework, not a rigid formula, built around approximately 40 targeted questions addressing project context, rationale, technical achievability, sustainability, social acceptance, and required resources. By identifying dependencies, planning issues, knowledge gaps, and risks, a feasibility assessment gives decision-makers a clear picture of what the best chance of success will require. It is helpful for eradication and control projects (socially, ecologically, and technically simple and complex), by supporting informed investment, building stakeholder confidence, and helping avoid costly false starts. While designed for use early in the planning cycle, it can also be used to review established projects. Rather than limiting ambition, it makes challenges transparent and ambition credible.},
}

@article {pmid42302087,
year = {2026},
author = {Chen, H and Zhuang, H and Zhang, X and Liang, Y and Liang, M and Lu, Y and Wang, L},
title = {Analysis of the human health threat caused by the red imported fire ant in mainland China.},
journal = {PloS one},
volume = {21},
number = {6},
pages = {e0350501},
pmid = {42302087},
issn = {1932-6203},
mesh = {Animals ; *Fire Ants ; China/epidemiology ; Humans ; *Insect Bites and Stings/epidemiology/complications ; Public Health ; },
abstract = {In China, the spread of the red imported fire ant (Solenopsis invicta Buren, RIFA) exhibits a consistent pattern of expansion from the south to the north, with decreasing severity toward northern regions. The rapid spread of RIFA poses a substantial public health threat in China, particularly in regions where this invasive species has become established. To evaluate the health risks associated with RIFA stings in China, we analyzed the probability of developing various symptoms following RIFA stings using 8,749 representative cases with detailed symptom descriptions recorded between 2004 and 2024. Data were collected from literature reviews, Baidu (a Chinese search platform), and Jinjiang Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine. Meanwhile, the potential threat to public health was estimated based on the population density of affected regions in China. The recorded symptoms and their respective occurrence rates were as follows: itching and pain (77.54%), vesicles or pustules (36.12%), urticaria or papules (33.33%), systemic allergy (7.52%), fever (2.65%), dizziness or headache (1.97%), shock (1.17%), localized allergic lymphadenopathy (0.94%), speech impediment (0.75%), and death (0.03%). Based on the distribution, severity, and population density of RIFA in China, it is estimated that approximately 0.6992 million people are likely to be stung annually, including about 0.5422 million experiencing itching and pain, 0.2526 million developing vesicles or pustules, 0.2330 million with urticaria or papules, 526,000 with systemic allergy, 185,000 with fever, 138,000 with dizziness or headache, 82,000 with shock, 66,000 with localized allergic lymphadenopathy, 52,000 with speech impediments, and 209 deaths. RIFA stings can induce symptoms ranging from mild itching and swelling to severe systemic allergy, including anaphylaxis and death, constituting a serious public health concern. Currently, RIFA has spread to more than 700 counties and districts across 13 provinces, endangering the health of approximately 120 million people. Based on current data, an estimated 699,224 individuals may be affected annually, with 8,181 potentially experiencing anaphylactic shock and 209 deaths. There is an urgent need for enhanced protective measures and treatment options. Strengthening monitoring and prevention strategies is critical for mitigating the impact of this invasive species and safeguarding public health in affected regions.},
}

Animals
*Fire Ants
China/epidemiology
Humans
*Insect Bites and Stings/epidemiology/complications
Public Health

@article {pmid42302356,
year = {2026},
author = {Ortiz-Moriano, MP and Rivas-Iglesias, L and Gutierrez-Rodriguez, A and Machado-Schiaffino, G and Garcia-Vazquez, E},
title = {Pollution versus biopollution? Failure of Xenostrobus securis invasion in a heavily polluted estuary of the Bay of Biscay.},
journal = {Marine pollution bulletin},
volume = {231},
number = {},
pages = {120008},
doi = {10.1016/j.marpolbul.2026.120008},
pmid = {42302356},
issn = {1879-3363},
abstract = {Invasive species tolerant to pollution may gain a competitive advantage in contaminated environments. This study aimed to assess the accumulation of microplastics (MPs) and heavy metals (HMs) in native (Mytilus galloprovincialis) and invasive (Xenostrobus securis) mussels in three estuaries - Avilés, Nalón, and Ribadesella - in the Southwest Bay of Biscay, Spain. X. securis invaded the Avilés estuary a decade ago, but current sampling indicates that its population is now declining (< 4%), with no expansion to other Asturian estuaries. X. securis exhibited significantly higher concentrations and bioconcentration of MPs. Some individuals of both species in Avilés had Cd and Hg levels (μg kg[-1]), that exceeded the permitted limits for human consumption, whereas most Mytilus from Nalón and Ribadesella remained within safe limits. Multiple regression analyses revealed that, while the pollutants analysed did not affect the condition of M. galloprovincialis, Cd had a potential negative effect on X. securis. The spatial arrangement of X. securis, often growing on M. galloprovincialis in multispecies assemblages, suggests complex species interactions. X. securis may indirectly benefit native mussels by retaining MPs, since its filtration rate is higher. These findings improve understanding of pollutant accumulation in native and invasive species and highlight the urgent need for stringent control of HMs pollution in the region, due to the presence of unsafe mussels.},
}

@article {pmid41863019,
year = {2026},
author = {Andrades, R and Guabiroba, HC and Bastos, KV and Rodrigues, VLA and Santos, MRD and Arpini, CM and Flecher, MC and Pichler, HA and Vilar, CC and Hostim-Silva, M and Joyeux, JC},
title = {The emergence of pathogens on fish in an impacted estuary and the role of non-native piranhas in a potential bacterial infectious outbreak.},
journal = {Journal of fish biology},
volume = {108},
number = {5},
pages = {1515-1523},
pmid = {41863019},
issn = {1095-8649},
support = {//Fundação Renova/ ; },
mesh = {Animals ; *Estuaries ; *Fish Diseases/microbiology/epidemiology ; Brazil/epidemiology ; *Catfishes/microbiology ; Animal Fins/microbiology/pathology ; *Disease Outbreaks/veterinary ; Introduced Species ; *Bacterial Infections/veterinary/epidemiology/microbiology ; },
abstract = {As many tropical aquatic ecosystems worldwide, the Doce River estuary (DRE, southeastern Brazil) has increasingly faced multiple anthropogenic threats, including deforestation, mining, species introduction and water management. The 2015 collapse of the Fundão iron ore tailings dam severely changed water properties and increased heavy metal concentration in sediment. However, the potential synergistic effects of the observed threats on fish populations remain largely unknown. After detecting an elevated number of fin lesions in DRE fishes, we used the catfish Genidens genidens (Cuvier, 1829) to investigate whether such mutilations originated from fin-nipping by non-native piranha or emerged as a result of fin rot disease through bacterial infection. One third of the examined individuals had fin lesions in the DRE, whereas no conspecific exhibited such lesions in two control estuaries where piranhas are absent; lesions were restricted to the caudal fin, a region known to be targeted by fin-nipping piranhas. Independently of the presence of fin lesion, culture of fins and livers indicated higher prevalence and variety of bacterial strains in DRE individuals than in a control area. Piranhas likely contribute to the fin lesions in DRE fishes. However, the higher prevalence and variety of bacterial pathogens as well as of liver and kidney disorders identified in fin-healthy and mutilated fishes of the DRE suggest that the heavily metal-polluted conditions in the DRE may be associated with the emergence of bacterial infections in fish.},
}

Animals
*Estuaries
*Fish Diseases/microbiology/epidemiology
Brazil/epidemiology
*Catfishes/microbiology
Animal Fins/microbiology/pathology
*Disease Outbreaks/veterinary
Introduced Species
*Bacterial Infections/veterinary/epidemiology/microbiology