@article {pmid40611690,
year = {2025},
author = {Liang, Y and Song, Y and Hong, J and Ou, Y and Chen, M and Wu, J and Chen, H and Liang, M and Lu, Y},
title = {Arthropod diversity dynamics in guava and cherimoya plantations affected by Solenopsis invicta invasion.},
journal = {Insect science},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1111/1744-7917.70119},
pmid = {40611690},
issn = {1744-7917},
support = {2022B1111030002//Key-Area Research and Development Program of Guangdong Province/ ; 2021YFD1000500//National Key Research and Development Program of China/ ; 2025B04J0001//Key Research and Development Program of Guangzhou/ ; 2023TX07A017//Guangdong Special Support Program-Leading Talents in Science and Technology Innovation/ ; 202405AF140082//Science and Technology Talent and Platform Project of Yunnan (Academician and Expert Workstation)/ ; 2023YFN0030//Key Research and Development Program of Science and Technology in Sichuan Province/ ; },
abstract = {The red imported fire ant (Solenopsis invicta, RIFA) is one of the most ecologically disruptive invasive species, yet its impacts on arthropod biodiversity within subtropical orchard agroecosystems-particularly guava (Psidium guajava) and cherimoya (Annona cherimola) plantations-remain insufficiently quantified. This study investigated how RIFA invasion influences arthropod community composition, diversity and trophic group dynamics across these 2 plantation systems in southern China. Results indicated that RIFA invasions significantly reduced both order- and family-level richness and evenness. Arthropod order richness declined markedly in invaded areas, with only 8 orders detected in invaded cherimoya plots compared to 11 in non-invaded plots. At the family level, diversity decreased by 75% in guava plantations (from 8 to 2 families) and by 60% in cherimoya plantations (from 10 to 4 families). In invaded plots, RIFAs constituted over 80% of the total arthropod population. Hedges' g effect sizes further revealed substantial increases in overall arthropod abundance (+277.62%) and RIFA-specific abundance (+357.42%), coupled with significant declines in family richness (-16.29%) and non-RIFA arthropod abundance (-22.78%). Piecewise structural equation modeling indicated that RIFA exerted strong, negative impacts on detritivores and omnivores, while herbivores were less affected, indirectly suppressing predators by reducing their prey base. Collectively, these findings suggested that RIFA invasion drove pronounced taxonomic homogenization, functional simplification and trophic imbalance within agricultural landscapes. Effective, long-term monitoring and biodiversity-focused management strategies are urgently needed to mitigate the ecological degradation driven by RIFA invasions in these critical agroecosystems.},
}

@article {pmid40610560,
year = {2025},
author = {El-Alfy, MA and Abd El-Hamid, HT and Kacem, HA and Keshta, AE},
title = {Assessment of invasive aquatic plant dynamics in the Lake Burullus wetland complex integrating remote sensing techniques.},
journal = {Scientific reports},
volume = {15},
number = {1},
pages = {23701},
pmid = {40610560},
issn = {2045-2322},
mesh = {*Wetlands ; *Remote Sensing Technology/methods ; *Introduced Species ; *Lakes ; Water Quality ; Egypt ; Environmental Monitoring/methods ; Nitrogen/analysis ; Biodiversity ; Seasons ; },
abstract = {The spread of invasive aquatic species in canals and wetlands poses significant challenges, including reduced water availability, disruption of native biodiversity, and obstruction of irrigation infrastructure. This study examines the distribution and environmental associations of two prominent invasive species Pontederia crassipes and Pistia stratiotes within the Lake Burullus wetland in Egypt. Field surveys were conducted to assess plant morphology and abundance, alongside measurements of water quality parameters including dissolved oxygen (DO), phosphate (PO4-P), ammonium (NH4-N), nitrite (NO2-N), nitrate (NO3-N), total nitrogen (TN), total phosphorus (TP), turbidity, and oxidizable organic matter (OOM). Remote sensing data, particularly the Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI), were used to monitor the spatial and seasonal dynamics of Pontederia in the Elshaklouba drain. The findings indicated that plant abundance was associated with specific water quality variables; however causality could not be determined due to the observational design of the study. NDVI analysis confirmed increased Pontederia densities during the summer months, consistent with field observations. The study also documented local management practices, primarily mechanical removal and the use of physical barriers, and briefly compared these with biological and integrated control strategies reported in recent literature. Additionally, the potential application of these species in phytoremediation and bioenergy applications is discussed, underscoring their dual role as both ecological threats and potential resources.},
}

*Wetlands
*Remote Sensing Technology/methods
*Introduced Species
*Lakes
Water Quality
Egypt
Environmental Monitoring/methods
Nitrogen/analysis
Biodiversity
Seasons

@article {pmid40609430,
year = {2025},
author = {Shi, X and Li, WT and van Kleunen, M and Li, L and Zheng, YL},
title = {Indirect competitive advantages of invasive over native plants under multiple stressors.},
journal = {Journal of environmental management},
volume = {391},
number = {},
pages = {126422},
doi = {10.1016/j.jenvman.2025.126422},
pmid = {40609430},
issn = {1095-8630},
abstract = {The success of invasive alien plants is often ascribed to competitive advantages they have over native plants. Based on differences in intra- and interspecific competition, we propose three mechanisms: invasive species may alleviate intraspecific competition (self-regulation hypothesis); invasive species exert stronger suppressive effects on native species than other invasive species (competitive suppression hypothesis); invasive species tend to exhibit greater tolerance to native neighbors than native species (competitive tolerance hypothesis). In addition, we consider that competitive advantages can also be dependent on environmental factors, although few studies have tested this. Here, we tested the different mechanisms and their context dependence in a large competition experiment using two aliens and five co-occurring native plants in the presence and absence of an herbivorous snail, under drought and well-watered conditions, and with low and high phosphorus availability. Although intraspecific competition did not significantly differ between the alien and native species, we found that natives had a more negative neighbor effect on other natives than on aliens under well-watered conditions, particularly when there was also phosphorus limitation or herbivory. Similarly, aliens were worse neighbors for natives than for other aliens under well-watered conditions. Overall, these results suggest that conditions of non-limiting water availability, particularly when combined with phosphorus limitation or the presence of herbivores, might result in successful invasion by alien species.},
}

@article {pmid40609146,
year = {2025},
author = {Motloung, RF and Chaisi, ME and Sibiya, MS and Nyangiwe, N and Shivambu, TC},
title = {Predicting tick distributions in a changing climate: An ensemble approach for South Africa.},
journal = {Veterinary parasitology},
volume = {338},
number = {},
pages = {110528},
doi = {10.1016/j.vetpar.2025.110528},
pmid = {40609146},
issn = {1873-2550},
abstract = {Predicting the potential distribution of disease vectors is crucial for vector management and disease transmission surveillance. This study aims to assess changes in the geographic projection of the ecological niche of ticks of veterinary, public health, and economic importance in South Africa, and to predict areas suitable for their establishment under current and future climate scenarios. We used a suite of six algorithms within the ensemble modelling framework of the biomod2 package in R version 4.4.2 to produce species distribution models for current (2021-2040) and future (2041-2060) climate scenarios. Six bioclimatic variables, representing a range of biophysical and anthropogenic factors, were used in combination with tick presence-only occurrence data submitted to SANBI's Integrated Publishing Toolkit by tick species experts. The model outputs indicate that all 10 tick species will likely experience range shifts over time (2021-2060). All species are projected to gain significant portions of suitable ranges in the future. Notably, Rhipicephalus microplus is predicted to gain the most, with a 14 % increase in its suitable range in South Africa. This predicted range expansion could potentially disrupt ecological balances in the ecosystems it is likely to occupy. Native species such as Amblyomma hebraeum and Hyalomma rufipes are predicted to expand their ranges by 10 and 9 %, respectively, while others may gain less than 6 % of their potential ranges The overall predicted range expansion could also introduce new disease dynamics, potentially leading to increased pathogen transmission, host switching and higher incidences of diseases in humans and animals in currently unaffected areas. The study provides baseline information to support ongoing monitoring and adaptive management strategies to mitigate the negative impacts associated with ticks on ecosystems, public health, and agriculture. The results will help inform tick control programs in South Africa and other similar environments. South Africa must adopt a comprehensive One Health approach to tick management to address the challenges posed by invasive species like R. microplus, which threaten livestock health and have significant veterinary and economic impacts.},
}

@article {pmid40607628,
year = {2025},
author = {Jackson, D and McNew, S},
title = {The Invasion History of New Zealand Starlings Revealed by Whole Genome Sequencing and Historical Records.},
journal = {Molecular ecology},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {e70016},
doi = {10.1111/mec.70016},
pmid = {40607628},
issn = {1365-294X},
}

@article {pmid40607565,
year = {2025},
author = {Zeng, ZY and Yu, HX and Zhou, QM and You, JJ and Li, WH},
title = {The role of ammonia-oxidizing microorganisms in the replacement of Mikania micrantha by Pueraria lobata.},
journal = {Ying yong sheng tai xue bao = The journal of applied ecology},
volume = {36},
number = {6},
pages = {1849-1858},
doi = {10.13287/j.1001-9332.202506.006},
pmid = {40607565},
issn = {1001-9332},
mesh = {*Pueraria/growth & development ; *Ammonia/metabolism ; Oxidation-Reduction ; *Mikania/growth & development ; *Soil Microbiology ; Nitrification ; Nitrogen/metabolism/analysis ; *Introduced Species ; Soil/chemistry ; *Bacteria/metabolism ; Ecosystem ; },
abstract = {We investigated the role of ammonia-oxidizing microorganisms in the process of Pueraria lobata replacement for controlling the invasive plant, Mikania micrantha. We examined the effects of P. lobata replacement on the regeneration of M. micrantha, plant nitrogen absorption, soil nitrogen transformation, and ammonia-oxidizing microbial communities. The results demonstrated that one year after P. lobata replacement, there were significant increases in soil total nitrogen (109.4%), ammonium (78.1%), and nitrate (20.3%), accompanied by a remarkable 213.0% elevation in the net nitrification rate. The ammonia-oxidizing bacteria AOB-amoA gene copy number was significantly increased, which was positively correlated with soil total nitrogen and nitrate nitrogen. Results of random forest model analysis showed that comammox clade A.2 and AOB jointly dominated the nitrification process. The soil net nitrification rate, AOB-amoA gene copy number, and plant tissue total nitrogen content were identified as the primary factors influencing the relative cover of P. lobata. The enhanced activity of ammonia-oxidizing microorganisms improved soil nitrogen conversion efficiency, giving P. lobata a competitive advantage over M. micrantha in nitrogen uptake and accumulation, thereby effectively inhibiting the regeneration of M. micrantha.},
}

*Pueraria/growth & development
*Ammonia/metabolism
Oxidation-Reduction
*Mikania/growth & development
*Soil Microbiology
Nitrification
Nitrogen/metabolism/analysis
*Introduced Species
Soil/chemistry
*Bacteria/metabolism
Ecosystem

@article {pmid40607555,
year = {2025},
author = {Chen, MY and Liang, ZY and Shu, Q and Nao, ZC and Chen, Y and Zeng, ZF and LA, Q and Wang, JW},
title = {Predicting potential distribution and adaptability of the invasive plant Bidens pilosa in China based on the MaxEnt model.},
journal = {Ying yong sheng tai xue bao = The journal of applied ecology},
volume = {36},
number = {6},
pages = {1749-1758},
doi = {10.13287/j.1001-9332.202506.028},
pmid = {40607555},
issn = {1001-9332},
mesh = {China ; *Introduced Species ; *Ecosystem ; *Bidens/growth & development/physiology ; Climate Change ; *Models, Theoretical ; Forecasting ; *Adaptation, Physiological ; Conservation of Natural Resources ; },
abstract = {Bidens pilosa, a globally invasive plant species, poses a significant threat to ecosystems and agricultural production in China. To evaluate its potential expansion in China, particularly its habitat suitability under climate change, we predicted its distribution with natural distribution data and 31 environmental variables (climate, soil, topography, and human activity factors) under the MaxEnt model. Future changes in suitable habitats were simulated under the SSP245 and SSP585 climate scenarios. The results showed that the model exhibited high predictive accuracy, with an area under the receiver operating characteristic curve of 0.89. Temperature and precipitation were the primary influencing factors, accounting for 82.6% and 12.6% of the contribution, respectively. Currently, suitable habitats were predominantly located in southern and central-eastern China. The suitable habitats were projected to expand toward eastern and northern Tibet, particularly into ecologically fragile regions such as the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau. Therefore, climate change would exacerbate invasion risks.},
}

China
*Introduced Species
*Ecosystem
*Bidens/growth & development/physiology
Climate Change
*Models, Theoretical
Forecasting
*Adaptation, Physiological
Conservation of Natural Resources

@article {pmid40607497,
year = {2025},
author = {Zhang, Y and Li, Y and Shuai, F and Britton, JR and Li, J},
title = {Phylogenetic Relatedness Predicts Extinction Risk of Native Freshwater Fishes From Non-Native Fishes Across a Latitudinal Gradient.},
journal = {Global change biology},
volume = {31},
number = {7},
pages = {e70320},
doi = {10.1111/gcb.70320},
pmid = {40607497},
issn = {1365-2486},
support = {32002391//National Natural Science Foundation of China/ ; //Pearl River Fishery Resources and Habitat Investigation Project funded by the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs/ ; 2023TD10//Pearl River Fisheries Resources Investigation & Evaluation Group Project/ ; },
mesh = {Animals ; *Fishes/genetics/physiology/classification ; *Phylogeny ; *Extinction, Biological ; *Introduced Species ; Fresh Water ; Ecosystem ; },
abstract = {The strength of the interspecific interactions between non-native and native species influences the subsequent invasion impacts, with stronger interactions and thus more severe impacts predicted when the species are phylogenetically close and co-exist at lower latitudes. Although work demonstrates non-native fish are more likely to invade areas which have phylogenetically closely related species present, the impacts of these invaders on the native species remain poorly understood. Accordingly, we conducted a comprehensive analysis of global freshwater fish occurrence data to test the phylogenetic niche conservatism hypothesis in co-occurring native and non-native freshwater fishes, assess whether non-native fishes drive extinctions of phylogenetically closely related native species, and evaluate how this varies with latitude. Phylogenetic niche conservatism was evident in co-occurring non-native and native fishes, with their morphometric trait dissimilarity significantly correlated with their phylogenetic distance. Extinct freshwater fishes were found to be more closely related to co-occurred non-native species than were species of other conservation statuses. However, the relationship between the extinction probability of native freshwater fishes and their phylogenetic relatedness to non-native species was context-dependent, varying with latitude and across biogeographical realms. At higher latitudes, native fishes closely related to non-native species had a higher probability of extinction, whereas at lower latitudes, closely related native species were less likely to become extinct. Thus, the extinction risks posed by non-native fish vary spatially and depend on their phylogenetic relatedness to native species, both of which are recommended for consideration in invasion risk management programmes.},
}

Animals
*Fishes/genetics/physiology/classification
*Phylogeny
*Extinction, Biological
*Introduced Species
Fresh Water
Ecosystem

@article {pmid40605760,
year = {2025},
author = {Lueje, YR and Jácome, A and Fagúndez, J and Servia, MJ},
title = {Trapping is not effective for limiting damage by Vespa velutina in vineyards.},
journal = {Pest management science},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1002/ps.70031},
pmid = {40605760},
issn = {1526-4998},
support = {//Program LEADER Galicia 2014-2020/ ; },
abstract = {BACKGROUND: Vespa velutina is an invasive hornet that harms biodiversity, human health and agricultural products such as grapes. The use of baited traps is a popular method among producers to counteract its impact. However, their efficiency in agricultural settings has not been tested systematically. We investigated whether the use of traps is an effective method to reduce damage in vineyards, as well as the influence of trap and vineyard characteristics on the captures of V. velutina and nontarget insects in two areas of Galicia, NW Spain.

RESULTS: We observed significant differences in bunch damage by V. velutina among and within areas, but unrelated to grape sugar content. We found no evidence of any positive effect of trapping in reducing damage, even if the density of traps is doubled or tripled. Commercial traps capture higher numbers of V. velutina and by-catch than homemade traps. Captures of V. velutina peaked in summer, and no significant differences were observed between areas or plots, whereas captures of by-catch were highly variable.

CONCLUSION: The multifactorial nature of V. velutina damage in vineyards, and the high proportion and diversity of by-catch in traps make trap use unadvisable based on the present state of knowledge. Notwithstanding this, trapping before harvesting, when most damage happens, showed the highest selectivity and thus, was the least harmful trapping system to native entomofauna. More sustainable and effective methods of vineyard management and crop protection should be tested to guarantee the future of this productive sector in highly invaded areas. © 2025 The Author(s). Pest Management Science published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of Society of Chemical Industry.},
}

@article {pmid40603999,
year = {2025},
author = {Cui, L and Qiu, J and Berger, U and Cao, M and Li, W and Jiang, J},
title = {Comparing and quantifying the ecological niches of the saltmarsh grass Spartina alterniflora and major mangrove species in China.},
journal = {Scientific reports},
volume = {15},
number = {1},
pages = {23604},
pmid = {40603999},
issn = {2045-2322},
support = {Jiangxi Forestry [2022] No.40, [2022] No.382//Wetland Conservation and Restoration Project Subsidy by Central Finance/ ; 41701225//National Natural Science Foundation of China/ ; 2022SY06//Zhejiang Forestry Science and Technology Project/ ; },
mesh = {China ; *Poaceae/physiology ; *Wetlands ; Introduced Species ; *Ecosystem ; *Rhizophoraceae/physiology ; Species Specificity ; },
abstract = {The concept of niche similarity is crucial for understanding species invasions. An in-depth understanding of different niches can aid in developing effective control strategies, not only at the community level but also in population interactions. In this study, we investigated the invasion of Spartina alterniflora in China by selecting nine major mangrove species along the Chinese coast. Utilizing an ensemble species distribution model (ESDM), we compared the niche characteristics of these mangroves with S. alterniflora. We found that S. alterniflora has a broad latitudinal adaptability (39.22-21.67˚N), significantly greater than the mangroves. Excoecaria agallocha has the largest potential distribution area (74,729 km[2]), while Kandelia obovata shows the widest climatic adaptability (latitude: 30.85˚N to 18.19˚N). The ecological niches of the mangroves and S. alterniflora overlap (D.overlap: 0.015-0.254, Niche similarity index: 0.044-0.551), driven by different species-specific factors. K. obovata and S. alterniflora have the highest niche similarity due to the similarities in precipitation during the driest month and precipitation seasonality. Overall, mangroves in China are vulnerable to invasion by S. alterniflora. Strengthening mangrove protection is essential for their healthy development, especially under frequent extreme weather conditions, with a focus on protecting K. obovata.},
}

China
*Poaceae/physiology
*Wetlands
Introduced Species
*Ecosystem
*Rhizophoraceae/physiology
Species Specificity

@article {pmid40603756,
year = {2025},
author = {Pesarakloo, A and Mousavizadeh, F and Mirkamali, SJ and Najibzadeh, M and Esmaeilbeigi, M},
title = {Chemical composition of invasive water hyacinth (Eichhornia crassipes) impacts developmental stages of Bufotes sitibundus: threat of an invasive plant to the amphibian species.},
journal = {Ecotoxicology (London, England)},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
pmid = {40603756},
issn = {1573-3017},
abstract = {Invasive species threaten biodiversity by disrupting biological interactions. Water hyacinth (Eichhornia crassipes) is recognized as one of the world's top 100 weed species and among the ten worst aquatic weeds. This study examines the impact of extracts from this non-native invasive plant on the survival, growth, and metamorphosis of Bufotes sitibundus larvae, a species of anuran amphibian. Due to the presence of phenolic compounds and heavy metals, invasive plants can significantly affect anuran development, yet these threats remain largely unstudied in amphibians. We observed increased mortality in larvae exposed to water hyacinth extracts, which we attribute to reduced oxygen availability linked to high concentrations of phenolic compounds, such as (E)-23-ethylcholesta-5,22-dien-3.beta.-ol and 3-Hydroxyspirost-8-en-11-one, as well as the terpenoid gibberellin A3. These phenolic compounds may impair gill function, contributing to decreased survival rates. Additionally, the presence of heavy metals in the extracts adversely impacts survival, growth, body length, and metamorphosis. The invasive water hyacinth can lead to significant alterations in pond ecosystems, producing both direct and indirect effects on amphibian survival. Our findings offer crucial insights into the effects of water hyacinth extracts on amphibians, encompassing egg development, growth, mortality, and metamorphosis, potentially impacting the biology and ecology of Bufotes sitibundus during the critical developmental stages.},
}

@article {pmid40541049,
year = {2025},
author = {Lazarus, BE and Mueller, RC and Germino, MJ},
title = {Soil-microbial communities respond less than plant communities to synthetic- or bio-herbicides applied to address the exotic grass-fire cycle in rangelands.},
journal = {The Science of the total environment},
volume = {991},
number = {},
pages = {179831},
doi = {10.1016/j.scitotenv.2025.179831},
pmid = {40541049},
issn = {1879-1026},
mesh = {*Soil Microbiology ; *Herbicides/toxicity ; *Microbiota/drug effects ; Poaceae ; Introduced Species ; RNA, Ribosomal, 16S ; Bacteria ; Pseudomonas fluorescens ; *Soil Pollutants ; },
abstract = {The exotic grass-fire cycle is degrading semiarid rangelands, such as the vast areas of shrub-steppe in North America now invaded by fire-promoting cheatgrass. Chemical- or bio-herbicides are sprayed onto soils to inhibit the invaders, but information on chemical- or bio-herbicide impacts to soil microbial communities is limited. We asked how the soil-microbiome responded to the bioherbicide Pseudomonas fluorescens strain ACK55 in comparison to the separate and combined effects of a conventional pre-emergent chemical herbicide, imazapic, in two cheatgrass-invaded sagebrush-steppe sites. First-year microbial responses were evaluated using targeted sequencing of the 16S and LSU rRNA genes for bacteria+archaea and fungi, respectively, and were related to plant-community responses. A strong cheatgrass reduction with imazapic at one site was accompanied by a small shift in bacteria+archaea (16S) community composition with no effect on microbial alpha diversity, and this shift was small in comparison to natural microbiome variation between sites. ACK55 was not detected in soil a year after application, and it caused only transient and marginally significant reductions in annual grass cover accompanied by small reductions in soil fungi species richness. Full-length sequencing of the ACK55 16S rRNA gene and phylogenetic analyses revealed that ACK55 is more likely P. salmonii than P. fluorescens. Knowledge gaps remain on the duration and consequences of microbial-community shifts with imazapic and why molecular analyses showed ACK55 did not persist in soils. Confusion regarding microbial biopesticides can result where isolation, effectiveness testing, commercial release, and regulation are not guided by molecular taxonomic analyses.},
}

*Soil Microbiology
*Herbicides/toxicity
*Microbiota/drug effects
Poaceae
Introduced Species
RNA, Ribosomal, 16S
Bacteria
Pseudomonas fluorescens
*Soil Pollutants

@article {pmid40231438,
year = {2025},
author = {Zhang, B and Koski, TM and Wang, H and Chen, Z and Li, H and Mogouong, J and Bushley, KE and Xing, L and Sun, J},
title = {The Role of Phenylpropanoids and the Plant Microbiome in Defences of Ash Trees Against Invasive Emerald Ash Borer.},
journal = {Plant, cell & environment},
volume = {48},
number = {8},
pages = {5680-5698},
doi = {10.1111/pce.15534},
pmid = {40231438},
issn = {1365-3040},
support = {//This study was funded by the National Natural Science Foundation of China (grant nos. 32061123002 and 32088102) and the U.S. National Science Foundation Dimensions of Biodiversity Grant (no. 2030036). We are also grateful to Collaborative Innovation Center for Baiyangdian Basin Ecological Protection and Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei Sustainable Development project, Natural Science Foundation of Hebei Province (C2022201042) and Jenny and Antti Wihuri Foundation (00240157)./ ; },
mesh = {Animals ; *Fraxinus/microbiology/metabolism/genetics ; *Microbiota ; Introduced Species ; *Coleoptera/physiology ; Metabolomics ; *Plant Defense Against Herbivory ; Transcriptome ; *Propanols/metabolism ; },
abstract = {Plants have coevolved with herbivorous insects for millions of years, resulting in variation in resistance both within and between species. Using a manipulative experiment combined with untargeted metabolomics, microbiome sequencing and transcriptomics approaches, we investigated the roles of plant metabolites and the microbiome in defence mechanisms in native resistant Manchurian ash (Fraxinus mandshurica) trees and non-native susceptible velvet ash (Fraxinus velutina) trees against the highly invasive emerald ash borer (EAB, Agrilus planipennis). Comparative transcriptomics and metabolomics analyses show that the phenylpropanoid pathway, which is enriched in differentially expressed genes and differentially abundant metabolites, may serve as a potential regulator of resistance. Additionally, the microbiome is distinctly shifted in two ash species. Indicator taxa analysis reveals that the distinct genera are dominant in the galleries of two ash species, for example, Pseudomonas in velvet, and Hafnia-Obesumbacterium in Manchurian. The strong correlation between indicator taxa and metabolites suggests that the chemical compounds might impact the microbial community in phloem directly or indirectly, or vice versa. This study significantly enhances our understanding of the variation in resistance between ash species and its contribution to the invasion success of EAB, providing valuable insights for the development of pest management strategies.},
}

Animals
*Fraxinus/microbiology/metabolism/genetics
*Microbiota
Introduced Species
*Coleoptera/physiology
Metabolomics
*Plant Defense Against Herbivory
Transcriptome
*Propanols/metabolism

@article {pmid40603367,
year = {2025},
author = {Gevaert, CM and Aguiar Pedro, A and Ku, O and Cheng, H and Chandramouli, P and Dadrass Javan, F and Nattino, F and Georgievska, S},
title = {Explainable few-shot learning workflow for detecting invasive and exotic tree species.},
journal = {Scientific reports},
volume = {15},
number = {1},
pages = {23238},
pmid = {40603367},
issn = {2045-2322},
support = {18091//Nederlandse Organisatie voor Wetenschappelijk Onderzoek (Netherlands Organisation for Scientific Research)/ ; },
mesh = {*Trees/classification ; *Introduced Species ; Workflow ; *Deep Learning ; Brazil ; Algorithms ; Forests ; Unmanned Aerial Devices ; Neural Networks, Computer ; },
abstract = {Deep Learning methods are notorious for relying on extensive labeled datasets to train and assess their performance. This can cause difficulties in practical situations where models should be trained for new applications for which very little data is available. While few-shot learning algorithms can address the first problem, they still lack sufficient explanations for the results. This research presents a workflow that tackles both challenges by proposing an explainable few-shot learning workflow for detecting invasive and exotic tree species in the Atlantic Forest of Brazil using Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) images. By integrating a Siamese network with explainable AI (XAI), the workflow enables the classification of tree species with minimal labeled data while providing visual, case-based explanations for the predictions. Results demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed workflow in identifying new tree species, even in data-scarce conditions. With a lightweight backbone, e.g., MobileNet, it achieves an F1-score of 0.86 in 3-shot learning, outperforming a shallow CNN. A set of explanation metrics, i.e., correctness, continuity, and contrastivity, accompanied by visual cases, provide further insights about the prediction results. This approach opens new avenues for using AI and UAVs in forest management and biodiversity conservation, particularly concerning rare or understudied species.},
}

*Trees/classification
*Introduced Species
Workflow
*Deep Learning
Brazil
Algorithms
Forests
Unmanned Aerial Devices
Neural Networks, Computer

@article {pmid40601033,
year = {2025},
author = {Nariman, N and Entling, MH and Krehenwinkel, H and Kennedy, S},
title = {The Microbiome of an Invasive Spider: Reduced Bacterial Richness, but no Indication of Microbial-Mediated Dispersal Behaviour.},
journal = {Microbial ecology},
volume = {88},
number = {1},
pages = {70},
pmid = {40601033},
issn = {1432-184X},
mesh = {Animals ; *Spiders/microbiology/physiology ; *Microbiota ; *Bacteria/classification/genetics/isolation & purification ; Introduced Species ; Symbiosis ; Europe ; Animal Distribution ; },
abstract = {Mermessus trilobatus, an invasive North American linyphiid spider, has expanded its invasion range up to 1400 km in Europe, accelerating its dispersal speed in less than 40 years. The high heritability of dispersal behaviour and the spatial sorting of high and low dispersers indicate a genetic basis of dispersal behaviour. However, microbial endosymbionts can moderate dispersal behaviour in related species (Rickettsia in Erigone atra). Hence, dispersal behaviour in M. trilobatus might also be dictated by the activity of dispersal-mediating endosymbionts. Here, we investigated the microbiome of invasive M. trilobatus spiders extracted from (1) high- and low-dispersive individuals and (2) spiders originating from locations close to the edge and core of the expansion. We examine the microbiomes for the presence of potential dispersal- and reproduction-mediating bacterial strains and compare the microbial assemblages of spiders based on their dispersal behaviour and locations of origin. The composition of microbial assemblages was similar among spiders of different geographic origins and dispersal behaviour. However, microbial richness was lower in high- than in low-dispersive individuals. Surprisingly, none of the known dispersal- or reproduction-altering endosymbionts of arthropods was identified in any tested spider. This contrasts with published results from North America, where M. trilobatus is a known host of Rickettsia and Wolbachia. Thus, the invasive European population appears to have lost its associated endosymbionts. As endosymbionts can reduce spider mobility, it is possible that their absence facilitates the spread of the invasive spider population. The absence of endosymbionts among the analysed individuals substantiates the role of genetic mechanisms behind the variable dispersal behaviour of invasive M. trilobatus in Europe.},
}

Animals
*Spiders/microbiology/physiology
*Microbiota
*Bacteria/classification/genetics/isolation & purification
Introduced Species
Symbiosis
Europe
Animal Distribution

@article {pmid40600780,
year = {2025},
author = {Stewart, PS and Hill, RA and Oduor, AMO and Stephens, PA and Whittingham, MJ and Dawson, W},
title = {Multi-Species Impacts of Invasive Opuntia Cacti on Mammal Habitat Use.},
journal = {Ecology letters},
volume = {28},
number = {7},
pages = {e70163},
doi = {10.1111/ele.70163},
pmid = {40600780},
issn = {1461-0248},
support = {//Natural Environment Research Council (NERC) Iapetus2 Doctoral Training Partnership/ ; },
mesh = {Animals ; *Introduced Species ; Kenya ; *Ecosystem ; *Mammals/physiology ; *Opuntia/physiology ; Biodiversity ; Conservation of Natural Resources ; },
abstract = {Biological invasions impact ecosystems worldwide, including through changing the behaviour of native species. Here, we used camera traps to investigate the effects of invasive Opuntia spp. on the habitat use of 12 mammal species in Laikipia County, Kenya, an internationally important region of mammalian biodiversity. We found that Opuntia impacted mammal occupancy and activity. These effects were evident when Opuntia was considered at both site level and landscape scales; however, some mammal species showed different responses to increasing Opuntia at these two scales. The effects of Opuntia were generally context dependent, with their strength and direction varying among mammal species and between seasons. As well as having important implications for mammal conservation, ecosystem functioning and the future spread of Opuntia, our findings highlight behavioural changes in large mammals as a potentially important pathway through which invasive species impact ecosystems.},
}

Animals
*Introduced Species
Kenya
*Ecosystem
*Mammals/physiology
*Opuntia/physiology
Biodiversity
Conservation of Natural Resources

@article {pmid40600371,
year = {2025},
author = {Funari, R and Parvizi, E and Cucini, C and Boschi, S and Cardaioli, E and Potter, DA and Asano, SI and Toubarro, D and Jelmini, L and Paoli, F and Carapelli, A and McGaughran, A and Frati, F and Nardi, F},
title = {Whole Genome Resequencing Reveals Origins and Global Invasion Pathways of the Japanese Beetle Popillia japonica.},
journal = {Molecular ecology},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {e70008},
doi = {10.1111/mec.70008},
pmid = {40600371},
issn = {1365-294X},
support = {861852//Horizon 2020 Framework Programme/ ; //Ministero dell'Istruzione, dell'Università e della Ricerca, PNRR, Missione 4 Componente 2, "Dalla ricerca all'impresa", Investimento 1.4, Project CN00000033./ ; },
abstract = {Invasive species are an increasing global threat given their ability to rapidly spread and adapt to novel environments. The adverse ecological and economic impacts of invasive species highlight the critical need to understand the mechanisms that underpin invasion processes and success. The Japanese beetle, Popillia japonica, is an invasive pest of remarkable interest, as it feeds on hundreds of economically valuable plant species. It has been expanding outside of its native range in Japan since the first decades of the 20th century, colonising large areas of North America and, more recently, Europe. Here, we compared whole-genome resequencing data from individuals encompassing the entire species distribution to study the geographic differentiation of P. japonica populations and reconstruct expansion routes from Japan to the USA and Europe. We found six genomically distinguishable clusters, corresponding to the approximate colonisation areas at a continental scale. Our analysis supported an ancestral divergence between South and North/Central Japan, with the latter being the source of the initial invasion to the USA. Coalescent simulations supported independent bridgehead events from the USA to the Azores and Italy. We also investigated possible signals of selection to better understand the adaptive mechanisms that underlie the invasion success of P. japonica. However, the absence of strong selection signatures suggested that the beetle's adaptive ability might be embedded in pre-existing genomic features. Our comprehensive genome-wide dataset allowed a detailed inference of the invasion process and may be useful in determining the origin of P. japonica individuals in future invasion events.},
}

@article {pmid40600057,
year = {2025},
author = {Martin, E and Chanfi, AN and Viginier, B and Raquin, V and Valiente Moro, C and Minard, G},
title = {A major entomoparasite interferes with the chikungunya virus transmission by Aedes albopictus.},
journal = {mLife},
volume = {4},
number = {3},
pages = {337-341},
pmid = {40600057},
issn = {2770-100X},
abstract = {The Asian tiger mosquito, Aedes albopictus, is an invasive species that spreads diseases like chikungunya and has caused outbreaks worldwide. Studies show that mosquito-associated microbes can affect disease transmission. One of those microbes, the parasite Ascogregarina taiwanensis, is common in native and settled mosquito populations (>3 years after introduction) but rare in recently introduced ones. We found that this parasite slows down the spread of the chikungunya virus within the mosquito and decreases its transmission rate by half. Unparasitized mosquitoes spread the virus more easily, suggesting that changes in mosquito-associated microbes could impact disease outbreaks and public health.},
}

@article {pmid40596413,
year = {2025},
author = {Wilcken, CF and da Mota, TA and de Oliveira, CH and de Carvalho, VR and Benso, LA and Gabia, JA and Wilcken, SRS and Furtado, EL and Schiff, NM and de Camargo, MB and Ribeiro, MF},
title = {Sirex obesus (Hymenoptera: Siricidae) as invasive pest in pine plantations in Brazil.},
journal = {Scientific reports},
volume = {15},
number = {1},
pages = {22522},
pmid = {40596413},
issn = {2045-2322},
mesh = {Animals ; Brazil ; *Pinus/parasitology ; *Hymenoptera/genetics/classification/physiology ; *Introduced Species ; Female ; DNA Barcoding, Taxonomic ; Male ; },
abstract = {The genus Sirex (Hymenoptera: Siricidae) consists of 29 species including the Sirex Woodwasp, Sirex noctilio, which is the main insect pest of pine plantations in the Southern Hemisphere including Brazil. In 2023, a species of Sirex similar to S. noctilio was discovered in Southeastern Brazil infesting pine plantations and causing tree mortality of up to 40%. We definitively identified this species as Sirex obesus based on both morphological characters and DNA barcodes. It is a species indigenous to the Southwestern United States and Northern and Central Mexico with little information available regarding its biology and control. This is the first record of S. obesus in Brazil and the first record of the species outside of North America. We document details about S. obesus occurrence in Brazil, describe preliminary damage caused in pine plantations and provide a partial list of natural enemies.},
}

Animals
Brazil
*Pinus/parasitology
*Hymenoptera/genetics/classification/physiology
*Introduced Species
Female
DNA Barcoding, Taxonomic
Male

@article {pmid40596352,
year = {2025},
author = {Barriga-Medina, N and Decker, T and Ramirez-Villacis, DX and León-Reyes, AE and Dong, V and Worley, C and Ruales, C and Pieterse, C and Leon-Reyes, A},
title = {Exploring fungal pathogens to control the plant invasive Rubus niveus on Galapagos Island San Cristobal.},
journal = {Scientific reports},
volume = {15},
number = {1},
pages = {20358},
pmid = {40596352},
issn = {2045-2322},
support = {POA 010//Galapagos Science Center/ ; 001//SPINOZA GRANT/ ; 007//Caja Chica Grant/ ; },
mesh = {*Rubus/microbiology ; *Introduced Species ; *Plant Diseases/microbiology/prevention & control ; *Fungi/pathogenicity/genetics/isolation & purification/classification ; Ecuador ; Plant Leaves/microbiology ; Fruit/microbiology ; },
abstract = {The Galapagos ecosystem faces threats from invasive species displacing native and endemic species. Rubus niveus (Hill raspberry) is particularly problematic invasive plant, covering approximately 30,000 hectares across the archipelago and rapidly outcompeting native vegetation. Current control methods, such as manual removal and herbicide application, have proven ineffective. This research aimed to identify endemic fungi pathogenic to R. niveus for potential population suppression. To achieve this goal, we sampled leaves, fruits, and stems of R. niveus in the agricultural areas of San Cristobal, Galapagos. Microbiome composition analysis of healthy and diseased R. niveus leaves revealed differences in fungal communities, representing a greater abundance of pathogenic genera in diseased tissue. These genera included Alternaria, Septoria, Fusarium, Colletotrichum, and Phanerochaete, representing well-known pathogens. Among 595 fungi isolated from Hill raspberry samples with lesions, 226 were tested for pathogenicity on healthy Hill raspberry leaves, resulting in five possible candidates consistently causing lesions. Further characterization through morphology and DNA analysis confirmed these candidates as Lasiodiplodia theobromae, Colletotrichum gloesporioides, Fusarium concentricum, Phanerochaete chrysosporium, and Penicillium rolfsii. Future research will explore the suitability of these fungal pathogens as biocontrol agents of invasive Hill rapberry.},
}

*Rubus/microbiology
*Introduced Species
*Plant Diseases/microbiology/prevention & control
*Fungi/pathogenicity/genetics/isolation & purification/classification
Ecuador
Plant Leaves/microbiology
Fruit/microbiology

@article {pmid40595666,
year = {2025},
author = {Xia, W and Xu, H and Liu, Y and Jiang, H and Shi, J and Wu, Y and Yu, Y and Li, X and Fan, W and Zhang, Y and Xu, L},
title = {Chromosome-level genome assembly and annotation of Pterygoplichthys pardalis.},
journal = {Scientific data},
volume = {12},
number = {1},
pages = {1091},
pmid = {40595666},
issn = {2052-4463},
mesh = {Animals ; *Genome ; Molecular Sequence Annotation ; *Chromosomes ; *Catfishes/genetics ; },
abstract = {Suckermouth catfishes, with their evolved powerful features, have become notorious invasive species, causing significant damage to aquatic ecosystems. However, the lack of high-quality genomes severely restricts research on this group within the field. In this study, we de novo assembled the chromosome-level genome assembly of Pterygoplichthys pardalis using multiple platforms of sequencing data, including Illumina short reads, Nanopore long reads, and Hi-C sequencing reads, resulting in a 1.51 Gb genome assembly. Multiple evaluations, including read mapping ratio (98.52%), transcript mapping ratio (99.61%), conserved BUSCO gene set (98.8%), and N50 score (49.47 Mb), indicated the high continuity and accuracy of the genome assembly we generated. Genome annotation found that 0.97 Gb of genome sequences are repetitive sequences, accounting for 64.47% of the genome assembly. Further, 23,859 protein-coding genes were successfully predicted, 92.92% of which could be annotated in functional databases. This high-quality genome assembly of P. pardalis provides a valuable resource for understanding the genetic underpinnings of P. pardalis's invasive success and offers critical data for future fisheries research and management.},
}

Animals
*Genome
Molecular Sequence Annotation
*Chromosomes
*Catfishes/genetics

@article {pmid40595436,
year = {2025},
author = {Tossou, E and Tepa-Yotto, GT and Goergen, G and Tchigossou, GM and Tchouakui, M and Nguete, DN and Amadou, L and Noussourou, M and Bokonon-Ganta, AH and Wondji, C and Tamò, M and Djouaka, R},
title = {Genetic variation associated with increased lambda-cyhalothrin resistance in Spodoptera frugiperda (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) in West Africa.},
journal = {Scientific reports},
volume = {15},
number = {1},
pages = {21812},
pmid = {40595436},
issn = {2045-2322},
support = {Grant NER-17-0005//Royal Norwegian Embassy in Niger/ ; Grant MLI-17-0008//Royal Norwegian Embassy in Mali/ ; 81235252 GA//German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ)/ ; 214201/Z/18/Z awarded to Rousseau Djouaka//Wellcome Trust International Intermediate Fellowship/ ; },
mesh = {Animals ; *Spodoptera/genetics/drug effects ; *Insecticide Resistance/genetics ; *Pyrethrins/pharmacology ; *Insecticides/pharmacology ; *Nitriles/pharmacology ; Africa, Western ; *Genetic Variation ; Zea mays/parasitology ; },
abstract = {The fall armyworm Spodoptera frugiperda (J.E. Smith) is a new serious destructive and widespread pest of corn which recently invaded subtropical regions worldwide. As this invasive species is spreading across the continent, it is vital to assess its susceptibility to currently used insecticides and establish the potential underlying resistance mechanism to better inform control programmes. In this study, we characterized the strains from eighteen fall armyworm populations from different countries in West Africa, established their susceptibility profiles to the main insecticides and genotyped the target site resistance alleles. The RFLP-PCR method showed that the majority of the population tested was a corn strain (72.5-100%) compared to the probable rice strain (0-27.5%). Tpi sequencing of the suspected rice strains revealed that almost all the samples analysed were from corn (> 97%). Additionally, the three insecticides tested, λ-cyhalothrin, chlorpyrifos and emamectin benzoate induced susceptible to moderate toxicity against this pest. Synergism tests performed to investigate the biochemical mechanism used by fall armyworm to breakdown λ-cyhalothrin indicated that metabolic enzymes (oxydases, esterase and the glutathion-S-transferase) play moderate roles in the resistance of λ-cyhalothrin observed in western Africa. Target mutation tests (qPCR) combined with previous synergetic tests showed that resistance to organophosphates and pyrethroids could be due to a biochemical mechanism + amino acid mutations (presence of the F290V mutation) or a biochemical mechanism (absence of the T929I mutation), respectively. The results of this study provide valuable information for supporting decisions related to sustainable fall armyworm control and applied resistance management.},
}

Animals
*Spodoptera/genetics/drug effects
*Insecticide Resistance/genetics
*Pyrethrins/pharmacology
*Insecticides/pharmacology
*Nitriles/pharmacology
Africa, Western
*Genetic Variation
Zea mays/parasitology

@article {pmid40595312,
year = {2025},
author = {Acosta, AL and Castro, MC and Laporta, GZ and Conn, JE and Sallum, MAM},
title = {Future global distribution and climatic suitability of Anopheles stephensi.},
journal = {Scientific reports},
volume = {15},
number = {1},
pages = {22268},
pmid = {40595312},
issn = {2045-2322},
support = {R01 AI110112/NH/NIH HHS/United States ; R01 AI110112/NH/NIH HHS/United States ; R01 AI110112/NH/NIH HHS/United States ; R01 AI110112/NH/NIH HHS/United States ; 303382/2022-8//Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Científico e Tecnológico/ ; },
mesh = {*Anopheles/physiology ; Animals ; *Malaria/transmission/epidemiology ; *Mosquito Vectors/physiology ; Climate Change ; Climate ; Humans ; },
abstract = {Anopheles stephensi, an urban malaria vector, is expanding into new regions and poses a growing global health threat. Using a robust multi-model framework with eight algorithms and high-resolution climate data, this study assessed and mapped current and future global climate suitability for the species, incorporating demographic data to estimate populations at risk in different scenarios. Currently, An. stephensi can thrive in 13% of the Earth's surface, affecting nearly 40% of the global population. Projections indicate that suitable areas could exceed 30% by 2100, exposing up to 56% of the world's population, including in previously malaria-free regions such as North America, Europe, and Oceania. Spread may occur via maritime traffic, wind dispersal, and natural range expansion. These findings highlight the urgent need for global monitoring and control strategies, emphasizing the importance of integrating climate change projections into urban malaria prevention efforts to protect vulnerable populations and support global malaria elimination goals.},
}

*Anopheles/physiology
Animals
*Malaria/transmission/epidemiology
*Mosquito Vectors/physiology
Climate Change
Climate
Humans

@article {pmid40595299,
year = {2025},
author = {Zhang, B and Shen, L and Pan, Z and Pan, C and Zeng, G},
title = {Effects of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi and soil substrate on invasive plant Alternanthera philoxeroides.},
journal = {Scientific reports},
volume = {15},
number = {1},
pages = {21461},
pmid = {40595299},
issn = {2045-2322},
support = {mygccrc[2022]051//the Fundamental Research Funds for the high-level talent project of Moutai Institute/ ; },
mesh = {*Mycorrhizae/physiology ; *Introduced Species ; *Soil Microbiology ; *Amaranthaceae/microbiology/growth & development ; Biomass ; *Soil/chemistry ; Plant Roots/microbiology/growth & development ; China ; Plant Leaves/growth & development/microbiology ; Symbiosis ; Ecosystem ; },
abstract = {Arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) fungi form symbiotic relationships with plants, using their hyphae to enhance nutrient uptake and promote plant growth. Alternanthera philoxeroides, an invasive species, poses a significant threat to agriculture, forestry, and urban ecosystems in China. However, there is a lack of research on how AM fungi influence invasive plants under varying environmental conditions. This study explored the effects of two AM fungal strains and four substrate types on A. philoxeroides. The results showed that the mycorrhizal dependency of A. philoxeroides ranged from 6.09% and 37.21%. Plant height and root length of A. philoxeroides were primarily shaped by substrate quality. AM fungi significantly enhanced root and aboveground biomass, especially under nutrient-poor conditions. Leaf area increased in response to fungal inoculation, while leaf number was regulated by substrate nutrients. Overall, AM fungi promoted biomass accumulation, particularly when combined with nutrient-enriched substrates, underscoring their potential application in invasive plant management. Therefore, future management strategies should divide invaded areas into distinct control zones based on gradients of soil nutrient levels, with special attention given to key regions for targeted monitoring and prevention.},
}

*Mycorrhizae/physiology
*Introduced Species
*Soil Microbiology
*Amaranthaceae/microbiology/growth & development
Biomass
*Soil/chemistry
Plant Roots/microbiology/growth & development
China
Plant Leaves/growth & development/microbiology
Symbiosis
Ecosystem

@article {pmid40594579,
year = {2025},
author = {Moustapha, LM and Sanda, AH and Mukhtar, MM and Muhammad, A and Einoi, HK and Aliyu, YY and Adamu, S and Moudalabi, TM and Lawali, IY and Moussa, AD and Soumaila, H and Adehossi, E and Ibrahim, ML and Doutchi, M and Ibrahim, SS},
title = {First detection and entomological characterisation of invasive malaria vector Anopheles stephensi in sympatry with other vectors in Gayi Southern Niger Republic.},
journal = {Scientific reports},
volume = {15},
number = {1},
pages = {22647},
pmid = {40594579},
issn = {2045-2322},
mesh = {Animals ; *Anopheles/genetics/parasitology/classification ; *Mosquito Vectors/genetics/parasitology ; Niger/epidemiology ; Humans ; *Malaria/transmission/parasitology ; *Sympatry ; Plasmodium falciparum ; Introduced Species ; Malaria, Falciparum/transmission/parasitology ; },
abstract = {Anopheles stephensi, an invasive vector is aggressively expanding its geographic range across Africa, posing significant threat to malaria control. Surveillance of its spread is crucial for mitigating its impact on malaria transmission. Here, we report for the first time incursion of An. stephensi into Gayi, a rural area in southern Niger Republic. A combination of morphological identification, end point PCR and sequencing of fragments of COXI and ITS2 genes confirmed An. stephensi. This species was found resting indoor together with other mosquitoes, including An. coluzzii, An. gambiae s.s., and An. arabiensis. Entomological parameters, including resting densities, human blood index and biting rate, Plasmodium falciparum parasite rate, and entomological inoculation rate were described for the above Anopheles species. The finding of An. stephensi sympatric with the above major malaria vectors in Niger highlights the urgent need for intensified surveillance to develop evidence-based approaches to prevent further spread of this pervasive vector.},
}

Animals
*Anopheles/genetics/parasitology/classification
*Mosquito Vectors/genetics/parasitology
Niger/epidemiology
Humans
*Malaria/transmission/parasitology
*Sympatry
Plasmodium falciparum
Introduced Species
Malaria, Falciparum/transmission/parasitology

@article {pmid40592775,
year = {2025},
author = {Nadolny, H and Oki, Y and Kenedy-Siqueira, W and Santos, MP and Hernández-García, LM and Negreiros, D and Figueiredo, JCG and Goulart, FF and Brown, GG and Fernandes, GW},
title = {Devastating Rio Doce mining disaster sends shockwaves through earthworm populations.},
journal = {Journal of environmental quality},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1002/jeq2.70056},
pmid = {40592775},
issn = {1537-2537},
support = {APQ-00031-19//Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de Minas Gerais/ ; 316258/2021-0//Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Científico e Tecnológico/ ; 406757/2022-4//Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Científico e Tecnológico/ ; },
abstract = {The Fundão dam breach is considered one of the most severe environmental mining disasters globally, causing widespread changes to the soils of the Rio Doce watershed, one of Brazil's most important catchments. Given the ecological importance of earthworms to soil structure and dynamics, we investigated the richness, abundance, and biomass of both native and invasive earthworm species in riparian zones along the Rio Doce to understand their responses to the altered soil conditions. Sampling was conducted in reference and impacted sites across five municipalities in Minas Gerais: Mariana, Rio Casca, Ipatinga, Conselheiro Pena, and Aimorés. We identified eight species-two invasive (Amynthas gracilis and Pontoscolex corethrurus) and six native (two Rhinodrilus, three Righiodrilus, including at least two undescribed species, and one Ocnerodrilidae species)-with native biomass approximately five times lower in impacted sites compared to reference sites. Furthermore, the new tailings environment altered the relationships between soil properties and earthworm abundance for both native and invasive species. These findings indicate that native earthworms are less tolerant of the disturbed soil conditions than invasive species, which may contribute to shifts in community composition. The disruption of soil-fauna interactions underscores the long-term ecological consequences of mining-related disturbances and highlights the need for restoration efforts that consider belowground biodiversity.},
}

@article {pmid40592461,
year = {2025},
author = {Wang, J and Ge, Y and Bever, J and Kardol, P and Cornelissen, JHC and Gao, S and Chen, T and Yan, QD and Yu, FH},
title = {Shift in relative importance of complementarity and selection drives different effects of community evenness on richness-invasibility relationships.},
journal = {Proceedings. Biological sciences},
volume = {292},
number = {2050},
pages = {20250496},
doi = {10.1098/rspb.2025.0496},
pmid = {40592461},
issn = {1471-2954},
support = {//the National Key R&D program/ ; },
mesh = {*Biodiversity ; *Introduced Species ; *Ecosystem ; },
abstract = {How biodiversity affects ecosystem functioning is context-dependent. Species richness of a plant community may influence its resistance to exotic plant invasions. However, it remains unexplored how species evenness affects richness-invasibility relationships and whether this effect is context-dependent. We constructed experimental communities with different richness and evenness levels and let them be invaded by the exotic annual Conyza canadensis or not in both xeric and mesic sites. Community invasibility was negatively correlated with species richness at both high and low evenness in the xeric site, but only at high evenness in the mesic site. In the xeric site, complementary use of soil water resources among native species was the main mechanism driving negative richness-invasibility relationships at both evenness levels. In contrast, in the mesic site, selection for dominant native species superior for light competition was the main driver. Here, changing evenness altered height differences between the dominant native species and the invader, leading to the different richness-invasibility relationships. Therefore, the relative importance of complementarity and selection effects drives different effects of community evenness on richness-invasibility relationships. Our study demonstrates that impacts of community evenness on richness-invasibility relationships depend on how changes in evenness alter the functional traits of communities governing resource utilization.},
}

*Biodiversity
*Introduced Species
*Ecosystem

@article {pmid40592459,
year = {2025},
author = {Renault, D and Rantier, Y and Convey, P and Bergerot, B},
title = {Evolution of dispersal capacities during range expansion: size and behaviour matter in an arthropod invading the sub-Antarctic Kerguelen archipelago.},
journal = {Proceedings. Biological sciences},
volume = {292},
number = {2050},
pages = {20251136},
doi = {10.1098/rspb.2025.1136},
pmid = {40592459},
issn = {1471-2954},
support = {//British Antarctic Survey/ ; //Agence Nationale de la Recherche/ ; //Institut écologie et environnement/ ; //Institut Polaire Français Paul Emile Victor/ ; },
mesh = {Animals ; *Coleoptera/physiology/enzymology/anatomy & histology ; *Animal Distribution ; *Biological Evolution ; Introduced Species ; Antarctic Regions ; Body Size ; Locomotion ; Ecosystem ; },
abstract = {The flexibility of movement behaviour was investigated in the non-native carabid beetle, Merizodus soledadinus, by comparing individuals from well-established populations (residents) to those at the invasion front (dispersers) in the sub-Antarctic Kerguelen archipelago. Morphology-dispersal covariation was tested by examining how morphology translates into dispersal efficiency and endurance by implementing in-field measurements of dispersal path, sinuosity and tortuosity. The activities of the enzymes phosphoglucose isomerase and pyruvate kinase were also measured to compare putative physiological changes associated with dispersal and residence. In general, the results obtained confirmed that insects from more recently invaded habitats were characterized by larger body sizes. Furthermore, adults of M. soledadinus sampled at the invasion front were also characterized by higher locomotor performance, as indicated by longer dispersal paths with less directional changes than their relatives from the founder population. Finally, the activity of the enzyme phosphoglucose isomerase, a powerful estimator of individual dispersal capacity, was higher in insects from invasion fronts. Taken together, our findings consistently indicated that beetles collected from populations at invasion front with the shortest residence times were characterized by enhanced dispersal performance, probably explaining the accelerating range expansion of the species.},
}

Animals
*Coleoptera/physiology/enzymology/anatomy & histology
*Animal Distribution
*Biological Evolution
Introduced Species
Antarctic Regions
Body Size
Locomotion
Ecosystem

@article {pmid40592446,
year = {2025},
author = {Sherratt, E and Böhmer, C and Callou, C and Nelson, TJ and Pillai, R and Ruf, I and Sanger, TJ and Schaar, J and Le Verger, K and Kraatz, B and Geiger, M},
title = {From wild to domestic and in between: how domestication and feralization changed the morphology of rabbits.},
journal = {Proceedings. Biological sciences},
volume = {292},
number = {2050},
pages = {20251150},
doi = {10.1098/rspb.2025.1150},
pmid = {40592446},
issn = {1471-2954},
support = {//Australian Research Council/ ; },
mesh = {Animals ; Rabbits/anatomy & histology ; *Domestication ; *Biological Evolution ; *Skull/anatomy & histology ; Animals, Wild/anatomy & histology ; *Animals, Domestic/anatomy & histology ; Phenotype ; },
abstract = {One of the world's most recognizable domestic animals is the rabbit, domesticated from the European rabbit. Domestication can drive morphospace expansion into novel phenotypes not observed in their wild counterparts; the consequences of feralization are less understood. Through these processes, we examine how humans have inadvertently driven great morphological change in this species. Characterizing skull morphological variation in a global sample of 912 wild, feral and domesticated specimens, we show that both domestication and feralization of rabbits have resulted in novel morphologies that leverage evolutionary patterns ubiquitous in the leporid clade: allometry and facial tilt are the principal axes of variation in rabbits as seen across species of Leporidae. However, rabbits diversified into regions of morphospace not explored by other species of their family. Although feralization of rabbits cannot be regarded as a 'reversal' to the wild form, we found they occupy an intermediate position, as well as their own allometric trajectory. Such insights from human-induced and environmentally driven morphological change of domestics and feral animals, respectively, reveal how novel morphologies can evolve at the macroevolutionary level. Future studies may elucidate the evolutionary, functional and developmental drivers and constraints of the cranial patterns observed in the rabbit.},
}

Animals
Rabbits/anatomy & histology
*Domestication
*Biological Evolution
*Skull/anatomy & histology
Animals, Wild/anatomy & histology
*Animals, Domestic/anatomy & histology
Phenotype

@article {pmid40592378,
year = {2025},
author = {Basak, A and Bairagi, N},
title = {Success, failure and collapse of an ecological system due to the introduction of a generalist super-predator.},
journal = {Journal of theoretical biology},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {112198},
doi = {10.1016/j.jtbi.2025.112198},
pmid = {40592378},
issn = {1095-8541},
abstract = {Species reintroduction is an effective strategy to save endangered species. New species are also introduced for economic purposes or to control the density of some other species. However, not all species introduction programs are successful. In this article, using mathematical models and the theory of dynamical systems, we explain a species introduction program's success, failure and collapse due to introducing a generalist super-predator in a predator-prey system. Our study reveals that the persistence of the introduced species with the others mainly depends on two factors: the population density of the native species at the time of the third species' introduction and the population density of the introduced species. Further, we show that the introduced species can have significant negative impacts on native species, often leading to their replacement by themselves. In extreme cases, this disruption can result in the extinction of native prey and predators along with the introduced species. This novel study may find applications in conservation biology and species control mechanisms.},
}

@article {pmid40590810,
year = {2025},
author = {Manz, D and Oten, KLF and Sorenson, CE and Whitehill, JGA and Jetton, RM},
title = {Evaluating the post-harvest survival and emergence of elongate hemlock scale from Fraser fir Christmas trees.},
journal = {Journal of economic entomology},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1093/jee/toaf161},
pmid = {40590810},
issn = {1938-291X},
abstract = {The elongate hemlock scale (Fiorinia externa Ferris; Hemiptera: Diaspididae) is an invasive insect that originated in Japan and was first detected in North America in Queens NY in 1908. It has since become a significant post-harvest pest of Fraser fir (Abies fraseri [Pursh] Poir.), posing regulatory problems for the North Carolina Christmas tree industry which produces trees that are sold and moved across the country. Observations by specialists suggest that crawlers, one of two mobile stages of the insect, can emerge from eggs on host material for an extended period, potentially spreading this scale to new areas. However, research into crawler emergence under variable conditions, as well as the duration harvested Fraser fir can sustain live egg-producing adult female elongate hemlock scale (and thus prolong crawler emergence) is lacking. Therefore, we evaluated these insects' post-harvest activity on cut Fraser fir. In our first study, we evaluated weekly crawler emergence from Fraser fir trees and branches between two post-harvest treatments (baled and unbaled) under constant conditions for 7 wk. The second experiment aimed to simulate a Christmas tree's post-harvest lifecycle, over 13 wk, from lot (outdoor) to home (indoor) to discarding (outdoor). Our results show that crawlers continue to emerge from post-harvest Fraser fir for up to 40 and 90 d in our seven- and 13-wk studies, respectively. Moreover, we found live females with eggs present for up to 50 d post-harvest. These findings highlight the potential risk of introducing this scale to new areas via Fraser fir Christmas tree shipments.},
}

@article {pmid40589589,
year = {2025},
author = {Zhang, RF and Yisilamu, AD and Zhao, CY and Guo, YJ and Zhang, X and Zhang, SS and Yan, ZG and Bai, YF and Wang, YJ},
title = {Plant-Earthworm Interaction Favors Invasive Alien Plants Over Natives in Cd-Contaminated Environments.},
journal = {Ecology and evolution},
volume = {15},
number = {7},
pages = {e71538},
pmid = {40589589},
issn = {2045-7758},
abstract = {Plant-earthworm interaction confers fitness advantages to the plants, including growth promotion, nutrient uptake, tolerance, and resistance to heavy metal (HM) contamination. Plant dominance and plant-soil nutrient cycle processes of plant invasion in contaminated environments can be mediated by plant-earthworm interaction. However, little is known about whether different functional groups of invasive plants can gain an advantage in HM-contaminated soils when regulated by plant-earthworm interaction. We conducted an experiment to examine the effects of Cadmium (Cd) (with or without) and earthworms (with or without) on the growth of both native and invasive species of legume, grass, and forb functional groups. We found that Cd reduced the biomass of native species and changed the root mass fraction and root-shoot ratio, while earthworms increased the aboveground mass of invasive species. When contaminated with Cd, earthworms increased the aboveground mass of invasive nonlegumes (grasses and forbs) while reducing the biomass loss of invasive legumes. In turn, invasive plants had a positive effect on earthworm mass. The mutually beneficial relationship between earthworms and invasive species in Cd-contaminated environments can enhance the competitive edge of invasive species over natives. This may facilitate invasive species spread, potentially risking Cd contamination and food chain transmission, threatening ecosystems biodiversity, environmental health, and human health. Thus, earthworm management may be an important measure to control the spread of invasive species in Cd-contaminated areas, particularly invasive nonlegumes.},
}

@article {pmid40587186,
year = {2025},
author = {Daughtrey, ML and Gray, J and Calabro, J and Hong, C},
title = {Fighting against invasive species through global and stakeholder partnerships - a case study of boxwood blight.},
journal = {Plant disease},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1094/PDIS-01-25-0210-SC},
pmid = {40587186},
issn = {0191-2917},
abstract = {Boxwood blight, caused by the fungus Calonectria pseudonaviculata, is an emerging destructive disease in the United States that has destroyed numerous crops and plantings including many of historic significance. To help the environmental horticulture industry and the public effectively manage this disease, the Boxwood Blight Insight Group organized a series of International Boxwood Seminars (IBS) with invited speakers primarily from Europe and New Zealand, areas where this disease was studied for more than a decade before its 2011 discovery in the United States. These seminars reached all sectors of the industry and other major stakeholder groups in 46 states as well as Washington DC. Within the audience, 69% were 'multipliers,' with educators at 34%, industry leaders at 27%, and Master Gardeners at 8%. These webinars promoted the shift of U.S. boxwood production to more resistant cultivars and the migration of production to blight-free or less-affected states. They also facilitated the adoption of best management practices for nurseries and private and public landscapes. These procedural shifts have helped to improve boxwood health in nursery production and plantings and to sustain growth in boxwood demand. In addition to providing Americans with the perspectives of scientists in countries where the disease was first found, these webinars reached stakeholders in 24 other countries on five continents. The seminars allowed the development of an exemplary, award-winning global partnership. The free exchange of information on an international basis helped to safeguard and promote agricultural biosecurity under the ever-increasing pressure of invasive pathogens and pests.},
}

@article {pmid40586491,
year = {2025},
author = {Komar, K and Gaździński, S and Borecka, A and Maculewicz, E},
title = {Invasive and native mosquitoes in Europe, including Poland, as vectors transmitting pathogens - implications for wellbeing of Armed Forces.},
journal = {Annals of agricultural and environmental medicine : AAEM},
volume = {32},
number = {2},
pages = {167-172},
doi = {10.26444/aaem/193428},
pmid = {40586491},
issn = {1898-2263},
mesh = {Animals ; Poland ; *Mosquito Vectors/physiology/virology/parasitology ; *Culicidae/physiology/classification/growth & development ; Europe ; *Introduced Species ; Humans ; *Military Personnel ; *Vector Borne Diseases/transmission/parasitology ; Climate Change ; },
abstract = {INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVE: Mosquitoes play a crucial role as vectors transmitting various pathogens, including parasites and viruses, which cause serious diseases worldwide, such as malaria, dengua or West Nile virus. Both invasive and native species are capable of spreading tropical diseases, which endanger troops stationing in areas rich in mosquitos. The aim of the review is to analyze current knowledge about the distribution of mosquito species in Europe, including Poland, and the factors influencing their presence.

REVIEW METHODS: A systematic literature review was conducted using databases such as PubMed and Google Scholar. The search included key words related to mosquitoes, vector-borne diseases, and climate change. Data were supplemented with information from the websites of the World Health Organization (WHO) and European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC).

Invasive mosquitoes, such as Aedes albopictus, have been spreading in Europe since the 1990s. Rising temperatures and global movement of people and goods are the main driving forces of this phenomenon. Even native European mosquito species, like Culex spp., are able to transmit tropical diseases. The European Mosquito Control Association is developing mosquito control programmes but they are not sufficiently implemented.

SUMMARY: Mosquitoes transmit various viral and parasitic diseases. The presence of invasive exotic mosquitoes in Europe is linked to developments in transportation and climate change. Rising temperatures enable mosquitoes to adapt to new regions previously free of them. This issue requires effective protective measures and competent personnel to implement vector control methods.},
}

Animals
Poland
*Mosquito Vectors/physiology/virology/parasitology
*Culicidae/physiology/classification/growth & development
Europe
*Introduced Species
Humans
*Military Personnel
*Vector Borne Diseases/transmission/parasitology
Climate Change

@article {pmid40586238,
year = {2025},
author = {Huang, X and Platin, R and Unger, A and Shenkar, N and Zhan, A},
title = {Interplay of Multilayered Transcriptomic Plasticity in Response to Temperature Fluctuations During Biological Invasions: A Case Study in Invasive Styela plicata.},
journal = {Molecular ecology},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {e70013},
doi = {10.1111/mec.70013},
pmid = {40586238},
issn = {1365-294X},
support = {32101352//National Natural Science Foundation of China/ ; 32061143012//National Natural Science Foundation of China/ ; 32471740//National Natural Science Foundation of China/ ; },
abstract = {Phenotypic plasticity is a crucial responsive strategy for invasive species to colonise new habitats. Rapid plastic responses enable invaders to instantly survive environmental fluctuations during invasion processes; however, the interplay and relative contributions of different plastic mechanisms remain largely unexplored. Here, we exposed the invasive ascidian Styela plicata from the Mediterranean Sea to a time series of high- and low-temperature stress to investigate the multilayered transcriptomic plasticity mechanisms, including gene expression, alternative splicing (AS) and alternative polyadenylation (APA). We observed rapid, pervasive and diverse responsive changes, with more genes exhibiting expression changes than those showing APA and AS changes. Approximately 50% differentially alternatively spliced genes and differentially expressed APA genes also exhibited differential expression under heat stress; however, this proportion declined to 34% under cold stress, suggesting stronger interactions among plastic mechanisms in response to heat stress and greater independence under cold stress. Although a considerable proportion of responsive genes were commonly triggered by both heat and cold stress, we found more pronounced gene expression plasticity and greater flexibility under heat stress, which may help explain S. plicata's preference for tropical and subtropical habitats. Whereas cold stress induced a greater number of AS events and distinct AS profiles, with a consistent trend of exon skipping across all stress durations. Altogether, our findings reveal environment-dependent interactions among distinct plastic response mechanisms and highlight the importance of post-transcriptional regulatory strategies. Our insights into the complex interplay of multilayered transcriptomic plasticity contribute to a deeper understanding of their roles in adaptive evolution.},
}

@article {pmid40583810,
year = {2025},
author = {Zhang, Y and Jia, K and Guo, X and Li, Y and Zhu, Y and Zhang, R and Wu, Q and Feng, Y},
title = {Novel diamide insecticide, tetraniliprole, inhibits the population growth and development of Tuta absoluta Meyrick (Lepidoptera: Gelechiidae) with different susceptibility levels, through its lethal and sublethal effects.},
journal = {Journal of economic entomology},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1093/jee/toaf158},
pmid = {40583810},
issn = {1938-291X},
support = {2023YFD1401200//National Key Research and Development Program of China/ ; },
abstract = {The tomato leaf miner, Tuta absoluta Meyrick (Lepidoptera: Gelechiidae), is a significant invasive species globally, inflicting considerable damage on tomato industry. Tetraniliprole is a new type of diamide insecticides, which can effectively control lepidoptera insects. In this study, we investigated both the acute toxicity and sublethal effects of tetraniliprole on T. absoluta populations exhibiting varying susceptibility levels. The results indicated that the LC50 of tetraniliprole for the susceptible strains (SX-S) and tetraniliprole-selection strains (Tet-R) were 0.31 and 21.22 mg·L-1, respectively. The Tet-R strain showed 68.45-fold higher resistance than the SX-S strain. Tetraniliprole exposure at LC10 and LC30 significantly prolonged larval duration in F0 generation SX-S and Tet-R strains. The pupal stage, pupal weight, and fecundity of the SX-S strain were significantly decreased, while only pupal weight was significantly reduced in the Tet-R strain. Moreover, LC30 of tetraniliprole significantly affected the r, λ, R0, and T of the Tet-R strain but had no significant impact on the SX-S strain. Additionally, sublethal tetraniliprole concentrations showed transgenerational effects on the F1 generation. The egg stage of the SX-S and Tet-R strains were significantly prolonged. Tetraniliprole significantly affected the R0, T and GRR of the SX-S strain, while only T was significantly affected in the Tet-R strain. In conclusion, tetraniliprole inhibited the growth and development of T. absoluta. Moreover, different susceptibility levels significantly influenced the sublethal effects and transgenerational effects of tetraniliprole on T. absoluta. These findings serve as a reference for the scientific use of tetraniliprole, and the IPM of T. absoluta.},
}

@article {pmid40582195,
year = {2025},
author = {Tang, HB and Li, HD and Si, YX and Gao, JF and Lu, HL},
title = {Herbicide clomazone induced hematotoxicity and hepatic compensatory responses in the invasive turtle, Trachemys scripta elegans.},
journal = {Aquatic toxicology (Amsterdam, Netherlands)},
volume = {286},
number = {},
pages = {107470},
doi = {10.1016/j.aquatox.2025.107470},
pmid = {40582195},
issn = {1879-1514},
abstract = {Invasive species might exhibit a greater potential resistance to environmental stress than native species because they would mitigate and adapt more quickly to stress effects through modulating various physiological and biochemical processes. Here, erythrocytic nuclear abnormality (ENA), serum metabolomic profile, liver histology, antioxidant enzyme activity and related gene expression were determined in Trachemys scripta elegans hatchlings exposed to herbicide clomazone for 7 days to evaluate clomazone-induced toxic effects and potential adaptive responses in this invasive turtle. ENAs were found to increase and some serum metabolic pathways were disrupted clearly in exposed-turtles, potentially indicating clomazone-caused blood damage. Meanwhile, cell proliferation, increased SOD and CAT activities and related gene expression, as well as increased immune-related gene expression, in liver tissue of exposed-turtles might be compensatory responses to clomazone stress. Moreover, altered ABC transporter pathway revealed by serum metabolomic profile might also play a role in blood detoxification. Overall, clomazone exposure would cause tissue toxicity, which might be alleviated to a certain degree through a series of compensatory responses, reflecting great potential resistance to environmental stress in invasive T. scripta elegans.},
}

@article {pmid40580959,
year = {2025},
author = {Zheng, S and Lindenmayer, D and Sreekar, R and Hua, F and Hu, J and Chen, Q and Ma, Z and Li, B and Liu, J},
title = {Effects of long-term intraspecific trait change on bird community functional structure.},
journal = {Current biology : CB},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1016/j.cub.2025.06.019},
pmid = {40580959},
issn = {1879-0445},
abstract = {There has been rapid intraspecific trait change in many species over the past few centuries. While the impacts of such long-term changes on community functional structure remain unclear, it is vital to evaluate and predict responses of biodiversity and ecosystem function to global change. We examined intraspecific trait changes of 548 bird species from 86,539 specimens collected over the past 140 years and species composition data for 840 bird assemblages surveyed between 1969 and 2021 in North America. We found that rapid intraspecific trait changes have substantially impacted community-level trait composition and functional diversity of communities. Specifically, intraspecific downsizing has reversed the direction of change in community-weighted mean body size that would be expected from species composition change alone. Additionally, intraspecific changes of <3% across four traits have expanded community trait space and accelerated the rate of increase of functional richness across studied assemblages. Our findings highlight that intraspecific trait change is a key driver of community functional reorganization and should be considered alongside species composition change when assessing biodiversity responses to global change.},
}

@article {pmid40580326,
year = {2025},
author = {Griffen, BD and Fletcher, LS and Reese, TC and Repetto, MF and Smith, N and Stancil, CK and Toscano, BJ},
title = {Tissue-specific energetics of the invasive Asian shore crab Hemigrapsus sanguineus throughout its range and through time.},
journal = {Oecologia},
volume = {207},
number = {7},
pages = {116},
pmid = {40580326},
issn = {1432-1939},
support = {2052246//Directorate for Biological Sciences/ ; },
mesh = {Animals ; *Brachyura/metabolism/physiology ; *Introduced Species ; Seasons ; *Energy Metabolism ; },
abstract = {Organisms with broad geographic distributions that inhabit seasonal environments often demonstrate characteristics that differ spatially and temporally. It has been hypothesized that these variable characteristics may play important roles in the success of invasive species. Further, physiological characteristics should be closely linked to individual energetic strategies, which can also vary spatially and temporally. We use tissue-specific energy density and total energy content to examine energy allocation strategies in the invasive Asian shore crab Hemigrapsus sanguineus across seasons and throughout its North American invasive range. We show that tissue energy density and total tissue energy vary considerably with location and season. Energetic strategies are consistent with an expanding northern range edge and a static southern range edge. Our results also provide insight into patterns that occur broadly across phylogeny, including reduced growth rates with body size and seasonal reproductive patterns. This study demonstrates the utility of tissue-specific energetics as an ecophysiological tool for understanding the energetic strategies of invasive (and other) species throughout their ranges and across seasons.},
}

Animals
*Brachyura/metabolism/physiology
*Introduced Species
Seasons
*Energy Metabolism

@article {pmid40579974,
year = {2025},
author = {Zhang, X and Guan, L and Zhang, Y and Zhong, F and Xie, Y and Zhang, Y and Zhang, X and Zhou, M and Li, C and Tang, B},
title = {TcCYP4C1 in combination with trehalose to cope with high-CO2 stress in Tribolium castaneum (Coleoptera).},
journal = {Insect molecular biology},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1111/imb.12997},
pmid = {40579974},
issn = {1365-2583},
support = {31960542//National Natural Science Foundation of China/ ; QJJ[2023]024//Program for Natural Science Research in Guizhou Education Department/ ; QKZYD[2022]4013//Special Project for Science and Technology Development of Local (Guizhou) under the Guidance of the Central Government/ ; },
abstract = {Cytochrome P450 monooxygenase (CYP), an important detoxifying enzyme in insects, is involved in the metabolism and degradation of both exogenous compounds and endogenous substances. To investigate the involvement of the T. castaneum TcCYP4C1 gene in detoxification metabolism under high CO2 and the protective role of trehalose against hypoxic stress in insects. In the present study, after successfully silencing the TcCYP4C1 gene of T. castaneum by double-stranded RNA(dsRNA), the larvae were exposed to 95% CO2. This exposure resulted in a statistically significant increase in larval mortality and a significant elevation in the activity of the carboxylesterase enzyme (CarE). However, a decrease in mortality from 18.15% to 11.24% was observed when larvae were fed trehalose after dsRNA injection. In addition, the gene expression levels of the trehalose metabolism pathway related genes TRE1-3, TRE1-4 and TPS2 were significantly up-regulated after 95% CO2 treatment. In summary, the TcCYP4C1 gene emerges as a pivotal factor in the adaptive response of T. castaneum to high CO2. Trehalose effectively mitigates the detrimental effects resulting from the silencing of TcCYP4C1 and exposure to high CO2 stress in T. castaneum. Our findings not only establish a theoretical foundation for the development of novel pesticides tailored for low-oxygen grain storage environments but also inspire innovative, environmentally sustainable pest management strategies in the grain storage sector.},
}

@article {pmid40579817,
year = {2025},
author = {Kutza, AD and Hert, ZL and Moyle, LC},
title = {Endemic and invasion dynamics of wild tomato species on the Galápagos Islands, across two centuries of collection records.},
journal = {The New phytologist},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1111/nph.70321},
pmid = {40579817},
issn = {1469-8137},
abstract = {We aggregated digitized herbarium and other collection records - spanning > 225 yr since 1795 - to assess the biological, geographical, and historical factors shaping distributions of three wild tomato species on the Galápagos Islands, and to infer future threats to the two endemic species (Solanum cheesmaniae and Solanum galapagense) and risks posed by their invasive congener (Solanum pimpinellifolium). Combining > 400 unique geolocated Galápagos records with bioclimate data and species distribution modelling, we quantified the geo-spatial distribution of each species, bracketed the historical timing and location of introductions of the invasive species, characterized species bioclimate envelopes, and projected suitable habitat overlap. We infer that dispersal limitation and alternative selective histories shape current species distributions, and that anthropogenic change has and will continue to have different impacts on the two endemic species - closely associated with their different geographic and environmental distributions. We also identify plausible avenues for, and limits to, future invasive expansion. These data vastly extend the temporal and spatial reach of our direct historical inferences, provide a critical complement to genomic analyses of contemporary Galápagos populations, and demonstrate that scientific collections are especially valuable for interpreting factors shaping species distributions on high-endemism islands with recent rapid environmental change.},
}

@article {pmid40579381,
year = {2025},
author = {Chuong, J and Brown, KW and Gifford, I and Mishler, DM and Barrick, JE},
title = {Engineered Acinetobacter baylyi ADP1-ISx Cells Are Sensitive DNA Biosensors for Antibiotic Resistance Genes and a Fungal Pathogen of Bats.},
journal = {ACS synthetic biology},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1021/acssynbio.5c00360},
pmid = {40579381},
issn = {2161-5063},
abstract = {Naturally competent bacteria can be engineered into platforms for detecting environmental DNA. This capability could be used to monitor the spread of pathogens, invasive species, and resistance genes, among other applications. Here, we create Acinetobacter baylyi ADP1-ISx biosensors that detect specific target DNA sequences through natural transformation. We tested strains with DNA sensors that consisted of either a mutated antibiotic resistance gene (TEM-1 bla or nptII) or a counterselectable gene flanked by sequences from the fungus Pseudogymnoascus destructans, which causes white-nose syndrome in bats. Upon uptake of homologous DNA, recombination restored antibiotic resistance gene function or removed the counterselectable gene, enabling selection of cells that sensed the target DNA. The antibiotic resistance gene and P. destructans biosensors could detect as few as 3,000 or 5,000,000 molecules of their DNA targets, respectively, and their sensitivity was not affected by excess off-target DNA. These results demonstrate how A. baylyi can be reprogrammed into a modular platform for monitoring environmental DNA.},
}

@article {pmid40579165,
year = {2025},
author = {Daane, KM and Hogg, BN and Stahl, JM and Haviland, DR and Wang, X},
title = {Naturally occurring parasitoids of Drosophila suzukii (Diptera: Drosophilidae) and other drosophilids in California fruit regions.},
journal = {Journal of economic entomology},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1093/jee/toaf132},
pmid = {40579165},
issn = {1938-291X},
abstract = {Drosophila suzukii (Matsumura) (Diptera: Drosophilidae) has become a damaging economic pest of small fruits in the invaded range in the Americas, Europe, and North Africa. This study surveyed naturally occurring parasitoids of D. suzukii and other frugivorous Drosophilidae in California's coastal and interior fruit production regions. Surveys were conducted from 2012 to 2018 through collections of infested fruits and the use of sentinel fruit or host traps. Two pupal parasitoids, Pachycrepoideus vindemiae (Rondani) (Hymenoptera: Pteromalidae) and Trichopria drosophilae (Perkins) (Hymenoptera: Diapriidae) were collected from D. suzukii and other drosophilids; the former species dominated in the interior while the latter species dominated in the coastal region. Two larval parasitoids, Leptopilina boulardi Barbotin et al. and L. heterotoma (Thomson) (Hymenoptera: Figitidae) were collected from drosophilid species other than D. suzukii, and were the dominant parasitoids in the interior and coastal regions, respectively. These four common parasitoids were most active during the spring and fall. The levels of parasitism on D. suzukii were < 10% from field-collected fruits but were as high as 74% in sentinel traps. Pupal parasitoids attacked D. suzukii at a higher rate than D. melanogaster in sentinel traps baited with both fly species. These results are discussed in conjunction with ongoing efforts to introduce larval parasitoids from the fly's native range.},
}

@article {pmid40577551,
year = {2025},
author = {Hepler, JR and Morrison, WR and Cullum, JP and Short, BD and Carper, GL and Beers, EH and Leskey, TC},
title = {Evaluation of perimeter-based attract-and-kill strategies for the invasive brown marmorated stink bug, Halyomorpha halys (Stål), in apple and pear orchards in the United States.},
journal = {Journal of economic entomology},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1093/jee/toaf103},
pmid = {40577551},
issn = {1938-291X},
support = {#20 AN014//Washington State Commission on Pesticide Registration/ ; },
abstract = {Management of the brown marmorated stink bug, Halyomorpha halys (Stål), using attract-and-kill (AK) strategies in orchard crops has resulted in reduced pesticide inputs and the reestablishment of integrated pest management programs but also increased labor inputs and damage in pheromone-baited AK trees. Here, we re-tool previously developed AK practices for H. halys management using long-lasting insecticide netting (LLIN) as a low-input, effective killing agent. Simple LLIN AK stations were evaluated for efficacy compared with grower standard practices when hung directly on orchard perimeter fruit trees, hung on posts near, but not touching perimeter trees, and placed outside the orchard perimeter in commercial Mid-Atlantic apple orchards from 2017 to 2019. Treatments in which LLIN stations were attached to or hung near perimeter trees were equivalent to grower standards in terms of H. halys injury. In commercial pear orchards in Washington State in 2018 to 2020, efficacies of several LLIN station designs were evaluated as supplements to grower standard practices. A novel LLIN station design, referred to as the poncho trap, consistently caught nearly 3-fold more H. halys compared to a simple post-deployed "ghost trap" design when installed outside orchard perimeters. However, only LLIN stations mounted directly to perimeter trees provided statistically significant reductions in fruit damage. Our overall findings underscore the importance of positioning the pheromone lure, host plant (fruit tree), and LLIN in close proximity for successful AK H. halys management. Results also indicate that poncho trap LLIN fabric flaps could be integrated into near-mounted LLIN stations to further increase efficacy.},
}

@article {pmid40574896,
year = {2025},
author = {Bitonto, FF and Costantino, R and Barberis, M and Bogo, G and Birtele, D and Cangelmi, G and Dal Cin, M and Devalez, J and Lenzi, L and Magagnoli, S and Minici, A and Sánchez, JM and Zenga, EL and Bortolotti, L and Navarro, L and Petanidou, T and Sgolastra, F and Traveset, A and Galloni, M},
title = {LIFE 4 Pollinators' platform: How citizen science can help monitoring plants and pollinators.},
journal = {AoB PLANTS},
volume = {17},
number = {3},
pages = {plaf023},
pmid = {40574896},
issn = {2041-2851},
abstract = {Plant diversity is critical to ensure the future of humanity, as it provides essential ecosystem services and functioning. As recent estimates showed that animal-mediated pollination is crucial for the reproduction of approximately 90% of flowering plants, playing an essential role in maintaining biodiversity and agricultural productivity, effort to preserve plants cannot be disjoined from pollinator conservation initiatives. Despite their importance, pollinators have experienced alarming declines. The LIFE 4 Pollinators project was launched to involve people protecting wild bees and other pollinators in the Mediterranean. This study presents data collected through the project's web-platform, where users uploaded over 2,000 photographs of plant-pollinator interactions between 2021 and 2024. The dataset focuses on the identification of flower-visiting insects and plants, and the current study gives emphasis to citizen scientists' ability to identify plants and pollinators. 1,407 photo-records were analysed, revealing that bees and beetles were the most frequent pollinators, with plants of the Asteraceae and Cistaceae families being the most recorded. Users correctly identified 93.7% of insect taxonomic aggregations and 74.2% of plant species. The study also highlights the recording of threatened, alien, and invasive species, including the vulnerable Callicera spinolae and the invasive Vespa velutina. The plant-pollinator network analysis supports the floral syndrome concept, with floral morphologies like 'Head' and 'Disk' attracting a wide range of pollinators. The results indicate that citizen science contributes to the identification and monitoring of pollinators, generating knowledge that may be key to the conservation of these organisms and to better understand plant-pollinator interactions. Data collection through citizen-generated photographs allows to significantly expand the geographic area and the magnitude of studies, facilitating large-scale analyses that would be difficult to achieve with traditional monitoring methods. These findings provide a useful basis for future conservation initiatives and the development of policies aimed at mitigating pollinator decline.},
}

@article {pmid40574895,
year = {2025},
author = {Smith, KE and Cowan, L and Flis, P and Moore, C and Heatley, M and Robles-Zazueta, CA and Lee, A and Yant, L},
title = {An ecological, phenotypic, and genomic survey of duckweeds with their associated aquatic environments in the United Kingdom.},
journal = {AoB PLANTS},
volume = {17},
number = {3},
pages = {plaf018},
pmid = {40574895},
issn = {2041-2851},
abstract = {The duckweeds feature global distributions and diverse applications in phytoremediation and nutrition, as well as use in fundamental studies of development. Existing collections have minimal environmental data linked to natural habitats. Thus, there is a lack of understanding of natural variation in the context of native habitats. Here, a novel collection of 124 duckweed accessions from 115 sites across the United Kingdom was characterized by genome sequencing and ionomics. In common nutrient-replete experimental conditions, all accessions hyperaccumulated P, K, Mg and Ca. Local but not large-scale associations were revealed between elemental composition of duckweed in common, replete conditions and native water profiles. Lemna minor was the most prevalent species in the UK, with a closely related hybrid L. japonica frequently found in waters with higher micronutrient concentrations. Invasive L. minuta was common in the southern and midland regions, but restricted in Scotland. Lemna accessions accumulated heavy metal contaminants typically together with macronutrients, suggesting phytoremediation potential, but some limitations as food. Furthermore, monitoring the ecological interactions between native, hybrid and invasive Lemna species should be ongoing in the interest of biodiversity.},
}

@article {pmid40574733,
year = {2025},
author = {Fumo, JT and Nichols, PK and Ely, T and Marko, PB and Moran, AL and Powell, BS and Williams, TM and Kosaki, RK and Smith, CM and Lopes, KH and Smith, JE and Spalding, HL and Krueger-Hadfield, SA and McDermid, KJ and Hauk, BB and Morioka, J and O'Brien, K and Kennedy, B and Leliaert, F and Fujii, MT and Nelson, WA and Draisma, SGA and Sherwood, AR},
title = {A predictive framework for identifying source populations of non-native marine macroalgae: Chondria tumulosa in the Pacific Ocean.},
journal = {PeerJ},
volume = {13},
number = {},
pages = {e19610},
pmid = {40574733},
issn = {2167-8359},
mesh = {Pacific Ocean ; *Seaweed/classification/genetics ; *Rhodophyta/classification/genetics ; Hawaii ; Ecosystem ; *Introduced Species ; },
abstract = {The cryptogenic marine red alga Chondria tumulosa was first observed in 2016 in subtidal habitats at Manawai (Pearl and Hermes Atoll) in the Papahānaumokuākea Marine National Monument (PMNM), Hawai'i. Without molecular or morphological matches to any known species, it was described in 2020 and declared cryptogenic. This alga has substantially increased in benthic cover and has been discovered on two additional atolls in PMNM: Kuaihelani (Midway) and Hōlanikū (Kure). It exhibits several characteristics indicative of non-native origins including putative prior absence in the region, persistence in high densities over nearly a decade, apparent lack of native herbivore pressure, and strong tetrasporophytic bias. Importantly, it is negatively impacting the culturally and ecologically valuable reefs of PMNM. The geographical origin of this putative invasion is unknown, and there are no published reports of the species occurring anywhere other than PMNM. The central Pacific location of Hawai'i allows a broad range of potential sources for the origin of C. tumulosa. Taxonomic ambiguities within the genus Chondria and challenges associated with sampling necessitate the development of a narrowed set of search locations and efficient search strategies to detect the species outside of PMNM. Attachment to floating debris is a potential introduction vector for C. tumulosa into PMNM, and an oceanographic model was used to identify the most likely source locations for this pathway between 2000 and 2015, including Japan in the western Pacific, Johnston Atoll, the Line Islands including Palmyra Atoll in the central Pacific, and Clipperton Atoll and the Galápagos Islands in the eastern Pacific. We used a recently developed and validated eDNA assay for detecting C. tumulosa from three of the regions of interest to screen for C. tumulosa with no samples yielding positive detections. We provide a framework for investigating positive eDNA field detections using in-water surveys, microscopy, and DNA barcoding. A parallel sampling effort targeting preserved specimens stored in global herbaria is also presented, which did not yield any detections. Several Chondria species remain targets for sequencing from global herbaria. Identification of the native range of C. tumulosa is a critical step that will allow for an evaluation of its evolutionary ecology and any shifts that may have occurred that facilitated its putative invasion and subsequent spread, offering insights crucial for the development of mitigation strategies to safeguard PMNM against further risk.},
}

Pacific Ocean
*Seaweed/classification/genetics
*Rhodophyta/classification/genetics
Hawaii
Ecosystem
*Introduced Species

@article {pmid40573761,
year = {2025},
author = {Cozzolino, A and Motti, R and Vitasović-Kosić, I},
title = {Vascular Flora on Croatian Historic Structures: Drivers of Biodeterioration and Conservation Implications.},
journal = {Plants (Basel, Switzerland)},
volume = {14},
number = {12},
pages = {},
doi = {10.3390/plants14121773},
pmid = {40573761},
issn = {2223-7747},
abstract = {Biodeterioration, the alteration of materials by living organisms, affects approximately two-thirds of the world's cultural heritage. When organisms colonize the surfaces, they induce physical and chemical changes that can lead to significant damage. Despite its relevance, this phenomenon remains understudied in Croatia. This study aims to assess the deteriogenic vascular flora colonizing Croatian historical structures, including castles, towers, and archaeological remains, in relation to several environmental and anthropogenic factors: distance from the sea (0-1, 1-10, 10-65, and 65-165 km), elevation (0-50, 50-150, 150-300, and 300-600 m a.s.l.), exposure (north, south, east, west), and the state of conservation of the site (absent, low, good, excellent). Vegetation cover and floristic diversity, assessed using the Shannon Index, were primarily influenced by elevation and conservation status. As expected, vegetation cover decreased significantly, by 67.75%, from sites classified as 'Absent' to those with 'Excellent' conservation status (p < 0.001). To explain the observed differences in vegetation cover across the four altitudinal ranges, an analysis of plant life forms was carried out, revealing a wide variability and statistically significant patterns also related to the type and frequency of maintenance interventions. The potential risk posed by vascular plants was evaluated using the Hazard Index (HI), which revealed significant differences only for elevation and distance from the sea. The highest risk levels were recorded at mid-elevations (150-300 m), where the Hazard Index reached its maximum value (HI = 158). Exposure did not show a significant effect on biodeterioration processes. These findings provide new insights into plant-driven biodeterioration in Croatia and highlight the need for targeted conservation strategies to protect the country's cultural heritage.},
}

@article {pmid40573756,
year = {2025},
author = {Feng, WW and Huang, K and Sun, SM and Sun, JK and Guan, M and Qi, FZ and Liu, MC and Qu, B and Feng, YL},
title = {Planting Patterns Affect the Differences in Growth and Its Responses to Nitrogen Forms and Levels Between Three Invasive and Their Respective Related Native Species.},
journal = {Plants (Basel, Switzerland)},
volume = {14},
number = {12},
pages = {},
doi = {10.3390/plants14121768},
pmid = {40573756},
issn = {2223-7747},
support = {2023YFC2604500//the National Key R&D Program of China/ ; 32471753, 32171666, 31971557//the National Natural Science Foundation of China/ ; },
abstract = {Global changes, such as atmospheric nitrogen deposition, can facilitate alien plant invasions, which are often attributed to the increase in soil nitrogen availability. However, few studies have considered the effects of global change-driven alterations in soil nitrogen forms, especially under conditions with interspecific competition. In this study, we first determined the differences in growth, biomass allocation, and photosynthesis under different nitrogen forms and addition levels between three noxious invasive species (Xanthium strumarium, Ambrosia trifida, and Bidens frondosa) and their respective related natives grown with and without interspecific competition and then assessed the interspecific difference in nitrogen form preference using the [15]N labeling technique. Interspecific competition significantly decreased the positive responses of growth to nitrogen addition for all three natives, while increasing the responses for all three invaders, particularly under nitrate addition. When grown in competition, all invaders showed significant growth advantages over their related natives in most cases, and responded more positively to the addition of nitrate relative to ammonium, while the natives responded more positively to ammonium addition. These findings indicate that the invaders prefer nitrate, while the natives prefer ammonium. Consistently, the growth advantages are more pronounced for the invaders under nitrate relative to ammonium addition, indicating that nitrate-rich habitats may be more vulnerable to the invaders. When grown in monoculture, however, the growth advantage of the invaders became smaller or even disappeared. Nitrogen form preference also disappeared in Siegesbeckia glabrescens (native) and Bidens frondosa (invasive). Interestingly, the native plant Xanthium sibiricum showed significantly higher total biomass than its invasive congener under ammonium addition in both mixed and monoculture conditions. Our [15]N labeling experiment showed that all six species preferred nitrate over ammonium, although this was not significant for two natives (S. glabrescens and X. sibiricum), which is not completely consistent with the results from our nitrogen addition experiment. Our results indicate that global change-driven alterations in soil nitrogen forms, particularly the shift from ammonium to nitrate, may facilitate alien plant invasions. Planting patterns significantly affect the responses of invasive and native species to nitrogen forms and addition levels, with mixed-culture experiments providing better insights into the invasiveness of alien species.},
}

@article {pmid40572266,
year = {2025},
author = {Šuikaitė, I and Šiurkutė, G and Ptacnik, R and Koreivienė, J},
title = {Halotolerance of Phytoplankton and Invasion Success of Nostocalean Cyanobacteria Under Freshwater Salinization.},
journal = {Microorganisms},
volume = {13},
number = {6},
pages = {},
pmid = {40572266},
issn = {2076-2607},
abstract = {Disturbed ecosystems are particularly susceptible to biological invasions. Increasing freshwater salinization, caused by anthropogenic factors, can alter the phytoplankton community and favour newly arrived halotolerant species. This study investigates the halotolerance of four Nostocalean cyanobacterial species-the native to Europe, Aphanizomenon gracile, and alien Chrysosporum bergii, Cuspidothrix issatschenkoi, and Sphaerospermopsis aphanizomenoides-using monoculture experiments under varying NaCl concentrations. Additionally, we performed two microcosm experiments to explore shifts in biodiversity in freshwater phytoplankton communities sourced from artificial reservoirs and assess their susceptibility to cyanobacterial invasion under salinity stress. Results showed that all Nostocalean cyanobacteria were halotolerant under mild salinities (up to 1 g/L NaCl), with Chrysosporum bergii and Sphaerospermopsis aphanizomenoides demonstrating the most salt tolerance. In the microcosm experiment, changes in community composition were driven by the halotolerance of dominant groups. Water body 1, dominated by Bacillariophytina, reduced its biomass of phytoplankton at high salinity (5 g/L NaCl), while water body 2, dominated by Chlorophytina, remained stable regardless of disturbance. Both cyanobacteria successfully invaded both halotolerant and halosensitive communities, increasing their dominance as salinity rose. Our findings suggest that anthropogenic stressors such as freshwater salinization can alter the phytoplankton community and increase a competitive advantage to certain taxa, including widespread alien cyanobacteria, potentially promoting invasions and bloom formation.},
}

@article {pmid40571732,
year = {2025},
author = {Jarić, I and Fernández-Llamazares, Á and Molnár, Z and Arbieu, U and Canavan, S and Correia, RA and Essl, F and Kamelamela, KL and Ladle, RJ and Maurice, AC and Meinard, Y and Novoa, A and Nuñez, MA and Pyšek, P and Roll, U and Sbragaglia, V and Shackleton, RT and Shani, L and Sherren, K and Teff-Seker, Y and Vaz, AS and Wehi, PM and Jeschke, JM},
title = {Cultural integration of invasive species.},
journal = {npj biodiversity},
volume = {4},
number = {1},
pages = {25},
pmid = {40571732},
issn = {2731-4243},
support = {23-07278S//Czech Science Foundation/ ; 23-07278S//Czech Science Foundation/ ; 23-07278S//Czech Science Foundation/ ; RRF-2.3.1-21-2022-00006//National Laboratory for Health Security (NKFIH)/ ; 348352//Research Council of Finland/ ; 202101976//Koneen Säätiö/ ; I 5825-B//Austrian Science Foundation FWF/ ; RYC2022-037905-I//MCIN/AEI/10.13039/ 501100011033 / FSE+/ ; RYC2021-033065-I//MCIN/AEI/10.13039/ 501100011033 / FSE+/ ; RVO 67985939//Akademie Věd České Republiky/ ; 2020.01175.CEECIND/CP1601/CT0009//FCT - Portuguese Foundation for Science and Technology through the program Stimulus for Scientific Employment - Individual Support/ ; 101181413//European Union's Horizon Europe HORIZON-CL6-2024-BIODIV-01/ ; },
abstract = {Many invasive non-native species gradually become embedded within local cultures. Such species can increasingly be perceived by society as familiar or even native elements of the social-ecological system and become an integral part of local cultures. Here, we explore this phenomenon and refer to it as the cultural integration of invasive species. Although culturally integrated species can positively contribute to people's lives and well-being, and provide new or lost ecosystem services, their acceptance can also hinder the ability of conservation managers to successfully manage invasive species by reducing public support for their management. Cultural integration can infringe upon social values and cultural identities, and contribute to the erosion and homogenization of biocultural diversity. It can also modify or displace the cultural uses and values of native species, and may disrupt social-ecological legacies and dynamics. We present the main mechanisms of cultural integration, its drivers and major implications, and provide key recommendations for the management and conservation of biological and cultural diversity.},
}

@article {pmid40570650,
year = {2025},
author = {Axworthy, JB and Bates, EH and Grosser, MP and Padilla-Gamiño, JL},
title = {Effects of pollution on ecologically and economically important organisms of the Salish Sea.},
journal = {Marine pollution bulletin},
volume = {219},
number = {},
pages = {118322},
doi = {10.1016/j.marpolbul.2025.118322},
pmid = {40570650},
issn = {1879-3363},
abstract = {Marine pollution threatens ecosystems, biodiversity, and human health, impacting species fitness, disrupting food webs, and degrading essential habitats. This review examines the effects of marine pollution on key species in the Salish Sea, a vital ecosystem supporting diverse wildlife, including endangered species, and local economies reliant on fishing, aquaculture, and tourism. In total, we synthesized 116 studies including chemical pollution (78), biological pollution (15), marine debris (15), and sound pollution (8). Research on marine chemical pollution has primarily focused on pollutants in fish (41), followed by studies on birds (11), mammals (7), and bivalves (7), then invertebrates (2). Future investigations should broaden species coverage, assess various life stages, and evaluate the impact of climate change on pollutant accumulation. Biological pollution, driven mainly by intentionally introduced species like farmed shellfish and salmon, threatens native species and can spread pathogens. There is a pressing need for research on the effects of fecal-borne pathogens on marine organisms and the influence of seagrass beds, fish farms, and sewage outfalls on pathogen dynamics. Marine debris, especially derelict fishing gear, negatively impacts local organisms, while the effects of tire reefs and microplastics remain poorly understood. Research should integrate laboratory and field assessments to analyze microplastic ingestion and improve detection technologies to inform conservation efforts. Noise pollution research has focused on marine mammals like killer whales, highlighting how sound pollution disrupts communication and behavior, which can indirectly alter food webs and community dynamics. Future studies should also encompass other marine species, including fish and invertebrates. Understanding pollution impacts is crucial for developing effective mitigation strategies, protecting marine life, and ensuring sustainable ocean resource management for future generations.},
}

@article {pmid40569811,
year = {2025},
author = {Perroy, RL and Rodriguez, R and Tracy Johnson, M and Jarvis, O},
title = {Scaling up the deployment of Psidium cattleyanum biocontrol in a Tropical Forest.},
journal = {Journal of economic entomology},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1093/jee/toaf147},
pmid = {40569811},
issn = {1938-291X},
support = {21-DG-11052021-216//USDA/ ; 1839095 and 1828799//National Science Foundation/ ; },
abstract = {It can be challenging to deploy and monitor biocontrol for invasive species, particularly in remote forest settings. One of the most abundant and disruptive invasive tree species in Hawai'i and across the Pacific is Psidium cattleyanum Sabine (strawberry guava), which replaces native vegetation and negatively impacts forest structure and ecosystem services. A Brazilian leaf-galling insect named Tectococcus ovatus Hempel (Homoptera: Eriococcidae) is an approved biocontrol for strawberry guava, but its introduction to date has been restricted to areas with established road and trail networks using ground-based methods. The aim of our study was to develop and test aerial methods of deploying T. ovatus within the larger goal of landscape-scale deployment. We also investigated using very high-resolution aerial imagery to detect T. ovatus galls on infected leaves to monitor post-deployment inoculation success and quantify spread. We found drone-based aerial deployment using a small 4-unit system was nearly 5 times faster than a ground-based approach in a heavily invaded lowland tropical forest setting and produced a statistically larger inoculation success rate one year after deployment, likely due to more central and higher placement within the targeted canopies. We found aerial imagery to be a useful tool to determine inoculation success and quantify spatiotemporal spread. We also found that larger-capacity drone platforms and conventional helicopters can successfully deploy T. ovatus onto individual targeted tree canopies and that landscape-scale deployment operations are feasible using these methods. Our findings are relevant to others working to deploy and monitor biocontrol in forested ecosystems worldwide.},
}

@article {pmid40568910,
year = {2025},
author = {Liu, C and Ruan, Z and Xie, J and Jeschke, JM and Comte, L and Olden, JD and Dong, Y and Chu, J and Kang, B and Leung, B},
title = {Dynamic Environmental Niches of Marine Invasive Species Over 200 Years.},
journal = {Ecology letters},
volume = {28},
number = {6},
pages = {e70164},
doi = {10.1111/ele.70164},
pmid = {40568910},
issn = {1461-0248},
support = {42176234//the National Natural Science Foundation of China/ ; tsqn202312093//Mount Taishan Scholar Young Expert/ ; 42306133//the Young Scientists Fund of the National Natural Science Foundation of China/ ; },
mesh = {*Introduced Species ; *Ecosystem ; *Aquatic Organisms/physiology ; Animals ; Conservation of Natural Resources ; },
abstract = {Anticipating the risk of species invasions in new geographical regions remains fundamental to conservation. One critical assumption is that species' environmental niches remain stable under changing environments. If native environmental drivers predict introduced distributions, we would expect high overlap in niche space between native and introduced ranges, with introduced niche increasingly resembling their native niche over time. We quantified changes in species' occupied niche space across 200 years of invasion records, for 778 marine invaders at the global scale. For species in introduced ranges, the majority of their native niche space remained unfilled, even after two centuries. As expected, overlap between native and introduced niche spaces increased with time since invasion. However, niche overlap remained low on average, never exceeding 20% across species. Our results suggest that native environmental drivers will largely fail to predict introduced species ranges in marine ecosystems within policy-relevant (decadal) time frames.},
}

*Introduced Species
*Ecosystem
*Aquatic Organisms/physiology
Animals
Conservation of Natural Resources

@article {pmid40566881,
year = {2025},
author = {Ramana, JV and Tylianakis, JM and Allen, WJ and Ridgway, HJ and Waller, LP and Orwin, KH and Dickie, IA},
title = {Invasive plants decrease arbuscular mycorrhizal fungal diversity and promote generalist fungal partners.},
journal = {The New phytologist},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1111/nph.70342},
pmid = {40566881},
issn = {1469-8137},
support = {//Bio-Protection Research Centre/ ; },
abstract = {Invasion by exotic plants is a major threat to ecosystem biodiversity globally. Although mutualistic belowground associations can play a significant role in successful invasion, studies have shown mixed results regarding the effects of plant invasion on arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF). Here, we tested how exotic dominance (i.e. invasion extent) in plant communities impacts arbuscular mycorrhizal fungal community diversity, composition, and generalism at the scale of individual plants and plant communities, and whether these impacts are explained or moderated by plant root traits (root diameter). We characterized root traits and arbuscular mycorrhizal fungal communities in the roots of native and exotic plants growing together in experimental plant communities that ranged in invasion extent (exotic plant dominance from 0% to 100%). Increases in exotic dominance decreased arbuscular mycorrhizal fungal diversity in both individual plant roots and plant communities. Greater relative abundance of generalist AMF was also observed in plant communities with increasing exotic dominance. Although root diameter affected fungal composition, it did not moderate or drive the effect of exotics. Our results highlight the role of invasion extent in understanding how arbuscular mycorrhizal fungal communities respond to exotic plant invasion and the importance of preserving belowground biodiversity.},
}

@article {pmid40564282,
year = {2025},
author = {Esposito, G and Bondavalli, F and Di Nicola, MR and Pastorino, P and Scala, S and Gini, M and Milanese, G and Turolla, E and Maganza, A and Sciuto, S and Meloni, D and Melillo, R and Acutis, P and Bozzetta, E and Virgilio, S and Faggio, C and Colussi, S and Prearo, M},
title = {Blue Crab (Callinectes sapidus) Haemolymph as a Potential Reservoir of Mesophilic Shewanella Species.},
journal = {Animals : an open access journal from MDPI},
volume = {15},
number = {12},
pages = {},
doi = {10.3390/ani15121731},
pmid = {40564282},
issn = {2076-2615},
abstract = {The blue crab (Callinectes sapidus) is an invasive alien species in the Mediterranean Sea, posing threats to biodiversity, fisheries, and aquaculture. Climate change has worsened these challenges, influencing the distribution of bacterial species, including Shewanella species, which are sensitive to changes in temperature and salinity. In this study, 300 blue crabs were sampled between June and October 2024 from the Sacca di Goro (Northern Adriatic Sea, Italy) to investigate the prevalence of Shewanella species in their haemolymph. The prevalence was found to be 7% (21/300), with species such as S. mesophila, S. algae, S. cowelliana, and S. baltica identified, particularly in the months of September and October. Molecular techniques, including MALDI-TOF MS and rpoB gene amplification, were used to identify isolates. Antibiotic susceptibility testing (AST) revealed a trend of resistance to beta-lactam antibiotics. A network analysis was also conducted to examine the global trends of Shewanella research in relation to humans, animals, and the marine environment. While proper cooking eliminates the risk to consumers, handling without personal protective equipment can increase exposure, particularly for vulnerable individuals such as those who are elderly or immunocompromised. Mild symptoms are observed in children. Further studies, particularly with a One Health approach, are crucial to better understand the transmission dynamics and evolving antibiotic resistance of Shewanella species.},
}

@article {pmid40563021,
year = {2025},
author = {Kolics, B and Kolics, É and Ács, Z and Proková, HM and Senková, KB and Senko, D},
title = {Easternmost distribution of Asian hornet (Vespa velutina nigrithorax, du Buysson 1905) in Slovakia: urgent need for advanced detection and interregional monitoring.},
journal = {Biologia futura},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
pmid = {40563021},
issn = {2676-8607},
support = {GINOP2.3.2-15-2016-00054//the Hungarian Government and the European Union, with the co-funding of the European Regional Development Fund in the frame of Széchenyi 2020 Programme/ ; },
abstract = {The invasive Asian hornet (Vespa velutina nigrithorax) continues its spread across Europe, posing a significant threat to biodiversity, viticulture, and apiculture. This study reports the first molecular data of the invasive yellowlegged Asian hornet (Vespa velutina nigrithorax) in Slovakia, confirmed through molecular analysis of the mitochondrial cytochrome c oxidase subunit I (COI) gene. Radio telemetry successfully located the nest within inaccessible private property, highlighting the technique's crucial role in early detection. This finding, along with the need for manual tracking techniques, public awareness campaigns, and regional monitoring programs, underscores the urgent need for proactive legal frameworks to facilitate the use of radio telemetry and ensure timely intervention to prevent further spread and mitigate the ecological and economic impacts of this invasive species in Slovakia and neighboring countries. Furthermore, this study emphasizes the importance of continued research and development of radio telemetry techniques, including improved signal range and integration with drone technology, to enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of V. velutina detection and control.},
}

@article {pmid40561269,
year = {2025},
author = {Souza, CDS and Marins, G and Camargo, IFLG and Lima, LB and Gomes, AS and Borghetti, F},
title = {Allelopathic hypotheses revisited: the interactions between native and exotic species in the Brazilian savanna.},
journal = {Anais da Academia Brasileira de Ciencias},
volume = {97},
number = {3},
pages = {e20240252},
doi = {10.1590/0001-3765202520240252},
pmid = {40561269},
issn = {1678-2690},
mesh = {*Allelopathy/physiology ; Brazil ; *Introduced Species ; *Grassland ; *Poaceae/growth & development ; Species Specificity ; Plant Leaves ; },
abstract = {We investigated allelopathic interactions between native and exotic species of the Cerrado biome. We studied the effects of the exotic Andropogon gayanus and the native A. bicornis on the initial growth of two native (A. fastigiatus and Lepidaploa aurea) and two exotic species (Melinis minutiflora and Stapfochloa elata). Leaves or roots of the donors were each mixed at ratios of 0.75, 1.5 and 3% (litter/soil) with soil samples collected in the same areas where they spontaneously co-occur with their target species. We found that A. gayanus inhibited the growth of all target species, what agrees with the novel weapon hypothesis. The native A. bicornis stimulated the growth of the two native species and of S. elata but inhibited the growth of the exotic M. minutiflora, in line with the homeland security hypothesis. Our studies suggest that allelopathy may have a part in the invasiveness of A. gayanus and that the inhibitory effect of A. bicornis on the growth of M. minutiflora might help to control the spread of this exotic grass. We conclude that allelopathy may be involved in the interactions between species and be used in controlling the spread of exotic species over many areas of the Cerrado.},
}

*Allelopathy/physiology
Brazil
*Introduced Species
*Grassland
*Poaceae/growth & development
Species Specificity
Plant Leaves

@article {pmid40559073,
year = {2025},
author = {Cheng, Y and Zhou, Y and Li, C},
title = {Effects of the Ecdysone Receptor on the Regulation of Reproduction in Coccinella septempunctata.},
journal = {Insects},
volume = {16},
number = {6},
pages = {},
doi = {10.3390/insects16060643},
pmid = {40559073},
issn = {2075-4450},
support = {32460711//National Natural Science Foundation of China/ ; [2023]08//Science and Technology Innovation Project of Guizhou Academy of Agricultural Sciences/ ; [2023] 011//Innovative Capabilities Buildup of Green Prevention and Control for Invasive Species in Agriculture/ ; },
abstract = {The effects of the gene encoding the ecdysone receptor (EcR) on the reproduction of the ladybug Coccinella septempunctata was evaluated. EcR transcription was measured by quantitative real-time PCR in ladybug adults reared on artificial diets with and without 20-hydroxyecdysone (20E). EcR expression levels in 5 d old male and female ladybugs supplied with the 20E-amended artificial diet were lower than expression levels in ladybugs reared on an artificial diet lacking 20E. However, EcR expression levels in 10 d old ladybugs supplied with the 20E artificial diet were higher than those lacking 20E supplementation. The regulatory effects of EcR were studied in female and male ladybugs by RNA interference. EcR expression in female ladybugs injected with EcR-dsRNA was significantly downregulated after 5 d but remained unaffected in 10 d old females. EcR expression levels in males microinjected with EcR-dsRNA were significantly lower at 5 and 10 d after microinjection than GFP-dsRNA-treated males. The ovary volume in females injected with EcR-dsRNA at 5 d was smaller than females microinjected with GFP-dsRNA, but volumes at 10 d were larger than in GFP-dsRNA-treated females. The testes of males injected with EcR-dsRNA were larger than those injected with GFP-dsRNA at 5 d but the testes at 10 d after injection with EcR-dsRNA were smaller than those injected with GFP-dsRNA. When females were microinjected with EcR-dsRNA and mated with noninjected males, egg production decreased by 34.80% for 20 days. When males were microinjected with EcR-dsRNA and mated with noninjected females, egg production decreased by 30.38% for 20 days. Injection of female and male ladybugs with EcR-dsRNA had no significant effect on egg hatching rates. Our results show that EcR plays an important role in the development of reproductive organs and egg development in C. septempunctata.},
}

@article {pmid40559063,
year = {2025},
author = {Zhang, T and Yang, Y and Maggi, F and Jiang, F and Yuan, R and Huang, L and Zhang, X and Cao, Y and Gao, Y},
title = {Electrophysiological and Behavioral Responses of Thrips hawaiiensis (Thysanoptera: Thripidae) to the Floral Volatiles of the Horticultural Plant Magnolia grandiflora (Magnoliales: Magnoliaceae).},
journal = {Insects},
volume = {16},
number = {6},
pages = {},
doi = {10.3390/insects16060633},
pmid = {40559063},
issn = {2075-4450},
support = {GCC[2023]074//Training Project for High-Level Innovative Talent in Guizhou Province/ ; ZK[2022]001//Key Project of the Natural Science Foundation of Guizhou Province/ ; QJJ[2023]024//Program for Natural Science Research in Guizhou Education Department/ ; 043230030//Doctoral Foundation Project of Guizhou University of Traditional Chinese Medicine/ ; },
abstract = {Volatile cues are important in the host detection and discrimination of phytophagous insects, allowing them to find suitable hosts. Here, the electroantennography (EAG) and behavioral responses of female Thrips hawaiiensis to the floral volatiles of different plants, Magnolia grandiflora L. (Magnoliales: Magnoliaceae), Gerbera jamesonii Bolus (Asterales: Asteraceae), Lilium brownii Baker (Liliales: Liliaceae), and Rosa rugosa Thunb. (Rosales: Rosaceae), were studied. Y-tube olfactometer bioassays revealed that M. grandiflora was the preferred host for T. hawaiiensis. Fifty-two compounds were identified from the volatile profile of M. grandiflora by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry analysis, of which β-elemen (15.39%), bicyclogermacren (11.99%), and (E)-α-bisabolene (6.05%) showed the highest relative contents. The EAG bioassays revealed that the antennae of T. hawaiiensis could perceive these tested volatile compounds at different concentrations. In six-arm olfactometer bioassays, T. hawaiiensis showed significant positive responses to β-elemen and (E)-α-bisabolene at various concentrations, and 10 μg/μL was found to be the most attractive concentration for β-elemen, and 50 and 100 μg/μL for (E)-α-bisabolene. Based on the four-arm olfactometer bioassays, β-elemen was more attractive than (E)-α-bisabolene to T. hawaiiensis when compared at their optimal concentrations. Therefore, T. hawaiiensis could perceive and distinguish the floral volatiles from the preferred host plant (M. grandiflora). These findings assist in better understanding the mechanism of host preferences of T. hawaiiensis from a chemoecological perspective. In particular, β-elemen showed the greatest potential to be developed as a novel attractant for the monitoring and control of T. hawaiiensis.},
}

@article {pmid40559005,
year = {2025},
author = {Ahmad, S and Xu, D and Deng, X and He, Z and Ali, H and Zhuo, Z},
title = {Assessing Habitat Suitability for Phloeosinus aubei Perris in China: A MaxEnt-Based Predictive Analysis.},
journal = {Insects},
volume = {16},
number = {6},
pages = {},
doi = {10.3390/insects16060576},
pmid = {40559005},
issn = {2075-4450},
support = {20A007, 20E051, 21E040 and 22kA011//Fundamental Research Funds of China West Normal University/ ; },
abstract = {Climate change reshapes species distributions, necessitating proactive measures to mitigate ecological impacts. This study investigates the potential spread of Phloeosinus aubei, a bark beetle with significant ecological consequences, under future climate scenarios in China. Using the MaxEnt model, we integrated occurrence records and scientific literature with bioclimatic and terrain variables to predict habitat suitability. The results reveal that P. aubei's distribution is highly influenced by precipitation and temperature, with key variables like annual precipitation (bio12, 30.4% contribution) and the minimum temperature of the coldest month (bio6, 29% contribution) driving habitat suitability. Notably, under high-emission scenarios (SSP5-8.5), high-suitability areas could expand by 82.29% by the 2050s due to warming-induced precipitation changes in southwestern China. Model validation confirms a high predictive accuracy, with an AUC value of 0.92, underscoring the reliability of these projections. These findings highlight the beetle's potential to colonize new regions, posing risks to forest ecosystems. The study underscores the need for adaptive management strategies, including early detection and climate-resilient forestry practices, to safeguard vulnerable ecosystems from invasive species under climate change.},
}

@article {pmid40558765,
year = {2025},
author = {Xiong, Y and Cui, J and Liu, X and Shu, H and Cao, P},
title = {Antifouling Mussel-Inspired Hydrogel with Furanone-Loaded ZIF-8 for Quorum Sensing-Mediated Marine Antifouling.},
journal = {Gels (Basel, Switzerland)},
volume = {11},
number = {6},
pages = {},
doi = {10.3390/gels11060466},
pmid = {40558765},
issn = {2310-2861},
support = {2021M702761//China Postdoctoral Science Foundation/ ; CX(24)3066//Jiangsu Agriculture Science and Technology innovation Found/ ; CBGZJJ2023-2-12//Open Fund of State Key Laboratory of Special Materials Surface Engineering/ ; 51905468//National Natural Science Foundation of China/ ; },
abstract = {Marine biofouling, the process of marine microorganisms, algae, and invertebrates attaching to and forming biofilms on ship hulls, underwater infrastructure, and marine equipment in ocean environments, severely impacts shipping and underwater operations by increasing fuel consumption, maintenance costs, and corrosion risks, and by threatening marine ecosystem stability via invasive species transport. This study reports the development of a hydrogel-metal-organic framework (MOF)-quorum sensing inhibitor (QSI) antifouling coating on 304 stainless steel (SS) substrates. Inspired by mussel adhesion, a hydrophilic bionic hydrogel was first constructed via metal ion coordination. The traditional metal ion source was replaced with a zeolitic imidazolate framework-8 (ZIF-8) loaded with 2-(5H)-furanone (HF, a QSI) without altering coating formation. Physicochemical characterization using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), high-resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM), the Brunauer-Emmett-Teller (BET) method, and the diffraction of x-rays (XRD) confirmed successful HF loading into ZIF-8 with intact crystal structures. Antifouling tests showed HF@ZIF-8 enhanced antibacterial inhibition against Staphylococcus aureus (97.28%) and Escherichia coli (>97%) and suppressed Chromobacterium violaceum CV026 pigment synthesis at 0.25 mg/mL (sub-growth concentration). The reconstructed PG/PVP/PEI/HF@ZIF-8 coating achieved 72.47% corrosion inhibition via synergistic anodic protection and physical shielding. This work provides a novel green approach for surface antifouling and drag reduction, highlighting MOF-loaded QSIs as promising additives to enhance the antifouling performance of hydrogel coatings, anti-corrosion performance, and QSI performance for sustainable marine engineering applications.},
}

@article {pmid39961028,
year = {2025},
author = {Kantor, C and Teixeira, M and Kantor, M and Gleason, C},
title = {Tiny Invaders, Big Trouble: Emerging Nematode Threats in the United States.},
journal = {Phytopathology},
volume = {115},
number = {6},
pages = {587-595},
doi = {10.1094/PHYTO-09-24-0290-IA},
pmid = {39961028},
issn = {0031-949X},
mesh = {Animals ; United States ; *Nematoda/physiology ; *Plant Diseases/parasitology ; *Introduced Species ; Climate Change ; Ecosystem ; Crops, Agricultural/parasitology ; Host-Parasite Interactions ; },
abstract = {Plant-parasitic nematodes (PPNs) cause billions of dollars in agricultural losses annually. In the United States, a well-established list of prevalent nematodes serves as a foundation for addressing known threats. However, climate change is expected to trigger significant shifts in nematode populations, behaviors, and host ranges, introducing new risks to agricultural ecosystems. Understanding how nematodes adapt to evolving environments is crucial for predicting their spread to new locations and hosts. Beyond the spread of current PPN populations, there is the ongoing threat of undetected or nonnative PPNs entering the United States, potentially causing severe damage to agriculture and forest ecosystems. Continuous surveillance is vital to track nematode spread, and advancements, such as machine learning for nematode detection and quantification, enhance diagnostic capabilities. Additionally, remote sensing combined with geographic information systems is emerging as a powerful tool for pest management, offering spatial analysis and real-time monitoring. In this review, we highlight a selection of PPN species, including those with currently limited geographic distribution but posing a significant threat if introduced to new environments. We list these nematodes based on their host range, potential economic impact, and current molecular diagnostic methods. We propose the "emergence triangle" to explore how abiotic stresses impact nematode adaptation and how nematologists use innovative technologies to enhance surveillance efforts. Although ongoing diagnostic and monitoring efforts provide valuable insights, continuous surveillance is essential to track nematode spread. Critical questions remain regarding the criteria used by government officials to classify and regulate nematodes and who guides decisions on prioritizing threats. [Formula: see text] Copyright © 2025 The Author(s). This is an open access article distributed under the CC BY 4.0 International license.},
}

Animals
United States
*Nematoda/physiology
*Plant Diseases/parasitology
*Introduced Species
Climate Change
Ecosystem
Crops, Agricultural/parasitology
Host-Parasite Interactions

@article {pmid40552507,
year = {2025},
author = {Blumenthal, DM and Diez, J and Pearse, I and Sofaer, HR and Sorte, CJB and Barnett, D and Beaury, EM and Bradley, BA and Corbin, JD and Dukes, JS and Early, R and Ibáñez, I and Laughlin, DC and Petri, L and Vilà, M},
title = {Why are non-native plants successful? Consistently fast economic traits and novel origin jointly explain abundance across US ecoregions.},
journal = {The New phytologist},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1111/nph.70307},
pmid = {40552507},
issn = {1469-8137},
support = {3012-21610-003-00D//Agricultural Research Service/ ; 2135795//Directorate for Biological Sciences/ ; 19114//National Center for Ecological Analysis and Synthesis/ ; },
abstract = {Are non-native plants abundant because they are non-native, and have advantages over native plants, or because they possess 'fast' resource strategies, and have advantages in disturbed environments? This question is central to invasion biology but remains unanswered. We quantified the relative importance of resource strategy and biogeographic origin in 69 441 plots across the conterminous United States containing 11 280 plant species. Non-native species had faster economic traits than native species in most plant communities (77%, 86% and 82% of plots for leaf nitrogen concentration, specific leaf area, and leaf dry matter content). Non-native species also had distinct patterns of abundance, but these were not explained by their fast traits. Compared with functionally similar native species, non-native species were (1) more abundant in plains and deserts, indicating the importance of biogeographic origin, and less abundant in forested ecoregions, (2) were more abundant where co-occurring species had fast traits, for example due to disturbance, and (3) showed weaker signals of local environmental filtering. These results clarify the nature of plant invasion: Although non-native plants have consistently fast economic traits, other novel characteristics and processes likely explain their abundance and, therefore, impacts.},
}

@article {pmid40546910,
year = {2025},
author = {Smith, K and Hepplewhite, M and San, EDL and Somers, MJ},
title = {Interspecies Haptic Sociality: An Observation of Grooming Between Two Mongoose Species.},
journal = {Ecology and evolution},
volume = {15},
number = {6},
pages = {e71659},
pmid = {40546910},
issn = {2045-7758},
abstract = {Meerkats (Suricata suricatta) and yellow mongooses (Cynictis penicillata) share many behavioural characteristics and are known to, on rare occasions, live in close association through displayed cooperative vigilance and shared burrow use. Here, we describe the first visual observation of tactile social behaviour through grooming between a meerkat and a yellow mongoose in the Rietvlei Nature Reserve, South Africa. We hypothesise that the close relationship between the two species in the reserve may be a response to a combination of phylogenetic ties, shared behavioural traits, and the population collapse of meerkats in the reserve that exposed a vacant social niche. This observation of interspecific sociality further extends our knowledge of cooperation and group augmentation among meerkats, yellow mongooses and carnivores in general.},
}

@article {pmid40543134,
year = {2025},
author = {Li, SH and Ge, ZM and Tan, LS and Xie, LN and Li, YL},
title = {Multiple competitive superiority made a great successful invasion of Spartina alterniflora in Eastern China: hints for management.},
journal = {Journal of environmental management},
volume = {389},
number = {},
pages = {126287},
doi = {10.1016/j.jenvman.2025.126287},
pmid = {40543134},
issn = {1095-8630},
abstract = {Numerous case studies indicate that the successful invasion of alien species involve multiple mechanisms. Spartina alterniflora (Poaceae) has rapidly and extensively encroached on China's coastline over the past decades, however, limited studies have explored multiple invasion mechanisms. Using a combination of greenhouse experiments, field survey, and literature investigations, a cross-scale study of S. alterniflora in Eastern China was conducted to link the multiple invasion mechanisms against the dominant native species, Phragmites australis (Poaceae) and Scirpus mariqueter (Cyperaceae) at high and low coastal habitats, respectively. The results revealed that S. alterniflora was competitive superior to native species at the seed/seedling scale, with a higher seed yield and germination rate, and low risk of seed hunting by crabs. At the individual scale, S. alterniflora showed a stronger tolerance to changing environmental factors impacting photosynthesis, growth parameters, and root architecture, compared with the native P. australis. S. alterniflora were also resilient to insect pests. At the community scale, S. alterniflora showed shading effects on the native S. mariqueter. The multiple competitive advantage led to the successful invasion of S. alterniflora in Eastern China, broadening our understanding of why the exotic species can achieve dominance in whole China's coast. We suggest that the multiple competitive superiority of S. alterniflora can be integrated from the perspectives of the organizational level of life systems to efficaciously forecast invasion trajectories and design control strategies.},
}

@article {pmid40543132,
year = {2025},
author = {Li, Y and Zhang, J and Zhang, J and Du, J and Yang, R and Niu, M and Li, Y},
title = {The high economic cost of biological invasions in China.},
journal = {Journal of environmental management},
volume = {389},
number = {},
pages = {126224},
doi = {10.1016/j.jenvman.2025.126224},
pmid = {40543132},
issn = {1095-8630},
abstract = {China faces challenges to increasing biological invasions as its trade volume increases. However, comprehensive assessments of invasion costs in China are rare, which hinders its green growth for sustainable environments. We estimated economic costs of invasive alien species (IAS) in China using a comprehensive database based on new search phrases. China ranks as the second most economically vulnerable countries (following USA) to IAS. Cumulative costs of IAS reached US$ 3124.66 billion (US$ 2017) (or RMB 21,118.95 billion, with an average of RMB 422.38 billion per year) for total data from 1973 to 2022 and US$ 425.08 billion for robust data, 6.36 times and 3.32 times estimates from Global Invasion Cost Database (InvaCost), respectively. Forests and southeastern coastal regions suffered from higher costs. Damage cost was 184 times management cost for robust data and 73 times that for total data. IAS originating from North America posed greater costs to China than those from other continents. China needs to invest more resources in managing biological invasions.},
}

@article {pmid40543129,
year = {2025},
author = {Zhang, H and Yang, Q and Liu, J and Sun, F and Hu, C and Shen, N and Yuan, P and Gao, H},
title = {Resilient invaders: The exotic species' role in mitigating microplastics and perfluorooctanoic acid pollution.},
journal = {Journal of environmental management},
volume = {389},
number = {},
pages = {126177},
doi = {10.1016/j.jenvman.2025.126177},
pmid = {40543129},
issn = {1095-8630},
abstract = {Does the vector role of invasive species exacerbate the stress risks posed by emerging contaminants during the process of biological colonization? In this study, a 21-day mesocosm experiment was conducted to investigate the effects of polystyrene microplastics (PS) and perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) on the invasive potential, photosynthesis, and water purification capacity of the exotic submerged plant Elodea canadensis. The results demonstrated that PS-PFOA composite pollution exhibited significant synergistic toxic effects, primarily by inhibiting photosynthetic efficiency, disrupting nitrogen metabolism, and exacerbating oxidative stress. This study identified a unique compensatory growth mechanism: exposure to PS (10 mg/L) and PFOA (20 μg/L) significantly increased chlorophyll b (20.47 %), carbon uptake (4.69 %), and phosphorus uptake (18.96 %) in E. canadensis, thereby maintaining growth under stress conditions. Furthermore, E. canadensis contributed to pollutant attenuation through synergistic interactions with dominant microbial taxa, indicating adaptive cooperation between plant and microbial communities. The observed increase in TP levels was attributed to enhanced microbial metabolic activity and associated physicochemical processes. These findings highlight previously underexplored adaptive strategies of invasive plants and microbial collaboration under dual-contaminant stress, offering novel insights into the ecological functions of invasive species and their implications for risk assessment and aquatic ecosystem restoration.},
}

@article {pmid40542513,
year = {2025},
author = {Maciel, JC and Cabral, CM and Silva, JMS and de Abreu, CM and Oliveira, FS and Souza, IM and Francino, DMT and Ferreira, EA and da Silva, RS and Dos Santos, JB},
title = {First Report of a Histological Technique for Observing the Anatomy of the Epidermis of Melinis minutiflora.},
journal = {Microscopy research and technique},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1002/jemt.70010},
pmid = {40542513},
issn = {1097-0029},
abstract = {This article describes precise and unpublished data on leaf anatomy of Melinis minutiflora P. Beauv. This species is an aggressive invasive plant that invades Environmental Protection Areas. Studies on the dissociation of the leaf epidermis using histological techniques could help to identify specific leaf characteristics that can significantly influence the success of invasion into new environments. This study identifies, for the first time, a histological technique that makes it possible to dissociate the entire leaf epidermis of the invasive species M. minutiflora in order to evaluate the anatomical structures in frontal view. The freehand paradermal cut, the hydrochloric acid and sodium hypochlorite methods and the epidermal impression technique were evaluated. The median region of each leaf was sectioned into samples of approximately 1 cm[2] to dissociate the epidermis. The results demonstrate that the method with sodium hypochlorite was the one that best enabled the dissociation of the M. minutiflora epidermis in its entirety and the obtaining of semi-permanent slides. This method is easy to perform, effective and ensures the preservation of the structural integrity of the cells, allowing a clearer and more detailed visualization of the cells and tissues under the microscope. This method also has the potential to be applied to plants that have stomata arranged in longitudinal rows and have morphological characteristics that make it difficult to observe the stomata. The histological technique of printing the epidermis with instant adhesive, although it has presented some negative points, such as distortion and deformation of the cells, is a useful and low-cost technique for measuring characters of interest. These findings provide a better understanding of leaf anatomy and contribute to the accurate identification of invasive plant species and the development of effective control and management strategies.},
}

@article {pmid40540905,
year = {2025},
author = {Chen, K and Xu, J and Chang, L and Luo, Q and Song, J and Zhou, Y and Yi, Y},
title = {Tracking the spatial and temporal evolution of salt marsh vegetation based on UAV sampling and seasonal phenology from Landsat data.},
journal = {Journal of environmental management},
volume = {389},
number = {},
pages = {126204},
doi = {10.1016/j.jenvman.2025.126204},
pmid = {40540905},
issn = {1095-8630},
abstract = {Salt marshes, valued for their ecological importance, have been increasingly degraded in recent decades. Preserving salt marshes necessitates a critical approach that involves monitoring vegetation distribution and species composition. This study presents a high-precision salt marsh mapping framework for the Yellow River Delta (YRD), integrating Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV), machine learning and seasonal phenological features from Landsat data. UAV data facilitate sampling efficiency, while seasonal phenology improves species differentiation in classification models. Among the tested algorithms, the Random Forest algorithm achieved the highest overall accuracy (89 %), outperforming support vector machines, gradient-boosted decision trees and deep neural network, particularly in identifying mixed-vegetation zones. Autumn phenological features emerged as critical discriminators for vegetation type classification. From 1991 to 2022, the salt marsh area exhibited an initial decline, followed by stabilization, and subsequent expansion, reaching 259.15 km[2] in 2022. Notably, the invasive species Spartina alterniflora expanded significantly after 2009, reaching 61.4 km[2] before its eradication in 2021. This research demonstrates that integrating UAV and seasonal phenological data provides a scalable, high-precision approach for long-term salt marsh monitoring. The framework provides robust tools and actionable insights for conservation, invasive species management, and ecosystem restoration.},
}

@article {pmid40540120,
year = {2025},
author = {Barrios-Montivero, AE and Martínez, PA and Ojanguren-Affilastro, AA},
title = {The Ongoing Expansion of the Medically Important Scorpions in Southern South America.},
journal = {EcoHealth},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
pmid = {40540120},
issn = {1612-9210},
support = {PIP 2021-2023 11220200101990CO//Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas/ ; PICT 2019-0597//Agencia Nacional de Promoción Científica y Tecnológica/ ; },
abstract = {We revise the expansion of synanthropic medically important species of Scorpions of genus Tityus in southern South America: Tityus bahiensis (Perty 1833), Tityus carrilloi Ojanguren-Affilastro 2021, Tityus confluens Borelli 1899, Tityus costatus (Karsch, 1879), Tityus serrulatus Lutz & Mello, 1922, and Tityus trivittatus Kraepelin 1898, which due to their synanthropic capabilities we regard as invasive species. We also build species distribution models (SMDs) from bioclimatic variables using Maxent. We also included the human density variable in the model, because medically important species in the area are synanthropic, being more common in urban areas than in natural environments. We present their current suitable areas and the potential future distribution up to 2070. According to our analyses most species will expand in the close future, reaching countries without Scorpionism problems, such as Chile and Uruguay. We conclude that, besides synanthropic capabilities, parthenogenesis is the main factor favoring the expansion of some of these species. We also conclude that interactions between invasive Tityus species may hinder their expansion process due to potential competition or exclusion mechanisms.},
}

@article {pmid40539019,
year = {2025},
author = {Barzaghi, B and Manenti, R and Ficetola, GF and Pennati, R and Melotto, A},
title = {Light in the Darkness: Responses to Light and Diel Activity Rhythm in an Eyeless Cave Flatworm (Dendrocoelum italicum).},
journal = {Ecology and evolution},
volume = {15},
number = {6},
pages = {e71584},
pmid = {40539019},
issn = {2045-7758},
abstract = {Troglobiont species show common traits derived from adaptation to subterranean life. Due to lack of light in cave environments most troglobiont species show eye reduction or even loss, often accompanied by a disruption of diel rhythmicity. Although cave adaptation and eye absence generally imply the loss of capability to perceive light, several cave-adapted species have retained this function, showing some degree of phototaxy or rhythmicity. Flatworms are ubiquitous in natural habitats and the response to light or diel rhythmicity of surface-dwelling species has received considerable scientific attention in the past and is increasingly studied. Conversely, responses to light stimuli have been poorly investigated in eyeless troglobiont flatworms. Here we coupled field monitoring and behavioural experiments to investigate phototactic responses and variation in diel activity patterns in the troglobiont eyeless flatworm Dendrocoelum italicum. We tested 27 D. italicum individuals from 'Bus del Budrio' cave, measuring their response to light stimuli in a semi-obscured experimental arena under different light-exposure treatments: dim light, bright light and darkness. Besides, during a 2-year period we conducted 18 visual-count surveys to monitor daytime and nighttime flatworm abundance in the cave. Behavioural tests showed that flatworms selected the darker side of the arena under both bright and dim light exposure, revealing a marked negative phototaxis. Field surveys revealed that flatworm abundance was significantly affected by the diurnal cycle, with a higher number of individuals visible during the night. These outcomes offer interesting insights on adaptation to cave environments, showing that key functions, such as the capability to respond to light or diurnal cycles, can be retained in troglobiont species and call for future investigation assessing the potential adaptive roles of these traits in mediating their exploitation of subterranean environments or their interface with the surface. Besides, this study proposes an effective in-field method for conducting studies on subterranean fauna responses to light stimuli.},
}

@article {pmid40538492,
year = {2025},
author = {Yang, Y and Zhang, M and Liu, Y and He, F},
title = {Adaptive behavior and connectance of invasive plants mediate community composition in multilayered ecological networks.},
journal = {Biological invasions},
volume = {27},
number = {7},
pages = {156},
pmid = {40538492},
issn = {1387-3547},
abstract = {UNLABELLED: Much evidence has shown that adaptive behavior can greatly modulate the dynamics of food webs, but little is known about how adaptive behaviors of invasive plant species affect community composition in multilayered networks. Following a proven network model, we constructed networks of native communities that are invaded by exotic plant species based on three linkage rules. We examined the effects of both adaptive behavior and network connectance of invasive plant species on the persistence of native species and diversity-invasion success relationship. Results showed that community persistence was mainly affected by the connectance of invasive plant species regardless of adaptive behavior. Given a fixed proportion (F1) of native mutualist species linked to the invasive plant species, community persistence displayed an inverse hump-shaped relationship with the increasing proportion (F2) of native plant species linked to the invasive plant species. Compared to the results without adaptive behavior, the adaptive behavior made most negative diversity-invasion relationship become a nonlinear U-shape at fixed proportion (F1). In addition, the adaptive behavior made most negative diversity-invasion relationship insignificant for some proportion (F1) when proportion (F2) was fixed. It could even reverse this relationship if the invading species was more likely to link to native species already having fewer links than those having higher links. Our results underline the importance of considering adaptive behavior and the network degree of invasive plant species for understanding the effect of invasive species on the structure and composition of ecological networks.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s10530-025-03601-9.},
}

@article {pmid40536911,
year = {2025},
author = {Moroni, B and Meletiadis, A and Di Nicola, MR and Garcia-Vozmediano, A and Pitti, M and Dipietromaria, G and Zoppi, S and Bergagna, S and Pinnelli, V and Guasco, C and Acutis, P and Pastorino, P and Prearo, M and Esposito, G},
title = {Prevalence of Salmonella, Cryptosporidium and Leptospira in Invasive Pond Slider (Trachemys scripta) in North-Western Italy.},
journal = {Veterinary medicine and science},
volume = {11},
number = {4},
pages = {e70439},
pmid = {40536911},
issn = {2053-1095},
mesh = {Animals ; Italy/epidemiology ; Prevalence ; *Cryptosporidium/isolation & purification ; *Turtles/microbiology ; *Cryptosporidiosis/epidemiology/parasitology ; *Salmonella/isolation & purification ; *Salmonella Infections, Animal/epidemiology/microbiology ; *Leptospirosis/epidemiology/veterinary/microbiology ; *Leptospira/isolation & purification ; Introduced Species ; },
abstract = {Natural lakes and ponds typically feature green areas where people engage in recreational and sporting activities. In Italy, these areas are often inhabited by non-native freshwater turtles, even at high densities. However, freshwater turtles have been identified as natural carriers for various pathogens that can be transmitted to humans, making their sanitary monitoring crucial to prevent accidental transmission through direct or indirect contact. In this study, we investigated the presence of three potentially zoonotic pathogens, namely Salmonella, Leptospira and Cryptosporidium, in a group of 83 freshwater turtles (Trachemys scripta) captured in Piedmont, Northwest Italy. Overall infection prevalence was 9.6%. Salmonella spp. was detected in ten specimens of T. s. elegans and Cryptosporidium ducismarci in one specimen of T. s. scripta. Salmonella enterica subsp. diarizonae was confirmed in ten freshwater turtles. No Leptospira DNA was detected. Our findings highlight that turtles, as asymptomatic carriers of zoonotic pathogens, contribute to environmental contamination and public health risks, underscoring the need for sanitary monitoring of invasive alien species under a 'One Health' approach.},
}

Animals
Italy/epidemiology
Prevalence
*Cryptosporidium/isolation & purification
*Turtles/microbiology
*Cryptosporidiosis/epidemiology/parasitology
*Salmonella/isolation & purification
*Salmonella Infections, Animal/epidemiology/microbiology
*Leptospirosis/epidemiology/veterinary/microbiology
*Leptospira/isolation & purification
Introduced Species

@article {pmid40536263,
year = {2025},
author = {Ferguson, PL and Martyn, TE and Downey, MC and Fischer, JM and Burke, IC and Lauenroth, WK},
title = {The effect of mechanical canopy reduction on big sagebrush plant communities.},
journal = {Ecological applications : a publication of the Ecological Society of America},
volume = {35},
number = {4},
pages = {e70056},
pmid = {40536263},
issn = {1939-5582},
support = {//Partnership in Forestry & Rangeland Research Program at the Yale School of the Environment/ ; },
mesh = {*Artemisia/physiology ; *Conservation of Natural Resources/methods ; *Ecosystem ; Colorado ; Time Factors ; },
abstract = {A major conservation challenge in the western United States is implementing management treatments that reduce fire risk, control for invasive species, and maintain herbaceous understories in big sagebrush ecosystems. Studies have found that mechanical treatment of big sagebrush can reduce fire risk and promote herbaceous understories, but a consensus on the long-term impacts of big sagebrush reduction remains unclear. We used a time series (20 years) of treated sites to understand the short- and long-term response of herbaceous plants and shrubs to mastication treatment in big sagebrush plant communities of south-central Colorado. We found that mastication to a height of 15 cm significantly reduced big sagebrush cover and increased perennial grass cover in the short term. The significant increase in perennial grass cover on recently treated (1-2 years) sites was largely attributed to C3 rather than C4 perennial bunchgrasses. Recently treated sites had greater annual plant cover and density than untreated sites. However, on sites treated more than 2 years ago, there was no significant difference between perennial grass and annual plant cover or density. Perennial forb cover and density was not affected by treatments. Initially reduced by nearly 80%, big sagebrush cover returned at a rapid and constant rate over time and returned to a statistically indistinguishable cover from the untreated sites within 8-10 years while height recovered slowly. Our results underscore the resilience of big sagebrush to partial canopy removal and emphasize the long-term dynamics following treatment.},
}

*Artemisia/physiology
*Conservation of Natural Resources/methods
*Ecosystem
Colorado
Time Factors

@article {pmid40536255,
year = {2025},
author = {Cronau, RJT and Lamers, LPM and de Fouw, J and van Katwijk, MM and Bouma, TJ and Heusinkveld, JHT and Poortvliet, T and van der Heide, T},
title = {Combining co-introduction with patch-size optimization as a novel strategy to maximize seagrass restoration.},
journal = {Ecological applications : a publication of the Ecological Society of America},
volume = {35},
number = {4},
pages = {e70055},
pmid = {40536255},
issn = {1939-5582},
support = {//Rijkswaterstaat/ ; },
mesh = {*Zosteraceae/physiology ; Animals ; *Ecosystem ; *Conservation of Natural Resources/methods ; *Environmental Restoration and Remediation/methods ; *Introduced Species ; },
abstract = {Coastal ecosystem engineers, such as mussels, oysters, salt marsh grasses, and seagrasses, typically shape their environment by ameliorating stressors when they grow beyond a critical population size. In doing so, they not only facilitate themselves but also provide habitat for diverse communities, which in turn, can engage in reciprocal interspecific facilitation. Over the last decades, anthropogenic disturbances have caused rapid degradation of coastal ecosystems, emphasizing the need for their restoration. Although the importance of both inter- and intraspecific positive interactions has been confirmed in small-scale experiments, their combined potential remains to be tested in restoration-scale experiments. Here, we examine whether restoration aimed at simultaneous recovery of both facilitation types can increase restoration yields of the seagrass Zostera marina. We conducted a full factorial experiment by manipulating patch size to test for intraspecific facilitation effects and co-introduced the epiphyte-grazing snails Littorina littorea to investigate interspecific facilitation. We found that the effect of including intraspecific facilitation on restoration yields was highly dependent on the hydrodynamic exposure conditions at the restoration site. Large patches in the most exposed sites showed a 40% increase in seagrass restoration yield compared to small patches, while at sheltered sites, large patches counted up to 60% less surviving plants compared to small ones. Interspecific facilitation, on the other hand, increased success yields by 73% on average. Moreover, in some plots where L. littorea survived through the winter, we counted 20 times more shoots than plots without co-introduction. Our study is the first to demonstrate that co-introduction can serve as a successful large-scale restoration strategy. Additionally, we highlight that integration of both inter- and intraspecific facilitation into restoration designs can be a powerful approach to increase coastal restoration success. However, we emphasize that these strategies should be applied specifically to counter environmental stressors as they may have adverse effects themselves in environments without such stressors.},
}

*Zosteraceae/physiology
Animals
*Ecosystem
*Conservation of Natural Resources/methods
*Environmental Restoration and Remediation/methods
*Introduced Species

@article {pmid40534979,
year = {2025},
author = {Wang, JG and Wu, JW and Li, WJ},
title = {Ecological Niche Changes and Risk Regionalization of the Invasive Plant Praxelis clematidea.},
journal = {Ecology and evolution},
volume = {15},
number = {6},
pages = {e71546},
pmid = {40534979},
issn = {2045-7758},
abstract = {Praxelis clematidea is a noxious invasive weed. Understanding the dispersion trends and niche changes inherent to P. clematidea will be helpful for monitoring this invasive species and for providing early warnings of its spread and developing appropriate scientific prevention and control measures. In this study, the invasion risk zones of P. clematidea in Guizhou Province were classified via MaxEnt, Zonation, and ArcGIS. The dispersion trend was predicted, and the ecological niche change was quantified via the R software ecospat package. The results revealed that (1) the current high-risk areas for P. clematidea invasion in Guizhou cover 14,096.03 km[2], concentrated mainly in the western to southern regions (Liupanshui, Anshun, Qianxinan, and Qiannan); the medium-risk areas cover 21,144.04 km[2], concentrated mainly in the southwestern region (Anshun, Qiannan); and the low-risk areas cover 26430.05 km[2], occurring in all cities of Guizhou but concentrated mainly in the small areas outside the high- and medium-risk areas. (2) From the present until the 2050s, the risk areas of P. clematidea will expand mainly toward the southeastern parts; from the 2050s to the 2070s, the risk areas will decrease in the southeast; and from the 2070s to the 2090s, they will expand at a large scale in the central and northeastern parts. Overall, the trend is toward expansion. (3) The degree of ecological niche overlap between P. clematidea in Guizhou Province and its original habitat is very low (Schoener's D= 0.12); the rates of niche expansion, stability, and underfilling are 0.88, 0.12, and 0.96, respectively, indicating niche instability. P. clematidea invades and occupies areas with relatively high precipitation during the warmest season in Guizhou Province. Compared with the temperature preferences in the coldest season in the original area, this species can adapt to low temperatures.},
}

@article {pmid40534718,
year = {2025},
author = {Sedibana, L and Kganyago, M and Jaca, T and Yessoufou, K},
title = {First spectral reflectance dataset of a highly invasive and aggressive alien plant species, Equisetum hyemale (snakegrass), in South Africa: Towards early detection and effective eradication.},
journal = {Data in brief},
volume = {60},
number = {},
pages = {111582},
pmid = {40534718},
issn = {2352-3409},
abstract = {This paper presents the first spectral reflectance dataset of snakegrass (Equisetum hyemale L.) invasive alien species recorded in South Africa. A total of 338 plant specimens were collected in Howick, KwaZulu-Natal province, and carefully stored in a cooler box for less than 24 hours of collection to retain the structural and biochemical state of the specimens and their overall characteristics. Then, spectral reflectance measurements were collected under laboratory conditions using the PSR-300 Spectral Evolution full-range spectrometer, equipped with a bifurbucated cable, a leaf clip and an artificial lighting system. Next, spectral preprocessing was performed in R statistical software to remove noisy spectra and regions and perform averaging per sample. The dataset is critical for early detection of the species and spatial distribution mapping using remotely piloted systems and earth observation satellites, providing essential information for aiding containment and eradication efforts.},
}

@article {pmid40533711,
year = {2025},
author = {Javed, Q and Sun, J and Černe, M and Iqbal, B and Bouhadi, M and Heath, DJ and He, F and Ullah, MS and Akbar, R and Du, D},
title = {The Effect of Native Plant Diversity on the Success of Invasive Species in Polluted Soils.},
journal = {Ecotoxicology (London, England)},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
pmid = {40533711},
issn = {1573-3017},
abstract = {Soil pollution can significantly disrupt native plant communities by weakening native species and giving invasive species a competitive advantage. This study aimed to assess the resistance of native species to invasive species in plant communities with varying species densities, focusing on growth traits and soil properties under the influence of different soil pollutants. Four native experimental communities varying in number of species were established, with each community paired with a distinct invasive species., i.e., C1 (four natives, i.e., Lactuca indica L., Plantago asiatica L., Leonurus japonicus Houtt., Alternanthera sessilis L. + Symphyotrichum subulatum (Michx.) G. L.), C2 (four natives, i.e., L. indica, P. asiatica, L. japonicus, A. sessilis + Sphagneticola trilobata L.), C3 (five natives, i.e., L. indica, P. asiatica, L. japonicus, A. sessilis, Hemistepta lyrata (Bunge) + S. subulatum), C4 (five natives, i.e., L. indica, P. asiatica, L. japonicus, A. sessilis, H. lyrata + S. trilobata). These communities were exposed to four soil pollutant treatments: (i) no pollutants (CK), (ii) PE microplastic particles (MP), (iii) cadmium, representing a heavy metal (HM), and (iv) both MP + HM. An ANOVA showed that MP, HM, and MP + HM significantly affected the biomass of both native and invasive species across all four communities (P < 0.05). Furthermore, microbial biomass carbon, nitrogen, and CO2 emissions were higher in C2 and C4 soils (invaded by S. trilobata) than in C1 and C3 soils (invaded by S. subulatum). The invasion resistance index (IRIN) of the native species increased in C1 compared to C2 by 74.50, 49.86, 18.34, and 24.72% under CK, MP, HM, and MP + HM treatments, respectively. Similarly, the IRIN in C3 increased relative to C4 by 48.30, 30.45, 22.56, and 31.03% under the same treatments. The study concludes that invasion resistance of native species depends on species diversity, the specific invasive competitor, and the type of pollutant.},
}

@article {pmid40531859,
year = {2025},
author = {Bryś, MS and Olszewski, K and Strachecka, A},
title = {The relationship between pollen monodiets and the activities of proteolytic systems in the fat body and hemolymph of honeybee workers.},
journal = {PloS one},
volume = {20},
number = {6},
pages = {e0326175},
pmid = {40531859},
issn = {1932-6203},
mesh = {Bees/physiology/metabolism/enzymology ; Animals ; *Pollen ; *Hemolymph/metabolism/enzymology ; *Fat Body/enzymology/metabolism ; *Peptide Hydrolases/metabolism ; Proteolysis ; },
abstract = {The homogenization of landscapes through the introduction of large-scale farms, the decline of biodiversity conditioned by high summer temperatures and dry weather, as well as the expansion of alien species determine the monodiet feeding of honeybees. In this study, we investigated the effect of monopollen feeding regimens (containing hazel, rapeseed, pine, buckwheat, Phacelia, and goldenrod) on the activity of the proteolytic system in the tergite 3, tergite 5 or sternite apian fat body, and hemolymph. We showed that pollen from rapeseed, Phacelia, buckwheat, and goldenrod increased the activities of acidic, neutral, and alkaline proteases and their inhibitors in the fat body and hemolymph when compared to the group fed with sugar candy only. The activities of proteases and their inhibitors in bees fed with pollen from hazel and pine were usually higher compared to the activities of honeybees fed with sugar candy only, but lower than in workers fed sugar candy with the pollen of entomophilous plants. Moreover, when comparing the proteolytic system activity between localizations/segments, the highest values were observed in tergite 5, regardless of what age the bees were and whether they were fed candy with added pollen. It is important to understand the impact of individual types of pollen in the context of potential future monodiets. Furthermore, the beneficial impact of Phacelia pollen to drive the rise of protease and protease inhibitor activities, helping to counteract negative environmental factors, can be supported by introducing, for example, flower mixtures for the insects or pollen-supplemented sugar candies for bees during periods without access to pollen.},
}

Bees/physiology/metabolism/enzymology
Animals
*Pollen
*Hemolymph/metabolism/enzymology
*Fat Body/enzymology/metabolism
*Peptide Hydrolases/metabolism
Proteolysis

@article {pmid40531411,
year = {2025},
author = {Sarma, D and Khanikor, B},
title = {Potential of Eugenol for Eco-friendly Control of Aedes albopictus (Diptera: Culicidae) in an Integrated Model with Non-target Organism.},
journal = {Neotropical entomology},
volume = {54},
number = {1},
pages = {78},
pmid = {40531411},
issn = {1678-8052},
mesh = {Animals ; *Eugenol ; *Aedes/drug effects ; Larva/drug effects ; *Insecticides ; *Mosquito Control/methods ; },
abstract = {Eugenol, a major constituent of clove and basil essential oils, has gained attention for its insecticidal properties, particularly against Aedes aegypti Linnaeus, suggesting potential effectiveness against other Aedes species. Aedes albopictus (Skuse) (Asian tiger mosquito) is a rapidly spreading invasive species responsible for transmitting serious diseases, including dengue. In the present study, we evaluated eugenol's larvicidal activity against A. albopictus larvae and its impact on the non-target larvivorous fish, Trichogaster fasciata. Eugenol showed larvicidal activity with an LC50 of 149.89 ± 17.38 ppm, while clove oil had a lower LC50 of 77.11 ppm at 24 h. Eugenol exposure resulted in notable larval morphological changes, including melanization of the thorax and anal papillae. Histopathological analysis revealed toxic effects of eugenol on the peritrophic membrane, epithelial layer and microvilli of the larval midgut after 24 h. We also assessed the acute toxicity of eugenol on T. fasciata over 96 h using LC10, LC25 and LC50 concentrations. LC10 and LC25 concentrations were safe for the fish, but LC50 caused immediate mortality. Remarkably, LC25 concentration restored the natural pigmentation of T. fasciata, which had been lost in aquarium acclimatized conditions. Histopathological examination revealed normal gill and liver features in fish exposed to LC25. In an integrated model, eugenol at LC25 effectively killed A. albopictus larvae and did not harm the non-target larvivorous mosquito Toxorhynchites splendens Theobald and fish T. fasciata. Thus, eugenol (LC25) shows promise for controlling A. albopictus larvae in small aquariums and nursery ponds, alongside beneficial larvivorous species.},
}

Animals
*Eugenol
*Aedes/drug effects
Larva/drug effects
*Insecticides
*Mosquito Control/methods

@article {pmid40531279,
year = {2025},
author = {Duarte, S and Ropars, L and Machon, N and Desutter-Grandcolas, L},
title = {Wild Bee Species (Hymenoptera: Apoidea: Anthophila) of Three Western Provinces of Cuba: A Century of Temporal Dynamics.},
journal = {Neotropical entomology},
volume = {54},
number = {1},
pages = {77},
pmid = {40531279},
issn = {1678-8052},
mesh = {Animals ; Cuba ; Bees/classification ; *Biodiversity ; Seasons ; Population Dynamics ; Time Factors ; },
abstract = {Bees, which play a vital role in the reproduction of plant, are in decline due to multiple factors. In tropical islands, despite their growing extent, urban areas are less explored and sampled compared to natural areas. Historical collections and online databases can then provide information on the temporal dynamics of pollinators as well as ecological information, providing a proxy for deficient sampling. This study investigates the diversity and ecological characteristics of the wild bee community and its temporal dynamics in the Havana province of Cuba. Cuba is a biodiversity hotspot in the Caribbean and hosts the highest bee biodiversity in the Antilles. Here, we analyzed 1,322 records (of which 1,067 new) from various sources (online databases, literature, and historical natural collections during the XIX Century). In the studied area our data attest the presence of 52 species (23 genera, 4 families), of which 47 are native (14 endemics) and four are introduced species Three species categorized as "critically endangered" for the country were recorded; 41 species are polylectic (78.8%) and 11 kleptoparasitic (21.2%). Most species were found during the rainy season (49 species vs 39 species recorded in dry season). Regarding the variation of the wild bee population over the years, one third of the recorded species have not been observed since the last century, while about 70% of the species persist. Analysis of a century data underscores the importance of conserving the wild bee community in these provinces.},
}

Animals
Cuba
Bees/classification
*Biodiversity
Seasons
Population Dynamics
Time Factors

@article {pmid40530861,
year = {2025},
author = {Ladouceur, E and Wohlwend, M and Schutzenhofer, MR and Chase, JM and Knight, TM},
title = {Invasion timing affects multiple scales, metrics, and facets of biodiversity outcomes in ecological restoration experiments.},
journal = {Ecological applications : a publication of the Ecological Society of America},
volume = {35},
number = {4},
pages = {e70062},
pmid = {40530861},
issn = {1939-5582},
support = {202548816//German Research Foundation/ ; //Tyson Research Center/ ; //German Centre for Integrative Biodiversity Research/ ; },
mesh = {*Biodiversity ; *Introduced Species ; Time Factors ; *Environmental Restoration and Remediation/methods ; *Grassland ; },
abstract = {The need to develop optimal restoration protocols for degraded grasslands has led to experimental research aimed at determining how different restoration treatments influence outcomes for biodiversity. The magnitude and direction of diversity responses to restoration treatments may depend on the spatial scale at which diversity is measured (local, regional), the metric of diversity used (Hill numbers), and the facet of diversity (taxonomic, functional, phylogenetic) considered. We conducted a long-term factorial experiment in a degraded grassland in Missouri, USA, in which we experimentally applied a regionally appropriate biodiverse seed mixture, added soil nutrients to restore soil fertility, and varied the timing in which the invasive plant Lespedeza cuneata entered the community. We used a unified framework of Hill numbers to evaluate how treatments influenced diversity, considering different spatial scales, metrics, and facets (taxonomic, phylogenetic, functional). We find that the timing in which the invasive L. cuneata entered the community had large effects on diversity, while nutrient addition had more limited effects. This was driven by the high dominance of the focal invasive when allowed to invade early in the growing season, suppressing diversity. The positive effects of late invasion increased in magnitude with spatial grain and were higher for taxonomic than phylogenetic and functional facets of diversity. This was largely due to the dominance of the focal invasive, negatively affecting diversity within specific plant families or functional phenotypes across treatments. Under early invasion, nutrients had a negative effect, particularly at local scales, inflating beta diversity in this treatment and resulting in negative to no effect of late invasion on many aspects of beta diversity. Our results demonstrate the importance of looking at a multitude of different measures of diversity to understand the relative effects of ecological restoration treatments combined with invasion timing. Efforts to keep noxious plant invaders out of a system early in restoration approaches better allow desirable, native plants to establish and can have long-term benefits for multiple aspects of diversity.},
}

*Biodiversity
*Introduced Species
Time Factors
*Environmental Restoration and Remediation/methods
*Grassland

@article {pmid40530444,
year = {2025},
author = {Matsuhashi, S and Sugiura, R and Asai, M and Asami, H and Kowata, Y and Akamatsu, Y and Sasaki, K and Yoshino, N and Ihara, N and Koarai, A},
title = {Field evaluation of an agricultural weed detector using YOLO image recognition: background conditions affect detection performance.},
journal = {Pest management science},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1002/ps.70009},
pmid = {40530444},
issn = {1526-4998},
support = {//a research project for technologies to strengthen the international competitiveness of Japan's agriculture and food industry/ ; },
abstract = {BACKGROUND: Image recognition tools for weed identification, such as smartphone applications, have the potential to enhance user knowledge, provide early invasive weed alerts, and enable site-specific weed management. Although numerous studies have reported product development and model accuracy, few have evaluated these tools in practical environments beyond developmental settings. In this study, we developed a weed detector using the You Only Look Once (YOLO) v3 object detection algorithm to identify six noxious weed species. Specifically, we examined the effects of: (i) image collection locations, (ii) target backgrounds, and (iii) camera devices on detection accuracy, assessing applicability through field verification at 68 sites across Japan and controlled garden experiments.

RESULTS: Detection success was influenced by the background of the target species in images, with significant interaction effects observed between background and target species on detection outcomes. In the most affected combination (background: tray; species: Ipomoea lacunosa), the average precision (AP) value decreased by ~0.2 compared with the other conditions. AP values in field tests were lower than those from test data resembling training data, with no correlation between AP values from test data sets and field verification. No clear effects of land use or camera devices on detection success were detected.

CONCLUSION: This study highlights the importance of background in image-based weed detection and identifies limitations in detector applicability. Our findings are expected to support more-efficient development and underscore the importance of sharing applicability data for improved weed detection tools. © 2025 Society of Chemical Industry.},
}

@article {pmid40527260,
year = {2025},
author = {Rodríguez-Caballero, G and Campoy, M and Torres, P and Díaz, G and Roldán, A and Caravaca, F},
title = {Elevated CO2 enhances mycorrhizal inoculation efficiency in phytostabilization of a heavy metal-contaminated soil using Nicotiana glauca.},
journal = {The Science of the total environment},
volume = {990},
number = {},
pages = {179847},
doi = {10.1016/j.scitotenv.2025.179847},
pmid = {40527260},
issn = {1879-1026},
mesh = {*Soil Pollutants/metabolism/analysis ; *Mycorrhizae/physiology ; *Metals, Heavy/metabolism/analysis ; Biodegradation, Environmental ; *Carbon Dioxide/metabolism ; *Nicotiana/metabolism/microbiology/growth & development ; Soil Microbiology ; Soil/chemistry ; Rhizosphere ; },
abstract = {Elevated atmospheric CO2 levels can influence the effectiveness of phytostabilization assisted by soil microorganisms in metal-contaminated soils. This study evaluated the efficacy of the native AM fungus Funneliformis mosseae in the establishment (3 months) of seedlings of the invasive species Nicotiana glauca R. C. Graham in a semiarid soil contaminated by several heavy metals (HMs), under ambient and elevated levels of CO2 (420 vs. 760 ppm, respectively) and without fertilizer treatment. Thus, we tested the effect of this native AM fungus on the plant growth parameters, the percentage mycorrhizal colonization of roots, bioavailability of HMs in soil, accumulation of HMs in plant, soil structural stability, and the functions of microbial communities (soil enzyme activities) in the rhizosphere of N. glauca in response to elevated CO2. The mycorrhizal inoculation with F. mosseae and elevated CO2 increased synergistically the shoot (about 150 %) and root (about 53 %) dry biomass and shoot P content of N. glauca. Mycorrhizal inoculation was effective in reducing the bioavailability of toxic HMs in the soil, particularly Cd, Cu, and Zn, as well as shoot Cu uptake, and resulted in shoot bioconcentration factors for all metals lower than 1, regardless of the atmospheric CO2 level. Meanwhile, the native AM fungus increased soil biomass C content, dehydrogenase, protease, and alkaline phosphomonoesterase activities, soil aggregate stability, and extractable K. In conclusion, this approach reduces metal mobility and improves soil microbial functioning and structural stability, enhancing long-term soil recovery in climate-stressed mining areas.},
}

*Soil Pollutants/metabolism/analysis
*Mycorrhizae/physiology
*Metals, Heavy/metabolism/analysis
Biodegradation, Environmental
*Carbon Dioxide/metabolism
*Nicotiana/metabolism/microbiology/growth & development
Soil Microbiology
Soil/chemistry
Rhizosphere

@article {pmid40526597,
year = {2025},
author = {Lee, JA and Rahman, MM and Cheon, SJ and Borzée, A and Sung, HC},
title = {The influences of urbanization on breeding behavior of American bullfrog (Aquarana catesbeiana) in South Korea.},
journal = {PloS one},
volume = {20},
number = {6},
pages = {e0326201},
pmid = {40526597},
issn = {1932-6203},
mesh = {Animals ; *Urbanization ; Republic of Korea ; *Rana catesbeiana/physiology ; Breeding ; *Sexual Behavior, Animal/physiology ; Introduced Species ; Ecosystem ; *Vocalization, Animal/physiology ; Reproduction/physiology ; Male ; Temperature ; },
abstract = {Urbanized areas often exhibit high levels of anthropogenic noise, which can mask or interfere with animal communication signals, especially those that use sound to communicate, making it challenging for individuals to detect and interpret acoustic cues. While calling is crucial for anuran breeding and communication, the coping mechanisms of city dwelling and cosmopolitan species in urbanized environments remain understudied. Given that invasive species have higher environmental adaptability than native species (because of habitat specificity and environmental sensitivity), we studied the calling patterns of the invasive American bullfrog (Aquarana catesbeiana) in different levels of urbanized areas in South Korea. In our study, we found an early onset of calling activities in urbanized A. catesbeiana populations, which suggests a change induced by factors related to urbanization on breeding phenology. Additionally, urban populations show more intense diurnal calling activities but shorter breeding periods than non-urban populations. The results indicate water temperature and urban noise as the leading factors influencing calling activities in A. catesbeiana. Urbanization induced changes in breeding and calling activities might have facilitated A. catesbeiana to invade and establish populations outside their natural ecological niches. Thus, this study sheds light on the effect of urbanization on frog breeding activities and how an invasive species copes with modified environments in new areas.},
}

Animals
*Urbanization
Republic of Korea
*Rana catesbeiana/physiology
Breeding
*Sexual Behavior, Animal/physiology
Introduced Species
Ecosystem
*Vocalization, Animal/physiology
Reproduction/physiology
Male
Temperature

@article {pmid40525107,
year = {2025},
author = {Basooma, A and Nakiyende, H and Natugonza, V and Basooma, R},
title = {Harnessing YouTube in advancing biodiversity conservation efforts and awareness across Africa.},
journal = {PeerJ},
volume = {13},
number = {},
pages = {e19545},
pmid = {40525107},
issn = {2167-8359},
mesh = {*Biodiversity ; *Social Media/statistics & numerical data ; Africa ; *Conservation of Natural Resources/methods ; Humans ; *Information Dissemination/methods ; *Video Recording ; *Awareness ; },
abstract = {YouTube (YT), an online video content application, has revolutionized the dissemination of information in various fields, including medicine, entertainment, and conservation science. Its potential in disseminating biodiversity conservation information has not been well assessed, especially in Africa, a biodiversity hotspot. When such assessments are conducted, they are usually species-specific, activity-based, or localized, making broader generalizations difficult. We evaluated the viewership and interaction of the videos posted about Africa across different organism groups, countries (geopolitical units), geographical regions, ecoregions, and channels (content creators). We assessed 431 videos, which collectively garnered 32,630,126 views, 364,700 likes, and 48,839 comments across 274 channels, five regions, and 31 African countries. The mean daily views varied significantly across countries, regions organism groups, and channels. Notably, more views per day were from biodiversity-rich countries, such as Madagascar, and most videos were posted from South Africa. Government and academic institutions posted fewer videos than individually owned and international biodiversity-related non-governmental organization (NGO) channels. Also, most channels posting about African biodiversity are based in the United States of America. Increased attention to biodiversity through social media engagement will likely stimulate external funding, international collaborations, policymaking, and participatory programs, benefiting both the public and organizations such as NGOs and governments. We observed a great need for increased participation by African-based content creators, primarily by government institutions, to effectively adopt a strong social media strategy to communicate information about biodiversity conservation, especially to the growing online population.},
}

*Biodiversity
*Social Media/statistics & numerical data
Africa
*Conservation of Natural Resources/methods
Humans
*Information Dissemination/methods
*Video Recording
*Awareness

@article {pmid40524429,
year = {2025},
author = {Ocampo-Zuleta, K and Paula, S and Pausas, JG and Cavieres, LA and Sierra-Almeida, Á and Gómez-González, S},
title = {Post-fire germination and plant invasion in Mediterranean Chile.},
journal = {American journal of botany},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {e70057},
doi = {10.1002/ajb2.70057},
pmid = {40524429},
issn = {1537-2197},
abstract = {PREMISE: Plants from regions where fire is a novel disturbance typically lack fire-adaptive traits, which may explain the post-fire invasion by alien plants from fire-prone ecosystems. Unlike many Mediterranean-type ecosystems, the Chilean matorral has a limited evolutionary history with fire. We predict that a negative germination response to fire will be more frequent in its native flora than in alien plants, most of which originate from the fire-prone Mediterranean Basin.

METHODS: We compiled a database on the germination responses to fire cues of 70 native and alien plant species from the Chilean matorral using published studies and unpublished data from our own experiments. We then compared the frequency of these responses between native and alien species using generalized linear mixed models.

RESULTS: Negative responses to heat shock were more probable in native than in alien species, while there were no differences in the probability of negative responses to smoke. Species origin did not affect the probability of positive responses to fire cues. When only annual plants were considered, natives and aliens did not differ in their germination responses to fire cues.

CONCLUSIONS: Our findings suggest that the influence of post-fire germination on invasion processes in the Chilean matorral is better explained by the negative effects of heat on the germination of native species (which lack fire-adaptive traits) than by the positive response of alien species to fire cues. The reduced germination of natives creates opportunities for alien species establishment, rather than pre-existing fire adaptive traits driving invasion success.},
}

@article {pmid40522958,
year = {2025},
author = {Lhoumeau, S and Elias, RB and Seidel, D and Gabriel, R and Borges, PAV},
title = {Landscape to microhabitat: Uncovering the multiscale complexity of native and exotic forests on Terceira Island (Azores, Portugal).},
journal = {PloS one},
volume = {20},
number = {6},
pages = {e0326304},
pmid = {40522958},
issn = {1932-6203},
mesh = {*Forests ; *Introduced Species ; Azores ; *Ecosystem ; Conservation of Natural Resources ; *Trees ; Islands ; Biodiversity ; Portugal ; },
abstract = {This study aims to identify the structural and compositional differences between native and exotic woodlands on Terceira Island, Azores. Based on landscape, habitat, and microhabitat analyses, remnants of native forests appeared to be associated with less accessible terrains. A more homogeneous structural complexity is exhibited, derived from the numerous branching patterns of the endemic vascular plant species. In contrast, exotic forests exhibit structural heterogeneity driven by mixed non-indigenous vascular plant species as a result of human actions such as afforestation and latter invasion of exotic tree species, after abandonment of the agricultural use. The ground and canopy layers in exotic forests were more invaded by non-indigenous species, while the understory demonstrated greater resilience by being mostly composed of indigenous species. Our findings highlight the structural and ecological differences between native and exotic woodlands, reflecting the historical transformation of forest cover in the Azores. These insights emphasize the importance of long-term monitoring and structural assessments in informing conservation efforts aimed at preserving native forests and managing invasive species in exotic woodlands.},
}

*Forests
*Introduced Species
Azores
*Ecosystem
Conservation of Natural Resources
*Trees
Islands
Biodiversity
Portugal

@article {pmid40519889,
year = {2025},
author = {Clements, SL and Ackerman, FM and Olensky, IM and White, EC and Rogers, ME and Searcy, CA},
title = {Non-Native Herpetofauna Continue to Proliferate in the World's Most Invaded Herpetofauna Community.},
journal = {Ecology and evolution},
volume = {15},
number = {6},
pages = {e71556},
pmid = {40519889},
issn = {2045-7758},
abstract = {The spread of non-native species continues to increase around the globe, highlighting the importance of understanding both the dynamics of the invaded communities in which non-natives comprise a high percentage of the total fauna and the factors that may influence non-native establishment and spread. As the global hotspot for non-native reptiles and amphibians, South Florida's herpetofaunal community provides a unique opportunity to study native/non-native community dynamics. In addition, despite high levels of development and habitat loss, South Florida has a network of protected natural areas, allowing insight into the impacts of natural vs. anthropogenic areas on native and non-native richness and abundance. Surveys conducted in Miami-Dade County in 2017 demonstrated that non-native species already dominated both natural and anthropogenic parks and provided a baseline to examine dynamic changes in the community. In 2022, we replicated the surveys from 2017 at the same 30 sites. We found that non-native richness and abundance have increased significantly (19% and 33% increase in overall alpha diversity and abundance, respectively) in just 5 years' time. We found no correlation between these non-native increases and decreases in either native species richness or abundance. Notably, non-native species richness increased more rapidly at anthropogenic sites, with two rock-loving species, Agama picticauda and Leiocephalus carinatus, standing out as the most rapidly spreading non-native herpetofauna. Our findings demonstrate that there is continued expansion of non-native herpetofaunal populations even in the highly invaded community of Miami-Dade County and that protection of natural habitat may help slow the spread of non-native species.},
}

@article {pmid40516734,
year = {2025},
author = {Lan, M and Gao, X and Li, L and Zhao, Y and Song, Q and Qin, X and Qin, D and Stanley, D and Hao, X and Zhu, J and Ding, X and Wu, G},
title = {Methyl3-indolyacetate produced by a gut bacterium of the tephritid gall fly is implicated in controlling Crofton weed by reducing its lignin synthesis.},
journal = {International journal of biological macromolecules},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {144974},
doi = {10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2025.144974},
pmid = {40516734},
issn = {1879-0003},
abstract = {Eupatorium adenophorum, an invasive species of global concern, imposes substantial ecological and economic burdens across its introduced range. This study investigates the tripartite interaction between E. adenophorum, its obligate phytophagous insect Procecidochares utilis, and the insect's enteric microbiota. We isolated Kluyvera ascorbata SZLYS-22, a gut-associated bacterium from P. utilis larvae, demonstrating potent herbicidal activity against the host plant. Bioactivity-guided characterization identified methyl indole-3-acetate (MeIAA) as the principal phytotoxin, exhibiting concentration-dependent inhibition of seed germination and induction of systemic morphological aberrations including stem spiralization, petiole epinasty, and eventual plant mortality. Histological examination revealed MeIAA-induced cytological disorganization in vascular tissues, manifesting as cellular pleomorphism and expanded intercellular lacunae. Transcriptomic profiling revealed significant down-regulation of phenylpropanoid pathway genes (PAL, 4CL, LiP), corroborated by enzymatic assays showing lignin reduction versus control. Paradoxical up-regulation of C4H expression suggests compensatory feedback mechanisms insufficient to maintain lignification. These findings establish MeIAA as a novel bioherbicide disrupting lignocellulosic integrity through targeted pathway modulation. Furthermore, this work elucidates the evolutionary arms race between E. adenophorum and P. utilis, highlighting the underappreciated role of insect-associated microbiota in mediating plant-insect interactions. The results provide a framework for developing microbiome-informed biocontrol strategies.},
}

@article {pmid40513277,
year = {2025},
author = {Hawkins, SJ and O'Shaughnessy, KA and Branch, GM and Airoldi, L and Bray, S and Brooks, P and Burrows, MT and Castilla, JC and Crowe, TP and Davies, TW and Firth, LB and Hiscock, K and Jenkins, SR and Knights, AM and Langmead, O and Leung, KMY and Mieszkowska, N and Moschella, P and Steyl, I and Tidau, S and Whittington, M and Thompson, RC},
title = {Hindsight informs foresight: revisiting millennial forecasts of impacts and status of rocky shores in 2025.},
journal = {Marine pollution bulletin},
volume = {219},
number = {},
pages = {118214},
doi = {10.1016/j.marpolbul.2025.118214},
pmid = {40513277},
issn = {1879-3363},
abstract = {Rocky shorelines are characterised by vulnerability to both land- and sea-derived impacts. They face acute impacts such as pollution from shipping accidents, chronic pollution from point sources, run-off and catchments plus disturbances by food gathering, recreation and sediment deposition in sheltered areas. Coastal urbanisation can both impact natural shores and create impoverished artificial rocky shores. Superimposed upon local and regional scale impacts are global environmental changes including warming, sea-level rise, increasing storm frequency, ocean acidification and non-native invasive species. Rocky shores are, however, amenable to long-term ecological monitoring and ecological experimentation. Thompson, Crowe and Hawkins (2002) reviewed anthropogenic impacts on rocky intertidal habitats and forecasted their status for the next 25 years. The paper was critiqued by invited experts (Branch, Castilla) at a subsequent conference in 2003 (Environmental Future of Aquatic Ecosystems, Zurich, 23-27 March 2003), culminating in a consensus chapter in Aquatic Ecosystems: Trends and Global Prospects (Branch et al., 2008). Nearly 25 years later, we revisit and evaluate their predictions to explore implications for the next 25 years as new potential impacts emerge in parallel with societal attempts to transition to net zero carbon outputs. An update is provided on what was largely correct (oil-spills, food harvest, invasive species, sedimentation/run-off, organotins, global-change, artificial habitats, recreation/research/education) and what was partially/completely wrong (eutrophication, aquaculture/GMOs, renewable energy, UV radiation) or omitted (coastal mining, ocean acidification, plastic, light, noise pollution). We also consider the challenges and uncertainties inherent in predicting impacts of environmental changes by using hindsight to inform foresight.},
}

@article {pmid40512852,
year = {2025},
author = {Jiang, F and Pu, X and Schmid, B and Reich, PB and Liang, J and Abbasi, AO and Aguirre-Gutiérrez, J and Zambrano, AMA and Altman, J and Álvarez-González, JG and Alves, LF and Amani, BHK and Ammer, C and Aymard, GA and Babu Kanda, N and Bastian, ML and Bastin, JF and Bauters, M and Boeckx, P and Bondarchuk, SN and Bondarev, A and Brearley, FQ and Brennan, S and Briseño-Reyes, J and Broadbent, EN and Češljar, G and Chen, HYH and Chisholm, C and Choi, W and Cienciala, E and Clark, CJ and Collalti, A and Corral-Rivas, JJ and Dar, JA and Dayanandan, S and de-Miguel, S and Dar, AA and Derroire, G and Djordjevic, I and Van Do, T and Doležal, J and Dourdain, A and Eyre, T and Fandohan, AB and Frizzera, L and Gatti, RC and Gianelle, D and González Elizondo, MS and Grieco, E and Harris, DJ and Hector, A and Hérault, B and Hui, C and Imai, N and Jagodziński, AM and Ji, C and Jiang, L and Joly, CA and Karminov, VN and Kartawinata, K and Kassi, JN and Kearsley, E and Keppel, G and Khan, ML and Klauberg, C and Korznikov, KA and Kothandaraman, S and Kraxner, F and Krivobokov, L and Kucher, D and Kumar, A and Kvashnina, A and Laurin, GV and Leite, RV and Libalah, MB and Lonkina, ES and Lu, H and Luo, S and Luo, Y and Mackintosh, E and Marshall, AR and Martínez, RV and Matula, R and McDonald, W and Narayanan, A and Nava-Miranda, MG and Naveenkumar, J and Mendoza, AM and Miścicki, S and Moskalyuk, T and Mukhortova, L and Mukul, SA and Nabuurs, GJ and Neldner, VJ and Nevenic, R and N'Guessan, AE and Ngugi, M and Paquette, A and Parfenova, EI and Parren, M and Parthasarathy, N and Peri, PL and Pfautsch, S and Piedade, MTF and Polyakova, G and Poulsen, AD and Poulsen, JR and Pretzsch, H and Rodeghiero, M and Rutishauser, E and Saikia, P and Saner, P and Schepaschenko, D and Schöngart, J and Searle, EB and Sheil, D and Shen, Z and Shooner, S and Shvidenko, A and Silva, CA and Sist, P and Slik, F and Song, W and Souza, AF and Stereńczak, K and Sundarapandian, S and Svátek, M and Svoboda, M and Tang, Z and Targhetta, N and Tchebakova, N and Tikhonova, E and Trethowan, L and Vega-Nieva, DJ and Verbeeck, H and Vieira, SA and Volle, C and Vozmishcheva, AS and Vozmitel, FK and Wang, HF and Wang, S and Wang, X and Wittmann, F and Zheng, C and Zhu, B and Zo-Bi, IC and Fang, J and Wang, Z},
title = {Mycorrhizal symbioses and tree diversity in global forest communities.},
journal = {Science advances},
volume = {11},
number = {24},
pages = {eadt5743},
pmid = {40512852},
issn = {2375-2548},
mesh = {*Mycorrhizae/physiology ; *Forests ; *Biodiversity ; *Trees/microbiology ; *Symbiosis ; Soil Microbiology ; },
abstract = {Unraveling the mechanisms underlying the maintenance of species diversity is a central pursuit in ecology. It has been hypothesized that ectomycorrhizal (EcM) in contrast to arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi can reduce tree species diversity in local communities, which remains to be tested at the global scale. To address this gap, we analyzed global forest inventory data and revealed that the relationship between tree species richness and EcM tree proportion varied along environmental gradients. Specifically, the relationship is more negative at low latitudes and in moist conditions but is unimodal at high latitudes and in arid conditions. The negative association of EcM tree proportion on species diversity at low latitudes and in humid conditions is likely due to more negative plant-soil microbial interactions in these regions. These findings extend our knowledge on the mechanisms shaping global patterns in plant species diversity from a belowground view.},
}

*Mycorrhizae/physiology
*Forests
*Biodiversity
*Trees/microbiology
*Symbiosis
Soil Microbiology

@article {pmid40512733,
year = {2025},
author = {Wu, T and Duan, Q and Zhang, H and Xiu, W and Jiang, Z},
title = {Differences in soil nutrient and microbial characteristics between invasive Ageratina adenophora and native plant communities.},
journal = {PloS one},
volume = {20},
number = {6},
pages = {e0325193},
pmid = {40512733},
issn = {1932-6203},
mesh = {*Soil Microbiology ; *Soil/chemistry ; *Ageratina/microbiology ; *Introduced Species ; Phosphorus/analysis ; Nitrogen/analysis ; *Nutrients/analysis ; Ecosystem ; Potassium/analysis ; },
abstract = {Much emphasis has been placed on the negative consequences of alien species on resident ecosystems. Nevertheless, quantitative studies on the effects of invasive and native plant communities on soil nutrients and microbial features were rarely conducted. This study investigated soil microbes and soil nutrients associated with different degrees of Ageratina adenophora invasion and plant communities (Gramineae and Dicotyledons). The correlations between soil microbes and soil nutrients were analyzed. The findings indicated that the invasion of A. adenophora markedly elevated the levels of soil total nitrogen (TN), nitrate nitrogen (NO3--N), ammonium nitrogen (NH4+-N), available potassium (AK) and available phosphorus (AP), while decreasing the concentrations of soil total phosphorus (TP) and total potassium (TK) in comparison with those in non-invaded areas. The concentrations of NO3--N, NH4+-N, and AK in strongly invasive plant communities were significantly greater than those in the Gramineae and Dicotyledon groups. The soil microbial richness of the A. adenophora invasive plant community was higher than that of the native plant community. In contrast, the soil microbial evenness was lower than that of the native plant community, but the soil microbial dominance increased with the increasing degree of A. adenophora invasion. Meanwhile, the number of soil bacteria, fungi, actinomycetes, nitrogen-fixing bacteria, potassium-solubilizing bacteria and phosphate-solubilizing bacteria in the invasive plant community increased significantly with increasing degree of A. adenophora invasion. The soil microbial richness of the invasive plant community dominated by A. adenophora was higher than that of the native plant community. In contrast, soil microbial evenness was reduced in the invasive community compared to the native plant community, while microbial dominance increased with the extent of A. adenophora invasion. The number of bacteria, fungi, actinomycetes, nitrogen-fixing bacteria, potassium-solubilizing bacteria and phosphate-solubilizing bacteria in the soil of the invasive plant community increased significantly. Furthermore, the variation trend of the Simpson diversity index (D) was that of the Shannon diversity index (H) of the soil microbes in this study. The McIntosh diversity index (U) showed a consistent decrease with the increasing degree of A. adenophora invasion. Moreover, after the correlation coefficients between soil microbes and nutrients were analyzed, we found that there was a significant positive correlation between soil nutrients and microbial richness in both the A. adenophora invasive community and the native plant community. Compared with plant communities, A. adenophora invasion can greatly alter the soil nutrient and microbial characteristics and the trade-offs of soil nutrients supply and demand, which may facilitate growth. The soil microbial diversity in different communities may be important factors that led to changes of soil nutrients. A. adenophora altered the trade-offs of soil nutrients supply and demand by changing the composition and diversity of soil microbes, which may be a critical ecological mechanism of the successful invasion of the exotic weed A. adenophora successful invasion.},
}

*Soil Microbiology
*Soil/chemistry
*Ageratina/microbiology
*Introduced Species
Phosphorus/analysis
Nitrogen/analysis
*Nutrients/analysis
Ecosystem
Potassium/analysis

@article {pmid40510631,
year = {2025},
author = {Ernst, AR and Larkin, DJ and Kramer, AT and Glasenhardt, MC and Hipp, AL},
title = {Diverse Ecological Strategies Increase Invasion Resistance in an Experimental Grassland Restoration.},
journal = {Ecology and evolution},
volume = {15},
number = {6},
pages = {e71575},
pmid = {40510631},
issn = {2045-7758},
abstract = {Understanding how the characteristics of native plant communities influence invasion is a pressing question, with implications for theory and management. For decades, the primary native community characteristic used in tests of biotic resistance was species richness. However, previous studies have demonstrated that evolutionary history and functional traits shape the invasion process, as ecological theory predicts. Theoretically, restoration projects would benefit from designing seed mixtures around maximizing resistance to invasion. However, there is little empirical evidence on the importance of evolutionary diversity for management and still less guidance for practitioners on effective application of ecological theories. We empirically tested how several native community characteristics (phylogenetic diversity, functional diversity, phylogenetic relatedness, and mean trait values) affected the survival of three introduced invasive species. We explored this question in experimentally restored 15-species prairie plots with three levels of phylogenetic diversity and two levels of functional diversity. Our experiment also included monocultures of all native species, which were also experimentally invaded. We found evidence that phylogenetic diversity conferred biotic resistance against one invasive species, contributing to reduced biomass in models explaining up to 10% of variance. Tall species better suppressed invaders, with height explaining up to 27% of variation in invader biomass. Surprisingly, we found patterns in leaf and seed traits linked to invasion resistance which were associated with both conservative and resource-acquisitive strategies. We also found evidence in both the diversity and monoculture plots that invaders were more successful with more closely related native species. Taken together, our results indicate that invasion resistance emerges from nuanced interactions between phylogenetic diversity, functional traits, and community composition, rather than from any single community characteristic. Our results underscore the complexity of biotic resistance and suggest that practitioners should prioritize phylogenetic diversity and strategic species selection when designing restoration plantings to enhance invasion resistance.},
}

@article {pmid40509621,
year = {2025},
author = {Rodríguez-Caro, RC and Gumbs, R and Graciá, E and Blomberg, SP and Cayuela, H and Grace, MK and Carmona, CP and Pérez-Mendoza, HA and Giménez, A and Davis, KJ and Salguero-Gómez, R},
title = {Synergistic and Additive Effects of Multiple Threats Erode Phylogenetic and Life History Strategy Diversity in Testudines and Crocodilia.},
journal = {Ecology letters},
volume = {28},
number = {6},
pages = {e70147},
pmid = {40509621},
issn = {1461-0248},
support = {MICIU/AEI/10.13039/501100011033//Spanish Ministry of Innovation, Science and Universities/ ; ZAMBRANO 21-26//European Union-Next Generation EU in Maria Zambrano Program/ ; NE/X013766/1//NERC Pushing the Frontiers grant/ ; MOBERC100//Eesti Teadusagentuur/ ; PRG2142//Eesti Teadusagentuur/ ; },
mesh = {Animals ; *Alligators and Crocodiles/physiology/genetics ; *Phylogeny ; *Biodiversity ; *Conservation of Natural Resources ; Introduced Species ; Climate Change ; Ecosystem ; *Turtles/physiology ; *Life History Traits ; },
abstract = {Understanding how multiple threats interact is crucial for the prioritisation of conservation measures. Here, we investigate how interactions between six common threats (climate change, habitat disturbance, global trade, overconsumption, pollution and emerging diseases/invasive species) reduce the life history strategy diversity and phylogenetic diversity of 230 species of Testudines and 21 of Crocodilia. We classify threat interactions into additive, synergistic and antagonistic according to the reduction of life history strategy and phylogenetic diversity. Most threat interactions are antagonistic; the effect of threats jointly is lower than the sum of the effects of threats separately. However, we find that the interaction between emerging diseases or invasive species with other threats has synergistic and additive effects, meaning that the combined effects are greater than or equal to the effects of threats separately. Our work can help target conservation strategies and detect key places to address multiple threats when they appear together.},
}

Animals
*Alligators and Crocodiles/physiology/genetics
*Phylogeny
*Biodiversity
*Conservation of Natural Resources
Introduced Species
Climate Change
Ecosystem
*Turtles/physiology
*Life History Traits

@article {pmid40509426,
year = {2025},
author = {Paunić, M and Lazarević, J and Škrobot, D and Čabarkapa, I and Šmugović, S and Vidosavljević, M and Županjac, M},
title = {Chefs' Attitudes and Sensory Analysis of Invasive Crayfish (Faxonius limosus) Meat: Psychological and Culinary Aspects.},
journal = {Foods (Basel, Switzerland)},
volume = {14},
number = {11},
pages = {},
pmid = {40509426},
issn = {2304-8158},
support = {7417//Science Fund of Republic Serbia. Reducing the negative impact of invasive crayfish Faxonius limosus in the Danube by smart ex-ploitation of their meat and shells" DANUBEcare/ ; },
abstract = {Considering the growing significance of sustainable gastronomy and the need for controlling the populations of invasive species, the aim of this study is to explore chefs' attitudes toward the sensory and psychological aspects of using invasive crayfish meat (Faxonius limosus) from the Danube. The study was conducted using a survey questionnaire with a sample of 210 respondents, employing a consumption restriction scale based on various psychological aversions to non-traditional food sources. Binary logistic regression indicated a significant impact of psychological aversion on the likelihood of accepting this raw material. Thirty chefs participated in the sensory evaluation of the crayfish meat. The results revealed that the meat has potential for broad application in the preparation of gastronomic products.},
}

@article {pmid40509340,
year = {2025},
author = {Kato-Noguchi, H and Kato, M},
title = {Evolution of the Defense Compounds Against Biotic Stressors in the Invasive Plant Species Leucaena leucocephala.},
journal = {Molecules (Basel, Switzerland)},
volume = {30},
number = {11},
pages = {},
pmid = {40509340},
issn = {1420-3049},
mesh = {*Introduced Species ; *Fabaceae/chemistry/genetics/metabolism ; *Stress, Physiological ; Biological Evolution ; Flavonoids/chemistry ; Animals ; Phytochemicals ; },
abstract = {Leucaena leucocephala (Lam.) de Wit is listed in the world's 100 worst alien invasive species because of the risks it poses to native plant communities. Life history traits, such as high growth and reproductive rates, and a high capacity to adapt to different environmental conditions may contribute to its invasive properties. Biotic stressors, such as herbivores, pathogens, and competing plant species are known to exert significant selective pressure on the plant's survival, distribution, and abundance. L. leucocephala has been reported to contain several compounds involved in the defense functions against these biotic stressors. A large amount of L-mimosine, a non-protein amino acid, was found in all plant parts of L. leucocephala, including its flowers. L-Mimosine is toxic to herbivorous mammals and insects, parasitic nematodes, pathogenic fungi, and neighboring competing plant species by inactivating various essential enzymes and blocking DNA replication, and/or inducing oxidative stress conditions. Several flavonoids, polyphenolic compounds, and/or derivatives of benzoic and cinnamic acids are toxic to parasitic nematodes, pathogenic fungi and bacteria, and competing plant species by disrupting plasma membrane structures and functions, and various metabolic processes. These compounds may represent the invasive traits of L. leucocephala that have undergone natural selection during the evolution of the species. They may contribute to the defense functions against the biotic stressors, and increase its survival, distribution, and abundance in the introduced ranges. This is the first review to focus on the compounds involved in the defense functions against biotic stressors.},
}

*Introduced Species
*Fabaceae/chemistry/genetics/metabolism
*Stress, Physiological
Biological Evolution
Flavonoids/chemistry
Animals
Phytochemicals

@article {pmid40509270,
year = {2025},
author = {Shi, W and An, T and Yang, X and Li, Y and Yimingniyazi, A and Liu, Z and Feng, Y},
title = {Norsesquiterpenes from Lolium perenne and Their Replacement Control of an Invasive Plant, Ageratina adenophora, Through Allelopathy.},
journal = {Molecules (Basel, Switzerland)},
volume = {30},
number = {11},
pages = {},
pmid = {40509270},
issn = {1420-3049},
support = {2023YFC2604500//National Key R&D Program/ ; 32271741//National Natural Science Foundation of China/ ; 2024010101-JH3/101//Liaoning Province Science and Technology Plan Project/ ; },
mesh = {*Lolium/chemistry ; *Allelopathy ; *Ageratina/drug effects/growth & development ; Introduced Species ; *Sesquiterpenes/pharmacology/chemistry/isolation & purification ; Tandem Mass Spectrometry ; Pheromones/pharmacology/chemistry ; Lactuca/drug effects/growth & development ; Plant Extracts/pharmacology/chemistry ; },
abstract = {Lolium perenne (Poaceae), a perennial forage, has high economic and nutritional value. It is often used as a replacement control for some invasive plants, as it has achieved good ecological and economic effects. However, its control effects, allelochemicals, allelopathic effects, release pathways, and contents are still unclear in the process of L. perenne replacement control of an invasive plant, Ageratina adenophora (Asteraceae). Therefore, it is necessary to reveal the mechanism of L. perenne replacement control of A. adenophora from the perspective of allelopathy. In this study, L. perenne could effectively inhibit the growth of A. adenophora in the competition assay. In addition, seven norsesquiterpenes (1-7) were isolated and identified from the whole plant of L. perenne, and most of the compounds exhibited potent allelopathic effects on the growth of A. adenophora and one model plant (Lactuca sativa, Asteraceae). Moreover, some active compounds were released into the environment through root secretion and rainwater leaching, and their contents were determined by UPLC-MS/MS (Ultra Performance Liquid Chromatography Tandem Mass Spectrometry). Our results elucidated the allelopathic mechanism of L. perenne's replacement control, A. adenophora, and provided a theoretical basis for the development of norsesquiterpenes from L. perenne.},
}

*Lolium/chemistry
*Allelopathy
*Ageratina/drug effects/growth & development
Introduced Species
*Sesquiterpenes/pharmacology/chemistry/isolation & purification
Tandem Mass Spectrometry
Pheromones/pharmacology/chemistry
Lactuca/drug effects/growth & development
Plant Extracts/pharmacology/chemistry

@article {pmid40508320,
year = {2025},
author = {Nogales, L and Alías, JC and Blanco-Salas, J and Montero-Fernández, I and Chaves, N},
title = {Allelopathy and Identification of Allelochemicals in the Leaves of Hakea decurrens subsp. physocarpa W.R. Barker.},
journal = {Plants (Basel, Switzerland)},
volume = {14},
number = {11},
pages = {},
pmid = {40508320},
issn = {2223-7747},
support = {"Direct subsidy to the University of Extremadura for the implementation of the LA4 lines of action of the I+D+i program in the area of Biodiversity.//LIA4: Evaluation and mitigation of the impact of global change on biodiversity-FEDER Funds"/LIA4 Complementary Plan, co-financed by the Ministry of Economy, Science and Digital Agenda of the Government of Extremadura and by the European Regional Developme/ ; },
abstract = {Hakea decurrens subsp. physocarpa is an invasive species from Australia, with morphological, physiological and ecological features that help it colonize and settle outside of its natural habitats. One of these characteristics is allelopathy, which is an interaction that grants a clear competitive advantage to invasive species that has not been studied in H. decurrens subsp. physocarpa. With the aim of understanding the ecological relationships that take place in habitats invaded by this species, it is especially important to know the allelopathic potential of H. decurrens subsp. physocarpa and the compounds that would be involved in this interaction. To this end, the present study quantified the allelopathic activity of the aqueous extract of leaves gathered on four different occasions in the year, as well as of the compounds present in these extracts. The obtained results show a negative effect of H. decurrens subsp. physocarpa samples collected in March, June, September, and December on the germination and growth of Lactuca sativa. Although the negative effect was observed with all extracts, the extract of leaves gathered in September showing the greatest effect on germination (I50 = 0.08 g/mL), and that of leaves collected in June presented the greatest effect on root size (I50 = 0.05 g/mL). As for the composition of these extracts, nine compounds were identified and quantified through HPLC: arbutin, mesaconic acid, isotachioside, 1-O-vanilloyl-beta-D-glucose, syringic acid-4-beta-D-glucopyranoside, quercetin 3-robinobioside-7-glucoside, quercetin 3-rhamninoside, rutin, and isorhamnetin-3-O-rutinoside. There is a correlation between the quantified parameters and the quantity of these compounds in the extracts, but it is difficult to attribute the allelopathic activity of H. decurrens subsp. physocarpa to a particular compound, since this activity may depend on the combination of these compounds. In conclusion, this work demonstrates that the leaves of the invasive species H. decurrens subsp. physocarpa have allelopathic potential, and their toxicity could be due to the combined action of these compounds, which should be analyzed in future studies.},
}