@article {pmid41754295,
year = {2026},
author = {Nualart, N and Martínez-Fuentes, J and López-Guillén, E and López-Pujol, J},
title = {Plant Invasions in Mountain Areas: Global and Mediterranean Perspectives.},
journal = {Plants (Basel, Switzerland)},
volume = {15},
number = {4},
pages = {},
doi = {10.3390/plants15040588},
pmid = {41754295},
issn = {2223-7747},
support = {EFA322/19//European Cross-Border Territorial Cooperation Program "Interreg V-A" SPAIN-FRANCE-ANDORRA/ ; EFA064/01//European Cross-Border Territorial Cooperation Program "Interreg V-A" SPAIN-FRANCE-ANDORRA/ ; 2021-SGR00315//Generalitat de Catalunya/ ; },
abstract = {Biological invasions are among the most pervasive threats to biodiversity, ecosystem functioning, and human well-being. Despite international policy efforts, the number of introductions continues to rise worldwide. Mountains, once considered resistant to biological invasions due to harsh climates and isolation, are becoming increasingly vulnerable. Human activities-tourism, infrastructure development, and land-use change-combined with climate warming, are creating new pathways and suitable conditions for non-native plants to spread upslope. Global evidence shows a rapid increase in alien species richness in mountain ecosystems, with some taxa shifting elevation by hundreds of meters. The problem of biological invasions becomes critical when considering that mountains harbor nearly a quarter of the planet's total biodiversity. This issue is even more concerning in biodiversity hotspots such as the Mediterranean Basin, where mountains present an exceptionally high rate of endemism and have served as glacial refugia. The Pyrenees exemplify this dynamic: historically shaped by millennia of human activity, they now face growing pressures from tourism and climate change. Recent cataloging efforts reveal 771 alien taxa, surpassing figures for larger ranges like the Alps. These findings challenge long-held assumptions about mountain resilience and underscore the urgent need for coordinated monitoring, early detection, and management strategies-including citizen science initiatives-to mitigate ecological impacts and protect mountain biodiversity under accelerating global change.},
}

@article {pmid41752601,
year = {2026},
author = {Nugnes, F and Carbone, C and Miele, F and Pica, F and Pierro, S and Sasso, R and Bodini, M and Bernardo, U},
title = {Contrasting Invasion Strategies, Convergent Outcomes: Establishment of Zaprionus tuberculatus and Ceroplastes ceriferus in Italy.},
journal = {Insects},
volume = {17},
number = {2},
pages = {},
doi = {10.3390/insects17020198},
pmid = {41752601},
issn = {2075-4450},
support = {no number assigned//Regione Campania/ ; },
abstract = {Global warming and international trade are accelerating biological invasions, making the Mediterranean basin a hotspot for alien arthropods. Two invasive species, the drosophilid Zaprionus tuberculatus and the wax scale Ceroplastes ceriferus, were recently detected in central-southern Italy. Surveys conducted between 2023 and 2024 detected Z. tuberculatus across several sites in Campania and Lazio, and C. ceriferus in Campania. Zaprionus tuberculatus was reared from ten host plants, including three new records, and reached its highest abundance on persimmon. Laboratory assays showed that Z. tuberculatus adults reproduced only on intact fig fruits and blueberry, indicating a limited risk for most crops. Ceroplastes ceriferus was found on four hosts, confirming its polyphagy and establishment in southern Italy. Molecular analyses revealed two COI haplotypes in the Italian populations of both species, while three haplotypes were detected globally in Z. tuberculatus and seven in C. ceriferus. Sequence divergences were moderate, indicating limited but appreciable mitochondrial differentiation among geographic populations. In Z. tuberculatus, the COII haplotype detected in Italy did not match available African sequences, underscoring gaps in reference data and complicating the reconstruction of invasion routes. Despite contrasting ecological traits and dispersal strategies, both species achieved successful establishment in Italy, showing that ecological plasticity and human-mediated transport can offset reduced genetic diversity. These records expand the known European range of both species and highlight the need for coordinated surveillance, genetic monitoring, and preventive measures to limit further introductions in the Mediterranean region.},
}

@article {pmid41752599,
year = {2026},
author = {Wieczorek, K and Chłond, D and Ball, K and Zawisza-Raszka, A and Bauters, K and Baert, D and Elliot, M},
title = {Aphids (Hemiptera: Aphididae) in Living Collections of Selected European Botanic Gardens: Diversity, Biosecurity Challenges, and Sentinel Insights.},
journal = {Insects},
volume = {17},
number = {2},
pages = {},
doi = {10.3390/insects17020196},
pmid = {41752599},
issn = {2075-4450},
support = {BE-TAF and GB-TAF-8462//SYNTHESYS/ ; },
abstract = {Botanic gardens host diverse living plant collections and are increasingly recognized as sentinel sites for documenting insect biodiversity and detecting biological invasions. Aphids (Hemiptera: Aphididae) are well suited to such monitoring due to their close host associations, rapid population growth, and importance as horticultural pests and virus vectors. Here, we document the aphid fauna recorded in five European botanic gardens-Zabrze (Poland), Meise (Belgium), and the Royal Botanic Gardens in Edinburgh, Benmore, and Logan (UK)-based on surveys conducted in 2022 and 2023. Sampling approaches included short-duration expert bioblitz-style surveys and extended seasonal monitoring. In total, more than one hundred aphid species were recorded across all sites. Observed species lists differed among gardens and survey periods, reflecting variation in sampling timing, intensity, and host plant composition. Several alien aphid species to Europe of Oriental and Nearctic origin were detected, including multiple new national records. Alien taxa were found both in outdoor living collections and in controlled environments such as glasshouses, nurseries, restricted areas, and plant shops, which may function as entry points as well as locations for early intervention. These findings illustrate the value of botanic gardens for documenting aphid diversity and supporting early detection of non-native species relevant to plant health and biosecurity.},
}

@article {pmid41752597,
year = {2026},
author = {McTavish, MJ and Jones, IM and Timm, C and Smith, SM and Bourchier, RS},
title = {Cold Storage Extends Larval Release Windows of Archanara neurica and Lenisa geminipuncta (Noctuidae), Biological Control Agents for Phragmites australis australis.},
journal = {Insects},
volume = {17},
number = {2},
pages = {},
doi = {10.3390/insects17020194},
pmid = {41752597},
issn = {2075-4450},
support = {J-001762, J-002201//Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada/ ; 0//Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry/ ; 0//Duck Unlimited Canada/ ; 0//Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada/ ; 500232//Invasive Species Centre Canada/ ; },
abstract = {Two biological control agents, Archanara neurica (Hübner) and Lenisa geminipuncta (Haworth) (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae), are being released in Canada for the control of invasive common reed, Phragmites australis australis (Cav.) Trin. Ex Steud (hereafter Phragmites). The release of larvae implanted in cut Phragmites stems is the most reliable way to establish agents at new sites, but the number of larvae that can be used for releases is limited by the short period of time over which egg hatch occurs. We conducted a cold storage experiment to assess whether the timing of egg hatch can be manipulated without affecting hatch success. Additionally, we conducted visual assessments of developing eggs to determine whether hatch timing can be predicted based on early signs of development. Eggs hatched indoors had lower hatch rates than eggs hatched in outdoor conditions. For A. neurica and L. geminipuncta, eggs could be held in cold storage for 11 and 8 weeks, respectively, without affecting hatch rates. Eggs of both species began hatching 4-7 days after the appearance of visible signs of larval development. Manipulating the timing of hatch in A. neurica and L. geminipuncta will increase the number of larval releases that can be conducted during the spring and allow the timing of releases to be optimized.},
}

@article {pmid41752593,
year = {2026},
author = {Abe, J and Matsuo, K and Tsuchida, K},
title = {Microsatellite Data Indicate an Extreme Founder Event with a Single Female Lineage in the Parasitoid Wasp Monodontomerus obscurus.},
journal = {Insects},
volume = {17},
number = {2},
pages = {},
doi = {10.3390/insects17020190},
pmid = {41752593},
issn = {2075-4450},
support = {21K06353//Japan Society for the Promotion of Science/ ; 21KK0267//Japan Society for the Promotion of Science/ ; },
abstract = {How many founders are required for insects and other organisms to establish new populations is a fundamental question in invasion biology. We investigated the population establishment process of a parasitoid wasp, Monodontomerus sp., which was first recorded in Japan in 2000. Field surveys conducted in this study showed that the parasitism rate has been increasing in recent years. Morphological and molecular analyses suggested that the parasitoid species is M. obscurus, or a closely related lineage derived from it, which newly invaded Japan. To examine genetic variation during the early stage of invasion, we developed microsatellite DNA markers and conducted population genetic analyses. The results revealed extremely low genetic diversity: most loci were monomorphic, polymorphism was restricted to loci with long repeat motifs, and the allele frequencies of these loci were dominated by single alleles. A minimum spanning network based on microsatellite genotypes exhibited a star-like pattern. These results based on genome-wide microsatellite data indicate that the present population was founded by very few individuals, most likely a single female or an effectively single genetic lineage, and novel genotypes arose through post-invasion mutations. Our study provides rare empirical evidence for single-female founding under natural conditions, and highlights how species-specific life-history and genetic systems can enable successful invasion despite extreme bottlenecks.},
}

@article {pmid41752586,
year = {2026},
author = {Liang, C and Song, J and Xu, K and Wan, F and Smagghe, G and Yang, W},
title = {Functional Characterization of Akt, a Serine/Threonine Kinase, in Tuta absoluta: A Key Regulator of Molting, Hormones, and Reproduction with Potential for RNAi Pest Control.},
journal = {Insects},
volume = {17},
number = {2},
pages = {},
doi = {10.3390/insects17020183},
pmid = {41752586},
issn = {2075-4450},
support = {QKHJC-ZK-2022-003//Natural Science Foundation of Guizhou Province/ ; GCC-2023-008//Program of High-level Innovation Talents in Guizhou Province/ ; QJJ-2023-024//Program for Natural Science Research in Guizhou Education Department/ ; },
abstract = {Insect insulin signaling plays a central role in regulating development, metamorphosis, and reproduction, yet its mechanistic functions in the tomato leafminer, Tuta absoluta, a globally significant pest, remain poorly understood. This study aimed to elucidate the role of the serine/threonine kinase Akt (TaAkt) in coordinating metamorphosis and female reproductive processes. The TaAkt gene was cloned and characterized, and its spatiotemporal expression was analyzed across various developmental stages and tissues. RNA interference (RNAi) was employed to knock down TaAkt in late pupae and newly emerged females, followed by assessment of pupal-adult eclosion, chitin metabolism, 20-hydroxyecdysone (20E) titer, ovarian development, juvenile hormone (JH) levels, vitellogenin synthesis, and fecundity. Knockdown of TaAkt significantly reduced 20E titers and downregulated the expression of ecdysone biosynthesis and signaling genes, leading to pupal mortality, defective molting, and reduced chitin content. In adult females, TaAkt silencing impaired ovarian growth, decreased JH levels, suppressed vitellogenin production, and reduced egg number and hatching rates. These findings demonstrate that TaAkt exerts pleiotropic control over both metamorphic and reproductive processes in T. absoluta. The study identifies TaAkt as a promising molecular target for RNAi-based pest management strategies, offering a potential approach to simultaneously suppress survival and reproductive capacity in this economically important pest.},
}

@article {pmid41752557,
year = {2026},
author = {Duan, M and Ning, J and Wang, G and Xu, Z and Li, S and Zhang, Z and Zhang, L and Zhao, L},
title = {Human Activities and Climate Change Accelerate the Spread Risk of Hyphantria cunea in China.},
journal = {Insects},
volume = {17},
number = {2},
pages = {},
doi = {10.3390/insects17020154},
pmid = {41752557},
issn = {2075-4450},
support = {2025YFC2609102, 2024YFC2607703//the National Key Plan for Scientific Research and Development of China/ ; 32230066, 32400399, U24A201683//the Natural Science Foundation of China/ ; GZC20232652//Postdoctoral Fellowship Program of CPSF/ ; 202401-10//Best candidates project supported by National Forestry and Grassland Administration/ ; 2023IOZ0103, 2023IOZ0203, 2023IOZ0204//Initiative Scientific Research Program, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences/ ; No.2022-2260//the China Scholarship Council Innovative Talent Program/ ; },
abstract = {Anthropogenic activities and climate change have accelerated biological invasions, leading to profound ecological, economic, social, and health impacts. The invasive species fall webworm (Hyphantria cunea) has been reported to have outbreaks in areas with climate anomalies and human settlements in recent years, highlighting the necessity to explore the species' suitable habitat and associated future changes. We built an ensemble species distribution model using Random Forest, MaxEnt, and Support Vector Machine, achieving excellent predictive performance (AUC = 0.996). Our results identify human settlement density as the dominant driving factor, with a contribution > 50%, far exceeding climatic and forest structure variables. Therefore, densely urbanized regions such as Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei, the Liaodong Peninsula, and the North China Plain comprise the current highly suitable areas. Future climate projections suggest a continued expansion of the suitable habitat for H. cunea, with the most pronounced growth expected under the high-emission pathway (SSP5-8.5), where human activity is greatest. Such a correlation indicates that highly urbanized regions should be given priority for corresponding monitoring and control measures. As climate warming continues, northeastern China will face escalating invasion risks. Conversely, some regions within the Yangtze River Delta may become less suitable for the habitation of H. cunea. These findings provide insightful guidance for region-specific surveillance, quarantine measures, and the precision management of H. cunea in China.},
}

@article {pmid41752552,
year = {2026},
author = {Guo, M and Osman, N and Yu, S and Liu, J and Wang, Y and Deng, J},
title = {Pheromone-Mediated Social Organization and Pest Management of the Red Imported Fire Ant, Solenopsis invicta: A Review.},
journal = {Insects},
volume = {17},
number = {2},
pages = {},
doi = {10.3390/insects17020150},
pmid = {41752552},
issn = {2075-4450},
support = {2023C02025//Pioneer and Leading Goose R&D Program of Zhejiang/ ; 2024kx0004//Zhejiang Agriculture and Forestry University Student Research Training Program/ ; },
abstract = {Pheromone-mediated chemical communication plays a central role in shaping the social organization and ecological success of S. invicta, a globally invasive eusocial insect characterized by a highly developed semiochemical signaling system. This review summarizes recent advances in the chemical ecology of S. invicta, with emphasis on the putative ecological roles of major pheromone classes, current understanding of the molecular and neurobiological basis of pheromone perception and signal processing, and the associations between chemical cues and colony-level social behavior dynamics. Furthermore, we evaluate progress in pheromone-based management approaches, including pheromone-enhanced baits and trail disruption techniques, highlighting both their potential to improve the specificity and efficacy of fire ant management and the current practical limitations for large-scale field applications. Finally, current significant knowledge gaps and challenges are discussed, particularly the partial characterization of pheromone identity, the ambiguous and biological significance of chemical cues, and challenges in applying laboratory research in pest management under field conditions. By linking chemical ecology, neurobiology, and invasion biology to pest management, this review outlines priority directions for future research and provides a theoretical foundation for developing more sustainable, targeted pest control approaches for fire ant management.},
}

@article {pmid41748490,
year = {2026},
author = {Liu, M and Wang, M and Yuan, L and Chu, W and Liu, H and Li, Y},
title = {Intraguild predation alters life histories in Neoseiulus barkeri and Scolothrips takahashii: asymmetric effects on development and reproduction.},
journal = {Pest management science},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1002/ps.70678},
pmid = {41748490},
issn = {1526-4998},
support = {//National Key R&D Program of China (2023YFD1400600)/ ; //National Natural Science Foundation of China·(32072483)/ ; },
abstract = {BACKGROUND: Intraguild predation (IGP) regulates predator populations through direct predation and risk effects, shaping the life-history traits of intraguild prey. This study examines the impacts of IGP on life-history traits of two biocontrol agents, Neoseiulus barkeri and Scolothrips takahashii, reared on their shared prey Tetranychus urticae, using age-stage, two-sex life-table analysis and computer simulations.

RESULTS: Life-table analysis revealed that IGP significantly reduced pre-adult survival of both predators. Neoseiulus barkeri developed faster, but exhibited reduced fecundity under IGP, which resulted in declines in its net reproductive rate (R0, from 30.76 to 10.51 offspring per individual), intrinsic rate of increase (r, from 0.2555 to 0.1872 day[-1]), and finite rate of increase (λ, from 1.2911 to 1.2059 day[-1]). Conversely, S. takahashii maintained stable development and fecundity, showing no significant differences in R0, r, λ and mean generation time (T) between IGP and control groups. The net predation rate (C0) of N. barkeri decreased from 381.00 to 172.97 prey per individual, and that of S. takahashii from 416.58 to 25.31, under IGP. Computer simulations indicated that IGP led to smaller populations and reduced predation potential for N. barkeri, whereas S. takahashii showed an increase in both.

CONCLUSION: IGP differentially alters the population parameters and predation capacity of these two species. Neoseiulus barkeri experiences a decline in population growth, whereas S. takahashii benefits from IGP. These findings highlight species-specific adaptive strategies in response to IGP, providing insights for designing compatible multipredator application programs in biological control. © 2026 Society of Chemical Industry.},
}

@article {pmid41745973,
year = {2026},
author = {Tammone Santos, A and Rivero, MA and Condorí, WE and Soto, TB and Moran, MC and Caselli, AE and Tisnés, A and Uhart, MM and Gutiérrez, SE and Estein, SM},
title = {Hepatitis E Virus Exposure Across Multiple Host Species in a Shared Ecosystem in Argentina.},
journal = {Veterinary sciences},
volume = {13},
number = {2},
pages = {},
pmid = {41745973},
issn = {2306-7381},
support = {#03/H278-C//Secretaría de Ciencia, Arte y Tecnología (UNCPBA)/ ; PICT 2018-00599//National Agency for the Promotion of Science and Technology (ANPCYT)/ ; },
abstract = {The hepatitis E virus (HEV) is an emerging multi-host pathogen, with suids being the main reservoir. Humans are primarily infected through the consumption of contaminated water or food. In Argentina, HEV circulation has been confirmed in humans, domestic pigs, wild boar (Sus scrofa), and surface water. In El Palmar National Park, invasive wild boar and axis deer (Axis axis) are controlled, and their meat is released for public consumption, with trimmings and offal frequently fed to dogs. Between 2017 and 2019, we conducted a multi-species serological survey in this protected area to assess HEV exposure in invasive mammals and in dog and human consumers of game meat. We also evaluated associations between seropositivity and environmental variables, as well as behavioral risk factors among game-meat consumers. Total anti-HEV antibodies were detected in 29/75 (38.67%) wild boar, 1/134 (0.75%) deer, 1/18 (5.6%) dogs, and 6/59 (10.17%) humans. A spatial cluster of seropositive wild boar was identified in a low-lying, flood-prone area near the confluence of the El Palmar stream and the Uruguay river, suggesting increased risk of environmental transmission. This is the first report of HEV exposure in wild boar from this park and in axis deer and dogs in Argentina. Participation in culling and game meat handling and consumption may contribute to HEV exposure pathways among humans. These findings improve understanding of HEV epidemiology at the wildlife-domestic animal-human interface and highlight the influence of environmental factors and human behavior on zoonotic virus circulation.},
}

@article {pmid41745811,
year = {2026},
author = {Caldaroni, B and La Porta, G and Dörr, AJM and Gentile, R and Futia, S and Ludovisi, A and Pallottini, M and Selvaggi, R and Bruschi, F and Elia, AC},
title = {Environmental Stress Shaping Oxidative Responses in the Invasive Crayfish Procambarus clarkii from Lake Trasimeno.},
journal = {Toxics},
volume = {14},
number = {2},
pages = {},
pmid = {41745811},
issn = {2305-6304},
support = {ID#8283 COD. SIME 2018.0425//Fondazione Cassa di Risparmio di Perugia, Italy/ ; },
abstract = {Procambarus clarkii (red swamp crayfish) exhibits physiological plasticity that enables adaptation to variable freshwater conditions, such as those in Lake Trasimeno. This study examined whether fluctuations in hydrometric level and associated physicochemical parameters affect oxidative stress responses in the hepatopancreas and abdominal muscle of male and female individuals. Superoxide dismutase, catalase, glutathione peroxidase, and metallothionein reveal tissue, sex, and season-specific differences that indicate adaptive physiological adjustments. Temporal trends were evaluated, and multivariate analyses summarised environmental and metal gradients. Generalised Additive Models (GAMs) were used to explore relationships between oxidative responses and these gradients, with sex as a categorical factor. Associations were identified with hydrometric level, temperature, conductivity, transparency, pH, dissolved oxygen, and metals of biological relevance. These results highlight the remarkable physiological plasticity of P. clarkii, which underpins its success as an invasive species in fluctuating freshwater ecosystems.},
}

@article {pmid41745726,
year = {2026},
author = {Xie, J and He, W and Qiu, M and Lin, J and Shu, H and Wang, J and Liu, L},
title = {Field-Evolved Resistance to Bt Cry Toxins in Lepidopteran Pests: Insights into Multilayered Regulatory Mechanisms and Next-Generation Management Strategies.},
journal = {Toxins},
volume = {18},
number = {2},
pages = {},
pmid = {41745726},
issn = {2072-6651},
support = {32102289//National Natural Science Foundation of China/ ; 2025AFB458//Natural Science Foundation of Hubei Province/ ; T2024039//Hubei Provincial Higher Education Outstanding Young and Middle-aged Scientific and Technological Innovation Team Project/ ; },
abstract = {Bt Cry toxins remain the cornerstone of transgenic crop protection against Lepidopteran pests, yet field-evolved resistance, particularly in invasive species such as Spodoptera frugiperda and Helicoverpa armigera, can threaten their long-term efficacy. This review presents a comprehensive and unified mechanistic framework that synthesizes current understanding of Bt Cry toxin modes of action and the complex, multilayered regulatory mechanisms of field-evolved resistance. Beyond the classical pore-formation model, emerging evidence highlights signal transduction cascades, immune evasion via suppression of Toll/IMD pathways, and tripartite toxin-host-microbiota interactions that can dynamically modulate protoxin activation and receptor accessibility. Resistance arises from target-site alterations (e.g., ABCC2/ABCC3, Cadherin mutations), altered midgut protease profiles, enhanced immune regeneration, and microbiota-mediated detoxification, orchestrated by transcription factor networks (GATA, FoxA, FTZ-F1), constitutive MAPK hyperactivation (especially MAP4K4-driven cascades), along with preliminary emerging findings on non-coding RNA involvement. Countermeasures now integrate synergistic Cry/Vip pyramiding, CRISPR/Cas9-validated receptor knockouts revealing functional redundancy, Domain III chimerization (e.g., Cry1A.105), phage-assisted continuous evolution (PACE), and the emerging application of AlphaFold3 for structure-guided rational redesign of resistance-breaking variants. Future sustainability hinges on system-level integration of single-cell transcriptomics, midgut-specific CRISPR screens, microbiome engineering, and AI-accelerated protein design to preempt resistance trajectories and secure Bt biotechnology within integrated resistance and pest management frameworks.},
}

@article {pmid41745280,
year = {2026},
author = {Bernier, L and de Oliveira, TC and Majeau, JA and Plourde, KV and Jacobi, V and Tanguay, P and de la Bastide, PY and Hintz, WE and Porth, IM and Dufour, J and Hessenauer, P and Roden, CA and Laflamme, C and Varlet, L},
title = {An Ammonium Transporter Gene Contributes to the Aggressiveness of the Dutch Elm Disease Pathogen Ophiostoma novo-ulmi.},
journal = {Journal of fungi (Basel, Switzerland)},
volume = {12},
number = {2},
pages = {},
pmid = {41745280},
issn = {2309-608X},
support = {RGPIN-2018-06607//Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada/ ; RGPIN-2025-06771//Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada/ ; 10106//Genome Canada/Genome British Columbia/Génome Québec/ ; },
abstract = {Molecular mechanisms determining pathogenicity of the Dutch elm disease fungus Ophiostoma novo-ulmi are poorly understood. Prior identification of the pathogenicity locus pat1 prompted a chromosome walking approach to elucidate gene function in this region. Among 17 identified genes, ONUg0282 (amtA) was predicted to encode a high-affinity ammonium transporter. In silico analyses confirmed the presence of four additional amt genes (amtB, amtC, amtD, and amtE) in both O. novo-ulmi and the less aggressive O. ulmi and that amtA and amtB belong to the Saccharomyces cerevisiae mep2 clade. The predicted amtA gene product showed features of Mep2-type transceptors, including amino acid residues corresponding to His-168 and His-318 in Escherichia coli AmtB protein, 11 transmembrane helices, and a conserved 22 amino acid motif immediately downstream of the last transmembrane helix. A knockdown amtA mutant with 25% residual expression was significantly less aggressive than wild-type O. novo-ulmi strain H327 when infecting Ulmus americana × U. parvifolia saplings. Predicted AmtA transporters from two CRISPR-Cas9 knockout mutants contained only five intact transmembrane helices. The ΔamtA mutants retained several wild-type phenotypic traits, including yeast-mycelium dimorphism, but were significantly less aggressive than H327 towards U. americana saplings. We concluded that ONUg0282 is an important determinant of aggressiveness in O. novo-ulmi.},
}

@article {pmid41744662,
year = {2026},
author = {Touhami, F and Bazairi, H},
title = {Population Structure and Growth Dynamics of the Invasive Blue Crab Callinectes sapidus in the Loukkos Estuary (Morocco).},
journal = {Biology},
volume = {15},
number = {4},
pages = {},
doi = {10.3390/biology15040353},
pmid = {41744662},
issn = {2079-7737},
abstract = {This study provides the first insights into the biology of the blue crab Callinectes sapidus in the Loukkos Estuary, based on 461 individuals collected between December 2022 and November 2023. Results indicate a well-structured invasive population. Carapace width ranged from 52 to 201 mm (mean ± SD: 121.7 ± 25.4 mm) and total weight from 12 to 512 g (128.2 ± 76.6 g). Morphometric analyses revealed pronounced sexual dimorphism, with males larger and heavier than females. Size structure shifted seasonally, with smaller crabs dominating spring-summer samples and larger crabs in winter. Biometric relationships were significant and indicated negative allometric growth in both sexes. The sex ratio was strongly male-biased (M/F = 2.72). Condition factor varied with season and sex, peaking in summer and reaching minima in autumn. Female maturity exhibited marked seasonality: immature females prevailed from spring to autumn, whereas mature females occurred mainly in winter. Logistic modeling estimated size at 50% maturity (L50) at 126.7 mm carapace width in females. Results suggest that Loukkos Estuary functions primarily as a nursery and growth area for C. sapidus and provide essential baseline information for future monitoring and management of this invasive species.},
}

@article {pmid41744638,
year = {2026},
author = {Wang, X and Tian, C and Jia, X and Zhao, Y and Xing, Y},
title = {The Impact of Significant Geographical Barriers on the Invasion Risk of Non-Native Aquatic Animals: A Case Study of the Qinling Mountains, China.},
journal = {Biology},
volume = {15},
number = {4},
pages = {},
doi = {10.3390/biology15040329},
pmid = {41744638},
issn = {2079-7737},
support = {NSFC 32373133//National Natural Science Foundation of China/ ; Yellow River Fisheries Resources and Environmental Survey//Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs of the People's Republic of China/ ; NSFC32270464//National Natural Science Foundation of China/ ; Sino BON - Inland Water Fish Diversity Observation Network//Sino BON - Inland Water Fish Diversity Observation Network/ ; },
abstract = {Biological invasion is a major driver of biodiversity loss and ecosystem disruption, with non-native aquatic species threatening ecological integrity and economic stability. The Qinling Mountains, located in central China, serve as a crucial barrier between temperate and subtropical climate zones, and separate the Yellow and Yangtze River basins. This study investigates the role of these geographical barriers in regulating the distribution and invasion risk of non-native aquatic species. We identified 27 non-native species in Shaanxi Province based on occurrence records compiled from field survey conducted between 2012 and 2024 (and from 2019 to 2024 in the Yellow River mainstream of the Shanxi-Shaanxi Gorge), including 13 high-risk species, such as Trachemys scripta elegans, Procambarus clarkii, Sander lucioperca, and Hypomesus olidus. Using the Aquatic Species Invasiveness Screening Kit and species distribution models, we identified the Hanjiang River in the Yangtze basin and Weihe River estuary in the Yellow River basin as high-risk areas for these species. Mean annual temperature was the primary environmental factor influencing species distribution, with species adapted to cooler conditions predominantly found north of the Qinling Mountains, while those preferring warmer climates are more common in the south. Our findings highlight the Qinling Mountains as both a physical and climatic barrier, limiting cross-basin dispersal and creating distinct invasion patterns. However, human activities such as inter-basin water-transfer projects, damming, and aquaculture practices have gradually weakened the barrier's effectiveness, facilitating the spread of invasive species. We recommend prioritizing monitoring efforts in cross-basin water-transfer regions, focusing on high-risk species adapted to both cooler and warmer climates, and incorporating environmental DNA (eDNA)-based monitoring in recipient areas of inter-basin water-transfer projects for early detection and control to minimize ecosystem damage.},
}

@article {pmid41744027,
year = {2026},
author = {Chen, SH and Rafter, M and Gooden, B and Schmidt-Lebuhn, AN},
title = {A Practical Guide for Harnessing Phylogenomics in Biocontrol: Accounting for Topological Uncertainty and Phylogenetic Distance in the Centrifugal Phylogenetic Method and Beyond.},
journal = {Evolutionary applications},
volume = {19},
number = {2},
pages = {e70203},
pmid = {41744027},
issn = {1752-4571},
abstract = {In the genomic era, phylogenomics is playing an increasingly important role in biological control research for prioritising species in host specificity testing, species delimitation, and elucidating the origins of introduced species. This paper outlines key concepts in phylogenomics relevant to biocontrol practitioners and provides practical guidance on the construction and interpretation of phylogenetic trees. We examine the patterns and distributions of degrees of separation and phylogenetic distance (also known as patristic distance) across different types of phylogenetic trees, including cladograms, phylograms, and chronograms, and offer recommendations for their application. Further, we consider the impact of topological uncertainty on these distance measures and the inferences they inform for decision-making in biological control. These concepts are illustrated through two case study datasets representing distinct evolutionary contexts. The first explores a recently published phylogeny of Asteraceae tribe Senecioneae derived from traditionally used nuclear and chloroplast Sanger molecular markers, using common groundsel (Senecio vulgaris) as the hypothetical target weed. The second case study dataset focuses on the biocontrol of stinking passionflower (Passiflora foetida) in Australia, presenting a novel target capture (Angiosperms353) phylogeny for this group. Equipping biocontrol practitioners with a deeper understanding of phylogenomics will facilitate more efficient and data-driven decision-making in biological control.},
}

@article {pmid41743574,
year = {2026},
author = {Zheng, F and Zhang, W and Li, Q and Wang, Z and Xu, G and Clements, DR and Yao, B and Jin, G and Yang, S and Shen, S and Zhang, F and Day, MD},
title = {Predicting the Potential Distribution of the Invasive Plant Alternanthera pungens Kunth Under Climate Change Scenarios in China.},
journal = {Ecology and evolution},
volume = {16},
number = {2},
pages = {e73124},
pmid = {41743574},
issn = {2045-7758},
abstract = {Alternanthera pungens Kunth is considered to be less invasive compared to its exotic congener A. philoxeroides (Mart.) Griseb. However, in recent 10 years, it has spread rapidly in Yunnan Province, China. To better understand the species' invasion and distribution, we simulated the potential distribution of A. pungens in China using a MaxEnt model under the current climate scenario and several future climate scenarios, with varying emissions and time frames. The model achieved excellent prediction performance, with A. pungens having an area under the curve value and true skill statistics value of 0.979 and 0.910, respectively. Temperature seasonality and mean temperature of coldest quarter were the greatest predictive environmental variables, with a cumulative contribution of more than 85.3% and a cumulative permutation importance of more than 89.8%. The suitable geographic region of A. pungens is concentrated in southern China. Under the current climate scenarios, projected areas ranked as highly and moderately suitable for A. pungens accounted for 0.31% and 1.03% of the Chinese mainland area, respectively. Under future climate scenarios, the suitable areas for A. pungens in China will expand northwards, with a maximum projected growth rate of 41.4% in the 2070s. This study was the first to show that A. pungens is predicted to expand its range in China in the future. Early warning and monitoring of A. pungens should be pursued, with greater vigilance in southern China to prevent its further spread and invasion.},
}

@article {pmid41740994,
year = {2026},
author = {Deconninck, G and Raynaud-Berton, B and Boulembert, M and Chabrerie, O and Couty, A and Dedeine, F and Eslin, P and Foray, V and Georges, R and Gibert, P and Mouton, L and Pincebourde, S and Renault, D and Suppo, C and Colinet, H},
title = {A roadmap to key traits of invasive Drosophilidae.},
journal = {Biological reviews of the Cambridge Philosophical Society},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1002/brv.70148},
pmid = {41740994},
issn = {1469-185X},
support = {ANR-20-CE02-0011//Agence Nationale de la Recherche/ ; //France AgriMer/ ; },
abstract = {Biological invasions have intensified in recent decades, mostly driven by international trade and travel, raising significant concerns, particularly regarding insect pests. Once non-native species establish, they can disrupt natural ecosystem stability, undermine agroecosystem sustainability and cause substantial economic losses. The urgency to anticipate these socio-economic impacts has accelerated research into the traits and processes that predispose certain species to invasion success. Our review examines the factors contributing to invasion success, using the well-documented case of Drosophilidae as a model taxon given the extensive literature on this family. The invasion of Drosophila suzukii is the most well studied, yet it represents just one example among several Drosophilidae successful invasions, including those from the genera Drosophila, Scaptomyza and Zaprionus. Their traits and adaptive capacities have enabled them to overcome environmental barriers, facilitating their global spread and establishment. We first explore the selective forces acting on pioneer individuals and their ability to establish reproducing populations. We then analyse the roles of abiotic factors (through phenotypic plasticity, tolerance to thermal and water stress, synergies between multiple stressors) and biotic factors (through the exploitation of novel trophic niches, resistance to competition and predation, symbiont-mediated assistance) in shaping invasion success. A nuanced understanding of how these constraints interact is essential for predicting and managing the proliferation of invasive Drosophilidae and other non-native species. We propose that successful invasive species do not necessarily excel in one single trait but rather perform adequately across multiple traits and processes. In this review, we found support in the literature for 14 key traits and processes of Drosophilidae biology that facilitate a species' ability to become invasive and provide future perspectives to address critical knowledge gaps, paving the way towards a comprehensive understanding of invasion success.},
}

@article {pmid41737578,
year = {2026},
author = {Lundgren, E and Svenning, JC and Schlaepfer, MA and Wallach, A and Andersson, A and Marris, E and Rohwer, Y and Ramp, D},
title = {Many pasts, many futures: Navigating the complexities of species reshuffling to help prevent extinctions.},
journal = {Cambridge prisms. Extinction},
volume = {4},
number = {},
pages = {e2},
pmid = {41737578},
issn = {2755-0958},
abstract = {Preventing human-caused extinctions is a foundational aim of conservation. However, in addition to causing extinctions, humans have moved numerous species to new areas. A considerable percentage of these are threatened in their native ranges. Broadening our conservation ethos to include introduced species is contentious and requires critical thinking in empirical and normative dimensions to negotiate between conflicting conservation goals. Here, we present a series of questions to inspire critical thinking in the negotiation of these conflicts. Empirically, we suggest that conservationists should consider whether the effects of introduced species are due to their non-nativeness per se or are simply a consequence of the organism having a metabolism and taking up space. Importantly, this requires proper scientific comparison to the effects of similar native organisms - otherwise many claims of 'harm' are unfalsifiable and could be used to justify the eradication of any organism. We further propose questions to help conservationists sort facts from normative values, which often wear empirical clothes. Through empirical rigor, value transparency and critical justification of these values, we believe that twenty- first century conservation can become a future-facing and pluralistic discipline with a heightened ability to prevent extinctions in an increasingly unpredictable and novel biosphere.},
}

@article {pmid41736983,
year = {2026},
author = {Seidensticker, MT and Bullington, LS and Morales, SE and Ramsey, PW},
title = {A Regional DNA Barcode Library for Northern Rocky Mountain Arthropods to Support Biodiversity and Molecular Ecological Research.},
journal = {Ecology and evolution},
volume = {16},
number = {2},
pages = {e73150},
pmid = {41736983},
issn = {2045-7758},
abstract = {Arthropod DNA barcode reference libraries have advanced ecological research but remain incomplete in many areas, including the western United States. To improve coverage in the Northern Rocky Mountains, we developed the MPG Ranch Arthropod Library (MPG-AL), a cytochrome oxidase I (COI) DNA barcode reference library for local arthropods in west-central Montana. From 2017 to 2019, we collected 86,533 specimens from various habitats, generating 52,270 DNA barcodes for arthropod taxa from 38 orders, 389 families, 1668 genera, and 1793 species. A comparison of the MPG-AL taxonomic coverage with a combined dataset of publicly accessible Montana arthropod DNA barcodes in the Barcode of Life Database (BOLD) and Montana Natural Heritage Program occurrence records revealed that the MPG-AL added references representing 5154 Barcode Index Numbers (BINs) to BOLD. These additions mark a 280% increase for Montana arthropod DNA barcodes, including 1140 new BINs for taxa previously lacking reference barcode sequences in BOLD. The MPG-AL provides a substantial foundation for establishing a comprehensive arthropod DNA barcode database in the Northern Rocky Mountain ecoregion. However, many taxa still lack reference barcode sequences, particularly in large, diverse insect orders. Future barcoding efforts are encouraged to expand regional taxonomic coverage through targeted sampling and collaborations with regional entomological collections. A comprehensive regional arthropod DNA barcode library will enhance our understanding of arthropod population trends and trophic relationships in the western United States amid persistent threats such as climate change, habitat loss, pesticides, and invasive species.},
}

@article {pmid41736723,
year = {2026},
author = {Makhathini, N and Burnett, MJ and Hanzen, C and Nkomo, MN and Downs, CT},
title = {Fisher Perceptions and Management Challenges in KwaZulu-Natal's Inland Water Bodies.},
journal = {Aquatic conservation : marine and freshwater ecosystems},
volume = {36},
number = {2},
pages = {e70319},
pmid = {41736723},
issn = {1052-7613},
abstract = {Inland fisheries in South Africa are crucial for the livelihoods of local communities, but they face pressures that threaten the sustainability of small-scale and recreational fishers livelihoods, the latter making the dominant economic contribution. However, distinctions between small-scale and recreational fishing rights are unclear. We aimed to address the knowledge gap regarding economically significant fish species, their contribution to fishers, and how they are spatial distributed across the uMngeni and uThukela Catchment Management Areas in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa. Additionally, we addressed the fisher perceptions and use of targetted fish species. A questionnaire-based interview was conducted with fishers between 2021 and 2023 across rivers and impoundments. Our findings highlight several key challenges for inland fisheries management. We found that there are difficulties in categorising fishers, particularly in distinguishing small-scale from recreational fishers, an ambiguity reflected in fishers' self-identifications and practices, with 'subsistence' as a self-identifier. This complexity was further highlighted by the ecological and economic significance of key species, with the invasive Cyprinus carpio having the greatest market value and being the most economically important species. Fishers largely viewed these invasive species through an economic lens, perceiving them as valuable resources and adapting their practices to target their harvest. Regarding fishing behaviours, subsistence fishers were a significant group, reporting weekly or monthly fish consumption and exhibiting a clear preference for river fishing over other waterbody types. Finally, gender significantly influenced participation, with males exhibiting higher fishing frequencies. We conclude that the definitions of inland fisheries in South Africa do not align with the realities on the ground, and the fuzzy boundary between defined small-scale, recreational fisheries and undefined subsistence fishers will likely negatively influence policy implementation. In addition, it highlighted the need for integrated management of South African inland fisheries and economics to sustain inland fisheries that support livelihoods and fish conservation.},
}

@article {pmid41734750,
year = {2026},
author = {Popescu, VD},
title = {Biogeography: Invasive predators rewire island food webs.},
journal = {Current biology : CB},
volume = {36},
number = {4},
pages = {R145-R147},
doi = {10.1016/j.cub.2025.12.062},
pmid = {41734750},
issn = {1879-0445},
mesh = {Animals ; *Food Chain ; *Introduced Species ; Islands ; *Predatory Behavior ; Ecosystem ; },
abstract = {A new study shows that invasive American bullfrogs restructure island food webs by displacing native species from central roles, increasing network connectance and reducing modularity. These changes destabilize ecosystems and decouple food-web architecture from classic island biogeography patterns, revealing hidden invader impacts beyond species loss.},
}

Animals
*Food Chain
*Introduced Species
Islands
*Predatory Behavior
Ecosystem

@article {pmid41736911,
year = {2025},
author = {Medeiros, MJ and Burger, AD and Price, DK and Yew, JY},
title = {Microbiome composition of Drosophila suzukii varies across geographical regions.},
journal = {Frontiers in ecology and evolution},
volume = {13},
number = {},
pages = {},
pmid = {41736911},
issn = {2296-701X},
support = {P20 GM125508/GM/NIGMS NIH HHS/United States ; P20 GM139753/GM/NIGMS NIH HHS/United States ; },
abstract = {Drosophila suzukii is a common agricultural pest in numerous parts of the world, costing more than $500 million annually in crop loss in the United States alone. Understanding the genetic and physiological mechanisms underlying its remarkable adaptability has been a major focus for the agricultural industry as well as evolutionary biologists. The microbiome, the community of microbes associated with host organisms, can play a pivotal role in local adaptation by improving host resilience to environmental stress and providing access to new sources of nutrition. Here, we test the hypothesis that the colonization of nonnative regions is associated with the incorporation of regionally-specific microbial taxa. We compare the microbiome profiles of wild-caught D. suzukii across five global sites, Asia, Europe, the United Kingdom, North America, and Hawai'i. We also compare microbial communities of D. suzukii found in Hawai'i to another local invasive species, D. immigrans, and native Hawaiian drosophilids. Our results reveal that wild-caught D. suzukii from Asia, Europe, the United Kingdom, North America, and the Hawaiian Islands exhibit distinct microbial compositions indicating that the environment is a stronger driver of microbiome composition than species identity. Seven bacterial families were conserved between all wild D. suzukii populations. Within Hawai'i, non-native D. suzukii bacterial communities differed from those of native Hawaiian Drosophila species as well as non-native D. immigrans. By contrast, fungal microbiome profiles between the Hawaiian Drosophila and two invasive species closely resemble each other. In sum, all populations of D. suzukii in this study contain a subset of conserved bacterial families but also incorporate local bacterial taxa. This strategy may contribute to the rapid range expansion of D. suzukii and enhance its ability to exploit new dietary sources.},
}

@article {pmid41734661,
year = {2026},
author = {Borota, A and Funar-Timofei, S and Neanu, C and Halip, L and Savulescu, R},
title = {Computational insights into herbicide resistance via acetohydroxyacid synthase in Ambrosia artemisiifolia.},
journal = {Computational biology and chemistry},
volume = {123},
number = {},
pages = {108959},
doi = {10.1016/j.compbiolchem.2026.108959},
pmid = {41734661},
issn = {1476-928X},
abstract = {Herbicide resistance poses a major challenge in modern weed management, especially under the pressure of intensive herbicide use and climate-induced stressors. Ambrosia artemisiifolia (common ragweed) is a highly invasive species often controlled by herbicides targeting acetohydroxyacid synthase (AHAS), an enzyme essential for branched-chain amino acid synthesis. Genomic analyses have identified the Trp574Leu mutation as the main driver of resistance to AHAS-inhibiting herbicides. In this study, we employed a suite of in silico techniques, including homology modeling, molecular docking, dynamics simulations, and pharmacophore modeling, to investigate the structural and functional impact of the Trp574Leu mutation in both wild-type and mutant AHAS variants. Key residues in herbicide binding were characterized using molecular dynamics, revealing that the Trp558Leu mutation alters the binding interface by selectively disrupting key wild-type-specific interactions while promoting alternative contacts in the mutant system. Interactions mediated by Ala637, which substantially contribute to the WT binding mode, are markedly reduced in the mutant, whereas contacts involving Arg361 are significantly stabilized. Pharmacophore models were developed for both enzyme variants, with the wild-type model (A1A3A5N12) showing predictive performance (ROC = 0.89, AUAC = 0.88, EF1 % = 7.65) based on cloransulam-methyl binding. A consensus pharmacophore integrating features from both models was constructed to support the rational design of novel herbicides. These results offer molecular-level insights into AHAS-mediated resistance and tools that may aid the rational design of new herbicides capable of overcoming the Trp574Leu resistance mechanism.},
}

@article {pmid41733344,
year = {2026},
author = {Shrestha, A and Schwarz, JW and Feng, KH and Spencer, MM and Adhikari, A and Amwe, OO and Sacharia, RG and O'Hanlon, B and Denagamage, T and Weyna, AAW and Nemeth, NM and Holmes, EC and Allison, AB},
title = {The origins and potential cross-species transmission of paramyxoviruses and other RNA viruses between native snakes and invasive Burmese pythons in the Florida Everglades.},
journal = {Journal of virology},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {e0183325},
doi = {10.1128/jvi.01833-25},
pmid = {41733344},
issn = {1098-5514},
abstract = {UNLABELLED: During November-December 2020, a disease outbreak involving eastern mudsnakes (Farancia abacura abacura) was documented in the Greater Everglades Ecosystem, Florida, USA. Moribund snakes were observed writhing on riverbanks with concomitant frothy oral discharge. Pathological examination revealed necrotizing enteritis and pulmonary edema, and a reptilian ferlavirus phylogenetically related to anaconda paramyxoviruses was isolated. While ferlaviruses are well-described pathogens of snakes in zoological and private collections worldwide, this represented the first outbreak of ferlaviruses recorded in free-ranging snakes. To biologically characterize this virus, we performed in vitro analyses including host range, relative infectivity, and temperature-dependent fitness assays. As one outstanding question in paramyxovirus biology is the functional role of the U protein, which is unique to ferlaviruses, we investigated its spatiotemporal expression in infected cells, demonstrating its localization to viral inclusion bodies. Additionally, we sampled Burmese pythons (Python molurus bivittatus), an invasive constrictor species, in and around the outbreak site in the Everglades for reptilian ferlaviruses, resulting in the discovery of the first terrestrial alphavirus detected in the United States in over 50 years and a novel hepacivirus that putatively contains a third protease which is evolutionarily conserved among lower vertebrate hepaciviruses and may have arisen by duplication of the NS2-3 protease. Although the impact of Burmese pythons on the Everglades ecosystem via the predation of native species has garnered much attention, little is known regarding the diversity of viral pathogens they harbor and the potential risks they may pose to native wildlife and other animal hosts through viral cross-species transmission.

IMPORTANCE: Although the evolution, molecular biology, and pathogenesis of numerous disease-causing animal paramyxoviruses have been examined extensively, studies on reptilian ferlaviruses-which have been responsible for large-scale mortality events in snakes in managed settings for decades-have lagged significantly. Herein, we document the first recognized ferlavirus disease outbreak in free-ranging snakes and provide new insights on the ferlavirus-specific U protein and reptilian host range that make these viruses unique among the paramyxoviruses. In searching for the potential source of ferlaviruses in nature, we discovered other novel RNA viruses in Burmese pythons, an invasive constrictor species introduced into the Everglades. In addition to extending the known diversity of reptilian viruses, these findings provide new fundamental insights into mammalian virus evolution and highlight the potential dangers of the cross-species transmission of such viruses into native snakes and other wildlife.},
}

@article {pmid41733030,
year = {2026},
author = {Zhao, Y and Hu, J and Du, J and Guo, S and Hou, Y and Li, Z},
title = {Thermal Plasticity is Regulated by a Key MicroRNA During Range Expansion of an Invasive Fruit Fly.},
journal = {Advanced science (Weinheim, Baden-Wurttemberg, Germany)},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {e07662},
doi = {10.1002/advs.202507662},
pmid = {41733030},
issn = {2198-3844},
support = {32172394//National Natural Science Foundation of China/ ; SKLJRP2509//Joint Research Program of State Key Laboratory of Agricultural and Forestry Biosecurity/ ; 2021YF1403200//Shanghai Sailing Program/ ; //The Teaching Team Program of China Agricultural University/ ; //The 2115 Talent Development Program of China Agricultural University/ ; },
abstract = {Understanding the mechanisms that enable invasive species to expand into novel thermal environments is key to predict their future distribution range under climate change. Plasticity is a key driver behind range expansion during invasion, yet the post-transcriptional regulatory mechanism underlying plasticity during range expansion remains less explored. Here, we performed an integr analysis of phenotypic, transcriptomic, and microRNA (miRNA) changes in a range-expanding invasive insect, Bactrocera dorsalis, under heat and cold acclimation. We found that populations at the invasive front exhibited reduced plasticity in fitness-related traits that were corroborated by genetic assimilation of frontloaded genes. Weighted Gene Co-expression Network Analysis uncovered important modules associated with acute cold tolerance of B. dorsalis and indicated thw gene as a critical network component. Furthermore, thw was found to be regulated by a key miRNA, miR-276b, with its function verified by our dual-luciferase reporter assay and RNAi-mediated knockdown experiment. Our findings suggested that miRNA-mediated regulation of plasticity might be key to allow invasive species to expand into novel thermal environments.},
}

@article {pmid41730892,
year = {2026},
author = {Molina-Montenegro, MA and Acuña-Rodríguez, IS and Atala, C and Ballesteros, GI and Carrasco-Urra, F and Castro-Nallar, E and Delgado-Baquerizo, M and Escobedo, VM and Fuentes-Peñailillo, F and García, LY and Guajardo-Leiva, S and Gundel, PE and Hereme, R and Ochoa-Hueso, R and Pertierra, LR and Richardson, DM and Torres-Díaz, C and Ueno, AC and Villalón, A and Zanne, AE and Newsham, KK},
title = {The endomicrobiome and weed invasiveness in Mediterranean ecosystems worldwide.},
journal = {Nature communications},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1038/s41467-026-68826-1},
pmid = {41730892},
issn = {2041-1723},
abstract = {Mediterranean ecosystems, one of the most significant global hotspots of biodiversity, are threatened by invasive weeds. Although endomicrobiomes - the vast array of microbes colonising living plant tissues - are known to affect plant fitness, their contribution to weed invasiveness remains virtually unknown. Here, we experimentally assess the role of the endomicrobiome in the invasiveness of Taraxacum officinale (common dandelion), a widespread weed in Mediterranean ecosystems worldwide. In a culling experiment across five generations, we compare the fitness of T. officinale from these ecosystems on five continents grown with intact or reduced native seed-borne endomicrobiomes. Additionally, we report a competition experiment with F1 and F5 individuals assessing their impacts on native local Asteraceae species. We found that T. officinale individuals harboring intact endomicrobiomes show faster and more favorable trait development compared with individuals with reduced endomicrobiomes. Enhanced competitiveness of endomicrobiome-colonised T. officinale plants with local Asteraceae species is apparently caused by increased synthesis of allelochemicals in shoots and rhizosphere soil, with gene expression analyses also showing the endomicrobiome to affect the expression by T. officinale of stress response and RNA-directed DNA methylation genes. Our findings provide insights into the mechanisms underlying weed invasiveness in Mediterranean ecosystems.},
}

@article {pmid41729363,
year = {2026},
author = {Kola, E and Munyai, C and Mpopetsi, P and Dondofema, F and Munyai, LF and Dalu, T},
title = {Seasonal influence on the efficacy of aquatic macrophytes as potential phytoremediation agents in urban wetlands.},
journal = {Environmental monitoring and assessment},
volume = {198},
number = {3},
pages = {},
pmid = {41729363},
issn = {1573-2959},
support = {FSEA/21/GGES/02//University of Venda/ ; TTK240409213108//National Research Foundation/ ; },
mesh = {*Wetlands ; Biodegradation, Environmental ; *Water Pollutants, Chemical/analysis/metabolism ; Seasons ; Environmental Monitoring ; Cyperus/metabolism ; Typhaceae/metabolism ; Poaceae ; Cities ; },
abstract = {Globally, metal contamination raises serious concerns within aquatic ecosystems. In aquatic systems, metal contamination can be removed by phytoremediation. This study assessed the ability of four macrophyte species (i.e. Phragmites australis, Typha capensis, Cyperus papyrus, and Cyperus dives) for phytoremediation of metals from five different wetlands across three seasons (i.e. cool-dry, hot-wet, hot-dry). In addition, this study used the bioconcentration factor (BCF) and translocation factor (TF) to determine the accumulation and translocation of metals within macrophyte species. The study indicated that different macrophytes accumulated different metals within the roots and leaves of all species during the cool-dry followed by hot-dry and hot-wet seasons. The study further indicated high BCF and TF of > 1 in all macrophytes during the cool-dry and hot-dry seasons. Phragmites australis had low accumulation of metals amongst the species studied. The TF was generally > 1, indicating efficient movement of most metals from roots to leaves, particularly during the hot-dry and cool-dry seasons. Cyperus dives and T. capensis exhibited potential as phytoremediation candidates. Aquatic macrophytes in urban wetlands accumulated and translocated metals, indicating their phytoremediation potential. However, elevated concentrations in these macrophytes can pose both ecological and health risks, as they can enter food-chain and can interfere and disrupt key physiological processes like photosynthesis, respiration, and nutrient uptake in these macrophytes. Therefore, regular monitoring of aquatic macrophytes with phytoremediation potential is recommended to enhance wetland health and pollution reduction.},
}

*Wetlands
Biodegradation, Environmental
*Water Pollutants, Chemical/analysis/metabolism
Seasons
Environmental Monitoring
Cyperus/metabolism
Typhaceae/metabolism
Poaceae
Cities

@article {pmid41729341,
year = {2026},
author = {Iqbal, T and Khan, AM and Habib, T and Saqib, Z and Hussain, K and Zhang, M and Bussmann, RW and Siddiqui, MH},
title = {Plant diversity hotspot mapping and identification of vegetation-environment interactions in the western Himalayas.},
journal = {Environmental monitoring and assessment},
volume = {198},
number = {3},
pages = {},
pmid = {41729341},
issn = {1573-2959},
support = {Ongoing Research Funding program, (ORF-2026-347)//King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia/ ; },
mesh = {Pakistan ; *Biodiversity ; *Environmental Monitoring ; *Plants/classification ; Conservation of Natural Resources ; Forests ; Ecosystem ; Himalayas ; },
abstract = {Biodiversity hotspot mapping and documenting vegetation-environment interactions are crucial for effective conservation and management efforts. Spatial patterns of vegetation diversity help in identifying priority areas. The western Himalayan forests of District Bagh, Azad Jammu and Kashmir, Pakistan, harbour rich plant diversity, but limited knowledge of their influencing factors and unidentified priority areas are the major constraints. To fill this knowledge gap, field sampling was conducted from January 2018 to December 2020, with a total of 60 randomly selected sampling sites (540 plots) along the elevation gradient to collect vegetation and environmental data. Multivariate statistical tools were employed to analyse the data. The results depicted that the study area has 382 plant species which belong to five significantly different (p < 0.05) plant associations, each having unique species composition. Canonical correspondence analysis (CCA) results depicted that elevation, annual precipitation, latitude value, available potassium, normalised difference vegetation index (NDVI), and longitude value (in order) were the most influential drivers (p < 0.05) of the vegetation differences. Anthropogenic disturbances like deforestation and grazing pressure were recorded as important factors as well. Shannon's diversity mapping suggests that the central parts of the study area, including the Rangla, Thub, Mallot, Banni Passari, and Jaglari areas, as well as the Lasdana area in the east, were the most diverse (H' > 3) and are key hotspot candidates for conserving local diversity and improving management in the region. This study recorded some non-native plant species, including Sisyrinchium micranthum and Mazus caducifer, for the first time in Pakistan. These invasive species were found to be successfully naturalising; therefore, continuous monitoring of their competitive abilities compared to native flora is necessary.},
}

Pakistan
*Biodiversity
*Environmental Monitoring
*Plants/classification
Conservation of Natural Resources
Forests
Ecosystem
Himalayas

@article {pmid41727154,
year = {2026},
author = {Hoza-Frederick, E and Martínez-Campos, S and Barber, PH and Vasquez, MI and Fotopoulos, V and Antoniou, C and Drakou, K and Godoy-Vitorino, F and Chiquillo, KL},
title = {Better together: Microbial diversity might facilitate the invasion success of the seagrass Halophila stipulacea in mixed Mediterranean seagrass communities.},
journal = {bioRxiv : the preprint server for biology},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.64898/2026.02.09.704841},
pmid = {41727154},
issn = {2692-8205},
abstract = {Microorganisms are increasingly recognized as key facilitators of invasion success for introduced species into new environments. The globally invasive seagrass Halophila stipulacea flourishes in mixed environments with native seagrasses, where it exhibits enhanced growth, while, in contrast, native seagrasses in mixed environments experience reduced growth. Here, we hypothesize that microbes may support the success of invasive seagrass in mixed Mediterranean environments. We analyzed 16S rRNA genes to characterize the microbial diversity on the phyllosphere alongside biochemical, morphological, and sediment nutrient measurements of the Mediterranean-native seagrass Cymodocea nodosa and the invasive H. stipulacea from a controlled mesocosm experiment. Overall, C. nodosa in monoculture harbored a microbiome exhibiting higher ASV richness and a distinct community composition than H. stipulacea . Variation in bacterial diversity associated with hydrogen peroxide (H 2 O 2) and internode length suggests that microbial communities of the native seagrass might be shaped by its stress. Conversely, H. stipulacea's microbiome was most abundant in mixed environments, with bacteria significantly reduced in monoculture, and bacterial diversity loosely associated with growth, suggesting that microbes are critical to assisting and possibly facilitating H. stipulacea in mixed environments. Overall, our findings suggest that invasive H. stipulacea in the Mediterranean Sea are capable of recruiting beneficial bacteria, creating microbial interactions that support its success, and undermining the resilience of native seagrasses in mixed beds. Future work should center on the mechanisms driving H. stipulacea bacterial communities and investigating whether H. stipulacea actively determines its own microbiome, or whether its microbiome is passively determined by environmental variables.},
}

@article {pmid41726809,
year = {2026},
author = {Liu, Y and Du, Y and Li, C and Li, Y and Wang, C and Du, D},
title = {Co-invasion of three invasive alien plants increases plant taxonomic diversity and community invasibility.},
journal = {Plant diversity},
volume = {48},
number = {1},
pages = {204-211},
pmid = {41726809},
issn = {2468-2659},
abstract = {Alien species from the Asteraceae family frequently invade native plant communities. This study aims to determine how the number of Asteraceae species (i.e., Erigeron canadensis, E. annuus, and Solidago canadensis) in a co-invasion affects plant taxonomic diversity and invasibility in plant communities in China. We found that co-invasions by one or two Asteraceae species decreased plant diversity and increased community invasibility. However, co-invasion by three Asteraceae species increased plant diversity and community invasibility. We also found that plant taxonomic diversity was negatively correlated with total coverage of invasive Asteraceae species. Conversely, community invasibility was positively correlated with total coverage of invasive Asteraceae species. These findings indicate that the number of Asteraceae invasive species positively correlates with total coverage, diversity, dominance, evenness, and invasibility. Our study shows that co-invasion by three IAS may increase plant taxonomic diversity but also community invasibility, which may further facilitate subsequent invasion.},
}

@article {pmid41726802,
year = {2026},
author = {Chen, Y and Song, X and Liu, G and Wang, J and Zhang, C and Chang, X and Zou, J and Zhu, Z},
title = {Unraveling the invasion patterns of Galinsoga quadriradiata in mountain ranges: Insights from human activities, phenotypic and genetic variations.},
journal = {Plant diversity},
volume = {48},
number = {1},
pages = {192-203},
pmid = {41726802},
issn = {2468-2659},
abstract = {Prevention of biological invasion requires understanding how alien species invade native communities. Although studies have identified mechanisms that underlie plant invasion in some habitats, limited attention has focused on invasion patterns along elevational gradients. In this study, we asked which factors drive the global and regional distribution of the invasive plant Galinsoga quadriradiata along elevational gradients. To answer this question, we examined whether human activities (i.e., roads) promote G. quadriradiata invasion, how seed dispersal-related traits of G. quadriradiata change along elevation gradients, and whether G. quadriradiata has adapted to high-elevation environments through phenotypic plasticity or genetic variation. On the global scale, we found that human activities and road density positively contribute to the G. quadriradiata expansion in mountainous areas. Field surveys in China revealed significant elevational differences in the seed dispersal traits of G. quadriradiata, with higher-elevation populations exhibiting lower dispersal ability and generally lower genetic diversity. Under common conditions, high-elevation populations showed higher leaf mass ratio but lower root mass ratio and reproductive allocation. This suggests that high-elevation environments create a barrier to dispersal for G. quadriradiata, and that G. quadriradiata has adapted phenotypically to these conditions. Our study indicates that the elevational invasion pattern of G. quadriradiata is shaped by multiple factors, particularly human activities and phenotypic adaptability. In addition, our finding that G. quadriradiata invasion at high elevations is not constrained by low genetic diversity indicates that monitoring and management of G. quadriradiata in mountainous areas should be strengthened.},
}

@article {pmid41724453,
year = {2026},
author = {Viviano, A and Ancillotto, L and Dondina, O and Palagi, E and Lelli, N and Mori, E},
title = {Back to the river: behavioural patterns of Eurasian beavers recolonising central Italy.},
journal = {Behavioural processes},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {105363},
doi = {10.1016/j.beproc.2026.105363},
pmid = {41724453},
issn = {1872-8308},
abstract = {Newly introduced species may alter the structure and functioning of colonised ecosystems, particularly when they act as ecosystem engineers. The Eurasian beaver Castor fiber, historically present in central Italy until the Middle Ages, has recently reappeared in the region. Despite growing evidence of its ecological impacts, detailed information on its behavioural repertoire in Mediterranean environments is lacking. Here, the first comprehensive behavioural assessment of Eurasian beavers recolonising central Italy using intensive camera trapping across three river systems is provided. From March 2023 to May 2024, 24 distinct behavioural patterns were recorded and their occurrence and duration were quantified across age classes, sex, and seasons. Behavioural expression was strongly age-dependent: juveniles showed significantly higher levels of play, allogrooming, nose-touching, and exploratory behaviour, while subadults exhibited increased diving and exploration, indicating a transition towards independence. Adults displayed a broader and more functional repertoire, with higher frequencies of swimming, vigilance, scent marking, and material transport on land, reflecting their role in territory maintenance and construction activities. Seasonality also shaped behaviour markedly. Dam-building and digging activities and swimming were significantly more frequent during the cold period, whereas self-grooming sharply increased during warm period, suggesting thermally-driven behavioural plasticity. Model comparisons revealed that social and developmental behaviours were best explained by age, whereas construction and maintenance behaviours were primarily driven by seasonal conditions. Compared with northern European populations, Italian beavers showed lower building frequencies but increased terrestrial and swimming activities, suggesting context-dependent behavioural adjustments shaped by local ecological conditions.},
}

@article {pmid41606080,
year = {2026},
author = {Guo, WY and Serra-Diaz, JM and Guo, K and Boonman, CCF and Schrodt, F and Maitner, BS and Merow, C and Violle, C and Anand, M and Bruun, HHK and Byun, C and Catford, JA and Cerabolini, BEL and Chacón-Madrigal, E and Ciccarelli, D and Dang-Le, AT and Dias, AS and Giroldo, AB and Gutiérrez, AG and Jansen, S and Kattge, J and Kindt, R and Klein, T and Kramer, K and Lusk, CH and Martin, AR and Michaletz, ST and Minden, V and Mori, AS and Niinemets, Ü and Onoda, Y and Peñuelas, J and Pisek, J and Robroek, BJM and Schamp, B and Soudzilovskaia, NA and Thiffault, N and van der Plas, F and Enquist, BJ and Svenning, JC},
title = {Global functional shifts in trees driven by alien naturalization and native extinction.},
journal = {Nature plants},
volume = {12},
number = {2},
pages = {308-318},
pmid = {41606080},
issn = {2055-0278},
support = {32171588, 32471676//National Natural Science Foundation of China (National Science Foundation of China)/ ; 2022R1A2C1003504//National Research Foundation of Korea (NRF)/ ; DNRF173//Danmarks Grundforskningsfond (Danish National Research Foundation)/ ; },
mesh = {*Trees/physiology ; *Extinction, Biological ; Biodiversity ; *Introduced Species ; Ecosystem ; Endangered Species ; },
abstract = {Human activities are driving simultaneous native extinctions and alien naturalizations, reshaping global tree diversity with major implications for ecosystem structure and function. Here we analysed functional traits and environmental niches of 31,001 tree species worldwide, comparing naturalized, threatened and non-threatened species to assess current patterns and project future shifts under intensified extinction and naturalization. Future tree-rich ecosystems are projected to become increasingly dominated by fast-growing, high-resource-use species with acquisitive traits, while slow-growing, conservative species face greater extinction risk. Although group means along the main functional axes do not differ significantly, naturalized species occupy broader functional and environmental spaces and thrive in colder and more variable climates, whereas threatened species are more specialized to warm, stable and nutrient-rich environments, with non-threatened species intermediate. Projected naturalizations expand local functional diversity, but their acquisitive strategies could reduce long-term ecosystem stability, while extinctions cause pronounced contractions of functional and environmental trait space, especially in climatically variable regions. Overall, our findings reveal an accelerating global shift towards faster-growing tree communities, with likely consequences for carbon storage and biodiversity, underscoring the need to safeguard slow-growing species and limit the dominance of acquisitive trees.},
}

*Trees/physiology
*Extinction, Biological
Biodiversity
*Introduced Species
Ecosystem
Endangered Species

@article {pmid41724065,
year = {2026},
author = {Angeles-Gonzalez, LE and Villalobos-Guerrero, TF and Delgadillo-Nuño, MA and Torrejón-Magallanes, J and Escamilla-Aké, A and Díaz, F and Rosas, C},
title = {Thermal niches and climate change reshape marine invasion risk worldwide.},
journal = {Marine environmental research},
volume = {217},
number = {},
pages = {107919},
doi = {10.1016/j.marenvres.2026.107919},
pmid = {41724065},
issn = {1879-0291},
abstract = {Marine biological invasions and climate change are two major drivers of biodiversity loss, yet their interactions remain poorly understood. Here, we used correlative ecological niche models (ENMs) to characterise the thermal niches of 80 globally invasive marine species and project their thermal suitability from 2020 to 2100 under multiple Shared Socioeconomic Pathway scenarios. Our models, based on Minimum Volume Ellipsoids fitted to sea surface and bottom temperatures, revealed substantial differences across species' thermal affinities. Tropical and subtropical invaders are projected to experience widespread declines in thermal suitability, suggesting that warming at low latitudes may approach their physiological thermal limits and redistribute thermally suitable conditions toward higher latitudes (25° to 35° N/S). Temperate species exhibited lower magnitudes of thermal suitability change, consistent with their broader thermal tolerances, although increases in thermal suitability at higher latitudes (50° to 60° N/S) suggest potential emerging invasion risks as polar barriers weaken. Climate change is expected to reshape marine invasion patterns by altering the spatial distribution of thermally suitable conditions, amplifying risks at mid-to-high latitudes while constraining some tropical invaders. While our findings provide a baseline for understanding thermal constraints on marine bioinvasions, caution is warranted: realised niches may underestimate species' full thermal tolerances, and key factors like biotic interactions, functional characteristics, and other environmental variables were not included. Nonetheless, thermal niches emerge as a strong predictor of potential invasion risk, identifying regions with high thermal suitability for invasive species and informing early detection and management strategies.},
}

@article {pmid41722027,
year = {2026},
author = {Cowal, S and Mueller, M and Johnson, MA},
title = {Environmental filtering drives patterns of ant species richness and activity across Hawaiian coffee farms.},
journal = {Journal of insect science (Online)},
volume = {26},
number = {1},
pages = {},
pmid = {41722027},
issn = {1536-2442},
support = {2040-22430-027-027S//USDA-ARS Area-wide/ ; },
mesh = {Animals ; *Ants/physiology ; Hawaii ; *Biodiversity ; Coffea/growth & development ; *Introduced Species ; Coffee ; Agriculture ; },
abstract = {Ants perform diverse ecological functions in agricultural systems, yet in Hawai'i, all established ant species are thought to be introduced, creating novel communities shaped by environmental conditions. We examined how coffee-growing district and microclimate structure invasive ant communities in Hawaiian coffee agroecosystems. Ants were surveyed across 15 coffee farms on Hawai'i Island spanning a 600-m elevational gradient and 2 growing districts (Kona and Ka'ū). We quantified ant species richness, activity, and tree-level occupancy and evaluated associations with district, elevation, rainfall, temperature, and humidity. We recorded 22 ant species across 3 subfamilies, with Brachymyrmex obscurior, Ochetellus glaber, Pheidole megacephala, Plagiolepis alluaudi, and Tapinoma melanocephalum being the most common species. Ant species richness, activity, and tree-level occupancy were significantly higher in Kona compared to Ka'ū and declined with increasing annual rainfall. Activity of several common species was positively associated with overall species richness, while no common species showed a strong negative association with richness. These results suggest that environmental filtering, rather than competitive dominance, structures invasive ant communities in Hawaiian coffee systems. Our findings indicate that invasive ants are most active and widespread in warmer, drier coffee farms, where they may exert their strongest ecological effects. These results provide baseline information for understanding the distribution of ants in Hawaiian coffee agroecosystems and establish a foundation for future research evaluating ant-mediated pest suppression, mutualisms, and other ecosystem services and disservices in coffee production.},
}

Animals
*Ants/physiology
Hawaii
*Biodiversity
Coffea/growth & development
*Introduced Species
Coffee
Agriculture

@article {pmid41580279,
year = {2026},
author = {Shabgard, N and Schaerf, TM and Du, Y},
title = {Propagation through a barrier: Numerical analysis of a reaction-diffusion model with free boundary.},
journal = {Mathematical biosciences},
volume = {394},
number = {},
pages = {109624},
doi = {10.1016/j.mbs.2026.109624},
pmid = {41580279},
issn = {1879-3134},
mesh = {*Models, Biological ; *Ecosystem ; Mathematical Concepts ; Population Dynamics ; Animals ; *Introduced Species ; },
abstract = {We try to better understand how a spatial barrier may affect the spreading of an invading species via numerical analysis of some variations of a free boundary model in [1, 2] (where only homogeneous environment was considered). Here we incorporate a spatial barrier by replacing a bistable growth term f(u) in the model with f(x,u)=u(r(x)-u)(u-θ), where θ ∈ (0, 1/2) and r(x)=1 except in the barrier region [x0,x0+l], in which r(x) becomes negative away from its boundary, representing the biological assumption that the environment becomes hostile to the species inside the barrier. A parameter α > 0 in the expression of r(x) is used to characterize the severity of the environmental hostility. We find that when all the other parameters are fixed there exists a critical value l* of the barrier length l such that successful spreading is continued past the barrier region when l < l*, and the propagation is blocked when l > l*. Similarly we show numerically that when all the other parameters are fixed, there is a critical value α* of the barrier severity α such that propagation can be continued when α < α*, but it is blocked when α > α*. The dependence of l* (respectively α*) on the other parameters are also analysed. To include temporal fluctuations of the environment, we further replace r(x) by a(t)r(x) with a(t) a positive time-periodic function of average 1, to represent the periodic modulation of the environment. Our numerical simulations suggest that increasing the magnitude of temporal variation enhances the ability of species invasion, while increasing the frequency of such variation reduces this ability. To see how Allee effect may influence the invasion with a barrier, our results based on a bistable f discussed above are compared with that for a model obtained from a standard monostable function (no Allee effect), namely f=u[r(x)-u] with the same r(x). A parallel numerical analysis shows that qualitatively everything is the same in the monostable case, including the numerical results incorporating seasonal changes (with r(x) replaced by a(t)r(x)). However, these numerical simulations indicate that in the bistable case (Allee effect included) the invasion is more likely to cross the barrier than in the monostable case (no Allee effect), suggesting the counter intuitive conclusion that Allee effect may increase the chance of invading across a barrier. Dedicated to Professor Shigui Ruan for his 60th birthday.},
}

*Models, Biological
*Ecosystem
Mathematical Concepts
Population Dynamics
Animals
*Introduced Species

@article {pmid41721903,
year = {2026},
author = {Westfall, JA and Lister, AJ and Pugh, SA and Lister, TW and Kurtz, CM},
title = {Methods for estimating status and change in presence and foliar cover area of invasive plants using national forest inventory data.},
journal = {Environmental monitoring and assessment},
volume = {198},
number = {3},
pages = {},
pmid = {41721903},
issn = {1573-2959},
mesh = {*Forests ; *Introduced Species/statistics & numerical data ; *Environmental Monitoring/methods ; United States ; Conservation of Natural Resources/methods ; *Trees/growth & development ; *Plants ; Ecosystem ; },
abstract = {The influence of invasive plant species (IPS) on forest ecosystems has been of sufficient concern to warrant data acquisition on their presence and abundance. These data are needed at various spatial scales for both land management and policy purposes. One potential source of data are national forest inventories (NFIs) that often record IPS observations on sample plots that span relatively large spatial and temporal extents, thus providing data users with a wide range of analytical opportunities to meet desired information needs. In the NFI of the USA, which is conducted by the USA Forest Service's Forest Inventory and Analysis (FIA) program, IPS presence and foliar cover area are visually observed and recorded nationally on a spatially balanced subset of inventory plots measured each year. As with any sample-based assessment, the implementation of statistically appropriate methods is imperative for credibility of the final estimates. In this paper, statistical methods for calculating population estimates and associated measures of uncertainty for current status and change in IPS attributes are presented. The estimators address both presence and cover area estimation, as well as estimation of area proportions relative to total area domains. Also included are data and various numeric examples that assist in understanding the estimation steps and provide for verification of accuracy in results. The methods should be applicable to most IPS data collected in other forest inventories with little or no modification.},
}

*Forests
*Introduced Species/statistics & numerical data
*Environmental Monitoring/methods
United States
Conservation of Natural Resources/methods
*Trees/growth & development
*Plants
Ecosystem

@article {pmid41721261,
year = {2026},
author = {Kadam, SK and Youn, JS and Kim, JH},
title = {Correction: Refined chloroplast annotations, repeat profiles, and phylogenomic evidence reveal maternal lineage shifts and independent evolution in the Triticum-Aegilops complex.},
journal = {BMC plant biology},
volume = {26},
number = {1},
pages = {},
pmid = {41721261},
issn = {1471-2229},
}

@article {pmid41718883,
year = {2026},
author = {Asa, CS and Moresco, A},
title = {Fertility Control in Wildlife: Review of Current Status, Including Novel and Future Technologies.},
journal = {Advances in experimental medicine and biology},
volume = {16},
number = {},
pages = {605-645},
pmid = {41718883},
issn = {0065-2598},
mesh = {Animals ; *Animals, Wild/physiology ; *Fertility/physiology ; *Conservation of Natural Resources/methods ; Endangered Species ; Female ; *Contraception/methods/veterinary ; Humans ; },
abstract = {Wildlife conservation requires varying degrees of management of endangered species as well as management of their potential predators and competitors. Conservation also depends on ameliorating human-wildlife conflict, especially where there is a threat to the safety of people and of their pets and livestock. In addition, sustainability of wildlife populations can be affected by feral domestic animals or invasive species that require removal or control. With the increasing concern for animal welfare, non-lethal methods of limiting population size and distribution, such as fertility control, are gaining favor. Breeding programs in zoos depend on highly effective and selective contraception to manage sustainable insurance populations. This review covers fertility control methods currently in use, those that have not lived up to past promises, and others that are under development and present hope for addressing remaining challenges.},
}

Animals
*Animals, Wild/physiology
*Fertility/physiology
*Conservation of Natural Resources/methods
Endangered Species
Female
*Contraception/methods/veterinary
Humans

@article {pmid41718877,
year = {2026},
author = {Mayer, I},
title = {Conservation of Teleost Fishes: Current Status and the Role of Reproductive Technologies.},
journal = {Advances in experimental medicine and biology},
volume = {16},
number = {},
pages = {369-405},
pmid = {41718877},
issn = {0065-2598},
mesh = {Animals ; *Fishes/physiology/genetics ; *Conservation of Natural Resources/methods ; Biodiversity ; Endangered Species ; Cryopreservation ; },
abstract = {Fishes are by far the most species-rich group of vertebrates, with 36,105 species currently recognized, approximately the same number of species as that of all non-fish vertebrates combined. Recent decades have witnessed dramatic population declines for many fish species, together with a loss in overall fish biodiversity. Globally, fish biodiversity is being threatened by a multitude of anthropogenic impacts including overfishing, habitat loss, pollution, aquaculture, loss of river connectivity, climate change and the impact of alien species. Nowhere is the world's biodiversity crisis more acute than in freshwater ecosystems. While rivers, lakes and wetlands cover less than 1% of the planet's total surface, they are home to over half the world´s fish species. One-third of freshwater fishes are now threatened with extinction, and 80 species have become extinct in recent years. This review covers the main drivers of declining fish biodiversity and details remedial strategies aimed at conserving both marine and freshwater fish biodiversity. The preservation of genetic resources through the cryobanking of reproductive cells and tissues, collectively known as germplasm, will increasingly become a valuable tool in the conservation of fish biodiversity. It is expected that the ability to establish cryobanks for the full range of fish germplasm, including sperm, oocytes, embryos and germ cells will be of key importance to the conservation of threatened fish species, as well as to fishery management and aquaculture. With the help of a range of emerging reproductive technologies, frozen germplasm will play a key role in future in situ and ex situ conservation initiatives. The rapid advance in next-generation sequencing technologies, together with the proliferation of resources such as fully sequenced fish genomes, is expected to result in a rapid expansion in the application of conservation genomics to the field of fish conservation and be instrumental in formulating future management strategies directed at conserving fish biodiversity, through both in situ and ex situ conservation initiatives.},
}

Animals
*Fishes/physiology/genetics
*Conservation of Natural Resources/methods
Biodiversity
Endangered Species
Cryopreservation

@article {pmid41432424,
year = {2026},
author = {Wang, Z and Fu, B and Ren, J and Li, S and Ji, H and Wu, Y and Fang, X and Wang, Z and Shang, M and Wang, Y and Liang, Y and Liu, X and Lu, L},
title = {Global Perspective on the Migration History and Current and Future Potential Distribution of Rattus tanezumi.},
journal = {Annals of the New York Academy of Sciences},
volume = {1556},
number = {1},
pages = {e70163},
doi = {10.1111/nyas.70163},
pmid = {41432424},
issn = {1749-6632},
support = {//Ying Liang/ ; },
mesh = {Animals ; *Animal Migration/physiology ; *Introduced Species ; Climate Change ; Ecosystem ; Rats ; Temperature ; *Animal Distribution ; },
abstract = {Rattus tanezumi is a highly invasive rodent that has spread rapidly worldwide in recent decades, yet its historical dispersal routes and potential suitable habitats remain insufficiently systematically assessed. This study reconstructed the migration history and projected the future distribution of the species by integrating MaxEnt and Biomod2 models. It aimed to reveal the dynamics of its invasion process in relation to climatic drivers, compare model differences, and evaluate the reliability of the predictions. We found that R. tanezumi spread primarily through shipping and transportation networks, often initially establishing in climatically suitable ports, with expansion limited by climatic boundaries. Current highly suitable areas occur in Southeast Asia, Africa, and South America. Analysis identified key climatic thresholds, with survival probability significantly increasing where the mean annual temperature is >10°C and the warmest quarter precipitation is >900 mm. While temperature seasonality had no significant effect, diurnal temperature range exhibited a negative impact, though its strength varied regionally. Contrary to traditional understanding, reliability-tested model projections suggest potential expansion into colder and higher-altitude regions under climate change. This study elucidates the species' invasion dynamics and provides a scientific basis for forecasting range shifts and guiding targeted control strategies.},
}

Animals
*Animal Migration/physiology
*Introduced Species
Climate Change
Ecosystem
Rats
Temperature
*Animal Distribution

@article {pmid41719980,
year = {2026},
author = {Xu, Y and Ke, J and Zhang, Y and Chen, X and Wang, Y},
title = {Harnessing AMF-plant-microbe systems for heavy metal remediation.},
journal = {Ecotoxicology and environmental safety},
volume = {311},
number = {},
pages = {119885},
doi = {10.1016/j.ecoenv.2026.119885},
pmid = {41719980},
issn = {1090-2414},
abstract = {Soil heavy metal pollution poses a global environmental threat, demanding effective and sustainable remediation strategies. Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) play a multifaceted role in enhancing the remediation of heavy metal (HM)-contaminated soils through extensive hyphal networks that interact with plant roots and soil microbiota. AMF hyphae and their exudates, such as glomalin, directly immobilize metal ions and reduce bioavailability by modifying soil properties (e.g., pH). Furthermore, AMF reshape the rhizosphere microbiome by enriching metal-tolerant bacteria (e.g., Pseudomonas, Bacillus) and fostering synergistic microbial communities via cross-kingdom signaling. Within plants, AMF symbiosis-especially with hyperaccumulators-optimizes root architecture, enhances nutrient and water uptake, stimulates biomass production, and regulates key physiological and molecular responses. These include bolstering antioxidant defenses, maintaining photosynthetic efficiency, and upregulating genes involved in metal transport, compartmentalization, and stress signaling. Field studies confirm the potential of AMF-hyperaccumulator systems in metal extraction and stabilization. However, transitioning from controlled experiments to field applications remains challenging due to the complexity of multipartite interactions and a lack of predictive frameworks. This review critically integrates interdisciplinary insights into a forward-looking perspective, emphasizing the need to shift from empirical approaches to an intelligent, predictive design paradigm. We propose leveraging machine learning to decode interactions among AMF genotypes, plant phenotypes, microbial consortia, and soil properties, enabling the rational design of efficient remediation systems. Ultimately, overcoming barriers to field implementation requires integrating robust science with advanced engineering and supportive policy frameworks.},
}

@article {pmid41717537,
year = {2026},
author = {Salinas, NA and Poveda-Martínez, D and Rodriguero, MS and Smith, MC and Brentassi, ME and Sosa, AJ},
title = {Landscape Genomics and Evolutionary History of Megamelus scutellaris, a Biocontrol Agent of the Invasive Water Hyacinth (Pontederia crassipes).},
journal = {Evolutionary applications},
volume = {19},
number = {2},
pages = {e70208},
pmid = {41717537},
issn = {1752-4571},
abstract = {Understanding the evolutionary history of biological control agents in their native ranges is crucial for improving their selection, establishment, and performance across environmentally diverse regions. Phytophagous insects that specialize on aquatic plants offer particularly valuable models, as their evolutionary trajectories may be shaped by a combination of climatic variation, host plant availability, and the fragmented nature of aquatic habitats. Megamelus scutellaris is a monophagous planthopper native to South America that has been introduced into the United States and South Africa as part of biological control programs targeting the highly invasive aquatic plant, Pontederia crassipes. In this work, we combined nuclear SNP and mitochondrial sequence data to investigate the genetic structure, demographic history, and environmental drivers of population divergence in M. scutellaris across its native range in Argentina and Paraguay. We identified three main genetic lineages broadly associated with major river basins and ecoregions. Demographic modeling supported an early divergence, likely linked to Pleistocene climatic shifts and hydrological changes, followed by a more recent split dated to the early Holocene. Contemporary gene flow was asymmetric and varied in magnitude among lineages, reflecting differences in connectivity and environmental conditions. Lastly, landscape genomic analyzes revealed a strong association between genetic differentiation and climatic variation, supporting models of isolation by environment and resistance. These findings highlight the role of evolutionary and ecological processes in shaping the genetic landscape of M. scutellaris and provide key insights for selecting source populations better suited to different environments in introduced regions.},
}

@article {pmid41717316,
year = {2026},
author = {Assemie, A and Mulu, D and Mekuriaw, E and Muluken, W},
title = {Species Occurrence and Seasonal Variation of Malaria Vectors in Hadiya Zone, Ethiopia.},
journal = {BioMed research international},
volume = {2026},
number = {},
pages = {4553611},
pmid = {41717316},
issn = {2314-6141},
mesh = {Animals ; Ethiopia/epidemiology ; *Seasons ; *Anopheles/parasitology/physiology ; *Malaria/transmission/epidemiology ; *Mosquito Vectors/parasitology ; Ecosystem ; Larva ; Humans ; },
abstract = {Environmental change can alter the species occurrence and seasonal distribution of malaria vectors to higher altitudes and latitudes. Highlands remain dynamic due to factors that favor their growth and development. Invasive species have proliferated into new ecological niches, increased. These studies aimed to determine the species occurrence and seasonal variation of malaria vectors in the selected study area. Entomological surveys were conducted in different types of larval habitats from October 2023 up to June 2024 within four purposively selected study villages. The species were morphologically identified using a stereomicroscope, and then data was analyzed using R version 4.3.1 (2023-06-16 ucrt) statistical analysis software. A total of 721 malaria vector larvae were collected, representing Anopheles gambiae s.l., An. funestus s.l., An. coustani, and An. pharoensis. An. gambiae s.l. was the dominant species, accounting for 43.82% (n = 316) of all collections, while An. pharoensis was the least abundant (7.9%, n = 57). Spatial variation was observed, with Shemo Boyo recording the highest number of larvae (45.50%, n = 328), whereas Kemecho Borara had the lowest (9.57%, n = 69). Among the habitat types, ditches had the highest mean larval density (2.61 larvae per sample), followed by swamps (1.5) and riverbeds (0.8), whereas water pans had the lowest density (0.14). Overall mean larval density was 1.11 larvae per sample, and larval abundance significantly differed across habitat categories (f (3,647) = 4.005, p = 0.012). These findings indicate that An. gambiae s.l. is the predominant malaria vector in the area and likely plays a primary role in local transmission. Further studies on spatial mapping, physicochemical characterization, habitat preference, and isolation of malaria parasites are recommended to guide targeted larval source management and reduce the burden of mosquito-borne diseases.},
}

Animals
Ethiopia/epidemiology
*Seasons
*Anopheles/parasitology/physiology
*Malaria/transmission/epidemiology
*Mosquito Vectors/parasitology
Ecosystem
Larva
Humans

@article {pmid41716765,
year = {2025},
author = {Li, M and Xian, X and Jin, Z and Qi, Y and Guo, J and Yang, N and Zhang, G and Xu, J and Liu, W},
title = {Comprehensive assessment of Erwinia amylovora: from establishment risk in global host production areas to dispersal dynamics and associated economic losses in China.},
journal = {Frontiers in plant science},
volume = {16},
number = {},
pages = {1641129},
pmid = {41716765},
issn = {1664-462X},
abstract = {Erwinia amylovora is the bacterial pathogen that causes fire blight and is considered one of the most important plant pathogenic bacteria in the world, posing a serious threat to pear and apple production. However, majority of the current risk assessment studies have focused primarily on the potential geographic distribution of E. amylovora, with less focus on its dispersal patterns, dispersal risk areas, and economic impacts. Here, species distribution models, the minimum cost arborescence approach, the MigClim package, and Monte Carlo stochastic simulations were integrated to comprehensively assess the global establishment risk, the local dispersal patterns, the dispersal risk areas, and the economic losses for E. amylovora. The results showed that E. amylovora is primarily distributed in North America, southern South America, Europe, northern and southern Africa, western and eastern Asia, and southern Oceania under near-current climatic conditions. In addition, the overlapping area between the distribution area of E. amylovora and the host production area is 1,897.62 × 10[4] km[2], mainly located in central North America, southern South America, Europe, northern Africa, eastern and western Asia, and southern Oceania. Its global distribution and the overlapping areas are expected to expand further under future climatic conditions. Erwinia amylovora shows a primarily "leap-frog" long-distance spread in China, and the dispersal risk area is mainly in northwestern China. The economic losses caused by E. amylovora to the host industry amounted to 5,603.66 million dollars without any control measures; however, 2,390.13 million dollars can be saved after control measures. Such comprehensive risk assessments provide global guidance for the monitoring and control of E. amylovora in host production areas while also helping to formulate management priority strategies in local dispersal risk areas, thereby reducing economic impacts.},
}

@article {pmid41716589,
year = {2026},
author = {Bloch, M and Suarez, E and Miller, MA and Balaguera-Reina, SA and Fussell Persaud, CA and Olejniczak, KA and Helmick, EE and Mazzotti, FJ and Bahder, BW},
title = {Development of a Duplex Digital PCR and Validation on eDNA Water Samples for Monitoring of the Asian Swamp Eel (Monopterus albus/Javanensis) and Bullseye Snakehead (Channa aurolineata/Marulius) in Florida, USA, Freshwater Ecosystems.},
journal = {Ecology and evolution},
volume = {16},
number = {2},
pages = {e73088},
pmid = {41716589},
issn = {2045-7758},
abstract = {Invasive species are a significant threat to a variety of ecosystems in Florida, with freshwater habitats being of particular concern. Two nonnative species of fish with established populations that are priority organisms for monitoring and management programs are the bullseye snakehead (BS; Channa species complex) and Asian swamp eel (ASE; Monopterus species complex). Recent technological advances have seen the emergence of environmental DNA (eDNA) analysis as a useful tool for the detection and monitoring of target organisms and to assess removal efforts. In this study, a duplex digital polymerase chain reaction (dPCR) was developed, optimized, and validated on control samples and field samples from locations with documented occurrences of target organisms. The assay developed, which allows simultaneous detection of both fish species when present in a sample, demonstrated highly efficient amplification for the corresponding target species with individual assays failing to cross-amplify. Under controlled conditions, high levels of eDNA were detected as early as five minutes post-introduction of BS to water. Additionally, field eDNA samples yielded varying levels of positive amplification for both species based on comparison of fluorescence levels to positive controls (both tissue extract and plasmids with appropriate inserts). These data indicate that through careful assay design and stringent parameter optimization, eDNA results obtained for monitoring of these two fish species can be a viable and cost-effective strategy to detect the presence of these species simultaneously as well as to evaluate the success of removal efforts.},
}

@article {pmid41716579,
year = {2026},
author = {Talarico, L and Petrosino, G and Rossi, AR and Franchini, P and Tancioni, L},
title = {Controlled Experiments Reveal Moderate, Nonlinear Relationships Between eDNA Concentration and Fish Biomass in Three Freshwater Species of Monitoring Relevance.},
journal = {Ecology and evolution},
volume = {16},
number = {2},
pages = {e73129},
pmid = {41716579},
issn = {2045-7758},
abstract = {Understanding the relationship between environmental DNA (eDNA) concentration and taxa abundance is essential for the advancement of quantitative biodiversity monitoring. We experimentally manipulated biomass of three freshwater fish species of monitoring interest-the Italian-endemic Squalius lucumonis and the exotic-invasive Pseudorasbora parva and Lepomis gibbosus-under controlled conditions (flow-through 310 and 1330 L tanks). Following eDNA collection (2 L water filtration) and Real-Time PCR quantification, Generalized Additive Mixed Models (GAMMs) revealed: (i) monotonic non-linear relationships of moderate-to-high magnitude (0.42 < partial-R [2] < 0.62), with eDNA concentrations plateauing at intermediate biomasses in smaller-sized taxa; and (ii) a significant effect of experimental replicates (tanks) in two out of three species. These findings suggest that eDNA-based biomass quantification should not assume linearity, and emphasize the critical role of replication to account for inherent uncertainty, likely driven by inter- and intra-individual variations in eDNA shedding rates.},
}

@article {pmid41715976,
year = {2026},
author = {Alcantara, SG and Juanico, CST and Ordynets, A and Fernandez, MC and Yambot, AV},
title = {DNA barcoding for identification of ichthyofauna in Pantabangan Dam, Nueva Ecija, Philippines.},
journal = {Mitochondrial DNA. Part A, DNA mapping, sequencing, and analysis},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {1-8},
doi = {10.1080/24701394.2026.2631395},
pmid = {41715976},
issn = {2470-1408},
abstract = {The present study established the first molecular-based inventory of nine freshwater fish species from Pantabangan Dam, a genetically unexplored fishery resource in Nueva Ecija, Central Luzon region of the Philippines. Forty mitochondrial cytochrome c oxidase I (COI) sequences were generated representing nine species, eight families and six orders of fishes, providing potential application in biodiversity assesment and management. In all cases, sequence analysis yielded low intraspecific divergence and a high interspecific genetic distance was observed in the Nearest Neighbor Distance analysis. Neighbor-Joining and Maximum Likelihood phylogenetic trees recovered a monophyletic species-level clades supported by high bootstrap values. Out of the nine species identified, three were native species in the Philippines (Leiopotherapon plumbeus, Glossogobius aureus and Clarias batrachus). Two species (Micropterus floridanus and Coptodon zillii) have been recorded for the first time in the dam, indicating the need to review how monitoring protocols can be enhanced by combining morphological assessment and molecular identification. The generated sequences can be used as a baseline data for the conservation of endemic species and formulation of management decisions on the invasive fishes. Overall, our study confirmed the efficiency of DNA barcoding in species delineation and offered a new framework for fish management in the dam.},
}

@article {pmid41714518,
year = {2026},
author = {Lira, AO and Santos, AA and da Silva, HNB and Grossi, PC},
title = {First Records of Two Invasive Weevils (Coleoptera, Curculionidae, Dryophthorinae) in Brazil with Quarantine Potential.},
journal = {Neotropical entomology},
volume = {55},
number = {1},
pages = {13},
pmid = {41714518},
issn = {1678-8052},
support = {BFP-0103-2.04/24//Fundação de Amparo à Ciência e Tecnologia do Estado de Pernambuco/ ; 312917/2022-8 PQ2//Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Científico e Tecnológico/ ; },
mesh = {Animals ; Brazil ; *Weevils/classification ; Quarantine ; *Introduced Species ; *Animal Distribution ; },
abstract = {We report the first records in Brazil of Diocalandra frumenti (Fabricius) and Polytus mellerborgii (Boheman), weevil species of potential phytosanitary concern. These detections were made through surveys in the Entomological Collection of the Universidade Federal Rural de Pernambuco (CERPE) and targeted field inspections in northeast Brazil. These findings expand the known distribution of these weevils in Brazil and underscore the need for enhanced phytosanitary surveillance due to their potential impact on crop production in other countries and the implications for quarantine regulations.},
}

Animals
Brazil
*Weevils/classification
Quarantine
*Introduced Species
*Animal Distribution

@article {pmid41713044,
year = {2026},
author = {Gripshover, ND and Hoffman, EG and Alexandrescu, G and Bazzani, A and Bonilla, JM and Guerra, J and Diaz, MI and Kolinsky, L and Mere, K and Perez, A and Perez, S and Rodicio, I and Santos, A and Clifton, IT and Cox, CL},
title = {Ecological overlap and divergence in natural and urbanized habitats in two species of sympatric anoles.},
journal = {Journal of thermal biology},
volume = {136},
number = {},
pages = {104425},
doi = {10.1016/j.jtherbio.2026.104425},
pmid = {41713044},
issn = {0306-4565},
abstract = {The habitat of organisms can have a significant impact on an animal's fitness, and the ability of animals to choose suitable habitats may change with human induced global change. Urbanization in particular has had drastic effects on natural habitats including changes to the physical environment and introduction of nonnative species. Ectotherms are particularly affected by environmental changes which can impact their ability to regulate their body temperature. In this study, we compared habitat preference and the effects of habitat structure in urban and natural environments on thermal preference and thermoregulation in two species of introduced ectotherms, the brown anole, Anolis sagrei, and the bark anole, Anolis distichus. We found evidence of species- and sex-specific differences in habitat use and thermal biology related to environment (i.e. natural vs urban). The urban environment had a higher temperature and fewer available perches than the natural environment. Brown anoles were better at maintaining their preferred body temperature than bark anoles. Bark anoles occupied higher perches than brown anoles, and brown anoles exhibited a greater magnitude of sexual dimorphism in their size, habitat use, and thermal biology. The lower temperature and increased habitat space in natural environments suggests these environments are at risk of invasion by nonnative species as global warming continues, and the superior ability of brown anoles to persist and maintain their body temperatures between habitats may be a reason for their success as an invasive species across the globe.},
}

@article {pmid41712716,
year = {2026},
author = {Moutinho, S},
title = {Invasive mussel is rapidly spreading in Amazonian rivers.},
journal = {Science (New York, N.Y.)},
volume = {391},
number = {6787},
pages = {750},
doi = {10.1126/science.aeg5594},
pmid = {41712716},
issn = {1095-9203},
mesh = {Animals ; *Rivers ; *Introduced Species ; Brazil ; Ecosystem ; *Bivalvia ; South America ; },
abstract = {After devastating ecosystems and livelihoods across South America, the golden mussel fulfills a dire prediction.},
}

Animals
*Rivers
*Introduced Species
Brazil
Ecosystem
*Bivalvia
South America

@article {pmid41711885,
year = {2026},
author = {Habila, S and Wahyuni, DK},
title = {DNA barcoding confirms the identity of the invasive Sonchus arvensis in Java, Indonesia.},
journal = {Brazilian journal of biology = Revista brasleira de biologia},
volume = {85},
number = {},
pages = {e296844},
doi = {10.1590/1519-6984.296844},
pmid = {41711885},
issn = {1678-4375},
mesh = {*DNA Barcoding, Taxonomic/methods ; Indonesia ; *Introduced Species ; Phylogeny ; *Sonchus/genetics/classification ; *DNA, Plant/genetics ; },
abstract = {Sonchus arvensissubsp.arvensisis a perennial plant that serves both as a traditional medicinal herb and a prolific invasive weed. Its recent introduction to Southeast Asia, including Java, Indonesia, poses a potential threat to native biodiversity, yet its genetic provenance and invasion history in the region are uncharacterized. To provide a reliable species-level identification, we employed DNA barcoding of the chloroplast genesrbcLandmatK. Phylogenetic analysis revealed that samples from the four geographically distinct areas were genetically uniform based on these markers and were placed within a clade containing EurasianS. arvensisaccessions. The invader was distinct from the native AustralasianSonchusspecies. This work represents the first molecular confirmation ofS. arvensisin Java using DNA barcodes. While it establishes species identity, further genomic studies are required to resolve the population history, introduction pathway, and ecological impact of this invasive species.},
}

*DNA Barcoding, Taxonomic/methods
Indonesia
*Introduced Species
Phylogeny
*Sonchus/genetics/classification
*DNA, Plant/genetics

@article {pmid41711011,
year = {2026},
author = {Doherty, JF and Rossouw, B and Foster, LJ and Matthews, BJ},
title = {Shell-shocked: parasite-induced behaviour and development in an invasive dead-end snail host.},
journal = {The Journal of experimental biology},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1242/jeb.251496},
pmid = {41711011},
issn = {1477-9145},
support = {PDF-578318-2023//National Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada/ ; RGPIN-2020-05423//National Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada/ ; SCH-2021-1860//Michael Smith Health Research BC/ ; },
abstract = {Parasites with complex life cycles produce large numbers of free-living infectious stages to overcome the low odds of successful transmission between hosts. These stages often infect non-competent or "dead-end" hosts, which cannot support parasite development or transmission. While typically viewed as ecological cul-de-sacs, dead-end hosts may still experience meaningful effects from parasite exposure. Here, we examine how exposure to Paragordius varius hairworm larvae influences behaviour and development of Physella acuta, an invasive freshwater snail likely functioning as a dead-end host in this system. Using a dose-response design under controlled conditions, we exposed juvenile snails to increasing larval concentrations and tracked activity over 24 hours in relation to water, total home range, and core activity areas. Snails were then reared to assess impacts on shell development. Infection intensity scaled with larval dose. At the highest exposure, snails showed an almost one-third reduction in home range, spent substantially more time submerged, and entered water less frequently but for longer durations. These shifts indicate reduced exploratory behaviour and altered water use, potentially limiting ecological flexibility. Although shell size and shape were unaffected, shell crush resistance increased markedly with dose, suggesting altered properties tied to behavioural or physiological responses. Our results show that parasites can impose sublethal yet ecologically significant costs on dead-end hosts. This challenges traditional views of dead-end hosts as passive endpoints and highlights their potential role in shaping host-parasite dynamics. For invasive species like P. acuta, even non-transmissive infections may carry fitness and ecological consequences.},
}

@article {pmid41708502,
year = {2026},
author = {Griffin-Nolan, RJ and Bensaddek, L and Decocq, G and Hikosaka, K and Kichey, T and LeVonne, J and Mishio, M and Fridley, JD},
title = {Invasive plants optimize leaf nitrogen allocation in photosynthesis.},
journal = {The New phytologist},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1111/nph.71025},
pmid = {41708502},
issn = {1469-8137},
support = {IOS-1754273//Division of Environmental Biology/ ; },
abstract = {Invasive plants often outcompete co-occurring native species by expressing acquisitive functional traits that promote high photosynthetic capacity. However, it remains unclear whether these traits are newly evolved in the introduced ('away') range or if invaders arrived preadapted with superior traits from their native ('home') range. We measured photosynthetic performance of 27 invasive species in their home and away ranges, along with 17 co-occurring native species across 414 populations in temperate forest and field habitats. To understand mechanisms of photosynthetic shifts, we quantified leaf nitrogen (N) allocation among photosynthetic, structural, and defensive functions. Invasive species had greater photosynthetic capacity and photosynthetic N allocation than natives in both habitats, despite similar total leaf N. In fields, away-range invaders increased Rubisco investment compared to home populations, enhancing carboxylation rates. In forests, invaders had greater Chl allocation and quantum yield compared to native species - advantages already present in home-range populations. Increased photosynthetic N allocation was not linked to reduced structural or defensive N pools, challenging the hypothesis that invader growth advantages come at the expense of defense. Our findings suggest that enhanced N investment in photosynthesis is a common competitive advantage of invasive species, involving both away-range evolution and preadaptation.},
}

@article {pmid41707699,
year = {2026},
author = {Azra, MN and Soffa, FB and Norazmi-Lokman, NH and Segaran, TC and Wei, LS and Kari, ZA and Gao, H and Lah, RA and Moss, A},
title = {Knowledge mapping of world's worst invasive alien species under changing climate.},
journal = {Behavioural processes},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {105361},
doi = {10.1016/j.beproc.2026.105361},
pmid = {41707699},
issn = {1872-8308},
abstract = {Climate change exerts severe impacts on aquatic ecosystems and is intrinsically linked to the behavioral expansion of alien species, potentially exacerbating existing invasion dynamics. Despite the critical role of behavioral plasticity in invasion success, there is a notable lack of comprehensive mapping studies assessing how these species adapt their physiological and behavioral responses to climatic shifts. To address these gaps, this study employs scientometric and comparative analysis to illuminate the current status and future research directions concerning the world's most problematic invasive fish and shellfish. A systematic search of the Web of Science (1975-2023) identified 7,133 documents focusing on the IUCN's most harmful aquatic invaders. The findings reveal that research is increasingly focused on the mechanistic drivers of behavior, with "oxidative stress," "hypoxia," and "temperature effect" emerging as dominant research hotspots. Thematic analysis identified 38 clusters, highlighting "respiratory status" and "ocean acidification" as critical factors influencing the survival and activity patterns of invasive taxa. This analysis emphasizes that understanding the behavioral and physiological thresholds of these species is vital for strategic management, providing policymakers with a roadmap to anticipate how extreme climatic events will alter the behavior and spread of the world's worst invasive species.},
}

@article {pmid41706345,
year = {2026},
author = {Chen, L and Guo, J and Yang, Y and Xu, H and Lu, Z and Zheng, X and Wu, Y and Lu, Y},
title = {Evaluation of acute toxicity and enzyme activity of commonly used pesticides in rice fields to Chironomus kiiensis and Chironomus javanus.},
journal = {Ecotoxicology (London, England)},
volume = {35},
number = {3},
pages = {54},
pmid = {41706345},
issn = {1573-3017},
support = {CARS-01//earmarked fund for the China Agriculture Research System/ ; 2023YFD1400800//National Key Research and Development Program of China/ ; },
}

@article {pmid41705387,
year = {2026},
author = {Glennon, KL and Theron, A and Pedroza Lopez, E and Fletcher, RJ and Botero-Cañola, S and Kruger, L and Lasky, M and Monadjem, A and Wisely, SM and McCleery, R},
title = {Wild ungulate foraging suppresses growth of invasive parthenium weed.},
journal = {Biology letters},
volume = {22},
number = {2},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1098/rsbl.2025.0623},
pmid = {41705387},
issn = {1744-957X},
support = {//National Science Foundation International Experience for Students/ ; //NRF/ ; },
mesh = {Animals ; *Herbivory ; *Introduced Species ; *Plant Weeds/growth & development ; *Asteraceae/growth & development ; *Feeding Behavior ; Kenya ; },
abstract = {The invasive weed Parthenium hysterophorus has severely disrupted ecosystems worldwide, driven by its persistent seed bank and phytotoxic compounds that suppress surrounding vegetation and negatively impact herbivorous mammals. It is widely assumed that wild ungulates avoid parthenium weed-dominated areas due to its presumed unpalatability and toxicity, but direct evidence is limited. We experimentally tested whether ungulates in an African savanna actively forage on parthenium weed by contrasting herbivore foraging in mechanically cleared and controlled areas using exclosures in parthenium-invaded areas. We also assessed whether reduction in body condition scores was associated with foraging on parthenium weed, and whether herbivory suppresses parthenium weed regrowth. Our experimental results show that ungulates foraged on parthenium rosettes without apparent negative impacts on body condition. Notably, herbivore activity significantly reduced parthenium cover in cleared areas. These findings reveal a previously undocumented potential for leveraging wild ungulate herbivory as a biocontrol mechanism for managing parthenium weed invasions.},
}

Animals
*Herbivory
*Introduced Species
*Plant Weeds/growth & development
*Asteraceae/growth & development
*Feeding Behavior
Kenya

@article {pmid41704916,
year = {2026},
author = {Ferreira, MM and Bobrowiec, PED and Mustin, K and Carvalho, WD},
title = {Unveiling Emerging Trends and Gaps in Scientific Research on Vertebrate Biodiversity in Tropical Savannahs.},
journal = {Ecology and evolution},
volume = {16},
number = {2},
pages = {e72917},
pmid = {41704916},
issn = {2045-7758},
abstract = {Savannahs are among the most threatened ecosystems in the world due to the rapid change in their land use for forestry, soybean cultivation, and pasture. However, savannahs are less studied than tropical forest ecosystems despite this intense anthropogenic pressure. As such, here we investigate the gaps and trends in scientific research on terrestrial vertebrates in tropical savannahs, via a systematic search for scientific articles on the Web of Science platform. Subsequently, to identify the geographic distribution of the studies, we divided the total number of articles by the area of the Savannah biome (in km[2]) that occurs in each country. Our results show that Africa has a deficit in scientific research on terrestrial vertebrates compared to Oceania and South America, and that this global trend in the distribution of studies is closely related to the Human Development Index. We also identified land use change and fire dynamics as the most studied drivers of biodiversity loss, while invasive species and climate change were the least well studied. Finally, our research revealed that about 80% of the articles focused on mammals and birds, and that phylogenetic and functional diversity were the least studied dimensions of vertebrate biodiversity in tropical savannahs. These results are concerning for conservation efforts, as they reveal not only a substantial geographic gap but also a limited and biased understanding of savannah biodiversity.},
}

@article {pmid41702936,
year = {2026},
author = {Najberek, K and Myśliwy, M and Rewicz, A and Solarz, W},
title = {Plant cuttings of invasive alien Impatiens glandulifera Royle develop flowers and produce viable seeds.},
journal = {Scientific reports},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1038/s41598-025-33573-8},
pmid = {41702936},
issn = {2045-2322},
support = {RID/SP/0045/2024/01//Minister of Science under the "Regional Excellence Initiative" Program for 2024-2027/ ; },
abstract = {Controlling the invasive alien Himalayan balsam Impatiens glandulifera is both expensive and time-consuming. The most promising control methods include manual mowing and hand-pulling. However, long-term effectiveness of these methods can be unsatisfactory. We hypothesized that such partial success might result from eradication efforts occurring too late in the season, allowing improperly treated cuttings to flower. Moreover, we experimentally tested whether cut flowering individuals left on the ground could survive long enough to produce viable seeds. The experiment involved plant cuttings and reference individuals. We recorded the number of flowers on each plant, monitored floral visitor activity, and simultaneously measured abiotic factors (air temperature, solar radiation, wind speed). The relationship between insect visitation rates and both flower abundance and solar radiation was nonlinear, highlighting the importance of considering complex environmental effects in pollination dynamics. The seeds were collected, and seed viability was compared between the two treatment groups. We demonstrated that the plant cuttings survived for about three weeks, developed flowers and produced viable seeds. Although the reference individuals had more flowers and were more frequently visited by insects (mainly Bombus pascuorum), they did not develop significantly more viable seeds than the cuttings. This confirms the remarkable survival capacity of I. glandulifera plant cuttings and supports our hypothesis that this feature may hinder the full eradication of the species through mowing and hand-pulling under current guidelines. Based on our results, we recommend changing the control timing.},
}

@article {pmid41700811,
year = {2026},
author = {Zhuge, Y and Li, H and Meng, Y and Ni, G and Bai, X and Zhu, P and Song, J and Huang, Q and Miao, W and Feng, R and Hou, Y and Li, D},
title = {Soil fungal influence on the diversity-invasibility relationship depends on interacting species identities.},
journal = {Ecological applications : a publication of the Ecological Society of America},
volume = {36},
number = {1},
pages = {e70186},
doi = {10.1002/eap.70186},
pmid = {41700811},
issn = {1051-0761},
support = {163042020001//Central Public-interest Scientific Institution Basal Research Fund/ ; 32471749//National Natural Science Foundation of China/ ; 32571942//National Natural Science Foundation of China/ ; ZR2023MC077//Natural Science Foundation of Shandong Province/ ; 2022JCYJ029//Fundamental Research Projects of Science & Technology Innovation and Development Plan in Yantai City/ ; 2021YFC3100403//National Key R&D Program of China/ ; },
mesh = {*Soil Microbiology ; *Introduced Species ; *Biodiversity ; *Mycorrhizae/physiology ; *Fungi/physiology ; Species Specificity ; },
abstract = {Elton's diversity-invasibility hypothesis, which proposes that diverse communities should be more resistant to biological invasions, has been the focus of much attention. However, little is known about how soil microbes recruited by native plants influence the vulnerability of forest ecosystems to invasion by exotic plants. Here, we present a two-part plant-soil feedback experiment (Part A, diversity effect; Part B, soil inoculation) to examine the effects of soil microorganisms associated with native plant species at different diversity levels on community invasibility of temperate forests, using two invasive plants, Rhus typhina and Phytolacca americana, as test species. Aboveground plant growth and biomass allocation differed significantly between the two invasive plants under simulated diversity, with negative effects on P. americana and positive effects on R. typhina. Both the diversity effects and soil inoculation experiments showed that the growth of P. americana was inhibited, while that of R. typhina was promoted by soil microorganisms. In contrast to the non-mycorrhizal P. americana, the arbuscular mycorrhizal plant R. typhina enhanced its stress tolerance through close associations with soil fungi. Our study suggests that the role of soil microbes in the "diversity-invasibility" relationship might be related to the species identities (e.g., mycorrhizal type) of both invasive and native species. These results shed new light on Elton's diversity-invasibility hypothesis by highlighting the role of plant-soil feedback mechanisms.},
}

*Soil Microbiology
*Introduced Species
*Biodiversity
*Mycorrhizae/physiology
*Fungi/physiology
Species Specificity

@article {pmid41700489,
year = {2026},
author = {Valliere, JM and Parra, OA and Algiers, J},
title = {Management inputs, site conditions, and fire history shape outcomes of invasive plant control and native recovery.},
journal = {Ecological applications : a publication of the Ecological Society of America},
volume = {36},
number = {1},
pages = {e70187},
doi = {10.1002/eap.70187},
pmid = {41700489},
issn = {1051-0761},
support = {//Western National Parks Association/ ; },
mesh = {*Introduced Species ; California ; *Conservation of Natural Resources/methods ; *Fires ; *Plants/classification ; Ecosystem ; Time Factors ; },
abstract = {Millions of dollars and countless hours are spent on invasive plant management, and the field of invasion ecology has gained increasing attention in recent decades. Yet, despite these efforts to control and understand plant invasions, successful management is often elusive. Budgetary constraints are a common factor limiting invasive plant management programs, and therefore optimizing control strategies is essential. However, such optimization requires data on management inputs and outcomes, and these data are often missing, lacking, or underutilized. To address this knowledge gap and identify predictors of successful invasive plant control in natural areas, we examined nearly 20 years of invasive plant treatment data in the world's largest urban national park-Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area of southern California. We resurveyed 279 sites, which had undergone control in the past two decades, collecting data on the abundance of native and invasive plant species to evaluate long-term management outcomes. We used multiple statistical approaches to identify management inputs and site characteristics that are predictors of eradication, invasive plant cover, and native species recovery. We found that the greater the initial size or percent cover of an infestation, the lower the probability of eradication. We also found that infestations on steeper slopes and in areas that have burned more frequently are less likely to be eradicated. Promisingly, our results also showed that greater reductions in invasives generally benefited native plant communities, though not in all cases. These analyses also highlighted that persistence is key; more frequent treatments (both chemical and nonchemical) and greater investment of labor resulted in larger reductions in invasive plants. Our results highlight how site characteristics and limited resources can complicate invasive plant management, while demonstrating the value of analyzing treatment and monitoring data to identify effective control strategies and guide adaptive management decisions.},
}

*Introduced Species
California
*Conservation of Natural Resources/methods
*Fires
*Plants/classification
Ecosystem
Time Factors

@article {pmid41699788,
year = {2026},
author = {Courtois, MA and Souques, C and Voituron, Y and Teulier, L and Médoc, V and Dechaume-Moncharmont, FX},
title = {Functional response predicts invasiveness but not trophic impact.},
journal = {The Journal of animal ecology},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1111/1365-2656.70232},
pmid = {41699788},
issn = {1365-2656},
support = {//Agence de l'Eau Rhône-Méditerranée-Corse (AE-RMC)/ ; },
abstract = {Biological invasions are a major driver of biodiversity erosion mainly because invasive species show greater trophic impact than their non-invasive counterparts. The experimental paradigm for assessing this trophic impact is the functional response (FR) test that describes the relationship between per capita consumption rate and resource density. Two key parameters are then assessable and comparable between populations and species: the space clearance rate (attack rate, a) measuring predatory efficiency at low prey densities, and handling time (h) representing the time required to capture, handle and digest prey. This test is frequently conducted to compare non-invasive and invasive species and shows that invasive species have a higher FR than non-invasive species (characterized by higher space clearance rates and lower handling times) which would explain both their invasion success and their ecological impact. However, it appears that whether FR parameters differ between invasive species sampled in their native versus invasion range has never been tested, implicitly assuming that FR measures can be extrapolated to the entire range of distribution. Using a phylogenetically corrected comparative analysis of 269 FR observations from 45 freshwater fish species (23 non-invasive species and 22 invasive species), we confirm that invasive species exhibited higher FR than non-invasive species. However, this pattern holds true only when considering invasive species sampled in their native range. Invasive species studied in their invasion range displayed functional responses comparable to non-invasive species, with similar space clearance rates and handling times. Additionally, space clearance rates decreased with temperature in non-invasive species but tended to increase in invasive species from invasive introduction ranges, suggesting that climate warming may exacerbate competitive asymmetries. Together, these results indicate that high FR predispose species to invasiveness, but also challenge the assumption that FRs measured in the native range of a species can be directly extrapolated to predict its trophic impacts elsewhere. Our findings call for greater consideration of biogeographic context when using functional responses to assess invasion risk and ecological impact.},
}

@article {pmid41699711,
year = {2026},
author = {Cui, M and Ma, J and Si, W and Zhang, M and Liu, K},
title = {Structural Analysis and Immunoenhancing Activity of Polysaccharides Derived From Imperatae rhizoma.},
journal = {Chemistry & biodiversity},
volume = {23},
number = {2},
pages = {e03698},
doi = {10.1002/cbdv.202503698},
pmid = {41699711},
issn = {1612-1880},
support = {LKH-2022-01//SciTech Funding by CSPFTZ Lingang Special Area Marine Biomedical Innovation Platform/ ; 82172796//National Natural Science Foundation of China/ ; AG25-14151-0006//Key Recommended Project of Shanghai College Young Teacher Training Funding Plan in 2024/ ; },
mesh = {*Polysaccharides/chemistry/pharmacology/isolation & purification ; *Rhizome/chemistry ; Animals ; Mice ; Nitric Oxide/biosynthesis/antagonists & inhibitors ; RAW 264.7 Cells ; Macrophages/drug effects/metabolism ; Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha/metabolism ; *Immunologic Factors/pharmacology/chemistry/isolation & purification ; },
abstract = {In order to enhance the high-value utilization of Imperata cylindrica (L.) P. Beauv. and help control its ecological impact as an invasive species, Imperatae rhizoma polysaccharide (IRcp-2) was successfully extracted from the roots of Imperata cylindrica (L.) P. Beauv. The total sugar and protein contents of IRcp-2 were 91.36% and 1.50%, respectively. Its monosaccharide composition was predominantly galactose, arabinose, xylose, and glucose, with a molar ratio of 44.8:34.4:13.8:7.0. Its average molecular weight was 29 964 Da. Methylation combined with nuclear magnetic resonance analysis showed that IRcp-2 mainly included 1,3,6-β-Galp, 1-β-Araf, and a small amount of 1-β-Galp, 1,3-β-Galp, 1,4-β-Galp, 1,6-β-Galp, 1-β-Glcp, 1,2-β-Glcp, 1,3-β-Glcp, 1,4-β-Glcp, 1,3,4-β-Glcp, 1,6-β-Glcp, 1,2,5-β-Araf, 1,5-β-Araf, 1-α-Xylp, 1,2-α-Xylp, and 1,4-α-Xylp. Cell experiments demonstrated that IRcp-2 at concentrations of 5-200 µg/mL significantly promoted the proliferation of macrophages and increased the production of tumor necrosis factor-α and nitric oxide in macrophages, suggesting that IRcp-2 may possess immunoenhancing effects.},
}

*Polysaccharides/chemistry/pharmacology/isolation & purification
*Rhizome/chemistry
Animals
Mice
Nitric Oxide/biosynthesis/antagonists & inhibitors
RAW 264.7 Cells
Macrophages/drug effects/metabolism
Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha/metabolism
*Immunologic Factors/pharmacology/chemistry/isolation & purification

@article {pmid41698843,
year = {2026},
author = {Mitrovic, D and Bragg, LM and Flávio, H and Servos, MR and Wilkie, MP},
title = {The Mechanism of Increased Tolerance to the Pesticide, 3-Trifluoromethyl-4-Nitrophenol (TFM), in Invasive sea Lamprey (Petromyzon marinus) at Warmer Water Temperatures.},
journal = {Environmental toxicology and chemistry},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1093/etojnl/vgag040},
pmid = {41698843},
issn = {1552-8618},
abstract = {The phenolic compound 3-trifluoromethyl-4'-nitrophenol (TFM) is used as a lampricide, applied to rivers and streams to control populations of invasive sea lamprey (Petromyzon marinus) in the Great Lakes. 3-Trifluoromethyl-4'-nitrophenol is used to selectively target larval sea lamprey because of their limited capacity to detoxify it. The tissue TFM accumulation impairs mitochondrial adenosine triphosphate production by uncoupling oxidative phosphorylation, leading to energy depletion and death. Sea lamprey tolerance to TFM is greater in the summer, but the underlying mechanism(s) are unresolved. The present study tested the hypothesis that an increased capacity of sea lamprey to eliminate TFM at warmer temperatures increases their tolerance to TFM. Acute toxicity tests demonstrated that the 12-hr median lethal concentration (LC50) of TFM steadily increased by approximately 1.5-fold as water temperature rose from 7 to 28 °C. When lamprey were acclimated to one of three temperatures (6, 12, 24 °C) and exposed to an identical TFM concentration (i.e., 12-hr LC25 at 12 °C), muscle and liver TFM concentrations were approximately 30% and 36% lower in lamprey acclimated to 24 °C, suggesting more effective elimination of TFM at warmer temperatures. Calculations of the TFM steady state concentration and elimination half-life (t1/2) in the liver and muscle following TFM exposure suggested that they have a greater capacity to eliminate TFM in warmer water. We propose that the sea lamprey's capacity to detoxify TFM is greater at higher temperatures, preventing internal concentrations from reaching lethal levels during acute (9-12 hr) TFM exposure of similar duration to field applications. We also propose that water temperature, in addition to water pH and alkalinity, be considered when determining TFM application concentration used to optimize sea lamprey treatment effectiveness.},
}

@article {pmid41698669,
year = {2026},
author = {Graham, EA and Farrell, TM and Agugliaro, J and Walden, HDS and Lind, CM and Ossiboff, RJ},
title = {Pathologic Characterization of Raillietiella orientalis Infection and Comorbidities in Free-Ranging Pygmy Rattlesnakes (Sistrurus miliarius) from Central Florida, USA.},
journal = {Journal of wildlife diseases},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.7589/JWD-D-25-00197},
pmid = {41698669},
issn = {1943-3700},
abstract = {Raillietiella orientalis(Ro) is a parasitic pentastome with a rapidly expanding geographic and herpetofaunal host range in the southeastern USA since its introduction, probably with the invasive Burmese python (Python bivittatus). However, little is known about the health impacts of Ro infection in native USA host species. Pygmy rattlesnakes (Sistrurus miliarius), small pit vipers native to the southeastern USA, were among the first documented naïve hosts of Ro in Florida, USA. Between December 2018 and February 2019, 17 free-ranging S. miliarius from central Florida were evaluated for Ro pentastomiasis and comorbidities. Necropsy revealed Ro pentastomiasis in eight (47%) rattlesnakes confirmed by morphologic and molecular methods. Pygmy rattlesnakes harbored more Ro pentastomes (mean) than documented in Burmese pythons in southern Florida; moreover, the mean length of mature female Ro in S. miliarius was greater than in pythons, suggesting altered host-parasite interactions in this naïve host. Microscopically, localized inflammation and parasitic hematin deposition were associated with Ro in respiratory and coelomic tissues. All 17 snakes (100%) had both fungal dermatitis consistent with ophidiomycosis and mixed endoparasitism; other findings included two (12%) snakes with ferlaviral pneumonia and one (6%) with gastric cryptosporidiosis. This study shows that although lesions directly attributable to Ro in S. miliarius were mild, mixed-pathogen coinfections were common, highlighting the need for further study of potential host health and fitness impacts in native Florida snakes.},
}

@article {pmid41698668,
year = {2026},
author = {Seminati, C and Fernandez, M and Molina-López, RA and Darwich, L},
title = {Detection of Extended-Spectrum β-Lactamase-Producing Bacteria and CMY-2 Genes in Coypu (Myocastor coypus) in Catalan Wetlands, Northeast Spain.},
journal = {Journal of wildlife diseases},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.7589/JWD-D-25-00163},
pmid = {41698668},
issn = {1943-3700},
abstract = {The indiscriminate use of antibiotics during the past 50 yr in human and veterinary medicine and agriculture has enhanced the selection of antimicrobial resistant bacteria (AMRB) and genes (ARG), representing a serious threat to public health worldwide. Wildlife can act as reservoirs of antimicrobial resistant (AMR) environmental pollution, contributing to the dissemination of AMRB and ARG, especially in aquatic environments impacted by anthropogenic activities. The objective of this study was to evaluate the role of the coypu (Myocastor coypus), an invasive semiaquatic species, as an ecologic sentinel of AMR in the wetlands of Catalonia, Spain. A total of 116 free-living coypu were analyzed to detect the presence of AMRB and determine their antimicrobial susceptibility profile, and to detect the carriage of extended-spectrum β-lactamase and colistin resistance genes by conventional PCR. Resistant bacteria were detected in 16.3% of the samples (n=19), belonging to Aeromonas spp. (31.5%), Pseudomonas spp. (26.3%), and Enterobacterales (42.1%), with Escherichia coli (26.3%) as the principal enterobacterium. Most isolates showed AMR to aminopenicillins, lincosamides, and third-generation cephalosporins. Conversely, all isolates were sensitive to carbapenems. Analysis of ARG revealed 32% (6/19) of strains were positive for the blaCMY-2 gene (three isolates of E. coli, two of Pseudomonas spp., and one of Aeromonas hydrophila). These findings reinforce the value of testing invasive species such as coypus as bioindicators of AMR in environmental surveillance programs.},
}

@article {pmid41697559,
year = {2026},
author = {Huang, JL and Liu, Q and Wang, CL and Lang, X and Zeng, YX and Zhou, DQ},
title = {CT-based subregional and peritumoral radiomics for predicting pathological T stage of clear cell renal cell carcinoma: an exploratory study of biological mechanisms.},
journal = {Insights into imaging},
volume = {17},
number = {1},
pages = {50},
pmid = {41697559},
issn = {1869-4101},
support = {Grant No. KY24041//Internal Research Fund of The Third Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University/ ; },
abstract = {OBJECTIVES: To evaluate intratumoral subregional and peritumoral radiomics for predicting pathological T stage of clear cell renal cell carcinoma (ccRCC), and investigate the biological mechanisms of radiomics.

MATERIALS AND METHODS: This retrospective study included 323 ccRCC patients from two centers, divided into training (n = 148), internal test (n = 38), and external validation (n = 137) sets. Patients were stratified into low (T1 and T2, n = 222) and high (T3 and T4, n = 101) T stage groups. The tumors were segmented into different intratumoral subregions via the Gaussian mixture model (GMM). Radiomic features (RFs) were extracted from the whole tumor region (VOI_whole), intratumoral subregions (VOI_subx), and the peritumoral region (VOI_peri). Several machine learning (ML) models and radiomic score (Radscore) were developed to predict pathological T stage and prognosis of ccRCC. Radiogenomics analysis was used to explore the relationship between radiomics and biologic pathways.

RESULTS: Two intratumoral subregions were segmented. The support vector machine (SVM)-based combined model, constructed using RFs from VOI_sub1 and VOI_peri, achieved the highest AUC values, of 0.82 (95% CI: 0.68-0.96) and 0.80 (95% CI: 0.71-0.88) in the internal test and external validation sets, respectively. A higher Radscore was correlated with poorer overall survival (OS) (p < 0.001). Radiogenomics analysis revealed that radiomics was associated with extracellular matrix remodeling, vesicle transport, protein processing in the endoplasmic reticulum, and the Hippo signaling pathway.

CONCLUSIONS: An ML model combining intratumoral subregion and peritumoral RFs showed good performance in predicting the pathological T stage of ccRCC, and these RFs were associated with biological pathways underlying tumor invasion.

CRITICAL RELEVANCE STATEMENT: This study develops a validated CT-radiomics model (intratumoral subregions + peritumoral) predicting ccRCC T stage. The prognostic Radscore links to invasion biology (ECM remodeling, Hippo/ER dysregulation), enabling clinical translation.

KEY POINTS: Subregional and peritumoral radiomics models accurately predicted ccRCC (clear cell renal cell carcinoma) histological T stage. Radiomics score identified that high-risk ccRCC patients had poorer overall survival. Predictive radiomic features (RFs) were associated with biological pathways underlying tumor invasion.},
}

@article {pmid41697089,
year = {2026},
author = {Tang, YH and Zhang, HF and Wang, XD and Zhang, YB and Yang, NW and Wan, FH and Guo, JY and Lü, ZC and Liu, WX},
title = {Targeting Co-Safe RNAi Genes: Identification of Chitin Synthase and β-1,3-Glucanase for Sustainable Control of the Invasive Pest Tuta absoluta.},
journal = {Journal of agricultural and food chemistry},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1021/acs.jafc.5c15898},
pmid = {41697089},
issn = {1520-5118},
abstract = {RNA interference (RNAi) has emerged as a promising method for pest control. While RNA interference shows promise for pest control, its environmental risk assessment remains essential. Tuta absoluta is a significant invasive pest posing a serious threat to the tomato industry in China, and the study is targeted at the pest. We evaluated two chitin synthase genes (Chs1, Chs2) and a β-1,3-glucanase gene (Beita) as RNAi targets in T. absoluta, with particular emphasis on ecological safety. DsRNA exposure induced significant larval mortality (53-69%), phenotypic abnormalities, and midgut disruption. Most importantly, comprehensive environmental safety assessment confirmed no homologous genes in humans or key nontarget organisms (Nesidiocoris tenuis, Harmonia axyridis, Trichogramma exiguum, Episyrphus balteatus), and critically, no adverse effects on their survival, pollination, predation, or parasitism capacities. This study identifies three effective RNAi targets and provides substantial evidence for the environmental safety of these dsRNAs, supporting their sustainable application in T. absoluta management.},
}

@article {pmid41695701,
year = {2026},
author = {Justine, JL and Winsor, L},
title = {Cats, dogs, and sticky worms: invasion by land flatworms (Geoplanidae) is facilitated by household pets.},
journal = {PeerJ},
volume = {14},
number = {},
pages = {e20713},
pmid = {41695701},
issn = {2167-8359},
mesh = {Animals ; Cats ; Dogs/parasitology ; France ; *Pets/parasitology ; *Introduced Species ; Humans ; Cat Diseases/parasitology ; },
abstract = {BACKGROUND: It is well known that the main vector of invasion by land flatworms has been the export of potted plants from their countries of origin to the invaded country. Within the invaded country, transport to garden centres where the plants are sold, and transport to the buyer's garden, are also carried out by humans. However, it is less clear how flatworms can then invade neighbouring gardens, given their slow movement rates.

METHODS: We re-examined citizen science reports in metropolitan France received over more than 12 years (2013-2025), searching the 6500 original emails for keywords suggesting transport by pets.

RESULTS: We found 15 citizen science observations of cats (13) or dogs (2) with flatworms stuck to their fur. Surprisingly, all reports concerned the species Caenoplana variegata, the two-tone planarian, even though this species is not the most abundant in gardens in France. Over the period 2020-2024, observations of C. variegata on dogs and cats represented 7.3% (10/137) of reports.

DISCUSSION: We suspect that transport by domestic animals is a significant factor favouring invasion by C. variegata, which possesses a particularly sticky mucus adapted to arthropod predation. This is compounded by the fact that the species reproduces asexually in Europe, and therefore the transport of a single individual may be sufficient to facilitate an invasion. We calculated a conservative estimate of the distances travelled outdoors by all the dogs and cats in France, which was 18 billion km/year; if only a tiny proportion of these journeys involve pets carrying flatworms, this transport as a dispersal factor becomes entirely plausible.

CONCLUSIONS: We believe that animal transport is a significant factor favouring land flatworm invasion, but that this does not apply to all species. A citizen science initiative could provide a better understanding of the extent and importance of animal transport as a factor for land flatworm invasions in other countries.},
}

Animals
Cats
Dogs/parasitology
France
*Pets/parasitology
*Introduced Species
Humans
Cat Diseases/parasitology

@article {pmid41693727,
year = {2026},
author = {Benjamin, C and Hill, J and Ricciardi, A},
title = {Thermal effects on feeding efficiency and body condition in invasive and native benthivorous freshwater fishes.},
journal = {Biological invasions},
volume = {28},
number = {2},
pages = {51},
pmid = {41693727},
issn = {1387-3547},
abstract = {UNLABELLED: Predictive information on invasive species impacts under climate warming is critical for risk assessment. The comparative functional response approach-an experimental method measuring feeding efficiency of a predator along a prey gradient-can forecast ecological impacts of an invader by quantifying its resource consumption under varying conditions. This approach was applied to the Tench Tinca tinca, an invasive benthivorous fish currently spreading in the St Lawrence River, and two native benthivorous species, the White Sucker Catostomus commersonii and the Brown Bullhead Ameiurus nebulosus. Body condition was used as a measure of long-term fitness under a given temperature treatment, and the Functional Response Ratio (FRR) and Relative Impact Potential (RIP) were used as metrics describing trophic impact. All species were acclimated to 18 °C and 25 °C; the former temperature represents the physiological optimum for the chosen native species, whereas the latter temperature is the projected near-future mean summer maximum for the lower Great Lakes. Feeding rates on larval chironomids were measured in 3-h trials at prey densities ranging from 2 to 500. White Sucker feeding efficiency was unaffected by temperature and consistently higher than the Tench, whereas the Tench exhibited a lower maximum feeding rate at 25 °C compared to 18 °C. Despite superior feeding rates, White Suckers showed diminished body condition at the elevated temperature, suggesting their foraging advantage might not persist under warming conditions. These findings suggest Tench possess greater thermal compensation capacity than White Suckers, indicated by their stable condition factors at elevated temperatures despite lower maximum feeding rates. In a second set of experiments, Tench achieved greater feeding efficiency than Brown Bullhead, but both species showed reduced efficiency at elevated temperatures. However, Brown Bullhead had increased body condition indices following experiments. FRR and RIP metrics indicated that Tench holds a competitive feeding advantage over Brown Bullhead that is reduced under elevated temperatures. Tench impact depends on both feeding efficiency and its capacity to maintain fitness in warm waters. Our results highlight the necessity of considering thermal adaptation in ecological forecasting. Climate warming may reshape competitive dynamics and ecosystem impact pathways beyond direct consumption effects.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s10530-026-03767-w.},
}

@article {pmid41691963,
year = {2026},
author = {Li, C and Chen, B and Liu, L and Li, Y and Zhao, Z and Huang, P and Qiu, L and Gao, T},
title = {CSR strategy composition of urban spontaneous plants:A case from Yangling, China.},
journal = {Journal of environmental management},
volume = {401},
number = {},
pages = {128985},
doi = {10.1016/j.jenvman.2026.128985},
pmid = {41691963},
issn = {1095-8630},
abstract = {Urban spontaneous plants are advocated as a novel type of urban green infrastructure due to their high ecological value and low maintenance costs. However, their widespread application is limited by the inherent instability and insufficient knowledge about species-specific functional traits and intra-community ecological interactions. The CSR (Competition-Stress-Ruderal) strategy framework could serve as a methodological tool to classify plant functional groups and survival strategies, thereby facilitating a mechanistic understanding of individual spontaneous plant species' adaptive characteristics. Therefore, this study investigated 196 spontaneous plant species in Yangling, China, with the systematic sampling method, and their CSR strategy composition was analyzed. The results indicate that the CSR strategy composition of urban spontaneous plants is dominated by the R-strategy, followed by the C-strategy, with S-strategy being the least prevalent. The intermediate ecological strategy was R/CSR (C:S:R = 30:21:47%). There are no significant differences in the composition of ecological strategies among plants of various life forms. However, perennial plants invest more in C-strategy, while annual and biennial plants invest more in R-strategy. Native plants are more concentrated in the central area of the CSR strategy triangle diagram, whereas exotic species are more widely and evenly distributed within the triangle. The investment in C strategy by exotic species was significantly higher than that of native species. The investment in C strategy was significantly increased among invasive species, and the probability of invasion species increases when R-strategy is combined with C-strategy. The proportion of invasive species dominated by S-selection is extremely low. This study indicates that the CSR strategy of urban spontaneous plants is shaped by urban vegetation history and urban habitats. The CSR strategy can effectively indicate the survival strategies of urban spontaneous plants and their invasive statuses. In urban landscape design, plants can be selected to match the habitat characteristics based on their strategies, and the CSR strategy can be used as one of the bases for assessing the invasion risk of exotic plants.},
}

@article {pmid41691151,
year = {2026},
author = {Picq, S and Capron, A and Prunier, J and Boyle, B and Djoumad, A and Stewart, D and Wu, Y and Hamelin, R and Cusson, M},
title = {Genomics-based assessment of the geographic origin of spongy moths (Lymantria dispar) intercepted during vessel inspections, using SpongySeq, an amplicon sequencing panel.},
journal = {BMC genomics},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1186/s12864-025-11978-z},
pmid = {41691151},
issn = {1471-2164},
support = {#182IAS//Genome Canada/ ; },
abstract = {BACKGROUND: Invasive alien species (IAS) are a major threat to native biodiversity, ecosystems services, economic stability and human well-being. The two spongy moths, Lymantria dispar asiatica and L. dispar japonica, native from Asia, are important defoliators of a wide variety of hardwood and coniferous trees, and the risk of their introduction into North America via sea transport is considered high by plant protection regulatory authorities. To prevent such introductions, a cost-effective approach consists in reducing the likelihood that IAS will enter the invasion pathway. This involves identifying the geographic origins of moths intercepted during vessel inspections in North American ports and implementing preventative measures in those foreign ports identified as the sources of moths. In the present work, we designed a genomic-based method for the accurate identification of the geographic origins of intercepted spongy moths. To this end, we developed an AmpliSeq panel, named SpongySeq, using genotyping-by-sequencing-derived SNP obtained from 1156 spongy moths collected at 61 sites in 25 countries.

RESULTS: The 283 SNPs that make up the panel were selected based on their performance to accurately assign spongy moths to one of the 19 geographic groups identified here, through assignment analyses using three different models, i.e., a multivariate approach, discriminant analysis of principal components (DAPC), and two supervised learning methods named Support-Vector-Machine and Naïve Bayes. With the most performant model (DAPC), our SpongySeq panel displayed a high assignment accuracy varying between 82 and 97%, depending on the assignment threshold used. Using this assignment method, an assessment of the origins of 28 egg masses of Asian spongy moths intercepted in different US ports in 2019-20, indicated that the majority were from Japan (18).

CONCLUSIONS: This research demonstrates the feasibility to predict provenance and mitigate invasion of an important invasive species using a medium-size subset of selected genetic markers.},
}

@article {pmid41687444,
year = {2026},
author = {Outinen, O and Stæhr, PAU and Ribeiro, RS and Carbonell, A and Comas-González, R and Png-Gonzalez, L and Vázquez-Luis, M and Florin, AB and Naddafi, R and Gittenberger, A and Jakobsen, H and Costa, AC and Parente, MI and Dragičević, B and Dulčić, J and Petović, S and Orlando-Bonaca, M and Mavrič, B and Bartilotti, C and Lobo-Arteaga, J and Tuaty-Guerra, M and Viard, F and Massé, C and Castriota, L and Livi, S and Galanidi, M and Zenetos, A and Carvalho, N and Canning-Clode, J and Parretti, P and Ramalhosa, P and Castro, N},
title = {The haunting challenge of the trends and pathway assessments on newly introduced non-indigenous species in European seas.},
journal = {Marine pollution bulletin},
volume = {226},
number = {},
pages = {119407},
doi = {10.1016/j.marpolbul.2026.119407},
pmid = {41687444},
issn = {1879-3363},
abstract = {The spread of aquatic non-indigenous species (NIS) is recognised as a major threat to the recipient regions ecosystems. The present study reviewed all NIS that have been introduced to the marine waters of the European Union (EU) until 2021, and their introduction pathways. Further, the study statistically analysed temporal trends in new NIS introductions and addressed uncertainties in relation to transporting pathways. Time-series analyses indicated that the observed trends in new NIS introductions have followed smoothly increasing trajectories for the entire study area, Mediterranean Sea, North-East Atlantic Ocean, and the Baltic Sea, whereas abrupt increase was detected for the Black Sea. It is noteworthy that the increasing trends started to slow down at the end of 2010s. Strongly increased research interest towards marine invasions since the early 2000s, and new environmental policies likely affected the observed trends. Future updates will be key to assessing whether this slowdown is truly a persisting trend or only an anomaly in the long term. The pathway assessment suffered from notable uncertainties, as the assigned confidence levels for pathways were low or unassigned for a large proportion of the introduced NIS in all study regions. Transport by shipping vectors was assigned as the most common pathway (51%) for new NIS introductions to EU seas, although there was very rarely direct evidence of this. The study highlights the need to overcome the pathway uncertainties, as robust information on introduction pathways is critical to manage new NIS introductions effectively.},
}

@article {pmid41687322,
year = {2026},
author = {Kolesnik, M and Lozano, I and Guidobono, JS and Lo Nostro, FL and Meijide, FJ},
title = {Swimming impairment caused by pharmaceuticals in native and invasive fishes: A comparison of fluoxetine effects in two poeciliid species.},
journal = {Chemosphere},
volume = {396},
number = {},
pages = {144860},
doi = {10.1016/j.chemosphere.2026.144860},
pmid = {41687322},
issn = {1879-1298},
abstract = {Chemical pollution and invasive alien species are currently recognized as two of the major drivers of global biodiversity loss. These two pressures rarely act in isolation, but instead frequently co-occur and interact in human-modified ecosystems. The antidepressant fluoxetine (FLX) is among the neuroactive pharmaceuticals most regularly detected in watersheds worldwide, raising concerns over its potential adverse effects on the behavior of fishes and other aquatic organisms. For native fish species inhabiting FLX-polluted environments, the ability to withstand the ecological pressure from invasive species might be compromised if they prove more vulnerable to chemical pollution than their non-native counterparts. Here, we examined whether FLX impairs swimming performance at lower concentrations in the native ten-spotted livebearer Cnesterodon decemmaculatus than in the invasive mosquitofish Gambusia holbrooki. Fishes were exposed to waterborne FLX for 14 days, under semi-static conditions with daily renewal of test solutions. Following exposure, swimming activity of individual fish was video-recorded and analyzed. We found that fish exposed to 25 μg/L FLX exhibited impaired swimming behaviour, slowing down their movement and remaining for longer time static and close to the surface. Contrarily, exposure to 0.5 μg/L FLX-an environmentally relevant concentration-did not affect swimming performance in either species. Interestingly, exposure to 5 μg/L FLX, which is close to the concentration of combined antidepressants reported in surface waters, had a significant effect on overall locomotion in C. decemmaculatus but not in G. holbrooki. This finding points to a higher susceptibility of the native species as compared to the invasive one, potentially diminishing its capacity to cope with interference competition under aquatic pollution by neuroactive contaminants.},
}

@article {pmid41686700,
year = {2026},
author = {Ierardi, RA and Ericsson, AC and Lahmers, KK and Shen, Z and Raghavan, RK},
title = {Detection of Anaplasma marginale (Rickettsiales: Anaplasmataceae) in host-seeking adult Dermacentor variabilis (Acari: Ixodidae) on cattle pastures, Missouri, United States.},
journal = {Journal of medical entomology},
volume = {63},
number = {1},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1093/jme/tjag014},
pmid = {41686700},
issn = {1938-2928},
support = {00081722//Taylor Geospatial Institute/ ; 7003929 and 7006485//USDA National Institute of Food and Agriculture, Animal Health projects/ ; //University of Missouri College of Veterinary Medicine Veterinary Research Scholars Program/ ; 58-2090-2-020//USDA Agricultural Research Service/ ; },
mesh = {Animals ; *Anaplasma marginale/isolation & purification ; Missouri ; *Dermacentor/microbiology ; Male ; Cattle ; Cattle Diseases/microbiology ; Anaplasmosis ; },
abstract = {Bovine anaplasmosis is an economically important and globally distributed disease of cattle caused by a rickettsia, Anaplasma marginale Theiler, which infects bovine red blood cells. In the United States, A. marginale is transmitted by adult male Dermacentor spp. ticks. Our objectives were to estimate the prevalence of A. marginale among host-seeking D. variabilis Say males and describe tick activity on beef cow-calf grazing operations in Missouri. Ticks were collected by dragging a total of 348 750-meter transects on 5 field sites from May 2022 to August 2024. In total, 29,132 ticks were collected: 27,502 Amblyomma americanum Linnaeus, 1,504 D. variabilis, 101 Haemaphysalis longicornis Neumann, and 25 individuals of uncommonly encountered species. A total of 692 adult male D. variabilis were divided into 154 pools of ≤5 ticks/pool for analysis. Anaplasma marginale was detected by quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) in 1 pool of 5 adult males (0.6%). Illumina sequencing detected an Anaplasma bovis (Donatien and Lestoquard 1936)-like sequence in 38 pools (24.7%). The endosymbionts Francisella spp. and Rickettsia spp. were detected in 100% and 32.5% of pools, respectively. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first study to detect A. marginale in host-seeking D. variabilis collected in the field. Our findings also represent the first reports of H. longicornis, an invasive species, in 4 Missouri counties.},
}

Animals
*Anaplasma marginale/isolation & purification
Missouri
*Dermacentor/microbiology
Male
Cattle
Cattle Diseases/microbiology
Anaplasmosis

@article {pmid41159716,
year = {2026},
author = {Romero, E and Benito, M and Soto, A},
title = {A novel parasitoid for an invasive mealybug: temperature-dependent biology of Anagyrus aberiae (Hymenoptera: Encyrtidae) and implications for the biological control of Delottococcus aberiae (Hemiptera: Pseudococcidae).},
journal = {Journal of economic entomology},
volume = {119},
number = {1},
pages = {55-64},
doi = {10.1093/jee/toaf291},
pmid = {41159716},
issn = {1938-291X},
support = {//Generalitat Valenciana through Conselleria de Agricultura/ ; //Desarrollo Rural/ ; S7296000//Emergencia Climática y Transición Ecológica/ ; //Generalitat Valenciana/ ; S7296000//Conselleria de Agricultura, Desarrollo Rural, Emergencia Climática y Transición Ecológica/ ; },
mesh = {Animals ; *Hemiptera/parasitology/growth & development ; *Pest Control, Biological ; *Wasps/growth & development/physiology ; Female ; Temperature ; Male ; Introduced Species ; Spain ; Longevity ; Nymph/growth & development/parasitology ; Larva/growth & development/parasitology/physiology ; },
abstract = {Anagyrus aberiae (Guerrieri) (Hymenoptera: Encyrtidae), an imported parasitoid from South Africa, was released in Spain for the classical biological control of the invasive citrus mealybug Delottococcus aberiae (De Lotto) (Hemiptera: Pseudococcidae). However, limited information is available about the parasitoid's biological traits. Temperature is a key factor influencing insect performance and population dynamics. This study examines the effect of 7 constant temperatures on the development and survival of A. aberiae and determines its developmental thresholds and thermal constants using linear and nonlinear regression models. The parasitoid successfully developed and survived at temperatures between 18 and 33 °C but failed to develop at 36 °C. Development time and adult longevity decreased with increasing temperature, from 58.15 d at 18 °C to 19.27 d at 33 °C. Female progeny production peaked at 24 °C, whereas offspring production was lowest and male-biased at 18 and 33 °C. The estimated lower and upper developmental thresholds were 11.4 and 36 °C, respectively, with an optimal temperature of 32.1 °C. The thermal constant was calculated as 250 degree-days (DD). A. aberiae can survive, develop, and reproduce within the typical temperature range found in Mediterranean orchards, suggesting strong adaptive potential in regions beyond its native range. These results should be considered when optimizing mass-rearing programmes and assessing the field adaptation and establishment of A. aberiae as a biological control agent of D. aberiae across different citrus-growing regions.},
}

Animals
*Hemiptera/parasitology/growth & development
*Pest Control, Biological
*Wasps/growth & development/physiology
Female
Temperature
Male
Introduced Species
Spain
Longevity
Nymph/growth & development/parasitology
Larva/growth & development/parasitology/physiology

@article {pmid39964333,
year = {2026},
author = {Manattini, MC and Lozada, M and Buteler, M},
title = {Agonistic interactions between Vespula vulgaris (Linnaeus) and Vespula germanica (Fabricius) (Hymenoptera: Vespidae) during foraging.},
journal = {Insect science},
volume = {33},
number = {1},
pages = {353-363},
doi = {10.1111/1744-7917.13500},
pmid = {39964333},
issn = {1744-7917},
mesh = {Animals ; *Wasps/physiology ; Feeding Behavior ; *Agonistic Behavior ; Introduced Species ; Female ; Aggression ; Species Specificity ; Social Behavior ; },
abstract = {Foraging behavior is a key factor associated with the success of social insect invasions. Vespula wasps show complex behavioral patterns and social mechanisms associated with foraging, which are directly related to their invasive success in several countries worldwide. Vespula vulgaris (Linnaeus) and Vespula germanica (Fabricius) are invasive wasps, coexisting in Patagonia, showing temporal and dietary overlap. As generalist, opportunistic predators and scavengers with broad diets, these sympatric wasps share similar niches and foraging habits. We analyzed their foraging strategies and interaction, observing the behavior of each species in the presence of workers of the same species, and the other species at a given resource, directly and indirectly. Directly, from a continuous visual record, we observed and recorded the frequency of wasp's behavior at a feeder for 30 min. Indirectly, we conducted pairwise choice tests to compare wasp preference for treated and untreated feeders with visual and olfactory cues simulating the presence of wasps of the same or different species. We found consistent differences between species in aggressiveness. V. vulgaris showed a greater degree of intraspecific agonistic behavior than toward V. germanica, while V. germanica was less aggressive, and intraspecific and interspecific interactions were similar. Also, V. vulgaris preferred landing on baits without visual and olfactory cues simulating wasps presence, while V. germanica preferred baits with cues simulating its own species over baits with cues representing V. vulgaris. Our results suggest that V. germanica prioritize social facilitation as foraging strategy, while for V. vulgaris aggression is the predominant strategy.},
}

Animals
*Wasps/physiology
Feeding Behavior
*Agonistic Behavior
Introduced Species
Female
Aggression
Species Specificity
Social Behavior

@article {pmid41685868,
year = {2026},
author = {Wu, K and Chen, B and Liu, Q and Sun, K and Shao, Y and Mijiti, M and Li, Z},
title = {Development of a Plant Rhabdovirus-based Versatile Vector for Gene Function Studies in Leafhoppers and Rice.},
journal = {Journal of experimental botany},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1093/jxb/erag082},
pmid = {41685868},
issn = {1460-2431},
abstract = {Plant viral vectors are powerful tools for transient gene overexpression and silencing, enabling rapid functional analysis without the need for genetic transformation. Rice stripe mosaic virus (RSMV) is an emerging plant rhabdovirus transmitted propagatively by the leafhopper Recilia dorsalis. Leveraging its cross-kingdom replication ability, here we report the development of RSMV as a versatile vector for regulatable foreign gene expression and virus-induced gene silencing (VIGS) in rice and its insect vector. We first established an efficient reverse genetics system for RSMV using Nicotiana benthamiana as a model host. Recombinant virus particles recovered from N. benthamiana leaves were infectious to R. dorsalis and efficiently transmitted to rice. RSMV-based vectors stably accommodated at least two foreign genes, totaling up to 3.7 kb, and maintained stable expression across multiple passages. As proof-of-concept, the RSMV-VIGS vector achieved >90% knockdown of a target gene in R. dorsalis, producing near-knockout phenotypes that persisted throughout adulthood, and also induced efficient gene silencing in infected rice plants. Our work enables genetic manipulation of RSMV for molecular studies and provides a robust tool for functional genomics in both rice and insect hosts.},
}

@article {pmid41685862,
year = {2026},
author = {Chen, H and Wei, Y and Qiu, T},
title = {Phenological Responses to Canopy Structure Depend on Vegetation Biomes Across the United States.},
journal = {Global change biology},
volume = {32},
number = {2},
pages = {e70749},
doi = {10.1111/gcb.70749},
pmid = {41685862},
issn = {1365-2486},
support = {80NSSC25K7480/NASA/NASA/United States ; 2407753//National Science Foundation/ ; },
mesh = {United States ; Seasons ; *Climate Change ; *Forests ; *Ecosystem ; Bayes Theorem ; *Trees ; },
abstract = {Land surface phenology is a key indicator of ecosystem responses to global change, but most studies largely emphasized temporal trends, leaving spatial patterns, particularly those shaped by canopy structure, underresolved. As disturbances from forest dieback, invasive species, and wildfire expand canopy openings that reshape microclimates, their consequences for the timing of spring green-up and fall senescence remain poorly quantified. Leveraging multi-source remote sensing data from 25 sites in the National Ecological Observatory Network (NEON), we evaluated how canopy gaps and their interactions with climate affect phenology across diverse biomes with a Bayesian spatially explicit model. Gaps were associated with earlier spring and later fall phenology in 15 and 18 sites, respectively; tropical seasonal and temperate rainforests showed delays in both seasons, whereas temperate seasonal forests generally advanced spring and delayed fall, and woodland/shrubland advanced spring but exhibited mixed fall responses. At typical average gap sizes (200 to 650 m[2]), spring green-up shifted by -2 to +2 days and autumn senescence by -1 to +5 days, with climate background modulating both magnitude and direction in some sites. Our models also achieved high out-of-sample accuracy (R[2] > 0.5 at 21 of 25 sites for spring and 20 of 25 for fall), highlighting canopy structure as a key driver of spatial variations in phenology. Because canopy structure can be modified through silvicultural practices, these findings provide actionable guidance for climate-resilient forest management.},
}

United States
Seasons
*Climate Change
*Forests
*Ecosystem
Bayes Theorem
*Trees

@article {pmid41684817,
year = {2026},
author = {Kaya, N and İnci, H and Şarlak, İ and Yetim, T and Özgül, CN and Özuluğ, O and Tosunoğlu, M},
title = {Pressure of Invasive Alien Species Trachemys scripta on Native Species Under Future Climate Change Scenarios.},
journal = {Ecology and evolution},
volume = {16},
number = {2},
pages = {e73084},
pmid = {41684817},
issn = {2045-7758},
abstract = {Throughout the world, climate change is having many adverse impacts, ranging from the decline of biodiversity to the economic downturn. Increasing temperature will continue to affect microorganisms and ecosystems in a very wide range. In order to mitigate the severity of this irreversible process, it would be helpful to analyze the anticipated scenarios for the coming years. For this purpose, the invasive alien species Trachemys scripta and the native species Emys orbicularis, Mauremys caspica and Mauremys rivulata in Türkiye were projected with five different climate models (ACCESS-CM2, BCC-CSM2-MR, CNRM-ESM2-1, GISS-E2-1-G, and MIROC6) for the years 2050, 2070, and 2090. Suitable habitat areas, habitat expansions, and habitat contractions of species with climate change were modeled. Based on the results of these models, it appears that habitat expansions in the future will probably result in an increase in competition between native and invasive species. Due to habitat contraction in the west, the T. scripta species is expected to migrate toward the coast, which may lead to population declines for E. orbicularis and M. rivulata, especially along the Mediterranean coast. Furthermore, M. caspica, which is distributed in the east, is likely to move toward the western and southern regions due to climate change, where it could compete for habitat with T. scripta as it experiences habitat contraction in the north. This suggests that climate change and the impact of invasive species will lead to habitat loss for native species in the future. Considering this data, it is recommended to increase collection and monitoring efforts in coastal areas where the T. scripta species is currently densely distributed in order to mitigate the occurrence of this predicted scenario in the future.},
}

@article {pmid41684225,
year = {2026},
author = {Chowdhury, S and Hawladar, N and Roy, RC and Capinha, C and Cassey, P and Correia, RA and Deme, GG and Di Marco, M and Di Minin, E and Jarić, I and Ladle, RJ and Lenoir, J and Momeny, M and Rinne, JJ and Roll, U and Bonn, A},
title = {Harnessing social media data to track species range shifts.},
journal = {Conservation biology : the journal of the Society for Conservation Biology},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {e70234},
doi = {10.1111/cobi.70234},
pmid = {41684225},
issn = {1523-1739},
support = {DFG-FZT 118 and 202548816//German Research Foundation/ ; //Australian Research Industry Laureate Fellow/ ; IL230100175//Combatting Wildlife Crime and Preventing Environmental Harm/ ; CE24/1043//British Ecological Society/ ; ERC BIOBANG 101171602//European Union/ ; 447598/2025-2 441125/2023-9 306174/2025-1//CNPq/ ; },
abstract = {Biodiversity monitoring programs and citizen science data remain heavily biased toward the Global North. Especially in megadiverse countries with limited biodiversity records, incorporating social media data can help address existing data gaps. However, whether such data can significantly improve our understanding of range-shifting species is still unknown. We tested whether social media data improved our knowledge of the range dynamics of a rapid range-shifting butterfly, the tawny coster (Acraea terpsicore). We collated locality data from Flickr and Facebook and compared these with occurrence data from the Global Biodiversity Information Facility (GBIF). We used species distribution models (SDMs) and niche assessments, which we calibrated with data from GBIF alone and both sources combined (GBIF and social media data) to analyze range shift dynamics. Social media data increased occurrence records by 35%, and the proportion of social media data was higher in countries poorly represented in GBIF. In addition, we obtained new distributional information from well-represented countries (e.g., Australia and Malaysia). Over time, the SDMs calibrated with GBIF and social media data showed greater expansion rates than SDMs based solely on GBIF data. The niche assessments revealed that GBIF-only data failed to capture regions with relatively low maximum temperature, relatively low precipitation and high elevation. Our results highlight the potential of harnessing social media data to track rapid biodiversity redistribution in response to climate change.},
}

@article {pmid41683894,
year = {2026},
author = {Xiong, X and Li, J and Sun, S and Yu, C and Tian, Y and Li, C and Liu, H},
title = {Combined Transcriptomic and Metabolomic Analyses of Low-Temperature Adaptation in Bursaphelenchus xylophilus.},
journal = {International journal of molecular sciences},
volume = {27},
number = {3},
pages = {},
doi = {10.3390/ijms27031470},
pmid = {41683894},
issn = {1422-0067},
support = {2024CXGC0109110301//Key Research and Development Program of Shandong Province/ ; },
mesh = {Animals ; Cold Temperature ; *Metabolomics/methods ; *Transcriptome ; *Adaptation, Physiological/genetics ; *Metabolome ; Gene Expression Profiling ; Acclimatization/genetics ; Lysophospholipids/metabolism/genetics ; Cold-Shock Response ; *Tylenchida/genetics/metabolism ; },
abstract = {Bursaphelenchus xylophilus (PWN), a highly destructive invasive forest pest, has expanded northward in China, even colonizing cold regions, implying evolved low-temperature tolerance. To explore its cold adaptation mechanisms, we selected PWN isolates from diverse origins, screened cold-tolerant strains via low-temperature stress assays, and conducted integrative transcriptomic and metabolomic analyses. We also compared invasive and native populations to clarify adaptive pattern differentiation. The results showed that northern Chinese isolates had significantly higher survival rates, with cold tolerance closely linked to lysophosphatidylethanolamine (LysoPE). Silencing the LysoPE-related gene BX02G0260 markedly elevated nematode mortality under low temperatures. Unlike native populations, invasive PWN may have developed a cold adaptation strategy centered on genetic material protection, with xanthosine as a key metabolite. These findings provide critical molecular insights into invasive species' rapid cold adaptation in novel environments.},
}

Animals
Cold Temperature
*Metabolomics/methods
*Transcriptome
*Adaptation, Physiological/genetics
*Metabolome
Gene Expression Profiling
Acclimatization/genetics
Lysophospholipids/metabolism/genetics
Cold-Shock Response
*Tylenchida/genetics/metabolism

@article {pmid41681678,
year = {2026},
author = {Zheng, F and Zhan, C and Yang, K and Li, Q and Wang, Z and Xu, G and Clements, DR and Yao, B and Jin, G and Yang, S and Zhang, F and Day, MD and Shen, S},
title = {Allelopathic Potential of Newly Emerged Invasive Plant Cirsium vulgare (Asteraceae) in Yunnan Province of China.},
journal = {Plants (Basel, Switzerland)},
volume = {15},
number = {3},
pages = {},
doi = {10.3390/plants15030513},
pmid = {41681678},
issn = {2223-7747},
support = {2024YFC2607600//National Key Research and Development Program of China/ ; },
abstract = {Cirsium vulgare (Asteraceae) is a newly emerged invasive species in Yunnan Province, China, and its phytotoxic potential has not yet been studied. This study was conducted to explore potential allelopathic effects of C. vulgare and to identify its flavonoid and phenolic acid compounds. Four aqueous extracts (roots, stems, leaves, and flower/fruit heads) of C. vulgare exhibited high inhibitory activity against the germination and seedling growth of Bidens pilosa and Digitaria sanguinalis. The inhibition rates of germination rate, germination index, root length, shoot length, and biomass of both species increased significantly with increasing concentrations, with B. pilosa being more inhibited than D. sanguinalis. Extracts from leaves and flower/fruit heads yielded the strongest inhibition, followed by stem extracts, with the lowest impact from root extracts. Flavonoids (65.41%) and phenolic acids (23.1%) collectively comprised 88.51% of all identified compounds. Thirty-eight flavonoid compounds and thirty phenolic acid compounds were selected for further analysis, representing 53.97% and 71.91% of the total content of flavonoids and phenolic acids, respectively. Many of the flavonoids and phenolic acids identified have been previously reported as known allelochemicals with possible allelopathic effects. This was the first study to show that the allelopathic potential of C. vulgare may aid its invasion and expansion.},
}

@article {pmid41681641,
year = {2026},
author = {Sullivan, RA and DeBerry, DA},
title = {Cultural Methods for the Control of the Invasive Japanese Stiltgrass (Microstegium vimineum) in Stream Restoration.},
journal = {Plants (Basel, Switzerland)},
volume = {15},
number = {3},
pages = {},
doi = {10.3390/plants15030477},
pmid = {41681641},
issn = {2223-7747},
support = {Stream RFP 05//The Resource Protection Group, Inc./ ; },
abstract = {Microstegium vimineum (Japanese stiltgrass) is one of the most invasive plant species in the eastern United States, posing a consistent problem to practitioners working in stream restoration and often necessitating treatment using non-selective herbicides to reduce invasion. Herbicide use frequently results in collateral damage to desirable native species and can lead to reinvasion after treatment. This study evaluated alternatives to herbicide referred to collectively as cultural controls, the use of which draws conceptually from the interaction of stress and disturbance in plant communities that predicts reduced invasion and increased competitive success of native species with higher levels of environmental stress. We tested several preventative cultural approaches, including (intended stressor in parentheses): (1) canopy shade (light limitation), (2) sawdust soil amendments (short-term nitrogen limitation), (3) wood mulch soil amendments (longer-term nitrogen limitation), and (4) double seeding rates (native species competition), as well as a combination of these treatments. Over a two-year field study within a restored stream corridor, we found that high carbon: nitrogen ratio soil amendments such as sawdust were the most effective at attenuating M. vimineum invasion and that shade promoted native species competition with this invader. Our results suggest a set of best practices that stream restoration practitioners could consider during the design and construction phases of a stream restoration project, particularly on sites with increased risk of M. vimineum incursion.},
}

@article {pmid41681622,
year = {2026},
author = {Burke Irazoque, M and Moraes R, M and Lozada-Gobilard, S},
title = {Biotic and Abiotic Drivers of Phenotypic Diversity in the Genus Lupinus (Fabaceae).},
journal = {Plants (Basel, Switzerland)},
volume = {15},
number = {3},
pages = {},
doi = {10.3390/plants15030456},
pmid = {41681622},
issn = {2223-7747},
support = {2024- 05103//Swedish Research Council/ ; },
abstract = {The genus Lupinus (Fabaceae) represents an exceptional model system for studying evolutionary processes mediated by pollinators and environmental factors. This review synthesizes evidence on phenotypic variability of floral traits, trait selection by biotic and abiotic factors, and the eco-evolutionary implications of these interactions. Pollinators shape floral traits through specialized selection that optimizes pollination efficiency while maintaining plasticity toward autogamy under pollinator scarcity. At the same time, abiotic pressures drive adaptations to climate and elevation, which Lupinus achieves through phenotypic plasticity, such as adjusting flowering time, and through mutualisms with soil microbes that reduce abiotic stress. Ecological implications reveal contrasting dynamics, where native species sustain specialized pollination networks, while invasive species such as L. polyphyllus Lindl. disrupt these interactions through competitive exclusion. Thus, these two factors collectively drive Lupinus phenotypic diversity through specialized adaptations and plasticity. Finally, we emphasize the need for integrated studies combining genomics and ecological modeling to decipher the adaptive mechanisms of this genus.},
}

@article {pmid41681514,
year = {2026},
author = {Venâncio, H and Demetrio, GR and Alves-Silva, E and Cornelissen, T and Cuevas-Reyes, P and Santos, JC},
title = {Under Pressure: Shading, High Herbivory, and Low Levels of Fertilization Drive the Vegetative Response of a Highly Invasive Species.},
journal = {Plants (Basel, Switzerland)},
volume = {15},
number = {3},
pages = {},
doi = {10.3390/plants15030349},
pmid = {41681514},
issn = {2223-7747},
support = {313523/2025-8//National Council for Scientific and Technological Development/ ; 153399/2024-4//National Council for Scientific and Technological Development/ ; },
abstract = {Invasive plant species persist under environmental conditions due to phenotypic plasticity, which allows them to cope with conditions such as herbivory, competition, and resource availability. However, plant responses to individual and combined stressors are variable. In addition, fluctuating asymmetry (FA) has been proposed as an indicator of plant stress, although its reliability remains debated, and few studies have evaluated its responses under interacting stressors. We evaluated, in two greenhouse experiments, the isolated and combined effects of herbivory and shading; and belowground intraspecific competition and fertilization on performance, trait plasticity, and leaf FA in seedlings of the invasive plant Tithonia diversifolia. Shading reduced shoot biomass, but promoted plastic adjustments in architectural, photosynthetic, and leaf structural traits that enhance light capture, and also increased FA. Herbivory interaction with shade induced high leaf mass per area of plants. In contrast, high herbivory and intraspecific competition consistently reduced plant performance across multiple traits. Fertilization enhanced overall performance and mitigated the negative effects of herbivory and competition. Overall, our results emphasize the need to consider interacting environmental factors when assessing invasive plant performance and plasticity. Furthermore, FA showed inconsistent responses across treatments, suggesting its limited reliability as a biomarker of isolated and combined environmental stress.},
}

@article {pmid41681512,
year = {2026},
author = {Judžentienė, A and Kundrotaitė, A and Charkova, T and Nedveckytė, I},
title = {Phytochemistry and Allelopathic Properties of Invasive Heracleum sosnowskyi Aqueous Extracts Against Lettuce (Lactuca sativa L.), Perennial Ryegrass (Lolium perenne L.), Timothy (Phleum pratense L.) and White Clover (Trifolium repens L.).},
journal = {Plants (Basel, Switzerland)},
volume = {15},
number = {3},
pages = {},
doi = {10.3390/plants15030346},
pmid = {41681512},
issn = {2223-7747},
abstract = {Heracleum sosnowskyi is considered to be a dangerous invasive plant species that has successfully naturalized within a variety of plant communities across numerous countries. As a result of its superior competitiveness, the alien species is able to displace the indigenous species from their native habitats, thus changing the ecosystems and decreasing biodiversity. The phytochemicals present in the H. sosnowskyi aqueous extracts were revealed using GC/MS and HPLC/DAD/TOF techniques. Isopsoralen, methoxsalen, (iso)pimpinellin and/or bergapten were determined to be major compounds in the leaf, inflorescence and root extracts. Glutaric, quinic, linolenic, (iso)chlorogenic and other polyphenolic acids were identified in the extracts. Furthermore, a number of furanocoumarins, including hermandiol, bakuchicin, candinols (A and C) and candibirin F, and coumarins, umbelliferone and yunngnins (A and B), were identified in the roots. Additionally, the presence of flavonoids, including astragalin, quercetin 7,3,4-trimethyl ether, nicotiflorin and rutin, has been detected in the flower and leaf extracts. Allelopathic effects of H. sosnowskyi aqueous extracts were tested on four model plants, lettuce (Lactuca sativa L.) and three native Lithuanian meadow herbs, perennial ryegrass (Lolium perenne L.), timothy (Phleum pratense L.) and white clover (Trifolium repens L.), using the Petri dish method. H. sosnowskyi flower and leaf extracts demonstrated the strongest inhibitory effects on the germination and growth of the tested plant seeds. At the highest relative concentrations, 0.5 and 1.0, extracts of Sosnowsky's hogweed inflorescences inhibited timothy seedling growth by 95.47% (from 19.64 ± 2.57 mm to 0.89 ± 0.73 mm) and 100%, respectively. The leaf extracts exhibited the strongest inhibitory effects on white clover seedlings. The highest relative concentrations tested (0.5 and 1.0) suppressed clover seedling growth by 94.66% (from 41.22 ± 2.53 mm to 2.20 ± 0.63 mm) and 100%, respectively. Additionally, the germination rate and vigor index of model plants were assessed. The research is of significance for the regulation and monitoring of the spreading of aggressive H. sosnowskyi plants. Moreover, it is important for the development of natural herbicides based on active phytotoxic compounds from these plants.},
}

@article {pmid41681158,
year = {2026},
author = {Deckx, K and Verhelst, J and Rineau, F},
title = {Using an Invasive Plant (Japanese Knotweed) for Mycelium-Based Thermal Insulation Composites.},
journal = {Materials (Basel, Switzerland)},
volume = {19},
number = {3},
pages = {},
doi = {10.3390/ma19030468},
pmid = {41681158},
issn = {1996-1944},
abstract = {Mycelium-based composites (MBCs)-biomaterials made from fungal-inoculated substrates-are promising candidates to replace conventional rigid thermal insulation panels. However, many MBCs are made from hemp, a plant material that is quite difficult to source in many countries for regulation reasons, and mobilizes agricultural fields at the expense of food and feed crops. Meanwhile, many of our natural and urban ecosystems are subject to invasion by plants that are just burnt or even left in place, while they may be very good substrate for MBCs. This study investigated the comparative physical and thermal properties of MBCs derived from two distinct lignocellulosic feedstocks: hemp shives (a traditional material) and biomass from the highly invasive species Reynoutria japonica. Polyisocyanurate (PIR) was included as a synthetic benchmark. The MBCs produced from R. japonica demonstrated as low a thermal conductivity as the hemp MBCs in our internally developed method, but also as the PIR standard. However, they exhibited suboptimal physical characteristics: higher bulk density (166 vs. 128 kg/m[3] for hemp) and significantly higher water absorption (7.5% vs. 3.5% volume uptake after 2 min). This suggest that they are a less viable alternative to hemp-based MBCs for heat insulation applications.},
}

@article {pmid41681076,
year = {2026},
author = {Wang, L and Zhang, X and Liu, T and Han, R and Zhang, Y and Teng, Y and Chen, Y and Wan, F and Qian, W and Liu, C},
title = {Application of digital PCR in the detection of low-abundance Pomacea canaliculata eDNA.},
journal = {Pest management science},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1002/ps.70613},
pmid = {41681076},
issn = {1526-4998},
support = {32472584//National Natural Science Foundation of China/ ; 2025YFC2609400&2022YFC2601500//National Key R&D Program of China/ ; CAAS-ZDRW202505//The Agricultural Science and Technology Innovation Program (ASTIP)/ ; Y2024JC34//the Chinese Agrosystem Long-Term Observation Network (CALTON-DP)/ ; Y2024JC34//Central Public-interest Scientific Institution Basal Research Fund/ ; },
abstract = {BACKGROUND: Environmental DNA (eDNA) methods have been increasingly applied in the detection of invasive alien species (IAS). Pomacea canaliculata, a top 100 worldwide IAS native to South America, poses a significant threat to food production and ecosystems. Its invasion severely disrupts ecological balance and biodiversity, making precise detection and scientific management essential. The aim of this study was to establish and validate a dPCR-eDNA assay and the feasibility of monitoring the invasion of P. canaliculata in the water column by applying it in the field and in the laboratory, especially the accuracy and sensitivity of the assay in low-abundance samples.

RESULTS: The results of digital PCR (dPCR) are closely related to those of conventional real-time quantitative PCR (qPCR) in laboratory and environmental samples. Differences between methods were observed at low gene copies (10[0]-10[4]cell L[-1]) by laboratory standard systems, with dPCR having higher accuracy at low cell concentrations compared to qPCR. Furthermore, dPCR showed the highest detection rate of 92% across 75 environmental samples, followed by high-throughput sequencing (HTS) and qPCR with detection rates of 80% and 56%, respectively. The visual method had the lowest detection rate at only 52%.

CONCLUSION: These findings demonstrate that the dPCR-eDNA assay can be used as a sensitive and accurate detection method for early monitoring and invasion control of P. canaliculata. © 2026 Society of Chemical Industry.},
}

@article {pmid41680466,
year = {2026},
author = {Zheng, KW and Wei, ZH and Xia, ZN and Wang, BK and Gao, P and Li, YT and Yang, XQ},
title = {Transgenerational Effects of Elevated Temperature on Life History and Lambda-Cyhalothrin Sensitivity in Cydia Pomonella.},
journal = {Neotropical entomology},
volume = {55},
number = {1},
pages = {9},
pmid = {41680466},
issn = {1678-8052},
support = {2021YFD1400200//National Key R&D Program of China/ ; 31801733//National Natural Science Foundation of China/ ; },
mesh = {Animals ; *Pyrethrins/pharmacology ; *Nitriles/pharmacology ; *Moths/drug effects/growth & development/physiology ; *Insecticides/pharmacology ; Larva/growth & development/drug effects ; *Hot Temperature ; *Insecticide Resistance ; *Life History Traits ; Temperature ; Female ; },
abstract = {Rising ambient temperatures driven by global warming are subjecting insect populations to thermal conditions exceeding their historical environmental ranges. Understanding how temperature alters key life-history traits is essential for optimizing integrated pest management strategies, particularly for invasive species. This study investigated the effects of short-term thermal stress (31 °C for the parental generation, with offspring returned to 26℃) on life history traits and insecticide sensitivity in the codling moth Cydia pomonella (L.), a major agricultural invasive pest. Results demonstrated that elevated temperature significantly shortened larval developmental duration and reduced pupal weight and overall fitness, with these phenotypic effects persisting across generations. Additionally, increased temperature attenuated the sensitivity of C. pomonella to lambda-cyhalothrin, especially in parental generation. In contrast, reproductive output and sensitivity to chlorantraniliprole remained largely unaffected by thermal elevation. Activities of detoxification enzymes including cytochrome P450 monooxygenases (P450s), carboxylesterases (CarEs), and the antioxidant enzyme catalase (CAT), were significantly upregulated at elevated temperatures, with transgenerational inheritance observed in progeny, potentially contributing to the observed decrease in insecticide sensitivity. These findings advance our understanding of the transgenerational physiological and biochemical adaptions of C. pomonella to thermal stress, with implications for resistance management under climate change scenarios.},
}

Animals
*Pyrethrins/pharmacology
*Nitriles/pharmacology
*Moths/drug effects/growth & development/physiology
*Insecticides/pharmacology
Larva/growth & development/drug effects
*Hot Temperature
*Insecticide Resistance
*Life History Traits
Temperature
Female

@article {pmid41680419,
year = {2026},
author = {Pedrazzini, C and Funari, R and Cucini, C and Nardi, F and Grabenweger, G and Widmer, F and Enkerli, J},
title = {Population genomics identifies Italian and North American origins of Popillia japonica in Switzerland.},
journal = {Scientific reports},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1038/s41598-026-39440-4},
pmid = {41680419},
issn = {2045-2322},
support = {No. 861852//European Union's Horizon 2020/ ; },
abstract = {The Japanese beetle (Popillia japonica), native to Japan, is a major invasive species in North America and Europe. Its colonization of Europe began on the Azores (1970s), followed by Italy (2014) and southern Switzerland (2017). In 2023, the presence of the pest was reported in three areas of Switzerland: Kloten (Canton of Zürich, north-eastern Switzerland), Basel (Canton of Basel-Landschaft, northern Switzerland), and in eastern Canton of Valais (South Switzerland) near the Italian border. In 2024, P. japonica individuals were discovered in several other Swiss Cantons. To trace P. japonica spread and origins in Switzerland, we investigated 42 individuals from infested areas, comprising scattered findings across Switzerland. Phylogenetic and population structure analyses using whole-genome resequencing, including data of previously sequenced samples from Japan, North America, the Azores, Italy, and Southern Switzerland, revealed distinct P. japonica migration patterns. Populations in Basel, Valais, and central Switzerland likely originated from Ticino/Northern Italy via road or rail transport. Conversely, the population near Zürich Airport was identified as an independent introduction from North America, likely through unintentional air transport. These findings offer insights into P. japonica spread across Switzerland, highlighting the need for enhanced monitoring and identification of invasion pathways.},
}

@article {pmid41679063,
year = {2026},
author = {He, Z and Xue, M and Wang, Y and Tian, Z and Wu, H},
title = {Evaluation efficacy of filtration + UV-C radiation for ballast water treatment at different salinity.},
journal = {Journal of environmental management},
volume = {401},
number = {},
pages = {128921},
doi = {10.1016/j.jenvman.2026.128921},
pmid = {41679063},
issn = {1095-8630},
abstract = {In recent years, the issue of invasive alien species brought on by ballast water has drawn increasing attention, and advances in ballast water treatment technologies have been made. One of the most popular combined ballast water treatment technologies utilized in ballast water management systems globally is filtration + UV-C radiation. In this work, we compared the effectiveness of filtration + UV technology in treating plankton in ballast water with various salinity. The final biological density of ballast water treated by filtration + UV process with different salinity could meet the biological discharge standard required by D-2 standard. UV-C irradiation (It mainly acts on phytoplankton) is more sensitive to salinity than filtration (It mainly acts on phytoplankton).},
}

@article {pmid41679052,
year = {2026},
author = {Puchalski, BS and da Silveira, MK and Soares, EJS and Gonçalves, IL and Freitas, BLS},
title = {Plant-based coagulants for sustainable treatment: Insights from a systematic review and their potential application in Brazil.},
journal = {Journal of environmental management},
volume = {401},
number = {},
pages = {128973},
doi = {10.1016/j.jenvman.2026.128973},
pmid = {41679052},
issn = {1095-8630},
abstract = {Beyond their well-known role in air purification, plants can also act as natural coagulants for water, wastewater, and effluent treatment. This systematic review examined research on plant-based coagulants published between 2000 and 2024 across four databases (Web of Science, Scopus, ScienceDirect, and Taylor & Francis). Of the 895 retrieved articles, 175 met the eligibility criteria and were analyzed by plant species, preparation method, treatment matrix, application scale, and efficiency. Plant-based coagulants showed broad applicability in effluents, followed by water and wastewater, with high removal efficiencies for turbidity (up to 100%), microbiological parameters (80-98%), heavy metals (78-90%), and emerging contaminants (70-88%). Most studies investigated individual coagulants using simple preparation methods such as drying and grinding, though some species (e.g., Moringa oleifera, Aloe vera) enable even more accessible processing. Research remains largely at the bench-scale, with limited pilot applications, underscoring the need for scale-up and real-world validation. Reported benefits include low toxicity, reduced sludge production, and opportunities for using agricultural residues or invasive species. Despite Brazil's vast biodiversity and technical capacity as a BRICS country, few studies have explored its potential, highlighting the need for targeted research to foster sustainable water treatment solutions. Exploring the viability of plant-based coagulants represents not only a scientific challenge but also a strategic opportunity to advance sustainable, low-cost, and locally driven treatment solutions, particularly for biodiversity-rich countries like Brazil.},
}

@article {pmid41678999,
year = {2026},
author = {Ramachandrannair, RS and Bella, K and Bhavan, SG and Raj, S and Kumar, AB},
title = {Bio-invasion and decadal changes in the trophic dynamics of a temporarily closed estuary: An Ecopath model from Veli-Akkulam Estuary, Kerala, India.},
journal = {Marine environmental research},
volume = {216},
number = {},
pages = {107895},
doi = {10.1016/j.marenvres.2026.107895},
pmid = {41678999},
issn = {1879-0291},
abstract = {Temporarily closed estuarine ecosystems (TCEs) are ecologically sensitive environments increasingly impacted by anthropogenic pressures and biological invasions. This study employs a mass-balanced trophic model using the Ecopath with Ecosim (EwE) framework to evaluate long-term changes in the structure and function of the Veli-Akkulam Estuary, a small TCE on the southwest coast of India. Based on field data from 2022 to 2023, the model integrates 17 functional groups, including invasive alien species such as Oreochromis mossambicus, O. niloticus, and Pterygoplichthys pardalis. Model outputs were compared with historical assessments from 1993 to 2008-2010 to examine decadal-scale shifts in ecosystem properties and dynamics. Key ecological indicators such as mean trophic level of the catch (2.69), transfer efficiency (7.69 %), and Finn's Cycling Index (2.64 %) point to a simplified, detritus-dominated food web with reduced energy cycling and declining trophic maturity. Biomass is concentrated at lower trophic levels, while apex predators and native piscivores have markedly declined. Mixed Trophic Impact analysis revealed strong negative interactions between invasive species, particularly O. mossambicus, and native fish groups, suggesting competitive displacement and altered trophic relationships. High niche overlap further supports the hypothesis of dietary competition between invasive and native taxa, contributing to trophic reorganization. System-level metrics, including a relative ascendancy of 37.42% and system overhead of 62.58%, indicate reduced ecosystem organization and rising instability. These trends reflect a transition from a functionally complex system to one increasingly dominated by opportunistic and invasive species. The study underscores the utility of Ecopath with Ecosim-based modelling in diagnosing trophic degradation and informing adaptive management. This study provides the first decadal Ecopath model demonstrating invasion-driven trophic simplification in a temporarily closed tropical estuary, and offers a replicable framework for assessing cumulative ecological impacts in tropical estuarine systems impacted by invasive species.},
}

@article {pmid41678491,
year = {2026},
author = {Farooq, Z and Ramzan, M and Bilal, M and Attique, M and Chung, TS and Naz, A},
title = {A multi-class framework for fish species classification using deep learning technique.},
journal = {PloS one},
volume = {21},
number = {2},
pages = {e0342901},
doi = {10.1371/journal.pone.0342901},
pmid = {41678491},
issn = {1932-6203},
mesh = {Animals ; *Fishes/classification ; *Deep Learning ; Neural Networks, Computer ; Biodiversity ; },
abstract = {Fish species recognition is essential for ecological studies, fishery management, and marine biology. Accurate detection and categorization are critical for preserving biodiversity, allowing scientists to track species distribution, identify invasive species, and analyze the effects of environmental changes. The fish sector is essential to any country's food and agriculture. Identification of species by the morphology process is both inaccurate and costly. However, the manual process of measuring important details like species identification, length, and quantity is difficult to capture, which shows the need for automation. The merging of automated systems and artificial intelligence has revolutionized this industry. Recent advancements in image detection systems based on machine learning and deep learning have been explored across various domains. Yet, applying state-of-the-art deep model Convolutional Neural Networks (CNNs) to identify the fish species' complexity of season and location, and limited public datasets pose a challenge for the detection. Machine learning and deep learning use artificial neural networks to simulate how humans think and learn, efficiently automating similar monitoring applications such as species identification on land and in water. You Only Look Once (YOLO) is a state-of-the-art method for object detection based on deep learning. The goal of this study is to develop a deep learning system for recognizing fish species using the YOLO paradigm. The Fish-Pak dataset, which includes information on tropical fish farming in Pakistan, consists of 915 images against 6 targeted classes, freely available at the Mendeley data source. To ensure the suggested YOLO architecture's improved performance on the Fish-Pak data collection, we will conduct an experimental comparison with other versions of YOLO v3 and V4. The total accuracy of fish species identification using the proposed methods is 99%, with an mAP of 99.65%, top performance results as compared to existing literature.},
}

Animals
*Fishes/classification
*Deep Learning
Neural Networks, Computer
Biodiversity

@article {pmid41678408,
year = {2026},
author = {Wu, F and Zheng, Y and Wu, Q and Zhong, S and Hu, X and Zheng, H and Chen, Y and Huang, D and Chen, X and Ding, M and Yu, Z and Zheng, Y and Yong, JWH and Huang, J and Zhu, H},
title = {The Cephaleuros spp. Causing Red Rust Disease in Oolong Tea (Camellia sinensis): Genetic Diversity, Pathogenicity, and Host Defense.},
journal = {Plant disease},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1094/PDIS-12-25-2495-RE},
pmid = {41678408},
issn = {0191-2917},
abstract = {Red rust disease, caused by the algal pathogen Cephaleuros spp., poses an increasingly significant threat to oolong tea (Camellia sinensis) cultivation. Currently, however, effective management is hindered by a lack of species-specific diagnostic methods and limited analysis of host-response physiological changes. In this study, the region-wide survey was conducted, species-specific molecular diagnostics, multi-scale microscopy, and host biochemical analysis (pigments and antioxidants) were utilized to investigate Cephaleuros diversity, invasion biology, and host responses in oolong tea. Across 785 composite leaf samples, the overall Cephaleuros positivity rate was 30.19%, with incidence significantly higher detection rate in Chaozhou, Guangdong (46.59%) than in Fujian (7.58%). Genotyping via psaA-targeted qPCR revealed strikingly distinct regional distributions: C. parasiticus was predominantly detected in Chaozhou (95.3%), whereas C. virescens was the only identified species in Fujian, with no mixed infections identified. Histological analysis of Chaozhou samples revealed subepidermal thalli beneath both leaf surfaces, accompanied by palisade/spongy necrosis, which suggested deeper tissue invasion by C. parasiticus. To characterize host responses, we quantified photosynthetic pigments and antioxidant enzymes in lesion centers and margins across representative cultivars. In green-leaf cultivars, infection was generally associated with decreases in chlorophyll a and b (with significance varying by cultivar), whereas carotenoid responses were modest and cultivar dependent. In contrast, two etiolated mutants exhibited significant increases in chlorophyll a (2.0-3.7-fold) and carotenoids (~1.5-1.6-fold), and anthocyanin increased by ~62% in the etiolated Juduozai mutant. Antioxidant enzyme activity was spatially structured, with peroxidase (POD) and catalase (CAT) strongly induced at lesion margins (POD increase 39-248%), while lesion centers exhibited reduced activity (5-41%). Superoxide dismutase (SOD) showed a modest increase at the lesion margins (increase 18-31%). A composite "reaction index" (POD+SOD at lesion margins) was used to classify cultivars into high and moderate response categories. These findings provide new insights into the ecological dynamics and host responses associated with Cephaleuros infection in oolong tea and highlight the potential for using these indicators in cultivar selection and disease management strategies.},
}

@article {pmid41677190,
year = {2026},
author = {Wan, WJ and Jin, ZA and Du, SJ and Ye, FY and Guo, JY and Liu, WX},
title = {Population genetics and ecological niche modeling of Diglyphus albiscapus (Hymenoptera: Eulophidae) in China.},
journal = {Journal of economic entomology},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1093/jee/toag021},
pmid = {41677190},
issn = {1938-291X},
support = {2024YFC2607600//National Key R&D Program of China/ ; XZ202401ZY0001//Key R&D Project of Tibet Autonomous Region/ ; },
abstract = {The effects of global climate change on the biocontrol of agricultural pests remain unclear. Understanding the geographical distribution and genetic differentiation of parasitoid wasps in past and current environments can help predict how the future environment will affect these wasps. Diglyphus albiscapus (Hymenoptera: Eulophidae) is a dominant parasitoid wasp of agromyzid leaf miners. Our study analyzed the intraspecific diversity, population structure, and historical population dynamics of D. albiscapus based on cytochrome c oxidase subunit I and internal transcribed spacer II genes. The current and future potential geographical distributions (PGD) of D. albiscapus in China were predicted using an ensemble model. Although the genetic diversity of D. albiscapus in China was relatively high, its genetic variation was relatively low. The fixation indices (FST) and gene flow (Nm) for the D. albiscapus population were 0.09823 and 2.29505, respectively, indicating that interpopulation gene exchange was adequate. The effective population size of D. albiscapus expanded approximately twofold during the early stadial of the last glacial period (MIS 4), and 3 populations expanded substantially. Currently, this species occurs mainly in northeast, northwest, and southern China. The PGD of D. albiscapus would be expected to spread outward from its current potential distribution range under global climate change. The predicted results of population genetics and PGD showed that anthropogenic activities may have promoted the spread of D. albiscapus, enhancing gene exchange within the species and reducing genetic differentiation. This study provided a reference for the conservation and application of D. albiscapus in the field.},
}

@article {pmid41675140,
year = {2026},
author = {Jia, J and Ye, J and Zeng, J},
title = {Impacts of Climate Change on the Distribution of Suitable Habitat for Invasive Coreopsis Species in China.},
journal = {Ecology and evolution},
volume = {16},
number = {2},
pages = {e73073},
pmid = {41675140},
issn = {2045-7758},
abstract = {Climate change poses a serious threat to global species distributions and has significantly altered the distribution patterns of invasive species. Coreopsis spp. are widely distributed invasive plants with strong adaptability and reproductive capacity, whose invasion has become a major ecological concern in China. Using three climate change scenarios (SSP-126, SSP-245, SSP-585), combined with the Maximum Entropy (MaxEnt) model and Geographic Information System (ArcGIS), this study delineated the potential distribution areas and distribution centroids of invasive Coreopsis plants in China. The results indicated that temperature (especially isothermality BIO3 and mean temperature of the warmest quarter BIO10) and moisture are the primary climatic factors influencing the distribution of Coreopsis spp., while human activity (HA) also plays a key role in shaping their distribution. Coreopsis drummondii exhibited the largest suitable habitat area (4.138 × 10[6] km[2]), whereas Coreopsis verticillata had the smallest (9.53 × 10[5] km[2]). Under current climatic conditions, the six Coreopsis species are mainly distributed in southern China. In future climate scenarios, their distributions are projected to shift northward and toward plateau regions. Moreover, high niche and range overlap was observed among Coreopsis grandiflora, Coreopsis lanceolata, and Coreopsis tinctoria, suggesting potential intensified interspecific competition. This study systematically reveals the invasion potential and spatial dynamics of Coreopsis spp. under climate change, providing a scientific basis for early warning, regional management, and ecological control. It also offers perspectives for future research on the interaction mechanisms between invasive and native species.},
}

@article {pmid41672993,
year = {2026},
author = {Stein, A and Bostock, K and Kizhuttil, R and Bak, M and Noble, R},
title = {Selective sweep probabilities in spatially expanding populations.},
journal = {Nature communications},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1038/s41467-026-69363-7},
pmid = {41672993},
issn = {2041-1723},
support = {U54CA217376//U.S. Department of Health & Human Services | NIH | National Cancer Institute (NCI)/ ; 955708//EC | Horizon 2020 Framework Programme (EU Framework Programme for Research and Innovation H2020)/ ; },
abstract = {Evolution during range expansions shapes biological systems from microbial communities and tumours to invasive species. A fundamental question is whether, when a beneficial mutation arises during a range expansion, it will evade clonal interference and sweep to fixation. However, most theoretical investigations of range expansions have considered regimes in which selective sweeps are effectively impossible, while studies of selective sweeps have assumed constant population size or ignored spatial structure. Here we use mathematical modelling and analysis to investigate selective sweep probabilities and timings in biologically relevant scenarios, including the case in which mutants can displace a slowly spreading wildtype. Assuming constant expansion speed, we find surprisingly simple approximate and exact expressions for sweep probabilities in one, two and three dimensions, which are independent of mutation rate. Agent-based simulations confirm that our predictions are accurate for the spatial Moran process and remain informative when mutation effects on fitness are random and multiplicative. We further compare and synthesise our results with those obtained for alternative growth laws. Parameterised for human tumours, our model predicts that selective sweeps are rare except during early solid tumour growth, thus providing a general, pan-cancer explanation for findings from recent sequencing studies.},
}