@article {pmid41340246,
year = {2026},
author = {Dołkin-Lewko, A and Baj, P and Giedrowicz, A and Jaroszewicz, J and Zajączkowska, U},
title = {Wild cucumber invasiveness: impact of seasonal changes on biometric seed traits and dispersal strategy.},
journal = {Journal of experimental botany},
volume = {77},
number = {6},
pages = {1874-1887},
doi = {10.1093/jxb/eraf526},
pmid = {41340246},
issn = {1460-2431},
support = {2022/45/N/NZ9/02690//National Science Centre, Poland/ ; },
mesh = {Seasons ; *Seeds/physiology/anatomy & histology ; *Seed Dispersal ; *Introduced Species ; X-Ray Microtomography ; Hydrodynamics ; *Cuscuta/physiology ; },
abstract = {Wild cucumber (Echinocystis lobata) is an invasive annual vine rapidly spreading across Central European riparian zones. Its success is linked to seed dispersal, with hydrochory expected to play a major role, but the specific mechanisms are not fully understood. This study examines whether E. lobata uses a dual dispersal strategy by seed morphological differences and hydrodynamic behavior, supporting both short-distance and long-distance dispersal. Seeds were collected in autumn and early spring, and analysed for morphology, buoyancy, and hydrodynamic properties. Over 150 seeds underwent biometric measurements: digital image correlation for swelling deformation, micro-computed tomography for internal structure, and hydrodynamic properties. Approximately 23% of seeds were buoyant, with buoyant ones present in both autumn and spring seed groups. Buoyant seeds had larger surface areas and internal air cavities, contributing to lower drag and enhanced passive transport in water. Using digital image correlation and micro-computed tomography imaging, we visualized seed coat swelling patterns and quantified internal structures. Hydrodynamic experiments revealed that buoyant seeds experienced lower drag and slower acceleration. Under oscillatory flow, buoyant seeds exhibited passive propulsion at 1 Hz, indicating a resonance effect facilitating dispersal during fluctuating water flow. These findings support a dual dispersal strategy: temporal seed release and buoyancy enable both local recruitment and long-distance dispersal, likely contributing to invasive success in riparian habitats.},
}

Seasons
*Seeds/physiology/anatomy & histology
*Seed Dispersal
*Introduced Species
X-Ray Microtomography
Hydrodynamics
*Cuscuta/physiology

@article {pmid41762510,
year = {2026},
author = {Cuthbert, RN and Baso, N and Chikodza, T and Coombes, C and Doherty, J and Githae, M and Griffith, TC and Hernandez, MR and Jaschke, KM and Jukes, MD and Kinsler, D and MacIsaac, HJ and Mantshi, HT and Muskett, P and Mutamiswa, R and Ricciardi, A and Sutton, GF and Tanka, DV and van Dyk, J and van Steenderen, C and Dick, JTA and Coetzee, J},
title = {Parallel concepts and future opportunities across the biological control and invasion sciences.},
journal = {Journal of environmental management},
volume = {402},
number = {},
pages = {128931},
doi = {10.1016/j.jenvman.2026.128931},
pmid = {41762510},
issn = {1095-8630},
mesh = {*Introduced Species ; Ecology ; Climate Change ; Ecosystem ; *Conservation of Natural Resources ; Humans ; },
abstract = {The biological control and invasion sciences are long-standing research fields that have accrued enormous fundamental and applied interest. However, their theoretical and practical integration remains in its infancy. Utilizing an expert elicitation process with participants spanning these sciences, we identify conceptual parallels and future opportunities to strengthen links and address future challenges in both fields. We found that the biological control and invasion sciences face pervasive context-dependencies that must be understood to improve outcome predictions, including climatic changes, spatiotemporal scales, and 'ecological surprises'. Both sciences would further benefit from terminological streamlining to improve communication, sharing of emerging technologies, and mitigation of the taxonomic decline. The two fields are strongly affected by social perceptions and awareness by decision makers, requiring more effective engagement and translation efforts. Our exercise promotes cross-cutting interdisciplinary advances to improve understanding of fundamental ecological and evolutionary processes, socio-ecological challenges, and management efficacy across the biological control and invasion sciences.},
}

*Introduced Species
Ecology
Climate Change
Ecosystem
*Conservation of Natural Resources
Humans

@article {pmid41839725,
year = {2026},
author = {Ribas, LGDS and Villar, N and Zipparro, V and Nazareth, S and Souza, Y and Brocardo, CR and Schmaedecke, G and Hortenci, L and Alves, RSC and Galetti, M},
title = {Mammal defaunation leads to biotic homogenization of plant communities in tropical rainforests.},
journal = {Ecology},
volume = {107},
number = {3},
pages = {e70341},
doi = {10.1002/ecy.70341},
pmid = {41839725},
issn = {1939-9170},
support = {//São Paulo State University (UNESP)/ ; 2022/09561-4//São Paulo Research Foundation/ ; 2014/01986-0//São Paulo Research Foundation/ ; 43.104/2007//Fundação Florestal do Estado de São Paulo/ ; 15333/2022//Fundação Florestal do Estado de São Paulo/ ; },
mesh = {Animals ; *Rainforest ; *Mammals/physiology ; Tropical Climate ; *Plants/classification ; Brazil ; *Biodiversity ; },
abstract = {Biotic homogenization is the process in which species communities become increasingly similar across different regions over time. This phenomenon has substantial ecological, evolutionary, and economic implications, primarily driven by human activities such as habitat destruction, invasive species introduction, and climate change. An underexplored driver of biotic homogenization is defaunation, particularly the loss or population decline of large herbivorous mammals and its consequences on plant communities. In this study, we examined how defaunation of medium- to large-sized mammals, such as tapirs and peccaries, affects taxonomic biotic homogenization in seedling and sapling communities in tropical rainforests of South America. Using data from a 13-year mammal-exclosure experiment across four forest sites in the Brazilian Atlantic Forest, we investigated the effects of defaunation on both alpha and beta diversity to understand how it might contribute to biotic homogenization. Our results indicate that defaunation significantly increased alpha diversity in exclusion plots over time, contrary to expectations, with more pronounced effects at forest sites hosting more complete mammal assemblies, that is, with greater mammal abundance and diversity. In contrast, beta diversity decreased as exclusion treatments led to more spatially homogeneous plant communities, particularly at the site where exclusion treatment prevents access to the plant community by the most complete mammal assembly. This homogenization was driven by reduced species turnover and the dominance of a few plant species that thrive in the absence of mammal herbivores, including a palm Euterpe edulis, a bamboo Merostachys neesii, and a fern Polybotrya cylindrica. These findings suggest that the removal of medium- to large-sized mammal herbivores can lead to both increased local species richness and decreased spatial heterogeneity, reshaping plant community structure across tropical forest landscapes. Our study highlights the critical role of large-bodied herbivores in maintaining biodiversity at multiple scales and underscores the ecological consequences of their functional loss. This work provides essential insights for conservation efforts aimed at mitigating the impacts of defaunation and preserving the resilience of tropical forest ecosystems, positioning defaunation as a significant anthropogenic driver of biotic homogenization.},
}

Animals
*Rainforest
*Mammals/physiology
Tropical Climate
*Plants/classification
Brazil
*Biodiversity

@article {pmid41833552,
year = {2026},
author = {Ludwig, TD and Borgato, EA and de Avila, LA and Roncaglia, LM and Zucchi, MI},
title = {Climate change-driven expansion of goosegrass highlights risks to global food production.},
journal = {Pest management science},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1002/ps.70731},
pmid = {41833552},
issn = {1526-4998},
support = {//Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior/ ; },
abstract = {BACKGROUND: Climate change and the spread of herbicide-resistant weeds pose increasing risks to global food security. Eleusine indica (goosegrass) is a globally invasive species characterized by broad geographic distribution, high ecological plasticity, and multiple resistance mechanisms. This study evaluated the current and future climatic suitability of E. indica at a global scale under climate change scenarios.

RESULTS: Ensemble ecological niche models calibrated with georeferenced occurrence records and climatic predictors showed excellent performance (area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC) = 0.999; true skill statistic (TSS)/kappa = 0.980), with low omission rates and high spatial agreement among algorithms (Bioclim, Random Forest, Support Vector Machines, and Maxent). Current projections indicate widespread suitability across tropical and subtropical regions, particularly in South America, Africa, and Southeast Asia. Future projections under SSP245 and SSP585 for 2050 and 2090 suggest a gradual expansion toward higher latitudes, with increased suitability in temperate regions such as the US Corn Belt, the Mediterranean Basin, and East Asia, especially under SSP585 by 2090. Overlap analyses identified substantial vulnerability in major soybean-producing regions, including Brazil, Argentina, the United States, and Southeast Asia.

CONCLUSION: Climate change is expected to facilitate the poleward expansion of E. indica, increasing invasion risk in key agricultural regions while maintaining broad climatic stability across its current range. These findings emphasize the need for early detection, continuous monitoring, and integrated weed management strategies to mitigate long-term agronomic and food security risks posed by this globally invasive species. © 2026 The Author(s). Pest Management Science published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of Society of Chemical Industry.},
}

@article {pmid41834686,
year = {2026},
author = {Yang, L and Gao, Y and Chen, Y and Ren, S and Lu, H and Guo, Y and Liu, P and Batool, K and Chen, XG and Tang, J and Gu, J},
title = {An ovary-enriched piRNA controls ovarian development via Gadd45a-JNK-mediated nurse-cell apoptosis in the arbovirus vector Aedes albopictus.},
journal = {Insect science},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1111/1744-7917.70262},
pmid = {41834686},
issn = {1744-7917},
support = {//National Natural Science Foundation of China/ ; //Natural Science Foundation of Guangdong Province/ ; //National Health Commission Key Laboratory of Parasitic Disease Control and Prevention/ ; },
abstract = {The Asian tiger mosquito (Aedes albopictus) is a rapidly expanding invasive species and a global vector of arboviruses. Its transmission depends on the female's blood meal-driven reproductive cycle. Although mosquito PIWI-interacting RNAs (piRNAs) research has predominantly focused on antiviral immunity, their roles in reproduction remain poorly understood. Here we profiled sex-biased piRNA expression in Ae. albopictus and identified a female-enriched piRNA, AalpiRNA-18529. This piRNA accumulates in pre-vitellogenic ovaries and is rapidly downregulated after a blood meal. Gain-of-function experiments showed that AalpiRNA-18529 mimics impair follicle development, reduces fecundity and egg hatching, and disrupts nurse-cell apoptosis required for oocyte maturation. Mechanistically, AalpiRNA-18529 represses Gadd45a, a conserved stress-response regulator. Gadd45a knockdown phenocopies AalpiRNA-18529 gain-of-function, leading to reduced phosphorylation of c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK) and thus indicating defective activation of the Gadd45a-JNK apoptotic axis. Collectively, our findings reveal a piRNA-mediated pathway that controls ovarian development in Ae. albopictus during vitellogenesis and highlight the AalpiRNA-18529-Gadd45a-JNK cascade as a potential molecular target for genetic strategies to disrupt mosquito reproduction.},
}

@article {pmid41834842,
year = {2026},
author = {Cai, C and Yuan, Y and Wu, D and Li, J},
title = {Species-specific responses of invasive plants to parasitism are modified by climate warming.},
journal = {AoB PLANTS},
volume = {18},
number = {2},
pages = {plag015},
pmid = {41834842},
issn = {2041-2851},
abstract = {Parasitic plants can inflict significant damage to invasive plants and are considered biocontrol agents. Climate warming can affect the fitness of invasive plants and the efficacy of their biocontrol agents. However, the impact of climate warming on the responses of invasive plants to parasitism remains inadequately explored. To investigate this critical issue, we conducted a controlled warming experiment to assess the impact of a constant, continuous +2 °C temperature increase, consistent with projected global warming scenarios reported by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change, on the responses of two common invasive plants in China, Solidago canadensis and Bidens pilosa to the parasitic plant Cuscuta gronovii. Our findings indicate that parasitism significantly reduces the growth of both invasive species irrespective of temperature increases. A significant interaction was observed between Cuscuta parasitism and the different host species, particularly affecting stem diameter, plant height, and root-to-shoot ratio of the host plants. Interestingly, while increased temperature independently did not significantly impact total biomass, aboveground biomass, or leaf number of the host plants, it exhibited marginal interactions with parasitism and the different hosts regarding belowground biomass of the hosts. Moreover, C. gronovii biomass was significantly influenced by host type; however, increased temperatures did not significantly affect the biomass of C. gronovii or its deleterious effects on host plants. Overall, these findings highlight the complex interplay among parasitism, host species, and environmental factors, which are crucial for comprehensively understanding invasive species dynamics and their ecological implications.},
}

@article {pmid41835274,
year = {2026},
author = {Yuan, Z and Fu, W and Song, Z and Wang, Z and Sun, C and Zhang, Y and Zhang, G},
title = {A Weibull distribution-based method for estimating seed longevity in Solanum rostratum.},
journal = {Frontiers in plant science},
volume = {17},
number = {},
pages = {1700839},
pmid = {41835274},
issn = {1664-462X},
abstract = {INTRODUCTION: Seed longevity is a key determinant of population persistence, spread, and outbreak potential in annual invasive plant species. Understanding longevity of invasive seed bank is crucial for determining colonization timing and assessing invasion potential, thereby supporting sustainable weed management strategies. While soil seed bank fluctuations have become a focus in invasion biology area, efficient and accurate methods for evaluating seed bank longevity in annual invasive plants remain scarce so far. In this study, we focus on a representative annual globally malignant invasive plant Solanum rostratum, investigating seed longevity by accelerated aging test (60°C and 85% relative humidity) across multiple regions and collection years.

METHODS: We used a three-parameter Weibull distribution model to characterize seed aging and applied it to assess S. rostratum seed bank longevity in both grassland and abandoned farmland habitats.

RESULTS: The results showed that S. rostratum seeds lost viability rapidly within 3 d under accelerated aging condition. Seeds from different regions in the same year exhibited similar aging patterns, while interannual variation led to significantly divergent aging curves. Based on polynomial regression of viability data and germination tests, the upper limit of seed longevity under natural field conditions was estimated to be approximately 8-9.79 years.

DISCUSSION: This study demonstrates that combining accelerated aging assays with the three-parameter Weibull distribution provides an effective approach for assessing seed longevity and soil seed bank persistence. The method offers a practical, efficient, and reproducible framework for estimating seed bank persistence in annual invasive plants. Our findings highlight the critical role of persistent seed banks in facilitating the invasion success of S. rostratum, thereby offering a robust analytical basis for evaluating invasion risks. Moreover, the modeling framework developed here can be extended to other annual plant species for seed viability assessment, providing valuable theoretical support for the development of ecologically sustainable weed management strategies.},
}

@article {pmid41837865,
year = {2026},
author = {Yang, C and Komagata, O and Kasai, S and Higa, Y},
title = {Impact of niche shift on the spread of Aedes aegypti (Diptera: Culicidae) to and within Japan.},
journal = {Journal of medical entomology},
volume = {63},
number = {2},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1093/jme/tjag032},
pmid = {41837865},
issn = {1938-2928},
support = {JP23wm0225030//Japan Agency for Medical Research and Development/ ; JP24wm0225030//Japan Agency for Medical Research and Development/ ; JP23fk0108613//Japan Agency for Medical Research and Development/ ; JP24fk0108693//Japan Agency for Medical Research and Development/ ; },
mesh = {Animals ; *Aedes/physiology ; Japan ; *Animal Distribution ; *Mosquito Vectors/physiology ; *Ecosystem ; },
abstract = {Arbovirus transmission is a global public health concern. The mosquito Aedes aegypti L. (Diptera: Culicidae) is a primary vector of some of these viruses, and its distribution has been a long-term concern because of its vector competence and invasiveness. The invasion and establishment of Ae. aegypti in temperate regions has been extensively discussed, with recent studies reporting phenotypic and evolutionary changes in populations attempting to breed in temperate regions. We used occurrence data from regions with environmental conditions similar to those in Japan to model the potential distribution of Ae. aegypti in Japan, as site-related environmental conditions represent selection pressure for phenotypic and/or evolutionary changes. A random forest model was used for prediction utilizing 3,062 selected occurrence data with a similarity mask. To screen out the drivers affecting adaptability and niche shifts in temperate regions, the above model and a global model using both native and invasive occurrence data were compared. The model predicts that urban areas are the main breeding sites for Ae. aegypti in Japan. Due to competition with the dominant local species, Aedes albopictus Skuse, Ae. aegypti cannot occupy the entire range of urban settings. A niche shift was observed compared to the global model. Niche-shifted populations underwent more rigorous selection for temperature and precipitation, shifting toward human-dwelling environments. These divergences, which warrant further exploration, may be attributed to phenotypic changes or adaptive evolution as mosquito populations persist in temperate regions. The generated prediction maps provide useful insights to understand the expansion of this species.},
}

Animals
*Aedes/physiology
Japan
*Animal Distribution
*Mosquito Vectors/physiology
*Ecosystem

@article {pmid41838734,
year = {2026},
author = {Bozorg-Omid, F and Abbasi, M and Yaghoobi-Ershadi, MR and Hanafi-Bojd, AA},
title = {Suitable ecological niches of invasive malaria vector under present and projected climatic conditions in South of Iran.},
journal = {PLoS neglected tropical diseases},
volume = {20},
number = {3},
pages = {e0014054},
doi = {10.1371/journal.pntd.0014054},
pmid = {41838734},
issn = {1935-2735},
mesh = {Iran/epidemiology ; *Anopheles/physiology/growth & development ; *Mosquito Vectors/physiology ; *Malaria/transmission/epidemiology ; Animals ; Climate Change ; *Ecosystem ; Climate ; *Introduced Species ; Humans ; Animal Distribution ; },
abstract = {BACKGROUND: The invasive mosquito species Anopheles stephensi plays a critical role in malaria transmission, particularly in urban environments. Its ability to thrive in such settings has raised public health concerns, especially as it expands its geographical range. The resurgence of malaria in Iran underscores the challenges posed by this vector, which is further complicated by factors such as climate change and the movement of populations. Understanding the ecological niches of An. stephensi is essential for developing targeted malaria control strategies. This study aims to assess the current and projected distribution of An. stephensi in Hormozgan Province, Iran, under varying climatic conditions.

METHOD: The study was conducted in Hormozgan Province, Iran, characterized by a hot, arid climate. A database of 96 occurrence points for An. stephensi was compiled through literature searches, which were refined to 72 points to ensure data quality. Environmental and bioclimatic data were sourced from the WorldClim v2.1 database, with a focus on various Shared Socioeconomic Pathways (SSPs). The MaxEnt modeling technique was employed to assess the impact of climate change on the species' distribution, with model performance evaluated using the two metrics, Area Under the Curve (AUC) and True Skill Statistic (TSS). The analysis aimed to map shifts in suitable habitats under different climate scenarios.

RESULTS: The MaxEnt model predicts a significant decline in environmental suitability for An. stephensi under future climate scenarios, particularly in western and central Hormozgan Province. Habitat loss is prevalent, with stable areas primarily located in Bashagard County. Factors such as altitude and precipitation patterns significantly influence species distribution, with altitude showing the highest impact. The model's performance, indicated by an average AUC of 0.765 and a TSS of 0.519, demonstrates moderate predictive accuracy for identifying suitable habitats.

DISCUSSION: Despite advancements in malaria control, An. stephensi remains a significant threat in Iran, particularly due to its invasive nature and adaptability to climate change. The study indicates a projected decline in suitable habitats, especially in coastal areas, highlighting the need for adaptive vector control strategies. Bashagard County may serve as a stable refuge, warranting further investigation. The findings emphasize the importance of continuous monitoring and integrating climate projections into public health interventions to effectively combat malaria transmission. Overall, ongoing research is crucial to refining understanding and enhancing malaria control efforts in response to shifting environmental conditions.},
}

Iran/epidemiology
*Anopheles/physiology/growth & development
*Mosquito Vectors/physiology
*Malaria/transmission/epidemiology
Animals
Climate Change
*Ecosystem
Climate
*Introduced Species
Humans
Animal Distribution

@article {pmid41829847,
year = {2026},
author = {Zhang, Y and Ma, W and Zhou, Q and Cao, W and Qu, B and Guo, J and Zhou, L and Deng, J and Zhang, Y and Li, Y and Dai, L},
title = {Analysis of the Potential Distribution of Solanum rostratum in China Based on the Biomod2 Ensemble Model.},
journal = {Plants (Basel, Switzerland)},
volume = {15},
number = {5},
pages = {},
pmid = {41829847},
issn = {2223-7747},
support = {2021YFD1400303//NNational Key Research and Development Program of China/ ; },
abstract = {Solanum rostratum is a globally regulated invasive species, known for its detrimental impacts on local biodiversity, human and livestock health, and agricultural productivity. This study employed the Biomod2 ensemble modeling framework to analyze the geographic distribution of S. rostratum in China, identify key environmental factors limiting its spread, and provide a scientific basis for its management and control. By integrating species distribution data with multiple environmental variables, we predicted the potential geographic distribution of this species. Pearson correlation analysis and variance inflation factor (VIF) testing were applied to identify significant environmental variables constraining its spread, including precipitation seasonality (bio15), mean temperature of the wettest quarter (bio8), precipitation of the warmest quarter (bio18), isothermality (bio3), precipitation of the driest month (bio14), and human footprint. Three Biomod2-based ensemble models (EMmean, EMca and EMwmean) were based on the receiver operating characteristic curve (ROC), true skill statistic (TSS), and Kappa coefficient. Of these, EMca demonstrated the highest predictive accuracy. The model identified highly suitable habitats for S. rostratum primarily in semi-arid and semi-humid regions with high human activity, including the Northeast Plain, bounded by the Greater Khingan, Lesser Khingan, and Changbai Mountains; the northern North China Plain extending to the Shandong Hills and Yellow River basin; and the Junggar Basin extending to the Altai Mountains. These regions should be prioritized for future monitoring and control efforts. This study provides both empirical data and theoretical insights to accurately delineate potential invasion zones of S. rostratum, enhancing surveillance and guiding effective prevention and control strategies.},
}

@article {pmid41830990,
year = {2026},
author = {Pasini-Martins, M and Kuhne, RDT and de Oliveira, CM and Binder, LC and Silito, IS and Pinter, A and Nunes, FBP and Martins, TF and de Hildebrand E Grisi Filho, JH and Dawson, W and Stephens, PA and da Silva Matos, DM and Labruna, MB},
title = {Assessment of tick populations associated with capybaras in natural reserves and human-modified environments with or without invasive plants in the state of São Paulo, Brazil.},
journal = {Experimental & applied acarology},
volume = {96},
number = {3},
pages = {},
pmid = {41830990},
issn = {1572-9702},
mesh = {Animals ; Brazil ; *Introduced Species ; *Rodentia/parasitology ; *Amblyomma/physiology/growth & development ; Population Density ; Ecosystem ; Conservation of Natural Resources ; Nymph/physiology/growth & development ; },
abstract = {In southeastern Brazil, capybaras (Hydrochoerus hydrochaeris) are main hosts of the ticks Amblyomma dubitatum and Amblyomma sculptum; the latter has great medical importance for being the main vector of Rickettsia rickettsii, the agent of Brazilian spotted fever (BSF). This study aimed to quantify ticks in areas invaded and not invaded by exotic plants (Hedychium coronarium, Cenchrus purpureus or Megathyrsus maximus) within capybaras' living areas in São Paulo state. Tick populations were quantified in 24 capybara habitats, eight in natural reserves and 16 human-modified landscapes; the latter were composed of eight BSF-endemic areas and eight BSF-nonendemic areas. In the 24 areas, ticks were sampled in plots of natural forests and plots with at least one of the three invasive plants. Both presence and density of A. sculptum were higher in human-modified landscapes, while the presence and density of A. dubitatum tended to be similar among human-modified landscapes and natural reserve areas. The two tick species were collected both in areas colonized by invasive plants (H. coronarium, M. maximus, and/or C. purpureus) and in areas of non-invaded vegetation. However, a higher density of A. dubitatum was observed in areas of H. coronarium and a lower density of A. sculptum in this type of vegetation. Within human-modified landscapes, there was a higher density of A. sculptum in BSF-endemic areas when compared to non-endemic areas, unlike A. dubitatum, which remained at an almost constant density and presence among BSF-endemic and non-endemic areas. Plant invasions may have some role in the ecology of capybara-associated ticks.},
}

Animals
Brazil
*Introduced Species
*Rodentia/parasitology
*Amblyomma/physiology/growth & development
Population Density
Ecosystem
Conservation of Natural Resources
Nymph/physiology/growth & development

@article {pmid41831708,
year = {2026},
author = {Sánchez, O and González, IC and Poyo, JG and Ureña, M and Arias, A},
title = {The hidden passengers: On the role of exotic crayfish in the spread of symbiotic and pathogenic organisms in northern Iberian Peninsula.},
journal = {Journal of invertebrate pathology},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {108598},
doi = {10.1016/j.jip.2026.108598},
pmid = {41831708},
issn = {1096-0805},
abstract = {The spread of invasive crayfish species poses a growing threat to freshwater ecosystems and public health, not only through direct ecological impacts but also by facilitating the transmission of symbionts and potential zoonotic pathogens. This study characterizes the symbiont diversity associated with the crayfish species that occur in northern Spain. In addition, the first comprehensive and comparative compilation of reported symbiont and parasite species of crayfish species reported in Iberia is provided. A combination of scanning electron and optical microscopy analysis and a review of the literature was employed to identify the symbionts and evaluate their spatial distribution on the host, their taxonomy, and their zoonotic potential. A total of five crayfish species were analyzed, with symbionts recorded across multiple body regions, particularly the chelipeds, gills, and pleopods. The most prevalent taxa belonged to the phyla Ciliophora, Annelida, and Platyhelminthes. Some symbionts, such as Xironogiton victoriensis and Uncinocythere occidentalis, were identified as obligate ectosymbionts that could have a negative impact on protected species such as Austropotamobius fulcisianus. Furthermore, several symbiont taxa (e.g., Fusarium sp., and Paragonimus spp.) are known to be zoonotic and are associated with conditions such as keratitis, onychomycosis, and paragonimiasis. The results highlight the dual ecological and epidemiological risk posed by crayfish invasions. As vectors of both invasive symbionts and zoonotic agents, these crustaceans may facilitate the emergence of new infectious diseases in freshwater environments. This underscores the need for integrated monitoring strategies that consider symbiont-host dynamics in invasive species management and public health surveillance and highlights the importance of implementing targeted management actions to mitigate ecological impacts and reduce associated health risks.},
}

@article {pmid41832389,
year = {2026},
author = {Deletre, E and Latapie, C and Migeon, A and Auger, P and Larpin, N and Laboisse, S and Martin, T},
title = {Tetranychus evansi (Tetranychidae) spider mites now a major solanaceous crop pest in Côte d'Ivoire.},
journal = {Experimental & applied acarology},
volume = {96},
number = {3},
pages = {},
pmid = {41832389},
issn = {1572-9702},
mesh = {Animals ; *Tetranychidae/physiology ; Cote d'Ivoire ; *Introduced Species ; Crops, Agricultural/growth & development ; Pest Control, Biological ; *Solanaceae/growth & development ; Population Density ; },
abstract = {The West African market gardening sector has been plagued in recent decades by phytophagous mite damage to solanaceous crops. Recent studies in Benin and Burkina Faso have confirmed West African outbreaks of red spider mites (Tetranychus evansi), a novel mite species native to South America, which has now virtually replaced local species. This study aimed to identify the different mite species infesting solanaceous crops in Côte d'Ivoire, while assessing their abundance and mapping their distributions. Tomato, eggplant and African eggplant crops were sampled along a north-south transect. Structured interviews were conducted to gather information on the crop protection practices. We confirmed the presence of the invasive species, Tetranychus evansi, with higher densities noted in the north, where the hot dry climatic conditions were suitable for its development. Local Tetranychus urticae and Polyphagotarsonemus latus species were not very abundant. The highest spider mite diversity was observed in the Abidjan area, where two new species of the T. urticae group were found. Very few Phytoseiidae predatory mites were present, even in plots that had barely been treated or not at all. Five species were identified: Neoseiulus barkeri, Neoseiulus teke, Amblyseius swirskii, Amblyseius tamatavensis, and Paraphytoseius horrifer. These predatory phytoseiid species seemed unable to control T. evansi populations. According to farmers, abamectin was the only pesticide effective for controlling these pests. To reduce the chemical control intensity, biological control based on the introduction and dissemination of a specific predatory mite such as Phytoseiulus longipes could be considered on a national and regional scale.},
}

Animals
*Tetranychidae/physiology
Cote d'Ivoire
*Introduced Species
Crops, Agricultural/growth & development
Pest Control, Biological
*Solanaceae/growth & development
Population Density

@article {pmid41832861,
year = {2026},
author = {Rocca, C and Diaz de Astarloa, C and Montemayor, DI and Daleo, P and Pascual, J and Bruschetti, CM and Iribarne, O and Alberti, J},
title = {Exotic wild boars consistently reduce superficial organic matter in Argentinean coastal herbaceous systems.},
journal = {The Science of the total environment},
volume = {1025},
number = {},
pages = {181683},
doi = {10.1016/j.scitotenv.2026.181683},
pmid = {41832861},
issn = {1879-1026},
abstract = {Soils are major carbon reservoirs whose dynamics are regulated by the interaction of abiotic factors, soil properties, vegetation, and herbivores that control input and losses of soil organic matter (SOM), jointly determining if they act as carbon reservoirs (sinks) or carbon sources. Invasive species can disrupt that balance, potentially changing the system from sink to source. Within this framework, wild boars (Sus scrofa) act as ecosystem engineers that modify vegetation and soil properties through their rooting activity. Yet, their effects on carbon dynamics show contrasting patterns across ecosystems and remain unexplored in the coastal herbaceous systems of Argentina. Here, we evaluated the relationship between wild boar rooting and multiple ecosystem functions associated with carbon dynamics at three different herbaceous systems (a salt marsh, a grassland, and a coastal dune grassland). Using field surveys (comparing rooted and non-rooted areas) and experiments (with exclosures and control plots), we assessed the relationship between wild boar rooting and SOM. We also examined the association between wild boar activity and: (a) bare ground cover, (b) soil respiration, and (c) detritus decomposition rates across the three coastal herbaceous systems. Our results show that wild boar rooting consistently increased bare ground while reducing SOM content and soil respiration, but had no detectable effect on detritus decomposition. These consistent responses across ecosystems indicate an overall negative effect of rooting, suggesting that wild boars may reduce the capacity of coastal herbaceous systems to store soil carbon, with potential long-term consequences for carbon balance and ecosystem resilience.},
}

@article {pmid41829837,
year = {2026},
author = {Zhu, E and Samat, A and Li, W and Luo, K},
title = {Monitoring the Spatiotemporal Dynamics of Invasive Pedicularis kansuensis in Bayinbuluke Alpine Wetlands: A Novel Spectral Index Framework Using PlanetScope Time Series (2021-2025).},
journal = {Plants (Basel, Switzerland)},
volume = {15},
number = {5},
pages = {},
doi = {10.3390/plants15050806},
pmid = {41829837},
issn = {2223-7747},
support = {2022TSYCCX0006//Tianshan Talent Development Program/ ; 42371389//National Natural Science Foundation of China/ ; 2022-XBQNXZ-001//Western Young Scholars Project of the Chinese Academy of Sciences/ ; },
abstract = {The expansion of the invasive species Pedicularis kansuensis threatens the ecological integrity of alpine wetlands, particularly in the Bayinbuluke, northwestern China. However, operational monitoring remains challenging. Conventional indices often lack specificity in heterogeneous alpine backgrounds, while deep learning models are typically too data-intensive to support consistent, multi-year mapping. To develop a rapid, reliable, and operational method for monitoring this invader, we proposed a novel, species-specific spectral index, the Pedicularis kansuensis Index (PKI), using the blue, green, and red-edge bands of high-resolution (3 m) PlanetScope imagery. The PKI constructs a robust target signal by integrating distinct spectral features derived from in situ hyperspectral measurement with a grayscale morphological opening (GrMO) refinement to suppress background noise. A comprehensive validation against seven established benchmarks indices (e.g., NDVI, RI, and ARI) demonstrated the superior performance of PKI across the central alpine wetlands of Bayinbuluke (2841 km[2]). It achieved the highest separability with an M-statistic of 1.36. Furthermore, the index attained an overall accuracy of 93.52% (95% CI: 92.3-94.7%), and an F1-score of 93.28% (95% CI: 92.0-94.5%), effectively minimizing confusion with co-occurring native vegetation and background. Applying this framework to a five-year time series (2021-2025) revealed a distinct cycle of outbreaks and relaxation. Specifically, the invaded area increased to 2168 ha in 2022, then decreased to 160 ha in 2025. Spatial analysis further identified stable invasion hotspots of 161.6 ha, highlighting key targets for long-term containment. Meanwhile, 94.4% of the invaded area was transient, lasting only one year (4824.7 ha). These results confirm that the PKI is a physically interpretable, accurate, and computationally efficient tool for monitoring invasive species in heterogeneous alpine environments. It facilitates timely and targeted ecosystem management.},
}

@article {pmid41829746,
year = {2026},
author = {Di Lernia, D and Zuccarello, V and Pinzani, L and Ceschin, S},
title = {Temporal Floristic Changes (2005-2025) Along the Lower Stretch of the Tiber River (Central Italy).},
journal = {Plants (Basel, Switzerland)},
volume = {15},
number = {5},
pages = {},
doi = {10.3390/plants15050716},
pmid = {41829746},
issn = {2223-7747},
abstract = {A multitemporal floristic study was conducted on the aquatic and riparian plant communities of the lower stretch of the Tiber River (central Italy) to identify any floristic changes in response to possible environmental pressures that have occurred locally over time. This investigation was carried out by comparing α- and temporal β-diversity, as well as biological, chorological, and ecological traits of plant assemblages present in permanent plots (n = 24) and sampled at two different time points (2005, 2025). Although both aquatic and riparian plant communities showed an increase in α-diversity over time (+94.1% and +56.5%, respectively), they generally exhibited different temporal patterns. The aquatic community showed a more stable floristic structure compared to the riparian one, with a persistent dominance of eutrophic and pollution-tolerant species, although local disappearance/rarefaction of some species was recorded. On the contrary, the riparian community showed greater species turnover, mainly due to an increase in generalist, ruderal and alien species, which over time have partially replaced those typically associated with riparian habitats. Ecological trait-based analyses indicated an increase over time in the percentage of thermophilous, heliophilous and nitrophilous species in both plant communities; the riparian community also showed an increase in xerophilous ones. Overall, the results indicate that aquatic and riparian communities exhibit distinct temporal dynamics within the same river system and highlight how long-term, permanent plot-based floristic monitoring is a useful tool in environmental studies.},
}

@article {pmid41829034,
year = {2026},
author = {Burnett, JW and Ohnstad, H and Jones, AM and Hardege, JD and Bartels-Hardege, HD},
title = {Olfactory Cues in the Odour Plume of Predatory Fish Reduce Foraging and Elicit Anti-Predator Behaviour in the European Green Crab Carcinus maenas.},
journal = {Animals : an open access journal from MDPI},
volume = {16},
number = {5},
pages = {},
doi = {10.3390/ani16050828},
pmid = {41829034},
issn = {2076-2615},
abstract = {The European green crab (Carcinus maenas) is an intertidal crustacean that has extended its invasive range globally and is regarded as a major pest species for bivalves, impacting coastal food chains and aquacultures. Crabs primarily use chemosensory cues to sense their environment for feeding to avoid predation and to locate mates and induce mating. Consequently, known attractants including food baits are frequently employed in trapping and control efforts. Here, we investigate the effects of introducing a predatory fish odour to the environment and show that it elicits anti-predator behaviour in C. maenas. A 45% reduction in crab foraging and feeding behaviour was observed when predator odour was introduced compared with food control experiments. A further 23% reduction (68% reduction overall) in feeding behaviour was observed after crabs were exposed to (though housed separately from) the same seawater as the live predator for several days. This highlights the increased awareness or continuous stress of these habituated crabs towards predator odour. This study also presents potential for application as a deterrent in integrated pest management strategies for this global invader.},
}

@article {pmid41828983,
year = {2026},
author = {Kobayashi, M and Iwata, E and Sorensen, PW},
title = {Environmental and Physiological Regulation of Reproduction in the Goldfish: Gonadal Development, Maturation, and Spawning Behavior: A Review.},
journal = {Animals : an open access journal from MDPI},
volume = {16},
number = {5},
pages = {},
doi = {10.3390/ani16050775},
pmid = {41828983},
issn = {2076-2615},
abstract = {The goldfish, a member of the Cyprinidae (minnow family) is an important and relevant model for understanding how fish function and reproduce and can be better managed. Here, we review recent studies of this species and its strengths as a model system. First, we review current understanding of how its neuroendocrine system regulates gonadotropin release, and then steroidogenesis and finally gonadal maturation in both males and females. Endocrine determinants of gender and sexual plasticity are described. Effects of the fish androgen, 11-ketotestosterone, on sexual and spawning behavior of males and females are reviewed. We also describe how several hormones (androstenedione, 17,20β-dihydroxy-4-pregen-3-one, prostaglandin F2α) and their metabolites function as "hormonal pheromones" to synchronize male-female spawning behavior and physiology. Insight provided by the goldfish has enhanced understanding of the neurobiology, toxicology, and comparative physiology of other fishes and provided lessons applicable to the culture of commercial carp and the control of invasive species, as well as conservation.},
}

@article {pmid41828222,
year = {2026},
author = {Naghizadeh, M and Niemand, ME and Langner, EHG and Sivanda, AS and Eschwege, KGV},
title = {Densification and Mechanical Enhancement of Invasive South African Hardwoods: Prosopis glandulosa and Acacia mearnsii.},
journal = {Materials (Basel, Switzerland)},
volume = {19},
number = {5},
pages = {},
doi = {10.3390/ma19050954},
pmid = {41828222},
issn = {1996-1944},
support = {N/A//University of the Free State/ ; },
abstract = {Wood used in construction varies in density, leading to differences in strength and rigidity. Wood densification has recently emerged as a promising technique to address these limitations and enhance material performance. This study explores the potential of two abundant and low-cost invasive hardwood species in South Africa-Prosopis glandulosa (Honey Mesquite) and Acacia mearnsii (Black Wattle)-as sources for producing densified wood. A range of strengthening methods, including chemical, pressure, and heat treatments, were applied and compared. After partial delignification and hot pressing, sample thicknesses were reduced by 40% for Prosopis and 50% for Acacia, yielding substantial increases in flexural strength of 216% (22.61 MPa) for Prosopis and 334% (24.65 MPa) for Acacia. In addition to anatomical imaging, analyses of lignosulphonate content, and thermogravimetric profiling, the study also evaluated several practical, carpentry-relevant mechanical properties. These included comparative tests for flexural and compressive strength, nailing and sanding performance, as well as assessments of water absorption, electrical resistivity, and flame-holding capacity.},
}

@article {pmid41824780,
year = {2026},
author = {Herrera, C and Leza, M},
title = {No evidence of increased mortality associated with Vespa velutina (Hymenoptera: Vespidae) spread in Spain.},
journal = {Journal of medical entomology},
volume = {63},
number = {2},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1093/jme/tjag039},
pmid = {41824780},
issn = {1938-2928},
support = {POSTDOC2024_4//Margalida Comas/ ; PID2023-149487OA-I00//Margalida Comas/ ; MICIU/AEI/10.13039/501100011033//Margalida Comas/ ; ERDF/EU//Margalida Comas/ ; },
mesh = {Animals ; Spain ; *Wasps/physiology ; *Introduced Species ; Retrospective Studies ; Bees ; },
abstract = {Subject Editor: Kristen Healy Global environmental change is reshaping species distributions worldwide, with direct implications for public health through altered patterns of arthropod exposure. Among Hymenoptera, the expansion of the yellow-legged hornet Vespa velutina nigrithorax du Buysson, 1905 has generated substantial concern, particularly in regions where the species is recently established. In Spain, this arrival has coincided with increased media attention and heightened public perception of danger, often accompanied by assumptions of rising mortality and escalating health risk. However, the true epidemiological impact of this invasion remains poorly quantified at the national scale. We conducted a retrospective analysis of officially certified deaths attributed to contact with hornets, wasps, and bees in Spain over a multi-decadal period spanning the establishment and spread of V. velutina. Overall, mortality associated with Hymenoptera exposure appeared stable over time and not altered during the period in which V. velutina became established. These findings suggest that invasion alone may not directly translate into measurable population-level lethality, highlighting the need to distinguish between increased encounter probability and the progression to fatal anaphylaxis. Continued surveillance, integration of clinical and ecological data, and accurate public communication will be essential for anticipating and responding to future shifts in risk under ongoing environmental change.},
}

Animals
Spain
*Wasps/physiology
*Introduced Species
Retrospective Studies
Bees

@article {pmid41824159,
year = {2026},
author = {da Silveira, LCL and Marchioro, CA},
title = {Global Suitable Habitats for Spodoptera litura and the Implications for Brazilian Agriculture.},
journal = {Neotropical entomology},
volume = {55},
number = {1},
pages = {},
pmid = {41824159},
issn = {1678-8052},
mesh = {Brazil ; Animals ; *Spodoptera ; *Agriculture ; *Ecosystem ; *Crops, Agricultural ; *Introduced Species ; },
abstract = {Invasive alien species can significantly impact the environment, public health, and food production. Identifying high-risk areas is essential for implementing preventive measures, especially for species with several traits linked to invasive behavior, such as Spodoptera litura (F.). This study aimed to predict the potential global distribution of S. litura and assess its implications for five major crops in Brazil. Climatic suitability was estimated using the MaxEnt correlative algorithm, with fifty models generated by varying feature classes and regularization multiplier values. The best model selected based on the corrected Akaike Information Criterion demonstrated strong predictive performance, with high Area Under the Curve (AUCtrain = 0.92, AUCtest = 0.86) and Continuous Boyce Index (CBItrain = 0.95, CBItest = 0.75) values. Predictions identified highly and moderately suitable areas for S. litura across all continents, including regions where the species has not yet been recorded, such as the Neotropics. In Brazil, highly suitable areas include the mid-west, northeastern coast, and the southeastern and southern regions. Among the assessed crops, citrus (97.2%) had the greatest overlap with the suitable range for S. litura, followed by rice (94.2%), coffee (90.3%), and soybean (72.8%). These findings suggest that S. litura could cause significant economic damage if introduced and spread in Brazil. The results of this study can inform the development of preventive measures against the introduction and spread of this important agricultural pest, especially on high-risk areas near airports and seaports with intense international trade and in proximity to host crops.},
}

Brazil
Animals
*Spodoptera
*Agriculture
*Ecosystem
*Crops, Agricultural
*Introduced Species

@article {pmid41824124,
year = {2026},
author = {Rana, D and Singh, N and Thapliyal, M and Thapliyal, A},
title = {Integrated assessment of aquatic biota reveals ecological shifts and invasive trout reappearance in a post-flood Himalayan stream.},
journal = {Environmental monitoring and assessment},
volume = {198},
number = {4},
pages = {},
pmid = {41824124},
issn = {1573-2959},
mesh = {Animals ; Rivers/chemistry ; *Introduced Species/statistics & numerical data ; *Environmental Monitoring ; *Trout ; Floods ; Ecosystem ; Climate Change ; India ; *Biota ; },
abstract = {Freshwater ecosystems in the Himalayas are increasingly threatened by climate change, hydrological instability, and invasive species, yet the long-term ecological trajectories after major disturbance events remain poorly understood. This study examines post-flood environmental changes in the Assi Ganga River, a glacial tributary of the Bhagirathi, more than a decade after the catastrophic 2012-2013 flood that wiped out native and invasive fish populations, including Salmo trutta fario. From 2023 to 2024, we carried out integrated monitoring of macroinvertebrate communities, fish populations, and physicochemical parameters across three altitudinal sites (S1-S3). Water temperature increased downstream by about 1.2 °C, dissolved oxygen levels dropped accordingly, and turbidity peaked during the monsoon season. Macroinvertebrates showed signs of partial recovery, with 42 taxa recorded and a 7.3% increase in total abundance. Fish communities included seven cold-water species, with native Schizothorax spp. displaying strong numerical recovery, and invasive Salmo trutta fario reappearing across sites, likely due to recolonization from upstream refuges. Multivariate analyses revealed that temperature, DO, turbidity, and alkalinity collectively influenced both macroinvertebrate and fish communities, indicating shared environmental filters. The resurgence of S. trutta fario, potentially aided by recovering macroinvertebrate prey, raises concerns about renewed competitive pressure on native snow trout. This research highlights the importance of integrated, multi-trophic biomonitoring to understand resilience, restructuring, and invasion pathways in Himalayan river ecosystems.},
}

Animals
Rivers/chemistry
*Introduced Species/statistics & numerical data
*Environmental Monitoring
*Trout
Floods
Ecosystem
Climate Change
India
*Biota

@article {pmid41824010,
year = {2026},
author = {Seymour, CL and Tolley, KA and Zengeya, T and Spear, D and Cloete, JA and Dayaram, A and da Silva, JM and Alexander, GJ and Handley, K and Joseph, GS and Simba, LD and Snaddon, K and von Maltitz, GP and Carrick, PJ},
title = {A 2026 horizon scan for biodiversity conservation in South Africa.},
journal = {Ambio},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
pmid = {41824010},
issn = {1654-7209},
abstract = {Horizon scans identify potential changes, enabling proactive rather than reactive conservation strategies. Here, in a follow up to the 2020 horizon scan, 14 biodiversity professionals from different sectors identify ten emerging issues potentially relevant to biodiversity conservation in South Africa over the next 5-10 years. The issues identified highlight three critical needs: adaptive governance systems, cross-sectoral collaboration capacity, and vigilance around new technologies that may simultaneously offer solutions and create new environmental pressures. We plotted these issues along axes of social agreement and scientific certainty, to ascertain whether issues might be "simple" (amenable to solutions from science alone), "complicated" (socially agreed upon but technically complicated), "complex" (scientifically challenging and condisderable levels of social disagreement) or "chaotic" (high social disagreement and highly scientifically challenging). Only one issue was likely to be addressed with improved science alone, but the remainder were all "complex", requiring social, economic and political engagement.},
}

@article {pmid41821188,
year = {2026},
author = {Srivastava, V and Van Lanen, NJ and Parshad, RD},
title = {Modeling species co-occurrence effects to inform invasive barred owl management and recovery of the northern spotted owl.},
journal = {Ecological applications : a publication of the Ecological Society of America},
volume = {36},
number = {2},
pages = {e70195},
doi = {10.1002/eap.70195},
pmid = {41821188},
issn = {1051-0761},
support = {//U.S. Geological Survey/ ; //Robert J. Lambert Graduate Assistantship/ ; },
mesh = {Animals ; *Strigiformes/physiology ; *Introduced Species ; *Models, Biological ; *Conservation of Natural Resources/methods ; Population Dynamics ; },
abstract = {Robust estimation of wildlife populations represents a cornerstone of wildlife research and provides critical information to guide management, including identifying at-risk species, setting harvest rates, and evaluating predator and invasive species control programs. Efforts to enhance population estimation have long included influences one species may have on another, beginning with direct effects of predation on prey populations. More recently, researchers have incorporated co-occurrence effects, such as fear of a competitor, into Lotka-Volterra competition models to generate more robust wildlife population estimates. Here, we introduce two modified Lotka-Volterra competition models, which incorporate one- and two-way co-occurrence effects, to estimate populations of two competing species. Using the test case of northern spotted (Strix occidentalis caurina) and barred owl (Strix varia) populations in the Pacific Northwest region of the United States, we evaluate if these new co-occurrence models can generate more robust population estimates than previous models. We then evaluate if potential co-occurrence effects among barred and northern spotted owls are uni- or bidirectional. Lastly, we leverage the best-performing model to evaluate the degree to which a recently proposed barred owl culling program may help recover northern spotted owl populations. Our model results suggest that incorporating co-occurrence effects improves model fit compared to classical Lotka-Volterra competition models. We found strong evidence for unidirectional co-occurrence effects of barred owls on northern spotted owls, but not vice versa. Our simulations of barred owl culling suggest that barred owls would need to be culled from approximately 40% of all occupied barred owl territories each year to reverse ongoing northern spotted owl population declines.},
}

Animals
*Strigiformes/physiology
*Introduced Species
*Models, Biological
*Conservation of Natural Resources/methods
Population Dynamics

@article {pmid41820262,
year = {2026},
author = {Jochems, L and Requena-Mullor, JM and Brandt, J and Caughlin, TT and Monks, A and Hopping, K and Williamson, MA and Lishawa, SC},
title = {Assessing the environmental and dispersal-related drivers of an invasive aquatic plant in Great Lakes coastal wetlands.},
journal = {Ecological applications : a publication of the Ecological Society of America},
volume = {36},
number = {2},
pages = {e70206},
doi = {10.1002/eap.70206},
pmid = {41820262},
issn = {1051-0761},
support = {IS21-0307//Michigan Invasive Species Grant Program/ ; },
mesh = {*Wetlands ; *Introduced Species ; Michigan ; *Hydrocharitaceae/physiology ; Models, Biological ; Lakes ; *Plant Dispersal ; Bayes Theorem ; Seashore ; },
abstract = {Invasive plant species pose a major threat to wetland ecosystems. One effective way to control the spread of invasive plants is to intercept them early in the invasion process. Species distribution models (SDMs), fit with covariates related to habitat suitability, can predict where new invasions are likely to occur. For species that have not yet filled their niches during early invasions, dispersal dynamics such as proximity to known presences and/or human vectors may control spread as much as habitat suitability. Yet, many SDMs assume that the species has filled its niche, incorporate only biophysical predictors, and do not consider spatial processes. Including dispersal dynamics can account for nonequilibrium processes, thereby improving the utility of invasive SDMs. We quantified the importance of environmental (abiotic and biotic) and dispersal-related drivers (anthropogenic and endogenous) on the occurrence and abundance of Hydrocharis morsus-ranae (European frogbit; EFB), a floating aquatic plant. We fit Bayesian hurdle models with integrated nested Laplace approximations (INLAs) to 2487 quadrat observations recorded across coastal wetlands in Michigan, USA from 2011 to 2021. We found that EFB occurrence was most strongly associated with distance to the nearest known population (m), a proxy of local dispersal. EFB occurrence also exhibited a nonlinear relationship with water depth (cm), demonstrating an optimal range of water depth for EFB. Occurrence was negatively associated with wave energy and positively associated with cattail (Typha spp.) abundance, which we attribute to protection from waves. Surprisingly, none of our predictors had any meaningful associations with EFB abundance, suggesting that it may be too early in EFB's invasion stage to quantify important drivers of abundance once at a site, or we did not include important factors that operate at the scale at which these growth processes occur. Moreover, the dispersal model yielded slightly better predictive capacity of EFB across Michigan. Overall, our results indicate that local dispersal is the primary driver of occurrence for an invasive species that has not yet filled its niche, whereas additional data or SDMs may be necessary to (a) better predict its abundance once established in coastal wetlands and (b) identify susceptible areas to future invasions.},
}

*Wetlands
*Introduced Species
Michigan
*Hydrocharitaceae/physiology
Models, Biological
Lakes
*Plant Dispersal
Bayes Theorem
Seashore

@article {pmid41820179,
year = {2026},
author = {Chen, P and Siemann, E},
title = {Introduced species: positive participants in contemporary ecosystems.},
journal = {Trends in ecology & evolution},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1016/j.tree.2026.02.001},
pmid = {41820179},
issn = {1872-8383},
abstract = {Introduced species are usually viewed as major threats to biodiversity, yet growing evidence shows that their ecological roles are far more dynamic and complex. Recognizing introduced species as positive participants in contemporary ecosystems may help reconcile the long-standing paradox of biodiversity loss and shifts in ecosystem functioning under global change.},
}

@article {pmid41819697,
year = {2026},
author = {Ciaralli, L and Valente, T and Monfardini, E and Berto, D and Rampazzo, F and Libralato, G and Manfra, L and Piermarini, R and Silvestri, C and Radicioli, M and Gioacchini, G and Chemello, G and Trotta, E and Capó, JD and Tomassetti, P and Matiddi, M},
title = {Callinectes sapidus - coast to coast: Integrating stable isotope analysis and shotgun metagenomics to unravel trophic dynamics and microlitter ingestion across two Mediterranean sites.},
journal = {Marine pollution bulletin},
volume = {227},
number = {},
pages = {119532},
doi = {10.1016/j.marpolbul.2026.119532},
pmid = {41819697},
issn = {1879-3363},
abstract = {The increasing presence of microlitter in the marine environment poses a growing threat to aquatic organisms. This study investigates microlitter ingestion and trophic ecology of Callinectes sapidus from two populations of the Mediterranean basin: the Adriatic and Tyrrhenian Seas. To disentangle potential differences in feeding strategies between the populations, we adopted an integrated framework combining stable isotope analysis with shotgun metagenomic analysis of gastrointestinal contents, thus providing a complementary view of long-term trophic position and short-term dietary composition. Gastrointestinal analysis revealed microlitter ingestion in 39% of Adriatic and 50% of Tyrrhenian individuals, with 123 particles retrieved. Fibres dominated (94.3%), though composition varied regionally: Adriatic individuals ingested mainly cellulose-based microlitter (62.5%), whereas Tyrrhenian ones mostly synthetic polymers (61.4%). Eight chemical types were identified, with cellulose, polyethylene terephthalate, and resin-based polymers most abundant. Stable isotope analysis (δ[15]N and δ[13]C) indicated distinct trophic patterns: Adriatic population had higher δ[15]N (mean ± sd: 11.50 ± 2.27‰) and less depleted δ[13]C (-16.20 ± 1.52‰) compared to the Tyrrhenian one (δ[15]N: 9.01 ± 2.27‰; δ[13]C: -18.57 ± 0.88‰), suggesting region-specific feeding strategies. Shotgun metagenomics provided complementary information on prey composition, helping to characterise the opportunistic diet of C. sapidus. Overall, these findings highlight spatial differences in microlitter exposure and trophic dynamics, likely shaped by environmental availability and feeding behaviour. By integrating microlitter ingestion, stable isotope analysis, and metagenomics, this study provides insight into how C. sapidus interacts with anthropogenic and natural resources, emphasizing the feeding flexibility underlying its invasive success in Mediterranean Sea.},
}

@article {pmid41818812,
year = {2026},
author = {Weiler, DE and Alonzo, SH and Palkovacs, EP},
title = {Intraspecific variation in mating behaviour modulates the effects of mosquitofish introduction on prey communities.},
journal = {Proceedings. Biological sciences},
volume = {293},
number = {2066},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1098/rspb.2025.2918},
pmid = {41818812},
issn = {1471-2954},
support = {//National Science Foundation/ ; },
mesh = {Animals ; Male ; *Cyprinodontiformes/physiology ; Female ; *Sexual Behavior, Animal ; Zooplankton/physiology ; *Food Chain ; *Introduced Species ; *Predatory Behavior ; },
abstract = {Intraspecific variation is recognized as a driver of ecological processes, yet prior studies have overwhelmingly focused on the ecological effects of intraspecific trait variation driven by natural selection. Far less is known about how variation in sexually selected traits influences ecological outcomes. In this study, we tested whether intraspecific differences in reproductive behaviours affect the ecosystem- and community-level impact of western mosquitofish (Gambusia affinis) introductions. Male mosquitofish frequently harass females through persistent mating attempts. We manipulated the intensity of male harassment and then used a mesocosm experiment to measure the ecological consequences of these differences in harassment. Although this behaviour manipulation was short-lived, our results suggest that differences in harassment intensity affected zooplankton communities. Compared to fish-absent controls, mesocosms with high-harassment males had smaller zooplankton body size and reduced abundance in several dominant taxa. These effects were not observed in low-harassment treatments, suggesting a threshold response in which only high-harassment males elicited community changes. The presence of mosquitofish also caused a trophic cascade to impact phytoplankton biomass; however, the strength of this cascade was not altered by harassment intensity. Our findings demonstrate that sexual selection can shape community composition and shows that reproductive behaviour can modulate the impact of species introduction.},
}

Animals
Male
*Cyprinodontiformes/physiology
Female
*Sexual Behavior, Animal
Zooplankton/physiology
*Food Chain
*Introduced Species
*Predatory Behavior

@article {pmid41815923,
year = {2026},
author = {Muñoz, IJ and Alvarez Costa, A and Schilman, PE and Calcaterra, LA},
title = {Spatial coexistence of invasive ants in fragmented urban habitats of their native range.},
journal = {Frontiers in insect science},
volume = {6},
number = {},
pages = {1776153},
pmid = {41815923},
issn = {2673-8600},
abstract = {INTRODUCTION: Urban landscapes are increasingly recognized as key arenas for biological invasions, yet the mechanisms enabling the local coexistence of multiple highly invasive species remain poorly understood. Urban habitat fragmentation generates mosaics of habitat patches that differ in size, isolation, and microhabitat complexity, shaping ant community structure and competitive interactions.

METHODS: Here, we investigated ant assemblages across a mosaic of urban habitat patches within a university campus in Buenos Aires, Argentina, focusing on four globally invasive ant species (Wasmannia auropunctata, Linepithema humile, Nylanderia fulva, and Solenopsis invicta) near the southern limit of their native ranges. We quantified species richness, abundance and composition using pitfall traps and evaluated species-specific indicators of food discovery, recruitment, and dominance using standardized bait experiments.

RESULTS: Ant assemblages differed significantly among habitat patches, with marked spatial variation in richness, diversity, and species composition. Contrary to expectations of rigid dominance hierarchies, no single species consistently dominated across patches. Nylanderia fulva showed the highest numerical abundance and discovery efficiency, L. humile exhibited the strongest recruitment ability, and W. auropunctata displayed localized dominance near nesting areas, while S. invicta was rare and competitively subordinate. Ordination and multivariate analyses indicated strong spatial structuring of assemblages, consistent with the influence of urban fragmentation and patch-level heterogeneity.

DISCUSSION/CONCLUSION: Overall, our results support a metacommunity perspective in which invasive ant coexistence in urban systems is mediated by context-dependent competitive interactions rather than fixed dominance hierarchies. By emphasizing the role of fine-scale spatial structure, this study provides a nuanced, system-specific contribution to understanding invasive ant dynamics in urban environments.},
}

@article {pmid41815798,
year = {2026},
author = {Geronca, J and Egana, JMC and Cleofe, MAS and Bautista, MAM},
title = {The first dataset of de novo assembled transcriptome of Aspidiotus destructor Signoret (Hemiptera: Diaspididae).},
journal = {Data in brief},
volume = {65},
number = {},
pages = {112619},
pmid = {41815798},
issn = {2352-3409},
abstract = {Coconut, Cocos nucifera L., is the top agricultural export of the Philippines with about 1.2 billion pesos in value. The Philippine coconut industry, however, has been under major threat from an outbreak of the armored coconut scale insects. There are two species believed to cause an outbreak: Aspidiotus destructor Signoret and Aspidiotus rigidus Reyne. These are sibling species and are hard to differentiate using morphological identification. In fact, A. rigidus was once thought to be a subspecies of A. destructor and was misidentified as A. destructor during the early phases of the coconut scale insect outbreak because it is the only known species native to the Philippines. Aspidiotus rigidus has recently been identified as an invasive species and found to be the cause of the outbreak. The native species A. destructor should not be overlooked as a subject of research since it is still present alongside the A. rigidus, and it continues to infest several perennial crops. The need for a research approach of these insects at the molecular level has required the use of transcriptomics. Transcriptome datasets offer a way at investigating how genes are expressed, how species differ from each other, and how phenotypes came to be, among others. Transcriptomics offers such deeper understanding and can be used to develop methods for pest management. Because A. rigidus transcriptome has recently become available, it is imperative to have the dataset for its sibling species, A. destructor. This serves as a foundational resource; the first publicly available transcriptome assembly for the species. This will provide additional knowledge on how the two sibling species differ and assess their capacity to cause outbreak. The data here represents the first transcriptome profile of the A. destructor using Illumina HiSeq 4000 paired- end sequencing. Pair-end reads were assembled de novo with Trinity. Raw fastq reads have been deposited in NCBI-SRA (SRR17085744 and SRR17085743). The Trinity-based transcriptome assembly have also been deposited in the NCBI-SRA (SUB10341747). Two additional assemblies were also generated and have been deposited in NCBI-SRA: an assembly clustered using CD-HIT-EST (SUB10341752) and an assembly sorted according to its longest assembly via a custom script (SUB10341753).},
}

@article {pmid41815292,
year = {2026},
author = {Collier, BL and Leonard, D and Lyons, K and Dunbar, JP and Lawton, C and Dugon, MM},
title = {Survey of Synanthropic Spiders in Ireland Reveals Expansion and Dominance of the Invasive Noble False Widow Steatoda nobilis in Urban Habitats (Araneae: Theridiidae).},
journal = {Ecology and evolution},
volume = {16},
number = {3},
pages = {e73193},
pmid = {41815292},
issn = {2045-7758},
abstract = {Rapid urbanisation has led several spider species to adapt to synanthropic microhabitats and establish large populations outside of their native ranges. In Ireland, the establishment and widespread distribution of the Noble false widow spider Steatoda nobilis (Araneae: Theridiidae) (Thorell, 1875) has raised questions about its impact on native spider populations across the country. Through an extensive field survey of six urban centres over an 11-month period, we sought to establish population demographics for S. nobilis and other synanthropic spiders in Ireland for the first time. We surveyed fence microhabitats for both spider abundance and diversity to determine the influence of variables such as prey availability and climate. Of the 20 identifiable species observed, S. nobilis and the missing sector orb weaver Zygiella x-notata (Clerck, 1757) typically made up more than 80% of the spider abundance regardless of location surveyed, including two new Irish counties where S. nobilis had previously not been recorded but is now well established (Co. Mayo and Co. Sligo). Our results also indicated that the diversity of synanthropic spiders is significantly affected by seasonality and prey availability, but largely unaffected by daily weather conditions.},
}

@article {pmid41815290,
year = {2026},
author = {Kouri, JD and Rust, E and Souza, L},
title = {Intra- and Inter-Specific Ecological Impacts Vary Across a Gradient of Abundance of an Invasive Species, Bothriochloa ischaemum, in a Mixed-Grass Prairie.},
journal = {Ecology and evolution},
volume = {16},
number = {3},
pages = {e73212},
pmid = {41815290},
issn = {2045-7758},
abstract = {Managing biological invasions is one of the top priorities of biodiversity conservation. Invasive plants are a well-known threat to native plant and animal communities, and understanding their ecological impacts is critical to developing individualized management strategies. While much is known about the impacts of invasive plants, there are still questions about the per capita effects along invasion abundance gradients across levels of biological organization. In this study we investigate how the ecological impacts of the invasive grass Bothriochloa ischaemum vary across a gradient of invasion and whether effects are consistent across population (abundance and functional traits of a dominant native grass, Schizachyrium scoparium) and community (species richness and composition) levels. We found that most of the ecological impacts of B. ischaemum scale linearly with its abundance across population and community levels. Increasing invasion reduces the height and abundance of the dominant native S. scoparium individuals and shifts their functional trait composition. Increasing invasion also reduces cover of native C3 and C4 grasses, total foliar cover, subdominant foliar cover, species richness, and leads to shifts in species and functional group composition. However, the impact on legume abundance saturated at low invader abundance (1%-15% cover) and remained constant as invader abundance increased. We show that the direct ecological impacts of invasive species may be compounded by shifts in the functional traits of dominant native species toward more conservative traits and shifts in species and functional group composition, leading toward a shift in population and community structure and function.},
}

@article {pmid41815179,
year = {2026},
author = {Coffer, MM and Trinh, R and Mitchell, M and Angstadt, K and Stanhope, D and Lv, Z and Nunez, K and Bartlett, ND and Wiltsie, D and Sullivan, S and Schaeffer, BA},
title = {Tidal marsh species mapping using commercial satellite imagery for enhanced coastal management in Chesapeake Bay.},
journal = {Remote sensing applications : society and environment},
volume = {41},
number = {},
pages = {101902},
pmid = {41815179},
issn = {2352-9385},
abstract = {Tidal marshes offer numerous ecological and economic benefits but are threatened by human development, sea-level rise, and invasive species. Routine mapping of their species composition is crucial for coastal management, yet current efforts are spatially and temporally limited and lack species identification. To address this, we used 3-m PlanetScope satellite imagery to classify four common marsh plants across Virginia's Middle Peninsula in Chesapeake Bay, a region targeted for restoration given its ecological and economic significance. We developed a random forest classifier using May 2021 reference data from the Virginia Institute of Marine Science, delineating Spartina alterniflora, Phragmites australis, Spartina patens, and Juncus roemerianus at eight marshes. Balanced agreement was strong at 93%, ranging from 63% to 98% across individual marshes. We then expanded to the broader Middle Peninsula, using the Mann-Whitney U test to compare satellite- and reference-derived coverage of P. australis, finding moderate agreement despite a large temporal offset (r rb = 0.45; N = 152). Following suitable model performance, we generated annual assessments for May 2021-2024. S. alterniflora was most extensively distributed, covering half of our study area. We also analyzed random forest class probabilities to inform data collection and model interpretation. Probabilities were generally above 0.6, although those accompanying J. roemerianus were notably lower. We present methods for large-scale species mapping to inform resource prioritization and coastal management, including a framework for communicating classification certainty, which is adaptable to stakeholder needs. Our framework can be used to retrain our classification model for application elsewhere, where local field data is available.},
}

@article {pmid41813674,
year = {2026},
author = {Verhoeven, MR and Bartodziej, WL and Berg, MS and Blood, S and Crabb, R and Fieldseth, E and Johnson, JA and Marty, J and McComas, S and Newman, RM and Rattei, M and Sweet, JB and Townsend, J and Vlach, B and Valenty, J and Spetzman, JP and Witkowski, SW and Prichard, A and Glisson, WJ and Larkin, DJ},
title = {Occurrence and environmental data for aquatic plants of Minnesota from 1999-2018.},
journal = {Scientific data},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1038/s41597-026-07027-3},
pmid = {41813674},
issn = {2052-4463},
support = {CON-75851, project 00074041//National Science Foundation (NSF)/ ; },
abstract = {The aquatic flora of Minnesota's freshwater lakes have been extensively surveyed for purposes of resource assessment, research, and ecosystem management. Despite widespread use of a common method for vegetation sampling ("point-intercept surveys"), these records have existed to-date in disparate locations without unification. Here we present a first-of-its-kind dataset of point-level occurrences, relative abundances, and associated environmental data for macrophytes (freshwater plants) across Minnesota. The data encompass 3,194 surveys of 1,520 lakes and ponds performed over a 19-year timespan. A total of 367,382 points were sampled, across which 231 taxa were recorded. Macrophyte occurrence data and depth, as well as point-level relative-plant-abundance measures for a subset of surveys, were collated, cleaned, and joined to geospatial data and Secchi-depth measurements of water clarity, enabling light availability, a primary control on aquatic plant growth, to be estimated. The data are well-suited for ecological analyses across multiple spatial scales and can be used to address both fundamental and applied ecological questions.},
}

@article {pmid41812963,
year = {2026},
author = {Luiz, M and Banha, F and Brito, G and Cambiaghi E Silva, B and Anastácio, P and Gesto, M and Soares, MC},
title = {Behavioral and physiological dynamics of a native minnow exposed to invasive fish species.},
journal = {Physiology & behavior},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {115298},
doi = {10.1016/j.physbeh.2026.115298},
pmid = {41812963},
issn = {1873-507X},
abstract = {The introduction of invasive alien species is a major threat to freshwater biodiversity, particularly in Mediterranean ecosystems where seasonal droughts increase population density and social stress. This study investigated the effects of the presence and of variables densities of two widespread invasive fish species Gambusia holbrooki (Girard, 1859) and Lepomis gibbosus (Linnaeus, 1758), on the behaviour and physiology of the Iberian endemic Squalius alburnoides (Steindachner, 1866). Under baseline density, exposure to G. holbrooki significantly altered the behaviour of S. alburnoides, leading to increased aggression towards conspecifics, enhanced evasion, and a rise in the number of attacks suffered. These behavioral changes were accompanied by a reduction in forebrain dopamine levels, suggesting that dopaminergic influence in stress-related responses. In contrast, interactions with L. gibbosus under the same conditions did not produce significant behavioral or physiological effects, although conspecific aggression showed temporal fluctuations. Under high-density conditions, both invaders intensified antagonistic interactions with S. alburnoides. Significant neurochemical alterations occurred solely in fish exposed to G. holbrooki, which showed elevated 5-HIAA concentrations and increased DOPAC/DA and 5-HIAA/5-HT ratios, indicating activation of serotonergic and dopaminergic pathways. Unexpectedly, plasma cortisol levels in S. alburnoides decreased in the presence of both invader species, suggesting a possible downregulation of the hypothalamic-pituitary-interrenal axis under putative social stress. Overall, our results demonstrate that invasives differentially modulate behavioral and physiological stress responses in S. alburnoides, with G. holbrooki exerting stronger effects than L. gibbosus, and that higher densities amplify these species-specific interactions.},
}

@article {pmid41811978,
year = {2026},
author = {Meagher, RL and Adamczyk, JJ and Renkema, J and Lance, D and Brambila, J},
title = {Cross attraction to various Spodoptera species using pheromone lures for native and exotic species.},
journal = {Environmental entomology},
volume = {55},
number = {2},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1093/ee/nvag006},
pmid = {41811978},
issn = {1938-2936},
support = {6615-22000-021-00D//U. S. Department of Agriculture CRIS/ ; 6036-22000-030-00//U. S. Department of Agriculture CRIS/ ; },
mesh = {Animals ; *Spodoptera/drug effects/physiology ; *Pheromones/pharmacology ; *Insect Control/methods ; Introduced Species ; Species Specificity ; Florida ; Texas ; Female ; Male ; },
abstract = {Previous research showed that the pheromone lure commercially formulated and produced for the exotic species Spodoptera exempta (Walker) also captured 2 native species, Spodoptera albula (Walker) and Spodoptera latifascia (Walker). This study expanded that work to identify the Spodoptera species that were attracted to lures specifically formulated for S. albula, Spodoptera cosmioides (Walker), Spodoptera eridania (Stoll in Cramer), Spodoptera exempta (Walker), Spodoptera exigua (Hübner), Spodoptera frugiperda (J. E. Smith), S. latifascia, Spodoptera litura (F.), and Spodoptera mauritia (Boisduval). In all trapping sites in Texas and Florida, S. exempta lures attracted S. latifascia and S. albula moths, sometimes at densities of over 80 moths per night. These lures, along with those designed for S. latifascia and S. albula, provided seasonal information for other Spodoptera species that are not routinely monitored. Lures for the South American species S. cosmioides consistently attracted the native non-pest Spodoptera dolichos (F.). Lures formulated for Spodoptera littoralis (Boisduval) from the Old World and S. litura from Asia also attracted native species. Trapping in a strawberry production area highlighted the possibility that S. latifascia and S. albula are potential pest species. Trials comparing different plastic-colored traps suggest that all white and green traps attracted fewer Spodoptera species moths than standard-colored Unitraps, which are green, yellow, and white.},
}

Animals
*Spodoptera/drug effects/physiology
*Pheromones/pharmacology
*Insect Control/methods
Introduced Species
Species Specificity
Florida
Texas
Female
Male

@article {pmid41780452,
year = {2026},
author = {Su, F and He, X and Jin, Z and Xiao, K and Tian, P and Xiao, D},
title = {Cordgrass invasion amplifies microplastic hazard through polymer-selective retention in coastal wetlands.},
journal = {Water research},
volume = {296},
number = {},
pages = {125667},
doi = {10.1016/j.watres.2026.125667},
pmid = {41780452},
issn = {1879-2448},
mesh = {*Wetlands ; *Microplastics ; *Poaceae ; Introduced Species ; Water Pollutants, Chemical ; China ; Polymers ; Environmental Monitoring ; Geologic Sediments ; Seashore ; },
abstract = {Coastal wetlands are key repositories and pathways for microplastics (MPs), a role modulated by vegetation. The global spread of the nonnative cordgrass Spartina alterniflora is thus likely to alter MP deposition and fate, yet its effects on MP accumulation and related ecological risks are not well quantified. Integrating field surveys along an 18,000-km latitudinal transect (∼20°) of China's coastline with an ensemble of three machine-learning models, we produced a 500 m-resolution map of the MP polymer hazard index (PHI) in sediments (0-40 cm depth) and compared MP stocks and risks among native marshes, S. alterniflora-invaded marshes, and unvegetated mudflats. While MP abundance did not differ significantly between native and invaded marshes, PHI in invaded marshes was 20.0 % higher than in native marshes and 57.1 % higher than in mudflats, indicating a shift toward more hazardous polymers. This shift led to a marked expansion of high-risk coverage (increasing by 26.8 % compared with native marshes and 386.1 % relative to mudflats). Climatic variables (mean annual temperature and precipitation) emerged as dominant predictors of PHI across habitats, while plant invasion further accentuated habitat-specific effects mediated via microbial mediation. These results demonstrate that plant invasion amplifies coastal plastic pollution risk through both enhanced retention and selective accumulation of more hazardous polymers, underscoring the need to incorporate invasion control into coastal MP management strategies.},
}

*Wetlands
*Microplastics
*Poaceae
Introduced Species
Water Pollutants, Chemical
China
Polymers
Environmental Monitoring
Geologic Sediments
Seashore

@article {pmid41808257,
year = {2026},
author = {Chen, Y and Chen, Y and Du, E and Chen, X and Liu, W and Li, Y and Zeng, N and Zi, X and He, Q and Li, Z and Su, R and Gui, F},
title = {Role of Gut Bacteria in Tomato Leaf Miner Tuta absoluta Gaining Resistance to α-Tomatine by Converting It to Cholesterol.},
journal = {Journal of agricultural and food chemistry},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1021/acs.jafc.5c16815},
pmid = {41808257},
issn = {1520-5118},
abstract = {Tuta absoluta is a worldwide invasive pest that causes severe losses in tomato industry in China, while its resistance mechanism to tomato's protective alkaloid of α-tomatine remains unclear. This study explores the role of its gut microbiota, and results showed that the abundance of the gut symbiont Enterococcus mundtii was significantly higher in T. absoluta feeding on wild-type tomatoes than that in those feeding on α-tomatine-deficient GAME2 mutant tomatoes. Isolated E. mundtii strain E14 degraded 72.2 ± 1.3% of α-tomatine in vitro; reinoculating it into antibiotic-treated T. absoluta restored the degradation ability. Inoculating E14 into five other lepidopteran pests (except noncolonized Plutella xylostella) enhanced their α-tomatine tolerance. Multiomics and in vitro pure-culture experiments showed that α-tomatine degrades into cholesterol via deglycosylation, reduction, and hydrolysis. This study reveals α-tomatine's dual role (toxin/cholesterol precursor) and E. mundtii as a key adaptation mediator, advancing our understanding of insect-plant coevolution and invasive pest control.},
}

@article {pmid41805746,
year = {2026},
author = {Carneiro, L and Pincheira-Donoso, D and Leroy, B and Bertolino, S and Camacho-Cervantes, M and Cuthbert, RN and Bang, A and Catford, JA and South, J and Cooke, SJ and Angulo, E and Courchamp, F},
title = {Expanding invasive species impact assessments to the ecosystem level with EEICAT.},
journal = {PLoS biology},
volume = {24},
number = {3},
pages = {e3003665},
pmid = {41805746},
issn = {1545-7885},
mesh = {*Introduced Species ; *Ecosystem ; Animals ; },
abstract = {The ecological impacts of biological invasions vary widely in type, scale, and severity, highlighting the need for consistent assessment tools. The Environmental Impact Classification for Alien Taxa (EICAT) provides a standardized framework for assessing their effects, but focuses mainly on population-level impacts. We introduce the Extended EICAT (EEICAT), which incorporates impacts across three ecological dimensions, from individuals to ecosystems, with an impact-based approach. EEICAT enables classification of 19 impact types at the invasion-event level, making it suitable for primary research, synthesis, and management. This framework aims to improve the detection, comparison, and communication of complex ecological impacts caused by biological invasions.},
}

*Introduced Species
*Ecosystem
Animals

@article {pmid41410089,
year = {2026},
author = {Chen, H and Xie, D and Pan, Z and Jia, N and Zhou, J and Yang, Q and Yu, J and Chi, D},
title = {Behavior-based stratified management: population suppression and invasion front control of Hylurgus ligniperda (Fabricius) in coastal shelterbelt ecosystems.},
journal = {Pest management science},
volume = {82},
number = {4},
pages = {3384-3394},
doi = {10.1002/ps.70465},
pmid = {41410089},
issn = {1526-4998},
support = {//National Key Research and Development Program of China (2021YFD1400300)/ ; },
mesh = {Animals ; *Insect Control/methods ; *Introduced Species ; Pinus/growth & development ; *Weevils/physiology ; Ecosystem ; *Coleoptera/physiology ; Behavior, Animal ; },
abstract = {BACKGROUND: The red-haired bark beetle (RHB), Hylurgus ligniperda (Fabricius), is a significant invasive pest responsible for widespread mortality in pine forests. Current control methods are largely ineffective and poorly integrated, failing to halt the spread of RHB. This study aimed to develop and validate an integrated management system that leverages the beetle's behavioral patterns and implements stratified management strategies based on the severity of infestation levels.

RESULTS: We first enhanced trapping efficiency by optimizing key technologies, including trap design, deployment methods, and lure formulations. Building on this foundation, we developed a stratified management plan with the following key measures: in newly colonized stands, a strategy combining benzyl alcohol repellents and optimized lure attractants, along with flight-interception traps, significantly reduced spread, decreasing the proportion of dead trees from 12.5% to 2.6%. In outbreak stands, intensive measures such as stump removal and mass trapping reduced the RHB population density by 99.05%. Additionally, replanting alters stand volatiles, reducing their attractiveness to the beetles.

CONCLUSION: The stratified management strategy, applied to both newly colonized and outbreak stands of RHB, proved highly effective in suppressing population growth and preventing further dispersal. This approach offers a key technical solution for restoring damaged coastal ecosystems and provides a valuable reference for managing similar invasive pests worldwide. © 2025 Society of Chemical Industry.},
}

Animals
*Insect Control/methods
*Introduced Species
Pinus/growth & development
*Weevils/physiology
Ecosystem
*Coleoptera/physiology
Behavior, Animal

@article {pmid37739130,
year = {2023},
author = {Wei, H and Cheng, H and Yao, N and Li, G and Du, Z and Luo, R and Zheng, Z},
title = {Invasive alien plant biomass-derived hard carbon anode for sodium-ion batteries.},
journal = {Chemosphere},
volume = {343},
number = {},
pages = {140220},
doi = {10.1016/j.chemosphere.2023.140220},
pmid = {37739130},
issn = {1879-1298},
mesh = {Biomass ; Electrodes ; *Carbon/chemistry ; *Electric Power Supplies ; *Sodium/chemistry ; *Introduced Species ; },
abstract = {In the context of rampant growth of invasive plants, finding suitable ways for resource utilization has become the optimal choice for invasive plant management. In the field of energy storage, sodium-ion batteries have been limited by the lack of appropriate anode materials, and hard carbon stands out as the most promising candidate. Therefore, this study focuses on the preparation of biomass-derived carbons from three invasive plant species, namely Spartina alterniflora Loisel., Solidago canadensis L., and Erigeron canadensis L., through high-temperature carbonization. The resulting biomass carbons are then subjected to cleaning and activation processes to prepare sodium-ion anode materials. The internal structure of the materials was characterized using SEM, TEM, XRD, XPS, Raman spectroscopy, and BET. The materials exhibited a significant amount of pore structures, with interlayer spacing around 0.37 nm, which is larger than the original graphite interlayer spacing. The plant anode materials were assembled into full batteries for cyclic charge/discharge tests. The results show that all three anode materials have good multiplicative performance and excellent cyclable charge/discharge. After 100 cycles at a current of 50 mA in the voltage range of 0-3.0 V, the reversible capacities of the three materials reached 245.3, 207.19, and 227.12 mAh/g, respectively. Among them, the material derived from Spartina alterniflora maintained a capacity of 141.63 mAh/g even after 1000 cycles at a current of 200 mA, demonstrating the best capacity performance.},
}

Biomass
Electrodes
*Carbon/chemistry
*Electric Power Supplies
*Sodium/chemistry
*Introduced Species

@article {pmid37733768,
year = {2023},
author = {Chen, J and Lewis, OT},
title = {Experimental heatwaves facilitate invasion and alter species interactions and composition in a tropical host-parasitoid community.},
journal = {Global change biology},
volume = {29},
number = {22},
pages = {6261-6275},
doi = {10.1111/gcb.16937},
pmid = {37733768},
issn = {1365-2486},
support = {201806010328//China Scholarship Council/ ; NE/N010221/1//Natural Environment Research Council/ ; },
mesh = {Animals ; *Introduced Species ; *Host-Parasite Interactions ; *Drosophila/physiology/parasitology ; Queensland ; *Climate Change ; *Hot Temperature ; Tropical Climate ; Ecosystem ; *Wasps/physiology ; },
abstract = {As mean temperatures increase and heatwaves become more frequent, species are expanding their distributions to colonise new habitats. The resulting novel species interactions will simultaneously shape the temperature-driven reorganization of resident communities. The interactive effects of climate change and climate change-facilitated invasion have rarely been studied in multi-trophic communities, and are likely to differ depending on the nature of the climatic driver (i.e., climate extremes or constant warming). We re-created under laboratory conditions a host-parasitoid community typical of high-elevation rainforest sites in Queensland, Australia, comprising four Drosophila species and two associated parasitoid species. We subjected these communities to an equivalent increase in average temperature in the form of periodic heatwaves or constant warming, in combination with an invasion treatment involving a novel host species from lower-elevation habitats. The two parasitoid species were sensitive to both warming and heatwaves, while the demographic responses of Drosophila species were highly idiosyncratic, reflecting the combined effects of thermal tolerance, parasitism, competition, and facilitation. After multiple generations, our heatwave treatment promoted the establishment of low-elevation species in upland communities. Invasion of the low-elevation species correlated negatively with the abundance of one of the parasitoid species, leading to cascading effects on its hosts and their competitors. Our study, therefore, reveals differing, sometimes contrasting, impacts of extreme temperatures and constant warming on community composition. It also highlights how the scale and direction of climate impacts could be further modified by invading species within a bi-trophic community network.},
}

Animals
*Introduced Species
*Host-Parasite Interactions
*Drosophila/physiology/parasitology
Queensland
*Climate Change
*Hot Temperature
Tropical Climate
Ecosystem
*Wasps/physiology

@article {pmid37638537,
year = {2023},
author = {Zhang, L and Li, Z and Peng, Y and Liang, X and Wilson, K and Chipabika, G and Karangwa, P and Uzayisenga, B and Mensah, BA and Kachigamba, DL and Xiao, Y},
title = {Global genomic signature reveals the evolution of fall armyworm in the Eastern hemisphere.},
journal = {Molecular ecology},
volume = {32},
number = {20},
pages = {5463-5478},
doi = {10.1111/mec.17117},
pmid = {37638537},
issn = {1365-294X},
support = {JCYJ20200109150629266//Shenzhen Natural Science Foundation/ ; NIF\R1\191106//The Newton International Fellowship/ ; 2022ZD04021//STI 2030－Major Projects/ ; BB/P023444/1andEP/T024410/1//Global Challenges Research Fund/ ; },
mesh = {Animals ; Haplotypes ; *Spodoptera/genetics ; *Genetics, Population ; Genetic Variation ; *Genome, Insect ; Africa ; Genomics ; Asia ; Introduced Species ; Americas ; *Biological Evolution ; },
abstract = {The major plant pest fall armyworm (FAW), Spodoptera frugiperda, is native to the Americas and has colonized Africa and Asia within the Eastern hemisphere since 2016, causing severe damage to multiple agricultural crop species. However, the genetic origin of these invasive populations requires more in-depth exploration. We analysed genetic variation across the genomes of 280 FAW individuals from both the Eastern hemisphere and the Americas. The global range-wide genetic structure of FAW shows that the FAW in America has experienced deep differentiation, largely consistent with the Z-chromosomal Tpi haplotypes commonly used to differentiate 'corn-strain' and 'rice-strain' populations. The invasive populations from Africa and Asia are different from the American ones and have a relatively homogeneous population structure, consistent with the common origin and recent spreading from Africa to Asia. Our analyses suggest that north- and central American 'corn-strain' FAW are the most likely sources of the invasion into the Eastern hemisphere. Furthermore, evidence based on genomic, transcriptomic and mitochondrial haplotype network analyses indicates an earlier, independent introduction of FAW into Africa, with subsequent migration into the recent invasive population.},
}

Animals
Haplotypes
*Spodoptera/genetics
*Genetics, Population
Genetic Variation
*Genome, Insect
Africa
Genomics
Asia
Introduced Species
Americas
*Biological Evolution

@article {pmid37608763,
year = {2023},
author = {Holmes, M},
title = {A plague of weasels and ticks: animal introduction, ecological disaster, and the balance of nature in Jamaica, 1870-1900.},
journal = {British journal for the history of science},
volume = {56},
number = {3},
pages = {391-407},
doi = {10.1017/S0007087423000286},
pmid = {37608763},
issn = {1474-001X},
mesh = {Animals ; History, 19th Century ; Jamaica ; *Herpestidae ; *Introduced Species/history ; *Ticks ; Colonialism/history ; },
abstract = {Towards the end of the nineteenth century, British colonists in Jamaica became increasingly exasperated by the damage caused to their sugar plantations by rats. In 1872, a British planter attempted to solve this problem by introducing the small Indian mongoose (Urva auropunctata). The animals, however, turned on Jamaica's insectivorous birds and reptiles, leading to an explosion in the tick population. This paper situates the mongoose catastrophe as a closing chapter in the history of the nineteenth-century acclimatization movement. While foreign observers saw the introduction of the mongoose as a cautionary tale, caricaturing British Jamaica as overrun by a plague of weasels and ticks, British colonists, administrators and naturalists - identifying a gradual decline of both populations - argued that the 'balance of nature' would eventually reassert itself. As this paper argues, through this dubious claim they were attempting to retrospectively rationalize or justify the introductions and their disastrous aftermath. This strategy enabled them to gloss over the lasting ecological damage caused by the mongoose, and allowed its adherents to continue their uncritical support of both the Jamaican plantation economy and animal introductions in the British Empire.},
}

Animals
History, 19th Century
Jamaica
*Herpestidae
*Introduced Species/history
*Ticks
Colonialism/history

@article {pmid37572908,
year = {2023},
author = {Gallé, R and Tölgyesi, C and Szabó, ÁR and Korányi, D and Bátori, Z and Hábenczyus, A and Török, E and Révész, K and Torma, A and Gallé-Szpisjak, N and Lakatos, T and Batáry, P},
title = {Plant invasion and fragmentation indirectly and contrastingly affect native plants and grassland arthropods.},
journal = {The Science of the total environment},
volume = {903},
number = {},
pages = {166199},
doi = {10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.166199},
pmid = {37572908},
issn = {1879-1026},
mesh = {*Introduced Species ; *Grassland ; *Biodiversity ; Animals ; *Arthropods/physiology ; *Asclepias/physiology ; Ecosystem ; Hungary ; },
abstract = {Plant invasion and habitat fragmentation have a detrimental effect on biodiversity in nearly all types of ecosystems. We compared the direct and indirect effects of the invasion of the common milkweed (Asclepias syriaca) on biodiversity patterns in different-sized Hungarian forest-steppe fragments. We assessed vegetation structure, measured temperature and soil moisture, and studied organisms with different ecological roles in invaded and non-invaded sites of fragments: plants, bees, butterflies, flower-visiting wasps, flies, true bugs, and spiders. Temperature and soil moisture were lower in invaded than in non-invaded area. Milkweed had a positive effect on plant species richness and flower abundance. In contrast, we mainly found indirect effects of invasion on arthropods through alteration of physical habitat characteristics and food resources. Pollinators were positively affected by native flowers, thus, milkweed indirectly supported pollinators. Similarly, we found higher species richness of herbivores in invaded sites than control sites, as species richness of true bugs also increased with increasing plant species richness. Predators were positively affected by complex vegetation structure, higher soil moisture and lower temperature. Furthermore, increasing fragment size had a strong negative effect on spider species richness of non-invaded sites, but no effect in invaded sites. Especially, grassland specialist spiders were more sensitive to fragment size than generalists, whereas generalist spider species rather profited from invasion. Although milkweed invades natural areas, we did not identify strong negative effects of its presence on the diversity of the grassland biota. However, the supportive effect of milkweed on a few generalist species homogenises the communities. The rate of invasion might increase with increasing fragmentation, therefore we recommend eliminating invasive plants from small habitat fragments to preserve the native biota. Focusing also on generalist species and revealing the indirect effects of invasions are essential for understanding the invasion mechanisms and would support restoration efforts.},
}

*Introduced Species
*Grassland
*Biodiversity
Animals
*Arthropods/physiology
*Asclepias/physiology
Ecosystem
Hungary

@article {pmid37530696,
year = {2023},
author = {Ismail, M and Siemann, E and Ding, J},
title = {Behavior of higher trophic levels associated with an invasive plant varies among populations.},
journal = {Environmental entomology},
volume = {52},
number = {5},
pages = {870-878},
doi = {10.1093/ee/nvad067},
pmid = {37530696},
issn = {1938-2936},
support = {2016PB030//China National R&D Program/ ; 31370404//National Natural Science Foundation of China/ ; },
mesh = {Animals ; *Introduced Species ; *Wasps/physiology ; *Moths/parasitology/physiology/growth & development ; China ; *Food Chain ; *Euphorbiaceae/physiology ; *Aphids/physiology/parasitology ; Host-Parasite Interactions ; Herbivory ; Female ; Larva/growth & development/physiology/parasitology ; },
abstract = {Invasive plants from their native and introduced ranges differ in their interactions with herbivores but it is not known whether they also vary in their interactions with herbivore natural enemies. Here, we used olfactometer bioassays and cage experiments to investigate how foraging behaviors of 2 parasitoid and 1 hyperparasitoid species depended on plant population origin. Triadica sebifera (Euphorbiaceae) is native to China but invasive in the United States. In China, it is fed on by a specialist noctuid Gadirtha fusca (Lepidoptera: Nolidae), which hosts a parasitoid Apanteles sp. (Hymenoptera: Microgastinae) and hyperparasitoid (Hymenoptera: Eurytomidae) plus a generalist aphid Toxoptera odinae (Homoptera: Aphidiidae) parasitized by Lysiphlebus confusus (Hymenoptera: Aphidiinae). Both parasitoids preferred plants infested by their host over herbivore-free plants in olfactometer bioassays. Apanteles sp. and Eurytomid wasps preferred G. fusca infested plants from China populations over those from US populations in olfactometer bioassays but L. confusus wasps did not discriminate between T. odinae infested plants from China vs. US populations. Similarly, G. fusca caterpillars on China population plants were more likely to be parasitized than ones on US population plants when they were in the same cage but odds of parasitism for T. odinae did not differ for those on China vs. US population plants. These results suggest that populations from the native and introduced ranges may differ in traits that impact higher trophic levels. This may have implications for successful control of invasive plants as biocontrol agents are introduced or herbivores begin to feed on them in their introduced ranges.},
}

Animals
*Introduced Species
*Wasps/physiology
*Moths/parasitology/physiology/growth & development
China
*Food Chain
*Euphorbiaceae/physiology
*Aphids/physiology/parasitology
Host-Parasite Interactions
Herbivory
Female
Larva/growth & development/physiology/parasitology

@article {pmid37431651,
year = {2023},
author = {Kinsey, JC and Foster, JA and Snow, NP and Wishart, JD and Staples, LD and Bush, JK and VerCauteren, KC},
title = {Assessment of spilled toxic bait by wild pigs and potential risk to non-target species.},
journal = {Pest management science},
volume = {79},
number = {11},
pages = {4589-4598},
doi = {10.1002/ps.7658},
pmid = {37431651},
issn = {1526-4998},
support = {//Animal Control Technologies Australia/ ; //Texas Parks and Wildlife Department/ ; //U.S. Department of Agriculture/ ; },
mesh = {Animals ; *Sus scrofa ; *Sodium Nitrite/toxicity ; Texas ; Risk Assessment ; Introduced Species ; Animals, Wild ; Swine ; },
abstract = {BACKGROUND: In 2018, a sodium nitrite (SN)-based toxic bait for invasive wild pigs (hereafter wild pigs; Sus scrofa), was evaluated to determine its effectiveness in reducing local wild pig populations in Texas. Localized population reductions of >70% were achieved, but spillage of bait outside wild pig-specific feeders (bait stations) caused by feeding wild pigs resulted in the deaths of non-target animals. To evaluate risks to non-target animals, we tested whether bait presentation influenced the total amount of bait spilled by wild pigs and estimated the associated risk to non-target species.

RESULTS: We found that bait spilled outside bait stations could be reduced by >90% when compacted in trays, as opposed to being manually crumbled into pieces. We documented a mean spill rate of 0.913 g of bait per wild pig. Conservative risk assessments for nine non-target species for which SN toxicity data exist indicate that there is relatively low risk of lethal exposure, apart from zebra finches (Taeniopygia guttata) and white mice. Our results indicate that there may be enough spilled bait per feeding wild pig to kill 9.5 or 3.5 individuals of these species, respectively. Other species assessed range from 0.002 to 0.406 potential mortalities per wild pig.

CONCLUSION: We demonstrated that the amount of bait spilled by wild pigs during feeding and the associated risk to non-target animals can be minimized by presenting the bait compacted in trays within bait stations. We recommend that baits be tightly compacted and secured in bait stations to minimize risks to non-target animals from spilled bait by wild pigs. © 2023 Society of Chemical Industry. This article has been contributed to by U.S. Government employees and their work is in the public domain in the USA.},
}

Animals
*Sus scrofa
*Sodium Nitrite/toxicity
Texas
Risk Assessment
Introduced Species
Animals, Wild
Swine

@article {pmid37332098,
year = {2023},
author = {Thia, JA and Umina, PA and Hoffmann, AA},
title = {Ace and ace-like genes of invasive redlegged earth mite: copy number variation, target-site mutations, and their associations with organophosphate insensitivity.},
journal = {Pest management science},
volume = {79},
number = {11},
pages = {4219-4230},
doi = {10.1002/ps.7619},
pmid = {37332098},
issn = {1526-4998},
support = {//Grains Research and Development Corporation/ ; //University of Melbourne/ ; },
mesh = {Animals ; *DNA Copy Number Variations ; *Organophosphates/pharmacology ; Mutation ; *Mites/genetics/drug effects ; *Acaricides/pharmacology ; *Insecticide Resistance/genetics ; Introduced Species ; },
abstract = {BACKGROUND: Invasive Australian populations of redlegged earth mite, Halotydeus destructor (Tucker), are evolving increasing organophosphate resistance. In addition to the canonical ace gene, the target gene of organophosphates, the H. destructor genome contains many radiated ace-like genes that vary in copy number and amino acid sequence. In this work, we characterise copy number and target-site mutation variation at the canonical ace and ace-like genes and test for potential associations with organophosphate insensitivity. This was achieved through comparisons of whole-genome pool-seq data from alive and dead mites following organophosphate exposure.

RESULTS: A combination of increased copy number and target-site mutations at the canonical ace was associated with organophosphate insensitivity in H. destructor. Resistant populations were segregating for G119S, A201S, F331Y at the canonical ace. A subset of populations also had copy numbers of canonical ace > 2, which potentially helps overexpress proteins carrying these target-site mutations. Haplotypes possessing different copy numbers and target-site mutations of the canonical ace gene may be under selection across H. destructor populations. We also detected some evidence that increases in copy number of radiated ace-like genes are associated with organophosphate insensitivity, which might suggest potential roles in sequestration or breakdown of organophosphates.

CONCLUSION: Different combinations of target-site mutations and (or) copy number variation in the canonical ace and ace-like genes may provide non-convergent ways for H. destructor to respond to organophosphate selection. However, these changes may only play a partial role in organophosphate insensitivity, which appears to have a polygenic architecture. © 2023 The Authors. Pest Management Science published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of Society of Chemical Industry.},
}

Animals
*DNA Copy Number Variations
*Organophosphates/pharmacology
Mutation
*Mites/genetics/drug effects
*Acaricides/pharmacology
*Insecticide Resistance/genetics
Introduced Species

@article {pmid41802065,
year = {2026},
author = {Obille, AR and Hasan, R and Rees, DJ and Ng, J and Wang, ZY and Bagchi, R and Lian, K and Carneiro, KMM and Sone, ED},
title = {Identification and characterization of a wet adhesive protein extracted from Dreissena bugensis, the freshwater quagga mussel.},
journal = {Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the United States of America},
volume = {123},
number = {11},
pages = {e2537453123},
doi = {10.1073/pnas.2537453123},
pmid = {41802065},
issn = {1091-6490},
support = {RGPIN-2019-06210//Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada (NSERC)/ ; RGPIN-2025-07042//Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada (NSERC)/ ; },
mesh = {Animals ; *Proteins/chemistry/isolation & purification/metabolism ; *Dreissena/chemistry/metabolism ; Fresh Water ; *Adhesives/chemistry ; Proteomics ; Microscopy, Atomic Force ; Dihydroxyphenylalanine/chemistry ; Adhesiveness ; Bivalvia ; },
abstract = {Mechanisms of wet adhesion have evolved in several aquatic organisms over millions of years. Yet, the repertoire of synthetic biocompatible wet adhesive materials is still limited. The byssus is a well-studied proteinaceous bioadhesive structure utilized by several bivalves to support sessile lifestyles in turbulent conditions. The quagga mussel (Dreissena bugensis) is a freshwater byssate and a notorious invasive species in the Great Lakes region. To identify adhesive proteins in the quagga mussel byssus, we utilized quantitative proteomics and found several proteins enriched at the byssus-substrate interface. Among the identified proteins was the Dbfp7 protein family. Dbfp7 is a small, polymorphic, and mostly disordered protein that lacks significant amounts of 3,4-dihydroxyphenylalanine (DOPA), a modified amino acid found in several marine mussel byssal proteins. Atomic force microscopy nanomechanical mapping of Dbfp7 films demonstrates that this protein exhibits adhesive ability in aqueous conditions. While DOPA is critical for marine mussel adhesion, interfacial electrochemistry of freshwater adhesive plaques suggests that freshwater byssates circumvent catechol-based adhesion. The functional characterization of Dbfp7 as a freshwater mussel adhesive protein advances the understanding of fundamental requirements for biocompatible wet adhesion, a crucial step for the development of bioinspired wet adhesive materials, such as improved medical adhesives.},
}

Animals
*Proteins/chemistry/isolation & purification/metabolism
*Dreissena/chemistry/metabolism
Fresh Water
*Adhesives/chemistry
Proteomics
Microscopy, Atomic Force
Dihydroxyphenylalanine/chemistry
Adhesiveness
Bivalvia

@article {pmid41652005,
year = {2026},
author = {Rahmanian, S and Eisenhauer, N and Huang, Y and Hejda, M and Pyšek, P and Feilhauer, H and Eldridge, DJ and Gross, N and Le Bagousse-Pinguet, Y and Saiz, H and Delgado-Baquerizo, M and Berdugo, M and Ochoa, V and Gozalo, B and Asensio, S and Guirado, E and Valencia, E and García-Gómez, M and Gaitán, JJ and Mendoza, B and Plaza, C and Díaz-Martínez, P and Martínez-Valderrama, J and Abedi, M and Ahmadian, N and Ahumada, RJ and Amghar, F and Araújo, T and Arroyo, AI and Ben Salem, F and Blaum, N and Boldbat, E and Boldgiv, B and Bowker, M and van den Brink, L and Bu, C and Canessa, R and Castillo-Monroy, AP and Castro, H and Castro-Quezada, P and Chaieb, G and Chibani, R and Conceição, AA and Davila, YC and Deák, B and Donoso, DA and Dougill, A and Espinosa, CI and Fajardo, A and Farzam, M and Ferrante, D and Franzese, J and Fraser, LH and Geiger, E and Gonzalez, SL and Montalván, EG and Hering, R and Marais, E and Hernández Hernández, RM and Hernández-Valdez, SD and Hölzel, N and Huber-Sannwald, E and Jadán, O and Jentsch, A and Kindermann, L and Köbel, M and le Roux, PC and Leder, CV and Li, X and Liancourt, P and Linstädter, A and Liu, J and Louw, MA and Maggs-Kölling, G and Makhalanyane, TP and Issa, OM and Manzaneda, AJ and Margerie, P and Martin, R and McClaran, MP and Messeder, JVS and Mora, JP and Moreno, G and Munson, SM and Nair, GR and Nunes, A and Oliva, G and Palpurina, S and Peter, G and Pueyo, Y and Quiroga, E and Reed, SC and Rey, PJ and Rodríguez, A and Rolo, V and Ruppert, JC and Salah, A and Sarig, S and Singh, BK and Swemmer, A and Teixido, AL and Thomas, AD and Tielbörger, K and Travers, S and Valkó, O and Wamiti, W and Wang, D and Wang, L and Wardle, GM and Wolff, P and Yahdjian, L and Oñatibia, GR and Yari, R and Zaady, E and Zhang, Y and Zhou, X and Maestre, FT},
title = {Abiotic and biotic controls of non-native perennial plant success in drylands.},
journal = {Nature ecology & evolution},
volume = {10},
number = {3},
pages = {523-535},
pmid = {41652005},
issn = {2397-334X},
support = {346001466//Alexander von Humboldt-Stiftung (Alexander von Humboldt Foundation)/ ; [German Research Foundation, DFG]-FZT 118, 202548816)//Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (German Research Foundation)/ ; Ei 862/29-1; FOR 5000, 422440326//Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (German Research Foundation)/ ; ([German Research Foundation, DFG]-FZT 118, 202548816//Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (German Research Foundation)/ ; DFG (Ei 862/29-1; FOR 5000, 422440326//Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (German Research Foundation)/ ; RVO 67985939//Akademie Věd České Republiky (Academy of Sciences of the Czech Republic)/ ; grant no. 41971131//National Natural Science Foundation of China (National Science Foundation of China)/ ; The 111 Project (D23029)//Ministerium für Wissenschaft, Forschung und Kunst Baden-Württemberg (Ministry of Science, Research and Art Baden-Württemberg)/ ; EAR-1554894 and DEB-2406931//National Science Foundation (NSF)/ ; ERC grant 647038 (BIODESERT)//EC | EU Framework Programme for Research and Innovation H2020 | H2020 Priority Excellent Science | H2020 European Research Council (H2020 Excellent Science - European Research Council)/ ; (CIDEGENT/2018/041)//Generalitat Valenciana (Regional Government of Valencia)/ ; },
mesh = {Herbivory ; *Biodiversity ; *Introduced Species ; *Plants/classification ; *Plant Physiological Phenomena ; },
abstract = {Drivers of non-native plant success in drylands are poorly understood. Here we identify functional differences between dryland native and non-native perennial plants and assess how biotic, abiotic and anthropogenic factors shape the success of the latter. On the basis of plant community and functional trait data from 98 sites across 25 countries, we report a total of 41 non-native plant species at 31 sites. Non-natives tend towards faster growth strategies than natives. Non-native plant richness is higher at sites with greater grazing pressure and under environmental conditions associated with higher soil fertility, decomposition and fungal richness-conditions that tend to occur in less arid regions-and lower where native plant and herbivore richness are greater. Non-native plant cover correlates positively with grazing pressure and negatively with native plant richness. Taken together, our results suggest that non-native plant success in drylands is facilitated when high grazing pressure coincides with elevated resource availability. Such context-dependence of non-native plant success and linkages with native plant and herbivore diversity highlight the need for managing grazing and conserving biodiversity across the world's drylands.},
}

Herbivory
*Biodiversity
*Introduced Species
*Plants/classification
*Plant Physiological Phenomena

@article {pmid37659092,
year = {2023},
author = {Vercellino, RB and Hernández, F and Presotto, A},
title = {The role of intraspecific crop-weed hybridization in the evolution of weediness and invasiveness: Cultivated and weedy radish (Raphanus sativus) as a case study.},
journal = {American journal of botany},
volume = {110},
number = {9},
pages = {e16217},
doi = {10.1002/ajb2.16217},
pmid = {37659092},
issn = {1537-2197},
mesh = {*Raphanus/genetics/physiology/growth & development ; *Hybridization, Genetic ; *Plant Weeds/genetics/physiology ; *Crops, Agricultural/genetics/physiology ; Introduced Species ; *Biological Evolution ; Biomass ; },
abstract = {PREMISE: The phenotype of hybrids between a crop and its wild or weed counterpart is usually intermediate and maladapted compared to that of their parents; however, hybridization has sometimes been associated with increased fitness, potentially leading to enhanced weediness and invasiveness. Since the ecological context and maternal genetic effects may affect hybrid fitness, they could influence the evolutionary outcomes of hybridization. Here, we evaluated the performance of first-generation crop-weed hybrids of Raphanus sativus and their parents in two contrasting ecological conditions.

METHODS: Using experimental hybridization and outdoor common garden experiments, we assessed differences in time to flowering, survival to maturity, plant biomass, and reproductive components between bidirectional crop-weed hybrids and their parents in agrestal (wheat cultivation, fertilization, weeding) and ruderal (human-disturbed, uncultivated area) conditions over 2 years.

RESULTS: Crop, weeds, and bidirectional hybrids overlapped at least partially during the flowering period, indicating a high probability of gene flow. Hybrids survived to maturity at rates at least as successful as their parents and had higher plant biomass and fecundity, which resulted in higher fitness compared to their parents in both environments, without any differences associated with the direction of the hybridization.

CONCLUSIONS: Intraspecific crop-weed hybridization, regardless of the cross direction, has the potential to promote weediness in weedy R. sativus in agrestal and ruderal environments, increasing the chances for introgression of crop alleles into weed populations. This is the first report of intraspecific crop-weed hybridization in R. sativus.},
}

*Raphanus/genetics/physiology/growth & development
*Hybridization, Genetic
*Plant Weeds/genetics/physiology
*Crops, Agricultural/genetics/physiology
Introduced Species
*Biological Evolution
Biomass

@article {pmid37573739,
year = {2023},
author = {Schourup-Kristensen, V and Larsen, J and Stæhr, PAU and Maar, M},
title = {Modelled dispersal pathways of non-indigenous species in the Danish Wadden Sea.},
journal = {Marine environmental research},
volume = {191},
number = {},
pages = {106111},
doi = {10.1016/j.marenvres.2023.106111},
pmid = {37573739},
issn = {1879-0291},
mesh = {Denmark ; *Introduced Species ; *Environmental Monitoring/methods ; *Models, Theoretical ; Animals ; North Sea ; *Aquatic Organisms/physiology ; *Animal Distribution ; Models, Biological ; },
abstract = {The introduction-rate of non-indigenous species (NIS) to coastal water bodies has accelerated over the last century. We present a model study assessing the fate of NIS released in likely point sources of the Danish Wadden Sea. We show that NIS-particles released in the deep North Sea are generally transported away from the Wadden Sea, while those released in the coastal North Sea and the Wadden Sea show large variability in track pattern and settlement location. Consequently, the introduction of NIS from ships entering the port of Esbjerg pose a threat to the Wadden Sea through primary and secondary spreading, while transport of species from sources in the south likely causes a slow and steady settling of NIS in the Wadden Sea and coastal North Sea. The study points to the importance of enforcing an efficient monitoring system to ensure early detection of changes to the species composition of the Wadden Sea.},
}

Denmark
*Introduced Species
*Environmental Monitoring/methods
*Models, Theoretical
Animals
North Sea
*Aquatic Organisms/physiology
*Animal Distribution
Models, Biological

@article {pmid41800856,
year = {2026},
author = {Yin, X and Liu, Y and Kong, F and Shu, L and Peng, C and Ang, LP},
title = {A Global Conservation Blind Spot: Neglect of Bryophytes Undermines Biodiversity Targets.},
journal = {Global change biology},
volume = {32},
number = {3},
pages = {e70789},
doi = {10.1111/gcb.70789},
pmid = {41800856},
issn = {1365-2486},
support = {2023JBGS05//Research Project of Baishanzu National Park/ ; 46623-1//Rufford Foundation/ ; },
mesh = {*Biodiversity ; *Conservation of Natural Resources ; *Bryophyta/physiology ; Climate Change ; },
abstract = {The global biodiversity crisis is unevenly documented, with conservation assessments heavily biased toward vertebrates and flowering plants. Terrestrial gametophyte-dominant plants (i.e., bryophytes), with over 20,000 species and representing one of Earth's oldest radiations, remain among the most overlooked. To quantify this gap, we integrated global distribution records, elevation patterns, IUCN datasets, research trends, and threat meta-analyzes. Thirty-seven bryophyte-rich regions and global elevational patterns were identified. We found only 1.5% of bryophyte species have been assessed by the IUCN Red List, and among these assessed species, over half are threatened, nearly twice the global average for plants. Agriculture and climate change emerged as the dominant extinction drivers worldwide, while threats vary regionally: deforestation threatens bryophyte diversity in Africa and South America, while climate change and invasive species are the primary threats in Europe. Without targeted, region-specific conservation strategies, accelerating bryophyte decline will undermine biodiversity targets and jeopardize essential ecosystem functions.},
}

*Biodiversity
*Conservation of Natural Resources
*Bryophyta/physiology
Climate Change

@article {pmid41800122,
year = {2026},
author = {Ciftcioglu, M and Kesbiç, OS and Filiz, H and Ağdamar, S},
title = {Commercial resource potential of an invasive sea cucumber: nutritional analysis of Synaptula reciprocans.},
journal = {PeerJ},
volume = {14},
number = {},
pages = {e20466},
pmid = {41800122},
issn = {2167-8359},
mesh = {Animals ; *Nutritive Value ; *Introduced Species ; *Sea Cucumbers/chemistry ; Seasons ; Fatty Acids/analysis ; Amino Acids/analysis ; Mediterranean Sea ; },
abstract = {BACKGROUND: Synaptula reciprocans, originally native to the Indo-Pacific region, is widespread in the Red Sea. The species entered the Mediterranean during the 1970s and 1980s and has been reported along the Turkish coastline since 2003, where it has established invasive populations. European Union Regulation No. 1143/2014 encourages the investigation of alternative uses and the assessment of the economic potential of invasive species as part of management and control strategies. This study aims to evaluate the nutritional value and elemental composition of S. reciprocans, an invasive species in the Mediterranean, in order to assess its suitability for human consumption and potential alternative applications.

METHODS: S. reciprocans were sampled from two different stations (L1: Gokova Bay and L2: Gulluk Bay) over two seasons, as winter (S1) and summer (S2), and transported to the laboratory under cold chain conditions (+4 °C). Moisture, ash, crude protein, crude fat, fatty acid, amino acid, and elemental content analyses were performed using standardized methods, including gravimetric, Kjeldahl, GC/MS, LC/MS-MS, and ICP-OES techniques.

RESULTS: The findings indicate that both locality and season significantly influence the species' nutritional properties (p < 0.05). Dry matter content exhibited considerable variation across seasons, with the highest concentration observed in L2/S2 and L2/S1. Crude protein levels peaked in winter across both regions (L2S1, L1S1), while fat content was consistently higher in Bodrum samples compared to Gokova (p < 0.05). Ash content was highest in Gokova across both seasonal periods (p < 0.05). The fatty acid profile demonstrated notable seasonal and regional differences (p < 0.05), with linoleic acid (C 18:2) emerging as the predominant polyunsaturated ω-6 fatty acid. Additionally, amino acid analysis revealed significant variation (p < 0.05), identifying alanine, asparagine, glutamine, and proline as the dominant amino acids. Elemental analysis highlighted the absence of copper (Cu) in all sampled tissues, while sodium (Na) was consistently the most abundant mineral.},
}

Animals
*Nutritive Value
*Introduced Species
*Sea Cucumbers/chemistry
Seasons
Fatty Acids/analysis
Amino Acids/analysis
Mediterranean Sea

@article {pmid41797626,
year = {2026},
author = {Nardi, D and Rassati, D and Battisti, A and Branco, M and Courtin, C and Faccoli, M and Feddern, N and Francese, JA and Franzen, E and Garcia, A and Giannone, F and Gossner, MM and Jonsell, M and Kostanowicz, C and Marchioro, M and Martinek, P and Ray, AM and Roques, A and Sweeney, J and Van Rooyen, K and Webster, V and Marini, L},
title = {Integrating landscape ecology into generic surveillance plans for bark- and wood-boring beetles.},
journal = {Ecological applications : a publication of the Ecological Society of America},
volume = {36},
number = {2},
pages = {e70194},
doi = {10.1002/eap.70194},
pmid = {41797626},
issn = {1051-0761},
support = {AP18PPQS&T00C164//Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service/ ; AP18PPQS&T00C169//Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service/ ; AP19PPQS&T00C082//Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service/ ; 771271//Horizon 2020 Framework Programme/ ; UID/00239//Fundação para a Ciência e a Tecnologia/ ; //Canadian Forest Service, Forest Pest Risk Management Program/ ; 101134200//HORIZON EUROPE Climate, Energy and Mobility/ ; },
mesh = {Animals ; *Coleoptera/physiology ; Wood ; *Environmental Monitoring/methods ; *Ecosystem ; Forests ; },
abstract = {International trade poses a growing threat to global biosecurity, with bark- and wood-boring beetles representing a major concern for forest health. Non-native species are frequently introduced at points of entry, where populations can establish in the surrounding landscape. To improve early detection, generic surveillance programs use traps in these high-risk areas, collecting a broad spectrum of species. These traps also capture native beetles, providing insights into the potential species pool that could become exotic elsewhere. However, implementing effective landscape-wide surveillance within reasonable resource limits remains challenging. In this study, we used trapping data of Cerambycidae and Scolytinae from 11 high-risk areas across Europe and North America to develop practical recommendations for generic surveillance at multiple spatial scales. Specifically, we attempted to address two key questions: (1) how to maximize the single-trap efficacy depending on the trap surroundings; and (2) how many traps should be used in a landscape-wide sampling depending on landscape composition. Under budget constraints, we recommend prioritizing trap placement within forest patches and avoiding locations surrounded by roads or buildings. Urban-dominated landscapes required greater sampling effort (i.e., more traps) than forest-dominated landscapes. Deploying fewer than four traps per square kilometer might lead to an incomplete representation of the local bark- and wood-boring beetle community, losing about 30%-50% of species. Overall, our findings highlight the importance of incorporating landscape ecology into generic surveillance planning to optimize trap effectiveness within resource limitations.},
}

Animals
*Coleoptera/physiology
Wood
*Environmental Monitoring/methods
*Ecosystem
Forests

@article {pmid41762534,
year = {2026},
author = {Buńkowska-Gawlik, K and Hildebrand, J and Popiołek, M and Perec-Matysiak, A},
title = {Faecal DNA detection and molecular identification of nematodes of veterinary relevance in invasive raccoons and raccoon dogs in Central Europe.},
journal = {Veterinary parasitology},
volume = {343},
number = {},
pages = {110727},
doi = {10.1016/j.vetpar.2026.110727},
pmid = {41762534},
issn = {1873-2550},
mesh = {Animals ; *Raccoons/parasitology ; *Feces/parasitology ; *Raccoon Dogs/parasitology ; *DNA, Helminth/genetics/isolation & purification ; Poland/epidemiology ; Phylogeny ; *Nematode Infections/veterinary/epidemiology/parasitology ; Introduced Species ; *Nematoda/genetics/isolation & purification/classification ; Electron Transport Complex IV/genetics ; },
abstract = {Invasive carnivores such as the raccoon (Procyon lotor) and raccoon dog (Nyctereutes procyonoides) are widespread in Europe and may contribute to the circulation of nematodes of veterinary and zoonotic relevance at the wildlife-domestic animal interface. Molecular data on nematode taxa infecting these hosts in Central Europe remain scarce, particularly those derived from faecal DNA. We analysed 212 post-mortem faecal samples collected in western Poland (97 raccoons, 115 raccoon dogs) using PCR-based screening followed by mitochondrial cytochrome c oxidase subunit 1 (cox1) sequencing for molecular identification and phylogenetic analysis. Nematode DNA was detected in 46/212 samples (21.7%), representing minimum detection frequencies rather than true prevalence. In raccoon dogs, sequences of Uncinaria stenocephala, Toxocara canis and Crenosoma spp. were identified, with Molineus sp. representing the most frequently detected taxon. In raccoons, cox1 sequences indicated Strongyloides sp., T. canis and Molineus sp., together with several lineages that could not be reliably assigned due to limited representation of wildlife-associated nematodes in public databases. DNA of Baylisascaris procyonis was not detected. Mitochondrial cox1 sequences obtained from morphologically identified adult Molineus specimens were identical to those recovered from faecal samples, providing the first reference sequences for this genus. Overall, this study provides baseline molecular data on nematode taxa circulating in invasive carnivores in Central Europe and demonstrates the utility of faecal DNA for qualitative surveillance of nematodes of veterinary relevance.},
}

Animals
*Raccoons/parasitology
*Feces/parasitology
*Raccoon Dogs/parasitology
*DNA, Helminth/genetics/isolation & purification
Poland/epidemiology
Phylogeny
*Nematode Infections/veterinary/epidemiology/parasitology
Introduced Species
*Nematoda/genetics/isolation & purification/classification
Electron Transport Complex IV/genetics

@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},
mesh = {*Ultraviolet Rays ; *Filtration ; Salinity ; *Water Purification/methods ; Phytoplankton/radiation effects ; Ships ; },
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).},
}

*Ultraviolet Rays
*Filtration
Salinity
*Water Purification/methods
Phytoplankton/radiation effects
Ships

@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},
mesh = {Brazil ; *Water Purification/methods ; Wastewater ; *Waste Disposal, Fluid/methods ; *Plants ; Water Pollutants, Chemical ; },
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.},
}

Brazil
*Water Purification/methods
Wastewater
*Waste Disposal, Fluid/methods
*Plants
Water Pollutants, Chemical

@article {pmid41475011,
year = {2026},
author = {Zakroff, ARA and Stireman Iii, JO},
title = {Invasive Lonicera maackii (Dipscales: Caprifoliaceae) supports a depauperate arthropod community.},
journal = {Environmental entomology},
volume = {55},
number = {2},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1093/ee/nvaf130},
pmid = {41475011},
issn = {1938-2936},
support = {//WestRock Scholars Program of the College of Science and Mathematics at Wright State University and a Five Rivers MetroParks Foundation Ecological Research/ ; },
mesh = {Animals ; *Introduced Species ; *Lonicera/physiology ; *Arthropods/physiology ; Ohio ; *Biodiversity ; },
abstract = {Invasion by non-native species is a growing threat to ecosystems and economies. In eastern North American woodlands, invasive exotic shrubs are displacing native plants and transforming understory communities. The displacement of native plants by invasive non-natives may reduce the resources available to higher trophic levels by supporting diminished arthropod communities. Despite a conceptual understanding of the potential for invasive shrubs to transform forest communities, little research has focused on characterizing the arthropod communities they support or their impact on higher trophic levels in eastern North American forests. To address this gap, we compared arthropod diversity, abundance, and community composition on a highly invasive shrub in southwestern Ohio, Amur honeysuckle (Lonicera maackii, Maxim., Dipscales: Caprifoliaceae), to a related, ecologically similar, native shrub, blackhaw (Viburnum prunifolium, Linnaeus, Dipscales: Adoxaceae), over a growing season. Relative to the native shrub, we found that L. maackii hosted a depauperate arthropod community overall, with about 25% fewer individuals and 28% fewer species than its native counterpart, V. prunifolium-primarily driven by a smaller herbivore community on L. maackii. In contrast, the abundance and richness of predatory arthropods were similar between the native and invasive shrubs. The arthropod communities on the native and exotic plants broadly overlapped in ordination space; however, community composition varied significantly, albeit modestly. These findings support the prediction that invasive plants support depauperate arthropod communities and provide reduced ecosystem services.},
}

Animals
*Introduced Species
*Lonicera/physiology
*Arthropods/physiology
Ohio
*Biodiversity

@article {pmid40842822,
year = {2025},
author = {Goel, N and Liebhold, AM and Bertelsmeier, C and Hooten, MB and Korolev, KS and Keitt, TH},
title = {A mechanistic statistical approach to infer invasion characteristics of human-dispersed species with complex life cycle.},
journal = {Ecological monographs},
volume = {95},
number = {1},
pages = {},
pmid = {40842822},
issn = {0012-9615},
support = {R01 GM138530/GM/NIGMS NIH HHS/United States ; },
abstract = {The rising introduction of invasive species through trade networks threatens biodiversity and ecosystem services. Yet, we have a limited understanding of how transportation networks determine spatiotemporal patterns of range expansion. This knowledge gap may stem from two reasons. First, current analytical models fail to integrate the invader's life-history dynamics with heterogeneity in human-mediated dispersal patterns. Second, classical statistical methods often fail to provide reliable estimates of model parameters, such as time and place of species introduction and life-history characteristics, due to spatial biases in the presence-only records and lack of informative demographic data. To address these gaps, we first formulate an age-structured metapopulation model that uses a probability matrix to emulate human-mediated dispersal patterns. The model reveals that an invader spreads radially along the shortest network path, such that the inter-patch network distances decrease with increasing traffic volume and reproductive value of hitchhikers. Next, we propose a hierarchical Bayesian statistical method to estimate model parameters using presence-only data and prior demographic knowledge. To show the utility of the statistical approach, we analyze zebra mussel (Dreissena polymorpha) expansion in North America through the inland commercial shipping network. Our analysis suggests that zebra mussels might have been introduced before 1981, indicating a lag of five years between time of introduction and first detection in late 1986. Furthermore, using our statistical model we estimated a one in three chance that they were introduced near Kingsville (Ontario, Canada), where they were first reported. We also find survival, fecundity, and dispersal during early life (1-2 years) play a critical role in determining the expansion success of these mollusks. These results underscore the importance of fusing prior scientific knowledge with observation and demographic processes in a Bayesian framework for conceptual and practical understanding of how invasive species spread by human agency.},
}

@article {pmid40758403,
year = {2025},
author = {Koziol, L and McKenna, TP and Duell, EB and Bever, JD},
title = {Seven years later: native AMF inoculation improves grassland successional stage, floristic quality index, and diversity, while suppressing weeds.},
journal = {FEMS microbiology letters},
volume = {372},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1093/femsle/fnaf079},
pmid = {40758403},
issn = {1574-6968},
support = {DBI-2120153//National Science Foundation/ ; BII-2120153//National Science Foundation/ ; PFI 2016549//National Science Foundation/ ; NIFA-AFRI-1003475//United States Department of Agriculture/ ; },
mesh = {*Grassland ; *Mycorrhizae/physiology ; *Biodiversity ; *Soil Microbiology ; *Plant Weeds/growth & development ; Ecosystem ; },
abstract = {Reintroducing key soil microbes, such as arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) fungi, can enhance prairie restoration, but the long-term persistence of these effects is unclear. In 2017, a tallgrass prairie restoration experiment was established that applied an inoculation gradient of native AM fungal inoculant ranging from 0 to 8192 kg/ha. Here, we sample the resulting prairie community establishment and spread seven growing seasons later (72 months). We found that AM fungal application increased total diversity, floristic quality index, and average coefficient of conservatism scores-metrics that assess an area's ecological integrity based on plant species. Moreover, high application densities of native AM fungi reduced non-native plant abundance. Furthermore, inoculated prairie plots were more likely to extend 1.5 m into adjacent nonseeded old-field plots, enhancing native diversity and reducing invasion in marginal lands. These findings highlight the lasting benefits of native AM fungal inoculation in prairie restoration and their potential to facilitate long-term ecosystem recovery, aligning with global biodiversity conservation efforts such as the UN Sustainable Development Goal 15 (Life on Land). Given that land managers spend ~25% of their time and considerable economic input managing invasive species, these findings demonstrate that the reintroducing native AM fungi from reference ecosystems during grassland restoration could provide a cost-effective means of enhancing ecological outcomes.},
}

*Grassland
*Mycorrhizae/physiology
*Biodiversity
*Soil Microbiology
*Plant Weeds/growth & development
Ecosystem

@article {pmid39710225,
year = {2025},
author = {Stevanovic, K and Sinkkonen, A and Pawankar, R and Zuberbier, T},
title = {Urban Greening and Pollen Allergy: Balancing Health and Environmental Sustainability.},
journal = {The journal of allergy and clinical immunology. In practice},
volume = {13},
number = {2},
pages = {275-279},
doi = {10.1016/j.jaip.2024.12.017},
pmid = {39710225},
issn = {2213-2201},
mesh = {Humans ; *Pollen/immunology ; *Rhinitis, Allergic, Seasonal/epidemiology/prevention & control/immunology ; Allergens/immunology ; Ecosystem ; Animals ; },
abstract = {Urban living requires a careful balance between human health and environmental sustainability when selecting urban vegetation. Public gardens and green roofs offer significant environmental benefits, including air filtration, exposure to health-associated microbiota, and mitigation of the urban heat island effect. However, prioritizing allergy-friendly species is crucial to prevent the exacerbation of pollen allergies. This review highlights 3 primary criteria for selecting vegetation that supports these ecosystem services while minimizing allergy risks. First, reducing the use of many wind-pollinated plants, such as birch trees and grasses, is crucial due to their high pollen production and cross-reactivity with other species, which can exacerbate allergies. In contrast, insect-pollinated plants are generally safer for allergy sufferers. Secondly, cultivating multispecies plant communities with minimal maintenance supports habitats for microbiota and invertebrates, further providing ecosystem services. Lastly, balancing plant gender ratios in urban spaces can help control pollen levels. Together these criteria provide a framework for urban planners to create green spaces that are both environmentally beneficial and allergy friendly. Although this review focuses on European data, the principles discussed have global relevance, reinforcing the need to integrate environmental sustainability with public health considerations in urban planning. Future studies should also investigate the health impacts of plant volatile emissions, explore heat-resistant plant varieties, and assess the ecological risks of invasive species to support sustainable, allergy-friendly urban environments.},
}

Humans
*Pollen/immunology
*Rhinitis, Allergic, Seasonal/epidemiology/prevention & control/immunology
Allergens/immunology
Ecosystem
Animals

@article {pmid30754298,
year = {2010},
author = {Minnis, AM and Rossman, AY and Clement, DL and Malinoski, MK and Rane, KK},
title = {First Report of Powdery Mildew Caused by Podosphaera leucotricha on Callery Pear in North America.},
journal = {Plant disease},
volume = {94},
number = {2},
pages = {279},
doi = {10.1094/PDIS-94-2-0279B},
pmid = {30754298},
issn = {0191-2917},
abstract = {Callery pear, often referred to as Bradford pear, is a species native to China that is planted throughout North America as an ornamental tree for its white flowers in spring, bright colored foliage in autumn, and resistance to disease. In some regions it is becoming an invasive species that is replacing native trees. In May 2009, leaves of Pyrus calleryana 'Cleveland Select' showing distortion and signs of powdery mildew were collected in Columbia (Howard County), Maryland. A survey of the surrounding area found numerous similarly diseased trees of this cultivar. Microscopic observation of the leaves revealed a fungus with an Oidium anamorph having nipple-shaped appressoria; conidiophores erect, foot cells cylindric, straight, of terminal origin, 41 to 55 × 9.5 to 12.5 μm, with the following cells present in variable numbers; conidia catenulate, broadly ellipsoid to rarely slightly ovoid, 22 to 27 × 11 to 17 μm, with fibrosin bodies. Chasmothecia were absent. On the basis of morphology and host, the fungus was identified as Podosphaera leucotricha (Ellis & Everh.) E.S. Salmon (Leotiomycetes, Erysiphales) (1). The specimen on P. calleryana was deposited in the U.S. National Fungus Collections as BPI 879141. Additional confirmation resulted from a comparison of internal transcribed spacer (ITS) region DNA sequence data (GenBank Accession No. GU122230) obtained with the custom designed primer, Podoprimer Forward (5'-3' ACTCGTTCTGCGCGGCTGAC), and the ITS4 primer. The sequence of the fungus on Callery pear was identical to available GenBank sequences of P. leucotricha. P. leucotricha is the etiological agent of a powdery mildew disease that occurs on rosaceous plants, primarily Malus and Pyrus. This fungus occurs nearly worldwide (1), and the pathology of the disease on Callery pear is similar to that of known hosts (1,4). To our knowledge, this is the first report of P. leucotricha on Pyrus calleryana in North America. P. leucotricha has been reported previously only once on Callery pear, Pyrus calleryana 'Chanticleer', in Hungary (4). Additionally, the powdery mildew fungus was heavily parasitized by Ampelomyces quisqualis Ces. sensu lato, a cosmopolitan coelomycetous mycoparasite of the Erysiphales that is well known on this species (2,3). ITS region DNA sequence data from the Ampelomyces (GenBank Accession No. GU122231) obtained with the ITS1 and ITS4 primers was identical to that of other isolates parasitic on P. leucotricha (2). References: (1) U. Braun. The Powdery Mildews (Erysiphales) of Europe. Gustav Fischer Verlag, Jena, Germany, 1995. (2) C. Liang et al. Fungal Divers. 24:225, 2007. (3) B. C. Sutton. The Coelomycetes. Fungi Imperfecti with Pycnidia, Acervuli and Stromata. Commonwealth Mycological Institute, Kew, England, 1980. (4) L. Vajna and L. Kiss. Plant Dis. 92:176, 2008.},
}

@article {pmid41776323,
year = {2026},
author = {Kim, I and Sou, HD and Kim, JS and Cho, HJ and Jeong, J and Oh, JH and Park, CR},
title = {Drought and fragmentation shape successional trajectories of isolated urban forests in South Korea.},
journal = {Scientific reports},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1038/s41598-026-42621-w},
pmid = {41776323},
issn = {2045-2322},
support = {#FE0100202403//National Institute of Forest Science/ ; #FE0100202403//National Institute of Forest Science/ ; #FE0100202403//National Institute of Forest Science/ ; #FE0100202403//National Institute of Forest Science/ ; #FE0100202403//National Institute of Forest Science/ ; #FE0100202403//National Institute of Forest Science/ ; #FE0100202403//National Institute of Forest Science/ ; },
abstract = {Managing urban forest successional trajectories is essential for sustainable and cost-effective ecological restoration. However, successional pathways in South Korea's urban forests are frequently disrupted by environmental and anthropogenic pressures, threatening their long-term sustainability. This study examined successional pathways and their environmental determinants in isolated urban forest patches across seven metropolitan cities. Structural equation modeling was used to assess relationships among environmental variables, canopy structure, and successional pathways, and key drivers were identified using Random Forest analysis. Overall, 83.2% of plots exhibited progressive succession, transitioning from early-successional invasive alien or introduced species toward mid- to late-successional native communities. In contrast, 16.8% of plots underwent retrogressive succession, characterized by shifts from Quercus-dominated stands toward stress-tolerant, urban-adapted species associated with earlier successional or degraded conditions. Drought severity and forest patch size emerged as the primary determinants of successional pathways. These findings demonstrate how climatic stress and spatial constraints linked to fragmentation shape UF dynamics at a regional scale and provide insights for targeted restoration strategies that promote progressive succession and enhance the long-term sustainability of urban forests.},
}

@article {pmid41769408,
year = {2026},
author = {Seeburrun, G and Baider, C and Bissessur, P and Florens, FBV},
title = {A scoping literature review on the impacts of non-native species on the native terrestrial biodiversity of an oceanic island.},
journal = {PeerJ},
volume = {14},
number = {},
pages = {e20839},
pmid = {41769408},
issn = {2167-8359},
mesh = {*Biodiversity ; *Introduced Species ; Islands ; *Conservation of Natural Resources ; Animals ; },
abstract = {BACKGROUND: Many non-native species have been introduced to oceanic islands, with a subset becoming invasive, which pose the greatest threat to native terrestrial biodiversity. Yet, existing information on their impacts, particularly at the island scale, has rarely been synthesised. Addressing this gap is essential for revealing neglected aspects and for prioritising conservation management to optimise the use of scarce resources. Here, we use one volcanic oceanic island as a model to characterise the knowledge landscape about the impacts of non-native species on native biodiversity. Specifically, we (1) inventory the studied mechanisms through which non-native species affect native biodiversity; (2) evaluate the extent to which studies assess impacts at the level of biological organisation and/or biotic interactions; (3) assess the severity of impacts of non-native taxa and (4) highlight research gaps requiring most attention at the island scale.

METHOD: Mauritius was used for a scoping review based on four databases (Dimensions, Google Scholar, ScienceDirect and SpringerLink) to systematically search and identify relevant studies on the impacts of non-native species on native terrestrial biodiversity. We used the Environmental Impact Classification for Alien Taxa (EICAT) framework and its extension, EICAT+ to categorise the impact mechanisms and magnitude of impact. We searched for all records from the inception of each database until November 2023. We included 62 publications in the final analysis, selected from a total of 1,760 articles screened following the PRISMA guidelines for scoping reviews.

RESULTS: We recorded a total of 273 impact records between non-native and native species. Non-native species of plants and mammals were the most common, affecting a wide range of native taxonomic groups. Negative impacts predominated (65.2%), followed by positive impacts (34.1%), with few neutral impacts (0.7%). Competition and predation were the most studied negative impact mechanisms, typically impacting many native species while positive impacts of non-native species were mainly associated with the provision of trophic resources and typically impacted few species. The main impacts of non-native species on native species studied were at the level of biological organisation (N = 169), while only 22 of the impact records investigated their effects on biotic interactions.

CONCLUSION: Limited attention has been given to indirect mechanisms and the impacts of non-native species on biotic interactions. Future studies should prioritise these areas, as indirect mechanisms may reveal cumulative and often insidious pathways through which non-native species accelerate biodiversity loss, especially on islands. Investigating their effects on biotic interactions is critical for detecting cascading impacts to inform more effective and comprehensive conservation strategies.},
}

*Biodiversity
*Introduced Species
Islands
*Conservation of Natural Resources
Animals

@article {pmid41764142,
year = {2026},
author = {Brayley, ODM and McCready, K and Liu, S and Convey, P and Chen, Y and Ullah, S and Teets, N and Hayward, SAL},
title = {The Microbiome of an Invasive Antarctic insect, Eretmoptera Murphyi (Diptera: Chironomidae), and its Potential Role in Nutrient Cycling.},
journal = {Microbial ecology},
volume = {89},
number = {1},
pages = {},
pmid = {41764142},
issn = {1432-184X},
support = {NE/S007350/1//NERC CENTA2/ ; NE/T009446/1//NSFGEO-NERC/ ; OPP-1850988//National Science Foundation/ ; 700545//USDA National Institute of Food and Agriculture Hatch Project/ ; RF-2024-396/2//Leverhulme Research Fellowship/ ; },
abstract = {UNLABELLED: Eretmoptera murphyi Schaeffer 1914 is a flightless chironomid midge endemic to South Georgia in the sub-Antarctic. In the 1960s it was accidentally introduced to Signy Island (in the more extreme maritime Antarctic), where it is now considered an invasive species. Detritivorous E. murphyi larvae can increase soil nitrogen levels by up to five times compared with similar uncolonized substrates, although the mechanisms involved remain unknown. This study conducted the first larval microbiome characterisation of E. murphyi, with the aim of identifying groups of microorganisms that may contribute to the elevated nutrient availability associated with this species. We also compare the E. murphyi microbiome with information available for other Antarctic invertebrates. Dominant archaea and bacteria included Crenarchaeota, Actinobacteriota, Chloroflexi, Proteobacteria and Planctomycetota, many of which have known roles in nutrient cycling. The microbiome of E. murphyi appears more diverse than that of other Antarctic invertebrates studied to date and includes phyla (Chloroflexi and Mycococcota) not previously reported from Signy Island soils or other Antarctic terrestrial invertebrate species. Further research is needed to establish which of these taxa represent true endosymbionts and to confirm their functional roles. The impact of non-native species microbiomes on nutrient cycling has important implications for polar terrestrial ecosystems, as significant changes in nutrient availability could impact native microarthropod and plant communities, as well as open new pathways for future non-native species establishment.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s00248-026-02706-5.},
}

@article {pmid39903212,
year = {2025},
author = {Skypala, IJ},
title = {The impact of climate change in pollen food allergy syndrome.},
journal = {Current opinion in allergy and clinical immunology},
volume = {25},
number = {2},
pages = {129-133},
doi = {10.1097/ACI.0000000000001064},
pmid = {39903212},
issn = {1473-6322},
mesh = {Humans ; *Climate Change ; *Food Hypersensitivity/epidemiology/immunology ; *Rhinitis, Allergic, Seasonal/epidemiology/immunology ; *Pollen/immunology/adverse effects ; *Allergens/immunology ; Prevalence ; Child ; Syndrome ; Adult ; Risk Factors ; Oral Allergy Syndrome ; },
abstract = {PURPOSE OF REVIEW: To evaluate the effect of climate change on pollen allergenicity, lengthening of the pollen season, and the spread of invasive species such as ragweed. To assess evidence to determine whether these effects are impacting the prevalence of pollen food syndrome (PFS).

RECENT FINDINGS: There is good evidence to demonstrate that markers of climate change, including rising temperatures and to some extent greenhouse gases, are responsible for a rise in the allergenicity of pollen and an increase in the duration of the pollen season, especially for trees. These changes are likely to be linked to the increase in the prevalence of seasonal allergic rhinitis (SAR), especially in children. Sensitization to pollen, especially tree pollen, is also a risk factor for the development of PFS. Thought to mainly affect adults, recent evidence suggests that there is a rise in the prevalence of PFS in children, linked to an increase in SAR.

SUMMARY: Increasing SAR due to climate change could lead to a greater number of children and adults developing PFS. Although PFS is generally considered to be a mild condition, severe reactions can occur and there might be numerous plant food triggers, which can adversely affect dietary choice and nutritional intake.},
}

Humans
*Climate Change
*Food Hypersensitivity/epidemiology/immunology
*Rhinitis, Allergic, Seasonal/epidemiology/immunology
*Pollen/immunology/adverse effects
*Allergens/immunology
Prevalence
Child
Syndrome
Adult
Risk Factors
Oral Allergy Syndrome

@article {pmid41790771,
year = {2026},
author = {Alshaqhaa, MA and Souid, I and Alshehri, MD and Alyahya, N and Msaada, K and Guedri, MM},
title = {Invasive Argemone mexicana's suppressive effects on germination and early growth of Triticum aestivum and Hordeum vulgare in South-western Saudi Arabia.},
journal = {PloS one},
volume = {21},
number = {3},
pages = {e0344281},
pmid = {41790771},
issn = {1932-6203},
mesh = {*Triticum/growth & development/drug effects ; *Germination/drug effects ; *Hordeum/growth & development/drug effects ; Saudi Arabia ; *Plant Extracts/pharmacology ; Seeds/growth & development/chemistry ; Plant Leaves/chemistry ; *Argemone/chemistry ; *Introduced Species ; },
abstract = {The invasion of exotic plant species has emerged as a global problem that impacts the ecosystems, economy, and human health, and is the reason for biodiversity loss. Argemone mexicana L. is one of the plants that was recorded as an invasive plant species in south-western Saudi Arabia. Allelochemical properties have been stated but not empirically evaluated on economically important staple crops. In the present study, the phenotype of the A. mexicana L. plant was described using major and minor phenotypic morphology, and morphological seed. Additionally, laboratory experiments were conducted to evaluate the allelopathic effects of water extract of A. mexicana L. on radicle and plumule length of Triticum aestivum and Hordeum vulgare. Results showed that the allelopathic potential of leaf and seed extracts of A. mexicana decreased the seed germination (until 66.66%), plumule length (93.94%-94.94%), and radicle length (96.68%- 96.96%) respectively for T. aestivum and H. vulgare with a rise in extract concentration. Moreover, it was observed that the A. mexicana seed extract is more allelopathically effective than leaf extract. Hence, it could be concluded that the seed and leaf aqueous extracts contain water-soluble allelochemicals, which could inhibit seed germination of T. aestivum and H. vulgare.},
}

*Triticum/growth & development/drug effects
*Germination/drug effects
*Hordeum/growth & development/drug effects
Saudi Arabia
*Plant Extracts/pharmacology
Seeds/growth & development/chemistry
Plant Leaves/chemistry
*Argemone/chemistry
*Introduced Species

@article {pmid41779299,
year = {2026},
author = {Poloni, S and Lutscher, F and Lewis, MA},
title = {Evolutionary Dynamics at the Leading Edge of Biological Invasions.},
journal = {Bulletin of mathematical biology},
volume = {88},
number = {4},
pages = {},
pmid = {41779299},
issn = {1522-9602},
support = {RGPIN-2024-05210//Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada/ ; RGPIN-2023-03872//Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada/ ; },
mesh = {*Biological Evolution ; Mathematical Concepts ; *Models, Biological ; *Introduced Species/statistics & numerical data ; Population Dynamics ; Animals ; Phenotype ; Ecosystem ; Genetic Fitness ; },
abstract = {Empirical evidence shows that evolution may take place during species' range expansion. Indeed, dispersal ability tends to be selected for at the leading edge of invasions, ultimately increasing a species' spreading speed. However, for organisms across many different taxa, higher dispersal comes at the cost of fitness, producing evolutionary trade-offs at the leading edge. Using reaction-diffusion equations and adaptive dynamics, we provide new insights on how such evolutionary processes take place. We show how evolution may drive phenotypes at the leading edge to maximize the asymptotic spreading speed, and we give conditions under which phenotypic plasticity in dispersal is selected for under different dispersal-reproduction trade-off scenarios. We provide some possible future research directions and other systems where the framework can be applied.},
}

*Biological Evolution
Mathematical Concepts
*Models, Biological
*Introduced Species/statistics & numerical data
Population Dynamics
Animals
Phenotype
Ecosystem
Genetic Fitness

@article {pmid41770734,
year = {2026},
author = {Charron, A and Julien, A and Stinziano, JR and Gagnon, MC},
title = {Investigating key drivers influencing AI-based detection and identification of plants.},
journal = {PloS one},
volume = {21},
number = {3},
pages = {e0342712},
pmid = {41770734},
issn = {1932-6203},
mesh = {*Plants/classification ; *Introduced Species ; Ontario ; *Artificial Intelligence ; Photography ; },
abstract = {In recent years, AI-driven platforms have transformed citizen science by collecting and generating valuable records of living organisms for monitoring biological data. Many applications utilize visual similarity and geospatial information to identify species based on photographs. This study investigates how location impacts plant identifications made by iNaturalist, particularly in detecting invasive alien plants (IAP) that are not established in an area. We also compare the accuracy of iNaturalist and PlantNet while exploring potential biases. To assess iNaturalist's taxonomic accuracy under varying location parameters, specimens of plants that are native and naturalized in Ontario, termed "established plants" for the purpose of this study, were collected and photographed (n = 61) and photographs of plants from Canada's regulated pest list, which are either not present or have a very limited distribution in Canada, termed "outsider plants" for the purpose of this study were exported from iNaturalist and GBIF (n = 402). We used photographs of the established plants to compare taxonomic accuracy between applications, considering factors such as plant families, distribution status, and visible parts. A scoring system was established, and a cumulative linked mixed model was applied to analyze taxonomic accuracy. Our findings reveal that restricting location significantly hinders iNaturalist's ability to identify IAP, highlighting the potential for missed detections. While sample size limitations prevented a robust comparison between applications, we also found significantly lower identification accuracy for species in the Poaceae family and for photographs featuring only leaves. Ultimately, recognizing the influence of location is essential for effectively monitoring IAP and leveraging iNaturalist as a tool for early detection.},
}

*Plants/classification
*Introduced Species
Ontario
*Artificial Intelligence
Photography

@article {pmid41790308,
year = {2026},
author = {Jeong, D and Singh, K and Byun, C},
title = {Competitive interactions during community assembly: how native species identity, diversity, and functional traits affect invasion.},
journal = {Oecologia},
volume = {208},
number = {3},
pages = {},
pmid = {41790308},
issn = {1432-1939},
support = {2022R1A2C1003504//National Research Foundation of Korea/ ; B0080529001944//Ministry of Education/ ; },
abstract = {Competitive interactions during community assembly are critical for suppressing invasive species and restoring native biodiversity. However, the roles of plant community attributes in determining competitive suppression remain unclear. We examined the competitive suppression of the invasive perennial herb Solidago altissima L. through a two-year greenhouse experiment. To assess species identity effects, we established pairwise competitions between S. altissima and 19 native species. Diversity effects were evaluated by comparing invasion success in eight four-species native mixtures versus monocultures using relative competition indices (RCI) based on height, cover, density, and biomass. Species identity and functional groups were critical determinants of competitive outcomes. 14 native species significantly suppressed S. altissima growth, with annual herbs (RCI = 0.608-0.771) and perennial herbs (RCI = 0.471-0.666) providing the strongest suppression, while woody perennials were the least effective (RCI = 0.197-0.250). Species diversity showed marginally positive but non-significant effects. Competitive suppression of S. altissima was marginally stronger in mixtures than in monocultures by the second year (mixture RCI = 0.764, monoculture RCI = 0.531, P = 0.084). Functional traits showed inconsistent relationships with competitive outcomes, and trait similarity did not predict invasion suppression. Our results indicate that competitive suppression is primarily driven by species and functional group identities rather than by diversity or trait similarities. Restoration efforts should prioritize fast-growing, canopy-covering non-woody native annuals and perennials-particularly forbs with high specific leaf area, large seed mass, and early canopy dominance-to maximize competitive suppression during community assembly.},
}

@article {pmid41788914,
year = {2026},
author = {Vercellino, RB and Hernández, F and Tillería, S and Simian, D and Fanna, I and Presotto, A},
title = {Phenotypic selection in weedy radish and its bidirectional crop-weed hybrids across two contrasting environments.},
journal = {AoB PLANTS},
volume = {18},
number = {2},
pages = {plag010},
pmid = {41788914},
issn = {2041-2851},
abstract = {Hybridization is a key mechanism in the adaptive evolution of weeds and invasive species. The evolutionary success of hybrids may be shaped by selection on functional traits, interacting with maternal genotype and ecological context. We performed experimental hybridization and common garden field experiments to assess phenotypic variation on functional traits, and the strength and direction of linear and quadratic selection acting on them, in bidirectional crop-weed hybrids and their parents of Raphanus sativus, across two contrasting environments: agrestal (agricultural) and ruderal (human-disturbed uncultivated area), over two years. Bidirectional hybrids exhibited overall greater values for size-related traits than their parents, with similar flowering time and no significant effects of cross direction. Selection acted on multiple functional traits through both linear and quadratic components, with broadly similar patterns across environments and cross types, although selection tended to be slightly stronger in hybrids than in weeds. Intraspecific crop-weed hybridization, regardless of cross direction, can increase weediness in weedy radish by enhancing plant size, thereby increasing competitive ability and potential interference with crops. Our findings highlight how hybridization and selection shape plant evolution, influencing the potential introgression of crop alleles into wild or weedy gene pools. Understanding the hybridization process and the mechanisms that control it is crucial for managing the evolutionary outcomes of crop-weed hybridization.},
}

@article {pmid41783353,
year = {2026},
author = {Melvin, GP and Bowman, J},
title = {Marsh Interspersion and Muskrat (Ondatra zibethicus) Habitat Use.},
journal = {Ecology and evolution},
volume = {16},
number = {3},
pages = {e73155},
pmid = {41783353},
issn = {2045-7758},
abstract = {Muskrat (Ondatra zibethicus) populations have been declining in North America for decades. The precise cause of these widespread declines has not yet been identified. Over a similar timeframe, wetlands across large regions of North America have been experiencing an invasion of hybrid cattail Typha x glauca. This invasion is associated with many negative consequences for wetlands, including a reduction in biodiversity, open water habitat, and interspersion of water and vegetation. Muskrats are strongly tied to wetlands, especially where there is a high degree of interspersion of water and emergent vegetation. Therefore, a widespread reduction in interspersion caused by T. x glauca invasions may be contributing to widespread muskrat population declines. We sought to better understand the impact of marsh interspersion on fine-scale muskrat habitat use in light of widespread invasions of T. x glauca. We measured intensity of habitat use by muskrats in a large, Typha-dominated marsh in south-central Ontario using camera traps, stratifying camera placement along a gradient of interspersion. We found no correlation between interspersion and intensity of use. The ubiquity of T. x glauca and low overall interspersion at our study site may have prevented a robust test of our hypothesis. Further research is needed to determine precisely how interspersion affects muskrat habitat use at a fine scale, and how potential changes in habitat quality and use may be contributing to widespread muskrat population declines.},
}

@article {pmid41782262,
year = {2026},
author = {Kuderová, A and Húska, D and de Carvalho, JF and Matyášek, R and Leitch, IJ and Salmon, A and Leitch, AR and Ainouche, M and Kovařík, A},
title = {Nucleolar dominance arises in Spartina homoploid hybrids and persists after allopolyploidization.},
journal = {The Plant journal : for cell and molecular biology},
volume = {125},
number = {5},
pages = {e70770},
pmid = {41782262},
issn = {1365-313X},
support = {25-16796S//Grantová Agentura České Republiky/ ; //Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique/ ; //Natural Environment Research Council/ ; },
mesh = {*Polyploidy ; Hybridization, Genetic ; DNA, Ribosomal/genetics ; *Poaceae/genetics ; *Cell Nucleolus/genetics ; France ; DNA Methylation ; DNA, Plant/genetics ; },
abstract = {Allopolyploid Spartina anglica C.E. Hubbard (2n = 120-124) has become recognized as a model system of recent allopolyploid speciation. It arose by interspecific hybridization between S. alterniflora (2n = 62) introduced from North America and the native European S. maritima (2n = 60) about 150 years ago. In addition, sterile first-generation homoploid hybrids S. × townsendii and S. × neyrautii (both 2n = 62) are still extant. In this study, we carried out a population-level study of epigenetic silencing of 35S rDNA loci, also known as nucleolar dominance. Using molecular, genomic, and cytogenetic methods, we analyzed 75 individuals of S. anglica (collected from 11 French populations and 5 UK populations), 34 individuals of S. × townsendii (3 populations, all from the UK), and 2 individuals of S. × neyrautii from the south of France. We observed strong transcriptional dominance of S. alterniflora-inherited rDNA in all hybrid and allopolyploid individuals. The dominant rDNA units were nearly devoid of methylation at CWG sites, in contrast to those of the silenced S. maritima-inherited rDNA (M-loci), which exhibited hypermethylation. At the DNA level, few (2%) S. anglica individuals have completely lost M-loci, indicating that rDNA diploidization proceeds extremely fast in Spartina, and such a process may be influenced by preceding epigenetic processes. We conclude that nucleolar dominance is already present in extant homoploid hybrid lineages and is largely maintained in S. anglica, with occasional partial relaxation.},
}

*Polyploidy
Hybridization, Genetic
DNA, Ribosomal/genetics
*Poaceae/genetics
*Cell Nucleolus/genetics
France
DNA Methylation
DNA, Plant/genetics

@article {pmid41777209,
year = {2026},
author = {Hu, XY and Cui, M and Jin, Y and Liu, GZ and Song, CC and Zhang, YL},
title = {[Identification and evaluation of cold source risk organisms in close areas of a coastal nuclear power plant].},
journal = {Ying yong sheng tai xue bao = The journal of applied ecology},
volume = {37},
number = {2},
pages = {551-562},
doi = {10.13287/j.1001-9332.202602.031},
pmid = {41777209},
issn = {1001-9332},
mesh = {Animals ; *Nuclear Power Plants ; China ; *Ecosystem ; Phytoplankton/growth & development ; *Aquatic Organisms/growth & development/classification ; *Environmental Monitoring/methods ; Risk Assessment ; Zooplankton/growth & development ; *Introduced Species ; Cold Temperature ; Oceans and Seas ; },
abstract = {Species invasion in marine has increased the frequency of security incidents at coastal nuclear power plants, posing serious threats to the cooling water intake. To systematically identify the risk organisms in nuclear power cooling water sources and clarify their distribution pattern, we established a risk identification and assessment framework for marine organisms in cooling water intake areas. Based on field investigation conducted in the summer of 2024 in the adjacent waters of a nuclear power plant in northern China, we categorized marine organisms into five types: phytoplankton, zooplankton, swimming animals, benthic animals, and selected intertidal organisms. Trophic level, habitat layer, body size, body length, and density were used as evaluation criteria. These indices were combined with type-specific traits (e.g., migratory behavior and reproduction mode) to develop a scoring system, with each indicator being assigned a maximum score of 10 points. Scores were determined based on the potential risk of each biological trait to clogging the water intake, and a spatial weight based on the distance from sampling points to the intake was incorporated to calculate the total risk score for each species. We classified risk levels into low, medium, and high according to thresholds set at 30% and 80% of the total possible score. Results showed that a total of 40 phytoplankton, 28 zooplankton, 27 swimming animals, 62 benthic animals, and 43 intertidal species were recorded. Through multi-indicator integration and spatial weighting analysis-balancing field data authenticity and theoretical traits of species, Loligo sp., Charybdis japonica, and Konosirus punctatus were identified as high-risk species. Moreover, there was a higher density of high-risk organisms in the northern area near the water intake. By integrating functional traits and measured data into a comprehensive evaluation framework, this study could provide a scientific basis for risk organism identification, early warning, and the development of prevention and control strategies for cooling water systems near nuclear power plants.},
}

Animals
*Nuclear Power Plants
China
*Ecosystem
Phytoplankton/growth & development
*Aquatic Organisms/growth & development/classification
*Environmental Monitoring/methods
Risk Assessment
Zooplankton/growth & development
*Introduced Species
Cold Temperature
Oceans and Seas

@article {pmid41776974,
year = {2026},
author = {Bode, ER and Mason, AJ and Bolton, PE and Petren, K and Gangloff, EJ and Gibbs, HL},
title = {Surviving the Squeeze: Genomic Analysis of a Successful Invasion by European Common Wall Lizards (Podarcis muralis) in North America (Ohio, USA).},
journal = {Molecular ecology},
volume = {35},
number = {5},
pages = {e70288},
pmid = {41776974},
issn = {1365-294X},
support = {2217826//National Science Foundation BRC-BIO Award No/ ; },
mesh = {Animals ; *Lizards/genetics ; *Introduced Species ; *Genetic Variation ; Phylogeny ; *Genetics, Population ; Ohio ; Genomics ; Population Density ; Europe ; },
abstract = {Invasive species that undergo a founder event may experience a decline in genetic diversity yet still establish successful populations. A possible example is a population of the common wall lizard (Podarcis muralis) in Cincinnati, Ohio, USA, which was founded following an introduction in the 1950s of a small number of individuals from Europe. We used whole genome sequences of individuals from source and introduced populations to assess the origin, demographic history, population structure, and possible signatures of adaptation in this successful lizard introduction. We first confirmed that the introduced lizards in Ohio are Podarcis muralis using phylogenetic analysis. Patterns of genetic diversity indicate introduced lizards in Cincinnati went through a short-term bottleneck with increased inbreeding but then rapidly increased in population size, thus minimising losses in genetic diversity. Comparisons of genomic variation between source and introduced populations demonstrate that populations in Cincinnati represent a subset of source genetic variation and show minimal losses of overall genetic diversity. Comparisons of mutation load between source and introduced populations reveal only small increases in load in introduced populations. Finally, tests for selection on the basis of outlier analyses detect targets for potential positive selection in multiple regions of the genome of introduced individuals, suggesting possible adaptation to a novel environment. Overall, we suggest that rapid population growth and possible adaptation have allowed the founding population of introduced lizards to evade the potential negative genetic impacts of small population size and successfully colonise a novel environment.},
}

Animals
*Lizards/genetics
*Introduced Species
*Genetic Variation
Phylogeny
*Genetics, Population
Ohio
Genomics
Population Density
Europe

@article {pmid41775849,
year = {2026},
author = {Plewnia, A and Hildwein, T and Quezada Riera, AB and Terán-Valdez, A and Crawford, AJ and Heine, C and Franco-Mena, D and Székely, D and Armijos-Ojeda, D and Siavichay, FR and Arpi, JD and Salazar, J and Erens, J and Páez-Vacas, MI and Székely, P and Böning, P and Stassen, R and Carvajal-Endara, S and Lötters, S and Guayasamin, JM},
title = {Environmental DNA metabarcoding facilitates integrative conservation assessments and species rediscoveries in tropical biodiversity hotspots.},
journal = {Scientific reports},
volume = {16},
number = {1},
pages = {},
pmid = {41775849},
issn = {2045-2322},
abstract = {UNLABELLED: Environmental DNA (eDNA) metabarcoding is an emerging and versatile tool in biodiversity research. With recent advances in field sampling techniques, this approach becomes increasingly suited for application in tropical ecosystems where biodiversity monitoring gaps remain significant and species detection is particularly challenging. Using amphibians as a model, we harness eDNA metabarcoding in 52 localities in the Tropical Andean biodiversity hotspot to rapidly trace elusive, threatened, or presumed extinct species as a baseline for conservation action. Metabarcoding ‘bycatch’ of non-target species further revealed specific environmental threats through the detection of invasive species and pathogens, thus facilitating integrative conservation assessments despite the incompleteness of reference data and the vast species richness hampering biodiversity assessments in complex tropical communities. Consequently, we call for more intense employment of eDNA metabarcoding in conservation to rapidly bridge critical knowledge gaps on elusive species or declining populations in tropical biodiversity hotspots.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1038/s41598-026-41937-x.},
}

@article {pmid41775798,
year = {2026},
author = {Nearman, A and Lamas, ZS and Niño, EL and Fine, J and Mayack, C and Seshadri, A and Boncristiani, D and Huang, WF and Evans, JD and Chen, YP},
title = {Metagenomic and gene expression patterns in declining commercial honey bee colonies.},
journal = {Scientific reports},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1038/s41598-026-42605-w},
pmid = {41775798},
issn = {2045-2322},
support = {FSA25IRA0012292//Farm Service Agency/ ; 8130-0960//Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service/ ; },
}

@article {pmid41772970,
year = {2026},
author = {Javal, M and Lehmann, P and Bierman, A and Koštál, V and Moos, M and Smit, C and Vogel, H and Conlong, DE and Terblanche, JS},
title = {Integrative omics approaches reveal mechanisms of combined heat stress and extreme hypoxia tolerance in a Cerambycid beetle larva.},
journal = {The Journal of experimental biology},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1242/jeb.251552},
pmid = {41772970},
issn = {1477-9145},
abstract = {Atmospheric oxygen, which is essential for energy metabolism, can directly influence an animal's heat tolerance by affecting oxygen transport processes, especially in those living in oxygen-poor environments such as plant tissues, underground or aquatic environments. Yet, oxygen availability and heat tolerance are rarely studied together, limiting our ability to predict their combined effects on insect performance. This study examines the larval tolerance of a large xylophagous cerambycid beetle Cacosceles newmannii to combined hypoxic and thermal stress using performance assays (duration of righting response) coupled with metabolomic and transcriptomic analyses. Metabolomic profiling showed that most metabolites were downregulated in the body but upregulated in the haemolymph as stress increased. Transcriptomic profiles clustered primarily by temperature (25 °C vs 35 °C), independent of oxygen level. Cacosceles newmannii appeared capable of modulating its performance to reduce the energy costs and physiological damage induced by hypoxia. This suggested a high baseline hypoxia tolerance rather than a rapid plastic (induced) physiological hypoxia response, probably due to the species' endophytic lifestyle. Conversely, thermal stress led to a predictable increase in metabolic activity but did not markedly affect performance, triggering adjustments to maintain cellular functions while limiting the impact of stresses expected under conditions of high temperature, such as desiccation. In short, our study highlights the distinct metabolic pathways mobilised to cope with hypoxic versus thermal stress, emphasizing the importance of integrated approaches in understanding insect responses to environmental challenges. These findings have significant implications for understanding the species' ecology, with applications for pest management and sustainable agriculture in the context of climate change.},
}

@article {pmid41772881,
year = {2026},
author = {Cadotte, MW and Inderjit, and Turner, SC and Midgley, GF},
title = {Does Increasing Atmospheric Carbon Dioxide Facilitate Plant Invasions?.},
journal = {Global change biology},
volume = {32},
number = {3},
pages = {e70757},
pmid = {41772881},
issn = {1365-2486},
support = {386151//Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada/ ; },
mesh = {*Carbon Dioxide/analysis/metabolism ; *Introduced Species ; *Atmosphere/chemistry ; Ecosystem ; *Plants/metabolism ; Climate Change ; },
abstract = {Elevated CO2 alters resource allocation, which should benefit species that produce metabolically expensive specialized metabolites (in orange). Increasing biochemical production will have consequences for plant competition, plant-soil feedbacks, and ecosystem processes, and can create fitness advantages for these species over species that do not produce these chemicals (in black).},
}

*Carbon Dioxide/analysis/metabolism
*Introduced Species
*Atmosphere/chemistry
Ecosystem
*Plants/metabolism
Climate Change

@article {pmid41768605,
year = {2026},
author = {Appalasamy, M and Parker-Allie, F and Harebottle, DM},
title = {Predicting current and future distributions of bird species in South Africa's arid Northern Cape under climate change scenarios: are biomes being crossed?.},
journal = {Biodiversity data journal},
volume = {14},
number = {},
pages = {e177882},
pmid = {41768605},
issn = {1314-2828},
abstract = {Climate change involves rising temperatures and altered precipitation patterns which lead to the contraction, expansion or shift in the ranges of biodiversity. This study employed MaxEnt to predict current and future distributions of three bird species native to South Africa and one invasive species. Future scenarios were modelled for 2050 and 2070 using three pathways: SSP1-2.6, SSP2-4.5 and SSP5-8.5 and four bioclimatic variables. The models showed good performance, with AUC values above 0.7, indicating high predictive accuracy. Comparisons between current ranges and future predictions show species, such as P. purpureus and L. torquatus, moving south-westwards and crossing into new biomes in response to changing climatic conditions. Meanwhile, U. angolensis shows drastic range contraction, with A. tristis showing expansion into arid environments. Across all concentration pathways, for both time periods, all species show expansion into southern arid regions of the Northern Cape. The models suggest that bird species are not only moving to different geographic areas, but are also likely to cross biome boundaries, which may have ecological implications. The study highlights how climate change is a significant driver of changes in bird species distributions and their entry into new biomes. These findings underline the importance of adaptive conservation strategies that consider the dynamic nature of species distributions under climate change.},
}

@article {pmid41767882,
year = {2026},
author = {Kim, HB and Jang, JE and Son, DC and Kang, ES},
title = {The complete chloroplast genome sequence and phylogenetic analysis of an invasive plant Solanum carolinense Linnaeus (Solanaceae) in Korea.},
journal = {Mitochondrial DNA. Part B, Resources},
volume = {11},
number = {4},
pages = {451-456},
pmid = {41767882},
issn = {2380-2359},
abstract = {Solanum carolinense Linnaeus, belonging to the family Solanaceae, is a perennial herb or subshrub. S. carolinense has become naturalized in Korea as an invasive species, forming a stable population that has grown naturally with native plants for more than 10 years. However, its chloroplast genome structure and complete sequence have not yet been reported. Therefore, we determined the complete chloroplast genome sequence of S. carolinense using genome sequencing, assembly, and annotation. The total length of the chloroplast genome was 155,315 bp with a GC content of 37.6%. It featured a quadripartite structure (a large single-copy region, 86,160 bp; a small single-copy region, 18,459 bp; and two inverted repeat regions, 25,348 bp each). It contains 129 genes, including 84 coding sequences (CDSs), 37 tRNA genes, 8 rRNA genes, and one pseudogene. Phylogenetic analysis of 78 CDSs revealed that S. carolinense is closely related to S. aridum Morong and S. hieronymi Kuntze. These results provide a molecular foundation for phylogenetic and evolutionary studies of the genus Solanum and present a fundamental chloroplast genomic resource for future invasion biology research.},
}

@article {pmid41759318,
year = {2026},
author = {Ahn, JM and Lee, H and Kim, K},
title = {Comprehensive study on the performance optimization of hyperspectral unmixing algorithms: A focus on airborne hyperspectral data.},
journal = {Water research},
volume = {296},
number = {},
pages = {125560},
doi = {10.1016/j.watres.2026.125560},
pmid = {41759318},
issn = {1879-2448},
abstract = {Hyperspectral imaging technology captures fine-grained spectral information from the Earth's surface, offering transformative potential in fields such as environmental monitoring, agriculture, and defense. Hyperspectral unmixing (HU), which decomposes each pixel into pure spectral signatures (endmembers) and quantifies their fractional abundances, enables the detection of target materials by estimating the contribution of each endmember. This study applies hyperspectral unmixing techniques to map and classify invasive alien plant species (Ambrosia trifida, Humulus japonicus, and Sicyos angulatus) in the Geumgang Gomanaru region of South Korea. Endmembers were constructed and used for abundance estimation at the pixel level, overcoming the mixed-pixel problem inherent in hyperspectral data. The experimental pipeline consists of: (1) loading and preprocessing airborne hyperspectral data and endmembers (e.g., Savitzky-Golay filtering), (2) training diverse 1D spectral networks including CNN, CBAM, MLPMixer-1D, SpectralFormer, ViT-1D, and Swin-1D, (3) systematic hyperparameter optimization using Optuna with the proposed spectral loss function (a weighted combination of SAD, SID, and MSE), (4) ablation studies to quantify the individual contributions of attention mechanisms and mixing strategies across CNN, Mixer, and Transformer architectures, (5) model comparison through conventional and spectral metrics (SAD, SAM, SID, RMSE, PSNR) combined with a custom weighted evaluation, and (6) interpretability analysis using SHAP and model assessment. By combining airborne hyperspectral imagery with advanced 1D deep learning architectures-CNN, CBAM, MLPMixer-1D, SpectralFormer, ViT-1D, and Swin-1D-this study captures critical spectral variations across the visible, NIR, and SWIR regions reflecting vegetation physiology and structure. MLPMixer-1D achieved the highest performance through effective inter-band channel mixing. Endmember-specific analysis showed water and grassland were most accurately mapped, whereas invasive species exhibited moderate accuracy due to spectral overlap. SHAP analysis identified UV-A, red-edge, and SWIR bands as most informative for invasive species discrimination, highlighting the ecological and physiological relevance of the spectral features. Overall, integrating hyperspectral sensing with tailored deep learning models offers a powerful framework for resolving mixed pixels and supporting large-scale ecological monitoring of invasive plant species. Our data and code are available at https://drive.google.com/file/d/111g4Sbt7NcmYBcUVK_cbiPSt3h1meLHs/view?usp=drive_link.},
}

@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 = {},
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 = {},
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 = {},
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 = {},
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 = {},
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 = {},
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 = {},
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 = {},
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 = {},
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 = {},
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.},
}